Minutes of Regular Council Meeting

May 19, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Haver.

The Pledge of Allegiance was repeated by all present. Present were: Mayor Larry Haver; Council members, Ron Jones, Ed Foster, Ron Beverly, Amy Haver, Mick Pocratsky and Bruce Hart; Solicitor, Troy Essex; Administrator, Kent Miller with Clerk/Treasurer, Diane Collins absent. Cheryl Smith took the minutes.

Foster moved to approve the May 5th minutes. Jones seconded. All voted yes.

Foster questioned the payments to Shock’s Lumber and H&W. Both contain items for the EMS coded as 510 instead of 101. He also asked for further information concerning jail cost which Police Chief Szabo was able to answer. He noted the AEP bill for the Rotary Pavilion was higher that usual, most likely due to increased usage. Ron Beverly commended the sewer department for cutting their bill in half. He also asked that council consider putting separate meters on the gas lines for the Police and EMS. Foster moved to approve the bills. Jones seconded the motion. All voted yes.

Water/Sewer/Refuse Committee: Pocratsky reported the committee is recommending total separation as the long term control plan for the sewer system. He noted that the study is already paid for. He asked the council to vote to have Troy Essex study the legalities, and then to submit it to the EPA. Ed Foster moved to approve this plan, Ron Jones seconded. Council voted 5 to 1 for approval with Beverly voting no citing his reasons as “past history.”

Cable TV Committee: The monthly meeting was held Saturday, May 10 at 8 a.m. We received Notification of Franchise Renewal from Mediacom. Foster reported there is a questionnaire being formed by the committee for the public to fill out. It deals with their concerns, questions and complaints. Foster said the participants would possibly receive a gas card for their input. The cost involved would come from the Cable TV budget. He also stated the committee would ask Mediacom to share the cost. The committee will have a rough draft for council soon. Foster also informed council that Joe Poffenberger has retired as District Manager, and Denise Fraley has taken his place.

Police/Fire/EMS Committee: Ed Foster reported the committee met with Chief Harris concerning purchase of a new ambulance. He had figures that showed by combining the contingency funds with other line items there would be no request for extra funds. He reported that the committee approved bringing the request to council by a split vote. Kent Miller reminded Mr. Foster that a purchase of a vehicle must be bid out. Mr. Beverly asked why the Village needs a new ambulance when we can repair the old one for less money. Mr. Pocratsky asked why the request was not made at the yearly budget meeting. Mr. Jones answered that the money is already available and no new funds would be required. Ed Foster moved to approve starting the bid process. Ron Jones seconded. Council voted 4 to 2, with Beverly and Haver voting no. Kent Miller was asked to advertise for bids.

Mr. Foster continued with a request for summer polo shirts for the EMS. They will be taxable. Quotes were given to council to consider. Ron Beverly made the motion to accept the bid from Company Enhanced Apparel and Design. Ron Jones seconded. All voted yes.

Finance Committee: Ron Jones reminded council of the Investment In Jobs program outlined by Isaac Lee. His committee feels this is a good idea and council should not let the time expire to participate. Mr. Foster asked the plan be reviewed and structured for our needs.

Sidewalk Committee: None given.

Park Board: Bruce Hart spoke for the Park Board and their concerns about the vandalism at the park. He reported that there have been break-ins and theft of items; graffiti; broken bricks; the shelter has been torn up; and the toilet at the HIX-TV building has been broken again. Mr. Hart has asked that the police step up their patrols to stem the problem. He also asks the public to protect their parks. If someone sees vandalism going on, please report it to the police.

Administrator’s Report: Kent Miller reported the following:

• The summer hours for the Recycling Trailer are 4pm to 7pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month, and 9am to 1pm on the 1st Friday of the month beginning May 28.
• Sometime during the weekend of June 17th the basement flooded when the sump pump froze up and stopped. Mr. Miller has reported the water is gone and he is attempting to dry the area as much as possible using fans and circulating air. He has reported the matter to a company who will come in to inspect the premises and check for any possible mold problem, as well as informing the insurance company. The Village has a $1,000.00 deductible, so it may not be prudent to file a claim. All information on this incident will be reported to council at the next meeting. Mr. Beverly would like a battery back up on the sump pump.
• At the last meeting Kent Miller announced Jared Stark had been hired at $21.50 per hour to mow for the Village. Mr. Beverly reported several comments by the public concerning the wage amount. He would like it known that Mr. Stark is furnishing all his own equipment, fuel, etc. for the job.

Solicitor’s Report: Troy Essex reported:

• He has drafted a contract for the HIX-TV move to the new school concerning equipment, space, liability, etc. He is supplying a copy to Superintendent Miller.
• He is waiting on a survey to complete the Edgerton Street alley ordinance. The railroad easement ordinance will follow.
• An ordinance is in progress for the Source Water Protection Plan.
• He reminded council to have any questionnaires, objections, comments or concerns voiced to Mediacom well in advance of the renewal date, which could be as much as 36 months. The law being discussed will change how village contract for cable services. Currently a village contracts with an individual company. This law will require villages to contract with the State of Ohio.

Clerk’s Report: None given.

Police Report: None given.

Fire Department: Report was in the packets.

EMS Department: None given.

Mayor’s Report:

• Mayor Haver had the Income Tax report in the packets.
• He also announced the Village Wide Garage Sales will be held June 6th and 7th. Anyone interested is asked to contact Mary Wann at 419-542-7237.
• The Mayor read a proclamation for EMS week, June 18th to the 24th.

Beverly moved to go into executive session to discuss possible litigation. Pocratsky seconded. All voted yes.(7:55 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.) Returned to regular session. Ron Jones moved to go back into regular session. Pocratsky seconded. All voted yes.

A motion was made to adjourn.

MAYOR
CLERK