EATON — Eaton City Council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing City Manager Brad Collins to execute a contract with the Choice One Engineering Corporation for the upcoming North Maple Street Reconstruction Project. Councilmember Matt Venable was not present for the Monday, Jan. 18 meeting.

The contract is in the amount of $229,976 for Choice One to conduct professional surveying and engineering services for the reconstruction of approximately 2,100 feet of North Maple Street from Mechanic Street to Lexington Road.

According to the contract, “N. Maple Street will undergo a full-depth reconstruction, including all new storm sewer and underdrains. Storm sewer will outlet in several locations along the project route.”

The proposed street length will be 36 feet from back-of-curb to back-of-curb, and new sidewalks will be installed on both sides with a 3-to-5 foot wide curb lawn on both sides.

The contract also states that the City of Eaton received federal funding through the ODOT Small City and Safety program, though the City of Eaton will pay for the engineering without federal funds.

The overall construction estimate is expected to be $2.1 million, and construction is planned for the beginning of 2024.

In other business

Six ordinances (21-01 through 21-06) were passed on first reading to begin the process of adjusting the city’s water and sewer rates for a nine percent increase. The second reading will be done at February’s meeting, and if passed, it will be 30 days before it is enacted on March 17.

The City of Eaton has a two-month delay on bills, so the change would not be reflected on bills until later this year, though dates are yet to be determined.

Collins also provided the following updates during his report:

• A new business, Simply Sensational Boutique, has opened on South Barron Street across from the Preble County Courthouse.
• The City of Eaton received an Ohio State Auditor’s award for excellence in financial reporting.
• Fitzwater Tree and Lawn Care has made a donation on behalf of the City of Eaton for 25 trees to be planted by the Arbor Day Foundation at Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Oregon and Idaho.

The next regular meeting will take place on Monday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. in the City Building.