City seeks Ohio EPA loan authority to build emergency water connections with Medina

The Public Service Committee considered an ordinance authorizing the mayor or designee to apply for and enter agreements with the Ohio EPA Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA) and the Ohio Water Development Authority to plan, design and construct emergency water-main connections.

Service staff said the legislation would formalize permanent emergency links to neighboring systems, including a principal connection to Medina Water near Route 18. The city previously used a temporary connection while replacing the Montrose standpipe, and staff said establishing permanent interconnections will prevent service interruptions by allowing the city to meter and charge for water exchanged in emergency situations.

Service Director Chris Lettle explained the financing approach, noting these WSRLA loans typically come with long amortizations. He said the administration is considering 30-year construction loans and that interest rates are higher than a few years ago — roughly 3.5% at present — and that the program will allow the city to replace about 12,000 feet of water main in this round of work.

Committee members voted to place the item on the consent agenda; there were no objections recorded at committee.

Next steps: the ordinance will be placed on the council consent agenda and, if approved, the city will execute loan applications and proceed with project planning and design.