February 18, 2013 - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

BREWSTER VILLAGE COUNCIL

FEBRUARY 18, 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:

Steve Hartman, Village Administrator

K. Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

Al McCallin, Solicitor

Rick Patterson, Fire Chief & Street Superintendent

 

MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 4, 2013 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING:

Mayor Mike Schwab asked if there were any additions or deletions to the February 4, 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 HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to accept the bills for the amount of $ 75,364.45.  The vote: All yes.

 

AUDIENCE:

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

 

CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES:

ORDINANCE 7-2013:  An ordinance creating a non-paying Neighborhood Watch Officer position in the Village Police Department was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to pass Ordinance 7-2013 as read.  The vote: All yes

 

ORDINANCE 8-2013:  An ordinance establishing permanent appropriations for 2013 was given third reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to pass Ordinance 8-2013 as read.  The vote: All yes.

 

An ordinance amending Ordinance 28-1992 to pay all the Village Administrator's benefits and expenses through the Utility Funds was given second reading.

 

An ordinance amending Ordinance 11-2011 allocating Village Income Tax to specific funds was given second reading.

 

ORDINANCE 9-2013: An ordinance authorizing a two-year contract with SugarcreekTownship for Fire and Ambulance protection by the Village Fire Department was given second reading.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to suspend the rule requiring three separate readings and bring the ordinance forward for passage.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to pass Ordinance 9-2013 as read.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to untable the Community Reinvestment Area ordinance.  The vote: Tharp, yes; Bichsel, yes; Duff, no; Godwin, yes; Hilliard, yes; Huff, yes.

 

ORDINANCE 10-2013:  An ordinance modifying Ordinance 10-2000 which established a Community Reinvestment Area was given third reading. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL to pass Ordinance 10-2013.

 

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

• Change the single unit residential minimum to $ 10,000.
• Change the two or more unit residential minimum to $ 10,000.
• Adopt the proposed changes to the commercial portion of the CRA as put forth in the proposed ordinance from the Mayor.

Council Member Huff clarified that the first two changes were to sections one and two.

 

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

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HILLIARD and motion passed to pass Ordinance 10-2013 as read.   The vote: Tharp, yes; Bichsel, yes; Duff, no; Godwin, yes; Hilliard, yes; Huff, yes.

 

MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS:

Fire Department: Chief Rick Patterson

Chief Patterson explained Knox Boxes.  The current boxes are about 10 to 12 years.  There are five boxes and the cost will be $ 2,875.00.

 

There will be a mock tabletop disaster on April 2 from 5:30 until 9:30pm.  The Disaster Coordinator, Mayor, and Village Administrator have been asked to attend.

 

Brewster Fire Department will be hosting the Stark County Fire Association on March 28th at 7:30pm.

 

Police Department: Chief Harry Porter

Provided by Chief:

• From Massillon Police Department - Renewal of Prisoner Transportation Agreement (will require a resolution).  Solicitor McCallin advised this agreement is legal.
• A sample resolution approving a County-Wide Police Mutual Aid agreement (will require a resolution).  Solicitor McCallin advised this agreement is legal.
• A possible amendment to Ordinance 21-2006 restricting Internet cafés which would levy hefty fees.

 

SOLICITOR: Attorney Al McCallin

Request from Mayor: Brief explanation of process to address neighborhood business complications.  Solicitor McCallin stated the 5th District Court of Appeals stated a business in a residential area must be one that is customarily conducted on residential property.  It would have no employees and be something that is regularly done at home.

 

Review of Elected Officials compensation restrictions found that the Ohio Ethics Commission issued an opinion in 1996 stating that because the Clerk-Treasurer has no voting powers that it is permissible to allow an interim increase in salary without violating the law.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

Email from Elliot Metz advising that Elliot's Auto Repair will move into Brewster Auto at the South Wabash and West Seventh Street intersection.

 

StarkCounty Regional Planning Commission: Community Development Block Grant meeting at 8:30am on February 28th to finalize CDBG funding for 2013-2014.

 

Meals on Wheels for Elected Officials IS in March.

 

Jennifer Porter's letter: Concerning Village Employee Health Insurance; copy has been sent to Brian Savage, the Village's agent; Council has a copy of Mayor's email also sent to Brian Savage; Mayor suggests that Council make a thorough review prior to renewal on May 1st.

 

Council Member Duff asked if the Village could take this salesperson to court over this.  Mayor Schwab stated the Village is caught in the middle because Aultcare isn't getting the Village's entire health insurance business.  He suggests looking into something different for next year to ensure the employees are getting the best possible coverage for the price without all the hurdles experienced this year with the second card.

 

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Hartman

Streets:

The department has been working with Wood Electric on the Fire Station upgrades.

 

Sewer:

Wenger Excavating of Dalton has begun moving equipment in.  They are planning on cutting pavement tomorrow.

 

We will meet with Hazen and Sawyer representatives about the pump station on March 7th.

 

Electric:

Department switched over the Fire Station to three phase last Saturday morning.

 

Lineman Ken Oliver has submitted his retirement.  VA Hartman will be coming to Council shortly to ask to hire a 4th employee for the department.  He would like Council to start thinking about it. 

 

Village:

Income tax submittals are picking up.

 

VA will be attending a joint meeting at AMP on Thursday.

 

Council Member Hilliard would like to see the electric line trimming to be bid out.  VA Hartman stated he will get two or three quotes.

 

Council Member Hilliard asked if it was necessary to hire a 4th man if an on-call policy was passed.  VA Hartman stated that with how the system has grown over the years, the 4th man is necessary.  Council Member Tharp suggested a committee meeting to discuss.

                          

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Proposed ballot issue for Street Improvement Levy; suggestions provided to Councilman Godwin.

 

Village Web Site: Upgrading the template and content; working with GovOffice on photo upgrades; also looking at online bill pay with Clerk and VA.

 

Contacted Dennis Boen at Huntington Insurance for employee health insurance quotes; meeting Tuesday at 1:30pm.

 

Mayor has asked VA to look at including Water Plant in the Electric Department back up generator plans.

 

During Councils review of employee health benefits, Mayor suggests that a prescription safety glasses policy be considered.

 

The construction of an Elton Street waterline for that area's residents; talked with Bob Colucci and researched; suggest contact of area residents be made.  Council Member Duff asked about the orange flags along Rt 93.  Council Member Godwin spoke to the gentlemen putting them in.  They are for seismic activity.  Mayor Schwab stated they are probably going to thump the area.  Council Member Duff stated the flags are right above the gas line and if they dig the gas lines are only a couple of feet below the surface.

 

Info as follow up:  Electric Lineman qualifications; copies of lineman certificates for Mike Radich and Ryan Swan with application showing George Radich as certified trainer; George Radich and Eugene Pepper have similar lineman certifications; John Benson has training for groundwork and removing injured worker from bucket; AMP Representative will be attending March 4th meeting to review work rules.  Mayor Schwab discussed quarterly safety training that AMP had provided for Brewster and BeachCity together at no cost.

 

VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER’S REPORT: A handout provided

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

 

Clerk asked Council if they wished to have $ 53,000 of the EMS fees placed in the Ambulance Replacement Fund as discussed several months ago.

 

Clerk is currently working with OPERS on Ken Oliver's benefits and also on issues employees are having with the current insurance plan.

 

From last meeting: 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.  Does Council wish to pursue at this time or does Parks and Grounds want to look into it?

 

2013 - Safety Services Agreement = $ 950.00.  Drug-Free Safety Program training is scheduled for April 16, 2013.  Supervisor training is 9-10am.  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.  A motion is required in order to proceed. 

 

Council Member Tharp asked if the trailer park assessment issues have been resolved.  They have not.

 

"VILLAGE SPEAKS":

 

COMMITTEE OR COUNCIL REPORTS:

Council Member Godwin: Street Committee met tonight at 6pm.  He would like to see the Ordinance prepared and put the numbers in after a couple more meetings.

 

Council Member Tharp: Economic Development Committee met tonight at 6:30pm.  Resolved some issues, revised some numbers and passed the ordinance.

 

Councilman Godwin's Route 62 detour sign project.

 

Councilman Tharp: Economic Development meeting with consultants on Monday, March 11th at 5pm 

 

Employee Health Insurance renewal by 05/01

 

Reminder:      Neighborhood Watch meeting on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 6pm

 

  *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:

From the Clerk: Safety Services agreement = $ 950.00

 

From the Clerk: Drug Free Safety Program classes for April 16th should be no more than $1,200.                                                

 

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; The wrong blueprints for a 3-stall garage were sent but a new set has been ordered.

 

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.

 

Senior Citizens' program/facility.

 

Mayor suggests Parks and Grounds look at Clerk's and resident Andy Codispoti suggestion about additional Christmas lighting.

 

OLD/NEW BUSINESS:

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to draw up a resolution approving the renewal of the contract with Massillon Police Department for prisoner transportation The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to prepare an ordinance for a Street Income Tax on the November ballot.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HUFF and motion carried to draw up a resolution approving a County-wide mutual aid agreement.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to place $ 53,000 of EMS fees in the Ambulance Replacement Fund.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to prepare a Resolution of Appreciation for Ken Oliver's years of service to the Village.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL and motion carried to approve the renewal of the Sheakley Safety Services agreement for $950 and the Drug Free training for $ 1,200.  Council Member Huff asked if this was just for one year.  It has to be renewed each year.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER DUFF MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to hold a Parks and Grounds Committee and an Employee Committee meeting on March 4th at 6:30pm.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to have a Street Committee meeting on March 18th at 6:30pm to get all the numbers plugged into the Levy ordinance.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER THARP MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GODWIN and motion carried to have a Council of The Whole Economic Development meeting on March 11th at 5pm to meet with EDDS representatives.  The vote: All yes.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER BICHSEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER THARP and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:01pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 ____________________________________

K. Kris King, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 

 

 ___________________________________

Mike Schwab, Mayor