Monday, March 20, 2023

1. Roll Call
   
2. Meeting Minutes Pending:
   • March 6, 2023
     
3. Registered Visitors:
   
4. Old Business:
   • DORA
     
5. Administrator Report:
   
6. Fiscal Officer Report:
   February Bank Reconciliation
   Audit Preparations
   
7. Committee Chair/Council Reports:
   
8. Solicitor Report:
   
9. Mayor’s Report
   • Approve payment of bills
   • Approve Mayor’s Court Report, mid-March 2023
   • Ordinance #03-2023
     
10. Un-Registered Visitors (each allotted 2 minutes)
    
11. Adjourn                                                                                      

March 6, 2023

The Village of Woodsfield, Ohio is pursuing funding for a project that will make improvements to the wastewater treatment plant and separate storm water flow from the sanitary sewer system. The wastewater treatment plant is old and has deteriorating components. The village desires to be proactive and replace these treatment components before they fail.

There are several areas within the village that have combined sanitary and storm water collection systems. At times during wet weather events these sanitary sewer lines overflow onto private property, ditches, and streams. This results in untreated sewage being discharged in a manner that is not in accordance with Ohio EPA requirements. The project cost is estimated at $6,215,000

 Project information will be posted in the village’s municipal building. This will be discussed at an upcoming village council meeting. E.L. Robinson Engineering is assisting the village in designing the improvements.  

Contacts for additional information:

Kevin Brooks, Village Administrator,

(740) 472-0525

Or

Bob Allen, E.L. Robinson Engineering

ballen@elrobinson.com

T. 740.989.3034

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield

     February 6, 2023

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield met in Regular Session on February 6, 2023.

I.  Roll Call:

     Present:  Council Members; Dale English, Tom Kirkland, Leann Harper, Tiffany Ramsay; Mayor Carol Hehr, Fiscal Officer Lori Cunard, Solicitor Ryan Regel and Village Administrator Kevin Brooks. 

     Absent:  Council members Anthony McDaniel and Matt Schaber.

II.   Pending Meeting Minutes Approval:

     Dale English made a motion to accept the January 16, 2023 meeting minutes as written.  Leann Harper second.  Anthony McDaniel and Matt Schaber – absent.  Motion passed 4-0. 

III. Registered Visitors/Guest:

     Andy Copley, Street Superintendent – Andy Copley attended the meeting to give the 2022-year re-cap.  The street department services approximately 70 miles of roadway in our jurisdiction and operates with a 3-man full-time staff.   The street department’s main function is to maintain the roads including state routes within our boundaries.  Maintenance encompasses asphalt repair and replacement, snow removal, cindering and salting, street and alley sweeping, catch basin repair, traffic control and signage, line-stripe parking areas, operational and handi-cap areas, ditching for storm run-off, storm water infrastructure design and installation.  In 2022 they installed thousands of feet of various size pipe at multiple locations throughout the Village.  They also mow the grass along the roads and perform tree maintenance, residential brush and leaf removal.  The street department opens and closes the grave sites at the Cemetery and assist in the maintenance of Oaklawn and Pioneer Cemetery’s.  They provide interdepartmental assistance to all Woodsfield departments including ODOT, Monroe County Engineers Office, law enforcement agencies, and various contracting firms.   Mayor Carol Hehr reminded Andy Copley that they also installed the exercise equipment at the walking trail, she really appreciates it and people have been enjoying it.  Kevin Brooks expressed his appreciation for the Street department crew and said they are great to work with.   They sometimes get the more undesirable jobs but they do what needs to be done. 

 IV.  Old Business:

     DORA – Addressed in Solicitor’s report.

V.  Administrator Report:

     Village Administrator Kevin Brooks gave the Council members a list of the lifeguards and their payrates for 2023.  He said the lifeguards that are returning from previous years get a small increase and the Asst. Pool Manager gets a dollar more per hour than the returning lifeguards.  Kevin Brooks asked for a motion from Council to hire Asst. Pool Manager Kirsten Rouse @ $11.35/hr., Lifeguards Kalista Friday, Kynzi Bishop, and Trista Morris @ $10.35/hr., Shaylee Burkhart and Kaleigh Safreed @ $10.10/hr.  Leann Harper made the motion.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Motion passed 4-0.  Kevin Brooks also asked for a motion to hire Kaden Buzzard as summer mowing helper for the park and also for non-compliant mowing at a rate of $10.50/hr.  Dale English made the motion.  Tom Kirkland second.  Motion passed 4-0. 

     Kevin Brooks said the next item is the new hire for the Cemetery but he will refer this to the Cemetery Committee to make the recommendation. 

     Kevin Brooks gave all Council members an organizational chart that they had requested.  Council was also given the wages and withholdings summary to look over.  Mr. Brooks has asked the Fiscal Office to work on getting a total compensation statement done showing each employee and what they are earning with benefits and how much it is costing each department for employees. 

     Kevin Brooks reported that the year-end re-cap was done with Chris Kerby and there is a $111,000.00 gain in the general fund and we were $81,000.00 under in expenses for 2022.  Mr. Brooks said that there were some expenses that should have been incurred in 2022 but were pushed back to 2023.  The electric utility mapping for instance was first started in August 2022 but we did not get billed for it until January 2023.  Mr. Brooks would like to invest some funds into some safe investments so the Village can

earn a little more on their money.  Mr. Brooks would like to have the Finance Committee meet to work through this and get some suggestions.  Kevin Brooks said we currently have $1.428 million in the Capital Projects fund, and he would like to talk to the Finance Committee about using $200,000 for street paving.  The Village has not done meaningful street paving for about 20 years.  A few years ago we established a customer service fee and a portion goes to a paving fund but it is not growing at the rate our Capital Projects Fund is.   We would like to look at getting some grant money and may use the $200,000 as match money for a grant.  This may delay the street paving for 6-8 months but if we could turn the $200,000 into $500,000 or even $750,000 with a grant it would be worth waiting for and this would maximize the service we could do for our residents.

       Kevin Brooks would like to have Council get together around the second or third week of March for a Council work session on the budget.  We did this a few years ago, Council would be presented the 2023 budget and they can see where we are going with capital expenditures and what it costs to run each department.  He has asked the Fiscal Office to make sure we departmentalized costs so Council can see the total expenses to run each department and see what the total budget is.  Mr. Brooks said he would like to get the Finance Committee meeting scheduled soon to talk over some of these issues and ideas and then report back to Council. 

     Kevin Brooks has a proposal from E. L. Robinson in the amount of $30,000.00 for additional engineering on Green Street to fix a sewer/water issue that is required by the EPA.  This is in addition to the Phase 2 storm and sanitary sewer separation project, as well as continue smoke testing and it will become part of the EPA/USDA/OWDA loan and grant application.  Leann Harper asked where the money was to come from, and Mr. Brooks replied that he was hoping to get grant funds.  Mayor Hehr said that if we don’t get the grant, it will still have to be done because the EPA is requiring it.  Mr. Brooks stated that the EPA can say it needs done but unless they are going to come up with money or an avenue for us to be able to afford to do it, it won’t be able to be done.  So at some point these agencies need to work with us a little more to secure funding so we can get these jobs done.  Mr. Brooks would like to expedite some of the Village’s long-term debt because that was one of the findings on the last audit, the Village has too much debt and that is also why we are trying to get as much grant money as we can.  Leann Harper asked if we do not receive the grant does the project move forward and Kevin Brooks replied no, we would try again for more grants.   Leann Harper made the motion to add the additional engineering for a sewer/water issue on Green Street to the Phase 2 storm and sanitary sewer separation project in the amount of $30,000.00.  Tom Kirkland second.  Motion passed 4-0.

     Kevin Brooks asked for an Executive Session at the end of the meeting regarding Personnel/Compensation and action may or may not be taken at this time. 

VII.  Fiscal Officer Report:

       Fiscal Officer, Lori Cunard said the Fiscal Office will be meeting with Chris Kerby, traveling clerk on Thursday to work on 2023 Permanent Budget.  She is working on a debt schedule and payroll for the budget.  Kevin Brooks spoke up to say that he is working with the Fiscal Office to get the total compensation that each employee gets paid including their benefits, he feels this is important for the employees to see what they actually make per hour.  Each job within the Village has a significant amount of compensation attached to it. 

     Fiscal Officer Lori Cunard presented Ordinance #01-2023 to Council for approval.  Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to pass Ordinance #01-2023, An Ordinance to Approve Current Replacement Pages to the Woodsfield Codified Ordinances and Declaring an Emergency.   Leann Harper made the motion.  Tiffany Ramsay second.   Dale English – yes, Tom Kirkland – yes.  Motion passed 4-0.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to suspend the rules and pass Ordinance #01-2023 by its second reading, Declaring it an Emergency.   Tom Kirkland made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Dale English – yes, Tiffany Ramsay – yes.  Motion passed 4-0.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to suspend the rules and pass Ordinance #01-2023 by its third reading, Declaring it an Emergency and adopt.   Dale English made the motion.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Tom Kirkland – yes, Leann Harper – yes.  Motion passed 4-0.  Ordinance #01-2023 adopted.

VIII.  Committee Chair/Council Reports:

 Dale English – Dale English reported that the Cemetery Committee has interviewed 6 candidates for the Cemetery position.   The Committee has hired Eric Preston for the position at an hourly rate of $13.00/hr. and his employment agreement states he will get a 3% raise after 6 months based on performance and 3% after 1 year based on performance.  He is to start on March 6^th.   Mayor Hehr asked for a motion from Council to hire Eric Preston effective March 6^th at a rate of $13.00/hr. for the Cemetery position.  Leann Harper made the motion.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Motion passed 4-0.  Kevin Brooks stated that the hire date was pushed back to March 6^th because there is not a lot going on at the Cemetery now but he wanted him to start before mowing season so he could get acclimated to the computer system and equipment and move forward from there.  Dale English said there is some brush that needs cleaned up too.

      Tom Kirkland – Tom Kirkland asked when a good time for the Finance Committee meeting would be.  The meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 13^th @ 11:00 a.m.

      Anthony McDaniel – absent

      Leann Harper – Nothing to report.

      Tiffany Ramsay –Nothing to report.

      Matt Schaber –absent

      Village Administrator Kevin Brooks reported that he was notified by AMP and they got the go ahead to submit the full application for the U. S. Government grant for the electric department.  We had expressed interest in the grant, it is for the AMI meters.  We will be sitting in on a webinar Friday and will have to pass Legislation if we want to participate in the grant that will replace the current electric meters with the AMI Meters.  We had just agreed a few weeks ago to go with the Itron, but that is for the billing system.  If we are successful and go with the AMP program, we would replace 1,700+ electric meters to the AMI meters and we would not have to read them but would still have to read the 1,254 meters for water on a monthly basis.  This grant would give us all the electric meters replaced and 50% reduction in costs.  Mr. Brooks says he feels we should see what they have to say, we may or may not go forward, but regardless we will still have to read some meters.  He said anyone is welcome to sit in on the Webinar on Friday.

IX:  Solicitor’s Report:

     Solicitor Ryan Regel said he has been looking into the DORA District for the Village.  He is also working on the BMV contract and the issue with the Dearth Trust which we will talk about during Executive Session.  Ryan Regel has also been in contact with Mr. Bob Allen, E. L. Robinson, in connection with the grant for the wastewater project.  Kevin Brooks asked about a contract he had gotten from the county regarding some shared roadways and Ryan Regel said he looked at it before the meeting and did not see any issues with it.  He also said he has an application regarding the acquisition of the property across from Riesbeck’s that the State signed over to the Village.  The application is to be submitted to make sure there are no taxes due on the property which he submitted with the Monroe County Auditor. 

X:  Mayor’s Report:

      Mayor Hehr asked for a motion for the payment of bills.  Leann Harper made the motion.  Tom Kirkland second.  Motion passed 4-0. 

     Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to approve the Mayor’s Court Report, January 2023.  Dale English made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 4-0.

     Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to approve the Income Tax Report, January 2023.  Tom Kirkland made the motion.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Motion passed 4-0.

     Mayor Hehr included in Council packets the notice for the Health Department DAC Annual Meeting to be held on Monday, March 13^th @ 6:30 p.m.  She asked Council President Dale English if he could go to represent the Village.  Dale English said a far as he knew now, he would be able to attend. 

     The Property Maintenance Committee meeting that was to be held this evening before the Council meeting has been postponed until February 20^th at 4:30 p.m. 

     Mayor Hehr reported that she would be holding Mayor’s Court on February 13^th at 4:00 p.m.

XI.  Un-Registered Visitors:

     None

     Mayor Heher asked for a motion to go into Executive Session regarding Personnel/Compensation.  Dale English made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 4-0.  Executive Session entered at 6:10 p.m.

     Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to go back into Regular Session.  Tom Kirkland made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 4-0.   Regular Session entered at 6:20 p.m.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to increase hourly wages for Tim Lude, Water/Wastewater Department, from $14.58/hr. to 15.65/hr. effective January 30, 2023.  Tiffany Ramsay made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 4-0.  

XII. Adjourn:

   The Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Leann Harper made the motion to adjourn.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Motion passed 4-0.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:31 p.m. 

ATTEST:

___________________________                                                 ____________________________

Carol Hehr, Mayor                                                                            Lori Cunard, Fiscal Officer                                                                                      

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield

January 16, 2023

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield met in Regular Session on January 16, 2023.

I.  Roll Call:

     Present:  Council Members; Dale English, Tom Kirkland, Anthony McDaniel, Leann Harper, Tiffany Ramsay, Matt Schaber; Mayor Carol Hehr, Fiscal Officer Lori Cunard, and Village Administrator Kevin Brooks. 

II.   Pending Meeting Minutes Approval:

     Dale English made a motion to accept the January 2, 2023 meeting minutes with corrections.  Leann Harper second.  Anthony McDaniel – abstain.  Motion passed 5-1-0. 

III. Registered Visitors/Guest:

     Lewis Hill, Light Plant Superintendent – Lewis Hill attended the meeting to give the 2022 year-end recap.  Lewis Hill stated that the purpose of Peak shaving is to shave our demand and distribution.  The higher the loads and the demand peaks is how they base our prices for the year.  Mr. Hill said that AMP will send an email telling them to shave during certain time periods and over the last 2 years we have saved over $300,000 in distribution and transmission costs because of Peak shaving, and we average 40 -70 hours of shaving per year.  At the end of 2022 Mr. Hill started working with CT Consultants on the GSI Mapping.  About 90 – 95% is completed.  When it is finished, each pole will have a number and all the transformers are marked with cross numbers of the poles so when the power goes out, they can pull it up on the mapping and see exactly where it is at and what they will need.  The Light Department did a lot more tree trimming in the past year which helped during the last couple of storms.  Mayor Hehr stated that the Light Department put up the Christmas decorations and removed all the trees on the lot next door today.  Kevin Brooks said that the new truck for the Light Department, after a 14 month wait, is in the parking lot today.  Leann Harper asked if the Light Department would know when the electricity goes out with the new mapping system.  Lewis Hill replied that no, they would not know but with the poles being numbered they can tell what transformer runs each pole.  The Mayor and Councilman Dale English commended Lewis Hill and the Light Department on the job they do.  The crew comes out when they are called, and they do a great job.  Councilwoman Leann Harper asked if the department would be ok being one man down at the time and Mr. Hill said they would be, they have done it before. 

     Steve Eikleberry, Park Superintendent & Cemetery – Steve Eikleberry attended to give the 2022 year-end recap for the Park and Cemetery Departments.  Mr. Eikleberry stated that normally in January and February he is reading meters or helping out at the Light Plant when needed.  He let Council know that they hire for the pool in January because if they need to get their Certification, they have to do it in February or March.  During the month of March, he is sometimes still helping with meter reading and he cleans up the walking trail.  In the month of April mowing starts at the park, City Building, and Walking Trail and he also mows properties in town that aren’t being kept mowed by the owners.  Mr. Eikleberry said he also turns the water back on at the Pavilion at City Park in April.  There were 6 new picnic tables purchased last year for the City Park Pavilion.  In May he starts getting ready to open the Pool.  Last spring there was a water break in one of the restrooms that needed repaired, there was a new drain system put in so there will hopefully be no problems this year.  There were new picnic tables, umbrellas, lounge chairs, and stackable chairs purchased for the pool last year also.  The months of June through August are busy months mowing and taking care of the pool.  He usually stops out at the pool every day before he leaves to check on things and when needed he will help out in the concession stand.  The last 2 summers Mr. Eikleberry said they sprayed the sidewalks from red light to red light downtown for the Alumni weekend.  He also makes the trips to Sam’s Club for the concessions at the pool.  Mr. Eikleberry gave a report to each Council member showing what was brought in last year for pool and concessions.  Leann Harper asked if the amounts in his report are before or after costs.  Mr. Eikleberry stated it is before costs, it is the gross amount.  Leann Harper asked, on average, what the daily admissions are for the pool.  He said on a good day it is probably 30-40 but at the beginning of the season it is higher, probably about 60-70 but this number usually goes down as the season progresses.  Mayor Hehr said that Council needs to discuss whether we will be doing family passes for the pool this year.  Mr. Eikleberry said that the tennis court was painted, the walking trail was paved, there was work done on

the basketball court, and the fence got put up at City Park.  Mayor Hehr asked what the blue line is for on the tennis court and Mr. Eikleberry replied that it is for Pickleball.   In the fall, he winterizes things and this past fall he has also been taking care of the Cemetery since Richard McConnell, former Cemetery Sexton, resigned.  Councilman Dale English asked if there has been anymore vandalism at City Park and Mr. Eikleberry replied that it has stopped for now.  Mayor Hehr and Dale English commended Steve Eikleberry on the job he does for the Village, he is very much appreciated.

 V.  Old Business:

     DORA – Nothing to report at this time but after the first of the year we hope to get going on this to have it finalized.

VI.  Administrator Report:

     Village Administrator Kevin Brooks stated that he needs a motion from Council to accept the resignation of Riley Tubaugh, Electric Department, as of January 20, 2023.  Riley has accepted a position with AEP.  Tom Kirkland made the motion.  Anthony McDaniel second.  Motion passed 6-0. 

     Kevin Brooks said the next order of business is the Electric Department received the 2022 truck today that they had ordered 14 months ago.  There was a $3,000.00 reduction on the price because of the 14-month wait for delivery.  We have now placed an order for a 2023 truck from Doan Ford.  The price is $57,969.00 and there is a 12-week wait for delivery of the truck.  The truck has been budgeted for and it is through the State Purchasing Program.   Mayor Hehr asked Kevin Brooks to explain to the new Council members what is done with the old trucks.  Mr. Brooks stated that he would be glad to sit down with them and explain our equipment replacement program in private whenever they would like to meet.  Mr. Brooks did say that due to budgetary reasons there are some departments that are making capital purchases and some that are not, and we do inter-departmental transfers.  Anthony McDaniel made a motion for the purchase of a 2023 Ford truck from Doan Ford for the Electric Department in the amount of $57,969.00.  Dale English second.  Motion passed 6-0. 

     Kevin Brooks stated that there has been an on-going issue with software for utility billing and the handheld used to read meters for the past 2 years.   We currently have one handheld and as of January 2021 it is no longer maintained by Itron.  We purchased one used handheld in January 2022 and have had 3 more delivered, none of which have worked.  Itron is unable to program a handheld to read the utility meters so that leaves us with one handheld.  Our hope was to transition to the AMI Metering or get a few more years from the handheld but neither has worked out.   We are at a point now where we need to go with Anixter, the Itron equipment provider, to upgrade our software.  Mr. Brooks has a contract in the amount of $58,787.00 which upgrades our software and gives us 2 new handheld units.  There will be a cost of $6,600.00 annually to maintain the software. The AMI Metering is in the $450,000-$500,000 range so this is a more economical solution to our meter reading.  Mr. Brooks is asking for a motion from council to enter into a contract with Anixter in the amount of $58,787.00 to provide us with software and handhelds to read meters with an annual cost of $6,600.00 to maintain the software.   Matt Schaber verified that annual cost of $6,600.00.  Leann Harper asked for how long that is locked in, and Mr. Brooks replied it is 1 year at a time.   Leann Harper verified that the reason for entering into the contract is because we only have 1 handheld with no back-up.  Kevin Brooks stated that when we tried purchasing the used ones that Anixter could not delete the information off of the handheld that was there from previous users.  He also stated that the Electric Department would not pay the total cost, it would be split up between electric, water and sewer with Electric bearing most of the cost but final cost to each department will be up to the Fiscal Office and we do still have Coronavirus Relief funds that have not been spent.  Leann Harper asked if the annual charge would be split 3-ways evenly and Mr. Brooks replied that most likely the annual cost would be split evenly 3 ways.   Anthony McDaniel asked what the implementation time would be from the time we signed the contract and Kevin Brooks replied 30 days, his understanding was that everything is in stock.  Anthony McDaniel made the motion to enter into a contract with Anixter in the amount of $57,787.00 to provide software and handhelds to read meters with an annual cost of $6,600.00 to maintain software.  Matt Schaber second.  Motion passed 6-0. 

     Kevin Brooks asked for an Executive Session at the end of the meeting regarding property acquisition with no action to be taken at this time. 

VII.  Fiscal Officer Report:

       Fiscal Officer, Lori Cunard said she has a contract from Dan Denbow in the amount of $4,200.00 for one-year IT Support.  This is a big savings as compared to what we were paying Kinetic Networking, which was around $20,000.00/yr.   Anthony McDaniel asked if Mr. Denbow has to come out if there is an extra charge.  Kevin Brooks stated that is included in his contract and he is generally here about 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. if we need something.  Lori Cunard said that his contract also includes keeping the Village website up to date.  Tom Kirkland made a motion to enter into a contract with Dan Denbow in the amount of $4,200.00 for 1 year IT Support.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Motion passed 6-0.  Lori Cunard said Fiscal Office is working on year-end and 2023 permanent budget if anyone has questions let her know.  Chris Kerby will be in on January 26^th to help with year-end.

VIII.  Committee Chair/Council Reports:

      Dale English – Nothing to report.

      Tom Kirkland – Tom Kirkland reminded Council about the Finance Committee on Monday, January 23, 2023 @ 9:30 a.m.

      Anthony McDaniel – Anthony McDaniel was looking over the committee’s list and asked the Mayor when the Property Maintenance Committee would like to meet.  The Mayor said she would like to have a meeting soon.  Anthony McDaniel asked if they could meet at 4:30 p.m. on February 6^th before the Council meeting.  Matt Schaber said he would be out of town, but Anthony McDaniel said he would send him an update of the meeting. 

      Leann Harper – Nothing to report.

      Tiffany Ramsay – Tiffany Ramsay reported that they had their first Downtown Revitalization meeting today before the Council meeting.  She said they mainly were giving ideas of what they could do with the square and the bump-outs.  Kevin Brooks said that trash cans are really needed in the downtown area.  They have had requests for trash cans, and it would really help with the littering in the downtown area and he feels if it could be done before Alumni weekend that would be great.  Tom Kirkland spoke up and asked if we could get Solicitor Ryan Regel to get DORA finalized for Alumni weekend.  Kevin Brooks replied there are public hearings that have to be held and he has not spoken to Solicitor Ryan Regel.  Mayor Hehr said she would speak to him about it.  Kevin Brooks said he has not seen a final contract from Ryan Regel and asked if a contract was signed.  Mayor Hehr confirmed that there was a contract completed and signed.  Kevin Brooks asked for his contract to please be emailed to Council. 

      Matt Schaber –Nothing to report.

      Dale English asked if the help wanted ads were run last week or if they are coming out this week in the paper.  Kreg Robison, MC Beacon, said he believes they were run last week and will be in again this week, but he would have to verify it.

IX:  Solicitor’s Report:

     None

X:  Mayor’s Report:

     Mayor Hehr reported that she attended Mayor’s Court on January 12^th in Columbus for her initial 6-hour training.  She talked with Chief Corey Jones today and they will resume Mayor’s Court the middle of February.  Mayor Hehr would like to go to Barnesville and sit in on one of their Mayor’s Court just to get an idea of how other Village’s do things.  She talked to Chief Jones about times for Court.  They will

be doing twice a month but she would like to do court during working hours, in the afternoon.  Kevin Brooks is adamantly against doing Mayor’s Court during evening hours because if P. D. has a call, they would not be able to be here with Mayor Hehr and Lori Cunard and that is a significant safety issue.

     Mayor Hehr also reported on the walking trail and how Equitrans Oil and Gas has the trail dug up in two places.  She attended a Superintendents meeting and was told they were going to fix it.  She called Equitrans and they were very nice, and they told her not to worry, they are going to chip and seal it for now and in the spring when it gets warmer they will be asphalting it.  Mayor Hehr also asked about the brush that they had piled up behind the Care Center.  The person Mayor Hehr spoke to was not aware of the brush but she will make sure it gets cleaned up.  Leann Harper asked if it had been chipped and sealed yet.  Mayor Hehr said she has not been up, so she is not sure. 

      Mayor Hehr asked for a motion for the payment of bills.  Anthony McDaniel made the motion.  Tom Kirkland second.  Motion passed 6-0. 

     Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to approve the Mayor’s Court Report, mid-January 2023.  Matt Schaber made the motion.  Dale English second.  Motion passed 6-0.

XI.  Un-Registered Visitors:

     None

     Mayor Heher asked for a motion to go into Executive Session regarding Property Acquisition with no action to be taken and pending litigation.  Anthony McDaniel made the motion.  Matt Schaber second.  Motion passed 6-0.  Executive Session entered at 6:15 p.m.

     Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to go back into Regular Session.  Matt Schaber made the motion.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Motion passed 6-0.   Regular Session entered at 7:16 p.m.

XII. Adjourn:

   The Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Leann Harper made the motion to adjourn.  Matt Schaber second.  Motion passed 6-0.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. 

ATTEST:

___________________________                                                 ____________________________

Carol Hehr, Mayor                                                                            Lori Cunard, Fiscal Officer                                                                                      

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield

January 2, 2023

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield met in Regular Session on January 2, 2023.

I.  Roll Call:

     Present:  Council Members; Dale English, Tom Kirkland, Leann Harper, Tiffany Ramsay, Matt Schaber; Mayor Carol Hehr, Fiscal Officer Lori Cunard, and Village Administrator Kevin Brooks. 

Absent:  Council member Anthony McDaniel.

II.   Pending Meeting Minutes Approval:

     Dale English made a motion to accept the December 19, 2022 meeting minutes with corrections.  Matt Schaber second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0. 

III. Registered Visitors/Guest:

     None

 V.  Old Business:

     DORA – Nothing to report at this time but after the first of the year we hope to get going on this to have it finalized.

VI.  Administrator Report:

     Village Administrator Kevin Brooks stated that Cole Minder, Wastewater Department, passed his Class lll Wastewater test.  Per the agreement with the Village and Mr. Minder, his wages are to be increased to $20.00/hr. after passing the test.  Mr. Brooks is asking for a motion from Council to increase wages for Cole Minder to $20.00/hr. for passing the Class lll wastewater.   Tom Kirkland made the motion.  Dale English second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0. 

VII.  Fiscal Officer Report:

       Fiscal Officer, Lori Cunard asked if Hunter Thomas, Water Department, started work on December 27, 2022 as talked about at last meeting because he has not been in to complete his paperwork.  Kevin Brooks said he did start on December 27^th, he would call the Water Department tomorrow morning to see why he did not stop in the Fiscal Office to complete paperwork. 

VIII.  Committee Chair/Council Reports:

      Dale English – Nothing to report

      Tom Kirkland – Nothing to report

      Anthony McDaniel – absent

      Leann Harper – Nothing to report

      Tiffany Ramsay – Nothing to report

      Matt Schaber – Nothing to report but a few questions.  Council member Matt Schaber asked who the building officer is for the Village.  He said that in the Planning and Zoning Code it refers to a building officer.  Kevin Brooks stated that the code he has is outdated and he should be looking at the updated Planning and Zoning Code which Mr. Brooks said he would get him a copy.  Matt Schaber asked who issues building permits and Kevin Brooks stated that he does them and we average about 20 per year.  Matt Schaber asked when a building permit needed to be issued.   Kevin Brooks replied that new construction needs a building permit, we have been very liberal if you are replacing existing, but new construction needs a permit.  Matt Schaber stated that at the Eberle property they have started to empty the inside of the house into the backyard.  Kevin Brooks said if they are just remodeling the inside, they would not need a building permit, we have zero jurisdiction inside, but sounds as if it could be a trash problem and that should be referred to the Police Department.   Matt Schaber also asked who

to contact if it is deemed to be unsafe due to bats living in the attic.  Kevin Brooks said in that case to get in contact with the Southeast Ohio Building Authority, they also do all commercial permits, or you can also contact the Health Department.  Kevin Brooks told Matt Schaber that a new Code was adopted about 2 years ago and he would make sure he gets a copy.

     Village Administrator Kevin Brooks asked Leann Harper if the problem was taken care of regarding the catch basin and she replied there was no problem, it was taken care of. 

IX:  Solicitor’s Report:

     None

X:  Mayor’s Report:

          Mayor Hehr asked for a motion for the payment of bills.  Tiffany Ramsay made the motion.  Tom Kirkland second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.   Motion passed 5-0. 

     Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to approve the Income Tax Report for December 2022.  Tom Kirkland made the motion.  Dale English second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.  Leann Harper asked why the Income Tax Report is approved by Council.  Kevin Brooks replied that prior to 2019 Council did not approve bills or income tax report.  He stated that it was changed so Council could see the money that goes out and comes into the Village and Council approves it because they are acknowledging they see a main revenue source coming into the Village each month.  Mr. Brooks also said it is even more important now that RITA is tax collecting, as an outside resource, so Council can see the value they are getting for the services RITA is doing for the Village. 

     Mayor Hehr stated that she put a copy of the 2023 Committees at each council member’s desk and in their packets. If they are not happy with the committee they are on please see her and they will work something out.  Mayor Hehr created a new committee and is calling it the Square Renovation Committee with Tiffany Ramsay as the Chairperson.  Kevin Brooks asked why she doesn’t call it the Downtown Revitalization Committee and Mayor Hehr said she thinks it is two different things.  She is talking about things such as planting in the islands.  Kevin Brooks feels there is going to be a lot of decisions to be made, particularly with the grant application, such as decorative lighting and possibly new sidewalks.  Mr. Brooks said there will be a lot of decisions if we continue down the path of procuring funds for the downtown.  Mayor Hehr agreed to change the name of the committee to Downtown Revitalization Committee. 

     Mayor Hehr said to Matt Schaber that the Property Maintenance Committee needs to have a meeting soon because there are several properties that need to be looked at.  Kevin Brooks stated that he feels each committee should be meeting at least quarterly to discuss things in a smaller group rather than coming before the full Council.   Tom Kirkland said there is a Finance Committee Meeting on January 23^rd, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.  They will be meeting with Nikke Lude to go over investments.  

     Dale English stated that each committee needs to have 3 council members.   The Downtown Revitalization Committee and Records Commission only has 2.  Mayor Hehr said she would add Anthony McDaniel to Downtown Revitalization and Matt Schaber to the Records Commission. 

     Mayor Hehr said she talked to someone from the oil and gas company regarding the walking trail and they told her it would be repaired and paved the first part of next week.  Kevin Brooks said he is concerned that they are just going to chip and seal which is unacceptable, and it is not the time of year to be paving.  Mayor Hehr asked Kevin Brooks to meet her at the walking trail tomorrow to see the repair that has been done. 

     Councilman Tom Kirkland reminded the mayor that they needed to elect someone as President of Council.  Mayor asked for nominations for President of Council.  Tom Kirkland made the motion to nominate Dale English as President of Council.  Matt Schaber second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Dale English – abstain.  Dale English remains President of Council.  Motion passed 4-0. 

     Tiffany Ramsay asked when the next Council meeting is.  Kevin Brooks replied that the meeting will be held on the 16^th of January, which is Martin Luther King Day.  The building will be open on January 16^th, the Village traded a couple of the winter holidays in January and February to have Good Friday off and an extra Personal Day for better weather conditions.

XI.  Un-Registered Visitors:

     None

XII. Adjourn:

   The Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Leann Harper made the motion to adjourn.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m. 

ATTEST:

___________________________                                                 ____________________________

Carol Hehr, Mayor                                                                            Lori Cunard, Fiscal Officer                                                                                      

                                        The Council of the Village of Woodsfield

                                                             December 5, 2022

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield met in Regular Session on December 5, 2022.

I.  Roll Call:

     Present:  Council Members; Dale English, Tom Kirkland, Anthony McDaniel, Leann Harper, Tiffany Ramsay, Matt Schaber; Mayor Carol Hehr, Fiscal Officer Lori Cunard, and Village Administrator Kevin Brooks. 

II.   Pending Meeting Minutes Approval:

     Dale English made a motion to accept the November 21, 2022 meeting minutes.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 5-0. 

III. Registered Visitors/Guest:

      Patty Turner – Mayor Hehr stated that Mrs. Turner attended the meeting to discuss the issues at the parking lot behind the Health Department/Senior Center where kids tend to gather from about 3:00 p.m. to the middle of the night.  She stated that she has been in contact with Mayor Hehr regarding the issue, sending pictures and videos, and it has gotten better in the past few weeks and she thanked the Mayor and Police Department for that.  She hopes that we as a community can continue to work together to solve the issue.  Mrs. Turner stated that it’s good to know that people do care and will listen if there is a problem.  She said she did notice the “No Loitering” signs that were just put up today.  Mrs. Turner said that yesterday a vehicle backed in behind the trailer’s, hiding from the camera’s, she isn’t sure if anything can be done regarding this or not, but it is her understanding that since the No Loitering signs were put up that they can be asked to leave the parking lot.  She said the ones that are coming in have not been noisy or causing trouble.  She said that some nights there was loud music and sirens playing over their speakers until 2:00 – 3:00 a.m.  Mrs. Turner said it is a big concern because the park is there also, and she wants to feel safe taking her grandbaby to the park.  Mayor Hehr said she and Chief Jones discussed the possibility of putting up a stop sign after they go by the football field.  Village Administrator Kevin Brooks thanked Mrs. Turner for continuing to keep the Mayor and Police Department informed of the situation.  He asked Mrs. Turner to continue keeping them informed.  Anthony McDaniel asked if there have been any citations issued?  Chief Jones stated that there have been at least 4 issued and 1 pending Criminal Case for Criminal Mischief/vandalism. 

  Rick Brown, Monroe Theater –  Mr. Brown thanked Council for the new sidewalks, he said they look amazing in front of the theater.  Mr. Brown said he got the idea of doing statues around the Village that is related to the community for the holidays.  He said he got 3 or 4 built and started receiving phone calls, text messages, and emails from residents who wanted to donate or sponsor one and now he is up to 90.  Mr. Brown said this is not a fund raiser for the Monroe Theater, he started this on his own.  The statues are being built at the Theater but they are not making a penny off of them.  Mr. Brown said he would like to work with the Village to keep this going year after year and he is willing to help.  Mr. Brown said that when all the figures are complete, they will tell the story of our Village since they are all related to something in the Village.  He stated that they are currently working on 5 military figures that will be placed at the Courthouse with the monuments and flags.  They also are planning on bringing the military statues out for other holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, etc.  Mr. Brown said he is also working on a map so they will know where to place them year after year and then a route to pick them up for storage.  Village Administrator Kevin Brooks said that they could possibly store some of the statues in the garage next door and he thanked Mr. Brown for acknowledging the sidewalks at the Theater.    Mr. Brown asked if the Village could allocate some funds for the downtown because going forward, they are wanting to place lights on the courthouse and other buildings in the downtown area.  Kevin Brooks said he would work with Fiscal Officer, Lori Cunard to see what auditor’s would say about   allocating some resources through electric department as economic development and he did tell Mr. Brown that the Village is purchasing heavy duty trash receptacles for the downtown area.  Mayor Hehr wanted Mr. Brown to know that Kevin Brooks was to thank for the sidewalks being done.  Dale English said that he was with Mr. Brooks when they met with Shelley and Sands regarding the sidewalks.  They were only going to replace the front 4 feet but Kevin Brooks asked them to give a price for the sidewalks

back to the building fronts so they would look nice, so Mr. Brooks is the one to acknowledge for the sidewalks. 

V.  Old Business:

        DORA – Nothing to report

VI.  Administrator Report:

     Kevin Brooks reported that Ryan Regal is in attendance, he is interested in taking the Solicitor’s position for the Village.  Mr. Regal will have a contract written up for the December 19^th meeting for Council approval.  Mr. Brooks asked Council to make a motion to hire Mr. Regal on an interim basis from now until January 1, 2023 @ $200.00/hr. because it makes more sense to run his contract with the calendar year.  Tom Kirkland made the motion to hire Mr. Regal as legal representation on an interim basis from now until January 1, 2023, at $200.00/hr.  Dale English second.  Motion passed 6-0.  Mr. Regal told a little about himself and stated that he will be taking a look at some pending issues the Village has and he is anxious to get started.  Mr. Regal will be taking the empty office downstairs for more privacy and more room. 

     Mr. Brooks reminded Council that the Safety Meeting/Christmas Luncheon is December 16^th @ 11:00 a.m. at the Fire House.  It is going to be catered by the Woodsfield Diner.  There was a meeting with staff this morning and they were told we require attendance and if they don’t attend, they will work their regular schedule and will not receive their $30.00 gift card. 

VII.  Fiscal Officer Report:

       Lori Cunard stated that we currently have life insurance on employees through Anthem that is at a cost of $5.25 per employee for $15,000 AD&D and Life.  We can go through One America, United and increase the employee coverage to $50,000 at $15.00 per employee.  Kevin Brooks spoke up to say that since we are moving health insurance we should go ahead and move life insurance also.  Mr. Brooks also stated that, after some discussion with Council members, he feels it best we stay with the Village share of health insurance premium at 85% and employee 15% rather than going to the 90% – 10% split.   Mayor Hehr asked for Council comments regarding this.  Leann Harper spoke up and stated that staying with the 85% – 15% split an employee with the family plan will still save about $125.00/month and a single about $30.00/month by going with United Health.  So, employees will still be saving money.  If we keep things the way they are and have an abundance of money at the end of next year we can give it back to employees in a different way.  Kevin Brooks said that a bonus program would be a good option, but the fiscal office would have to get with the Auditor’s to see what parameters we need to stay within for that kind of program.  Mr. Brooks reminded Council that in 2020 during the COVID shutdown we did Hazard bonuses to the employees that worked through the shutdown so it can be done.  Anthony McDaniel stated that he feels upping the AD&D and life insurance to $50,000 would be a good idea for our employees.  Anthony McDaniel made a motion to approve the AD&D and Life Insurance change to One America, United and increasing the coverage from $15,000/employee to $50,000/employee that the Village will pay at $15.00/employee.  Tom Kirkland second.  Motion passed 6-0.  Kevin Brooks asked for a hard copy of a re-cap of the coverage employees will have with United Health with the final numbers to be presented to Council at the December 19^th meeting.  Mr. Brooks feels it is important for Council to see the numbers and what the Village will be saving.  He also said we will need a Resolution to change the health insurance for the next meeting. 

     Lori Cunard reported that she and Brenda Mauck will be going to Columbus for year-end training on December 7^th and 8^th.

VIII.  Committee Chair/Council Reports:

      Dale English – Nothing to report

      Tom Kirkland – Nothing to report

      Anthony McDaniel – Anthony McDaniel stated that the tree lighting on Friday evening was very nice.

      Leann Harper – Nothing to report

      Tiffany Ramsay – Nothing to report

      Matt Schaber – Nothing to report

IX:  Solicitor’s Report:

      None

X:  Mayor’s Report:

     The Mayor reported that the tree lighting on Friday night went very well.  There were probably 100 or more in attendance.  She said they are already talking about next year.  Mayor Hehr stated that all departments in the Village worked together and had a part in the event.  Kevin Brooks said that if we start planning in September or October of next year, he believes Gulfport and Antero would take part and we could possibly get other sponsors for the evening. 

     Mayor Hehr reported that she will be doing Mayor’s Court training in January on the 12^th and 13^th.  She was hoping it would be virtual but it is not so she will be traveling to Columbus for it.

     Mayor Hehr said she would like to go into Executive Session for Litigation at the end of the meeting.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to approve the payment of bills.  Anthony McDaniel made the motion.  Dale English second.  Motion passed 6-0.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to approve the Mayor’s Court Report, November 2022.  Tom Kirkland made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 6-0.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to approve the Income Tax Report, November 2022.  Anthony McDaniel made the motion.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Motion passed 6-0.

     Mayor Hehr stated that the total dollar amount she had spent on Christmas decorations was approximately $400.00 rather than $200.00 that was approved at the last Council meeting.  Anthony McDaniel made the motion to reimburse Mayor Hehr for the Christmas decorations in the amount of $400.00.  Dale English second.  Motion passed 6-0.

XI.  Un-Registered Visitors:

     None

     The Mayor asked for a motion to go into Executvie Session regarding Litigation.  Tom Kirkland made the motion.  Dale English second.  Motion passed 6-0.  Executive Session entered at 6:33 p.m.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to go back into Regular Session.  Matt Schaber made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 6-0.  Regular Session entered 6:40 p.m.

XII. Adjourn:

   The Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Tom Kirkland made the motion to adjourn.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 6-0.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:42p.m. 

ATTEST:

___________________________                                                 ____________________________

Carol Hehr, Mayor                                                                            Lori Cunard, Fiscal Officer                                                                                      

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield

                                                             November 21, 2022

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield met in Regular Session on November 21, 2022.

I.  Roll Call:

     Present:  Council Members; Dale English, Tom Kirkland, Anthony McDaniel, Leann Harper, Tiffany Ramsay, Matt Schaber; Mayor Carol Hehr, Fiscal Officer Lori Cunard, and Village Administrator Kevin Brooks. 

II.   Pending Meeting Minutes Approval:

     Dale English made a motion to accept the November 21, 2022 meeting minutes.  Leann Harper second.  Anthony McDaniel – abstain.  Motion passed 5-1-0. 

III. Registered Visitors/Guest:

      None

V.  Old Business:

        DORA – Hope to finalize after the first of the year.

VI.  Administrator Report:

     Kevin Brooks reported that the Safety Meeting/Christmas Luncheon has been scheduled for Friday, December 16^th at 11:00 a.m. at the Fire Station.  The luncheon will be catered by Woodsfield Diner.  There will be an RSVP given out by the Fiscal Office.  Dale English wanted the new council members to know that family is welcome to come to the luncheon.

     Kevin Brooks reminded Council that because of how the holidays fell this year for Christmas and New Years the City Building will be closed December 23^rd and 26^th and December 30^th and January 2^nd.   Anthony McDaniel asked when the first Council meeting would be since January 2^nd is the first Monday.  Kevin Brooks replied that it would be held on Tuesday, January 3^rd.    

VII.  Fiscal Officer Report:

      None

VIII.  Committee Chair/Council Reports:

      Dale English – Dale English reported that they have completed the interviews for the Cemetery position.  He said they would probably have a recommendation by the first Council meeting in December.   Kevin Brooks spoke up and said that we are looking at a start date of January 3^rd for the position.  However, we may allow them to start in December so they can get on the health insurance quicker. 

      Tom Kirkland – Tom Kirkland said the Policy and Procedures Committee met and they do agree with the change of health insurance from Anthem to United Health.  Mr. Kirkland stated that it is up to the Council on whether they want the Village to pay the extra 5% of the premium for Village employees as long as employees understand it is on a yearly basis depending on premium costs.   Kevin Brooks spoke up to say that we are looking at a six figure savings per year by switching from Anthem to United Health.  He also said that it has been communicated to staff that if renewal premiums raise next year then chances are it will affect the Village contribution.  The proposal made for now is that the Village will raise their contribution rate from 85% to 90%.  Anthony McDaniel would like to see that some of the savings we incur be set aside so in case there is a bigger jump in premiums next year it will be easier to afford and instead of taking the 5% from the employees maybe we could do 2.50%.  Kevin Brooks said that would be fine, it could be done during the budgeting process.   Leann Harper asked if rather than increasing the Village contribution of health insurance premiums this year only to possibly decrease the contribution next year if there is another way to give back to the employees?   Kevin Brooks stated that he understands her concern but we no longer have some high-end users on the insurance plan and we will be  starting the renewal process in September of next year, so we will have more time to shop around if there is a significant increase in the renewal rate.  Mayor Hehr said that if we do what Anthony

McDaniel suggests then those funds we set aside could be used to offset a renewal increase.  Mr. Brooks said that we have a younger, healthier workforce so he is hoping we won’t see a big increase in renewal rates next year, but we have no way of knowing what the market will do.  At the next council meeting we hope to have the locked in premium rate so Council can vote on the change.

      Anthony McDaniel – Nothing to report

      Leann Harper – Leann Harper let Council know there is a Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving morning at 8:30 a.m.  It is a 3-mile walk/run that will start at City Park.  It is being held for Crohn’s/Colitis Foundation by donation only, this is their sixth year.  If anyone is interested just show up, they walk through Woodsfield, walk through the Cemetery and  back to City Park.  The walk is usually over by 10:00 a.m. 

      Tiffany Ramsay – Tiffany Ramsay stated that since she is new to Council, and she knows there are a few other new Council members, she would like to visit each department and meet all of the employees.  Dale English said he and Tom Kirkland usually try to visit each department right before Christmas to talk with them and wish everyone Happy Holidays.  Kevin Brooks also said that every 2 weeks he has a meeting with the Supervisor’s in his office at 8:00 a.m. and she would be more than welcome to sit in.  They talk about what they are working on and set a schedule for the next 2 weeks.  Tom Kirkland also said she is welcome to go with him and Dale English in a couple of weeks and they can show her where all the departments are.  The Superintendents can show her around the buildings, there has been a considerable amount of upgrade in the last few years, particularly the Street and Water Departments. 

      Matt Schaber – Nothing to report

IX:  Solicitor’s Report:

     None

X:  Mayor’s Report:

     The Mayor asked for a motion to approve the payment of bills.  Anthony McDaniel made the motion.  Tom Kirkland second.  Motion passed 6-0.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to approve the Mayor’s Court Report, mid-November 2022.  Dale English made the motion.  Anthony McDaniel second.  Motion passed 6-0.

     The Mayor stated there are a couple Ordinances in Council packets to pass as an emergency.  Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to pass Ordinance #13-2022, An Ordinance Providing for Amending and Revising Specific Line-Items in the Appropriations of Expenditures for the Village of Woodsfield for the Calendar Year 2022 and Declaring an Emergency.   Matt Schaber made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Dale English – yes, Tom Kirkland – yes, Anthony McDaniel – yes, Tiffany Ramsay – yes.  Motion passed 6-0.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to suspend the rules and pass Ordinance #13-2022 by its second reading, Declaring it an Emergency.  Anthony McDaniel made the motion.  Dale English second.  Tom Kirkland – yes, Leann Harper – yes, Tiffany Ramsay – yes, Matt Schaber – yes.  Motion passed 6-0.

     The Mayor then asked for a motion to suspend the rules and pass Ordinance #13-2022 by its third reading, Declaring it an Emergency and adopt.   Anthony McDaniel made the motion.  Tom Kirkland second.  Dale English – yes, Leann Harper – yes, Tiffany Ramsay – yes, Matt Schaber – yes.  Motion passed 6-0.  Ordinance #13-2022 adopted.

     Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to pass Ordinance #14-2022, An Ordinance to make Temporary Appropriations for the Current Expenses and other Expenditures of the Village of Woodsfield for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2023 and Declaring an Emergency.   Dale English made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Tom Kirkland – yes, Anthony McDaniel – yes, Tiffany Ramsay – yes, Matt Schaber – yes.  Motion passed 6-0.

  The Mayor asked for a motion to suspend the rules and pass Ordinance #14-2022 by its second reading, Declaring it an Emergency.  Anthony McDaniel made the motion.  Matt Schaber second.  Dale English – yes, Tom Kirkland – yes, Leann Harper – yes, Tiffany Ramsay – yes.  Motion passed 6-0.

     The Mayor then asked for a motion to suspend the rules and pass Ordinance #14-2022 by its third reading, Declaring it an Emergency and adopt.   Anthony McDaniel made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Dale English – yes, Tom Kirkland – yes, Tiffany Ramsay – yes, Matt Schaber – yes.  Motion passed 6-0.  Ordinance #14-2022 adopted.

     Kevin Brooks made Council aware that there may have to be an extra Council meeting in December to approve payment of final bills.  Village Superintendents have been made aware to cut spending as of December 9^th so hopefully all the bills will be in for the December 19^th meeting so we can close the year and we will not have to schedule an extra meeting. 

     Mayor Hehr read Resolution #5-2022, A Resolution to Approve Buckeye Hills Regional Council as the lead Technical Assistance Grant Applicant for the Appalachian Community Grant Program.  Mayor Hehr said this is to work with Buckeye Hills to secure planning money for the downtown revitalization project. 

     Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to pass Resolution #5-2022. Tom Kirkland made the motion.  Dale English second.  Motion passed 6-0. 

     Mayor Hehr stated that the Village did get approved for the Natureworks Grant for a little over $12,000.00.  The grant funds will be used to purchase a gazebo that will be put at the beginning of the Walking Trail and also a picnic table and another piece of exercise equipment for the Trail. 

     Mayor Hehr said she has been attending the meetings on the Landbank.  She is hoping we will receive additional funding in 2023.  Mayor Hehr said if anyone knows of any homes that need taken down to let her know so she can get them on the list.  Tom Kirkland asked about the old school but the Mayor said it falls under the Brownfield Act and it is tied up in court.  Leann Harper asked about the house down the street on the corner but the Mayor said the owners have to agree to it.

     Mayor Hehr stated that we are thinking of getting Reisbeck gift cards for employees.  She asked Council what dollar amount they would like to give?  Kevin Brooks said that in the past we gave the staff each a $20 gift card for the purchase of a ham or turkey for Christmas.  Mayor Hehr said it is up to Council but $20 would not get much now.  Anthony McDaniel asked if we could do $50?  Leann Harper said she would like to be able to see exactly where the funds would come from and how much exactly that it is going to cost before approving $50.  Kevin Brooks said that he feels $50 is to much because the Village is also paying for a catered lunch for the staff, gifts will be given out to employees, and liberal time-off for Holidays.  Dale English also said that he thinks what the Village does for the employees is pretty nice.  Anthony McDaniel made a motion to give $30 Reisbeck gift cards to Village employees for Christmas.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 6-0. 

     Mayor Hehr let Council know that she purchased new bows from Amazon for the wreaths that are put up around the Village.  She also purchased candy canes to put in the islands for a total of about $200.00 for the bows and candy canes.  She said that she had talked to Gulfport about donating to the Village but that did not work out, we came in too late.  Anthony McDaniel made a motion for the Village to reimburse Mayor Hehr for Christmas decorations in the approximate amount of $200.00.  Anthony McDaniel stated that he would make a donation towards the decorations also.  Matt Schaber second.  Motion passed 6-0. 

     Anthony McDaniel asked if the Christmas trees were going to be put up at City Park again this year?

Kevin Brooks said he has not spoken to Kayla Ruble but they had a brief conversation at one point about having the trees on the lot next door.  Mr. Brooks said he would try and talk to her about moving the trees from City Park. 

     The Mayor reminded Council about the Christmas Tree lighting on December 2^nd at 6:30 p.m.

XI.  Un-Registered Visitors:

     None

XII. Adjourn:

   The Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Dale English made the motion to adjourn.  Matt Schaber second.  Motion passed 6-0.  Meeting adjourned at 6:40p.m. 

ATTEST:

___________________________                                                 ____________________________

Carol Hehr, Mayor                                                                            Lori Cunard, Fiscal Officer                                                                                      

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield

                                                             November 7, 2022

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield met in Regular Session on November 7, 2022.

I.  Roll Call:

     Present:  Council Members; Dale English, Tom Kirkland, Leann Harper, Tiffany Ramsay, Matt Schaber; Mayor Carol Hehr, Fiscal Officer Lori Cunard, and Village Administrator Kevin Brooks. 

Absent:  Councilman Anthony McDaniel.

II.   Pending Meeting Minutes Approval:

     Dale English made a motion to accept the October 17, 2022 meeting minutes.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 5-0. 

III. Registered Visitors/Guest:

     Brent Bosley and John Rieck – Mr. Bosley and Mr. Rieck attended the meeting to update Council on the Veterans Day Parade.  The parade will be held on Friday, November 11^th @ 6:00 p.m. for Vietnam Veteran’s.  Through the generosity of the community and citizens outside of the village they have raised enough money to replace flags and flag poles for every parking meter on Main Street, Court Street and Church Street.  The flag holders were made by a local business at no cost.  So as of yesterday, every parking meter on Main, Court, and Church Streets have flag holders on them.  They have also been given enough donations for decorations, including a 20X4 foot banner that will be put on the Courthouse as well as 10 other banners for floats.  Mr. Bosley is not sure how many veterans will be riding floats in the parade but there will be several in attendance watching the parade and he just wants them all to know how much we appreciate their service.  He knows that all fire departments and every squad in the county will be in attendance as well as the possibility of several outlying departments and law enforcement agencies.   Mr. Bosley would like Chief Corey Jones to lead the parade and the first float behind him will be the Vietnam Veteran’s.  He stated that they would proceed down Main Street and when they get to the downtown square they will stay to the right and stop for an Invocation, national anthem and giving thanks to our veterans.  Village Administrator, Kevin Brooks asked Mr. Bosley if he had talked to ODOT and he replied that he had spoken with them and they know the dates and times of the parade.  Mayor Carol Hehr said she really appreciates the work they have done organizing the parade.  Mr. Bosley thanked Council for all their support. 

     Dr. Amos Loveday – Mr. Loveday is attending the meeting to address questions regarding historic preservation, mainly federal historic preservation and legislative law.  There are 3 levels of historic preservation:  Federal, State, and Local.   Mr. Loveday reviewed the National Historic Preservation Act with Council such as who determines what goes on the registry and what makes it eligible to go on the registry.  The area around the downtown square was determined by ODOT to be eligible for the National Historical Registry.   Originally the plan was to remove the islands but there were individuals that said it could not be done because they are historical.  ODOT did a survey which identified the district around the square and it was determined to be eligible by the State Historic Preservation Office of Ohio and any agency that comes in to work has to honor that eligibility and must mitigate and identify any effects of work to be done.   Mayor Hehr asked if before ODOT came in and started construction there was no use of federal funds in the square was it a historical site?  Mr. Loveday stated it was eligible with the National Historical Registry, so before the use of federal funds we could have done what we wanted with the islands.  Mr. Loveday stated there are 3 buildings downtown that are listed on the National Registry, the courthouse, bank building, and post office.   Mr. Loveday said to keep in mind the National Registry only applies to federal agencies, the monies the federal agencies grant and the commissions the federal agencies grant.  As a Village, the money we spend that has no federal handle is not subject to the National Historic Preservation Act.  Mayor Hehr asked if it is subject because of the ODOT Project?  Mr. Loveday said not unless there is federal monies or federal commissions involved you do not have to comply with National Historic Preservation Act.  Mr. Loveday gave a handout to Council and asked them to read the section on adverse effects.  He said that it was pointed out to ODOT before the project started there was belief if the project was done that the islands could not be maintained.  ODOT said they had assurances from the Village that would not be the case and there would be no actions taken that would affect the character or quality of the historical sites.  If there are actions taken by ODOT that

affect the character or quality of the historical sites, they could be held liable.  Councilman Matt Schaber asked that if the Village owns the property doesn’t there have to be permission from the owner to place it on the Historical Registry?   Mr. Loveday said that any public property that meets the criteria can be eligible.  Matt Schaber asked how long after it is determined eligible before it is listed to the registry?  Mr. Loveday said that someone has to take action to nominate it to the National Registry.  Mayor Hehr stated that we are trying to preserve the islands, but we are concerned with the flow of traffic when the project is finished that traffic will run up over the islands.  What do we have to do in order to build up the islands to keep traffic out of them.  Mr. Loveday stated that we could go to ODOT and tell them there are adverse effects and seek mitigation strategies.  If ODOT would not do anything we could file a complaint with the National Preservation Act.  We could also hire a historical landscape architect to do a design for the islands to keep traffic out.  Mayor Hehr asked if we were to meet with an advisory committee and tell them what we would like to do and get input from them, would we still have to hire a landscape architect?  Mr. Loveday stated that we do not have to hire a landscape architect, if we want to demonstrate that we want to honor the intent of the act then we need to have somebody’s stamp of approval on the plans that we have that has expertise in that area, and he said ODOT should have done this for us.   Mr. Loveday’s advice is to look at the rules and honor them and if we can’t, then honor the intent.  Mr. Loveday said if there is anything he can do to help out to let him know and we have his word that he would help. 

V.  Old Business:

      SOLSD Memorial Park Community Center Contract- The contract was delivered to the school and we are awaiting payment from them.

      DORA- nothing can be done until we hire legal counsel. 

VI.  Administrator Report:

     Kevin Brooks reported that we are requesting a payment be made to CT Consultants in the amount of $1,800.00 for cost estimate and grant application for Appalachian downtown revitalization project.  The $1,800.00 will allow us to look at additional decorative lighting as well as trash receptacles, benches, and sidewalks.  This will be from State Rt. 800 to Marietta Street.  We currently have 15 light poles but we would like to ask for 30 poles to line them up across from each other.  The big issue is getting electric to all the poles.  The feed would be back alley’s and we would have to bury the line underground which would be costly but if we are going to replace sidewalk in some of the area’s it can be part of the project.  There are going to be some large concrete sections downtown where it will be nice to put benches.  If Council will agree to the $1,800.00 payment request, we can get CT Consultants started on the formal cost estimate.  We have also talked about pulling the downtown plaza out of the building project and applying for it separately and Mr. Brooks thinks that is a good strategy because it will reduce the cost of the new building project from $3.5 million to $2.5 million, the issue is that the plaza cannot be built until the old building comes down.  Councilwoman Leann Harper made a motion to approve the $1,800.00 payment be made to CT Consultants.  Tom Kirkland second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent. Motion passed 5-0.  Mayor Hehr said the issue with pulling the plaza out of the project is that the funds from the Appalachian Grant have to be spent by 2026.  Kevin Brooks replied that he thinks that would be doable and if it doesn’t work, we can move on to something else. 

     Kevin Brooks stated that the big issue with the new building is that we have to find funding.  We had never intended on putting up all the money for the building.  We do have a good balance in the Capital Projects Fund, but we want to get some grant money.   As of now there aren’t a whole lot of brick-and-mortar type grants for the construction of the new building.  But as we get into the winter months that will be changing and we plan on applying for as much as we can to supplement the funds we currently have for the cost of the new building.   

     Mr. Brooks reported that Antero will be setting up and serving pizza and hot chocolate again this year for the Christmas tree lighting and they will also have a few gift bags.  We are still working with Gulfport because they would like to be included as well.  We are working on getting Santa to hand out gifts but that has not been finalized as of yet.  Mayor Hehr has talked to the school about Christmas caroling and Mr. Brooks also talked to Brent Dick about using his sound system to play Christmas music. 

  Kevin Brooks said we are looking into changing health insurance from Anthem to United Healthcare.  It would save the Village and employees a good bit of money to switch to United Health.  Mayor Hehr suggested setting up an insurance committee to discuss the change.  The feedback from employees is to go ahead with the change, it is comparable to the Anthem health we currently have and much more cost effective.  Mr. Brooks said we are looking at saving approximately $122,000.00 for the Village next year in health insurance premiums so he is suggesting the Village do a give back and pick up an extra 5% for the employee’s share.  We are currently paying 85% for employee’s health premiums so the extra 5% would put us at 90%-10%.  Mr. Brooks also told Council that this is a 1-year deal.  We would be looking at renewing in September 2023 and rates could be high so in that case we may be looking at other insurance again next year.  Mr. Brooks said he does not like to keep switching around, but we are looking at a savings of six figures by switching now.  He said if Mayor Hehr wants to set up a committee to look at it that is fine, but we do have to make a decision by mid-December.   Councilwoman Leann Harper asked about setting up a Salary and Benefits Committee to review benefits every year?  Kevin Brooks stated that currently we have been reviewing salaries every 18 months and we are up for salary review and possible increase the middle of 2023.  However, after talking it over with Finance Committee any increase will probably be pushed back to January of 2024.  Mayor Hehr stated that we do have the Finance Committee and they look at salaries, but they don’t necessarily look at the benefit side.   Mayor Hehr told Leann Harper that this would be something to talk about and if they decide to set up a committee, they could do it in January.  She also said that she would like everyone to have a copy of the information packets that were handed out by the agent regarding the insurance.  She asked if anyone would like to volunteer for the insurance committee?  Mayor Hehr asked if the Policy and Procedures Committee (Kirkland, McDaniel, and Ramsay) would take a look at the insurance packets and come back in two weeks and let Council know if they are satisfied with the change or not?  Councilman Tom Kirkland spoke up and said that after attending the meeting and listening to Matt Foley, Foley Benefits, that he is satisfied with switching to United Health.   Kevin Brooks spoke up to say that there is nothing wrong with our current insurance, but when you are looking at a plan that will save the Village approximately $122,000 next year, you have to take a look at it plus the premium is lower for the employees and the feedback he is getting from employees is they want to switch.  Mayor Hehr also stated that next year we will get the renewal in September so we will have time to shop around if United Health increases the premiums by a large amount.  Mr. Brooks just wanted to verify with Mayor Hehr that the Policy and Procedures Committee will meet and review the United Health coverage and will report back to Council in two weeks and Mayor Hehr replied yes, she would like them to review it.  Tom Kirkland said he would get the meeting set up.

     Kevin Brooks reported that there are some issues with the ODOT project.  The brick in the curb islands does not match the brick in the in-lays of the sidewalks which was a specific request.  He said he will check in to this. 

     Mr. Brooks requested Executive Session at the end of the meeting regarding Personnel/Compensation and action may or may not be taken.

VII.  Fiscal Officer Report:

     Fiscal Officer Lori Cunard has Ordinance #12-2022 for Council to pass.  This Ordinance is to amend and revise a few line-items to get us through the end of 2022.  Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to pass Ordinance #12-2022, An Ordinance Providing for Amending and Revising Specific Line-Items in the Appropriations of Expenditures for the Village of Woodsfield for the Calendar Year 2022 and Declaring an Emergency.   Matt Schaber made the motion.  Tom Kirkland second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Dale English – yes, Leann Harper – yes, Tiffany Ramsay – yes.  Motion passed 5-0.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to suspend the rules and pass Ordinance #12-2022 by its second reading, Declaring it an Emergency.  Dale English made the motion.  Matt Schaber second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Tom Kirkland – yes, Leann Harper – yes, Tiffany Ramsay – yes.  Motion passed 5-0.

     The Mayor then asked for a motion to suspend the rules and pass Ordinance #12-2022 by its third reading, Declaring it an Emergency and adopt.   Matt Schaber made the motion.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Dale English – yes, Tom Kirkland – yes, Leann Harper – yes.  Motion passed 5-0.  Ordinance #12-2022 adopted.

    Fiscal Officer Lori Cunard also had Resolution #2022-02 for Council to pass.  This Resolution is the cooperative agreement with Monroe County Emergency Management Agency for year 2023.  Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to pass Resolution #2022-02, To Authorize Mayor Carol Hehr to Enter into a Cooperative Agreement for Provision of Emergency Management Services for the Municipality of Woodsfield, Ohio by the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.  Council also authorizes payment of the annual sum of $1,019.40 to Monroe County EMA Fund for services indicated in the resolution.  Leann Harper made the motion.  Tom Kirkland second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.

VIII.  Committee Chair/Council Reports:

      Dale English – Councilman Dale English reported that they have done 4 interviews for the Cemetery position.  They are going to try and interview 1 more.  Kevin Brooks spoke up to say that they are looking at a January 2 hire date, but they have also discussed having them hired the end of December for the purpose of health insurance. 

      Tom Kirkland – Nothing to report

      Anthony McDaniel – absent

      Leann Harper – Nothing to report

      Tiffany Ramsay – Nothing to report

      Matt Schaber – Nothing to report

IX:  Solicitor’s Report:

     None

X:  Mayor’s Report:

     The Mayor asked for a motion to approve the Mayor’s Court Report, October 2022.  Dale English made the motion.  Matt Schaber second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.

     The Mayor asked for a motion to approve the Income Tax Report, October 2022.   Leann Harper made the motion.  Tom Kirkland second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0. 

     The Mayor asked for a motion to approve the payment of bills.  Leann Harper made the motion.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.

      Mayor Hehr gave a copy of the revised 2023 committees to each Council member.   A Committee has been added which is the Utility Committee.  The reason this was added is because of discussion that was had with landlords regarding concerns with utilities and their renters.  Kevin Brooks stated that we had added a utility committee about a year and a half ago when we talked about raising utility rates and how we were funding and supplementing the utilities as well as how we were funding and supplementing the storm utility.  The Committee was disbanded after we passed the rate increase that would be a 4-year plan.  The Utility Committee set the policy on payment arrangements.  We are not entering into any payment arrangements that go beyond 30 days so if you owe $700.00 it has to be paid within 30 days.  Also, we only allow each customer one payment arrangement every 12 months.  Kevin Brooks said any unpaid utilities follow the property not the person and why should we have to act as a collection agency.  Mr. Brooks feels that if landlords do their due diligence they would not have to chase after former renters for utility money. 

     Mayor Hehr reported that the employee safety meeting/luncheon will be December 16^th.  There has been concern about doing the meeting/luncheon due to increasing costs, but employees seem to enjoy it.  At the Superintendents meeting this morning she asked if employees appreciated it and they all responded yes it is appreciated.  Mayor Hehr said she will have more information to report on this at the next council meeting.  

     Mayor Hehr reported that she attended a meeting regarding the Appalachian Grant for downtown revitalization.  The guidelines for the grant were supposed to be out on August 1^st and they just came out about 10 days ago.  Tomorrow Mayor Hehr has a meeting with Buckeye Hills and she hopes to come back from it with more information. 

      Mayor Hehr stated she wanted to acknowledge the Street Dept. for putting together the 5 pieces of exercise equipment, 2 picnic tables, and 3 benches for the walking trail.  She also acknowledged the Electric Dept. because they went up and helped the Street Dept. place and set everything up along the trail.  She encouraged everyone to go up and take a look at it, everything looks very nice.    

XI.  Un-Registered Visitors:

      Drew Eberle and guest – Mr. Eberle is from Swiss Valley Associates to let council know they are available and would like to help with any upcoming projects we may have.  They have done the Senior Center design, they are in the progress of re-designing the second floor of the theater, and they have done a lot of work for M.A.C.O.  They just wanted to touch base and let council know they are available. 

     Councilman Dale English made a motion to go into Executive Session regarding Personnel/Compensation with possible action. Tom Kirkland second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.  Executive Session entered at 7:15 p.m.

     Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to go back into Regular Session.   Tiffany Ramsay made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.  Regular Session entered 7:37 p.m.

XII. Adjourn:

     The Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Matt Schaber made the motion to adjourn.  Leann Harper second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.  Meeting adjourned at 7:40p.m. 

ATTEST:

___________________________                                                 ____________________________

Carol Hehr, Mayor                                                                            Lori Cunard, Fiscal Officer                                                                                      

                                        The Council of the Village of Woodsfield

                                                           October 17, 2022

The Council of the Village of Woodsfield met in Regular Session on October 17, 2022.

I.  Roll Call:

     Present:  Council Members; Dale English, Tom Kirkland, Leann Harper, Tiffany Ramsay, Matt Schaber; Mayor Carol Hehr, Fiscal Officer Lori Cunard, and Village Administrator Kevin Brooks. 

Absent:  Councilman Anthony McDaniel.

II.   Pending Meeting Minutes Approval:

     Dale English made a motion to accept the October 3, 2022 meeting minutes with additions and corrections.  Leann Harper second.  Motion passed 5-0. 

III. Registered Visitors/Guest:

     The registered visitors did not attend but Village Administrator Kevin Brooks stated that if anyone were to see Mr. Bosley or Mr. Rieck, they need to know that ODOT would like to speak to them regarding the Veterans Day Parade.  ODOT is wanting to make sure that everything is cleaned up for the parade so they have a clean route.

V.  Old Business:

      SOLSD Memorial Park Community Center Contract

      DORA 

      Neither one of these can be acted upon because there is nothing in front of Council at this time.  Village Administrator, Kevin Brooks stated that between Lori Cunard, Brenda Mauck, and himself we should be able to get the SOLSD Contract done this week.

VI.  Administrator Report:

     Village Administrator Kevin Brooks stated that he will need Executive Session at the end of the meeting.  He has several things regarding Personnel/Compensation with action to be taken. 

     Kevin Brooks has a proposal for the Water/Sewer Department for gate repairs at the Sewer Plant.  The proposal is from Hocking Fence in the amount of $2,280.00.  We would like to have this done in the 2022 year before doing the 2023 budget.  Dale English made the motion for gate repairs at the Sewer Plant to be done by Hocking Fence in the amount of $2,280.00.  Tom Kirkland second.  Motion passed 5-0.

     Kevin Brooks met with Shelley and Sands this morning regarding the downtown project.  There are several issues.  They are currently working on the sidewalk on the theater quadrant and will be constructing the curb island, this will take approximately 2 weeks.  It appears that when they are done with that they will be shutting the job down and will be back to finish the project in the spring.  There will be another meeting Wednesday to talk about the long-term schedule.  The next quadrant to be done is the one in front of Marden Rehab which is a lot more extensive, they are afraid they will not have enough time to get it done before blacktop season ends and they don’t want to leave it open or unfinished all winter so it will be done in the spring starting approximately in March.  Also, we had committed to redoing the back half of the sidewalks rather than just the front 4 feet of sidewalks in front of the Theater and around the corner to the alley, Marden to Midtown and then Marden to the alley before Modern Hardware.  The cost for just the concrete is $17,000.00.  Kevin Brooks said he does not have a specific quote for the brick inlay.  He talked to Shelley and Sands last week and they gave him a price that was going to be too expensive.  ODOT has re-looked at it and told Mr. Brooks it would be $621/square inlay which he feels is a good price.  We have about 30 square’s which would end up costing approximately $15,000.00.  This way the sidewalks we are re-doing will match the ones in front of the Courthouse and in front or Subway to Country Clippin’s.  Mr. Brooks feels we should go ahead with the brick inlay in the sidewalks.  When he gets a specific price he will bring it before Council for approval but Mr. Brooks is just wanting to make sure Council is all ok with this.  He stated that the money would come from the capital projects fund to pay for the sidewalks with the brick inlay.  Mr. Brooks also said they had talked about replacing the decorative light poles.  There is one at the Theater and one at Subway and there are 2 more from Subway to Country Clippin’s.  If we mirrored the other

side then we would have one at SOMA and one at Midtown Fitness.  Mr. Brooks said they also talked about replacing ones in the back sides of each of the islands which would replace the fluorescent LED poles.  That would be a total of 4 poles that are roughly $5,000.00 each.  Within the project we are able to repurpose 3 poles.  There is a meeting with Gulfport tomorrow and there is a possibility that they may purchase some additional poles for lighting in the downtown.  When Gulfport first approached us they were wanting to refurbish the Davey Crocket pole but there is nothing wrong with it.  So basically, if we spend $15,000 on brick inlays, it was money we were going to spend anyways on decorative light poles but with repurposing 3 of the poles and with the possibility of Gulfport purchasing additional poles it would save the Village from purchasing them.  The new mast arm signalization poles each have 3 LED lights on top so we will have far more light in the center of downtown than we have ever had.  Kevin Brooks asked Council how they all feel about spending the money from the Capital Projects fund for the sidewalks with the brick inlays, the goal for the project has been for both sides of downtown to mirror each other.  Councilwoman Leann Harper verified with Mr. Brooks that the approximate cost of concrete is $17,000.00 and the brick inlays are $15,000.00.  She asked the cost of the decorative light poles and Mr. Brooks replied that originally we were going to purchase new poles but now we will repurpose so we will not have a cost for the poles.  Leann Harper said the brick inlays was a good idea and Council agreed the sidewalks with the brick inlays should be done.   

     Kevin Brooks also had a conversation with ODOT today regarding the parking meters and parking stations.  Mr. Brooks and Leann Harper have had on-going conversations regarding this also.  The parking stations are going to be about $32,000.00, that is a lot of money to spend and then we end up bagging them.   We are at decision time for the parking stations if we want them installed.  Mr. Brooks has told ODOT he wants all the conduit and wiring put in for whatever we do decide to go with.  The issue is what type of parking meters we want to have put in and running the hard-line wiring.  The main problem is that we are not replacing sidewalk at the Courthouse or from Subway to Country Clippin’s so it would be a major job to get the hard-line wiring in those areas.  Kevin Brooks talked to Chief Corey Jones and decided that the 4 quadrants would not have parking meters/stations on a trial basis but have a strict 2-hour parking limit.  The Police Department is not enthusiastic about this idea but it would give a stronger Police presence in the downtown area and it would buy us some time to figure out what we want to do.  Mr. Brooks suggests putting signs up saying that the 2-hour parking limit is strongly enforced.   There are 96 meters in town and we would be losing about 30 in the downtown area but we have not had money actually going into meters in almost 2 years.  Mr. Brooks wanted Council to know some of the issues regarding the downtown and there are no easy solutions other than putting the parking stations in the 4  corners which would be $32,000.00.  Then you would have the challenge of someone parking at the Courthouse but would have to walk to the other side to pay the parking station, there is going to be a lot of confusion until people get used to it and we would definitely have to raise the price of parking.  The transaction fee for the parking stations is 87 cents so we would probably have to charge $2.00 @ 2 hour minimum.  Councilwoman Leann Harper spoke up and said that she thinks the parking stations are a good idea but she does not want them because of the cost, the transaction fee and she does not want to raise the price of parking because she feels it would upset people.  Kevin Brooks also said the issue with parking stations is that we have to have hard-line wiring which means we would have to partner with a business to have internet in their building which he is does not like the idea of.  There would be significant cost to do the hard-wiring at the Courthouse and Subway to Country Clippin’s because nothing exists underground.  Leann Harper also said she is all for putting the “dumb” meters back in with the project so that way it is done.  Mayor Hehr asked if we would use the old “dumb” meters and Mr. Brooks replied that we could put the old meters in.  Kevin Brooks said we do still have the meters but as they break it is getting harder and harder to get parts for them.  Mayor Hehr said she can’t see the point of putting the old ones back in if we are going to have trouble getting parts, she would rather order new meters.   Kevin Brooks said he will make some phone calls to see what and how quick we can get them.  Councilman Tom Kirkland also said he would want to go with the “dumb” meters but get new ones.  Leann Harper asked if we still have sponsors for the parking meters, Mr. Brooks replied that Corey Jones just signed someone up today for 4 weeks.  Mr. Brooks said regardless of what we do we are going to have to put signs up in the 4 premium quadrants for 2-hour parking limits. 

     Leann Harper asked if the Subway side would be finished before Shelley and Sands leaves town.  Kevin Brooks replied that the curb island would not be finished but the sidewalk is not torn up at Subway, to clarify there is a meeting between ODOT and the contractor and what is decided at the meeting will determine how much longer they will be working in town.   

     Mayor Hehr asked what Council would like to do regarding the parking meters/stations.  Leann Harper replied that her opinion is to go with the “dumb” meters.  Kevin Brooks said he would check around and see what he could get and how quickly he could get them so as they start to pour the concrete we can have them installed at least in front of and around the Theater.  The funds would be taken out of Capital Projects, Mr. Brooks would work with Lori Cunard, Fiscal Officer, so they could budget 24 new parking meters each year until all 96 meters are replaced.   Leann Harper feels this is the way to go because there would be no service fees, Council agreed this is the way to go.  Kevin Brooks stated that we would try and have enough “dumb” meters for downtown by the spring when work resumes.    

VII.  Fiscal Officer Report:

     Lori Cunard, Fiscal Officer, stated that the temporary budget would not be ready for approval until after November 3^rd.  Leann Harper asked Lori Cunard if she would be sending the budget ahead of the meeting to look over it to which Lori Cunard replied that she would.  Kevin Brooks spoke up and said that temporary appropriations would be for Council approval in December.  The final appropriations will not be ready for approval until sometime in February. 

VIII.  Committee Chair/Council Reports:

      Dale English – Nothing to report

      Tom Kirkland – Nothing to report

      Anthony McDaniel – absent

      Leann Harper – Nothing to report

      Tiffany Ramsay – Tiffany Ramsay asked what committee she is on, she wasn’t sure.  Mayor Hehr said she would be on the Park, Ordinance, Property Maintenance, and Policy and Procedures Commitees. 

      Matt Schaber – Nothing to report

     Kevin Brooks spoke up and said that people are asking about a Christmas parade and the tree lighting.  Mayor Hehr said that December 2^nd would be good for the tree lighting but the Chamber of Commerce does the parade.  Dale English asked if Antero would be willing to come back to serve pizza and hot chocolate again this year.  Kevin Brooks has asked Mike Young to check with Antero about this.

     Mayor Hehr said Trick or Treating will be October 29^th from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  If people want to participate they should turn on their front porch light.

IX:  Solicitor’s Report:

     None

X:  Mayor’s Report:

      Mayor Hehr reported that the meeting for the downtown revitalization took place with 7 people attending.  There was good conversation and Mayor Hehr also heard that downtown revitalization will be part of the Ohio Builds, the guidelines are not out yet for Ohio Builds but she is hoping the projects we would like to do downtown are acceptable for that. 

  Mayor Hehr said that she has been approached by Casey Bott.  Mr. Bott is on the Ohio Builds, Monroe County Committee.  He focuses mainly on walking trails and she had mentioned that she would like to see our walking trail extended to the Elementary School.  Mr. Bott has gotten in touch with Mayor Hehr and said that if she would get the information to him he would include it in his package.  She talked to the company that finished the walking trail and they are going to get some quotes and dimensions for her.  Mayor Hehr also said that part of the walking trail is in the emergency plan for the grade school and high school.  It is the evacuation route to the Fire Station in the case of a threat at the school. 

     Mayor Hehr reminded Council about the conversation she had with Pat and Howard Lewis regarding the one-half acre of ground that is next to theirs on 225 Berkley Drive that they would like to buy.  They sold it to ODOT for the extension from Eastern Ave. to Fairground Rd. which never happened so the property went to the Village.  They have taken care of it since the 1970’s.  Kevin Brooks had suggested if they pay for the survey that the Village would sell them the property for $1.00.  Mayor Hehr told the Lewis’s this and they have agreed to pay for the survey.  Mayor Hehr is asking for a motion from Council if they all agree to selling the Lewis’s the property.   Matt Schaber made the motion to sell the one-half acre of property to Pat and Howard Lewis for $1.00 at 225 Berkley Drive and the Lewis’s will pay for the survey to be done.  Tom Kirkland second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0. 

     Mayor Hehr met with Steve Eikleberry, Park Superintendent and Andy Copley, Street Superintendent   regarding the exercise equipment for the walking trail.  There are 4 pieces of equipment and they picked 4 sites to place the equipment along the trail.   She noted that the bench and the picnic table, that were included in the grant, did not come so she called Snider Equipment and they are checking in to it.  Leann Harper asked if we would consider placing the bench and picnic table at the other end of the walking trail or even in the middle of the trail.  Kevin Brooks stated that we also will need trash cans at the walking trail and around town.  Dale English stated that we had trash cans at one time but people started dumping their own trash in them and they were also setting them on fire.  Mr. Brooks said that we have enough camera’s in town now that it shouldn’t be an issue.

       The Mayor asked for a motion to approve the payment of bills.  Dale English made the motion.  Leann Harper second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.   Motion passed 5-0.

XI.  Un-Registered Visitors:

     None

     Councilwoman Leann Harper made a motion to go into Executive Session regarding Personnel/Compensation.  Matt Schaber second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.  Executive Session entered at 6:19 p.m.

     Mayor Hehr asked for a motion to go back into Regular Session.   Leann Harper made the motion.  Tiffany Ramsay second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.  Regular Session entered 7:15 p.m.

     Tom Kirkland made a motion to accept the resignation from Paul Robison, Water/Sewer Superintendent as of October 23, 2022.  Matt Schaber second.  Motion passed 5-0. 

     Tom Kirkland made a motion to move Brian Harrigan to Water/Sewer Superintendent and increase his wages from $19.43/hr. to a salary of $46,000.00/yr.  Leann Harper second.  Anthony McDaniel– absent.  Motion passed 5-0. 

     Dale English made the motion to grant Jessie Lewis Electric Lineman position and increase his wages from $13.39/hr. to $13.79/hr. (3%).  Tom Kirkland second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.

     Leann Harper made the motion to increase Steve Eikleberry, Park Superintendent, salary $1.00/hr. which would be $2,080/yr. and bring his total salary to $37,774.00/yr. that will be split between Cemetery and Park.  Matt Schaber second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0. 

     Officer Dan Napolitano has completed his probationary period as of October 20, 2022.  Chief Corey Jones asked that Officer Napolitano be removed from probationary status and be given an increase in

pay from $16.38/hr. to $16.93/hr.  Dale English made the motion that Officer Dan Napolitano be removed from probationary status and increase his wages from $16.38/hr. to $16.93/hr. 

XII. Adjourn:

     The Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Leann Harper made the motion to adjourn.  Matt Schaber second.  Anthony McDaniel – absent.  Motion passed 5-0.  Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. 

ATTEST:

___________________________                                                 ____________________________

Carol Hehr, Mayor                                                                            Lori Cunard, Fiscal Officer