Poland Village Council considers water-quality issues

By Jordyn Grzelewski | February 5, 2016 at 12:00a.m.

POLAND

Village council reached consensus at a meeting this week to move forward with plans to address water quality in Yellow Creek.

Concerns about that issue were brought to council’s attention last fall after a resident reported her grandson had suffered a serious bacterial infection after falling in the creek.

Council members informally agreed the village should move forward with installation of cautionary signs at spots near the creek to inform people about the potential danger of entering it.

“I don’t think it would hurt to urge caution,” said village Solicitor Anthony D’Apolito. “We’re on a bit of a notice that something is wrong. I’d rather do something with that notice than nothing.”

D’Apolito also plans to request more information from the Mahoning County District Board of Health regarding water testing. The village could pay the health board to test Yellow Creek for potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli. D’Apolito will report back to council with a cost estimate.

Council heard from state Rep. John Boccieri of Poland, D-59th, regarding another water-quality issue. Boccieri spoke at the invitation of Mayor Tim Sicafuse, who asked whether Poland needs to take any action in light of the recent finding of water contamination in the village of Sebring.

Boccieri emphasized the importance of communication between local and state officials on such issues and highlighted planned legislation to establish clear standards for water testing and public-notification procedures in cases of lead contamination.

In other business, council approved first readings of a new zoning ordinance and amendment of a current one.

The proposed ordinance would set an expiration limit on zoning permits and related fees. The proposed amendment to an ordinance regulating fencing would stipulate stricter guidelines, such as a rule that no fence may be erected within 3 feet of a common property line.

Council will have two more readings and a public hearing on those ordinances before voting.