March 19, 2012 - Meeting Minutes
MINUTES
BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL
MARCH 19, 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: K. Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer Al McCallin, Solicitor Jen Mohler, Fire Captain & Paramedic Program Supervisor Rick Patterson, Fire Chief & Street Superintendent
MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 5, 2012 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the March 5, 2012 Council meeting minutes. There were none.
COUNCIL MEMBER HILIARD 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 HILLIARD and motion carried to accept the bills for the amount of $ 297,815.99. The vote: All yes.
AUDIENCE TIME: Joe Strausbaugh, 306 - 7th St SE, wanted to know when the Village was going to take a look at his yard again. Mayor Schwab stated he plans to look at it in the next week or so.
The following residents were also present: Dawn Strausbaugh, Ray & LaVonne Heitger, Dale Fox, Linda Taylor, Paul & Cindy Mackey.
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES: An Ordinance awarding a contract for Village employee health insurance was given third reading.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to table the ordinance until more information is gathered. The vote: All yes.
An Ordinance authorizing a contract with American Municipal Power for intermediate power needs for 2014, 2015, & 2016 was given second reading.
An Ordinance awarding a contract for employees' life insurance with Guardian Life Insurance Company was given first reading.
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:
Fire Department:
Chief Patterson and Paramedic Jen Mohler Donation application: request for $1,200 for Annual Festival Fireworks - Chris Colucy.
Exploration of expansion of 60hr/week Paramedic Program; review of current funding and needs. Medic Jen Mohler discussed two different ideas and provided the numbers for them. Council Member Duff thanked Medic Mohler and the rest of the Fire Department for doing such a great job. He stated we have the best department around.
Chief Patterson stated the air conditioning is not working in #156. The airbag suspension is also blown out and they are looking into a different type of suspension.
Police Department:
Mark's Signs has the decals and striping for the 2012 Ford Cruiser, to be applied on Wednesday.
Past Saturday: OVI Task Force - State paid four hours of one Officer's wages; made 17 stops, no arrests.
Council Member Duff would like to see the department get tasers. Officer Taylor could look into grants. Council Member Godwin agreed that it was a good idea. Council Member Huff suggested they watch the 6 o'clock news and see the lawsuits filed for tasers. He stated our insurance would go through the roof. Council Member Duff stated Navarre Police Department had them and suggested Mayor Schwab talk to Mayor Benson.
SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin Village Government 101: Solicitor McCallin discussed executive sessions and discipline of elected officials.
GUEST: Denise Piotrowski, Paper Retriever Recycling, Abibow Recycling LLC, discussed bringing in paper recycling bins that the Village would receive payment for the paper that was dropped off. This company often sets up at churches and schools for fundraisers. They pride themselves on educating the community on paper recycling.
COMMUNICATIONS: Columbia Gas Letter: made application to PUCO for infrastructure Replacement Program Rider; Rider has a cap of $12 per year per customer.
City of Dover: Invitation to the 2012 ODNR Tree City USA Awards for 20th year.
Arbor Day Foundation press release: Brewster Tree City USA for 20th year.
Ohio Municipal League Bulletin: Restoration of Local Government Funds bill introduced in Ohio House sponsored by 14 House members; Ohio Board of Building Standards has proposed that Local Governments have no regulatory authority over the operation of future oil and gas drilling practices.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Hartman - Absent
Electric Garage bids: Engineering Associates'(EA) Estimate = $140,000
RBS General Contracting LLC = $ 117,986
Classical Construction LLC = $ 149,500
EA recommends RBS as long as the bid irregularities can be waived according to Solicitor.
Curbing Project Proposal quotes: MidOhio Concrete = $ 70,475 not including asphalt repair Northstar Asphalt = $176,400
Earth 'n Wood: 2011 Yard Waste Summary; 660 tons of yard waste from 67 runs.
Council Member Huff stated there are holes on Superior and N. Jackson. The holes on N. Jackson are from the gas company. Supt. Patterson stated Columbia Gas contracts the repairs out. They dig it out, pour in concrete then asphalt over it.
Council Member Duff would like Supt Patterson to look at four slabs of sidewalk on Superior.
Council Member Huff would like to keep on top of the Strausbaugh's yard. If the Mayor goes down to look at it he would like to know about it.
Council Member Duff brought up the two moldy park benches that were brought up last year and not fixed. He thought it could be a Boy Scout project. Council Member Tharp stated the plastic lumber had already been purchased. Supt. Patterson was to look into it.
Council Member Godwin discussed the issue of the changing of the locks at the park. The ball association had just purchased new locks and the Village cut them off. It has been worked out but they still need to have a separate lock for the storage rooms that hold the equipment. Mayor Schwab stated this should have been discussed ahead of time. Council Member Tharp discussed reimbursing FYBSA for their locks that were cut and asked if separate locks could be put on the storage doors.
Council Member Hilliard suggested that part time police patrolman could fill in for the second mower. Mayor Schwab stated one application has been received that he has seen.
Council Member Tharp wanted to remind the Village Administrator to get prices on a rate study.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor will participate in Meals on Wheels on "Mayors for Wheels" on March 21st.
Spring Clean-up of April 23 - 26; curbside pick-up and dumpsters.
Mayor will be attending the Fairless Business Advisory Council meeting on March 27th.
Note: Concerning any proposed gas wells in the Village Zoning Code restricts any oil or gas wells to I-1(heavy industrial) zoning districts.
Arbor Day is April 27th. A location and a tree will need to be decided on.
VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: Does Council want to designate me as public records designee for the Village. We have the Mayor and Councilman Godwin that were not in office the last time it was taken. If so, please make a motion under new business.
Walker's assessment - County tax website is still down.
Still working with the Auditors over the phone and internet.
Finance 101- (B5) - DARE Fund .
Worker's Comp Report: Because we were able to get back into group rating, participate in drug and alcohol education, have random drug testing, and drug free workplace participation, our annual cost for Workers Comp has gone from $113,801.65 in 2009 to $33,060.43 in 2012. That's a $80,741.22 savings.
Request to encumber $1,050.00 for drug and alcohol education. Three classes: 1hr supervisor training, 1hr employee training during day, and 1hr employee training evening class.
Remind Council to look over and sign the check register on the table.
Reminder to anyone that wants to be involved in the Neighborhood Watch Program. Background liability releases are available at the Clerk's Office.
"VILLAGE SPEAKS": Prospective Recreation Board members: Tammy Flounders & Stacey Jewell
Council Member Tharp thanked the Street Department for fixing the holes at the school.
Council Member Godwin talked to the owners of the "About Face" beauty shop. The trucks coming down 7th Street are using jake brakes and disturbing her business.
COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS: Council Member Godwin reported on the minutes from the Street and Sidewalk work session on March 5, 2012.
Council Member Duff reported on the Parks and Grounds work session on March 12, 2012. The Mayor discussed resurfacing the Basketball and Tennis Courts and the Skate Park. Council Member Godwin discussed using rubber. Council Member Hilliard wants to give VA Hartman a deadline so it gets done quickly.
Council Member Huff reported on the Tree Board work session on March 14, 2012. Two trees need removed at 204 W. Second St. He stated there was a moratorium on trees.
Council Member Huff reported on this evening's Insurance work session. Council Member Tharp asked Solicitor McCallin if the Insurance Ordinance would have to be passed under emergency. Solicitor McCallin stated it would have to be passed under emergency to go into effect on April 1st.
Reminder: Council of the Whole work session April 2nd at 6pm: one of the topics to be oil and gas drilling.
Council Member Hilliard told where he was in organizing the Neighborhood Watch Program.
Council Member Huff discussed holding "Coffee with Council" sessions where council members would make themselves available to residents at local restaurants to meet informally and discuss issues.
Council Member Hilliard discussed the Stark County Regional Planning Commission's meeting where the Brewster Dairy's tax incentive was approved for another year. This is their last year.
EXPENDITURE REQUESTS FROM PAST MEETINGS: Pending a Parks and Grounds Committee review: Light-up the Park Project = approximately $1,600 for four poles and four fixtures in a line down middle of Bimiler Park.
Replacement mower: Proposing a 4200 Ventrac with Kawasaki Gas Engine Quotes: Mast/Lepley = $ 17,826.45 minus trade-in of Steiner = $ 13,000. Todd's Mowing = $ 17,239.05 minus trade-in of Steiner = $ 12,000.
2012 Street Sweeping Contract with Reilly Sweeping five times = $ 7,924.00.
Replacement of Salt Barn = $ 14,979.00 for materials - Village to supply most of the labor.
PENDING DONATION REQUEST FROM PAST MEETING: Donation Application from Fairless Youth Baseball Softball Association of $1,000. Council Member Bichsel requested a "needs list" before just handing out money. Council Member Godwin stated the association lost $7,500 last year. He went on to discuss other items concerning the association including how there were many families that were unable to pay. Council Member Tharp asked if they could designate what the money was used for, having people come to Village Hall and get vouchers. Clerk King thought residents might not feel comfortable doing this.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS: COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF and motion carried to donate $1,000 to the Fairless Youth Baseball Softball Association. Council Member Hilliard asked what their carryover was from last year. Godwin stated $3,000. Council Member Duff stated how the association gives the children of the community something to do and keeps them off the streets. It gives them exercise and teaches them social lessons. Mayor Schwab talked about how the Village at one time supported the ball program through a recreation levy. He recommended Council pass the motion. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to designate the Clerk as Public Records designee. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to purchase material for a salt barn at a cost of $ 14,979 from Capital Projects. Council Member Huff stated this was the first he heard of it and had not had a chance to look at it. Council Member Hilliard stated it was talked about while he was on vacation. Supt. Patterson stated it should hold enough salt for an entire year. The vote: Bichsel, yes; Duff, yes; Godwin, yes; Hilliard, yes; Huff, no; Tharp, yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to purchase a Ventrax Mower from Todd's Mowing at a cost of $ 12,000 with a trade-in of the Steiner #2 from Parks And Grounds Fund. The vote: All yes. Council Member Duff would like the serial number and year the tractors were purchased.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to donate $ 1,200 for the fireworks display. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL to accept the Reilly Street Sweeping contract at a cost of $ 7,924.00 for five sweepings. Council Member Huff stated the last sweep in November last year was useless. Council member Duff stated each year is different and it depends on the year. Hilliard stated the guys were racing trying to stay ahead of the sweeper getting the leaves picked up. Council member Godwin rescinded the motion. Council member Huff would like to see it tabled and see if either there are only four sweepings or reschedule the last one. Supt. Patterson recommended the second week of December. COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to hold a Special Council meeting on March 28th at 6pm to discuss the employee health insurance. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to have curb side spring cleanup April 23 - 26. The vote: All yes.
Council Member Tharp brought up setting up the new recycling program. Mayor Schwab stated we should contact our current recycling company first.
COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF and motion carried to remove two trees on McKinley. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to purchase two refrigerators and a stove for the concession stand at a cost of $1,258.900 including delivery from Parks and Grounds and to keep the two old ones. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to assign Brian Savage of the Ohio Insurance Services Agency, Inc. as agent of record for one week. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 9:06pm.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________ K. Kris King, CMC, Village Clerk-Treasurer
____________________________________ Mike Schwab, Mayor
"God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved birds and he invented cages." - Jacques Deval
"God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest." - J.G. Holland