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 5/18/15 Council Chambers Monday May 4, 2015 7:35 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 – Absent 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, Public Works Supt. Brasee, Electric Supt. Bealer, Chief Barfield, Water/WW Supt. Rosemark, Clerk of Council O’Brien, Enterprise Reporter Urbanik, Zoning Inspector Furcron, Mike Schneider, Linda Navarre, Louise Gross, Nancy Fisher, LeRoy Brasee, Fred Pitts, Madison Schneider 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mr. Wells suggested the following amendments (in bold); page 2) 7th sentence, business’s to businesses; page 3) 12th sentence, change as to at. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Dronsfield to approve the minutes from the April 20, 2015 meeting with those amendments. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. 4. FINANCIAL REPORTS - Ms. Denes had a question regarding the bills; Mr. Pyles and Ms. Shaw answered her question. Motion by Denes, 2nd by Wells to approve the expenses and pay the bills. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. 101 Gen $ 68,579.50 201 Street CM&R $ 400.38 401 Capital Improvement $ 11,591.50 501 Water $ 22,072.65 502 Sewer $ 29,317.65 503 Elect $ 133,473.70 ***Power Bills $ 495,479.07 504 Garbage $ 4,440.00 506 Storm Sewer Capital $ 2,570.88 508 Consumer Deposit $ 600.00 Total $ 768,524.81 Pay 9 $ 85,687.06 Grand Total $ 854,211.87 5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR, COUNCIL, AND VILLAGE OFFICIALS: § Mayor O'Keefe § Law Director Bond – Nothing to report § Chief Barfield – Chief Barfield announced that next week the flag will fly at half-staff as it is Police Memorial Week. He asked Council for a moment of silence for Edmund Smith, the Wellington Police Officer who lost his life in the line of duty, 58 years ago. Chief Barfield reported that the honor guard will be at the memorial until 8:00 PM. § Finance Director Shaw – Ms. Shaw reported that she will be working with the auditors for their two year audit, the same auditors that did it two years ago. She  mentioned that she is still going through the personnel policy manual. § Village Manager Pyles – Mr. Pyles reported that the recycling tonnage had doubled in 2014 which translates into extra money from Lorain County Solid Waste which he plans to use to purchase equipment for the baseball field at the Recreation Park. He mentioned that there had been some confusion about the Demand Response Ordinance; LMRE has a demand response program where their customers can sign up for a program which gives LMRE the right to turn back AC’s and water heaters, saving money on the customers electric bill. Wellington’s Demand Response is for industrial retail customers or large consumers and is not for residential customers. § Main Street Wellington – Ms. Denes reported that the board is in the process of hiring a new director; they have narrowed it down to two candidates, however, no decision has been made. Ms. Denes mentioned that the Gazebo Garden Walk is this Saturday and encouraged residents to attend. Motion by Denes, 2nd by Schneider to adjourn from the regular council meeting. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. JOINT CEMETERY, COUNCIL AND WELLINGTON TOWNSHIP MEETING Village of Wellington: Mayor Barbara O’Keefe Wellington Council Members: Guy Wells (President), Sandy Denes, Helen Dronsfield, Jeff Hyde, Steve Maurer and Hans Schneider Wellington Township Trustees: Nancy Fisher (Chairman), LeRoy Brasee, Fred Pitts, Wellington Township Fiscal Officer & Cemetery Board Member: Louise Grose a. Roll Call – Mayor O’Keefe called the meeting to order and requested roll call. Wells – Present, Denes – Present, Dronsfield – Present, Hyde – Present, Maurer – Absent, Schneider – Present, Brasee – Present, Fisher – Present, Pitts – Present. b. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Denes, 2nd by Schneider to approve the minutes from the May 5, 2014 Joint Meeting. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. c. Old Business - None d. New Business RESOLUTION NO. 2015-20 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON AND THE TRUSTEES OF WELLINGTON TOWNSHIP DETERMINING THE RATE OF TAXATION TO BE LEVIED UPON THE TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON AND THE TOWNSHIP OF WELLINGTON FOR CEMETERY PURPOSES – There was some discussion about the Township being double taxed and how to remedy the problem. Ms. Navarre and Ms. Grose reported that they had met with the auditor’s office, who suggested they remove the Cemetery line item out of the budget for next year, and distribute the funds through the General Fund. Ms. Denes stated that she felt Finance Director Shaw should have been included in the meeting at the Lorain County Auditor’s office. Ms. Shaw asked if the village wants to fund 2/3 of the cemetery budget, and the township fund 1/3 of the cemetery budget; council and township answered yes. Ms. Shaw explained that if the village and the township take the cemetery line item out of the General Fund budget for next year, it may correct the double taxation problem, however, she was not certain that it would. She further explained that she and Ms. Navarre and Ms. Grose will check further into the problem. Ms. Shaw asked Mr.  Bond if they pass the resolution tonight and find a way to correct the problem later, could they can have another joint meeting to fix the problem; Mr. Bond said yes. Ms. Shaw asked if everyone agreed on the .30 mills; Ms. Navarre said that they have been making that work. Mr. Schneider mentioned that the village had forgiven the cemetery of some debt last year. He also mentioned the possibility of checking into putting a levy on the ballot, in order to try to make this process less complicated. There was some discussion as to whether or not a levy would replace the millage already paid by residents for the cemetery, and whether or not the cemetery would have to become the union cemetery district. Motion by Denes, 2nd by Wells to approve Resolution 2015-20, at a taxation rate of .30 mills from the township to raise approximately $11,881.00, and .30 mills from the village to raise approximately $25,344.00. Ms. Navarre explained that she was told that the village should not send the resolution to the county auditor; Mr. Bond explained that after this is passed, it will go to the county auditor, if someone comes up with a better way, have a new meeting and rescind this resolution. He further explained that if there is not a new way of doing this, at least there is something in place. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Adjourn Joint Village/Township Meeting – Motion by Schneider, 2nd by Wells to adjourn at 8:15 PM. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Schneider to resume the regular council meeting. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. 6. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES § Finance – Mr. Hyde reported that the committee will meet on May 18th prior to council. He mentioned that tomorrow is voting day, and urged everyone to get out and vote for the Fire District levy. He further mentioned that the Fire Board will meet on May 6th at 7:00 PM. § Police – Mr. Wells also encouraged residents to vote for the Fire District Levy tomorrow. He reported that the committee met prior to the council meeting and discussed working with the Fire Dept. on updating to a warning system, from a fire siren, as a means of issuing tornado warnings. Mr. Wells made a motion to accept the resignation of Grace Simpson effective April 2, 2015, 2nd by Denes. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Mr. Wells made a motion to hire Christa Bacsi as a part time dispatcher at a rate of $13.50 per hour, with a six month probationary period, effective after passing a drug screening, 2nd by Denes. Roll call vote was taken with all members voting “yes”. Mr. Wells announced that the committee will meet again on June 1st prior to council. § Public Works – Ms. Dronsfield reported that the committee had met prior to the council meeting and discussed the mowing fees. Motion by Dronsfield to make the mowing fees $100.00 per ¼ acre lot, 2nd by Schneider. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Ms. Dronsfield reminded residents, if their grass reaches more than 8” the village will be issuing citations which carry a $150.00 fine plus court costs. Motion by Dronsfield, 2nd by Wells to purchase a two speed Skag mower from Wellington Implement for $8,925.00. Roll call vote was taken, Wells – yes, Denes – no, Dronsfield – yes, Hyde – yes, Maurer – absent, Schneider – yes. Motion by Dronsfield, 2nd by Wells, to hire Damon Bollin, Gyle Sines, Jamie Bartolovich, Karly Rollin, Nick Roberts and Justus Owen as first year seasonal summer employees at $8.10 per hour, to begin as soon as possible. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Ms. Dronsfield reported that the  spring hydrant flushing would begin before the end of May. She mentioned that the Barker St. construction was ahead of schedule and mentioned that the street should be open on Friday and closed intermittently to complete some finish work. Mr. Pyles reported that Taylor St. was closed from N. Main to the parking lot for underpass construction. He further reported that all of Taylor St. is accessible by taking Clay St. to Hale St. then onto Taylor St., for at least a week, until Barker St. has been finished and open. § Utility – Ms. Denes reported that the committee will meet on May 18th prior to council. § Ordinance – Mr. Schneider reported that the committee had met prior to the council meeting and discussed solar tariffs. He further reported that Mr. Pyles will be working on a draft ordinance to bring back to the committee at the next meeting, June 1st prior to council. Mr. Schneider reported that the Ambulance Board will meet on May 12th at 7:00 PM. He further reported that the Planning Commission will meet on May 27th at 8:30 AM regarding the school traffic design access. 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. Wells suggested leaving the ordinance tabled until they receive a definitive answer from NOPEC. ORDINANCE NO. 2015-16 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION 1st Reading 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 3rd Reading nd Motion by Wells, 2 by Denes to move the third reading. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. ORDINANCE NO. 2015-19 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2015 ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR CERTAIN EXPENSES RELATIVE TO THE VILLAGE RESERVOIR AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE 1st Reading nd Motion by Wells, 2 by Hyde to suspend the rules. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Schneider to approve as read. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. ORDINANCE NO. 2015-21 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PREPARE SPECIFICATIONS, ADVERTISE FOR BIDS, AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST AND BEST BIDDER FOR THE DEMOLITION/SALVAGE OF STRUCTURES LOCATED ON THE PREMISES AT 510 COURTLAND STREET (“TRAIL’S END PROPERTY), 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 present voting “yes”. Motion by Wells, 2nd by Schneider to approve as read. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. ORDINANCE NO. 2015-22 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE COOPERATIVE SALT PURCHASING PROGRAM AND PROVIDING FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE 1st Reading  Motion by Wells, 2nd by Schneider to suspend the rules. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. Motion by Schneider, 2nd by Wells to approve as read. Roll call vote was taken with all members present voting “yes”. 8. OLD BUSINESS Mayor O’Keefe announced that Pride Day is May 16th and is the perfect opportunity to dispose of old junk. She also mentioned, as this is the first week of the month, residents could put large items out to the curb with their regular garbage pickup. Ms. Denes mentioned that there is not an ordinance pertaining to when a resident can put large items out to the curb; Mr. Schneider asked to have the topic added to the Ordinance agenda for the next meeting. Ms. Denes asked whether or not there had been a solution to the Heritage Days celebration that Calvin Woods had brought to council at the last meeting; Mr. Pyles reported that he thought Mr. Woods would be attending tonight’s meeting, and mentioned that he had not received an permit application for the proposed celebration. 9. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Schneider asked Chief Barfield to show the plaque he brought to the meeting; Chief Barfield displayed the plaque and explained that they will be hanging it in the lobby of the Police Station. Mr. Schneider expressed condolences to Mr. Wells for the passing of his brother Larry, who had a long history of public service in Wellington; Mr. Wells said thank you. Mr. Schneider addressed a rumor that he was in favor of a full time mayor. He announced that he is not in favor of a full time mayor and feels that the part time mayor, full time village administrator works very well. Mr. Wells mentioned that it is too late to address the change for another four years, as the election process had already begun. 10. ADJOURN - Motion by Hyde, 2nd by Wells to adjourn at 8:30 PM