YOUR INFORMATION NEWSLETTER FROM
NORTHFIELD CENTER TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
PAUL G. BUESCHER
~ KEEPING NCT RESIDENTS INFORMED SINCE 2005 ~
_________________________________________________
#546 SATURDAY MARCH 9, 2019
_________________________________________________
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
There have been numerous complaints involving the construction work that WOW Cable contractors are performing in our Township. In addition to the Q&A’s below, these complaints involve lack of traffic control (flaggers) along our roadways and unsafe practices by the crews. Our deputies have been instructed to cite any violators on the spot – No more warnings or “Mr. Nice Guy!”
At this point in time, I believe that we now have a handle on most of the complaints thanks to our Sheriff’s Office, our intervention and responses from WOW personnel.
To address any current and future problems that our residents experience, everyone needs to forward all information to our Townhall (townadministrator@northfieldcenter.com) and, if you would, also copy me at (TrusteeBuescher@aol.com). If you see something, say something. You are our eyes and ears.
“TOBACCO 21”
MORE GOVERNMENT CONTROL & INTRUSION
NOTE: This is my commentary in response to a proposal before the Summit County Council to restrict the sales of tobacco products to those under 21.
At the age of eighteen, a person is considered a legal adult who can vote, enter into legal contracts and hold public office etc. More importantly, an eighteen-year-old can enter the military and carry a rifle and oversee and operate weapons of mass destruction in defense of our country. Yet when they return home they cannot buy a handgun or a beer and now you want to prohibit cigarette sales to them?
Legally defined adults are either adults or they are not and no segment of the adult population should be segregated into a sub-group that is denied the rights that their older counterparts enjoy. Either treat an eighteen-year-old like the legal adult that they are or raise the age of adulthood to 21.
This proposal is a very slippery slope with no real facts to back it up. Thousands of teens die each year in traffic accidents yet they can legally drive under the age of 21. Has any consideration been given to banning those under 21 from driving these four-wheel instruments of death? Eleven teens die each day because of texting while driving. Maybe it’s time to raise the age of smartphone ownership to 21? Get my point?
I am 65 years old and have voted in every election since I turned 18. I’ve entered into numerous contracts since that young age and I’ve been in public office for the past 13 years. I’ve had guns since I was 18 and drank an occasional wine and smoked. In all of those years I’ve never been arrested or hurt anyone and neither have any of my friends who were raised the same.
I understand the health concerns but this is more about control and government intrusion. Therefore, I am absolutely opposed to this “Tobacco 21” proposal based on what I view as its lack of merit, waste of time and the denial of rights to our younger ADULT generation. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q >>> – Thanks for all the updates you send out. It is very much appreciated. I’ve been thinking about a generator for years and have not done it yet. Do you have a recommendation for size? or how many watts I should look for if I want to run some key items during a power outage?
A >>> – I talked with you in length on this subject because every household’s needs are different and the choices are quite diverse. For simplicity sake, a simple 5,000-watt portable generator that can be purchased from any big box store, will satisfy most needs during a temporary power outage. These can run your furnace motor, lights, refrigeration, sump pumps and other devices up to a total of 5,000-watts. More permanent natural gas powered generators with much higher capacity can also be installed but as capacity increases, so does the price!
Q >>> – I live on Hazel Drive Northfield Center where [WOW Cable] crews are currently installing cables and equipment in our Township. This week one of the cable crews were running cable on my street and was dropping their trailer there in the morning, it looks like their truck or something on the truck was leaking oil or something like oil which left a good amount on my concrete driveway. Please advise if this can be cleaned up.
A >>> – The oil spill occurred on Friday March 1st. I saw this myself and contacted WOW. They acknowledged that it was their contractor that caused it and had them clean it up the next day and you were satisfied with the cleanup.
Q1 >>> – I saw your article in the Nordonia Hills news dated 3/1/2019. I live on Hazel Drive and walk my dog on Olde 8 in front of the nun’s apartment building, there are several large black cable ties laying on the ground. From what I have seen, WOW is not a good neighbor. Thank you for caring about our community.
Q2 >>> – The new cable workers left piles of cut branches in front of our homes. Who will clean these up and when?
Q3 >>> – Wow cable left deep ruts in my ditch when their truck got stuck and had to be towed out. You complained to them on our behalf but their ‘fix’ was filling the ruts with mulch. This is ridiculous because it will either blow away in the wind or wash away after a rain and it won’t hold grass seed. What are options now? This is ridiculous!
A >>> – In answer all of your questions, WOW cable is fully responsible for the cleanup and removal of all debris and repairs to damage caused by their work. WOW has posted bond money with us and it will only be returned once their cleanup and repair obligations are met. I have requested that I be included in all final inspections prior to any bond release and I assure you that ALL cleanup and repairs will be completed or I won’t be a party to releasing one-cent until that is accomplished!
Q >>> – Hi Paul, was just wondering if you had an update on the WOW installation in Northfield Center. Do you have any info on when the service installation will be completed and when WOW will be available to the residents? I need to change some of my current services and would like to plan accordingly.
A >>> – I have no updates for you at this time. The last we heard was that WOW planned to begin service “sometime in March.” Where and exactly when is unknown. I would suggest contacting WOW atwowisbuildingachoice@wowinc.com or call Paul Howard at 734-686-1675 for any updates. If I hear anything I will post it on this newsletter.
Q >>> – My neighbor pointed out some large deep ruts in my front yard and said that it was the Wow cable installers. I can’t believe that they drove a large truck across my whole front yard! What can I do to get this fixed?
A >>> – Your neighbor showed me photos that he took of the truck causing the damage. We visited you where I saw the damage for myself. We’ve had numerous complaints about this particular crew. I contacted our liaison with WOW and he personally went to your home but you weren’t home. He left a note promising to repair your lawn when the weather permits. He also advised us that he finally fired that particular crew.
Q >>> – I left my house this morning on a short business trip and noticed the big green cylinder in the middle of my front yard. I understand that WOW is able to access the right of way but there are other utilities already located to the left of where they have placed their “box”. As I drove through The neighborhood I saw that any of their green cylinders were placed directly next to existing utility boxes. I have some shrubs and other landscaping where existing utilities are currently located but it is not prohibiting them from placing their big green cylinder next to it.
I would Rather replace the landscaping versus having the big green cylinder in the middle of my yard.
I have attached a photograph that is taken from the right which is my driveway, as you can see they are green cylinder is substantially to the right of the landscaping and the existing utility boxes already in place. To make it worse as you drive down scupper my driveway is straightahead it is a complete eyesore. Is there anything you can do to assist with this issue or am I on my own?
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.
A >>> – I visited you at your home and together, we talked with a construction crew that was in the area. As I suspected, the crew said that the location of the cylinder was temporary and that the final work will place it next to your existing utility boxes just as you wanted.
YOUR GENERAL COMMENTS
NOTE – If you would like your name to appear under your
Comments, please type the word “Signed” next to your name
__________________________________________________
There really are no other large places to accommodate a large group of people, other than the churches and schools. Perhaps you should take time now to make a plan with the Nordonia Hills Board of Education to open its schools. After all, you have (2) right there in the Center of Northfield Center.
In freezing weather, where there is a loss of power, homeowners insurance covers the loss, minus the deductible. But, more importantly, just keep the refrigerator and freezer close until the power comes back on. If the freezer food has thawed, don’t pitch it. Cook it and then refreeze it. What can’t be cooked and refrozen, like veggies, should be cooked and eaten, with uneaten food taken to known shelters.
You are doing a great job Paul and keeping the residents on Northfield Center informed and offer good sound advice. Keep it up.
…………………………………………………….
I see there are more complaints about WOW cable installation this is what we were complaining about over here in Rolling Brooke when they started and our complaints seemed to be discounted as we were whining. I hope they get this horribly behavior together as they are continuing in our community.
…………………………………………………….
Sorry for not responding sooner .Wow did a good job and both days their rep did come up to the door and talked to us. Thanks for the very quick involvement in getting this [oil spill] cleared up. I hope you are able to get the rest of the issues squared away. Have a Great Day!
__________________________________________________
Thank you,
Paul G. Buescher
Northfield Center Twp. – Vice Chairman
330-467-9451
TrusteeBuescher@aol.com
www.northfieldcenter.com
