City Council

REGULAR MEETING March 1st, 2021 Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Barbara J. Lloyd with the recitation of the “Pledge of Allegiance”. Roll Call – In Attendance – Paul Lowe, Kim St. Clair, Ed Harlon, Ken Mills, John Roberts, and Greg Gibson Ed motioned to accept the minutes of the Regular Village Council Meeting held February 1st, 2021. Seconded by Kim. Gibson – yea, Roberts - yea, Mills – yea, Harlon – yea, St. Clair – yea, and Lowe – yea. Motion Carried. Kim moved to accept the Fiscal Officer’s report for January 2021. Seconded by Paul. Lowe – yea, St. Clair - yea, Harlon – yea, Mills – yea, Roberts – yea, and Gibson – yea. Motion Carried. Kim moved to accept the Fiscal Officer’s report for February 2021. Seconded by John. Gibson – yea, Roberts - yea, Mills – yea, Harlon – yea, St. Clair – yea, and Lowe – yea. Motion Carried. Mayor Lloyd indicated that he Mayor’s Court Data was not yet available for February 2021. CITIZENS AND GUESTS None DEPARTMENT HEADS Administrator – Danny Wiseman Nothing Fire – Russell Taylor For the month of January, we had a total of 71 calls for service (YTD 142) as follows: Fire - 7 Calls (YTD 15) EMS – 64 Calls (YTD 127) 1 Fire Calls 35 Transports 1 Hazmat Call 17 Refusals 4 Good Intent Calls 8 Mutual Aid Calls 1 Service Call 2 No Pt of Contacts 6 Lift Assists 7 Dropped Calls 1 Income from the Ambulance so far for this year is $21,502.86. We had a structure fire the other night that was over on Archer Lane, but we were given the wrong address and we passed it until we looked down over the hill and found it. There ended up being 4 different departments that showed up for the fire. Council Member Lowe asked what service meant on his report. Russell responded by saying Lift Assist or any general request that does not fall under any other category. Police – Mark Ross Mayor Lloyd stated that Mark was at New Police Chief Training and that he provided his monthly report for everyone. Water – Danny Wiseman We went out for a new Meter Project to replace the meters that are outdated. We went through Ohio Public Works (OPWC) and we came in 1 project below the bubble. OPWC asked us if we would be interested in applying with Small Governments and under that criteria Rob (Guentter) was able to get the max points and they will give us more money which will save us about $125,000 if we go through Small Government. Mayor Lloyd asked if there was a time-line to get the meters done? Danny replied whenever we get the money. Council Member Lowe asked about the area of Maysville Pike that was torn up with the water leak. What will be doing to the bump in the road? Danny replied they (Department of Transportation) is supposed to get with me. We filled under it as they asked us to do and we have already spoke a couple of times. Council Member Roberts asked if that was the same spot as last year? Danny replied “no”. Street – Danny Wiseman Council Member St. Clair said she wanted to complement the employee’s on keeping up with the weather and having the streets cleared. They were right on top of it. REPORTS OF COUNCIL COMMITTEES Finance Committee – Council Member Harlan – We met tonight to talk about hiring Russell Taylor as the Full Time Fire Chief. His Salary would be $50,000 a year, OP & F Retirement, and miscellaneous insurance (not medical as he said he had his own). We also talked about the budget modifications to cover the Fire Chief expenses. We also Talked about the Water Tank Project, the bid came in at $379,515 and was projected to be $410,000. Well under budget and there could still be another $10,000 savings on the valves used, depending on what is needed. Council Member Roberts asked what about the Fire Chief, what was that info for. Mayor Lloyd said it would be the amount of money paid and the benefits. It will be coming up under the Personnel Committee. Council Member Roberts asked how much? Mayor Lloyd said it would be $50,000 per year after a 6-month probation, which means he would start out at $45,000. Council Member Roberts said if you’re going to do that I think that job should be bid on. Mayor Lloyd asked why do you 2 say that? Council Member Roberts said “because you might get someone that can get some firemen down here”. You have a wreck on the highway and he, Russell, is the only one that showed up. You had a fire out on Ridge Rd. and they had 4 firemen there. I mean someone has got to go to the fires. Mayor Lloyd said that is why we are trying to get accomplished with this and then also having Wesley (Wiseman) available if he is not involved in anything major with the Village Maintenance that way we would have 2 men every day. Council Member Roberts said you can’t go into afire with only 2 men. Mayor Lloyd said it will get us started until others get there which is more than what is happening right now. Council Member Mills asked why isn’t the Rupe boy involved in this? Danny replied he is not a Fireman and he doesn’t want to. Council Member Mills said we need the guys working here in the Village to be available all the time, that would be great, that way we would have 3. Danny replied we can’t loss everyone at once, because there is stuff we do every day. Council Member St. Clair asked if there has always been issues with the Fire Department getting to fires? Mayor Lloyd nodded her head yes and then added through the day it is hard to find any Firefighter’s available as they work. Council Member Roberts said “you’re going to pay someone $50,000 and everyone else is volunteer”. Mayor Lloyd said no, they are getting paid when they are on runs now. Council Member Lowe said they are paid up-to-the minute. Council Member Roberts said Russ has only got the beginners in the Ambulance. Mayor Lloyd said that is all that is necessary. Council Member Roberts said I know, but to get $50,000 though Barb. Mayor Lloyd said John that is what they came up with. Council Member Roberts asked who is they? Mayor Lloyd replied the Finance and Personnel Committee’s which lets here from the Personnel Committee. Personnel Committee – Council Member Gibson – We basically just said it, $911 a week for the 1st 6 months, there will be a 6-month probationary period that we can look at and take it or leave it, no medical insurance is involved, it would not take effect until after the April 5th, 2021 Council Meeting if the job description is completed and approved by Council. Council Member St. Clair asked if we had ever had a Full Time Fire Chief before? Mayor Lloyd answered no. Council Member Roberts said “but we need a Policeman”. Mayor Lloyd said that is a completely different fund. Council Member Roberts said “I know”. Council Member Lowe said we have to work through these things one step at a time and I think the Police Chief has worked out, never mind I won’t say a thing. Council Member St. Clair said no finish your sentence. Council Member Lowe continued” we have to try to improve the Village and do things one step at a time, we had a terrible problem with the police situation, we solved that. If this doesn’t work, we have 6-months, we’re going to know what’s going on, if it does not work it over, that is what a probationary period means. But if he does a fine job and things shape up and we have good leadership and the department is able to respond and things are going better we are going to know that to, that’s why we have a 6-month probationary timeframe. That is what the Personnel Committee agree to and we don’t want to do anything harmful to the Village, but we think this will be a good step forward to improve the Fire Department. We got an EMS as we spent a boat load of money before I even came on Council on a brand new ambulance and we need the 2 personnel on the EMS, you can’t draw them people off that EMS because when an emergency call comes in for them they have to have 2 people to go and we are getting revenue from that as well as helping our citizens and others in an important manner. So like you said we need personnel, the problem is where do we get them. That is the problem, people are working and it is not like it used to be as a Volunteer Fire Department years ago you had all kinds of people that wanted to help and were available, but anymore in this society we live in now you can’t get people to do nothing, that’s what I think. Council Member Roberts said this is what happens when you put in rules about if you don’t show up to take a test or come to the meetings and stuff as 3 you have had guys on there forever and they sent them out letters and did away with them. It’s ok, but they got sons, they had relations, they have neighbor’s and when those people got kicked off you didn’t get nobody else coming on. Council Member Lowe asked what do you mean they got kicked off? They got a letter said they are required to go and having training and attend meetings is that what you mean? Council Member Roberts said they never got a letter. Council Member Lowe said you mean they just got fired, I don’t understand? Council Member Roberts asked Russell, did you send John a letter other than kicking him off. Mayor Lloyd said “yes we did”. Council Member Roberts said ok, I don’t know, I never asked him. Mayor Lloyd said we talked to him first and then we sent him a letter because we weren’t getting any more action than what we had and these are not our rules, these are the states rules that you have to have at least 4 hours of training and he never came to a training at all. Council Member Roberts said he had been on the Fire Department for 30 years, he had his card that he was approved. Mayor Lloyd said you can’t expect to things to be the same when you start 30 years, so you have to keep up with the training. Council Member Roberts said you learn at the fires. Mayor Lloyd said ok, we are done. Council Member Lowe said just like teachers or anything else there is continual education going on and I am sure the Fire Department under states rules are the same concern. That we keep people informed about the latest things that could be hazardous, different situations that did not exist before, chemicals, and I am sure that without training the department would not be efficient. What is wrong with training and going to meetings? Russell stated you have to have 18 hours training every. Council Member Roberts said he drives a semi-truck and he is not here on Monday nights, he is gone Sunday nights and gets back Tuesday’s, He leaves Thursday’s and gets back on Saturday’s. Council Member Lowe said maybe his schedule does not allow him to be a fireman then. Council Member Roberts said well he probably don’t, but you can go outside to Zanesville, New Lex, anywhere around and get on the South Zanesville Fire Department. Am I right, asking Russell. Russell replied you still have to have training regardless. Council Member Roberts said I am just saying you don’t have anyone from around here to go even if they were home. They can’t be here. Russell said we just had 7 people show up for a house fire. Council Member Lowe said we have a lot of applications coming in. Council Member Roberts said this is the night you have your meeting. Do it tomorrow night. Russell said the call came in a little after 5 and the meeting doesn’t start till 7. Council Member Roberts said I know and now you have them and your making sure they’re their now after last month. Russell said I make sure they are there; I tell everybody if you don’t have training according to the state you have to have 18 hours and 36 hours every 3 years in order to renew your card. Council Member Roberts asked did anybody wear gear when they drove the trucks to the fire tonight? Russell said I drove and I did not have gear on. Mayor Lloyd said ok we are going to move along. COMMUNICATIONS AND LETTERS A. None 4  ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Ordinance 2021-3 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AMENDING AND REVISING SPECIFIC LINE-ITEMS IN THE APPROPRIATIONS OF EXPENDITURES FOR THE VILLAGE OF SOUTH ZANESVILLE FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2021 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Ed moved to suspense with the three separate readings rules of Ordinance 2021-3 pursuant to statue 731.17 of the Ohio revised Codes and declare it an emergency. Seconded by Kim. Lowe – yea, St. Clair - yea, Harlon – yea, Mills – yea, Roberts – yea, and Gibson – yea. Motion Carried. Ed motioned to pass Ordinance 2021-3. Seconded by Kim. Lowe – yea, St. Clair - yea, Harlon – yea, Mills – yea, Roberts – yea, and Gibson – yea. Motion Carried. Ordinance 2021-4 AN ORDINANCE FOR SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO RENEW STREET LIGHT ASSESSMENT OF REAL PROPERTY AND DECLARING IT AN EMERGENCY Ed moved to suspense with the three separate readings rules of Ordinance 2021-4 pursuant to statue 731.17 of the Ohio revised Codes and declare it an emergency. Seconded by Paul. Gibson – yea, Roberts - yea, Mills – yea, Harlon – yea, St. Clair – yea, and Lowe – yea. Motion Carried. Paul motioned to pass Ordinance 2021-4. Seconded by Greg. Gibson – yea, Roberts - yea, Mills – yea, Harlon – yea, St. Clair – yea, and Lowe – yea. Motion Carried. Resolution 1073 A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE NECESSITY TO RENEW THE LEVY TO TAX IN EXCESS OF THE TEN-MILL LIMITATION FOR FIRE PROTECTION AND DECLARING IT AN EMERGENCY (RC 5705.19, RC 5705.191, RC 5705.192, RC 5705.25, RC 5705.26) Ed moved to suspense with the three separate readings rules of Resolution 1073. Seconded by Ken. Lowe – yea, St. Clair - yea, Harlon – yea, Mills – yea, Roberts – yea, and Gibson – yea. Motion Carried. Ed motioned to pass Resolution 1073. Seconded by Greg. Lowe – yea, St. Clair - yea, Harlon – yea, Mills – yea, Roberts – yea, and Gibson – yea. Motion Carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Trailer at 87 S. Pembroke Ave. – Chris Kerby stated that the landowner has a lawyer and he has requested some information, Public Records, so we need to revisit later. 5 Intersection at E. Main and Pembroke – Mayor Lloyd stated Dan and I are still trying to get a meeting and as soon as the weather straightens up we will get together. Mayor Lloyd said she was in communication with Robert Vandenbark the owner of 99 Union St. and he said he could not afford the cost of tearing down the house that is in bad shape and was wondering if the Village could take it down and assess the property. NEW BUSINESS Mayor Lloyd presented a letter to Council explaining that Chief Ross’s (Police) probationary time was up and would like the Council’s approval to hire him Full Time. Kim motioned that Chief Ross be hired full time. Seconded by Greg. Gibson – yea, Roberts - yea, Mills – yea, Harlon – yea, St. Clair – yea, and Lowe – yea. Motion Carried. Danny asked Council if we could sale the 2004 Ford Dump Truck and plow. We would request a minimum bid of $5,000 for the set. Kim motioned to sell the truck and plow. Seconded by John. Lowe – yea, St. Clair - yea, Harlon – yea, Mills – yea, Roberts – yea, and Gibson – yea. Motion Carried. Chris requested the approval to pay Mark Ross food (lunch) expenses while at New Police Chief Training. The reason is the location which usually provides the lunch does not offer it do to COVID. Paul motioned Chief Ross reasonable lunch reimbursement. Seconded by Kim. Greg. Gibson – yea, Roberts - yea, Mills – yea, Harlon – yea, St. Clair – yea, and Lowe – yea. Motion Carried. Chris requested approval to send a letter to Senator Brown, Senator Portman and Congressman Balderson asking for them to write a letter of support with the FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant Application for a Replacement Fire Tanker Truck. Paul motioned to authorize the request. Seconded by John. Lowe – yea, St. Clair - yea, Harlon – yea, Mills – yea, Roberts – yea, and Gibson – yea. Motion Carried. MISCELLANEOUS One of the Council Members asked “What is the Burning Laws? Russell replied for the next 3 months there is no burning, there is no burning allowed at all in the Village, and when burning is in effect you still cannot burn from 6 AM to 6 PM. ADJOURN John moved to adjourn, seconded by Ken. Mayor Lloyd asked all to vote by stating I. All did. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM. ______________________________ ______________________________ Barbara Lloyd - Mayor Chris Kerby - Clerk/Fiscal Officer 6