March 5, 2012 - Meeting Minutes
MINUTES
BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL
MARCH 5, 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 DUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP, and motion carried to excuse Council Member Huff from this evening'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 Dave Duff, Council Member David Godwin, Council Member Thomas Hilliard, Council Member Steven Tharp, Jr., Council Member
VILLAGE OFFICIALS PRESENT: K. Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer Al McCallin, Solicitor Chris Colucy, Festival Chairman and Fire Captain
MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 20, 2012 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the February 20, 2012 Council meeting minutes. There were none.
COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN 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 $ 83,240.05. The vote: All yes.
Council Member Godwin would like the Village Administrator (VA)'s mileage sheets to include the location of the trip for each request. He also wanted to know why we needed a 36" bucket for the backhoe now.
AUDIENCE TIME: Kris Wilson of 815 McKinley Ave SW questioned the request for a donation by the Fairless Youth Baseball/Softball Association. He feels it would be a better use of taxpayers money if the Village waited until the end of the season and see if the association really needed it. He signed his son up and it was $85.00 and he received a t-shirt and a hat. Council Member Bichsel stated the Finance Committee had met and plans to look at each donation request individually to ensure it is community based. Mr. Wilson stated that he still feels it is better to wait and see if it was needed. Council Member Duff stated a donation form has to be filled out by the requester. Mr. Wilson also requested that committee meetings be put on the website.
The following residents were also present: Dale Fox, Linda Taylor, Paul Mackey, and Cindy Mackey.
Mayor Schwab presented previous Council Member and Mayor Dale A. Fox with a plaque of a Resolution of Appreciation.
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:
An Ordinance awarding a contract for Village employee health insurance was given second reading.
An Ordinance authorizing a contract with American Municipal Power for intermediate power needs for 2014, 2015, & 2016 was given first reading.
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:
Fire Department: Captain Chris Colucy, Festival Chairman Chairman Colucy stated the Firemen's Festival would be held May 30-June 2, 2012. He will be filling out a donation request for $1,200 for fireworks for the next meeting. He would also like to request that the beer tent to be placed on village property again this year. Last year, it was placed on village property and there were no security issues, no issues with damage to the parking lot from the tent stakes. Council Member Duff stated it went over real good last time. He made the motion last year. There were no problems. The insurance was taken care of. He was originally against it but it's the money maker. Council Member Hilliard stated residents were pleased with the noise level. Council Member Tharp asked if they saw more sales with it closer to the food. Colucy said the food was #1 seller at about $4,000 with the beer tent at a close second. The new location created a better flow and the sausage stand did over $3,000. Council Member Bichsel asked Chairman Colucy to elaborate why the festival is so important. Colucy stated that the festival proceeds enables the department to make purchases such as the boat, enabled them to pay off the Suburban, purchase tools and it covers all the little things so they don't have to be brought before Council. He also stated that he would adjust the location of the tent to block the steps so people aren't walking around the stage. Council Member Bichsel stated that the general public doesn't understand how important the festival is to the department. Chairman Colucy stated it saves the Village money. Council Member Duff asked Colucy if the Fire Department could print up cards for medications. Colucy stated the department had cards that fit in pill bottles that were to be kept in residents refrigerators in case they were incapacitated when the ambulance was called for them. Council Member Duff would just like to see the cards printed up. Colucy states there is no occupancy in the beer tent as long as it is outside.
Police Department: Mark's Signs has the decals and striping for the 2012 Ford Cruiser, with the shield = $ 985; without the shield = $ 745.
February report.
The camera purchased through the grant arrived today. It will be installed in the next week or so.
Council Member Hilliard asked if the motion could be made today for the decals and striping on the cruiser. Mayor stated that would be a good idea to get things moving along.
Council Member Godwin asked if there was a camera on the police department. There is not any.
Council Member Duff said he had brought up tasers, night vision equipment, and cameras. Officer Taylor has been working on grants.
Council Member Tharp asked the Mayor whether he liked the badge painted on the cruiser or not. Mayor Schwab stated he preferred it without the badge.
Streets and Parks: Replacement of concession stand and other park locks = $475.00 (inside knob lock & padlocks).
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.
Replacement of Salt Barn = $ 14,979.00 - on the five year plan but will be needed soon.
Council Member Hilliard asked if he should wait a meeting to make the motion to purchase a new Steiner. Council Member Duff said he would like to wait and that the cost should be split between the departments that use it. Council Member Tharp asked if Supt. Patterson has actually seen the tractors.
Council Member Godwin asked if that was the bottom line on the cost of the salt barn.
Council Member Duff asked that Supt. Patterson get him the specifications on the tractor so he could see if he could get a better price. He used to work for a guy that sold them.
SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin
Village Government 101: Solicitor McCallin discussed the position of Village Administrator. The creation of the position, who they report to, the responsibilities, the hiring and termination of the person holding the position, and the spending authority of $25,000.
COMMUNICATIONS: Stark County Health Department Annual Report is available for Council review.
Lario Oil and Gas Company letter: An offer to lease oil and gas rights on Village property, Outlot 11 on W. Seventh St (22.32 acres) and Outlot 63 at SE entrance of Village on Rt 93 (15.52 acres). Council Member Tharp wants to discuss this at a committee meeting then bring to Council. Council Member Duff stated they will probably want to vertically drill. Council Member Hilliard stated that the drilling being so close to our wells was a red flag for him.
Mayor gave Council the Stark County Council of Governments meeting minutes and 2012 Appropriations.
Donation application from the Fairless Youth Baseball/Softball Association of $1,000.
Council Member Tharp stated the Stark County Regional Planning Commission has a meeting coming up soon. The Tax Incentive Board will be reviewing the Brewster Dairy. Council Member Hilliard stated the meeting was on March 22 at 2:20pm.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Hartman - Absent Working with Shearer's electric connection to 7th Street Substation; Weekend work.
2012 Street Sweeping Contract with Reilly Sweeping five times = $ 7,924.00. Council Member Godwin asked why we do it before the festival when there will be a mess after it. Mayor Schwab stated it looks good for visitors.
Proposed streets to be paved in 2012 are Mohican, S. Jackson (E. First - Main), Cleveland (E. Seventh South).
Proposed Curbing Project from Harmon to Elton (4100 feet) estimates: MidOhio Concrete = $70,475 not including asphalt repair Northstar = awaiting fax
Sent Property Maintenance Code Violation letters to 334 First St SE and 136 Fifth St SW.
Council Member Godwin asked what happened with the Dartmouth problem. Mayor Schwab stated they are currently in compliance.
Council Member Duff stated that he had Supt. Patterson update the electric in the concession stand.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor will participate with Meals on Wheels on "Mayors for Wheels" on March 21st.
Resident Chester Larson has been added to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment Hall of Heroes in Watertown, NY for heroism during the Vietnam War; Letter of Congratulations was sent to Mr. Larson by the Mayor.
Mayor's monthly Statement to Council = $ 98.50.
Via the Clerk: FormFire online applications have been reviewed by Huntington; applications have been made available for Ohio Insurance Services Agency; per Insurance Committee, shopping only Aultcare.
Brewster Dairy has requested the rezoning of Lot 596 & 597 at 152-7th St. SW from R-3(single, multi-family) to I-1(light industrial); Council refers rezoning requests to Village Planning Commission for their review and recommendation to Council.
Spring Clean-up of April 23 - 26; curbside pick-up and dumpsters.
VA requested Council's permission to hire two seasonal workers. Council Member Tharp asked what we are going to do to make sure they don't go over their hours or affect the insurance. The Mayor stated the Clerk monitors their hours to make sure they don't go over 1,000 hours per year.
VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: February Finance Report.
Walker Assessment - waiting for County to update their website.
Still working with the Auditors. They said our little village is more like a city than a village.
Finance 101 - Parks and Grounds - Revenue sources and expenses were discussed.
Requested Council members fill out the background liability release form per Council's motion on February 20, 2012.
Reminder: Anyone wishing to be involved in the Neighborhood Watch Program can pick up a background liability release at the Clerk's office.
The Recreation Board would like a budget of $1,200 for the Easter Egg Hunt.
Council Member Tharp stated he thought a motion had already been made concerning the Walker Assessment. Clerk King stated that it had been rescinded before the vote. The website for County taxes currently does not have 2010 taxes paid in 2011 available.
COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS: Council Member Godwin reported on the Street and Sidewalk Committee work session. Curbing along Rt 93 on the north end of town was discussed.
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.
Recreation Board: Replacement of concession stand locks and electric box locks in park = $475. Council Member Hilliard brought up purchasing a new refrigerator and stove.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS: COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to have decals and striping put on the 2012 Expedition without the shield by Mark's Signs at a cost of $745.00 from the Police Car and Equipment Fund. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to hold a Parks and Grounds work session on March 12, 2012 at 6pm. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to purchase replacement locks in the park at a cost of $475. The vote: Tharp yes; Bichsel, yes; Duff, yes; Godwin, no; Hilliard, yes. Council Member Duff wanted to know why this was being done when the building may not be there. Council Member Tharp discussed future plans for the park. The Mayor asked if anything was going to be done in the next three months.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to accept the proposed budget of the Recreation Board of not to exceed $1,200 for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to have the Mayor send a letter to Fairless Local School District concerning a change in the name of the road in front of the school. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to hold a Council of the Whole meeting on April 2nd at 6pm to discuss the Lario Oil and Gas Company letter. The vote: All yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to send the rezoning request to the Planning Commission for review. The vote: All yes. Council Member Hilliard asked if letters would be sent out to the neighbors. Mayor Schwab stated all abutting property owners and the ones across the street would receive letters concerning a Public Hearing if the Planning Commission wishes to proceed.
Council Member Tharp brought up the utility rate study and cost discussed last meeting. Mayor Schwab stated Hazen and Sawyer and GPD Engineering would be involved.
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to allow the Firemen to place the Beer Tent on park property from May 30th - June 2nd, 2012. The vote: All yes.
Council Member Hilliard asked if the fireworks donation needed to be passed this evening. It could wait.
Council Member Tharp would like the cost to just install lights on existing poles in the park.
COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to allow the Village Administrator to hire two seasonal workers. The vote: All yes. Council Member Hilliard asked when they would be starting. Mayor Schwab stated they would start whenever the grass started growing.
COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED to send the rezoning request to the Planning Commission. It was stated that it was already voted on.
Council Member Duff would like the Mayor to join him in walking through the park and checking the entrance signs. He stated they need to be consistent on the closing of the park in the evening.
COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:12pm.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________ K. Kris King, CMC, Village Clerk-Treasurer
____________________________________ Mike Schwab, Mayor
"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." - Mark Twain
"It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than out abilities." -J.K. Rowling