MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR SESSION OF COUNCIL
March 7, 2006
Council President Glen Stewart called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Ward 1: Robert L. Valentine Present
Ward 2: Robert M. Valentine Present
Ward 3: Ruth Detrow Present
Ward 4: Paul Wertz Present
At-large: Glen Stewart Present
Note: Throughout the minutes, Robert L. Valentine and Robert M. Valentine are designated as to their ward representation, W1 and W2.
February 21, 2006 Regular session
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow to accept the minutes.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Ord. 20-06
Item (a) AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE THE FOLLOWING HEREINAFTER NAMED SUM OF MONEY IN 2006 AND DECLARING THIS TO BE AN EMERGENCY MEASURE NECESSARY TO MEET THE IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO.
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow to invoke Section 113.01 of the Codified Ordinances as the distribution of this Ordinance has satisfied the requirements of said Section and that a further reading be dispensed with at this time.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Comments:
Director of Finance Anna Tomasek explained that this is basically a request from Municipal Court for $85,000 for a second round of upgrades taking their computer system from a dot matrix to a Windows based computer software program. This is stage two of the process.
Director of Law Rick Wolfe added that it was an oversight not to have had this in the original appropriations ordinance; however, Mr. Linson did not have all the information at that time. They have the money as well as the plans for the total of the three-phase project.
Valentine W1 asked if this is the cost of all three phases, and Wolfe stated this $85,000 is the cost of phase two. It comes from a court cost generated fund specified for this purpose, not from the general fund.
Mayor Strine emphasized this money comes from a court fee charged and set aside into a special fund for computers.
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Stewart that the rules requiring the reading on three separate days be suspended and that the Ordinance be passed on the second and third readings.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Motion carried.
Ord. 21-06
Item (b) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE POLICE DIVISION OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO, OBVIATING FORMAL ADVERTISING AND BIDDING; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow to invoke Section 113.01 of the Codified Ordinances as the distribution of this Ordinance has satisfied the requirements of said Section and that a further reading be dispensed with at this time.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Comments:
Police Chief Bill Miracle explained that this ordinance allows the purchase of three Ford Crown Victoria police vehicles. The replacement schedule for three years had been put aside due to financial problems within the City, and consequently problems on some of their vehicles have been catching up with the department, which necessitates replacement of some vehicles. This won’t fix all the problems, but the department will replace three this year; it is budgeted for 2006; and the cost will be just under $22,000 per vehicle through state bid process.
Valentine W1 asked about repair of vehicles, and Miracle told him the Street Department handles almost all the repairs except warranty work and transmission work. Everything else is done in-house.
Valentine W2 asked about the vehicles being replaced, and Miracle told him they would get rid of three old ones. The department has problems with some of their unmarked vehicles, too, so they will look over the entire fleet and take the worst ones off and replace them with some of the others. He couldn’t answer with certainty, but they may use some of the old unmarked vehicles someplace else. It is a matter of the best use they can get out of the fleet they have. There are well over 100,000 miles on the vehicles being replaced.
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Valentine W1 that the rules requiring the reading on three separate days be suspended and that the Ordinance be passed on the second and third readings.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Motion carried.
Ord. 22-06
Item (c) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE, TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS FOR THE REPAIR AND RESURFACING OF VARIOUS STREETS IN THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO, TOGETHER WITH ALL INCIDENTALS AND APPURTENANCES NECESSARY THERETO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow to invoke Section 113.01 of the Codified Ordinances as the distribution of this Ordinance has satisfied the requirements of said Section and that a further reading be dispensed with at this time.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Comments:
Valentine W1 asked about the method of selection of the streets, and Mayor Strine responded that it is basically the condition of the street.
Street Department Director Jerry Mack stated they take a look at and evaluate the streets that are ten years old first, then they look at others ten years old that haven’t been done. Condition also is an important factor, but they start with ten-year-old streets.
Mayor Strine told Council that he thought the three state routes through town were to be paved in 2006; however, they will be paved in the state’s fiscal year, not the City’s, and will be done in the spring of next year. Stewart added that doesn’t make any difference on the City’s repaving plan.
Moved by Valentine W1 and seconded by Detrow that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Valentine W1 that the rules requiring the reading on three separate days be suspended and that the Ordinance be passed on the second and third readings.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Stewart that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Motion carried.
Ord. 23-06
Item (d) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE, TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES TO DESIGN AND PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE CITY WATER TREATMENT PLANT WATER SOFTENER #1; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow to invoke Section 113.01 of the Codified Ordinances as the distribution of this Ordinance has satisfied the requirements of said Section and that a further reading be dispensed with at this time.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Comments:
Law Director Rick Wolfe explained that a number needs corrected in Section 4 of this ordinance. Tomasek gave the corrected number: Account No. 444-5601-55001.
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W1 to accept amended Section 4.
Ayes: Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
City Engineer Jim Cooper explained that this would permit them to get the design and plans together for the water softener. The one in use now is a 1965 model. This is the second softener designed, as they did one nearly identical to this four years ago. This cost is almost half of what the first one was, because they can use a lot the previous plans and retrofit. He thinks this is a good price. This is needed before the next step of the construction phase. Also, this is an Issue 2 project.
Valentine W1 asked how the consulting engineer was determined and if there is a process to go through, and Cooper responded that Burgess and Niple did the previous design for that project; with them having the plans and specs, he got a price from them which is about half of the previous job. Burgess and Niple were chosen in the best interest of the City.
Wolfe explained further that with specialized services like this, the City’s past experience with the consultants is relevant also, and the City has had generally good experience with Burgess and Niple. That is also taken into consideration.
Moved by Valentine W1 and seconded by Wertz that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow that the rules requiring the reading on three separate days be suspended and that the Ordinance be passed on the second and third readings.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W2 that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Motion carried.
Ord. 24-06
Item (e) AN ORDINANCE MODIFYING SECTION R-219 (D) INSULATION OF THE ONE, TWO & THREE FAMILY DWELLING CODE FOR THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow to invoke Section 113.01 of the Codified Ordinances as the distribution of this Ordinance has satisfied the requirements of said Section and that a further reading be dispensed with at this time.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Comments:
Cooper explained that Cal Keefer brought to his attention that insulation called for by the code for the exterior basement portion of houses is R-8, which is not available in the City. To go equal or better to an R-10 costs about $9.50 more. So to try to be user friendly and to upgrade the codes for working with contractors and builders, he looked around at distributors in the area and found an R 7.5. He didn’t feel that would cause any harm as far as quality of construction, and the contractors save the $9.26, the price three weeks ago when he checked.
Cooper wanted to make this modification, which he thinks is a good recommendation, and put it into ordinance form. He likes to be responsive to the needs of builders.
Wolfe questioned the difference in the numbers 8 versus 7.5, which Cooper told him was thickness and quality, while the $9.00 savings is per sheet. Cooper explained that to get this R-8 insulation, builders have to go out of town, and to buy in town, they have to use the R-10, which is $9.00 more expensive per sheet. With this change, builders can get the R 7.5 and save some money.
Wolfe stated this is a minimum standard and wouldn’t prevent anyone from using the R-10 if they wanted to.
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W2 that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Valentine W1 that the rules requiring the reading on three separate days be suspended and that the Ordinance be passed on the second and third readings.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Motion carried.
Ord. 25-06
Item (f) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT DIVISION OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO, OBVIATING FORMAL ADVERTISING AND BIDDING; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow to invoke Section 113.01 of the Codified Ordinances as the distribution of this Ordinance has satisfied the requirements of said Section and that a further reading be dispensed with at this time.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Comments:
Water Treatment Director Bruce Wiser explained that this is a pickup they are trying to replace at the wastewater plant. The truck is at least 15 years old, and the department bought it used. It is now failing badly and needs replaced. It is budgeted and under state bid also.
Stewart asked if the state bid vehicles meet the criteria that is described in the ordinance, and Wiser told him that description came right from the bid information. 2005 models are still available at this time, and delivery should be fairly quick.
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Valentine W1 that the rules requiring the reading on three separate days be suspended and that the Ordinance be passed on the second and third readings.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Motion carried.
Ord. 26-06
Item (g) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE SEWER MAINTENANCE DIVISION OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO, OBVIATING FORMAL ADVERTISING AND BIDDING; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow to invoke Section 113.01 of the Codified Ordinances as the distribution of this Ordinance has satisfied the requirements of said Section and that a further reading be dispensed with at this time.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Comments:
Wiser stated this is one of two vehicles they are trying to replace in the sewer department. One will come out of the sanitary sewer fund and the other out of the storm water fund at some point later in the year. At this point he is only asking for the first of those two trucks. Again, this is a state bid item with delivery in a reasonable time. The truck is a 1986; the second is a 1989, and they are getting very well used.
Moved by Valentine W1 and seconded by Valentine W2 that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W1 that the rules requiring the reading on three separate days be suspended and that the Ordinance be passed on the second and third readings.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Motion carried.
Res. 3-06
Item (h) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FILING OF APPLICATION: PROJECT TITLE FY 2006 SMALL CITIES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow to invoke Section 113.01 of the Codified Ordinances as the distribution of this Resolution has satisfied the requirements of said Section and that a further reading be dispensed with at this time.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Comments:
Cooper told Council that this the yearly CDBG resolution, and this year it will be about $95,000, though they haven’t been told that yet. The amount is coming down a little, but Cooper emphasized they are happy to have this.
Valentine W1 asked about an open hearing when people could come in and apply for money from the CDBG grant. Cooper said that would be done, and yes, people have come in and asked to make application in the past.
Tomasek affirmed that there would be public hearings for CDBG grants.
Moved by Valentine W1 and seconded by Valentine W2 that the Resolution be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow that the rules requiring the reading on three separate days be suspended and that the Resolution be passed on the second and third readings.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Resolution be passed.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Motion carried.
Ward 2: Robert M. Valentine
(a) Unspecified complaint:
Valentine noted he had made a report to the Assistant City Engineer, Kurt Brzyscz, who replied he had checked it out.
Ward 4: Paul Wertz
(a) Park question, 18th Street:
Wertz reported he had some calls from residents of 18th Street, and they want to know if any play toys will be put in the 15th Street Park for the summer.
Park Director Tim Clingan was not in attendance at the meeting, but Mayor Strine indicated he would find out about it.
OLD BUSINESS: None
(a) Appointment of Council Committee:
Stewart asked for two volunteers to serve on a committee that will act as Council’s Invitation Committee, and totally organize Council’s joint meeting to be held on April 11th as a work session. The meeting will include Montgomery Township Trustees, Milton Township Trustees, the County Commissioners, the Planning Commission, City Council and the Mayor. The reason for this meeting is that communications in Council’s prioritized listing was relatively high in the final prioritization list. Other Council work sessions have been scheduled, but it seemed appropriate that this group of people not be tied into another Council meeting where it would put it later in the meeting.
The work session will be at 7:00 p.m. in this building, though the best place to hold the meeting hasn’t been determined yet. There could be 20 people around the table plus audience that may show up.
Stewart indicated that no specific agenda has been formed, but it would be appropriate if the Council Committee solicited one or two items from each of the entities.
Mrs. Detrow agreed to be a member, as did Valentine W1.
Stewart said each of the involved entities have had either a verbal notification or an e-mail, so they know about the date.
(b) Application for Advertising on Private Property: (Renewal)
Real Estate Showcase, 1250 Claremont Avenue; Petitioner, Randal S. Miller
Stewart brought the request to the floor and explained the details. Detrow is employed by the company and abstained from the vote.
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Valentine W1 to approve the renewal request.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Wertz
Abstain: Detrow
(c) Work session held:
A work session was held immediately following adjournment from the regular session. Two topics discussed were: 1) update on the Ashland Business Park, and 2) consideration of the City housing code and how it might relate to use as a possible housing maintenance code for the City.
(a) Work session scheduled:
Mayor Strine scheduled a work session for Thursday, March 30, 2006, at which sidewalks would be discussed. The session will be at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W1 to adjourn.
Ayes: Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow, Wertz
Council adjourned the regular session at 7:35 p.m.
Submitted by
Elaine C. Hootman
Clerk of Council