Oberlin New Resident Guide

(This guide may also be viewed and/or downloaded by clicking here!)

Dear New Resident:

Congratulations on the new and exciting changes in your life! Oberlinians take great pride in welcoming a very diverse mix of permanent residents, college students and visitors to our unique and historic city. We are happy you are here!

Oberlin is governed by the Council-Manager form of government. Our City Council is comprised of seven residents elected at large to two-year terms. A professional City Manager is hired by City Council to administer the day-to-day activities of the City. The City Council also appoints a Finance Director, Law Director and City Clerk. The City Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in Oberlin City Hall at 85 South Main Street. Residents are welcome to attend and are encouraged to participate in meetings. Council meetings are also broadcasted on Cable TV Channel 9. We have numerous citizen boards and commissions that advise the City Council. We hope you will consider serving on one.

Oberlin is a full service City. Our City departments include: Police, Fire, Finance & Utility Billing, Recreation, Building, Streets, Engineering, Planning & Development, Code Enforcement, Refuse Collection, Recycling, Cemetery and Parks and Public Works. The Oberlin Municipal Light and Power System (OMLPS) provides electricity to our community at competitive rates. The City also supplies water and treats wastewater through its modern facilities.

At the heart of our community is Oberlin College, with its rich variety of educational and cultural programs that are available to residents, as well as students.

Recreational opportunities abound in Oberlin: The College operates an athletic facility that offers memberships to the public. Through this membership, residents may access an indoor swimming pool, tennis and racquetball courts, weight rooms, and gymnasiums. The City offers recreation programs, parks and trails. The Oberlin Recreation Complex on West Hamilton Street has a new baseball/softball and soccer fields. Lorain County Metro Parks operates Splash Zone, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool/water park and fitness center, also located on West Hamilton Street.

Oberlin’s intimate school district offers a variety of opportunities that belies its size. Oberlin boasts a fine school system that had the highest SAT scores and participation in the county in 2006. The school district is in the process of becoming the first district in the state of Ohio (and one of the first in the nation) to be fully authorized to offer the highly regarded International Baccalaureate curriculum in all grades, for all students. Almost 90% of Oberlin High School graduates attend college upon graduation, and those who qualify for admission to Oberlin College receive full four year tuition scholarships.

We welcome you to Oberlin. If I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me at (440) 775-1531

Sincerely,

Eric Norenberg
City Manager

City Government

Oberlin is governed under the Council-Manager form of government. Under this system of local government, the members of City Council are the community leaders and policy makers who establish a vision for Oberlin and who hire a City Manager to carry out policy, direct the operations of the City and ensure that all residents are being equitably served. The City Manager coordinates the work of department heads and other employees, who help ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of services. The seven Councilmembers are elected at-large in a nonpartisan election, for a term of two years. The City Council also appoints the Finance Director, Law Director and City Clerk.

The City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month. Meetings of the City Council are open to the public in accordance with State law. You are encouraged participate in your local government by attending a City Council meeting. The public may speak about items on the agenda and you may speak on a matter that is not on the agenda during the periods of Public Participation during each meeting. Currently there are two such opportunities per meeting — one prior to new business, near the beginning and later near the end of the meeting. Citizens are asked to state their name and address for the record and may speak to City Council for up to three minutes. Regular Council meetings are televised on Cable Channel 9.

Council minutes and records are open to public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office and on the City web site, www.cityofoberlin.com.

Correspondence to Council may be addressed to Oberlin City Hall, 85 South Main St., Oberlin, OH 44074. Tele: (440) 775-7203. Or by completing the request service form.

City Offices are open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

City Council

Meetings of the City Council are open to the public in accordance with State law. You are encouraged participate in your local government by attending a City Council meeting. The public may speak about items on the agenda and you may speak on a matter that is not on the agenda during the periods of Public Participation during each meeting. Currently there are two such opportunities per meeting — one prior to new business, near the beginning and later near the end of the meeting. Citizens are asked to state their name and address for the record and may speak to City Council for up to three minutes. Regular Council meetings are televised on Cable Channel 9.

Council minutes and records are open to public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office and on the City web site, www.cityofoberlin.com. Correspondence to Council may be addressed to Oberlin City Hall, 85 South Main St., Oberlin, OH 44074. Tele: (440) 775-7203.

City Council Meeting Audience Participation

You may participate during the periods of Audience Participation noted on the Agenda. Currently there are three opportunities per meeting — one near the beginning, the second about halfway into the meeting, and the third at the end of the meeting. Citizens are asked to state their name and address for the record and then may state their remarks to Council from a podium or cordless microphone during audience participation.

In addition to attending City Council meetings, you can communicate your specific interests with the City of Oberlin in a variety of ways. You may want to consider contacting the City Department directly to speak with staff who are there to assist you with your questions and comments. City offices are open for business weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Boards and Commission

City Council appoints members to various commissions, boards and committees for terms of three years. Members must be residents and qualified electors of the City of Oberlin. For more information, please visit the Council Clerk page and the Board and Commission page.

Meeting schedules are publicized in the local newspaper and on the website calendar. Minutes are kept in the Clerk of Council’s office for public view and will be posted on individual board and commission web pages.

City Council Clerk

The City Council Clerk serves at the pleasure of City Council, keeps its records, makes annual reports on Council proceeding and performs such other duties as are required by ordinance or resolution. The Clerk also serves in various other capacities including chair of the Oberlin City Records Commission.

City Law Director

The City Law Director represents the City in civil and criminal proceedings and serves as legal advisor to the City, its agencies, and officials and in some instances its employees. As legal advisor, the City Attorney prepares documents and instruments, renders formal and informal opinions, drafts ordinances, reviews contracts and performs other services as required by law.

City Manager’s Office

Oberlin is governed under the Council-Manager form of government. Under this system of local government, the elected officials are the community leaders and policy makers who establish a vision for Oberlin and who hire a City Manager to carry out policy and ensure that all residents are being equitably served. The City Manager coordinates the work of department heads and other employees, who help ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of services. By building public/private partnerships, intergovernmental agreements, and other collaborative relationships, the City Manager works to use all of the community's resources to solve current problems and provide municipal services to residents.

The City Manager’s primary responsibility is to keep Oberlin running smoothly. To do so, Oberlin’s City Manager works with the other appointed officials (Law Director, Finance Director and City Clerk) and a range of skilled individuals involved in public safety, public works, community and economic development, and many other service areas. You can count on this team to make your community a great place to live, learn and lead!

City Regulations

Advertising on Public Property - Attaching advertisements, posters, sign, etc. on telephone or electric poles or upon any public building or sidewalk is prohibited.

Bicycles - The riding of bicycles, skateboarding, and rollerblading, are prohibited on the downtown sidewalks.

Curfew - There is a curfew for persons under the age of eighteen: Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and Friday and Saturday, midnight to 5:00 a.m.

Garage Sales - Permits for garage sales are required and can be obtained at City Hall, 85 S. Main Street.

Grass and Weeds - Property owners are required to cut weeds and grass. The height of weeds or grass may not exceed 12".

Junk Vehicles - Unsheltered storage of junk or inoperable motor vehicles for a period of more than thirty days is prohibited.

Noise - Unreasonable noise or loud sound, which is likely to cause inconvenience or annoyance to others, is prohibited. This includes the operation of any sound amplification system in vehicles when the sound is audible at a distance of fifty feet or more from the vehicle.

Pets - Dogs are required to be kept on a leash or otherwise under the physical control when off the premises of the owner. For sanitary and water quality reasons, pet owners are required to clean up after their pets.

No person shall keep or harbor any animal, which, by frequent and habitual howling, yelping, barking or other activity disturbs the peace and quiet of the community.

Exceptions to the curfew include: when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible person who is eighteen years old or older and approved by the minor's parent or legal guardian, while going directly between his/her home and place of employment and when returning home by a direct route from an event.

Sidewalks - Residents are responsible for repairing and maintaining sidewalks. This includes the responsibility to remove snow and ice within twelve hours.

To hold a special event or parade in Oberlin, a permit is required. Please contact City Hall for a Special Event Permit packet and planning guide.

For more information about City regulations, please visit the Oberlin City Code on-line.

Finance/Utility Office

Residents can sign up for utility service and pay utility bills at the Finance Office located at 69 S. Main St. A security deposit is required from customers prior to initiation of utility service.

Utility bills are generally mailed out the last working day of the month and are usually due on the 20th of the next month. Failure to pay by the due date will result in a 10% penalty on the most current billing.

For your convenience, there is a night drop slot on the south side of the building and in the City Hall parking lot next to the USPS mailbox. Utility payments can also be made at First Merit Bank and through automatic debit of the customer’s specified account.

If you need financial assistance to pay your utility bill please contact Oberlin Community Services at 440-774-6579.

Questions regarding Finance/Utility may be addressed to the Finance Department at 775-7211 or 775-7214.

City Income Tax

The City of Oberlin collects a 1.9% income tax on earned income including business and rental income. If for the entire calendar year you were under 18 years of age, retired receiving only pension, social security, interest or dividend income, or a member of the armed forces and had no other taxable income, then you can file a declaration of exemption. All other residents need to file tax returns with the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) whether tax is due or not. RITA’s toll free number is (800) 860-RITA(7482). Their website is www.ritaohio.com.

Questions regarding City Income Tax may be addressed to the Finance Department at 775-7212.

Fire Department

The Oberlin Fire Department provides fire-rescue services to the City of Oberlin and New Russia Township. It also performs building inspections and code enforcement, issues fire code permits, reviews fire protection systems for proposed construction, conducts fire safety education programs for schools and businesses, and maintains control of hazardous materials. Home fire safety inspections and smoke detectors are available to residents free of charge.

Open burning is prohibited within the city limits.

Tornado Sirens

Tornado sirens in Oberlin are tested on the second Wednesday of every month, March through September. When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning (a tornado has been sighted in Lorain County), the siren will sound on-and-off for four minutes. There is no "all clear signal".

For more information, contact the Oberlin Fire Department at 774-3211 or www.oberlin-fire.com.

Human Resources Department

Our Mission is to provide leadership in the development and implementation of sound personnel systems based on merit principles and to attract, develop, and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the high standards of the community we serve.

We take this mission very seriously. Moving beyond the traditional role of personnel management, my staff and I are striving to create a collaborative environment that rewards creativity and outstanding performance. We are committed to being strategic partners with all City departments to ensure that the City has the talent and resources needed to provide great services to the community.

The Department provides a full-range of human resources services including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, benefits administration, employee safety services, labor relations, and training. This site will provide you with information on employment opportunities, job descriptions, benefits, employee labor agreements, and the City of Oberlin Civil Service Rules.

We believe that the City’s greatest assets are its employees, and we take great pride in managing the systems that support a highly productive, innovative, caring, and customer-oriented workforce.

Please take a moment to explore employment opportunities with the City, as well as some of our service areas including the City of Oberlin’s recruitment process, job descriptions and classifications, employee benefits, equal employment opportunities, and labor agreements.

Oberlin Municipal Court

The Oberlin Municipal Court is located at 85 S. Main St. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Court telephone number is (440) 775-1751.

Oberlin Municipal Light and Power System

Oberlin Municipal Light and Power System (OMLPS) is located at 289 South Professor Street. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

OMLPS, your local public power utility, generates, transmits and distributes low-cost and highly-reliable electricity to approximately 2,600 residential and 335 commercial customers, the majority of whom are located within the City’s corporate limits. OMLPS provides a variety of community customer services to give you the most value for your energy dollar. The following is a partial list of services available.

Power Quality Service - If you experience power quality problems such as flickering lights or intermittent power outages, please contact OMLPS immediately.
Heat Loss Inspection - OMLPS offers a free heat loss inspection to its customers. This service utilizes a blower door test and an infrared scan to locate areas of infiltration and heat loss. By reducing the infiltration and heat loss, energy is saved and utility bills are reduced.
Street Light Repair and Replacement Service - OMLPS has a street light maintenance program to ensure that all streetlights are working properly. You can aid us by reporting street light malfunctions such as burned out lights or lights cycling on and off. We appreciate notification of malfunctioning streetlights and will promptly repair or replace them.
Tree Trimming Service - OMLPS will trim small branches away from the overhead service line to your house if a potential power problem or safety hazard exists. Please inspect trees located near your overhead electric service line to check for branches laying on the service line or growing into the service line. Call OMLPS to assess the potential hazard and determine the proper course of action. If branches are too large for OMLPS personnel to handle, we will recommend that you contact a tree-trimming contractor.
Security Light Service - OMLPS offers security lighting for residential and commercial customers for a nominal monthly fee. There are several lighting options available for our customers depending on the lighting need.
Electric Safety Service - OMLPS has educational materials on electric safety practices and a residential safety checklist to help you identify any potential electric hazards in your home, at work or at play.

Questions regarding OMLPS can be addressed to the OMLPS Utility Services Division at 775-7286.

Oberlin Community Services

Oberlin Community Services is a community organization that provides direct assistance and referrals to Oberlin area residents who need help in meeting basic needs. Direct services include emergency food and non-food necessities, monthly distribution of government surplus food, utility and heating assistance, medical prescriptions, clothing, housing and transportation vouchers.

For information regarding these and other services, Oberlin Community Services can be reached at 774-6579.

Planning & Development Department

The Planning and Development Department provides general and specific advice on planning, zoning issues, economic development, housing and building. Staff also provides information to the public and developers with respect to procedures and requirements related to the development and use of land and/or buildings.

The Department also administers the City’s "Business Revolving Loan Fund" that can provide low interest loans to help with the expansion of job opportunities. A "Façade Improvement Loan Fund" for downtown buildings also is available for property or business owners wanting to restore the exterior of buildings.

Information concerning various types of financial incentives for business development may be obtained from this Department.

Questions regarding planning, zoning and economic development may be addressed to the Planning Department at 775-7182.

Building Division

The Building Division of the Planning and Development Department enforces regulations and codes relating to building construction, housing and property maintenance, and nuisance abatement, i.e. sidewalk repair, rubbish and junk removal, , junk car removal, weed control, and condemnation and demolition of structures.

Commercial Construction/State Certified Building Official -The City of Oberlin enforces the Ohio Building Code (OBC) for the purpose of providing uniform standards and requires a permit for the construction, repair, alternation or change of use of commercial, industrial, multiple-family residential and institutional structures.

Residential Construction/Permits and Inspections -A building permit is required for most construction activity, including residential buildings, additions, renovations, demolitions, prefabricated structures, garages, sheds, decks, temporary buildings, roofing, siding, swimming pools, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. The City will inspect work at specified stages of construction. The Residential Code of Ohio 1-2-3 Family Dwelling (2004 Edition) is enforced for residential and related construction.

Contractors must have a current license and/or registration in order to be granted a Building Permit.

Housing Maintenance - The City enforces the International Property Maintenance Code (2003 Edition). This Code requires that all properties be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to public health and safety. Housing is inspected .as a result of complaints or staff observed exterior building deficiencies.

For renters who need information on tenant landlord matters, please consult the City of Oberlin Tenant-Landlord guide.

For additional information please contact the Building Division Office at 774-3428.

Comprehensive Housing Improvement Program (CHIP)

The City operates a Comprehensive Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) to assist low and moderate-income residents with down payment assistance for first-time home buyers, renovation of owner-occupied housing and emergency home repairs . In addition, limited funds are available to assist income qualified home owners in dealing with mortgage and utility payments.

For information regarding the CHIP program, please contact the Planning Department at 775-7257.

Recreation Division

OUR DEFINITION of RECREATION - Activities which develop skills that provide the incentive, motivation, and means for spending leisure time constructively. As such, recreation must be concerned with the breadth and variety of activities: physical, social, artistic, or learning.

Philosophy:

The City of Oberlin believes the recreation and social experiences enhance the lives of our citizens in our community. The philosophy of the Oberlin Recreation Department is to develop quality programs and activities in partnership with other groups and organizations that will aid in the pursuit of a full, balanced and meaningful lifestyle. Children’s play is essential to the human development process. Providing our youth with safe, rewarding activities and social encounters will lead to positive lifestyle choices and the building of a positive self-image. Community recreation reduces alienation, loneliness and anti-social behaviors. For younger adults, leisure activities are targeted at bringing people together and encouraging healthier decisions. Exercise and social programs for our senior population will not only reduce the effects of aging but will aid in keeping our citizens physically and mentally agile.

Participation – Shall be the goal of all involved, to promote participation by any and all residents in the city.
Sportsmanship – Shall be the goal of all involved, to teach sportsmanship, fair play and respect for others.
Knowledge – Shall be the goal of all involved, to teach the sport at hand thereby instilling a knowledge and respect for the game with the understanding rules and bylaws.

Conspicuous by omission are all other terms that have been associated with sport, for it is the intent of the City of Oberlin to present recreational activities that enable the least athletic, the least coordinated and the least likely citizen will be afforded a guarantee of being part of and playing on a team.

Fun and learning are the objectives for all participants, where all citizens can come to see child at play and be a part of a positive family experience and where sport is sport, and winning at any cost is considered to be too expensive, from the perspective of positive self-image. Children with special athletic abilities will still be encouraged to develop skills and to participate at an appropriate level of competition.

For information regarding Recreation Programs, please contact the Recreation Divisionat 775-7254 or e-mail Recreation@cityofoberlin.com.

Police Department

The Oberlin Police Department is located in the City Municipal Building, 85 South Main St. (State Route 58). The Department has uniformed patrol officers, bicycle officers and a detective bureau. The Auxiliary Unit runs a Checkmate Program, which is designed to care for our senior citizens. Those citizens are checked at least weekly to ascertain their needs and concerns. The Auxiliary Unit also runs a home vacation watch program.

The Department has a successful Community Orientated Police Program (COPP), designed to work with citizens to improve their neighborhoods. There are quarterly meetings to discuss resident concerns and discover ways to work together to improve or correct situations. The Oberlin Police Department also provides crime prevention assessments for Oberlin residents. Please contact the department to schedule a crime prevention review of your home or business by an Oberlin police officer.

Emergencies only: 9-1-1

Questions regarding the Police Department may be addressed to the Police Department at the non-emergency information number 440-774-1061.

Parking Regulations

The following is an overview of some of the parking regulations in the City of Oberlin. This is not a listing of all parking regulations. Persons with specific questions should call the Oberlin Police Department at (440) 774-1061.

Parking of Commercial Vehicles - Parking of buses, commercial tractors, agricultural tractors, trucks of more than one half ton capacity, trailers, or moving vans is not permitted on any residential street between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.
Downtown Parking - Downtown parking is limited to two hours except for Sunday and holidays. There are several 30-minute only parking spots in the Central Business District. Overnight parking (2:00 a.m. until 6:00 a.m.) is prohibited.
Snow Ban - Parking on the streets or alleys of the City from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. during the period from November 1 to April 1 is prohibited.
Parking on Lawns - No person shall park or leave any motor vehicle upon the unpaved portion of the street.
Parking on Residential Streets - Parking on any street for longer than 48 consecutive hours is prohibited.

Public Works Department

The Oberlin Public Works Department maintains the City's infrastructure through the coordinated efforts of six divisions: Administration; Engineering; General Maintenance Division; Building and Grounds Division; Water Division; and Waste Water Division. A properly maintained infrastructure positively affects our residents' quality of life, our business' ability to thrive and the general public's ability to move safely through our community. Sound infrastructure maintenance is a tool for attracting and keeping a strong local business base, a vital part of the City's future.

Buildings and Grounds Division

City Parks - The City owns and manages many parks throughout town including Wright Park, Martin Luther King Park, Bill Long/Scott & Olive Carson Nature Preserve, Oberlin Recreation Complex (on West Hamilton Street), North Coast Inland Bike Trail, Depot Park, Legion Field, Park Street Park, Morgan Street Reservoir, Spring Street Park, Roadside Park, and Parsons Road Reservoir. All parks are open from dawn to dusk.

Fishing is permitted at the Morgan Street Reservoir, Bill Long Nature Preserve and Parsons Road Reservoir. Boats are prohibited on all reservoirs except Parsons Road (non-motorized only).

The Parks Division shares responsibility with the Oberlin Municipal Light and Power System for the City’s curb lawn trees.

People wishing to make reservations for use of a picnic shelter or park facility may contact the City Recreation Department at 775-7254

Westwood Cemetery - Westwood Cemetery was founded in 1863. In addition to many interesting and historical graves, Westwood Cemetery contains a diverse variety of wildlife and trees. Westwood Cemetery is open from dawn to dusk.

The Oberlin Heritage Center has prepared a book detailing Westwood Cemetery. The Oberlin Heritage Center may be contacted at 775-1700.

Questions regarding Westwood Cemetery may be addressed to the Department of Public Works, Cemetery Division at 775-7252.

General Maintenance Division

Brush Collection - Brush Collection Service is provided one month in the spring and one month in the fall. Dates of this service will be announced using the local newspaper and cable television on channel 9.

Brush shall be cut to lengths no longer than six feet and shall be neatly stacked at the curb.
Limbs larger than six inches in diameter shall not be placed for City collection.
Brush shall be free of wire, metal, stone, nails, rope, or other foreign materials.
The City will not collect stumps, brush with root balls, limbs larger than six inches in diameter, or un-stacked brush.
Brush resulting from tree removal or major trimming projects is the responsibility of the property owner.
The City reserves the right to not collect excessive amounts of brush.

Holiday Tree Pick-up - Holiday trees will be collected at the curb during normal collection days, after Christmas through February. Trees should not be cut or bundled and should not be placed in plastic tree bags. All garlands and decorations, including the tree stand, must be removed.

Large Trash Collection - Large Trash Collection must be scheduled no later than one week in advance by contacting the Public Works Dept. The number of large pickups is limited and appointments are made on a "first come - first served" basis. Appointments must be scheduled by 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday prior to the week of the pickup. The City allows each household a one-time, two cubic yards free pick-up each calendar year. If the amount of trash is over two cubic yards, the City will bill at a rate of $8.00 per cubic yard.

If a resident places a large amount of refuse at the curb and has not scheduled a large trash collection, the City will collect the refuse and the resident will be billed $50.00 or $12.00 per cubic yard, whichever is greater.

The following materials are not to be put in the refuse: hazardous or infectious wastes, tires, storage batteries, appliances containing freon or in which the freon was not removed by a licensed person, brush, grass clippings or other yard waste (other than a nominal amount incidental to other refuse), waste oil, bricks, rocks or concrete, dirt or any material prohibited by State or Federal law from being landfilled.

Leaf Collection - Leaf collection is scheduled every fall. The beginning date for leaf collection will change from year to year based on weather, but will generally start near the end of October. The City will make passes through town until a majority of the leaves are collected or until snow falls. Leaves are to be raked to the curb lawn only and not into the street. Leaves in the street clog storm drains and contribute excess nutrient loading to Plum Creek.

The City will not collect leaves in the spring. Residents may use the yard waste collection for residual leaves. Residents are encouraged to compost leaves and other vegetative materials. For a free brochure, please call 775-7218.

Residential Trash and Recycling Collection - Residential refuse collection (collected on a weekly basis of Tuesday through Friday) occurs on the scheduled day, 52 weeks per year, including holidays.

Recycling - Recyclables are to be sorted and placed in designated containers and placed on the curb the same day as the refuse collection. Materials currently collected include steel and aluminum cans, glass containers, plastics #1 and #2, newspapers, and clean corrugated cardboard. Please refer to the City's recycling flyer for current detailed information regarding recycling. Flyers and recycling containers are available free of charge at City Hall.

Residential refuse must be placed in containers no larger than 33-gallon capacity. Plastic or galvanized metal trashcans with lids and/or closed heavy plastic bags are suitable. The weight of the containers may not exceed 50 lbs.

Up to three containers will be collected per week. Tags for additional bags can be purchased for $1.00 each at the City Finance/Utility Office located at 69 S. Main Street. Tags must be attached to the extra bags.

Refuse is to be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. the day of collection but no sooner than 12:00 noon on the day before. Empty trash containers are to be removed by midnight on the day of collection. Placement of refuse sooner than noon the preceding day or failure to remove empty containers by midnight may result in the owner and/or resident being cited and penalties levied.

Rear yard collection is available for elderly or infirm residents. Persons needing rear yard collection may contact the Public Works Department.

Questions regarding refuse and recycling may be addressed to the Department of Public Works at 775-7218.

Snow Removal - During snow season, a two-person crew is on-call at all times. Additional staff is available as required.

The crew first ensures that Lorain and Main Streets are passable. Once these are completed, the following streets are addressed: College, Pleasant, Hamilton, Pyle South Amherst, Morgan, Professor Street, and Oberlin Road. When the priority streets are passable, the crew will begin work on other streets.

City residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property (Ord. 1005 AC CMS and Chapter 521.0). The sidewalk should be cleared within a reasonable time after the abatement of a storm normally within 12 hours.

Plowed-In Driveways - Once residential streets are ope ned, the crews begin pushing back snow to clear the full width of the street. This is done to prepare for the possibility of further snow. This often results in plowed-in driveways and is unavoidable.

Salt - Oberlin uses salt sparingly because of its corrosive effect and negative impact on water quality. All intersections and dangerous areas are regularly salted, other areas are spot salted as necessary. Sand or gravel cannot be used for snow and ice, as they will plug storm lines. Salt will be effective to about 17 degrees above zero. Below this point, salt, no matter how much is put down, will not work. We depend largely on traffic and sun to bring the temperature to the point where the salt can begin working.

Temporary Dumpster Service - Six-yard temporary dumpsters are available to residents, subject to availability and access. The City must be able to deliver, service and remove the dumpster without damage to trees, buildings and overhead wires. Dumpsters must be placed on an improved, hard and level surface such as gravel, asphalt or concrete. Applications are available on the City’s web-site under "Forms" or at the Public Works office at 85 S. Main St. Payment is required in advance with the application. Dumpsters are only delivered and picked up on Wednesdays.

Charges for temporary dumpsters are as follows: Delivery for a one-week period with one collection is $50. Additional pickups, called in at least one day in advance are $25 each. Use of dumpster for an additional week is $20, with a three-week maximum. The dumpster will be picked up by the City at the end of the prescribed time. The City will make a single attempt to deliver the dumpster. If the dumpster cannot be set due to actions of the customer (e.g. cars in the way) a $20 fee will be charged with balance of the pre-payment refunded to the customer. If the dumpster cannot be removed due to the actions of the customer (e.g. cars in the way) a $20 fee will be added to the utility bill.

Yard Waste - Yard waste includes grass clippings, weeds and other non-woody plant materials. During the growing season the City collects yard waste on Mondays. Residents must purchase yard waste tags for $1.00 each from the City Finance/Utility Office located at 69 S. Main St. Please call 775-7218 by the Friday prior to the pick-up to be placed on the yard waste collection schedule.

Yard waste shall not be placed in containers with household refuse.

Questions may be addressed to the Department of Public Works at 775-7218.

Wastewater Treatment

The City owns and operates a Class IV Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant meets or exceeds all requirements of the U.S. and Ohio Environmental Protection Agencies.

Water Division

The City owns and operates its water plant and water distribution system. Water quality is monitored continuously and meets or exceeds all federal requirements. In 1999, the City of Oberlin Water system was one of seven water systems statewide named as an Outstanding Public Water System by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Questions regarding water and wastewater may be addressed to the Department of Public Works at 775-7218.

Transportation

Lorain County Transit– The mission of Lorain County Transit is to promote efficient and effective public transportation, which encourages economic development and increases opportunities to enhance independence and the quality of life in Lorain County. All LCT vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Exact change is required and drivers DO NOT carry cash. Schedules are available on buses, at ticket sale offices, the Midway Mall Information Desk, Lorain County Community College (LCCC), libraries and LCT Operation and Administrative Office. They can be reached at (440) 233-7868 or (440) 329-5545.

Airport shuttle transportation and other local transportation is available from private vendors. Oberlin College maintains a list of such services on their transportation web page.