City Council

VILLAGE OF TIMBERLAKE MEETING MINUTES (DRAFT) Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Safety Committee Meeting 5:30 PM 1. Pledge of Allegiance/Opening Prayer (please silence cell phones) 2. Call to Order/Roll Call: Jerry Joyce, Margaret Joyce, Ryan Konrad (absent, listening remotely via Zoom) 3. Update on Body Armor, Purchase of Long Guns, Police Training, Etc. • Body Armor o Chief’s armor is in (wearing currently) • Chief and Beverly are opting out of recent grant application, which has been submitted. • Can apply for new Body Armor through State Program every 4 years • Beverly has only worn his armor for a year, so he doesn’t need a new vest yet. • Chief decided to go with Protech (Point Blank) for quote for body armor • Cost would be $7,941 before 25% match; match would be covered by officers • Attorney General’s Office confirmed receipt of grant application; we’ll hear back within 30 days o Long Guns • They have been purchased; will be 2 weeks this Thursday • Ordered ammo; called today (10-14 days; is supposed to ship Thursday) • Rifle slugs and buckshot ordered for shotguns; duty ammo for AR-15 o We currently only have practice ammo for AR-15s; previously used for practice at range years ago o We are almost out of shotgun ammo • Also purchased couplers and cleaning rounds • Guns will fit in the car • AR-15s come with adjustable stock • Remington shotguns are shorter, so no adjustable stocks are needed (Remington 870s) • Haven’t been able to schedule range time; booked out 3 months at Lake County (perhaps availability in August) • Could use another outdoor range- will need to provide instructors, however. o Chief is looking at 3 different places o Dolbin is a qualified shotgun instructor; Wise-Roman is qualified instructor for shotguns and handguns. Wise-Roman qualifies officers as part of his full-time job. All officers are required to qualify. ▪ Additional related discussion o Mr. Joyce prefers that officers qualify at Lake County facility for consistency purposes ▪ Chief noted that OPOTA requirements are the same no matter where you go ▪ Additional discussion. Resolution specifies Lake County range (states “Requests” not “Requires”)  ▪ Additional discussion of Resolution language (makes sense to Mr. O’Leary to get range training done as soon as possible, not necessarily at Lake County). There was further discussion of training at Lake County and Mr. Joyce’s preference to have there. Mr. Joyce is okay with the delay. Perhaps new date for completion of training could be August 31. ▪ Range instructor does evaluation; additional debate and discussion transpired. ▪ Further discussion of Lake County facility and training offered there, as well as recent threats mentioned by Sheriff Leonbruno. ▪ Additional discussion of long guns, Resolution allowing in cars, authorization by Council, et cetera. ▪ Mr. Thompson inquired whether there is a difference in cost depending on where officers qualify; Lake County range is free, but instructor still must be paid. • There are funds available in budget for training. • There would be no cost for use of range in Spencer. ▪ Council could make recommendation to change deadline for training officers • Discussion of Dolbin as instructor; Lake County range, et cetera ▪ Does Lake County require 3-day AR-15 training class? Mr. O’Leary does not believe that Perry or North Perry Village were required to attend. ▪ Chief noted there is also an outdoor range in Madison. ▪ Eastlake has an indoor range available for use; cost was around $250 per day a few years ago. • Could we inquire about using? Discussion of indoor ranges, risk of ricochet o Additional discussion of ranges o Discussion of Sheriff’s video and concerns (trafficking, Burger King Robbery, Euclid Police shooting, church festival issues) o Additional discussion of Lake County facility o Discussion of Resolutions and Ohio Revised Code o Committee recommends extending deadline for training time ▪ Will need to find out charge for range instructor ▪ Discussion of training and scheduling officers • Community Policing o Feedback from residents has been that police are more visible at night o Officers have increased patrols; no formal memo requesting additional patrols. • Tasers are from 2016 and 2018; batteries are good (2 years old) • Got updated quote for 4 radios o Quote includes radios, batteries (chargers), installation, service and warranty o Will cost $404 to upgrade Chief’s current radio and scanner in office; this will upgrade encryption to meet new standard • Ohio Revised Code has qualification guidelines for range training (not sure on ORC number or type of instructor required) Mr. Joyce made a motion to adjourn the Safety Committee Meeting; Mrs. Joyce seconded the motion. Roll call: all Committee members were in favor (2-0); the Safety Committee Meeting was adjourned at 6:12 PM. \  Tax Budget Hearing 6:15 PM 1. Presentation of Tax Budget- Fiscal Officer Mr. Roskos presented a summary of the Tax Budget, including amount of Property Tax requested for the General Fund for the 2025 Fiscal Year, estimated Revenues and Expenditures for 2025, and our current outstanding debts (estimated principal and interest payments for 2025), which require General Fund Property Tax Revenues. 2. Questions? There were no questions and the hearing ended at 6:21 PM. COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES VILLAGE OF TIMBERLAKE Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Regular Council Meeting 6:30 PM Meeting began at 6:30 PM with the pledge of allegiance, and the Mayor’s opening prayer. Mayor John Marra presiding. Roll Call of Council Members Present and Motion to Excuse: Cindy Hardwick, Jerry Joyce, Margaret Joyce, Ryan Konrad (absent for voting purposes, joined remotely), Nancy Marra, and Kevin Thompson. Personnel in Attendance: James O’Leary Solicitor John H. Roskos Fiscal Officer Susan Scofield Chief of Police Public Comment, Good & Welfare: • NONE Reading & Disposition of the Minutes: a. Safety Committee Meeting, May 21, 2024 –Mr. Joyce made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 21 Safety Committee Meeting. Mrs. Marra seconded the motion. There was some discussion of the content of the minutes; Mr. O’Leary indicated that minutes reflect conversation that actually occurred. The appropriate place to provide corrected information would be at another meeting. Roll call: all were in favor of approving the minutes. b. Regular Council Meeting, May 21, 2024 – Mr. Joyce made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting. Mrs. Joyce seconded the motion. Roll call: all were in favor of approving the minutes. c. Grant Committee Meeting, May 30, 2024 – Mrs. Marra made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 30 Grant Committee Meeting. Mr. Thompson seconded the motion. Roll call: all were in favor of approving the minutes. Legislation: a.) Resolution No. 2024-9 (Rules Suspended) A Resolution approving the proposed Tax Budget in the form attached hereto for the Village of Timberlake, Ohio, for Fiscal Year 2025, and declaring an emergency. Mrs. Marra made a motion to suspend the rules; Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. Roll call: all were in favor of suspending the three-reading rule. Mrs. Marra made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-9; Mrs. Joyce seconded the motion. Roll call: all were in favor of Resolution No. 2024-9. b.) Resolution No. 2024-10 (Rules Suspended) A Resolution amending the Permanent Appropriations for the Village of Timberlake, Ohio for the Year 2024, and declaring an emergency. Mr. Joyce made a motion to suspend the rules; Mrs. Joyce seconded the motion. Roll call: all were in favor of suspending the three-reading rule. Mrs. Marra made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-10; Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. This amended appropriation is necessary, as Income Tax Revenue has exceeded expectations and additional funds are needed for the retainer paid to RITA. Roll call: all were in favor of Resolution No. 2024-10. c.) Resolution No. 2024-11 (Rules Suspended) A Resolution authorizing the Mayor and Fiscal Officer to apply American Rescue Funds to the purchase of Radios from Communication Services for the Village of Timberlake Police Department and declaring an emergency. Mr. Joyce made a motion to suspend the rules; Mr. Thompson seconded the motion. Roll call: all were in favor of suspending the three-reading rule. Mr. Joyce made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-11. Mr. Thompson seconded the motion. The Fiscal Officer indicated that this Resolution specifies what we are using the remainder of our American Rescue Plan Act Funds for and notes the U.S. Treasury guidelines followed. There is approximately $22,000 left; the total cost of the radios will be over $26,000. Chief also noted that company is called Communication Services (not Communications Service) Roll call: all were in favor of Resolution No. 2024-11. d.) Resolution No. 2024-12 (Rules Suspended; Tabled for Additional Discussion) A Resolution authorizing the adoption of an alternative method of apportioning the Local Government Fund. Mr. Joyce made a motion to suspend the three-reading rule; Mrs. Marra seconded the motion. Roll call: all were in favor of suspending the three-reading rule. Mrs. Marra made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-12; Mr. Thompson seconded the motion. Extensive discussion followed and Mayor Marra presented the history of the proposed new alternative formula for the Local Government Fund including legal opinions from Prosecutor Coulson and Attorney Byron, supplemental opinions, the original 1982 alternative formula, et cetera. Mayor also  discussed how much current 1982 alternative formula would provide Village in 2034 versus new proposed alternative formula. Under new alternative formula, Village would receive current 2024 amount for 10 years; there would be no opportunity for growth. If base declines, we would actually lose a proportionate amount of funding. There was discussion of the politics involved in the creation of the proposed new formula, a lack of compromise, other alternative formulas presented by the Village of Timberlake that were not considered. So far North Perry and Perry have approved (and the Lake County Commissioners); related discussion of other communities. Mayor recommends that Council does not approve the proposed new alternative formula; we have not been able to get an accurate estimate of what the Statutory Formula would provide. Discussion continued on the impact to Western Lake County communities, who so far seem to be in favor of new formula in spite of cuts. Mr. Thompson discussed Mentor’s declining population and wondered why they would be in favor. Mr. O’Leary was concerned about retribution from Lake County, if Council rejects. There was then extensive discussion of the Rules of Order related to tabling a Resolution, a motion and second have already been made; Mr. Roskos looked up the related rules and provided a summary to Council. It was determined that Council can move to table the Resolution for further discussion if they choose. There was additional discussion on when the new Local Government Fund formula would go into effect if approved by majority; Auditor would prefer that communities approve by July, otherwise Need Hearings would be required; Mayor indicated that Formula used for 2025 does not need to be submitted to State until 2025 (Editor’s note: for further details and discussion, please see the YouTube link found at the end of the Meeting Minutes) Mrs. Marra made a motion to table Resolution 2024-12 for additional discussion. Mrs. Joyce seconded the motion to table. Roll call: Mr. Joyce, yes, Mrs. Joyce, yes, Mrs. Hardwick, yes, Mrs. Marra, yes, Mr. Thompson, abstain. Motion to table for additional discussion passed by a 4-0 vote. e.) Resolution No. 2024-13 (Rules Suspended) A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to hire Anthony Swartz as Part Time Service Department Employee for the Village of Timberlake and declaring an emergency. Mr. Joyce made a motion to suspend the rules; Mrs. Marra seconded the motion. Roll call: all were in favor of suspending the three-reading rule. Mrs. Marra made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-13; Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. Council inquired whether Mr. Swartz has license; yes, he does, he lives on Waban and also was on Council as Service Committee Chair. Mr. Swartz offered to volunteer, but due to liability issues, he needs to be an employee. Steve Pirosko will be out for a while; injury is not Worker’s Compensation related. Additional related discussion occurred. Roll call: all were in favor of Resolution No. 2024-13. Reports: a. Mayor: • Cornhole has been installed at Parcel A; residents have been taking a look. • Service and Mr. Konrad helped paint the Pickleball Court at the Playground; Mayor has used. • There has been some spotty flooding during recent rainfall. b. Solicitor: • Provided an update on a pending court case at Willoughby Municipal; we are still awaiting second psychological evaluation. Has been difficult due to lack of availability of psychologist.  • Asks Council and Mr. Roskos to be careful in noting specific purpose for Executive Sessions; there has been some litigation in the State regarding this. Recent lawsuits in 6 counties. Stated goal of litigation is to ensure that business is conducted in public. Reminder to use stated purposes listed in Ohio Sunshine Laws and Revised Code. c. Council Members: Cynthia Hardwick • Village Club is looking for volunteers to paint the playground on Saturday, June 29. Ryan Konrad • No report Jerry Joyce • Noted that the Concert at the Village Hall was well attended; estimated 200 people. Was well done, appealed to people of all ages. • Requests in Timberlake Times for volunteers for Family Fun Day (on August 4); is a nice way to get to know neighbors. • Thanked the Mayor for his efforts on the Local Government Fund; fought a good fight. Margaret Joyce • Noted that Pickleball and Cornhole is being used. • Safety Committee Summary o Training will not be done by June 30 o Would like to extend time and recommend that training occur at the Lake County facility; proposed a 90 day extension to mid-September ▪ Mr. O’Leary will check on whether 3-day training for AR-15s is required; not mandatory according to Madison Township, but it is preferred. o Mrs. Joyce made a motion to suspend the rules for Resolution 2024- 14 (in caption, text not available for meeting), which extends the training deadline for officers to qualify on the Shotguns and AR-15s, and specifies that officers will use the Lake County Range for training; Mrs. Hardwick seconded the motion. All were in favor of suspending the three-reading rule. Mrs. Marra made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-14; Mrs. Joyce seconded the motion. Roll call: all were in favor of Resolution 2024-14. Mr. O’Leary confirmed with Council that deadline will be extended by 90 days (to September 16) and that Council would like officers to use Lake County Range. There was some more discussion on the 3-day training program for AR-15s. Nancy Marra • (Editor’s note: some portions inaudible)- Thanks again to the Village Club for organizing the concert. • Has received some complaints on boats and campers. Chief has addressed. Mrs. Marra noted that rules are uniform for everyone. • Did not receive any animal complaints this month. • Reminder to keep garbage cans out of sight; admitted this is hard to enforce on some lots. Mrs. Hardwick mentioned that she will be getting 3 quotes for repairing the pavilions at the Village Hall and the Playground. There is a grill at the Village Hall Pavilion; not sure about the Playground. Kevin Thompson • Has seen multiple families using the Pickleball Court; gave additional details. Is grateful for increased used of the Playground. • Grant Committee: Mr. Konrad gave a presentation on Laketran grant program. Hopefully, we will qualify for Playground Grant this year (through ODNR). d. Fiscal Officer: Monthly Financials: General Fund- ending balance through May, 2024 is $428,893.18. Month to date revenue was $120,053.48 vs expenditures of $46,694.34 for a net surplus for the month of $73,359.14. Expenditures were $5,732.66 less than expected primarily due to lower than estimated expenses in miscellaneous areas, primarily Parks and Recreation (last year, funds were transferred in May of 2023 to benefit the Playground Construction Fund). May 2024 Revenue exceeded expectations by $63,053.48 primarily due to very robust Income Tax Receipts, and Overall YTD revenue is $47,639.33 higher than last year at this point. Income Tax Revenue is about $44,951.33 more than last year YTD. Based on current estimated spending rates and stable revenue throughout the rest of the year, we estimate a surplus for the General Fund this year of around $124,358.95 without additions to our Capital Funds; with an addition of $15,000 to the Police Cruiser Capital Fund at the end of Fiscal Year 2024, we would be looking at an estimated surplus of $109,358.95. Please note, our estimate is based on no significant Income Tax Refunds or other unexpected events. Other Significant Fund Activity and Misc.: We paid our bi-annual payment to CNB Bank for our 2015-2016 Street Improvements in the amount of $20,119.17; this was paid out of Fund 3902 Paving Improvement OPWC Debt Service with funds originating from the General Fund. 6 Refunds totaling $600.00 were issued from Fund 9901 Hall Rental Security Deposit Refund. Mr. Roskos also noted that the Village received an invoice from the City of Eastlake for Capital Improvements to the Sanitary Sewer plant; we will need to review and have a Committee Meeting to evaluate how to move forward. e. Police Chief- Monthly Report- • Chief indicated we will be live with Lexipol soon; will then receive daily training bulletins and legal updates via email. Mr. O’Leary inquired whether he can get a copy. Not sure on status of Body Armor Grant; money is available somewhere, is awaiting information on whether we need to be Collaborative Certified to apply. • There were 2 911 calls, 7 administrative referrals, 1 alarm call, 1 animal complaint, 2 calls for assistance, 76 community policing checks, 1 harassment complaint, 1 hazard complaint, 50 house checks, 2 investigations, 2 noise complaints, 3 phone complaints, 1 parking violation, 1 suspicious vehicle, 2 trespassing complaints, and 1 welfare check for a total of 153 events. f. Zoning/Property Maintenance- Mr. Gray was absent, Mayor provided report- 1 garage sale permit, 2 roof permits, 1 porch permit, 1 driveway permit, 1 deck permit, and 1 patio permit. Purchases & Approvals: a. A motion to approve the May, 2024 Financial Reports- Mr. Joyce made a motion to approve the May, 2024 Financial Reports. Mrs. Joyce seconded the motion; roll call, all were in favor of approving the monthly financial reports. Public Comment and Questions (may be directed at the Mayor or Council members only; reserved for follow-up questions on topics discussed at today’s meeting): • NONE There was additional discussion on the Eastlake Range, which is available for use; Mr. O’Leary noted that Perry uses Motorola radios. He also indicated there is litigation at the C4 Range in Madison. Chief noted that she took care of complaint regarding boat (met with the owner); 1 other boat was “summarized” and moved out of the Village. Also discussed trash can that is left on curb at Airbnb; some neighbors and the Chief have returned can. Editor’s Note: for additional details and discussion, please see our You Tube Page link for this meeting: Adjournment Mr. Thompson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Joyce seconded the motion. Roll call: all were in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM Called by: Mayor Posted Our next regular meeting is Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 6:30 PM. There is no Regular Council Meeting in July. ____________________________ ____________________________ Fiscal Officer, John H. Roskos Mayor, John Marra