PEMBERVILLE – A request to support clearing of obstructions from the Portage River south of Pemberville
has been referred to the village’s flood committee.
Two of the individuals who signed a petition to initiate the project, Gary Harrison, of Wayne, and Mike
Stearns, of Bloomdale, asked council to consider sending a resolution or letter of support to the Wood
County commissioners by Oct. 1.
Harrison said petitioners are planning to talk to affected townships, villages, fire departments, school
districts and other groups about the need for the 32.5-mile project. He said Perry and Montgomery
townships have agreed to write a letter and the Wood County sheriff has also indicated support, citing
safety factors the department deals with when water rises and forces road closures.
"We’re asking that you be open-minded. We’re not looking for an answer tonight. We believe we can
help your problem and not make it worse," Harrison said.
He explained the project would remove logjams, mostly created by large trees, that restrict the flow of
water. Harrison said he believes that would move the water downstream 12 to 24 hours earlier and thus
get it out of Pemberville quicker. "We’re not saying the river is never going to flood. We just
don’t think it will be as bad." He compared the project to cleaning out the bathtub drain.
Stearns said the petitioners would like to work with the various groups to solve the problem.
"We have to protect our town as you have to protect your property," Pemberville Mayor James
Opelt said. "There has to be a solution. This council can not take this lightly."
Opelt said the concern is where all of the water goes when the various branches of the Portage River are
cleaned out. The project does not include the river downstream from Pemberville to Lake Erie.
"Is Pemberville going to flood, two, three or even four times more than before, that is the
concern," Opelt said. "We can’t handle more water. We’ve got to work through this."
Council Member Eric Campbell said he is concerned about the faster release of water. "In Wood
County, we (Pemberville) are the drain for all of the branches. We are still going to flood. This needs
to go to the flood committee," Campbell said.
Flood committee member Gene Steele asked that any city official with notes and paperwork on flood and
water issues make sure the committee has copies.
Council also:
¥ Heard Police Chief Richard Bingham report the village will receive a grant paying the full cost of a
mobile data terminal. The village also has received a 50 percent grant for up to seven bullet proof
vests costing $600 to $700 each. He said some of department’s vests are 15 years old.
¥ Heard Council President Gordon Bowman report the Economic Development Task Force is making progress and
he believes the village is fairly well positioned to find a new industry for the Modine Manufacturing
site.
¥ Approved a new ordinance regarding the licensing and registration of golf carts in the village.
¥ Approved a resolution commending the Eastwood School District for its Excellence with Distinction
rating.
¥ Voted again to approve a four-way stop at Perry and Maple streets. Opelt said council erred when acting
on the ordinance at a previous meeting.
¥ Held an executive session to discuss personnel.
File photo. Volunteers stacked sand bags in January of 2005, trying to keep the water from flooding
downtown businesses. (J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune)