Falls City Council OKs Energy Purchase

The Cuyahoga Falls City Council on Monday authorized the purchase of energy from AMP Fremont Energy Center with American Municipal Power Inc. and will join a power scheduling agreement known as the Northern Pool Participant Schedule. Two ordinances related to the energy program passed unanimously.

This is a plant owned by FirstEnergy that became available for purchase by the consortium, Councilwoman Kathy Hummel explained. “They decided they didn’t need it, and AMP Ohio had the opportunity to buy it.”

“This is for intermediate power,” Hummel said, not peak power, which comes at a premium price when demand is elevated, such as during a hot summer day.

Hummel said the purchase will result in a cost saving in terms of kilowatt hours, but she did not have specific numbers available.

The council also approved a contract with Bowman Appraisal Services Inc. to conduct appraisals of properties to be acquired for the State Road widening project. This is a second appraisal required whenever grants are funding these road projects.

City Engineer Tony Demasi said the widening project would widen State Road to at least three lanes including a turn lane, from Graham Road to Quick Road. It will also include bike lanes and sidewalks on each side. “It’s what we call a complete street,” Demasi said. “It’s almost a $10 million project.”

“We’re getting $6 million in outside funds and this application from this resolution is to get even more money,” Demasi said.

In other action, the council approved a resolution expressing support for the development of a drinking water source protection plan and an ordinance providing for installation of traffic control devices.

The council also heard introduction of new ordinances for the State Road widening plan and the installation of water mains on Graham Road and Front Street; a contract to by a digger-derrick truck; and repair work on the “blue” parking deck at 2035 Old Town Loop.