November 6, 2023 - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL

NOVEMBER 6, 2023

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 Hawk, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

The meeting took place in the Community Room.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Charles Hawk, Mayor

Dale Fox, Council Member David Godwin, Council Member

Tom 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 OCTOBER 16, 2023, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:

Mayor Chuck Hawk asked if there were any additions or deletions to the October 16, 2023 Council meeting minutes.

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to approve the minutes as presented. The vote: All yes.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to accept the bills in the amount of $872,093.57. The vote: All yes.

AUDIENCE:

Fireman Larry Gilkerson, Fire Chief Chris Colucy, and Police Chief Nathan Taylor

Larry Gilkerson, a 56 ½ -year veteran of the Frie Department was in attendance to implore Council to find the money to have two paramedics on duty 24/7. He stated that when he started there were 30-40 calls per year. Mr. Gilkerson described the education required over the years and how the EMS calls were handled. In the 1970’s the department purchased a conversion van for an ambulance. In the 80’s the department purchased the first ambulance by Horton at a cost of around $70,000. We are getting more calls and having less people respond to a couple hundred calls now. This Sunday, when returning from a call a second call came out. Brewster was toned out at 7:00 pm, 7:04 pm for Brewster, then Beach City Fire was toned out at 7:08 pm and 7:12pm then when no one responded Wilmot was toned out at 7:16 pm and 7:20 pm and when no one responded Erie Valley was toned out at 7:24 pm. He stated we can no longer work with one person on duty. We are paying $300.00 for Erie Valley to respond. Mr. Gilkerson stated that the Village pay is within the ballpark, but Council needs to find money for two people to be on duty 24/7. Council Member Hilliard and Mayor Hawk thanked Larry and the other firemen for all they do. Council Member Godwin asked if the territory is too big?

PRESENTATION OF GUESTS: None

CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES: Titles of each read by Solicitor John Anthony.

ORDINANCE 57-2023: An Ordinance EMPLOYING John Anthony as Village Solicitor from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 was given third reading.

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to amend the legislation to include a 3% increase for 2024. The vote: All yes.

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to approve the legislation as amended. The vote: All yes.

Second Reading: A Resolution Creating a Village Policy to require all grants and/or grant requests to be approved and/or ratified by Council, be in the name of the Village of Brewster, and Administrated through (paid into) the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office.

First Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Fixed Volume Energy Supply with American Municipal Power (“AMP”) for 1MW of Power.

First Reading: An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 07-2012, 76-2017, 02-2022 and 34-2022 Establishing the Village Fire Department Fee Schedule for Charges for Services as Established by Ohio Billing.

First Reading: An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 77-2019 Pertaining to the Application of Village Water Rates and Charges and Ordinance 74-2019 Pertaining to the Application of Village Sewer Rates and Charges.

First Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of the 2023 Northern Power Pool Participant Schedule with American Municipal Power, Inc. (“AMP”).

TABLED AT THIRD READING: An ordinance authorizing the Village Administrator, with the assistance of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), to apply for, accept, and enter into a construction loan agreement for an Ohio EPA Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) loan for the installation of two (2) manholes in the sanitary sewer line that runs between McKinley to the levee and declaring an emergency (at third reading).

TABLED AT THIRD READING: An ordinance authorizing the Village Administrator, with the assistance of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), to apply for, accept, and enter into a construction loan agreement for an Ohio EPA Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) loan for the Hillview Mobile Home Park Sanitary Project and declaring an emergency (at third reading).

TABLED AT THIRD READING: An ordinance authorizing the Village Administrator, with the assistance of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), to apply for, accept, and enter into a construction loan agreement for an Ohio EPA Water Pollution Loan Fund (WPCLF) loan for the lining and the rehabilitation/installation of two (2) manholes in the sanitary sewer line and runs between 5^th and Jefferson and 4^th Street and declaring an emergency (at third reading).

TABLED AT THIRD READING: An Ordinance to Authorize an Agreement between the Village of Brewster and the owner of Hillview Park to extend the Village Sanitary Sewer to the Park at owner’s expense.

MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

POLICE DEPARTMENT: Chief Nathan Taylor (excused)

Requesting a second person to be sent to Firearms training at a cost of $1,200.
Council Member Godwin would like to thank the Police Department for their presence during trick-or-treat and the Halloween party.

FIRE DEPARTMENT: Chief Chris Colucy

Number of calls to date: 737. Chief Chris Colucy also provided a breakdown of the calls.
The Chief explained that the area that Brewster Fire Department covers is not too big. We are getting a lot of nursing home calls. It is just that the population being served is getting older and people believe that arriving at the ER by ambulance gets them seen sooner rather than later (no longer true). The hospital has figured this out and you will go straight to triage.
We have two resignations and two other requests. One doesn’t have time and the other feels it is time to move on.
The new ambulance arrived on Friday. It cannot be put into service until the radio is programmed and other items are completed. Hoping to be in service soon.
The other ambulance that the department has been using hit a deer Saturday morning returning from a call. We are using a North Lawrence squad while ours is being looked at.
There are two grants being received through BWC. The association is covering the match for the cots and the Village will need to cover the other match.
Would like to send two people to fire school starting on Thursday.
Council Member Hilliard brought up the departments working together.

VILLAGE SOLICITOR: John Anthony

Escrow Account for Hillview: Hillview has approved and signed the agreement to put $1,250 into an escrow account for October and November. Council approval is needed for the Mayor to sign the agreement and Clerk King can take care of the banking.
Sidewalk Assessment Process: Solicitor drafted a memo: Will need a resolution of necessity and give notice to the affected people then a resolution to make the assessment and then after construction a resolution with the actual cost of the assessment. The other method is to impose on the property owner to make the improvement at their own cost. Village Administrator Miller asked if the cost of the plans and specs can be passed on the property owner. Solicitor Anthony stated that the costs could be passed on to the property owner.

COMMUNICATIONS:

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Mike Miller

The Council received the Village Administrator’s report last week to review. Administrator’s report for period: 10/17/23 through 11/6/2023:

COUNCIL MEMBER LONG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to approve the Village Administrator’s report as presented. The vote: All yes.

Items added since the report went out on the 25^th of October:

We received our draft scores for the West Main Reconstruction and Tuscarawas Paving Projects for next year. We received a fair score on Tuscarawas. The VA responded to the score for West Main and we were given 5 additional points. We should schedule a committee meeting to discuss these projects.
Friday the VA attended a tree assessment training session.
The VA is requesting a Tree Committee meeting.
The sidewalk and ADA work is supposed to start later this week with McBurney. Most of the work will be on the north side.

Council Member Hilliard asked where the tree was located that was heading towards the powerlines. Administrator Miller stated it is at 205 4^th St SW. A Tree Risk Assessment (TRA) was performed. The initial assessment was to see if it is likely to come down for $800, with another $200 for the resistivity test. It is 80ft tall and it is limbed up, it is shaped like a lollipop, and unbalanced, so it is top heavy towards the electric lines. The tree to the west of it went down in the tornado so it is less protected from wind. It has been filled in around the base. Based on his training on Friday, he can better explain how the TRA process works. The TRA involves 2 charts. The first is 4 lines by 4 columns. The lines are risk of failure going from a low of Improbable, to possible, to probable, to imminent. Across the top are likelihood of hitting a target, ranging from very low to high. It is possible that the tree at 205 4th SW could fall in the next year, and a high likelihood of impacting a target. That puts in a somewhat likely category. The somewhat likely assessment is the applied to a second chart also 4 lines by 4 columns, which has consequences of failure, with the tree at 205 4^th SW being of high consequence, with thousands of dollars damages to the electric lines and taking the west side and Shearer’s out. Even with that it is rated a moderate risk, with a recommendation that it be reevaluated annually. That makes it shift to a management decision. If it is reevaluated for the next 3 years, the Village will spend $2400. That probably exceeds the cost of removal. With the high risk added into the management evaluation it should probably be removed. I plan to present this to the Tree Board. Council Member Schwab asked if the VA wants to take it down. The VA would like to take it down instead of checking it every year.

Administrator’s report for period 10/17/2023 through 11/6/2023:

OPWC Brewster Water Transmission Main Replacement Project. Installation of thewater line has been completed on:

1^st Street SW
Wandle Court
2^nd Street from Wabash to Lincoln
Lincoln from 2^nd Street to the Water Treatment Facility entrance
4^th Street from the water plant entrance to Wabash
Washington from 4^th Street to 6^th Street

All residents and businesses on these sections of the water lines have been switched over to the new water lines.

Work has commenced installing the redundant line from the water department entrance to and into the pump house.

Ditch repair has commenced. Work began Monday October 23^rd to dig out the water trenches on 1st Street SW, Wandle (alley behind Moose & Credit Union), and 2nd Street SW. Initially the plan was to begin filling in (paving) the trenches on Tuesday, but with the cold snap of 32 degrees on Monday night that got pushed back to Wednesday October 25^th. The water ditch on Wabash at 4th Street and 4^th Street from Wabash to McKinley has been completed, as well as Lincoln for 2^nd to 4^th.

We made a change that will speed up filling (paving) the ditches back in AND also increase the strength of the road that is put back in. Street Superintendent Rick Patterson and I discussed it, and the decision was made that the Village would eliminate the intermediate course and do 2 lifts of base and a single lift of 1 ¾ inches on top. This will get trenches completed quicker and will give us more strength. Eliminating the intermediate course takes the number of “passes” or lifts of asphalt from 4 down to 3, meaning the process can be completed quicker.

Cement repair to sidewalks and curbs has also commenced.

The first pay request/disbursal was received and processed through OPWC. A payment of $412,621.38 for Brewster Water Transmission Main Replacement for Village of Brewster has been submitted, with the Village’s match at this point being what has been expended on engineering and advertising bids.

Well Maintenance – Well #5.An update on the well maintenance for Well #5 (cleaning and repair). The initial “base” price to perform well maintenance on Well #5 was $17,650. We also at the time got prices for various items to be repaired or replaced that based on past experience have needed repaired or replaced. At this time, we have received an update/clarification on what needs repaired/replaced based on actual observation. The repairs/replacements cost totals $10,646.

The total cost of base price plus the repair/replacement cost is $28,296, slightly over our $28,000 estimate in June, but less than the maintenance cost incurred for Well #4 in 2019. We are proceeding.

Miscellaneous Patching.The Village also employed the subcontractor who is doing the asphalt work on the Brewster Water Transmission Main Replacement Project to make repairs to East Main near Cleveland (sewer line repair), west of the Police Station(water line ditch for Street Department), and West Harmon (water line repair), as they are mobilized and could do so at a reasonable cost.

Hillview Mobile Home Park Sanitary Sewer “Project” – WPCLF Design/Planning Loan. Design is wrapping up. A revised Engineer’s Estimate has been developed. Plans are being finalized.

Hillview Mobile Home Park & Village Agreement for Reimbursement. Law Director Anthony has addressed Council on this piece of the overall “puzzle.”

Hillview Mobile Home Park Sanitary Sewer “Project” – Easements. With the use of Federal funds through WPCLF subjects the easements to Title II and III of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition and Policies Act of 1970 (P.L.91-646). The easements for the Project were identified. They were then appraised. The next step is “negotiations” with the owner, Hillview Mobile Home Park, based on the appraisal(s). It is still the intent of Hillview Mobile Home Park at this point in the process to donate the easements at no cost, similar to what was done by Fairless Schools for the Safe Routes to Schools Project. However, this process is on hold until the Village and Hillview reach an agreement on reimbursement by Hillview for any Village incurred costs.

Hillview Mobile Home Park - CDBG Funds. The CDBG Grant continues to progress. CDBG has documents they requested to address the Environmental Review process. In addition to utilizing the documentation in the Environmental Review process, there will be:

A “historic” review by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, which Stark County CDBG will take responsibility for.
Published legal notices, which Stark County CDBG will take responsibility for.
30-day comment period, which Stark County CDBG will take responsibility for.
As portions of the project will lie within the flood plain, environmental review for flood plain/wetland incursion, which Stark County CDBG will take responsibility for.

They estimate that part of the process will wrap up in December.

Hillview Mobile Home Park Pump Station & Force Main Project – Construction Renomination Summary. As I indicated previously, the Village is pursuing better funding for the construction portion of the Hillview Mobile Home Park Pump Station & Force Main Project. The Village has a “bird in hand” (existing WPCLF Construction Loan up to $255,000). Because the CDBG Funding will not be available until July 1, 2024, it allows the Village to reapply (renominate) the Project. That was completed September 14, 2023. By reapplying the Village can potentially get “loan forgiveness” in all or part. There is potential loan forgiveness for up to $50,000 for back-up electricity. With the WPCLF construction loan in place, the Village can keep that existing WPCLF Loan for construction while we renominate the project. There is no downside to renominating it. If we do not get a better outcome, we can keep the existing WPCLF Loan like what the outcome is, we follow through on loan approval.

The cost estimate has changed, due to projected increases in construction prices and the addition of construction administration. That was included in the renomination request. As a reminder, the owners of Hillview Mobile Home Park are to ultimately reimburse the Village for any costs it incurs on the Project.

Water Department – Potential Replacement of the Water Line on 2nd Street SW between Lincoln and Grant. Our Water Department approached the contractor for the Brewster Water Transmission Line Replacement Project about completing a separate water line replacement on 2^nd Street SW between Lincoln and Grant (the mobile home park). This section has experienced four (4) water line breaks, which makes it a top candidate for replacement.

The proposal was for the Village to supply material ($19,488.18) and the Contractor, Palmer & Sons Excavating, to provide the labor ($26,812). This was not included in the Brewster Water Transmission Line Replacement Project as it is not a “transmission” main. The total combined cost of $46,300.18 was below the bid limit. However, in consulting with the Clerk-Treasurer regarding current balances in the Water Fund and what is committed for our local share towards the Brewster Water Transmission Main Replacement Project, it was decided that there isn’t enough money in the Water Fund to replace that water line and still retain a minimum of 6 months carryover/reserve in the Water Fund.

Storm Drainage Projects. The current list of storm sewer projects in their priority order, with updates on their status:

Dartmouth/Amherst relief line. Easement has been signed. Need surveyor to set pins. Work to start when it can be scheduled and weather permits.
Catch basin extensions on West Main
Corner of Needham & Harriman – catch basin collapse.
East end of 1st Street SE. Will have to coordinate with US Army Corps of Engineers.
Open ditch east of Mohican. We are consulting with Stark County Soil & Water.
Drainage from Harmon west of 264 Harmon. Survey needs to be completed.
Drainage on north side of 7^th 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.

Ambulance Purchase. The changes/additions have had purchase orders opened and sent to the manufacturer. The Fire Chief informs me that they are being scheduled/completed so that the Village can take delivery in the near future. He can define near future.

After Hours Dispatching for the Service/Utilities Departments. The Village continues with the process of implementing an improved after-hours dispatching service.

Leaf Pick-Up. The Village began picking up leaves on Monday October 23^rd. It is anticipated that leaf pick-up will continue until at least Thanksgiving.

Fiber Extension to Village Hall and the Fire Department. After a meeting with Seifert (our computer consultant) an extension of our fiber network to Village Hall and the Fire Department from the existing fiber installed on Cleveland Ave that connects the Police Department (hub) to the Electric Facility has been approved. This small extension will also serve in the future as a part of the fiber ring, so it is being built using 96ct fiber that we have already purchased. It also allows Seifert to better integrate the Village systems for better safety. The cost is $7,840.93.

2024 MRF (Municipal Road Fund) Application. The Village’s Municipal Road Fund Application was submitted to the Stark County Commissioners on October 17^th. The request is for 7th Street between Route 62 and Wabash to be micro-surfaced and restriped. The request is in the amount of $80,960.

New Electric Building – Back-up Generator. The generator that used to be at Village Hall/Fire Department has been inspected. The inspection indicated that the generator is in good working order and can be used at the New Electric Building for back-up power. We also obtained an estimate to have the generator that used to be at Village Hall/Fire Department installed at the new Electric Building. That estimate is $2,137.44. The generator will be located at the northwest corner of the newly leased property. Reusing the generator that used to be at Village Hall/Fire Department at the new Electric Building results in a large savings. The installation should begin shortly as the cement pad for the generator has been installed.

Electric – Distribution Transformers. One of the issues I learned about while attending the 2023 AMP General Membership conference was the potential scarcity of distribution transformers.

Distribution transformers have been and continue to be hard to get. The pandemic started extending the time and ability to get them. That has been exacerbated by Federal Rule making mandating a change in what metal distribution transformers are constructed of. It is the same metal, by the way, as are needed for batteries. So, the manufacturers of the distribution transformers have indicated that they will not add to the manufacturing capacity for the current style distribution transformers but concentrate their added efforts on working out how to comply with the new mandate. In simple terms, the current transformers will be built with the same capacity (workforce etc.) while they research and reconfigure their processes to manufacture the new style distribution transformers.

That said, Brewster needs to get an order in so that it does not run out of distribution transformers. It is a balance between having a sufficient inventory versus having too many.

After reviewing our current stock, Electric Superintendent Ryan Swan has settled on an order that totals $61,320. That is below the new threshold of $75,000 for a Village Administrator that was established by recent statutory changes and is within the parameters of the Electric Department budget. Delivery time is estimated at:

50 KVA Poles are a 6–18-week lead time.
50 KVA 1 Phase Pad Mounts are estimated at a 24–26-week lead time, with the caveat that there are limited units with this lead time.

The order has been placed.

ELECTRIC – AMP Northern Pool. The Village’s municipal electric system is interconnected to the FirstEnergy transmission system, which is operated by PJM. PJM controls the regional generation and transmission grid ranging from Illinois to New Jersey. To take advantage of economies of scale for power scheduling, forecasting and short-term energy supply in PJM, AMP has aggregated its forty-three (43) members connected to the FirstEnergy transmission system into the Northern Power Pool. The Village of Brewster is therefore a member of AMP’s Northern Power Pool.

The Northern Power Pool Agreement provides the rules and methodologies for allocating among the Pool Participants, the charges and credits incurred by AMP for energy supply and transmission and generation delivery services. The Northern Power Pool Agreement was last updated in 2011. During the past year it has become apparent that there are new charges and credits associated with the PJM settlement process that were not contemplated in the 2011 Agreement. Additionally, AMP has found a need to update the assignment of other charges/credits to match the methods in which AMP is invoiced. This updated Northern Power Pool Agreement brings the contract up to date to formalize the way that the members are operating and invoiced for power supply and delivery costs. It has been stated that there will be no change in pricing from the proposed updated pool agreement.

This updated Northern Power Pool Agreement brings the contract up to date to formalize the way that the members are operating and invoiced for power supply and delivery costs. The new agreement:

Establishes bandwidth on Energy Pool Power Cost Adjustment
Creates calculation of PJM inadvertent charges and moves from Energy Pool to Transmission Ancillary Services Pool.
Updates to memorialize allocation of new PJM charges not contemplated in original Pool agreements.
Update methodology split of AMP Dispatch Center charges.

Language that is proposed to be added is that Pool Participants agree to:

Comply with Good Utility Practice, Applicable Technical Standards, PJM Governing Documents and Applicable Laws in performing its respective obligations and responsibilities under this Schedule.
Comply with Applicable Technical Standards -- Interconnection of Pool Participant to Transmission Facilities; the PJM Governing Documents; and the standards, requirements and guidelines of NERC and each applicable NERC Regional Entity.
Cooperate and inform the other of any changes to its respective facilities or needs that might reasonably be expected to affect the products or services provided hereunder.

The new agreement/ordinance will require an individual authorized to sign the agreement. The previous Ordinance passed in 2011 authorized signature by the Administrator.

The new agreement/ordinance will require designating an authorized representative for voting on Pool matters, including but not limited to short term energy purchases, minor updates to Pool billing in the event of new charges, and additions of new members. Currently, the Village has designated the Mayor or his designee to vote on issues related to AMP.

AMP will have online seminar presentations for each existing Pool and groups of new Pools in September-October, which I intend to view. Amp will then hold a Pool webinar in November to discuss power purchase plan for 2024.

I am still awaiting AMP’s draft ordinance.AMP will be sending draft legislation with final Pool Schedules to every Member for execution, with a target of completion by 2023 year end. Since there are only four (4) meetings between now and the end of the year, I anticipate that the legislation will need to be passed on an emergency basis to meet AMP’s target completion by the end of 2023.

This is one of the subjects to be discussed at the Committee Meeting scheduled for Monday November 6^th, 2023 at 6:00pm.

Electric – Potential Power Supply Shortfall in 2025 & 2026. I have forwarded power supply projections for 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028, prepared by Vice President of Power Supply Planning for AMP Mike Migliore, that are BASED ON A NEW ASSUMPTION that the Brewster Cheese’s Cogeneration Project does not come online in 2024 as originally projected. The reason that Brewster Cheese’s Cogeneration might not come online in 2024 as originally projected, but delayed, has nothing to do with Brewster Cheese. It is a result of the fact that Columbia Gas needs to increase the supply of natural gas. Columbia Gas’s first alternate is to add a second gas line through the levee on 7^th Street. Their second alternative, at about twice the cost, and more importantly for the Village 11 to 14 months longer is to construct a new supply line from the north. Their third alternative at about four times the cost and more importantly for the Village 11 to 14 months longer, is to come from the south. In simple terms the position of the US Army Corps of Engineers is that since there are alternates that do not go through the levee, then Columbia Gas cannot increase the size of the line that currently goes through the levee. Columbia Gas is still looking at approaches that would keep the Brewster Cheese’s Cogeneration Project on time, but in my opinion, we need to plan for the “worst”.

While the cost factor is important to Columbia Gas and Brewster Cheese, the time extension is the most important factor for the Village. After January 1, 2025 the cost for a significant portion of the Village’s power goes from $34.14 to market price. Market price is currently in the high $40s/MW to $60s/MW. Also, if the Brewster Cheese Cogeneration Project came online before Summer of 2024, it would reduce the Village’s electric transmission costs (based on 1CP and 5CPs) in 2025. Pushing the Project past summer of 2024 not only puts Village in a position that it must come up with additional 1MW to 2MW of power until Brewster Cheese Cogeneration Project comes online, but also fails to obtain the benefit to the Village of its electric transmission costs in 2025 and 2026 being reduced, which also goes to the Village’s bottom line.

To determine what the potential affect will be should the Brewster Cheese Cogeneration Project be pushed back, I have been discussing what the affects might be with both Courtney and Associates as well as AMP.

One of the potential actions (ordinances that may need passed in the near future) is authorizing purchasing a 1MW or even 2MW block of power for 2025 and maybe 2026. A second potential action (ordinances that may need to be passed in the near future) is authorizing moving forward with the proposed Blue Creek Wind Project we have recently discussed and indicated interest in, which would cover a potential shortfall.

To address the potential shortfall Legislation has been prepared to coordinate with AMP to purchase 1MW of power with a term beginning on January 1, 2025 and ending no later than December 31, 2026.

This is also one of the subjects to be discussed at the Committee Meeting scheduled for Monday November 6^th, 2023 at 6:00pm.

Electric – Incentive Awards for Hydro Phase 1. I am pleased to pass on that AMP hydropower projects that the Village of Brewster participates in have been awarded federal hydroelectric incentive funds!

Three (3) hydroelectric plants located at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Cannelton, Smithland, and Willow Island locks and dams on the Ohio River are the recipients of $2 million each in Hydroelectric Production Incentive Program funds in connection with electricity generated in 2021 and 2022. As a public power community, we participate (0.58% of capacity) in the AMP Phase I Hydroelectric Project, which includes the run-of-the-river generating facilities at the Cannelton, Smithland, and Willow Island dams on the Ohio River. AMP Hydro Phase 1 consists of eight (8) hydro generating units with a combined capacity of 208 MW. Cannelton, Smithland and Willow Island, or Hydro Phase 1 hydro projects. In 2024 it is anticipated that these three (3) hydro facilities will supply 7.4% of the Village’s power.

Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by the DOE Grid Deployment Office, the program provides funding for hydroelectricity generated by qualified hydroelectric facilities placed in service since Oct. 1, 2005. The Cannelton, Smithland, and Willow Island plants, which became operational in 2016 and 2017, are qualified facilities.

The Village of Brewster is a long-time member of American Municipal Power, Inc., (AMP), a joint action organization that provides its members with a variety of services as well as diverse and reliable power supply options to best meet our unique values and needs. The power supply mix that the Village of Brewster receives includes hydropower. Our hydro interests include the previously mentioned run-of-the-river public power projects developed at existing federally owned dams on the Ohio River, plus Belleville Hydroelectric Plant, which is a 42-megawatt (MW) run-of-the-river facility that is part of AMP JV5.

Because Brewster Electric is owned and operated by the Village of Brewster our local government makes its own decisions about which power supply projects to participate in. As part of our diversified power supply portfolio, the Village chose to participate in AMP Phase I Hydroelectric Project, which includes the run-of-the-river generating facilities at the Cannelton, Smithland, and Willow Island and AMP JV5 which includes Belleville Hydroelectric Plant is a 42MW run-of-the-river, because the Village recognizes the many benefits associated with clean hydroelectric generation.

Hydropower is an important source of energy that has many positive attributes, including:

It provides a 100 percent renewable resource.
It lacks fuel risk, emissions and waste streams.
Hydroelectric plants have long life spans — 80 to 100 years — and will continue to provide clean energy for decades.

When the Village decided to participate in the hydro projects, we knew we were making a long-term investment in an energy resource that would be around for generations to come. The funds from the Department of Energy will help maintain and enhance these facilities to ensure that they continue to provide clean electricity long into the future. On behalf of Brewster, I appreciate and thank the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for recognizing the importance and value that hydroelectricity plays in the electric industry in the form of its investment.

The specific breakdown for the three (3) AMP Phase I Hydroelectric Project facilities is:

Cannelton

The Cannelton Hydroelectric Plant has received $2 million in awards in Hydroelectric Production Incentive funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office as a result of hydropower generated in 2021 and 2022. The award is being disbursed through incentive funds available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Cannelton Hydroelectric Plant:

Has a rated capacity of 88 megawatts.
Serves 79 public power communities in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Became commercially operational in 2016.
Has two consecutive first place Safety Awards of Excellence from American Public Power Association in recognition of, in part, the hydroelectric operations staff.
Provides run-of-the-river hydropower that is a clean, reliable, and plentiful source of electricity.

Smithland

The Smithland Hydroelectric Plant has received $2 million in awards in Hydroelectric Production Incentive funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office as a result of hydropower generated in 2021 and 2022. The award is being disbursed through incentive funds available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Smithland Hydroelectric Plant

Has a rated capacity of 76 megawatts.
Serves 79 public power communities in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Became commercially operational in 2017.
Has two consecutive first place Safety Awards of Excellence from American Public Power Association in recognition of, in part, the hydroelectric operations staff.
Provides run-of-the-river hydropower that is a clean, reliable, and plentiful source of electricity.

Willow Island Post

The Willow Island Hydroelectric Plant has received $2 million in awards in Hydroelectric Production Incentive funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office as a result of hydropower generated in 2021 and 2022. The award is being disbursed through incentive funds available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Willow Island Hydroelectric Plant:

Has a rated capacity of 44 megawatts.
Serves 79 public power communities in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Became commercially operational in 2016.
Two consecutive first place Safety Awards of Excellence from American Public Power Association in recognition of, in part, the hydroelectric operations staff.
Provides run-of-the-river hydropower that is a clean, reliable, and plentiful source of electricity.

Brewster Electric Supply – “Renewable” Energy. The Village of Brester meets a portion of our energy needs through rights to power generated by renewable resources, as are listed below. However, as part of our efforts to control power costs, AMP sells the renewable energy certificates (RECs) associated with our share of the power produced by eligible renewable generation resources. Once the RECs are sold, that energy is not considered as attributable as “renewable” for the Village of Brewster.

How the Village gets to the foregoing statement can be explained as follows.

As noted above, the Village of Brewster obtains some of its energy from renewable energy sources. AMP Phase I Hydroelectric Project, which includes the run-of-the-river generating facilities at the Cannelton, Smithland, and Willow Island dams on the Ohio River, and is projected to produce 7.4% of Brewster’s power needs in 2024. The Village’s hydro interests also include the Belleville Hydroelectric Plant, which is a 42-megawatt (MW) run-of-the-river facility that is part of AMP JV5. AMP JV5 is projected to produce 3.6% of Brewster’s Power needs in 2024. Brewster also receives hydro power for NYPA Hydro Project, which are two (2) Federal hydro projects in New York. NYPA is projected to produce 1.1% of Brewster’s power needs in 2024. Finally, the Village is part of AMP Solar Phase 2, which has a number of solar facilities including the Brewster Solar Facility. AMP Solar Phase 2 is projected to produce 8.2% of Brewster’s power needs in 2024. In total these renewable energy sources are projected to provide 20.3% of Brewster’s power needs in 2024.

Most of the foregoing renewable energy sources come with Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). RECs are environmental commodities that are tradable, market-based instruments that represent the right to the environmental, social, and other non-power attributes of renewable electricity generation. One REC is equal to one megawatt-hour of renewable energy. Over the years, REC transactions have supported voluntary green pricing programs and state-mandated renewable energy portfolio standards leading to significant investment in renewable generation across the country.

RECs can be unbundled and sold separately from power, capacity, and other resources to offset the cost of power or remain bundled with the power to claim the renewable benefit. If the RECs are sold, the associated energy can no longer be considered “renewable.” Selling RECs helps lower the seller’s power costs and enables the buyer of the RECs to meet renewable energy requirements and/or goals.

The Village of Brewster, through AMP, sells its RECs to reduce its, or better stated our customers, power costs.

The Federal Trade Commission and other agencies that prevent unfair or deceptive marketing practices have released clarifying statements for how renewable energy and associated attributes should be treated and communicated. The purpose is to provide guidance and recommended language for accurately communicating entities position on Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). This language was developed to help prevent potential impacts that may undermine the value of project REC sales.

Again, the Village of Brewster through AMP, sells its RECs to reduce its (or better stated our customers) power costs. Brewster as a result receives credit for the sale either through lower rates, or as a credit on our power bill, depending on the contractual and budgetary terms of the project. This helps Brewster mitigate our power costs, but also impacts how we communicate the environmental benefits of the power from those renewable resources, as the buyer of the RECs has the right to claim the environmental benefits. Accordingly, given the REC sales we made, we characterize that none of the total energy used by our Village is renewable.

Efficiency Smart – Black Friday Event. Efficiency Smart will be offering the following Black Friday deals through their Online Savings Store:

Up to $170 off a smart thermostat from November 6- December 27
Up to $100 off an air purifier from November 6- December 5
Up to $45 off a dehumidifier from November 6- December 5

Efficiency Smart will share information about the Black Friday specials on social media channels when the deals go live on November 6. The following is a direct link to the store:

https://b2c2.poweredbyefi.org/efficiencysmart

Efficiency Smart – Trivia Tuesday - Once again, Efficiency Smart is going to run “Trivia Tuesdays” on their Facebook page this November. Historically, this contest has created a lot of engagement from residents, and they are excited for this year’s version. Each Tuesday in November, they will post a new trivia question on their Facebook page. Those who answer correctly will be entered into a drawing to win a free energy efficiency kit. Efficiency Smart will randomly select one winner each week, so residents can participate each week for more chances to win.

VILLAGE MAYOR: Charles Hawk

Christmas in the Village meeting will be held on 11-15-2023 at 10am at Village Hall.
Requesting Council formally accept the resignation of Scott Borojevich from the Fire Department.
Requesting Council formally accept the resignation of Jarod Hare from the Fire Department.
Requesting Council to approve the Mayor’s recommendation to appoint Logan Haley as a probationary member of the Fire Department pending a drug screen, background check, and physical.
Requesting Council to approve the Mayor’s recommendation to appoint Amanda Weber as a probationary member of the Fire Department pending a drug screen, background check, and physical and assign her EMT shifts while she works on her 120 FF Certification over the next year.
Requesting Council approve Kayla Bailey to work part-time shifts to run squad calls.
The Village received a thank you card from the Fairless Food Cupboard.
Massillon Cable TV has agreed to run a free advertisement for Christmas in the Village.

VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER: Kris King (Excused)

1. The Clerk is being asked to run a financial forecast for staffing of the part-time shifts in the Fire Department to determine how many hours the Village can afford. VA Miller explained that this is already in process.

Council Member Godwin asked if a motion needs to be made for gift certificates for Thanksgiving and Christmas for Village employees.

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 consensus of the committee members, ONE recommendation to Council.

A meeting was held this evening about Northern Pool Agreement and power requirements for the Village. We also discussed how we charge multiple units billed through one meter.

PENDING EXPENDITURE REQUESTS:

None.

PENDING PROPOSALS FROM PAST MEETINGS:

None.

OLD or NEW BUSINESS:Council Rules require a two-week waiting period before any expenditure of funds unless determined to be an emergency.

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to approve sending one Police Officer to Firearms Training at a cost not to exceed $1,300. The vote: All yes.

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to approve sending two people to fire school for 120FF Certification at cost not to exceed $2,300 per person from the Fire Operations Fund. The vote: All yes.

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to approve a $100 gift certificate for each employee for Thanksgiving ($50) and Christmas ($50) combined, with no alcohol or tobacco specified. The vote: All yes.

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to accept the resignation of Scott Borojevich from the Fire Department. The vote: All yes.

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to accept the resignation of Jarod Hare from the Fire Department. The vote: All Yes.

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to approve the recommendation of the Mayor to appoint Amanda Weber to the Fire Department and assign EMT shifts while she is allowed a year to obtain 120 FF Certification subject to background check, drug screen, and physical. The vote: All yes.

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to approve the recommendation of the Mayor to appoint Logan Hailey to the Fire Department subject to background check, drug screen, and physical. The vote: All yes.

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB and motion carried to approve the recommendation of the Mayor to appoint Kayla Bailey to the Fire Department and assign EMT shifts while she is allowed a year to obtain 120 FF Certification. The vote: All yes.

Council Member Godwin would like Council to consider making a donation to the Fairless Band for their participation in this year’s holiday events.

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB and motion carried to accept the BWC Turnout Gear Grant and approve the Village match of $2,783.33 from the Fire Operations Fund. The vote: All yes.

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to accept the BWC Cot Grant with the Firemen’s Association covering the match of this grant. The vote: All yes.

AUDIENCE COMMENTS:

COUNCIL FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. The vote: All yes.

Respectfully submitted,

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

Charles Hawk, Mayor