April 7, 2014 - Meeting Minutes
Brewster Village Council met in regular session with Mayor Mike Schwab presiding.
7:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER
Council Members bowed their heads for the invocation provided by Clerk-Treasurer Kris King followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mike Schwab, Mayor
Dale Fox, Council Member
Dave Godwin, Council Member
Tom Hilliard, Council Member
Paul Mackey, Council Member
Joe Strausbaugh, Council Member
Steven Tharp, Jr., Council Member
VILLAGE OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer
Al McCallin, Solicitor
Rob Pauley, Village Administrator
VILLAGE EMPLOYEES PRESENT:
Chris Colucy, Fire Captain
Rick Patterson, Fire Chief and Street Superintendent
Harry Porter, Police Chief
Jim Spivey, Village Technician
Ryan Swan, Electric Lineman
MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 17, 2014 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:
Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the March 17, 2014 Council meeting minutes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to accept the minutes. The vote: All, yes.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to accept the bills for the amount of $ 91,583.74. Council Member Hilliard asked what the two humidifiers were for. Clerk King replied they were purchased for the Water Department building. He asked how many sets of earmuffs were purchased. Chief Porter stated there were seven sets ordered. He also stated that he was glad to see that Elliot's Auto was being used. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Mackey, yes; Strausbaugh, no; Tharp, no; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes.
Residents in attendance: Ray and LaVonne Heitger, Cindy Mackey, Mary Brown, Judy Maybaugh, Dawn Strausbaugh, Jenny Spivey, Louie Carroll, and Ron Kaser.
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:
ORDINANCE 19-2014: An Ordinance authorizing the Creation of an Electric Improvement Fund was given third reading.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to bring the ordinance forward for passage. Council Member Hilliard indicated that he still doesn't understand why we are doing this. Mayor Schwab stated it would be a dedicated source for infrastructure improvements in the Village's Electric system. Schwab noted the ordinance transfers 5% of each month’s Electric utility customer charge collections into the new fund, and that that amount is equivalent to the annual electric utility debt payment that lapsed in January 2014. The vote: All yes.
Second Reading: An Ordinance authorizing an adjustment of the base wages and benefits of Village employees. (Copy provided on 03/17/2014) (Copy provided tonight of Section 16 which makes the ordinance retroactive to 01/01/2014 per Council amendment on 03/17/2014).
Second Reading: An Ordinance amending Ordinance 12 -2011 to end the transfer to the Recreation Fund to place that $750 quarterly transfer in the Street Resurfacing Fund.
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:
Fire Department: Chief Ricky Patterson
Chief Letter: Request to reimburse Randi Hickman $ 4,715.20 for Paramedic School pending her signing a three year contract with the Village for paramedic services (Council copy of the total). The contract is for three years and requires response to 33% of calls.
Capt Colucy has a party interested in putting together a Car Show for the Firemen's Festival. The problem is where to put it. The W&LE parking lot entrance is to steep and the cars bottoms drag. The owners don't like to put the cars in the grass so the park isn't viable. Rt 93 and West Second Street were also discussed. It appeared that West Second Street would be the best option.
Police Department: Chief Harry Porter
Chief & Mayor working with Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program contractor to provide numbers for the proposed purchase of a 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Vehicle; oldest current Cruiser is a 2003 with 150,000 miles; repair costs in 2013 = $ 1549.98.
Response Vehicle has been repainted by RG Drage students; lettering & decals next step.
Officer Truman has put on the ALICE Program twice at Shearers and has done a refresher course at Fairless schools.
Chief Porter is looking into complaints he has received about illegal gambling.
SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin (Per Procedures the Solicitor will be excused after his spot)
Residents are still receiving letters from Ohio Valley Energy trying to get them to sign leases. They are mentioning forced pooling. He recommends that residents send letters of concern to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Council Member Fox questioned if an ordinance could extend beyond a Council Member's term. Solicitor McCallin stated that an ordinance can extend beyond the Council Member's term but could not be protected from being amended by future Councils.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Letter - Fairless Third Grade Students’ Project: requesting individual local public officials donations for a classroom business (Council copy of letter); if individual Council members would like to donate the address is in the letter.
Massillon Cable Letter/Bob Gessner: Issues with cable network contracts will most likely lead to Massillon Cable & other Cable providers’ rate increases.
Train Excursion: Orrville Railroad Heritage Society w/W & LE; April 26 (Council copy).
Ohio Valley Energy: Notification of application to ODNR to drill oil & gas well Zearley Unit #1D adjacent to Elm Street; public comment may be sent to ODNR at address listed in letter (Council copy); as this violates Village Zoning Code and will have an impact on residential neighborhood would suggest that Council protest.
Fairless Youth Baseball/Softball Association donation request for $ 1,000.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Rob Pauley
- Flow / pressure tests performed with Shearers. Hydrant (2) pressures were 59 psi & 61 psi respectively, with flows in excess of 600 GPM at both hydrants.
- Attended RCAP (Rural Community Assistance Program) training on CMOM (capacity, management, operations, maintenance) for small wastewater utilities. Note: OEPA/DEFA requires small communities that receive principle forgiveness financial assistance thru the WSRLA (water supply revolving loan assistance) that at least 50 percent of the governing board complete Utility Management 101 and Financial Management 201 courses. These courses are available online at www.ohrcap.org. While the village does not have any WSRLA funding assistance, I recommend that council member take the online 101 & 201 courses to familiarize yourselves with small system operations.
- Coordinating with Canton City Health District for necessary ACM remediation at village hall. GPD Group with Cardinal Environmental Services will schedule walkthrough on April 8th for ACM removal, area cleanup and follow-up air quality sampling. Additional samples taken from mayor’s office and administrator’s office came back negative for ACM. Additional testing to be done in fire department equipment bays (ceiling tiles deteriorating). Anticipate building department renovation permits to be completed week of April 14th.
- Coordinating with USACE for roadway repairs at floodwall/floodgate in Kings Highway.
- Water Department and Electric Department meeting with ODOT District 4 on April 7th to resolve utility conflicts for SR 93 / Elton St. intersection project – majority of work will be on North East corner and South East corner (construction anticipated summer 2015). Copy of preliminary plan provided to Shearers Director of Sustainability.
- I expect to lose Streets department superintendent for 6 – 8 weeks due to back surgery this summer. Request permission to advertise for additional laborer for streets department to cover the anticipated personnel shortfall.
- There was more pressure testing done on the north end of town. It measured 39 psi. Any pressure issues are inside the homes.
- The underpass storm sewers and sidewalks are the Village's responsibility.
Council Member Hilliard had four items to bring up:
1. The storm sewer at McKinley and Needham is caving in by his house.
2. Streetlight at 745 McKinley is out. He feels residents should not have to report them. He wants the Electric Dept. employees to come in at night and look for them.
3. Amherst Street curb looks like ***. It was a waste of money. Can't believe the contractor would do something like this.
4. Had a complaint that two electric trucks sat in front of Village Hall for an hour and a half running. VA ask for the date so he could investigate.
Council Member Tharp missed the last meeting and wanted to comment on subjects discussed:
1. He was in favor of the purchase of the two pieces of equipment but can't support it since he heard what Bob Luckring and Jay Huff had to say.
2. Discussed how he felt about what Kris Wilson had to say. He thought a lesson was learned with the Electric garage. He felt what happened with Village Hall was asinine.
3. North end water pressure: Pressure readings, pipe size, booster pumps, PTI requirements, sending letters to residents, Water Superintendent's report, disrespecting the Water Supt., and Councilmen testing pressure were all discussed.
VILLAGE MAYOR: Mike Schwab
Mayor’s 2014 Village To Do List:
Electric –
- Installation of a Solar Field (2MW proposed on 8 acres; Dairy tentatively on board)
- Complete FE Purchase of Warmington Road Feeder Line (probably in 4th quarter of 2014)
- Begin Street Light LED Program (geared for Electric Improvement Fund)
- Completion of the S. Wabash Electric Line Project (will position for possible South extension)
- Complete Hiring of a Third Lineman to position Department for near future manpower needs
oMay require modification of Lineman Wage
- Explore Expansion of Electric Utility services outside of corporation limits; several alternatives
Fire –
- Continue work on Emergency Response planning in conjunction with PD
Street –
- Work with ODOT on Elton Street Intersection Upgrade (2015 ODOT project)
- Plan & Complete 2014 Street Program within current Budget
- Gain Approval of Increase of Income Tax for Streets in November from Voters
- Evaluate Underpass Storm Sewer & repair if required (State participation ?)
- Evaluate Proposal – Purchase of a TracHoe (Finance Committee asked to review proposal)
- Completion of approved Storage Building (required drawings & permits are in the works; if final numbers exceed the $ 50,000 bidding threshold project will be bid)
Parks –
- Completion of Bimeler Park Gazebo (Natureworks)
- Walking Path patching & resealing; repair of Skate Park and Tennis & Basketball Court surfaces)
- Explore project for 2015 Natureworks application
Police –
- Purchase of a 2015 Police Vehicle/State Coop Purchasing Program (3 year replacement rotation)
- Continue work on Emergency Response planning in conjunction with FD
At Village Hall –
- Completion of Interior Renovation
- Significant Completion of Codification of Village ordinances
- Completion of Employee Job Descriptions
- Evaluate & complete Current Employee Wage Ordinance (request that Council discuss numbers)
- Reconfiguration of future Employee Wage Format for 2015 (a more administrative approach)
Wastewater –
- Sweetwater Pump Station Project ($ 5,150,000 project)
- Evaluate Sewer Rates & Budget to position Dept for future infrastructure needs (see above)
Water –
- Evaluate Water Rates & Budget to position Dept for future infrastructure needs
- Prepare Dept for near future personnel needs
- Explore Water Plant upgrades including a backup generator
- Complete separate Metering of three private properties adjacent to Hillview
Zoning –
- Complete Zoning classification of Hillview Trailer Park & three adjacent private properties
- Begin review of Village Zoning Code (last review in 2006)
And So Forth -
Respectfully request that Council review the current user rates in the Village Sewer and Water Utilities; of concern in the Sewer Utility is the affect of the current Pump Station Project in conjunction with near future infrastructure needs; of concern in the Water Utility is near future infrastructure & maintenance needs.
Codification of Village ordinances: VA, Kris, Mackey, & Mayor met w/rep of American Legal Publishing; this would be a year long process including Amer. Legal & Village personnel; preliminary estimate is approximately $ 12,000; this would provide ready access to Village ordinances to all Village officials, the PD, residents, and the general public.
Kris & Mayor will be attending a GIS Training session in Medina on Wednesday & an Aultcare Healthcare Forum at Kent State Stark on Friday.
Mayor provided a Village Government Contact List and ask everyone to review before he makes copies.
VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: Kris King
March Financial Report.
Fire pay for March = $ 5,088.87.
Reminder: The annual mandatory Drug-Free Safety Program Training sessions have been scheduled for May 6, 2014. DFSP Supervisor training is at 9 a.m. followed by the DFSP Employee Education at 10:15 a.m. There will also be an evening session for the employees at 7 p.m. to accommodate the Fire Department and Council Members.
I attended the BWC Safety Congress in Columbus on Wednesday, March 26th. The first class I attended was "The Greatest Generation". It was an overview of the last 100 years of worker's safety given by an 80 year-old gentleman. It's amazing how far we have come. The second class was titled "Zombie Workers". This class was to make you aware how safety measurers are slowly ignored over time as we become lackadaisical about safety measures and always looking for shortcuts. These two classes should satisfy the BWC's requirement for group rating.
I attended OAPT's Hot Topic in Bellville on Wednesday, April 5th. This session was an update on legislation that could affect the Village's finances. The Ohio Municipal League provided printouts concerning the Municipal Income Tax proposals that I have copied for Council. There is also a piece of legislation pending that could devastate Ohio's economy, we may want to contact our legislators and make sure they know the affects of its passage and the Village's opinion.
The Easter Egg hunt will be held on April 19th at noon. The Moose is offering a free lunch to all participants following the event.
"VILLAGE SPEAKS"
Council Member Fox received a letter requesting it be read with a Cleveland postmark that stated that "Councilmen need to get off Facebook and face the residents like real men. Stop spreading political propaganda and trying to make themselves look good."
COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS: : *NOTE: The Goal of any committee meeting is to discuss an issue or proposal and to provide, by a consensus of the committee members, ONE recommendation to Council.
Tonight’s Committee Session: Utility Committee Meeting - Consensus is 3.5% increase for 4 years.
Parks & Grounds Committee Meeting Minutes from March 31 Session - Godwin to bring up under New/Old Business.
Minutes from Street Committee (Street Improvement Levy) Session on March 17.
Minutes from Employee Committee Meeting (Employee Wages) on March 17
Spring Clean Up – April 21
Arbor Day in Ohio is Friday, April 25th; Councilman Paul Mackey chairs the Tree Board: suggested from Stith & VA is the planting of a Gingko tree in Witting Park; in past committee has met quarterly and provided ongoing game plan for the year.
Pitch, Hit, and Run contest: FYBSA event on Saturday 04/26 at 9:45 am in Bimeler Park from Councilman Godwin.
Street Committee: Request from Mayor for committee to review possible parking issues on N. Jackson, Superior, Barber, and similar narrow streets.Possible lack of space for use by emergency vehicles and snow plows. Street Supt, Fire Chief, Police Chief & Mayor have recommended that parking restrictions be adopted.
Shearers Foods Associates will observe Earth Day on April 22nd with volunteers providing a Clean Up of Bimeler Park; Council invited to participate.
EXPENDITURE REQUESTS from past Meetings:
Street Supt: Quotes for CAT Mini Excavator & CAT Compact Wheel Loader (Council copy); trade-in backhoe; Mayor’s Request: that the Finance Committee work with VA Pauley to review this suggestion.
PROPOSALS PENDING:
Purchase of the American Legion Building – Awaiting response from Legion per Council’s 03/17/2014 proposal.
Sewer Rate Study Recommendation – Sewer Rate Increase (Info provided to Council in 07/2013 & on 12/02/2013). With the approval of the Sweetwater Pump Station Project this needs to be considered by Council.
From Mayor: Draft of a Social Media Policy for Village submitted to Council on 10/2012 & 02/03/2014. Mayor Requests: Review of this proposal by Employee Committee or a Council of the Whole Session.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS:
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to approve the Firemen's pay of $ 5,088.87 from the Fire Fund. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to reimburse Randi Hickman $ 4,715.20 for paramedic training pending signing of a three year contract. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to purchase park nets at a cost of $ 4,250 to keep the children from chasing their baseballs and soccer balls that end up on the railroad tracks from Parks and Grounds Fund. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to have an ordinance drawn up to provide for a 3.5% Sewer Rate increase for four years effective with the July 1st usage. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Mackey, yes; Strausbaugh, no; Tharp, no; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to schedule a Street Committee work session with all of council and to also have the Mayor invite citizens to discuss the proposed restricting of parking on N. Jackson, Superior, & Barberon May 19, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Council Member Hilliard asked if this is what the Police and Fire Dept's recommend. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Mackey, yes; Strausbaugh, no; Tharp, no; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to purchase a handicap swing at a cost of $ 2,508 for down by the concession stand from the Parks and Grounds Fund. Council Member Hilliard would like to look at it before approving it. Council Member Godwin described it. Fox and Godwin discussed how it was secured. Strausbaugh felt there were other things that should be focused on. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Mackey, yes; Strausbaugh, no; Tharp, no; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes.
Councilman Mackey asked if Supt. Patterson's future absence changes VA Pauley's favorable opinion of purchasing the CAT TracHoe Excavator and CAT Compact Wheel Loader. VA Pauley stated that Village Tech Jim Spivey would be able to use it in Supt. Patterson's absence.
COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to have an ordinance drawn up to purchase the CAT TracHoe Excavator and CAT Compact Wheel Loader and trade in the backhoe. The vote: Hilliard, no; Mackey, yes; Strausbaugh, no; Tharp, no; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes. The Mayor broke the tie by stating that although he is concerned that the Finance Committee has not met to discuss this but he will vote yes to have legislation prepared for consideration.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to schedule a Finance Committee meeting on May 5th at 6:30 pm. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Mackey, yes; Strausbaugh, no; Tharp, no; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to have an ordinance drawn up for a Social Media Policy. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Mackey, yes; Strausbaugh, no; Tharp, no; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to donate $ 1,000 for the Fairless Youth Baseball/Softball Association. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Mackey, yes; Strausbaugh, no; Tharp, no; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes.
Mayor Schwab ask if Council wished to act on VA Pauley's request to hire a temporary replacement for Supt. Patterson's absence. VA Pauley stated that since Council didn't object, he took that as an affirmation.
There was discussion on communication, compromise, and cooperation.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:54pm. The vote: All yes.
Respectfully submitted,
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K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer
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Mike Schwab, Mayor