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Over the past three years, residents have undoubtedly noticed a significant uptick in construction activity throughout the Village of Swanton. From road closures to major infrastructure upgrades, it may feel like everything is happening all at once—but there’s a reason behind the timing. What many may not realize is that these projects have been in development long before 2022.  Infrastructure improvements—especially those involving state or federal funding like ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation) projects—take years  of planning, design work, funding applications, environmental reviews, and approval processes before the first shovel hits the ground. Here’s a breakdown to help clarify the timeline and what’s still ahead: ✅ Completed or Ongoing Projects Sewer Separation Project (Wrap-Up 2024):  Last year marked the last major stage of a 10-year effort to separate the village’s stormwater and sanitary sewer systems—a major public health and infrastructure milestone. Hallett Phase A:  This planned improvement has been completed, improving safety and accessibility in that area. 🚧 Current 2025 Projects Munson Road Reconstruction:  Originally scheduled to begin in Spring 2024, this project was delayed—and in hindsight, that worked to our advantage. With Airport Highway and Main Street closed down last year, pushing Munson to 2025 helped minimize simultaneous detours and disruption. North Main Street Emergency Sinkhole Repairs:   (Temporary Closure): An unplanned and unavoidable issue that required immediate attention this year, reinforcing the need for continued infrastructure investment. This closure is only expected to last 2–3 weeks max, with the goal of limiting inconvenience while completing necessary repairs. Airport Highway Lane & Signal Changes:  Planned for this fall, this project aims to improve traffic flow and safety along a key corridor. 📆 Looking Ahead Hallett Phase B:  Planned for 2026. Crestwood Drive Improvements:  Also on the books for 2026. Pedestrian Signal at Main & Garfield:  Tentatively scheduled for 2026, pending funding and final approvals. We understand that construction can be inconvenient—but it’s a sign of progress. By investing in our infrastructure today, we’re building a safer, stronger, and more sustainable Swanton for tomorrow. Thank you for your continued patience and support. —Shannon Shulters, Village Administrator

As summer kicks off, the Village of Swanton continues to stay busy with key projects, community events, and day-to-day operations that support our residents, infrastructure, and public services. Here’s a detailed look at what we’ve been working on throughout the month of June. 🎆 Fireworks & Summer Events Mark your calendars! Our Independence Day Fireworks Celebration  will be held on Saturday, June 28 , beginning at 6:00 PM  in Memorial Park . Last year’s event saw a smoother exit thanks to attendees choosing to park and walk into the park , and we’re encouraging the same again this year to help ease congestion after the show. Let’s make it another successful and safe community celebration! 🔧 Infrastructure & Public Works Several key infrastructure projects are in motion this month: North Main Street Sewer Repair : Emergency sewer coordination continues in response to a depression forming in the roadway. Contractors are measuring weekly, and Public Service is actively monitoring the site until work begins. Munson Road Improvement Project : Construction is set to begin on June 30 , with road closures and mobilization starting the same day. The project team has met with contractors and stakeholders to finalize preparation. Project Progress : Hallett Avenue Phase A  is nearing final completion. A new drive access to the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)  is in development. Plans for lane and signal changes on Airport Highway  have been submitted to ODOT for final review. Memorial Park Maintenance : Ongoing playground repairs are in process as we coordinate with vendors to resolve equipment concerns. 🏘️ Community Development Early planning conversations are taking place for the potential development  of Lucas County Parcel ID 7500239 . The Village’s seat on the Fulton County Visitors Bureau  is now filled by Chamber Director Delray Busch . No Planning Commission  meeting is scheduled for June, but permit reviews and zoning concerns are ongoing. The Fulton County Health Department  followed up on a resident complaint regarding China Garden. Their inspection revealed no violations  at this time. Code enforcement remains active, especially addressing nuisance properties and tall grass  throughout the Village. 💼 Finance & Operations April bank reconciliation is complete; May is nearly finished. Budget adjustments are underway to account for WRRF project impacts. Appropriation increases  have been recommended to ensure project timelines and funding remain on track. Interviews were held for seasonal part-time public service roles — welcome aboard Tanner and Trey , pending pre-employment screening. 👮‍♂️ Public Safety The Swanton Police Department  accepted a $10,000 donation  from the Swanton Rotary Club  to help support the development of a K-9 Unit . Officer Trey Keefer  was officially sworn in on June 4  and has begun his full-time duties. Swanton Fire & Rescue  responded to 118 calls  in May (100 EMS / 18 Fire) and participated in the Safety Village graduation , attended by 43 young students. Intern Dylan  has been approved to begin his fire training experience with the department this summer. 📢 Communication & Community Engagement Public updates were posted regarding the delay in reopening Hallett Avenue  and recent vandalism  at Memorial Park . Village administration responded to community concerns  involving road depressions , permits , and interpretation of codified ordinances . We appreciate your continued involvement and feedback as we work to improve services and maintain transparency in Village operations. Please continue to follow along on social media and attend Council Meetings for the latest updates. Thank you for being part of our vibrant Swanton community! #SwantonOhio #VillageUpdate #CommunityEngagement #PublicWorks #SwantonProgress

The Village of Swanton is actively monitoring a developing sinkhole on North Main Street, located between the railroad tracks and Zeiter Way. The depression in the roadway is the result of a failing sewer main beneath the surface, part of the Village’s aging infrastructure estimated to be over 50 years old.   Public Service crews have been closely monitoring the area. Both Klumm Brothers and CamTech have been on-site to assess the situation and help develop a safe and effective repair plan. As of today, the Village is planning to fully close North Main Street for repairs beginning Monday, June 30, 2025. The closure is expected to last at least two weeks, provided there are no unforeseen complications during excavation.   In coordination with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), truck traffic will be re-routed outside the Village limits during this time to minimize local disruption.   Important Note to the Public: There is a possibility that the road may need to be closed sooner than anticipated if the depression worsens. To help prevent early closure, residents and drivers are strongly encouraged to:   Use Hallett Avenue as an alternate route—now fully reopened to through traffic.   Avoid driving over the affected area of North Main Street unless absolutely necessary.   Report any visible holes or soft spots in the roadway, even as small as a golf ball, to the Village immediately.   This repair is a necessary step in maintaining the safety of our roadways and public infrastructure. We recognize the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work through this temporary disruption.   For updates, please follow the Village of Swanton’s official website and social media pages.

📢 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – VILLAGE OF SWANTON  🐔 The Swanton Village Council will hold a Public Hearing  to consider a proposed amendment to Chapter 90: Animals  of the Village Codified Ordinances. 📅 Date:  Monday, April 28, 2025 🕖 Time:  7:00 PM 📍 Location:  Village of Swanton Municipal Building – Council Chambers219 Chestnut Street, Swanton, OH 43558 📌 What's Being Discussed? A proposed change that would allow the keeping of laying hens within Village limits—under specific regulations and conditions. We encourage all interested residents to attend and share their thoughts. 🗣️📨 Written comments can also be submitted in advance to the Village Administrator’s Office or emailed to admin@villageofswantonohio.us . For more details, call us at (419) 826-9515   Let your voice be heard! 🐓

🚧 Construction Season is Almost Here!  🚧 With warmer weather comes construction season!  🚜👷‍♂️ Expect road work, detours, and crews working hard to improve our community. 📢 Project Update: On Monday, March 3rd 2025 we’ll share a timeline detailing which roads will be under construction for the 2025 season . YES, Munson Road  is on the list, along with the completion of Hallett Phase A  from Airport Highway to the Railroad Overpass Bridge. ⚠️ Drive Safely  – Slow down in work zones, stay alert, and follow posted signs. 🚗 Plan Ahead  – Allow extra time for travel and check for detours. 🙏 Be Patient  – These improvements will make our roads safer and smoother for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation—let’s work together to keep our roads and workers safe! 💛 #ConstructionSeason #DriveSafe #RoadWorkAhead

As we prepare the utility bills for next month, we know you may have this question enter your mind once you receive yours: Why is my 'water' bill higher?! Here's some background: Back in 2017, after a study by the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) in 2016, the Village Council passed an ordinance to establish a new rate structure. This was necessary to address the rising costs and upcoming changes to the Water Plant and the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), as well as to comply with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's mandate to separate the sanitary sewer from the storm sewer. In 2023, another rate study by RCAP led to a focus on the WRRF’s rate structure, especially with projects like the Headworks project that is now nearing completion and future upgrades in the works. Much of the plant’s equipment is original from 1955, so updating and maintaining these systems is vital for operational efficiency and environmental compliance. At the end of 2024, the Village Council voted, in three readings (not as an emergency), to approve a rate increase for the sewer portion, while keeping the water rate structure the same as the one established in 2017. This decision passed without any objections. We understand rate increases can be tough, but these adjustments are necessary to ensure our water and sewer systems are up-to-date, sustainable, and ready for the future. It’s all about long-term health and growth for our community!   #communitygrowth   #InfrastructureMatters The Swanton wastewater treatment plant was constructed in 1955.  Plant improvements were made to the original plant in 1975, 2000, and 2009.  Many of the original equipment and processes are still being used today.  The Ohio EPA required the village to submit a long-term control plan to show planned plant improvements.  This plan was implemented in 2009 to help improve plant efficiencies and reduce the combined sewer overflows.  The first planned project started in 2009 that included screening, replacing plug valves in raw sewage pump station with motor operated ball valves, modifying primary diversion structures, new oxidation ditch, new final settling tank, new sludge pumping station, and new sampling manhole. Due to cost certain aspects had to be removed to make the project more budget friendly.  One major cut was the removal of the headworks building that included new influent pumps, screening and grit removal.  In 2023 the village received a wastewater infrastructure grant for a little over 3 million dollars.  This grant would provide nearly half of the funding to complete the Headworks project.  In March of 2024 work started at the wastewater plant with a planned spring of 2025 completion.  The scope of work included, new headworks building, screening, grit removal, new raw and storm pumps, larger non potable water pumps, and SCADA (computer controls).  The improvements will remove debris from the influent flow to the plant, which will improve plant operations.  This will also help the longevity of plant pumps and equipment. The SCADA controls will give plant staff the ability to control and monitor the plant in a more efficient manner. The addition of new raw and storm pumps will help with higher plant flows which will help reduce combined sewer overflows.

FUL-CR1-5.12 PID NO. 116174 HALLETT AVE PHASE A PROJECT INSPECTOR