The following is the latest installment of Mayor Jim Boroff's monthly updates on city issues.
Sink holes. One of the downsides of all of this wet weather is the formation of sinkholes a few of which have developed in various parts of town. The most noticeable of these is one that appeared a few days ago in Little Hedges Park near Calvert High School.
This 10-foot-wide by 30-foot-deep hole was caused by water seeping out of a failing storm drainage line and scouring the adjacent dirt and gravel causing the surface to collapse. Luckily, this sinkhole was discovered and cordoned off before anyone was injured.
As I am writing this column, the Department of Public Works is at the site repairing the breech. Ironically, this situation underscores the necessity for our moving ahead with the Rock Creek interceptor project, because this section of the storm line is a part of that system, which needs repair.
Thankfully, these occurrences are few and far between as our sewer maintenance department constantly is inspecting the storm and sanitary lines in the city for weakness and other problems. However, if you notice any collapsing of the boulevard or street, please contact Public Works so it can inspect the area for the possible development of a sinkhole.
Street paving. Now that the weather is becoming more spring-like, Public Works can begin to earnestly attack the pothole problems. Until recently, even temporarily patching the streets was all but impossible. Our winter repair efforts were generally futile as the patching material could not bond to the surrounding surface during the wet, cold weather.
We soon will be bidding out the contract for our summer paving program for the various stretches of street that need full-scale work. In the meantime, the city will be making a concerted effort to locate and repair as many of the potholes as we can find.
Marriages. One of the privileges of the office of mayor is my ability to perform civil marriages. So far, I have conducted somewhere in the neighborhood of 70 ceremonies most of which occur between the months of May and September. My office frequently receives calls inquiring as to the process for getting married which is fairly straightforward.
All that I require is the necessary paperwork from the county probate court (wedding license) and some form of identification of the intended couple (usually driver's licenses). Generally, marriages are scheduled ahead of time; but, if I am available, I can perform the service without prior notice.
My general policy is I will perform a marriage during business hours (8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.) weekdays at my office or anywhere in the downtown area. However, there have been extenuating circumstances for which I am most willing to make exceptions. One of the most notable instances was a gentleman who experienced a last-minute change in military leave that required a weekend ceremony.
Another such occurrence was a request made of me to substitute for a minister who had a last-minute health issue. Family and friends had traveled from as far away as California to attend the service, which was scheduled for the next day, and they certainly could not be disappointed. If you have any questions, please call my office.
Remaining term of office. Although the results of the recent primary election were not as I had hoped, I have no intention of slowing down. My goal has always been to promote effective, responsive and responsible local government.
I will be moving forward with the projects that are at hand and fulfilling my duties as a full-time mayor through the end of the year. I will be available to assist any and all candidates for this office who hold these same values of putting the good of the community ahead of themselves.
I am documenting and outlining all current phases of city government in respect to projects, policies and procedures so as to make the year-end transition as seamless as possible.
If you have questions about issues facing the city, write to me in care of 51 E. Market St., Tiffin, or at mayor@tiffinohio.gov. I am happy to speak with anyone who has concerns, suggestions or questions about the city. Call my office at (419) 448-5401 or stop by without an appointment. To ensure I am available, call ahead.
