Prompted by news of Oxford Township’s water troubles this week, the Oxford Village Council Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution outlining a “Community Emergency Water Plan” to assist the township with its current situation and any future water-related emergencies.
The plan defines two types of community water emergencies and classifies them as “Level 1” or “Level 2.”
Under Level 1, “in the event of contamination or malfunction of the Oxford Township water system of short duration (2 weeks or less), the Village of Oxford will endeavor to provide drinking water to any township water system customer that may require it.”
“This service will be available during normal village water plant business operating hours and limited to a maximum of 10 gallons per visit, in a clean container(s) that is provided by the requestor,” the resolution stated.
Under Level 2, “in the event of a catastrophic malfunction or contamination of the Oxford Township water system of long duration (more than 2 weeks), the Village of Oxford will endeavor to make temporary water service available to township water system customers, to the extent that capacity will allow.”
The village would have to agree to the method by which the two water systems would be temporarily connected, according to the resolution.
“This service will be provided with all related connection and service costs to be borne by Oxford Township,” the resolution stated. “Water usage will be metered at the source of the connection and the village, directly to Oxford Township, will bill all usage. Billing rates will be the current non-village resident rates. One mass bill will be presented to the township on a monthly basis.”
Located under each level is a detailed “series of events” required for that level’s official activation.
The resolution concluded by stating that it “has been crafted by the Oxford Village Council as an offering of good faith and concern for ALL resident of Oxford, village and township, and to ensure the health and welfare of all of our fellow citizens. Futhermore, the Oxford Village Council would urge the Oxford Township Board of Trustees to craft a similar resolution in the event of similar village water system emergencies.”
Supervisor Bill Dunn, who attended the council meeting, told village officials, ” I do appreciate the speedy response. . .On behalf of all the residents of Oxford, I welcome this resolution.”
Councilman George DelVigna called the resolution a “step in the right direction” and said it “shows goodwill on our part.” He said the resolution “opens the door” between the township and village.
Manager Mark Slown called the new plan “excellent” and “reasonable,” adding that the village staff is ready to meet with the township regarding matters such as this.
Dunn told council that activating Level 1 would not be necessary in the current township water situation because he’s confident it will be over by Thursday.
Dunn noted that if the township’s water supply ever became contaminated to the point where boiling was not an option, the county would provide water to residents, free of charge. However, because boiling was an option in the current situation, Dunn said county would not provide free water in this instance.
At Dunn’s request, council also unanimously decided to “agree in principle” with the establishment of a “community-wide emergency committee” to meet with township representatives during emergencies, water-related or otherwise.
Council agreed this committee would consist of two council members (Steve Allen and Renee Donovan for now), village DPW Superintendent Don Brantley, village Police Chief Mike Neymanowski, Water Plant Superintendent Jim Smith and the village engineer.
If there’s anything that can be drawn from an emergency, it’s the “importance of being prepared,” Dunn said.
The supervisor said this village committee would meet with a township committee to “address general (emergency) issues” and “come up with a plan to notify everyone as quickly as possible” during emergencies.
Dunn told council he wants the two governments to come up with a “long-term plan for any emergency.” He said the township’s current water problem should be a “catalyst” for the village and township to “get together and be prepared for any situation.” The township board will discuss emergency-preparedness and the formation of a committee at its Wednesday, Feb. 12 meeting.