WAPAKONETA CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 19, 2016
President Steve Henderson called the meeting to order at 7:30pm on September 19, 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 5 visitors present.
Motion by Fisher, second by Lee to approve the minutes of the September 6, 2016 Council Meeting as submitted. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion passed.
Tourism Commission – a meeting was held on 09-19-2016 just prior to the Council Meeting. Mr. Lee summarized said meeting, stating that the commission has decided to entertain all applications with no monetary limits or time frames. Applications are available at the City Building and online.
Mr. Graf asked how the commission will advertise and inform the public about applications. Mr. Lee advised, the City’s website, Facebook and the Wapakoneta Daily News.
Ms. Barber asked if the applicant must provide a match. Mr. Lee answered that a match is not required, but is inquired about on the application.
Ms. Barber asked if an organization must be a 501 (c) 3 to apply. Mr. Lee replied that this is not a requirement. Mr. Lee added that the commission will review all applications, and then submit their findings to Council for its approval.
Ms. Barber asked what the recourse will be if a completed project does not satisfy the agreed upon parameters of the funding, and asked if funded organizations will be required to acknowledge that they received said monies. Mr. Lee stated that the commission has not yet arrived to the point of knowing these answers. President Henderson noted that the Tourism Commission is in its infancy and asked that Council permit them some time to sort out the details. Mr. Fisher added that the commission ought to seek out the help of Donna Grube of the Convention Visitors Bureau.
Finance Committee – a meeting was held on 09-12-2016 and the following was discussed:
Items for discussion:
1. Auditor Wells presented monthly year-to-date reports for May, June and July. Any negative balances will change toward positive as revenues come in.
Wells informed the Committee that the revenue for the year is at 68% which is good.
Wells gave the Committee revenue and expense documents and pointed out some concerns.
204 - RLF Community Block Grant Fund will be the money for Gibbs Street.
205 – Recreation Fund reflects the need for the last payments for the BOP soccer field.
207 – Swimming Pool Fund - although the waterpark had a profitable season, they will need to be careful about expenses next year as there will not be much carry-over as there are still outstanding expenses for this year. There may need to be more in that budget for 2017.
301 – Street Improvement – The state did pay about $200,000 more than first reported, so the fund shows some revenue. The city will have to pay for the industrial loop project first and will then be reimbursed by the state. This fund will show as a deficit until the project is completed. About $700,000 was budgeted in the fund for 2016, but all of the projected revenue that has not been received. Therefore, the fund is not able to pay for more construction at this time. In 2017, only the Buchanan Street project is projected to be funded and that by using some funds from water, sewer, electric, and the general funds.
653 – Recycling Fund – revenue is down and little is still available for 2016. In 2017, there will be a need for a new truck.
2. DSS Scott reported that there has been little response from the downtown building owners about the possibility of applying for a grant for building renovations. He will meet with the downtown group about this again.
3. DDS Scott presented a report of WAEDC funding for several years. This has been $70,000-80,000 per year. A contract is in place for 2017 to pay WAEDC $50,000 per year, to reimburse quarterly expenses for advertising the JRS, and 20% of RLF loan repayments. In 2015 and 2016 Council paid WAEDC $18,000 more. WAEDC asks that the city make a commitment for future funding as WAEDC wants to ask the County to use some of the ED funds the County receives. The Committee understood the need to decide soon, but did not make a decision at this meeting.
Service Director Scott advised that the WAEDC number was not obtained. Mr. Scott added that the rec fund owes $12,500 to the electric fund for next year. Mr. Scott also stated that since the Finance Committee meeting, there has been significant interest in the downtown building renovations grant.
Mr. Neumeier pointed out that the number for municipal income tax does not match the number on the income tax report, and asked Mrs. Wurst to discuss this with Auditor Wells.
Mr. Graf asked if Auditor Wells is comfortable moving ahead with the Buchanan Street project. Mrs. Wurst answered that Auditor Wells believes there will be money to cover it next year, and some will have to come out of expansion funds. Mr. Scott added that the City did not have to reapply for said monies after all, rather, an extension had to be asked for.
Mr. Graf asked, regarding the swimming pool funds, if anyone had ever discovered a better return on investment for these monies. Mrs. Wurst advised that Auditor Wells has not dealt with this. Service Director Scott advised that the money is currently at First National Bank at .6%. President Henderson noted that the previous auditor did not move the money as directed by Council. Mr. Graf then stated that there are other options to invest the money than cds. Mrs. Wurst agreed to discuss the matter with Auditor Wells.
New Business –
Motion by Fisher, second by Lee to approve a street closure request for Seltzer Street between East Mechanic and East Pearl Streets on October 9th from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm for the purpose of a SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant loss awareness event. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion passed.
Motion by Wurst, second by Doll to have a resolution prepared to allow the Mayor to execute an agreement on behalf of the City of Wapakoneta to allow for the encroachment at 9 Wood Street, Wapakoneta, as shown in the documentation provided within Council packets. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion passed.
Ms. Barber asked if the City did indeed waive the post – audit conference with the State’s Auditor office. Mr. Doll stated that he felt it was up to Auditor Wells. Service Director Scott stated same. Mr. Neumeier asked what will be done regarding the additional costs for investigating within said audit. Mr. Neumeier asked if there was any recourse that could be had. Ms. Barber stated that $281,000 in electrical bill reductions were lost by the City due to decisions made by the previous administration. Service Director Scott added that the rate has been corrected. Mr. Graf suggested a repayment schedule. Mr. Neumeier asked if there were any illegal or inappropriate findings regarding the matter. Mr. Scott replied that it was a misunderstanding of a legal document. Mayor Stinebaugh and Mr. Fisher added that the previous Service Director had the authority of Council to set the rates. Mr. Scott provided all related documents on the matter to the State Auditor’s office, and stated that he will inquire again with the State Auditing team about the issue.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-28 for the second time re: AN ORDINANCE RE-ESTABLISHING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7 NORTH WATER STREET, WAPAKONETA, AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO.
Law Director Faller stated that it is up to Council to approve the rezoning or not, and the public hearing provided Council with several factors to consider. Mr. Doll then read the permitted uses for B-2 zoning. Mrs. Wurst advised Council to read the entire section of rules for B-2 zoning code, and reminded Council that there must be a ¾ vote to override the Planning Commission’s recommendation.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-29 for the second time re: AN ORDINANCE RE-ESTABLISHING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF ASHLAND AVENUE, WAPAKONETA, AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-32 for the first time re: AN ORDINANCE ENACTED BY THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA OF AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY, IN THE MATTER OF THE STATED DESCRIBED PROJECT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Neumeier asked for clarification on Section 3 of said ordinance. Service Director Scott advised that this is just for inspecting, and the City would be responsible if repairs were needed.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-33 for the first time re: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO ENERGY PURCHASE POWER SUPPLY SCHEDULE WITH AMP
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-34 for the first time re: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF SERVICE AND SAFETY TO SELL ONE 1998 FORD SEWER JET AND VACUUM TRUCK AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Neumeier asked why the ordinance is an emergency. Service Director Scott answered that said truck is sitting unused and a company has been inquiring about purchasing it from the City. Mr. Scott added that a bidding process will still have to happen.
President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-35 for the first time re: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF SERVICE AND SAFETY TO SELL UNNEEDED ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS THRU GOVDEALS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Mayor gave the following report:
Sept. 5, 2016 Attended Council Meeting
Sept. 5, 2016 Participated in Tree Commission Meeting
Sept. 9, 2016 Shot new video for Mayor's Welcome on City's Website
Sept. 12, 2016 Attended Finance Meeting
Sept. 13, 2016 Participated in DWP Facade Grant Meeting
Sept. 14, 2016 Met with Verne Peake and Tim Keiber concerning Midwest Composite Building.
Sept. 15, 2016 Attended and spoke at Lima Memorial Foundation Fundraiser at the Museum
Ms. Barber asked if Forester Stephanie Miller’s report was available yet. Mayor Stinebaugh replied, no.
Ms. Barber asked when the West Auglaize Street trees will be planted. Mayor Stinebaugh advised that Mary Ruck is working on this.
Mr. Graf commended the City on the work completed with E. Auglaize Street tree lawns, and thanked administration for supplying Council with the City Recreation Board minutes.
Mr. Graf asked for a final report on the swimming pool numbers. Service Director Scott stated he will obtain the numbers for the next meeting.
Ms. Barber asked Mayor Stinebaugh to supply the list of current vacancies on committees. President Henderson asked the Mayor to email this list to Council.
Ms. Barber added that citizens are questioning the expansion of the Clark Station on Pearl Street. Mayor Stinebaugh stated that the firewall is most likely due to code. Ms. Barber asked if a drive-thru is going in on the Willipie Street side. Mrs. Wurst advised to put this question to the Engineering Department.
The Service Director gave the following report:
AMP contract is $4.00 less than what we are paying now.
Log cabin on Short Road will soon be ready to be rented out.
Signatures are needed on the exit audit. President Henderson asked Mr. Scott to inquire with the State Auditor’s office, and Ms. Barber asked for a conference.
CRP acres situation is still ongoing. Wapak FFA did not respond.
Lowest bid for gas aggregation is $4.45 for 12 months, which is quite high compared to the variable rate.
SCHEDULING OF MEETINGS:
Tourism Commission will meet on October 17th at 6:15pm at City Hall.
Health & Safety Committee will meet on October 4th at 4:00pm at City Hall.
Lands & Buildings Committee will meet on September 21st at 7:00pm at City Hall.
Communications & Rules Committee will meet on September 26th at 3:30pm at City Hall.
Motion by Fisher, second by Doll to adjourn at 8:44pm. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays.
President Clerk of Council