Village of Edgerton Council Meeting Minutes
Monday, August 19, 2019 at 7:00 PM
- Mayor Bowsher called the meeting to order at 7:00PM with the Pledge of Allegiance
- Y – Yes, N – No, A – Abstain, Abs – Absent
- Roll Call:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
6 Members Present
Other Village Representatives Present:
- Charles Butler – Solicitor
- Denise Knecht – Fiscal Officer
- Zachary Dohner – Village Administrator
- Dan Griffin – Police Chief
- Justin Coffman – Police Officer
Media Present:
- Jeremy Scott, Village Reporter
Public Present:
- John VanAusdale, Leslie VanAusdale, Steve Suchocki
- Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes from 08.05.19:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y Motion |
|
Day, Robert |
Y 2nd |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Abstain |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
Motion passed 6-0
Introduction of Justin Coffman, new Police Department Patrol Officer: Mayor Lance Bowsher took the opportunity to introduce Justin Coffman as the newest member of the Police Department; stating that Justin came in and hit the ground running and it’s good to have him here. Justin Coffman thanked the Council for this opportunity and was welcomed by Council Members. Justin exited the meeting.
John Engler was present. Mayor Bowsher asked John if he had something to present to Council and gave him the floor. Mr. Engler explained that he was here to request the backing of Village Council for a project he would like to see completed. He suggested that signs be posted at US State Route 6 coming into town from both directions as a memorial to Sharolee Ann Kepler Huett, former Edgerton resident and EHS graduate, for her outstanding accomplishments. Sharolee was a graduate of EHS Class of 1983 and has been recognized for her scientific and mathematical achievements. She was employed at NASA Kennedy Space Center until her recent death in October of 2018. Mrs Huett passed away in Florida after a battle with cancer. In her honor, NASA named a star in the Orion Cluster after her. Mr. Engler has contacted her family for approval, and also attended the local Chamber meeting recently; receiving their support. Mr. Engler has also reached out to NASA for approval to utilize their seal on the sign and concluded asking if the Village would be in support of this memorial. The cost of the signs quoted by Jennifer Dietsch would be $162.00 and would be split with the Village and Edgerton Chamber. Mayor Bowsher said he was in favor of the idea, and a motion was made as follows:
- Motion for the Village of Edgerton to pay $81.00, 50% of the cost for 4 signs, for the Sharolee Ann Kepler Huett Memorial to be placed at Village entrances on US Route 6 and State Route 49:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y 2nd |
|
Day, Robert |
Y Motion |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
Motion passed 6-0
John Engler thanked Council for their time and support and exited the meeting.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON RESOLUTION NO. 2019-006 (3rd reading)
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR, ZACHARY DOHNER, TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND/OR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM(S) AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED.
- Motion to pass and adopt Resolution 2019-006:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y Motion |
|
Day, Robert |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y 2nd |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
Motion passed 6-0
Discussion Ordinance 1039:
It was discovered that we did not have five votes to properly suspend the rules before passing the wage ordinance on 08.05.19. Consequently, the law does not deem it to be lawfully passed or in effect. To remedy this we should attempt to pass by emergency on 08.19.19 or give it a second reading on 08.19.19 and then a third reading at the next council meeting.
Councilman Day stated that he thinks we could be getting the cart before the horse and questioned if any interviews have been done for the Administrative Assistant positon. Chuck Wallace commented that interviews need to be addressed and asked Charles Butler if he should abstain. The response was deferred to be answered during executive session and the following motion was suggested.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO. 1039
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION ONE (1) OF ORDINANCE No. 1032 TO ADJUST THE SALARIES AND WAGES FOR VILLAGE EMPLOYEES AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
- Motion to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance No. 1039:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
NO |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
NO |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y 2nd |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y Motion |
4-2 Motion failed
- Motion to give 2nd reading for Ordinance No. 1039:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y Motion |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y 2nd |
|
Day, Robert |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
NO |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
Motion for 2nd reading passed 5-1
Discussion Ordinance 1040: Allocation of wage distributions for job descriptions – Clerk and Administrative Assistant
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO. 1040
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SALARY ALLOCATION FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND CLERK POSITIONS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
- Motion to suspend the rules to pass and adopt Ordinance 1040:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y Motion |
|
Day, Robert |
NO |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
NO |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y 2nd |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
4-2 Motion failed
- Motion to give 1st reading for Ordinance 1040:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
NO |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
NO |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y Motion |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y 2nd |
4-2 Motion passed
- Motion enter into executive session #1 for the employment and compensation of a public employee @ 7:16 PM:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y Motion |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y 2nd |
6-0 Motion passed
- Motion to exit executive session #1 @ 7:28 PM:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y Motion |
|
Day, Robert |
Y 2nd |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
6-0 Motion passed
Action Taken after executive session #1
- Motion to hire part-time Police Officer Kirk Stickney @ $15.00 per hour:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
Y 2nd |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y Motion |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
6-0 Motion passed
Jason Gruver suggested a motion to enter into executive session for the employment, promotion and compensation of a public employee at 7:30PM but before the motion was seconded, Jason withdrew the motion and tabled it until after Village Administrator and Fiscal Officer Reports have been given. This was tabled for the benefit of audience members of the Council Meeting.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR DISCUSSION:
- Fire Hydrant on Oak: This hydrant was damaged in an accident by an unknown driver. We purchased a new hydrant and with assistance from The City of Bryan, Edgerton Employees replaced it. Thanks to the City of Bryan for their assistance.
- Summer Lunch Program: All involved with the program wanted to give a big thank you for allowing use of the facility. 131 Students were served healthy lunches and participated in activities. A total of 826 meals were served during the program.
- Habitat for Humanity Home: an Edgerton resident was awarded the home. Mr Butler is looking into the legalities of the Village donating/selling the land on Oak Street for the future site of this home.
- Trick or Treat: Fire Chief Blue informed us that the Fire Department will no longer be hosting the events after trick or treat at the Fire Hall. A representative from Park View Nursing Home has reached out with the possibility of holding Trunk or Treat there and/or also doing something in conjunction at Miller Park.
FISCAL OFFICER DISCUSSION:
- Credit Card Review: Bank of America credit card statements (July 16, 2019 to August 15, 2019) were passed around to Council Member to review and for Council President to sign per our credit card policy.
- AMP/OMEA Conference: The annual conference will be held in Columbus September 23-25. The Fiscal Officer is currently the delegate to represent VOE on the OMEA board. Our OMEA Board of Director’s seat is expiring. A nomination for our community was submitted. The Village has held this board seat for a long time and we are very interested in retaining this seat. With this upcoming conference being the meeting where the general election is held for the OMEA board members it is very important to be present. Being involved and participating with OMEA is very important to our community. It will be difficult for both Zach and Denise to be away from the office to attend this conference. That would leave only one person in the office for a three day period. Denise made the suggestion that Zach should attend to represent the Village with the AMP committee meetings to learn about industry trends and hear updates on AMP projects. She then suggested that we name a delegate to attend for OMEA in her place. Denise suggested to Council that we consider naming the Mayor as delegate. This action can be done by emergency legislation at the next Council meeting for whomever is determined by Council to represent the Village. Mayor Bowsher stated that he would like to attend.
- Motion to prepare legislation to name Mayor as delegate to the OMEA board of directors seat at the next Council meeting on 09.03.19 by emergency Resolution:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
Y 2nd |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y Motion |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
6-0 Motion passed
Councilman Wallace had a question about the purchase of a smoke alarm since the fire department has them available at no charge. Denise let Chuck know that it was a specific type of alarm for the duct work in TH3 gym pertaining to the alarm system for the building.
- Motion to pay bills 08.19.19:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y Motion |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y 2nd |
|
Day, Robert |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
6-0 Motion passed
- Motion to un-table the previous withdrawn motion to enter into executive session made at 7:30PM:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y Motion |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y 2nd |
6-0 Motion passed
- Motion to enter into executive session #2 for the employment, promotion and compensation of a public employee @ 7:43 PM:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
Y |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y Motion |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y 2nd |
6-0 Motion passed
Chuck Wallace dismissed himself from the executive session at 7:44PM
Bob Day asked that Denise Knecht and Zachary Dohner be removed from the executive session. They both exited at 7:45PM.
- Motion to exit executive session #2 @ 8:17 PM:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y 2nd |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
Y Motion |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Absent |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
5-0 Motion passed
Action Taken after Executive Session #2:
- Motion to hire Amanda Herman as Administrative Assistant @ $17.00 per hour contingent on the passage of both Ordinance #1039 and #1040:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y 2nd |
|
Day, Robert |
NO |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
NO |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y Motion |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y |
4-2 Motion passed
- Motion to advertise for Clerk Position per current job description adopted on 08.05.19 contingent on the position of Administrative Assistant being accepted:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
NO |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
NO |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y 2nd |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y Motion |
4-2 Motion passed
COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
- Councilman Wallace voiced concerns about Miller Park Pond- Where are we? Is the aerator working? It was noticed that there is a hose pumping water. He thinks the aerators were put in over 10 years ago and stated that we’ve worked hard keeping the pond up so we need to get on this. Zach reported that he has been in contact with Kip and that they plan to get out on the pond with a boat to get this taken care of as soon as possible; but the challenge is keeping up with day to day tasks. Chuck stated this needs to be taken care of.
- Stocking the Pond – How long has it been since we stocked the pond? Are we going to? Chu7ck stated this needs to be in the Budget. Lance said he does not think we have stocked the pond since Kevin Brooks was here. It was cut during fiscal emergency commented Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht.
- Weeds and clover- Why are we allowing weeds and clover to take over the old town hall lawn and at the parks as well? Chuck commented that we need to do more than mow. Mention was made that Edon Farmers Co-op used to spray the park annually to keep it nice. We need to get this in the annual budget and get it taken care of. Note was taken.
- Sacher Street Curbs and Catch Basin- Where are we on this? It’s getting worse. Councilman Wallace said that more concrete is breaking away from the curbs on the edge of Sacher Street since the last time he spoke to the VA about this issue. It this even on the radar? Zach responded that he knows this is not the answer that Chuck wants to hear but there has not been time. Zach commented that there are suck hole issues at the Fire Hall and Library on the radar as well. Currently, we are focusing on the fire hall issue.
- Miller Park Rentals- Chuck expressed his discontent with the way the ball field rentals were and are handled. There was debate regarding who should be prepping the fields when they are rented. He feels that if the Village is making money by renting the fields then the Village needs to take care of them. He went on to comment that the Park Ball Field rental agreement/contract needs a lot of work as is incomplete. Let’s get this fixed and let’s get it right, stated Mr Wallace. Councilman Day stated expressed concern that we need to take better care of the gift that was basically given to us- the park.
- Canoe Drop at the end of Ash St- Chuck questioned the status. Zach responded that the focus is in other areas at this time. Chuck challenged by questioning Charles Butler about the ramp. Do we need signage (for liability purposes?). Chuck has been to other communities that have drops and they don’t have signs. Mr Butler will research but also feels it would be a good idea to at least look into.
- Councilman Day asked that since we are making an appointment and not doing interviews, how much was paid to run the advertisement for Administrative Assistant. Zach said he though around $400.00. Denise thought it was less than that as we received a discount for the length of the run.
- Day questioned the status of Mr Walker’s drainage issue. He wanted to know if anything would be done yet this year. Zach said he doubted it, referring to the tile issue behind Mr Walker’s house. Councilman Day reminded all that prior administration committed to fixing the problem and since we have the parts in stock…why aren’t we fixing it? Lance provided understanding to all that Bob was referring to the installation of a catch basin at Mr Walker’s drive in front of the house.
- Motion to adjourn @ 8:49 PM:
|
Muehlfeld, Roger |
Y |
|
Thiel, Dean |
Y |
|
Day, Robert |
Y 2nd |
|
Wallace, Chuck |
Y |
|
Gruver, Jason |
Y |
|
Perry, Jackie |
Y Motion |
6-0 Motion passed