November 17, 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.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
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
VILLAGE OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Al McCallin, Village Solicitor Rob Pauley, Village Administrator
K. Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer
EMPLOYEES:
Jen Mohler, Interim Fire Chief Mark Murdocco, Fire Captain
MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 3, 2014 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:
Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the November 3, 2014 Council meeting minutes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to accept the minutes as presented. The vote: All yes.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to accept the bills for the amount of $ 333,982.87. The vote: All yes.
Council Member Hilliard reiterated what he said last meeting about wanting three or more bids in the future for the tree trimming over the power lines which Davey Tree has been performing.
AUDIENCE:
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.
No one spoke.
Others in attendance: Cindy Mackey, Ray Heitger, John Barkan, Peg McCune, Linda Taylor, and Ann-Margaret Lambo.
PRESENTATION OF GUESTS:
None
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:
ORDINANCE 49-2014:An ordinance authorizing the modification to the Village Clerk-Treasurer salary was given third reading.
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP to pass the ordinance as read. Council Member Hilliard stated this is the same increase as the employees received in September. Council Member Fox stated he did not feel it should be made retroactive to September.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP to amend the ordinance to not include retroactive pay back to September 4th, 2014. The vote: Godwin, no; Hawk, no; Hilliard, no; Mackey, no; Tharp, yes; Fox, yes. Motion failed.
The vote for the ordinance as originally presented: Godwin, yes; Hawk, yes; Hilliard, yes; Mackey, yes; Tharp, no; Fox, no. Ordinance passes.
Council Member Hilliard stated he is working on an ordinance for all elected officials and will present it in the future.
First Reading: Adoption of a Temporary Appropriation Resolution.
First Reading: Adoption of a Supplemental Appropriations and Amending Appropriations Resolution.
First Reading: Authorize Transfer of Funds from General Fund to Street Resurfacing & Capital Projects Funds.
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:
Fire Department: Interim Fire Chief Jen Mohler
Interim Chief letter: Reported on equipment that needed attention, thanked the members of the Fire Department for their hard work, discussed a couple of days where there were multiple calls at the same time and how well the department handled it, and two thank you letters that expressed their gratitude for the great care and great service they received. She also assured council and the community that even though there will be growing pains during the administrative changes, they will continue to give the community their best because that is why they serve.
From the Mayor: Interim Chief Jen Mohler and Interim Asst. Chief Jon Huff are ensuring that the day to day operations continue, and they are doing well; through the dedication of all the FD members, the department continues to handle calls professionally and efficiently because we have good people.
Council Member Hawk commented he had a family member in Perry that required EMS service recently. Due to Perry not being able to handle the call, Brewster covered for them. Council Member Hawk stated the members on the call went above and beyond to care for his aunt.
Police Department: Chief Harry Porter(absent)
The School Resource Officer hours have been temporarily curtailed due to manpower needs as the result of two full time officers being on sick leave.
Chief Porter is advertising for Part Time Officers and hopes to provide Council with candidates soon.
Council Member Hilliard asked how soon Officer Taylor would be back. Mayor Schwab stated he is dealing with Worker's Comp so it is unknown.
Council Member Tharp asked if other communities had been asked to help out while we are short staffed. Mayor Schwab stated when asked they replied that we get the taxes so we are responsible for the coverage. Council Member Godwin asked if we can hire an officer from a neighboring community. Council Member Hilliard is concerned that we have no hours to provide the school. Council Member Hawk asked if there was an ordinance stating that we would provide coverage at the school. Mayor Schwab stated that when the fifth Full Time Police Officer position was created Council allowed that 15 hours per week would be provided to Fairless Schools, but that there was no separate agreement with Fairless. Council Member Hilliard requested the Mayor contact other communities. Mayor Schwab stated he would do so.
VILLAGE SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin
Solicitor and Mayor are touching bases with area Attorneys to provide Council with a candidate for the next Village Solicitor; goal is early 2015.
Walker vs. Brewster Mediation on Wednesday, December 10 at 8:45 am at the County Court House.
Council Member Fox asked about overtime pay for part-time officers. Solicitor McCallin will investigate.
Mayor Schwab asked Solicitor McCallin about going into executive session for interviewing potential Fire Chiefs. Solicitor McCallin stated it was permissible but he did not recommend it.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Donation Application: Fairless Youth Basketball Association – requests $ 500 to purchase equipment.
Ohio Division of Liquor Control: All Alcohol Permits in Brewster expire on 02/01/2015; Council’s opportunity to object to any renewal; Chief Porter has been asked to comment.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR:VA Robert Pauley
Administrator’s report for period 11/01/2014 thru 11/17/2014:
- Curbside leaf pickup will run thru November 26th (weather & leaves permitting).
- Amherst St. paving project – contractor to complete 3 remaining manhole collars – weather dependent.
- SafeSidewalks (Precision Concrete Cutting) scheduled for Wednesday 11/19/2014 or Thursday 11/20/2014 (weather dependent) for pilot area – Wabash Ave. underpass east side and Main St SW. (Wabash to 224 Main St SW). Council Member Mackey asked about the trees on Superior? VA Pauley stated he didn't have a quote yet. Council Member Mackey asked about the trees on West Main Street. VA Pauley stated they will be cutting 36-37 slices off of slabs of sidewalks for just under $2,000.
- Sweetwater pump station project, next progress meeting scheduled for November 20th.
- Wastewater Superintendent will be on medical leave, expected return Dec. 8, 2014.
- With the Holidays fast approaching, 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.
- Drop off donations for the Fairless Food Cupboard may be done at Village Hall. Remember those less fortunate this Holiday Season.
- Email from Shearers - Mark Schwerdtfeger, Vice-President of Sustainability, Safety, and Wellness - Update on the changes to Shearers Wastewater Treatment facility including a new larger blower and controls. Also added equipment to reduce overall noise level.
- FERC - Notice for the ET Rover Pipeline gas pipeline project going near the Village. It is a main trunk line. There will be a scoping meeting to provide the public an opportunity to learn about the FERC environmental review process and to comment on the project. The meeting will be December 4th at 6:00pm in the Fairless High School Auditorium.
Council Member Hilliard advised that a short stretch of Needham wasn't plowed.
Council Member Hilliard asked about the reduction in our electric charges. VA Pauley stated the distribution and transmission costs will drop. Council Member Hilliard asked what the figure would be. VA Pauley stated it would be dependent on the weather and congestion in the grid and transmission lines.
VILLAGE MAYOR: Mike Schwab
Council Letter of Appreciation to Patty’s Beauty Shop owner and staff; Council letter of Appreciation to Pirates Pizza North owner and staff ; Council welcome to the new NAPA Store owner & staff. (All need Council signatures).
Mayor’s Letter to Fire Department membership – advises of Chief Patterson’s resignation, the interim appointments, and the Fire Chief search (Council copy) Also a copy of a letter to Chief Patterson thanking him for his service.
The Independent has made a Public Record's request to Council concerning any information they may have received from Firefighters from 11/01-11/10 concerning former Chief Patterson.
Copy of Village’s August 18, 2014 to local American Legion concerning Council’s withdrawal from consideration of building purchase.
Codification Project: American Legal advises that the editing department has completed preliminary outlining; they ask that we continue to provide them with any new ordinances.
Mayor currently working with Utility Office & VA to prepare draft legislation for general operation of that portion of the utilities; plans are to also offer regulations for the three utilities for review.
VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER: Kris King
I've been busy filling with multiple records requests. If any Council Members have submissions for public requests, please be sure to submit to my office for the Village's records.
I'm currently trying to work through a couple of worker's compensation issues. I'm having trouble with getting people to return phone calls.
A certificate for an additional amended certificate has been submitted to Stark County Auditor Alan Harold for the Sweetwater Pump Station Project.
A request for fund approval has been submitted to Local Government Services for the creation of the Sidewalk Improvement Fund.
The Volunteer Firemen's pay for the month of October is $ 5,078.78.
Starting to work on next year's budget. Meeting with superintendents for departmental needs and wish lists.
Continuing submittals to OWDA for the Sweetwater Pump Station Project.
VILLAGE SPEAKS: Communications from Village residents
Nothing to report.
COMMITTEES 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
Safety Committee met this evening with personnel consultant John Barkan for advice concerning. Fire Chief search; Note: applications to be received until 5 pm on 11/24; goal is to provide Council with a candidate for consideration by mid-December.
Mayor requests a Safety Committee Work Session on November 24th at 6:30pm.
FYI - Current 4 mil Fire Levy ends on December 31, 2015; Sugarcreek Twp Fire Contract ends on 02/21/2015; Tuscarawas Twp Fire Contract ends on 12/31/2015
REMINDER: Parks & Grounds Work Session on 12/01/14 at 6 pm
Economic Development Work Session on 12/01/14 at 6:30 pm
Street & Sidewalk Committee Work Session on 01/05/15 at 6 pm
EXPENDITURE REQUESTS from past Meetings:
PROPOSALS PENDING:
From Mayor: Creation of a Fund for future Sidewalk Repair/Replacement Fund and formulation of a protocol for use of such funds.
The creation of a Brewster Business Association.
OLD or NEW BUSINESS:(Council Rules dictate a one meeting review period for expenditures, unless deemed an emergency)
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried hold a Safety Committee meeting on November 24, 2014 at 6:30pm. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to pay the fireman at a cost of $ 5,078.78 from the Fire Equipment Fund. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKEY and motion carried to hold a Committee of the Whole meeting on December 15th, 2014 at 6:30pm to discuss the dog ordinance. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to have a resolution of necessity for the renewal of the 4 mil Fire Levy drawn up for the May primary election. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to have a resolution to submit the 4 mil Fire Levy to the Board of Elections. The vote: All yes.
Council Member Tharp brought up the Street Improvement Levy. The north side precinct vote was about 50/50. The south side precinct vote was a landslide loss. He stated he feels a need for a committee involving citizens. Council Member Hilliard stated he has three ideas for the levy and asked if this would be under the Street Committee.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to hold a Street Committee meeting on December 8th, 2014 at 6:00pm. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to hold a Records Retention Committee meeting on December 15th, 2014 at 6:15pm. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:07pm. The vote: All yes.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________________
K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer
____________________________________
Mike Schwab, Mayor