GIRARD Appraisal will launch plan to develop lakes

The mayor will ask council for money to appraise the water and sewage systems.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Appraisal of Girard Lakes, the center of Mayor James J. Melfi's revenue-generating plan for 2003, will begin Monday.
Tuesday, Melfi told the state commission overseeing city spending the appraisal by Diversified Evaluation Co. of Pittsburgh will take about 30 days.
The state is monitoring city funds until the community works its way out of fiscal emergency.
Melfi said once the appraisal is completed, the administration will present city council with a plan to develop the two lakes.
Legal action threatened
At the same time, Melfi cautioned that legal action may be taken against those who have encroached on city-owed property around the lakes.
The mayor, who is a commission member, said trees have been cut down to give those who live around Upper Girard Lake a better view and even a dock has been built.
He also suggested that some who live around the lake are emptying their individual sewage systems into the water.
Melfi indicated money generated from the lakes will be used to reduce, if not eliminate, the city's general fund deficit of $1.3 million going in to 2003.
The commission approved the city's 2003 balanced general fund budget of $3.5 million that was OK'd Monday by council.
Satisfaction
Commission members expressed satisfaction with the city's ability to balance the 2003 budget and reduce the deficit by $600,000 this year.
Commission member John Anderson pointed out the city must continue to increase revenue.
Councilman Joseph Lambert, D-at-large, agreed with Anderson, although he noted the city "has stopped the bleeding."
In his report to fellow commission members, Melfi said he will ask council for money that will be used to appraise the city's water distribution and sewage treatment systems.
Consumers Ohio Water Co. has proposed purchasing the systems for $8 million.
Melfi said he has told Consumers Ohio that the offer is too low, although he won't know the value of the systems until the appraisal is complete.
yovich@vindy.com