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COUNCIL MINUTES VILLAGE OF MADISON Regular Meeting July 31, 2006
Record of Proceedings
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. Mayor Evangelista requested that everyone observe a moment of silence. Council Members Mr. Buck, Mr. Hamercheck, Mr. Lee and Mr. Loparo were present. Also in attendance, Mayor Evangelista, Administrator Zapp, Solicitor Murray, Engineer Foley and Fiscal Officer Pinkert.
Fiscal Officer Pinkert presented Pay Ordinance No. 2116 totaling $33,982.56 for two pay periods and $40,437.59 for current and upcoming expenses. Motion by Mr. Loparo, seconded by Mr. Lee, to approve Pay Ordinance No. 2116. Roll call on the motion, 4 yeas. Motion carried.
Mayor Evangelista requested the record show Mr. Britton arrived and took his seat at 7:06 p.m.
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
Mayor Evangelista commented on the recent flooding in the Village and surrounding areas. He gave an outline of the events and said that he declared a State of Emergency in the Village at 3:30 a.m. on July 28, 2006. Council was alerted and employees were called in order to man the phones and alert residents in low lying areas and assist in evacuations. The Madison Senior Center was opened. Madison Village Employees, Police Department and the Fire District worked hand in hand to assist in any fashion in order to address the immediate needs. Lake County was notified and Madison Village was assessed by the Emergency Management Agency. We are currently putting together information for residents to apply for assistance through FEMA. Tuesday and Wednesday are debris pick-up please leave damaged goods on the lawn. Mayor Evangelista said that the Village will continue to monitor the situation and that he is very pleased with the actions of all present working together without hesitation for the community. Administrator Zapp clarified the procedure for debris cleanup. In order to expedite the process, he asked residents to separate items in the following categories:
BUDGET PRESENTATION
Mr. Lee gave a power point presentation regarding the Village budget that included past, present and future information. Mr. Loparo thanked Mr. Lee for the presentation saying that it really outlined what Council has been going through over the last couple of years.
VISITORS
Larry Larson, 239 W. Main Street, read a prepared statement regarding the recent events surrounding the flooding and said that the Village came together to help each other. He thanked Administrator Zapp, Village Crews, Mayor Evangelista and Council members for their actions during the flooding and afterward. He also expressed concerns that the Chief of Police didn’t utilize the reverse 911 system to inform residents during the flooding.
Jack Lading, 603 W Main Street, volunteered to help any residents that need help getting debris to the curb.
Nancy Mantey, 6 Appaloosa Trail, said that it is interesting that the same amount of back taxes raised by Former Administrator John Sample was paid out to him. She said the school employees, were going to give up wages during their budget crunch, will Village Council consider doing the same. Mayor Evangelista said that each Council member can address that question during their reports.
Rich Janco, 179 E. Main Street, commended the Village crews for their actions during the flooding. He also expressed concerns that the neighborhood watch phone tree wasn’t utilized.
Maureen Smith, 379 Kim Drive, commended Administrator Zapp for Village actions during the flooding. She also said, regarding the budget presentation, there aren’t enough cuts being made. For example, three percent pay raises are not acceptable during a budget crunch and there should be a reduction in force in the Police Department. Maureen Smith added that Council has made some unwise decision n the past and she is concerned there is no concrete evidence of cuts.
Mr. Loparo excused himself and left the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
Gordon Musclow, 179 Willowbend, inquired about the time limits on the issues Council is considering putting on the ballot. Mr. Lee explained that he supports a time limit on any tax issue the first time and that three years as opposed to five will put the renewal during an election year. Residents will have the opportunity to review how it was used and decide whether or not to renew it at the same time as deciding to re-elect Council members.
Mayor Evangelista requested the record show Mr. Vest arrived and took his seat at 8:09 p.m.
Susan Quayle, 715 W. Main Street, said that the comparisons of the other municipalities in the budget presentation weren’t accurate because those communities are nothing like Madison Village, for example, they have more industry and larger populations. It is not fair to try to shame the residents by saying that they are paying less than everyone else. Susan Quayle also asked why an officer is sitting in the back office doing nothing and is he being paid. Chief Forsythe said that the officer has permission to be at the meeting.
Larry Dowler, 161 River Street, said that he doesn’t have the confidence in this group to vote for a tax increase.
Amelia Janco, 178 E. Main Street, asked why the time limits for the tax issues aren’t listed on the agenda. Mayor Evangelista said that they are possible amendments to the listed legislation.
Mark Bashore, 205 Manchester Court, said that in theory, Council is considering doubling the tax on residents. He also said that there is a lot of opportunity for economic development at I-90 and SR 528. He also said that Council should consider health savings accounts for employees and that it can really cut costs.
Mr. Loparo re-entered the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
Kathy Lynn, 209 W. Main Street, thanked Administrator Zapp for the call during the flood and everyone else for their help. She also expressed concerns about the officer in the back office. Mayor Evangelista said that although he would rather the officer be on the road, it is the Chief’s decision.
Larry Dowler, 161 River Street, said that in his opinion, Chief Forsythe is arrogant and that the Mayor and Council aren’t supervising him enough. He added that he will also volunteer to help in the cleanup.
Nancy Mantey, 6 Appaloosa Trail, requested Fiscal Officer Pinkert speak up and look at people when she is talking. She also asked what how the amount for payroll is broken down? Fiscal Officer Pinkert said that it is for one payroll period and that the individual employee amounts are in the Pay Ordinance No. 2116.
Debbie Prasnikar, 304 Parkway, expressed concerns about so much confusion and said that Council is not working together. She said that everyone should bring at least one friend to the next meeting and take their town back.
Stacy Cornell, 161 E. Parkway had the following questions and concerns:
Administrator Zapp explained that he was sent out for the plow route and also make a list of repairs needed.
Mr. Lee said that only Madison doesn’t give a credit.
OLD BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 35-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, third reading. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MADISON VILLAGE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION ORDINANCE NO. 36-2003 TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD UNDER SECTION 25.6 AND A PROVISION TO MAINTAIN A SYSTEM TO SURVEY HISTORICAL PROPERTIES UNDER SECTION 25.6.1. Motion by Mr. Loparo, seconded by Mr. Buck, to approve Ordinance No. 35-2006. Roll call, 6 yeas. Ordinance No. 35-2006 duly approved.
ORDINANCE NO 40-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, second reading. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 12(B) OF ORDINANCE NO. 22-1985 TO ALLOW CREDIT FOR PRIOR YEARS OF SERVICE IN DETERMINING SICK LEAVE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Vest, to approve Ordinance No. 40-2006. Roll call, 6 yeas. Ordinance No. 40-2006 duly approved.
ORDINANCE NO. 44-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, second reading. AN ORDINANCE ENACTING AN ADDITIONAL ONE PERCENT (1%) TAX ON MUNICIPAL INCOME AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE FISCAL OFFICER TO FILE A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE AND PROPOSED BALLOT FORM WITH THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO PLACE THE ISSUE ON THE BALLOT FOR THE NOVEMBER 7, 2006 ELECTION. Motion by Mr. Loparo, seconded by Mr. Lee, to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance No. 44-2006. Roll call on the motion, 6 yeas. Motion passed. Motion by Mr. Loparo, seconded by Mr. Britton, to approve Ordinance No. 44-2006. Roll call, 6 nays. Ordinance No. 44-2006 failed.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 49-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT AND THE FINAL SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT PLANS OF THE PHASE II OF THE VILLAGE GLENN SUBDIVISION. Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Buck, to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance No. 49-2006. Roll call on the motion, 6 yeas. Motion passed. Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Buck, to approve Ordinance No. 49-2006. Roll call, 6 yeas. Ordinance No. 49-2006 duly approved.
ORDINANCE NO. 50-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading, AN ORDINANCE ENACTING A 6.5 MILL LEVY FOR PAYMENT OF THE CURRENT EXPENSES FOR THE GENERAL OPERATION OF THE VILLAGE OF MADISON AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE FISCAL OFFICER TO FILE A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE AND PROPOSED BALLOT FORM WITH THE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO PLACE THE ISSUE ON THE BALLOT FOR THE NOVEMBER 7, 2006, ELECTION. Motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Loparo, to amend Ordinance No. 50-2006 that the levy be in effect for three (3) years. Roll call, 6 yeas. Motion passed.
ORDINANCE NO. 51-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE ENACTING AN ADDITIONAL THREE QUARTER OF ONE PERCENT (.75%) TAX ON MUNICIPAL INCOME AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE FISCAL OFFICER TO FILE A CERTIFIED COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE AND PROPOSED BALLOT FORM WITH THE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO PLACE THE ISSUE ON THE BALLOT FOR THE NOVEMBER 7, 2006, ELECTION. Motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Loparo, to amend Ordinance No. 51-2006 that the income tax increase be in effect for five (5) years. Roll call, 6 yeas. Motion passed.
Mr. Loparo clarified that although there are two tax issues up for consideration, there will probably only be one on the ballot.
Mr. Britton excused himself from the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
QUESTION & ANSWERS
Larry Larson, 239 W. Main Street, asked why the levy issue is limited for three years and the income tax issue is limited to five years. He added that they both should be three years.
Larry Dowler, 161 River Street, said that copies of the legislation should be available to the residents. Administrator Zapp said that a council packet is produced the Friday before a meeting and that one is available for everyone to review usually by Friday afternoon. Mr. Dowler also asked abut the ordinance for Village Glen. Administrator Zapp said that he waived the time limit requirement at the last meeting and that tonight’s legislation is what Council had to approve for the subdivision.
Anne Tackas, 164 Huntington Woods, said that in her opinion Council is focusing on an income tax increase and that the time limits for both issues should be the same, three years.
Nancy Mantey, 6 Appaloosa Trail, expressed concerns about the meetings and said everyone should speak up and more clearly.
Debbie Prasnikar, 304 Parkway, asked how Council can expect the residents to trust them when they don’t know what they want. She added that if the Village wants the resident’s money they have to earn it. Stacey Cornell, 161 E. Parkway, said that she doesn’t understand why the issues would be tied to political careers and that she is more concerned where her money is going. Mr. Lee said that it has nothing to do with being re-elected but to give the residents an opportunity to vote any council member out if they are not satisfied with the way the tax money is being spent. Giving the voter’s control of those that spend their money.
Mr. Lee expressed frustration with the attendees and said that he has worked very hard to answer their questions and put out good information and the residents are still not satisfied. He also said that they are quibbling over three years or five years and that it is childish. He added that if they don’t like the job he is doing, vote him out. Mr. Lee said that he is just asking residents to give Council a chance. Mr. Lee also expressed concerns that people questioned why he wasn’t at the last budget workshop and said that his mother was in the hospital. Stacy Cornell said that she is just asking questions in order to get information and that most of what she hears is not good.
Kathy Lynn, 209 W Main Street, said that Mr. Britton is the one that questioned where the other Council members were last time not the residents. COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Hamercheck reported that the Recreation Board is circulating a survey at Old Fashioned Days.
Regarding Council taking a wage decrease, he explained that initially there was discussion for Council and the Mayor to waive 10% of their wages which is $45.00 and that he thinks that would be a charade. He said that he ran for Council because he thought he could make a difference. Mr. Hamercheck said that he is absolutely not in support of giving up his wages.
Mr. Vest apologized for being late and informed everyone that he missed the budget meeting on July 24, 2006, because he was on vacation. Mr. Vest also reported that the Health District has a Rabies Surveillance Program and is looking for animals destroyed by Law Enforcement or found dead by residents. Call the Lake County Health District at (440)-350-2543.
Mr. Loparo said that he agrees with Mr. Lee’s earlier comments and added that residents excuses for this being a first meeting for them is not acceptable. Council has been screaming budget problems for three years. We have tried everything and you still don’t understand. Mr. Loparo said former Village Solicitor Richard Collins told him “When in politics, you have to have thick skin” and he will continue to have thick skin.
Mr. Buck said that he also heard he was criticized for missing the budget meeting. Mr. Buck said that he informed Mr. Britton that he had a situation with a client that had to be addressed and Mr. Britton told him the meeting was canceled. He wasn’t informed when it was on again and that he could have been here. Mr. Buck also said that he agrees with Mr. Bashore regarding healthcare. He added that a big part of the budget is the Police Department and that the only way to trim it is in manpower.
Mr. Lee, no report
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Engineer Foley reported that the application for Issue II funding for matching funds for Safford Street was denied.
SAFETY REPORT
Chief Forsythe said that the neighborhood watch phone tree wasn’t used because the department was out and going door to door.
Chief Forsythe reported the following:
FISCAL OFFICER REPORT
No report
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Zapp said that he wants to personally thank the Madison Village employees, Mayor Evangelista, Council members and volunteers for their actions during the flooding and afterward. He reported the Following:
Administrator Zapp said that he agrees with Mr. Bashore regarding economic development for I-90 and SR 528 and encouraged him to attend the Economic Development meetings and request to be a part of it.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Evangelista reported the following:
Mayor Evangelista also commented on Mr. Lee’s earlier statement saying no one on Council is shirking their responsibilities. The visitor comments are immature and embarrassing. He expressed concerns that the qualified people may not seek re-election and requested that residents return the respect that Council gives them. Mayor Evangelista said that this job is becoming so difficult due to the actions and comments of the people and that no member of Council or himself is here for the money.
Mr. Loparo informed everyone that a survey is being considered to get information from residents regarding tax issues.
Motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Buck, to adjourn at 9:49 p.m. Roll call, 5 yeas. Motion carried.
Dana D. Pinkert, Fiscal Officer Michael J. Evangelista, Mayor |