October 1, 2012 - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL

OCTOBER 1, 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

Tom Hilliard, Council Member

Jay Huff, Council Member

David Godwin, Council Member

Steven Tharp, Jr., Council Member

 

VILLAGE OFFICIALS PRESENT:

Steve Hartman, Village Administrator

K. Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

Al McCallin, Solicitor

Rick Patterson, Jr., Fire Chief and Street Superintendent

 

MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:

Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the September 17, 2012 Council meeting minutes.  There were none.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to accept the minutes.  The vote: All yes.

 

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to accept the bills for the amount of $ 87,896.29.  The vote: All yes.

 

AUDIENCE TIME:

Mike Kaplin, a candidate for the House of Representatives spoke to Council.  He is also from a small town where he sat on Council.  He stressed the importance of Council coming into agreement after arguing their points.  He attended last weekends functions in town and appreciated how he was made to feel welcome.

 

Ray Heitger, 317 East Seventh Street, thanked Chief Patterson for the Fall Fest and Ms. Musacchia for the Arts on the Boulevard.  He enjoyed both events.

 

The following residents were also present: Paul Mackey, Dave Morris, Linda Taylor, Ray and LaVonne Heitger, and Dale Fox.

 

CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:

ORDINANCE 31-2012: An ordinance adopting the Stark County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazard Mitigation Plan Update was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF and motion carried to pass Ordinance 31-2012 as read.  The vote: All yes.

 

An ordinance that provides the division of moneys received from SugarcreekTownship and Tuscarawas Township Fire and Ambulance Contracts between the Fire Fund and the Ambulance Replacement Fund was given second reading.  (This would set aside $ 20,000 annually in Ambulance Replacement w/approx $ 80,00 to the Fire Fund.)

 

Council Member Tharp would like to look into it further.  COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY THARP to table the ordinance.  Discussion ensued about the Fire Fund.  Motion was withdrawn.  Council Member Godwin stated that there is a solution for all these cuts coming from the state.  The gentleman in the back of the room, Mike Kaplin, is working for the small towns.  He stated we need to get more people like him elected to help protect our small towns.

 

MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:

Fire Department: Chief Rick Patterson

Fall Fest held on Saturday, September 29th.  Chief Patterson stated it went even better than expected.

 

Chief Patterson thanked Ray and LaVonne Heitger for attending the festivities over the weekend along with the residents that came out to support the Fire Department and also the residents that come out and supported the Fire Levies.

 

The hose testing is under way.  At this point, a two inch hose and gated "y" need replaced.  It's going to be around $800.00.

 

Some of the pagers aren't holding up.  Chief Patterson is looking at another company that will offer a 60 day trial period.

 

Council Member Godwin asked if next year the Recreation Fund could pay for the band.

 

Council Member Huff stated he heard nothing but good about Saturday's activities.  He did have a request to move the "Arts on the Boulevard" closer to the Fall Fest.  They would like to see more youth oriented activities.

 

Chief Patterson said that he wants to work with Subway next year for a run.

 

Council Member Godwin said the North/South softball game went great.

 

Police Department: Chief Harry Porter

October curfew for those under 18 is 8pm.  Mayor gave Council a copy of the ordinance.

 

Two junk cars at 287 N Wabash Ave; notice of violation sent to owners of the property.

 

Working with Attorney Chapanar to upgrade software for documentation for court cases.

 

September Report was given to Council.

 

SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin

Solicitor is reviewing several items for Mayor's Office.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

Ohio Municipal League Bulletin: Discussion and meetings to continue by the State Legislature concerning the proposed municipal Income Tax Uniformity issue; a vote is planned  before the year end.

 

Council Member Tharp met with Representative Hagan concerning the drilling inside Village limits.  She will be attending a future council meeting after the election.  Senator Oelslager passed the Village's concern on to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  The Mayor received notification that the ODNR has not received an application from Ohio Valley Energy.

 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Hartman

Water:

We need to replace the roof on the storage building at the Water Department.  I have one quote for $ 19,800.  Sent out information to seven contractors.  Council Member Duff stated Design Restoration did his roof.

 

Street:

Central Allied was rained out on September 27th.  Supposed to be back in this week.  They need two good weather days in a row.

 

The sink hole on Field #3 has been filled.  It is about an inch deep.

 

Sewer:

Hazen-Sawyer has submitted an application for the October WPCLF funding meeting.  This does not commit the village to anything, it just makes the money available if Council wishes to proceed with the project.  We should be getting an answer by the first meeting in November.

 

Electric:

The Electric garage is progressing.  The framing is done and RBS was putting up the siding today.  Plumbing approval is needed by the county.

 

The Department is working on a line at the railroad today.  Everything in the yard will be on a primary meter.

 

Village:

VA Hartman met with Kent Baker of Engineering Associates concerning the intersection of Elton and Route 93.  Mr. Baker will meet with ODOT and report back to the village.

 

AMP will be here for the next meeting to review our long term power supply.  Looking into solar.

 

Council Member Hilliard stated that Dale Fox's yard and entrance to his driveway need fixed from the work that was done on Mohican.  Council Member Duff asked if the driveway gap would be filled with asphalt.  VA said it would.

 

Council Member Huff asked if action was required on Levco painting and the speed bump.  In and out arrows were also discussed.  Council Member Hilliard was concerned about putting the speed bump in before winter.  The plow might damage it this winter.  The striping is usually done before school starts.

 

Council Member Tharp asked if AMP was coming to the regular meeting or the committee meeting.  He would like them to come at 6:30, during the committee meeting.

 

Council Member Duff apologized for yelling at the VA about his $300 electric bill, it is down to $220 this month.

 

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Mayor provided a handout of suggested modifications to the Community Reinvestment Area(CRA).

 

Mayor provided a draft for suggested implementation of a Village Social Media Policy.  Mayor Schwab suggested referring to the Employee Committee.

 

Supt. Patterson provided a rough cost estimate for a handicap accessible bathroom project discussion.  A rough drawing will be provided at a later date for Council's review.

 

Prosecutor's contract lapses on December 31st; Chapanar has submitted a proposed one year contract with $ 9,750 in compensation; same amount as 2012.

 

Solicitor's contract lapses November 21st; Suggest Council begin ordinance readings for both contract renewals.

 

Clarification: Copy of Village regulations for park hours (Section 150.15 of Municipal Regulations).

 

First Energy: New transmission line project in Brewster area, public meeting was at Fairless High School on Wednesday, September 26th, Mayor provided a copy of the handout; a substation is to be constructed at a site in Harmon with two proposed lines through Brewster; Preferred path would rebuild line adjacent to Oak Street, alternative would be adjacent to W&LE rail line.  Council Member Tharp asked if Council should consider taking a stance.  Mayor Schwab stated the siting board would consider Council's suggestion.

 

A resurrection from the Mayor: Alley and Street Opening procedures draft.  Copies were provided for Council's review.

 

VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT:

Clerk provided Council with the September Month to date/Year to date report.

 

"Arts on the Boulevard" - We had 18 vendors and the FriendsChurch had a lunch             stand.  Nice turnout.

 

Remind Council to look over and sign the check register on the table.

 

Still working with the Tax Equalization Division of the State of Ohio to transfer the $53,000 from the EMS Fund to the Ambulance Replacement Fund.  We may have to leave it in the EMS Fund and pay that much out of the Fund when it is time to make the purchase.

 

Council needs to vote on a 5th location to hang Village Ordinances for public inspection since the hardware has closed.  We currently have Brewster Federal Credit Union, Brewster Laundromat, Brewster Post Office, and Brewster Municipal Services.  I spoke to Chris Belloni and he has said that he will find a place to display the ordinances if Council so chooses the store as the 5th location.

 

Received notification that the County plans to send the amounts and rates for Council to approve for the year 2013.  The Auditor and Budget Commission expect an Ordinance to be passed and returned before the end of the month.

 

With the creation and changes in the Village funds:  An amending ordinance for appropriations will need to be made along with an amended certificate of estimated resources.

 

"VILLAGE SPEAKS"

A thank you to Jackie Musacchia and Kris King for their work on 2012 Arts on the Boulevard event and also thank the Fire Department for the Fall Fest.

 

Council Member Tharp gave a big thanks to Jackie Musacchia and Kris King and appreciated the Village Administrator coming down for the event.  He wanted to give the Dairy a special thanks to the Brewster Dairy for sponsoring the music.

 

COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS:

Council Member Bichsel: Council of the Whole/Employee Committee met at 6pm to continue to review employee benefits, safety measures, wages, etc.  Recommending a 2% increase on the employees base rate and look into some inequities in the ordinance.

 

Council of the Whole/Employee Committee meeting minutes from August 21, 2012.

 

Parks and Grounds Committee minutes from Sept 17, 2012.

 

Council of the Whole/Employee Committee meeting minutes from Sept 17, 2012.

 

Mayor suggests each committee take on a winter project for 2013.

 

            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.

 

Reminder: Council's FEMA training available at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is908.asp; it is an hour course.

 

 

EXPENDITURE REQUESTS from past Meetings:

Donation request of $ 1,000 from Fairless Food Cupboard for Toy Distribution to 145 children.

 

From VA/Mayor: Restriping of crosswalks, stop bars, school markings, and W. 1st Street center line to parking lot at the park = $ 3,350.00

 

From VA/Mayor: Purchase of recycled rubber speed bump for park entrance at parking lot not to exceed $ 700.00.

 

Note: Also awaiting additional quotes for a new roof on water storage building.

 

PENDING PROPOSALS from past meetings:

Elton   Street/N. Wabash Avenue Intersection Upgrades-awaiting proposal costs from Engineering Associates.

 

Police Garage proposal: awaiting development costs from Harris Day Architects.

 

There is a trash collection poll on the Village's website: municipal or private collection.  www.brewsteroh.com.

 

OhioValley Energy: Notice that they intend to drill a gas well on Parcel #7001913 on residential property; In response to his contact Mayor received notice from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) that Ohio Valley Energy is required to make application to them; no application for the above well has been received to date by ODNR.

 

OLD/NEW BUSINESS:

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to donate $1,000 to the Fairless Food Cupboard to their annual toy distribution.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to have an ordinance drawn up for the amounts and rates for the collection of property taxes for 2013.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to draw up an ordinance renewing the Solicitor's contract with a 2% increase in wages.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to have Belloni Foods as the fifth most public location to display ordinances and resolutions for public inspection.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to draw up an ordinance amending and appropriating for the new funds created in 2012.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to have Levco do the striping and have the speed bump put down.  The vote: Godwin, yes; Hilliard, no; Huff, yes; Tharp, yes; Bichsel, yes; Duff, yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to draw up a Resolution of Appreciation for Jackie Musacchia and Kris King for their work on the Arts on the Boulevard.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to draw up an ordinance giving Village employees a 2% rate increase on their base rate for one year.  The vote: Godwin, yes; Hilliard, no; Huff, yes; Tharp, yes; Bichsel, yes; Duff, yes.

 

Council Member Tharp was having trouble on the FEMA site.  Clerk King suggested using a different browser.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to draw up a Resolution of Appreciation for the Fire Men and Women for the great job they did on the Fall Fest.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF and motion carried to draw up an ordinance renewing Prosecutor Larry Chapanar's contract at the same rate as last year.  The vote: All yes.

 

Council Member Godwin asked if it was possible to set up NIMS training at Village Hall for the four Council Members that have not taken it.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 ____________________________________

K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 

 

 ___________________________________

Mike Schwab, Mayor

 

 

 

 

Village Hall Flu Clinic - October 23rd - 10-11am - $25.00 for Residents

 

Trick or Treat - October 30th - 6:00 to 7:30pm

Drive Safely!