July 20, 2020 - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES
BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL
JULY 20, 2020
7:00 P.M.
 
Due to the COVID-19, this meeting was held in the fire station bay to allow for social distancing.  Notification was sent to the Massillon Independent, posted on the front doors, and posted on the BrewsterOhio.com website.
 
Brewster Village Council met in regular session with Mayor Chuck Hawk presiding.
 
7:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER
 
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to excuse Council Member Radich from this evening’s 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 to the flag.
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Charles Hawk, Mayor
Dale Fox, Council Member                           Andrew Hess, Council Member                 
Thomas Hilliard, Council Member             Brett Long, Council Member
Mike Schwab, Council Member
 
VILLAGE OFFICIALS:
John Anthony, Solicitor                                  Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer
Michael L Miller, Village Administrator
 
MINUTES FROM THE JULY 6, 2020 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:
Mayor Chuck Hawk asked if there were any additions or deletions to the July 6, 2020 Council meeting minutes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to approve the minutes as presented.  The Vote: all yes.
 
PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
COUNCIL MEMBER LONG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to accept the bills in the amount of $ 444,808.29.  The vote: All vote: All yes.
 
AUDIENCE:
Ray Heitger, 317 East 7th Street, reported on the first concert in the park.  He stated that between 90 and 100 people were spread out throughout the park enjoying the evening.  Andy Scassa of “Wing It” expressed his desire to participate in the Firemen’s Festival next year.
 
PRESENTATION OF GUESTS:
There were no guests.
 
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:  Titles of each read by Solicitor John Anthony
First Reading: An Ordinance adopting electric service rate schedules for The Village of Brewster, Ohio.  Council Member Hilliard asked for an explanation.  VA Miller stated there will be a presentation before the next meeting.  He stated the short version is there will be a reduction in the PSCA.
 
First Reading: 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 for the 2020 – 2021 school year.
RESOLUTION 45-2020:  A resolution of Necessity for the renewal of a tax levy in excess of the ten-mill limitation for the purpose of the operation of The Village of Brewster Fire Department and declaring an emergency was given first reading.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to suspend the rule requiring three separate readings and bring the legislation forward for passage.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to pass the legislation as presented.  Council Member Hilliard asked why this is an emergency and being pushed through so fast.  Clerk King stated she noticed that this was the time when the levy has been traditionally brought forward while reviewing other legislation.  The Board of Elections requires that all legislation is passed and submitted to them by August 5th at 4:00 pm for the November 3rd election.  Council Member Hilliard is concerned that this is not going to be enough to sustain the Fire Department.  He thinks we may need to add additional millage.   Clerk King stated that with the current economy that there is a better chance to pass a renewal of an existing tax than a tax increase.  Council Member Hilliard asked whether an additional amount could be added later. Solicitor Anthony stated it could. Council Member Hilliard requested a budget be prepared.  VA Miller stated that an in-depth budget had just been created when the Fire Income Tax Levy was being considered.  The vote: All yes.
 
First Reading: An ordinance awarding a contract for casualty and liability insurance.
 
First Reading: A resolution adopting the Village of Brewster 2020 Alternative Tax Budget.
 
First Reading: An Ordinance enacting and Approving a Supplement to the Code of Ordinances for the Village of Brewster, Ohio.
 
First Reading: A Resolution Authorizing the Creation of a Safe Routes to School Fund and Instructing the Village Clerk to Submit said Resolution to the State Auditor for Approval.
 
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS:  
A. FIRE DEPARTMENT:  Chief Chris Colucy
  1. Year-to-date calls = 391.
  2. Request for an increase in the amount of reimbursement for Jared Baer’s paramedic training.  Originally the Village approved a reimbursement of $4,000.  Perry was expected to pay the difference.  This has fallen through so the Chief is requesting an additional $2,500 for the reimbursement.
  3. The Fire Station Expansion update.
  4. There was a fire at the railroad.  23 Departments responded.  Brewster FD responded within 5 minutes with the first two firemen followed by others.  He stated the Police Department did a phenomenal job.  He estimated they drew out 220 thousand gallons from the hydrant at the Marathon and 400 to 500 thousand from Brewster Lake.  The department received the call at 7:23 pm and they left the scene at 1:30 am.  Then another hour for equipment cleanup.  There were no injuries.
  5. Council Member Hilliard questioned a $3,000 request for etching on the floor of the expansion.  Chief Colucy described the it as the emblem laser etched into the floor as you enter the building.
  6. Mayor Hawk stated he was very proud of the Fire Department and the Police Department and how professionally they handled this situation.
  7. Council Member Hilliard states he had missed the last meeting and asked about the bullet proof vests.  Chief Colucy stated this was on hold as they were looking into using the $5,900 grant for this purchase.
 
B. POLICE DEPARTMENT: Chief Keith Creter (Excused)
1.    The Chief was only going to present the activity report that had already been emailed to Council for review.  Mayor Hawk excused the Chief from this meeting since we are trying to keep gatherings ten people and under.
 
VILLAGE SOLICITOR: John Anthony
Solicitor Anthony is concerned about having the meetings in the Fire Station.  Even though we are able to keep everyone six feet apart, there is always the potential for over 10 people.  With the entire state getting closer to being classified as a red state (in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic).  The VA has been preparing for a Planning Commission meeting, he has been in contact with everyone from the County Prosecutor’s Office and Stark County Health Department to the Attorney General’s Office. In essence, the Attorney General made concessions on the Open Meetings Law to allow remote meeting for the public’s safety and expects government agencies to use these to comply with Health Department requirements.  Solicitor Anthony stated that we are expected to set an example for the rest of our community.  As far as the Planning Commission meeting, he suggested witness testimony in the form of depositions only.  The public only needs access, not participation, even though the Village prefers to allow public participation.
 
COMMUNICATIONS: 
  1. Ohio Flags of Honor Memorial: July 31st though August 2 at Barley’s Event Center in Louisville.
 
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Mike Miller
Council received the Village Administrator’s report last week to review.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER LONG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HESS and motion carried to approve the report.  The vote: All yes.
 
Administrator’s report for period 7/7/2020 thru 7/20/2020:
 
  • ODOT – Paving RT 93. Karvo has completed grinding. They were doing full depth repairs Friday July 17th and are scheduled to be paving Saturday July 18th. While Karvo/ODOT has hired a Village Police Officer to assist with traffic control, I want to point out that this is an ODOT project and they and their contractor are solely responsible for traffic control during their operations.
  • Storm Sewer Trench – 2nd SW at Wabash. On Thursday in a discussion with ODOT it was determined that ODOT would NOT be making a repair of the Storm Sewer Trench at 2nd SW at Wabash prior to paving. So, our employees quickly dug out approximately 6 inches of the gravel and we coordinated with the contractor on East Main to have Low Strength Material (LSM) placed over/into the trench prior to ODOT paving Route 93. ODOT’s paving includes paving back onto 2nd SW past the trench. LSM is also known as flowable fill, a type of weak, runny concrete mix used in construction for non-structural purposes such as backfill or road bases. Our contractor on East Main was using LSM to fill in the gap between the new curb and gutter and Main Street.
  • Bimeler Park Walking Path Repair. The walking path in Bimeler Park near the basketball court and skate park is scheduled to be started at the end of July. The existing path, which is affected by trees, will be removed, the new alignment dug out, the existing path filled in with the portion being removed, and the new path formed and poured.
  • Bimeler Park – Walking Path Sealing. After the repair/replacement of a portion of thewalking path in Bimeler Park near the basketball court and skate park is completed, we will be having the remaining asphalt sections have cracks repaired and then the asphalt sealed.
  • Bimeler Park Pavilions/Shelters. The roofs and the ends of both pavilions/shelters closest to the basketball courts are in need of repair. Based on the shade and locations, we solicited quotes for both shingles and metal roofs. Based on the quotes, we have determined to proceed with metal roofs. The low quote of $6,900 for both was from Troyer Roofing. We are proceeding, but the reroofing and repairs are not scheduled to begin for a couple of months.
 
  • Water – Well Cleaning. Peerless Midwest has pulled the pump, pipe, and pump bowls, and is making authorized repairs prior to reinstalling the pump and related items. The pump bowls have not arrived at their shop as of 7-16-2020. They anticipate the new pump bowls will arrive in the next week and upon receipt, they will schedule their crew to return to install the pump, replace the gate valve, and conduct a post service flow test.
 
  • East Main Street Paving and Rehabilitation Project. The East Main Street Paving and Rehabilitation Project is well underway. Catch basins have been set. Layout was completed for curb and gutter and paving. Curb and gutter have been installed, as well as the ADA Ramps on the south side of Main at Main and Cleveland and Main and Park Drive. In addition, the bump out at the SW corner of Cleveland and Main was installed, including the transition section of sidewalk. LSM was used to fill in the gap between the new curb and gutter and Main Street. We are awaiting grinding and paving, which should take place shortly. The project should be completed well before the new project end date of 8/31/2020 from OPWC.
 
  • Crack Sealing. We have contracted for crack sealing this year, and our contractor is scheduled to start at the beginning of August. The streets slated for crack sealing are:
  • Park Drive – Main to 7th
  • Amherst – 7th to north terminus
  • 4th – Cleveland to Wabash
  • Needham – Wabash to McKinley
  • Cleveland – 7th to concrete
  • 5th – Wabash to Washington
  • Huron – Wabash to Mohican
  • Barber – Wabash to Mohican
  • McKinley – 7th Street to north terminus
  • Mosquito Spraying – Stark County Health Department. The mosquito spraying scheduled for July 7th was completed as scheduled. The future tentative spray dates for Year 2020 (weather permitting):
  • July 21, 2020
  • August 4, 2020
  • August 18, 2020
  • September 1, 2020
 
I would like to pass on the information and cautions from the Stark County Health Department:
  • SPRAYING WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER 8:00 PM ON THE SCHEDULED DATES.
  • IN CASE OF RAIN, HIGH WINDS, OR COLD TEMPERATURES, SPRAYING WILL BE POSTPONED.
  • PERSONS WHO SUFFER WITH RESPIRATORY AILMENTS MAY VACATE THE AREA.
  • BEEKEEPERS SHOULD TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT THEIR HIVES.

  • 2020 Paving Program. The contracts have been signed for the 2020 Paving Program. We have met with Superior Materials & Asphalt is the contractor and are performing some measurements on 7th Street SE to make sure that we have both positive drainage and adequate base when the paving is completed.
 
  • Jefferson Ave Sanitary Sewer Project – Overall funding. Funding for OPWC Round 34 has been approved at the State level (legislation signed by the Governor). That means the $209,907 in loan funding from OPWC Funding and the $312,378 in OPWC Grant Funding are available, to go with the $441,959 in CDBG Funds the Village has received in a grant towards construction of the Jefferson Sanitary Sewer Project. Together, they add up to 100% of the engineer’s estimate for the Jefferson Sanitary Sewer Project.
 
Based on the OPWC funding, the bidding documents are being forwarded to the Stark County Board of Commissioners, and they are expected to be approved at their next meeting on Wednesday, July 22nd.  Once that process is completed, Stark CDBG will notify the Village and its engineer of the bidding dates, pre-bid meeting, bid opening, and other related matters.   
 
  • Natural Gas Aggregation. The Village has completed executing all the forms/agreements for the Village’s Natural Gas Aggregation Program with Independent Energy Consultants (IEC) and Volunteer for the Village Residents’ Natural Gas Aggregation Program for the 2020-2023 period. At this time, we are waiting to strike a final price
 
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. I want to update Council on a subject that has been mentioned before – installing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Brewster.
 
Recently the State of Ohio has opened the application process for the installation of Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Projects.
 
As I indicated earlier, the State of Ohio solicited bids for EV Charging Stations, and awarded contracts to Charge Point, Inc., Donovan Energy, EVunited, and Sway Mobility, Inc.
 
We met earlier in the year with representatives from EVunited. We have followed up now that the EV Funding will be available, and we have received a proposal from EVunited upon which we can proceed with the application process (see attached). The application process closes September 30th.
 
The bottom line is that IF the Village received the full $15,000 per location grant from the State of Ohio, we would be responsible for at least an additional $9,940 more in matching costs, which could come from the electric fund.
 
As I indicated previously, installing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Brewster at this time could potentially establish Brewster as, at a minimum, a short term destination for Electric Vehicle owners to stop, either as they travel Route 30 or as they travel to or from Amish Country. Once they stop, they will have time to patronize our local businesses.
 
I need Council to determine whether they wish for me to proceed with an application for a grant from the State of Ohio for the installation of Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station(s).
 
  • Sidewalk Fund Expenditures. At the July 6th Finance Committee Meeting one of the subjects was a separate SRTS Fund, which included the subject of use of Sidewalk Fund. I have attached a copy of the ordinance that created the Sidewalk Fund, which states “said funds shall be used for the construction, maintenance, repair, and replacement of sidewalks within the Village”.
 
Sidewalk Funds have been used as follows:
 
  • 2017 - Sidewalk Funds were used to employ SafeSidewalks (a contractor the Village had previously used) to eliminates trip hazards. This was done on Wabash from 7th to the underpass, as well as on 2nd Street by Bimeler Park, and the sidewalks at the Police Station. There were a total of 66 locations addressed. The cost was $5,859, which fits within the budget.
 
  • 2018 – No money spent out of Sidewalk Fund. Building up balance.
 
  • 2019 – Sidewalk Funds were again used to employ Precision Concrete Cutting Inc. Ohio (SafeSidewalks) to grind the sidewalks to eliminate potential trip hazards. This was done on Wabash north of the underpass, on the east and west sides of Wabash. There was a total of 72 locations completed at a total cost for both sides is $9,125, which was again well within the budget. This was done for the purpose of making it safer for walkers that were observed on the east side of Wabash, in addition to coordinating with trees that were removed that affected the sidewalks on the east side of Wabash.  An additional motive/benefit was that in addressing the walkability of this portion of Wabash, it checked off one of the tasks listed in the Safe Routes to Schools Plan that the Village had completed.
 
Finally, as pointed out $4000 was used in sidewalk funds to put in ADA Ramps on 7th Street Project at the relocated crosswalk so that they were in prior to asphalt work and later another $7,172 for the ADA Ramps on 7th Street when Council authorized installation of a Shared Use path on the north side of 7th. There seems to be some that have an issue with those expenses. It should be noted that these ADA Ramps are keeping with ODOT Policy 21-003(p) requiring ADA Ramps in resurfacing.
 
  • 2020 – No Sidewalk funds have been spent to date, but I requested and Council included $30,000 that was placed in the sidewalk fund for hard surfacing of the 7th Street Shared Use Path between Park Drive and Amherst and to provide ADA Ramps as part of the East Main Paving & Rehabilitation Project.
 
To date during my tenure as Village Administrator, the Sidewalk Fund has NOT been used to extend sidewalks. It has been used to grind to eliminate trip hazards, repair a limited amount of sidewalk affected by street trees/roots, and install ADA Ramps.
 
Since there are questions about what are proper expenditures from the Sidewalk Fund, I am requesting that Council clarify what it means by “construction, maintenance, repair, and replacement of sidewalks within the Village”. I would request that ADA Ramps be addressed specifically, since I view ADA Ramps as appropriate and covered by “construction”.
 
IF it is determined that ADA Ramps are NOT included as a proper expense from the Sidewalk Fund, I would request direction from Council as to where ADA Ramps are to be paid from, or that Council create a specific account for ADA Ramps.
 
IF it is determined that specifically the hard surfacing of the of the 7th Street Shared Use Path between Park Drive and Amherst is NOT an eligible cost for the Sidewalk Fund, then the $30,000 that was placed in the sidewalk Fund be transferred to the fund that Council determines those costs should be paid from.
 
  • Sale of 69kV Transmission Lines and Associated 69kV Assets. We are working towards closing the sale approved by Council on August 1, 2020. GPD has updated the valuation.
 
  • Electric Department – Wabash Lighting. We have finally had all the material delivered for theinstallation of the decorative street lighting on South Wabash. The Electric Department continues to wire the new decorative poles in preparation for installation, which should take place in the next few weeks.
 
  • Trench Box. When we were doing the storm drainage work on 2nd Street SW and on East Main, we were confronted with the limitations of our current trench box. Because of length we had issues with putting culvert in and tying into the previous piece. We also on 2nd Street SW had issues about depth of excavation and lack of adequate height. As safety is paramount, and we have two (2) more extensive excavations to install and/or replace storm lines (2nd Street SW and north through the Park and East Main from Park Drive west to the ditch) we purchased a trench box that is longer and taller than our existing one.
 
  • Fire Station Addition – Progress. Construction is going well and slightly behind schedule.
 
  • Fire Station Addition – Electric Change Orders. Below are the electric change orders that we have to date:
 

 

Proposed Cost

Explanation

Add 16 receptacles above lockers in turn-out gear room

$3,673.15

Need to add outlets above lockers to allow for charging equipment such as pagers, flashlights, etc.

Exterior Wall Packs east side

$3,530.56

With addition of steps and sidewalk on east side, need to add lighting

Existing Range circuit breaker to remain

$841.54

Plans called for reusing circuit for existing range for new range on 2nd floor, but long term if the downstairs is to be used as it is we need range circuit to remain

Add electric for touchless hand dryers

$2,787.51

Added touchless hand dryers so need to add electric to accommodate

Omission of 600 AMP Main Service (CREDIT)

-          $1,040.26

Can provide electric without need for add 600 AMP panel
 
      The mark-up percentage is included in these numbers.
 
The net addition to the original contract amount, after deducting the $5,000 contingency, is $4,792.50.
 
  • Fire Station Addition – General Change Orders. Below are the new general change orders that we have to date that will need to be approved before we move forward on them (or declined) by Council at its Monday July 20th Meeting to stay on schedule:
 

 

Proposed Cost

Explanation

Change from key/keypad to wireless electronic keypad system with card/fob access.

$16,949 + 10%.

Locks would have a keyed cylinder, keypad, and a proximity reader that would read a fob or a card. The Village can set up individual doors for individual control so personnel can't access the Fire Station unless that individual is specifically granted access for that door. It can track who and when access is made. It is also expandable to other Village facilities. Because it is wireless, there won’t be a need to run electric to each door, saving that potential cost.

Additional fill on east side

$2,218.50 + 10%.

Adding steps and raising level to eliminate some retaining wall requires more fill. Will be offset by credit for removing some retaining wall

Additional roofing removal & re-shingle south side

$3,080 + 10%

South side tie in

CREDIT – 4-inch walls in showers

 

Not taking shower walls all the way to the deck above

CREDIT – reduction in retaining wall

-$3,263

Portion of retaining wall eliminated by adding steps and extending walk

CREDIT – delete wall in turn-out gear room

-$399.80

Determination that a wing wall was not needed

 

 

 

Jet cutting logo into floor

$3,349 + 10%

 
 
The net addition to the original contract amount with these additions/credits is $20,261.95.
 
 I did not include the cost of jet cutting the logo into floor.
 
  • PLANNING COMMISSION – The Planning Commission meeting must be advertised two weeks prior to the meeting.  A telephonic meeting is not going to work in this instance.  The plans and maps are twenty-seven pages long alone.  The ten person per meeting limit is creating a problem even if we use a big building and wear masks. Stark County Regional Planning Commission has been contacted for a quantity water test.  A traffic study for both 7th Street and the neighborhood have been scheduled.  We need to talk to the school concerning the baseball field behind the elementary school.
 
Council Member Hilliard asked whether there would be fall trash pickup.  VA Miller stated he would reach out to the contractor and get a price if they are able to perform the service.
 
Council Member Hilliard asked the VA if an electric vehicle charging station is something the Village really wants or needs.  VA Miller stated it will bring people into the Village and create more commerce.  While their vehicle is charging, they may grab a bite to eat, visit our shops.  Looking at the bump out on Main Street SW.  It would be a $25,000 expense with a $15,000 grant available.  The deadline to apply for this grant is coming soon.  We can either apply or walk away.  Council Member Hilliard is up in the air and thinks it would cost double that.  VA Miller explained that the electric drop is already planned for the area to light the street.  Mayor Hawk supports this project.  There is one on 1st Street in Massillon if someone wants to take a look at one.  VA Miller stated it would be an asset for the Village.
 
 
Council Member Hilliard stated that if we cannot have a meeting with more than 10 people, how can we allow sporting events and concerts.  He asked if the playgrounds are supposed to be closed.  VA Miller stated the playgrounds are closed but people keep tearing down the caution tape and doing what they want.
 
Council Member Schwab asked for an update on the Berresford property on East Main Street.  VA Miller explained that we are looking for an alternate route to get the drainage water to the public waterway.  Looking at running along Main Street.  The materials would cost between $15 and $20K.  It will run 5-foot behind the gutter and will be a precursor for the SUP with a gravel base. 
 
Council Member Hess asked about how long it will be until the bowls in the wells are completed.  VA Miller stated they will be finished up in the next couple of weeks.
 
VILLAGE MAYOR: Charles Hawk
1.    The Mayor discussed a contract to ProCare for one of the LifePak15’s and the automatic CPR
       machine at a cost of $2,700 for service and maintenance for one year.
  1. Hannah Asplin has started painting hydrants.
  2. The Welty Cemetery committee met with Solicitor Anthony.
  3. A Paramedic Committee meeting needs to be scheduled.
  4. Council Member Schwab reminded Mayor Hawk that an Employee Compensation Committee meeting also needs scheduled.
 
VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER:  Kris King
July 20, 2020:
Fire Pay = $ 4,194.83 for the July 24th Payroll.
 
The Buckeye Institute has filed a lawsuit with the state of Ohio and the city of Columbus stating it was unconstitutional to take city income tax from employees working from home.  We have no way of knowing how this could affect our income from income tax collections.
 
Wichert Insurance Services, Assured Partners, and USI are all submitting proposals for our liability insurance.  The first two companies are traditional companies and the third is a Public Entities Pool (PEP). 
 
Ohio Public Water Authority has postponed the July payments until January 2021 due to COVID-19 and no one working in their offices.
 
Asst. Utility Clerk Nancy Bucher has volunteered to alphabetize and file income taxes while she has down time during her shift.  This will require permission from Council.
 
American Legal Publishing has completed our 4th supplement to our codified ordinances.  Each of you is responsible for updating your Code of Ordinances book.  If you would like someone to do it for you, please return your book and supplement to Village Hall.
 
Council Member Hilliard asked if Steve Hartman was still doing the taxes and if so, why should Nancy Bucher be assisting him.  Clerk King explained that when it is close to the deadline everyone is bringing taxes in and in order to keep up, after they are filed, they are dropped into a drawer.  This makes it difficult between the time they are filed in their proper places to find them to answer questions.  Clerk King stated this was something she does when she has time but has been busy with other projects this year.  This is just going to be temporary.  These forms are confidential, and Clerk King felt it was important for Council to be aware and give permission.
 
VILLAGE SPEAKS (Communications received by Council Members from Village Residents):
 
COMMITTEES or COUNCIL REPORTS: The Goal of any committee meeting is to discuss an issue or proposal and to provide, by a consensus of the committee members, ONE recommendation to Council
Council Member Schwab asked to speak to Council Member Long.  He asked if the Baseball and Softball Association was planning to have a fall season.  Council Member Long stated that nothing has been set in stone, but it has been in discussion.  Baseball could join the Jackson League and the softball teams would do their thing.  The association does not have enough money to support this so the teams would be on their own to earn money.  He also stated that the Soccer League has dibs on the fields.  Council Member Schwab asked the VA if Council would have to grant permission.  The number of kids signing up was discussed.  The numbers are really low.  May not have enough to play.
 
Reminders:
Friday, August 14th – Spicy Rhyme – Concert in the Park
August 14th and 15th – Village-wide Garage Sales
__________________________________________________________________________________
         
PENDING PROPOSALS FROM PAST MEETINGS:
From FD: Wireless entry to the Fire Station doors - Chief stated the price has not been determined.
From FD: Bullet Proof Vests
 
OLD or NEW BUSINESS:
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to approve the July 24th fire pay of $ 4,194.83 from the Fire Equipment Fund.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER LONG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to permit the Assistant Utility Clerk to alphabetize and file income tax paperwork.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HESS and motion carried to approve the electric change orders for the Fire Station Expansion Project in the amount of $ 4,792.50 from the Fire Income Tax Fund.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HESS and motion carried to approve the general change orders not including the jet cutting for the Fire Station Expansion Project in the amount of $ 20,21.95 from the Fire Income Tax Fund.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HESS and motion carried to approve the Paramedic training for Jared Baer for not to exceed $6,500 from the EMS Fund after signing a three-year commitment agreement.  Chief Colucy stated Mr. Baer purchased a home in Brewster and isn’t going anywhere.  Council Member Schwab asked how that worked out with the last paramedic.  VA Miller stated it did not.  That person is not meeting her obligation.  Our attorney is looking into how to recoup once the time frame of the agreement is complete.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HESS and motion carried to put the Triner donation as follows:  $50,000 in the Ambulance Replacement Fund, $50,000 in the Fire Equipment Capital Improvement Fund, and use the balance towards the glass doors on all the bays.  Council Member Schwab stated this would create seed money for the next ambulance and truck purchase.  Clerk King asked the amount of the grant submitted for a new pumper/tanker.  The Chief stated it was for $550,000.  The VA stated the Village match would be $30,000.  The Chief stated that $550,000 would not cover the cost of a truck after everything was added and the truck was complete.  He also stated that a different truck may be better than the one they applied for.  He mentioned a ladder truck and how Canton’s ladder truck was used at the railroad fire.  The Clerk asked if the grant could be used for a different truck as that was not what the grant was written for.  The Chief stated the grant specifications could be changed and he stated a ladder would also lower the Village’s ISO rating which would in turn lower resident’s insurance rates.  When asked the cost, the Chief stated residents should not be responsible for the additional cost.  The vote: All yes.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HESS and motion carried to schedule a Fire Department staffing meeting with the Paramedic Committee on July 27th at 6:00 pm in Fire Station.  The vote: All yes.
 
The ProCare Service Contract was brought up but will wait one meeting to gather more information.
 
The was a discussion on the next meeting.  Since there is a limit of 10 people per gathering, the Mayor suggested a conference call.  Solicitor Anthony stated the Attorney General (AG) allows for the Village to stream it.  He stated the AG does not require the public to have the ability for the public to participate but they need to be able to see or hear and understand.
 
Council Member Hilliard brought up the subject of the Fire Levy.  He doesn’t think we are being responsible by passing the 4-mill levy.  The fundamental operating of the Fire Department is not being covered by the money.  He wants a committee meeting to delve in and make sure the levy provides enough to operate.  VA Miller stated that was just done in order to come up with the income tax percentage.  Expanding the Paramedic Program was discussed and Chief Colucy stated that we need to back down the Paramedic wages for the new hires to $15.00 an hour compared to $16 - $18.00 an hour.
 
Mayor Hawk brought up what we should do for the next meeting.  Council Member Hilliard thinks we should have it in the Fire Station and not on a conference call.  He stated that if we shut down the meeting then we should shut down the concerts.  Solicitor Anthony asked that we find a way to stream it out to the public.  He is uncomfortable being in a meeting that may become in violation of the current regulations.  Council Member Hilliard asked Solicitor Anthony about the concerts because there are over ten people at the concerts.  Solicitor Anthony explained there are exceptions to many of the rules, but government meeting is very specific.  He expressed his opinion that he would hate to allow the Village to be in violation.  Chief Colucy stated that he could have the big trucks pulled out, but the VA told him this would still not satisfy the AG’s rules.  Mayor Hawk stated he would work with the Solicitor to come up with a solution.  He refuses to break the law.
 
Ray Heitger asked if he should cancel the concerts.  He would not want anyone to come back on the Mayor or Council for allowing the concerts. 
 
Chief Colucy had contacted Asst. Chief Mohler about the ProCare contract and verified that it was for one year.  This was held until next meeting.
 
COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 PM. The vote: All yes.
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
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Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer
 
 
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Charles Hawk, Mayor