Mayor Evangelista called the Public Hearing to order at 6:45 pm. Council Members Mr. Britton, Mr. Buck, Mr. Burgard, Mr. Loparo and Mr. Toward were present. Mr. Smith was absent. Also in attendance were Administrator Sample, Solicitor Murray, Chief Matty and Engineer Foley.
The purpose of this Public Hearing is to hear a request from Mr. Ralph Hart to rezone 11.89 acres from R-2 to A-1 agricultural. This property is on East Main Street between the Johnson and Rose property.
With no comments or questions from the public or Council, Mr. Burgard motioned at 6:50 to adjourn the Public Hearing. Mr. Loparo seconded. All present were in favor.
Mayor Evangelista called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and invited all in attendance to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Members Mr. Britton, Mr. Buck, Mr. Burgard, Mr. Loparo and Mr. Toward were present. Mr. Smith was absent. Also in attendance were Administrator Sample, Solicitor Murray, Chief Matty and Engineer Foley.
Mr. Loparo motioned to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2003 meeting. Mr. Buck seconded. All present were in favor.
Mayor Evangelista presented Pay Order #2042 in the amount of $99,380.36 while waiting for the late arrival of Clerk-Treasurer Reed. Mr. Burgard motioned for approval of Pay Ordinance #2042. Mr. Buck seconded. All present were in favor.
Reverend William Alvey of Park United Methodist Church at 31 Park Street spoke of the Thursday Concert in the Park events. He listed each date and who will perform for this summer’s exciting schedule. They will begin on Thursday June 5, 2003 and continue until Thursday August 21, 2003. For contributions they have obtained a Post Office Box. That address is: Concerts in the Park, P.O. Box 371, Madison, Ohio, 44057. Reverend Alvey expressed his appreciation for being part of the Madison activities. Mr. Toward motioned to set the Thursday Concerts in the Park. Mr. Britton seconded. All present were in favor. Mr. Buck motioned to donate $300 towards Concerts in the Park on behalf of Madison Village. Mr. Loparo seconded. All present were in favor.
Mr. Mitch Henn of 24 Lexington Boulevard, where his dental office is, and his residence of 2239 Chimney Ridge, Madison Township expressed concerns of the inside millage issue. He wants to voice his concern that secession might not be the best way to go. He believes the township and the village should exhaust all avenues to get some agreement. Because of the confinements of the village and township, it would be much like a divorce where both parties live in the same house. He does not want that to happen. He would be happy to mediate if at all possible.
Mr. Jim Dominick of 7855 South Ridge Rd., Madison hopes we can keep Madison together. He says the dictionary states that secession is withdraw from an organized body. He feels the village and townships rapport has grown in the last few years and this would be “throwing a bucket of ice water” on that. He feels secession would be a large step backwards instead of a large step forward.
Mr. Max Sorensen of 6073 Dundee echoed the sentiment of the two gentlemen before him. Much animosity between the township and the village would be created. There must be a resolution to this. He does not agree with the secession proposal.
Mr. Mark Vest of 717 West Main Street believes this issue should be put before the population for a vote. It is a complicated matter that should be put into simplistic terms for the average citizen to understand and vote on.
Mr. Tony Debevc of Doty Road agreed with the other gentlemen. He believes that a lot of people have lived in the Madison area for many generations and the reason for that is what Madison has to offer. Young people grow up here, go off to college and end up back here in Madison. He does not want to see this issue suspended and voted on tonight. The village residents rely on the Council to make the right decisions as the township relies on their trustees to make the right decisions. He hopes this gets the serious consideration it deserves
Mr. Chuck Payne of 104 West Main Street announced that the car shows will begin again on May 13, 2003 and will hopefully run until October 31, 2003. Mr. Britton motioned to approve and reserve the park for Tuesday Night Car Shows. Mr. Toward seconded. All present were in favor.
Mr. Tim Brotzman of 6930 Chapel Road, Madison Township is concerned about the secession and doesn’t want bad feelings. He would like all avenues to be exhausted, to make sure compromises can be reached, that good feelings are created or left in position and no bridges are burned.
Mayor Evangelista announced that at this time, Officer Jason Clark will be sworn in as a part time officer. Solicitor Murray proceeded with the swearing in of Jason Clark.
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INSIDE MILLAGE Mayor Evangelista explained the inside millage issue. Council has been discussing this issue with the township for about a year and a half. It is basically an issue that involves trying to secure the village residents’ real estate money. The village has taken on a lot of un-funded mandates that must be absorbed into the budget and the budget is strained. Many things have been cut from the budget and they are doing all that they can to secure more revenues. Forty thousand dollars may seem like a small amount of money to some, but to the Village in the tight budget, that is a lot of money.
Each Council member spoke of the inside millage noting that no services are being received for the money that the township receives. The meetings with the township have been cordial and respectful, but no agreement has come of the meetings. The offer is for the township to keep $7,000 annually and to cut a check for the rest to the village. The township has made offers with strings attached such as no annexing. Annexing is not being mentioned.
Administrator Sample stated that this is not a ‘wall’ being built. This is strictly a monetary issue. The village residents pay the taxes and township trustees do not represent them. Basically it is taxation without representation. Unless the township can show that they are giving village residents $50,000 worth of services, the village should have the money that they are paying in their community for police protection, street maintenance and those types of services.
Mr. Steve Burk of 7586 Doty Road had a question as to whether Lake County Sheriff receives some of his tax money and if he has Sheriff protection along with his township protection. Chief Matty explained that there is a Sheriff car that patrols Madison, but all calls are first referred to Madison Township.
Mayor Evangelista wanted to comment on the annexation. He has been on Council and Mayor for over 13 years and they have never gone after annexation. The village has no intention to annex anything on their own. Council is discussing putting a letter in the water bills to explain to taxpayers the inside millage issue and what the village is doing about it. All issues are compromise-able.
Mr. Steve Burk Jr. of South Madison wanted to thank Council for their patience and candor in helping to explain this issue to the public.
Mr. Tim Brotzman questioned whether the O.R.C. addresses this sort of issue. Mayor Evangelista replied that yes, there is a clause pertaining to inside millage supporting back to the township. Most have ceased to exist.
ORDINANCE #14-2003 was read by Administrator Sample for the first time. AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $130,000 NOTES, IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING A PORTION OF THE COST OF ACQUIRING CERTAIN REAL ESTATE AS THE SITE OF CONSTRUCTING, FURNISHING, EQUIPPING, IMPROVING THE SITE OF, AND OTHERWISE IMPROVING, A MUNICIPAL COMPLEX TO HOUSE MUNICIPAL OFFICES AND FUNCTIONS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Mr. Burgard motioned to suspend the three reading rule. Mr. Loparo seconded. All present were in favor. Mr. Burgard motioned for passage of Ordinance #14-2003. Mr. Loparo seconded. All present were in favor.
ORDINANCE #15-2003 was read by Administrator Sample for the first time. AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $1,100,000 NOTES, IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPROVING THE WATERWORKS SYSTEM OF THE VILLAGE BY INSTALLING AND REPLACING WATERLINES, HYDRANTS AND VALVES, TOGETHER WITH ALL NECESSARY APPURTENANCES THERETO, IMPROVING RIVER STREET BETWEEN CERTAIN TERMINI BY CONSTRUCTION SANITARY SEWERS, MANHOLES AND SERVICE CONNECTIONS, TOGETHER WITH ALL NECESSARY APPURTENANCES THERETO, IMPROVING BATES ROAD BETWEEN CERTAIN TERMINI BY THE OF A WATERLINE TOGETHER WITH ALL NECESSARY APPURTENANCES THERETO, AND IMPROVING WEST MAIN STREET BETWEEN CERTAIN TERMINI BY CONSTRUCTING A WATERLINE, HYDRANTS, VALVES AND SERVICE CONNECTIONS, TOGETHER WITH ALL NECESSARY APPURTENANCES THERETO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE #16-2003 was read by Administrator Sample for the first time. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR AND CLERK-TREASURER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH GEHRING’S AGENCY, INC. ON BEHALF OF GENERAL STAR NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR MADISON VILLAGE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Mr. Loparo motioned to suspend the three reading rule. Mr. Burgard seconded. All present were in favor. Mr. Loparo motioned for passage of Ordinance #16-2003. Mr. Buck seconded. All present were in favor.
ORDINANCE #17-2003 was read by Administrator Sample for the first time. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #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 235 EAST MAIN STREET IN MADISON VILLAGE, FROM “R-2” SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO “A-1” AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT.
ORDINANCE #18-2003 was read by Administrator Sample for the first time. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN MEDICAL MUTUAL OF OHIO SUPER MED PLUS 250 HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE VILLAGE EMPLOYEES AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Mr. Buck motioned for suspension of the three reading rule. Mr. Britton seconded. All present were in favor. Mr. Buck motioned for passage of Ordinance #18-2003. Mr. Britton seconded. All present were in favor.
RESOLUTION #5-2003 was read by Administrator Sample. A RESOLUTION HONORING DAN HEARN UPON EARNING AND RECEIVING THE DISTINGUISHED EAGLE SCOUT AWARD. Mr. Britton motioned for passage of Resolution #5-2003. Mr. Toward seconded. All present were in favor.
RESOLUTION #6-2003 was read by Administrator Sample. A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL 2003 AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH. Mr. Burgard motioned for passage of Resolution #6-2003. Mr. Buck seconded. All present were in favor.
RESOLUTION #7-2003 was read by Administrator Sample. A RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH. Mr. Toward motioned for passage of Resolution #7-2003. Mr. Britton seconded. All present were in favor.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Britton reported that Mr. Smith is expecting to return in May. He also reported that there is a Fireboard Workshop on May 2, 2003 and a Fireboard Meeting on April 16, 2003.
Mr. Toward reported that he is finalizing plans to have the water tower repainted. Letters may be sent to local merchants asking them to sponsor a horse being painted on the tower. He is also considering sending letters to local landscapers and nurseries for help in fixing up around the base of the tower. Administrator Sample noted that a few years ago, Sunleaf Nurseries donated a variety of different trees that are available for that use.
Mr. Loparo has been asked several times the status of the Main Street review board project. He fears that the Main Street businesses are dying fast, as there are 5 empty properties and businesses are barely holding on. He wants to get investors interested in coming to the downtown area. Mayor Evangelista stated that he does have three professionals interested in this Review Board. They will be meeting in the next two weeks to review guidelines.
Mr. Loparo also stated that the Bed and Breakfast is moving forward as planned and the grand opening is scheduled for May 3, 2003.
Mr. Buck and Charles Walters are making progress on their building doing renovations and hopefully will be done in a two-month time frame.
Mr. Buck also reported that on March 31, 2003 he attended a round table discussion at the request of Tony Debevc of Chalet Debonne Vineyards on Doty Road. In attendance were Madison Township Trustee Paul Brunner, Madison School Superintendent Stan Heffner and a few township residents and several business owners. The purpose of the meeting was discussion of secession of Madison Village from Madison Township. The meeting went well. All were in agreement that the township should write the check.
Mr. Burgard announced that the Fireboard would hold a special meeting on April 9, 2003 at 6:00 pm.
Engineer Foley reported that he is working on the completion of the drawings for the Parkway pump station project and he expects to hear from the railroad anytime now.
Chief Matty has two training requests. He has two officers interested in attending an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang class at a cost of $75.00 per officer. He also has a required mandate by the Ohio Peace Officers Council for a two-day class.
Safety Town will be held in June at Homer Nash Kimball School.
Chief Matty also asked to be able to take bids on a new patrol car this year. Mr. Britton motioned to have Chief Matty take bids on a new Explorer. Mr. Toward seconded. All present were in favor.
Administrator Sample reminded Council that on Saturday April 12, 2003 C.C.A. representatives would be in Village Hall from 9-12 to help residents with income taxes.
The village opened bids for a garbage pick-up contract. Administrator Sample said the present garbage service costs residents $8 per toter, per month. The bids received from Universal were $14; Affordable Roll Off was $12; Waste Management was $7.40 and World Resources was $6.89. He will meet with World Resources to make sure they meet the requirements. He hopes to enter into an agreement with World Resources, continue to charge residents $8 per month and use the extra money collected to pay for Village participation in the recycling program.
To date the village has spent approximately $3,000 in storm water management. He feels this is much less than would have been spent with the County program.
Cemeteries and Parks crews will begin raking, mowing and fertilizing soon.
Administrator Sample reported that the local governor has plans to cut back on local government funds. This will greatly affect the village and other Ohio communities. He urges council to have legislation prepared and ask our legislatures to vote against this. This is potentially a 60% cut which could impact the general fund by approximately $80,000.
Brush pick up started today and may continue for another day and a half. Next Monday they will start leaf pick up.
Administrator Sample received a letter from Paul Hindemeyer of the Coast Guard requesting the use of the municipal parking lot behind the fire station on April 26, 2003 for boat inspections. Mr. Toward motioned to allow the Coast Guard to proceed with this process. Mr. Britton seconded. All present were in favor.
Administrator Sample asked for approval to bid for a snowplow truck. Mr. Britton motioned for approval. Mr. Burgard seconded. All present were in favor.
Mayor Evangelista announced a few anniversaries; Senior Center Director Rae Jean Burgard, 7 years; police clerk Karen Hanifon, 12 years; Maggie Lohr in maintenance, 13 years and Roy Whipple 15 years.
Thursday April 10, 2003 is the Chamber dinner at Thunder Hill Golf Course.
On May 1, 2003, the Madison Ministerial Society would like to hold prayer in the park from 11:30 to 1:30 pm. Mr. Britton motioned to secure the park for the Madison Ministerial Society. Mr. Toward seconded. All present were in favor.
Mayor Evangelista stated that May 26, 2003 would be the Memorial Day Parade in the park. Mr. Burgard motioned to confirm the parade and Memorial Day festivities. Mr. Buck seconded. All present were in favor.
The Schoney Dancers would like to continue practicing their square dancing in the bandstand on Wednesday nights from July 3 through September 3, 2003. Mr. Britton motioned to allow them to practice in the bandstand. Mr. Buck seconded. All present were in favor.
On August 27 to August 31, 2003 the miniature Viet Nam Wall will be on display in the Village Park. Mr. Burgard motioned to allow the wall to be on display. Mr. Toward seconded. All present were in favor.
Some upcoming dates include: April 14, 2003 is the Planning Commission meeting at 7:00 pm, April 17, 2003 is Mayor’s Court at 6:00 pm, and April 21, 2003 is the next Council Meeting.
Mr. Burgard motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm. Mr. Buck seconded. All present were in favor.
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