WORTHINGTON -- The Worthington Town Council learned that a grant to study the town's stormwater and wastewater problems had been approved and they signed a contract with an engineering firm at its meeting Tuesday night.

The council began the process several months ago by applying for a $40,000 grant that would pay for the cost of a study of the town's storm drainage system and wastewater system.

At a previous meeting, the council selected the firm to perform the study -- Hannum, Wagle and Cline (HWC) and representative Eric Smith attended the meeting.

Council President Hal Harp said the contract with HWC had been reviewed by Town Attorney Jacob Fish.

"We're ready to execute this contract and get this study done," said Harp.

Smith said the first step of the study will be to collect data.

"We'll send out a neighborhood survey form for feedback from residents about where the problems are with stormwater ... then we'll be able to create a map," said Smith.

The study will try to pinpoint where the problems are, where the excess water can and cannot go and what options are available for diverting the water and solving the problems.

The firm will also start collecting data from the town's sewage treatment plant and sewer system. They will be doing some flow monitoring and will evaluate the treatment system and provide an analysis of what the needs might be in the future.

The length of time to complete the study will depend on rain events and levels of groundwater over the next few months.

Park Board member Maebelle McCafferty reported that work on painting at the park is progressing with help from Community Corrections crews.

The renovation of the Hinchman Shelterhouse is on hold because the town still hasn't received any money from FEMA to pay for the repairs needed as a result of the June flood.

Four bids were received to perform the work on the building, from Clampitt Construction, Walls Construction, Clay Burton Construction and Blankenship Builders.

"We will open these bids tonight but we won't award anything until the funding is secured," said Harp.

Chief Michael McCafferty gave a report on the WJ Volunteer Fire Department's activities for the month of September. The WJVFD made a total of 23 runs, including two for fires and 14 for medical emergencies.

McCafferty also told the council the WJVFD will be needing a desktop computer after the first of the year -- they currently use a laptop for recordkeeping. They will soon be required by the state to switch to new software to make fire reports and the laptop does not have the requirements necessary to run the software.

The council also approved a resolution concerning the transfer of the Williams House property from the county to the town.