GIRARD Rains keeping lake's level up

City council will vote on a pay decrease by year's end.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- The water level of Lower Girard Lake may not be decreasing, despite efforts to lower it.
Councilman Charles Doran, chairman of city council's buildings, grounds, recreation and cemetery committee, told lawmakers Monday that heavy rain is keeping the level high.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ordered the lake drained beginning Nov. 1 because of safety concerns for the aged concrete dam.
Water has been pouring from an 8-inch draining pipe that is supposed to decrease the lake level by about two inches daily.
Doran, D-at-large, told council that the water level was decreasing, but Monday's heavy rain raised the level because of the large watershed that drains into the lake.
Residents in Weathersfield Township who own lakefront property have been outspoken about lowering the city-owned lake because it would decrease property values.
Council has authorized the city administration to advertise for bids to repair five or six valves so the lake can be drained.
Mayor James J. Melfi said he didn't know the status of the bids to repair the valves.
Other business
In another matter, Councilman Joseph Lambert, D-at-large, chairman of the employee welfare committee, introduced legislation to cut council salaries.
In a cost-cutting measure in the financially troubled community, Lambert recommended that salaries be reduced to 1998 levels.
This would decrease council members' compensation from $4,606 to $3,000, and the council president's pay from $4,927 to $3,300.
Councilman Renny Paolone, D-1st, said the wages should be settled by the end of the year so those filing for the office in the May 2003 primary election will know the salary.
Also during the meeting, lawmakers advanced legislation to impose rental fees for the use of recreational facilities in the parks. A small pavilion would rent for $35 per day for residents; large pavilion, $45; and the scout cabin, $100.
Nonresidents would be charged $70 per day for the small pavilion; $90 for the large; and $150 for the cabin.