Village Council

Village of Wellington Council Meeting Minutes Barbara O'Keefe, Mayor Council: President Hans Schneider, Sandy Denes, Helen Dronsfield, Jeff Hyde, Steve Maurer, Guy Wells Revised 9/15/14 Council Chambers Tuesday September 2, 2014 7:30 p.m. 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor O’Keefe called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. ROLL CALL Council President Hans Schneider – Present Councilman Jeff Hyde – Present Councilwoman Sandy Denes – Present Councilman Steve Maurer – Present Councilwoman Helen Dronsfield – Present Councilman Guy Wells - Present Others Present – Mayor O’Keefe, Village Manager Pyles, Finance Director Shaw, Law Director Bond, Interim Police Chief Barrett, Electric Superintendent Bealer, Public Works Superintendent Brasee, Officer Davidson, Zoning Inspector Furcron, Clerk of Council O’Brien, Enterprise Reporter Valerie Urbanik, Residents Vickie DeHart, Ed Markly, Beth Katz, Howard Katz, Teresa Garn, Beth Hannon, David Crawford, Teresa Davidson, Lisa Davidson, Jeff Bartolovich, Harold Hartman 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mr. Wells asked the minutes be amended - Ordinance Committee (in bold) - Mr. Wells also reported that during that same broadcast a key adverb was lost or “fuzzed out” in the discussion of the cable issue. Mr. Wells stated for the record that his statement was: “Mr. Large reportedly stated that he would never meet with the Cable Commission again.” The word “reportedly” was taken out of the broadcast due to the possibly coincidental interference in the sound track. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Denes to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2014 meeting with the amendments. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. 4. FINANCIAL REPORTS – Ms. Denes had questions concerning the bills, Ms. Shaw and Mr. Brasee answered her questions. Motion by Hyde, 2nd by Dronsfield to approve the expenses and pay the bills. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. 101 GEN $ 34,721.32 201 Street CM&R $ 6,869.00 205 Police Pension $ 208 Permissive Tax $ 13,394.85 211 Cemetery $ 10,026.04 401 Capital $ 71,942.15 501 Water $ 15,700.00 502 Sewer $ 10,029.97 503 ELECT $ 49,701.12 Power Bills $ 518,575.80 504 Garbage $ 25,031.47 506 Storm Sewer $ 508 Consumer Deposits $ 2,412.50 Pay 16/17 $ 196,856.63 Total $ 955,260.95 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR, COUNCIL, AND VILLAGE OFFICIALS: § Mayor O'Keefe – Mayor O’Keefe read a letter from Ted Hyde, Manager at the 5th/3rd Bank in Wellington, announcing his retirement after 46 years. Mr. Wells and Ms.  Dronsfield commented that it will be a loss to the local business community. Mayor O’Keefe read a letter from Office Joe Davidson, withdrawing his application for the Chief of Police position. Mayor O’Keefe also read a letter from Officer Joe Davidson announcing his retirement from the Wellington Police Dept. after 25 years of service, effective September 26, 2014. Mayor O’Keefe commented that Officer Davidson would be greatly missed, council members agreed. Motion by Schneider, 2nd by Maurer to accept the retirement resignation with regret. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. § Law Director Bond – Nothing to report § Interim Police Chief Barrett- Chief Barrett reported that he is working on a resolution for Officer Davidson for the next council meeting. Chief Barrett also reported that there have been a series of “distraction burglaries” throughout the county. He warned residents not to accompany strangers outside of their homes, and reminded residents to ask to see company identification if they are approached. Chief Barrett also warned residents about an unordered merchandise delivery, where merchandise was received at a residence who did not order the merchandise. Chief Barrett explained that it may be an attempt to see how quickly packages are retrieved at the residence. He further explained that sometimes people ordering drugs, or using stolen credit cards to make purchases will have the items delivered to an address and will attempt to pick those packages up before the homeowner see them. He asked residents to be on the lookout for this type of delivery. He reported that they have had several complaints of people riding their bicycles on the sidewalk through the business district. He reminded residents that there is no bicycle riding on the sidewalks through downtown, and his officers would begin cracking down on those violations. He mentioned that Fair week had gone smoothly with the exception of a stopped train where the officers had to reroute traffic. Mr. Schneider thanked the Police Department for their help directing traffic and moving vehicles prior to a junior football tournament at the Athletic Field on Saturday. Chief Barrett mentioned that his department was unaware of the tournament, however, the Auxiliary Police Dept. arrived within 45 minutes and began directing traffic and moving cars. He further mentioned that citations had been issued. § Finance Director Shaw – Ms. Shaw reported that she spoke at the Kiwanis club luncheon, where she mentioned to the club that she was working on online bill pay. Ms. Shaw announced that the online bill pay was up and running; she received a confirmation today that it was working. Mr. Pyles explained that the link is on the front page of the village of Wellington web page under the newsflash. He further explained that there were two newsflash topics on the front page, one was for the online bill pay and the other was for the underpass. Ms. Shaw explained that customers will have to follow the link and register a street address and an account number. If residents have any problems registering, she asked them to contact the office and they will help with registration problems. Mr. Maurer thanked Ms. Shaw for her help getting it up and running. Mr. Schneider added that there is no cost to the residents for using the online bill pay. Ms. Shaw mentioned that they will still take credit card payments by phone, but encouraged residents to try the online bill pay. Ms. Denes asked Ms. Shaw how she would like to handle the past due utility bills and suggested possibly legislatively through the Ordinance committee; Ms. Shaw reported that she had discussed some ideas with Mr. Wells earlier in the month. She further reported that she will be getting a package together to bring to Council with her procedure recommendations. Ms. Shaw mentioned that there had been a reminder printed on the bottom of the utility bills that the bills are due on or before the 15th of the month. Mr. Maurer mentioned that the current outstanding amount was approximately $110,000. Mr. Wells explained that the outstanding amount is constantly changing and further explained that there were loopholes in the process which were beginning to be closed. Mr. Wells reported that it is now routine to ask for  the list of everyone who is named on the rental agreement to be included on the utility account. Ms. Shaw explained that a copy of the lease is now required for any utility connections. Mr. Hyde asked whether or not commercial accounts have the option to pay online; Ms. Shaw said yes, however, council had set a $1,000.00 limit. § Village Manager Pyles – Mr. Pyles reported that the F150 listed on govdeals.com had sold over the weekend for $4,000.00 and mentioned that was $3,000.00 more than a local dealership had offered for a trade in. Mr. Pyles thanked Officer Davidson for listing the truck online. Mr. Pyles also reported that there will be a flu clinic on September 30, 2014 at the Fairgrounds from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. He further reported that if Lorain County residents bring an insurance card with them, there will be no copay costs, and they will work with people who do not have an insurance card. Ms. Denes mentioned that they also have a drive thru service where residents do not have to leave their vehicle to receive a flu shot. Mr. Pyles encouraged residents to take advantage of the program. Mr. Wells asked Mr. Pyles what the underpass newsflash was on the website; Mr. Pyles explained that it was a link which sends you to the ODOT District 3 website. Mr. Wells asked for an update; Mr. Pyles reported that the pile driving was nearing completion. After the pile driving in complete they will begin to work on getting the bridge up so they can switch the trains over, then they will begin working on the retaining walls. He further reported that they are working on the building which houses the controls for the pump station, which is nearing completion. Mr. Pyles mentioned that the projected underpass completion is fall of 2015. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES § Finance – Mr. Hyde reported that the committee will meet prior to Council on Sept. 15th and Fire Board will meet on Sept. 3rd at Kelly St. Fire Dept. at 7:00 PM § Police – Mr. Maurer reported that the committee had met prior to the Council meeting. He also reported that the new officers are doing well and a couple of the new dispatchers may be on their own as early as next week. Mr. Maurer mentioned that Dr. Evans will be here tomorrow to bring the Narcan to the Police Department. He thanked Chief Barrett, Chief Bosley and Pat Wilkinson for their help getting the Narcan to the PD. Mr. Maurer reported that the Ambulance Board will meet on Sept. 9th at 7:00 PM. He further reported that they are in the process of hiring a new director as Pat Wilkinson will be retiring after 37 years with the district. § Public Works – Ms. Dronsfield reported the committee had met prior to Council. She further reported they had discussed a 2014 project list and one of the topics was the Rec. Park and getting the facilities useable and working for all of the area students. She mentioned that there is $135,000 in grant money available to the village for the downtown area, and that all of the alleys would be concreted by Fantastic Finish at a cost of $51,000. Some of the money will also be used for solar powered LED crosswalk signals in the business district. She reported that there was approximately $65,000 left over and if residents had any ideas for the Central Business District to let their Council members know. Ms. Dronsfield also reported that the village had applied for a credit enhancement for the Jones St. Waste Water facility which will give a 1% reduction on the interest of the loan. § Utility – Ms. Denes reported that the committee will meet prior to Council on Sept. 15th. § Ordinance – Mr. Wells explained that the meeting was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The next committee meeting will be Oct. 6th prior to council. § Mr. Hyde asked Mr. Pyles about the credit enhancement, whether it forgives or reduces the interest; Mr. Pyles explained that they will not charge any interest for the first year. 7. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2014-23 A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE OFFICIAL INTENT AND REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON ON BEHALF OF THE STATE OF OHIO TO REIMBURSE ITS CAPTIAL IMPROVEMENT, WATER, SEWER, AND STORM SEWER FUNDS FOR THE BARKER STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT #CI31R/CI32R WITH THE PROCEEDS OF TAX EXEMPT DEBT OF THE STATE OF OHIO 3rd Reading nd Motion by Denes, 2 by Wells to approve the third reading. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-24 A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE OFFICIAL INTENT AND REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON ON BEHALF OF THE STATE OF OHIO TO REIMBURSE ITS WATER FUND FOR THE JOHNS STREET WATERLINE REPLACEMENT PHASE I PROJECT #CT25r/CT26R WITH THE PROCEEDS OF TAX EXEMPT DEBT OF THE STATE OF OHIO 3rd Reading nd Motion by Wells, 2 by Schneider to approve the third reading. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. ORDINANCE NO. 2014-29 AN ORDINANCE ENACTING A NEW SECTION 181.01(00) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES, DEFINING “PENSION” FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES 2nd Reading Mr. Wells mentioned that Levies should be Levied, in the first line. Motion by Hyde, 2nd by Denes to move the 2nd reading as amended. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. ORDINANCE NO. 2014-31 AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES PRUSUANT TO OHIO R.C. 731.23 BY ADOPTING CURRENT REPLACEMENT PAGES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. 2nd Reading nd nd Motion by Wells, 2 by Schneider to move the 2 reading. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. ORDINANCE NO. 2014-33 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 922.01, 922.04, 923.01 AND 923.02, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO BUILDING SEWERS 2ND Reading nd nd Motion by Wells, 2 by Denes to move the 2 reading. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. ORDINANCE NO. 2014-34 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2014 ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR CERTAIN EXPENSES AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE 1ST Reading nd Motion by Denes, 2 by Wells to suspend the rules. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Motion by Wells to approve as read, 2nd by Schneider. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Mr. Maurer asked why there were two separate appropriations ordinances; Ms. Shaw explained that it was easier for her to keep track of this way. ORDINANCE NO. 2014-35 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2014 ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR CERTAIN EXPENSES AND IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE 1ST Reading nd Motion by Denes, 2 by Wells to suspend the rules. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Schneider to approve as read. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes’. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-36 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO APPLY FOR, ACCEPT, AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT OF BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON  WITH THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION, FOR CREDIT-ENHANCEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE JONES STREET WASTWATER FACILITY PROJECT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE 1st Reading nd Motion by Wells, 2 by Denes to suspend the rules. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Denes to approve as read. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. ORDINANCE NO. 2014-37 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 4.13 OF THE VILLAGE PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL, RELATIVE TO HOLIDAYS AND PROVIDNING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE 1st Reading nd Motion by Schneider, 2 by Maurer to suspend the rules. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Schneider to approve as read. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. 8. OLD BUSINESS Ms. Denes asked if Marla could start including a report from Planning and Zoning in the packets; Mayor O’Keefe explained that Ms. Lent had been on vacation. Ms. Denes asked Zoning Inspector Furcron what the status was of the house on Dickson St.; Mr. Furcron explained that he had turned that over to Mr. Bond this evening as the property owners had not complied with cleaning up their property satisfactorily. Mr. Bond will begin the process of filing with the court. 9. NEW BUSINESS Jeff Bartolovich – Mr. Bartolovich, President of the Wellington Soccer Association, thanked the village for their help with everything they do for the association. Mr. Bartolovich is concerned that the Youth Football league may be playing on the new soccer field; he feels that making a combination soccer/football field will be a problem. He would like to see another option that would separate the fields and the teams; he feels this type of combined field may be a safety issue. Mr. Maurer asked why this could be a safety issue; Mr. Bartolovich explained that the field is very beat up after a game, making them dangerous for soccer players. Ms. Dronsfield explained that the new area will not be used this fall, and there will be no snap decisions made. Mr. Bartolovich asked why they would not be using the new field this fall; Mr. Brasee explained that the baseball field had not been built yet, and the Soccer Association was fine with playing at the old location for now. He further explained that he felt that the field needed more fertilizer, and would be best to wait until spring. Ms. Denes asked Mr. Bartolovich to keep in mind that there were many entities to please, and that the outcome may not be exactly as he wants, as the village needs to be a good steward to everyone. Mr. Maurer asked if they still play in Brighton; Mr. Bartolovich said yes they do. Mr. Schneider thought that the football team would only be using the soccer field one day a week for practice. Mr. Bartolovich explained that the practice field at the athletic field is available weekdays after 6:00 PM and it’s also open on the weekends, he felt that was a good outlet for the football league. 10. ADJOURN – Motion by Maurer, 2nd by Schneider to adjourn at 8:15 PM