WAPAKONETA CITY COUNCIL JUNE 20, 2016
President Steve Hendersoncalled the meeting to order at 7:30pm on June 20, 2016 at 701 Parlette Court with the following members present: Jim Neumeier, Daniel E. Lee, Bonnie Wurst, Chad Doll, Randy Fisher, Rachel Barber and Dan Graf. Also present were Mayor Tom Stinebaugh,Law Director Dennis Faller and Safety Service Director Chad Scott. There were 3 visitors present.
Motion by Fisher, second by Lee to approve the minutes of the June 6, 2016 Council Meeting as submitted. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays.
Motion by Fisher, second by Lee to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2016 Special Meeting as submitted. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays.
Lands & Buildings Committee – a meeting was held on 06-08-2016 and the following was discussed:
The group first discussed the proposed lease arrangement for 404 West Auglaize Street. Scott had provided a copy of the previous lease between the City and William Rains, while Graf had gone to lease.com for a sample (which all found very helpful). The City will be asking slightly more for the east half of the property, since it includes the garage,
The committee members emphasized the need for the City to cover its costs (for example, property taxes and insurance). Scott will check with the county auditor about the value of this unimproved and unimprove-able lot.
The group also estimated that leasing the property would save the City at least $1250 annually in mowing expenses (25 times per year @ $50).
Scott will develop a proposed lease agreement.
Scott then brought information to the committee about 3 East Harrison. The owner, a recent widow, is interesting in selling it to us. She would like at least $50,000 for the property. We paid $16,000 when 5 East was sold at auction. At this time, a meeting of the minds on a selling price is unlikely.
Scott then brought the following to the committee. The City owns a 50 x 50 foot lot on North Water Street, between Lima and North streets. It has a 25' setback and is appraised at $9500. The City has been approached by a citizen who owns property south of this lot, about purchasing it. He would need a variance to build upon this lot, but has already approached the Board of Zoning Appeals in a hypothetical manner.
Meanwhile, the person who held a life estate in 112 North Water street has died. Ultimately, the City's goal would be to remove the house and construct a large concrete pad with apron with which the sewer jet might access the lift station.
The committee briefly discussed funding sources for building demolition, both for 3 East Harrison and 112 North Water, including CDBG and Enterprise Funds. Scott thought that the City might pursue funds from the lodging tax, as one of the goals is community beautification. Barber felt that no decision should be made about the vacant lot on Water Street at this time, until the 112 property issue is resolved. At this point, the committee is not prepared to make a recommendation about this property.
The committee then discussed fine-tuning the municipal language about residential fencing, for example, specifically prohibiting what is commonly termed rabbit fence or dog fence, and also prohibiting chain link fencing in the front of properties. The committee will continue to study the issue, to develop the most appropriate and accurate language.
Having no further business, Doll made a motion, seconded by Graf, to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
Communications -
Clerk McDonald gave a reminder that due to the Fourth of July holiday, the next scheduled Council meeting will be Tuesday, July 5th at 7:30pm at City Hall.
Mr. Graf noted that he will be unable to attend the July 5th Council meeting.
Ms. Barber invited Council to the 2016 NW Ohio Summer Conclave for the Tree Commission Academy.
New Business -
Mr. Lee advised that the Lodging Tax Committee wishes to expand from 3 to 5 members. Mr. Lee added that said committee anticipates a larger amount of funds than previously expected, therefore additional members would be helpful.
Ms. Barber asked how much money is anticipated by the committee. Mr. Lee answered that at the present time, the committee has $30,000 in funds, but expects to have $100,000. Mr. Lee added that the committee is developing an instrument to aid in determining which projects get funding.
Ms. Barber asked how many people expressed interest in joining the committee the first time, and how the committee will recruit the additional members. Mr. Lee and Mayor Stinebaugh answered that 3 people originally applied, and that additional members will be sought via Facebook, the Wapakoneta Daily News or other available methods.
Mr. Lee then asked Law Director Faller what action needed to be taken to expand the Lodging Tax Committee from 3 to 5 members. Mr. Fisher asked how the committee members will be confirmed. Mr. Doll then briefly reviewed Chapter 896 of the codified ordinances, noted as ‘Exhibit A’ for Ordinance 2015-51. Mr. Faller then answered Mr. Lee’s question, stating that in order to expand the committee, amended legislation would be required. Mr. Faller also directed Clerk McDonald to obtain ‘Exhibit A’ and attach it to Ord 2015-51 in the official record books.
Motion by Lee, second by Fisher to nominate Marlene Graf to the Lodging Tax Committee. Vote – 5 yeas, 1 nay (Neumeier), 1 abstain (Graf). Motion passed.
Mr. Fisher added that members of said committee ought to be disinterested regarding any specific Wapakoneta partnership or organization.
Motion by Lee, second by Wurst to have legislation prepared to amend Chapter 896 of the codified ordinances to expand the Lodging Tax Committee to 5 individuals, to include one member of City Council to be appointed by Council, one member of administration to be appointed by the Mayor, and three members to be appointed by said previous members as well as approved by Council, and all of which must be citizens of Wapakoneta. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion passed.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-16 for the second time re: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND SAFETY TO SET SPECIFICATIONS, ADVERTISE FOR BIDS, AND EXECUTE A MICRO-SURFACING PROGRAM FOR THE VARIOUS STREETS WITHIN THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Res 2016-17R for the second time re: A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE NECESSITY OF CONSTRUCTING AND/OR REPAIRING CERTAIN SIDEWALKS IN THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA, COUNTY OF AUGLAIZE, STATE OF OHIO, REQUIRING THAT ABUTTING PROPERTY OWNERS CONSTRUCT AND/OR REPAIR THE SAME.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-18 for the second time re: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND SAFETY TO SET SPECIFICATIONS, ADVERTISE FOR BIDS, AND EXECUTE A RECLAMITE PROGRAM FOR VARIOUS STREETS WITHIN THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-19 for the second time re: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA, THROUGH IT’S DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND SAFETY, TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO A LEASE WITH ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNERS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 404 WEST AUGLAIZE STREET.
The Mayor gave the following report:
June 6, 2016Attended Council Meeting
June 7, 2016Attended Tree Commission Meeting
June 9, 2016Gave the State of the City Address
June 14, 2016Met with Dale Gottfried from the Ohio Plan to go over the cities Insurance Coverage
June 15, 2016Attended meeting with Vaugn Electric, Greg Elam and GFF concerning supplying power to Phase I and Phase II
June 16, 2016Attended Mayor's Conference in Columbus
June 17, 2016Attended Mayor's Conference in Columbus
The street department has reinstalled missing or damaged signage on West Auglaize Street and North Dixie Highway. Reviewed proposed new option agreements with Greg Myers of WAEDC for the job-ready sites. Mr. Neumeier asked Mayor Stinebaugh to research where this money will be coming from.
Ms. Barber asked for an update on the tree lawns of East Auglaize Street. Mayor Stinebaugh answered that the 600 block has been reseeded as a trial.
Ms. Barber asked for an update on the air-knife and mulching work recommended for the trees on West Auglaize Street. Mayor Stinebaugh agreed to look into this.
Ms. Barber asked for an update on the tree plantings for properties along the Auglaize River this fall. Mayor Stinebaugh advised that it is on track. Mr. Doll asked if the project has went out for bid yet. Mayor Stinebaugh replied, no.
Ms. Barber asked about the status of moving snow route signs to light poles. Mayor Stinebaugh answered that all City Departments are very busy, but this will be completed once time is available.
Ms. Barber asked when the Riverscape Project public hearing will be held. Mayor Stinebaugh advised that he has not received any further information.
Mr. Neumeier asked, regarding the job-ready sites, if purchase price was agreed upon in negotiations. Mayor Stinebaugh replied no, as the price was already set. Mr. Neumeier asked if the negotiations are still ongoing, and if Greg Myers was handling same. Mayor Stinebaugh answered, yes.
Mr. Lee asked if the property owners along the river have been communicated with regarding reseeding grass and planting new trees. Service Director Scott advised that said area has already been reseeded, and warned that any new tree plantings need to be located away from storm sewers and septic systems to avoid root problems. Mrs. Wurst and Ms. Barber noted that tree species for said area were selected with this concern in mind.
Mr. Graf commended work crews that completed stump removal on Mechanic Street, and noted that CSX will be returning soon to repair crossings.
The Service Director gave the following report:
Effective May 31st, Levi Cecil is the new electric superintendent. Effective August 1st, new closing hour for the City Administration office will be 4pm.
SCHEDULING OF MEETINGS:
Lodging Tax / Tourism Committee will meet on July 18th at 6:15pm at City Hall.
Miscellaneous Business –
Motion by Doll, second by Fisher to enter into executive session at 8:20pm for the purpose of conference with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action and inviting Law Director Faller.
Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays.
Motion by Fisher, second by Doll to come out of executive session at 9:40pm. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays.
Motion by Fisher, second by Wurst to adjourn at 9:41pm. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays.
PresidentClerk of Council