Village of Edgerton Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 15, 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 | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
6 Members Present
Other Village Representatives Present:
- Chris Walker – Law Director; Denise Knecht – Fiscal Officer; Dawn Fitzcharles – Village Administrator; Amanda Herman – Administrative Assistant; Gary Plotts – Police Chief; Steve Suchocki, Ashley Eberly, Jake Ferrebee, Matt Krill- Edgerton Police Department
Media Present:
- Cindy Thiel- The Edgerton Earth; Lindsay Phillips- The Village Reporter
Public Present:
- Bob Siebenaler, Nick Hug, Bill Blakely, Jorge Aguilar, Cloee Arnett, Fabian Aguilar, Maverick Aguilar
- Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes from 11.01.22:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Karnes, Tom | Y2 |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Sean Rupp, Community Reinvestment Area- Fitzcharles introduced Sean Rupp who is here to discuss Community Reinvestment Area. Rupp has personally been involved with CRA’s and has researched how the programs work. Having a CRA allows for the abatement of taxes at a specific rate and for a specific period of time. When a CRA is in place prior to improvements or new construction the owner would be taxed at base value before improvements for up to 15 years or as determined by the municipality. The reason for this tax incentive is to encourage economic development and improvements within the community. Rupp gave a detailed explanation on how CRA’s work in regards to the taxing aspect and how it effects the school districts.
The Village does not currently have a residential CRA program in place. The municipality determines the terms of the abatements. Rupp suggested keeping the terms uniform. This program encourages residents to upgrade the houses they are already in as well as any new construction. You can apply this tool to incentivize those individuals wanting to make improvements to their home. The end goal is to try to raise the value of all properties in order to lower the tax burden.
Day stated that he believes this is a way to invest in the future. This program allows for incentives to build and generate income which is a win for everybody. There is potential for growth and forward movement with the CRA program.
Fiscal Officer Update by Denise Knecht:
- Motion to pay bills 11.15.22:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y2 |
| Wallace, Chuck | YM |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Police Chief Update by Gary Plotts:
- Received resignation of Sargent Justin Coffman, he will be starting with Bryan Police Department on December 5th so will be stepping down on December 4th; Plotts stated he has served this community well and Good Luck to Justin on all future endeavors
- Also seeking motion to approve resignation of Patrolman David Richmond as he is unable to fulfill his monthly duties.
- With the resignation of Sargent Coffman, there were multiple applications submitted including one of our own, Fabian Aguilar. Aguilar brings exemplary performance and is the recommendation of the entire department.
- Attorney General sent out notification there will not be requirement of 40 CE hours for next year unless additional funding is found
- Jaxx is doing great, completely certified, kids love Jaxx at the school. Mayor Day is looking at getting him a badge.
- Motion to approve resignation of Police Department employee Justin Coffman, effective 12.4.2022:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y2 |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | YM |
Motion PASSES 6-0
- Motion to approve involuntary resignation of David Richmond effective 11.15.2022:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y2 |
| Karnes, Tom | YM |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
- Motion to approve reclassification of Police Department employee, Fabian Aguilar, from part-time patrolman to full-time patrolman effective 11.15.2022:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Mayor Day conducted swearing in of Fabian Aguilar into position of full-time patrolman with the Police Department.
Reports of Committees
Rules Committee Meeting-11/07/22: Discussion involved vacation carry-over. The committee would like to recommend amount of vacation hours being carried over from 120 hours to 220 hours.
Finance Committee Meeting 11/15/22: Ran through 2023 budget and all capital items. Looking at 6 weeks to complete three complete readings of 2023 budget.
Discussion- AFEC: Remaining requirement contract will be ending at end of 2022. With the power supply change and not being able to get ahold of remaining requirement contract at a decent rate, we have decided to put a couple power supply resources together; one of those being Fremont Energy Center (AFEC) located in Fremont, Ohio. We will take additional assignment of that project from the City of Hamilton to cover supply for the shortfall in power supply. We are going to ask for 500 kW. This will go into effect January 1.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON RESOLUTION NO 2022-026
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ASSUMPTION OF AN INTEREST OF THE CITY OF HAMILTON, OHIO IN THE FREMONT POWER SALES CONTRACT AND OTHER MATTERS
- Motion to pass and adopt Resolution No 2022-026:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y2 |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Discussion- Establishing Salaries and Wages: Council passes a wage Ordinance 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 1st reading.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO 1112 (1ST reading)
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SALARIES AND WAGES FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF EDGERTON, OHIO
- Motion to give 1st reading to Ordinance No 1112:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | YM |
| Karnes, Tom | Y2 |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Discussion- 2023 Permanent Appropriations: Earlier this evening, the budget was presented. The goal is to hold all 3 readings of budget without passing by emergency. This would be the 1st reading of the budget, roughly 6 weeks will be provided for passage of 2023 budget.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO 1113 (1ST reading)
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR YEAR 2023
- Motion to give 1st reading to Ordinance No 1113:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y2 |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Discussion-VOE personnel and policy manual update: Rules committee recommendation to change language regarding vacation carryover from 120 hours to 220 hours. Looking for Council approval to implement this change.
- Motion to approve change in language to Village of Edgerton Personnel and Policy manual:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y2 |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Discussion- Center Township Fire Contract: Last year Council approved Fire contract with St Joe and Milford, Center is on 5-year rotation. This contract will run from Jan 1, 2023 through Dec 31, 2027. We utilized information collected from last year, applied this year’s expenses and projections and were able to come to an agreement that was acceptable for all parties. There is an escalator on it to account for inflation. The board of trustees for Center Township have already approved the contract. Dawn, Scott and Denise worked together as well as with the trustees to determine an acceptable contract amount.
- Motion to approve Fire Contract with Center Township:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | YM |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y2 |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Discussion- Holiday, Council Meeting, Payroll Schedules: Council approves these schedules annually for the next year. One item to note for Council meetings is November 9, 2023 will be the Wednesday following the election on November 8th. The PD will observe the Holiday on which it is held.
- Motion to approve 2023 Holiday, Council Meeting, and Payroll schedules:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 6-0
Discussion- Park/Street Maintenance position: Following Jeremy’s transfer from Park to Electric position, there has been a vacancy in this position since July. We finally have a candidate interested in filling this position. Grant McMaken has experience with equipement operation and construction, holds class B CDL with tanker hazmat and air break endorsement, concrete, plumbing and mechanical work experience. We believe he will be a great fit for our team as we are headed into a time of snow and ice. VA recommendation to hire Mr McMaken effective 11.15.2022 at a pay rate of $20.00/hr. He has requested 3 weeks to fulfill current employer obligations.
- Motion to approve hire of Grant McMaken for probationary full-time Park Maintenance position effective 11.15.22 at a rate of pay being $20.00/hr:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y2 |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
8:05PM. Mr Walker exited.
Council Discussion:
Wallace- If anyone interested in putting up Christmas decorations should contact Chuck or Bob. Wallace would like to get started the first of next week.
Holiday plans-Christmas light parade will be November 26, 2022; line up will be in Town Hall parking lot @5:30pm, and we will have fire pits, hot chocolate, cookies, possibly traveling pianist playing Christmas music.
Smalltown Downtown Christmas- Saturday, November 19 from 10a-2pm.
New business “No More Walls Ministry” opening Wednesday November 16 in the former Never Let Go building.
Pam Wampler appreciates the lack of pot holes on Hull Street as well as the sidewalks on Oak Street. Kids are using both sides of the sidewalk.
Fitzcharles added that we are eligible for additional funding of county allocation. Mayor has agreed to try and secure the funding the pave the entire street on Oak St.
VanAusdale is going to ask for Executive session.
Gruver commented on the nice job the contractors did on Maple Lane driveway entrance. It looks very nice.
- Motion to enter into executive session to discuss the appointment, employment dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, compensation of a public employee per Ohio Revised Code 121.22 @8:15PM:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y2 |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | YM |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion PASSES 6-0
- Motion to exit executive session @ 8:45PM:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y2 |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | YM |
Motion PASSES 6-0
No action taken.
- Motion to adjourn at 8:45PM:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | YM |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y2 |
Motion PASSES 6-0