August 15, 2016 - 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.

 

Mike Schwab, Mayor

Dale Fox, Council Member                   David Godwin, Council Member

Chuck Hawk, Council Member             Tom Hilliard, Council Member            

Paul Mackey, Council Member             Steve Tharp, Jr., Council Member                    

 

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer                    Chris Colucy, Fire Chief          

John Anthony, Village Solicitor             Keith Creter, Police Captain

Jim Spivey, Village Technician             Benny Truman, School Resource Officer

 

 

Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the August 1, 2016 Council meeting minutes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to accept the minutes as presented.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to accept the August 15, 2016 bills in the amount of $ 89,434.63.  The vote: All yes. 

 

Councilman Hilliard asked if the bill for Thompson Electric was the final payment.  The Mayor stated it was the final payment.

 

Amanda Uhler, Fairless School Nurse, attended with Paula Burkett of 405 Tuscarawas Ave NW.  Ms. Burkett has a visually impaired son that was almost hit by a car recently.  They are requesting three signs stating there is a visually impaired child to be put up: one above the house and one below the house on Tuscarawas Ave and one on Pinewood St.  Both Council and the Mayor stated they would look into it.

 

Audience in attendance: Ray Heitger, Cindy Mackey, Jennifer, Wyhatt, Morgan, and Courtney Creter, and Jenny Spivey.

Tim Ailes, Dawson Insurance, attended to introduce himself to Council.  Dawson is an independent insurance company that has been in Akron for over 45 years.  They can bundle policies.  He would like the opportunity to give Brewster a quote for the Village’s liability and casualty insurance.  Dawson is the 5^th largest casualty and liability insurance company for municipalities and covers over 50 municipalities in Ohio.  Mayor Schwab asked Mr. Ailes about a three-year contract and why the amount would change from year to year.  Mr. Ailes stated the differences between the years is only for the changes in exposure.

 

Ordinance 27-2016: An ordinance authorizing the modification of water usage fees and charges was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER MOVED THARP, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX to bring the ordinance forward for passage.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to amend the original ordinance to reflect the changes take effect with the January usage on the February bill.  Councilman Mackey would feel more comfortable starting the increase as soon as possible-otherwise the Village would lose three months of the additional income.  The vote to amend the ordinance: Godwin, yes; Hawk, yes; Hilliard, yes; Mackey, no; Tharp, yes; Fox, yes.  Motion passed.

 

Councilman Hilliard asked what the current capital charge is.  The current capital charge is $8.88.

 

The vote on the passage of the amended ordinance: Godwin, yes; Hawk, yes; Hilliard, no; Mackey, yes; Tharp, yes; Fox, yes.  The ordinance passes.

Ordinance 28-2016: An ordinance authorizing a Gas Aggregation Program Agreement with Volunteer Energy Services, Inc. (October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017) (7% less than Columbia Gas SCO Adder) was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to pass the ordinance as presented.  The vote: All yes.

 

Ordinance 29-2016: An ordinance authorizing the restricted parking on McKinley Avenue from West Second to Bimeler Park entrance was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to pass the ordinance as presented.  The vote: All yes.

 

Councilman Fox asked how the no parking signs could be put up before the ordinance was passed.  The Mayor stated no tickets had been issued, it was considered an advisory until now.  Councilman Godwin stated there should be a handicap parking space at that end of the park.  Councilman Tharp stated that the residents that live on that block should be considered also.

 

First Reading: An Ordinance Awarding a Contract for Village Liability Insurance.

 

First Reading: An Ordinance Creating a Fire Capital Improvement Fund.

 

First Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing Allocation of Funds for the EMS Fund and Reduce the Allocation to the Ambulance Replacement Fund.

 

First Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing an Exclusive Development Agreement with American Renewable Energy, Inc.

 

First Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing Option to Purchase Agreements for Property for the Proposed Solar Project.

 

Resolution 30-2016: A Resolution of Appreciation to Chief Harry Porter was read.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to pass the Resolution of Appreciation as read.  The vote: All yes.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT: Chief Chris Colucy

Possible BWC Grant Application for motorized cots; Cost Breakdown: BWC = 2/3 & Village = 1/3.  The quote from Ferno was $ 75,200 with the Village paying $ 25,066.67.  The quote from Stryker was

$ 87,941.92 with the Village share being $ 29,313.97.

 

569 Fire/Ambulance calls from 08/01/2015 – 07/21/2016; 308 in Brewster, 161 in Sugarcreek Township, 100 in Tuscarawas Township.  Chief Colucy discussed his opposition to creating a fire district.

 

RED Center Fire/Ambulance Dispatch in 2017 = $ 46.46 per call; same as 2016.

 

Chief Colucy reported that there was no word on the FEMA Grant for the Fire Truck.  He is looking into working on a joint grant with another department for AirPacks.

 

Councilman Hilliard asked if Wilmot received two new trucks through grants.  Chief Colucy stated they have all new vehicles through grants.  They are able to qualify because they are private and not affiliated with the Village.

 

Councilman Tharp stated that since we are already $ 3,000 into the engineering of an addition to the Fire Department, he doesn’t want to just set on it.  He wants to keep the project moving.  Chief Colucy stated that Canton’s new fire station was $3.5 million.  He also stated he did not know what the cost would be for the architect to finish the drawings and present the nuts and bolts of the project to Council.  The

$ 3,000 was only for a rough drawing.

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT:(Chief Harry Porter-Retired)-Captain Keith Creter

Officer Truman attended School Resource Officer Training in Columbus the week of August 8^th.  He reported that the training put a whole new light on his duties at the school.  His focus will be building bonds with the students and teaching.

 

Capt. Creter met with Supt. Bidlack about upcoming School Year; Traffic flow from the closing of SR 62 for about 75 days and that due to budget restraints, Officer Truman will most likely be in Fairless Schools 24 hours per week in 2016.  There will be an officer at the intersection of Seventh St. and State Route 62 to ensure traffic flow.

 

Capt. Creter introduced two Part Time Officer candidates – Kyle Vacha & Steven Hudy.

 

Capt. Creter was asked how he felt about a heroin awareness sign being put up in the Village.  He stated that he was 100% for it.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to appoint Kyle Vacha as a probationary police officer pending physical and drug screen.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to appoint Steven Hudy as a probationary police officer pending physical and drug screen.  The vote: All yes.

 

Solicitor Anthony has provided additional work on the Option to Purchase Agreements and is waiting to get comments from the parties.  The Development Agreement is ready to pass.

 

Solicitor Anthony believes that the insurance contracts should only be annual and not a three-year contract unless there is a bidding process.

 

Councilman Hilliard stated there was a bill for the attorney’s representing the Village in the Walker litigation.  He would like to know what is going on.  Solicitor Anthony stated they have appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court.

 

VA Miller suggested bringing in a consultant to put a bid spec together.  Have that person meet with the Council, Administration, and employees on both liability and casualty and the employee Health Insurance Plan.  VA Miller stated he would to involve the employees in the healthcare process.  This change in approach would provide more transparency and provide better results long term.

 

SARTA August News Letter: Ten-year Renewal of a 0.25% Sales Tax Levy on November Ballot.

 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Mike Miller

 Administrator’s report for period 08/02/2016 thru 08/15/2016:

 

VA Miller is asking for authority to hire a new Village Technician with priority to be given to those applicants that hold a state water and/or wastewater license.

 

There has been a request from a resident of Justus for a waterline extension due to a failing well.  VA Miller suggests that we consider getting ready for these requests by looking into long term plans for waterline extensions.  Providing the service would also be beneficial to the Village system by creating a loop in the line.  The City of Canton charges a 50% surcharge for non-resident water users.  VA Miller doesn’t think forcing annexation at this time is a good idea.

 

VILLAGE MAYOR: Mike Schwab

Mike has hit the ground running.  Some of the projects on which he has been working:

 

 

3.         Proposed Solar Project UPDATE:

 

4.         Village Liability Insurance & Employee Health Insurance

a.          To touch bases on the current liability insurance process

b.         To explore Wichert’s employee healthcare insurance services

 

5.         Efficiency Smart Program thru AMP

 

6.         Fire/Ambulance District Committee (Councilmen Hawk, Mackey, Tharp & Mayor):

 

Councilman Hilliard asked if the waterline project is still on schedule.  VA Miller stated it is scheduled to start on August 22^nd.

 

Mayor Schwab read a letter he composed that requested the appointment of Captain Keith Creter to Brewster Police Chief.  He had a draft ordinance prepared for Council approval.

 

Heroin Awareness sign.  F.A.T.H.E.R.S. is requesting to put a 4x8 sign for heroin awareness in the old Sturm’s lot.  They will cover the cost plus change the stats monthly.   Sample provided.

 

Councilman Godwin stated the phone number on the sign is for those affected by heroin addiction.  Heroin addiction is growing at a very fast rate.  This will show that Brewster is in the forefront of heroin awareness.

 

The Recreation Board is requesting a date set for Trick-or-Treat.  Councilman Tharp suggests that the Recreation Board make a recommendation.

 

I am working on the 2017 Alternative Tax Budget.  It is due August 20^th.

 

Reminder: The first meeting in September will be Tuesday, September 6^th due to Labor Day.

 

 

COMMITTEES or COUNCIL REPORTS: 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

Councilman Tharp reported on the 6:00 Employee Committee meeting.  Call-out pay and duty pay were discussed with the VA providing different scenarios and comparisons.  The VA provided some good information for moving forward.  He will be gathering more information for future meetings.  No recommendations were made.

 

Donation request from the Fairless Midget Football Association for $500. 

 

                            August 20^th at 7pm - “The Last Stand” Concert in Bimeler Park  

                        September 15^th at 7pm – Planning Commission meeting

 

OLD or NEW BUSINESS: (Council Rules dictate a one meeting review period for expenditures, unless deemed an emergency)

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to draw up an ordinance approving the Mayor’s and former Police Chief Harry Porter’s recommendation to approve Captain Keith Creter as the Brewster Police Chief.  Councilman Tharp stated Captain Creter has done a wonderful job during Chief Porter’s absence and has kept Council up-to-date on what is going on in the Village.  Councilman Godwin stated he voted for Captain Creter when he was hired as the 5^th full time Officer, when he was promoted to Captain, and he will once again vote for him to be Chief.  He feels Captain Creter is doing a phenomenal job and is the right choice.  The vote: All yes.

 

Ordinance #31-2016: An Ordinance Providing for the Appointment of Keith M. Creter to the Position of Brewster Village Police Chief, and Declaring an Emergency was given first reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL EMBER MACKEY and motion carried to suspend the rule requiring three separate readings and bring the legislation forward for passage.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to approve the appointment of Captain Keith Creter as Police Chief.  The vote: All yes.

 

Mayor Schwab swore Keith M. Creter in as Brewster Village Police Chief.  Clerk King took pictures in a brief ceremony.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to draw up an ordinance to place Visual Impaired Child signs in Tuscarawas Ave and on Pinewood Street.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to donate $500 to help support the Fairless Midget Football Association.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to allow a heroin awareness sign to be placed in the old Sturm’s lot and waive the fee for the zoning permit.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to permit the VA to advertise for a 4^th Village Technician.  Councilman Tharp reiterated that this does not permit the actual hiring, only to advertise.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and to permit the VA to change or cancel the August 30^th street sweeping.  The vote: All yes.  Councilman Hilliard asked for ideas from the VA to help get the vehicles off the streets during street sweeping.

 

Council Member Hilliard stated there is a street light at Wabash and Elm that has been on all day.

Chief Colucy invited Council to go on a squad run to see what they do.  Councilman Fox asked about insurance coverage.  Chief Colucy stated they could sign a waiver.

 

Councilman Mackey asked when it would be a good time to have a Fire District discussion with the members of the committee.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to schedule a meeting to discuss the creation of a Fire District on August 22^nd, 2016 at 6:30pm.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

_____________________________________

Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 

____________________________________

Mike Schwab, Mayor