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NILES -- City officials have earmarked $1.6 million in American Rescue Plan funds for various water and sewer infrastructure projects.
Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz said the city's allocation is expected to be around $1.9 million with funds earmarked in the 2022 budget and approved by city council last month.
He said around $300,000 are earmarked for safety, personnel and mitigating the effects of COVID-19.
"Projects will be done around the city and commence this year through 2024," he said.
Mientkiewicz said scheduled projects include upgrading waterlines, water loops and gate valve projects, which help during waterline breaks. He said these projects will help address water main breaks, which lead to boil advisory alerts and low water pressure.
He said much of the water and sewer systems are aged and need repaired or replaced.
The mayor said the city plans to start projects started this year and some in 2023 and 2024. The city has until 2026 to use the allotted ARP funds.
Residents from numerous parts of the city have attended recent meetings to address their concerns with flooding and other water- and sewer-related problems.
Officials have said some years they have had 50 waterline breaks and projects will be done in those areas with the most problems.
Also being planned is LED light installation, street resurfacing and demolition of old homes.
In other business at the Jan. 5 meeting, council approved a contract with the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association.
Mientkiewicz said the contract was mostly language alignment with other contracts.
He said it includes a one-time lump sum of $1,000 for hazard pay for working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The contract contains no wage increase.
Mientkiewicz said the health care premium contribution is increasing from 10 to 13 percent.
Juneteenth was added as a recognized holiday for workers.
He said the city also will match the accrued sick-time buyout with patrolmen based on a 1,000 hour payout upon retirement.
Council also gave first reading to rezoning at 714 Robbins Ave. from commercial to residential to expand two residential, single-family lots and also first reading for a zoning change at 1500 McKinley Ave. from residential / commercial to B-3 commercial to accommodate New Day Recovery, a new business in the former Shepherd of the Valley building.