Village of Edgerton Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM
- Mayor Day called the meeting to order at 7:00PM with the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer.
- Y – Yes, N – No, A – Abstain, Abs – Absent
- Roll Call:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Absent |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
5 Members Present
Other Village Representatives Present:
- Chris Walker – Law Director; Denise Knecht – Fiscal Officer; Dawn Fitzcharles – Village Administrator; Gary Plotts, Matt Krill, Jaxx, Ashley Eberly, Ashley Kunesh, Fabian Aguilar- Police Department
Media Present:
- Cindy Thiel- The Edgerton Earth; Liam Jackson- The Bryan Times; Anna Wazniak- The Village Reporter
Public Present:
- Kelly Wilhelm- Edgerton Area Foundation
- Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes from 03.21.23:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y2 |
| Wallace, Chuck | Absent |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Arbor Day Proclamation: Mayor Day proclaimed April 28, 2023 as Arbor Day and announced that there will be an Arbor Day program with a tree planting on 4/28/2023 at Edgerton Schools @ 10AM in honor of Tom Kitchen. Elementary students from both Edgerton Local and St Mary’s Schools will be in attendance. The public is welcome! Arbor Day was established in Nebraska in 1872 and is still observed throughout the nation and the world today. Trees reduce erosion of our precious top soil, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperatures, clean the air, produce life giving oxygen and enhance habitat for wildlife. Trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for a fire, and other wood products. Trees in our Village increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. Edgerton has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation and we desire to continue our tree planting practices.
Mayor Update by Robert Day:
- Ohio Department of Development Brownfield Remediation Project – After months of negotiation with our outside legal team, Jason Dietsch with Edgerton Development and Mayor Day on behalf of the Village of Edgerton, have reached an agreement and will begin seeing movement in the remediation area in the next month or two.
- Village Day of Prayer – Local Pastors form several churches will be gathering to pray over our community and our nation on May 4th 12:15-12:45PM.
- After recognition at the last council meeting Tony Fifer, owner of Covington Box, has extended an invitation to Village Council Members to take a facility tour. He would be willing to meet us on an evening before a council meeting if we would like.
Administrator Update by Dawn Fitzcharles:
- The bulk of the Administrator Report will be given with the action to be taken later on in the meeting.
Fiscal Officer Update by Denise Knecht:
- March 2023 Financials complete with email sent this morning. Please sign acknowledgment and if you have any questions feel free to contact the office.
- Motion to pay bills 04.04.23:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Absent |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Police Chief Update by Gary Plotts:
- Received resignation letter from Matthew Roesel
- Capital purchase of 6 Tasers have been received and training is scheduled. Bryan Police Dept is providing training at no cost for certification to carry.
- New driving distraction law for cell phone usage is in effect. Individuals over 18 can have phone to ear to talk but not out in front of you. Under 18 no cell phone usage unless hands free. The first 6 months will be used to educate people and give warning with explanation. After that citations will be issued. It’s a primary offense; $150 fine and 2 DL points, and is increased in construction zone
- Lieutenant Grossman is coming to Montpelier for a training seminar on April 14th from 8:30-4:30. We have 6 officers attending. This will satisfy 8 hours of required training. Chief Plotts highly recommends this seminar which is open to the public.
Councilman Chuck Wallace entered the meeting @ 7:10pm during Police Chief update.
Police Update by Captain Krill:
- NRA Grant – Captain Krill reported that for the past year we have been enhancing our focus on community interactions as a directive from the Chief. We are here to service the community and the public. Hopefully you have witnessed us integrating and assisting community members. We want to be a community-based department. We are connecting with different community-based organizations for support. We are working with EAF who has been a great resource to us. We’ve worked with family protection groups. Training has been provided by Hills Martial Arts to help officers improve efficiency. Another group we’ve reached out to is the Friends of the NRA. The NRA foundation is collection of sportsmen, hunters, target shooters. There is a strong connection with the NRA and public safety. The department applied for two separate grants through the NRA. 1) focus on department and officer training and 2) focus on school safety as well with both grants being approved. Along with one of the grants First Aid kits were provided for each police cruiser, The kits contain life-saving emergency equipment and are a great tool for the officers to carry. We are grateful for the assistance and the ability to work with area organizations like these.
- Community Safety Initiative is a rollout program where the PD will offer training to the community. Many of our officers are willing and wanting to help be a part of this initiative. There are many exciting things happening in the Police Department.
- Motion to accept letter of resignation of part-time Police officer, Matthew Roesel as of 3/24/2023:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y2 |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Village Administrator Fitzcharles added that today we received notification that our request for financial assistance from Ohio Public Works commission infrastructure program has been approved. We should be receiving the project agreement on or about July 1, 2023. This funding is for our Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project. Good News!
VOE Personnel Policies & Procedure Manual update to clarify Work Day; Overtime, Section 6.01
This is a housekeeping item from when Council took action to change the work week in the Police Department work schedule from 43-hour work week to 40-hour work week and changing the work week from Monday thru Friday to Monday thru Sunday to accommodate newly formulated schedule. With the addition of a full-time police officer and the adjustment to schedules this allows for better coverage. Holiday observance in the PD is to be on the day of the holiday. We have worked with Clemans-Nelson to clarify and update this information as provided below:
“D. Overtime shall be computed as follows:
- For all employees not in the Police Department: For the purpose of determining an employee’s eligibility for overtime, hours will include actual = actual work hours, paid holidays, paid vacation, and paid sick time shall be considered time worked, for overtime benefits. Personal time is not considered work time for overtime benefits. All other hours for which the employee is compensated but does not actually work shall not be included in determining eligibility for overtime.
- For all employees of the Police Department: For purposes of determining an employee’s eligibility for overtime, all actual work hours, paid vacation and paid sick time shall be considered time worked, for overtime benefits. All other hours, including paid holidays, for which the employee is compensated but does not actually work shall not be included in determining eligibility for overtime.”
- Motion to approve update to section 6.01 D, Workday; Overtime, of the Village of Edgerton Personnel Policies & Procedure Manual:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y2 |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
ODOT Road Salt Discussion: Each year the Village participates in the Annual ODOT Salt bid in which along with other local municipalities we have the ability to join in with the purchasing power of Ohio Department of Transportation. This resolution authorizes us to apply for 100 ton of road salt. The contract requires the Village to take at least 90% and up to 110% of the contractual amount. By participating in the ODOT road salt bid, we agree to pay the salt supplier a delivered price per ton, based on the lowest most responsive bid and we are included with other entities across the state.
In 2019-2020 the amount was $81.60 per ton. Since that time the contract price has decreased to the most recent contract in 2022-2023 at $61.24. We purchased approximately 110 tons this season. Our salt bin can hold roughly 200 tons of salt. We are required to submit the legislative authorization to participate in the month of April.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON RESOLUTION NO 2023-005
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE ODOT ROAD SALT CONTRACTS AWARDED IN 2023
- Motion to pass and adopt Resolution #2023-005:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 6-0
OneOhio Opiod Fund: During AOS online training attended on 3/28 &3/29 it was discovered the we are required to establish a separate fund as outlined in AOS bulletin 2022-003 regarding the subject of OneOhio Opioid Settlement. The fund can be established under ORC 5705.09(F) and is to be used only for the approved purpose as required by the OneOhio MOU/Resolution passed by Village Council on 08/17/2021. This evenings’ passing of Resolution 2023-006 would allow the establishment of special revenue fund #213 “OneOhio Opioid Fund”. To date, the Village has received settlement amounts of $366.04 in year 2022; and $384.70 in year 2023. After discussion with AOS, once the new fund is established, we will make the necessary entries in our software to correct the receipt of these revenues to the OneOhio Opioid Fund.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON RESOLUTION NO 2023-006
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW FUND CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ORC 5705.09 (F)
- Motion to pass and adopt Resolution #2023-006:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y2 |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Discussion: We also have time sensitive information regarding National Opioid Settlements due by April 18, 2023.
In order for participation in the National Opioids Settlements, we are required to approve agreements with 5 additional companies; Teva, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. The State of Ohio has opted to participate in the settlements with these manufacturers or pharmacies. As a subdivision within the participating state, we can choose to participate by approving the agreements. The agreements were reviewed through Mr Walker’s office. We would like to request approval this evening to allow administration to submit all agreement settlement documentation according to the schedule.
- Motion to approve National Opioids Settlements participation agreements:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Discussion: Request for 2023 Supplemental Appropriation– Ordinance 1118 that would allow for the appropriation of the funding received from Edgerton Area Foundation Grant in the amount of $31,518.00 for the Parks for the purpose of purchasing 7 Scoreboards to be located in Miller and Gerhart Park. This is to receive the funds and to appropriate the funds so that they can be expended on the transaction.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO 1118
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR A SUPPLEMENT TO THE 2023 ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS
- Motion to pass and adopt Ordinance No 1118:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y2 |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | YM |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Grant Presentation: On behalf of the Edgerton Area Foundation, Kelly Wilhelm presented a check to the Village of Edgerton for the purchase of Scoreboards in the amount of $31,58. The Village is very grateful to have received this grant and are pleased to make improvements to the Parks.
Amending ordinance for CRA residential: This is an amendment to the originally passed CRA. Originally it was passed with commercial provisions only. Council directed us to communicate with school board and officials to come to an agreement with residential housing aspect. Since that time, we’ve been working with the school district. What you see before you has been approved by the school board and school officials:
100% abatement for remodeling up to 5yrs single family valuation of at least $12,500.00
100% abatement for remodeling up to 5 years two family valuation of at least $25,000
100% abatement for remodeling up to 7 years for greater than two family valuation of at least $250,000
100% abatement for new construction 5 years single or multifamily valuation of at least $100,000
We feel this is a fair compromise with school board. It fits both purposes of trying to promote economic and residential development within our community. We have a need for affordable housing in our community and the task of growing our community is a concern. With the rising cost of living, it can be difficult for families to find safe and secure homes at a price point they can afford. The 5-year term seems to be good fit since both the village and the school use a 5-year forecast tool which allows us to have a pretty good idea of what we’re working with and not signing on longer term for something we might not be able to handle. Administrator Fitzcharles is the housing officer. This amendment is required to be reported to the state for compliance and has been reviewed my Mr Walker.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO 1119
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 1085, IMPLEMENTING SECTIONS 3735.65 THROUGH 3735.70 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE, ESTABLISHING AND DESCRIBING THE BOUNDARIES OF COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA IN THE VILLAGE OF EDGERTON, OHIO, DESIGNATING A HOUSING OFFICER TO ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM, AND CREATING A COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT HOUSING COUNCIL
- Motion to give first reading Ordinance NO 1119:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Bowsher, Lance | YM |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y2 |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
- Motion to enter into executive session to consider appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline promotion, demotion or compensation for a public employee @ 7:40pm:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Bowsher, Lance | YM |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y2 |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Chief Plotts requested that Captain Krill stay for executive session.
- Motion to exit executive session @ 8:14pm:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Action taken after executive session:
Chief Plotts requested the support of council for the appointment of Ashley Kunesh as our next full-time officer. Ashley has been a great asset to the team and has stepped up to fill open shifts as needed. She will serve the department well.
- Motion to promote probationary part time patrol officer Ashley Kunesh to probationary full-time patrol officer as of 4/3/2023 @ and hourly rate of $21.50:
| Blinzler, Sharon | YM |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Council Discussion:
Councilman Wallace wanted everyone to be informed about what is going on out back. Dawn responded that where the flags are located is on the school property. They are looking to put in batting cages with poles and netting system but the location is not finalized at this time.
Wallace next questioned the building out back being in need of repair. Is it going to be kept or removed? A decision needs to be made. Wallace would like to know what it would cost to fix it.
Then Wallace questioned the process with blight properties. His recommendation is to have the Village deliver letters reminding residents that large trash day is April 15th and see if we can somehow offer assistance. The Administrator has given out the Mayor’s business card for folks to contact him to hook them up with volunteers.
Councilman Gruver wanted to mention that they will be dedicating Sharon Shaffer Softball Field on 4/11. She was a dedicated and a longtime lover of the game.
Councilwoman VanAusdale reported that she received a complaint about junk car on Depot Street. The information is to be given to Chief Plotts.
Storm forecasted for tomorrow– The Town Hall will be open and running as a shelter. We’ve received multiple warnings from the EMA. We are aware of the storm siren on Clarksville not functioning. Mohre’s is working on it.
- Motion to adjourn @ 8:29pm:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Bowsher, Lance | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y2 |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0