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, March 16, 2004.  Mayor Bishop opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

Roll Call: Present – Mayor Bishop, Vice-Mayor Gradolf, Ms. McBeath, Mr. Kolb, Ms. Hinners.  Absent - Mr. Antell and Mr. Reynolds.  Motion by Ms McBeath, second by Mr. Kolb to excuse Mr. Antell and Mr. Reynolds.    All voted yes.

Minutes:  A motion by Ms. McBeath, second by Mr. Kolb to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting of March 3, 2004.  Voting yes: Mr. Gradolf, Ms. Hinners. Mr. Bishop, Ms. McBeath.  Abstaining:  Mr. Kolb.

Correspondence:  The Clerk read a letter from Anne F. McBride of McBride, Dale, Clarion, requesting that the April 6, 2004 Public Hearing concerning Wal-Mart be rescheduled to May 4, 2004.  A discussion was held and determination of a new date will be decided at the April 6, 2004 Council Meeting.  Council members will check their calendars to make sure there will be no conflict so that all members will be present.

Oath of Office: The Oath of Office was given to Ralph Vilardo, Jr. as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Services: No report

Administrative Services: No report

Safety Services: Ms. McBeath reported that the Committee met on March 15, 2004.  Police Chief Lantman informed the Committee that one of the Police cruisers has serious problems.  This cruiser was to be replaced next year.  The price of a new cruiser from 32 Ford is $23,354.  All existing equipment would be transferred and one mobile vision camera would be purchased.  Another municipality will purchase the old cruiser “as is” for $5,900.  With a motion by Mr. Gradolf, second by Mr. Kolb a voice vote was taken with all voting yes to sell the old cruiser.  The Committee also agreed to draft an ordinance to purchase a new cruiser from 32 Ford.  Motion by Ms. McBeath, second by Ms. Hinners to draft an ordinance to enter into a contract with 32 Ford for the replacement of one cruiser in an amount of $23,354.  All voted yes.  An appropriation change will be necessary for this.  A motion by Ms. McBeath, second by Ms. Hinners to draft an ordinance to amend appropriations ordinance 04-355.  All voted yes.  Chief Lantman also provided information on supporting the “A Child is Missing” program.  He will also investigate a PAD grant to put defibrillators in our police cruisers.  Chief Lantman will be out of town this week as he will be in Pasadena, California as a presenter at the CALEA Conference.

Mike Haight reported to the Committee that no parking signs were placed between Osage and Sioux Court for a fire lane.  A settlement was received from the insurance company for the fence at the Cemetery that was damaged by a vehicle.

Community Development: Mr. Gradolf reported that the Committee met on March 4, 2004.  Mr. Wright presented the Committee with a proposal in the amount of $2,808 from Louiso Lawn Care to install landscaping at the Milford gateway sign on Milford Parkway.  The maintenance of the landscaping will be done by Louiso as part of the installation and by the overall maintenance contract in future years.  The Committee agreed this improvement is necessary and the contract should be executed.  Mr. Wright also presented a proposal from Louiso Lawn Care to replace 25 dead or damaged trees along Milford Parkway.  New maple trees will be planted at a cost of $5,859.  These will be larger trees than the ones planted by the developer.  The Committee agreed to the proposal.

Mr. Wright stated that Ralph Vilardo, Jr. is interested in being appointed to fill the vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals.  The Committee agreed to nominate Mr. Ralph Vilardo, Jr. to the Board of Zoning Appeals.  A voice vote by Council was taken with a motion by Mr. Gradolf, second by Ms. McBeath to appoint Ralph Vilardo, Jr. to the Board of Zoning Appeals.  All voted yes.

Mr. Wright also informed the Committee that it would be necessary to have an ordinance passed that authorizes the Clermont County Engineer or his designee to bid the Beechwood Road connector project on behalf of the City of Milford.  The Committee agreed.  A motion by Mr. Kolb, second by Ms. Hinners to draft an ordinance to authorize the Clermont County Engineer or his designee to bid the Beechwood Road Connector project on behalf of the City.  All voted yes.

A discussion was held by the Committee on the possibility of installing cameras at Carriage Way Park.  A discussion was also held on the status of the proposed civic group signs to be installed at locations in the City.  Mr. Wright explained that $23,000 was appropriated to purchase two large and three small signs.   Mr. Gradolf stated to the Committee that he has been asked by residents to have the bulletin board inside the Municipal Building moved to an outside location so that it could be viewed after business hours.  Mr. Haight will look into this.  Mr. Wright gave the Committee an update on the Carriage Way Park improvements.