January 6, 2020 - Meeting Minutes

 

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

 

7:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER

 

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                               Mike Schwab, 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 December 16, 2019 Council meeting minutes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to accept the minutes as presented.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB and motion carried to accept the bills in the amount of $ 571,460.08.  The vote: All yes.

 

Matt Miller of W.E. Quicksaw and Associates attended to inform Council of their interest in working with the Village as Engineering Consultants and can perform all requirements for the Fire Station Expansion from start to finish.  They are qualified for the project.

 

Police Chief Keith Creter, Fire Chief Chris Colucy, and Joshua Bowen of the Independent Newspaper were in attendance.

Matt Miller of W.E. Quicksaw and Associates attended to inform Council of their interest in working with the Village as Engineering Consultants and can perform all requirements for the Fire Station Expansion from start to finish.  They are qualified for the project.

 

Mayor Hawk opened nominations for the position: Council Member Hilliard nominated Council Member Radich and Council Member Fox seconded the motion.  No other nominations were made.  Mayor Hawk closed nominations. Voice vote: All yes.

 

Mayor Schwab provided Council copies of the 2019 Council Rules on December 16, 2019 for review and discussed amending Rule 19 and Rule 20.   Solicitor Anthony’s recommended language for the changes was provided at this evenings meeting. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to accept the two changes and modify as Solicitor Anthony recommended to adopt the 2019 Council Rules as the 2020 Council Rules.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to approve the 2020 Rules of Council as amended.  The vote: All yes.

Second Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing the Amendment of Zoning Code Section 153.019U – Pertaining to Walls and Retaining Walls (Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 21^st at 6:45 PM).  Council Member Hilliard asked if there is always a Public Hearing for Zoning changes.  Mayor Hawk replied yes.

 

Second Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing a Contract for a East Main Street Paving and Rehabilitation Project.

 

Intro by the Mayor/First Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing the Adoption of 6.09 Public Records Retention and Disposal Policy and adding it to the Employee Policy Handbook.

 

Intro by the Mayor/First Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing the Adoption of 6.10 Public Records Policy and adding it to the Employee Policy Handbook.

Intro by the Mayor/First Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing the Adoption of 6.11 Internet, E-Mail, and Computer Services Policy.

 

Intro by the Mayor/First Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing a Contract for the Construction of the Addition and Remodeling of the Brewster Fire Station.

 

Intro by the Mayor/First Reading: An Ordinance Authorizing a Loan for the Addition and Remodeling of the Brewster Fire Station.

 

Intro by the Mayor/First 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.

 

MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS:  

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS: 

 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Mike Miller

Administrator’s report for period 12/17/2019 thru 1/6/2020:

• OPWC Grant – East Main Street Paving & Rehabilitation Project. Bids were opened on December 16^th, 2019 for theEast Main Street Paving & Rehabilitation Project. The bids have been reviewed, and the recommendation from Thrasher is to award to the lowest (and best) bidder, which is Northstar in the amount of $99,990.

The engineer’s estimate was $139,905.00, so the bid is 28.5% lower than the engineer’s estimate. The reason the bid is so far below the revised estimate is because the first time the project was bid, the low bid of $165,358.25 was 52% higher than the estimate at that time ($108,956). So that the Village didn’t end up having to rebid again, the estimate was revised upward considerably.

The Village received a $51,964 grant for the East Main Paving and Rehabilitation Project from OPWC Small Governments. The construction estimate was at the time of application $103,800, plus $2,250 committed for completing bid plans and bid specifications, for a grand total of $106,050. The Village share was scheduled to be $54,086. The actual total amount of the project and the Village share will depend on the bids.

As a reminder, the increase in bid prices in July was a phenomenon that is common at some point during the construction season. Contractors have so many projects scheduled, that IF they are going to take on additional work they either “overprice” their bid (knowing that likely they would have to pay overtime to get the project completed) OR they decline to bid. We had five (5) bidders the in June for the 2019 Paving Project, and only got two (2) for the East Main Paving and Rehabilitation Project in late July. The low bidder in July lowered their bid from $165,358.25 in late July to $137,520 in December ($28,838.25 or 16.8%) for a Spring 2020 start.

 

• Potential Transmission Project – Sale of 69kV Assets. We opened proposals for the purchase of the Village’s existing 69 KV Transmission Line and Assets and Establishment of a Second 69 KV Interconnection on December 2, 2019. We received one (1) proposal, which was from AMP Transmission. The proposal was forwarded to Courtney and Associates for review.

 

I have been in contact with Courtney and Associates, who will provide a formal written recommendation, but at this point indicates that the proposal should be pursued and a formal contract negotiated between the Village and AMP Transmission for the purchase of the Village’s existing 69 KV Transmission Line and Assets and Establishment of a Second 69 KV Interconnection.

 

I have also been in touch with AMP Transmission regarding their proposal to purchase of the Village’s existing 69 KV Transmission Line and Assets and Establishment of a Second 69 KV Interconnection. I have tentatively set up a time for AMP Transmission to come to a Council Committee Meeting at 6:15 PM on January 21^st, 2020 to make a brief presentation and answer any questions about the proposed sale of the Village’s 69 KV Transmission Line and Assets.

 

To refresh Council’s memory, the Village’s request for proposals for the purchase of the Village’s existing 69 KV Transmission Line and Assets and Establishment of a Second 69 KV Interconnection included:

 

• Sale of the Village’s transmission line from First Energy’s Harmon Substation (dedicated exit) to the Village’s Substation, at a minimum price of our investment cost less depreciation.
• Sale of the 69kV switches and assets at the substation, again at a minimum price of our investment cost less depreciation. (Some of these assets are being constructed/installed currently as part of the Substation Upgrade/Expansion Project).
• Requirement that within a reasonable period of time (i.e. 3 years) that the purchaser construct a diverse second feed to our substation (i.e. from feed to west, east, or south that does not directly interconnect with our Harmon feed from First Energy)
• The ability to repurchase the transmission line(s) and other 69kV assets in the event that the purchaser fails to construct the second diverse feed and/or the purchaser divests itself of the transmission line(s) and other 69kV assets for any reason (first option to purchase) at the price paid (and documented cost of construction of the second diverse feed, less depreciation)
• An option for maintenance to be done on the transmission line(s) and other 69kV assets by the Village of Brewster.
• That the purchaser of our transmission line and 69kV assets files to recover all its costs, including the construction costs for the second diverse feed) either through FE’s and/or AEP’s zonal transmission rates (PJM) and not directly assign any of said costs to Brewster.
• That the Village MAY enter into negotiations with the lowest and best proposer.
• Even if it enters into negotiations the Village MAY STILL determine to withdraw if the Village feels it is in the best interests of the Village to do so.

 

     Some of the advantages of the proposed Village Transmission Project are:

 

• to allow for and have constructed a diverse second feed to our substation (i.e. from feed to west, east, or south that does not directly interconnect with our Harmon feed from First Energy) to provide redundancy.
• to have a diverse second feed to our substation without the Village having to pay the cost with Village funds (considerable savings).
• to return a considerable sum to the Electric Department, allowing rate stabilization and/or even rate reduction.

 

So, in order to move forward I am requesting Council grant me the authority (with assistance from our Law Director, and as needed from Courtney and Associates and GPD) to enter into negotiations to generate the necessary legal documents to complete the proposed sale. There are a number of details to be finalized, including but not limited to verification of both ownership and the transfer of easements (in the proper order). Once those documents are completed, Council can then authorize their execution on behalf of the Village.

 

• Brine Application to Village Streets. As you may have noticed, there have been a growing number of entities in our area that use brine as part of their efforts to address snow and ice on roads. Brine is, in some instances, MORE effective than salt, because salt must dissolve into solution to melt snow or ice, while brine begins to work essentially instantaneously because there is no delay for transition from solid to liquid phase. I have provided a copy of ODOT’s LTAP Bulletin - Brine Enhanced Snow & Ice Control Treatments that provides more information. In addition, I have provided a Brine Fact Sheet from the American Public Works Association.

 

ODOT has been using brine for years on expressways, especially bridges, both as a pre-storm treatment and during certain types of storms. Not only does ODOT use brine, but they have a large storage facility for brine at their new location at Route 30 and Richville Drive. However, brine has not been a cost-effective option for the Village until ODOT built its new facility at Route 30 and Richville Drive.

 

There are two (2) major costs to the use of brine. The first major cost factor is the manufacture and storage of brine. Brine needs to be manufactured and maintained in a narrow band – 23.5% is ideal. In order to “manufacture” it and maintain it at 23.5%, equipment is required that can be very costly, making it cost prohibitive for Brewster to take on making brine on its own. The State of Ohio, when it completed construction of its outpost on Richville Drive at Route 30, has brine at the proper percentage stored on site, which it has graciously extended the opportunity to surrounding political subdivisions to use. The terms for Brewster to use their brine are for every 1000 gallons we use we have to “return” or supply 1 ton of salt. That makes the first portion of the cost factor now very cost effective.

 

The second major cost factor is the equipment to apply the brine. To be effective, there needs to be a vehicle that can dedicated to apply brine (or a salt spreader that also can store enough brine) because that vehicle cannot be concurrently used to apply salt and plow. Since we replaced one of the trucks in Street Department that was used for plowing, it is relatively inexpensive to convert it to a flatbed and add a tank and equipment to apply brine. The flatbed with installation will cost $3,700. We are researching manufactured units and their costs, so we can compare those to us assembling our own unit.

 

We will continue to explore implementing brine into Brewster’s snow and ice treatment at the most cost-effective manner, and I will keep Council informed.

• Safe Routes to Schools – Route 62 Shared Use Path (Brewster SRTS 110990).  Work continues on the Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Route 62 Shared Use Path (SUP).

 

Our grant of $150,000 won’t be available until 2022. However, ODOT requires a number of tasks be complete well prior to when the funds become available for construction. The date that we have in our schedule indicates stage 1 plans will be submitted on or before March 27, 2020. The route alignment has been selected from two (2) preliminary alternative alignments prepared by Thrasher. 

 

We have presented the joint support letter and maintenance agreement for the completed SRTS SUP to Fairless Schools (I met with Superintendent Broc Bidlack Friday December 6^th), and once executed will submit those to ODOT as well.

 

In addition, letters went out at the end of 2019 to affected property owners prior to survey work commencing. This provides the property owners an opportunity to speak out and lets them know that the surveyors will be there beginning the week of January 6^th. We are now proceeding with surveying and preparing preliminary plans for the selected alignment. Once that work is done, there is a process that is required that includes preparation of easements and valuation (appraisals), all which must occur BEFORE the Village may contact/discuss the project with the property owners.

 

While I was at Thrasher Engineering signing the letters to property owners, I had a conversation about additional SRTS funding. I asked about reapplying for the Park Drive portion of the SRTS Shared Use Path that was eliminated from last year’s funding due to the projected cost. With realignment to the west side, where most of the SUP near the levee and bridge can now be built on the ground versus elevated walkway, the cost should be much less. In that conversation, Thrasher’s individual who handles grant applications identified additional potential sources of grant funds to help complete the SRTS SUP.

 

Thrasher is going to look into those sources, and let the Village know by the end of next week what additional grants Brewster can pursue. Some of those potential sources may require fast action with deadlines quickly approaching, so I am giving Council a heads up.

 

• Electric – Substation Upgrade/Expansion. Construction work continues on the Substation Upgrade and Expansion Project.We expect the transformer delivery in January. Please feel free, as always, to contact me if you have any questions or need me to obtain any additional information.

 

• Siren – Deactivation for Fire Calls. I have had discussions with Chief Colucy, and at this point I believe these are the options that if implemented he would approve deactivation of the siren for fire calls:

                                 

He has indicated that he would like a red flashing light at/near Wabash and Main if option 3 is chosen, which would be similar to the light at Strausser and Route 241 for Jackson Township Fire Station at that location.

The siren could then be activated only in the case of emergency, such as tornados. Council needs to make a decision on what course of action it wishes to take.

 

• Water – Well Cleaning & Rehabilitation. Last year the Water Department solicited three (3) quotes to service (clean & rehabilitate if necessary) two (2) wells. “Servicing” includes at a minimum:
• pulling the pump
• cleaning the well
• inspecting the well
• inspecting and testing the pump

We proceeded 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. We checked a nearby utility who had used Moody’s, and they were not only satisfied but were planning to bring them in to do more work. So, we entered into contract with Moody’s of Dayton for well cleaning & rehabilitation at a cost of $13,600 per well. Again, we did so know that there could be additional cost depending on whether the pumps need repaired.

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.

I have prepared specifications that will 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. A copy is attached. They have been reviewed by Water Superintendent Mike Maybaugh.

There are two (2) ways we can proceed at this point:

I am requesting that Council discuss the options and provide direction.

 

• Employee Handbook Policy. During the Village of Brewster Records Commission Meeting held December 16^th, 2019, three (3) policies were adopted concerning records:
• 6.09 Public Records Retention & Disposal Policy
• 6.10 Public Records Policy
• 6.11 Internet, E-Mail, and Computer Services Policy

Based on some questions that were raised regarding public records policy, it has been expanded to include a description of what is a reasonable time to respond and/or prompt access to public records.

• Employee Handbook Policy. There are a few areas where the Village needs to have polices in place. One of those policies is 7.08 VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT USE POLICY, that addresses operation of Village owned or leased vehicles or equipment. I have provided Council with a draft of that policy.

 

• Fire Station Addition – Loan. I am advertising for loan terms for the Fire Station Addition, with the bid opening occurring the same day as opening the construction bids (January 23^rd, 2020 at 1:00pm).

 

• Fire Station Addition - Construction. The specifications for the Fire Station Addition have been put out to bid. Because of the holidays, it was determined to advertise for the maximum four (4) consecutive weeks prescribed by Ohio Revised Code 731.141. The advertisements have appeared in the Canton Repository on:
• December 13^th
• December 20^th
• December 27^th
• January 3^rd

 

Bids are scheduled to be opened Thursday January 23^rd, 2020 at Noon. A pre-bid walk through is scheduled for January 8^th.

 

• Pavement Condition Ratings for 2020. OHM Engineering has commenced work on preparing a Pavement Condition Ratings for Village streets. Once the PCR is completed, we can use it in prioritizing what streets are paved in 2020 (and beyond) and have an excellent guide to develop a street maintenance and repaving program for the Village. The PCR can also be used to document need for applications for MRF or OPWC funding as well.

 

• 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. We will be adding an announcement on/with the bills as follows:

 

Does your electric bill seem higher than typical? Efficiency Smart’s free Electric Bill Advice program can help you understand the electric use in your home and provide suggestions that can help decrease high bills. 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

• Efficiency Smart – LED Light Bulbs. There are still standard and dimmable specialty LED lightbulbs are available for a limited time for $0.99 each at Belloni Foods. Discount pricing courtesy of Efficiency Smart and Brewster Municipal Electric. Questions? Call Efficiency Smart at 877-889-3777 or visit www.efficiencysmart.org/brewster-ohio for more information.

• 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 with their contractor sometime after November 12^th. The Corps has reached, and plan to meet with the Village to discuss traffic control and work limits.

 

• ODOT – Route 93 Paving and Drainage Issue(s). The Village has had both sides of the storm sewer (the northeast corner and the northwest corner) cleaned, so that the lines can be visually inspected. We attempted to re-video the lines, but because of the deterioration of the underdrains feeding into the main line, there is always a residual material in the bottom of the main line that precludes getting the camera to move up and down the line. We will be meeting with ODOT to determine what the next step(s) should be in our joint investigation of completing repairs before or during the upcoming paving project.

• Yard Waste – Christmas Tree Drop-Off. The Yard Waste facility will remain open in January for both Brewster residents and Solid Waste District residents for Christmas Tree drop-off and yard waste.

VILLAGE MAYOR: Charles Hawk
Planning Commission’s Recommendations to Council:

• Amend Zoning Code Section 153.125 – Signs with language for “Prohibited Signs”
• Amend Zoning Code Section 153.125 – Signs with language for “Signs Exempt from Regulation”
• Amend Zoning Code Section 153.002 – Definitions with 39 new definitions
• Council is required to create legislation for each of the three recommendations and schedule a Public Hearing for a review – suggest Tuesday, February 18^th at 6:30 PM

Mayor Hawk provided suggested committee assignments and asked if anyone would prefer to chair a different committee than listed, please contact him.

 

Mayor Hawk requested a volunteer from Council to be on the Zoning Board to replace him.  Council Member Radich volunteered.

Fire Pay = $ 3,387.67.

 

December and Year-to-date financial reports.  Discussion of Fund Report.

 

We received the final Amended Official Certificate of Estimated Resources from the County Budget Commission.

 

I ended up the year with a $ 885.06 reconciling error.  I believe this involves the issues I had with Paychex.  The bank shows more money than the computer.  I plan to keep it as a reconciling item until after the audit to see if they see where my error is.

 

The Recreation Board has supplied a 2019 Annual Expense Report:

• Easter Egg Hunt                =             $   556.77
• Halloween Party               =             $   218.46
• Children’s Christmas       =             $   460.49
• Four concerts                    =             $1,650.00

Total                                      =             $2,885.72

I would like to thank the Recreation Board for volunteering their time and talents to help Brewster better.  I would like to recommend a budget for 2020 of $5,000, same as 2019.

 

The Village received an EMS grant in the amount of $ 4,253.  The Village received a credit on the credit card for $339.56 for points cashed in.

 

January to do list:

• 2020 Certificate of Total Amount Available with estimated year-end balances
• OPERS Non-contributing list
• BWC True-Up
• State/City/School District reconciliations
• W-2 prep and distribution
• IRS 941 Annual Reconciliation
• 1099 prep and distribution
• 2019 Financial Report Preparation and review
• Begin the Hinkle Report

I would like to request a Finance Committee meeting on February 18^th at 6:00 PM.

 

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

 

         

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to create legislation amending Zoning Code Section 153.125 – Signs with language for “Prohibited Signs”.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOX and motion carried to create legislation amending Zoning Code Section 153.125 – Signs with language for “Signs Exempt from Regulation”.  The vote:  All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to create legislation amending Zoning Code Section 153.002 – Definitions with 39 new definitions.  The vote: All yes.  Mayor Hawk thanked Council Member Schwab for the work he did on these zoning amendments.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to schedule a Public Hearing for the three above zoning amendments on February 18^th at 6:30 PM.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to schedule a Utility Committee meeting on January 21^st at 6:15 PM to discuss the sale of the transmission line to AMP.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to schedule a Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 18^th at 6:00 PM.  Council Member Schwab also asked that committee chairs have projects in mind so the clerk can budget accordingly.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to create legislation authorizing the adoption of 7.08 VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT USE POLICY and make it part of the codified ordinances in Chapter 38 EMPLOYEE REGULATIONS of our Codified Ordinances, and add it to our Employee Handbook.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB and motion carried to use informal bidding for the cleaning of well #4.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to approve the Fire Pay in the amount of $3,387.67 from the Fire Equipment Fund.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HESS and motion carried to set an annual budget for the Recreation Board of $5,000.  Council Member Schwab stated the board does a great job and is very dedicated.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HESS and motion carried to de-activate the fire siren and erect Fire Station Warning signs with flashing red lights a block above and a block below the Main Street and Wabash Avenue intersection.  The siren would still be used for other emergencies, such as a tornado.  The vote: All yes.  Council Member Schwab asked Chief Colucy if this would satisfy the Fire Department’s needs.  Chief Colucy replied “we will see”.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LONG and motion carried to authorize the Village Administrator to negotiate the sale of the 69 KV transmission line.  The vote: All yes.

 

VILLAGE SPEAKS: Communications Received by Council members from Village residents

Council Member Hilliard received a phone call from the resident at 641 Horton to come look at pine trees behind his house and one behind his neighbor’s house.  Councilman Hilliard stated the were swaying in the wind.  He instructed the resident not to do anything because the Village Administrator was in contact with the Village Solicitor concerning this situation.  The trees were planted in a paper alley by previous owners.  There was discussion on the Village’s liability issues.  The VA stated the resident called and asked about trimming the trees then called back and asked if the Village would help pay for the removal of the trees which was quoted at $4,000.  The VA stated we have unimproved alleys all over town.  VA Miller is suggesting that a budget be set to start vacating two to three alleys a year.  The Solicitor stated that once the Village is made aware of a dangerous tree that they have an obligation to maintain the tree.  Municipal immunity was discussed, and Council Member Hilliard suggested topping the trees.  VA Miller did not feel the trees were a danger but will call a tree expert to come re-evaluate the trees.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER SCHWAB MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to instruct the VA to start the procedures to vacate the alley being discussed.  The Village will be paying the cost as they initiated the vacation.  The vote: All yes.

 

Chief Colucy stated that the purchase of the squad jackets was on the agenda and not brought up.  He stated that if a member of the Fire Department gets hurt on a scene without reflective gear then they are not covered by Workers’ Compensation.  The Chief stated that reflective vests over turnout gear will not work because they are not fire resistant.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to purchase 10 squad jackets at a cost of $4,304.84 out of the EMS Fund.  The vote: Fox, yes; Hess, yes; Hilliard, yes; Long, yes; Radich, yes; Schwab, no.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER FOX MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER RADICH and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 PM. The vote: All yes.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

____________________________________________________

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

 

____________________________________________________

Charles Hawk, Mayor