Please see below and call/write NOW - this is your chance to help in the 
preservation of townships.

Thank you in advance for your prompt attention and response to the House and 
Senate for support of this bill as passed by the Senate.

There are talking points below that can help you craft a letter and e-mail 
it to Representatives Tim Derickson ([log in to unmask]); Courtney 
Combs ([log in to unmask]); and Bill Coley 
([log in to unmask]); and thank Senator Gary Cates 
([log in to unmask]).

Sincerely,
Christine Matacic


> ACTION NEEDED TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2010
>
> Dear Township Officials:
>
> The OTA needs your help.  SB 110 will be before the House Environment &
> Brownfields Committee (and possibly the full House) on Wednesday.  SB
> 110 revises the Household Sewage and Small Flow On-Site Sewage Treatment
> Systems (HSTS) Law.
>
>
>
> SB 110 will permit the continued use of as well as provide for proper
> inspection of household sewer treatment systems.  SB 110 provides
> sustainable and cost effective individual sewage treatment system
> solutions that protect the environment while maintaining the current
> wastewater infrastructure options.
>
>
>
> There is a provision in SB 110 that prohibits municipalities from
> requiring annexation of any property owners that are required to tap
> into a sewer system due to a health crisis.  This language is very
> important for the viability of townships, as generally townships are not
> permitted to have their own sewer systems.
>
>
>
> The Ohio Municipal League is attempting to get this language removed
> from the bill and so the OTA NEEDS YOUR HELP!
>
>
>
> Please call or e-mail your House and Senate members and express your
> support of SB 110, as passed by the Senate.   Express your support for
> the bill (NO CHANGES IN THE HOUSE) and particularly the provision that
> prohibits annexation should a township resident be forced to tap into a
> municipal sewer system.  Below are some points to highlight.
>
>
>
> - Language was inserted in the Senate, prior to passage last week, which
> would exempt existing municipal sewer contracts, such that cities would
> not be forced to breach their existing agreements by virtue of the
> passage of SB 110.  This ensures that cities are not forced to breach
> contracts, while also ensuring that the intent of SB 110 remains in
> tact.
>
>
>
> - The OTA believes this compromise makes certain SB 110 will not create
> a de facto annexation scenario.
>
>
>
> - Provision in question is not a radical new idea, as municipalities
> have been extending their water and sewer lines beyond their boundaries
> for decades without requiring annexation.
>
>
>
> - Landowners ordered to tap into a sewer pursuant to SB 110 still would
> be required to pay all tap-in and usage fees.  These fees are generally
> at a substantial increase over what municipal residents pay.  SB 110
> does not preclude a municipality from charging higher rates to
> non-residents.
>
>
>
> - A municipality would still be permitted to grow their boundaries.  SB
> 110 does not prohibit a property owner from voluntarily entering into an
> annexation with a municipality using current methods prescribed in
> Revised Code Chapter 709.  A property owner who doesn't wish to pay the
> higher non-resident sewer rates could voluntarily annex.
>
>
>
>
>
> NOTICE: This electronic mail transmission is for the use of the named
> individual or entity to which it is directed and may contain information
> that is privileged or confidential. It is not to be transmitted to or
> received by anyone other than the named addressee (or a person
> authorized to deliver it to the named addressee). It is not to be copied
> or forwarded to any unauthorized persons. If you have received this
> electronic mail transmission in error, delete it from your system
> without copying or forwarding it, and notify the sender of the error by
> replying via e-mail or by calling the Ohio Township Association at (614)
> 863-0045 so that our address record can be corrected.
>
>
>
>