Ashland City Council


MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR SESSION OF COUNCIL
May 16, 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.  

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PRESENTATION OF MINUTES

April 18, 2006 and May 2, 2006:  Regular sessions

Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow to accept the minutes.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None

LEGISLATION

Ord. 50-06
Item (a) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE STREET 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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

Comments:
    Street Director Jerry Mack explained that this is a new International cab and chassis for the purpose of plowing, salting, hauling and summer work.  The cab and chassis will be purchased this year; the equipment will be purchased next year out of that budget.  The reason for the purchase now is that there will be new emission standards and requirements soon for diesel engines, and those changes will raise the price considerably.  The diesel engines already in use will be exempt from the new standards.  
    This truck will be an additional truck on the route; no trucks will be replaced or put into use as backup vehicles.  With the growth of the City, this is necessary.
 
Moved by Valentine W1 and seconded by Valentine W2 that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

    Motion carried.

Ord. 51-06
Item (b) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO, OBVIATING FORMAL ADVERTISING AND BIDDING; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.  (Brookside Main Park)

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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

Comments:
    Park Director Tim Clingan explained this is for the playground area in the main Brookside Park and will be located by the swim pool.  It will replace the wood structure that was 25 to 30 years old and which has been removed as it was no longer safe.  This project comes from a NatureWorks grant of $16,000 approved through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  That grant amounts to about one third of the total estimate of $45,000; one-third will come from the 405 account; and the other third comes from the Park budget.
    This will be purchased through the new U.S. Communities Purchase Program and obviates bidding.  Clingan described the details of construction and design of the structure.  

Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
Moved by Stewart and seconded by Valentine W2 that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

    Motion carried.

Ord. 52-06
Item (c) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO, OBVIATING FORMAL ADVERTISING AND BIDDING; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.  (Spring Run Park)

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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

Comments:
    Clingan explained that this is a similar structure though smaller in scale to be placed at Spring Run Park on 16th Street.  It has the same construction and materials.  He noted that both these structures (Brookside Park and Spring Run Park) are handicap accessible.   This one also will be purchased through the U.S. Communities Purchasing Program at a cost of $19,483.59, which will come from capital outlay account.  The source of the funds is the Capital Improvement Fund 405 and was included in the park appropriations for this year.  
    Wertz noted that this park is in his ward, and he had a number of families questioning him as to when something would be put in this neighborhood park area.  

Moved by Wertz and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W2 that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

    Motion carried.

Ord. 53-06
Item (d) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 351.03 (p) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO, RELATIVE TO PARKING REGULATIONS; 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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

Comments:
Police Chief Bill Miracle told Council that the Traffic Committee requested this due to a suggestion by one of the Department’s officers.  There had been problems with larger vehicles being unable to pass vehicles parked partially on the traveled portion of uncurbed streets.  Current regulations allow parking on uncurbed streets so long as at least 10 feet of the street is left available for traffic.  However, this does not allow enough room for larger vehicles to move through, and the change now will prohibit parking on any traveled portion of an uncurbed street.   It will be enforced for people who park right on the roadway of these areas.  The idea is to keep the roadway open.  
Some Council members expressed concern about how many streets would be affected, but Law Director Rick Wolfe noted that implementation would rely on the good judgment and discretion of the City’s officers, as does any ordinance.  Narrow streets with vehicles parked on the roadway impede traffic flow, and that is what this is designed to correct.  Without this, there is no tool to deal with this at all, but hopefully it will help minimize this problem.  

Moved by Valentine W1 and seconded by Stewart that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

    Motion carried.

Ord. 54-06
Item (e) AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION PLAT OF FORD DRIVE EXTENSION IN THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO, CONFIRMING THE DEDICATION OF THE RIGHT-OF-WAY SHOWN THEREON; 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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

Comments:
    City Engineer Jim Cooper explained that this is an extension of Ford Road and goes into the Garber-Ford Industrial Park along the 19 acres of woodlot there.  The City has a $297,000 federal grant and will work with ODOT as it is an LPA (Local Public Authority) Project.  A consultant will do the design for construction.  The goal is to open the area to three or four nice lots about 8 to 10 acres each which could be use for economic development.  Working with ODOT and federal money, the City would like to have this constructed in early 2007.  It goes back about 1,500 feet plus an 80-foot radius cul-de-sac.

Moved by Detrow and seconded by Valentine W1 that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow
Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow that the Ordinance be passed.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

    Motion carried.

Item (f) AN ORDINANCE DECLARING COUNCIL’S INTENTION TO CHANGE THE NAME OF A PORTION OF ELMARNA AVENUE TO ELMARNA COURT IN 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:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

Comments:
    Mayor Strine explained that this came before the Traffic Committee also, as there is some problem with emergency vehicles when they reach this area as to which way to go.  This will clarify the situation due to the way the street is laid out.  Fire Chief Mark Burgess added that no numbers will be changed but will be designated differently at the cul-de-sac for clarity.  
    Cooper stated that the designation would change at Thomas Drive intersection.  

Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow that the Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

    Stewart suggested passing this only on the first reading in order that people may comment on this change if they so desire.  Additional readings can be made at the next meeting.  Council members agreed.

WARD REPORTS

Ward 1:  Bob Valentine
    (a) Garbage pick-up:
    Valentine reported a problem with garbage pick-up, but that has been taken care of now.


Ward 2: Bob Valentine
    (a) Dorchester alley problem:
    Valentine received a call on an alley situation behind Dorchester Street, and Stewart also was called about the same situation.  It seems there have been problems here before, and they will be checking it out.
    Valentine noted he had some other calls that he had referred to Street Department Director Jerry Mack for handling.

Ward 3: Ruth Detrow
    (a) High grass:
    Detrow reported the perennial problem of high grass that needs mowed; it is that season again.  

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS

(a) Request for liquor permit hearing: New
To:  Ashland Pizza, Inc., dba Pizza Hut, 1274 Claremont Avenue
    This request for a liquor permit hearing was tabled at the last meeting for more information as to what the permit would allow.  That information has been provided.  

Moved by Wertz and seconded by Detrow that no hearing be requested.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

(b) Request for update on the reservoir, U.S. 250 North:
    Cooper reported for Council the progress as to the reservoir findings on U.S. Rt. 250 North.  The six monitoring wells have been completed, reaching bedrock on all of those.  The department has requested proposals from six consultants and will review those, choosing one.  The consultant will be asked to do a feasibility study, which will then be presented to Council.  That study will include the area all around the reservoir in order to look at it from the whole standpoint.  Cooper would like to have input from the City, Council members and everyone else before proceeding.
    Detrow asked about the bedrock, and Cooper told her there is clay about 20 to 25 feet down; the idea is to go down to the clay and use that for the bottom and sides.  That seems to be an approach they could take.  A dyke could be built around there.  
A reservoir there between the two forks of Lang Creek would come up close to a half a billion gallons of water.  The time frame looks to be five to ten years for construction of the reservoir.  If everything falls into place, selling the gravel and such, it would still take five to ten years to get the whole reservoir completely done.  There is a great deal of material there that has to be moved.  The gravel and sand has been tested and seems to be favorable and saleable.  
    Mayor Strine indicated that it looks that way but there’s no certainty right now; Cooper responded that is why they are having consultants coming in to do a feasibility study.  The study will focus primarily on those sixty acres.  

(c) Bonded indebtedness:
    Valentine W1 asked about the amount of the City’s bonded indebtedness, and Tomasek told him right now it is approximately $21 million.  The figures can be found in the appropriations book.  

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

(a) Ward walk announced:  
    A ward walk has been scheduled for next week and will begin at 6:00 p.m. from Cahn Grove Park.  Council members all have maps and information.



ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Valentine W1 and seconded by Valentine W2 to adjourn.
Ayes:  Wertz, Stewart, Valentine W1, Valentine W2, Detrow

        Council adjourned the regular session at 7:43 p.m.



                                        Submitted by
                                        Elaine C. Hootman
                                        Clerk of Council