I was happy to read that Mayor Tom George not only is negotiating lower water rates but has signed on to an agreement not to poach employers from Cleveland.
Other cities in the agreement are: Chagrin Falls, Bedford, Cleveland Heights, and East Cleveland.
While I am not for regionalization, this shows how cities can work together and keep our unique individuality.
I did have one question. Cleveland said it would spend $10 million dollars a year in replacing water lines, Mayor George is quoted as saying, our $81,000 a year in potential savings would be used to replace waterlines. Was this a typo?
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Mayor Negoiates Lower Water Rates
Moderator: Jim O'Bryan
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Jim O'Bryan
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Mayor Negoiates Lower Water Rates
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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DougHuntingdon
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Stan Austin
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Jim--- I've been following this topic since Mayor Jackson first suggested the idea several months ago. I think his offer to help replace water mains in exchange for "no poaching" was made in good faith.
However, the amount to be spent-$10,000,000- must be put in perspective. Lakewood itself out of its annual capital improvements has been averaging between 1 and 2 million per year in the last few years for water main replacement. The geographical area served by Cleveland Water includes all of Cuyahoga County, some of northern Summit County, and I believe some of Geauga County. So, using that $10 million over such a large area and customer base using Lakewood as a comparison I think you can see that the $10 million offer was largely symbolic. In fact that amount is negligible.
Having said that, I do think that Jackson's overall proposal was in effect "let's recognize that we should cooperate, not compete." That is something that we all know has to occur if there is going to be any hope of our region surviving economically. The five suburban mayors, including our own realize that stark reality, too.
As to the $85,000 annual savings it would only amount to literally pennies on a monthly water bill. However, by adding it to the capital improvements fund for water main replacement could mean the difference in adding a street this construction season for rebuilding.
I do look at this as an example of a new level of understanding and cooperation in our region even if it doesn't show up as big dollar figures.
Stan Austin
However, the amount to be spent-$10,000,000- must be put in perspective. Lakewood itself out of its annual capital improvements has been averaging between 1 and 2 million per year in the last few years for water main replacement. The geographical area served by Cleveland Water includes all of Cuyahoga County, some of northern Summit County, and I believe some of Geauga County. So, using that $10 million over such a large area and customer base using Lakewood as a comparison I think you can see that the $10 million offer was largely symbolic. In fact that amount is negligible.
Having said that, I do think that Jackson's overall proposal was in effect "let's recognize that we should cooperate, not compete." That is something that we all know has to occur if there is going to be any hope of our region surviving economically. The five suburban mayors, including our own realize that stark reality, too.
As to the $85,000 annual savings it would only amount to literally pennies on a monthly water bill. However, by adding it to the capital improvements fund for water main replacement could mean the difference in adding a street this construction season for rebuilding.
I do look at this as an example of a new level of understanding and cooperation in our region even if it doesn't show up as big dollar figures.
Stan Austin
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Jim O'Bryan
- Posts: 14196
- Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:12 pm
- Location: Lakewood
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Doug
It is my understanding that our current contratct forbids Lakewood from doing so. I also believe that a recent ruling from the Federal Government allows the Feds to control water rights on the Great Lakes(get ready for dry lakes).
That said I know of ar least one group not connected with any government group or the city that have been looking at just that for a couple years. The Visonary Alignment for Lakewood.
Stan
I understand and agree with your comments. I just wanted to make sure it was not a typo or misquote.
FWIW
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It is my understanding that our current contratct forbids Lakewood from doing so. I also believe that a recent ruling from the Federal Government allows the Feds to control water rights on the Great Lakes(get ready for dry lakes).
That said I know of ar least one group not connected with any government group or the city that have been looking at just that for a couple years. The Visonary Alignment for Lakewood.
Stan
I understand and agree with your comments. I just wanted to make sure it was not a typo or misquote.
FWIW
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Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama