GIRARD DAM Mayor talks of valve fix
The mayor is looking to use Niles Water Department equipment to repair the valve.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Mayor James J. Melfi says the city may be able to repair a valve that will allow the draining of Lower Girard Lake dam.
Since Nov. 1, the city has been trying to drain the lake through an 8-inch pipe to eliminate water pressure on the aged dam.
Lowering the water is required by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The small pipe does not discharge enough water to lower the water level because precipitation is keeping pace with the discharge.
Melfi told city council Monday that city crews may be able to open a 24-inch valve to discharge more water and save money by not having to repair five or six valves.
After the meeting, the mayor said Niles Water Department has the equipment for a possible repair.
Accusation
Melfi's comments were made after James Coates Sr. of Weathersfield Township, a major property owner around the lake, accused the mayor of being less than candid with lawmakers about repairing the valves.
Melfi replied that if council has any questions about the dam, they can ask him. There were no questions.
The Army Corps of Engineers is studying the dam to determine if it can be repaired or should be partially or totally dismantled.
The corps is expected to report its findings by Jan. 20.
Councilman Charles Doran, D-4th, said the 24-inch valve can be repaired for less than $15,000.
Melfi said he wasn't going to spend taxpayers' money if it's not necessary.
In another matter, Melfi reported the Chamber of Commerce will be moving its office from 27 W. Liberty St. to the old police station, in a section once occupied by the detective bureau.
Council members changed their Dec. 23 meeting to 7 p.m. Dec. 16, at the Girard Multi-generational Center.
Councilwoman Kathleen O'Connell Sauline, D-2nd, who chairs the finance committee, said the 2003 budget needs to be approved by council before the Dec. 17 meeting of the state commission overseeing city finances.
yovich@vindy.com