September 3, 2013 - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL

September 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:

Steve Hartman, Village Administrator

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

Al McCallin, Solicitor

 

MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 19, 2013 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:

Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the August 19, 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: 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 $ 81,176.60. The vote: All yes. 

 

AUDIENCE:

Nick Pumneo stated that he is against paying the Electric Department on-call pay.  Any job he has ever worked, he received time and a half for the hours he worked.  The Village raised the rates and now want to pay the employees to stay home.

 

Ray Heitger asked why the tornado siren didn't go off during the last big storm.  He stated the storm was reported to be right out at 241.

 

The following residents were also present: LaVonne Heitger, Sam Miller, Mort Baum, Dale Fox, Micah Strausbaugh, Paul and Cindy Mackey.

 

CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:

ORDINANCE 38-2013: An Agreement with SugarCreekTownship for the maintenance of Browndale and Harmondale was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to pass the ordinance as read.  The vote: All yes.  Council Member Hilliard stated that he thought it was a good agreement and the road was done very professionally.  Council Member Huff asked if the Village had any lights on Browndale.  There are a couple by the road.

 

Second Reading: A resolution to place 17.5% of EMS call revenues into the Ambulance Replacement Fund.

 

Second Reading:  Adjusting the compensation of Council Members and the Meeting Allowance for Clerk-Treasurer.  Council Member Hilliard asked if the Solicitor could respond to the email he sent a couple weeks ago.

 

First Reading:  Award a Contract for Village’s Casualty and Liability Insurance.

 

Also:

For council's review: A handout of research concerning the pending elected officials compensation ordinance.

 

MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:

Fire Department: Chief Rick Patterson

The Department will participate in an area emergency response table top exercise at Wilmot Fire Station on 09/10 at 7 pm.

 

Repair of north side siren; should have cost for next meeting.

 

Chief Patterson appointment of Thomas Gross as part-time paramedic and volunteer fireman pending a background check, drug screen, and physical.

 

Police Department: Chief Harry Porter

Officers will be working at Fairless home football games w/Fairless absorbing cost.

 

Department recently made a significant drug arrest; A “Job Well Done” to Chief Porter & Department.

 

Copy of Chief Porter's activity report.

 

Officer Taylor received another grant for a radar unit.  Will have installation cost soon.

 

Council Member Hilliard reported that the Neighbor Watch meeting on Sept. 17 @ 6pm will be at his home at 771 McKinley Ave and there will be a picnic.  He requested the police bring the new vehicle down and show residents the new equipment.

 

SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin

Council Member Tharp asked if Solicitor McCallin if he had a chance to get the agreement from Beach City between them and the Walkers concerning electric service.

 

Council Member Bichsel asked if the employees job description is modified in the employee handbook, would they be required to come when they are called out.  Solicitor McCallin will be looking into it.

 

N. Kathryn Walker: Litigation: "Mayor moves for an executive session to confer with the Solicitor concerning the Walker litigation."

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to go into executive session to discuss litigation at 7:18pm.  The vote: All yes.  All Council, Mayor, Solicitor, and VA exited the room.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to close executive session at 7:54pm.  The vote: all yes.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

From Brewster Parke/David Childs: Advise of $315.92 damage to property from a water line project on May 2, 2012.

 

A representative of the Hillview   Court owners has requested all public records from the Village for any information concerning Hillview initially for 2008 – 2010 and recently for 2013.   All offices in process of complying.

 

The Mayor passed out copies of the report from EDDS on the Economic Development Council Retreat.

 

Council Member Tharp reported he will be speaking at the Ohio Tax Reform Study on Thursday, September 12th.

 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Hartman

Water:

Department has been working on the Amherst Street waterline.  The plan is to complete the storm sewer work this fall and pave next spring.

 

Hazen and Sawyer have installed a meter on Muskingum to measure the water pressure.

 

The filters at the plant either need replaced or chemically washed.  Council Member Strausbaugh asked how the cost of the wash and extended life of the filter compare to the life expectancy of a new filter.  VA to put the figures together for him.

 

Street:

The department has been working with the Water Department on the Amherst Street waterline.

 

Electric:

The transition pole for the Walker extension has been set.  Davey Tree is in to clear the right-of-way down 93.

 

Kyle Wade has taken a position with First Energy.  Advertising for a replacement lineman has begun.  First advertisement went in last Friday.  We have to start the process all over again.

 

The yellow bucket truck will need to be replaced as it can no longer be certified as of 2015.  No one will test them after 25 years.  Getting one through the purchasing program was brought up.  VA is to check into it.

 

Village:

Income tax is running ahead $ 133,299 last year.

 

The Mayor and the VA provided reports concerning 123 Glick Street from August 23rd.  Hazen and Sawyer will also be looking into it.  VA has asked a homeowner for access to their home by the Water Department.

 

Council Member Strausbaugh asked for Superintendent Pepper's pressure readings.  He would like to look them over and let the residents know the results.  He also stated that he received the email from Scott at Hazen and Sawyer and thought more than one house should be tested.

 

Council Member Strausbaugh asked if the increase for the radio cost needed a motion.  VA stated it was not necessary, just a cost of doing business.

 

Council Member Huff asked if we were moving on the generator for the pumps.  He would like a cost for a generator that would run more than one well.  Council Member Tharp thought we were using the price base from the electric generator quote.

 

Council Member Hilliard asked when Superintendent Patterson planned to do the storm sewers on Amherst.  VA stated this fall.

 

Council Member Tharp stated Kathy Otto wished to thank council for the sign she requested and would like to request to have the old one taken down.

 

Council Members Strausbaugh and Tharp looked at the creek near the Heitger property and would like to see the underbrush cleared out so the water can flow freely.  The water is currently a breeding place for mosquitoes.  They would like to see the cost for this and the VA to get an estimate.

 

MAYOR:Mike Schwab

For Council’s Info: Village Administrator Ad is scheduled to run the next two Sundays, also in trade/web site ads until October 6^th; Resumes accepted until October 11, 2013.

 

A local (unnamed) business has arranged to purchase the empty downtown lot that once was site of Porinni's; the local business understands that a proposed use of this lot was made by EDDS during Economic Development meetings; the local business would     request an advisory from Council of Council’s intent for any future use of this property; they fear the possible future exercise of eminent domain by the Village.

 

Industrial Appraisal has provided a contract with a cost of $ 3200 to make an on-site inventory of equipment in Electric, Sewer, Street, & Water Departments for comparison to their 2011 Report; the Mayor wishes to go on record as opposed to this proposed expenditure as it is an unnecessary & unfounded expenditure; VA has completed a review of Street & Electric Dept comparisons to 2011 Industrial Appraisal Report.

 

Water engineer from Hazen and Sawyer on 08/30 placed a metering device on a hydrant and a home of the petitioner, on 09/6 info will be downloaded and an evaluation of water distribution system in Muskingum area will be made; H & S has been asked to include the issue at 123 Glick.

 

Citywide dispatch began dispatching of all utility departments for after hour callouts; number is being provided to residents via utility bills, Web site, PD, and utility office answering machine message.

 

Elton/SR 93 Intersection: working to improve sight lines from both Elton Street stop signs; Shearer’s asked to look at pines (no apparent problem) & owners of 5936 Manchester asked to trim trees & bushes to north;         currently playing phone tag with ODOT District 4 Director.

 

American Legion building market value report/commercial real estate agent Tom Jackson; “Mayor respectfully requests an Executive Session to discuss the purchase of property for public use";permitted by Sunshine Law

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to go into executive session at 8:13pm.  The vote: All yes.  All Council, Mayor, Solicitor, and VA exited the room.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to exit executive session at 8:38pm.  The vote: All yes.

 

VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: Kris King

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

 

The proposed Municipal Income Tax will be Issue #5.

 

Tim Stith would like approval of $1,700.00 for 2014 Village flowers.  He has to place his order in September for next year.

 

Trick-or-Treat: Thursday, October 31st 6-7:30.  Toni Hess, Mary Lou Klein, and Judy Maybaugh have volunteered to put the party together in the park.  Other Recreation Board members offered to help depending on the date and time.   

 

The county will be requesting a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the county budget commission in October.

 

Monthly and year to date financial report were given to Council along with the expense report.

 

"VILLAGE SPEAKS":

Council Member Tharp reported he had several residents complain about skunks on Second Street.  Mayor Schwab suggested calling animal control.

 

Council Member Godwin received  complaint from Jim and Debbie Louder that a tree had been planted right where they unload their car.  They stated they had not been asked or advised of the planting and wanted it removed.

 

COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS:

Employee Committee met tonight: Council Member Bichsel stated an agreement could not be met and another meeting needed to be scheduled.

 

Insurance Committee met August 19th.

 

Street Committee Minutes from August 22, 2013.

 

Village Administrator Selection Committee meeting minutes from August 27, 2013; includes a preliminary timeline.

 

Suggest Tree Committee request quotes for trimming of trees in southside neighborhoods to ease pedestrian and high profile vehicle passage.

 

Request that council review a possible written council policy for public notification of council and committee meetings.

 

Reminders:

            October 3^rd – Town Hall Meeting: Street Levy at Friends Church at 7 pm

            October 7^th – Economic Development Committee Meeting at 6 pm

            October 22^nd - Town Hall Meeting: Street Levy at Friends Church at 7 pm

Fall Clean Up: Week of September 23rd

 

EXPENDITURE REQUESTS from past Meetings:

1. Fairless Midget Football Donation application for $ 500.

 

OLD/NEW BUSINESS:

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to donate $500 to the Fairless Midget Football Association.  The vote: All yes.  Council Member Hilliard stated they could use the money.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to offer the American Legion $ 55,000 for the building from the Capital Projects Fund, allow the American Legion to use the basement for 5 years with the stipulation of a six month notice of any termination and to secure a lease of the upstairs from Musacchia Tax Agency at their current rate with the stipulation of a six month notice of any termination.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to donate $ 250 to the FriendsChurch for the costs incurred for letting them use the building for community meetings.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to pay Brewster Parke $ 315.92 from the Water Fund for damages resulting from the 2012 Water Project.  The vote: Tharp, yes; Bichsel, abstain; Godwin, yes; Hilliard, yes; Huff, yes; Strausbaugh, yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to appoint Thomas Gross as Part-Time Paramedic and Volunteer Fireman pending background check, drug screen, and physical.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to retain Attorney Greg Beck in the Walker litigation and designate Solicitor McCallin as the point man to supervise Attorney Beck.  The vote: All yes.  Council Member Hilliard asked the cost and which fund.  All is unknown at this point.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to hold an Employee Committee meeting on October 21st at 6pm to discuss stand-by pay and an Employee Committee work session on November 4th at 6pm.  The vote: All yes.

 

Council Member Tharp requested reimbursement for personal costs of $209.15 for the Economic Development meetings and the Council Retreat.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to request a Tree Committee meeting at 9am on September 14th.  Any Council Member with tree issues to have a list for him by that date.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to hold a Parks and Grounds Work Session on Sept. 14th at 10am.  The vote: All yes. 

 

Council Member Tharp asked what Council wanted to do about the equipment audit?  Hilliard asked Huff to postpone it until VA does his audit.  VA will have for the next meeting.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to draw up an Amounts and Rates Resolution.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to hold Trick or Treat on October 31st from 6 to 7:30pm.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to allow the Recreation Board to spend up to $ 1,000 for the Halloween Party.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 9:00pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 ____________________________________

K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 

 

 ___________________________________

Mike Schwab, Mayor