WAUSEON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, October 20, 2008 at 5:00 P.M.

This meeting of the Wauseon City Council was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Dehnbostel. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence, roll was called by the Clerk of Council. Present were Councilors Mathews, Chamberlin, Huner, Krumm and Stiriz to constitute a quorum for the transaction of City business. Council President Shaw was absent.

APPROVAL OF PRIOR MEETINGS' MINUTES

Councilor Chamberlin made a motion and seconded by Councilor Mathews to approve the previous meetings’ minutes.
VOTE: 4 Yeas – 1 Abstain (Stiriz) 0 Nays – Motion Carries

Administer Oath of Office

Keith O’Brien, Lieutenant
Mayor Dehnbostel administered the "Oath of Office" to Keith O’Brien, Lieutenant, Wauseon Police Department.
John Roof, Sergeant
Mayor Dehnbostel administered the "Oath of Office" to John Roof, Sergeant, Wauseon Police Department.
Mayor, Council and Department Heads congratulated Lieutenant O’Brien and Sergeant Roof on their promotions.

Committee Reports

Park Board – September 16, 2008
Councilor Huner said the Park Board was updated on the progress of Biddle Park. The Park Board received a request from the Wauseon Wahoo Swim team that they would like to use the swimming pool for their practice. The swim team is a summer swim program and is separate from the Wauseon High School programs. They have used the Wauseon High School for their practice in the past but the pool will not be available because of repairs that will be done in the summer of 2009. The pool is scheduled for cleaning from 8-10 a.m., and then lessons and public swimming until 8 p.m. The board decided to offer two options – 6-8 a.m. in the morning or 8-10 p.m. in the evening.
Motion made by Councilor Chamberlin and seconded by Councilor Stiriz to accept the recommendation of the Park Board to offer the hours 6-8 a.m. or 8-10 p.m. for the Wauseon Wahoo Swim team for swim practice.
5 Yeas – 0 Nays Motion Carries
In regards to the seeding program at Biddle Park, Mayor Dehnbostel said that we did check to see if this work could be done locally but there is no one locally who does this specialized type of work. Dennis Richardson said that the split-seeding has now been completed.
Holiday – October 7, 2008
Councilor Huner said the committee discussed Phase III which is decorating of Reighard Park. The committee was impressed with the recommendations made by Bronner’s for the park. The electric outlets need to be installed on the poles on Shoop Ave. before Toledo Edison can be called in. The Chamber Building will be decorated this year. The committee said they will need to find out what is left in the budget this year to finish out the year. The committee reviewed the budget for 2009.
Safety and Code – October 6, 2008
Councilor Chamberlin said the committee discussed the safety issues for the crosswalks downtown. The committee recommended to purchase four neon crosswalk signs and paint the crosswalks with neon paint.
The committee also discussed putting in a crosswalk at Timber Creek on Shoop Ave. across from the Plaza Shopping Center. There are no sidewalks on the west side of Shoop but sidewalks on the east side. The residents at Timber Creek would have to cross the street to use the sidewalk. With the opening of Biddle Park, the committee wanted to study the best place to put in a crosswalk, which may be across from either Wagner or Bannister street intersections.
The committee discussed bicycle racks downtown. The library has a bike rack which is owned by the library. There is the option to place one behind the Chamber. The committee is still investigating the best place for a bike rack.
The committee also discussed speeding at Homecoming Park. The committee recommended purchasing speed bumps that can be taken out in the winter.
The matter regarding stop signs at Indian Hills Subdivision, the issue was referred to Dennis Richardson to make the appropriate decision as the placement of stop signs at this subdivision.
Motion made by Councilor Mathews and seconded by Councilor Krumm to accept the following recommendations of the Safety and Code Committee:
(1) Paint crosswalks downtown with neon paint and purchase four (4) Neon crosswalk signs at $80 each for the two crosswalks downtown
(2) Purchase four speed bumps to be installed at Homecoming Park
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Motion Carries
Utility – October 16, 2008
Councilor Krumm said the committee met to discuss the Combined Sewer Overflow/Bypass project that the Ohio EPA is mandating that we complete in a certain length of time. We were updated on the progress we have already done and what we need to do. We have two alternatives: (1) to separate (removing the clean water from the system) or (2) convey and treat (assuring that all water can get to the Water Reclamation Plant without causing back ups in the collection system and providing treatment for the entire quantity). It appears that it will be less expensive for us to remove the inflow and infiltration coming into the system then it will be to build an equalization basin that would hold all of the water in a big storm event.
We have been working diligently to make progress on this and continually get more projects added to that because of Ohio EPA mandates. We will be asking for extensions to get this work done.
The inflow and infiltration will require going onto private property and doing inspections as to where this extra storm water is coming from. In order to fund everything we have to do, there is a possibility that we will have to raise the sewer fees at some point.
Personnel – October 16, 2008
Councilor Mathews said that Chief Wheeler told the committee that there have been management changes with Mercy Health Partners and there is no longer a community contact person for the EMS personnel which makes it harder for communication.
The committee also discussed the firefighter and training pay hourly rates. The committee discussed the rates and recommended that they be increased. Chief Wheeler told the committee that the fire department personnel are required to be at events such as parades, festivals and football games and are not paid for that. The Police Auxiliary is paid for such events.
Councilor Mathews said that Chief Wheeler informed the committee that he will be putting in the budget for replacement of turnout gear and NFPA bottles. Since it is a large purchase he will set aside monies for the next few years.
Councilor Huner asked Chief Torbet if the schools pay a portion for the police to be at school events. Chief Torbet said that the schools pay 50% for police auxiliary at school events.
Councilor Stiriz made a motion and seconded by Councilor Krumm to increase firefighter new hire and training hourly rate to $7.02/hour effective with the November 1, 2008 payroll for hours worked beginning October 1, 2008 and increase hourly rate to $8.01/hour beginning January 1, 2009.
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Motion Carries
Tree Commission – October 16, 2008
Councilor Mathews reported that Kathy Corkle reported to the committee that the Tree Data Base will be on hard copy for anyone who wants a copy. She presented a list of the number of the street trees and their species. The overall health of the trees has improved but the emerald ash borer is becoming increasingly evident. The Tree Commission will be scheduling a GPS training program. The commission discussed different Tree Commission programs they would like to plan with the elementary school. The commission received an update on the Four Corners Project by the railroad tracks. The commission discussed the Memorial Tree Program and plans for that.

Department Head Reports

Steve Brown, Regional Planning Director
Mr. Brown reported that Issue II Committee met and is moving forward with the storm water/separation project on N. Franklin St. The City should be receiving the paperwork on that in the next of couple weeks. Mr. Brown said the County and City have benefitted with the Clean Ohio program which has done some of the following: prime farmland preserved, creation of recreational trails, industrial sites cleaned up, etc. The Housing Stimulus bill may be passed onto the County. Loan assistance and housing monies will be coming through. There is discussion going on about another stimulus bill for infrastructure improvements at the local level.
Marv Wheeler, Fire Chief
Chief Wheeler said the department is getting reading for the Feather Party next month. He has finished the budget and it has been submitted. The phones are getting updated and we are doing some changes to our phones in the department which will see some cost savings.
Keith Torbet, Police Chief
Chief Torbet said he recently completed a seminar on Public Records. He is awaiting the outcome of two grants that he has applied for.
Tom Hall, Code Administrator
Mr. Hall reported that we will be starting the sidewalk project by Homecoming Park. He is currently evaluating what sections of sidewalks we are going to do next year. We are working on the plans for the new training building at Rotary Park. We are looking at wind generators for the building.
Mayor Dehnbostel said that you may have already noticed that construction is now going on for the new auto parts store, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, next to Arby’s.
Dennis Richardson, Public Service Director
Mr. Richardson said that Dave Murry, has been selected as the new Public Works Superintendent, after the retirement of Brad Kebschull.
Mr. Richardson said we have received the rest of our allotment for salt from our current contract. We have enough on hand right now. He is currently seeking other suppliers.
Jon Schamp, Director of Finance
Mr. Schamp reminded Council if they have any special projects they would like to be included in the 2009 budget to let him know so that it can be put on the list for consideration.
Councilor Huner asked about the Ohio EPA mandates and budgeting for that. Dennis Richardson explained the project and timeline for that. Since 1994 we had begun on this and budgeted $200,000 every year to eliminate the combined sewer overflows. We have eliminated everything but four overflow points. We have received some grants to pay for some of this. It will be a huge project for the City. We will be asking for an extension. We are better off than a lot of communities and have demonstrated in putting forth the best efforts these past years.
Thomas McWatters, II, Assistant Director of Law
Mr. McWatters explained the legislation presented for first reading which is a resolution for the purchase of property at 118 Depot St. Mr. McWatters said the recommendations of the city’s insurance carrier in regards to liability are being reviewed.

FIRST READING OF LEGISLATION OR EMERGENCY

Mayor Dehnbostel read out loud by title the following legislation presented for first reading or emergency:

Purchase Real Property at 118 Depot Street – Downtown Renovation Project

Resolution 2008-17 – Authorizing the Mayor to Purchase the Real Property Located at 118 Depot Street, to Pay State-Mandated Relocation Expenses, and Declaring an Emergency
Councilor Stiriz asked if this is purchased through grant money. Mayor Dehnbostel said that it is.
Councilor Huner made a motion and seconded by Councilor Krumm to suspend the rules requiring three reading and an emergency be declared.
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Motion Carries
Councilor Mathews made a motion and seconded by Councilor Krumm to place Resolution 2008-17 on final passage whereas an emergency was declared.
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Resolution 2008-17 Passes and is in Effect

SECOND READING OF LEGISLATION

Mayor Dehnbostel read out loud by title the following legislation presented for second reading:
Amendments to the Subdivision Regulations
Ordinance 2008-13 – Amending Title One – Subdivisions Regulations – of the Planning and Zoning Code of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Wauseon
Councilor Mathews made a motion and seconded by Councilor Stiriz to place Ordinance 2008-13 on second reading and that the second reading be passed.
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Second Reading Passes


Shawn Ferguson, Consulting Services
Mr. Ferguson’s proposal has been amended to include Phase 2 services.
Motion made by Councilor Huner and seconded by Councilor Krumm to amend Resolution 2008-16 as presented.
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Motion Carries
Resolution 2008-16- Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with Ferguson Advisory Services, LLC for Economic and Real Estate Development Consulting Services
Councilor Chamberlin was concerned that we are overlooking our relationship with the county slightly. We should proceed cautiously with this and not sever any working relationship with the County’s Economic Development office. He wanted to bring that up for concern. He thinks there is duplication of services that Lisa Arend provides and that this proposed contract will provide the same. He sees Phase 2 as more beneficial and going out and seeking business as more beneficial. He sees Phase 1 as already been accomplished.
Councilor Stiriz said he was concerned that if this is the best time to enter into a contract. He feels you would be better to wait six months.
Mayor Dehnbostel said the first six months is to inventory what we have in Wauseon.
Councilor Mathews made a motion and seconded by Councilor Huner to place Resolution 2008-16 on second reading and that the second reading be passed.
Vote: 3 Yeas – 2 Nays (Chamberlin, Stiriz) Second Reading Passes

THIRD READING OF LEGISLATION

There was no legislation presented for third reading.

NEW BUSINESS

Reallocate to Purchase Properties on Depot St. and Clinton St. and Related Expenses (Downtown Renovation Project)
Motion made by Councilor Krumm and seconded by Councilor Huner to authorize the Director of Finance to reallocate $250,000 from the Capital Income tax accounts entitled Sewer Construction (403.502.52520), Resurfacing (403.612.52500), Municipal Parking lot (403.705.52500) and Unallocated (403.569.52500) to the Capital Income Tax account entitled Real Estate Acquisition (403.499.52510) as follows: Sewer - $70,000; Resurfacing - $80,000, Parking - $50,000, Unallocated - $50,000.
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Motion Carries
Sell Portion of City Owned Property to Lois Gerken (driveway by the bike path off of Third Street)
Motion made by Councilor Chamberlin and seconded by Councilor Stiriz to authorize the Mayor to sell a portion of City owned property (parcel
06-011903.00-.000) to Lois Gerken for the price of $1,000.00 plus survey costs.
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Motion Carries

APPROVAL OF BILLS

Motion made by Councilor Huner and seconded by Councilor Stiriz to approve and pay the bills as presented.
Vote: 5 Yeas - 0 Nays Motion Carries

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Dehnbostel said he would like a motion to enter into Executive Session regarding the Sale or Purchase of Real Estate. Mayor Dehnbostel asked that Council, Tom McWatters, Tom Hall and Jon Schamp attend this session.
Councilor Chamberlin made a motion and seconded by Councilor Mathews to enter into Executive Session regarding the sale or purchase of real estate at 5:55 p.m.
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Motion Carries
Councilor Chamberlin made a motion and seconded by Councilor Stiriz to exit out of Executive Session at 6:29 p.m.
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Motion Carries

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before this session of the Wauseon City Council, Mayor Dehnbostel asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilor Chamberlin made a motion and seconded by Councilor Stiriz to adjourn this meeting at 6:29 p.m.
Vote: 5 Yeas – 0 Nays Motion Carries