March 16, 2020 - Meeting Minutes

 

Brewster Village Council met in regular session with Mayor Chuck Hawk presiding.

 

7:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to excuse Council Member Schwab from this evenings meeting.  The vote: All yes.

 

Council Members bowed their heads for the invocation provided by Clerk-Treasurer

Kris King followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Charles Hawk, Mayor

Dale Fox, Council Member                           Andrew Hess, Council Member                 

Thomas Hilliard, Council Member                Brett Long, Council Member                                      

Sydney Radich, Council Member                              

 

John Anthony, Solicitor                                  Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

Michael L Miller, Village Administrator

 

Mayor Chuck Hawk asked if there were any additions or deletions to the March 2, 2020 Council meeting minutes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to accept the minutes as presented.  Council Member Hilliard asked if it was appropriate to put the entire Village Administrator’s report in the minutes because he did not say everything at the meeting that was in the report.  Solicitor Anthony stated it was permissible.  The vote: Fox, yes; Hess, yes; Hilliard, no; Long, yes; Radich, yes.  Motion passed.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to accept the bills in the amount of $828,346.44.  The vote: All yes.

 

Ray Heitger inquired as to whether Council was going to cancel the Easter Egg Hunt given President Trump is recommending not meeting in groups of less than 10.  Council Member Fox stated that Governor DeWine closed the school for three weeks and the restaurants are closed.  Council Member Hilliard recommended waiting until the next meeting to decide.  Mr. Heitger stated the Recreation Board has filled 1,500 eggs and if it is not on the 11^th of April, it will be held later.  Council Member Hilliard said that they could have a “grab-n-go”.  Mr. Heitger stated that it is estimated that this pandemic could go on until the end of April to early May.

 

Fire Chief Chris Colucy and Police Chief Keith Creter were also in attendance.

None

ORDINANCE 17-2020: An Ordinance Expressing the Intent of the Brewster Village Council to Sell Property on the Internet was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to pass the legislation as read.  The vote: All yes.

 

ORDINANCE 18-2020: An Ordinance Authorizing an Agreement with the Brewster-Sugarcreek Historical Society for an Emergency Shelter was given third reading.

 

Council Member Hilliard asked the Mayor if he has spoken to Robert Luckring.  Council Member Hilliard stated that if the power goes out, the Wandle House has no backup.  Mayor Hawk stated the old generator behind the fire station is being upgraded and putting the old one at the Wandle House.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to pass the legislation as read.  The vote: Fox, yes; Hess, abstain; Hilliard, yes; Long, yes; Radich, yes.  Motion passed.

 

Second Reading: A Resolution Establishing a Water Debt Fund for the Payment of Loans in the Village of Brewster.

 

Second Reading: A Resolution Establishing an Electric Debt Fund for the Payment of Loans in the Brewster Electric Utility.

 

Second Reading: A Resolution Establishing a Repayment Schedule for the $70,000 Advance to the Fire Equipment Fund from the General Fund.

 

Second Reading: An Ordinance Reestablishing Quarterly Transfers from the General Fund.

 

Third Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing a Contract for the Sale of the Village’s Existing 69 KV Transmission Facilities and the Establishment of a Second 69 KV Interconnection was given third reading.

 

MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS:  

 

You will remember Senate Bill 331 and House bill 294 which was objected to by the Ohio Municipal League and was the subject of litigation filed by several municipalities claiming constitutional violations based upon violation of home rule.  Corrective bill was passed that offered amendments that eliminated many of the objections.  Federal actions have commenced 5G infrastructure implementation.  This deals with small cellular technologies and involves use of the public rights of way.  Federal law preempts state and local law when it comes to establishing infrastructure for 5G.  This reduces local government home rule rights of self-governance.

COMMUNICATIONS: 

 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Mike Miller

Administrator’s report for period 3/2/2020 thru 3/16/2020:

 

• 2020 Paving Project. In accordance with the emergency legislation passed by Council March 2^nd, the 2020 Paving Program has been advertised for bid March 11 and March 18^th, with the bid opening scheduled for April 1^st, 2020 at 1:00 pm, In addition to advertising, I sent out electronic copies of the specifications to the seven (7) companies we have received interest/bids from the past few years. The Engineer’s Official Estimate of Probable Cost for this Project (Base Bid) is $180,736.12.

 

• AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) – Bidding and Bid Specifications. The AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) has been advertised on Wednesday March 5^th and again next Wednesday March 12th in the Canton Repository, as required by Ohio Revised Code. Bids were originally scheduled to be opened Thursday March 26th at Noon. After feedback from some potential bidders, the bid opening has been moved back to 1:00 pm on Wednesday April 5^th, 2020. This step was taken to assure that all potential bidders have an opportunity to review the Village’s bid specifications and have adequate time to reply, as the Village’s goal is to get the most competitive bids/responses.

The engineer’s estimate is $560,000.

Council needs to begin considering how it will allocate the costs among the three (3) affected Departments (Electric, Water, and Wastewater) once the bids are opened and if Council determines to move forward. The two most obvious methods would be a 1/3 share for each, versus allocating the shares based on each Departments annual income.

 

• Water Department – Well Cleaning. I have sent out bid specifications to four (4) potential “bidders” to service (clean & rehabilitate if necessary) one (1) well. The “bids” are due and will be opened at 1:00 P.M. EST on Tuesday March 31^st, 2020. I have sent out an update to the four (4) potential “bidders” regarding questions that have been submitted, so all have the same information, and provided contact information to arrange a site visit.

 

As I informed Council on January 6^th of this year, last year the Water Department solicited three (3) quotes to service two (2) wells. We proceeded then with the premise that IF during the inspection anything is identified as needing repair or replacement, there would be an additional cost. The lowest quote was from Moody’s of Dayton at $13,600 per well.

When we serviced the first of the two (2) wells, we discovered not only that there were repairs needed but also determined what those costs were. Upon removing the pipe and pump, a number of items were identified that need repair or replacement. We replaced (rather than repaired) the pump bowls and the column pipe. Based on the condition and age of the pump bowls and the pipe, it was determined that a repair would not be cost effective. The total for the repairs added $13,570 to the original cost of $13,600, for a total of cost of $27,170. So, had we attempted to proceed with servicing the second well and it needed the same work as the first (same age and type of equipment, and same water running through the pipe), the total for servicing and repair of both would have exceeded the $50,000 bidding threshold. After consulting with the Law Director, he recommended that we hold off on proceeding with the second well, as the second well would take the “project” cost over the statutory bid limit.

The specifications I have prepared require prices from bidders up front for specific repairs and/or services that we might encounter based on the servicing that was completed in 2019. So, IF during the inspection this year anything is identified as needing repair or replacement, there would be an additional cost but at a specified cost up front.

In January, after discussion, Council determined to proceed with informal bids, as the worst case amount should still be in the same $27,170 vicinity as the well cleaning and rehabilitation that was done in 2019 – less than $50,000 and the fact that informal bidding saves the cost of advertising in the newspaper.

 

• Fire Station Addition - Construction. The finalized contracts for the Base Bid (3 bays, showers, and turn-out gear room) plus Alternate 2 (finishing the second floor of the addition – offices and day room) and Alternate 3 (complete roof, rather than tie new shingles into old shingles) and have been distributed to the awarded low bidders for signature. Once they are signed, the Village will also execute them.

As I previously indicated, the Architect has filed for the Village’s building permit(s). On Thursday March 11^th the review of our replat of lots 25, 26, 27, and 28 was completed. It was subsequently filed the same day. The building permits were issued Friday March 13^th.

 

A kick-off meeting is being scheduled for March 18^th or 19^th. I will continue to keep Council informed.

 

• Jefferson Ave Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project – Overview. The short version to describe the Jefferson Ave Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project is it will replace approximately 640 feet of existing sanitary main, together with replacement of three (3) manholes. This portion of the sanitary sewer main serves approximately 85% of the Village of Brewster’s flow, and has serious infiltration problems.  In addition, storm water controls (catch basins, storm line, and curb and gutter) will be installed so that storm water doesn’t sit over the sanitary sewer line and infiltrate it, as has been the case.  Also, the water line that dead ends on 5^th will be replaced and extended/looped to 7^th street down Jefferson.  Finally, once the project is complete 5^th Street and Jefferson will be repaved.
• Jefferson Ave Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project – OPWC Funding. OPWC has reviewed the Village’s above referenced application that was approved for funding this round. We are getting final minor issues addressed so that we are ready to move forward when OPWC Funds are released. The Village is slated to receive $312,378 in OPWC Grant Funds and $209,907 in OPWC zero percent Loan Funds.

• Jefferson Ave Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project – CDBG Funding. Scoring has been completed on CDBG Infrastructure Projects, and Brewster has been recommended to receive $121,415.61 in CDBG Funds. A Public Hearing is scheduled for March 18^th at 11:00 am. Following the Public Hearing and the public comment period, the Stark County Board of Commissioners will take up the issue, projected to be in late April/early May. Once approved, the funds would be available July 1, 2020. BUT with CBDG Funds in the mix that Stark Regional Planning (CDBG) will take the lead on bid specifications and bidding.

• Jefferson Ave Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project – Local Share. Now that we have figures (although yet to be finalized, pretty firm) of how much we have available for the Jefferson Ave Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, I would suggest that we schedule a joint Committee Meeting of the Finance, Purchasing, and Appropriations and the Public Utilities Committee to discuss how Council plans to apply the grants and loan towards the various funds responsibilities.

 

For application purposes, I had been applying any grant funding towards Wastewater first, as that fund is the least able to incur the costs without an effect on rates (we just raised rates 20%). However, OPWC funds can be applied to any of the four cost areas: Wastewater, Water, Paving, and Storm Water. At this time, I do not know what restrictions there will be for CDBG Funds but assume they will be applied to Wastewater first. I have reconsidered the distribution of grant/loan funding, keeping in mind that there are sources available for low interest loans for Wastewater and Water, but not for storm water and paving.

 

So, my current recommendation is:

• apply the CDBG Funds to Wastewater first ($121,415)
• then apply the OPWC Loan at 0% to Wastewater next ($209,907)
• Then apply a portion of the OPWC Grant funds ($200,074) to reduce Wastewaters requirement for a “match” to zero
• Apply the remainder of the OPWC Grant Funds ($111,904) to Storm Sewer costs, resulting in a $43,750 Village match for storm water costs
• Use Paving Funds ($66,887) to address the paving costs
• Apply for an OWDA Loan for $209,907 for the Water Department costs

 

We need to keep in mind that only Wastewater and Water have a rate schedule established that could repay a loan, but that the Water Department is in a better position to absorb an OWDA loan within its current projected rates.

I reached out to Courtney and Associates to get their feedback as to whether the foregoing “plan” fits within their/our projected rates. They have spoken with me and indicated that the proposal should have no effect on our rates (built into Wastewater rate and fits within budget for annual capital in Water). We still should have a Committee Meeting to go over this and allow Council to ask any questions they might have.

• Street Department – Storm Drainage. Installation of a new catch basin on the south side of East Main near Cleveland has been completed.

Storm water work continues at Wabash and 2^nd, now on the storm line running west on the north side of 2^nd Street. For safety purpose, we have rented a longer/taller trench box. We plan to get as many sections of pipe out of the structure at the northwest corner of Wabash and 2^nd west on 2^nd in the next few weeks. 

 

• 7th Street – Repair at Levee Gate. The US Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a contract to make repairs to the sill on levee gate to Brannon Contracting & Maintenance, Inc. of Duncan Falls, Ohio. The Corps has indicated that their Accident Prevention Plan has been approved by their safety office, and that their contracting folks are going to schedule the preconstruction meeting. There is a conference call scheduled for March 16^th at 1:00 pm.

 

• Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) – Brewster Dairy. The process for submitting the Village’s annual report for commercial abatements (Brewster Dairy only active commercial abatement) is different than that for residential CRA abatements.

The Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC) is established by Ohio Revised Code 5709.85 and Brewster’s enabling legislation to be made up of:

 

• Three representatives appointed by the Board of County Commissioners
• Two appointed by the Mayor with the concurrence of Council
• The County Auditor (or their designee)
• A representative from the affected Board of Education in the CRA (Fairless)

 

The TIRC meeting is set for March 16th at 11:00 am at Stark County Auditor’s Board of Revision Hearing Room.

 

• 2020 Potential OPWC Project. As I have previously informed Council, originally, my thoughts were to have East Main between Wabash & Cleveland be an OPWC Application, which would pay approximately 49% of the costs. In addition, I expected the Pavement Condition Rating for East Main between Wabash & Cleveland to be low. It is in the 8th lowest rated Brewster Street in our most recent PCR. East Main between Wabash & Cleveland is also segment of Council’s approved Safe Routes to Schools Shared Use Path.

 

My initial thoughts, as expressed to Council, was to do a modified version of the road narrowing we will be doing on East Main between Cleveland and Park Drive for East Main between Wabash and Cleveland. East Main between Wabash & Cleveland is the widest street in Brewster at 69.5 feet wide. Narrowing a portion (from Cleveland up to the new Fire Station Addition on the south side and to Belloni’s Parking lot entrance on the north) would save asphalt costs short term and in the long term as well when repaving. Narrowing the width also would justify factoring in new curbs and gutter on both sides of East Main in the affected segment in a grant application. So, towards that end, as I informed Council last year, Thrasher was engaged to prepare three (3) concepts/options for a partial narrowing for a potential OPWC Application for East Main between Wabash & Cleveland.

 

Thrasher’s three (3) concepts/options for East Main between Wabash & Cleveland, with estimates, were completed this winter. I have forwarded those to Council. The first concept/option is existing “layout”.  There is/was a problem with the estimates, in that that they were prepared conservatively, so that the estimated costs would not be exceeded at the time the project was put out to bid (a few years out). They are HIGH! As a result of those inflated numbers, a side by side comparison of the projected cost to the actual numbers we have for repaving East Main between Cleveland and Park Drive versus the concepts/options is nearly impossible. However, after reviewing the concepts/options and projected costs of each, and after getting input from affected residents/businesses, it was decided that the Village’s “match” would be better spent elsewhere, either as a match for another OPWC application(s) or in our Annual Paving Program. Pursuing a “rebuild” of East Main between Wabash & Cleveland at this time was determined to be cost prohibitive, especially considering that the Village has limited funds. That does mean that the replacement of curb and gutter that would have been included in a comprehensive project will be put off, and how its eventual replacement cost is assessed is an open question.

 

However, even without installation of new curb and gutter and other items, just repaving East Main between Wabash and Cleveland is going to be a considerable expense. Because of its width, it will be in the neighborhood of $100,000 just to repave this section of street. As a comparison, completely rebuilding Tuscarawas between Chestnut and Harmon was just over $50,000, while repaving the entire length of Scioto or as projected Muskingum is less than $50,000. East Main between Wabash and Cleveland is approximately 2 ½ times wider than those streets. With that in mind, I am still of the opinion that the repaving East Main between Wabash and Cleveland should be an OPWC application. If we get 49% in a grant, it still stretches our paving funds. It will not likely score high enough at the District level to obtain funding, but it has a good chance to get OPWC Small Government Funding, as East Main between Cleveland and Park Drive did. And, the cost for an engineer’s estimate/plans should be low because it is a straight repaving project. 

 

 

• OPWC – East Main Street Paving & Rehabilitation Project and Safe Routes to Schools Tasks. As I pointed out to Council during the development of the East Main Street Paving & Rehabilitation Project over the last couple of years, included was a number of tasks identified in the Safe Routes to Schools Plan adopted by Council. Some of those tasks are:

• Narrowing East Main between Cleveland and Park Drive for traffic calming (slowing down speeds)
• Installation of curb and gutter on the south side of East Main between Cleveland and Park Drive for traffic calming (slowing down speeds)
• Installation of ADA Ramps at Main and Cleveland, Main and Jefferson, and Main and Park Drive.

 

Long term, the ADA ramp at the southwest corner of East Main and Cleveland was going to be included in a subsequent comprehensive project for East Main between Wabash & Cleveland. However, when it became apparent that a comprehensive project for East Main between Wabash & Cleveland was at a minimum cost prohibitive, another approach to installing a required ADA ramp at the southwest corner of East Main and Cleveland had to be found, and long term another way to tie in the Shared Use Path on East Main between Wabash and Park Drive also needed to be found.

 

One of the suggestions that was made during the review of the three (3) new concepts/options for East Main between Wabash & Cleveland to save money and accommodate the Safe Routes to Schools Shared Use Path was to remove the trees in the tree lawn on the south side of East Main between Wabash and Cleveland, and widen the existing sidewalk there out to 10 feet. That suggestion makes sense from the standpoint that it is the least expensive option to fulfill the plan to have a Safe Routes to Schools Shared Use Path from Wabash and East Main to Fairless Elementary School. That option is even more practical once the existing trees were examined - a large Silver Maple at the southwest corner of Main and Cleveland had begun to show some decay in the upper branches, so it has been removed. There are two (2) oak trees that create current/future potential hazard by dropping acorns on the sidewalk (Safe Routes to Schools Shared Use Path) Those are planned to be removed in the future. And finally, near the Fire Station Addition, there is a Linden that has and will continue to damage the existing sidewalk.

 

Associated with that approach is creating a small “bump out” at the southwest corner of Cleveland and East Main to transition the Safe Routes to Schools Shared Use Path from the east side of Cleveland (narrow street side) to the west side (wide street side). This is being pursued to fulfill Council’s commitments pursuant to the Safe Routes to Schools Plan. To accomplish that, there are two (2) choices:

 

     

To do the work now (my recommendation/plan conveyed to Council February 3^rd), I requested Thrasher prepare a sketch of the proposed work. That sketch was delivered to the Village by Thrasher February 18th, with a revision February 19th. I have forwarded the sketch of that to Council for their information, titled “East Main Paving and Rehabilitation – Village of Brewster Change Order 1”. The Street Superintendent and I then met with Northstar Asphalt (the East Main Street Paving & Rehabilitation Project contractor) early in March to go over the project generally, and to also present the sketch by Thrasher of the southwest corner of East Main and Cleveland to get a proposed price to have the work completed. The estimate I presented to Council on February 3^rd was $7,000. I still do not have a response back.

 

To accommodate drainage for the “bump out”, whenever it might be built, a catch basin was installed immediately “upstream” of the proposed “bump out” so that storm water will not be impounded. Since the Street Department will be down an employee for an extended period of time beginning in April, the work was done while the Village can do so rather than have a contractor do so at an increased cost.

 

At this point, we are (Electric Department) planning to install conduit in the proposed “bump out”, past the proposed new construction to the west, so that lights can continue west from Cleveland on the south side of Main towards Wabash. This is the time to establish the ability to extend street lighting to the west in the future, so that the new curb etc. does not have to be disturbed in the future to do so. There currently is no lighting in this portion of Main from Cleveland to the Fire Station Addition. This would improve safety for the residents and for the Safe Routes to Schools Shared Use Path. The other option would be to install power poles /lighting. In keeping with the comprehensive plan, I would anticipate that said lighting would be decorative, so that the first block of East Main matches the first block of West Main. We are reviewing appropriate options (height and reach need to potentially be adjusted, as there is 69.5 feet of pavement on East Main. Ultimately, those options will be presented to Council. But without preparing for potential extension of street lighting on East Main between Wabash and Cleveland now, there will be no option. (unless we tear up new construction) 

 

All the steps taken to date have been approved by Council as part of the East Main Street Paving & Rehabilitation Project and/or the Safe Routes to Schools Plan. I have been informing Council as far ahead of time about both potential work and the gathering of information. I will continue to keep Council informed.

 

• Potential Transmission Project – Sale of 69kV Assets. Work continues on negotiating an agreement(s) for the proposed purchase of Village 69kV assets by AMP Transmission. We continue to work on the details regarding verification of both ownership and the transfer of easements (in the proper order). Once those are finalized, and the documents are completed, Council can then authorize their execution on behalf of the Village.

 

• Electric – Substation Upgrade/Expansion. Construction work continues on the Substation Upgrade and Expansion Project.

 

• Security Cameras - Bimeler Park. We stopped waiting for the ground to freeze near the basketball court in Bimeler Park so that we could get the electric Department Trucks in without creating ruts, and instead climbed the poles to begin installation of the wires and equipment. Once the Electric Department is done, Staley can complete installation of security cameras.

 

• AFEC – Future Natural Gas Purchases. I forwarded an email and attachments regarding long term Natural Gas purchase for AFEC. AFEC is a nominal 512 megawatt (MW) natural gas-fired generating station with 163 MW of duct-firing capacity. The AFEC site is located in the northwest corner of the City of Fremont.  Brewster’s share is 0.61%.

 

Brewster is being given the opportunity to “opt out” of the recommendation, which must be exercised by March 31st. AMP has allowed 3 weeks to respond. If we do nothing, we are included in the purchase. The recommendation from Courtney and Associates is that they see no reason to opt-out of the proposed Long-Term Gas Hedge for AFEC.

 

• NEW!  Efficiency Smart – Appliance Recycling Rewards Program. Efficiency Smart has expanded its Appliance Recycling Rewards program! You can now schedule a free pickup and get $50 for responsibly recycling a working refrigerator, freezer, dehumidifier or room air conditioner. Call 844-260-3487 or visit efficiencysmart.org/brewster-ohio and select “Appliance Recycling Rewards” to schedule.

• Efficiency Smart – “Electric Bill Advice” Program. Efficiency Smart is launching a new “Electric Bill Advice” Program. Through this program, customers can contact customer support, answer some questions about their home, and receive energy saving tips and advice based on their answers. If a resident feels their electric bill seems higher than typical Efficiency Smart’s free Electric Bill Advice program can help them understand the electric use in their home and provide suggestions that can help decrease high bills. Residents can call Efficiency Smart at 877-889-3777 or visit www.efficiencysmart.org/brewster-ohio and select “Electric Bill Advice” for more information.

 

• Efficiency Smart – Rebates on Heat Pumps. Residents can learn about new rebates on air source and cold climate heat pumps by visiting www.efficiencysmart.org/brewster-ohio or calling Efficiency Smart at 877-889-3777 for more information.

There is a$100 Rebate on select air source heat pumps. Air source heat pumps work by absorbing heat from the outside air and transferring it into your home. Modern heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces and baseboard heaters.

 

There is a $750 rebate on select cold climate heat pumps. Cold climate heat pumps are designed specifically for very cold climates and can efficiently extract heat from air with temperatures far below 0°F. These heat pumps provide a very efficient way to heat homes, lower electric bills and improve comfort.

 

• Efficiency Smart – Online Home Energy Assessment Program. Efficiency Smart is now offering a free Online Home Energy Assessment Program can help residents discover how much energy and money they can save. They can simply go online and answer a few questions about their home to receive energy saving opportunities and potential savings. They should visit www.efficiencysmart.org/brewster-ohio  and select “Online Home Energy Assessment” to get started.

 

• Efficiency Smart – LED Light Bulbs. There are stilllarger wattage and somespecialty LED lightbulbs are available at Belloni Foods. Discount pricing is courtesy of Efficiency Smart and Brewster Municipal Electric.

 

• Bimeler Park Rental – Earth Day. I have been contacted by the Stark-Wayne-Tuscarawas regarding their rental of Bimeler Park for an Earth Day Celebration. The wanted me to pass on that they appreciate Council’s support in waiving the rental fee. However, due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the District is cancelling large events which includes their Earth Day Celebration in Brewster. They also indicated that they would love to consider Brewster for events in the future and asked me to share apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. They stated that the safety and well-being of all district staff, Brewster residents and those who would attend are first and foremost in our thoughts in this decision.
• A meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 20^th to discuss the Army Corp of Engineers updating of the levee gate area.  The VA is going to recommend the project start on March 23 while school is not in session.  It will take 15 days and will be closed around the clock.
• Corona Virus Preparedness Plan:

Long-term: Add more hand sanitizers and hands-free soap dispensers

 

Short-term: Change the operations at Village Hall.  Have residents use the drop box at the utility office for utility payments.  There needs tobe more talk about what to do with tax payments and going to lock Clerk Kris King in her office.

Most of our departments are two-man operations.  Going to work one person one week and then they clean and disinfect everything.  The next week the other employee works and follows the same protocol.  This will help to ensure the employee don’t give the virus to each other and that the water and wastewater operations are not interrupted.  The electric employees will have one man working while three are on call unless working on outside projects.  The Street Department will just have each employee working on solo projects.

 

Council Member Hilliard stated that Timken’sis separating employees.  Some are working at home while others are being paid to be on call.

 

Council Member Hilliard asked questions about the Jefferson Project.  VA Miller stated some of the work will have to be contracted out but will not be started until fall.  The water Line will be looped.

 

Council Member Hilliard also asked some questions about the East Main Street Project.  Wabash to Cleveland will remain at 60 feet width.  There will be light on the south side of the street all the way down.  We will not be able to use the decorative lights we used on Wabash because they don’t throw enough light.  There are looking into a design that can throw more light into the street.

 

Council Member Hilliard asked how the fire sirens light project was coming along.  VA Miller stated they are waiting on the lights to arrive.

 

• POLICY FOR CONTAGIOUS/COMMUNICABLE DISEASE:
• Stay home if you don’t feel well.
• Wash your hands

This is administratively driven and changing as needed.

Arbor Day Foundation has congratulated the Village of Brewster on earning recognition as a 2019 Tree City USA.

Mayor Hawk declared April 24^th as Arbor Day in Brewster.  A tree will be planted in Sabo Park on this day at 10:00 am.

 

Mayor Hawk is working on the welcome signs at the village entrances and is looking for any input from council.

 

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt for the children of Brewster will be held April 11^th at noon in Bimiler Park for ages 1 – 10.  The Eater Bunny will be there.  A light lunch will be provided by the Moose immediately after the egg hunt in the lodge.  (Pending any COVID-19 cancellations).

 

Fire pay = $3,068.46

 

The 2018-2019 audit started on March 10^th and is still in process.

 

Please review and sign the check register on the table.

 

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

 

April 6^th: Welty Cemetery Meeting – 6:30 pm

         

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to approve the fire pay of $3,068.46.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HESS and motion carried to approve the Brewster Cheese CRA agreement.  The vote: Fox, yes; Hess, yes; Hilliard, abstain; Long, yes; Radich, yes.  Motion passed.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HESS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to create legislation to amend the ordinance for EMS billing to include billing for patient lifts.  The vote: All yes.

 

Council Member Hilliard wanted to mention that Chief Creter is going to speak to the resident parking on Cleveland Ave before other discussions commence concerning the issue.

 

There was a discussion about council meetings being open to the public during the current health crisis.  Solicitor Anthony discussed the Attorney General’s rulings about possible telephone meetings, but the Prosecutors Association is giving some pushback.  There is some discussion on emergency legislation to give flexibility to comply with Health Authorities.  In the meantime, all Meetings must still occur with Council in attendance.

 

VILLAGE SPEAKS: Communications Received by Council members from Village residents

Chief Colucy asked what the Village would do if one of his volunteers acquire the virus and can’t work their A job?  This will have to be researched further.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM. The vote: All yes.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

 

Charles Hawk, Mayor