Sylvania City Council's utilities committee has asked the city administration to explore avenues to determine what might be the next step in establishing a city water system.

Todd Milner, chairman of the committee, pointed out that last year the city entered into a 99-year lease for an acre in Michigan meant to be used as a pumping station for water from Lake Erie.

“I'd like to see us keep the ball rolling,” Mr. Milner said.

He acknowledged that establishing a water system is a long-term project, “but we have an investment in the project and it's imperative to keep looking,” for progress.

The city last year agreed to pay Consumer's Energy Co., $3,000 annually for the acre along Erie Road near Luna Pier.

Earlier, the city obtained an easement from Consumer's along Erie Road from the shore of the lake in Erie Township to Lewis Avenue in Bedford Township.

That contract calls for a permanent 20-foot easement for which the city paid $125,000.

First Published March 13, 2003, 1:13 p.m.