December 15, 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 K. Kris King followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Mike Schwab, Mayor

Dale Fox, Council Member               Dave Godwin, Council Member

Chuck Hawk, Council Member         Tom Hilliard, Council Member

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

 

Al McCallin, Village Solicitor             Rob Pauley, Village Administrator

K. Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

 

EMPLOYEES:

Matt Bair, Firefighter                        Jay Bucher, Firefighter

Roger Carpenter, Paramedic           Tyler Carpenter, Fireman

Chris Colucy, Fire Captain               Craig Daniels, Firefighter

Terry Griffith, Jr., Firefighter             Jim Mills, Paramedic

Jen Mohler, Interim Fire Chief          Mike Mohler, Firefighter

Mark Murdocco, Fire Captain           Harry Porter, Police Chief

Cheryl Wade, Firefighter

 

Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the December 1, 2014 Council meeting minutes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX 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 bills for the amount of $ 90,227.54.  The vote: All yes.

Council Rules: Members of the audience shall rise to be recognized, state their name and address, ask their questions or make their comments in a direct manner, and receive their answer in a like manner.  Members of the audience shall only speak at audience time, and shall be ruled out of order if they attempt to join in Council’s discussions. Courtesy shall prevail at all times.

 

PRESENTATION OF COUNCIL GUESTS:  State Senator Frank LaRose - 27th District

Senator LaRose was unable to attend.

 

Others in attendance: Cindy Mackey, Ray and LaVonne Heitger, Tia Judd, John Anthony, John Barkan, Linda Taylor, and Ann-Margaret Lambo.

CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:

RESOLUTION 50-2014: A resolution adopting the Temporary Appropriations for 2015 was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried pass Resolution 50-2014 as presented. The vote: All yes.

 

ORDINANCE 51-2014: An ordinance adopting Supplemental Appropriations and Amending Appropriations Resolution for 2014 was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to pass Ordinance 51-2014 as presented. The vote: All yes.

 

Third Reading: Authorize Transfer of Funds from General Fund to Street Resurfacing & Capital Projects Funds. Clerk-Treasurer King recommended that no funds be transferred at this time.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion failed to transfer funds from the General Fund to the Street Resurfacing and Capital Projects Funds. The vote: All no.

 

Second Reading: Resolution of Necessity for the Renewal of the 4 mil Fire Levy for 2016-2020 and requesting that the County Auditor certify tax valuations and revenue.

 

Second Reading: Resolution to submit a ballot issue for the Renewal of a 4 mil Fire Levy for 2016-2020 to the voters for the May 5, 2015 election.

 

Mayor Schwab requested Council consider tonight to take the following actions:

1. Creation of an ordinance to employ Attorney John F. Anthony as Village Solicitor for a two-year period commencing on January 1, 2015.

2. Consider under this legislation as an emergency this evening.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to create an ordinance employing Attorney John F. Anthony as Village Solicitor for a two year period commencing on January 1, 2015, and declaring an emergency was given first reading.

 

ORDINANCE 52-2014: An ordinance employing Attorney John F. Anthony as Village Solicitor for a two year period commencing on January 1, 2015, and declaring an emergency was given first reading.

 

Council Member Hilliard inquired as to why it was an emergency. Solicitor McCallin stated that he wished to retire as solicitor due to his private practice workload. Council Member Tharp asked if it was a medical reason. Solicitor McCallin stated the 60-day extension of his contract would be expiring soon.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to suspend the requirement of three separate readings and bring the ordinance forward for passage. The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to pass Ordinance 52-2014 as presented. The vote: All yes.

           

Fire Department: Interim Fire Chief Jen Mohler

Interim Chief’s Letter:

• Ambulance repairs: #155 (2009 Squad) is back in service.
• North Siren: Doesn't wind up properly. Needs a new starter motor.
• Tuscarawas Township Contract: There is a meeting on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
• PD assistance at calls: Interim Chief Jen Mohler commended the Police Department on their participation in recent fire calls.

 

Interim Chief Jen Mohler thanked the Fire Department for their cooperation during the six week transition period. She also wished Chris Colucy the best of luck with his new position.

 

Mayor: Thanked Jen Mohler and Jon Huff for stepping up and leading the fire department for the last six weeks. He commended the fire department for their excellent service to the community. He would like to see Council recognize Rick Patterson for his years of excellent service to the community as fireman, EMT, and Fire Chief. He then recommended Jen Mohler to be appointed Assistant Fire Chief and Chris Colucy as Fire Chief.

 

Police Department: Chief Harry Porter

Chief continues to advertise for Part Time Officers & hopes to provide Council with candidates soon.

 

Captain Creter’s Memo:

• Conducted 5 interviews for potential candidates for part-time officers.
• Investigating 2 burglaries. Asking citizens to call the Police Department if suspicious cars or persons are seen.
• Three 5-hour shifts are being worked at the schools.
• Police are responding with the Fire Department on all calls within Village limits. Ptl. Keener received a letter of commendation for his assistance on a recent call by Interim Chief Jen Mohler.
• New vacation/security check forms are available to any resident or business.
• New security camera system has been installed at the Police Department.

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried for Council to go into executive session to meet with Legal Counsel to discuss disputes involving the Village that are subject to pending or imminent court action at 7:25pm. The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to exit executive session at 7:31pm. The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to hire Atty. Al McCallin at $50/hour to assist Atty. Greg Beck with the Walker litigation. The vote: All yes.

 

Walker vs. Brewster Mediation on Wednesday, December 10 at 8:45 am at the County Court House was continued until February 2nd, 2015. Most likely this case will go to trial in mid to late February.

 

Carter Casperd Fairless student & Brewster resident is WEWS Channel 5’s Athlete of the Week - Link http://www.newsnet5.com/sports/local-sports/student-athlete-of-the-week/athlete-of-the-week-fairless-high-three-sport-athlete-carter-casperd

 

NAPA Store Grand Opening on Friday, December 19^th from 10 am to 3 pm; all invited.

 

Administrator’s report for period 12/02/2014 thru 12/12/2014:        

-          With GPD representative and FirstEnergy representatives met with Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway representatives regarding change of easements, access entry and additional vegetation easement associated with the sale of the 69kVA T-line to FirstEnergy.

 

-          Reminder representative from GPD will be at the Utility Committee session with preliminary option/costs associated with FE 69kVA substation changeover.

 

-          With Clerk Treasurer reviewing proposals, meeting with firms regarding the acceptance of online (and possible on-site) credit/debit/gift cards for utility payments initially, could be expanded to other village fees/charges. Clerk Treasurer reviewing the acceptance of auto-withdrawal (ACH) for utility accounts.

 

-          With Mayor and appropriate department heads reviewing proposal for participation in a Small Community GPS Data Collection and GIS Mapping Project for water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and electric utility assets. Electric department (public power), due to its unique nature for asset attributes, will be addressed as a separate project.

 

-          Sweetwater pump station project, next progress meeting scheduled for December 18^th.

 

-          Wastewater Superintendent will be on medical leave, expected return Dec. 22, 2014

 

-          Reminder curbside Christmas tree pickup will be January 5, 2015 thru January 16, 2015 or dropped off at the yard-waste drop-off area at the Street garage. Residents should remove ornaments & lighting strings from the trees.

 

-          Reminder – the winter snow parking ban is in effect when snow depth is 3” or more. No on-street parking at that time.

 

-          I will be on leave beginning Dec. 19, 2014 and return Dec. 29, 2014.

 

VILLAGE MAYOR: Mike Schwab

Council Letter of Appreciation to Holy Family Parish/St Therese Parish; Council letter of Appreciation to the Brewster Laundromat. (Both need Council signatures).

 

Village’s Gazebo Project; contractor Frontier Gazebo’s proposal is $ 44,369 ($11,092 Village share) (under the $ 45,510 budget) for a 24’ x 30’ Pavilion in clay vinyl, black roof, grey Azek flooring w/brown accent band w/steps and handicap ramp on a 2’ high stone/concrete piered foundation construction scheduled for late April; Frontier to provide plans & permits.

Tax Administrator Hartman/Chapanar Proposal: Income Tax Amnesty for Non-Filers for the past 5 years (Council copy).

 

Council review of 2015 Council Committee assignments (Council copy of final 2014 list).

 

Council review of 2015 Council Rules (Council copy of current Council Rules).

 

Respectfully request that Economic Development Committee consider contacting area business owners concerning a Brewster Business Association in January or February of 2015.

 

Council Member Hilliard asked where the gazebo would be located. The location is staked out. Mayor Schwab stated it is on the north side of the sycamore tree. The alley will not be closed.

 

Check register for tonight's meeting provided for Council's signatures.

 

Worker's Comp cases nearing completion.

 

Fire pay for November = $5804.34.

 

The judging sheets for the Christmas Lighting Contest will be tallied this week and the winners will be announced at the children's Christmas party in the fire station on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.

 

Continuing submittals to OWDA for the Sweetwater Pump Station Project.

 

Payrolls for the Sweetwater Pump Station Project continue to be turned in and verified.  I've conducted the first employee on-site interviews.

 

Any Council Members interested in attending the Local Government Officials Conference need to let me know so I can get hotel rooms booked.  I would recommend anyone attending also attend the Public Records Training.  After the first of the year, those not attending a Public Records Training session need to designate someone that is attending as their representative by motion. 

 

A local business owner and I are starting to gather ideas for a village Christmas celebration.  Looking at holding it in the park in the gazebo.  We will probably be looking to find volunteers for a committee.  Does Council want the Village to be involved?

 

Please let me know any Council projects that are being looked into for 2015 as the budgetary process for 2015 is beginning.

 

Public records requests continue to flow in.

 

I will be gathering the final 2014 legislation to submit to American Legal.

 

VILLAGE SPEAKS: Communications to Council Members from Village residents

Nothing to report.

 

*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.

 

Street & Sidewalk Committee minutes from 12/08/14 - The committee decided to wait until November to bring the Street Levy issue before the voters. They plan to form a Levy Committee.

 

Records Retention Commission met this evening at 6:00pm.

 

Utility Committee Work Session met this evening concerning the Harmon Substation 69Kv changeover with Dwight Neiderkofler reviewing the process.

 

Council of the Whole Minutes for FD Chief Interviews on 12/03/14, 12/06/14, & 12/08/14.

 

 

From Mayor: Formulation of a plan and protocol for use of the Sidewalk Repair/Replacement Fund.

 

From Economic Development Committee: The creation of a Brewster Business Association.

 

From Mayor: For review in 2015: draft legislation for general operation of Village utilities and regulations for the operations of each of the three utilities.

Interim Fire Chief: Contacting Sugarcreek Twp about renewing Fire Contract, ends on 02/21/2015.

From Village Clerk: Requests that Council advise her of any significant expenditure plans in 2015 Budget.

From VA & Mayor: RCAP proposal for a GIS Project in the Village Utilities.

 

From VA: FE Harmon Substation Changeover Procedures and scheduled Electric Outage.

 

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 GODWIN and motion carried to pay the fireman for November at a cost of $5,804.34 from the Fire Equipment Fund. The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to prepare a Resolution of Congratulations for Carter Casperd. The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to prepare a letter of appreciation for Rick Patterson for his service to the Volunteer Fire Department. The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to have an income tax amnesty as proposed by Tax Administrator Hartman and Prosecutor Chapanar. The vote: Hilliard, no; Mackey, yes; Tharp, yes; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes; Hawk, yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to approve Mayor Schwab's recommendation of the appointment of Chris Colucy as Fire Chief. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Mackey, no; Tharp, yes; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes; Hawk, yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to approve Mayor Schwab's recommendation of the appointment of Jen Mohler as Assistant Fire Chief. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Mackey, no; Tharp, yes; Fox, yes; Godwin, yes; Hawk, yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to hold a Utility Committee work session on January 19, 2015 at 6:00pm with GPD to have further discussion on the Harmon Substation 69kV changeover. The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to prepare a Resolution of Appreciation for Village Solicitor Al McCallin. The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:05pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

_____________________________________

K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 

____________________________________

Mike Schwab, Mayor