UTICA — Councilman Lester Grennell informed Utica council Monday night that the water and wastewater rates for village consumers will have to increase this coming year.

Grennell explained that after the Light Committee discussed the Ohio Rural water rate study, it was concluded the present water rate was insufficient.

“We are running in the red this year, so that has to be taken care,” said Grennell. “The water and wastewater is self-supporting and we are over budget; we’re actually spending more than we are taking in. The village hasn’t had an increases since 2002; it should have happened long before now.”

The water and wastewater department is planning to have a public meeting to explain the necessity for the increase.

Councilman Jack Raines reported that the Street Committee met Oct. 5 to discuss several issues, one of which is a problem being investigated with the storm sewer on the east side of Jefferson Street. Raines also said the leaf machine was ready to go, although the salt water truck is in bad shape as far as rust on the cab and the need for new brakes.

“Leaf pickup will probably start the week of the 26th,” said Village Administrator Jud Brechler. “I’m trying to condense it so that we don’t have to run the leafer out more than we have to. Hopefully we will be done by Thanksgiving.”

The village’s grant for wastewater improvement was delivered to the District 17 committee, said Brechler. The village will know by July 2010 if the grant was approved.

Councilman John Davison said the Public Service Committee met Sept. 21 and discussed the continuation of the radar trailer being out whenever possible, and of new court costs taking effect in November.

Fiscal Officer Anna Flaherty reported on last months progress with “cleaning up” 2007-08 taxes.

“We have some non-filers, and some taxpayers who have not paid that will be going to mayor’s court,” said Flaherty.

Mayor Larry Friesel spoke of Newton Fire Department’s bus disaster fire training scheduled for Friday.

“It’s on a Friday, and they will be having about 400 people down there to have a mock disaster. Some of our people will be participating — fire squad and police department,” said Friesel.

Trick or Treat will be held on Oct. 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Utica Christmas Walk will be Dec. 9 between 6 and 8 p.m.

Friesel said the North Fork local schools donated the old elementary playground equipment to the village.

“We have taken it all down and brought it to our facility, where we will salvage what we can, make repairs, and use it at Miller Park,” said Friesel. “It was very nice of the school, and we are thankful.”

In other news, council:

•Passed a resolution authorizing hiring a solicitor for the village for the period of Jan. 1, 2010, through Dec. 31, 2011.

•Passed a resolution estimating inactive deposits to be awarded, active deposits and interim deposits, and providing for depository applications.

•Passed an ordinance amending codified ordinance sections 921.03, 921.04, 921.05, 921.06, and 921.07 to change procedures for disconnection and reconnection of water service, collection and payment of fees and to change reconnection fees.

•Was updated by Village Police Chief Robert Curtis on the sex offender violation. Curtis explained the offender has been served a notice to move out of the area he is residing in; the offender has 10 days before the village can certify he has moved. Curtis also said a new map of the village has been posted on the wall in council chambers showing locations where sex offenders may live.

“And there are not many places in the area where they can live,” said Curtis.