Village Council

Village of Wellington Council Minutes May 7, 2012 Council Chambers I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 7:00 p.m. II. MAYOR O’KEEFE- ROLL CALL: Council President Sandy Denes-present Councilman Steve Maurer-present Councilwoman Helen Dronsfield-present Councilman Hans Schneider-present Councilman Jeff Hyde-present Councilman Guy Wells-present Others Present: Village Manager Pyles, Law Director Bond, Finance Director Shaw, Public Works Superintendent Brasee, Police Chief Rollins, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Rosemark, Acting Electric Superintendent Bealer, Zoning Inspector Furcron and Clerk Gundert. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Ms. Denes noted that the council minutes were written as clarified with council intent in the hiring of the Acting Electric Superintendent, Motion by Wells, 2nd by Denes to approve the minutes of the April 2, 2012 meeting as clarified. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. IV. APPROVAL OF EXPENSES 101 General Fund $90,502.11 205 Police Pension 1,508.26 401 Capital 37,218.20 501 Water 33,277.42 502 Sewer 17,574.74 503 Electric 33,863.52 503 Power Costs 464,757.85 504 Garbage 25,192.70 508 Consumer Deposit 1,335.15 Payroll 207,139.83 Total $912,369.78 Mr. Maurer had questions on the expenses. Ms. Shaw and Mr. Pyles along with the Superintendents answered the questions. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Hyde to approve the expenses. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. V. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR, COUNCIL AND VILLAGE OFFICIALS: ƒ Mayor O’Keefe – Mayor O’Keefe introduced Mr. Francis Scruci, Superintendent of Wellington Schools. Mr. Scruci informed council about the State of Ohio Exceptional Needs Program. This program determined the areas of health and safety that are a concern at McCormick Middle School. An evaluation/inspection was performed by the Exceptional Needs Program. This evaluation showed serious health and safety issues at McCormick Middle School. Because McCormick of these serious issues, the program will qualify Wellington Schools to receive a grant to help with the costs of replacing this school. Mr. Scruci stated that McCormick Middle School will not be torn down. The school board will Page 1 of 6 Village of Wellington Council Meeting Minutes  sell the school and hopefully the building will be used to benefit the community. The school board is hoping the Village will help with locating someone to renovate and use this building. Money has been set aside for asbestos removal in this building. A levy will need to be passed by voters in November to fund the local portion of the costs of the new school. The school board has decided to seek a levy to fund the local cost of replacement of this school. The cost to replace this school is estimated at $17 million. The Exceptional Needs program will fund 37% ($6.3 million) of the costs with local funding providing the remaining 63% ($10.7 million). Mr. Scruci invited council and the public to a community meeting on May 23, 2012 at LCCC Wellington Center at 6:30 pm. This meeting is to get community input regarding the replacement of this school and passage of a levy to fund this project. There is also a special School Board Meeting on June 5, 2012 to begin the process for placing a levy on the ballot. Mr. Scruci urged members of council, business leaders and the community to attend these meetings. ƒ Police Chief Rollins – Nothing to report ƒ Clerk Gundert – Nothing to report. ƒ Finance Director Shaw – Finance Department Report - Ms. Shaw noted that her report was in tonight’s packet and asked if there were any questions. 6th Grade Walking Field Trip -Ms. Shaw wanted to explain an item in her reports. She has been contacted by a 6th grade teacher to help with a class project. On May 15, 2012, Glenda Hilliker’s class will be touring the building for a walking field trip. Ms. Hilliker has requested data from Ms. Shaw that will allow them to work on math skills. Ms. Shaw is preparing information to supply the class during their visit to help with this project. RITA Visit - Mr. Schneider asked Ms. Shaw about the trip to RITA. Ms. Shaw thought the trip went very well and was very impressed with their presentation. Mr. Maurer also attended the presentation and was also impressed. They were especially impressed by their security measures. RITA represents 207 communities currently for tax collection. Mr. Maurer, Ms. Shaw and Mr. Pyles shared their impressions and statistics regarding RITA with the full council. Ms. Shaw will be bringing information to the next finance committee meeting for further discussion. ƒ Law Director Bond - Nothing to report. ƒ Village Manager Pyles - Staff Reports - Staff reports were included in the council packet. He stated that he or the superintendents present would be happy to answer any questions. Hydrant Flushing – Mr. Pyles announced that hydrant flushing will be starting and cloudy water can be the result of this flushing. Residents are urged to check their water in the next couple of weeks before washing clothing. Old Refrigerators – Mr. Pyles announced that the rebate for older working refrigerators has been increased to $50.00. He urged any residents to update old appliances and use this rebate. Safety at Recreation Park – Mr. Pyles reminded residents to be careful at the Recreational Park during periods of lightning and thunder. The recreation fields must be cleared when lightning and thunder occur and there should be a 30 minute wait until no lightning or thunder occur before returning to the fields. Boy Scout Jamboree – Mr. Pyles informed council that the Cleveland Area Boy Scouts will be holding a Jamboree at the Fairgrounds this weekend. They will be using the Metro Parks Reservoir and the Upground reservoir for activities. Refuse Trailer – Ms Denes questioned the completion of a trailer for hauling refuse containers as mentioned in the staff reports. Mr. Brasee explained that this is a trailer to be used for transporting refuse containers to various locations as needed in town. He also reported that recycling containers will be in place during the Garden Gazebo walk this weekend. Security Gate – Mr. Rosemark reported that the installation of the security gate is in process. The equipment has been purchased and will be installed in the near future. He also reminded residents that ATV and 4-Wheelers are prohibited at the Upground Reservoir. This is prohibited by ordinance and signs are posted Page 2 of 6 Village of Wellington Council Meeting Minutes  regarding these vehicles. Motion by Maurer, 2nd by Wells to recess from regular council meeting and begin Joint meeting of Wellington Council and Wellington Township Trustees. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. a) Roll Call – Denes – present, Dronsfield – present, Hyde – present, Maurer – present, Schneider – present, Wells – present, McAvena – absent, Barber – absent, Fisher – absent, Grose – absent. b) Move to recess to next council meeting – Motion by Wells, 2nd by Hyde to recess this meeting due to missing members and resume the meeting on May 21, 2012. Vote was taken, motion carried with all members present voting “yes”. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Schneider to resume the regular council meeting. VI. REPORTS OF COMMITTEE ƒ Finance/Audit Committee - Mr. Hyde reported that the minutes from the last meeting were in tonight’s packet. The next meeting will be held after the council meeting on May 21st. ƒ Fire Board – Mr. Hyde reported that the board met Wednesday, May 2, 2012 and the minutes would be included in the packets as soon as they are completed. ƒ Planning Commission – Mr. Hyde reported that the Planning Commission met on May 2nd. Planning Commission will meet again on May 30, 2012. Planning Commission in their last meeting approved a conditional use permit for Guest Lodging at the Spreng property on West Herrick Avenue. Mr. Hyde also reported that Northcoast Wireless is relocating their business to the old Kalron Building on Erie Street. They are proposing construction of a new tower at that the Erie Street location. This tower will be located close to the Village water tower in that location. Council members and the Police Chief were concerned that the Northcoast Tower would interfere with the Village’s radios and horn that were located on the water tower. Planning commission advised Northcoast Wireless to work directly with Mr. Pyles regarding construction of this tower so that there is no interference with existing items on the Village Water Tower. Chief Rollins recommended contacting B & C Communications regarding the radio frequencies and possible interference with the police radios. ƒ Police Committee - Mr. Maurer reported that the committee held a meeting prior to tonight’s council meeting. Resignation of Jeannie Griffith - Motion by Maurer, 2nd by Denes to accept the letter of resignation effective April 29, 2012 from Jeannie Griffith as a part time police dispatcher. Vote was taken, motion passed with all voting “yes”. Part Time Dispatcher – Motion by Maurer, 2nd by Wells to hire part time dispatcher Maureen A Cole at a starting rate of $13.00 per hour. Vote was taken, motion passed with all voting “yes”. ƒ South Lorain County Ambulance Board – Mr. Maurer reported the next ambulance board meeting is Tuesday, May 8th at 7:00 pm at Ambulance Headquarters. ƒ Public Works Committee - Ms. Dronsfield reported that the Public Works Committee met tonight before the council meeting. Courtland Street Project – Ms. Dronsfield reported that there are about 30 items that still need to be corrected on the Courtland Street project. They have met with the contractor and the items are being corrected. Public Works Superintendent Brasee will be overseeing that the items are corrected. The final payment on the project has been withheld pending completion of these items. Town Hall Handicap Accessibility Project – Ms. Dronsfield reported that this project is completed and the lift has been inspected and will be operational for this weekend. Mr. Pyles and Council complemented the Public Works department for the beautiful job in completing this project. Everyone was pleased with how it turned out. Recycle Containers – Ms. Dronsfield reported that recycle Page 3 of 6 Village of Wellington Council Meeting Minutes  containers will be placed around the town hall during the Garden Gazebo Walk this weekend. She urged visitors to the Garden Gazebo Walk to look for and use these containers. Tree Planting – High School students will be planning trees and cleaning up village property this Thursday under the direction of Mr. Brasee. This is a community service event for Pride Day. Seasonal Summer Hires – Motion by Dronsfield, 2nd by Wells to hire Katie Stumphauzer, Justin Kidd, Mallory Bartolovich, Joshua Roberts, Monique Hyde, Morgan McDonnell, Nathan Starkey, Nicholas Dowdell, Andrew Goss and Anthony Cwalina as conditional seasonal summer employees for the Public Works Department at a rate of $7.70 per hour. Vote was taken, motion passed with the following votes: Denes – yes, Dronsfield – yes, Hyde – abstain, Maurer – yes, Schneider – no, Wells – yes; ƒ Utility Committee – Ms. Denes reported the minutes from the last meeting are in the packets. The Utility Committee will meet at 6 pm on May 21st before the council meeting. ƒ Main Street Board - Ms. Denes reported that Main Street Wellington will hold their next board meeting on May 16, 2012 at 8 am. Main Street will hold their Garden Gazebo walk on Saturday, May 12th at the Town Hall from 10 - 4. The Farmers Market will begin June 15th and will be held on Friday nights this year. The Farmer’s Market will be open from 4 – 7 pm. The Farmer’s Market will be open through October. The Village Garage Sales will be held June 15th and 16th from 9 - 5. ƒ Ordinance Committee – Mr. Wells reported that the Ordinance Committee was scheduled to meet tonight after the council meeting. However there are no items on the agenda and the meeting will be cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled on June 4th after the council meeting. The topic for that meeting will be consideration of a charter amendment on replacement of the mayor in the event of his/her being unable to serve. Mr. Wells is requesting all charter commission members be invited to this meeting. VII. ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS • ORDINANCE NO 2012-12 AN ORDINANCE ENACTING A NEW SECTION 181.18 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO THE COLLECTION OF UNPAID TAXES 3rd Reading nd Motion by Denes, 2 by Wells to approve the third reading of Ordinance 2012-12. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. • ORDINANCE NO 2012-13 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO SPECIFY THE DUTIES OF THE CLERK OF COUNCIL AND THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 3rd Reading Mr. Schneider questioned whether the policy manual will also need to be updated. Mr. Bond replied that it should be looked at to see if updates are needed. Motion by Maurer, 2nd by Wells to approve the third reading of Ordinance 2012-13. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. • ORDINANCE NO 2012 -14 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 139.07 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO FEES FOR FINGERPRINTING AND BACKGROUND CHECKS 2nd Reading nd Motion by Hyde, 2 by Denes to approve the second reading of Ordinance 2012-14. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. • ORDINANCE NO 2012-15 (Revised version) Page 4 of 6 Village of Wellington Council Meeting Minutes  TO APPROVE THE FORM AND AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF BLUE CREEK WIND ENERGY SCHEDULE WITH AMERICAN MUNICIPAL POWER, INC. AND TAKING OF OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH REGARDING WIND GENERATED ENERGY PURCHASES 2nd Reading Mr. Wells questioned what the revision was to this ordinance. Mr. Pyles replied that the term length had changed from 20 years to 10 years. Motion by Maurer, 2nd by Schneider to approve the second reading of Ordinance 2012-15. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. • ORDINANCE NO 2012-16 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2012 ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR CERTAIN EXPENSES AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE 1st Reading Ms. Denes questioned what the fire loss escrow was. Mr. Bond explained this process. Motion by Dronsfield, 2nd by Wells to suspend the rules. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. Motion by Dronsfield, 2nd by Hyde to pass Ordinance 2012-16 as an emergency. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. • ORDINANCE NO 2012-18 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE COOPERATIVE SALT PURCHASING PROGRAM 1st Reading Mr. Wells requested Ordinance No 2012-18 be revised to remove the pronoun in Section 1. • ORDINANCE NO 2012-19 AN ORDINANCE ENACTING TO RETAIN A TAX COLLECTION FIRM, AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE 1st Reading Motion by Wells, 2nd by Denes to suspend the rules. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Schneider to pass Ordinance 2012-19 as an emergency. Vote was taken, motion carried with all voting “yes”. VIII. Old Business • Pride Day – Mayor O’Keefe announced that Pride Day will by held May 19, 2012 from 9 -3. It will be held at the Township Garage on Maple Street. The mayor read a list of items that were being collected. Questions should be directed to the Mr. Brasee at the public works department. • Medication Collection – Mr. Hyde asked Chief Rollins about the success of the Operation Medication Cabinet which was held April 28th. Chief Rollins reported that the county set a record for medication collection that day. IX. New Business • Main Street Wellington – Mr. Pete Avery spoke on Main Street Wellington Activities. The Garden Gazebo walk will by this Saturday. Patti Young and Al Leiby will be signing and selling their books at the Garden Gazebo Walk. • Courtland Street Project – Mr. Avery complimented the Village on the Courtland Street Page 5 of 6 Village of Wellington Council Meeting Minutes  project. This project was completed in a very timely manner in his opinion. • Terry Boose Letter – Mr. Wells inquired about the letter council members received from Terry Boose regarding meetings being held by the legislature regarding income tax collections. Mr. Wells was concerned about possible changes in income tax laws. Ms. Shaw has been attending meetings regarding this topic, keeping informed on this topic and will inform council if legislature changes. The topic at the state level is more on uniformity of tax laws rather than any changes to collection practices. • Swimming Pools – Zoning Inspector Furcron reminded residents there is an ordinance in place regarding the placement and regulations for swimming pools. Permits are needed before installing swimming pools and reminded residents to contact the zoning office for a copy of the regulations and to obtain permits. He also reminded residents that garage sale signs are not permitted to be placed in the tree lawns. Any sign placed in the tree lawn is illegal. Mr. Furcron will remove any sign placed in the tree lawn and repeat offenders will be cited according to the ordinances. X. Adjourn Motion by Mr. Dronsfield, 2nd by Maurer to adjourn. 8:00 p.m. Clerk of Council Mayor Page 6 of 6 Village of Wellington Council Meeting Minutes