Conneaut council passes two ordinances at special meeting
The work on Broad Street will extend from just north of the Norfolk Southern underpass to Route 20 and is being paid for by the Ohio Department of Transportation and the city.
Council had passed a similar ordinance issuing and selling $175,000 to pay for the project at a March 24 meeting.
Conneaut City Manager Nick Sanford informed council at an April 28 meeting they would need to pass another ordinance for bonds after bids for the project came in higher than expected.
There will also be work on Broad Street from Liberty to Route 20 as part of the city's 2025 road projects.
Sanford does not expect work on Broad Street to affect the Soapbox Derby, he said at a work session.
'The contractor for that project is at least four to six weeks out on expected delivery of precast inlet basins for the storm sewers,' he said. 'We don't expect to see any activity on that site for a while.'
Sanford estimates the project may start around July or August.
He added at a work session, the city sent out the first advertisement for bids Friday for the 2025 road projects. The second round of bids go out Friday.
Bids open June 12, Sanford said.
Alongside Broad Street, there will also be bids for Main Street from Mill to Harbor streets, Salem Street from its eastern terminus to Rowe Street and Day Street from Lake Road to Erie Street.
There are also an alternate bids to chip and seal South Ridge Road West from Route 7 to the Kingsville Township line and for additional asphalt paving.
Council passed a Community Housing and Preservation Partnership Agreement with the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners.
Sanford said the agreement is a partnership with the county that the cities of Geneva and Ashtabula also participate in and relates to the state's Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program.
'It's a very fast turnaround process,' he said.
Sanford said at a work session he is reaching out to CSX about the company's railroad underpass on Broad Street.
'I've requested any and all documentation that the railroad may have inspection wise,' he said.
Sanford said he is not sure if the company will fulfill the request.
'I want to get ahead of this, because I know it's been a hot topic in the city of Ashtabula,' he said.
Recently, Ashtabula city residents have raised concerns at Ashtabula City Council meetings and on social media about the conditions of the CSX underpass on Lake Avenue.
Sanford said Conneaut's CSX bridge does not appear in the same condition as the one on Lake Avenue in Ashtabula.
Councilperson-at-large Mariana Branch brought up the topic of increasing wages for council members.
The wage increase could only go into effect in 2026 if it was passed this year, she said.
A wage increase for 2026 could not be voted on in 2026.
The city has received a bid from one firm out of Cleveland to conduct a utility rate study, Sanford said.
'They proposed a pretty nice task breakdown,' he said. 'Total fees and expense just under $43,000.'
Sanford said last weekend's city clean up went well, and the city might have a second tire amnesty in the fall.
Second Ward Councilperson Chris Castrilla raised concerns about Rockwell Street, asking city employees to take a look at it.
Sanford requested the city have a public safety committee meeting.
Committee members at the work session decided to have the meeting before the city council meeting June 23.
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