June 4, 2012 - Meeting Minutes
MINUTES
BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL
JUNE 4, 2012
7:00 P.M.
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
Sherri Bichsel, Council Member
Dave Duff, Council Member
David Godwin, Council Member
Thomas Hilliard, Council Member
Jay Huff, Council Member
Steven Tharp, Jr., Council Member
VILLAGE OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Steve Hartman, Village Administrator
K. Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer
Al McCallin, Solicitor
Rick Patterson, Fire Chief
Harry Porter, Police Chief
Denise Rossiter, Sergeant
Mike Spivey, Patrolman
MINUTES FROM THE MAY 21, 2012 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:
Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the May 21, 2012 Council meeting minutes. There were none.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to accept the minutes. The vote: All yes.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to accept the bills for the amount of $ 51,480.47. The vote: All yes.
Council Member Huff stated it was about time for the firemen's pay. Mayor Schwab stated it would be addressed later in the meeting. Council Member Hilliard questioned the car supplies. Mayor Schwab stated it was oil and filters. Patrolman Spivey was performing the car maintenance in order to save money.
AUDIENCE TIME:
Paul Mackey of Dartmouth St stated it had recently been brought to his attention that a petition had been brought to Council about doing something to a street in his neighborhood. He feels this will open a can of worms. All the Village would be doing is putting money into someone's driveway and creating a street to nowhere. It had been stated at the last meeting that it involved a safety issue but he feels dumping gravel will create more of a safety issue, especially when mowing. The drive has worked fine for forty years and the issue only comes in when flatbeds hauling broken down cars are brought in to be fixed. This then becomes a zoning issue because it is a residential area not a business zone. If Council brings the gravel in and improves the alley then they might as well plan on doing it to the other end of Williams St. along with the ends of Dartmouth and Amherst Streets. They are basically expecting the Village to fix someone's driveway. The money would be much better spent on curbs and gutters in the neighborhood. Council Member Godwin stated that Council had not discussed it yet. Mr. Mackey stated it has been going on since May 11th and is a slippery slope to nowhere.
Mike Kaplan, a candidate for District 38, spoke to Council about his candidacy as a State Representative. He presented a map of the new district. He wants to learn about our district and our community's needs. He spent the day walking around Brewster and complimented the community for having friendly people along with how well maintained we are. He would like to do a town hall meeting. He wants to hear from Council and learn what he can do to help our community. He wants to see small towns keep going from generation to generation to generation.
The following residents were also present: Robert Brown, Robert Rogich, Keith and Joyce Stroud, Paul and Cindy Mackey, Ray and LaVonne Heitger, and Linda Taylor.
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:
ORDINANCE 14-2012: An Ordinance authorizing the waiver of the residency requirement of Police Chief Porter as outlined in ORC, Section 737.15 was given third reading.
COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY HUFF and motion carried to pass Ordinance 14-2012 as read. The vote: All yes.
An Ordinance disapproving the rezoning of Lots 596 & 597 from R-3 to I-1 (Public Hearing on 06/18/2012) was given second reading.
An Ordinance establishing fees, setting conditions, and outlining procedures for use of VillagePark facilities was given second reading.
An Ordinance adjusting the Village Fire Department Ambulance fees was given first reading.
Mayor Schwab reminded Council of the Public Hearing on June 18th.
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:
Fire Department: Chief Rick Patterson
Chief is recommending hiring Tyler Carpenter as a probationary firefighter pending physical, drug test, and background check.
Chief is requesting the purchase of two sets of electronic road flares (one for each squad) not to exceed $ 500.00.
Council question from 5/21/12: How many firemen are on the current roster? 28 plus 2 part-time paramedics.
Firemen's 12/01/2011 - 05/31/2012 payroll = $33,305.27; Needs Council approval.
Mayor Schwab congratulated the firemen on a successful festival; outstanding parade, excellent fireworks, a lot of hard work; all the firemen should be congratulated and thanked by all of us. Thank you!
Police Department: Chief Harry Porter
Dept is in the process of replacing brakes and tires on the oldest two cruisers; unit #2 is on tonight's bills.
May activity report: 40 arrests made of which 17 were criminal offenses. Chief Porter pointed out how many where drug and alcohol related.
SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin
Solicitor McCallin was looking into the liability insurance ordinance. Last year it was changed to make the policy and the ordinance for the same time period. The Village must advertise for bids according to ORC 32.028. Council Member Tharp asked if the old ordinance could be amended. Solicitor McCallin will research.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Stark County Council of Governments (SCOG) minutes and financial report: 80% of their expenses are for to the crime lab which our Police Department uses frequently. SCOG is also losing local government funding.
OWDA 2011 Report is available for review; lists their current funding programs and history of such funds expended.
Our customers recent utility bills included the "Drinking Water Consumer Confident Report 2012".
VA Hartman received a thank you card from Wayne and Peggy Harrison, 12345 Elton, for the removal of a large oak tree that was in the electric lines. The wood was given to a gentleman for heat that is out of work.
Letter from Tim Stith stating the wood on the benches in WittingPark were in bad shape and need to be replaced with the plastic lumber.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Hartman
Water:
Mohican line replacement will start again the week after the festival.
Electric:
VA is still waiting for information on rebates for the park lighting. They have been ordered.
Foundation for the south sub station site has been broken up. Street Department has been cleaning it up.
VA received a letter from the AMP safety man stating steel toed shoes are needed for the linemen.
Village:
Engineering Associates set the property pins on East Seventh property. Turns out the pine trees are on the Village right of way.
We will be replacing the front door at Village Hall with a commercial door with associated panic hardware.
Police cruiser bids will be opened on June 15th.
Council Member Hilliard asked when the courts would be refinished. VA Hartman told VASCO not to come until after the festival.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Draft copies of Parks & Grounds and Fire Department Five Year Plans for Council's review. Council may want to look at updating the Fire Department building's electric wiring upgrade.
A suggestion: The Village weed cutting policy (Section 93.4 of Village Basic Code) be modified to include language that provides that one notice is required for each lot in violation in a calendar year.
Economic Development: Our current customers are our best ambassadors for any future economic development. Some changes in flexibility in our operations are being made. The best thing to do is make our customers happy. Council Member Duff talked about the welcome wagon.
Food for Thought: Trash service vs. waste management and recycling; Council may want to explore making trash pickup a Village service through a contractor. Strasburg has pursued this and it only costs residents $7/month. He is concerned this will hurt the "little guys" in town.
Far Corner: Council meeting synopsis in current and future issues. He is restricted to 300 words.
VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT:
Finance 101- Ambulance and Equipment Fund.
First half of 2012 Firemen's pay = $33,305.27.
Quote for new doors for Village Hall.
Received nice packet from the new insurance company.
Remind Council to look over and sign the check register on the table.
Month to date and year to date report.
"VILLAGE SPEAKS":
Council Member Godwin: Kimble at the corner of 1st and Lincoln has a clogged storm sewer.
Council Member Godwin: Coaches are having problems with 4-wheelers tearing up the fields.
Council Member Tharp: Dave's Country Store will have it's grand opening on June 30th from 10 to 5pm. They will have old cars and popcorn.
COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS:
Finance Committee Meeting: May 30th - discussed funds available for 5th full time officer.
Insurance Committee Meeting: June 4th @ 6pm: discussed the liability insurance.
Council of the Whole meeting: June 4th @ 6:30: discussed the Street Improvement Levy. Council Member Bichsel recommended holding off until next year.
Neighborhood Watch Program: Council Member Hilliard spoke to several people at the festival that were interested. Twelve signs have been purchased.
Note: The Goal of any committee meeting is to discuss an issue or proposal and to provide by a consensus of the committee members a recommendation to Council.
EXPENDITURE REQUESTS from past Meetings:
From the Clerk: Quotes Carpet & Window Cleaning:
VH carpets Police Floor/Windows VH Chairs
Shoups: $ 221.00 $ 332.00 (estimate) $ 84.00
Floorcare: $ 262.00 $ 492.00
PENDING PROPOSALS from past meetings:
From VFD & Mayor: Expand 60 hr/week Paramedic Program to include 12 hours each on Saturday & Sunday per 05/07/2012 handout (modify Ord. 62-2005).
From Police Chief and Mayor: Hiring of a Full Time Level One Patrolman to fill the vacancy in the Police Departments roster created by the retirement of Chief Galvin Fowler.
Citizen's petition: Improvement of Williams Street - A paper street west of Dartmouth Ave.
Mayor's suggestion: Street Committee review the proposal based on past policy and the cost of all options. Would also suggest that the committee look at Ordinance #15-2004 which outlines a policy for vacating an alley or street in the village; something similar for an opening may be appropriate.
Removal of large Pin Oak tree at 512 E. Harmon Street; Mr. Shepler is no longer willing to pay half on the removal of the tree. The tree is half on Village property and half on his property.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS:
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to remove the pin oak at 512 E. Harmon Street from the General Fund. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, and motion carried to hold a safety meeting to discuss purchasing steel toed shoes for the linemen on June 18, 2012 at 6:30pm. Council Member Duff stated if it is OSHA required why not just buy them. The vote: Bichsel, yes; Duff, no; Godwin, yes; Hilliard, yes; Huff, yes; Tharp, yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL, and motion carried to hire Keith Creter as the fifth full time officer pending physical, drug test, and background check. The vote: Bichsel, yes; Duff, yes; Godwin, yes; Hilliard, no; Huff, no; Tharp, yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF to hold a Street Committee meeting on July 16th at 6:30pm to discuss the request to improve Williams Street at Village Hall. Council Member Hilliard stated he will not be able to attend. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to pay the Davey Tree bill not to exceed $4950.00 and to let Davey Tree know that nothing is to be planted in the future until it is authorized by Council. They are also to be asked to extend the warrantee until fall since the plan was not to plant the trees until fall this year. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF MOVED to expand the hours of the Paramedic Program for 6am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Council Member Godwin would rather see 10am to 10pm. Council Member Tharp suggested leaving it open ended as far as the hours. Chief Patterson stated there are a lot of calls in the early mornings. Council Member Huff stated his son hung around town on Memorial Day because there were no paramedics on duty on the holidays. Chief Patterson will have Paramedic Jen Mohler get information on the times of the calls. Discussion ensued concerning the holidays. Motion dies due to lack of second.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to expand the 60hours/week Paramedic Program to 84hours/week to include 12 hours on each, Saturday and Sunday, per May 7, 2012 handout and modify Ordinance #62-2005. The vote: Bichsel, yes; Duff, yes; Godwin, yes; Hilliard, no; Huff, abstain; Tharp, yes. Council Member Duff is still concerned about double dipping on the holiday.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to hold an Economic Development Committee meeting on June 18th, 2012 at 6pm. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN to have an Ordinance drawn up changing the language of Section 93.40 of Village Basic Code. Council Member Tharp challenged Council Member Bichsel about doing her job. After further discussion the motion was withdrawn.
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to hold a Neighborhood Watch meeting on Monday, June 25th at 6pm. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to accept the Firemen's pay for the first half of the year of $33,305.27 from the Fire Fund. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to approve Tyler Carpenter as a probationary firefighter pending physical, drug test, and background check. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to hold a Council of the Whole meeting on July 2nd, 2012 at 6:30pm to discuss the weed issue and the property maintenance code. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY HILLIARD and motion carried to consider the purchase of the electronic road flares for the squads an emergency, and to approve the purchase this evening from the Ambulance and Equipment Fund. The vote: All yes.
Council Member Hilliard asked how much the total was for Shoups' to do the requested cleaning. The total for both buildings is $553.00. It was decided to wait until after the front door on Village Hall is replaced.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to have an Ordinance drawn up to change the name of the Ambulance and Equipment Fund to the EMS Fund to better reflect the purpose of the fund. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP moved to draw up an Ordinance creating a Capital Project Fund for the Ambulance. Motion dropped at this time.
COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:27pm.
Respectfully submitted,
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K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer
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Mike Schwab, Mayor
"Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of standing still." - Chinese Proverb
“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” - Albert Pine