PRESENT: Mayor Maxine Gilman; Council Members Bill Ennis, Daryl Garrison, William Gordon, Jack Jensen, Linda Lotspaih and Jeff Sanner; City Manager Tracy Williams; Assistant City Manager David W. Rowlands; Law Director Patrick Carney; Finance Director Tom Reilly; Service Director Don Hill; Fire Chief Jack Keister; Planning and Economic Director 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.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Garrison to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 14, 1998. Mr. Gordon seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All members voted yes and the motion carried.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

There were no Public Hearings.

COMMUNICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Oath of Office - Firefighter/Paramedics

The Oath of Office was given to the new firefighter/paramedics by Mayor Gilman. Fire Chief Jack Keister witnessed the oaths as Matthew V. Bruno, Traci J. Garcia and Robert A. Shepherd were sworn in. Chief Keister thanked Pastor Gilbertson for his invocation. He said that there were forty applicants for the three positions and they chose the three best candidates. He then gave some background information on each new member and welcomed them to the City. Chief Keister said that the service the West Carrollton firefighters and paramedics have provided in the past has been excellent. As always, the Fire Department strives to improve the quality of their service and all involved feel that the addition of these full-time firefighter/ paramedics will enhance the high quality service already in place. Mayor Gilman also thanked the many firefighters and paramedics present at the meeting for their support of the new members.

Kent Bristol, Exec. Director - Miami Valley Cable Council

Kent Bristol addressed Council regarding the annual report of the Miami Valley Cable Council. The 1997 Annual Report and information regarding the upcoming deregulation of the energy industries was passed out. Mr. Bristol said the Miami Valley Cable Council (MVCC) wants to help its members cope with the challenges and changes in the future regarding the deregulation of the energy industry. Mr. Bristol complimented Mr. Garrison on his contributions as a senior board member and also noted the contributions made by Tom Reilly, Don Hill, Dave Humphreys, Tracy Williams, Don Rice and Rick Barnhart. He thanked them all for their input.

Resolution No. 12-98: David W. Rowlands

Resolution No. 12-98: A resolution acknowledging the appreciation of the citizens and public officials of the City of West Carrollton for services rendered unto said City by David W. Rowlands.

Mayor Gilman read the resolution in its entirety. Mayor Gilman and Mr. Williams presented the resolution to Mr. Rowlands. Mayor Gilman told Mr. Rowlands that he will be missed and she hopes he looks upon his experience here as a pleasant one. Mr. Williams congratulated Mr. Rowlands and, on behalf of all the employees, thanked him for the excellent job he did. Mr. Williams wished him the best. Mr. Rowlands thanked Council and the Department directors. He said that he is looking forward to moving to California to be near his family and carry on the "family business" of city managerial work.

COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE

Ray Horn of Primrose Drive addressed Council regarding the flooding in his neighborhood which occurred recently after the heavy rains. Mr. Horn expressed concern that the construction in the S. Alex Road area caused or at least contributed to the flooding. He said that there is a lot of debris in the creek which inhibits the proper flow of water. Mr. Horn said that Holes Creek is receiving a lot of attention to prevent flooding but the Owl Creek area is getting no attention. Mr. Horn cited several areas of damage received by him and his neighbors as a result of the flooding. Mayor Gilman expressed the concern everyone feels about the flooding and about the debris in the creek. Mr. Horn said that the City always responds quickly when called about this problem but work needs to be done to prevent the flooding instead of just coping with the aftermath. Mr. Williams said that he was out in that area when the flooding occurred. He said that the ground was saturated from the intense rain, and that we are fortunate that the rain slowed down or it would have been worse.

Mr. Williams noted that the Primrose tributary and Owl Creek have been studied by the Corp of Engineers, Miami Conservancy District and private consultants. Indications are that the cost would be far in excess of any benefits. Mr. Williams said that newsletters are sent out to inform the residents in the flood plains of the need for flood insurance. The City frequently checks the creek watercourse and trims trees as necessary. A contractor also comes in and cleans out the creek. In response to the comment regarding Holes Creek, Mr. Williams noted that, after many studies, the flood control project in that area was determined to be economically feasible. Mr. Williams said the City would consider any suggestions. Mr. Horn said that perhaps the creek could be re-routed or the creek area could be widened. He also noted that there is only one sewer drain on that cul-de-sac to handle all of that water. Mayor Gilman also said that it is important to educate people about putting debris into the creek and, if possible, for others to report any dumping of debris that they see. Mr. Williams said that there have been some good ideas given tonight which he will check into. He said that they are also looking into the drainage for the Progress Road area which flows into the Owl Creek area.

Chuck Coughlin of 925 Primrose Drive also addressed Council. He said that the bridge area is what concerns him the most. He feels that the bridge should be dredged just before the rainy season, usually April, May and June. Service Director Don Hill addressed this comment by assuring Mr. Coughlin that the bridge is dredged twice a year after the depth of the creek is checked. In response to the concern expressed regarding the work on the hill on Alex Road, Mr. Hill noted that they are required to retain the storm water the same as prior to the development of that area. Mr. Hill said that 4 inches of rain changes matters but they always check the flood areas after heavy rains. Mr. Coughlin feels that the dredging should be done before it rains to clear the way if high waters occur. Mr. Coughlin and Alan Cope, also present at the meeting, stated that flood insurance is a "waste" and the deductibles and premiums increase often and do not appear to be standardized. The Mayor noted that flood insurance is controlled by the federal government. Planning and Economic Director David Humphreys stated that the government sets the rates based on the structures’ depth relationships to the creek.

Wade Brewer, also present at the meeting, suggested that the sewer pipe be widened. Mr. Williams made a note of the suggestion and said he would check on that possibility. Mr. Brewer also said that the bridge at Alex Road needs to be cleaned out. Mr. Williams said that the Miami Conversancy is due to clean out that area.

Mr. Jensen questioned whether the water flowing on Alex Road at King Richard is contributing to the problem.

Mayor Gilman assured those present that Mr. Williams would be checking into the suggestions made and would get back to them. She thanked everyone for coming.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Ordinance No. 3090: Finance Department Computer System

Ordinance No. 3090 (second reading): An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to advertise for bids for the purchase of the Finance Department computer system and to expend a sum in excess of $10,000 therefore.

Mr. Jensen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sanner, to approve Ordinance No. 3090. All members voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Ordinance No. 3091: Property Maintenance Code Amendment

Ordinance No. 3091: An ordinance amending Chapter 158 of the Code of Ordinances of West Carrollton known as the "Property Maintenance Code" amending Section 158.03 of the Property Maintenance Code to include exterior lighting regulations, and declaring an emergency.

The Mayor noted that this ordinance is to correct an omission in the original ordinance. Mr. Garrison made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 3091. Mr. Ennis seconded the motion. All members voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion carried.

1998 Annual Street Resurfacing Program

Mr. Hill addressed Council regarding the annual street resurfacing program. Mr. Hill went over the areas to be resurfaced and slurry sealed. Mr. Jensen said that Elm Street between Central Avenue and Little Court and the Randy Drive/Orchard Hill Drive areas need some work. Mr. Hill responded that the Randy Drive area will be done next year and that Elm Street can wait for a year or two. Mr. Jensen feels that Elm Street needs attention as it is one of the main streets in the City.

Mr. Gordon made a motion, seconded by Mr. Ennis, to approve the 1998 street resurfacing program. A roll call vote was taken, all members voted yes and the motion carried.

Resolution No. 13-98: 1998 West Carrollton High School Valedictorians & Salutatorian

Resolution No. 13-98: A resolution recognizing the West Carrollton High School Class of 1998 Valedictorians and Salutatorian.

Mr. Sanner introduced and made a motion to approve Resolution No. 13-98. Mr. Jensen seconded the motion. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.

REPORTS BY OFFICERS

Mr. Carney and Mr. Reilly wished Mr. Rowlands the best in his new position.

UNSCHEDULED BUSINESS

COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE

There were no comments by the audience.

COMMENTS BY COUNCIL

Mr. Ennis said that he hated to see Mr. Rowlands leave the City but wished him well. He welcomed the new firefighter/paramedics and thanked Mr. Bristol for his report.

Mr. Jensen, Mr. Garrison, Mrs. Lotspaih and Mr. Sanner also wished Mr. Rowlands the best and welcomed the new firefighter/paramedics.

Mr. Gordon welcomed the firefighter/paramedics. He said that we will miss Mr. Rowlands and wished him good luck. Mr. Gordon also reminded everyone that the Paper Festival will be June 12^th-June 14^th. Mr. Gordon also nominated Melissa Enterman to the City Beautiful Commission. Mr. Sanner seconded the motion. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.

Mayor Gilman noted that Arbor Day was last week and the Girl Scouts planted another tree. West Carrollton has also been named Tree City USA again this year. Mayor Gilman noted that May 9^th is Garage Sale Saturday in West Carrollton. She also encourage everyone to vote on May 5^th. The large trash pick-up will be the week of May 11^th-May 15^th. Mayor Gilman also noted that the South Metro Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the West Carrollton High School team in the Relay for Life which will be held on May 15^th-May 16^th. Mayor Gilman thanked Ron and Julie Ziemkowski on cameras.

Mayor Gilman then read a letter she had received. The letter was from Mr. Garrison announcing his resignation from the City Council effective May 1, 1998 after 24 years of service to the City. Mr. Garrison, in his letter, said that he wished to spend more time with his family. Mayor Gilman said she has been privileged to have served with Mr. Garrison for many years and will miss him. Mr. Jensen also stated that Mr. Garrison will be missed.

Mayor Gilman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gordon, to recess to an executive session to discuss a real estate matter and a personnel matter. All members voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion carried.

Council recessed.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Joining City Council in the Executive Session were G. Tracy Williams, City Manager; David W. Rowlands, Assistant City Manager.

REAL ESTATE MATTERS

City Council discussed the acquisition of property.

G. Tracy Williams and David Rowlands left the meeting.

PERSONNEL MATTER

City Council discussed a personnel matter.

Councilmember Bill Ennis moved to reconvene into the regular session. Councilmember Jeff Sanner seconded the motion. All members present voting Yes, the motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Having no further business, Councilmember Daryl G. Garrison moved to adjourn. Councilmember Jack Jensen seconded the motion. All members present voting Yes, the motion carried.

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MAYOR                                                   CLERK OF COUNCIL