The preliminary application must be filled out and turned into the Village by August 31, 2010. Here are the 2010 HUD guidelines for Hancock County:

Household size                                             Income Limit for Very-Low Income

1 person                                                                        $21,700

2 persons                                                                      $24,800

3 persons                                                                     $27,900

4 persons                                                                     $31,000

5 persons                                                                     $33,500

6 persons                                                                     $36,000

7 persons                                                                     $38,450

8 persons                                                                     $40,950 

Work on the hookups cannot have already been done – there is no reimbursement available. The application form is here:

LMIHookupApplication

Bob Wells

mayor@vanlueohio.com

Those households with lower water use will then pay less for water and sewer service. The water and sewer systems are required by law to be self supporting. The amount of money collected must cover debt service and operational costs, plus provide a reserve for maintenance and repair.

Bob Wells

mayor@valueohio.com

Just as a reminder, you must obtain a permit to connect to the new water system. Your water meter will be installed after the permit is issued. Your account must be current in order to obtain a permit. The permit is $55.00 which covers the cost of setting the meter and the inspection by the plumbing inspector.

If you or your plumber have any questions, please feel free to call me.

Bob Wells

mayor@vanlueohio.com

We are installing water meters and will have almost, if not all, installed by the end of the day Monday, July 5.

This also means that all of FIRE HYDRANTS are active. This means to parking with 10 feet on either side of the hydrants.

Bob Wells
mayor@vanlueohio.com

VanlueWaterRules

If you have any questions or comments, please let me or one of the council members know.

Bob Wells

mayor@vanlueohio.com

1. Water line from meter pit to building must be either 3/4” copper or 200 PSI plastic. Compression fittings to be used for all underground connections. Trace wire to be installed if plastic is used.

2. Water line should be at least 36” deep.

3. Drawing of water line placement in relationship to building is required. Pictures would be useful, also.

4. Water pressure in the system will be about 60 PSI. If you have very old plumbing, you may want to have a pressure reducer installed to lower the pressure in your house. You should be able to look at the pressure gauge on your well pump and see how much pressure you now have in your system.

If you are keeping your well for outside watering:

1. You must install a dual check valve in the village water line. This must be installed inside the house and is required by the Ohio EPA.

2. There must not be any cross connection between your well and the village water system. This must be completely isolated – not simply separated by a valve.

3. You will also need to install a thermal expansion tank on your water heater(s). (Water expands as it is heated and the dual check valve prevents expansion back into the water line.)

If you are NOT keeping your well:

1. You do not need a dual check valve or thermal expansion tank.

2. You will be required to properly close your well. This requires that the well casing be cut off below the ground level, the well properly filled and permanently sealed.

Other situations:

If you have a boiler or a sprinkler system, you will be required to install a back flow preventer. This is not the same device as noted above. This device is also required to be inspected every year.

Permit and Inspection:

1. You will need to obtain a permit when you are ready to hook up. Permit cost will be for inspection.

2. The inside water connection and required equipment will be inspected prior to your water meter being installed and water turned on.

3. Water account must be current to be issued a permit.

Please keep in mind that the homeowner is responsible for all water usage. If you have a water leak inside your house or in the line coming in from the meter, this will increase your water bill until it is fixed. Spending a little more money now and using the proper parts and materials will save you money in the long run.

If you have any questions, please call me. If your question involves plumbing, you should consult a plumber.

Bob Wells

mayor@vanlueohio.com

Have you ever wondered what Vanlue looks like from about 150 feet up. . .? Here is a view towards the northwest. This picture was taken by Scott Kelley, our resident inspector from Floyd Browne Group. More to follow.

The article that Dan posted this week quotes a column published many years ago by Mr. R.L. Hemminger. This excerpt is regarding Big Four which ran through Vanlue from Findlay to Carey:

 On Dec. 29, 1931, an application was filed at Washington for authority to abandon the Big Four Railroad between Findlay and Vanlue, as well as the Belt Line connection between the Big Four and the Nickel Plate (originally the Lake Erie and Western, and now the Norfolk-Southern.) The application was filed with the Interstate Commerce Commission. “Public convenience and necessity no longer justifies operation of the lines,” said the petition.

THE OHIO PUBLIC UTILITIES Commission held a hearing at Columbus March 22 on the abandonment matter.

Both the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Ohio Public Utilities Commission granted the applications.

So the link to Findlay was removed, but the Carey connection remained in place until the mid 60′s. The railroad property from Buffalo Street east remained in limbo until a few years ago. Tom Walter purchased the old right of way from Buffalo all the way to the eastern end in Carey. He very graciously donated the portion from Buffalo to East Street to the Village.

Bob Wells

mayor@vanlueohio.com