June 3, 2012 - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL

JUNE 3, 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 Kris King followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mike Schwab, Mayor

Sherri Bichsel, Council Member

Dave Godwin, Council Member

Tom Hilliard, Council Member

Jay Huff, Council Member

Joe Strausbaugh, Council Member

Steven Tharp, Jr., Council Member

 

VILLAGE OFFICIALS PRESENT:

Chris Colucy, Fire Captain

Steve Hartman, Village Administrator

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

Al McCallin, Solicitor

Rick Patterson, Fire Chief/Street Superintendent

 

MINUTES FROM THE MAY 20, 2013 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:

Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the May 20, 2013 Council meeting minutes.  There were none.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to accept the minutes.  The vote: Hilliard, yes; Huff, yes; Strausbaugh, yes; Tharp, yes; Bichsel, yes; Godwin, abstain.

 

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to accept the bills for the amount of $ 80,372.21. The vote: All yes. 

 

AUDIENCE:

Trent Miller attended with his mother, Holly, to thank Council for the opportunity to complete his Eagle Scout project for the village.  He passed out invitations for his ceremony.   He was congratulated for his accomplishment.

 

The following residents were also present: Dale Fox, Paul and Cindy Mackey, and Ray and LaVonne Heitger.

 

CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:

None pending.

 

MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:

Fire Department: Chief Rick Patterson

Successful Firemen’s Festival; weather warm but cooperative for the most part with rain on Friday.

 

The department received a carbon monoxide call at which time the detector quit working.  It not only is used for CO but also combustible gases.  The replacement cost is estimated at $2,000.

 

The Chief inquired on the status of the grant for a park gazebo.  The stage that is used for the festival is in terrible shape and if a gazebo is not build, he would like to suggest building a stage for the park.  He estimates it would cost between $ 6,000 and $ 8,000 for something decent.

 

Captain Colucy reported on the festival.  Part of the discussion included how the department is at the mercy of the ride company when it comes to the date of the festival.  The festival was once again a success.

 

Council Member Hilliard stated he had three complaints concerning the fireworks.  They said the Village marquee stated Saturday was a rain date.  Capt. Colucy explained that Friday’s forecast showed clearing around 11pm and Saturday was 80% stormy.  He also explained that once the fireworks are set up, they cannot be taken down and didn’t want to take a chance on losing $ 7,500 in fireworks.

 

Council Member Tharp received a complaint from a Massillon Council Member concerning our fireworks being too loud.

 

Capt. Colucy also brought up the Oktoberfest and the condition of the stage was talked about.  The Matt Willis Band will be returning on September 29th for the event.

 

Council Member Hilliard asked when the solicitation letters for the Fire Department would be going out.  They are currently being worked on.

 

Capt. Colucy said the Queen’s Contest is no longer getting a decent amount of contestants so a different approach may be taken next year.  One possibility would be holding it for grade school age kids.

 

Chief Patterson is expecting an answer from the EPA soon on the burning of the house on West Seventh Street.  Once it is cleared to burn it will be taken care of within a couple of weeks.

           

Police Department: Chief Harry Porter

Council will see an increase in overtime & part time hours from additional manpower used during Festival.

 

The Chief advises that W. Sixth may see wayward milk trucks as the Dairy's E. 7th Street entrance is closed for 21 days as additional concrete is being installed at scales to cut down on dust.  He has pulled several drivers over to discourage using this route.

 

Street Department: Supt. Patterson

1. N. Wabash/Elton Street intersection: Street Dept added crushed limestone on southeast corner to provide a wider turn lane and to discourage water undermining the pavement

 

SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin

.  Abhay Property Foreclosure process:

  • The Auditor requires execution of an agreement, payment of $750, commitment to attend the foreclosure sale, and Village will make the minimum bid before Auditor will initiate the foreclosure. Council will need to OK the agreement, the paying of the $750, & attendance with minimum bid at sale.
  • The agreement must be signed in person at the Auditor’s office by an authorized representative.      Council will need to appoint an authorized representative to sign agreement at the Auditor’s Office & to bid.
  • Minimum bid, Auditor’s decision: either the taxes and assessments owed or the Auditor’s fair market value of property.    The Village would be credited against its bid for the amount of the assessment owed to it, assuming it is the prevailing bidder. 

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

Beach City Letter/Mayor White & VA Preising: Beach City Council has directed that Hillview Trailer Park be disconnected from Beach City Electric service on September 3, 2013; offers no details (Council has a copy).   VA Hartman will be having a meeting with BeachCity representatives later this week.

 

Donation Application: Fairless Youth Baseball Softball Association; requests $ 1000 (Council has a copy).

 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Hartman

The village received a letter from BeachCity stating that the electric they supply to HillviewTrailer Park will be disconnected on September 3rd.  There will be a meeting with BeachCity on Wednesday at 9am.  GPD Engineering, VA Hartman, and the village's electric department will be attending.

 

The village has been contacted by First Energy concerning their new substation and our 69 line.

 

Quotes have been received by Asplundh and Davey Tree.  Asplundh will be trimming the 69 line and Davey tree will be trimming in town.

 

A purchase order has been issued to Northstar for paving Horton and Wells Streets.

 

Income tax has been flowing in.  Currently $60,000 ahead of last year.

 

Weed letters have begun going out. 

 

The resident that received a Property Maintenance violation came in and met with the VA.  He now knows what he needs to complete and was given a timetable to complete the work.

 

Hilscher Clarke and Metalmasters are working on the new electric garage.

 

Council Member Tharp asked if that meant that Roseman would be in soon.  VA Hartman stated Roseman has been contacted.

 

Council Member Tharp asked when the sewer rate study would be completed.  VA Hartman stated he should receive it by the end of the month.

 

Council Member Godwin asked about putting gravel between the two buildings and to the south of the building.  VA Hartman stated that was the plan.

 

Council Member Hilliard brought up the "No Parking Here to Corner".  He wanted to know why we can't just paint the curbs and take the sign down.  He said he really got his ear chewed on.  Council Member Godwin stated that Chief Porter said he can't fine violators without the sign.  Council Member Tharp said that Chief Porter said they couldn't enforce it without the sign. 

 

Council Member Strausbaugh asked if the deflectors on the mowers had been put back on.  VA Hartman is to check.

 

Council Member Huff thinks the gator should have a flashing light and the mowers should have flags. 

 

Council Member Hilliard stated there was a street light blinking on 5th   Street in front of Bob Hess' driveway.  He would like to see the lineman work a couple evenings a month so they could solve the light problems.  He doesn't feel the police are handling it.  Mayor Schwab will remind Chief Porter to have his midnight officer write down street lights that are out.

 

MAYOR’S REPORT:

N. Wabash/Elton Street intersection: Recent accident at that intersection/quick review of past efforts to upgrade; State controls intersection, ODOT District 4 advises that current traffic flow does not warrant traffic signal upgrade; County advises that we have a widening for turn lanes project engineered & apply for OPWC funds.  Council Member Tharp had a discussion with some residents and talked about the possibility of rumble strips to make drivers aware of the intersection.  VA Hartman stated Elton is a county road and it would have to approved by them.  He also stated that it is not the traffic on Elton that is the problem but the speed at which vehicles are coming into town.  He stated the rumble strips would be better served on Route 93.  Mayor Schwab stated the State would never allow that.  Council Member Huff suggested solar powered flashing stop signs on Elton.

 

Working with Kris & Jen on a Paramedic Program report for June 17th Council Meeting; that date will ensure availability of six month numbers.

 

Harmon/Harmondale road surface repair; Spoke with Trustee Bob Wentling; revised back to initial approach by Trustees(see below).

 

Proposed ICAN/Senior Housing Project: Developer Larry Kolic has decided to not split the property for the Senior Housing and ICAN is no longer involved; ICAN advises the Senior Housing Proposal will no longer be pursued.

 

Other Items That May be of Interest to Council:

 

1. Harmon/Harmondale Repair –

             Mayor spoke with Trustee Bob Wentling about the Twp Trustees 05/20 meeting and again this morning about the Harmondale proposal;        

Trustees suggest:

  • Suggested is a cooperative effort of the Township   Road and Brewster Street Departments
  • Scope would be the worst sections between Mohican & Browndale
  • Township would provide asphalt pan, truck, and manpower.
  • Village would provide asphalt at an estimated cost of $ 13,000, rent a roller at a cost of $ 900 /week and manpower
  • Village would provide an initial filling of the existing pot holes to provide a more level surface
  • Using above listed equipmentTownship & Village would then provide an asphalt overlay
  • Contractor to then place an oil slurry with Twp spreading stone for a chip & seal surface; Twp &                    Village to possibly split that cost (Wentling not sure of the split)
  • Bob suggested that his Road Dept would be at least three weeks away from working project into their work schedule, but that they would fill the worst potholes on Harmondale this week.

 

2. Brewster Cheese Request:

  • Jim Barnard of Brewster Dairy asked for permission to temporarily place a storage container on the second W. 7th   Street lot just west of the Dairy’s limestone parking lot at entrance to Harriman.
  • Container to be used for material storage during a Dairy construction project on the Harriman side of their manufacturing facility and that project is to begin next week.  Barnard stated that the trailer would be placed to provide the least impact on area residents and would be there for no more than thirty days.  
  • Mayor advised that a Conditional Use Permit is required under the Village Zoning Code, and if the Dairy would make application for such a Permit immediately, the Village would allow temporary placement of the container until the Village Planning Commission makes a decision. 
  • More than likely, before a PC meeting can be scheduled three weeks will pass.  (Please find a copy of the note to Mr. Barnard dropped off with the Conditional Use application)

 

3. Water Replacement Fund

  • This utility currently has no major projects in the works, but I would suggest much like the recently adopted Sewer Replacement Fund a Water replacement Fund be created by Resolution
  •  Water Utility has a need to have dedicated dollars set aside for future projects such as waterline replacement, filter upgrades, painting and cleaning of the two towers and the Clearwell, eventual replacement of the Water truck, replacing the vastly undersized back-up generator, new tower and plant monitoring equipment, and many other future upgrades.
  • This would give Council a real idea of what funds are available for repair, replacement, and upgrades as these needs arise.  
  • I would suggest that if Council decides to create this Fund that the Village Clerk be asked to provide an estimate of what funds may be available annually and a quarterly transfer or a monthly percentage be established.   
  • Initially Council may want to have the Clerk, VA, & Water Super advise to what moneys are needed for current operations and then set the transfer or percentage temporarily high accordingly to seed the Replacement Fund for future needs.

 

4. Dartmouth Street Neighborhood:

            VA and Mayor met with Harold Sharier & daughter Joanne Brown.    Mr. Sharier asked about a drainage issue in the alley at the rear of his property.   VA to check on possibility of tapping into a storm sewer line that appears to be in the vicinity.   Both the VA & the Mayor praised Mr. Sharier’s on his efforts to curtail past property issues.  Mrs. Brown requested permission to widen her limestone drive in the center of paper Williams Street by two or three feet .  Mayor advised that would probably be no problem if any widening remained on the crown of the right of way surface.  The VA is to arrange for the removal of a tree stump within the paper Williams ROW adjacent to the Brown property when other stump grinding is performed for tree removals.   

 

VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: Kris King

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

 

Wastewater Fund requests have been approved and we will start putting deposits into these new funds according to ordinance this month.

 

Paperwork for Public Safety Officers' Benefits through the Department of Justice have been distributed to all full time officers.  Current death benefit is $328,612.73.

 

Jacqueline Musacchia and I would like to begin preparations for the "Arts on the Boulevard" event.  We would like to request the closing of West Main Street from Wabash to McKinley on September 28, 2013 from noon until 4pm.

 

I have classes June 12th-14th and will be out of the office.

 

Firemen's payroll is $35,248.87.  Need Council's approval to pay.

 

Met with Huntington Bank to discuss service fees and their online payment program.

 

May Financial report was provided.

 

"VILLAGE SPEAKS":

Council Member Tharp stated residents were concerned about yards not being taken care of.

 

Council Member Tharp received compliments from out of town visitors about the festival and how friendly our community is.

 

COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS:

Economic Development Committee:

            Community Meeting conducted by EDDS will be on July 18th & 25th and August 1st & 8th; Mayor suggests that business owners, Village organizations, and others be personally invited as well as newspaper notices.

            Retreat for Council conducted by EDDS is scheduled for August 3rd at 10AM. It will be about 4 hours long.

 

Council Member Huff would like to invite candidates for the open council seats to join council for these events so they are up to date if they are elected.

 

Neighborhood Watch Meeting on May 21st; Chair Councilman Hilliard reported that there were some free gifts given away and everyone had a good time.  They are going to have a walk about in June.  They will split the Village into sectors and walk around the neighborhoods.

 

Utility Committee met on May 20 about replacing retiring Lineman Ken Oliver.

 

Utility Committee met tonight about wireless utility metering.  Power Line Supply representatives made a presentation.  Council has requested quotes.

 

From the Mayor:  Street & Sidewalk Committee may want to begin working on Plans for presenting to Voters for Fall Ballot Issue.

 

EXPENDITURE REQUESTS FROM PAST MEETINGS:

1. VA: Quote for Water Plant Controls Upgrade – Master Unit = $ 13,500;

                                    Remote Alarm = $ 2500 + cell phone service w/Link2Site

                                    2 Tower Site Monitors = $ 4500 each

                                                                        (Awaiting additional quotes)

 

PENDING PROPOSALS from past meetings:

Police Garage proposal: Being Reviewed by Parks & Grounds & Finance; Mayor has asked Street Super to provide a cost estimate for adding on two stalls to Street Garage to accommodate sheltering of Police cars in existing first two stalls.  Estimate to include building, concrete, electric, oil separator, and so forth to keep surprises to a minimum (may be a reasonable solution to Street & Police Department’s storage issues).

 

A Village Social Media Policy from Mayor; referred to Employee Committee for review

 

On Call/Stand By Schedule in Electric Utility; currently being reviewed by Utility Committee

 

Senior Citizens’ program/facility; currently WANDLE House provides Euchre on alternate Wednesdays

 

Mayor: Propose that Council create a Water Replacement Fund similar to the new Sewer Replacement Fund

 

OLD/NEW BUSINESS:

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to close West Main Street from McKinley to Wabash on September 28, 2013 for the Arts on the Boulevard event.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to pay the Firemen's payroll at a cost of $ 35,248.87 from the Fire Equipment Fund.   The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to declare the request for the CO detector an emergency and approve the purchase from the Fire Equipment Fund at a cost up to $2,500.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to hold community meetings on the following Thursdays: July 18th & 25th, and August 1st & 8th at the BrewsterFriendsChurch at 7:00pm.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to appoint VA Hartman as the authorized representative of the Village for the Interested Party Tax Foreclosure of the Ahbay Store Property(old Sturm's) so he can execute the agreement with the county,  pay the $750.00 fee to the county from the General Fund, attend the sale, and place at least the minimum bid. The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to donate $ 1,000 to the Fairless Youth Baseball/Softball Association.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to establish August 3rd as the Village Council Economic Development Retreat at Village Hall at 10am.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to create an ordinance amending the ordinance that establishes when a resident is in violation weed/grass height from 12 inches to 8 inches.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to draw up a Resolution of Appreciation for the Fairless Athletes for their successful seasons this spring.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to meet with Sugarcreek Township Trustees on June 24th at 7pm at Brewster Village Hall.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to draw up an ordinance establishing a Water Replacement Fund.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to send notices of the community meetings to all residents, businesses, and organizations.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN  and motion carried to draw up an ordinance disbursing the salary of the Mayor and Council between the General and Utility Funds.  Council Member Hilliard asked why and Council Member Tharp stated it was something that should have been done long ago because they both spend as much time on utility issues as they do general issues.  The vote: Hilliard, yes; Huff, no; Strausbaugh, yes; Tharp, yes; Bichsel, yes; Godwin, yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to have a Neighborhood Watch Meeting on June 18th at 6pm to have a Village walkabout.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion was withdrawn to approve the quote for the water tower automation after a discussion concerning a second quote.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to start painting curbs yellow where parking is prohibited starting at the underpass and going south.  The motion was changed to get quotes for sandblasting the curbs and painting them after the discussion.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to allow the Fire Association to put the beer tent on park grounds on September 28th from 4pm until midnight.  There was a discussion of drawing up something giving permanent permission for festival and Oktoberfest but Solicitor McCallin stated that would conflict with Village Ordinance and typically permission is granted on an annual basis. The vote: Hilliard, yes; Huff, yes; Strausbaugh, no; Tharp, yes; Bichsel, yes; Godwin, yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 8:49pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 ____________________________________

K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 

 

 ___________________________________

Mike Schwab, Mayor

 

 

"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."

                                                                                                            - Frank A. Clark

 

"Patterning your life around other's opinions is nothing more than slavery."

                                                                                                            - Lawana Blackwell