Malvern advances to Phase II of major waterline replacement project

Malvern Village Council is moving ahead with the next stage of its ongoing waterline replacement project, continuing efforts to modernize the village’s aging infrastructure and ensure reliable service for residents.

During the council’s Oct. 6 meeting, members discussed plans for Phase II of the distribution system improvement project, which follows the successful completion of Phase I in 2023. The second phase will focus on replacing additional sections of outdated waterline to enhance water quality and system performance.

Phase II will focus on improvements to the area south of state Route 43. To date, the village has secured $1 million in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reimbursement, a $499,000 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission and a $400,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. In addition, a financing request is currently under review with the Ohio EPA’s Water Supply Revolving Loan Account program.

Replacing the waterline will enhance water quality, improve system reliability and lower operating and maintenance costs for the community. These upgrades will stabilize the village’s water distribution network and protect critical infrastructure from future failure.

Village officials emphasized that the improvements will mean cleaner, better-quality water and a more dependable system for residents while helping reduce maintenance expenses over time.

The Rural Community Assistance Partnership is partnering with Malvern to secure the remaining funding needed for this project. The goal is to have all financing in place by mid-2026.

For more information on this project, contact Village Administrator Derik Kaltenbaugh at 330-936-6019.

In an unrelated matter, resident Vincent Slabaugh appeared before council. He is on the Ambulance Board, and his term ends in December. He agreed to continue to serve if council would like him to still represent them. Council approved reappointing Slabaugh.

Slabaugh also said he wants to take down some decaying curb lawn trees at his property. He said they are dropping branches during storms, creating safety concerns. Kaltenbaugh said Slabaugh can remove the trees but is not allowed to plant new ones in their place. Slabaugh noted this might not be until winter because companies he has checked with have full schedules.

In other business, council:

— DISCUSSED that the used flag box is gone and a new one is needed. Council members agreed something needs to be there because it was used often. They are looking into possibly purchasing one. Typically, the Boy Scouts maintain it, but the current group is young.

— HEARD Councilman Craig DeLong report he spoke with Brown Township trustees and that recycling bins are nearly ready to be installed. The township will provide cameras, and council approved paying for Wi-Fi at the fire station to support them. “I am all for this,” said Councilman Tom Holmes. “It will make so many people happy. A lot of people recycle and have been wanting the bins.”

— HEARD the fire siren was discussed. It will continue to serve as a tornado warning and can also be used by the fire department to alert traffic when trucks are responding. Kaltenbaugh said it was bought to be used, and they should get as much use as possible out of it and show the public it works well.

— LEARNED Brown Local Schools is redoing the softball field, and drainage goes into the lower grassland area of the park. Kaltenbaugh said to wait and see what happens with it. He understands projects and budget restraints. Some years it won’t be a problem, and some years that area could stay wet. If it proves problematic, extending the pipe farther was implied as a potential follow-up.

— APPROVED hiring Bowman Tree Service to clear the canal of trees and vegetation at a cost of $16,000. Kaltenbaugh highly recommended doing it because it would allow continuous mowing and make it possible to maintain. It was approved, though Councilwoman Barb Burgess and Councilman Justin Wadsworth voted no. Unrelated to the vote, Bowman is also going to cut trees on the north side of state Route 183 from Lee Road to the light at a cost of $2,700.

— PAID the village bills of $10,256.26 approved by the Finance Committee on Sept. 15; $13,800.19 on Sept. 30; and $3,217.47 on Oct. 6; biweekly payroll of $6,602.50 paid Sept. 11 and $6,442.50 paid Sept. 25; and $6,235.53 on Oct. 9; and monthly payroll of $12,140 paid on Sept. 30.

The next meeting will be held Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. A meeting to discuss police is set for 6 p.m. at Village Hall before the council meeting.