COUNCIL MINUTES
VILLAGE OF MADISON
Regular Meeting
December 6, 2004
Mayor Evangelista called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and invited all in attendance to join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Council members Mr. Britton, Mr. Buck, Mr. Burgard, Mr. Loparo, Mr. Toward and Mr. Vest were present. Also in attendance; Mayor Evangelista, Administrator Sample, Solicitor Murray, Fiscal Officer Pinkert and Engineer Foley.
Motion by Mr. Loparo, seconded by Mr. Vest, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on November 15, 2004, as presented. Roll call on the motion, 6 yeas. Motion passed.
Fiscal Officer Pinkert presented Pay Ordinance #2078 totaling $183,289.86 for current and upcoming expenses. Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Buck, to approve Pay Ordinance #2078. Roll call on the motion, 6 yeas. Motion passed.
Richard Fike, Madison Martial Arts Association, addressed Council regarding the recent discussions about the M16 weapons for the police department. He said that he is very conservative regarding the use of force and although the police department is well trained, they are out gunned. He added that terrorism isn’t going away and with proper weapons, training, certifications and storage of the weapons, the police should be given the benefit of the doubt on this issue.
Larry Larson, 239 W. Main Street, stated that he welcomes an opposing view about automatic weapons but in his opinion, the use of M16s at this time would be overkill. He added that he is embarrassed about the findings of the 2001 audit and said the blame is on the administration. Mr. Larson asked the following questions:
1. How is the budget supervised and when did the Village know it was failing?
Administrator Sample said that monthly reports are distributed and reviewed and concerns were raised in early summer about lower than estimated revenues.
2. Explain the legal fees in the budget for the Safety Fund?
Administrator Sample said that it is a budgeted amount for the Police Department because they have a need for legal services on a regular basis.
3. What was the cost for the police cruiser and did the Village really need it this year considering the
budget concerns?
Administrator Sample said the cost for the vehicle was $20,000 and $5,000 for the police package. Councilman Britton said yes and they needed a new the police cruiser and added that the old cars should be rotated out on a regular basis.
Mr. Larson also expressed concerns about the audit findings, proposed income tax increase and costs for training in the police department.
Administrator Sample explained that former Clerk-Treasurers were elected, worked only part-time and weren’t accountable to either him or Council. He added that Fiscal Officer Pinkert is appointed, works full-time and answers to both him and Council.
Mayor Evangelista said that any income tax increase has to be put before the people for a vote. Administrator Sample reminded everyone that the Village has consistently reduced property taxes by not renewing levies.
Chuck Dome, 190 Manchester Court, asked if there is an income tax increase, will the Village give a credit for people paying income tax to other entities. Administrator Sample said that it would be up to Council.
Ward Buck, 888 W. Main Street, asked for an update on the designation of a “quiet Zone” for the Village. Mayor Evangelista said that although the elections held up the process, there will be federal law on Dec 18, 2004. He added that the Village will have to make improvements to all three crossings at a cost of approximately $300,000 to get a “quiet zone” designation and that he is trying to get Madison Village included in the Transportation Bill.
Betty Ward, 666 W. Main Street, expressed concerns about the maintenance costs on the property adjoining hers after the pump station abandonment project and asked if they were included in the price of the easement. Administrator Sample said that although it wasn’t included in the easement it was part of the agreement.
Betty Ward also informed everyone about problems on her property during the project and requested that the Village to take responsibility for her damages. Administrator Sample assured her that it would be taken care of.
Jeff McKinley, 187 Hyder Drive, said that 2 and ½ boxes of toys and $900.00 were collected during the recent Toys for Tots drive and commended the community for its generosity.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 64–2004 was read by Administrator Sample, first reading. AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS TO VARIOUS LINE ITEMS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND FOR OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF MADISON, OHIO, FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2004, TO AND INCLUDING DECEMBER 31, 2004, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Burgard, to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance No. 64-2004. Roll call, 6 yeas. Motion passed. Motion by Mr. Vest seconded by Mr. Loparo, to approve Ordinance No. 64-2004. Roll call, 6 yeas. Ordinance No. 64-2004 duly passed.
Mayor Evangelista informed everyone that Resolution No. 22-2004 was approved on November 22, 2004. A Resolution honoring Lake Shore Masonic Lodge #307 for its outstanding community participation. Mayor Evangelista read the resolution and presented it to members of the Lake Shore Lodge.
Mr. Britton said Christmas in the Park was a success and thanked Rick Clauson, Dave Ungers, Dean Franco and Susan Britton for their contribution
Mr. Britton also reported that there is a Fire Board meeting on December 15th at 7:30pm.
Mr. Toward no report
Mr. Vest no report
Mr. Loparo made a statement to address recent issues reported by the media. He stated the following:
The Village has taken corrective action towards the reportable finding for the 2001 audit.
Unfortunately the revenues aren’t as high as anticipated due to no growth and the poor economy.
The Village has consistently looked for ways to increase revenue.
The Village is facing decreasing services.
In regard to the automatic weapons, the Village has to be proactive in addressing homeland security.
Administrator Sample is doing a good job.
We welcome a Watchdog Committee and ask that they insist on getting the facts.
Mr. Buck reported that he and Mr. Vest were selected to serve for the Route 20 corridor study along with members from Madison Township.
Mr. Buck reported that there is Planning Commission meeting on Dec 13th.
Mr. Burgard no report
Engineer Foley no report
Acting Chief Forsythe reported the following:
5 Officers attended a search & seizure training today and there will be 24 hour class on criminal patrol later in the week. He added that the training is funded with the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.
Officers Svagerko and Covert were honored by the Knights of Columbus for their actions during criminal apprehension earlier in the year.
Dwayne Larusch has resigned and requested Council accept his resignation.
Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Toward, to accept Dwayne Larusch’s resignation. Roll call, 6 yeas. Motion passed.
Administrator Sample reported the following:
Leaf pick-up continues and balance should be done by the end of the week.
Village employee David Cogar passed his exam for a State of Ohio Class I Wastewater License.
Fiscal Officer Pinkert has completed 1 year with the Village
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Evangelista reported the following:
The carryover for 2004 is less than expected.
Draft one for the 2005 budget will be available for the December 20th council meeting.
The Senior Citizen’s addition is ahead of schedule.
Mayor Robert Shiner of Mentor was elected to represent Lake County on the NOPEC Board of Directors.
Mayor Evangelista made a statement addressing the following topics printed in the local newspaper.
M16 weapons- Mayor Evangelista said that training officers on the M16 doesn’t mean that they will be carrying assault weapons on Main Street. The Safety Committee has to approve any use of the weapons.
Tax Increases- Income tax increases have to be made by referendum and voted on by Village residents.
Not listening to residents-There is no reason to be afraid to contact any member of Village Council. Please email, telephone or mail any concerns, we are here to respond.
Speed Traps- If you are caught speeding a citation will be issued.
Deer Crossing Signs- deer cross through the entire Village nightly, which is the nature of rural living.
Pending lawsuit- It is in Federal Court, the courts must conclude any wrong doing. It affects two current employees and one former employee. We will wait for the justice system to finalize the situation.
Mayor Evangelista Reported the following dates:
December 13th Planning Commission
December 16th Mayor’s Court
December 20th Council Meeting
December 25th Christmas
January 3rd Council Meeting
Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Burgard, to adjourn. Roll call, 6 yeas. Meeting Adjourned at 8:18 pm.
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