Recycling Site Improvement
The City has received a $12,350 grant from the Recycling Division of Mahoning County to make improvements to its recycling site. The grant will be used to construct a 50' x 50' concrete pad and gated fence in the area to better control the site. The site will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other special collection days will be announced

Residents are reminded that the recycling site can only receive approved recyclable materials. These include aluminum and bi-metal cans, glass bottles and jars, black and white newsprint, corrugated cardboard. Can and bottles must be clean. The recycling site is not to be used to dispose of colored news print, magazines, non-corrugated cardboard, window glass, construction material and other trash or garbage. Violators will be cited for illegal dumping.

The City encourages residents to utilize the free recycling site and curbside-recycling program in a responsible manner.

Storm Update
In addition to the recently released Storm Report, the City has prepared and forwarded an evaluation of the storm sewer system in the area of the high school, at the request of the School Superintendent. Council has been provided a copy of that report. The system in question was working as designed with no obstructions. To the extent possible, the City will work with the school system in addressing concerns at the new high school site.

As a result of meetings with FEMA personnel, Public Notices have been placed in The Journal advising residents who suffered storm damage during the period of July 21, 2003 through August 9, 2003 to contact FEMA for possible assistance. The deadline for initiating an application for assistance is September 30, 2003. Affected residents are urged to call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. Residents who call should have their social security number, description of damages the storm(s), name of insurance company and policy number. To receive assistance available under the Presidential Disaster Declaration, you need to apply.

As reported in the previous report, the drainage channel on SR 616 has been cleared and modified, a contract awarded to install curbing on the east side of Tenth Street between Edison and Geneva and modifications are being made to the catch basin and storm piping on Lakeshore. Steps are being taken to replace the retaining blocks washed out in the Judith Lane Drainage way and to provide more effective drainage of Mauthe Park property near Poland Avenue. Water Pollution Control personnel have been assessing the problem that occurred in the Fifth Street area and will, also, be smoke testing to identify sources of storm water that may need to be redirected by residents. Maintenance personnel have inspected the sanitary and storm systems throughout the city for damage and to remove debris resulting from the storms and costs are being assembled for submission to FEMA.

Storm Water Management Program
Special recognition to Boy Scout Troop 101 for their able assistance in helping the City in the implementation of an EPA mandated Storm Water Management Program. Under EPA Permit regulations, the City must have a dedicated Storm Water Management Program in place by 2007. City Water Pollution Control personnel have been researching and putting program components during the past year. The Water Pollution Control Manager has been very proactive in initiating and developing the program. The program is to include management practices, education, public involvement, and enforcement procedures. During the past year, Troop 101 has been working with City Pollution personnel to implement an important part of the program. As required by the EPA mandate, they labeled all storm inlets that go to a stream, or the river, with "Do Not Dump" labels and distributed educational literature throughout the neighborhoods regarding the importance of not dumping into the system and the consequences of illegal dumping into the system. Disposing of yard waste, trash, paint, oil, runoff from landscaping and construction sites, etc. has serious consequences, from creating blockages to contaminating the water in streams and rivers.

Boy Scout Troop 101, Scoutmaster Jeff Wormley, Asst. Scoutmaster Bob Granchie and Dale Gottberg are congratulated on their service to the community as we pursue this important effort to protect our water resources and enhance quality of life.

The City of Struthers urges and invites residents to cooperate and participate in the program as it continues to develop. Their cooperation and assistance can make a major difference.

Note. With the expanded responsibilities being required by the EPA, the Wastewater Treatment Facility and operation is now more appropriately a Water Pollution Control Facility and operation.

Bureau of Workers' Compensation/Drug Free Workplace Program
As part of the City's participation in BWC's Drug Free Workplace Program, classes on the City's drug policies and testing procedures have been scheduled for all City employees. The SSD has been working with the various department heads .to implement the program and classes. Classes are to be Tuesday, October 21; Thursday, October 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the City Hall; and Monday, October 27th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Main Fire Station.

By actively participating in the program the City qualifies for a 10% reduction in Workers' Compensation premiums. The City has also earned a 10% premium refund for reducing its claim severity by 15%. Special thanks to all employees who contributed to making the work place safer.

Ohio Water Development Authority
The Ohio Water Development Authority Board has approved an Interest Rate Subsidy Program. The Authority will reduce the interest rate for loans that exceeded 7% to 7%. The interest rate on the loan to build the WWTP in 1984 was 10.84%. Subsequently, the City's rate will be subsidized by 3.84%, which will translate to a savings of $86,398.58 over the remaining term of the loan (1/1/07). This savings could be applied to the cost of  implementing the EPA mandated Storm Water Management Program and/or other capital improvement requirements.

2003 Projects
With the exception of the construction of Harding Street and the Downtown Sidewalk Project, most planned improvements for 2003 are completed, or near completion. The 2003 Resurfacing Program in completed and the 2003 Crack Sealing Program is in the final stages.

Construction on the Harding Street/Downtown Sidewalk Project will begin on September 22, 2003 and weather permitting should be completed before mid-October.

The new warning siren has been ordered and will be installed as soon as it arrives. Cost for the siren is $17.500. The County will install the siren. 

All forms and approvals have been obtained to acquire and demolish the structure at 56 Terrace Street. A purchase agreement has been executed and we are awaiting the release of funds to record the transfer of the property to the City. Demolition will occur thereafter.

Economic Development/MRCO
CASTLO is in the process of concluding lease arrangements with two new tenants in the Industrial Park that should result in the creation of 25-30 jobs and substantially increase activity in the Industrial Park. Inquiries from other prospective tenets have also increased, recently.

Progress on the City's Clean Ohio application is continuing and the application will be in the public library for public review By September 16, 2003 for the required 45-day review period. A public hearing on the application is scheduled for November 5, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

On Tuesday, September 23, 2003 there will be a meeting with representatives of Clean Ohio in Columbus to discuss the project and obtain technical assistance and advice on how to proceed in the most efficient and productive manner.

CASTLO's application for Clean Ohio funding to do clean up work in the materials storage yard has been approved by the OPWC District 6 Integrating Committee and forwarded to the Clean Ohio Council. We are optimistic the application will receive favorable consideration.

The Economic Development Committee of the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments has been requested to include the extension and realignment of Bob Cene Way (formerly Union Street) and the construction of a bridge to replace the current bridge in their priority planning process. If USEDA funding is to be sought for the project, it must be recommended by Eastgates Economic Development Committee.

Walton Street Bridge design is nearly completed. There was to be a meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 of the MRCO Executive Committee to review status and further steps to be taken to resolve the signal issue with NS Railroad. The Committee has identified approximately $400,000 of the estimated $600,000 needed to move the signal prior to completion of bridge construction.

City Income Tax
In light of estimated receipts the city income tax is holding it's own right now. City Income Tax collections for 2003 are approximately $57,000 higher through August compared to the same period last year. Of that amount $26,500 is from school construction contractor withholdings. In 2002, contractor withholdings accounted for $46,000 of income tax receipts. The Tax Commissioner has been contacting all contractors and sub-contractors to verify they are complying with the City's Income tax ordinances.

Respectfully Submitted,
Daniel Mamula, Mayor