City Council Meeting
April 6, 2010
Bucyrus City Council held its first meeting in April on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 in the Council Chambers of Bucyrus City Hall, 500 S. Sandusky Ave., Bucyrus. The meeting convened at 7:30 P.M.
Roger A. Moore, president of Council called the meeting to order. The audience joined Council and the administration in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.
Council members answering roll call included John Walker, Garnet Love, Michael W. Jacobs, Bruce Truka, Norma Hill, Kenneth Emerson, and Steven W. Pifer. President Moore was in the chair.
Love moved to accept the Council minutes from the March 16, 2010 regular meeting in their printed form, seconded by Walker. Motion carried per voice vote without discussion.
Residents of Arrowhead Dr. area were concerned about dirt debris believed to come from the downtown street project to build a dike on city property south of the Wastewater Treatment Plant in areas adjacent to Arrowhead Subdivision property lines. Mike Phillips, 824 Arrowhead Dr., Scott Langenderfer, 810 Arrowhead Dr., and Ron Gerhart, 814 Arrowhead Dr. voiced their opinions on the possibilities of contamination and health hazards in regards to the dumping of debris. They discussed water drainage, property values, inability to watch nature in the wooded area and walkers to the Suspension Bridge, described the dirt as being unsightly, and commented on contact with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corp of Engineers.
President Moore noted that the issue was a project of the administration. Jacobs questioned if setback regulations would apply to the existing matter. Because zoning laws were mentioned in the ensuing discussion about the dirt debris that included paving bricks, steel pipe, plastic conduit, and concrete to mention some of the contents, Law Director Matthew Crall brought to everyone’s attention that zoning does not apply to city-owned property. More discussion followed with Love pointing out the land on the east is under farm contract. Phillips asked that the project be stopped until the city finds out if the dumping is considered a health hazard. Truka made a motion, seconded by Walker to refer said matter to the Public Lands and Buildings Committee and to the Administration. Motion carried per voice vote.
A letter dated March 25, 2010 was received from the Crawford County Solid Waste District regarding the Crawford County Solid Waste Management Plan Update, a 15-year plan for solid waste/recycling within Crawford County. Walker made a motion, seconded by Jacobs to refer the letter to the Service Committee for study. The letter was also referred to the Finance Committee per motion of Love, seconded by Jacobs. Both motions carried by voice votes.
The clerk read a letter received April 1, 2010 from Ronald Rossington, 2001 River Rd., about the shredded and tattered condition of the American Flag at Washington Square. His letter also indicated that a 10 by 15 foot American Flag was purchased with donations from concerned citizens from city and county, whose contributions made the purchase possible. The closing paragraph in his letter indicated that special recognition was given to one donor, the late William (Bill) Snyder, who 65 years ago during World War II, as a 19-year old United States Marine Infantryman, fought for this flag and survived the 36-day Battle of Iwo Jima. President Moore announced that the flag was in the possession of the City Council, after which Emerson made a motion to accept and file the letter, seconded by Hill. Motion carried per voice vote.
Health and Safety Committee reported there were several representatives from the Bratwurst Festival attending its meeting on March 23, 2010. The discussion on clean-up, what streets would be available, where the stages would go was quite good and informative. The committee would get together at another meeting and hope to have most questions answered.
Also discussed was the Classic Car Show on June 12, 2010. The club takes care of clean-up and signs. Jacobs made a motion to close Sandusky Ave. from Mary St. to Oakwood Ave., as available due to construction, and one block of E. Warren St. for the food court. Closing of Sandusky Ave. will be from 1 P.M. to midnight and Warren St. from 9A.M. to midnight. Pifer seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Legislation is needed for the area of the hospital and the stop signs and no parking. Love made the motion for no parking on the south side of Hill St. between Plants Way and Pleasant Hill Drive and a stop sign on Hill St. at Plants Way and a stop sign on Plants Way at Hill St. Jacobs seconded this. Motion passed. The two other signs at this location are on private property and cannot be legislated.
The Civil Service Commission was next. Love made the motion to change the wording on page 23 to 36th birthday per Ohio Revised Code 124.42. Motion was seconded by Pifer. Motion passed. There were requests to delete #6 on page 21, delete first five lines on page 32 and add the sentence “civil service testing guides can be purchased at book stores or ordered online” and delete the last sentence on page 40 part C. This is being done to bring their book in order. Jacobs made a motion to approve, seconded by Pifer. Motion passed. This now goes to council as a whole for approval.
Jacobs made a motion to adjourn at 6:39 P.M., seconded by Pifer.
The following was reported by Chairman Love as discussed and approved at a Finance Committee meeting on March 23, 2010:
There were no reports from the Economic Development, Platting, Public Lands and Buildings, and Service Committees. Traffic Commission had no report.
Emerson made a motion to accept the committee minutes and related committee reports collectively. Motion carried per voice vote following a second from Love.
Service-Safety Director Seevers submitted the 2010 Revenue Tally to Budget for the General Fund, Income Tax Fund, Street Fund, Water Fund, Sewer Fund, Solid Waste Fund, and Storm Water Fund. Percentages for each respective fund for the first quarter are 131.81, 106.24, 130.22, 99.86, 99.86, 99.44, and 108.32.
Law Director Crall had no report. However, he read a quote of Mark Twain.
Auditor Joyce Schifer reported having received the first half of the property taxes and Enterprise Fund reimbursements that show up in the Auditor’s Monthly Statement of Cash
Position dated March 31, 2010. She provided figures for the Income Tax Revenues Monthly Comparisons, showing a 7% increase from last year at the same time and the Income Tax Revenues Year-To-Date Total that increased 4% compared to the same time period a year ago. The Auditor’s Monthly Statement of Cash Position was held for review.
Hill seconded a motion of Love to accept the Treasurer’s Cash Report dated February 28, 2010 submitted by Treasurer Jane Cremeans. Voice vote carried the motion.
Police Chief Ken Teets submitted his February 2010 report. It was held for study.
Emerson made a motion, seconded by Hill to accept the February 2010 Incident Report of the Fire Department. Motion carried per voice vote.
Lt. John Schiefer, code enforcement officer submitted a property maintenance report for March 2010. It was held for review. Council was advised to contact either Lt. Schiefer or Law Director Crall should anyone have questions. Council member Walker asked if the nature of the problem could be included on the report.
Mayor Daniel Ross had no report.
Hill moved to accept the reports of the city officers, seconded by Walker. Motion carried per voice vote.
Visitors were invited to offer input regarding the reports of the standing committees and of the city officers. No one responded.
The clerk read proposed Ordinance Nos. 6-2010, 7-2010, 8-2010, and 9-2010, and proposed Resolution Nos. 206-2010, 207-2010 and 208-2010 by caption only, for the first time. They were referred back to the originating committees after Love moved to accept this as first readings. Emerson seconded the motion. Motion carried by voice vote.
During the public participation portion of the meeting, Truka introduced discussion about the sales agreement for the purchase of 1.9134 acres of land located at 1009 Woodlawn Ave. He cited concern that the purchase price was not included in the legislation. Council reviewed dollar figures of $13,000 for the purchase price and $140,000 for asbestos cleanup and demolition during an open discussion and reminded everyone that the project would be funded through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program I. President Moore explained the Neighborhood Stabilization Program II would help to develop the land after the building is demolished. At this time, the Council president read a memo received from Service-Safety Director Seevers in which he asked that the subject legislation go forward for approval to confirm to the State that Council approves the purchase. The memo also indicated “the State has agreed to make additional funds available for this project. The city will not need to match any funds used for this project. The bidding for asbestos abatement and demolition will be done by the Regional Office in Mt. Gilead as was the Lutz Drive project. The total amount of this project will not be known until all bids are received”. No further response was received from the Council members and no input was offered by the public.
Council recessed at 8:22 P.M. Council called back to order at 8:37 P.M.
Finance Committee reported favorably to proposed Ord. No. 6-2010, proposed Ord. No. 7-2010, and proposed Res. No. 206-2010.
Health and Safety Committee reported favorably to proposed Ord. Nos. 8-2010 and 9-2010 and proposed Res. No. 207-2010.
Public Lands and Buildings Committee reported favorably to proposed Res. No. 208-2010.
Emerson made a motion, seconded by Hill that Council accepts the reports of the committees. Motion carried by voice vote.
Ordinance No. 6-2010, creating an Economic Development Subparagraph containing a Community Environment Category containing a Materials and Supplies Item, was taken up. Jacobs made a motion, seconded by Love that the rules be suspended, declaring an emergency, and the second and third readings of the caption and text of proposed Ord. No. 6-2010 be waived. Roll call vote: Jacobs, yea; Love, yea; Truka, yea; Hill, yea; Emerson, yea; Pifer, yea; Walker, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and proposed Ord. No. 6-2010 was read by title only, fully and distinctly, the second and third times. Walker made a motion, seconded by Hill that proposed Ord. No. 6-2010 be adopted. Roll call vote: Walker, yea; Hill, yea; Emerson, yea; Pifer, yea; Love, yea; Jacobs, yea; Truka, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and Ord. No. 6-2010 was duly enacted and adopted.
Ordinance No. 7-2010, appropriating $1,000 to the Capital Outlay Item within the Police Department Category within Program I – Security of Persons and Property Subparagraph within the General Fund, appropriating $1,017.86 to the Materials and Supplies Item within the Community Environment Category within the Economic Development Subparagraph, and appropriating $1,461.00 to the Capital Outlay Item within the Police Department Category within the ARRA K-9 Retention & Crime Plan Subparagraph, was taken up. Emerson made a motion, seconded by Love that the rules be suspended, declaring an emergency, and the second and third readings of the caption and text of proposed Ord. No. 7-2010 be waived. Roll call vote: Emerson, yea; Love, yea; Jacobs, yea; Truka, yea; Hill, yea; Pifer, yea; Walker, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and proposed Ord. No. 7-2010 was read by title only, fully and distinctly, the second and third times. Jacobs made a motion, seconded by Hill that proposed Ord. No. 7-2010 be adopted. Roll call vote: Jacobs, yea; Hill, yea; Emerson, yea; Pifer, yea; Walker, yea; Love, yea; Truka, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and Ord. No. 7-2010 was duly enacted and adopted.
Ordinance No. 8-2010, establishing an upper age eligibility limit of 36 years for an original appointment to the City of Bucyrus Fire Department, was taken up. Jacobs made a motion, seconded by Pifer that the rules be suspended, and the second and third readings of the caption and text of proposed Ord. No. 8-2010 be waived. Roll call vote: Jacobs, yea; Pifer, yea; Walker, yea; Love, yea; Truka, yea; Hill, yea; Emerson, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and proposed Ord. No. 8-2010 was read by title only, fully and distinctly, the second and third times. Walker made a motion, seconded by Hill that proposed Ord. No. 8-2010 be adopted. Roll call vote: Walker, yea; Hill, yea; Emerson, yea; Pifer, yea; Love, yea; Jacobs, yea; Truka, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and Ord. No. 8-2010 was duly enacted and adopted.
Ordinance No. 9-2010, amending the Traffic Control Map and file established by Sections 305.01, 305.02 and 305.03 of the Codified Ordinances to provide for the installation of a stop sign at Hill St. at the southwest corner for eastbound traffic at Plants Way, a stop sign at Plants Way and Hill St. going north at the northeast corner for northbound traffic and a no parking sign on the south side of Hill St. between Plants Way and Pleasant Hill Dr., was taken up. Emerson made a motion, seconded by Love that the rules are suspended and the second and third readings of the caption and text of proposed Ord. No. 9-2010 be waived. Roll call vote: Emerson, yea; Love, yea; Jacobs, yea; Truka, yea; Hill, yea; Pifer, yea; Walker, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and proposed Ord. No. 9-2010 was read by title only, fully and distinctly, the second and third times. Pifer made a motion, seconded by Emerson that proposed Ord. No. 9-2010 be adopted. Roll call vote: Pifer, yea; Emerson, yea; Walker, yea; Love, yea; Jacobs, yea; Truka, yea; Hill, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and Ord. No. 9-2010 was duly enacted and adopted.
Resolution No. 206-2010, authorizing and directing the service-safety director to enter into an agreement with the Bucyrus Tourism and Visitors’ Bureau, Inc. from May 14, 2010 through May 13, 2012 at a cost of 50% of the bed tax collected pursuant to O.R.C. 717.20 and O.R.C. 5739.09(B)(1), was taken up. Emerson made a motion, seconded by Hill that the rules be suspended and the second and third readings of the caption and text of proposed Res. No. 206-2010 be waived. Roll call vote: Emerson, yea; Hill, yea; Pifer, yea; Walker, yea; Love, yea; Jacobs, yea; Truka, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and proposed Res. No. 206-2010 was read by title only, fully and distinctly, the second and third times. Jacobs made a motion, seconded by Walker that proposed Res. No. 206-2010 be adopted. Roll call vote: Jacobs, yea; Walker, yea; Love, yea; Truka, yea; Hill, yea; Emerson, yea; Pifer, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and Res. No. 206-2010 was duly enacted and adopted.
Resolution No. 207-2010, authorizing and directing the service-safety director of the City of Bucyrus to ban vehicular traffic for the Crawford County Customs and Classics Automobile Club Super Cruise on June 12, 2010, was taken up. Love made a motion, seconded by Hill that the rules be suspended, and the second and third readings of the caption and text of proposed Res. No. 207-2010 be waived. Roll call vote: Love, yea; Hill, yea; Emerson, yea; Pifer, yea; Walker, yea; Jacobs, yea; Truka, yea. Chairman declared motion carried and proposed Res. No. 207-2010 was read by title only, fully and distinctly, the second and third times. Walker made a motion, seconded by Emerson that proposed Res. No. 207-2010 be adopted. Roll call vote: Walker, yea; Emerson, yea; Pifer, yea; Love, yea; Jacobs, yea; Truka, yea; Hill, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion and Res. No. 207-2010 was duly enacted and adopted.
Resolution No. 208-2010, authorizing and directing the mayor and/or service-safety director to enter into a sales agreement for the purchase of 1.9134 acres, more or less, at 1009 Woodlawn Ave. (the former Crawford Elementary School) from John D. Wiparina, Dominic J. Wiparina, and Melissa A. Wiparina, using grant monies solely maintained and controlled by the Neighborhood Stabilization Program I for which the city is eligible, was taken up. Hill made a motion, seconded by Love that the rules be suspended, declaring an emergency, and the second and third readings of the caption and text of proposed Res. No. 208-2010 be waived. Roll call vote: Hill, yea; Love, yea; Jacobs, yea; Truka, yea; Emerson, yea; Pifer, yea; Walker, yea. Nays: None. Chairman declared motion carried and proposed Res. No. 208-2010 was read by title only, fully and distinctly, the second and third times. Walker made a motion, seconded by Jacobs that proposed Res. No. 208-2010 be adopted. Roll call vote: Walker, yea; Jacobs, yea; Truka, yea; Hill, yea; Emerson, yes; 1Pifer, nay; Love, yea. Chairman declared motion carried and Res. No. 208-2010 was duly enacted and adopted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Council considered the proposed amendments to the Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations requested by the Bucyrus Civil Service Commission in its letter of March 12, 2010. The following proposed amendments are mentioned below, with the exception of the age requirement. The changes follow each respective subject:
After the clerk read the potential changes to the Civil Service Commission’s Rules and Regulations, Pifer made a motion, seconded by Truka, to approve the amendments. Motion carried per voice vote.
Walker introduced discussion on the possibilities of a feasibility study of all city buildings, water and wastewater plants to see if change could be made at a lower cost to customers. The information was included in a presentation on Renewable Energy and Performance at a recent Service Committee meeting by Martin Miller. Walker, acting Service Committee chairman shared there is no cost for the feasibility study. The study would show where some back falls are in the city buildings. Love brought to everyone’s attention that a study of all the city buildings was done several years ago when she was chairman of the Public Lands and Buildings Committee. It was clarified that said feasibility study would involve the energy costs at the buildings, not about the roofs and windows. After continued discussion, Walker made a motion to authorize the service-safety director to have a feasibility study done for the City of Bucyrus through Martin Miller and associates of Energy Systems Group of Dublin. Truka seconded his motion. Motion carried per voice vote of Council.
Council was reminded of the Drug Summit hosted by Together We Hurt, Together We Heal on Thursday, April 22, from 9 A.M. to 12 Noon at the Crawford County Fairgrounds Youth Building. Council members who had not responded to the invitation were to contact the clerk that evening if they desired to attend.
Council was also reminded of the Crawford County Consumer Expo to be held on Saturday, April 24 from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. at the Crawford County Youth Building to be held in conjunction with the Telegraph-Forum annual garage sale, and Ohio Ethics Financial Disclosure Forms are due April 15.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: A number of items of new and miscellaneous business were discussed on Council floor:
COMMITTEE MEETINGS: The Public Lands and Buildings Committee was the only Council committee to schedule a meeting. It will be held on Monday, April 12 at 9 A.M.
Pifer volunteered to attend the WBCO Radio Program on the following Wednesday.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Walker made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Jacobs. Voice vote carried the motion. Time of adjournment was 9:15 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
_______________________________
Regina H. Zornes,
Clerk of the Council
1Nay Vote - Pifer