September 20, 2021 - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES
BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 20, 2021
7:00 P.M.
 
 
Brewster Village Council met in regular session with Mayor Chuck Hawk presiding.
 
Council Members bowed their heads for the invocation, provided by Mayor Chuck Hawk, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB and motion carried to excuse Council Member Hess from this evening’s meeting.  The vote: All yes.
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Charles Hawk, Mayor
Dale Fox, Council Member                           Thomas Hilliard, Council Member                            
Brett Long, Council Member                         Sydney Radich, Council Member                              
Mike Schwab, Council Member
 
VILLAGE OFFICIALS:
John Anthony, Solicitor                                 
Michael L Miller, Village Administrator
 
MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:
Mayor Chuck Hawk asked if there were any additions or deletions to the September 7, 2021 Council meeting minutes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB and motion carried to approve the minutes as read.  The vote: All yes.
 
PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
COUNCIL MEMBER LONG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER  SCHWAB and motion carried to accept the bills in the amount of $428,316.66. The vote: All yes.
 
AUDIENCE:                                                                            
Police Chief Keith Creter, Fire Chief Chris Colucy, Ray Heitger, and Assistant Utility Clerk Nancy Bucher (taking minutes) were present.
 
PRESENTATION OF GUESTS:
David Godwin
 
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:  Titles of each read by Solicitor John Anthony
 
ORDINANCE 44-2021: An Ordinance of Supplemental Appropriations and Amending Ordinance relating to the Appropriations and providing for the Transfer of Funds within said Appropriation Funds for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2021.   
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to approve the legislation as presented.  The vote: All yes.
 
ORDINANCE 45-2021:  An Ordinance Authorizing a Contract for the Construction/Remodeling of a portion of the former fire station to address Covid Compliance.  At this time, Village Administrator, Mike Miller requested that this be tabled. 
 
Second Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing the Adoption of an Employee 7.14 Reporting Fit for Duty Policy and the addition of the Policy as Defined to the Village Employee Handbook. 
 
Second Reading:  An Ordinance Authorizing the Adoption of an Employee 7.12 Self Reporting of Convictions and Pending Charges and the addition of the Policy as defined to the Village Handbook
 
Second Reading:  An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 14-2018 and 76-2019 regarding the Village Employee Work Related Injury Leave and Benefits Policy. 
 
Second Reading:  An Ordinance Authorizing the Village Administrator to contract with CT Consultants for service to create a Hydraulic Model of the Brewster Water System on an emergency basis. 
 
First Reading:  A Resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county auditor.
 
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT: Chief Keith Creter
  1. Generator has arrived at Shanklin’s and the pre-preparation has begun.
  2. Traffic Hazards with Village Streets—We have received multiple complaints from residents.  Keith presented to the council his suggestions on how to resolve the problems. 
  3. CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Training, one officer has attended this FREE class.  Each officer will be attending this class to become certified. 
  4. Officer Injuries include 2 full time officers.  Keith has been working on a “preliminary budget” to explore areas to possibly assist with obtaining a 7th full-time position.
 
 Council Member Hillard asked if we should consider no trailer parking on streets on the Northside (streets are narrower) and only have 1 side of street for parking. 
 
B. FIRE DEPARTMENT:  Chief Chris Colucy
  1. There have been 638 calls to date.
  2. The Fire Department will be hosting an Open House on October 9 from 12 noon to 3pm.  Following the open house, will be an Octoberfest from 4pm to midnight at the park. 
  3. Researching vendors for their Turn Out Gear. 
  4. The pumper has been repaired, but it now has new problems that will need to be addressed.     
 
VILLAGE SOLICITOR:
  1. We should be receiving $8300 to $11,000 from the Purdue Pharma lawsuit.  This is for reimbursement to first responders for drug overdoses.  Stark County will disperse the money to the village.  Also, a national settlement with Johnson and Johnson, BUT not sure if there will be money available to pay out. 
 
COMMUNICATIONS:  A letter has been received from the Fairless Toy Team (Fairless Food Cupboard). 
 
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Mike Miller
Council received the Village Administrator’s report last week to review.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER LONG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB and motion carried to accept the VA’s September 20, 2021, report as written and emailed to Council and to enter it into the record of tonight’s Council meeting.  The vote: All yes.
 
VA Miller wished to state the following items in addition to his report from Friday:  
Administrator’s report for period 9/8/2021 thru 9/20/2021:
  • At this time, we are unsure as to how much money and when that money will be distributed for the waterline project on Tuscarawas and Locustdale. 
  • The issues have continued with the bid with the Filter Media Replacement Project.  The bid consultant has suggested that we proceed with split bid prices (estimate and contingency).  This would assist with obtaining the rebids.  Mike should have more information regarding the rebids by the end of this week.
 
 
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLARD asked the status of the Main Street storm drains.  Village Administrator Miller stated they should be completed this week.  Council Member Hillard also inquired about the status of the purposed winery.  Village Administrator Miller reported that the Zoning Committee has met and is gathering all necessary requirements before approaching the owners of the winery.
 
 
ØWater Department & EPA Recommendations - Hydraulic Model of the Distribution System. The Mayor, Water Superintendent, and I met with CT Consultants in a “Kick Off” Meeting for the Hydraulic Water Model for the Brewster Water System.
 
Water Superintendent Maybaugh provided CT Consultants with the information required to get started, and the process was discussed. There is field work we will coordinate with CT Consultants in the coming couple of months to add information needed to create and calibrate the Hydraulic Water Model. The target is to have it complete before the end of the year.
 
  • Filter Media Replacement Project. On Wednesday September 15th,we were to open bids at 1:00 pm for the Filter Media Project. The appointed time came and went, and we received NO bids.
 
I immediately discussed this with our Engineer, CT Consultants. They believe that the lack of bids can be directly tied to volatility in some of the required materials for the Filter Media Project. The estimate was done prior to submission of our OPWC Grant/Loan Application in September 2020.
 
The total Filter Media Project, including engineering, was $320,000. As has been done with previous applications, the Village requested 49% in OPWC Funds, split between into grant and loan, to add additional points to our scoring. We received $94,080 in a OPWC Grant and $62,720 in a loan. Construction was estimated at $262,400 plus $26,300, for a total of $288,700. That was the same number in the recent advertisement for bids.
 
The plan is to:
 
  • interview contractors.
  • discuss pricing.
  • look at material/subcontractor quotes and compare with the estimate.
  • Determine how to deal with the volatility of some items such as material and freight. CT did hear that for one item, the price guarantee was for one week, while the Village after opening bids would have at least 30 days to award a contract. 
 
CT will be setting up a meeting soon on solidifying the next steps. I will keep Council informed.
 
  • Brewster Parke Hydrant Project. Waiting to be informed of next step for the Ohio Water & Wastewater Grant. The Ohio Water & Wastewater Grant is a separate source of ARPA funds from the State of Ohio, administered through ODOD from the County. The Stark County Engineer is to create/submit a list (prioritized) to ODOD of eligible projects from Stark County political subdivisions. While the money is available until it runs out, the County Engineer has to turn the prioritized list in (deadline) by August 20, 2021. Brewster’s application for the Brewster Parke Water Line Extension & Hydrant Project was the first turned in in Stark County, and we now await to see what occurs next in the process.
 
Easement(s) have been completed but need to be signed/executed.
 
  • Jefferson Ave Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project. This project is all done except for the billing. We still are assisting Stark County in attempting to get all the required information from Shelly. Shelly has again submitted a purported final bill. While the first final bill didn’t match up with approved change orders, we had Thrasher reviewed the bill and discuss discrepancies with Shelly so a final bill can be approved, and submitted, and paid. This final bill simply matches the approved total based on approved change orders. The Clerk-Treasurer has been working in the meantime to submit documentation to OPWC of project costs that the Village expended but for which reimbursement is not being requested, such as the design drawings/specifications and the $441,959 in CDBG funds that count as the Village’s match, so that when the final payment request is made, there will be no impediments.
 
  • Sanitary Sewer Main Relining Project. I attended (virtually) Stark County CDBG’s Application Workshop this morning. Process still the same as last time we applied, and we still have areas within designated Low Moderate Income (LMI) Census Tracts. Also still get 10 points for attendance.
 
I am recommending that Brewster apply for a CDBG Infrastructure and public Facility Grant for the Jefferson Ave. Sanitary Sewer Lining Project. The deadline is November 5th, 2021. The Jefferson Ave. Sanitary Sewer Lining Project runs from where the Jefferson Ave Project terminated at a new manhole just north of 5th Street SE northwest to 4th Street SE, and would include replacing the manhole at 4th Street.
 
This portion of the sanitary sewer main was initially going to be part of the Jefferson Project, but was removed when issues regarding easements and more importantly, whether there was enough support in the soil (swamp) to install a new pipe. Soil tests show there could be some very expensive supports needed IF we replaced the sewer line. However, a much less expensive fix is lining the existing sewer line (and replace the manhole at 4th Street). It goes from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands.
 
So, the next step is to clean and TV the line to make sure it is a good candidate for lining. Then if it a good candidate we can have specifications prepared for the project. The plan is to have the clean and TV the line in the next few weeks to make sure it is a good candidate for lining, and if so, submit it for a CDBG Grant, similar to what we did for Jefferson.
 
We can, depending on cost and timing and eligibility, also use our “local” ARPA funds or see if another round is opened for applications through the Ohio Water & Wastewater for an American Rescue Plan Grant process.
 
  • Brewster Council Chambers COVID Compliance Remodeling Project (aka Community Room)
 
  1. Brewster Council Chambers COVID Compliance Remodeling Project (aka Community Room). The Brewster Council Chambers COVID Compliance Remodeling Project, would complete the “meeting room” where the Tahoe and Grass Fire Truck used to be stored as meeting space. That space can accommodate more individuals “socially distanced” than our current Council Chambers, which is limited to seven (7) with COVID masking and social distancing measures in place. It is why we had to rent the meeting room at the WANDLE House. It is also important because our ability to meet remotely legally has expired.
 
The Brewster Council Chambers COVID Compliance Remodeling Project can also be done in such a way that the technology to broadcast/record/observe could be integrated into the construction. It also is needed for the FD teaching classes such as CPR and/or employee safety meetings, and/or Fire Department training or meetings, and/or PD training. It would address the issue that Council cannot meet in person at Village Hall and properly social distance, nor is our current setup conducive to remote meetings (streaming).
 
  1. American Rescue Plan Funding – Proper Expense. The estimated amount of American Rescue Plan Funds we believe that Brewster is slated has been reduced to $225,529. At this point theClerk-Treasurer and I are confident that the base expenditure qualifies for use of ARPA funds. Our Law Director, John Anthony, is also convinced that the Project is a proper expenditure of ARPA Funds.
 
At this point the Clerk-Treasurer feels confident that creating a COVID compliant Council Chambers (aka Community Room) is a proper expenditure of American Rescue Plan Funds. We believe that the Brewster Council Chambers COVID Compliance Remodeling Project is a legitimate expenditure as it provides Council the ability to hold in person meetings and/or partial in person with access via computer during pandemic conditions.The US Treasury has under the caption Information for Non-Entitlement Units of Local Government a tab with Frequently Asked Questions that states that eligible uses for the funds include “… adaptations to public buildings to implement COVID-19 mitigation tactics.”
 
  1. Brewster Council Chambers COVID Compliance Remodeling Project (aka Community Room) – Ordinance to Authorize Bidding. The construction drawings for the Brewster Council Chambers COVID Compliance Remodeling Project are complete. The architect has revised the base bid so that the amount of the estimates for both the base and alternate are as low as possible. The alternate is to complete the Council Chambers and former meeting room that is used for executive sessions.
 
  1. Brewster Council Chambers COVID Compliance Remodeling Project (aka Community Room) – Cost Estimates. The Architect’s estimate for bidding for the base (completing bays and bathrooms) is $154,980. The Architect’s estimate for bidding for the alternate, which is the base work plus demo of the old Fire Office for more space and moving counters and appliances for more space, is $181,635.
 
  1. Brewster Council Chambers COVID Compliance Remodeling Project (aka Community Room) – What Funds? The decision on where to pay for the Brewster Council Chambers COVID Compliance Remodeling Project (aka Community Room) needs to be made by Council, as does the decision on whether to move forward.
  • OPWC 2021 Applications for Fund Year 2022. We received the schedule for OPWC Applications for 2022 funding year. The deadline for applications was September 17th, 2021. Two (2) applications were submitted: the Tuscarawas/Locustdale/Pinewood Water Line Replacement Project and the Park Drive Phase 1 Project.
 
  • Municipal Road Fund -2022 Application. At this point I am resigned to the fact that Chestnut will not be added to the MRF eligible roads in Brewster. We are down to Elton, Wabash, and 7th Street. So, I suggest that Council apply for a percentage of the cost for those roads, to be banked or set aside each year, beginning in 2022. As asphalt lasts 10-12 years, and all three (3) are at least two (2) years old, I suggest we apply for 10% of the cost of each in 2022, to be set aside for 2032. 7th Street was $227,000. The Villages share of Elton was $80,000 west of Wabash and $45,000 east of Wabash. Not factoring for inflation (can be added to later years) that comes to $22,700 for 7th Street; $8,000 for Elton west of Wabash; and $4,500 for Elton easy of Wabash.
The application deadline is October 1, 2021. I would ask that Council authorize legislation.
 
  • 2021 Paving Program. We have received the final payment request from Superior Paving.
 
To provide a more complete picture of the progression from estimates to bid to final bill, I have the following table:
 

Street

From

To

VA Estimated Cost

Engineer’s Estimate

Superior Bid

Superior Paving Bill

Chestnut NW

Muffly

Drive to south

(660 feet)

$18,000

 

 

 

Main Street SE

Wabash

Cleveland

$42,976.50

 

 

 

2nd Street SW

Wabash

McKinley

$29,000

 

 

 

Grant Ave SW

2nd

1st

$8,190

 

 

 

McKinley SW

Bimiler

7th Street

$24,024

 

 

 

2nd Street SE

Jefferson

East Terminus

$32,524

 

 

 

Harmon Ave NE

 

 

$32,875.50

 

 

 

BASE TOTAL

 

 

$187,590

$231,790.13

$166,096

 

Alternate #1

(Chestnut)

 

 

$27,000

$30,831.41

$19,566

$26,142.20

Alternate #2

(McKinley)

 

 

$14,938

$16,955.40

$19,810

$16,412.61

GRAND TOTAL

 

 

$229,528

$279,576.94

$205,472

$210,017.22

 
 
 
Paving Program Notes:
 
  • The bottom line is that the Paving Program was only $4,545.22 over the bid, or 2.2% over.
 
  • Alternate #1 was Chestnut NW from the drive to just before 13415 Chestnut (970 feet). When we went to do this, we actually went further east to tie directly into where we left off with a previous paving on Chestnut, adding length.
 
  • Alternate #2 was McKinley Ave SW from 2nd to the north terminus.
 
  • Thrasher was ultra conservative in their estimate since East Main came in well over 10% of their estimate in 2019.
 
  • The total projected amount for 2021 Paving Program of $232,000
 
  • The budget amount of $232,000 covered the base streets plus both, and we had approximately 10% contingency in the event that we ran into issues that would require additional asphalt (fabric or no base). We did run into some issues.
 
  • We also ended up adding 5th and Jefferson to complete that project, as the original contractor left without a completed top course of asphalt. The original contractor wanted another change order, and we felt that we could finish the Jefferson Project more cost effectively with our paving contractor. We were billed separately for 5th and Jefferson ($11 ,457,20), which we can bill as part of the Jefferson Project to OPWC for reimbursement.
 
  • Finally, Superior’s cement contractor did some additional work, adding the sidewalk on McKinley (to be paid out of Parks Funds) as well as some other adjustments. The additional work (via RMI, the concrete sub-contractor) was associated with storm sewer work on 2nd Street SW and with the sidewalk from 2nd Street to the Park on McKinley, which will be billed to Storm Sewer and Parks.
 
  • Electric Substation – SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System).  We continue to make progress and work continues by GPD and the Electric Department on the SCADA system at our substation. I will keep Council informed as to the progress on the project.
 
  • AMPT – Second Transmission Line. AMPT has held follow-up meetings with AEP regarding Brewster’s second transmission line. The discussion still is about connecting to a proposed new AEP substation near Wilmot. AMPT is also still cooperating with both AEP and First Energy regarding the second transmission feed to Brewster that will essentially interconnect the two utilities. The projected completion date for the second transmission line is December 12, 2024.
 
AMPT is also attempting to work with PJM to create more stability/predictability in PJM processes and decision making.
 
I will keep Council informed when new developments occur or when new information arises.
 
  • Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI). The AMI Project is winding up. Virtually all the meters have been installed and programmed. RNI training has been completed. To complete the process of integrating Sensus Analytics into our billing software, our applicable employees trained on September 10th on Sensus Analytics. There are still a few water meters and electric meters on back order that we are waiting for. In addition, as I indicated previously, the Electric Department has come up with a revised list of 60-amp services while installing their new meters, so I will be getting together a communication for those properties/meters.
 
  • Electric Department – Transfer Bus. The Electric Department continues to work on the transfer bus at the Substation. It is approximately 80% complete.the outgoing transfer bus at the Substation. The transfer bus is used to divert power from a feeder line that has a breaker issue. If a breaker has an issue power can be put on the transfer bus and restored (fed) to the distribution feeder that has the breaker issue.
 
  • Electric Department – New 7th Street Line. Waiting on transfer bus to be completed.
 
  • Decorative Street Lighting – Wabash north of Underpass. Conduit installation is complete. Waiting on connectors and boxes to get started.
 
  • Employee Handbook – Addition of a Reporting to Work Fit for Duty Policy. I have drafted a new policy to Council that I am recommending be included in the Employee Handbook. It has been created to address an issue that came up. It is entitled Reporting to Work Fit for Duty. The Reporting to Work Fit for Duty policy requires employees to promptly notify the Village of any illness, injury, situation, or condition that either affects or could affect their ability to perform all the essential functions of their position to report it. It is similar to the Village’s Self-Reporting Policy, which requires employees who have open and/or pending charges and/or criminal convictions of certain offenses may restrict or prohibit an employee's ability to properly perform official duties.
 
We do have a work rule under Work Rules: Serious Misconduct stating it is a violation if an employee:
 
8.05.30 Reporting to work and/or working while unable to perform essential functions reporting to work and/or working while unable to perform the essential functions of the job, or as a supervisor allowing an employee to report to work or work while unable to perform the essential functions of the job.
 
The new policy strengthens that work rule and puts employees on better notice.
 
In discipline, arbitrators and Courts look at what is referred to as the seven tests of “just cause” for disciplinary matters. I have attached a good summary of all seven tests. But the first test is having reasonable work rule, which is why it is important to strengthen ours. The new Policy is, in my opinion, a better approach and basis to hold employees accountable for their ability to physically perform their jobs. Changing behavior and ultimately holding an employee accountable starts with having reasonable policy and/or work rule in place.
 
  • Employee Handbook – Revision of Work Related Injury Policy. A situation has arisen where we are referring to, and therefor rereading, the Work Related Injury Leave and Benefits Policy. At this point it is felt there should be some minor changes to the policy.
 
Essentially, the changes are to:
 
  • Past the initial 480 hours (administrative decision), rather than have a hard “caped” additional 480 hours (administration with approval by Council), change that second “level” so there is no cap. Council still needs to approve any and all hours past the initial 480.
  • Clarify in Section G that the benefits we are talking about are compensatory benefits.
  • As employees on Work Related Injury Leave can’t use vacation during Work Related Injury Leave, make it automatic that in the event an employee on Work Related Injury Leave accrues Vacation hours more than the maximum allowed by Village of Brewster Policy 5.02 Vacation Section B, they will be allowed to do so.
  • Correct what may have been a clerical error, so that if a paid holiday comes up during Work Related Injury Leave it is still paid as a holiday rather than Work Related Injury Leave.
 
As a refresher, Work Related Injury Leave addresses what happens if an employee suffers an injury arising out of their employment. Prior to its adoption the employee has to use sick leave (or other appropriate leave) while they wait for a determination from the BWC and/or Temporary Total Disability payments from the BWC.
 
 
This was addressed for two (2) primary reasons:
 
  1. Without it “compensation” to our employees could be delayed (BWC) and/or deplete their leave balances.
  2. Payment to an employee of Temporary Total Disability increases the Worker’s Compensation rate for all our employees, over a three (3) year period, actually costing more than the proposed Injury Leave (or as BWC refers to it “salary continuation”).
 
What was adopted is a policy that essentially parallels ORC and OAC which authorizes at the state level the use of “salary continuation” in the form of Injury Leave. For every dollar that is spent by workers compensation on Village claims (including temporary total compensation if there is no salary continuation), the Village’s rates increase, and the affect the rates for a period of three (3) years. So, it was adopted to protect our employees and to reduce Workers Compensation premiums by allowing wage continuation. The Policy not only has benefited our employees, but has potentially saved the Village money on its Workers Compensation rates.
 
  • Employee Handbook – Council Adoption of a Self-Reporting Policy. In 2017, 7.12 Self-Reporting of Convictions and Pending Charges was administratively adopted. It was done so in keeping with that some policies may be adopted from time to time for inclusion in the Employee Handbook that do NOT involve the expenditure of funds, and therefore could be adopted administratively. However, with a similar provision covering requiring employees to promptly notify the Village of any illness, injury, situation, or condition that either affects or could affect their ability to perform all the essential functions of their position, to be consistent I would like Council to formally enact 7.12 Self-Reporting of Convictions and Pending Charges by ordinance as well.
 
Ø  Storm Drainage Projects. The current list of storm sewer projects in their priority order, with updates on their status:
 
  1. Cleveland Ave south of Main on east side – failed catch basin. COMPLETED except for replacing curb & gutter.
2.       Catch basin on Tuscarawas to address sump pump. COMPLETED.
  1. East Main Street Drainage.
  2. East end of 1st Street SE. Will be scheduled when area dries out and we can coordinate with US Army Corps of Engineers.
  3. Dartmouth/Amherst relief line. First step - survey being completed.
  4. Open ditch east of Mohican.
  5. Drainage from Harmon west of 264 Harmon. First step - survey needs to be completed.
  6. NEW ADD ON –Drainage to the west of the WANDLE House.
  7. NEW ADD ON –drainage on north side of 7th west of Baymere.
 
These are not necessarily on a first come/first serve basis but based on their criticality and/or ability to fit into the schedule. We are also looking to repair deteriorated catch basins, so if any Council person is aware of any, please let me know. Also, if there are any storm drainage projects/issues not on this list please let me know.
 
  • Efficiency Smart - 2021 Retail Lighting. A participation agreement is in place with Belloni’s for reduced cost LED light bulbs. The inventory has been delivered.
 
  • Efficiency Smart – Rebates. Heating and cooling make up the largest portion of the average household’s energy bill. Efficiency Smart offers rebates on products that can help you save on these costs, including a $750 rebate on cold climate air source heat pumps and a $100 rebate on air source heat pumps. Visit www.efficiencysmart.org/brewster-ohio and select “Home Energy Rebates” or call 877-889-3777 for more information on available rebates.
 
  • Efficiency Smart – “Buy Local” Program. For a limited time, Efficiency Smart is offering small businesses an increased incentive for purchasing qualifying LED products from a designated local business. Contact Bob Golden with Efficiency Smart at rgolden@efficiencysmart.org or (614) 468-4904 for a list of designated local suppliers and contractors or for more information.
 
  • Appliance Recycling Rewards. The Appliance Recycling Rewards program is back for a limited time. There is a brochure that is available in Village offices.
 
  • Home Energy Rebates. Home Energy Rebates have been increased for many measures through the end of 2021. There is a brochure with details as to the amounts available in Village offices.
 
  • Electric Department Garage. Work continues on the plans for the proposed new Electric Garage. We are still moving forward on a new 7 bay Electric Garage and office.
 
To confirm that the location picked for the building will not impede a future ring bus in front of the substation,I reached out to both GPD and AMPT. At our meeting and subsequent discussions with AMPT about the location of the Electric Building and the second feed and associated ring bus, we discovered that the second feed into our substation would make the proposed location for the Electric Building not workable. We are still working on the plan is to move the Electric Building north into the trees and flipping it to face south. Only other change for sure would be eliminate the one garage door facing out the back to the south (now north). The proposed building is 59.5 feet by 130 feet, so with the proposed lay out, we estimate we would need roughly 80 feet north from existing lease line by 180 feet to allow some buffering on the back and sides from the trees, so roughly a third of an acre. I reached out to Brewster Cheese, and they have consented to the new location on a leased basis for 50 years at $1. This is our best option, so I will get a survey of the required property for a lease to be prepared.
 
As I indicated in the Committee Meeting site walkthrough, the estimated cost will not be known until more work is done by EA on complete plans, versus the layout currently available. As I also indicated, based on a high estimate of $500,000, our firm that provides rate studies, Courtney and Associates, the Electric Department Budget can absorb the cost without an increase in rates.
 
  • Internet Sales. We are now in a position to be able to sell items that are no longer needed for public use on the internet, per the ordinance passed by Council. The “legal” documents associated with sales have been approved by the Law Director, and Public Surplus has uploaded them. The registration process has been completed by the Clerk-Treasurer. We have gotten photos for each vehicle and are getting information together to post our first items (2 Police Department vehicles) online, with a plan to set the minimum bid at the same amount the Village could get for scrapping the vehicles.
 
VILLAGE MAYOR: Charles Hawk
  1. The annual Toy Drive for the Fairless Food Cupboard is now underway.  Per COUNCIL MEMBER HILLARD, monetary donations are being requested, NOT TOYS.  This is being done as a safety issue, because of the COVID. 
  2. Set time for Halloween
  3. Thank you to Ray Heitger, Recreation Board, for his hard work for the summer concerts. 
  4. Request for Executive Session.  This is regarding an extension for Injury Leave for an employee.  COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to adjourn to an Executive Session. 
 
VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER:  Kris King, excused.  Kris is on vacation.
 
VILLAGE SPEAKS (Communications received by Council Members from Village Residents):
 
COMMITTEES or COUNCIL REPORTS: The Goal of any committee meeting is to discuss an issue or proposal and to provide, by a consensus of the committee members, ONE recommendation to Council.
 
REMINDERS:
Fire Department will be holding an open house on October 9th from 12 noon to 3 pm at firehouse.
Fire Department will be holding an Octoberfest in the park on October 9th from 4 pm to 12 midnight. 
 
PENDING PROPOSALS FROM PAST MEETINGS:
The West Main reduction and rehabilitation project is on hold
 
PENDING EXPENDITURE REQUESTS:
Fire Department copy machine, at estimated cost of $1100.00
 
 
 
 
 
OLD or NEW BUSINESS:Council Rules require a two-week waiting period before any expenditure of funds unless determined an emergency.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB noted that Don Glick passed away on September 4, 2021.  Don had served in many capacities for the Village of Brewster over his lifetime.  Don, bled Brewster Green. Don was the third generation of his family involvement for the Village.  Don assisted not only with his excavating service, but also assisted the Village with sewer breaks, replacing water lines, installing ductile iron and plastic water lines.   During his retirement years, he continued to serve our community on the Village Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.  He will be missed not only by his family but by our Village. COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB moved, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLARD, and motion carried to make a Resolution to Recognize the Service of Don Glick.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLARD, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB, and motion carried to have Trick or Treat/Halloween on October 31 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  The party will be at 6pm at the park. It was decided to have the earlier time for safety reasons and because it is a school night. 
The vote:  ALL yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLARD, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG, and motion carried to purchase the copy machine for the Fire Department at $1100.  The Vote:  All yes. 
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG, and motion carried to create legislation to set aside $75,000 of the revenue to be received in the second half of 2021 from the two Fire Contracts to help fund the Ambulance Replacement Fund.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG, and motion carried to hold a Finance Committee Meeting on October 4 at 6:30 pm.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH, and motion carried to create legislation to remove “for continuous period of longer than 24 hours” from Section B(2) of Schedule III parking of commercial vehicles of Codified Ordinances.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB requested that another Employee Compensation Meeting be scheduled.  Mayor Hawk will schedule in the near future. 
 
AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS:
 
COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 pm. The vote: All yes.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Nancy Bucher, Assistant Utility Clerk
 
Charles Hawk, Mayor