City Council

MINUTES City of Geneva Council Meeting February 27, 2023 6:00 p.m. Mr. Butera opened the Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call – Mario Butera, Philip Cordova, Robert Rosebrugh, Jeffrey Griffiths, James Baehr, William Baker and John Barbo Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said and prayer was offered by Phyllis Dunlap, Clerk of Council. Motion was made by Jeffrey Griffiths to approve the minutes of the February 13, 2023 council meeting, seconded by James Baehr. Roll call, 7 yeas, (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Motion duly passed. Presentation – Finance Department – Finance Director, Traci Welch, Presenting. Ms. Welch stated that she is happy to be back working at the City. In her first week back, Ms. Welch certified the year end for 2022 to the county, submitted the ACA Report due March 31st to the IRS and certified the figures for 2022. The City finished the year with a $380,635 carry-over balance less than projected. Ms. Welch’s preference is end each year with a better carry-over than what was projected. The City Manager and Finance Director Welch will meet with the auditors, Ciuni & Panichi (C&P). The audit is a priority for Ms. Welch. There will be an appropriation ordinance on the next council agenda to address items that were missed in the operating budget and to re-appropriate donations. Citizens – None. City Manager Report: Mr. Varckette welcomed back Finance Director Traci Welch to the City and introduced Ms. Ella Stanton, the City’s new Administrative Assistant / Human Resource Representative. The City is in discussions with C&P to undertake the GAAP conversion process and provide audit services. The intent is make a recommendation to Council at the next council meeting. Mr. Varckette has appointed Ella Stanton to represent him on the ACCA Board. Mr. Varckette is appointed by Council to this Board. The City Manager traditionally appoints a city employee to represent him. Mr. Varckette provided Council with an updated schedule for the West Main project. The bid opening is set for March 10, 2023. 1 Mr. Varckette is working with State Representative Fowler-Arthur in seeking additional funding for the West Main Street project, $500,000, through the State Transportation Budget Amendment. The City was recently notified the City was not awarded CMAG funding for the Comprehensive Storm Water Study. Resolution on the agenda in support of restoring the local government funds to pre – 2011 levels. In 2011 the State reduced the local government funds from 3.68% to 1.66%. The Governor is proposing a slight increase. The resolution supports restoring the local government funds. Items for Consideration of Council: Ordinance No. 3323 – Third Reading. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 266, Civil Service Commission, Section 266.03 (f) of the Geneva Codified Ordinances, and declaring an emergency. Motion by Robert Rosebrugh to declare and pass Ordinance No. 3323 as an emergency measure, seconded by Philip Cordova. Roll call, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Roll call on passage, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Ordinance No. 3323 duly passed. Ordinance No. 3326 – First Reading. An Ordinance to Amend the Language of Section 1610.01 of the City of Geneva Fire Prevention Code. Ordinance No. 3327. An Ordinance Authorizing Additional Compensation for the Director of Finance, and declaring an emergency. Motion by Jeffrey Griffiths, seconded by John Barbo that the rule of law requiring certain Ordinances be read at three separate meetings be waived and suspended and Ordinance No. 3327 be placed on the final roll for passage. Roll call, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Motion by Philip Cordova to declare and pass Ordinance No. 3327 as an emergency measure, seconded by James Baehr. Roll call, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Roll call on passage, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Ordinance No. 3327 duly passed. Resolution No. 3569. Strongly Urging the Ohio Governor and Members of the Ohio General Assembly to Restore the Local Government Fund to Pre-Recession Levels. Motion by William Baker, seconded by Jeffery Griffiths that the rule of law requiring certain Resolutions be read at three separate meetings be waived and suspended and Resolution No. 3569 be placed on the final roll for passage. Roll call, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Motion by John Barbo to declare and pass Resolution No. 3569 as an emergency measure, seconded by Philip Cordova. Roll call, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Roll call on passage, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Resolution No. 3569 duly passed. 2 Resolution No. 3570. A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for Safe Routes to School Funding, and declaring an emergency. Motion by James Baehr, seconded by William Baker that the rule of law requiring certain Resolutions be read at three separate meetings be waived and suspended and Resolution No. 3570 be placed on the final roll for passage. Roll call, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Motion by Philip Cordova to declare and pass Resolution No. 3570 as an emergency measure, seconded by John Barbo. Roll call, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Roll call on passage, 7 yeas (Butera, Cordova, Rosebrugh, Griffiths, Baehr, Baker, Barbo). Resolution No. 3570 duly passed. Unfinished Business – None. New Business: Mr. Rosebrugh will look into moving the R.E. Olds Plaque currently located in front of the old NAPA building, on West Main Street. The Plaque was placed at that location as R.E. Olds lived there. The sign is in need of care and a better location. Warner Building – Some changes were requested to the proposal. The electronic sign at S.R. 534 and S.R. 84 is out of service. The cost to repair the sign is high. The CIC is actively seeking funding to replace the sign, a cost of $20,000. The CIC was recently awarded $5,000 toward the replacement. Payment of Bills – None. Committee Reports: The Service Committee will be meeting directly following the council meeting to discuss a proposed Puerto Rican Festival. The proposed date is the third weekend in July. Citizen – None. James Baehr made a motion to adjourn. John Barbo seconded. Council meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m. Recorded by: Phyllis Dunlap Clerk of Council ___________________________________ President of Council ________________________________ Clerk of Council 3