WADSWORTH: City Council Tuesday adopted an ordinance to raise sewer rates by 4.5 percent beginning February 1.
Service Director Chris Easton said the rate hike is expected to raise homeowner bills an average of $2 monthly.
The need for the increase was determined by studies of the projected growth and expected future capital expenditures for the sewer system.
Another ordinance adopted was the renewal of an agreement with Ohio to have a Housing Revolving Loan Fund Administration.
The city has received a number of grants to rehabilitate and make necessary repairs to residences in certain parts of the city and this agreement is necessary for the city to continue to be eligible for those grants.
Prior to the regular council session, a Committee of the Whole meeting discussed concerns about the removal of snow from the sidewalks and problems at the new Community Center.
A city ordinance requires snow to be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall. Violators can be charged with a minor misdemeanor for the first offense and a first-degree misdemeanor for subsequent offenses.
Safety Director Matt Hiscock said letters have been sent to businesses where the removal requirement is not being carried out.
According to Hiscock, letters were sent to 11 businesses in January concerning the failure to remove snow. He said 10 letters were issued in 2011 and none in 2012.
Councilpersons Pat Haskins and Bruce Darlington brought concerns from residents about the small size of the locker rooms at the new fitness center and Assistant Service Director Harry Stark said a number of falls have occurred at the family pool at the center.
