May 20, 2013 - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL

MAY 20, 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

Tom Hilliard, Council Member

Jay Huff, Council Member

Joe Strausbaugh, Council Member

Steven Tharp, Jr., Council Member

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to excuse Council Member Godwin from this evening's meeting.  The vote: All yes.

 

VILLAGE OFFICIALS PRESENT:

Steve Hartman, Village Administrator

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

Al McCallin, Solicitor

 

MINUTES FROM THE MAY 6, 2013 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:

Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the May 6, 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 THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to accept the bills for the amount of $ 363,798.64.    Council Member Hilliard questioned the Luthi's Towing bill and hourly labor rate.  He also inquired about the General Rent-All bill for scaffolding.  The vote: All yes. 

 

AUDIENCE:

The following residents were present: Dale Fox, Paul and Cindy Mackey, and Sarah and Micah Strausbaugh.

 

Betsy Helmuth, 601 Dartmouth St., had been told that Williams Street was going to be blocked or split between the adjacent property owners.  Her brother purchased the property in the back and that is his only access to his property.  She requested that Council please keep it open.  Mayor Schwab stated that Council has not discussed or reviewed splitting or vacating that portion of Williams Street.

 

GUESTS:

Charley Bowman of Economic Development Data Services (EDDS) reviewed their proposal for council.  Council Member Strausbaugh had not been on council during previous presentations and Mr. Bowman answered questions and helped get him caught up with the rest of council.

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:

None pending.

 

MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:

Fire Department: Chief Rick Patterson

Preparing for the annual Firemen's Festival; May 29-June1; all are invited to volunteer to work.

  

Police Department: Chief Harry Porter

Chief Porter is on vacation May 20-24; returns on Monday, May 27th.

 

Chief has received complaints about speeding on side streets; asks residents to call into PD either to Officer or answering machine; Officers will then know what area to monitor at what time.

 

Heads up: LPR Reader/Laptop update and fees: in 2015 the first year fee will be $ 1,500 and then $ 800 each year thereafter may be charged; no fees have been levied at this time.

 

Council Member Hilliard stated that with the festival coming and most of the police force focusing in the park, cars are flying out of town.  He would like to see a car out on the streets.

 

SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin

Abhay Store property on S. Wabash; delinquent tax assessment for demolition; steps available to recover funds; Mayor has asked the Solicitor to recommend a course of action and also asks that Council consider the issue.  Solicitor McCallin recommends starting the process of an interested party tax foreclosure.  He discussed the process and the dangers.

 

PROSECUTOR: Attorney Larry Chapanar

Met with Dartmouth Street residents Harold Sharier, Joanne Brown and Paul and Cindy Mackey to mediate neighborhood issues; VA and Mayor attended.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

Bob Luckring/Historical Society: Thanks Council for the Jail Door; Rick & Jimmy delivered it to WANDLE House.

 

Stark RPC: Village asked to participate in the Moving Ohio Forward Program; this is a project geared for demolition             of qualified residential properties; Village has been allotted $ 8000; info given to VA for review and recommendation; 06/28 deadline for inclusion on priority list; 09/06 application submittal.  Council has been provided a copy.  VA added that it has to be abandoned for over 90 days and cannot be economically rehabbed.

 

Columbia Gas Letter: reminder to call 811 before digging anywhere & stress Emergency Preparedness;             Preparation, Response, and Review.

 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Hartman

Weed letters have begun going out. 

 

Presented Council with quotes for the electric departments backup generator.  A representative from Columbia Gas said there would be no charge for running the gas line.

 

Waiting on another quote for paving Horton and Wells.  Superior Paving stated they would have one to the VA by tonight's meeting but it has yet to be received.

 

VA stated if the village is going to pave Harmon that a roller will be required.  He provided costs for purchase vs. rental.

 

Still only have one quote for the water tower upgrade.  VA has received another name of a company that may be interested from Pennsylvania.

 

There will be a 90% progress meeting for the pump station project on Thursday at 10am.  Council Member Hilliard would like council to receive a copy.

Council Member Huff will bring up the quotes for the trees later.

 

Currently ahead $ 67,000 in income tax collections from last year.  This could change at any time.  Council Member Tharp asked if this means everyone is being responsible this year and it will trickle off or we will be ahead at the end of the year.  We will have to wait and see.

 

Council Member Hilliard stated three meetings ago tree trimming of the tree line was discussed and wanted to know about the quotes.  VA Hartman has two quotes but has to speak to the companies to verify that they are comparable.

 

Council Member Hilliard stated a resident called and was all mad because his abatement has not been taken care of.  VA Hartman had contacted the Auditor's office and was told they had not received the applications.  He made copies again and personally drove them up and then they found the first copy on someone's desk.  It will be taken care of promptly.

 

Council Member Tharp asked about Matt Miller's tree on North Wabash.  Council Member Huff stated it will be taken down.

 

Council Member Tharp told VA Hartman to send a letter expressing sympathy for the gentlemen killed in the crane accident to Beaver Excavating.

 

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Elton Street Water Main Proposal: 29 letters mailed to advise property owners of Council’s decision; Mayor’s letter (Council Copy); Debbie prepared mailings on May 10th

 

Working with Kris & Jen on a Paramedic Program report for June 3rd Council Meeting.

 

Harmon/Harmondale road surface repair; Met with Trustee Bob Wentling.

 

Proposed ICAN/Senior Housing Project: have modified proposal to one building with 16 apartments; was eight             buildings with three apartments each; ICAN is requesting Village’s review and support of modified proposal.  Does Council have any interest in meeting with Amanda Fletcher & Developer Larry Kolic?  The Mayor would like to put this issue to rest one way or another.

 

Other Items That May be of Interest to Council:

 

1. Harmon/Harmondale Repair -  Mayor met with Trustee Bob Wentling who will provide the Twp Trustees with the following suggestions:

  • 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, truck, roller, 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
  • Bob Wentling suggests that a contractor then chip & seal the project area to seal in repairs

 

2. ICAN Senior Housing Proposal:

  • ICAN’s ability to secure potential funding is in large part built on Village Council’s support.  Agencies and Foundations require that the local government is on board with the proposal, will assist where possible, and will not offer any last minute opposition.   In other words once they commit the funds they want to see the money spent.
  • Council members have voiced a concern about the lack of new housing in the Village and Council is currently exploring economic development measures.   This project could  be characterized as satisfying both endeavors.  
  • Suggest that Council meet with Amanda Fletcher of ICAN and the developer, Larry Kolic in very near future to reacquaint themselves with the particulars of the proposal.  
  • Please do not leave this hanging as indecision may lead to a less than stellar reputation with County and State agencies for the Village.

 

3. Meeting with Brewster Cheese.

 

4. Village Clerk:

  • Kris advises that Huntington Bank fees are $ 480/month; looking at alternatives
  • At Mayor’s request Kris has been working on online utility bill payment process with the Village’s Budget & Utility Software provider; we will provide a description of the process & costs to Village and utility customer soon

             

5. Electric:

  • I urge Council to take a second look at the Fourth Electric Lineman Proposal.   As a multi-million dollar business it is required that this utility take steps to be in a position to address future needs.  In recent years, the new Substation, the purchase of a bucket truck, the construction of a new Electric Garage, the installation of new, technologically current metering at the Village’s larger businesses, and similar upgrades were necessary to position the Electric Department for the future.   With the Super at a time in life in which he could retire tomorrow, like it has shown with the aforementioned upgrades, Council needs to consider manpower needs for the near future in the same light.   The retirement of Kenny Oliver can not be seen as an opportunity to cut costs, but as a time to step up and position the department’s manpower for the future, possibly the near future.

 

VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: A handout provided

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

 

Fund requests have been submitted to the Auditor of State.  If we don't hear from them in the next 30 days, the new funds are approved.

 

Looking into Public Safety Officers' Benefits through the Department of Justice.  Current death benefit is $328,612.73.

 

"VILLAGE SPEAKS":

Council Member Hilliard stated he had three complaints while he was soliciting petition signatures on 7th Street about the view and dust from the Dairy parking lot and scales.  He presented pictures and asked that the Dairy be contacted about putting up a fence or planting trees.

 

Council Member Tharp had a complaint about speeding on the north side of town.  A woman told him that her child had almost been hit by the car.  He stated this is an ongoing problem and being told to call the police is not an adequate response. 

 

Council Member Huff asked about opening day for baseball.  He wanted to know if the bucket truck was used to take the group picture of the kids. He stated that several residents are concerned.  It is a misuse of village property and resources.  VA Hartman stated he approved it and said to have the residents call him.  They were already out on an electric project at the W&LE that morning and it was his decision to allow them to be involved in opening day with the community youth.  Council Member Tharp asked the VA if the league had come to him.   They requested it.

 

Council Member Strausbaugh stated the employees are mowing with the deflectors off the mower.  This could be a safety issue.

 

 

COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS:

Building, Parks, & Grounds met at ElectricBuilding on May 6th.

 

Utility Committee met this evening to discuss the hiring of a 4th lineman in the Electric Department.  A number of different options were presented.  VA to contact the four applicants to let them know that council is still in the decision making process.

 

Economic Development Committee met with Dairy on May 15th.

 

Tree Board: Several trees reported; two on N. Wabash have been delimbed in readiness for removal.  There are ribbons on some of the trees that are to be removed.  Matt Miller's tree is to be removed.  Sixth Street trees are also being looked into it.  The best bet for this year is to remove the bad ones.  Council Member Tharp brought up a tree branch
that goes clear across 2nd Street.

 

Street & Sidewalk Committee may want to begin working on plans for November Ballot Issue.  Council Member Hilliard suggested walking the town.  Mayor Schwab recommended looking at the sidewalks while they are out.  Council Member Tharp wants the information gathered to hand out to residents by August.

 

Council Member Tharp brought up the Economic Development Committee's recommendation of the first two proposals of EDDS: Community Sustainability Comprehensive Plan and Economic Development Plan Village Council Retreat.

 

Reminder: Neighborhood Watch Meeting - May 21st at 6pm

 

EXPENDITURE REQUESTS FROM PAST MEETINGS:

WWT Super/VA: Contract with Lake County Sewer to reline Sewer Lines at Boulevard on W. Main and on Wabash             between 1st and Main = $ 14,845.00.

 

PENDING PROPOSALS from past meetings:

Police Garage proposal: Being Reviewed by Parks & Grounds & Finance; suggested by Mayor that Street Garage be enlarged to accommodate Police cars, most cost effective.

 

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 contract with Lake County Sewer to reline sewer lines at Boulevard on W. Main and on Wabash between 1st and Main = $ 14,845.00.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to start the process of an interested party tax foreclosure on the old Sturm's property at 340 S. Wabash Ave.  Solicitor McCallin stated that an agreement would have to be procured from the county, then we wait for a sale date.  Someone would have to be authorized by council to bid with instructions.  It would probably be fall before everything can be completed.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to ask Andrea Fletcher and Larry Kolic to attend a council meeting to discuss the ICAN project.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to schedule a Utility Committee meeting on June 3rd at 6pm to discuss wireless metering.  A representative from Landis Gyr will be here.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to enter into a contract with EDDS for the Community Sustainability Comprehensive Plan at a cost of $ 7,655 and the Village Council Economic Development Retreat at a cost of $ 1,500 to be split between the General fund and the utility funds.  Council Member Hilliard stated that this was a test and hopes it pans out.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER STRAUSBAUGH and motion carried to have Council Member Strausbaugh take Council Member Bichsel's position on the Economic Development Committee.  The vote: All yes.

 

Council Member Tharp asked that council ponder the following items:

  • Split the salary and expenses for Council and Mayor the same as the Solicitor's.

           

  • Reduce the quarterly transfer amounts: Police Car from $2000 to $1000, Parks and Recreation from $2500 to $1500, discontinue the Recreation transfer for the time being as it has a sufficient balance, and Street Equipment from $5000 to $4000.  Street Resurfacing would remain the same at $2000.

 

Council Member Hilliard reminded everyone of the Neighborhood Watch meeting tomorrow.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP to adjourn the meeting at 9:03pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 ____________________________________

K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 

 

 ___________________________________

Mike Schwab, Mayor

 

 

"Man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them."

                                                                                                 - Adlai Stevenson, Jr

 

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."

                                                                                                            - Bill Cosby

 

 

FIREMEN'S FESTIVAL: MAY 29 THRU JUNE 1