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VILLAGE OF MADISON Regular Meeting October 1, 2007
Record of Proceedings
Mayor Evangelista called the meeting to order at 7:02 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. Bartlett, Mr. Hamercheck, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Vest were in attendance. Also in attendance Mayor Mike Evangelista, Solicitor Mike Murray, Administrator Matt Zapp, Fiscal Officer Brenda Brcak, Police Chief Mark Forsythe, and Engineer Ned Foley. Mr. Britton and Mr. Loparo were excused.
Motion by Mr. Bartlett, seconded by Mr. Vest that the Minutes from the Regular Meeting of Council dated September 17, 2007 be approved. Roll call on the motion, 4 yeas. Motion carried.
Fiscal Officer Brcak presented Pay Ordinance No. 2145 totaling $ 29,865.95 for payroll and $ 53,893.15 for current and upcoming expenses. Motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Vest, to approve Pay Ordinance No. 2145. Roll call on the motion, 4 yeas. Motion carried.
Comments on Legislation
None
Old Business
ORDINANCE NO. 39-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray, second reading. AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR 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, 2007, TO AND INCLUDING DECEMBER 31, 2007, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE NO. 40-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray, second reading. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE SENIOR CENTER OPERATING FUND, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
New Business
ORDINANCE NO. 41-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATOR OF SERVICES AND FISCAL OFFICER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE MORTON SALT COMPANY TO PURCHASE ROAD SALT FOR WINTER MAINTENANCE OF THE STREETS IN THE VILLAGE OF MADISON, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE NO. 42-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND ADMINISTRATOR OF SERVICES TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF SNOW FOR THE MADISON SENIOR CENTER PARKING LOT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Councilman Vest asked if the Ordinances reviewed tonight were date sensitive. Administrator Zapp stated that the three reading allowance would be timely.
ORDINANCE NO. 43-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND FISCAL OFFICER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE WESTFIELD INSURANCE COMPANIES THROUGH GEHRING’S AGENCY, INC. FOR GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR MADISON VILLAGE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE NO. 44-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE CERTIFYING DELINQUENT SANITARY SEWER CHARGES, WATER RENTS AND REFUSE AND GARBAGE COLLECTION FEES TO THE LAKE COUNTY AUDITOR FOR COLLECTIONS AS OTHER MUNICIPAL TAXES ARE COLLECTED, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE NO. 45-2007 was read by Solicitor Murray, first reading. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATOR OF SERVICES TO APPLY TO THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND/OR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDING FOR SAFFORD STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED.
Motion by Mr. Vest seconded by Mr. Bartlett that the following quarterly blanket purchase orders be approved for the period of October 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007:
Dominion East Ohio Gas Gas $ 8,000.00 Illuminating Co. Electric $ 28,300.00 Illuminating Co. Street Light $ 20,000.00 Redmond, Walker & Murray Legal (Gen.) $ 5,000.00 Legal (Safety) $ 5,000.00 Lake County Dept. Utility. Water Consumption $ 62,000.00 Waste Management Refuse Services $30,000.00 Shell Fleet Oil Co. Fuels $ 7,500.00
Roll call on motion, 4 yeas. Motion carried.
Hearing of the Public
Larry Larson, 239 W. Main St.: Regarding his previous public record’s request. Questioned when the Chief’s Personnel file would be made available to him for review. Solicitor Murray will follow-up and review the file prior to it being made available for public inspection.
Mr. Larson requested of Chief Forsythe the status of the crime figures. The Chief updated that the January 2007 through September 2007 figures were reviewed at the last meeting. Mr. Larson also thanked Brenda Brcak, Fiscal Officer for her work at the Village during the past year. Her knowledge was able to bring integrity back to the Village. She will be missed.
Jack Lading, 603 W. Main St.: Thanked Brenda Brcak, Fiscal Office for her service to the Village. He also requested an update as to his request for bringing the Visitor Section of the Council Meeting to follow Council Reports.
Jeanine Hathaway, 215 W. Parkway: Questioned Council as to procedure for conducting exit interviews with outgoing staff. She also questioned how much in grant revenue did the Village lose due to our lack of crime figures being made available. Mayor Evangelista stated that he was not aware of any funds lost during this period.
Ms. Hathaway also thanked Council for not passing Ordinance 39-2007. Questioned why Council would consider additional part time officers rather than full time officers. Mayor Evangelista stated that due to budget constraints, the Village could not hire any full time officers. She also questioned why Council had not recognized Officer Robert Verdi upon his retirement. In other Safety Department issues, Ms. Hathaway asked for a status update on the Auxiliary Police Funds investigation and requested a 30 day specific reporting of the Chief’s daily activities.
JoAnn Dzopko, 1080 Edgewood (Township): Requested that Council consider moving the Visitor portion of the meeting after Council Reports. This would give the residents the opportunity to comment or question items that are brought up during the individual Council members reports. She also questioned the detailed job description for the Director of the Senior Center, as she could not find the detailed job description in the Senior Center’s bylaws. Mr. Vest answered, that his previous remarks concerning the bylaws came from his position with this governing body, not that of the Senior Center Board. The Senior Center may have derived a more detailed job description for the Director’s position.
Larry Dowler, 161 River St,: Regarding the identity theft issue, questioned Fiscal Officer Brenda Brcak if the Chief had been reimbursed for this purchase yet. Fiscal Officer answered, No, he had not.
Mark Bayshore, no address given: Directed financial questions to Fiscal Officer Brcak regarding resident payments of utility bills and how the Village then makes payment out. (Confirmation of practice).
Kathy Lynn, 209 W. Main St.: Questioned where Mr. Britton and Mr. Loparo were this meeting. Questions were asked regarding the Chief’s performance review, and status of the Communication Courses. Has the Chief signed up yet and how many courses is the Chief required to take. Mayor Evangelista stated that the Chief had not taken any courses and that his review required a one day course or seminar. Mrs. Lynn asked if the Chief had joined the Lake County Chief’s Association. Mayor Evangelista stated that this item was pending.
Mrs. Lynn thanked Brenda Brcak for her service to the Village of Madison
Stacy Cornell, 161 East Parkway: Questioned the replacement of the customer window at Village Hall with bullet proof glass. Administrator Zapp stated that the replacement of the window was a safety concern for the employees at Village Hall. The glass replacement was $189 and is safety glass, not bullet proof glass. Mrs. Cornell asked the Mayor if he felt safe in his home. Mayor Evangelista stated he did. She also noted that delinquent water bills going to Auditor assessments are happening more frequently. This is not a good sign of things for the Village of Madison.
Cheryl Flanigan, 1921 Aberdeen: Commended the Senior Center and Director Rae Jean Burgard for the work done at the Senior Center. Her mother participates in the programs at the Center.
Council Reports
Mr. Lee: Upcoming Meetings:
· Fire District Meeting – October 3, 2007 @ 7:30 – Planning Meeting · Budget Committee Meeting – October 15, 2007 @ 4:30 p.m.
Mr. Bartlett: This meeting represents his one year anniversary on Council
To address comments of Mr. Lading and Mrs. Dzopko: He does not have a problem in moving the Visitor Section of the meeting, but that would be up to an agreement of Council.
Upcoming Meetings: Economic Development – October 4, 2007
Mr. Vest: Upcoming Meetings –
· October 22, 2007 – Planning Commission Meeting
A personal thank you to Brenda Brcak, outgoing fiscal officer. We have come a long way in just one year, and we now have documents that are easy to read and understand. Thank you for bringing fiscal accountability to the Village.
Mr. Hamercheck: The Rec Board has passed resolution in support of the Madison Township upcoming levy.
In other business, Mr. Hamercheck stated that he attended the Business Owner’s meeting. Administrator Zapp and Chief Forsythe did a great job in addressing the group concerns and review. As for moving of visitor portion of the meeting, all Council meetings should be held in a professional manner, and all should be treated in a professional manner.
Engineer’s Report
Engineer Ned Foley updated that bids would be going out on October 10th for the Hyder Drive Project. Work would proceed upon opening and awarding of bids. Mr. Foley also requested that Council pass Ordinance 45-2007 at the next meeting. The application process is date sensitive and approval needs to be made to meet grant filing.
Safety Report
Chief Forsythe reported that he is in the process of purchasing the financial security/protection coverage. An invoice will be presented for reimbursement in the near future.
Fiscal Officer Report
Fiscal Officer Brenda Brcak thanked staff, Council and citizens for their concerns, cards and flowers during her recent surgery and medical leave. All is well and it feels good to be back at work. Ms. Brcak also reviewed the time lines of the Tax Budget, Budget Hearing and purpose of the Rates and Amounts Resolution that was adopted at the last Council Meeting.
Administrator’s Report
Administrator Matt Zapp updated Council on the last Business Community Meeting. Chief Forsythe was thanked for his presentation and information given on recent break-ins. The next Community Business Meeting is scheduled for October 17th @ 8:00 a.m. at West Main Street.
Mayor’s Report
The Mayor publicly thanked Francis Waller for repair of the cannon at the American Legion Post 112.
The Mayor announced that this would be the last meeting for Brenda Brcak, Fiscal Officer, as she will be moving on to Richmond Heights Schools. Additionally, Greg Frania, Supervisor at the Sewer Plant will also be leaving the Village at the end of the week, and going to work for the City of Chardon. Both were thanked for their service and wished well in their new endeavors.
Upcoming Meetings –
· October 3, 2007 – Fire Board Meeting · October 4, 2007 - Economic Development · October 15, 2007 – 4:30 p.m. – Budget Committee Meeting - 7:00 p.m. – Council Meeting
Motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. Vest that Council approve Resolution 23-2007 in recognition and appreciation of Brenda Brcak, Fiscal Officer to the Village of Madison from November 20, 2006 through October 6, 2007. The resolution further thanked her for her service, professionalism, and positive changes to the Village’s fiscal integrity. Roll call on the motion, 4 yeas. Motion carried.
Motion by Mr. Lee seconded by Mr. Hamercheck that the meeting be adjourned at 8:10 p.m., roll call 4 yeas, Motion carried. Meeting Adjourned.
__ Matt Zapp, Administrator of Services Michael J. Evangelista, Mayor DA |