Minutes
PRESENT: Mayor Maxine Gilman; Council Members William Gordon; Jack Jensen; Linda Lotspaih; Donald Mounce; Jeff Sanner and Bill Ennis; City Manager Tracy Williams; Assistant City Manager David Watson; Law Director Patrick Carney; Service Director Don Hill; Chief of Police Don Rice; Director of Planning and Economic Development David Humphreys; and Assistant Clerk of Council Patricia Replogle.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gilman. Pastor Richard Gilbertson of Grace Lutheran Church gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call followed.
It was noted by Mayor Gilman that Mr. Sanner was excused and would be late. Mr. Sanner arrived at 7:53 p.m. during the presentation by Dodson-Stilson.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Mr. Gordon to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of December 22, 1998. Mr. Mounce seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken; all members present voted yes and the motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
DODSON-STILSON REPORT ON PRIMROSE TRIBUTARY/OWL CREEK STUDY
Mr. Williams introduced David Stewart and Dr. Cherian from the engineering firm of Dodson-Stilson in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Stewart presented slides of existing conditions and possible solutions regarding the flooding in the Primrose Drive area. Mr. Stewart noted that they had reviewed past studies and looked at smaller portions of the project that would be useful now and in the future. Solutions to the problem included the removal of the Primrose Drive and Private Drive bridges and replacement of the bridges at higher levels, replacing the pipe at the cul-de-sac and channel widening. The Dodson-Stilson firm's immediate recommendation was to have a detailed survey to locate low spots, etc. every 50 feet. The estimated cost of this project would be $25,000. Their short term recommendation is to remove and replace the Primrose Drive bridge and abutments and consider channel improvements. The estimated cost is $440,000. Their long term recommendation is to also replace the Private Drive bridge at the King Richard culvert and consider channel improvements upstream. The estimated cost would be $525,000. Regarding the Owl Creek area, Mr. Stewart said that the backwater from the
railroad bridge is the primary problem. There is insufficient channel capacity and channel grade in that area. Mr. Jensen asked if the backwater extends to Elm Street with Mr. Stewart responding that it does. Mr. Jensen also asked if the 50 year storm at Primrose Drive is different at Primrose than at the Great Miami River. Dr. Cherian noted that it is, due to different travel times. Mr. Gordon asked what the inches for years of storm are. Dr. Cherian noted that 1.2" is a 2 year storm, 2.5" is a 10 year storm and 3.5" is a 50 year storm. Mr. Sanner asked if they had reviewed the Conservancy District study. Dr. Cherian said that study would not make a significant difference. Mr. Mounce asked about retention basins. Dr. Cherian responded that retention basins are discouraged for environmental reasons. Mr. Mounce noted that the Ordinance requires new businesses to put in retention basins. Dr. Cherian said that the basins are much smaller and do not have the environmental effects that the larger basins have. Mr. Mounce also asked about the construction of the railroad bridge. Mr. Hill said that it is made of concrete block.
Mayor Gilman thanked Mr. Stewart and Dr. Cherian for their presentation.
COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE PRIMROSE DRIVE PROJECT
NOISE AT FRASER PAPER
Donna Barton of 133 W. Lowery addressed Council. She expressed concern that by working on the Primrose Drive area there will be more problems from the Elm Street area down to the river. Mr. Stewart responded that there would be no significant impact to that area.
Angela Kershner of 1060 Primrose Drive addressed Council. She asked when the Primrose Drive bridge will be removed. Mr. Hill said that the work will begin the first week of March. He said that they will keep residents informed each step of the way. She also asked if the work to improve the flooding will affect the drainage. Mr. Hill said that it will not affect the drainage and suggested that she get a plug for the basement drain. Mrs. Kershner also asked how long they have to remove fences, trees, etc. Mr. Hill said that they probably have until May but we will know more in February. He noted that we will keep the residents informed.
Donna Barton of 133 W. Lowery addressed Council with concerns about the noise from Fraser Paper. She said the noise has not been any better and may even be worse despite the letters and calls Mr. Williams has made to the Mill on their behalf. She said that the Mill has told them that the project is almost complete but the noise won't get any better even when it's over. Mr. Mounce asked if they know what is causing the noise. Paul Barton said that it appears to be a new unit on the outside. He feels it needs to be insulated more but he has been told that it has already been insulated. Mr. Williams said that he has sent letters and called and was told that the Mill would check and get back to him but he has not heard from them yet. Mayor Gilman noted that some machinery is mandated by the EPA. Mr. Barton asked if the decibels can be measured. Mr. Mounce said that they can.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 3110: SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR SIDEWALK/CURB REPAIRS
Ordinance No. 3110 (second reading): An ordinance levying special assessments for the repair of certain described sidewalks and curbs in the City of West Carrollton, Ohio.
A motion was made by Mr. Mounce, seconded by Mr. Sanner, to approve Ordinance No. 3110. All members voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 1-99: SHERRY CROSSMAN
Resolution No. 1-99: A resolution acknowledging the appreciation of the citizens and public officials of the City of West Carrollton for services rendered unto said City by Sherry Crossman.
Mr. Sanner introduced and made a motion to approve Resolution No. 1-99, seconded by Mr. Mounce. A roll call vote was taken, all members voted yes and the motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 2-99: GARAGE SALE SATURDAYS
Resolution No. 2-99: A resolution designating May 8, 1999 and September 11, 1999, as "Garage Sale Saturdays" in West Carrollton.
Mr. Gordon introduced and made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2-99, seconded by Mr. Ennis. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.
ORDINANCE NO. 3122: BARKING OR HOWLING DOGS
Ordinance No. 3122: An ordinance amending Section 90.07 of the Code of ordinance of West Carrollton pertaining to barking or howling dogs.
Mayor Gilman noted that there has been a lot of discussion on this subject. Mr. Jensen asked if the last sentence of paragraph C applies to owners. Mr. Carney said that it does. Wade Brewer asked if it applies to dogs barking during the day when the owner may not be home. Mr. Carney said that the owner must control his dog in compliance with the Ordinance. A gentleman in the audience spoke up. He said that he is the owner of a property on Eda Drive and has been there for about 4 months. He said that he has received complaints about a small cocker spaniel. He feels that we are going against nature to try to suppress these animals. Mr. Carney noted that at least two people must complain in order to be charged. Mr. Carney also noted that the City has had an Ordinance similar to this for 31 years. Mr. Mounce said that he is an animal lover and understands what the gentleman is saying. However, he said he was always taught by his father that his rights end when they infringe on another person's rights.
Mayor Gilman thanked the audience for their comments.
This is the First Reading of Ordinance No. 3122.
ANNUAL CONTRACT WITH MONTGOMERY COUNTY MICROFILMING CENTER
Mayor Gilman noted that this is a routine matter. Mr. Carney noted that he had reviewed the contract and the terms are the same although he is not sure if the rate is the same.
Mr. Jensen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lotspaih, to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Montgomery County Microfilming Center for microfilming services for 1999. A roll call vote was taken, all members voted yes and the motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 3123: POLICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL CLASSIFICATIONS, RATES OF PAY AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Ordinance No. 3123: An ordinance providing for personnel classifications, rates of pay and working conditions for police officers and dispatchers for the City of West Carrollton, Ohio, authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Labor Council, Inc., representing said employees, and repealing Ordinance No. 3026 and any other ordinances in conflict herewith, and declaring an emergency.
A motion was made by Mr. Mounce, seconded by Mr. Jensen, to adopt Ordinance No. 3123. A unanimous roll call vote carried that motion.
REPORTS BY OFFICERS
Mr. Williams expressed his appreciation to the City crews for an outstanding job on cleaning the streets during the recent storms. He said that Mr. Mounce had called him regarding a call from an elderly, handicapped citizen who needed help. Mr. Williams contacted Boy Scout Troop 331 leader Dan Tucker. Mr. Williams said that Mr. Tucker went and helped the neighbor and, he believes, even went to the grocery for her. Mr. Williams expressed his gratitude to Mr. Tucker for his willingness to help someone in need.
Mr. Hill said that the snow removal efforts began on January 1, 1999 and the crews were out for 66 hours. We have re-ordered more salt and calcium chloride but have decided to be more conservative on the salt use by concentrating on the hills and main streets. He said that by doing so, we are not at the same standards we have previously set but felt it was necessary to cut back to avoid a possible salt shortage. Mr. Hill said that this cut-back has been frustrating for the crews as they want the streets to be "black" and as completely clear as possible. Mr. Hill said the crews have done a great job and other departments have pitched in. He also commented on the great job the refuse collection crew has done which has not been easy because of the high snow drifts and the snow pushed off of the streets and driveways. Mr. Hill thanked the citizens for their understanding and patience. Mayor Gilman said that she has received only compliments on the job done. Mr. Gordon asked where the salt is mined. Mr. Hill responded that it comes mainly from Louisiana. Mr. Mounce echoed the Mayor's comments. He also asked if the large trash pick-up is still scheduled for the week of January 11th. Mr. Hill said that it is. Mr. Sanner asked how long the City will pick up Christmas trees. Mr. Hill said they would pick them up until they are all gone.
Mr. Carney expressed his appreciation to the snow crews, saying they have spoiled us with the outstanding job they do. He said he has driven through other communities and West Carrollton has done the best job he has seen.
Mr. Watson thanked Council for their action on the labor contract.
Chief Rice thanked the City crews for their great job on the streets and said they made the officers' jobs a little easier and safer by doing so.
UNSCHEDULED BUSINESS
COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE
Donna Barton said that she has a neighbor with MS and who had to go to the hospital. She said the Fire Department and medics did an excellent job of getting her out safely and to the hospital. She expressed her appreciation of the job they do.
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Mounce encouraged citizens to check on their neighbors during the bad weather and thanked Dan Tucker and the Scout Troop.
Mr. Sanner asked Mr. Hill to pass on his appreciation to the crews for the great job they have done on the streets.
Mr. Gordon said that his sister, who lives in a larger community to the north of us, said that West Carrollton streets are in the best condition. Mr. Gordon then made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jensen, to nominate the following persons for appointments to boards and commissions, as noted:
NAME BOARD/COMMISSION DATE TERM EXPIRES
Peirce Woodward Business Advisory Council 12-31-00
Diane Ramberger Business Advisory Council 12-31-00
Jim Schultz Business Advisory Council 12-31-00
Richard Maday Business Advisory Council 12-31-00
Janet Myers Board of Zoning Appeals 12-31-03
Leah Woodard City Beautiful Commission 12-31-00
Robert Stealey Planning Commission 12-31-03
Boyd Flynn Recreation Board 12-31-03
Allen McCroskey Income Tax Board of Review 12-31-01
Gene Chandler Personnel Appeals Board 12-31-01
A roll call vote was taken, all members voted yes with the exception of Mr. Ennis who was excused due to illness. The motion carried.
Mr. Jensen thanked the City crews for the great job they did on the streets.
Mayor Gilman noted that the West Carrollton School District will hold an informational public forum on January 25, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. at the High School. The Mayor also said that the Parks and Recreation Department will hold a pre-school coloring contest with the theme being "Winter in West Carrollton". There will be winners in three age groups. It is requested that the name, age, address and phone number of the entrant be submitted with the picture by 5:00 p.m. on February 1, 1999. Judging will be held on February 12th and the winners will be notified by February 15th.
The Mayor then listed the appointments to various Council committees and liaisons with Boards for 1999. (The list is attached.)
Mayor Gilman noted that a Deputy Mayor needs to be selected. Mr. Jensen, citing his experience and education received, nominated Mr. Gordon for the position of Deputy Mayor. Mrs. Lotspaih seconded the motion. Mr. Mounce made a motion to close the nominations, seconded by Mrs. Lotspaih. A roll call vote was taken: Mr. Mounce-yes; Mr. Sanner-yes; Mayor Gilman-yes; Mr. Ennis-excused; Mr. Gordon-abstained; Mr. Jensen-yes; Mrs. Lotspaih-yes. The motion carried. As there were no other nominations, Mr. Gordon was elected as Deputy Mayor.
RECESS
A motion was made by Mayor Gilman, seconded by Mr. Gordon, to recess to a Work Session to discuss the items on the agenda. A roll call vote was taken: Mr. Mounce-yes; Mr. Sanner-yes; Mayor Gilman-yes; Mr. Ennis-excused; Mr. Gordon-yes; Mr. Jensen-yes; Mrs. Lotspaih-yes. The motion carried.
Council recessed.
WORK SESSION
Those who were present for the Work Session in addition to City Council included: G. Tracy Williams, City Manager; David Watson, Assistant City Manager; Don Hill, Service Director; David Humphreys, Planning & Economic Development Director; and West Carrollton Technology Advisory Group members: Lowell Henize, Earl Chadwick, and Mark Hutchison
GIS DEMONSTRATION
Doug Marvel, GIS Coordinator at the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, and Ken LeBlanc, also of MVRPC, made a presentation to Council on Geographical Information Systems. Funds were included in both the Water Fund and the Sewer Fund to acquire a GIS system for the city in 1999. Further discussion on this matter will be held at a future city council meeting where the specific uses for the GIS system will be discussed as it relates to the city of West Carrollton.
At the conclusion of this demonstration, the City Council continued the Work Session in the Council conference room. All visitors and guests left the meeting except for the City Council, City Manager G. Tracy Williams, Assistant City Manager David Watson, and Service Director Don Hill.
HOLES CREEK
Mayor Gilman and City Manager Williams advised Council that they had recently attended a meeting in Congressman Tony Hall's office in Dayton concerning increasing costs for the Holes Creek project. It was noted that the local share, to be paid by Moraine, Miami Township, and West Carrollton, has almost doubled in recent weeks. The three local governments, in conjunction with the Miami Conservancy District, have requested Congressman Hall's assistance with obtaining additional funding for this project. Mayor Gilman talked to the City Council concerning the necessity of moving this project forward and not causing delays at this point in the process. It was therefore the consensus of City Council that the city should support moving the project forward, with the understanding that any additional federal funding might be in the form of a reimbursement.
It was also noted that Montgomery County had been contacted concerning the possibility of contributing toward the Holes Creek Flood Control Project. Also, State Representative Don Mottley had been contacted by the Miami Conservancy District about the possibility of obtaining any available state funding.
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL
City Council established the following dates for 1999 civic events:
Volunteer Appreciation Banquet Monday, April 19Senior Citizen Appreciation Reception Tuesday, May 11
Civic Leaders Dinner Tuesday, October 19
Mayor's Awards Tuesday, November 9
Also, City Council indicated that they would like to hold Citizen Focus Groups on a quarterly basis.
Councilmember Jensen advised Council that the School Board/Government Liaison Committee would be meeting on January 9, and requested that they contact him if they have any items which need to be discussed at that meeting.
Council reconvened into the regular session.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Councilmember Lotspaih made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gordon, to adjourn. All present voting in favor, the meeting was adjourned.
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MAYOR CLERK OF COUNCIL