News from BG: June 15, 2022
Firefly Nights Festival

In conjunction with the Firefly Nights Festival scheduled for June 17, certain street closures and parking restrictions will be imposed in downtown Bowling Green. On-street parking will be prohibited on Main Street, from Court to Washington at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 17.
Main Street, from Court to Washington, will close to traffic at 4:00 pm. While Main Street is closed, no through traffic will be permitted on Clough Street. Wooster Street will remain open for east and westbound traffic. During the Main Street closure, detour routes for local and truck traffic will be posted. All streets will reopen and parking will be reinstated on Friday following the event. The Festival is scheduled to occur from 6:00 – 10:00 pm.
Refuse/Recycling Delay
Week of June 20th
 
In observance of the Juneteenth holiday, all non-24 hour City facilities, with the exception of the Bowling Green Community Center and City Pool, will be closed on Monday, June 20th, and refuse and recycling collection will be delayed by one day:
 
Monday's route will be collected on Tuesday.
 
Tuesday's route will be collected on Wednesday.
 
Wednesday's route will be collected on Thursday.
 
Thursday's route will be collected on Friday.
 
Questions about this schedule may be directed to Public Works at 419-354-6227.
 
Never miss a "trash day" again! Download the Recycle Coach App to receive a custom calendar and reminder notifications for special collections.
 
Visit the Recycle Coach web page for more details.

Community Energy
Savings Days

Wednesday, June 15th, is projected to be the hottest day (so far) this year. It’s projected that our highest electric usage for 2022 will occur as a result. Bowling Green has called for a Community Energy Savings Day and electric customers are being asked to conserve power. 

Nothing is wrong with the electric grid; we’re just trying to take every avenue to reduce costs for customers. 
 
Participating in a Community Energy Savings Day is easy. Residents can take simple conservation steps such as: shutting off lights when not needed; unplugging small appliances and electric chargers (especially those with small lights); raising the air conditioner thermostat a degree or two; closing curtains, drapes and blinds; doing laundry and other household chores requiring electricity during hours other than 2:00 – 6:00 PM; and turning off televisions, computers, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices when not being used. 

As forecast dictates, we will most likely be asking our citizens and customers to again conserve energy at additional times this summer.
Tips for Reducing Utility
Bills During Warmer Months

In the last few years, we have experienced some of the hottest summers on record. Air conditioning is one of the largest users of electricity in a house. If your air conditioner is running 24/7, some of your highest electric bills of the year will occur between June and September. Installing a pool will result in an increase in electric (and water) usage. Extreme heat and dry conditions can also lead to an increase in water usage for landscaping.

First, look closely at the utility bill to determine where the increase has occurred. The utility bill contains the amount owed for electric, water, sewer, and the refuse & recycling fee. In most cases, the increase in charges is a result of a higher usage in electricity or water. During extremely hot periods in the summer months, air conditioning, poor insulation, and pool filters/heaters can result in higher electric usage. Watering lawns and landscaping during dry periods will also increase the amount of water used.

Read through next month's Utility Insert (PDF) for suggestions on ways to reduce your utility bill during warmer months.
PROJECT DELAYED!
Oak St./City Administration Building Parking Lot Closure: June 13th - 28th
**Due to supply chain issues this project has been delayed. The estimated start date is now June 27th. This release will be updated with a firm date when supplies arrive.**

In order to relocate a combined sewer, in preparation of the construction of the new City Building, Oak St. will be closed and vehicle access to the City Administration Building Parking Lot will be blocked June 13th – June 28th.

Those visiting the City Administration Building should park in the north section of the Wood County Library’s Parking Lot or in Public Parking Lot #4. Pedestrian access to the City Administration Building will be maintained via the crosswalk/sidewalk at Oak and Church. Concrete barriers will be placed along the sidewalk for safety.

As the work progresses, the Church St. and W. Oak St. intersection will be closed to through traffic for a few days within the June 13th – 28th timeframe. A lane closure on Main St. will also be necessary.

The timeframe of this closure is dependent on weather and progress of work. Crews will be working 10-hour days and Saturdays to complete this portion of the project as quickly and efficiently as possible.