The Engineering Division manages the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, which are design and construction projects in the City Right of Way (ROW). Some projects occur on an annual basis, and include:
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Street Reconstruction Program (SRP) – this program reconstructs street pavements that are in disrepair, including the curb and gutter.
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Street Maintenance Program (SMP) – this program resurfaces street pavements that are in disrepair, but a full reconstruction is not warranted.
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Sidewalk Maintenance – this is an assessment project that inspects and replaces sidewalks that are not in compliance with City Code. Each year the project covers approximately 20% of the City.
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Sustainable Sewer Solutions – the project performs maintenance on existing sanitary sewers.
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Waterline Replacement – replacement of existing waterlines throughout the City.
In addition to annual projects, there are often larger individual projects overseen by the division, such as the recently completed Fishinger Road Reconstruction. Engineering supports other City operations, such as reviewing new commercial or residential developments to ensure compliance with standards and approving permits for work performed in the ROW.
The division also manages the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit (MS4). The permit is issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and requires an annual report to ensure compliance. A Stormwater Master Plan is scheduled to be developed in 2025.
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The 10-year Capital Improvement Program—begun in 2014—reflects the City’s commitment to reinvesting in its public infrastructure. This includes the City’s roads, waterlines, storm drainage, sanitary sewer lines, bridges, sidewalks, streetlights, parks and other public facilities. Much of the funding for this program is provided through a .5% dedicated portion of the City’s income tax, approved by voters in November 2014 (increasing the rate from 2% to 2.5%). The CIP is updated every year, with new “Year” added as each “Year” is completed. As part of this update process, some projects are re-prioritized based on an assessment of changing infrastructure conditions.
Past year CIP documents can be accessed via Archives Portal – City Plans search.
In addition to the City’s plans to address public infrastructure improvements, residents may initiate certain neighborhood improvements, such as the installation of sidewalks or curbs & gutters. This can be accomplished through a petition process which, if successful, is completed by the City with property owners assessed for the cost of the work. The petition process is addressed by Ohio Revised Code 727.
A petition is a resident-initiated action. A “community organizer” or “block captain” should conduct an unofficial survey to see if there is enough interest among neighbors to represent 60% or more of the property front footage for what would become the project area. Subsequent to completing a series of steps associated with the proposed improvement, once a design and pricing estimates have been obtained, if the project still has signatures representing the 60% it will be recommended for implementation.
Sidewalks (1)
Typically a permit is required from the Engineering Division when sidewalks are replaced in the public right-of-way. However, the February 2021 sidewalk repair notices mailed to non-compliant properties also function as the permit for purposes of the Sidewalk Maintenance Program. A free permit from the Parks & Forestry Division is required when excavation is performed within 10 feet of a street tree. Permits are not required for leveling or grinding of existing concrete sidewalks.
Consistent with most communities, the maintenance and repair for sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. The City will make repairs when damage has been caused by the roots of City-owned trees in the public right-of-way, defects caused by utility valves or manhole covers, as well as repairs to any curb ramps.
The City’s Sidewalk Maintenance Program provides for periodic inspections of existing sidewalks to determine if repairs or replacement work is necessary. The City has been divided into five management districts for inspections and repairs over a period of several years. Once a district has been inspected, property owners may receive a letter from the City early in the year notifying them if sidewalks adjacent to their property are in need of repair or replacement. An aerial view of their property is included, indicating the location of the damage and identifying which sections are the responsibility of the homeowner and which fall to the City.
When repairs are the property owner’s responsibility, the City asks for the situation to be rectified with in an approximate six-month period. If the work has not been performed by the deadline provided, the City undertakes the repair work as part of its summer improvement plans, with costs billed or assessed back to the property owner.
See resource link below for Sidewalk Maintenance Program information.
The City’s Stormwater Management Plan is in place to help protect our natural waterways and ensure clean water for everyone. This is accomplished through a combination of regulation, reinvesting in our aging storm drainage facilities and community education to eliminate the presence of pollutants in rainwater and snow melt runoff.
Please visit our Stormwater Management section for full details of the program, tips and resources for becoming part of the solution.
The City has needs for specialized technical expertise on various projects, and seeks assistance from professional service providers when appropriate. The City employs a fair and open process when selecting consultants, in compliance with the rules, regulations and laws of the State of Ohio relative to the Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) of Professional Services, Ethics, and all other areas that might be applicable, as well as the City’s Codified Ordinances for Procurement.
The Professional Services Pre-qualification & Quality Based Selection Process document sets forth the policies adhered for establishing a list of pre-qualified consultants—a process conducted every two years—and detailing the quality-based selection process.
See our News notices for any current professional services opportunities. If you have questions, complete the contact form below, or call 614-583-5360.