WAPAKONETA CITY COUNCIL - SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 28, 2016

President Steve Hendersoncalled the special meeting to order at 7:30pm on December28, 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. Law Director Dennis Faller, Service Director Chad Scott and Mayor Tom Stinebaugh were also present. There were 10 visitors present.

Communications -

Clerk McDonald noted that due to the holiday, the next scheduled Council meeting will be January 3, 2017 at 7:30pm at City Hall.

President Henderson asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-45R for the third time re: ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Motion by Doll, second by Neumeier to adopt Ord 2016-45R. Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion passed.

President Pro Tem Wurst asked Clerk to read Ord 2016-47 for the third time re: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA TO SETTLE PENDING LITIGATION AND AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF FUNDS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Motion by Lee, second by Doll to adopt Ord 2016-47. Mr. Graf provided a statement on his feelings on said ordinance, stating that he will not be voting for it. Mr. Lee advised that he will be voting for the ordinance, and stands by his initial statement regarding same. Mr. Fisher also provided a statement regarding the difficulty of such a decision by Council. Mayor Stinebaugh noted that he is willing to provide over 1000 documents on this case to anyone who wishes to see them.

Vote – 5 yeas, 2 nays (Graf, Fisher). Motion passed.

President Hendersonasked Clerk to read Ord 2016-48 for the second time re: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1292.14 (c) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA, OHIO REGARDING MATERIALS FOR FENCES, WALLS AND HEDGES.

President Hendersonasked Clerk to read Res 2016-49 for the second time re: A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE NECESSITY OF LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL TAX ON INCOME AT THE RATE OF ONE-HALF PERCENT IN ADDITION TO THE ONE PERCENT CURRENTLY BEING LEVIED AND COLLECTED AND SUBMITTING SAME TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA, OHIO AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Ms. Linda Kneer of 312 E. Mechanic Street addressed council, stating that she would vote in favor of such a levy if the money would be used on street repair only. Mr. Lee asked if Ms. Kneer would support using the funds for the under structure of the street, to maintain its integrity. Ms. Kneer replied, yes, but she would not support using funds for sewer or utilities. Mr. Lee clarified that, in this scenario, some streets may not get repaired if they are in need of utility updates. Mr. Lee requested that Mary Ruck of the Engineering Department develop a list of streets in need of repair that have viable infrastructure. Ms. Kneer asked if there is a maintenance program that is applied to streets that have already been re-done. Mr. Neumeier stated that this is what some of the additional tax would be used for. Ms. Kneer added that the public is not trusting of local government to fix the streets correctly and maintain them once they are fixed. Ms. Barber and Mr. Neumeier explained that if the voters give it a chance for five years, and see that the City does do what is proposed, this trust will be gained back. Ms. Kneer added that citizens are not getting the information they need, and suggested the City utilize Facebook for communication. Mr. Graf stated that the scheduling of street repair for those streets that need infrastructure would have to wait until money is available for same. Service Director Scott added that EPA regulations must also be considered. Mrs. Wurst pointed out that Res 2016-49 still contains wording regarding underground utilities. Mayor Stinebaugh and Mr. Neumeier also pointed out that other surrounding cities have a higher income tax, therefore more available funding for street repair and maintenance than the City of Wapakoneta.

Motion by Neumeier, second by Lee to amend Res 2016-49 to read, in section two, “…grinding existing asphalt roads and repaving, installation or replacement of curbs and gutters, and any stabilization necessary for the roadway, along with normal maintenance…” and omit the following: “…storm sewers, sanitary sewers, waterlines and other underground utilities…”.

Mr. Tom Fischer of 911 Carnation Drive then approached Council, stating that the legislation must be very clear to get the support of the citizens. Mr. Fischer asked how much money is currently available for street maintenance. Mr. Neumeier answered, very little, and the additional tax would be added to the money that is currently used for maintenance.

Mr. Doug Wills of 1001 Springwood Lane addressed Council, stating he will only support the additional tax if it is for street maintenance, adding that Council must all be on-board for same if they wish to get voter support. Mr. Wills also stated that the City needs to utilize Facebook more often to get information to the public.

Mr. Randy Fisher stated that he feels infrastructure ought to be a part of Res 2016-49, but will vote in favor of the amended language to be united with Council on the matter. Mr. Fisher added that the public should hold Council accountable for the monies spent by attending future public hearings on same.

Mr. Graf suggested that Council receive a monthly print-out of balances and expenses, as was provided in the past. Mrs. Wurst reminded Council that they can only make suggestions to the Auditor, adding that this request for timely information to Council was not granted by the previous auditor, nor by the current auditor. Service Director Scott assured Council that he and Auditor Wells will provide any document they wish. Mrs. Wurst asked for a month-to-date and year-to-date document.

Vote to amend Res 2016-49 – 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion passed.

President Hendersonasked Clerk to read Ord 2016-50 for the second time re: AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR OR DESIGNEE TO SIGN THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE ELECTRIC SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WAPAKONETA AND GOLDEN FRESH FARMS ENTERPRISES L.P.; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Service Director Scott advised that the changes allow for Golden Fresh Farms to purchase power through the City of Wapakoneta, and that any costs that the City incurs for providing said power will be passed back to Golden Fresh Farms. Mr. Neumeier asked if there is still discussion about building a second substation. Mr. Scott advised that this will have to be done, and that the AEP study has been done.

Motion by Doll, second by Leeto adjourn at 8:13pm.Vote – 7 yeas, 0 nays.

PresidentClerk of Council