12-15-2011 Council Meeting Minutes Print

Description

NORTHWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Date

December 15, 2011

Location

Council Chambers

DISCLAIMER - The following proceedings from the Regular City Council Meeting of December 15, 2011 have been submitted in draft form and have not been officially approved by City Council.  Corrections to the proceedings will be approved at the next Regular City Council Meeting.  Should you need more information, please contact Clerk of Council Lynn Goertz at 419-690-1621 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Time

Heading

Record of Proceedings

7:34:19 PM

Call to Order:

The regular meeting of the Northwood City Council was called to order by Mayor Mark A. Stoner on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 7:34 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Northwood Municipal Building.

7:36:50 PM

Pledge of Allegiance:

The Pledge of Allegiance was then given.

7:36:52 PM

Roll Call:

The roll was called by the Clerk of Council and those in attendance were as follows:  Mayor Stoner; Council Members Kozina, Edwards, Hughes, Barton, Gallaher and Schimmel; City Attorney Ballenger, City Engineer Kuhn, City Administrator Recker and Clerk of Council Goertz.

7:36:53 PM

Motion to Excuse

Councilman Myers was absent and excused by a motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Edwards.  Council Vote:  All present in favor.  Motion passed.

7:36:56 PM

Minutes of Committee of the Whole Meeting – December 8, 2011:

A motion and second were made by Council Members Kozina and Edwards to approve the minute from the Committee of the Whole meeting held on December 8, 2011, as submitted.  Council Vote:  5 yes votes/1 abstention (Gallaher) Motion passed.

7:36:57 PM

Minutes of Regular Council Meeting – December 8, 2011:

A motion and second were made by Council Members Schimmel and Barton to approve the minutes from the regular Council meeting held on December 8, 2011, as submitted.  Council Vote:  5 yes votes/1 abstention (Gallaher) Motion passed.  

7:37:00 PM

Public Comment:

No public comment.

7:37:02 PM

Communications:

No communications.

7:37:04 PM

Committee Meetings:

 Council committee reports were given as follows:

7:37:07 PM

Economic Development :

Councilman Gallaher reported on the Economic Development committee meeting items reviewed at their recent meeting of December 14th held in the conference room at 6:30 p.m.   Councilman Gallaher stated that the meeting was held in response to the recent situation at the Woodville Mall.   

7:37:32 PM

 

1.       Updates on the Woodville Mall were provided by Planning & Zoning Coordinator Kimberly Grames and what steps and action were taken by the city.  Mayor Stoner also provided the committee members with an update on what has been done to date and what is pending concerning the Woodville Mall.  No action to be taken by Council at this time.  Administrative action at this time. 

7:38:17 PM

 

2.       Display case in Administrative Offices - front lobby:  Would like to use the display case as an area to display local products/services from Northwood businesses; possibly once a month to highlight some of Northwood’s businesses. 

7:39:05 PM

 

Other items discussed:  Economic development situation in the city and ways to improve it and enhance the image of the City of Northwood and be more proactive.  This matter will be a pending item for further discussion on future agendas. 

7:39:30 PM

 

Councilman Gallaher added that there are shovel ready sites in the State, County and City of Northwood that can be used which have access to highways and interstates and have utilities.  This should be reviewed to see if the city has property that meets business and industry requirements.

7:40:07 PM

 

Councilman Gallaher concluded with a request to add Contractor Registration Program to the upcoming Committee of the Whole agenda for January 5, 2011 as requested by Councilman Kozina during the Economic Development meeting. 

7:40:30 PM

January Economic Development Meeting: 

The next Economic Development meeting will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the conference room. 

7:40:36 PM

Environmental/Solid Waste:

No report.

7:40:39 PM

Finance:

Councilman Kozina reported on items reviewed by Finance committee at their meeting held this evening, December 15th prior to the regular Council meeting: 

7:40:50 PM

 

- Budget clarifications

7:41:37 PM

 

- YMCA agreement:  City Attorney Ballenger to prepare legislation for this matter. 

7:42:02 PM

Recreation Board:

Councilwoman Hughes reported on the Recreation Board meeting held on December 13, 2011 with the following items reviewed:

7:42:12 PM

 

1.       Bleachers:  Recreation Board members have requested the use of stone to be used at the first level of the new bleachers due to       mud in this area. 

7:42:35 PM

 

City Administrator Recker confirmed that the anchors for the bases have been installed. 

7:42:41 PM

 

2.        Ball Registration:   - 155 kids so far - 10 on waiting list.

7:43:13 PM

 

Note:  Fall league baseball sign up had a very good response.  There may be an in-house league. 

7:43:31 PM

Recreation Board :

The next Recreation Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the conference room. 

7:44:00 PM

 

Discussion:  In response to Councilman Barton’s inquiry, Councilwoman Hughes reported that there may be a  possibility to pay a fee to play in the Fall ball program; just being looked into at this time. 

7:44:29 PM

Safety:

The next Safety committee meeting will be held on January 12, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room prior to Economic Development as confirmed by Councilman Kozina.

7:46:04 PM

Service:

Councilman Barton confirmed the next Service meeting would be held on January 5, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. to review bid packets for engineering services for projects in 2012. 

7:47:08 PM

Utilities:

No report.

7:47:17 PM

Committee of the Whole:

President of Council Schimmel confirmed that the Contractor Registration Program would be added to the Committee of the Whole agenda for January 5, 2011 (7:30 p.m.)

7:47:25 PM

Organizational Council Meeting:

The Organizational Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 7:15 p.m. prior to the Committee of the Whole meeting in the Council Chambers. 

7:48:05 PM

New Council Members to be Sworn In:

Mayor Stoner advised that he would be swearing in the newly elected Council Members; Dean Edwards, James Barton and

Edward Schimmel prior to the Organizational Meeting of Council on January 5, 2012.   

7:48:30 PM

Pending Legislation:

All pending legislation was read aloud by number and title only by the Clerk of Council as follows:

7:55:33 PM

Ordinance 2011-33:

 

Ordinance 2011-33 amending Northwood Codified Ordinances to include Section 1250.17 titled Storm Drainage Systems; and declaring an emergency.  Council action to date:  Second reading held on December 8, 2011.

 

Motions were made by Council as follows:

 

Motion and second to adopt Ordinance 2011-33 made by Gallaher and Schimmel. 

 

Note:  Discussion of amendment to Section C. of Ordinance 2011-33 was held by Council and a proposed amendment read by the City Attorney (attached to these original proceedings of December 15, 2011).    Upon discussion, a motion to amend Ordinance 2011-33 was made as follows:

 

Motion and second to amend Ordinance 2011-33 as read into the record by the City Attorney made by Council Members Gallaher and Kozina.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Motion and second to adopt Ordinance 2011-33 as amended made by Council Members Kozina and Schimmel. 

Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Council action for December 15, 2011:  Ordinance 2011-33 adopted and effective 30 days from passage; January 13, 2012.

7:55:38 PM

Ordinance 2011-34:

 

Ordinance 2011-34 amending Northwood Codified Ordinances to include Section 1250.16 titled Solar Panels; and declaring an emergency.  Council action to date:  Second reading held on December 8, 2011.

 

Motion were made by Council as follows:

 

Motion and second to adopt Ordinance 2011-34 made by Hughes and Schimmel.

Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Council action for December 15, 2011:  Ordinance 2011-34 adopted and effective 30 days from passage; January 13, 2012.

7:55:45 PM

Ordinance 2011-35:

 

Ordinance 2011-35 authorizing the City of Northwood to contribute to employees’ Health Savings Accounts in the year 2012 for health insurance and prescription coverage, and declaring an emergency.  Council action to date:  First reading held on December 8, 2011.

 

7:55:51 PM

 

Motion and second made to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance 2011-35 made by Hughes and Edwards.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

7:58:40 PM

 

Motion and second made to adopt the emergency clause for Ordinance 2011-35 made by Hughes and Edwards.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

7:58:43 PM

 

Motion and second made to adopt Ordinance 2011-35 made by Hughes and Edwards. 

7:58:45 PM

 

Councilman Schimmel made a motion and the second was by Councilman Barton to amend Ordinance 2011-35 to only contribute to the Health Savings Accounts for non-union employees.  A discussion was held by Council and Finance Director Schroyer was asked about incremental payments to the Health Savings Accounts.  The Finance Director explained that an employee must wait if they have a larger bill than what has been paid in to the account due to incremental payments.  Upon discussion, the  roll was called by the Clerk of Council as follows:

Council Vote on amendment to Ordinance 2011-35 as stated – 2 yes votes cast by Council Members Schimmel and Barton/ 4 no votes cast (Hughes, Edwards, Gallaher and Kozina)  Motion failed.  Proposed amendment to Ordinance 20-11-35 defeated.

7:59:02 PM

 

Roll Call on vote for adoption of Ordinance 2011-35:  4 yes votes (Hughes, Edwards, Gallaher and Kozina) 2 no votes (Schimmel and Barton)   Motion passed.

Council action for December 15, 2011:  Ordinance 2011-35 adopted and effective immediately upon passage; December 15, 2011.

 

7:59:11 PM

Ordinance 2011-36:

 

Ordinance 2011-36 making appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Northwood, Ohio, during the fiscal year ending December31, 2012, and establishing accounts thereon, and declaring an emergency.

8:07:29 PM

Council Motion/Vote:

Motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Kozina to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance 2011-36.

Council Vote:  3 yes votes (Hughes, Kozina and Barton) 3 no votes (Edwards, Gallaher and Schimmel) Tie vote.

8:07:37 PM

 

Note:  Suspension of three reading rule for Ordinance 2011-36 did not pass due to tie vote.  City Attorney Ballenger ruled that the ordinance would need to be redrafted since the current Ordinance 2011-36 as written can go no farther due to the failure of the suspension of the three reading rule.

8:07:52 PM

Council Discussion:

Clerk’s Note:  In an effort to retain accuracy of the discussion held by Mayor and Council concerning the operating budget (Ordinance 2011-36) and due to computer equipment failure (failing sound card) to produce audio of the recording, I have left my typed notes intact and have not edited the following comments as made throughout a lengthy discussion of Ordinance 2011-36.  The following comments as made by various Council Members and Staff do not reflect their comments word for word, but are a record of their comments as I heard them and transcribed them during the meeting. 

8:08:12 PM

Councilman Schimmel:

Not in favor of fire department budget.

8:08:20 PM

Councilman Gallaher:

Need a 5 year plan - does not agree with allocations as in the budget and doesn't want to see future spending problems which the residents will bear the brunt of it.

8:09:21 PM

Councilman Edwards:

Not in favor of a new plow, not sure we are through the rough patch of road - not sure if in favor of reallocation to fund the BLS program.

8:10:05 PM

 

Compiled the data for 5 year program - the information is there and taking the time to put it into a format to present to Council. Can't predict the impact of the economy -

8:11:47 PM

City Administrator Recker:

End of the week - can present the information for a 5 year plan by the end of next week. There is a strategic plan, but documents have not been given to Council to date.

8:14:01 PM

Councilman Gallaher:

Gallaher - Where is this plan at our fingertips that we don't have?   I am in a bad spot because I can't pass this budget without a 5 year plan.

8:18:04 PM

City Administrator Recker:

Explanation given by City Administrator Recker - discussed how funding was determined for projected costs. No guarantee that the revenue in the future will allow for these programs. So far revenues have exceeded the projections.

8:18:55 PM

City Administrator Recker:

Spending plans have to be adjusted to various circumstances.

8:19:18 PM

City Administrator Recker:

Took longer to put together this 5 year plan by staff than anticipated, the data is complete and should be complete by next week - should have followed up with Council as to how far we were in the process of the 5 year plan. All the data is in. Took responsibility for not pushing this

8:20:44 PM

Councilman Schimmel:

A fire levy is necessary for the ALS program - only voted on allocations in that it would only be temporary. We are never going back - put it to the people and let the people decide -and then not have to worry about projects not getting done.

8:22:22 PM

Councilman Edwards:

The budget is not given ample enough time - maybe start this process earlier in August and go through sections of the budget.

8:23:23 PM

Councilwoman Hughes:

Hughes - Can those who voted no on suspension of the rules reconsider their initial vote?   

8:24:10 PM

Finance Director Schroyer:

Finance Director Toby Schroyer confirmed that the pending operating budget was distributed to Council in October.

8:24:39 PM

Mayor Stoner:

Mayor questioned why those concerned would not have asked for amendments to the budget before the last meeting of the year.

8:28:17 PM

Councilman Kozina:

Has never seen a 5 year plan in the past and Councilwoman Hughes agreed with this statement.

8:29:41 PM

All of Council:

Discussion of when to hold an additional Council meeting for budget passage

8:29:53 PM

City Administrator Recker:

Five year process of planning does yield a one year budget. No one told him to produce a 5 year plan in 6 months as one of his goals or objectives. It is a sensible process which is a fundamental process and the work is done to put it into a format.

8:31:13 PM

City Administrator Recker:

Agreed with the possibility of going to the residents for a vote to be paid for in addition to the general tax revenue.

8:32:40 PM

Councilman Edwards:

The plan is crucial now.

8:33:05 PM

All of Council and Mayor:

Meeting next week on Wednesday evening proposed to address budget ordinance. 

8:35:05 PM

Councilman Gallaher:

Totally against the allocations which are tied into this budget; not in support at this time and will not vote for this.

8:37:07 PM

Councilman Gallaher:

Mayor is still supporting the budget with the ALS program.

8:37:46 PM

Councilman Kozina:

Three (3) problems pointed out by those who are not supportive.  We are holding the budget hostage to individual issues. Need to make an argument for those issues as they come up for approval before Council.

8:42:36 PM

Councilman Kozina:

We have the funds in this budget to run the programs and can revisit needs later and do a levy if needed

8:44:51 PM

 

Note:  Mayor and Members of Council agreed on a date and time for a special meeting of Council to address the budget ordinance (2011-36) to be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 

8:45:15 PM

Motion/Vote for Special Meeting of Council:

A motion and second were made by Council Member Hughes and Barton to schedule a special meeting of Council to be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers for review and consideration of Ordinance 2011-36.

Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

8:56:12 PM

Ordinance 2011-37:

Second Reading

Ordinance 2011-37 amending Chapter 880.14 of the Northwood Taxation Code titled Allocation of Funds, specifically (a) (2) (C), and declaring an emergency.  Council action to date:  First reading held on December 8, 2011.

 

Note:  Ordinance 2011-37 referred to special Council meeting agenda for December 28, 2011.

8:57:32 PM

Ordinance 2011-38: 

Second Reading

Ordinance 2011-38 authorizing the City Administrator to enter into a Real Estate Purchase Agreement with C&E Adkins, Ltd., and declaring an emergency.  Council action to date:  First reading held on December 28, 2011.

 

Note:  Ordinance 2011-38 referred to special Council meeting agenda for December 28, 2011.

8:57:36 PM

Ordinance 2011-39:

Adopted 12/15/11

Ordinance 2011-39 authorizing the City Administrator to enter into a contract with the Public Defenders Commission of Wood County for the representation of indigent defendants in “Ordinance Only” cases filed by the City of Northwood, and declaring an emergency.

Council action to date:  First reading held on December 8, 2011.

 

Council motions as follows:

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Kozina and Gallaher to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance 2011-39.  

Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Kozina and Gallaher to adopt the emergency clause for Ordinance 2011-39.

Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Kozina and Gallaher to adopt Ordinance 2011-39.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Council action for December 15, 2011:  Ordinance 2011-39 adopted as an emergency measure and effective immediately upon passage; December 15, 2011.

8:57:39 PM

Ordinance 2011-40:

Adopted 12/15/11

Ordinance 2011-40 authorizing the City Administrator to enter into a Maintenance Agreement for Building Environmental Systems with Campbell, Inc., and declaring an emergency.  Council action to date:  First reading held on December 8, 2011.

 

Council motions were made as follows:

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Schimmel to suspend the three reading rules for Ordinance 2011-40.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Schimmel to adopt the emergency clause for Ordinance 2011-40.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Schimmel to adopt Ordinance 2011-40. 

Council Vote:  5 yes votes/1 no vote (Kozina) Motion passed.

 

 

 

8:57:41 PM

Ordinance 2011-42:

Adopted 12/15/11

Ordinance 2011-42 authorizing increasing estimated resources and transferring between intra-fund accounts of the City of Northwood, and declaring an emergency.

 

Council motions were made as follows:

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Barton to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance 2011-42.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Barton to adopt the emergency clause for Ordinance 2011-42.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Barton to adopt Ordinance 2011-42.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Council action for December 15, 2011:  Ordinance 2011-42 adopted as an emergency measure and effective immediately upon passage; December 15, 2011.

 

Legislation concluded.

9:03:37 PM

Mayor’s Report:

Police Personnel:

Mayor Stoner gave the following report:

Recommendations to City Council Re:  Police Personnel Appointments

9:03:43 PM

1.  Council Concurrence re:   Sergeant Position.

1.  Based on the recommendation of Police Chief Cairl, Mayor Stoner recommended the appointment of Patrolman Tina Sigler to the position of Police Sergeant effective Monday, December 19, 2011 at the current rate of pay.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Barton to concur with the Mayor’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

9:03:43 PM

2.  Council Concurrence Re: Full-time provisional Patrolman Position.

2.  Based on the recommendation of Police Chief Cairl, Mayor Stoner recommended the appointment of

Nicole Romstadt to the position of provisional full-time Patrolman effective December 19, 2011 at the current rate of pay.

Note:  Chief Cairl explained the provisional status under the current Civil Service Rules.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Kozina and Barton to concur with the Mayor’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

9:03:46 PM

Boards and Commissions:

Mayor Stoner made the following recommendations for appointments to Boards and Commissions:

9:03:47 PM

1.  Council Concurrence re:  Planning Commission Appointment.

1.  Mayor Stoner recommended the reappointment of Craig Kohring to serve on the Northwood Planning Commission for a 4-year term effective January 1, 2012 with his term expiring on December 31, 2016.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Gallaher to concur with the Mayor’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

9:04:12 PM

2.  Council Concurrence re:  Planning Commission Appointment.

2.  Mayor Stoner recommended the reappointment of John Melnyk to serve on the Northwood Planning Commission for a 4-year term effective January 1, 2012 with his term expiring on December 31, 2016.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Barton and Kozina to concur with the Mayor’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

9:04:15 PM

3.  Council Concurrence re:  Board of Zoning Appeals Appointments.

3.  Mayor Stoner recommended the appointment of Rick Radocy and reappointment of Vicky Pierce to serve on the Northwood Board of Zoning Appeals for 5 year terms effective January 1, 2012 with their terms expiring on December 31, 2017.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Barton and Hughes to concur with the Mayor’s recommendations.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed. 

9:04:17 PM

4.  Council Concurrence re:  Civil Service Commission Appointment.

4.  Mayor Stoner recommended the reappointment of Robert Frank to serve on the Civil Service Commission for a 6-year term effective January 1, 2012 with his term expiring on December 31, 2018.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Barton and Kozina to concur with the Mayor’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

9:04:19 PM

Council Concurrence re:  Recreation Board and the Northwood Volunteer Firefighters’ Dependents Board Appointments:

Mayor Stoner recommended the reappointment of the Northwood School Board Appointment Jacob Falk and the reappointment of James Murphy to serve on the Northwood Recreation Board for a 5-year term effective

January 1, 2012 with their terms expiring on December 31, 2016. 

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Barton and Hughes to concur with the Mayor’s recommendations.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

 

Mayor Stoner recommended the reappointment of Council Members Dave Gallaher and Ed Schimmel to serve on the Volunteer Firefighters’ Dependents Board for a one year term effective January 1, 2012 and expiring December 31, 2012.

 

Motion and second made by Council Members Hughes and Kozina to concur with the Mayor’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  4 yes votes/2 abstentions (Gallaher and Schimmel) Motion passed.

9:04:23 PM

City Administrator:

City Administrator Recker highlighted the following items from his written report submitted to the Mayor and Council dated December 15, 2011:

 

Request for Committee of the Whole  Review on January 5, 2012 meeting agenda:  Presentation by Advanced Resource Recovery concerning their request to renew their leachate waste hauling permit through December 31,

9:04:43 PM

Information:

ODOT held their bid opening for the Wales Road Overpass project and the unofficial lowest, responsive and responsible bid was submitted by E. S. Wagner Company in the amount of $11,228,000.00.  The bid was 23 % under the engineer’s estimate so the project is likely to proceed as planned once the bids are tabulated and an official agreement is signed.  .

9:05:42 PM

List of Bills:

No bills submitted over $10,000 for approval.

9:05:52 PM

City Clerk:

No report.

9:05:56 PM

City Attorney:

No report.

9:05:59 PM

City Engineer:

City Engineer Kuhn wished everyone a Merry Christmas. 

9:06:05 PM

New Business:

No old business reported.

9:06:06 PM

Old Business:

No old business reported.

9:06:14 PM

Persons Appearing:

 Persons Appearing Before Mayor and Council:

9:06:17 PM

Rick Ruffnerz: Candidate for Wood County Commissioner:

Mr. Rick Ruffnerz , appeared before the Mayor and Council to introduce himself as a Conservative Republican  running for Wood County Commissioner.   

9:06:58 PM

 

20468 Anderson Rd. - BG OH 43402

9:07:07 PM

Adjournment:

 

9:07:10 PM

Attest:

Lynn E. Goertz, Clerk of Council

 

 

9:07:11 PM

Approved:

Mark A. Stoner, Mayor

 

 

 

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