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COUNCIL MINUTES VILLAGE OF MADISON Regular Meeting April 16, 2007
Record of Proceedings
Mayor Evangelista called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and invited all in attendance to join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Mayor Evangelista requested that everyone observe a moment of silence. Council Members Mr. Britton, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Hamercheck, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Vest were present. Mr. Loparo was excused. Also in attendance, Mayor Mike Evangelista, Solicitor Mike Murray, Administrator Matt Zapp, Fiscal Officer Brenda Brcak, Police Chief Mark Forsythe and Engineer Ned Foley.
Mayor Mike Evangelista presented Resolution 6-2007 to Terri and Taylor Blystone, for their heroic efforts on March 11, 2007, at the fire on Burns Road.
The Madison Historical Society presented the Madison Historical Society Award to Scott Pirc, R & M employee of Madison Village, for his efforts in programming all cemetery records into a database. This work done outside of work hours of the Village and done on a voluntary basis.
Motion by Mr. Vest, seconded by Mr. Britton that the Minutes from the Regular Meeting of Council, dated April 2, 2007 be approved. Roll call on the motion, 5 yeas. Motion carried.
Pay Ordinance No. 2134 totaling $28,377.92 for payroll and $57,761.83 for current and upcoming expenses was presented. Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Hamercheck, to approve Pay Ordinance No. 2134. Roll call on the motion, 5 yeas. Motion carried.
Questions and Answers on Pending Legislation
None.
Old Business
ORDINANCE NO. 75-2006 status on Tabled Ordinance was reviewed. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A NEW EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK FOR VILLAGE EMPLOYEES, EXCEPT POLICE PERSONNEL, AND REPLACING ORDINANCE 22-1985. Proposed Ordinance to remain Tabled until such time that the Safety Employee Handbook and Village Employee Handbook can be reviewed and paralleled. Councilman Lee requested that a copy of the Safety Employee Handbook be made available to the Fiscal Officer by April 27, 2007.
ORDINANCE NO. 12-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray, third reading. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 33-1996, AS AMENDED, AND THE DISTRICT MAP AND DISTRICT MAP DESIGNATIONS WHICH FORM A PART OF THE ZONING CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF MADISON BY CHANGING THE LAND USE OF AND REZONING A CERTAIN PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT OR NEAR UNION STREET, 165 FEET WEST OF LAKE STREET, IN MADISON VILLAGE, FROM “R-2” SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO “B-1” BUSINESS
DISTRICT. Motion made by Mr. Vest, seconded by Mr. Britton that Ordinance 12-2007 be approved. Roll call on motion, 5 yeas. Motion carried.
New Business
ORDINANCE NO. 18-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 33-1996, AS AMENDED, OF THE VILLAGE OF MADISON AND THE DISTRICT MAP AND DISTRICT MAP DESIGNATIONS WHICH FORM A PART OF THE ZONING OF THE VILLAGE OF MADISON BY CHANGING THE LAND USE AND REZONING A CERTAIN 14.369 ACRE PARTCEL OF REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY ERIE HOMES, LLC IN MADISON VILLAGE FROM AN R-2 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO A R-1 RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION DISTRICT.
ORDINANCE NO. 19-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE HIRING JOSEPH CONNELL AS SEASONAL CEMETERY MAINTENANCE WORKER FOR THE VILLAGE OF MADISON ESTABLISHING THE HOURS AND COMPENSATION FOR SAME, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Motion made by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Bartlett to suspend the three reading rule. Roll call on the motion, 5 yeas. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mr. Hamercheck, seconded by Mr. Vest to approve Ordinance 19-2007. Roll call on the motion, 5 yeas. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 9-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray. A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION OF TSW PROPERTIES LTD FOR PLACEMENT OF FARMLAND IN AN AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT. Motion made by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Vest to approve Resolution 9-2007. Roll call on the motion, 5 yeas. Motion carried.
Councilman Hamercheck reviewed the history and pictures of conditions of the driveway and drainage pipe on the property of Todd Baker. The estimated cost of repairs was stated as $800 to $1000. Motion made by Mr. Vest, seconded by Mr. Bartlett that repairs be approved as outlined. Roll call on the motion, 5 yeas. Motion Carried.
Visitor Comments
Sheila Wilson, 799 North Lake St.: Addressed Council on the manning of Fire Station #1. She stated that she went to Station #1 Sunday, April 15th to deliver food for the men on duty, and found the station locked and no one on duty. Councilman Lee looked into the situation, and found that the station was unmanned from 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM. It will be reviewed with Chief Zilke as this practice is not acceptable.
Grace Muller, Safford Street: Addressed Council on street parking on Safford Street. The street is too narrow to allow parking on both sides, and it is difficult for residents to back out of their drives. It was suggested that parking not be permitted opposite driveways. Safford Street residents are currently being polled for information and options.
Larry Larson, 239 West Main Street: Issues regarding manning of the Fire Station and the Safety Department. a) Mr. Bartlett was asked about information given in a previous meeting regarding the manning of the Fire Department. Mr. Bartlett stated he was provided the information reported at a previous meeting by Chief Zilke. b) Safety Issues pertained to Ordinance 37-1985 and the Safety Handbook. It was requested that the activities of Chief Forsythe be investigated as outlined within the Ordinance. *Section VI – Paragraph A – Insubordination. Paragraph T – Sick Time Paragraph KK – Miss use of telephone equipment Paragraph Z – Violation of Rules *Section III- Paragraph A – Record of Equipment *Section II - Paragraph F - Written Reports for years 2004 through 2006. It was also requested that the Chief report what Holidays he moved forward from the approved holidays for 2007.
R. Graham, 204 Parkway: Asked how many officers are on duty during the shifts. Mayor Evangelista stated that at all times there is at least one officer on duty. At some times of the shift there is an overlap which has two officers on duty. Currently there are three active full time officers and one clerk, who is also an officer. There are no Sergeants or Lieutenants on the force. In the absence of the Chief, Officer Mussell is placed in charge of the Safety Department.
Jeanine Hathaway, 215 W. Parkway: Asked about the status of the Auxiliary Funds of the Safety Department. Mayor Evangelista updated that all information has been provided to the Prosecutor’s Office for review. No report has been returned to the Village at this time. Solicitor Murray added that there was an account started in 1998, and details are incomplete. Information is pending from Officer Verdi.
Ms. Hathaway asked for a status update on the Auxiliary Equipment Inventory. Mayor Evangelista reported that the Village does have a complete inventory of all equipment, and a copy will be provided.
Jack Lading, 603 West Main St.: Addressed continued Safety Department Issues. a) Hopeful that the final report on the Auxiliary Funds will be above board and not a sealed report. b) Requested information on the burglaries on Parkway. Chief Forsythe reported that some have been solved, some are still pending. c) Requested information on a previous Safford Street Fire. Chief Forsythe reported that the fire was ruled as arson. As an arson case, it is turned over to the Fire Department for investigation. Solicitor Murray updated that there was not sufficient evidence for the Safford fire to go to trial, and yes, there was suspect in the case.
Kathy Lynn, 209 West Main Street: Mayor Evangelista was asked if there was a restaurant coming to the I-90/Rt. 528 area. Mayor Evangelista reported that he was not aware of any, but we will have Mentor RV expending onto Sidley Drive.
Other concerns regarding Chief Forsythe and the Safety Department were addressed. Issues included requested updates on reports to Council, comparison of wages of part time officers and calls made to former Administrator John Sample.
Jack Lading, 603 West Main St.: Question Chief Forsythe on the scheduling of overtime to officers while other officers are on reduced hours. Chief Forsythe answered that scheduling is an item of personnel and not public information.
Larry Larson, 239 West Main St.: Reported that former Chief Ed Matty was recently awarded Patrolman of the Year for the State of Ohio.
Gordon Musclow, 178 Willowbend: Announced that Auburn Career Center will have an issue on the May 8th ballot. He requested information of the upcoming Water/Sewer meeting, which was given as April 30, 2007 at 6:00 PM at Village Hall.
Sue Quayle, 715 West Main Street: Questioned the estimation of previous water bills verses having actual readings and lack of clarity in reading the bills. Administrator Zapp explained that the high amounts of snowfall during what would have been our meter reading time, prohibited the Water Department from doing actual reads. A new format for invoicing is coming in the near future. The Village will be going back to a one page bill that will allow for more information to be presented.
Mrs. Quayle also questioned Chief Forsythe about his work responsibilities and accomplishing assignments within the time that he is at work.
Stacy Cornell, 161 East Parkway: Expressed concern about the timing of issues being addressed. She also suggested that Council consider waiving the 15% penalty fee to water/sewer bills in an effort to help residents.
M. Janco, 178 East Main St.: Questioned Solicitor Murray on the number of lawsuits currently pending against the Village. Solicitor Murray stated that we currently have 4 pending cases, one of which the Village has initiated against a construction company.
Richard Jenco,178 East Main St.: Questioned Solicitor Murray on how much the Village pays the Solicitor for representation on these cases. Solicitor Murray explained that the insurance companies have legal council as part of coverage of each case.
Mr. Janco asked what was paid by Council in 2006 for the Solicitor’s time. Fiscal Officer Brcak will have this information prepared for Solicitor review by our next meeting. After review of the Solicitor, as to what can be released to the public, the information will be provided.
Jeff Savage, 591 West Main St.: Questioned who approves rate increases that are passed on to the residents. Mayor Evangelista responded that issues are researched and studied by Council before passage of an Ordinance. Administrator Zapp updated the history of the Water/Sewer increases. A review of use of irrigation meters was reviewed as a way of bringing down the sewer component of water billings. Communication of information was also discussed.
Council Reports
Mr. Britton: Old Fashioned Days is looking for a car for this year’s event. The next meeting of the Old Fashioned Day committee is April 19, 2007 at 7:30 PM.
Mr. Hamercheck: No report.
Mr. Vest: The Planning Commission announced that Mentor RV would be expanding into the Village at Sidley Drive. In other items: 1) Tthe unmanning of Fire Station #1 is unacceptable and he will be watching for resolution on this issue. 2) Mr. Vest read a letter outlining the history of all loans taken out by the Village for the Water and Sewer expansions and the tap-in revenues used to make payments in prior years. Such tap-in revenues have ceased. And 3) Mr. Vest thanked the staff for their efforts in answering questions and working with residents with the rate increase now in effect. He had been in the office and saw first hand the volume of calls being taken on by all staff members.
*Upcoming Meetings - Planning Commission Scheduled for April 23, 2007.
Mr. Bartlett: Echoed Mr. Vest’s thank you to staff members.
Mr. Lee: He has received a request from Mr. Loparo to move our next meeting to Stratton Place or the Township Hall so that he can attend. Stairs are an issue to him at this time. Mayor Evangelista will make a request of the Township for use of the Township Hall on May 7, 2007.
Engineer’s Report
Ned Foley reported that activity in development has been minimal.
Safety Report
Chief Forsythe reported that the Village would be receiving additional bulletproof vests through grant funds. Also, the Police Department has received a donation of 100 car wash tokens from Terry’s Car Wash for use on Police vehicles.
Councilman Vest requested invoice copies of Law Enforcement and Trust Fund expenses from 2005 and 2006 prior to our next meeting. Fiscal Officer Brcak will provide those paid by through the Village records.
Fiscal Officer Report
Fiscal Officer Brenda Brcak updated that the two prior year invoices presented by Nichols Wood Stove, that were reviewed at the last meeting had been researched. Both invoices were paid in 2006 and respective checks had cleared our bank. Copies of the cancelled checks and payment back-up were sent to Nichols Wood Stove to clear this matter.
Administrator’s Report
Administrator Zapp proposed that the Village offer a Pool Fill credit for the coming season. This would be a credit for the sewer component of the water/sewer bill, for filling of swimming pools and hot tubs. Said credit to be one per household. Motion by Mr. Bartlett, seconded by Mr. Lee that the Village offer the 2007 Pool Credit Plan as proposed. Roll Call on the motion, 5 yeas. Motion carried.
Administrator Zapp recommended that Council approve a waiver of the 15% late fee for March 2007 and April 2007 water/sewer/garbage billings to residents of Madison Village. Said waiver of late fees to be for 26-40 day payment with no late fee assessment. Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Bartlett that the proposed waiver of late fees be approved as proposed. Roll call on the motion. 5 yeas, Motion carried.
Administrator Zapp thanked the Police Department for this past winter’s snowfall alert. He also thanked the staff for working together and their continued efforts through the operations of the daily operations.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Evangelista reminded all that the Village is looking for sponsors for the hanging baskets for spring/summer season. Cost is $30.00 per basket
Upcoming meeting dates: 418/2007 – Fire Board Meeting 4/19/2007 – Mayor’s Court 4/21/2007 – Used Computer Drop Off Lake County Fairgrounds 4/24/2007 - Economic Development Committee 4/25/2007 – Safety Committee Meeting 4/28/2007 – Scout Expo @ Lake County Fairgrounds 4/30/2007 - Water/Sewer Workshop @ 6:00 p.m. 5/7/2007 - Council Meeting
Motion by Mr. Britton seconded by Mr. Vest that the meeting be adjourned at 9:10 PM. Roll call 5 yeas. Motion Carried. Meeting Adjourned. |