Village of Edgerton Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 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 | 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
- Yvonne Pierce – Utility Clerk
- Gary Plotts – Police Chief
- Matt Krill – Captain
Media Present:
- Cindy Thiel – Edgerton Earth
- Dan Cooley – Village reporter
Public Present:
- None
- Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes from 08.16.22:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y 2nd |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y Motion |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion Passes 6-0
Mayor update by Robert Day:
Community Work Day is scheduled for Saturday, Sept 17th
- Volunteers, please meet at Miller Park at 9:00AM; there are many small projects to be done
- Fire hydrants all around the Village need to be painted; Anyone interested in participating should contact Mayor Day at Town Hall; the hydrants can be painted at other times as well; Village will supply materials
Village Administrator update by Dawn Fitzcharles:
- Wage & Comp Committee Meeting Monday, September 12, 2022 5:00-6:00PM
- Finance Committee Meeting Wednesday September 21, 2022 4:00-5:00PM
- Projects under contract are under delay; due to limited work force and complications getting supplies and materials we are challenged to meet completion with multiple open projects:
- Water Towers Rehab Project II – We have entered into negotiations; because of these conditions the project may be pushed back until Spring 2023, with some compensation and if we have any issues while waiting, they have agreed to come within 24 hours, and will be their first project in the spring. The Administrator, Mayor and Kip have been working with D & M Painting and will bring back a proposal at the next meeting. This delay does not affect funding source, verified by Administrator.
- However, during this delay the Public Works Department was able to move the low service pump upgrade project forward and get it completed ahead of schedule increasing water production at the water plant, still making progress.
- Oak Street Sidewalk Project -a new project timeline is to be submitted by Ward Construction
- Playground equipment for the Parks has been delayed
- Water Towers Rehab Project II – We have entered into negotiations; because of these conditions the project may be pushed back until Spring 2023, with some compensation and if we have any issues while waiting, they have agreed to come within 24 hours, and will be their first project in the spring. The Administrator, Mayor and Kip have been working with D & M Painting and will bring back a proposal at the next meeting. This delay does not affect funding source, verified by Administrator.
Fiscal Officer update by Denise Knecht:
- Credit Card Review – statement date July 16- August 15
- August 2022 Financial Reports emailed 9/2 – request sign off as received by members
- Motion to pay bills 09.06.22:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y Motion |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y 2nd |
Motion Passes 6-0
Police Chief update by Gary Plotts:
- Phase I of the Security Camera System and Fobs Project is in final stages to be completed soon
- Removal of employees from 6-month probationary period; Captain Matt Krill, Mike Thomas, Byron Adams and Ashlyn Morey. All of these employees are great assets to our department and the community.
- Resignation Letter Officer Kyle Thurlwell; unable to fill the time commitment
- Bryan Area Foundation Grant; the department is very appreciative for a $1,000.00 training grant; always looking for more grants
- Jaxx is doing well; has been out and about and seen by community/schools; training constantly; hopeful to be certified by mid-October
- Bike Patrol – we’re out there; going slow but working at it
- Vests – received the vests purchased with the Body Armor Grant; the vests have a 5-year life span and the plan is to get on rotation for replacement.
Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles congratulated Captain Matt Krill and stated that he has always been a valuable added asset to our team. Also, with the issues we’ve had with the storms these past few weeks Dawn had the opportunity to work with Officer Eberly. Dawn really appreciated her work. She did a very nice job. Chief Plotts agreed that Officer Eberly makes the most of every opportunity, is very helpful and willing to take on tasks/responsibilities and see them through.
Captain Krill was present and thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. “We are tag teaming very well from an administrative standpoint. We are able to head off problems before they appear, working on long term strategy projects, budget and making really good progress. A lot of that comes back to Chief Plotts. He has the ambition to look down the road to the future. Thank you for putting your trust in me.”
- Motion to accept resignation of part time police patrol officer Kyle Thurlwell as of 08/24/2022:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y Motion |
| Karnes, Tom | Y 2nd |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion Passes 6-0
- Motion to reclassify probationary part time police department employee Bennie “Mike” Thomas to part time police department employee:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y Motion |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y 2nd |
Motion Passes 6-0
- Motion to reclassify probationary part time police department employee Byron Adams to part time police department employee:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y Motion |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y 2nd |
Motion Passes 6-0
- Motion to reclassify probationary part time police Captain Matt Krill to part time police Captain:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y Motion |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y 2nd |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion Passes 6-0
- Motion to reclassify probationary part time police department employee Ashlyn Morey to part time police department employee:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y 2nd |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y Motion |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion Passes 6-0
Report of Public Service Committee:
Mayor Day reported that a Public Service Committee meeting was held last Wednesday, August 31st. The meeting topic was putting together a community public work date for Saturday September 17th as previously discussed. If anyone notices something in the community that needs attention, cleaned up or improved, please contact the Mayor. “If you see something, say something”.
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO. 1108
AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE FORM AND AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF THE 2022 LOCUST RIDGE WIND ENERGY SCHEDULE WITH AMERICAN MUNICIPAL POWER, INC. AND TAKING OF OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH AND DECLARING IT AN EMERGENCY
(Pertaining to AMP Contract No. 2022-008320-ESS)
Discussion: At the last meeting we discussed entering into a block energy supply schedule not to exceed $.05 per kWh and that we were also in the process of negotiating another power supply resource for a 36 month hedge of approximately 2,190 MWH per year or roughly 8% of our total energy requirement. Because we are part of the Joint Action Agency of American Municipal Power and we have a Master Services Agreement in place with them, they are able to negotiate these deals for us. On behalf of the members AMP has executed an energy purchase agreement for the purchase of up to 100 megawatts of energy from the Locust Ridge II Project located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, for a term of 36 months beginning Oct 1, 2022 through Sept 30,2025 for a total of 47.75 per MWh.
This ordinance before you will be allowing for authorization of the agreement and will authorize the Village Administrator to acquire the 2022 Locust Ridge Wind Energy Schedule and authorized the contract. This agreement has gone before our rate consultant, John Courtney and has been through our Law Director, Chris Walker. All parties concur with the recommend that Edgerton subscribe for 1 MW of the Wind Energy Purchase Agreement for approximately 2,190 MWh per year. This would be an addition to our green energy portfolio and replace market power.
- Motion to suspend the rules Ordinance 1081:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y 2nd |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y Motion |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion Passes 6-0
- Motion to pass and adopt Village of Edgerton Ordinance No 1108:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y Motion |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y 2nd |
Motion Passes 6-0
VILLAGE OF EDGERTON ORDINANCE NO. 1109
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF EDGERTON, OHIO AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE TO THE WILLIAMS COUNTY LAND REUTILIZATION CORP
Discussion: In August, the planning commission approved the lot split on the property on North Oak Street that is owned by the Village of Edgerton. It has been Council’s desire to encourage residential development within the Village of Edgerton and we have found an opportunity to work with the Williams County Land Reutilization Corporation (“Land Bank”). The organization was formed to improve the quality of neighborhoods, increase land values, create diverse housing opportunities, and return properties to the tax rolls. This legislation is the approval to convey (two) 150X75 lots to the land bank and take unproductive land that requires maintenance and turn it into two residential parcels. The VA and Mayor will work with the landbank in restricting the parcels that building shall be underway by 12/24/2024 or the property comes back to the Village.
- Motion to give 1st Reading Village of Edgerton Ordinance #1109:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y 2nd |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y Motion |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion Passes 6-0
Discussion: The original Oak Street Sidewalk design contract with Poggemeyer did not have construction management or testing included as it was funded through the specifications of the Williams County Commissioners. We are asking to add this for a variety of reasons; GIS mapping, testing of concrete to ensure strength and reliability and to provide a better warranty position. This project was funded by community block development grant. The VA recommended that this is something that we should look at doing. It’s Council’s choice. Have it noted on the record “this is our opportunity to set ourselves up for success”.
- Motion to approve contract amendment with Poggemeyer Design Group for the Oak Street Sidewalk Project:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y Motion |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y 2nd |
Motion Passes 6-0
Discussion: The Village Players will be utilizing the gym for community theatre and their first show is September 17, 2022 at 2pm called “The Most Viewed, Least Watched Talk Show in History”. The group is looking for a local space to store props and have asked to utilize a room upstairs. We have a proposed lease, for an annual fee of $500 which is the same as the other not for profits. The lease is year to year and can be canceled. Their intention is to utilize the gym when available and they would store their props in an unused room upstairs. Councilman Wallace suggested moving location of storage to under gym seating to avoid hauling everything up and down stairs. Mayor is excited to see they gym being used as it used to be for shows.
- Motion to approve the lease agreement for storage with the 501©3 Village Players Hicksville:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y Motion |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y 2nd |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion Passes 6-0
The last item to consider is the reclassification of utility office personnel. Administrator Fitzcharles verified the process to correctly handle this temporary part time position legally and lawfully with Clemans-Nelson. They advised to bring the person on as probational part time seasonal utility clerk and then when they work full time hours, we reclassify as probational full time seasonal utility clerk. When the position is complete, we should classify them out. The employee is Melanie Kaiser. She has been a great addition to the team, is a joy to work with and has so many years of experience in the industry. She requires very little direction and is a nice compliment to our team. With that and to follow the recommendation of Clemans-Nelson we respectfully request to reclassify this position.
- Motion to reclassify probationary part time seasonal utility clerk Melanie Kaiser to probationary full time seasonal utility clerk up to December 31, 2022:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y Motion |
| Karnes, Tom | Y |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y 2nd |
Motion Passes 6-0
Council Discussion:
Council Member Blinzler raised concern about the big bump at the bridge on State Route 6 going East out of town. VA will check it out and relay information to ODOT.
Council Member Wampler questioned when the contractor will start working on the Oak Street Sidewalk Project. We do not have a confirmed schedule yet.
Council Member VanAusdale mentioned how nice the mums look uptown and thanks to all who are helping to water the flowers including Amy Thomas and Sharon and Dick Blinzler.
Council Member Wallace noticed the new fountains are installed at Miller Park. We still need electrical work to be completed so they are fully operational.
Council Member Gruver congratulated the Public Works team on getting the low service pumps project done. Its great to see us working well with Peerless to get this project completed and behind us.
The story of what happened in June with the electrical outage is being featured in a publication for Public Power; our response, the benefits of public power and how actively participating in generation can impact your community. When the industry is recognizing your efforts, what you did and how you came through, that means what we did were the right things. Publication is scheduled at the end of September. VA will share when received.
- Motion to adjourn at 8:02PM:
| Blinzler, Sharon | Y |
| Gruver, Jason | Y 2nd |
| Karnes, Tom | Y Motion |
| VanAusdale, Leslie | Y |
| Wallace, Chuck | Y |
| Wampler, Pam | Y |
Motion Passes 6-0