Oregon increases water tap price for new construction

        Oregon City Council on Monday approved an ordinance that increases the tap price for water services for new construction throughout the distribution system.
        The last increase was done on Feb. 2, 2007. The price of materials and labor have gone up since then, according to public Service Director Paul Roman.
        “What we’re proposing is the cost it takes us to actually do the work in 2023. It’s been a while since it’s been increased. With the recent inflationary costs, we feel it’s prudent at this time,” said Roman,
        Councilman Dennis Walendzak emphasized that the increase is for new construction, not residential rate increases.
        “Just so residents understand, this is just for a new tap for a new home or business. This is nothing an existing water customer will see. There’s no rate increase on this whatsoever. It’s just for a new tap to the city. It’s only recovering our cost for service. The city actually does the water tap at the curb. So this is just to recover the cost of that service,” said Walendzak.
        Oregon’s fee for a 2” tap increased from $2,028 to $2,646.
        The prices of tap fees for surrounding areas include: $1,750 for Toledo; $2,500 for Maumee; $2,230 for Perrysburg; $2,428 for Fremont; $7,000 for the Northwest Water and Sewer District, $1,780 for Bowling Green, and $2,144 for the City of Sandusky.
       
Dog park
        Also at the meeting, council accepted the $59,725.20 bid of Toledo Fence & Supply Company, Toledo, to furnish labor, materials and equipment for the town center dog park. The project consists of installing a six foot tall chain link fence with posts, framework swinging gates and latches at the Jake and Cooper’s Bark Park, 2960 Pickle Road.
        Toledo Fence & Supply submitted the lowest and best bid, according to Roman.
        The new dog park will sit on 2.3 acres of gated land, which will be divided between small and large dogs with an open shelter between the two areas. The park will include a pavilion so there will be shade for people who may want to get out of the sun and rain.
        Toledo Unleashed, a non-profit group, will operate the park similar to the Glass City Dog Park in Toledo. Yearly memberships will be available to dog owners and the park will be monitored each business day to ensure it is maintained and members follow the rules.
        Larry Schaffer and his wife Jane, established a memorial fund for the park in memory of their son, Jacob, who died in 2021.
        The dog park is set up as a non-profit and is accepting donations.
        “The biggest thing we were waiting on was the fencing,” said Council President Tim Zale. “We recently got together over this. The contributions that are coming in are going well. The pavilion is being donated.”
        “It will all come together within the next couple of months,” said Roman. “There’s still an agreement we have to execute with the non-profit group. But construction wise, we are on schedule.”
        City Administrator Joel Mazur said a grand opening is scheduled for May 23.
        In other matters, council:
        •Approved a $13,400 contract with P & R Communication Service, Dayton, for the service and maintenance of pagers and portable radios for the city’s Fire and Rescue Department.
        The department has 133 pagers and portable radios that need ongoing maintenance and service.
        •Approved a purchase agreement with Bound Tree Medical, LLC, Dublin, Ohio, to purchase medical supplies for the EMS and life squad units this year.
 
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