WAPAKONETA CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 4, 2016
President Steve Henderson called the meeting to order at 7:30pm on January 4, 2016 at 701 Parlette Court with the following members present: Jim Neumeier, Daniel E. Lee, Bonnie Wurst, Chad Doll, Randy Fisher and Rachel Barber.Also present were Mayor Tom Stinebaughand Law Director Dennis Faller. There were 8 visitors present.Dan Graf was absent.
Received Income Tax Summary Report for Month Ending 12-31-2015.
Motion by Fisher, second by Lee to approve the minutes of the December21, 2015 Council Meeting as submitted. Vote – 6 yeas, 0 nays.
Motion by Fisher, second by Lee to approve the minutes of the December 23, 2015 Special Council Meeting as submitted. Vote – 6 yeas, 0 nays.
Communications -
Clerk McDonald read a letter from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a permit change from H & F Food Mart Inc. 109 Defiance Street, Wapakoneta, Ohio to Bhavik LLC 109 Defiance Street, Wapakoneta, Ohio. Council did not wish to take any action.
Guest Petitions -
Ms.Landa Tomlinson of 22188 Moulton Fort Amanda Road, Spencerville,and representing the Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership, addressed Council regarding a budget continuation for the Façade Improvement Program. Mrs. Wurst advised that the Finance Committee did indeed receive the formal request.
Mr. Steven Kiefer of 2659 Walnut Ridge Drive, Troy, and representing Ohio Creates, addressed Council regarding the group’s search for a host community, endorsements, partners and in-kind donations.
Ms. Barber asked why Ohio Creates is interested in making northwest Ohio its home-base. Mr. Kiefer replied that the group’s interest in the area is based on geography and the surrounding schools and universities. Ms. Barber asked what the history of ceramics is in Auglaize County. Mr. Kiefer replied that there are a few ceramic artists within the county, and a ceramics business in the Spencerville area. Ms. Barber asked if Ohio Creates is a 501 (c) (3). Mr. Kiefer advised that the group is applying now. Ms. Barber asked who is on the board of directors for the group. Mr. Kiefer answered that several people have expressed interest, but no formal meeting has occurred. Ms. Barber asked what other communities Ohio Creates is interested in other than Wapakoneta. Mr. Kiefer answered, Findlay, Bowling Green, Bluffton, and Lima. Mr. Lee asked if the group has looked at any specific buildings. Mr. Kiefer replied, St. Joseph School and the Wapak Machine Shop. Ms. Barber asked what the timetable would be. Mr. Kiefer replied, as soon as possible. Ms. Barber asked if the group has a website. Mr. Kiefer replied that it is in the works but not published yet. Mr. Neumeier asked if the group has met with Greg Myers of WAEDC. Mr. Kiefer replied, yes. Ms. Barber asked if donations would be part of the decision making process. Mr. Kiefer replied, no, and added that the appropriate facility and supporters of the cause are the main focus.
Unfinished Business -
Mr. Neumeier asked for an update on North Street and Water Street. Mayor Stinebaugh advised that this area will open tomorrow.
Mr. Neumeier asked for an update on the City Building’s phone situation. Mayor Stinebaugh replied that he had no update on this.
New Business -
Motion by Barber, second by Wurst to nominate Chad Doll as the Council representative to WAEDC. Vote – 5 yeas, 0 nays, 1 abstain (Doll). Motion passed.
Motion by Doll, second by Barber to reappoint Bonnie Wurst and Randy Fisher to the Volunteer Firefighters Dependents Fund. Vote – 6 yeas, 0 nays. Motion passed.
President Steve Henderson asked Clerk to read Res 2015-50A for the third time re: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT CONCERNING AN AWNING ENCROACHMENT UPON A PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Motion by Doll, second by Wurst to adopt Res 2015-50A. Vote – 6 yeas, 0 nays. Motion passed.
President Steve Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-01 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.
Mrs. Wurst asked how soon the bids must be made. Mr. Faller reminded Council that said ordinance must be read three times and then is not in affect for an additional 30 days after the vote.
President Steve Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-02 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.
Mr. Neumeier noted that there are blanks in the Ordinance, and asked for these numbers to be filled in prior to the next Council meeting.
The Mayor gave the following report:
Nothing further to report at this time.
Mr. Lee advised that the City’s Facebook page needs updated to reflect the new Mayor’s name.
Mr. Neumeier asked the Mayor what will be done regarding the City’s website being recently compromised. Mayor Stinebaugh advised that the City’s IT person has retired, and the position is open to interested applicants. Mr. Neumeier asked for the amount spent on IT to be supplied during the next Finance Committee meeting.
Ms. Barber asked who is updating the City’s Facebook page now. Mr. Neumeier replied that he did not know. Mr. Fisher suggested that the Police Department manage the City’s Facebook page until an IT person is selected.
Ms. Barber asked how the City is soliciting applications for open positions. Mayor Stinebaugh advised that he has only just learned of the all the open positions on committees and otherwise. Mr. Lee suggested the City utilize for any available positions.
The Law Director gave the following report:
Mr. Faller stated that he misspoke during a previous Council meeting, and clarified that the Council President cannot call a Special Council meeting.
SCHEDULING OF MEETINGS:
Finance Committee will meet on January 5th at 5:00pm at City Hall.
Miscellaneous Business -
Ms. Barber noted that there are some holidays in 2016 that land on the first Monday of the month, and that Council needs to consider these possible meeting date changes in advance.
Mr. Doll advised that information for the February newsletter deadline is this week.
Motion by Fisher, second by Doll to adjourn at 8:11pm. Vote – 6 yeas, 0 nays.
PresidentClerk of Council