City of Fostoria crews participated in MS4 training as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting local waterways

FOSTORIA |Last Thursday, City of Fostoria crews participated in MS4 training as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting local waterways and staying in compliance with environmental regulations.

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. This training helps ensure City employees understand how stormwater flows through our community, how pollution can enter the system, and what steps we can take to prevent contaminants from reaching local streams and rivers.
Regular training like this is essential to maintaining a safe, compliant stormwater system and reflects the City’s continued investment in responsible infrastructure management and environmental stewardship.

Water/Sewer Line Insurance, Another scam

Welcome to another installment of

“What Really Burns Me!!”

Ladies and gentlemen here we go again, another Insurance scam, in my opinion.

As many of you will know the utility companies specifically water and sewer provide a type of insurance that is supposed to protect you from the high cost of a water main or sewer main break on your property.

And many of you have probably been receiving the mailers that you get offering this insurance to you for a low low price of $5.99 a month.

And yes the electric company does offer the same thing but things have changed over the years to bring this about.

As you recall if you had a branch hanging on your electric line your electric company would come out to your home cut that Branch off the line and that would be that.

But now that is not the case it has become your responsibility whether it’s the tree from your neighbor’s yard that has that Branch hanging on the electric line or your own you have to pay the cost to get that branch removed or do it yourself.

Doing it yourself can risk bodily injury or other problems but that is no concern of theirs.

And if a line goes down and it’s on your property naturally it becomes your problem or you can pay for an insurance that will cover that cost.

The water and sewer has the same type of insurance but surprise surprise it doesn’t cover very much.

So here’s how the water and sewer lay this out for you.

In the mailer they send you they provide handy dandy pictures  to illustrate what they are providing as if we are not very bright.

These pictures depict your property line and two pipes and a picture of your home and the way this works is, the property line runs across the two pipes that are shown.

The sewer line is a dark colored pipe and the water line is a white, outlined, pipe.

Now according to the insurance provided by the water company your coverage for the water pipe would be from your property line to your home and for the sewer it is from the main sewer line to your home that means outside of your property line.

The problem with all of this insurance is what it covers. it describes that the average cost for a repair on a water line or sewer line is about $4,500. And it says minus deductible for the water line that is inside of your property line. and the sewer line inside of your property line is also covered but not the sewer line that’s outside of your property line. you have to pay for that pipe that’s outside of your property line out of pocket

And to top it all off they have a $1,000 reimbursement for any type of repairs to the property that is caused by them tearing up the ground to repair the lines and they will do this with a contractor of their choice that will work with the insurance. You notice I said reimbursement. Even if the repairs to the property were only $1,000 and it could be reimbursed to you who has $1,000 laying around nowadays for that kind of repair or the time to wait for the reimbursement

Here is the problem with all of  this. first and foremost most of us that buy a home were there when it was built we didn’t pay for it to be built we didn’t ask for it to be built. it was built however many years ago with lines and pipes already attached. And the way It used to be it was that if  something happened do any of the utilities they would come out and fix it and the only thing you would have to worry about is your own property i.e. dirt, or concrete or whatever needed to be replaced that was on your property.

But wait there’s more a lot of those houses were forced to have City water and sewer they were told that they could no longer use the wells that were around their home of course these are homes that are outside of the city limits but they were forced nonetheless.

They even made it into a law that you could not use your wells anymore for your water source you must use their water.

why you ask well because they own the water rights meaning they own the water that’s all around our city, inside and out, in our pipes, the aquifers, everything.

Why do you think that you’re not allowed to use a cistern or to collect rainwater because they own the water rights including the water that falls from the sky.

And furthermore they also know that the amount of money it would take to repair any type of property damage while repairing those pipes will well exceed the $1,000 reimbursement that they’re claiming to provide for you.

And the whole time that this is all happening to you they’re taking that money that you’re paying for that insurance and they’re putting in their pockets and getting kick back from me contractors to make sure that the contractor comes out and does excessive damage to your property so that you have to continue to pay for it.

I have a friend who had to have his property and pipes redone after the original repair.

the original repair cost him over $4,000 just for the pipes not to mention another 3500 for all the property repairs and the 2nd pipe repair.

The contractors and the water and sewer companies naturally work together to supposedly help the customer when there’s an issue as well as them working with the insurance for your protection and less money you have to pay out of pocket.

And that may be true that you have to pay less money but you’re still paying and exorbitantly high amount not to mention being taxed on water and sewer and paying a monthly bill that covers all of the pipe repairs and everything else that happens under the city streets and the sewer line that are not on your property but you’re sure as hell paying for it.

And then you flip this all around and you look at the current and immediate cost.

The price of water and sewer has doubled nearly tripled in the last two years I went from paying every other month for my sewer approximately 35 bucks and every month for my water approximately 45 to paying $118 every month for water and sewer combined not to mention storm water runoff every 6 months.

So I pay for the water that comes out of the sky that runs into the storm drain and flows right into the sewer and goes right back into the sewer treatment plant which takes that same water filters it and supposedly cleans it up to a point where it’s drinkable which that water goes right back into the drinking water.

And if you think that’s not true just ask the sewer company what happens to all the water after it’s cleaned and purified it is either stored in a giant water cistern to be saved in case we have a drought or it’s immediately put back into the environment by being dumped out into some open land or creek or river somewhere. And it is also well known that is how they dispose of purified sewer water. or it is put directly back into the drinking system in many cities including Fostoria.

So as you can see the issues went from an insurance that makes the utility companies and water companies millions of dollars a year on top of the millions upon millions that they already make all the way to a point where now you know that you may be drinking sewer water because whether or not it’s dumped into the drinking water directly or dumped into the land that water runs down into the ground and into the rivers and creeks where you get your drinking water anyway.

Kind of reminds me when they found out here in Ohio that farmers were receiving fertilizer that was made from human excrement from the East Coast.

Now don’t you feel like you’re getting screwed no matter which way you turn.

Insurance in any form in any way is a scam they may cover some things but they sure don’t cover near enough whether it be medical, whether it be property, whether it be land or any other type of insurance it is a scam to make them billions upon billions a year.

Once again this has been another installment of

“WHAT REALLY BURNS ME”

And as always the majority of what I tell you is my opinion. Except for those pesky facts that are always seeming to pop up. Those can be researched

Thomas Domich

#pissedoffredneckveteran

Fostoria Moves Forward with Reservoir #5 Solar Energy Project

FOSTORIA, OHIO – In a decisive step toward sustainable energy and fiscal responsibility, the City of Fostoria is paving the way for a new solar energy initiative at Reservoir 5. On March 02, 2025, the Fostoria City Council introduced Ordinance No. 2025, a measure designed to authorize the lease of a portion of city-owned land—identified by Hancock County permanent parcel numbers 510000910170 and 510000910180—for photovoltaic solar energy development. The ordinance, sponsored at the request of Mayor Donald Mennel, reflects the city’s commitment to repurposing underutilized assets for the public good.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

Reservoir 5, a waterbody long familiar to Fostoria residents, has been deemed unnecessary for municipal purposes by both the Director of Public Service and Safety and the City Council. Rather than letting the land sit idle, city leadership sees an opportunity to transform it into a revenue-generating asset. The ordinance empowers the Director of Public Service and Safety to solicit sealed bids for leasing the surface area of Reservoir 5 specifically for solar energy projects, with the goal of securing the highest and best offer through a competitive bidding process.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

A Transparent and Competitive Process

Under the proposed ordinance, the city will adhere strictly to Ohio state law, including Section 721.01 of the Ohio Revised Code, which governs the sale and lease of municipal lands. The bidding process will involve advertising for five consecutive weeks in a local newspaper of general circulation, ensuring broad public awareness and participation. The Director of Public Service and Safety is granted authority to reject any or all bids if they fail to meet the city’s standards, but only the highest bidder will ultimately secure the lease.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

To ensure accountability, the Director of Law and the City Engineer have been tasked with preparing detailed bid specifications and a contract tailored to the winning bidder. The bid opening and lease award process will take place in a public meeting, reinforcing the city’s commitment to transparency as mandated by Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

An Emergency Measure for Fiscal Health

The ordinance has been declared an emergency measure, a designation that underscores its urgency for Fostoria’s financial well-being. According to the text, the lease of Reservoir 5 is seen as a critical step to “raise municipal revenue” at a time when such funds are vital for preserving public health, safety, and welfare. If approved by a two-thirds vote of the City Council and signed by Mayor Mennel, the ordinance will take effect immediately, expediting the transition to solar energy development.

A Vision for Sustainability and Revenue

The decision to lease Reservoir 5 for photovoltaic solar energy aligns with broader trends in municipal governance, where cities nationwide are turning to renewable energy to meet both environmental and economic goals. By harnessing the sun’s power on a site no longer needed for traditional purposes, Fostoria aims to generate operating revenue while contributing to a cleaner energy future.

Council President Brian Shaver and Council Clerk Tamara L. Drake have been instrumental in shepherding this initiative through the legislative process, ensuring that all formal actions comply with legal requirements. Mayor Mennel, who requested the ordinance, views it as a pragmatic solution to bolster the city’s finances without burdening taxpayers.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

Next Steps

As the ordinance moves toward a vote, the Fostoria community awaits the outcome of this forward-thinking proposal. The successful bidder will not only bring a new solar energy installation to the region but also play a role in shaping the city’s economic landscape for years to come. With Reservoir 5 poised for reinvention, Fostoria is taking a bold step into a sustainable and prosperous future.

For now, all eyes are on the City Council chambers, where the fate of Ordinance No. 2025 will soon be decided. If passed, it could mark the beginning of a transformative chapter for this Ohio city—one powered by the sun and guided by a vision of progress.

Environmental Impact Study (EIS)

Whether an environmental impact study (EIS) should be conducted for the proposed solar energy lease at Reservoir 5 in Fostoria, Ohio, depends on several factors, including legal requirements, the scope of the project, and potential ecological concerns. Let’s explore this question objectively.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Under Ohio law, specifically Section 721.01 et seq. of the Ohio Revised Code referenced in the ordinance, the focus is on the competitive bidding process for leasing municipal land, but there’s no explicit mandate for an environmental impact study in this context. However, federal or state environmental regulations could apply depending on the project’s specifics. For instance:

  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): If federal funding or permits (e.g., from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) are involved—say, due to impacts on wetlands or waterways—an EIS might be required. Since Reservoir 5 is a waterbody, any installation affecting its surface or surrounding ecosystem could trigger federal oversight.
  • Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA): The OEPA regulates activities that might affect water quality, air, or wildlife. A solar project on a reservoir could involve construction (e.g., floating solar panels), which might disturb aquatic habitats or water quality, potentially necessitating a review or permits under Ohio’s environmental laws.

The ordinance doesn’t mention an EIS, suggesting the city may not currently view it as a legal necessity. However, the Director of Law and City Engineer, tasked with preparing bid specifications, could include environmental assessments as part of the process if deemed prudent or required by higher authorities.

Potential Environmental Concerns

Reservoir 5’s designation as “no longer needed for municipal purposes” implies it’s not currently critical for water supply or public recreation, but its ecological role remains unclear. Leasing its surface for photovoltaic solar energy—likely floating solar panels—could have both positive and negative impacts:

  • Positives: Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Floating panels might also reduce evaporation from the reservoir, conserving water.
  • Negatives: Construction and operation could disrupt aquatic ecosystems (fish, plants, birds), alter water temperature or light penetration, or introduce pollutants (e.g., from panel maintenance). If the surrounding land is disturbed for infrastructure (cables, access points), wetlands or wildlife habitats might be affected.

Without baseline data on Reservoir 5’s current environmental state, it’s hard to gauge the significance of these impacts. An EIS would provide that data, assessing risks and proposing mitigation measures.

Practical and Ethical Arguments

  • Pro-EIS: Conducting a study could preempt community concerns, ensure compliance with any overlooked regulations, and protect the city from future liability if environmental damage occurs. Given the emergency declaration to raise revenue, a proactive EIS might also reassure bidders and the public that the project is sustainable, not just a quick financial fix.
  • Against EIS: If the project’s footprint is minimal (e.g., floating panels with no major land disturbance), the city might argue the cost and delay of an EIS outweigh the benefits, especially under the ordinance’s urgency clause. Small-scale solar projects often bypass extensive studies if they meet basic permitting thresholds.

An environmental impact study isn’t explicitly required by the ordinance or Ohio’s bidding laws, but it could be warranted depending on the project’s scale, federal involvement, or ecological sensitivity of Reservoir 5. The city might benefit from at least a preliminary environmental review—less intensive than a full EIS—to identify risks and satisfy public interest, especially since the ordinance emphasizes public welfare. If the Director of Public Service and Safety or City Engineer sees potential for significant environmental disruption, they could recommend such a step before bids are finalized. Ultimately, balancing fiscal urgency with ecological responsibility might argue for some level of assessment, even if not legally mandated.

Fostoria City Tap Water – 11 Cancer Causing Contaminants Exceed EWG’s Health Guidelines

Legal does not necessarily equal safe.

  • Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
  • Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.
  • The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place.

SOURCE: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=OH7400411

EWG’s drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency – Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (April 2024 – June 2024), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

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