Ortonville- It’s a matter of time– and votes– before sewers come to the village.
A Village of Ortonville Sanitary Sewer System Preliminary Schedule was released on Oct. 6.
The timeline was created by Rowe Engineering project manager Leann Panduren after meetings with the Oakland County Drain Commission, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, a financial adviser, bond council and village officials. Action is to begin this month, with a review of property options and wetlands issues and a determination on a proposed site for a wastewater treatment plant.
Panduren called the schedule a necessary step.
‘The schedule may change, but it gives us an idea of how the components will work together and what we need to get done to make this work,? she said.
Plan highlights include a cost estimate revision and funding options review in February 2006; a millage vote on May 2, 2006 (or, if bond vote is required by referendum, a vote in November 2006); a public hearing on a state revolving fund project plan in June 2007; millage to appear on village tax bills in summer 2008; and construction of collection and treatment systems between July 2008-August 2009.
A comprehensive sewage treatment study, conducted by engineers from Rowe, was presented to the village council in April 2004. Of three plans offered, a low pressure system was the least expensive, at a cost of about $15,610,000 and resulting in an estimated monthly payment of $126 per household.
A sewage treatment plant site within the village is being considered, although officials declined to say exactly where. Village clerk/treasurer Mary Clark said funding may be a combination of a millage for capital charges to cover construction as well as a quarterly user tap fee to cover the cost of operating the plant. She was unsure of what would happen if the millage vote fails.
Clark said the Oakland County Drain Commission is well aware of the high water table and poor soil conditions for percolation within the village.
Sewers are not yet mandated by the state.
‘I’m glad the timeline is put together and the town is moving ahead with this,? said Village Manager Ed Coy. ‘In my view it’s needed for the village to pursue this. It’s a first step and start-up plan.?