Burton Village Council

May 22, 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: Todd Hicks, Chip Hess, Brian Johnston, Jack Garner, Joe Kozial, Brett Freeman, Bryce Freeman, Kevin Freeman, Blaire Freeman, J. McKevitt, Edna Davis, Marcianne Kimpton.

 

Police Report:

Officer Smigelski stood in for Chief Nichols.  Officer Smigelski reported 3261 miles were put on the cruisers last month with 42 traffic stops, 6 arrests, and 98 calls.  Several break-ins were reported around the Village.  The latest is being actively pursued however, there are no current suspects.  The Mayor thanked the Police for diligently pursuing these cases.

 

The Mayor called Brett and Bryce Freeman forward and read a proclamation honoring them for outstanding athletic achievement at the State Wrestling tournament for the last two years. 

 

Engineer’s Report:

Mr. Hess reported that the Orwell gas line project is proceeding through the Village. So far, he has noted few problems.  One basement flooded and one buried storm sewer catch basin hit.  The company is repairing all problems as they go along and the Village Engineer is documenting with photographs all problems.  Work to drill under the park will begin the week starting May 29.

The water tower project is awaiting word from the painter as to the exact start date.  Cingular has brought in a portable cellular antenna on a trailer and set it up in the park.  T-mobile is expected to set up something similar to the north of the tower.

North Cheshire project for county paving will probably include the two catch basins at the Village line and putting in concrete curbs.  When asked about cost for the catch basins Mr. Hess gave a figure of $2,000 each.  The Council discussed the need for concrete curbs and the nature of the mutual benefit between the Village and the County.  Mr. Hess stated that the Village would only have to pay for catch basins and curbs, the County would pay for all paving.

Engineers for the wastewater treatment plant expansion will be interviewed on May 30 at 6:30 in the Library Meeting room. 

Mr. Hess will prepare a submission for Issue II monies by looking for water and sewer items along North Cheshire/Main Street.

Mr. Hess met with the Fire Department and discussed the effects of painting the water tower on fire fighting.  Mr. Hess also mentioned that the fire department will be purchasing a new pumper tanker and will have to remodel one garage bay door and floor.

Seabury Ridge documents and final plan have been submitted to Thrasher Dinsmore and Hess and Associates.  Awaiting Burton Developers next move.

Mr. Koster asked about the procedure for inspecting the gas line and whether fees had been collected.  Mr. Hess said that all inspection for the gas line was paid for by the company and that they had put up a $5000.00 deposit with the Village.  Any time or cost from Mr. Hess, Mr. Rose, or Mr. Eaton could be recouped.

Mrs. Beaumier asked about the curb cut and cross walk painting on Carlton.  Mrs. Beaumier asked why Gradeline had not put the cross walk back in when they paved. Mr. Hess thought that it was not in the contract for them to paint.  A discussion about crosswalk placement was held.  Mr. Coleman suggested that the crosswalk be moved east or west of the school driveway to avoid running into a driveway on the other side.

 

Solicitor’s Report:

Mr. Hicks noted that Seabury Ridge documents had been received at his office.  Mr. Hicks will continue to follow up with T-mobile.  Mrs. Beaumier asked if there were any legal issues if the painting was held up due to the cellular antenna not being off the tower.  A discussion ensued.  Mr. Hicks and Mr. Hess did not see a problem yet. 

 

Resolutions and Ordinances:

Jeff Coleman introduced Resolution 2006-11 requesting the County Auditor certify to the taxing authority the total tax valuation of the subdivision and the dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by a specified number of mills and declaring an emergency.  Jeff Coleman moved to waive readings and Sandy Humbert seconded the motion.  Roll Call: Jeff Coleman – Yes, Sandy Humbert – Yes, Judy Beaumier – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Jim Koster – Yes.

 

Sandy Humbert moved to adopt Resolution 2006-11 and Judy Beaumier seconded the motion. Roll Call: Sandy Humbert – Yes, Judy Beaumier – Yes, Jeff Coleman – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Jim Koster – Yes.

Resolution 2006-11 passed.

 

Sandy Humbert introduced Ordinance 2131-06 adopting the tax budget for 2007 and declaring an emergency. Placed on first reading.

 

The Mayor requested that Council approve the payment of all approved invoices.  Judy Beaumier moved to approve paying of approved invoices and Sandy Humbert seconded the motion.  By voice vote, motion passed.

 

Sandy Humbert moved to approve the April 24, 2006 Council meeting minutes as written.  Sandy Humbert seconded the motion.  By voice vote, motion passed.

 

Judy Beaumier moved to approve May 8, 2006 Committee minutes with the following correction. On page two, the second paragraph, Mrs. Beaumier should read Ms. Humbert.  Sandy Humbert seconded the motion.  By voice vote, motion passed.

 

Committee Reports:

Street Committee- James Koster

Mr. Koster stated that most of his report had been covered with the Engineers Report.  Ms. Gingerich forwarded a citizens complaint.  Mr. Savage, on the corner of Carlton and South Cheshire reports that trucks are using Carlton Street as a cut through to avoid going around the square.  Several options were discussed to solve the problem.  Mr. Koster will investigate whether there are or can be signs prohibiting through truck traffic on Carlton.  Ms. Gingerich also brought up a concern about the tree lawn on Carlton.  The grass apparently did not take when the tree lawn was established after Carlton was paved.  Ms. Gingerich wanted to know if the Village was going to take care of it or should the homeowner.  Council discussed.

 

Finance Committee – Jeff Coleman

Nothing to Report.  Ms. Gingerich asked for a follow up on several items from the Audit Review Board Report.   The Mayor will be signing the minutes tonight and Mr. Paquette had isolated the transfer amount in the water sewer accounts but had not transferred it to the books.

 

Forestry and Parks – Sandy Humbert

Ms. Humbert reported that Arbor day went off very well with the exception of the Gazebo electric.  Mr. Paquette informed Council that an electrician had been called and the problem would be dealt with.

Ms. Humbert had nothing to report concerning the Cemetery.  Ms. Gingerich reported that Mr. Durham of Carlton Street was still extremely worried about the tree in his front yard.  Ms. Humbert explained that at least three different arborists had looked the tree and decided that it did not warrant complete removal.  The tree in question is in the Village right of way.

 

Ms. Gingerich asked Mrs. Rought on Carlton Street and a tree in her tree lawn.  Ms. Humbert has talked to her.

 

BPA and Local Government – Dianne Lillibridge

Mrs. Lillibridge reported that LC United, the company painting the water tower, has suggested and received approval to expand the manhole access on the water tower to meet standards. 

EPA has completed a recent inspection of the water plant. Only minor violations were found and they are being corrected. 

The Township is looking at building a three bay garage to replace the garage currently behind the Township hall.  Preston Motors conditional use permit was revoked.  Realtor Mary Lambert has been asking residents along Route 87 in the Township to petition for a change of zoning to Commercial. 

The Berkshire Community Planning Commission has not been getting satisfactory responses so far from McKenna.  Mrs. Lillibridge will pursue this matter.

And so far, there has been no interest from anyone to purchase Troy Elementary.

 

Fire Department– Judy Beaumier

Mrs. Beaumier reported that she attended the Fire Department meeting  and asked them to do some public relations work to help pass the upcoming Fire Levy in the Village.

The Fire Department has responded to 209 calls this year.  Helen Davis is in a nursing home and Chief Sestak stated that he might have a $200,000 grant lined up for the building.  The Department also voted to purchase a new $350,000 pumper tanker.

 

Grants and Historic Review Board – Sharon Gingerich

Ms. Gingerich reported that the Historic Review has been meeting informally.  Ms. Gingerich reported that she and Dave Salmen, a part-time patrolman for the Village, have been working on a Web page for the Village.  Ms. Gingerich felt that the Village should consider purchasing a domain name.  A discussion ensued.

 

Schools Chamber of Commerce - Mayor Fischbach

The Mayor brought up the subject of painting pancakes on the water tower.  The Mayor noted that the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development meeting set up by Mrs. Lovas had more to do with painting pancakes on the water tower than economic development.  The Mayor stated that he was not attending the meeting and asked that neither the Council nor Board of Public Affairs attend either.  To further put an end to this once and for all, the Mayor asked for a vote from Council to state their feelings on the matter.  Mr. Johnston noted that the Board of Public Affairs has already decided that the tower will be painted “tank white” and nothing else.  Sandy Humbert moved to affirm the Board of Public Affairs decision to paint the water tower “tank white”.  Sharon Gingerich seconded the motion. Roll Call: Sandy Humbert – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, Jim Koster – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Judy Beaumier – Yes, Jeff Coleman – Yes.  The motion passed.

The Mayor also noted that the use of the term “town hall meeting” is wrong.  The Chamber of Commerce does not represent the voters or Council of the Village and the use of the term “town hall meeting” should not be used to describe a meeting not sponsored by the Village.

 

Old Business:

Mrs. Beaumier asked Council if they would like her to continue to investigate a possible bed tax in the Village even though it would only affect two businesses.  No comment from Council.  Mrs. Beaumier and Mr. Koster were still researching business signs placed at the entrances to the Village.

 

Mrs. Lillibridge asked if all Council members had gone to look over the Spring Street Building as a possible location for the Village Hall.  Council asked Mr. Hess to have another look at the foundation now that the basement had been fixed.

New Business:

Mrs. Beaumier reminded Council of the Memorial Day Services taking place this coming Sunday and also Memorial Services at the Geauga County Veterans Memorial.

 

Jeff Coleman read his letter of resignation from Council for personal reasons effective at the conclusion of the May 22 2006 meeting.  The Mayor accepted his resignation.  Members of Council expressed their gratitude for his years of service.

 

Judy Beaumier moved to enter into executive session to discuss personnel issues.  Sharon Gingerich seconded the motion.  Roll Call: Judy Beaumier – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, Sandy Humbert – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Jeff Coleman – Yes, Jim Koster – Yes.  Entered executive session at 7:52 PM.

 

Judy Beaumier moved to leave executive session, seconded by Sandy Humbert.  Roll Call: Judy Beaumier – Yes, Sandy Humbert – Yes, Jeff Coleman – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, Jim Koster – Yes.  Left executive session at 8:14 PM.

 

Sharon Gingerich moved to have the Board of Public Affairs hire Mr. J. Rose as assistant plant operator at a stated rate of $14.75 per hour.  Sandy Humbert seconded the motion.  Roll Call: Sharon Gingerich – Yes, Sandy Humbert – Yes, Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Jeff Coleman – Yes, Judy Beaumier – Yes, Jim Koster – Yes.

 

Jim Koster and Judy Beaumier were nominated to serve as President of Council to replace Mr. Coleman as he left office.  A discussion ensued.

Dianne Lillibridge moved to elect Judy Beaumier as President Pro-Tem of Council.   Sharon Gingerich seconded the motion.  Roll call: Dianne Lillibridge – Yes, Sharon Gingerich – Yes, Jim Koster – Yes, Judy Beaumier – Abstain, Jeff Coleman – Yes, Sandy Humbert – Yes.

 

A short discussion was held to recommend possible candidates to fill the empty Council seat.  Two names were put forth, Joe Hernandez and Linda Swaney.   Mr. Hicks recommended that the position be advertised and interested candidates be at the next Committee meeting, June 12. 

 

 The Geauga County Economic Development meeting will be held June 29, 2006 at noon in the Geauga County Chambers.  Date was noted and the Mayor will try to attend.

 

Judy Beaumier moved to adjourn the meeting and Sandy Humbert seconded.  Council adjourned at 8:30 PM