Ashland City Council
MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR SESSION OF COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Council President Paul Wertz called the meeting to order at 7:00
p.m.
ROLL CALL
Ward 3:
Ruth Detrow Present
Ward 4/President Paul Wertz
Present
At-Large
Stephen L. Stuart Present
Ward 1:
Robert L. Valentine Present
Ward 2:
Robert M. Valentine Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES
(a) Special Session – 12/31/08
(b) Regular Session – 1/6/09
Moved to receive Minutes as correct Robert M. Valentine W2 and seconded
by Robert L. Valentine W1 to approve the minutes as received.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart, Robert L.
Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
LEGISLATION
Ordinances:
Ord. No. # 1-09
Item (a) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
MAYOR, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC
SERVICE, TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE WA-
TER TREATMENT PLANT THREE (3) HIGH-SERVICE PUMP REPAIRS PROJECT WITHIN
THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Robert M. Valentine W2 for non-reading in full and seconded by
Robert L. Valentine W1 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Jim Cooper: This is a CDBG project. These folks
are in dire need of some repair. We will repair one at a time and
it will give us enough time that we can ultimately come up with a
project that we can replace them. I think Mike will agree there;
they are needed. $48,300.00 dollars is the CDBG’s amount.
Robert L. Valentine W1: How do we do this? Do we contract
with someone to do it or put it out for bids or what is the situation?
Jim Cooper: We will put this out as an advertisement in the paper
and this is kind of a specialty type and we will pick out contractors
that this is their
expertise.
Robert L. Valentine W1: What about $80,000.00 ?
Jim Cooper: $60,000.00.
Questions or comments?
Moved by Ruth Detrow and seconded by Robert L. Valentine W1 that the
Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Move to suspend the rules, 3 separate meetings, 3 separate nights by
Paul Wertz, seconded by Stephen Stuart 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Moved by Ruth Detrow and seconded by Robert L. Valentine W1 that the
Ordinance be passed.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Motion carried.
Ord. No. # 2-09
Item (b) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
MAYOR TO ADVERTISE FOR
BIDS AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE
ASHLAND MUNICIPAL COURT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Robert M. Valentine W2 for non-reading in full and seconded by
Stephen Stuart 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Mayor Stewart: I don’t have anyone here from the court
tonight, but this is a continuation of trying to upgrade the equipment
in the court system given the direction towards some of the current
equipment that they need. It is out of their budget.
Special projects 248-2601-53030 and I recommend that we pass it.
Questions or comments?
Moved by Robert L. Valentine W1 and seconded by Ruth Detrow that the
Ordinance be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Move to suspend the rules, 3 separate meetings, 3 separate nights by
Paul Wertz, seconded by Stephen Stuart 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Moved by Ruth Detrow and seconded by Paul Wertz that the Ordinance be
passed.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Motion carried.
Ord. No. # TABLED
Item (c) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
MAYOR TO ADVERTISE FOR
BIDS AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR AMBULANCE BILLING SERVICES FOR THE
CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Robert M. Valentine W2 for non-reading in full and seconded by
Stephen Stuart 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Comments?
Mark Burgess, Fire Chief: This Ordinance will allow us to go out
for request for proposal to contract out Ambulance billing. We
have been doing Ambulance billing since about 1970 when the Fire
Department took over Ambulance transport from the funeral homes.
Since that time, there have been a lot of changes. We think that
after much study, we have been meeting since last May 2008. The
Finance Director, the Mayor, and myself and staff to try to improve the
system and do what is best for the community and the General
Fund. We think that going out and having a vendor that does this,
as their sole business will improve our collections, increase our
revenue and if we do it the right way it will be minimal impact to the
taxpayers we serve. So we have the request developed; we would
just like to proceed with this.
Mayor Stewart: May I comment? I think that based on what
Chief Burgess just said, “Yes, we have been meeting for some
period of time”. One of the key measures in any proposals
we get back is that we want to continue to serve the community with the
same personal type service we get. We would not expect that these
calls be answered and you want to speak multiple languages and the
discussions of the Chief and myself and Anna and others have had; it is
pretty important to us that we continue with a level of personal
service to these clients. And Anna, do you have any idea how many
calls you get on something like this? But people have
questions and we want them to be answered in a business-like but kind
of Ashland kind of manner.
Anna Tomasek: And we get a lot of clients that come through our
door and give payments also.
I have some concerns regarding this Ordinance: I am in agreement
with this Ordinance except for the second paragraph and I have a
prepared statement that relates only to the second paragraph.
This ordinance before council regarding ambulance outsourcing of
billing services on the agenda for tonight is not fiscally prudent to
approve. I do consider outsourcing to improve city services to
address the fiscal operations of the city. I started
restructuring this and asked the Law Director for a legal opinion on
April 30th because I wanted a legal opinion on outsourcing all such as
this Ambulance billing and the operation for Municipal Income
Tax. I had asked him directly on those two topics.
Basically tonight’s legislation in the second paragraph states
that the Finance Director has requested delegation of her duties in
regards to Ambulance service. This is factually incorrect.
In my opinion, I feel that the wording in this legislation is improper
and violates the city charter and particularly to the legal opinion
that I asked Mr. Law Director and he stated his legal opinion on May 2,
2008 in a letter to me. In this letter he states that it would be
possible that this outsourcing, he is talking about outsourcing in
general, that it would violate section 37 in the Charter and it may
require a Charter amendment and he definitely indicated that
outsourcing would require City Council to pass legislation. In
addition, he also stated that the Director of Finance should maintain
supervision and control of all of the collection process, the money.
The word “delegation” in my opinion is not maintaining
supervision and control and the other major concern that I have and
Council needs to be aware of; when contracting it out, it requires a
special audit of controls which is an additional cost to the
city. This is required by the State Auditor’s office, it is
known as SAS70. The word delegate is improper because I cannot
give up my authority by City Charter unless the citizens of Ashland
vote to change the Charter. Outsourcing is simply hiring a reputable
firm to perform the work. I am in agreement that I favor this
legislation only if the Finance Director contains and maintains control
over the billing collection process in compliance with all of the
laws. In conclusion, the city of Ashland needs to justify the
outsourcing in compliance with all Federal, State and City laws.
I would highly recommend since there is a difference of a legal opinion
that we go through a third party such as a State Attorney General
Office to give a proper opinion on how to handle the delegating of the
Finance Director’s authority. In my opinion, from the Law
Director’s letter on May 2 that this potential legislation would
put the City of Ashland in potential litigation. Thank you very
much.
Robert L. Valentine W1: Now you are talking about the bill
selection process. For instance, what do you mean? You want
that authority, is that right?
Anna Tomasek: To maintain the authority to oversee what just has
to happen according to SAS70 which is a strict requirement that I have
to maintain for responsibility and proof that money is coming in and
that the reports are accurate and correct. There has to be an
audit to ensure proper internal controls of this third party
administering the collection process. That is required by State
Law.
Stephen Stuart: Based upon your knowledge of the kind of
outsourcing of Ambulance billing which is done of my understanding by
the majority of communities like Ashland. Does not the Finance
Director maintain these kinds of things that you are desiring?
Anna Tomasek: What I have found out from talking to North Central
Municipal Finance Officers Association, Council delegates the
outsourcing to the Finance Director. The Finance Director
actually handles the bidding processing contract and make sure that the
entity is in compliance with all state auditing requirements such as
SAS70. And SAS stands for (Statement of Auditing Standards).
Ruth Detrow: Anna, I would like a copy of your remarks.
They were lengthy and in some cases surprising and I would like to be
able to see what you just said.
Anna Tomasek: Absolutely.
Mark Burgess: Part of the RFD includes the SAS70 audit,
that is part of the services, provided by the vendors that they do that
internally on a routine basis to make those adjustments and they can
support that.
Anna Tomasek: It has to be a requirement.
Paul Wertz: You know, Anna, I don’t know how many meetings
that we have had but none of this was brought up. Why do wait
until the Ordinance comes out today? You called me at 3:00 p.m.,
and if you had the concern about this before, why didn’t you say
something to us all as a group?
Anna Tomasek: When I originally received this Ordinance, this
second paragraph was not in it. It was not in the
legislation. I saw it this morning, and I addressed you
immediately as soon as I saw it.
Ruth Detrow: It was in as of Friday.
Anna Tomasek: Right. And I was in auditing meetings on
Friday.
Stephen Stuart: You and I have had a discussion about this, this
afternoon and as far as I am concerned, we have to place our confidence
in our Law Director to come up with the appropriate wording for
Resolutions and I believe from my standpoint and reading the letter
that you referred to that he wrote to you May 2, he has done this
appropriately.
Questions or comments?
Richard P. Wolfe II- Director of Law: Well yes; either she (Anna
Tomasek) is on board with this, or I recommend that you don’t
approve it. There is a difference of opinion that she is
expressing as to whether she is the contracting authority whether the
Mayor and Council are going to be the parties entering into the
contract and that is a decision you folks have to make among the three
separate parties. If you tell me you want it otherwise, we want
to draft it so that she does all of the contracting and certainly
Council can permit that. But the oversight of collection of
monies of the city is the responsibility of the Finance Director and if
she isn’t in agreement with this, then you shouldn’t pass
this legislation.
Mayor Stewart: It takes me by a bit of surprise, quite a bit of
surprise in that Chief Burgess indicated, or someone indicated we have
been meeting since May. Actually, it was significantly before
that we first started dialogue on this and I don’t know that this
paragraph the Finance Director is referring brought all of this other
to the surface or not. It seems incredible to me that something
we could have been talking about for numerous months and I was of the
opinion that we were all on the same page surfaced today. But so
be it.
Paul Wertz: That is what I thought also.
Anna Tomasek: I have no problem with the legislation except the
word delegate; that is not proper in my opinion. It is the
wording. If the Ordinance was worded differently such as
outsourcing.
Stephen Stuart: Well the fact that you are outsourcing, you are
delegating it.
Anna Tomasek: No there is a difference between outsourcing and
delegating.
Stephen Stuart: You are placing yourself Anna, as a legal
authority in this matter.
Anna Tomasek: No I am not. I am acting as a Fiscal officer
for the City of Ashland.
Stephen Stuart: Well if you think that it is in the best interest
of the City of Ashland, that this be contracted out, I don’t know
how to describe it other than you are delegating that to another agency
for that function.
Anna Tomasek: You are hiring and contracting a firm. A
reputable firm vs delegating could be anybody.
Ruth Detrow: Could I ask Mr. Wolfe a question?
Paul Wertz: Yes, go ahead.
Ruth Detrow: I am all right that if we made a change such as Ms.
Tomasek is suggesting then that would put all of the authority for
going for a bid. I mean we take it away from the Mayor and it
would give that authority to her. Is that what we are
saying? I mean if we made the changes?
Richard P. Wolfe II: No. What I am saying is, that the
Charter says that the duties and responsibilities of collecting public
monies is that of the Finance Director and Council has no authority to
delegate those away unless she is in agreement with that. And if
she isn’t, then we can’t do it. If she is, then you
can proceed. Her issue about oversight; in my letter in May I
said it would have to be a requirement that she maintain oversight over
any collection by some outside party. And as the Chief already
indicated that would be part of the proposal. So I see no issue
here whatsoever. No valid issue.
Comments or questions?
Move to Table the Ordinance by Robert M. Valentine W2, seconded by
Stephen
Stuart.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen
Stuart, Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Robert L. Valentine W1: We have tabled this; of course we can
bring it back up again. In what way are you going to change
this? Otherwise you are in agreement with everything but the
second paragraph. In what way are you going to change it and what
responsibility will that give to you that you wouldn’t have had,
had we passed this?
Anna Tomasek: The only issue I have with the Ordinance is the
word delegation of duties. That cannot occur unless the citizens
of Ashland vote by ballot to remove duties. To delegate your
duties away.
Mayor Stewart: So if you would Ms. Tomasek, what duties
specifically are we talking about? Do you see it is your duty to
issue the request for proposal, analyze the bid process and award the
contract? Or do you want to maintain fiscal responsibility via
audit and the contracting process would remain in the Mayor’s
office?
Anna Tomasek: The two responsibilities that cannot be delegated
is the collection of public monies. That is per Section 37 of the
Charter. And the second one is to make sure we have in compliance
with SAS70.
Mayor Stewart: Would you please answer my question? My
question is, do you suggest that you will handle the bidding process
and the auditing process or that you will handle the auditing process
or whatever you are referring to with State Laws and so on?
Please tell me now.
Anna Tomasek: What I have to be responsible for is on the
financial end. Financial operations which is collecting of the
revenue to make sure that is proper per Section 37 of the Charter and
SAS70. Council can decide whomever they chose what elected
official they want to do the bidding process; that does not address the
Section 37 of the Charter that we are potentially in conflict with.
Stephen Stuart: Anna, unfortunately, if the process that you are
responsible for were being done in a proper, efficient manner, we
wouldn’t have this Resolution on before us.
Comments or questions?
Resolutions:
Res. No. # 1-09
Item (a) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE
CITY OF ASHLAND TO FILE AN
APPLICATION AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA PER-
FORMING ARTS ON TOUR FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING FUNDS FOR THE CITY
OF ASHLAND, OHIO PARKS & RECREATION DIVISION BANDSHELL; AND
DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Robert M. Valentine W2 for non-reading in full and seconded by
Robert L. Valentine W1 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Tim Clingan: This Resolution would allow the Parks &
Recreation department to apply for a grant with Pennsylvania Performing
Arts on Tour. This year we have some entertainment that is coming
out of the State of Pennsylvania that belongs to this Organization and
there is 1750.00 dollars available that we would like to apply for, the
deadline is February 1. Tricia Applegate is the coordinator for
the Bandshell and she has done extensive work trying to find some
grants to help cover some of the entertainment expenses for this
year. So hopefully we can receive some of that money. It is
not a given, it has to be approved. At this point, we do meet all
of the criteria. Our chances are real good.
Robert L. Valentine W1: You have never applied for anything
before?
Tim Clingan: Not this particular one here.
Robert L. Valentine W1: Outside of the State, have you applied
for things?
Tim Clingan: Not outside the State.
Comments or Questions?
Moved by Ruth Detrow and seconded by Robert L. Valentine W1 that the
Resolution be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Move to suspend the rules, 3 separate meetings, 3 separate nights, by
Paul Wertz, seconded by Robert L. Valentine W1 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Moved by Paul Wertz and seconded by Ruth Detrow that the Resolution be
passed.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Motion carried.
Res. No. # 2-09
Item (b) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE
CITY OF ASHLAND TO FILE AN
APPLICATION AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE OHIO ARTS COUNCIL FOR
THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING FUNDS FOR THE CITY OF ASHLAND, OHIO PARKS
&
RECREATION DIVISION BANDSHELL; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Robert M. Valentine W2 for non-reading in full and seconded by
Robert L. Valentine W1 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Tim Clingan: This Resolution would allow us to apply to the
Ohio Arts Council for the purpose of supplying some grant monies to
help support our entertainers that are currently members of the Ohio
Arts Council. Last year we received over 4500 dollars and
this year we are applying for 3,000.00 dollars. Again, it is a
good way to help defray some of the expenses that we have through our
bandshell program. I would appreciate your approval.
Mayor Stewart: Tim, what determines how much you elect to apply
for?
Tim Clingan: It is the percentage of our contract price with the
entertainers. Last year we had four, this year we have three.
Questions or comments?
Moved by Robert L. Valentine W1 and seconded by Stephen Stuart that the
Resolution be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Move to suspend the rules, 3 separate meetings, 3 separate
nights, by Ruth Detrow seconded by Robert M. Valentine W2 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Moved by Stephen Stuart and seconded by Paul Wertz that the Resolution
be passed.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Motion carried.
Res. No. # 3-09
Item (c) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF
ASHLAND TO FILE AN AP-
PLICATION AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ASHLAND AREA CONVEN-
TION & VISITORS BUREAU FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING FUNDS FOR THE
CITY
OF ASHLAND, OHIO PARKS & RECREATION DIVISION BANDSHELL; AND
DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Robert M. Valentine W2 for non-reading in full and seconded by
Robert L. Valentine W1 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Tim Clingan: This Resolution would allow us to apply through the
Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau
for $1,000.00 dollars grant that they allow for groups or
organizations that are having new marketing incentives for
support. Normally the first year would be approved for $1,000.00
dollars if you apply the second year, it is $500.00 and the third year
is $250.00 and that is basically it. I was involved with the CVB for
many years and we pride ourselves in helping the community
organizations on their advertising and supporting their functions
bringing people into our area. At this time, we are at the
bandshell; we feel that approximately 50% of our attendees come from
out of the county. We would like to have more local people come
but we also feel that there is plenty of room for more people to come
from outside too, so we went to new advertising in some of the outside
papers and CVB type advertising magazines and so on. We rely on
donations quite a bit and we do get a lot of support outside the
community. Not too many summer programs like we have that was
offered and we want to continue that. That is why Tricia
Applegate has been so aggressive on trying to get grants to help us out
and I appreciate her work on that.
Robert L. Valentine W1: I haven’t heard anything but pluses
about the program. I know a couple of senior citizens that go to
all the programs and I am sure that a lot of people who are out there
are senior citizens and I think the attendance has been good to.
There is no question about it, it is a community program. I
didn’t realize the 50% of the 50%, but you are still getting a
lot of people from Ashland County and the city too. It is a good
program.
Ruth Detrow: And this money is advertising dollars?
Tim Clingan: This would be for the promotion of the entertainment.
Mayor Stewart: I think that 50/50 attendance is a testimony of
the quality of the programs that are brought in, not that the city or
the community is not in appreciation. We are very much in
appreciation but that appreciation spreads beyond the boundaries of the
political limits. I am pleased with the program. I hear the
same thing.
Questions or comments?
Moved by Robert L. Valentine W1 and seconded by Robert M. Valentine W2
that the Resolution be passed on the first reading.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Move to suspend the rules, 3 separate meetings, 3 separate
nights, by Paul Wertz seconded by Stephen Stuart 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: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Moved by Stephen Stuart and seconded by Ruth Detrow that the Resolution
be passed.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Motion carried.
WARD REPORTS:
At-Large: Stephen Stuart
No report.
Ward 1: Robert L. Valentine:
(a) I had a call; it involved the person who couldn’t shovel
because of the condition that person was in. It dealt with a
public alley. I called Jerry on it. It was something they
took care of and they called back and wanted to make sure I called
Jerry and thanked him. I got his secretary; I did not talk to him
personally. I appreciate what you did.
Ward 2: Robert M. Valentine
(a) I got one call from someone up close to
ODOT. Last meeting I talked about they wanted me to come to the
meeting and it wasn’t about zoning, it was about plotting, right
Jim? Remember we talked about that? They all showed up,
didn’t they Jim? Did they table that Jim?
Jim Cooper: Yes sir.
(a)
continued: Robert M. Valentine : They must have gotten what
they want for now. I haven’t heard anymore.
Ward 3: Ruth Detrow
(a) I haven’t had a chance to read this
sanitation pick-up entirely. I did hear from one
citizen who is upset about the fact that people, one person, one family
in their neighborhood are putting out their trash ahead of time and
they have piles and piles of trash, way more than one household should
have and he is upset that he hasn’t been able to stir up any kind
of response for it. I imagine you are going to answer all of
those questions for them?
Ward 4/President: Paul Wertz
No Report.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
(a) Proposed appointment to the city side of
City/County Board of Health.
Mayor Stewart: I want to present to City Council the following
name for your confirmation, Dr. William H. Latham, DPM, to be appointed
to fill the open position on the County/City Health Board of the City
side. The position is vacant due to the retirement of Dr. A. W.
Garrett. Normal term is five years. Dr. Garrett actually
recommended Dr. Latham to take this position and in checking Al
Sanders, it is strictly up to the city who would be appointed to that
position. If you concur, I would like to just get a simple
vote for the record.
Moved to appoint Dr. William H. Latham, DPM to fill the open position
on the County/City Health Board of the city side by Robert L. Valentine
W1, seconded by Stephen Stuart.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Mayor Stewart: I would like to read a letter if I may. This
is to Dr. Al Garrett. This letter is to express our gratitude for
your 32 years of service to this community for serving on the
County/City Health Board. You made outstanding contributions in
this position on the Health Board using your medical background and
ability to analyze and resolve difficult issues. Your knowledge
of the Health issues facing this community was also an asset to the
Board. Again, we thank you for your dedication to the community
and your willingness to volunteer your skills for the betterment of
others for 32 years. This has been signed by myself and all five
Councilmen and will go in the mail to Dr. Garrett in the morning.
I thank you for your support in this.
Comments or questions?
MAYOR’S COMMENTS:
In lieu of talking, I would like to say something. I know Paul
has been in touch with all of you regarding committees. All of
you have signed up for a committee or two or three and what I share
with you that I have put in hard copy, your volunteerism to these
various committees. I will get copies of this out to you. I
want to reiterate what is in bold on here is that I do not expect
Council to presume a oversight or management of any of the divisions
that you are serving on a committee. Simply due to the committee
process proposed. Also there is the distinct possibility you can
be caught in the middle of a division director and the mayor. You
have got to avoid that at all costs. The purpose is that to
increase the detailed knowledge of the division, awareness of the
individual divisions needs, better enable your communication with your
constituents regarding various divisions, observe if you choose, no
direct input during the actual process of groups within the
divisions. Observe negotiations if you choose to but mums the
word. There are two of you that have already served and it is
very difficult if you choose to. This should enable you to share
your views with the mayor based on direct contact with the
divisions. I appreciate you signing up for this. This is
something that I had talked about doing a year ago when I took office
and I personally see some value. I hope that you see the value in
it. If we don’t, we can always discontinue it. Paul,
that is all I have.
COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE: (Items not appearing on the
Agenda)
Paul Wertz: We are going to go into Executive Session to consider
compensation of Public Employees. No action will be taken.
Move to go into Executive Session by Robert M. Valentine W2, seconded
by Robert L. Valentine W1.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2.
Executive Session started at 7:40 p.m.
Moved to return to Regular Session by Stephen Stuart, seconded by
Robert M. Valentine W2
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2
Motion to move to adjournment of Regular Session by Paul Wertz, moved
by Ruth Detrow, seconded by Robert L. Valentine W1.
Ayes: Ruth Detrow, Paul Wertz, Stephen Stuart,
Robert L. Valentine W1, Robert M. Valentine W2
Adjournment at 8:10 p.m.
Submitted by
Valarie
Bishoff
Clerk of Council