Syracuse Town Council Hears About Problems With Oakwood Park Sewers
SYRACUSE — Robin Merchant, public works superintendent, informed the Syracuse Town Council of problems with some Oakwood Park property owners sewers during the council’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 17.
Merchant explained the issue is with the sewer connection for at least three homes located on Park and Hansen streets near the playground. Approximately 18 homes were dye tested to see if they were connected to city sewer. In three homes, the dye could not be found by lifting manhole covers and checking the lift station nearby.
Merchant said it appeared these homes were not connected to the sewer system and may be either on septic or actually having sewage going directly into Lake Wawasee. More dye testing will be done in the park to get a better idea of just how big the problem may be.
Merchant told the council connecting the three homes may be difficult due to the elevation involved.
Walt Maxon, one of the affected residents, told the council he called an auger who roto-rooted his sewer and used a camera that went about 100 feet and did not find any blockages. He also told the council after the park was annexed, Park Street was torn up and the sewer worked on so he was surprised to learn his property may not be connected.
He stated there is some urgency in addressing the matter as winter is coming and water drains very slowly from his property. He also praised Merchant and his staff saying they have been great to work with.
Mindy Vandermark purchased a home from the McGowans last year to use as a rental property. Her property has experienced sewer backups. She told the council she is waiting to see what the plan is to address the situation before going ahead with repairs.
Emily McGowan also spoke, telling the council she has been in conversations with real estate agents and the people she and her husband purchased the property from in 2014. The previous owner stated they paid a tap fee prior to the annexation. There also were no sewer issues or back ups.
The council approved spending $$62,500 for preliminary work to be done for the Harkless storm water project. That work will be done by Commonwealth and includes topography, survey and boring as well as preliminary design work.
The town will also be applying for a crossroads grant to help fund the project.
The council approved hiring Polver Asphalt to pave Medusa Court and a section of North Lake Street.
The council also passed an ordinance creating a local road and bridge matching grant fund for future paving and bridge projects. Funds from the local road and street fund and the rainy day fund for a total of $117,562.83 were transferred to the matching grant fund through a resolution.
Merchant also asked for a no parking ordinance to be established for the east side of Dolan Street from the north property line of the Sunoco station to Main Street. After discussion the matter was tabled so council members could get a better idea of what Merchant is asking for and why.