Fostoria looks for solution to water taste

Fostoria Mayor Eric Keckler told city council Tuesday night that the city is looking for a solution to the problem of reservoir water taking on a funny taste each fall.Keckler spoke during a regular council meeting conducted via Zoom teleconferencing.Each fall, changes in the weather cause changes in the bodies of water that affect the taste and sometimes smell. He said some citizens have complained to the water and sewer department. But while various efforts have been made through the years with chemicals and hydrant flushing, the problem has remained."It's a natural phenomenon that happens in bodies of water like ours," Keckler said. "When we start having cold nights, the organics from the bottom of the reservoir mix with the rest of the water for a while and then settle back out, and for a short period of time we have issues with having that muddy taste and the smell."The mayor said he has contacted biologists from Heidelberg, Wright State and Ohio State universities and the University of Findlay in search of advice and assistance."We are doing everything we can right now to fix this issue," Keckler said. "There is no danger in drinking the water, but at times it does have that muddy taste and has a little bit of an odor to it. Sometimes it lasts longer than other years. It appears that we're starting to make a turn for the better right now."Keckler delivered good news by noting that Seneca County Engineer Mark Zimmerman was able to hasten a grant of $38,271 from the Ohio Public Works Commission to replace a bridge on Zeller Road between U.S. 23 and Ohio 587. The total estimated cost is about $77,000.Council later, after a first reading, passed an ordinance to seek grant money for the project. Keckler said council action is required for the grant to go through.Keckler said he has been working with Renee Smith, president of the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, to use some of the money received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security to help small business owners whose sales have been affected by the pandemic.He said he's also been working with Libra Martin, coordinator of First Call for Help Fostoria, to assist people with mortgage and rent payments, as well as water and sewer bills.Both council and the mayor announced their selections to the 2020 Charter Review Commission. The commission is required to be formed and begin conducting meetings by the end of the year. It will review each article in the charter not superseded by state law. Any proposed changes would go to city council to potentially pass to have placed before the city's electorate.City council selected Eugene Schalk, council member John Schuld, Bob Eatmon, Ronald Hanson, Richard Zbiegien, Leonard Skonecki, Robert H. Green, Kevin Magers, Jonathan Puffenberger and Zach Stumpf.Keckler chose First Call for Help Fostoria's Martin, Jim Schreck, city Law Director Stephanie Kiser, Clayton Moore and city council President Steve Kauffman.Council passed an ordinance to amend parking restrictions on several city streets. Council member Paula Dillon suggested tabling the issue after reporting that several people residing on those streets told her they were unaware of the upcoming changes. Council members agreed that efforts should be improved to inform residents before passing the ordinance, which makes it unlawful to park a motor vehicle: on the north side of Jackson Street between North Union and North Main streets; on the west side of Walnut Street between Elm and Culbertson streets; on the West side of Leonard Street between West Jackson and Culbertson streets; and on the south side of College Avenue between Lunt and North Wood streets.Council also:* Approved citizen Jackie Bodart for the Kaubisch Memorial Public Library board of trustees for a term lasting until the end of 2023;* Passed after a first reading a resolution authorizing the mayor to file an application with the Hancock Park District to participate in the 2020 Community Parks Improvement Grant Program;* Heard a second reading of an ordinance to place stop signs at the intersections of Starr and Anderson avenues and Starr Avenue and Sandusky Street;* Heard a first reading of an ordinance to place a stop sign on the southwest corner at the intersection of Linda View and Vickie Lane.Council member Mike Hopple said public hearings are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., on Wednesday and Thursday on the front lawn of the municipal building regarding the possibility of allowing two-way traffic on Elm Street between Walnut and Main streets.Keckler noted that the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is conducting "Flavor of Fostoria" downtown between noon and 6 p.m., where restaurants will be offering samples, businesses will conduct sidewalk sales and other activities will take place. A ribbon cutting at the parkette at the intersection of Main and North streets is scheduled for noon.Keckler also said Fostoria's trick or treat is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m., on Oct. 31, and social distancing and the wearing of masks should be observed. Council meetings for Oct. 20, Nov. 4 and Nov. 17 are scheduled for 6 p.m. via Zoom.