Village of Edgerton Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 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 |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | ABSENT |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
5 Members Present
Other Village Representatives Present:
- Chris Walker – Law Director; Denise Knecht – Fiscal Officer; Dawn Fitzcharles -Village Administrator; Amanda Herman – Administrative Assistant
Media Present:
- Cindy Thiel- The Edgerton Earth; Dan Cooley- The Village Reporter
Public Present:
- Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes from 11.15.22:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y2 |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | ABS |
| Wallace, Chuck | YM |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Mayor Update by Robert Day:
- Thank you to participants & residents that took part in Santa’s Arrival and Edgerton’s 1st annual “Light Parade”; event was a huge success with almost 200 people that showed up! Big thanks to all who helped.
- Surprise Open House for Scott Blue another success! Blue has been on the Fire Dept for 50 years, serving 30 of those as Fire Chief. Scott is a major asset to The Village of Edgerton and we are blessed to have him on our team.
Administrator Update by Dawn Fitzcharles:
- Received notice from Ohio Division of Liquor Control of new application for liquor permit from Rae’s Beauty Bar LLC; if anyone would like to schedule a hearing to contest this permit, they should speak now. None of the Council members objected the permit.
- Received Property, Directors and officers, Volunteer Firefighters & Police Insurance annual renewal premium, came in a lot less than anticipating with an increase of $2,455 due to inflation and materials, will be paid out first week in January.
- WEDCO has new executive director, Ashley Epling who will begin January 2, 2023. With new leadership there will be changes occurring within Economic Development, this is good news for Edgerton and for the county!
Fiscal Officer Update by Denise Knecht:
- Credit Card Review Oct 16- Nov 15, 2022
- November 2022 Financials
- Year 2021 BWC Audit Dec 13th
- Motion to pay bills 12.06.22:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | YM |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | AB |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Wage & Compensation Meeting update- Met November 29, discussed that the wage scale would shift 5.68% in 2023, reflecting 2021 change in minimum wage. Also discussed 3% flat cost of living wage increase with up to an additional 2% increase based on merit & performance review. Finance committee met and discussed the same; there are concerns about increasing insurance premium. 2023 annual increase for single plan is $912, family plan increase is $2388. Council also discussed safe harbor rule and how to adequately charge employees for insurance if that is necessary. Looking to do that earlier in year, will begin research mid-2023.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON RESOLUTION NO. 2022-027
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW ENTERPRISE FUND TITLED “CREDIT MEMO CLEARING FUND” CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ORC 5705.09 (G)
Discussion- With utility billing software upgrade (SSI) it is necessary to establish a fund “Credit Memo Clearing Fund” for any utility overpayments. The new system creates a credit memo instead of a utility revenue. The Village needs a method of processing the overpayments. The purpose of this fund is to serve as a clearing account for over payments of utility accounts and credits back to the customer’s account when a new utility bill is established. This enterprise fund allows for such a need. This is the best option for reconciliation.
- Motion to pass and adopt Resolution No 2022-027:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y2 |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | AB |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON RESOLUTION NO. 2022-028
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAUMEE VALLEY PLANNING ORGANIZATION TO PREPARE AND EXECUTE ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE OF EDGERTON AN APPLICATION FOR SRTS FUNDS INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM AND TO SUBMIT TO THE STATE OF OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Discussion- Earlier this year, we submitted the application for $400,000. Since then, the cost has been increased to $500,00 by ODOT. We need a new resolution to submit another application for proper amount of funding. This application covers the infrastructure necessary that directly impacts the school.
- Motion to pass and adopt Resolution No 2022-028:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Karnes, Tom | Y2 |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | AB |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON RESOLUTION NO. 2022-029
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF EDGERTON, OHIO AUTHORIZING THE RESCISSION OF A SUB-RECIPIENT AGREEMENT FOR AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 (“ARPA”) FUNDS AND TERMINATING FUND 212, KNOWN AS “AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS RECEIVED FROM WILLIAMS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS”
Discussion- Earlier this year we requested and awarded from the Williams County Board of Commissioners funds to support the Water Tower project. Initially brought to Council for creation of fund known as ARPA, but we now need to rescind that fund due to the Federal Government guidelines stating this is not a requirement. This fund has not had any activity due to the funds being directly deposited into the water fund. This is a housekeeping measure to remove the fund that is not being used.
- Motion to pass and adopt Resolution No 2022-029:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Karnes, Tom | Y2 |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | AB |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO 1112 (2nd reading)
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SALARIES AND WAGES FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF EDGERTON, OHIO
Discussion- Establishing Salaries and Wages: This is an Ordinance passed annually. Council is responsible for determining and administering employee wages and benefits, as well as determining the effective date. This does not set rate in which each employee is paid, only the wage range in which each employee can be paid. This is the 2nd reading.
- Motion to give 2nd reading to Ordinance No 1112:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | AB |
| Wallace, Chuck | YM |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Fitzcharles stated that with Ordinance 1112, 3rd reading will be December 20th with need for an immediate effective date so we will be asking to pass by emergency to provide for this, to avoid 30 day waiting period. We will also need to do this for Ordinance No 1113. Dawn also asked for a motion to approve 2023 wages and salaries per discussion from Wage & Comp meeting and within compliance of annual wage Ordinance. 1st effective pay period will be December 19th but paid out in January.
- Motion to approve recommended 2023 employee wage increases:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | AB |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y2 |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO 1113 (2nd reading)
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR YEAR 2023
Discussion- 2023 Permanent Appropriations: the budget was presented at previous meeting. The goal is to provide 3 readings of budget however we will need to pass the third by emergency to allow for the effective date. This is the 2nd reading of the budget.
- Motion to give 2nd reading to Ordinance No 1113:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Karnes, Tom | Y2 |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | AB |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO. 1114
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR A SUPPLEMENT TO THE 2022 ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS
Discussion- Annual Housekeeping measure to ensure proper accounting practices, financial integrity, and proper bookkeeping.
- General Fund Capital line increase 101-7500-52501 – Bowser Morner increase and Ward Construction Change Order #1 – Oak Street Sidewalk Project
- Police and Water using funds already in budget but need to expend in different category requiring council approval to do a budget transfer.
- All other lines are a wash with revenue and expense based on projects and timing.
- Motion to pass and adopt Ordinance No 1114:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | AB |
| Wallace, Chuck | YM |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Discussion- ODOT Agreement No 38443-Memorandum of Agreement between the Ohio Department of Transportation and Village of Edgerton, Ohio: This is an annual agreement with ODOT. They pay a rental fee of $746.25 for 3-month rental of a bay for salt storage space and reimburses us for any salt removed from premises. Council authorizes sign off on memorandum of agreement annually.
- Motion to approve ODOT Agreement No 38443:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | YM |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | AB |
| Wallace, Chuck | ABSTAIN |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 4-0
Discussion- Oak Street Change Order #1: This is first and final change order to close out on Oak St Sidewalk project. We have reached substantial completion, but will have to come back in spring to evaluate and see if any restoration is needed. Engineering firm and county commissioners as well as Ward Construction have gone through and reconciled final quantities. Project has ended up with $4,659.73 change order to close out. Once approved, final pay requests will go on Bill’s List. Our final portion is $43,521.83. Final cost is $96,521.83. Commissioners will pay remainder.
- Motion to approve Oak Street Sidewalk Project Change Order #1:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | AB |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 5-0
Discussion- Elected Official Resignation: Tom Karnes has submitted resignation, as he is moving out of Edgerton to be closer to family. Mayor Day commented that he appreciates the value Tom brought to Council. “Tom is quiet, but when he says something, you listen.” Mayor thanked Tom for his service and would like to get a Council picture at the next meeting on December 20. Karnes resignation will be effective on December 31, 2022. Fitzcharles has submitted advertisement for open Council seat and will be out for 2 weeks.
- Motion to accept resignation of elected official:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Karnes, Tom | ABSTAIN |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | ABSENT |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y2 |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 4-0
Council Discussion:
Councilwoman Blinzler has been approached about trains stopping on tracks. Edgerton PD no longer has ability to fine Railroad. Dawn says there have been traffic impacts nationally with the Railroad, she will share the website for federal reporting of stopped trains.
Councilwoman Wampler stated Oak St looks good and everyone she has spoken with is happy with the outcome. Also asked if the shed is going to be removed from vacant lot on Oak Street. Volunteers from Fight Club through the church are believed to be taking care of that.
Fitzcharles informed Council that there will be submission of application through CDBG, for another localized income study for pavement, drainage upgrades and remained of sidewalk. Mayor will be knocking on doors to obtain information to complete submission.
Gruver thanked Karnes for his service to Council. He contributed good dialogue.
Wallace brought attention to dumpster in the 200 block of W Lynn St.
Stephanie from Ohio Division of Forestry will be here on January 4 @ 9am and is willing to go through the town to assess trees to get game plan in mind. Anyone interested can attend. Dawn is currently working on Tree City USA application. There has been a lot of tree removals of unsightly and unhealthy trees.
- Motion to adjourn at 7:50PM:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | YM |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | AB |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 5-0