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Ex Post Facto: Potential OU president Benoit fields questions; Watch for higher water bills

When students return from summer, not only will a new president be in office, but the construction on West Union Street will also be nearing completion, as highlighted during some of the week’s notable discussions. Here are some updates on those projects and more information from the top stories of the semester’s second week.

Pam Benoit presents at forum

As Ohio University President Roderick McDavis’ departure approaches, officials are coming closer to identifying a replacement.

On Tuesday, the presidential forums wrapped up with OU Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit fielding questions from students and faculty.

Benoit emphasized the idea that an outsider may not necessarily be the best person to assume the role of president.

“I think right now, what this institution needs in order to keep going forward and making good progress is someone who understands that road map and makes sure this institution continues to be successful and builds on that and tweaks it,” Benoit said. “And for all those reasons, I think I’m the best candidate.”

Now that the presidential forums have finished, the next step for the four candidates is to interview with the OU Board of Trustees in February. The university will announce its selection at some point in March, and the selected candidate will take office on July 1.

Meanwhile, McDavis has entered his final month on campus. The Board of Trustees will announce the appointment of an interim president Friday, and McDavis’ final day on campus will be Feb. 17.

West Union sidewalk construction

During Monday’s Athens City Council meeting, the sidewalk construction on West Union Street between Court Street and Congress Street was a key topic of discussion.

Local legislators are concerned about allowing too much pedestrian space at the expense of bicyclists once the sidewalk re-opens this summer.

“The only thing I truly worry about is that we’re spending $160,000, and we’re still not addressing the problem of bikes on the sidewalk,” Councilman Peter Kotses, D-At Large, said.

Other improvements residents may see once the project is complete include kiosks at both ends of the block, maple trees, decorative flowers, benches and bike racks.

City council also passed an ordinance reallocating the city’s income tax, allowing money to be used for the rehabilitation of streets in Athens.

Updating the water treatment plant

Water costs for Athens city residents may increase to offset the cost of updating the water treatment plant.

According to a general plan released by the City of Athens Engineering and Public Works department in May 2016, rates will increase “an average of 3.6 percent per year to cover the cost of the project, operations, maintenance, supplies, and other capital improvement projects.”

Despite the projected increase, the outdated treatment plant is in need of improvement, Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, said.

“The water treatment plant is dated,” Butler said. “Original construction began in the 1950s. The project is intended to update many working aspects of the system.”

Construction is expected to begin in June 2017 and finish in April 2018 if the project proceeds according to plan.

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