CANFIELD — A large project that would help alleviate flooding in Canfield is one step closer to happening.

During a council meeting Wednesday, Canfield City council members unanimously agreed to enter into an agreement with MS Consultants, Inc., of Youngstown, for the engineering phase of the Sawmill Creek Improvement Project, at a cost not exceeding $268,600.

Improvements to existing stormwater infrastructure will be made along South Briarcliff Drive, Bradford Drive and Verdant Lane.

Work will include the installation of 3,800 feet of 24-inch storm sewer, as well as catch basins and two overflow detention areas along Sawmill Creek, from the bike path at Canfield High School to Glenview Road, city manager Wade Calhoun previously explained.

The project, with a price tag of approximately $1.2 million, will be completely funded by the Ohio Public Works Commission and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant, he said.

The FEMA grant will reimburse about 5 percent of the engineering portion of the project the city is responsible for, Calhoun said.

Work is anticipated to begin as soon as possible in the new fiscal year.

Council members also voted on an agreement between the city and S.E.T. Inc. of Lowellville, to install a water line to the Millennial Moments Joint Economic Development District. Cost for the project won’t exceed $100,673.

Calhoun explained the water line would cross North Palmyra Road to U.S. Route 224.

The bidding process took place in February, but the lowest bidder, Woodford Excavating, LLC of Leavittsburg, missed three key components of the bid packet, Calhoun said.

S.E.T. had the second lowest bid.

The Millennial Moments JEDD is about 115 acres located on the western end of the city, off U.S. Route 224 and Palmyra Road.

Both the city and Canfield Township are working together with FJA Developers of Canfield on the project, which will include high-end housing, retail space, a club house, community living center, trails and other amenities. Costs associated with the development will be more than $120 million.

OTHER BUSINESS

Discussions with the Youngstown Water Department regarding a current contract are ongoing, Calhoun said.

Canfield city buys water from Youngstown, and talks regarding better rates have picked up after they were stalled because of the pandemic.

Once details are ready, the contract will head to Youngstown city council and its Board of Control for passage, then it will go to Canfield city for a vote, Calhoun said.

Utility work near the green in downtown Canfield is ongoing.

John Rapp, public works supervisor, told council members that Columbia Gas is continuing its pipeline work, and is approaching state Route 46.

As information is relayed to him, he shares it with city officials, he said.

About 4,000 feet of pipe is being replaced with new plastic pipe on Main Street, or Route 224, from Wadsworth Street to just east of Hood Drive.

As the project approaches Route 46, Rapp said residents will be notified so in the event driveways are blocked, plans can be made to park accordingly.

Work will continue for at least a couple more weeks.

Recently, Broad Street was closed, but it was done due to safety concerns for the utility workers, Calhoun said. Rapp also told council the public works department is continuing to patch potholes and clear catch basins around the city.

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