The Chester Township Board of Trustees met in special session Wednesday, March 31, 2004, at the Geauga West Library, at 7:00 p.m. Chairman James A. Montague, presided.

All trustees present. Mr. Montague appointed Mrs. Mula clerk pro-tem.

Also in attendance were Gus Saikaly, Geauga County Water Resources Director, and County Commissioner Bill Repke.

The purpose of this special meeting was for discussion and to answer questions and concerns of residents in the Valley View Treatment Plant area regarding a compression line being proposed by the County from the Sherman Hills Package Plant that would connect into the Valley View Treatment Plant.

Geauga County Water Resources Director Gus Saikaly and County Commissioner Bill Repke led the discussion by first providing an overview of the county’s proposed plan in addressing the aging 30 year old Sherman Hills Package Plant which serves approximately 70 residential homes in the Shiloh area. The proposal is to convert the Sherman Hills Package Plant to a pump station that would travel west on Sherman Road, south on SR 306 and connect into a Valley View Treatment Plant line at Ward Drive. Residents voiced concerns mainly on what impact this additional sewage would have on the Griswald Creek, the capacity of the plant, and if there will be any additional connections, and if any proper owner reassessment would occur if an upgrade is needed.

Mr. Saikaly explained that in Geauga County property owners are only assessed the first time when a new sewage plant is established. Upgrades to existing plants are paid for with the monthly sewage fees that all of the people who have sewer service. He also informed those present that this decision to convert the Sherman Hills Plant was more cost effective for yearly maintenance than upgrading the plant as a package plant.

Mr. Repke informed the audience that historically in Geauga County if a property owner is within 500 feet of a sewer line and asks for a connection, the County first looks at the size of the parcel to determine if the septic system can be in compliance and stay on site. If not, then a tie-in is recommended.

The County will be reviewing the properties along Sherman Road and SR 306 to estimate properties that could potentially be tied in if their septic systems fail.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business before the Board, Mr. Montague adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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James A. Montague, Chairman Patricia M. Mula, Clerk pro-tem

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Patricia M. Mula, Vice-chairwoman Approval Date

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Charles R. Stevens, Trustee

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