Minutes
July 25, 2000
PRESENT: Mayor Maxine Gilman; Council Members William Gordon, Vern Angerer, Linda Lotspaih, Don Mounce and Jeff Sanner; City Manager G. Tracy Williams; Assistant City Manager David Watson and Assistant Clerk of Council Patricia Replogle.
EXCUSED: Councilmember Jack Jensen.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gilman. Mark Scroggins, Pastor at First Baptist Church, gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call followed.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Mr. Sanner, seconded by Mr. Angerer, to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 11, 2000. A roll call vote was taken, all members present voted yes with the exception of Mr. Mounce who abstained. The motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Mayor Gilman proclaimed August 1, 2000 as National Night Out in the city of West Carrollton and invited everyone to visit the Police Department to view the new communications system.
MIAMI VALLEY CABLE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT - KENT BRISTOL
Mr. Bristol distributed copies of the annual report and gave a brief summary of the electric de-regulation. He asked Council to consider being a part of the energy study. The Cable Council is intending to aggregate cities only, not businesses. They feel it is not necessary to form a pool because the City has unique usage which does not benefit from a pool in this case. Mr. Bristol noted that there are some problems with de-regulation and some benefits. Mayor Gilman said that the Mayors Round Table Discussion Group was very worthwhile. Mr. Mounce noted that all options need to be flexible in order to satisfy the citizens. Mr. Bristol thanked Council for their time.
MIAMI VALLEY RISK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION SAFETY AWARDS
Mike Hammond, Executive Director of Miami Valley Risk Management Association, presented the association's annual safety awards. Mr. Hammond noted that West Carrollton has been a member since 1988 and was one of the first charter members of the association. West Carrollton has the lowest dollar loss per employee - the least, $100 or less loss per employee; and the most, no losses per employee. The Parks and Recreation Department, the Fire Department and the Water and Waste Water Departments will all receive awards at the award breakfast. He presented a plaque to Mayor Gilman in recognition of the awards. Mr. Hammond also thanked Mr. Watson and Mr. Reilly for serving as delegates to the association. Mayor Gilman thanked Mr. Hammond and stated that the City is very proud of its employees.
COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE
Wayne Harville, 423 Poplar Street, addressed Council with complaints about the condition of properties at 144-146 East Shannon Avenue and 425 Poplar Street. He said he has been a resident since 1966 and the properties have been like this since 1967. He wants something done about this. Mr. Williams said he would check with the Building and Zoning Department. He added that some of these types of violations are now in the legal process and the City cannot do anything more until that is resolved. Mr. Williams said they would aggressively pursue this matter. Mr. Williams added that he will check into this matter with the Prosecutor and will contact the residents regarding the status. Mrs. Lotspaih also added that any health hazards would be handled by the Montgomery County Health Department.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no Unfinished Business.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO 17-2000: MICHAEL E. NEFF
Resolution No. 17-2000: A resolution acknowledging the appreciation of the citizens and public officials of the City of West Carrollton for services rendered unto said City by Michael E. Neff.
Mr. Gordon introduced and made a motion to approve Resolution No. 17-2000. Mr. Mounce seconded the motion. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.
RESOLUTION NO. 18-2000: D.A.R.E. SUPPORT
Resolution No. 18-2000: A resolution supporting the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program and recognizing the copyrighted, comprehensive drug and violence prevention education program for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.Mr. Mounce made a motion, seconded by Mr. Sanner, to approve Resolution No. 18-2000. All members present voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 19-2000: INTEREST IN ENERGY BUYING POOL
Resolution 19-2000: A resolution expressing interest in the consideration of an energy buying pool in conjunction with the Miami Valley Cable Council.A motion was made by Mr. Sanner, seconded by Mr. Gordon, to approve Resolution No. 19-2000. All members present voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 3164: ELECTRIC FRANCHISE TO DAYTON POWER & LIGHT
Ordinance No. 3164: An ordinance terminating the electric franchise granted by the City of West Carrollton to the Dayton Power and Light Company by Ordinance No. 3053, passed the 27th day of May, 1997, and granting to the Dayton Power and Light Company, its successor and assigns, an electric franchise in the City of West Carrollton, State of Ohio, for a period of three (3) years, automatically renewing for additional periods of three (3) years unless notice of cancellation is given by either party.
This is the First Reading of Ordinance No. 3164.
ORDINANCE NO. 3165: NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE - DAYTON POWER & LIGHT
Ordinance No. 3165: An ordinance terminating the natural gas franchise granted to the Ohio Fuel Supply Company on May 7, 1912, and subsequently transferred to and assumed by the Dayton Power and Light Company, and granting to the Dayton Power and Light Company a new natural gas franchise in the City of West Carrollton, State of Ohio, for a period of three (3) years, automatically renewing for additional periods of three (3) years unless notice of cancellation is given by either party.
This if the First Reading of Ordinance No. 3165.
ORDINANCE NO. 3166: RIGHT OF WAY ORDINANCE
Ordinance No. 3166: An ordinance adopting Chapter 97 of the Code of Ordinances, to be known as "Right of Way Ordinance of the city of West Carrollton".This is the First Reading of Ordinance No. 3166.
Mayor Gilman noted that these ordinances are available for review. Interested parties should contact the City offices.
ORDINANCE NO. 3167: BIDS FOR CARPET AT CIVIC CENTER
Ordinance No. 3167: An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to advertise for bids for the replacement of carpet in the Civic Center, and to expend a sum in excess of $15,000 therefore.
A motion was made by Mr. Sanner, seconded by Mr. Mounce, to dispense with the second reading of Ordinance No. 3167. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.
Mr. Sanner made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mounce, to approve Ordinance No. 3167. All members present voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion carried.
REPORTS BY OFFICERS
Mr. Williams thanked the West Carrollton Soccer Club for the club's donation of $2500.00 to be used towards the improvement of the irrigation system at the Soccer Complex.
UNSCHEDULED BUSINESS
COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE
Claudette Smith, 122 East Shannon Avenue, addressed Council. She also wished to express concern over the condition of the properties on Shannon Avenue and Poplar Street previously mentioned. She said that prior to moving to Shannon Avenue, they had rented a house on Primrose Drive, so her concerns have nothing to do with renters as a whole. She feels these properties are not handled properly. She questioned whether there are requirements to being a landlord or if workshops could be arranged on how to fix up these properties. Mr. Sanner asked who the owner is in order to contact that person. Mrs. Smith also said there have been disturbances in that area. She said that one of the officers who responded to a disturbance said that is why he doesn't live in West Carrollton. She thought the City should consider requiring residency like Dayton does. Mr. Mounce said that most citizens abide by the requirements, but those who do not should be made to comply. That is why personnel in the Building and Zoning Department has been increased. Mr. Williams said that he will check as to why this problem has not been corrected, noting that sometimes these things get bogged down in the legal system. He said that he will report back on his findings.
Mr. Harville addressed Council again, stating that Council should have been aware of this situation before now. Mr. Williams indicated that he would be contacting the Health Department and may be using their services in this process. Mrs. Smith said she doesn't want to move but can't stay here the way it is. Mr. Sanner asked her to give the City a chance to pursue this matter. Mrs. Smith also asked if there are any type of "gang laws" to prohibit congregating youths. She added that there do not appear to be gangs right now but is concerned for the near future. Mayor Gilman noted that the Police Department is monitoring this and is implementing new programs. Mr. Williams said that unfortunately, some landlords perform the minimum requirements, but he will check into this matter and report back.
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Sanner said that he noticed the bulldozing began today at the site of the new fire station.Mr. Mounce welcomed Mr. Hammond as the new executive director for MVRMA and thanked him for coming.
Mayor Gilman thanked the West Carrollton Soccer Club for their donation, adding that the club has been very supportive of the soccer program. The Mayor said she had received the annual review of the paramedics and EMT's from Dr. James Augustine, who is the medical advisor for the Fire Department. Dr. Augustine reported that West Carrollton has an outstanding department.
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 unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.
Council recessed.
WORK SESSION
Present: Mayor Maxine Gilman; Council Members Jeff Sanner, Don Mounce, Linda Lotspaih, Bill Gordon and Vern Angerer. Not present, excused: Councilmember Jack Jensen. Also present for the Work Session were G. Tracy Williams, City Manager, and David Watson, Assistant City Manager.
REVIEW OF STREET LIGHTING PROPOSAL FROM DAYTON POWER & LIGHT
Mr. Williams presented a memo which he had prepared with regard to the proposal from the Dayton Power & Light Company for a six (6) year contract for street lighting in the city of West Carrollton. Mr. Williams also discussed issues which affected that proposal, including deregulation. The main focus of the proposal is to upgrade the city's street lights from 4,000 lumen to 9,000 lumen lights into high pressure sodium, and in turn to decrease the cost through those improvements. Annual savings proposed is $15,000 if lights remain the same, while upgrading the lights would result in a "break even" situation. Noted was the offer by DP&L to waive the $100 per light change-out fee, if the city of West Carrollton enters into the contract now. Mr. Williams was instructed to direct DP&L to move forward with changing out the lights. In response, Mr. Williams stated that the new street light contract was in the process of being drafted and would be available before the end of the year.
VISION RETREAT REPORT
City Manager Williams reviewed the draft report with Council. Council members suggested that the Council along with the City Manager need to develop the goals and action items, and then allow the City Manager to develop time lines for completion of those action items not directly under Council's supervision. Council then reviewed the action items line by line to determine which items could possibly be grouped in association with other action items. As Council worked through the items, several were grouped to correspond with other activities so as to take advantage of resources necessary for mutual completion. Items were also grouped based on responsibility for completion - such as staff's or Council's. Following this review, Council returned the report to City Manager Williams to complete, then to include in their next meeting packets.
WATER SOFTENING
City Manager Williams briefed Council on the current status of water softening for West Carrollton water customers. Staff is recommending that the city contract with Malcolm Pirnie to continue the study of alternative water softening methods and to do more extensive research on the cost and cost benefits of water softening. The firm of Malcolm Pirnie is recommended because of staff's past work with them to this point and their familiarity with the West Carrollton water supply system. After some discussion Council agreed with the contract; to be funded by the Water Fund.
SUPPORT OF FIVE RIVERS "CLEAN, SAFE" METROPARKS LEVY
In their packets, Council had a letter from Five Rivers MetroParks requesting support for the parks levy on the November ballot. Council indicated that they did not wish to adopt a resolution of support, but would welcome a presentation at a council meeting where they could each comment on the matter. Council also revised a proposed city Newsletter article.COX ARBORETUM AND GARDENS
City Manager Williams presented a request from the Cox Arboretum and Gardens Capital Campaign Chair, Robert M. Connelly. In the letter, the campaign asks for a $5,000 gift of support to be paid out over five years, 2000-2004, at $1,000 per year to help support the construction of an observation tower. After some discussion, Council agreed to place this request on an upcoming meeting agenda for their approval.
CITIZENS FOCUS GROUP
City Manager Williams asked Council if the date of September 27th is acceptable for the next Citizens Focus Group. After some discussion, it was decided to hold the meeting on that date. Staff will proceed to prepare the random list of those to be invited.
CITY LOGO SHIRTS
Assistant City Manager David Watson gave members of Council a brief presentation on a plan to have shirts made for them. Council currently has some shirts, but there is a need for additional shirts, including long sleeved shirts for cooler weather. Mr. Watson presented some alternative styles of shirts to Council. After some discussion, it was felt that staff needs to develop a new city logo for those shirts. Item will then be brought back for discussion along with a list of apparel choices for Council's approval.Mayor Gilman asked Council Members for any comments.
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL
Deputy Mayor Bill Gordon noted a noise problem to City Manager Williams.
Councilmember Don Mounce noted a need for raffle items for the upcoming United Way campaign.
Councilmember Vern Angerer asked for a status update on the Paper Festival. Mr. Gordon responded with a briefing on the future of the Paper Festival.
Councilmember Linda Lotspaih briefed Council with a report from the Special Studies Committee concerning a Walk of Fame project in the vicinity of the Civic Center. After some discussion, staff was directed to develop some concepts for future consideration.
Mayor Gilman asked if there was any consideration for a contribution to the Gary Haines Scholarship Fund. After some discussion, Council declined to participate.
Items having been concluded, Mayor Gilman asked for a motion to adjourn. It was moved by Mr. Gordon, seconded by Mrs. Lotspaih to adjourn the meeting. All present voting in favor, meeting adjourned.
MAYOR CLERK OF COUNCIL