Perrysburg's new paratransit service called smooth so far

Gil Lutz, of Perrysburg, addresses the city's Health, Sanitation and Public Utilities Committee at its meeting Tuesday in council chambers on what he called "outstanding" paratranist service he has been using with Ride Right.

The first few days of paratransit service in the city of Perrysburg from newly hired Ride Right seem to be going well, officials said.

Bridgette Kabat, city administrator, said at Tuesday night's Health, Sanitation, and Public Utilities Committee meeting that 18 rides had been taken Sunday through Tuesday, with more booked through the week. "Overall, it's been a good working relationship so far," she said.

The city contracted with Ride Right after the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority stopped its service to the city on Saturday.

LINK: Hours of service, contact information

Perrysburg voters decided in March to withdraw from the transit authority.

The agreement is in place until Nov. 11, when the city will know the outcome of a 1.45-mill, five-year levy on the Nov. 6 ballot that would hire Ride Right to run Perrysburg’s proposed local transit system through the end of the year and through 2013.

Resident Gil Lutz, who is visually impaired, said at the meeting that he had taken five rides with Ride Right.

"It's been outstanding," Mr. Lutz said.

He said that quarters are a bit close for his seeing-eye dog, but Mr. Lutz noted that the vehicle had a lift and accommodated two standard-size wheelchairs or one extended chair, in addition to other seating.

Councilman J. Todd Grayson, who has worked extensively on the transportation issue, said that while the service had been running for just a few days, he was pleased.

"First impressions matter," he said.

The committee also heard updates on:

●The water and sewer rate study. Jon Eckel, director of public service, said public meetings will be set to gather input from affected residents.

A service-safety committee meeting on Oct. 3 will review preliminary rate projections and assess the impact of changes to the minimum charge.

●Cherry Street District 209 sewer-separation project. Bids will open Oct. 10, with awarding scheduled at a special meeting on Oct. 16.

Work is scheduled to start June, 2013, and last through June, 2014.

●Plans to buy side-arm loading refuse and recycling trucks with larger containers. Mr. Eckel estimated savings for the city at $300,000 and noted that customers will be able to mix a larger amount of recyclables into a 96-gallon container.

Mr. Eckel asked the committee to review the plans and take action at its next meeting on Oct. 23 at 6 p.m.

Contact Rebecca Conklin Kleiboemer at rconklin@theblade.com or 419-356-8786.