February 4, 2013 - Council Meeting

MINUTES

BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL

FEBRUARY 4, 2013

7:00 P.M.

 

Brewster Village Council met in regular session with Mayor Mike Schwab presiding.

 

7:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER

 

Council Members bowed their heads for the invocation provided by Clerk-Treasurer K. Kris King followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mike Schwab, Mayor

Sherri Bichsel, Council Member

Dave Duff, Council Member

Dave Godwin, Council Member

Tom Hilliard, Council Member

Jay Huff, Council Member

Steven Tharp, Jr., Council Member

 

VILLAGE OFFICIALS PRESENT:

Harry Porter, Police Chief

K. Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

Tim Stith, Director of Beautification Services

Benny Truman, Patrolman

 

MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 21, 2013 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:

Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the January 21, 2013 Council meeting minutes.  There were none.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to accept the minutes.  The vote: All yes.

 

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to accept the bills for the amount of $ 108,354.92.  Council Member Huff asked where we were as far as the money on the ADA restroom.  Clerk replied around $ 5,000.  Council Member Hilliard noticed over thirteen hundred was paid for oil and filters.  Clerk explained that the Village FD did their own oil changes on all the their vehicles, and this was for materials.  The vote: All yes.

 

AUDIENCE:

Tim Stith, 622   Scioto St, attended to discuss the surmise of the beautiful blue spruce in front of Village Hall.  It had been brought up earlier to be removed and was voted to keep the tree.  He wanted to know why it had been revisited.  Council Member Duff explained that a member of the Recreation Board had requested that it be replaced by a smaller tree that the children could decorate at the holidays.  Mr. Stith stated that in the fourteen years he has worked on the beautification of the Village, there are only certain reasons to remove a tree and these included: in the power lines, destroying concrete, construction, obstruction of view, disease, dead, ugly, or dying.  He doesn't think it is logical to remove it just because it is too big to decorate.  He trims it and mulches around it.  It doesn't seem like a good decision.  Council Member Tharp stated a resident had requested it be replaced.  Mr. Stith stated that as a resident, he was requesting to keep it.  Mayor Schwab stated that the tree was originally planted as a tree to be decorated at the holidays and has overgrown that purpose.  He agreed that it was a beautiful tree .  As a retired teacher, Mr. Stith is sure he could talk to the school and they would be glad to have the Village plant a tree for the children to decorate where they could look out the windows and see.  He is asking that the Village keep the tree and hopes Council will reconsider their decision.  Council Member Huff stated he doesn't remember what all was discussed but it was never mentioned to the Tree Board.  As Chair of Tree Board, it will be looked at by the Tree Board.  He stated the Tree Board will be meeting in the next month to month in a half.

 

The following residents were present: Dale Fox, Paul Mackey, Ray and Lavonne Heitger.

 

CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:

An ordinance modifying Ordinance 10-2000 which established a Community Reinvestment Area was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to bring the ordinance forward for passage.  Council Member Tharp stated he had some changes that he would like Council to consider before passage.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to table the ordinance until the changes can be discussed.  The vote: All yes.

 

An ordinance creating a non-paying Neighborhood Watch Officer position in the Village Police Department was given second reading.

 

An ordinance establishing permanent appropriations for 2013 was given second reading.

 

An ordinance authorizing a two-year contract with SugarcreekTownship for Fire and Ambulance protection by the Village Fire Department.  The current lapses on 2/21, most like it will be presented as emergency on 02/18.  Council Member Huff asked if it is the same as the last one.  Mayor Schwab said the language was the same but the dollar amount was different.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to untable the wage ordinance.  The vote: All yes.

 

ORDINANCE 6-2013: An ordinance adjusting the base wage and certain benefits of Village employees (2% increase in 2013) was given third reading. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL to pass Ordinance 6-2013.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to amend the following items:

• 2% increase on base rate only for all Village employees.
• 2% increase plus an additional $1.25 added to the Electric Supt. base rate.
• Vacation section addition to include the language that no more than one employee from any department can be off at one time.  This includes any scheduled time off such as vacation time, comp time, and personal time.
• The chief's pay (additional pay an employee receives for working in place of a superintendent when the Superintendent is off work for 5 or more days) language will be clarified as discussed at a Committee Meeting and provided to Council in an email.
• ·         Remove stipends for the Water and Wastewater Superintendents of $ 1.25 per hour and the Superintendent of Public Services of $ 1.08 per hour that were rolled into to the base wage on the pending ordinance, but retain the stipends for these positions as applied on the 2009 wage ordinance.  Mayor Schwab mentioned Police ranks but no action was taken.

 

 The vote: Huff, no; Tharp, yes; Bichsel, yes; Duff, yes; Godwin, yes; Hilliard, no.

 

Council Member Tharp stated that nothing had been brought up about the Police Chief.  Council Member Huff stated that not one person knows what they are voting on.  Council Member Tharp stated he doesn't agree.  These things have all been laid out.  Council Member Godwin stated he had confidence in the ordinance and expects to be doing this again in nine months.  If the money situation changes then we will stop and re-evaluate.  Council Member Huff stated if this Council has any money they spend it.  Council Member Tharp stated the State does not allow the Village to save money without reducing millage. Council Member Hilliard stated that the committee had their little employees meeting and figured out the Electric Department and now they see the Police Department here and .......  He stated he was just wasting his breathe.....vote and get it over with.

 

Mayor Schwab read over the amendments one more time to make sure everyone was on the same page.  He then reread the ordinance.

 

ORDINANCE 6-2013: An ordinance adjusting the wage and certain benefits of Village employees (2% increase in 2013).   The vote on the amended ordinance: Huff, no; Tharp, yes; Bichsel, yes; Duff, yes; Godwin, yes; Hilliard, no.  Ordinance passed with 4 to 2 vote.

 

MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:

Fire Department: Chief Rick Patterson

Captain Jen Mohler working with the area Fire Departments to form a response team for disasters.

 

Rewiring of FireBuilding by Wood Electric complete at $ 11,947 from Capital Projects Fund.

 

Police Department: Chief Harry Porter

Chief Porter provided Council with memo commending Officers for their work on drug investigation at FairlessHigh School.

 

Chief Porter purchased Air Soft guns for the Response Team training; cost around $ 250.

 

January report was given to Council.

 

Officer Truman will be attending a two day ALICE Training Course.  It deals with crisis situations in the schools.

 

Chief Porter will be attending crisis meeting with Supt Bidlack and other people from Fairless Local Schools.  Capt Mohler has been invited.

 

Brewster/Beach City/Navarre going together to join LESO to apply for free Response Team equipment.  They have had a couple training sessions.

 

SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin

Absent due to weather.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

Focus on Fairless Newsletter/Jan 2013; Table that shows Property Tax Valuations; discussion on security measures that have been taken.

 

Ohio Municipal League Notice: Municipal Income Tax Uniformity (HB5) is on State House agenda as a priority bill; OML does not oppose the uniformity aspect, but objects to a number of measures that would result in loss of revenue;  Mayor Schwab stated that if enacted in current form, this bill will have a negative impact on our General Fund.

 

Mayor Schwab contacted Greg Charters who had been in attendance at the 01/21 meeting: he asked if Council had a Senior Citizens’ facility in the works.  Mayor Schwab stated Council Member Godwin has brought this up in the past and maybe should continue looking into this.  Council Member Duff stated the Historical Society is always looking for new members.

 

Council Member Tharp asked the Mayor if he would extend an invitation to State House Representative Slaby and State Representative LaRose to express our concerns over the income tax legislation.

 

Tharp stated the Ohio State Department of Development is holding a forum for Economic Development to discuss land development challenges.

 

Council Member Huff received calls concerning snow removal on streets like Willow and Wells.  He asked Supt Patterson if they were streets or alleys.  Supt Patterson stated they are narrow streets but Council Member Huff stated they are streets but are treated like alleys.  If they are streets then treat them as street or designate them alleys.  Mayor Schwab stated the roads traveled most are done first.  Council Member Duff stated some of the narrow streets and alleys have to be plowed using the Sewer Department pick-up truck.

 

Council Member Godwin stated some of the residents on Elton St. are ready for a water line.  They were told the water line would follow shortly after the sewer line was installed.  It has been years and it has not been installed.  Mayor Schwab discussed how the owners could be accessed per linear front on the frontage of their property and that the owner was responsible for the hookup from the street to the house.  Mayor Schwab will contact the resident.

 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Hartman-absent knee surgery

Successful Knee surgery on 02/01; will not return until 02/13 at earliest.

 

Clerk to shoulder some of Income Tax duties; bulk to be held for VA.

 

Mayor will attempt to cover a small part of his duties.

 

Street & Utility Departments have been asked to provide their plans for 2013.

                                  

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Council copies: Updated 2013 Village Government info sheet; phone number & email changes.

 

Committees: Role, efficiency, recommendations to Council; Committee Chair can call meetings.

 

Electric System & exposure to tree hazards – Electric system has two major components: distribution lines in Village & a Village owned 69 kV Transmission line from Warmington   Road to Village; tree trimming.

 

Letters concerning the On Call/Stand By proposal were sent to the Dairy, Shearer’s, & the W&LE on 01/27 requesting comment; no comment to date (Copy emailed to Council)

 

Suggest that Council ask VA to provide a Policy for the Work Shoes for Street, Water, & Sewer employees. Council approved one pair of steel-toed work shoes every two years at a cost of up to $ 150 each on 01/21.

 

2013 Projects – Update Emergency Contacts & Economic Development visit to each of the major businesses.

 

VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: A handout provided

Remind Council to look over and sign the check register on the table.

 

Estimate for Christmas lights as requested by Andy Codispoti.  The boulevard would need electric ran through it.  Supt Patterson stated there is conduit for most of the distance of the Boulevard.  Wire could be pulled through it.  We are looking at $ 429.90 for the lights to decorate the gazebo and around the Memorial.  This is at a discount of $61.80 through 02/28/13.  The lights for Village Hall would cost about $ 325.99.  The discount here was $65.80 through 02/28/2013.

 

2013 - Safety Services Agreement = $ 950.00.  This is with Sheakley Services.  They work with the Village to ensure we get the best rates and help with grants and rebates.

 

Drug-Free Safety Program training is scheduled for April 16, 2013.  Supervisor training is      9-10.  Employee refresher is 10:15-11:15am and 7:00-8:00pm.  These will be mandatory meetings.  The cost was $ 1,050.00 last year.  This is required to stay in the program with Workers Comp. 

 

Council Member Tharp asked how the FormFire applications were going.  Clerk King stated all employees have completed them.  According to Ohio Insurance Services, they have everything they need at this point.

 

"VILLAGE SPEAKS":

 

COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS:

Utility Committee meeting minutes from 01/21.

 

Parks & Grounds Committee meeting minutes from 01/21.

 

Utility Committee on 02/01 at 1 pm: On Call/Stand By proposal reviewed by three members & Mayor.

 

Council Member Bichsel:  Employee Committee met today at 6 pm to resolve issues and move forward with employee wages.

 

Economic Development: Councilman Tharp & Mayor met with EDDS an economic consulting service.  Both were beyond impressed.  EDDS had done their homework on Brewster and shared some very interesting information. 

 

Employee Health Insurance renewal by 05/01

 

Reminder:      Street Committee meets on 02/18 at 6 pm

                        Neighborhood Watch Meeting on Thursday 02/21 at 6 pm

 

  *NOTE: 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

                                   

EXPENDITURE REQUESTS from past Meetings:

Fire Chief: Send to firefighters to Howell Auto Extrication Class at a cost not to exceed $1150.00.

 

Fire Chief: Purchase two portable radios at a total cost = $ 1104.00; Association will also buy a pair.                                           

 

PENDING PROPOSALS from past meetings:

Elton Street/N. Wabash Avenue Intersection Upgrades-Engineering Associates working with ODOT.  Mayor would suggest that as part of the 2013 Street Program that both lanes on East Elton be upgraded for truck traffic.

 

Police Garage proposal: Architect Jeff Day's has provided estimates of $ 134,500+.  Stand alone garage being reviewed; Blueprints for a 3-stall garage ordered at $ 284.00.

 

A Village Social Media Policy from the Mayor; referred to the Employee Committee.

 

On Call schedule for the Electric Utility; currently being reviewed by the Utility Committee.

 

Draft of an ordinance from Mayor: restricts the parking of commercial and recreational vehicles and trucks on residential streets (referred to Street Committee); to address recent and past issues.

 

 

OLD/NEW BUSINESS:

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to send two firefighters to Howell Extrication classes at a cost of $ 1,150.00 from the Fire Equipment Fund.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to purchase two portable radios at a cost of $ 1,104 form the Fire Equipment Fund.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to hold a Tree Board meeting on Saturday, March 16th at 9am.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL to draw up an ordinance separating the benefits from the wages.  Motion withdrawn.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to have the Village Administrator draw up a policy for the Street, Sewer, and Water Department employees purchase of steel toes work boots.   The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to hold an Economic Development Committee meeting on February 18th at 6:30pm.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED TO ADJOURN.  Motion withdrawn.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to put the tree removal in front of Village Hall on hold pending the Tree Board meeting.  The vote: Huff, yes; Tharp, no; Bichsel, yes; Duff, no; Godwin, yes; Hilliard, yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:15pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 ____________________________________

K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 

 

 ___________________________________

Mike Schwab, Mayor