Minutes
City Council
10/27/1998
PRESENT: Mayor Maxine Gilman; Council Members Bill Ennis; William Gordon; Jack Jensen;
Linda Lotspaih; Donald Mounce and Jeff Sanner; City Manager Tracy Williams; Assistant City
Manager David Watson; Service Director Don Hill; Director of Planning and Economic
Development David Humphreys; Police Chief Don Rice; and Assistant Clerk of Council
Patricia Replogle.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gilman. Clint Davis of Abundant Life Baptist
Church gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call followed.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Mr. Sanner to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of
September 22, 1998. Mr. Gordon seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken, all
members present voted yes with the exception of Mr. Mounce who abstained, and the motion
carried.
Mr. Mounce made a motion, seconded by Mr. Ennis, to approve the minutes of the Joint
Meeting of Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission of September 29, 1998.
A roll call vote was taken: Mr. Sanner-abstained; Mayor Gilman-yes; Mr. Ennis-yes; Mr.
Gordon-abstained; Mr. Jensen-abstained; Mrs. Lotspaih-yes; Mr. Mounce-yes. The motion
carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
RES. 26-98: 1998 NINE AND TEN YEAR OLD WEST CARROLLTON MORAINE
TRAVELING ALL STAR SOFTBALL TEAM
The team and coaches were present at the meeting. Mayor Gilman read the resolution in its
entirety and presented each member with a copy of the resolution. The Mayor told the team
that the City is proud of them and feels it is important to recognize the accomplishments
of our youth.
FLOOD INSURANCE-CHRISTOPHER THOMS, ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST,ODNR
Since Mr. Thoms was not yet present, Mayor Gilman amended the agenda to proceed until he
arrived.
COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE
There were no comments by the audience.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
CONTRIBUTING JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY INCENTIVE BLOCK GRANT
Sheriff Gary Haines was not yet present, so the Mayor amended the agenda to proceed until
he arrived.
CHANGE ORDER - SMITH/WALNUT STREETS PROJECT
Mr. Hill addressed Council. He stated that it has been determined that additional work on
curbs, alleys and approaches needs to be completed before the project can proceed.
Although they are under budget for the project, any change of more than 10% of the cost of
the project needs Council approval.
Mr. Jensen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Ennis, to authorize the change order for the
Smith/Walnut Streets project. All members voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion
carried.
LIQUOR LICENSE - FISHER, LUNDGREN & SLAUGHENHAUPT DBA BW-3
The Mayor noted that this is a technicality due to name changes for state applications.
A motion was made by Mr. Gordon to not object to the liquor license request for Fisher,
Lundgren and Slaughenhaupt dba BW-3, 2082 South Alex Road in West Carrollton. Mr. Mounce
seconded the motion. All members voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion carried.
REPORTS BY OFFICERS
Mr. Williams thanked Five River MetroParks for their contributions to the Marina Drive
Bikeway project. Bids had been taken for this project and the bid was awarded to Mainline
Road and Bridge Construction Co. for $157,996.42. Bids were also taken for the heat pumps
at the Civic Center. The bid was awarded to Advanced Mechanical for $36,850.00.
UNSCHEDULED BUSINESS
COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE
Ray Horn, Primrose Drive, addressed Council. He stated that the Conservancy has cleaned
out and widened the creek at the Primrose Drive bridge but now it is constricted at the
Mayrose Drive bridge. He said that he had talked to the men working there and they said
that the Conservancy would work with the City on this. Mr. Williams said that the
Conservancy is checking on this and would be contacting the City. When asked by Mr.
Mounce, Mr. Williams stated that the final report should be completed in approximately two
to four weeks.
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Ennis congratulated the softball team.
Mrs. Lotspaih congratulated the softball team and reminded everyone that Old Fashioned Day
in the Street will be held on October 31st with food, crafts and displays.
Mr. Mounce announced that the Lions Club Halloween Parade will be at 3:00 p.m. on
Saturday, October 31st in conjunction with Old Fashioned Day. The parade will
begin at Fire Station No. 1 this year. Also, the Community Pancake Breakfast will be held
on Saturday, October 17th from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mr. Mounce commended the
City on the nice job they've done on the large trash pickup. He also congratulated the
softball team on their accomplishments.
Mayor Gilman thanked Ron Ziemkowski on cameras.
The Mayor noted that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The First Lady of Ohio,
Mrs. Voinovich, has asked that everyone place a light in their windows on October 14th
beginning at 5:30 p.m. for 24 hours to honor the survivors and victims of breast cancer.
Mayor Gilman noted that leaf collection will begin on October 19th.
Mayor Gilman noted that there will be a forum on October 19th to discuss the
proposed State Route 892 project.
The Mayor read a Proclamation commending the local businesses and proclaiming October 22,
1998, as Business Appreciation Day in West Carrollton.
Mayor Gilman informed everyone that there will be a Public Hearing on October 27th
in the Council Chambers to discuss the Alexandersville Square Redevelopment Plan.
Informational meetings with the City Staff will also be held in the Commission Meeting
Room on October 19th at 9:00 a.m., October 20th at 3:00 p.m. and
October 21st at 7:00 p.m.
The Mayor announced a brief recess to allow time for the arrival of the scheduled
speakers, Sheriff Haines and Mr. Thoms.
Council reassembled upon the arrival of Sheriff Haines and his presentation to Council.
CONTRIBUTING JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY INCENTIVE BLOCK GRANT
Chief Rice addressed Council. Chief Rice informed Council that his department had received
a letter from the Criminal Justice Department stating the City is eligible for the
Juvenile Accountability Block Grant. He had received a letter from the Board of
Commissioners and the Juvenile Court asking that the City of West Carrollton combine their
grant with other agencies in the County receiving the same grant. He then introduced
Sheriff Haines.
Sheriff Haines spoke to Council about the concerns and needs regarding juvenile crime and
how those concerns and needs may be addressed. He said that there will be a meeting on
October 21st to discuss the consequences if the collaboration of the funds
occurred. Sheriff Haines said that several areas could be affected by the grant monies. He
said that they hoped to accelerate the process between arrests and court appearances,
increase the number of detention beds when the new building was constructed, change youth
sanctions after convictions, improve attendance and reduce drop-out rates in our schools
and expand and upgrade the juvenile work program, to name a few. He emphasized that the
City's agreement to contribute their Block Grant does not commit the City to buy into
anything. Mr. Mounce asked if they have received positive responses from the other
communities. Sheriff Haines responded that they have. Dayton is receiving the largest
grant and they have not received a decision from Dayton yet. Mr. Sanner asked about the
number of beds. Sheriff Haines said that there will be 144 beds and some rehabilitative
facilities are also available.
A motion was made by Mr. Mounce, seconded by Mr. Sanner, to authorize the contribution of
the $6,143.00 Juvenile Accountability Block Grant to a county wide project. A unanimous
roll call vote carried the motion.
RECESS
A motion was made by Mayor Gilman and seconded by Mr. Gordon to recess to a Work Session
to discuss the items on the agenda. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.
Mr. Thoms arrived just as Council was to recess. Mayor Gilman noted that the recess would
be delayed to allow Mr. Thoms to address Council and the members of the audience present.
FLOOD INSURANCE-CHRISTOPHER THOMS, ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST, ODNR
Mr. Williams introduced Christopher Thoms, Environmental Specialist with the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water. Mr. Thoms apologized for being late
due to traffic problems on the way from Columbus. Mr. Thoms noted that flooding is our
nation's largest natural disaster. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a
federal program which began in 1968. National standards were set and flood maps
established for flood plain hazard areas. Each local government must adopt and enforce
flood plain regulations for its residents to be eligible for flood insurance. The Ohio
Department of Natural Resources is like a liaison between the federal government and local
governments. No private flood insurance is available, only through the federal government.
Since West Carrollton participates in the program, its residents are eligible for flood
insurance and rates are determined by the zone each resident is in.
When asked by Mr. Mounce, Mr. Thoms stated that he has looked at the City's maps and the
work being done in the northeast section of the City may affect the flood zone. Mr. Mounce
also asked if it is feasible for the City to do work that would change the flood zones and
lower insurance rates. Mr. Thoms responded that it would depend on the work being done.
Mr. Thom noted that premiums may be reduce using the Community Rating System (CRS). The
City would be required to educate the residents regarding flood risks and the City then
earns points which would reduced insurance premiums. Mr. Thoms said that he would be
willing to assist the City in attempting to use the CRS to reduce premiums. He said that
the process is very involved and requires annual evaluations and 5 year checks. He also
noted that there are 395 flood insurance policies in West Carrollton with 330 of those
policies being in flood plains. Mr. Humphreys noted that there are estimated to be 800
residents in flood zones. Mr. Thoms said that West Carrollton has a good percentage of
residents covered by flood insurance.
Mr. Mounce asked how much of the premiums assessed to West Carrollton residents is based
on the river and levy and how much on storm water flooding. Mr. Thoms said that no
premiums are based on storm water flooding. He said that the source of flooding need not
be identified, only that the area meets the definition of flood plain to be covered. In
response to Mr. Jensen's question, Mr. Thoms stated that the federal government does not
differentiate between rivers or streams as to the source. Mr. Mounce asked if
anything could be done infrastructurally to change the zones and, consequently, the
rates. Mr. Thoms responded that storm water rates can be different but many factors affect
that. Storm water management people can be contacted but that would not affect the 100
year, 500 year and 1000 year flood zones established.
Mr. Jensen expressed interest in seeing the rate tables. Mr. Thoms said that many rates
are set and the City or residents could contact the 800 number for additional information.
He said that West Carrollton has more money available from the NFIP due to being in the
regular insurance program of the NFIP. Mr. Thoms noted that banks may sometimes require
flood insurance even when the federal government may not. Mr. Thoms also noted that the
Increased Cost of Compliance program (ICC) is also available. This is added to flood
insurance and affects structures that change but are not "grandfathered" in and
may require elevation. The ICC policy would help with the cost of the additional insurance
needed. Mr. Thoms suggested that the City find methods of water retention and use the
streams to the City's benefit.
Mayor Gilman questioned that, if the rates are set by the federal government, why they are
not all standard by zone and coverage. Mr. Thom said that if the residents find that their
rates differ, they should shop around other insurance agencies. Mr. Mounce asked if we can
get the rates for this area. Mr. Thoms said they could but the rates change every six
months and residents should call (800-427-4661). Mr. Gordon asked about deductibles. Mr.
Thom said that deductibles vary. Chuck Coughlin, Primrose Drive, commented that his
deductible has increased substantially. Mr. Thoms said that he should contact the 800
number. Mr. Coughlin also noted that he wasn't in a flood zone when he moved in. Mr. Thoms
said that the map in effect at the time the home was built is the one that is valid and
that is what the rates should be based on. He said the ODNR can help him obtain the
original map. Mr. Thoms also noted that those properties "grandfathered" in
would receive lower rates.
Mr. Mounce asked what information residents would need when calling the 800 number. Mr.
Thoms responded that the flood map for their area (which will indicate the flood zone) and
the elevation certificate would be needed. He said that the maps may be obtained from the
City or national agency. The Mayor noted that the agent would need the proper information
to quote the correct rates. Mr. Thoms also noted that the federal government will refund
all but the current year's rate if the policy used has been the wrong one.
Mr. Thoms said that it is a pleasure to work with the City and commended the City for
their efforts in preventing and resolving flood problems. He also offered his office
number (614-265-6750) to the City for any assistance needed for a flood plain management
program.
Mayor Gilman thanked Mr. Thoms for coming to the meeting and expressed appreciation for
all of his information and assistance.
RECESS
Council recessed per the previous motion.
WORK SESSION
In addition to City Council those present for the work session included David Stewart and
M.P. Cherian, consultants from Dodson-Stilson; Don Hill, Service Director; David
Humphreys, Planning and Economic Development Director; David Watson, Assistant City
Manager; and G. Tracy Williams, City Manager. Guests also present were Ray Horn, Chuck
Coughlin and Mr. Coughlin's son, and Wade Brewer.
PRIMROSE CREEK STUDY
The engineers from Dodson-Stilson presented their preliminary report regarding reducing
the risk of flooding along the Primrose Tributary and also the area of Owl Creek.
Following the discussion with the City Council and others present in the room on this
matter, the consultants left the meeting. Also, Don Hill, Mr. Horn, Mr. Coughlin and his
son, and Mr. Brewer left the meeting. Council continued their discussion on this matter
and tentatively agreed that the City should target having the Primrose Drive bridge
removed by March 1, 1999, in order to ensure that it is not a constriction in the stream
during heavy spring rains.
Council reconvened into the regular session.
Having no further business a motion was made by Councilmember Ennis to adjourn.
Councilmember Sanner seconded the motion. All those present voting in favor, the motion
carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
______________________________ ______________________________
MAYOR CLERK OF COUNCIL