February 6, 2012 - Meeting Minutes
MINUTES BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL FEBRARY 6, 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 MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to excuse Council Member Duff from tonight's meeting. The vote: All yes.
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 David Godwin, Council Member Thomas Hilliard, Council Member Jay Huff, Council Member Steven Tharp, Jr., Council Member VILLAGE OFFICIALS PRESENT: Galvin Fowler, Police Chief K. Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer Al McCallin, Solicitor
MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 16, 2012 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the January 16, 2012 Council meeting minutes. There were none.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to accept the minutes. The vote: All yes.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS: COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP to accept the bills for the amount of $ 199,036.76. Council Member Tharp asked why we were paying Shanklin Heating when we have a warrantee. Clerk King stated it is the furnace located in the Fire Department not the new one and is not covered by a warantee. Council Member Huff stated that there were bills for bonds for King and Cline but asked about Hartman. Clerk King stated the Village carries bonds on VA Hartman and Mayor Schwab in addition to Clerk-Treasurer King and Utility Clerk Cline. Council Member Huff questioned a bill to Ohio Public Risk Insurance. Clerk King stated it was a plan initiated by Larry Gilkerson for Firefighters disability. This is the third year of the three plan and Chief Patterson plans to review before renewing it next year. It has paid out over $19,000 in disability payments in the last six years.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to amend the motion to pay the bills with the exception of the Statewide bill. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Huff, yes; Tharp, yes; Bichsel, no; Godwin, no. Council Member Hilliard questioned the $460.00 light-bar. Chief Fowler stated it was state mandated. Council Member Hilliard stated it was more in the rules not to pay for it. Mayor Schwab stated the contract has been fulfilled and it should be paid.
The vote for paying all the bills except the Statewide bill was all yes.
AUDIENCE TIME: Katie Rose, 681 North Wabash Avenue, was present to represent the Recreation Board. She had some ideas for Council to consider. The first one is to create subcommittees such as people to do games, food, etc. The second suggestion is to take charge of the concession stand. Allow the youth programs to use the building for free. Charge others for things such as reunions, parties, etc. The money made could then be donated to community programs such as the Fairless Food Cupboard, Wandle House, and the youth programs. Ms. Rose would also like the Recreation Board to be in charge of the keys to the concession stand and monitor it's use. She also brought up a budget for the Easter festivities of $1,900. They are considering an Easter Brunch at the Moose with the bunny. Council Member Hilliard is concerned with charging for use of public property. Council Member Huff thinks Ms. Rose should take it to the Buildings/Parks/Grounds Committee. Council Member Bichsel suggested setting up a meeting for her. Mayor Schwab suggested looking into the ball field rental ordinance also during this meeting. It has not been updated for many years. Council Member Bichsel asked if Council wanted to wait for Council Member Duff to return before scheduling the meeting. Council Member Hilliard wanted to know if Council was still okay with the $1,900 budget for the Easter events after the Finance Committee meeting discussions earlier in the evening. Ms. Rose stated that the Recreation hadn't asked for the amount they were approved for but they were offered that amount and they never went over budget. Council Member Bichsel stated there were no more gift cards and bikes. She said she didn't think they would be spending as much. Council Member Tharp stated it was not appropriate to discuss the budget until facts and figures are presented.
The following residents were present: Ray Heitger, LaVonne Heitger, Linda Taylor, Paul Mackey, Dale Fox, Keith Stroud, Joyce Stroud, and Tim and Sharon Stith. Donna Smith from the Independent was also present.
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES: An Ordinance approving, adopting, and enacting American Legal Publishing's Ohio Basic Code, 2012 Edition as the Village's Code of Ordinances was given second reading.
An Ordinance establishing permanent appropriations was given second reading. Mayor Schwab suggested Council set up a Finance Committee meeting to review the content prior to the third reading. Council Member Tharp questioned having a Finance Committee meeting instead of the Insurance Committee meeting prior to next meeting. Council Member Bichsel stated she had planned to make the motion at the appropriate time.
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS: Fire Department: Nothing to report.
Police Department: Quote from Staley's for a new 45w radio for the 2012 Ford Cruiser = $853.85.
Mark's Signs preparing decals for the 2012 Ford Cruiser.
Once new cruiser is road ready, we will need to advertise for bids for the 2003 Ford Cruiser.
Activity report.
Thanked Officer Taylor for another grant. He requested $12,000 and was approved for $5,000 but it is a matching grant at 10%. They plan to buy two new radar units for $3,000, three computer stands for the cruisers and eventually ask for new cameras with the balance of the funds. The new cameras are part of their five-year plan. They need them for DUI arrests.
Chief Fowler questioned Solicitor McCallin about returning jewelry from an old case.
Council Member Tharp wanted to thank Officer Truman and Sergeant Rossiter for allowing the Boy Scouts to tour the department.
SOLICITOR: Mayor Schwab has requested that Solicitor McCallin educate Council on different topics of their legislative responsibilities. The evening topic of "Village Government 101" was the President Pro Tem's authority and responsibilities.
The recovery of funds expended for the demolition of the old Sturm's building was discussed.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to enter into executive session to discuss employee(s) discipline at 7:44pm. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to close executive session at 8:18pm. The vote: All yes.
Ohio Basic Code2012/Section 32.025: The bidding threshold increased from $25,000 to $50,000.
COMMUNICATIONS: Brewster American Legion/Andy Codispoti: question about the land portion of the property taxes. A copy of the Village/Legion lease was given to the Solicitor for review. Mr. Codispoti believes the Village is responsible for the taxes on the land.
Aultcare Insurance broker letter: Proposed rates for employee health insurance will be the same for 2012 as it was in 2011.
New County Health Commissioner Kirk Norris; promoted from within; previous Commissioner Bill Frank retired.
Ohio EPA notice: January 19, 2012 compliance evaluation inspection completed; new NPDES permit will include tighter bacteria and E. coli limits in accordance with the new water quality standards adopted by Ohio EPA.
Kent Dean's List from Brewster: Jordan Asplin, Valerie Daniels, & Keith Kinnerson.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL to draw up a resolution for these residents. An amendment was made to have the Mayor send them letters. The vote: All yes.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Street Department: Working on a Five-year plan for projects and major purchases.
Sewer: The village is on the DEFA funding list. Clerk King working with Hazen and Sawyer to complete the paperwork.
Electric: VA Hartman is requesting a Utility Committee meeting to make a decision on an intermediate power source for 2014, 2015, & 2016.
The garage specs are being sent down for review. Council Member Bichsel asked if since the bid limit had changed, did it still have to be bid out? VA Hartman replied it did.
Village: Residents at 161 Fourth St SE have requested to have their street tree removed. Turning it over to the tree committee. It is overgrown for the devil strip.
Garbage was removed from 456 First St SW and the owner will be assessed.
Some work has been completed at 525 N Wabash Avenue and the VA is keeping an eye on it.
A nuisance letter for 355 E Second St was returned undeliverable. Police to hand deliver.
Power costs should be dropping. We do have a liability with Gorsuch Power Plant closing. We may want to pay some on that while the power costs are low.
Applied for Municipal Road Funds for West Elton. Mayor Schwab asked for a ballpark figure for the project. VA estimates around $70,000.
VA Hartman stated all Council Members but Hilliard were in concerning the release of the Zeigler bill. He was told to reduce it by the cost of fixing the water valve box that he had been instructed to pay at an earlier meeting. He apologized.
Council Member Huff questioned the big hole in the middle of Jackson Street that was just paved last summer. VA Hartman to contact Mr. Webb from the gas company.
Council Member Huff requested an estimate for curbing from the car wash up to Elton St. The Mayor stated historically the property owners were assessed for new curbing. VA stated it costs approximately $18/ft.
Council Member Hilliard asked how the window in the backhoe was broken. VA Hartman stated a stone shattered it. He then asked who was doing the Village's vehicle maintenance since Brewster Auto closed. It was reported that the Police Department has been going out to Luthy's Towing and the other Departments have been using Township Tire.
Chief Fowler asked who receives nuisance letters when it is a rental property. VA Hartman stated one goes to the renter and one goes to the owner.
Council Member Hilliard stated the slide in the park was dangerous due to a hole in it. Check to see if it has been replaced.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Five Year/Ten Year Plans: Department Superintendents advised of review and their role: Target date of April 1st, 2012. VA Hartman reviewing minutes from 1990 to present and Mayor Schwab is going through the Ordinances for an accurate history of Village projects.
Village Tree Policy: Ordinance 16-2005; Suitable street tree list is dated (1992); Tree Board to meet in February; date to be decided by Chairman Patterson; will suggest then that tree list be updated. Council Member Huff stated he read Ordinance 16-2005 and that Council has done very little that was right, another approach is needed. He would also like the Mayor to consider him for the second Council position on the Tree Committee.
Suggestion: Since .33% Income Tax for streets, storm sewers & street trees has lapsed that the tree planting program be suspended in 2012 and concentrate remaining levy funds on streets and storm sewers.
Arbor Day Tree: suggest that Council consider the removal of the Blue Spruce at the entrance to Village Hall and replace it with a 6 foot Blue Spruce; this would allow the tree to be decorated for Christmas.
Light-Up the Park Project: began by Mayor Fox; approximately $1,600 for four poles and four fixtures in a line down the middle of the park. This would allow the Police to a better view of the park at night. Council Member Hilliard asked if the pole were decorative. VA Hartman stated they are the regular overhead lights.
FormFire online insurance applications for each Village employee has been initiated; Village Clerk ran with it.
Appreciation plaques have been completed for Dale Fox and George Patterson; will contact each.
Supplied Council with 2012 Village Government Roster.
Suggest Council consider renaming Navarre Road SW in front of Fairless Schools; something like Fairless Way.
Mayor's Monthly Statement to Council - $29.50.
VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: Mayor Schwab has requested that Clerk-Treasurer King educate Council on different topics of Village finances. The evening's topic of "Village Finance 101" was a continuation of the General Fund focusing on the expenditures.
January 2012 Finance Year-to-Date Report.
Status of the FormFire online insurance forms in readiness for employee health insurance review.
Asked Council who would be attending the Local Government Officials Conference on March 8 & 9. Councilman Godwin, Councilman Duff, and possibly Councilwoman Bichsel will be attending the classes.
Presented two check registers for Council's approval. Explained the extra report.
COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS: Council Member Bichsel reported on the Finance Committee meeting for the 2012 donations. Council needs to monitor them as they come in since revenues are down.
Council Member Huff reported on the Insurance Committee meeting discussing the options for employee health insurance. He is going to look into several recommendations and will have future meetings.
Council also had the minutes from the Safety Committee meeting from 01/16/2012 prepared by Council Member Hilliard and the minutes from the Finance Committee meeting on 01/16/2012 to review.
EXPENDITURE REQUESTS FROM PAST MEETINGS: Chief Patterson requested to send two firemen to the Howell Rescue Extrication Class at a cost of $525 per person class fee and $89 for lodging. The total cost would be $ 1,139.00.
Chief requested to encumber $295.00 for the purchase of a new pair of boots.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS: COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to send two firefighters to the Howell Extrication Class for a total cost of $1,139.00 from the Fire Fund. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to purchase a pair of fire boots at a cost of $295.00. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to agree to match 10% of the $5,000 Police Equipment Grant. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to hold a Buildings/Parks/Grounds Committee meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 at 6:30pm. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to hold a Utility Committee meeting on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 at 2:30pm. The vote: All yes. Clerk King stated the Auditors would be using Village Hall at that time.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to withdraw the Insurance Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, Feb. 20, 2012 at 6:30pm. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to review the Appropriation Ordinance on Monday, February 20, 2012 at 6:30pm. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to bring forward the bill for the Expedition. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to pay Statewide for the new cruiser. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Huff, no; Tharp, yes; Bichsel, yes; Godwin, yes. Council Member Hilliard stated that Council as a whole needs to come to agreement with the next purchase before this happens again. Council Member Godwin stated the vehicle has been delivered and it needs to be paid for. Council Member Hilliard stated it needs to be more clear. There was a lot of controversy concerning this purchase including the statement of "buying it while we had the money". He stated that is not a good reason to buy a car. Council Member Huff said to read the minutes. He cannot support this purchase. Council Member Bichsel stated that Council approved the contract so they are responsible for the payment.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to have an ordinance drawn up for the Village employees health insurance as recommended by Mayor Schwab. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to approve the purchase of a new radio for the new cruiser at a cost of $853.00 from the Police Car and Equipment Fund. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to move the recycling dumpsters outside the fence. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 9:25pm. The vote: All yes.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________ K. Kris King, CMC, Village Clerk-Treasurer
____________________________________ Mike Schwab, Mayor
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things. - Theodore Roosevelt
"Statistics: The only science that enables different experts using the same figures to draw different conclusions." - Evan Esar