COUNCIL MINUTES
VILLAGE OF MADISON
Regular Meeting
March 6, 2006
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. Buck, Mr. Hamercheck, Mr. Lee, Mr. Loparo and Mr. Vest were present. Also in attendance; Mayor Evangelista, Administrator Zapp, Solicitor Murray, Engineer Foley and Fiscal Officer Pinkert.
Motion by Mr. Vest, seconded by Mr. Britton, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 20, 2006, with the correction that Mr. Buck abstained on the approval of the February 6, 2006, minutes and that the reading for Ordinance No. 7-2006 was the second. Roll call on the motion, 6 yeas. Motion passed.
Fiscal Officer Pinkert presented Pay Ordinance #2107 totaling $39,441.56 for payroll and $53,086.95 for current and upcoming expenses.
Gordon Musclow, 178 Willowbend Drive, encouraged all of Council to vote “no” on Ordinance No. 7-2006.
Janine Hathaway, 215 W. Parkway, questioned the legality of Ordinance 7-2006 to abolish the auxiliary unit. She added that there should be an investigation of all ordinances approved in the past year because some people have their own agenda.
Richard Janco, 178 E. Main Street, said that although he submitted some questions for the Solicitor, all of the answers came from Mayor Evangelista. He asked if it is required to have a sponsor for legislation. Solicitor Murray explained that the motion and the second is the legal requirement for the vote. He added that legislation can be brought forward by the administration or members of Council can sponsor legislation and that himself, Mayor Evangelista and Chief Forsythe have had conversation for over a year regarding the auxiliaries. Mr. Janco said it is mystery as to who initiated Ordinance No. 7-2006 and requested Council not approve it.
Jack Lading, 603 W Main Street, said that the auxiliary force has been an asset to Madison Village for many years and asked how much it would cost the taxpayers if they are disbanded. He read a letter that was sent to many residents in the Village and asked if any of it is true. Mayor Evangelista said that the Village doesn’t respond to anonymous documents or discuss anything from executive session. Jack Lading also said that for many years former Councilman Burgard had the integrity to abstain on any matters involving his wife, a village employee, and it is an insult to Mr. Hamercheck to suggest that he wouldn’t do the same.
Maureen Smith, 179 Kim Drive, said that the Auxiliary force should remain intact; they have saved the Village a lot of money. She added that her husband was on Council for many years and also a member of the auxiliary force.
Larry Larson, 239 W. Main Street, asked the following:
Are there any notes from Solicitor Murray’s conversation regarding the auxiliaries? Solicitor Murray said yes.
What were the unusual circumstances surrounding the initiating Ordinance No. 7-2006. Mayor Evangelista said that they were executive session issues and that Council’s agenda is to make sure the government runs efficiently as possible.
Larry Larson (referring to the letter previously read by Jack Lading) also said that he thinks the decision to abolish the auxiliaries does have to do with a Council member and that if it is due to some handicap, he will contact American’s with Disabilities. He also asked about the executive session for the last meeting recorded as being for budget and personnel. Mayor Evangelista said that it was a misprint and that Council is required to discuss the budget in an open meeting.
Larry Larson also expressed concerns about the new policy for asking questions and being reprimanded for reading a letter during a meeting saying that Mr. Loparo did the same and nothing was said.
Janine Hathaway, 215 W Parkway, said that it is sad that Council is placing the blame for abolishing the auxiliaries on the members when there was no leadership.
Don Heywood, 36 Saxton Street, referred to a letter from Administrator Zapp and said he knows there are no funds available for maintenance & repair of Village streets but urged Council to vote to approve some funds for preventative maintenance. Administrator Zapp explained that Mr. Heywood posed questions specific to maintenance of Village streets and that the response was that the Village agrees that but that currently there are zero dollars for Preventative maintenance. Administrator Zapp added that the Village crews do an excellent job of saving money.
Lou Kratzert, 215 W. Parkway, said that the whole town should be investigated by an outside source.
Jeff McQuinley, 187 Hyder Drive, said that he is in favor of retaining the auxiliary force and requested a show of hand of the same. He suggested that anyone not in favor of retaining the auxiliary force make a comment.
Stephanie Cassidy, 291 River Street, said that it isn’t true that only 5 or 6 people complain about the Village as Mr. Loparo has said. She works at a local store and people come through all day with complaints.
Susan Quayle, 715 W Main, Street, inquired about the Farmer’s Market on Park Street and asked if it will cause any problems for the nearby churches and suggested the auxiliary unit forces might be needed for that event. Mayor Evangelista said that he will give an update during his report.
OLD BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 7-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, third reading. AN ORDINANCE ABOLISHING THE AUXILIARY POLICE UNIT WITHIN THE MADISON VILLAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Loparo to approve Ordinance No. 7-2006.
Council gave the following comments:
Mr. Britton said that if the unit isn’t doing its job it should be abolished but that he would support retaining them if new procedures were established and people not meeting requirements dismissed. He added that there should be something in place by May 1, 2006.
Mr. Vest said that he supports the auxiliary force due to the costs savings. He added that he would like to see more leadership.
Mr. Buck said that it is a good program and that it should remain in place and everyone should start with a clean slate.
Mr. Loparo said that he isn’t opposed to the auxiliary unit as long as it isn’t a burden to the department.
Mr. Lee said that due to the cost savings to the Village he would support keeping the auxiliaries in place with enforcement of the regulations.
Mayor Evangelista requested Solicitor Murray review the auxiliary handbook and make modifications.
Motion by Mr. Loparo to approve Ordinance No. 7-2006 withdrawn. No action taken.
ORDINANCE NO. 8-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, second reading. AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND FOR OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF MADISON, OHIO, FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2006, TO AND INCLUDING DECEMBER 31, 2006.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 9-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR OF SERVICES AND THE FISCAL OFFICER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH GEHRING’S AGENCY, INC., ON BEHALF OF WESTFIELD COMPANIES, FOR MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE FOR MADISON VILLAGE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Motion by Mr. Vest, seconded by Mr. Loparo, to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance No. 9-2006. Roll call, 6 yeas. Motion passed. Motion by Mr. Loparo, seconded by Mr. Vest, to approve Ordinance No. 9-2006. Roll call, 6 yeas. Ordinance No. 9-2006 duly passed.
ORDINANCE NO. 10-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR OF SERVICES AND FISCAL OFFICER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH GEHRING’S INSURANCE AGENCY ON BEHALF OF ASPEN SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR MADISON VILLAGE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE NO. 11-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 22 OF ORDINANCE NO. 9-2004 TO INCREASE THE RATE TO BE CHARGED FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE NO. 12-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF ORDINANCE NO. 10-2004 TO ESTABLISH THE RATES TO BE CHARGED FOR SANITARY SEWER SERVICES AND DEFINING RELATED FACILITY CHARGES
ORDINANCE NO. 13-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR OF SERVICES AND FISCAL OFFICER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH GEHRING’S INSURANCE AGENCY ON BEHALF OF ASPEN SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, FOR PUBLIC OFFICIAL’S LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR MADISON VILLAGE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
RESOLUTION NO. 4-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. A RESOLUTION HONORING FRED CLOSE FOR BEING CHOSEN BY THE MADISON-PERRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO RECEIVE ITS 2006 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD.
Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Loparo, to approve Resolution No. 4-2006. Roll call on the motion, 6 yeas. Resolution No. 4-2006 duly adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 5-2006 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. A RESOLUTION IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF GEHRINGS AGENCY, INC. AND ITS EMPLOYEES FOR BEING NAMED THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2006 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD BY THE MADISON-PERRY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Motion by Mr. Buck, seconded by Mr. Britton, to approve Resolution No. 5-2006. Roll call on the motion, 6 yeas. Resolution No. 5-2006 duly adopted.
QUESTION & ANSWERS
Larry Larson, 239 W Main Street, congratulated Administrator Zapp on the birth of his son. He also thanked Council for no action on Ordinance No. 7-2005 and said that it is time for a resolution for former Chief Matty.
Maureen Smith, 179 Kim Drive, thanked Council for the decision regarding the Auxiliary Force. She added that if council hasn’t learned from the past mistakes and continues to squander and give money away, residents will not support any levies.
Richard Janco, 178 E. Main Street, inquired about curbside pick-up. Administrator Zapp said that residents can call Waste Management for individual pick-ups for a charge.
Mr. Britton congratulated Administrator Zapp on the new baby.
Mr. Hamercheck also congratulated Administrator Zapp saying it doesn’t get any better. He also thanked the residents for their enthusiasm for the auxiliaries.
Mr. Vest congratulated Administrator Zapp on the new baby.
Mr. Loparo also congratulated Administrator Zapp. He also said that he isn’t anti citizen’s comments, he tries to react factually and that they are welcome to read answered letters. He added that he is glad Ordinance No. 7-2006 was allowed to die and that hopefully there will be a policy in place soon. He reported that there is a Fire Board meeting on March 15, 2006.
Mr. Buck also congratulated Administrator Zapp. He reported that the Madison Perry Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner is on March 7, 2006. he also requested to move forward on legislation for trees.
Mr. Lee congratulated Administrator Zapp on the baby.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Engineer Foley gave an update on Safford Street.
FISCAL OFFICER REPORT
No report
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Zapp thanked everyone for there support and said he will be in the office in the afternoons for the next seven to ten days. He also said he should have a recommendation at the next meeting for engineering services for the WWTP expansion that was put out for bid.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Evangelista also congratulated Administrator Zapp.
Mayor Evangelista reported the following:
Mayor Evangelista said that the Jay Wilson American Legion Post #112 has requested the use of the Village Park on May 29, 2006 for Memorial Day services.
Motion by Mr. Vest, seconded by Mr. Britton, to approve the use of Village Park for Memorial Day on May 29, 2006, by the American Legion.
Mayor Evangelista announced the following dates:
Mayor’s Court March 9, 2006
Madison Senior Board March 9, 2006
March for Meals March 11, 2006
Planning Commission Workshop March 13, 2006
Fire Board March 15, 2006
Council Meeting March 20, 2006
Mayor Evangelista requested a motion for an executive session for legal and personnel. Motion by Mr. Britton, seconded by Mr. Buck, for executive session for legal and personnel issues. Roll call on the motion, 6 yeas. Motion passed. Mayor Evangelista said that there will be a fifteen minute recess before convening to executive session. He added that there will be no business after executive session.
Mayor Evangelista called the meeting to order at 10:08 pm. Council Members Mr. Britton, Mr. Buck Mr. Hamercheck, Mr. Lee, Mr. Loparo and Mr. Vest were present. Also in attendance; Mayor Evangelista, Administrator Zapp, Solicitor Murray and Fiscal Officer Pinkert.
Motion by Mr. Loparo, seconded by Mr. Buck, to adjourn. Roll call, 6 yeas. Meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.