August 7, 2023 - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES
BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL
AUGUST 7, 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 Clerk-Treasurer Kris King, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
 
The meeting took place in the Fire Station.
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Charles Hawk, Mayor                                  David Godwin, Council Member
Brett Long, Council Member                       Sydney Radich, Council Member                              
Mike Schwab, Council Member 
 
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to excuse COUNCIL MEMBER FOX from this evening’s meeting.  The vote:  All yes. 
 
COUNCIL MEMBER LONG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to excuse COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD from this evening’s meeting.  The vote:  All yes. 
 
VILLAGE OFFICIALS:
John Anthony, Solicitor                                  Michael L Miller, Village Administrator
Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer                          
 
MINUTES FROM THE JULY 17, 2023, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:
Mayor Chuck Hawk asked if there were any additions or deletions to the July 17, 2023, Council meeting minutes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to approve the minutes as presented.  The vote: All yes.
 
PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to accept the bills in the amount of $396,553.82.  The vote: All yes. 
 
AUDIENCE:
Andrew Hess, Marcus Hernandez, Jason Robinson, John and Sandra Rose, Officer Mitch King, Fire Chief Chris Colucy, and Police Chief Nathan Taylor.
 
Sandy Rose stated that the dirt track in her neighbor’s yard has to go.  They are disturbing the entire neighborhood.  The children are making obscene gestures.  She stated it’s not fair to the people in the neighborhood.  It is so loud that when the one neighbor was using a blower, you couldn’t hear it because the dirt bikes are so loud.  She went to the Police station to make a statement after the neighbor woman threaten to kick her butt.  Mrs. Rose stated that five of the neighbors have told her to get cameras because of the damage being done around the neighborhood.  Broken windshields, broken car mirrors, and nails in the driveways.  She stated she is ready to put the house up for sale.  Mrs. Rose stated that the Village needs to change the laws.  She stated that an Officer spoke rudely to her.  She stated the neighbor in question has created a five-inch ditch between the fire hydrant and the gas line post.  She wanted to know who was going to fix that.  Mrs. Rose stated that nothing was probably going to be done.  She is going to talk to the prosecutor about the missing statement she gave.  She also complained that calls don’t go straight into the Police Department.  The Rose’s left shortly after Mrs. Rose spoke.
 
PRESENTATION OF GUESTS:  None
 
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:  Titles of each read by Solicitor John Anthony. 
RESOLUTION 46-2023: A Resolution declaring the Official Intent and Reasonable Expectation of the Village of Brewster on behalf of the State of Ohio (borrower) to Reimburse its Water Fund for the Brewster Water Transmission Main Replacement Project, with the proceeds of Tax-Exempt Debt of the State of Ohio.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to approve the legislation as presented.  The vote: All yes.
 
RESOLUTION 47-2023: A Resolution Authorizing the Village of Brewster Administrator to prepare and submit an application to the Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement Program for a Tuscarawas NW Paving Project, and to execute contracts as required.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to approve the legislation as presented.  The vote: All yes.
 
ORDINANCE 48-2023: An Ordinance Authorizing an Amendment to the Brewster Village-Stark County Sewer Service Agreement Supplemental No. 1 for the Expansion of the areas to be Sewered and Construction of Village Waterlines.
 
Council Member Godwin questioned the waterlines mentioned in the ordinance.  VA Miller stated the waterline mentioned is a loop by the bus garage.  He also stated the change to this agreement was that the Village will not force the area to be annexed in order to get the sewer lines.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER LONG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNIL MEMBER READICH and motion carried to approve the legislation as presented.  The vote: All yes.
 
Second Reading: An Ordinance creating the position of Full-Time Assistant in the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office.
 
Second Reading: An Ordinance entering into a contract for the Brewster Water Transmission Main Replacement Project.  (First Reading was not recorded in the minutes of the last meeting in error.)
 
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 5th and Jefferson and 4th 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 was given third reading.
TABLED AT THIRD READING: 
ORDINANCE 49-2023:  An Ordinance approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Fairless Local School District for the Village of Brewster to provide School Resource Officers from the Brewster Police Department for the 2023-2024 school year was given third reading again.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to untable the legislation.  The vote: All yes.
 
Council Member Schwab asked if this MOU was the same as last year.  VA Miller stated it was the same except for the dates.
 
Chief Taylor stated that the State has pulled the extra financing of the 3rd Officer.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to approve the legislation as presented.  The vote: All yes.
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS:  
  1.       POLICE DEPARTMENT:   Chief Nathan Taylor
  •          There have been 549 calls of service for July 2023.  So far 97 calls in August 2023.
  •          The department is finishing up the CPT training and it should all be complete by September 30th.
  •          Chief Taylor read a Letter of Commendation for Officer Mitchel King.  This is the third time he has handled a suicide threat.  The Chief stated that when he arrived at the scene, Officer King already had the person outside the house sitting with him in the grass.  Resident Marcus Hernandez attended the Council meeting to say what a good job Officer King did.  Mr. Hernandez was a neighbor where the incident occurred and witnessed the incident.
  •          The camara project has begun.
  •          There was a meeting with Fairless Administration.  The original money that was supposed to go into the budget for extra School Resource Officers (SOR’s) was cut by the House, in turn there will be no funding for an additional SRO this year.
  •          The department is scheduled for a walk-thru at the new high school.
  •          Chief Taylor would like permission to order the necessary equipment for the new cruiser.  The quote for the new equipment is $18,500.  Council Member Godwin feels that the 7-year-old computer and Watchguard camera should be replaced in the new cruiser.  That was the reason he called the meeting for August 21st.
  •          The MARC’S radio quarterly cost was discussed.
  •          Chief Taylor spoke concerning the issues the couple that left were having.  The Chief stated that the report that has been said to be missing is currently at the Prosecutor’s Office.  The Prosecutor’s Office has told the Chief to step very carefully.  One person’s nuisance may not be a nuisance to someone else.  The decibel level was discussed along with Section 95 of Ohio Code.  The Chief spoke to Massillon and they receive these complaints every day with over 50 per month.  Nuisance is subjective.  The chief would like to schedule a Prosecutor’s Hearing where both sides can sit down and work it out without going to court.  Council Member Godwin asked if the Ordinance should be addressed, and Solicitor Anthony will need to look into it further.  Solicitor Anthony discussed an ordinance that mentions residential equipment. Council Member Long would like to see what the list of residential equipment includes.  Chief Taylor stated that the residents’ mind is made up that the police aren’t doing their job.  He stated that before it’s all over, both parties are going to end up getting charged.
  1.       FIRE DEPARTMENT:  Chief Chris Colucy left for a fire call and returned later with the following to report: 
  •          New hires: Taryn Renee Shackle to the Fire Department and Joey Richard McKnight to the Paramedic Program for staffing.
  •          Year to date calls = 555.  The Chief provided a list of where the calls were from last month.
  •          The ambulance has been ordered and the extra items needed will be over the $10k that Council approved.  The items in question are cot rails for $750, Graphics for $5,275, and an airhorn for about $3,000.
  •          Grants: Applying with BWC for turnout gear and power stair chair.  If a municipality has a payroll budget of less than $500,000 then there is no match.  The match is 3 to 1 for above $500,000.
  •          The Chief stated that the AFG grants have not been written very well in the past.  He wants to change it from a pumper grant to a pumper/tank combination grant.  It will take 42-52 months to build a pumper after it is ordered and will cost between $800,000 to $1,000,000.  A pumper/tanker is over a million dollars.  A ladder truck takes 26-28 months and costs $1,300,000.  There are new engines coming out.  The Chief reminded Council that they could get a 20-year loan for .09%.
  •          The ladder truck has NFPA issues and needs new tires.  The tires cost approximately $2,000.
 
VILLAGE SOLICITOR: John Anthony
Solicitor Anthony received notification of another payment from the Opioid Settlement.
 
COMMUNICATIONS: 
 
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Mike Miller
The Council received the Village Administrator’s report last week to review.  Administrator’s report for period: 07/22/2023 thru 08/07/2023:
 
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 email went out to Council:
·         The VA is recommending changing the Council of the Whole meeting from discussing the upfitting of the police cruiser being as it has already been discussed here to discussing parks and grounds and cement prices.
  •          The VA would like to schedule a Tree Committee meeting within the next week.
  •          The VA would like Council to give him a date to have a meeting that includes the Wilderness Center to discuss the spotted lantern fly and invite the public.
  •          Field 5 needs to be moved farther south.
  •          New prices on fiber.
  •          The Village received the first quarter bill for the MARC’s radios.  The Fire Department bill is $1,320 and the Police Department bill is $480.  This is a 50% reduction in cost.
 
OPWC Park Drive Phase 1. The Park Drive Phase 1 Project is complete. We have received the Final Bill for the Park Drive Phase 1 Project from Northstar (second attachment). It is in the amount of $99,526.36. That brings the total to $329,960.31 for the construction costs. As was indicated at the time of the award, the final cost would be based on the actual quantities, which at this point are agreed upon. The $329,960.31 is $10,642.31 over the original price/award of $319,318. That represents an increase, based on variations in quantities, of 3.3%.
 
We will use all the OPWC Grant of $140,584 on the Park Drive Phase 1 Project. The upgrade from asphalt path to concrete $20,090 was/is being paid for out of Capital Improvement. So, the Paving Fund share is actually $169,286.31 for the construction of the Project.
 
Park Drive Phase 2: US Army Corps of Engineer’s 408 Permit. As Council is aware, the Village has contracted with W.E.Quicksall to do a preliminary Plan for Park Drive Phase 2 so that the Village could begin the process with the US Army Corps of Engineers to get approvals for the project.
 
Park Drive Phase 2 is to complete the Safe Routes to School path on the east side of Park Drive from where Park Drive Phase 1 terminated south to 7th Street. Park Drive Phase 2 will have to traverse the levy, flood plan flowage easement, and the Elm Run to do so.
 
On August 2nd, based upon an initial submission by W.E.Quicksall to do a preliminary Plan for Park Drive Phase 2, a virtual “TEAMS” meeting was held with the US Army Corps of Engineers. The meeting included myself and Nate Quicksall on behalf of the Village, and if my count was correct 12 employees of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The meeting lasted approximately an hour and ten minutes. I will spare Council the intricate details of the meeting, but the highlights are:
 
  •          There will be some environmental information the Village will have to supply the Corps.
  •          The Corps will be looking for plans 60% complete to do an initial review to provide feedback towards completion.
  •          The Corps will be looking for plans to be 90% complete for final review before a 408 Permit is issued.
 
I will be reviewing the US Army Corps of Engineer’s initial response, as well as discussing scope of potential agreements with W.E.Quicksall for the various tasks. Then, once the scope is agreed upon, I will request proposed costs for each task, and then report back to Council for Council to authorize further action.
 
OPWC Brewster Water Transmission Main Replacement Project. As permitted, the Village initiated engineering and design services at our own risk prior to July 1st. It is a part of our projected match. Also, as permitted, the Village has advertised for bids, provided a contract is not awarded prior to executing the OPWC Agreement. So, Council is now able to award a contract after bids are opened later this month.
 
The actual timeline for advertising for bids, opening of bids, and subsequent award of a contract is:
 
  •          Advertise for bids June 16th, June 23rd, and June 30th.
  •          Opening of bids initially scheduled for July 11th was pushed back to July 26th. It was then pushed back again due to a late Addendum being issued. Bid opening was held August 2nd.
  •          Recommendation from CT to Council on award will be after bid opening.
  •          Possible award of a contract August 7th.
 
The updated construction estimate is $1,521,140.68. The budgeted construction costs plus contingencies in the OPWC Application for the Project was $1,566,917.
 
In preparation for construction of the Brewster Water Transmission Main Replacement Project, I contacted CT Consultants to get a not to exceed price for construction oversight. The budget includes funds for construction oversight. Most of the day-to-day supervision of construction can/will occur with Village employees. However, in addition to consulting about the inevitable surprises and/or changes that occur during construction, CT is also needed for any formal changes to the specifications and submissions, including submissions for payment. After an initial proposal, the not to exceed price has been reduced to $45,424. The Law Director has reviewed and approved the agreement contingent on specified language changes. I also anticipate coming in below the not-to-exceed price. Once (if) Council awards a construction contract I intend to enter into the construction oversight contract with CT Consultants as set forth in the Ordinance.
 
OPWC 2023 Applications. This year’s deadline for submission of OPWC Projects is September 29, 2023. In preparing for submission of a Village application(s), I have completed reviewing the Village’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Plans/Maintenance of Effort Reports (referred to as CIRs). The Village gets 10 points on each application if it submits CIRs. I have forwarded the completed CIRs.
 
OPWC - West Main Reduction and Rehabilitation Project. Preliminary plans have been submitted by Thrasher for the OPWC West Main Reduction and Rehabilitation Project funding application pursuant to Ordinance 31-2023. The Street Superintendent and I went over them, and then discussed the project with the Mayor.
 
One of the issues discussed was extensions of existing storm sewers on the current south side of West Main out to correspond with the new curb line. Rather than spend more time and money trying to incorporate those into the plans, we determined to extend those ourselves BEFORE the West Main Reduction & Paving Project is bid out.
 
We plan to:
 
  •          Have Thrasher set pins at the back of the proposed new curb on the south side to allow us to set new catch basins.
  •          The Village ran storm sewer lines from the existing south side to the proposed new curb on the south side and set new storm sewer structures with a solid top.
  •          The Village to run storm sewer line from those new storm sewer structures with a solid top to the north side of West Main and set new storm sewers with curb inlets.
  •          The plans would then require the contractor to set curb inlets on the new storm sewer structures in line with the new curb and gutter, and move the solid tops to the existing structures on the south side for access.
 
That process will save both time for Thrasher to add elements to the plans and obviously money as well. Some costs to setting pins, but less than full survey and revamping plans. The rough locations of the new storm sewers are marked on West Main. Work has been completed on the plans and cost estimate.
 
OPWC – Tuscarawas Paving Project. In the LTIP portion of the OPWC District 19 criteria, there are 5 additional points awarded to a mill and fill only paving project with over a 50% match. With that background, I am requesting Council authorize me to apply for an OPWC Grant for the Tuscarawas/Locustdale/Pinewood Paving Project for the current round. We will be completing any ADA Ramps in advance of the paving; essentially already have the specs completed, as they will be in the same format as our normal paving specs; have decent chance to get funded at the District level; or, if not funded at the District level have a decent chance of getting sent on to the OPWC Small Government Program for funding. In either event, having a chance to get 49% of the paving cost for Tuscarawas/Locustdale/Pinewood Paving in a grant – it is worth the effort.
 
Electric Building. The Electric Building has been completed and passed final inspection. The Electric Department is in the process of moving in. There were no new Change Orders, so the final construction cost breakdown including Change Orders is as follows:
 

 

Amount

Percent

Original Contract

$964,000.00

 

Change Order #1

$1,312.50

.00136

Change Order #2

$3,850.00

.00399

Change Order #3

$2,217.60

.00230

Change Order #4

$6,550.00

.00679

Change Order #5

$5,950.00

00617

New Total

$983,891.10

.02063
 
New Electric Building – Back-up Generator. The generator that used to be at Village Hall/Fire Department was inspected. The inspection indicates 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.
 
2024 Paving Program. I have begun work on the list for the 2024 Paving Program, which the streets that were part of the OPWC Tuscarawas/Locustdale/Pinewood Water Line Replacement Project being priorities. The plan is to let trenches settle this summer, put in new ADA Ramps at the intersections ahead of next year, and remove any “hazard” trees and replacing any displaced sidewalk before paving all those streets next year. I have informed Columbia Gas of these plans so that if there is a need to also replace gas lines on these streets they can do so before we pave them next year.
 
I am preparing the requirements for ADA Ramps that will need to be updated with the 2024 Paving Program:
  •          Chestnut and Tuscarawas.
  •          Pinewood & Tuscarawas.
  •          Locustdale and Tuscarawas.
  •          Locustdale & Wabash
 
Again, I anticipate that these will be addressed ahead of the 2024 Paving Program, at less cost, and hopefully with much less confusion.
 
Parks – Pickleball Court. A holdover Parks project has been replacing the former sand volleyball court with something that would get more use. Earlier this Spring the Village installed a cement pad large enough for a Pickleball Court. The holes have been drilled to install the posts for the nets.
Carpenter Asphalt has been monitoring moisture, and they are now below the maximum level recommended from the paint supplier so that there are no issues with the paint adhering to the surface.
 
We are also moving forward with repairing and painting the Basketball.
 
Mosquito Spraying. Mosquito spraying has begun. An initial spraying was done by the Village Thursday July 20th but was cut short by rain. The following Tuesday July 25th Stark County began their schedule of spraying. The Village will defer to them and follow our contract for the County to spray the rest of the summer.
 
Top Dresser for Athletic Fields and Parks. We have learned from our most recent experience in repairing the outfield on Field #3, where we had a problem with getting grass to grow during heat spell even with sprinkling. We have reseeded and fertilized, making every effort to get it in shape for soccer starting in August. Getting new grass to grow has been problematic, going back to our installation of new storm sewer across Field #1 a few years back.
 
So, to eliminate the requirement to plant new grass while being able to level or slowly raise the level of low spots, we are turning to a piece of equipment sometimes seen on golf courses – a top dresser spreader. This will allow the Village to better maintain its six (6) athletic fields by not only giving us the ability to place compost, topsoil, or sand evenly while allowing the existing grass to stay in place and continue growing for both low spots and improving the health of the existing grass and playability of the field, but also give us a way to evenly spread infield mix.
 
The pull behind top dresser we purchased is the “MultiSpread™ 220”, which is a “… smaller, pull behind top dresser spreader that will tow easily using a commercial mower, utility vehicle, or lawn tractor. It has a simple, two-wheel ground traction drive, and a spread width of 42-60 inches.” It handles a variety of materials which include the following:
 
  •          Sand
  •          Topdressing mixes
  •          Infield Mix
  •          Grass Clippings
  •          Compost
  •          Wood Chips
  •          Crumbed Rubber
 
It can be used to spread in wet or dry weather. Price including delivery and raised sides is $5492, which came from Parks and Grounds.
 
Our plan is to every Fall after soccer, power rake the infields for spring and add field mix, add compost or a compost and topsoil mix to the outfields for nutrients and level out any low spots. Then in the Spring, we can get back on the infield with the power rake to remove anything (grass or weeds) that have begun to grow over the winter. All this can now be done either in the Fall, when our heavier equipment won’t leave ruts because the ground is firmer (heavier equipment left ruts this Spring), or in the Spring with after the winter thaw and Spring rains with our Ventracs and the new top dresser, which are light enough not to leave ruts. During the season we intend to continue to maintain the playability of the fields.
 
We have already used the top dresser on the outfield of Field #3, where the new grass did not grow as well as we hoped. Once soccer is over, we will top dress that field again and overseed the thin areas again.
 
This year employees from Electric and Wastewater pitched in to assist the Street Department with the field maintenance and upkeep. The Street Department had and will continue to have a multitude of other tasks to address in addition to field maintenance, such as projects, paving, and grass cutting for the parks and rights-of-way. The employees from Electric and Wastewater were a large part of why our six (6) baseball/softball fields looked and played better than in the past.
 
Storm Drainage Projects. The current list of storm sewer projects in their priority order, with updates on their status:
  1.        Dartmouth/Amherst relief line. Easement has been signed. Need surveyor to set pins. Work to start when it can be scheduled and weather permits.
  2.        West Main storm sewer extensions.
  3.        Catch basin extension on West Main
  4.        Corner of Needham & Harriman – catch basin collapse.
  5.        East end of 1st Street SE. Will have to coordinate with US Army Corps of Engineers.
  6.        Open ditch east of Mohican. We are consulting with Stark County Soil & Water.
  7.        Drainage from Harmon west of 264 Harmon. Survey needs to be completed.
  8.        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.
 
Ambulance Purchase. We are moving forward with the purchase of the Braun Chief XL Demo Ambulance on a Ford F-450 4X4 Diesel Chassis from/through PennCare.
 
Properties in the Village with High Grass. As an FYI, letters have begun going out for properties that either have high grass or trash issues in the Village. High grass letters state:
This is to inform you to take immediate steps to cut the grass on the above-referenced property in the Village of Brewster.
 
The Village of Brewster Code of Ordinances Section 95.20 and 95.21 require the mowing of grass, weeds, or plants growing to heights exceeding eight (8) inches.
 
The Village of Brewster Code of Ordinance 95.12 further provides that upon written notice to the owner, lessee, agent, or tenant having charge of such land be cut within five days after receipt of said notice.
 
If the property is not brought into compliance within those five days, the Village will have the property mowed and charge you, the property owner, either by billing or assessment on the property taxes.
 
In addition, the ordinance provides that if you as the property owner fail or refuse to cut said grass, weeds, and undesirable vegetation following this notice… and it becomes necessary for the Village to cut and/or clean the same lot more than one time during the remainder of this calendar year, the Administrator may order the lot or lots to be cut and/or cleaned without the necessity of further notice.
               
Once the green cards (certified delivery) come back, the Village can cut the property and, if unpaid, place the cost of the property owner’s taxes. So, if you notice any properties in the Village where the grass is not being cut in accordance with our ordinance, please let me know.
 
Parking Spaces at Village Hall and East Main. The restriping of parking spaces at Village Hall and East Main has been completed, including the addition of four (4) additional parking spaces. The Fire Department would like a number of spaces in front of the Community Room and at the east end of the Fire Department on Main Street designated for Fire Department Parking only, which is a Council decision.
 
Hillview Mobile Home Park Sanitary Sewer “Project” – WPCLF Design/Planning Loan. Design is ongoing.
 
Hillview Mobile Home Park - CDBG Funds. I had a telephone conference with Stark County Regional Planning (CDBG) on May 24th regarding the Village’s CDBG Grant of $40,000 towards the Hillview Pump Station and Force Main Project. We went over documentation they need to address the Environmental Review element required by the infusion of Federal (HUD) funding for the Project. I forwarded to CDBG requested documents 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.
 
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 have been identified, they have been appraised, so now the “negotiations” with the owner, Hillview Mobile Home Park, based on the appraisal(s) can commence. 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.
 
Hillview Mobile Home Park & Village Agreement for Reimbursement. Law Director Anthony has addressed Council on this piece of the overall “puzzle.”
 
Brewster Sanitary Manholes Project – WPCLF Loan(s). The Village’s application for the loan has been submitted. Work on the plans is underway.
 
Brewster Sanitary Sewer Lining and Manhole Rehab/Replacement Project – WPCLF Loan(s). The Village’s application for the loan has been approved. Work on the plans is underway.
 
 
VILLAGE MAYOR: Charles Hawk
  1.        Appoint Renee Shackle to the Brewster Fire Department.
  2.        Appoint Joey Richard McKnight to the Brewster Fire Department.
  3.        Village Garage Sales August 11th and 12th.
  4.        Village clean up South Side August 19th - North Side August 21st.
  5.        Christmas In the Village meeting September 6th at 10AM community room.
 
VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER:  Kris King.
1.       The July monthly reports were placed in Council Members’ mailboxes.
  1.        Please review and initial the check register for the bills.
  2.        I have the Alternative Tax Budget for 2024 completed that is due on August 20th.  I will have copies available for review in my office.
  3.        We received another $539.46 payment from the Ohio Opioid Settlement. That brings our balance in the fund to $2,535.30.
  4.        The e-check portion of our online payments was suspended for a short time.  We had a payment of over $1,000 get returned as NSF.  The company handling our checks was not able to take the funds back due to a threshold that was set up when we initiated the online payments.  Once I figured out the issue, I was able to get it approved and increased the threshold.  Everything is back to normal and working properly.
  5.        We had about 18 residents that paid for their utilities through Huntington Online Banking.  Huntington prints checks out for their customers and mails them to the Utility Office.  Those residents that had paid on the 3rd and 4th of last month using that system received late notices because their checks were never delivered to us.  Those checks are still out there somewhere.  We also had one from Chase Bank and several other residents that mailed their personal checks that did not make it to us.  I would like to remind our residents that our drop box is available all hours of the day and night and paying through the Village website can avoid these situations.
  6.        We received a thank you postcard from the Zachary Grass Scholarship Fund.
 
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.
 
PENDING EXPENDITURE REQUESTS:
  1.        None.
 
PENDING PROPOSALS FROM PAST MEETINGS:
  1.        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 RADICH and motion carried to approve the purchase of a new computer and Watchguard camera for the new cruiser along with the other necessary equipment with the listed cost of $18,500.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to replace the Council of the Whole meeting with a Parks and Grounds meeting on August 21st at 6:30pm.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Richard McKnight to the Paramedic Program pending a background check, physical, and drug screen.  The vote: Schwab, Abstain (related); Godwin, yes; Long, yes; Radich, yes.  Motion carried.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Taryn Shackle to the Fire Department pending a background check, physical, and drug screen.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to schedule a Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 5th at 6:30pm to review the Five-Year Capital Plans.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to schedule a Council of the Whole meeting on August 21st at 5:00pm and to invite the Wilderness Center and members of the community to discuss the spotted lantern fly.  The vote: All yes.
 
There was a discussion on the designating of reserved parking for the Fire Department.  The Village Administrator added five parking spaces when the lines were repainted and put stops up to prevent parking across the sidewalks.  Chief Colucy stated that he wanted to reserve the four new spots and two to the east of the station.  He stated that the American Legion, the tax office and the utility office all use the upper parking places, and it takes longer to get to the emergency vehicles from that location.  Council Member Schwab reminded Council that an ordinance would have to be drawn up for parking regulations.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER LONG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to draw up an ordinance designating the closest two spaces on the south side of East Main Street east of the Fire Station and one space on the south side of East Main Street west of the Fire station.  The vote: All yes.
 
Council Member Schwab asked if the AED has been put on the wall in the Community Room.  It was put up this afternoon by Supt. Patterson.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to approve up to $9,000 for the graphics and airhorn from the EMS Fund for the new ambulance.  The vote: All yes.
 
AUDIENCE COMMENTS:
Andrew Hess informed Council that Brewster now has two Scout Troops.  Troop 920B and Troop 920G.  The troops will be meeting on Thursdays at 6:30pm.  They are open to both girls and boys ages 11- 18 years of age.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.  The vote: All yes.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer
 
Charles Hawk, Mayor