Wellman City Council members received a preview of its upcoming $2.7 million water main replacement project from its water superintendent Tim Garrett on Monday, June 6.

Using a laptop computer and large screen, Garrett began by providing the council with a history of Wellman’s water production costs and its billing efficiency. For instance, records show that in 2016-17, the city was able to bill just 48% of the water it produced and pumped through its water mains. Garrett said a generally accepted community loss rate is 15 to 20% of the water it produces.

Water can be lost to a city’s billing system through water main breaks and leaks, inaccurate metering and residential and commercial theft.

Wellman’s current loss rate is approximately 28%, he said, a significant improvement due to improved maintenance of its water lines and updated water meters. Following the installation of its new water mains, the city can expect even more efficiency in its billing process.

The project, planned for 2023, will include new water mains at eight locations within the city. The council is currently considering financing options for the project. The city will conduct public information programs to inform residents on the specifics of the plan.

Schneiders to be Grand Marshals

Following an update on Wellman’s July 4 celebration, council members learned that Mark and Maureen Schneider were selected as grand marshals for the Independence Day parade.

Other business

In other business, the city is planning a fall clean-up date for Sept. 23. For a fee, city workers will again pick up unwanted items from local residences and a drop-off site will be provided.

The council approved the purchase of both a floor cleaner and the installation of rain gutters for the Wellman skating rink.

Council members set a deadline for a person living in a camper at 302 4th Street to vacate the vehicle. City Manager Kelly Litwiller said a previous deadline has been ignored and a follow-up letter to clean-up the property was mailed to the address. The property has been improved, she said, but the camper was still tenanted.

Council members voted to allow the person living in the camper another 14 days to find other lodgings before initiating a fine.

A public hearing for the disposition of a portion of Spring Court has been set for June 20.