June 5, 2009 City Manager's Update

Public Works Department

Public Works Department Responds to Citizen Concerns: At the City Council meeting on Monday, June 1, several concerns were raised by Oberlin resident Alison Ricker. Here is how staff is responding:

Concern: Area around reservoir is becoming overgrown with poison ivy. Response: Staff will review and determine if it is safe to treat for poison ivy. If so, it will be spot treatments only and it will be with chemicals approved for use near water.

Concern: Erosion of the bank. Response: Next week, the City Engineer and the Buildings and Grounds Superintendent will walk the site and evaluate. The prior City Engineer reviewed about a year ago and had no concerns.

Concern: The water looks murky. Has anyone checked the water quality lately? Is it safe for fishing? Response: The Buildings and Grounds Superintendent, who is both a fisherman and has had some schooling in fisheries management, reports that the reservoir seems to have a very healthy population of Largemouth Bass and Bluegill.

Concern: Litter. Response: Staff recently did a good job cleaning up the broken glass and litter from structures and the area. In the future, staff will better job monitoring the situation. The graffiti is also being painted over.

City Manager’s Office

Vision Council Meetings Conclude; PSI to Prepare Final Report: Last night, the City and Public Services Institute hosted the second and concluding vision council meeting on the Underground Railroad Center engagement process. PSI plans to have their final report to the City in time to present at the July 6 City Council meeting. One of the clear desires expressed by participants was to “get going” on the project. So, following the City Council acceptance of the report and affirmation of the mission and vision statements, we expect to convene the Design Team to restart their work. One of the first items of business will be to discuss development of a plaza and pavilion on the site that was budgeted in this year’s capital budget. In addition, Darlene Colaso has restarted exploring fundraising options.