Wye Road stormwater project in motion

by Laura Bednar

Jan. 22 township trustees meeting

Project Manager David Koontz, from the Summit County Engineer’s Office, gave a presentation to Bath Township trustees on Phase 1 of the Wye Road drainage improvement project, which was scheduled to start in late January.

This phase would modify existing stormwater management basins, add five in-stream erosion control measures and install improved swales in locations within the Sanctuary of Bath subdivision. The project will be funded 90% through a Federal Emergency Management Agency and 10% from Bath’s stormwater management district fees.

Phase II would improve existing stormwater management basins, repair the natural drainage course and mitigate the flooding effect of future storms. Per the Ohio Revised Code, Bath trustees must file a petition to allow the county to obtain easements. According to documentation from the Summit County Engineer’s Office, a maintenance easement will be established along the full length of Yellow Creek from Yellow Creek Road to Timber Creek Drive.

Trustees would meet with representatives from the engineer’s office before a petition was signed, and a public meeting would follow. After that, Koontz said there would be hearings before Summit County Council in May and June.

Trustees could approve the project in August, and it would be bid out in the fall. American Rescue Plan Act funds would cover construction costs in Phase II, and stormwater management district fees would cover maintenance costs.

“We choose projects that provide the most benefit for the communities,” said Koontz.

Police and fire

The police department hired a full-time officer, Cole Krager. He began Jan. 21 with a salary of $28.34 an hour per the FOP Labor Agreement. Police purchases included two 2023 Ford police vehicles for $93,075 and one new portable radio for $4,356.

The fire department purchased a new breathing air compressor, fill station and storage system for $62,060. Fire Chief Rob Campbell said the system is an upgrade from previous equipment, as it stores more air and leaves a smaller environmental footprint.

Trustees also approved a three-year service agreement with FireCATT for hose and ladder testing, which costs $4,500 annually. Campbell said Granger, Copley, Richfield and Bath townships partnered to find a vendor. Fire CATT will test equipment from all four communities.

Additionally, the department will buy a 2023 Ford Expedition SSV for $54,782 to replace a 2012 Chevy Tahoe. Campbell said he plans to get 10-12 years of service from the vehicle.

Building expansion

The township is advertising for bids to expand the service department building. Four Points Architecture designed the addition on the east side of the building, including women’s locker rooms.

A 20-by-30-foot pole building was constructed at Bath Baseball Park for equipment storage. Rock Steady Builders completed the project for $24,321.

The service department purchased a new excavator and attachments for $63,706. Service Director Caine Collins said the machine is used for tasks like ditching and working in cemeteries. ∞

Cole Krager was sworn-in as a new full-time police officer by trustee President Sean Gaffney. Photo by Laura Bednar.