February 27, 2006
Mayor Fischbach called the meeting to order at 6:30PM
Roll Call: Sandy Humbert, Yes. James Koster, Yes. Jeff Coleman, Yes. Sharon Gingerich, Yes.
Judy Beaumier, Yes. Dianne Lillibridge, Yes.
Visitors: Marcianne Kimpton, James Wohlken, Richard Smigelski, Todd Hicks, Chip Hess, Steven Roessner, Bob Provost, Sue Fisher, Brian Johnston, David Ward, Ken Kleve, John Horton, Joe Koziol, Bob McCullough, Tom Clark, William Clark, Lee Koroshes, Jane Koroshes.
Police Report:
Officer Smigelski reported in place of Chief Nichols. 3400 miles were put on the cruisers last month with 36 traffic stops, 34 arrests, and 88 calls. Ms. Humbert asked about the possibility of having an officer on horseback for the Sunday’s of the Pancake Breakfasts. Officer Smigelski will take the request to the Chief. Ms. Gingerich stated that she had found a web site that will help the police department obtain bulletproof vests. Mr. Scott Weber is donating two vests to the police department. The Mayor and Mrs. Beaumier thanked Ms. Gingerich for her actions.
The Mayor called Mr. Robert McCullough, Ms. Sue Fisher, and Mr. William Clark forward and swore them in as the Audit Review Committee.
Engineer’s Report:
Mr. Hess reported that water tower painting bids were opened on 17 February and the apparent low bidder was L.C. United Painting. Mr. Hess reviewed the company’s qualifications and compared all the bids received. Mr. Hess recommended to Council that they accept the bid of L.C. United for $224,500.00 as forwarded by the Board of Public Affairs. Judy Beaumier moved to accept the bid from L.C. United and Sandy Humbert seconded the motion. Roll Call: Judy Beaumier – Yes, Sandy Humbert – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, James Koster – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Jeff Coleman –Yes. The bid is accepted. Board of Public Affairs is recommending a paint color of ‘tank white’.
Mr. Hess reported that he met with the County Engineer and learned that the County will pave north of the Village line on North Cheshire. The County would like to work with the Village and pave into the Village a short distance to try to solve some drainage problems at the fairgrounds entrance.
Mr. Hess has identified two firms as possible candidates for planning the wastewater treatment plant expansion. Mr. Hess will obtain more information and present to Council.
Plans for the proposed gas line through the Village are in Mr. Hess’ office but will not be reviewed until the gas company makes application to the Village and pays the required fee. Mr. Koroshes asked if the stakes used in surveying the proposed gas line work could be removed until after the Easter Egg hunt in the Park. Mr. Hess stated that he would look into it.
Mr. Hess reported that Seabury developers have almost completed a preliminary plan. A wet land study has been completed. The next step will be to present the plan to the planning commission.
Mr. Hess asked about his contract renewal. Sandy Humbert moved to waive further readings on the ordinance to contract with Hess and Associates for services as Village Engineer. Dianne Lillibridge seconded the motion. Roll Call: Sandy Humbert – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, James Koster – Yes, Judy Beaumier – Yes, Jeff Coleman – No.
Sandy Humbert moved to adopt the ordinance to Contract with Hess and Associates as Village Engineer. Dianne Lillibridge seconded the motion. Roll Call: Sandy Humbert – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, James Koster – Yes, Judy Beaumier – Yes, Jeff Coleman – No.
Mr. David Ward of the Board of Public Affairs asked the Council to consider tabling the ordinance before them for a $7.00 per month increase in sewer rates. Mr. Kleve suggested waiting until more information about the costs and available grants and loans becomes known. Council, BPA and Mr. Hess discussed funding of the wastewater treatment plant expansion.
Judy Beaumier moved to adopt ordinance 2124-05 increasing the base customer sewer rate by $7.00 per month. Sandy Humbert seconded the motion. Roll Call: Judy Beaumier – No, Sandy Humbert – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – No, James Koster – No, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Jeff Coleman – No. Ordinance was defeated.
Solicitor’s Report:
Mr. Todd Hicks reported that he sent a letter to the cellular antenna companies on the water tower asking for their cooperation in the upcoming painting project. Cingular wireless has responded positively but T-Mobile contends that the Village should bear the cost of removing the antenna. Nothing further. A discussion about the cost of painting the tower with and without the antenna ensued.
Visitors:
The Mayor recognized Marie Lovas and asked her to present her idea for painting pancakes on the water tower. Mrs. Lovas discussed the potential painting the water tower as a stack of pancakes. Mrs. Lovas presented digital drawings of the proposal. Mrs. Lovas argued that the idea would be a tourist draw and promote the Village. Mrs. Lovas stated that the Village has registered as ‘Pancake Town USA’. Council discussed that matter briefly.
Resolutions and Ordinances:
The Fiscal Officer requested that Council approve the payment of all approved invoices. Judy Beaumier moved to approve paying of invoices and Sandy Humbert seconded the motion. By voice vote, motion passed.
Judy Beaumier moved to approve January Council meeting minutes as written. Sandy Humbert seconded the motion. By voice vote, motion passed.
Sharon Gingerich recommended a change to the minutes of the February 13 Committee meeting. On the second page, last paragraph, put “If” before “Mrs. Lillibridge would ask”. Mr. Coleman made a change under New Business, the statement attributed to him was incorrect. Ms. Humbert actually made the statement. Judy Beaumier moved to approve February Committee minutes as amended. Sandy Humbert seconded the motion. By voice vote, motion passed.
Committee Reports:
Street Committee- James Koster
Mr. Koster reported that the parking blocks in front of Belles have been replaced. Waste Management sent a letter requesting that the Village start planning its Spring Cleanup dates for coordination purposes as many municipalities hold a Spring Cleanup. Mr. Koster suggested a date of 1 May or 8 May but Mrs. Beaumier asked that they double check before scheduling so that the Cleanup is done before mothers day. Mr. Koster will double check. Salt usage is up this winter and the Village will need to purchase another 100 tons. Cold patching of the roads will start as soon as the weather breaks. Mr. Koster ran through the projected and actual cost of the pole barn being constructed at the Street Department garage to house equipment.
Mr. Coleman suggested billing Belle’s Restaurant for the time and material to replace the parking bumpers. A discussion ensued.
Finance Committee – Jeff Coleman
Nothing to Report. Mr. Coleman reported that he is available on Friday’s to join the Audit Committee Review if convenient.
Forestry and Parks – Sandy Humbert
Nothing to Report. Tree trimming is taking place in the Village around the electrical wires.
BPA and Local Government – Dianne Lillibridge
Mrs. Lillibridge reported that Burton Township is looking into the purchase agreement the Fire Department has for the Old High School in an effort to help them solve that problem. The Fire Department has been looking for a new site out of the Village. Burton Township trustees will meet with the Berkshire Planning Commission consultant, McKenna Associates, next Monday.
At the last Berkshire Community Planning Association meeting, the attendees broke into small groups with a McKenna Associate’s representative as facilitator of each group. The goal of each group was to identify the aspects of the community most important to them. Mrs. Lillibridge related her experiences from her group. March 23 is a BCPA government officials meeting and April 27 is the expected date that a first draft will be ready.
Fire Department– Judy Beaumier
Mrs. Beaumier recounted what she presented to the Fire Department from Council. Chief Sestak was not present at that meeting but will be given Council’s request. Mrs. Beaumier noted that American Legion Post 459 is holding Pancake breakfasts and fish fry’s in March.
Schools- Mayor Fischbach
Nothing to Report.
Grants and Audit Committee – Sharon Gingerich
Ms. Gingerich noted that the Audit Review Committee was already introduced.
Ms. Gingerich still looking into possible grants for the wastewater treatment plant expansion. Ms. Gingerich reported that Linda Swaney was reviewing information about the Historical Review Board and they were determining the best way to implement it.
Ms. Gingerich asked if the water tower painting project was going to affect water usage. Mr. Hess explained how the Village intended to maintain pressure on the system. Bottom line, no restrictions are expected on the water line for users at this time.
Old Business:
Mr. Coleman asked for an explanation of why the charges against the prior Belle’s partner were dropped before restitution or correction of the damaged parking bumpers. The Mayor explained his conversations with Police Prosecutor Dennis Coyne and the recommendation of no action. Mr. Coleman requested that the Mayor consult with Council on issues such as this in the future. The Mayor stated that law enforcement falls under his purview but that he would keep Council apprised in the future. Ms. Humbert suggested fines but the Mayor stated that law enforcement fines are the responsibility of the court and the police prosecutor.
Mrs. Beaumier asked about an update on adult entertainment businesses. The Mayor stated that the Planning Commission meets again on March 6 to discuss that issue. Ms. Humbert asked if the Planning Commission would be meeting on the first Monday of the month on a regular basis because the Tree Commission meets that night also and has been bumped from the use of the Village office. The Mayor stated that he would look into it.
Sandy Humbert moved to enter executive session to discuss personnel issues. James Koster seconded the motion. Roll Call: Sandy Humbert – Yes, James Koster – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Jeff Coleman – Yes, Judy Beaumier –Yes. Entered executive session at 8:05 PM
Judy Beaumier moved to leave executive session at 8:25 PM. Sandy Humbert seconded the motion. Roll Call: Judy Beaumier – Yes, Sandy Humbert – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Jeff Coleman – Yes, James Koster – Yes.
New Business:
Nothing to Report
Sandy Humbert moved to adjourn the meeting and Judy Beaumier seconded. Council adjourned at 8:28 PM
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Mayor Fischbach Fiscal Officer