Minutes
February 8, 2000
PRESENT: Deputy Mayor William Gordon; Council Members Vern Angerer, Jack Jensen, Linda Lotspaih, Donald Mounce and Jeff Sanner; City Manager G. Tracy Williams; Assistant City Manager David Watson; Law Director Patrick Carney; Service Director Don Hill and Assistant Clerk of Council Patricia Replogle.
EXCUSED: Mayor Maxine Gilman.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gilman. Deacon Alan Arber of St. Henry's Parish gave the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Mr. Mounce, seconded by Mrs. Lotspaih, to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 25, 2000. A roll call vote was taken, all members present voted yes with the exception of Mr. Sanner who abstained. The motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
DR. RUSTY CLIFFORD, SUPERINTENDENT OF WEST CARROLLTON SCHOOLS
Dr. Clifford addressed Council regarding the school levy on the ballot on March 7, 2000. He noted that the levy proposed on the ballot in November 1999 had failed and, as a result, there were to be substantial cuts of about $3 million. Even if the levy in March passes, this will only reduce the cuts by 25%. The proposed levy will no longer be the previously requested continuing levy, but will instead be a fixed term levy for three years. Dr. Clifford noted that renewal levies usually pass in Ohio, but there has never been one on the ballot for the schools in West Carrollton. Dr. Clifford stated that the plan for improving the schools is threefold: to identify strategies; continuous improvement plan; and site planning at each location. All are targeted toward improving student achievement. Dr. Clifford noted that when the state grade cards come out in February, the status of West Carrollton schools will be listed as Academic Emergency. Dr. Clifford said his goal will be improving one standard at a time. He also noted that the school district is in the process of releasing a video regarding the schools. Postcards will be sent to district residents informing them of the dates and times the video will be shown on MVCC Channel 24. There will also be a Town Meeting on February 22, at 7:00 p.m. at Holliday Elementary School.
Mrs. Lotspaih asked if there will be cuts in the administration as well as in the teaching staff. Dr. Clifford responded that there will be an approximate 10% cut across the board. Mrs. Lotspaih also asked if the staff is supportive of the three year plan. Dr. Clifford said that everyone seems to be very much behind the plan. Mrs. Lotspaih said that it is important to support our children's education and asked Dr. Clifford to explain why the citizens should vote for the levy. He responded that good schools are part of a good community, as are good city services. Dr. Clifford noted that it had been eight years since the last increase. With the passage of this levy the schools will be held accountable because the levy is only for three years, and if the citizens are not satisfied, they could deny a renewal.
Mr. Sanner asked Dr. Clifford how long he has been with the West Carrollton schools. He responded that he has been here six months. Mr. Sanner said that it is important that Dr. Clifford be given a full opportunity to make a difference.
In response to a question from Mr. Gordon, Dr. Clifford said that there is a concentrated effort to register voters, in addition to pamphlets being distributed.
Mr. Jensen asked Dr. Clifford to explain some of the things he has accomplished since he has been here. Dr. Clifford said that the focus that has been established; the curriculum alignment to be sure that what is being tested is being taught; focusing on proficiency outcomes; planning and establishing benchmarks and goals; accelerating the rate of change within the schools; and making the work and studies more enjoyable for both the teachers and the students.
Mr. Gordon asked about the Early Childhood Center. Dr. Clifford said that it is a model for kindergarten and preschool instruction which allows for a smooth transition to elementary school.
Mr. Sanner noted that every report card receives a personal message from the principal and teacher at his daughter's school which he felt was a great idea.
Dr. Clifford gave the Council members a lapel pin which contained the new school system logo which represented the phrase "family-friendly community". Mr. Gordon thanked Dr. Clifford for coming to the meeting and urged everyone to vote.VICKI PEGG, MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Commissioner Pegg addressed Council regarding the Human Services levy on the ballot in March 2000. She encouraged all residents to vote for the levy. Mrs. Pegg said that this is a renewal levy which will mean no increase in taxes, only a continuation of the amounts presently in effect. Mrs. Pegg noted that this levy is an efficient, effective use of funds for the citizens of Montgomery County. All monies raised in the County will be used in the County. The Human Services levy has won high praise from a national agency for its results - getting more benefits per tax dollar.
Some of the local agencies that receive funding through the Human Services levy are Erma's House (a visitation center), Care House (a one-stop treatment and investigation child abuse center), in-home meals and visiting nurses for seniors, day care, mental retardation and disabilities support and Stillwater Center (for severe disabilities). Mrs. Pegg thanked Council for their time and attention and urged everyone to vote for the levy.
NORA LAKE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MVRPC
Nora Lake addressed Council regarding the I-75 Corridor Study. Mrs. Lake said that this study reviews the interstate from northern Miami County to south of the Ohio River. Many changes have occurred since I-75 was first opened. Congestion has increased which includes 20%-25% truck traffic. Mrs. Lake said that we need to raise the awareness of the congressional delegation in this area concerning the importance of this section of the interstate. A study will be made of this area and how to improve the traffic flow. Mrs. Lake said that in order to receive the grant monies for the project, we need to match the 20% required to receive the grant. Each city is being asked to contribute $15,000. At this time, only a letter of financial intention supporting the grant application is needed. If the grant is less, each city's donation would be proportionately less.
Mr. Mounce noted that I-75 and the MVRPC are the best unknown assets of the community and are vital to the growth of this area. Mr. Gordon asked about the orange barrels mentioned in the news. Mrs. Lake noted that there will be resurfacing of the bridge decks through the area, work which will take approximately two years. This will be a $40 million project. Although maintenance work and surfacing has been done in the past, this will be more intensive work. Mr. Gordon asked if there will be any straightening out of the "malfunction junction" area. Mrs. Lake said that there is a lot to consider in renovating that area including the expense, probably up to three-quarters of a million dollars.
Mr. Gordon thanked Mrs. Lake for coming to the meeting.
COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE
There were no Comments by the Audience.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no Unfinished Business
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 3155: SIDEWALK AND CURB ASSESSMENTS
Ordinance No. 3154: An ordinance levying special assessments for the repair of certain described sidewalks and curbs in the City of West Carrollton.
This is the First Reading of Ordinance No. 3155.
ORDINANCE NO. 3156: APPROPRIATE PROPERTY IN WEST CARROLLTON
Ordinance No. 3156: An ordinance to appropriate certain property in the City of West Carrollton.
A motion was made by Mr. Sanner, seconded by Mr. Mounce, to dispense with the second reading of Ordinance No. 3156. A roll call vote was taken, all members present voted yes and the motion carried.
A motion was made by Mr. Sanner, seconded by Mr. Jensen, to approve Ordinance No. 3156. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.DONATION TO C. F. HOLLIDAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTO
Mr. Jensen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mounce, to authorize the City Manager to donate ten one-day admissions to Wilson Park Pool, to C. F. Holliday Elementary School PTO for their annual carnival on March 24th. All members present voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion carried.
REPORTS BY OFFICERS
Mr. Williams said it is good to see Mr. Sanner back after his surgery. Mr. Williams also informed Council that the City had received a check for $250 from Fraser Paper for the tree planting program. He added that the City is also grateful for the contributions from other local companies.
Mr. Carney also said it is good to see Mr. Sanner back.
UNSCHEDULED BUSINESS
COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE
There were no Comments by the Audience.
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Mounce informed everyone that the annual Lions Club rose sale is going on. Roses are $13 a dozen and $20 a dozen if they are to be mailed.
Mr. Jensen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gordon, to appoint William Clark to the Recreation Board. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.
Mr. Jensen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mounce, to authorize the City Manager to draft a letter of intent of support for the I-75 Corridor Study. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.
Mr. Jensen also welcomed Mr. Sanner back. He also urged everyone to support the school levy, saying that the money is needed for the schools to operate, and for the community to prosper.
Mr. Gordon urged everyone to vote for the school levy. He also noted that the West Carrollton Rotary will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner at the Senior High School on February 19th from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. which will also include a bake sale and raffle. Mr. Gordon thanked the VFW for hosting the dinner last weekend, adding that the speeches showed the quality of students in our district. He said that Don Mottley's mother had passed away recently and asked everyone to keep them in their prayers. Mr. Gordon thanked Ron Ziemkowski on cameras.
RECESS
Mr. Gordon made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sanner, to recess to a Work Session to discuss the items of the agenda. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion. Council recessed.WORK SESSION
Present: Deputy Mayor Bill Gordon; Council Members Vern Angerer, Jack Jensen, Don Mounce, Linda Lotspaih; City Manager G. Tracy Williams; Assistant City Manager David Watson and Service Director Don Hill. Excused from the Work Session were Mayor Gilman and Councilmember Jeff Sanner.
DISCUSSION with SERVICE DIRECTOR DON HILL
Mr. Hill began his presentation with an overview of the Service Department and the department's main functions. Major divisions of the department include the Waste and Wastewater distribution division; Water and Wastewater treatment division; Street and Refuse divisions.
Following a brief presentation on each of the divisions, Council asked several questions with regard to clarification of the services of each division, and what will be the personnel and equipment needs over the next five years. Each division of the Service Department was thoroughly discussed.
His discussion with Council concluded, Mr. Hill left the meeting.
PARTICIPATION IN I-75 CORRIDOR STUDY
Since Council had acted on this item during the regular meeting, no additional discussion was held concerning the request from the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission for the city of West Carrollton to participate in the I-75 Corridor Study.
Deputy Mayor Gordon asked if there was any other business from council members.
Mr. Jensen began a discussion on the School District and the levy campaign for the issue on the March 7 ballot. He discussed several aspects of the levy campaign and also the proficiency exams and scores in the School District. Mr. Jensen inquired of Council what their interest level is in giving support to Dr. Clifford and the School District. He suggested a Saturday media session with other communities to support the issue. A considerable amount of discussion followed over the aspects of the campaign and the relative impact on the community. It was determined that any council members who wish to be present at a media session to support the School District will do so. However, Council is not in a position - as a whole - to actively campaign and/or support the levy.
Deputy Mayor Gordon asked Mr. Williams about a possible "Employee of the Month" program as a public relations tool, with possibly a meal awarded on a monthly basis for employees who may be nominated by other employees.
Mr. Watson advised Council that Peter Kavouras from the High School had contacted him with the dates April 10th-April 14th as the week designated for Local Government Awareness Week at the High School. Mr. Watson asked Council if members are aware of any schedule conflicts with known events at this time. There are none.
Mr. Angerer asked a question about the ballfields at Weidner Park. Prior to Council this evening, several representatives of the Moraine-West Carrollton Little League Association had asked him about putting lights back up, as the Association is raising money to purchase new lights. Several council members responded to Mr. Angerer, saying that the removal of the poles and existing lights has already been put in the budget for 2000. If the Little League Association is actively pursuing putting up new lights, discussion will need to be held at a later date.
Mrs. Lotspaih reminded Council of the Primrose Tributary meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 10.
There being no further items for the Work Session, Council reconvened into the regular meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Angerer, seconded by Mr. Mounce, to adjourn the meeting. All voting in favor the meeting was adjourned.
___________________________ ___________________________MAYOR CLERK OF COUNCIL