WAPAKONETA CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5, 2014
President Steve Henderson called the meeting to order at 7:30pm on January 5, 2014 at 701 Parlette Court with the following members present: Jim Neumeier, Dan Lee, Bonnie Wurst, Chad Doll, Randy Fisher, Rachel Barber and Dan Graf. Also present were Mayor Rodney Metz and Law Director Dennis Faller. There were 7 visitors present. Service Director Bill Rains was absent.
Received Income Tax Summary Report for Month Ending 12-31-2014.
Mr. Fisher asked that the following correction be made to the December 15, 2014 Council Meeting minutes: under New Business, minutes should read “…result of what happens with a 1% income tax, and recommended that Council be thinking ahead about increasing to 1.5% income tax.”
Motion by Fisher, second by Doll to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2014 Council Meeting as corrected. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays.
Motion by Fisher, second by Wurst to approve the minutes of the December 22, 2014 Special Meeting as submitted. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays.
Streets & Alleys Committee – a meeting was held on 12-04-2014 and the following was discussed:
1.Approved minutes of October 29, 2014 Neumeier/Fisher passed 3-0
2.The committee discussed a number of possible projects for 2015. Including
•Gibb Street curbing
•Grind and overlay for Cherry and Rauthland
•W. Pearl Street grind and overlay with some curb repair
The committee will make final recommendations for these projects after cost estimates are developed and annual budget is finalized.
The committee was informed on status of the following:
•Safe Routes to Schools Phase 3 will be finished in the spring. The alleyway between Park and Willipie will be finished with resurfacing in the spring. Delays in these projects were weather related.
•The W. Auglaize Street reconstruction project will start in March.
•Buchanan Street complete reconstruction will probably be funded in 2016 with Issue 1 money.
Ms. Barber asked what other streets have been reconstructed with Issue 1 monies. Mr. Graf replied that he would obtain this information for Ms. Barber.
Mr. Neumeier asked if Mr. Graf received an estimate on Pearl Street. Mr. Graf replied, no.
Guest Petitions -
Brad DuBois of 907 Sunrise Dr. expressed his concern regarding the request to rezone the Auglaize Lumber property. Mr. DuBois stated that he does not want dangerous chemicals in his neighborhood, and cited the complaints about chemical spills already made by Pine Street residents.
Mayor Metz advised that the Planning Commission received a request to change the zoning of said property from B-2 to M-2. Mayor Metz suggested that this matter be put to committee for review before any action is taken. Mr. Henderson assigned this matter to the Lands and Buildings Committee for their review.
Joan Morris of 215 Wagner St. also expressed her concern regarding the rezoning request of the Auglaize Lumber property. Ms. Morris stated that she does not want chemicals in the area around her property, and cited the complaints about chemical spills in the area of the AIP business.
Mr. Graf asked if a report was made available by the Planning Commission. President Henderson replied, no.
Ted Kuhns of 412 Perry St. also expressed his concern regarding the rezoning request of the Auglaize Lumber property. Mr. Kuhns stated that the owner of the property will not answer questions because he is currently in litigation. Mr. Kuhns stated he does not want chemicals in the area around his property.
Unfinished Business -
Ms. Barber agreed to address the Resolution of Support request from the Eastern Shawnee Tribe in the upcoming Lands and Buildings Committee meeting.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2014-41 for the third time re: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT AND TO COMPLETE THE CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 404 WEST AUGLAIZE STREET AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Motion by Fisher, second by Lee to adopt Ord 2014-41. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion passed.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2014-42 for the third time re: AN ORDINANCE ENACTING CHAPTER 1232 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR POST CONSTRUCTION STORM WATER RUNOFF CONTROL.
Motion by Fisher, second by Wurst to adopt Ord 2014-42. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion passed.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2015-01 for the first time re: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SERVICE TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO CONTRACTS FOR CERTAIN MATERIALS, SERVICES, AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL REQUIRED FOR THE OPERATION OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2015-02 for the first time re: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SERVICE TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DUCHOUQUET TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES FOR FURNISHING OF FIRE PROTECTION AND AMBULANCE SERVICE.
The Mayor gave the following report:
- Participated in one Department Head meeting.
- Attended Sister Cities Christmas party.
- Met with Troy Anderson to discuss health concerns within the city, as well as health issues with business.
- Attended Retail Development Committee monthly meeting.
- Called two special council meetings to pass ordinances for temporary appropriations. I cancelled the second meeting as there was no need as the ordinances passed.
- Attended Dave Reichelderfer retirement party.
Ms. Barber asked why Council was not given more details regarding the City’s application to the Moving Ohio Forward grant program involving river improvements. Mayor Metz advised that the application is just in the preliminary stages. Ms. Barber asked for the amount of money the City requested in the grant. Mayor Metz replied, approximately $200,000. Ms. Barber asked where the money will come from. Mayor Metz replied, the state. Ms. Barber asked what match is required in the grant. Mayor Metz replied that more than likely it will be 80 / 20, but that the state often changes the program details. Mayor Metz reiterated that the process is only preliminary, and once more information is obtained he will pass it along to Council and they can decide how to proceed. Ms. Barber stated that she feels the Parks and Rivers Committee should have been informed, and better communication is still needed regarding details such as this. Mrs. Wurst stated that applying for grants is an administrative duty and accepting the grant is a legislative duty. Ms. Barber expressed that she feels coordination and collaboration is needed prior to Council having to make a decision.
Mr. Neumeier asked for information regarding the aggregate gas program, and stated that some citizens have received a letter advising that the gas supplier has changed with citizens automatically enrolled. Mayor Metz replied that everyone within the City that is in the program will be transferred. Mr. Graf and Mr. Neumeier stated that the letter also reads that those not in the program must take action to opt out. Mayor Metz replied that this was not his understanding of the terms. Mr. Neumeier stated that he would like to know more information to be able to answer citizens’ questions. Mayor Metz replied that he also did not know the letter was being distributed, as AMP did not communicate this. Mr. Graf suggested that citizens be wise consumers and utilize the ‘Apples to Apples’ website to find the best rates. Mayor Metz suggested that citizens contact the Utility office for assistance.
Mr. Neumeier asked if rising river levels have affected the drilling under Hamilton Street. Mayor Metz replied, yes, and that work will continue once the water level recedes.
SCHEDULING OF MEETINGS:
Finance Committee will meet on January 8th at 7:00pm at City Hall.
Lands & Buildings Committee will meet January 14th at 7:00pm at City Hall.
Parks & Rivers Committee will meet on January 15th at 4:30pm at City Hall.
Motion by Fisher, second by Doll to adjourn at 8:05pm. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays.
PresidentClerk of Council