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Marietta City Council received a project update from Southeastern Ohio Port Authority Executive Director Jesse Roush during its meeting Thursday night.
He stated collaboration and communication is at an all-time high with entities within the county. Roush also said the opportunity to partner with the city to bring sewer out toward Newport is important for economic growth.
As far as long-term goals, he said within five years, they hope to purchase a building downtown where organizations such as the port authority, the Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Marietta Main Street can have their offices and be a "one stop shop" for local information.
¯ The council adopted Ordinance 29, which allows Steve Wetz, public safety and service director, to contract with Mapped Out GIS Services for mapping of the city.
¯ Some 18 seasonal workers will be hired through three ordinances adopted Thursday. Three laborer positions will be available at the Marietta Harbor, and the other 15 will be in the public works department.
Councilwoman Susan Boyer said the seasonal workers are hired through ordinances every year.
¯ Two pieces of legislation were adopted regarding waterline work. Ordinance 37 authorizes Wetz to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for the Glendale Road Extension Waterline Replacement Project. The other, Resolution 15, authorizes Wetz to apply for, accept and enter into a cooperative agreement for the construction of the project between the City of Marietta and the Ohio Water Development Authority.
¯ Councilman Bill Farnsworth said it is coming into the rainy season, so electrical work would need done at the Marietta/Belpre Health Department, 304 Putnam St.
Ordinance 38 declares "the existence of a real and present emergency" and there is a need to replace and relocate the electrical service, the main building distribution switchboard and standby generator above the floodplain.
Relocating the service would "prevent the potential loss of COVID vaccines and booster shots due to the temporary loss of electrical power and/or flooding", and the ordinance would authorize Wetz to enter into a contract without formal bidding or advertising for the project.
Pro 1 Electric of Parkersburg was chosen for the job at a price not to exceed $93,489.96. The council will appropriate a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act funding to cover the cost of the work.
Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.