|
The Council of the City of Milford met in Regular Session in Council Chambers at 745 Center Street at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2004. Vice-Mayor Gradolf opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Roll Call: Present – Vice-Mayor Gradolf, Ms. Hinners, Mr. Antell, Mr. Reynolds. Absent – Mr. Kolb, Mayor Bishop, Ms. McBeath. Motion by Mr. Antell, Second Mr. Reynolds to excuse Mr. Kolb, Mayor Bishop and Ms. McBeath. All voted yes. Minutes: A motion by Mr. Antell, second Mr. Reynolds to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting of January 20, 2004. Voting yes: Mr. Antell, Mr. Gradolf, Mr. Reynolds. Abstaining: Ms. Hinners. Presentation: Kay Murphy of 911 Photos presented to council an option for photographs of the Police Department, the Fire Department and Council. This will be discussed at committee. Cub Scout Troop 120 – Cub Scouts from Troop 120 of Milford was invited by Mr. Reynolds to visit the Council Meeting. The Troop is working on their Citizenship Badges. Correspondence: None (the Clerk reminded Council that the primary election will be on Tuesday, March 2, 2004, therefore Council will meet on Wednesday, March 3, 2004. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTSPublic Services: Mr. Reynolds reported that the Committee met on February 2, 2004. The City Manager provided a worksheet to the Committee from the 2003 budget books and the 2003 year-end reports for the Water Revenue Fund, Sewer Revenue Fund and Street Department. Each department head provided an overview of their size of staff and area of responsibility. Mr. Reynolds suggested that since the water valve-mapping project is in GIS format, it might be worthwhile to own a GIS locator to provide updates to the system. He also stated that a fireproof safe could be used for storage of these documents. Mr. Reynolds also asked if the City was in a position to receive any grants toward our capital projects. Mr. Gradolf stated that we are receiving grants and loans on our water and wastewater projects. Carol Royer provided an overview of the Miami Woods Lift Station improvement recently completed and the status of our Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion. Our anti-degradation hearing will be held by the OPEA on February 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Council is urged to attend. Mike Haight explained that he is currently responsible for several budgets: Service, Cemetery, Streets, Parks and Municipal Building Repair and Maintenance. Storm Water system repair and maintenance has been a small part of overall operations, but will become a much larger project with its own budget once the Storm Water Utility is created. He also discussed a few projects, which will be presented for the budget. He will request a new truck to replace a 1990 pick-up, $28,000 according to the state bid. There are also two landslide projects to be designed and bid. Cleaning the exterior and replacing cabinets in the 2nd floor break room are planned for the municipal building. Administrative Services: No Report – Ms. Hinners gave a recap of the Committee meeting held on January 13th. Safety Services: No report Community Development: Mr. Antell reported that the Committee met on February 2, 2004. City Manager Rokey distributed a proposed agreement to extend the lease of property between the City and the Valley View Foundation for another year. This will require an ordinance by Council. Mr. Wagner explained that Judy Hearn with Seasongood & Mayer will be at the February 3rd Council meeting to present different financing scenarios available to the City for financing the Valley View property. Mr. John Hauck of Valley View informed the Committee that fundraising and agricultural income to carry short-term debt is the intention of Valley View, and that by lengthening the term of the lease the commitments from outside benefactor should increase. Mr. Wagner informed the Committee on pros and cons of real estate tax exemption status, callable bonds and the City’s debt rating. Mr. Hauck stated that it is still the intent to have Valley View buy down the debt externally without the City having to do so. The Committee agreed to recommend five, one-year lease agreements with Valley View. At this point in the report Judy Hearn addressed Council and explained the different ways of financing and how they worked. A discussion was held among Council members, Ms. Hearn and Mr. Wagner on the financing options. A motion by Mr. Antell, second Ms. Hinners to draft an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement for a one year lease option of the property to the Valley View Foundation. All voted yes.
|
Ms. Rokey informed the Committee that the Milford Exempted Village School District has not notified the City of intent to renew the lease for occupancy of the Municipal Building. Mr. Wright also reminded the Committee that a member of Council needs to be appointed to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals before their February 26th meeting. This will be done at the next Council meeting when all Council members are present. A motion by Mr. Antell, second Mr. Reynolds for an executive session immediately following the regular Council meeting. All voted yes. City Manager’s Report: City Manager Rokey reported that the Water Department has a slow leak at Potowatomie and Choctaw. The Service Department has used 270 tons of salt in January and 195 hours has been spent on snow removal, including 125 hours of overtime. The Wastewater Department is finalizing Phase I improvements. Committee MeetingsPublic Services Safety Services Reminders Budget Weekend Primary Election Council Meeting Manager’s Vacation OPEA Anti-degradation Salute to Leaders Police Department: No Report Fire Department/EMS: No Report Old Business: Mr. Antell thanked the Fire Department his invitation to their recognition banquet. New Business: Ordinances 04-348 An Ordinance Authorizing a Storm Water Utility and Rates. Law Director, Michael Minniear gave the first reading of the Ordinance. 04-349 An Ordinance Authorizing an Agreement with Perfection Services for Maintenance of the HVAC system at the City of Milford Municipal Building. Motion by Ms. Hinners to suspend the Rules and read by title only, second Mr. Antell. Voting yes: Vice-Mayor Gradolf, Ms. Hinners, Mr. Antell. Voting No: Mr. Reynolds. Since the motion did not pass the Law Director read the Ordinance as a first reading. 04-350 An Ordinance Amending Temporary Appropriations Ordinance 03-335. Before a vote was taken a discussion was held on the reason for this Ordinance. Additional money is needed for a design change on the ramp lane of the Beechwood extension. Instead of 35 miles per hour ODOT requires 45 miles per hour. Motion by Mr. Antell to suspend the rules and read by title only, second Mr. Reynolds. All voted yes. Motion by Mr. Antell, second Ms. Hinners to adopt. All Voted yes.
Comments: Mr. Bob Owen of Expressway Park commented on the Storm Water Utility and his objections to the Ordinance. Mr. Dennis Eaton of CUC stated that CUC had received no correspondence or phone calls concerning the Storm Water Utility. Sara Imhulse explained that letters had been sent to CUC’s former office address. A discussion was held concerning the Storm Water rates. Ms. Hinners announced that the Neighbor to Neighbor group would hold a forum at Milford High School on February 23 on Understanding Cultural Differences.
Adjourn: Motion by Mr. Gradolf, second Mr. Antell to adjourn to executive session after a brief recess. All voted yes. Council returned to regular session at 9:35 p.m. At this time Law Director Minniear re-read Ordinance 04-350 as an emergency ordinance. All voted yes. Motion by Mr. Antell, second Ms. Hinners to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. _________ Joanne Trilety, Clerk Lou Bishop, Mayor |