Village Council

Village of Wellington Council Meeting Minutes Barbara O'Keefe, Mayor Council: President Guy Wells, Sandy Denes, Helen Dronsfield, Jeff Hyde, Steve Maurer, Hans Schneider Revised 5/04/15 Council Chambers Monday April 20, 2015 8:17 p.m. 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor O’Keefe called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. ROLL CALL Councilwoman Sandy Denes – Present Councilman Steve Maurer – Present Councilwoman Helen Dronsfield – Present Councilman Hans Schneider – Present Councilman Jeff Hyde – Present Council President Guy Wells – Present Others Present – Mayor O’Keefe, Village Manager Pyles, Finance Director Shaw, Law Director Bond, Lt. Jeff Shelton, Public Works Supt. Brasee, Electric Supt. Bealer, Water and WW Supt. Rosemark, Zoning Inspector Furcron, Clerk of Council O’Brien, Enterprise Reporter Urbanik, AARP Rep. Sheila Holmes, Chamber of Commerce Rep. Calvin Woods, Madison Schneider 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Motion by Wells, 2nd by Dronsfield to approve the minutes from the April 6, 2015. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. 4. FINANCIAL REPORTS – Mr. Maurer and Ms. Denes had a couple of questions regarding the bills; Mr. Brasee, Mr. Rosemark and Mr. Pyles answered their questions. Motion by Denes, 2nd by Maurer to approve the expenses and pay the bills. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. 101 Gen $ 50,297.31 201 Street CM&R $ 238.65 205 Police Pension Trust Fund $ 1,508.25 211 Cemetery Pass Through $ 1,430.78 290 Caring Fund $ 200.00 401 Capital Improvement $ 6,366.85 501 Water $ 38,086.41 502 Sewer $ 12,164.48 503 Elect $ 13,630.57 ***Power Bills 504 Garbage $ 24,931.47 506 Storm Sewer Capital $ 195.88 508 Consumer Deposit $ 1,376.02 Total $ 150,426.68 Pay 8 $ 87,319.29 Grand Total $ 237,745.97 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR, COUNCIL, AND VILLAGE OFFICIALS: § Mayor O'Keefe § Law Director Bond – Ms. Denes asked Mr. Bond about the Charter Commission Ordinance that was on the last agenda; Mr. Bond explained that it had been put on the agenda too early and that it should be on the May 4th agenda. § Lt. Shelton – Lt. Shelton reported that they had collected 11 boxes (weighing 8 lbs. each) of prescription medication for the Operation Medicine Cabinet turn in drive. § Finance Director Shaw – Ms. Shaw mentioned that her report was in the packet and that she would be happy to answer any questions. § Village Manager Pyles – Mr. Pyles reported that he had spoken with ODOT who informed him that Beaver Excavating will be closing Taylor St. on May 4th. He further  reported that the closing was part of the phases and that Taylor St. would probably be closed through early August. He explained that approximately two weeks after they close Taylor St. they will be shifting 58 traffic over slightly to begin work on the grade at the intersection of Taylor St. and Main St. He further explained that the on street parking north of SR 18, on both sides of the street, will go away, through early August. Mr. Maurer suggested Lt. Shelton have the officers stop by the local businesses and let them know that there will be no on street parking through August. Mr. Schneider suggested letting the Taylor St. residents know also. Ms. Dronsfield asked whether or not the construction closing would be posted; Mr. Brasee said that his department would put up signs. Mr. Pyles announced that there would be a one- time, one week, curbside leaf collection beginning April 27th. Mr. Pyles recognized some employee service anniversaries for the first quarter; Dave Bealer – 30 years, Bob Brasee – 26 years, John Honoshofsky – 25 years, Joe Brasee – 24 years, Marla Lent – 23 years, Matt Osborn – 20 years, and Kurt Linden – 10 years. § Sheila Holmes – Ms. Holmes, coordinator for the local AARP tax program, read a letter of thanks to the Mayor and Council for allowing the volunteers to use the council chambers as their headquarters. Ms. Holmes also thanked Marla Lent for scheduling appointments, instructing filers of what documents to bring, and answering questions from seniors. Ms. Holmes mentioned that a large part of the program’s success is due to Ms. Lent. Ms. Holmes asked council for prayer for Clyde Nagy, the previous local coordinator, as he has serious health problems. Ms. Denes mentioned that Ms. Holmes has applied for many grants for computers and things needed to run the program, all on her own time, as a volunteer. Ms. Dronsfield and Mr. Maurer thanked Ms. Holmes and her volunteers for the work they do. § Calvin Woods – Mr. Woods, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, made council aware that the Leviathan (a reproduction of the train engine, which pulled Lincoln’s funeral car across the country in 1865) would be making a stop in Wellington (the only scheduled Ohio stop) on May 23, 24, and 25. The Historical Society and the Chamber of Commerce, would like to have a Wellington Heritage Celebration, for the three days that the Leviathan will be in town, which is also Memorial Day weekend. Ms. Denes asked Mr. Woods, what provisions the Rail Road Association has made as far as parking, restrooms, comfort and hydration stations, as it is only a month away; Mr. Woods was not certain of the plans that the Rail Road Association had made, although he did know they would be selling tickets for train rides. Mr. Woods explained that he and others, felt that this would be a perfect time to hold a Heritage Celebration, to promote the history of Wellington, as there was rumored to be as many as 5,000 people coming to Wellington to see and ride the Leviathan. He further explained that there would be bands scheduled in the Gazebo and added that the VFW had contributed $1,000 to help fund the Heritage Celebration. Ms. Denes asked if the celebration would interfere with the Monday Memorial Day program; Mr. Woods mentioned that he had spoken with the VFW commander and the American Legion, and they were supportive of the event, as long as it did not interfere with the Memorial Day program. Mr. Woods also mentioned that the Memorial Day program is finished at noon, and that the festival would begin after the Memorial Day program ended. Mr. Schneider asked Mr. Woods what he needed from Council; Mr. Woods explained that they would like to set up a 40’ x 40’ tent in the park, in the same place they do the games on the 4th of July. Mr. Schneider asked Mr. Woods were all of these visitors would be parking; Mr. Woods was not sure, he said that he would be checking with the Fair Board for possible parking at the Fairgrounds, and they were looking into borrowing the senior buses and using his trolley to bus people into downtown. Mr. Maurer asked Mr. Woods to give some consideration into moving the tent into the far south lot, so as not to disturb the Memorial Day parade and services, as Memorial Day is a solemn event; Mr. Pyles mentioned that he had also suggested the South Park, and also the  location of the wine tasting tent at the Cheese Festival. Mayor O’Keefe suggested Mr. Woods come back to the first meeting in May with his plans, Mr. Maurer agreed. Mr. Schneider mentioned that he heard if the Leviathan is well received, there is the possibility of having it again on the following weekend; Mr. Woods mentioned that he had heard that also. Ms. Denes asked Mr. Wood if he was asking council for approval to set up a tent on the village green; Mr. Woods said yes. Mr. Schneider asked Mr. Woods if he was also considering having a “Cruise In”; Mr. Woods said yes. Mr. Woods also mentioned that there had been talk of having historic presentations about Mr. Herrick, Mr. Willard and Dr. Johns. Ms. Denes asked Mr. Pyles to help direct Mr. Woods as to where would be a good location to set up the tent; Mr. Pyles will do that. Mr. Wells agreed with Mayor O’Keefe’s suggestion of coming back to council with more details at the next meeting; Mr. Woods said that he would come back. Mr. Maurer suggested that Mr. Woods ask someone from the Rail Road Association join him when he comes back to council; Mr. Woods said that he would try. Mayor O’Keefe mentioned that she and Mr. Pyles would try and get in touch with the Rail Road Association, in an effort to find out more about their plans, and to try and touch base with the Fair Board to ask for their assistance. She assured Mr. Woods that they would be on board with him, and will try and get answers to some of council’s questions also. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES § Finance – Mr. Hyde reported that the committee had met prior to the council meeting and had discussed recommendations from village management for merit increases on various village employees. Mr. Hyde made a motion, based on the recommendation of management, to end the probation of Officers Matt Perkins and Shawn Kneisel, and give them a merit increase of $.58 an hour each, taking their hourly wage to $19.96, effective the next full pay period, their probationary period ended on April 13th; Dispatcher Susan Walker, a merit increase of $.20 per hour, taking her to $19.19 per hour, Dispatcher Linda Biskup, a merit increase of $.20 per hour taking her to $17.56 per hour, Robert Aviles, a merit increase of $.20 per hour, taking him to $20.04 per hour, William Varner, a merit increase of $.32 per hour, taking him to $23.60 per hour, Kenneth Provoznik, a merit increase of $.21 per hour, taking him to $23.50 per hour, Brian Hamer, a merit increase of $.66 per hour, taking him to $21.00 per hour, Kurt Linden, a merit increase of $.50 per hour, taking him to $24.62 per hour, Kyle Keiffer, a merit increase of $.64 per hour, taking him to $19.50 per hour, Jason Gundert, a merit increase of $.54 per hour, taking him to $18.25, Christa O’Brien, a merit increase of $.36 per hour, taking her to $18.50 per hour, Kyle Spears, a merit increase of $1.58 per hour, taking him to $19.25 per hour, Nathan Meyers, a merit increase of $.58 per hour, taking him to $20.75 per hour, David Bealer a merit increase of $.54 per hour, taking him to $34.00 per hour, Marla Lent will be moved to the occupational group, Craft, Trade, Protection, with a merit increase of $.50 per hour taking her to $21.75, all effective the next full pay period, 2nd by Wells. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Mr. Wells reported that Christa O’Brien is a village employee and also as clerk of council, a council employee. Motion by Wells to change the clerk of council payment from $100.00 to $125.00 per meeting effective the next full pay period, 2nd Denes. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. § Police – Mr. Wells reported that the committee will meet on May 4th before council. § Public Works – Ms. Dronsfield mentioned that the committee will meet at 6:00 PM on May 4th. § Utility – Ms. Denes reported the committee had met prior to the council meeting and discussed the status of the solar project. She mentioned that the solar panels will be placed on a tracking system and will be going back to the Planning Commission with minor changes. Ms. Denes reported they also discussed an additional appropriation  for the purchase of Rip Rap for the reservoir, which will be coming to council in an ordinance. She further reported that the additional funds, $40,000, ¼ will come from the water fund and ¾ will come from the capital improvement fund. Ms. Denes mentioned that the committee had also discussed a resolution for allowing retail customers enter into demand response agreements and it will need to be passed as an emergency, as it is time sensitive. Mr. Denes made a motion, based on Supt. Rosemark’s recommendation, to take Jeff Lopez and Steve Norton off of probation and increase their wage from $17.34 to $18.20 per hour, effective the next full pay period, 2nd by Wells. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Ms. Denes made a motion to hire Shelby Ash as summer employee at $8.10 per hour and 2nd year summer employee Mike Dowdell at $8.21 per hour, based on Mr. Rosemark’s recommendation, and to begin when available, 2nd by Wells. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. § Ordinance – Mr. Schneider mentioned that the committee will meet on May 4th prior to council. § Mr. Maurer – Mr. Maurer read a letter of rebuttal in reference to an article, which is to be published in the Wellington Enterprise. In his letter Mr. Maurer explained that he was in Florida periodically and would be missing approximately one meeting a month, which he had previously discussed with Mayor O’Keefe. He pointed out that in his discussions with the mayor, he made it clear that he did not want to chair any committees this year, and that he would be attending the 2nd council meeting and set of committee meetings each month. Mr. Maurer reported that he receives his council packet by email and explained that his council position is more involved than attending two meeting per month and added that he corresponds by email and by telephone to village officials, village management, and village residents pertaining to village issues while he is away. Mr. Maurer further reported that when he is in town, he spends many hours attending to village business, which just recently included reviewing employee evaluations and his participation in the community breakfast which was held at the High School. Mr. Maurer mentioned that he felt he needed to make the other council members and Mayor O’Keefe aware of the situation as the article would be published in the next edition of the Enterprise. 7. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ORDINANCE NO. 2015-08 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ENTERING INTO A NATURAL GAS PROGRAM AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTHEAST OHIO PUBLIC ENERGY COUNCIL AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Tabled 3/16/2015 3rd Reading Mr. Maurer asked what council was waiting for; Mr. Wells explained that they were waiting for clarification on rate information. Mr. Hyde further explained that they are waiting on an answer to whether or not a resident will be opted into a fixed or a variable rate. Mr. Pyles reported that NOPEC’s short term fixed pricing, for this year has not been as good as their variable rate. He further reported that the NOPEC rep told Mr. Pyles that generally the resident opts into the fixed pricing, as historically that shows better savings, this year however, that is not the case. Mr. Pyles explained to the NOPEC rep that he felt council would be more receptive to opting into the variable rate. Mr. Pyles reported that he has not heard back from NOPEC as to whether or not they would be able to make that commitment to the village. There was some discussion as whether or not to bring the ordinance off of the table; council decided to leave it tabled. ORDINANCE NO. 2015-17 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE HOUSING COUNCIL MEETING BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HOUSING COUNCIL MEMBERS AND DECLARING THIS ACT AN EMERGENCY 2nd Reading nd Motion by Denes, 2 by Wells to move the second reading. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”.  RESOLUTION NO. 2015-18 A Resolution to Permit Retail Customers of the Village of Wellington Electric Department to Participate in PJM Interconnection, LLC Wholesale Market Electric Demand Response Programs 1st Reading st Ms. Denes commented that this needed to be passed by May 1 in order for the participating companies to be included in the auction. Motion by Denes, 2nd by Wells to suspend the rules. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Motion by Wells to amend the resolution, paragraph numbered 1. at the bottom of the page (in bold) to read, Retail electric customers of the Village of Wellington Electric Department are permitted to participate in PJM “Full Emergency” demand response programs; provided, however, that the Village of Wellington Electric Dept. reserves the right to disapprove participation by individual customers and/or to discontinue approval of participation by all customers in such customers if the Wellington Village Manager should determine that such participation is disadvantageous to the economical, efficient, or safe operation of the Village’s electrical system, 2nd by Denes. Mr. Pyles reminded council that this resolution is different from what was included in the council packet (although he had handed out an amended copy before the meeting), as he had also made changes to the resolution. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Denes to approve as amended. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. 8. OLD BUSINESS · Ms. Denes explained that she had sent an email to the clerk of council, to send a letter to the Township Trustees and the Cemetery Board, reminding them of the joint meeting which takes place the first meeting in May. Ms. Denes asked Ms. Shaw to provide all of the information needed for the annual meeting, as it seemed that meeting was often confusing. · Mayor O’Keefe asked Mr. Brasee if he had heard anything about Pride Day; Mr. Brasee explained that the Township generally runs Pride Day, the village helps them out with whatever they need, but he had not heard anything from the Township as of yet. Ms. Denes reported that she had attended a trustee meeting and they announced that Pride Day was scheduled for May 16th. She mentioned that she thought that the village should do more to promote Pride Day. Mr. Schneider mentioned that the township was having an issue with people from other towns and villages dropping tires off at the location, costing the township a lot of money. He further mentioned that he suggested they have residents show their ID, and if they are not residents of the village or the township to ask the resident to pay a fee to dispose of their tires. · Zoning Inspector Furcron reminded residents that they will need to have a permit to install a pool and if a pool is less than 48” above ground, they must have a fence installed around the pool. He also mentioned that he has been sending letters to residents who have unlicensed and inoperable vehicles on their property, as there is an ordinance against those. 9. NEW BUSINESS · Mayor O’Keefe read a letter of resignation from Scott Stolcals, effective April 24th. Motion by Hyde, 2nd by Wells to accept Mr. Stolcals resignation with regret. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Ms. Denes asked if Mr. Stolcals was moving on to another public entity; Mr. Brasee explained that he had been hired by the Rail Road. · Lt. Shelton announced that the Police Dept. will be manning the Police Memorial on May 4th with honor guards, from 8 AM to 8 PM, to recognize the death of Officer Smith, May 4, 1957. He reported that this is a 12 hour volunteer detail. · Mr. Pyles announced that his secretary, Barb Rogers has created a spread sheet for reservations involving the rental of the gazebo and asked anyone interested to call her at 647-3827. Ms. Denes asked if there was a charge for renting the gazebo; Mr. Pyles explained that no, unless the sound system was needed, there would be a charge for manning the sound system. He added that it was available for rent on Friday’s until 7:00 PM, after 7:00 the gazebo would be used for the Summer Concert series. Ms. Denes mentioned that she had heard that the Farm Market would like to move back downtown; Mr. Pyles said that he had not heard  anything about them moving. Mr. Schneider said that he had heard that also. Mr. Maurer asked if the Town Hall was also rented through Ms. Rogers; Mr. Pyles said yes, the Town Hall, Gazebo and Rec Park Pavilion rental would be reserved through Barb. · Mr. Schneider mentioned that he had sent an email to the Mayor and Council regarding the Village Manager’s evaluation. He explained that he had met with the mayor and thanked Mayor O’Keefe for initiating the review process, as it is dictated in the Employee Handbook. He thanked Mr. Pyles for meeting with him and mentioned that the meeting was very productive. Mayor O’Keefe commented that “they were all in this together”. 10. ADJOURN Motion by Maurer, 2nd by Hyde to adjourn at 9:10 PM