October 7, 2013 - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL

October 7, 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 SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:

Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the September 16, 2013 Council meeting minutes.  There were none.

 

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

 

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to accept the bills for the amount of $ 441,573.92. The Northstar Paving bill, roller rental, cable repair bill, and toy cupboard donation were discussed.  The vote: Godwin, yes; Hilliard, yes; Huff, yes, Strausbaugh, yes; Tharp, no; Bichsel, yes.  Motion carried. 

 

AUDIENCE:

Kelley Wagnon explained some of the changes that are occurring at the post office.  She stated she was here as a resident of Brewster not as a postal employee.  The hours are to be cut once again.  The last cut was in May of this year to 6hrs and they are cutting them again in November to 4hrs.  The carriers will be working out of Navarre instead of Brewster.  She said the next step will be a cut down to 2hrs.  They are closed during the lunch hours when most people go to the post office and are saying revenues are down.  She expects them to close in 5 – 6 months if something is not done soon.  Council Member Tharp stated that he just happened to have a petition prepared.   Mrs. Wagnon had a letter she received from a gentleman that is willing to help push a program for public awareness of this situation.  She gave a copy to council and the mayor.

 

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

 

CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:

Second Reading -  A Resolution Accepting the Amounts & Rates as Determined by the CountyBudget Commission.

 

Tabled on 09/16/2013 at Second Reading – Adjusting the compensation of Council Members and the Meeting Allowance for Clerk-Treasurer.  Council Member Tharp wanted to discuss changes that he and Council Member Hilliard were suggesting but Council Member Hilliard stated he was not ready yet.

 

MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:

Fire Department: Chief Ricky Patterson

Department had a successful FallFest on 09/28 enjoyed by all; a Thank You to the Brewster VFD.

 

Capt. Maybaugh advises that VFD is in the process of replacing their Chevy Suburban with a 2014 pickup truck.  The Firemen’s Association will purchase the truck and title it in the village’s name.  The village will insure it.

 

Chief Patterson provided a Tornado Warning Procedure.

 

Police Department: Chief Harry Porter

Chief’s Handout: Firearms requalification, Taser requalification, drug arrests, burglary & truck break-in: one arrest & confession, Wabash Drug raid update, 09/18 ALICE program, mountain lion sighting outside Navarre.

 

Door to Door Solicitors: PD has been asked to ask anyone that appears to be going door to door if they have a Soliciting Permit from Village Hall; only legitimate solicitors will be issued such a permit; please advise residents to call PD at 330-830-4272

 

The Mayor has received complaints about PD stops;  most of these are taking place on OVI Saturation nights & are required under the State program.  Council Member Tharp asked if the village is required to participate.  They are not but receive equipment for doing so.

 

Council Member Hilliard wanted to make the Police aware that the Red Box had been smashed and asked that they drive with their windows down so they can hear if 4-wheelers are racing on the streets.

 

Wastewater Department: Supt Mike Maybaugh

2012 Five Year Plan submittal requested a new truck (cab & chassis & transfer of current utility bed) in 2013; a             quote for Council’s consideration for a 2014 Ford F-250 from Downtown Ford at $ 24,988.37 which meets State Coop Purchasing cost; $ 1000 to remount snow plow assembly; cost for installing current utility bed provided.  Mayor suggeststhat Council look at current truck & talk with Mike.  Trading the old truck in was discussed.

 

SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to go into executive session to conference with our attorney about pending court action at 7:25pm.  The vote: All yes.  All Council, Mayor, Solicitor, and VA exited the room.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to close executive session at 7:45pm.  The vote: all yes.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

Donation Application from Fairless High School Yearbook; requesting $ 125 for Village Ad.

 

United States Post Office: local mail carriers will be working out of Navarre Post Office beginning November 2^nd.

 

OhioValley Energy Systems: Submitted a Non-drilling Well Lease for Zearley Unit #1D; Solicitor McCallin discussed that the major concern is our water source.  After a lengthy discussion Mayor Schwab stated that he would not recommend signing the lease because we have a moral obligation to protect our citizens.  

 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Hartman

Water:

Supt. Pepper supplied his report and a letter to council concerning the Muskingum water issues.  Council should have the engineering report from Hazen and Sawyer at the October 21^st meeting. Council Member Strausbaugh stated he was not impressed with Supt. Pepper's letter.  The residents came to a council meeting on July 1, 2013.  August 3rd he took his own readings.  He asked for Supt Pepper's the report on pressure not opinions.  He is not impressed with Pep's education or experience nor anyone else's in this room.  He is only impressed with results.  His house is plumbed with 3/4 down to 1/2.  No one was questioning Pep's ability.  The problem is that residents get flack when they have a problem.  Council Member Strausbaugh's conversations with residents did not match with Pep's.  We should be able to give more than the minimum.  Council Member Bichsel questioned when the Hazen and Sawyer report would be in.  Huff also took offense to certain parts of the letter also because he didn't know there was a problem until the people stood up at a meeting.  We work for the residents and our job is to listen to their problems and try to help them.  Council Member Godwin stated as long as we meet the EPA standard what else can we do.  They give you a range of pressure so the guy at the bottom of the hill doesn't get his lines blown out.  VA Hartman does not condone what Supt. Pepper wrote but understands that he felt attacked.  Strausbaugh stated he asked politely and was not attacking him. 

 

The department re-connected the home at 123 Glick St to the Glick Street water main.

 

Streets:

Fall cleanup went well.

 

Electric:

An ad for the 4^th lineman has been posted on Monster.com and have received one application to date.

 

The setting of utility poles for new S. Wabash pole line has been completed.  The meter has been ordered and the dept. is beginning on the cross arms and hardware.  This will be followed by the stringing of the power lines.

 

Village:

VA Hartman was deposed today in the Walker case in Village Attorney Beck’s office.

 

Council Member Huff: Two trees at 406 Walhonding need to come down and a limb on the sycamore on Main St. needs to be removed.

 

Council Member Godwin: The trees around street lights and the secondary lines need trimmed.

 

Council Member Godwin: Discussed what it would take to get three phase electric out to Baylor’s Beach.  VA to provide cost and potential revenue.

 

Council Member Hilliard: Wanted to know that since the new poles have been installed if the old ones were going to be removed.  VA stated that they can’t be removed until the phone company moves their lines. 

 

Council Member Hilliard: Is it too late to crack seal?  VA stated it would probably have to wait until spring. 

 

Council Member Tharp:  There is a pole immersed in trees on East 1^st St. and someone attached a piece of wood and raised the wires up.

 

Council Member Strausbaugh: There was an explosion Saturday at the substation.  He called the after-hours phone number and the response was quick.  He stated that the guys did a good job.

 

Council Member Hilliard: The ditch down by the gun club at 1^st and Main needs cleaned out.

 

Council Member Tharp: Asked the VA if he had any quotes for cleaning out the run behind the Heitgers.  VA Hartman stated he has calls into Beaver and Malavite.

 

Council Member Strausbaugh:  Stated that the pooled water in Elm Run by his house was bright green.  VA Hartman to look at it tomorrow.  He compared the color to anti-freeze.

 

Council Member Tharp:  Asked if a price has been settled on the 69KV line.  VA Hartman stated it was still in negotiation.  It will be based on the cost to build it and any depreciation.

 

MAYOR:Mike Schwab

VA Search: 17 applicant resumes received by EDDS to date; Mayor has requested copies of all resumes; EDDS to provide a VA Wage study; Search Committee will provide a recommendation for wage and a job description for Council’s consideration.

 

R.I.T.A has provided a quote of 3.23% of Village Income Tax collections to provide Village Income Tax services;             based on 2012 the cost would be $ 22,610; current VA stipend is $ 5495; only to gather info as an option if Income Tax duties are shed from VA assigned duties.

 

The American Legion has provided a proposal in response to the Village’s proposed purchase of the LegionBuilding.   Mayor asked if Council wished to discuss the Legion’s proposed counter price on the record, and several members responded they wish to think about the proposal.

 

Working with VA, GPD, & Solicitor on a draft of an electric agreement with Hillview that defines the obligations of the Village and the Hillview Court owner; will submit to Council for review & consideration.

  

Draft of a letter to Beach City concerning the Village’s intent for electric service south of Sugar Creek bridge; request Council’s review and possible blessing to submit to Beach City.

 

VillagePark & Grounds employee Tim Stith has asked about removing the scoreboard on Field #1 at BimelerPark; request the Park & Grounds review & provide a recommendation.

 

Winter Project: working with applicable Department heads to water & sewer to provide written (Ordinance) service regulations for their departments; also hope to review & update electric service regulations.

 

Village phone number magnet.  Mayor provided a sample of the magnet along with the draft of the front.  Council Member Hilliard wanted something about Neighborhood Watch added to it.  The cost for 1,000 is about $ 350.

 

VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: Kris King

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

 

Financial reports: Expense report and month and year to date totals reports.

 

The fire pay was $ 5,773.74 for August runs.

 

Tim’s flowers for 2014 = $1,700.

 

$125 ad in the Fairless Yearbook.

 

Would like to thank Jacqueline Musacchia for finding the great musician for the Arts on the Boulevard and thank Brewster Dairy for sponsoring him.  He did a wonderful job.

 

Would like to thank the Brewster Dairy and the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway for sponsoring the softball game.

 

Would like to hold a Food Drive at Village Hall to collect for the Fairless Food Cupboard.  They are in desperate need for more food.

 

Council Member Hilliard thanked the clerk for all the work she did with the Arts on the Boulevard.

 

 

 

COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS: : *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.

 

Councilman Huff – Landscaping Proposal for front of Village Hall quote is $ 2,400 plus the cost of removing the pine tree.  ADA Compliance was discussed.

 

Town Hall Meeting on October 3 for Street Income Tax Issue was sparsely attended; six residents, three Council members, Village Clerk, & Mayor.

 

Income Tax Issue 5 on November Ballot: Plans are to provide an info sheet with November Utility Bills.

 

September 30^th Street Committee meeting minutes.

 

Council Member Tharp: Economic Development meeting at 6 this evening: A number of things to move forward on were discussed including land development and a community garden.

 

Reminders:

            October 21^st  – Employee Committee Meeting at 6 pm

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

 

EXPENDITURE REQUESTS from past Meetings:

Renewal of Efficiency Smart Program with AMP; three year contract at $ 1.40/MWh of monthly sales; will take a resolution to renew.

 

Reserve landscaping flowers for 2014 planting = $ 1,700.

 

OLD/NEW BUSINESS:

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to have a resolution drawn up to enter into a contract with Energy Smart  for three years.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to set aside $ 1,700 towards the landscaping flowers for the 2014 planting season.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to pay the firemen wages for the August runs at a cost of $ 5,773.74.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to hire Moyers Nursery to landscape both sides of Village Hall at a cost not to exceed $ 2,500.  The vote: Godwin, yes; Hilliard, yes; Huff, yes; Strausbaugh, yes; Tharp, no; Bichsel, yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER STRAUSBAUGH to not hire a fourth lineman.  A wage study was brought up.  The vote: Godwin, no; Hilliard, no; Huff, yes; Strausbaugh, yes; Tharp, yes; Bichsel, no.  The Mayor broke the tie with a no vote.  Motion failed.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion carried to place ad that includes the council meetings in the FHS 2014 yearbook.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to have a resolution drawn up stating that council does not wish to sign the non-drilling lease on Zearley Unit D1.  The vote: All yes. 

COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to remove two trees at 406 Walhonding with the cost coming from the Street Improvement and the pine in front of Village Hall with the cost coming out of the Parks/Grounds/Building Fund.  The vote: All yes. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 9:05pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 ____________________________________

K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 

 

 ___________________________________

Mike Schwab, Mayor