The Council of the City of Milford met in Regular Session at 7:00 p.m. on October 19, 2004, in Council Chambers, 745 Center St., Milford, Ohio.  Mayor Bishop opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

Roll Call: Present: Mayor Bishop, Vice-Mayor Gradolf, Mr. Reynolds, Ms. Hinners, Mr. Kolb, Mr. Antell, Ms. McBeath.

Minutes:  A motion by Mr. Antell, second by Mr. Gradolf to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting of October 5, 2004.  All voted yes.

Correspondence:  None

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Services: No Report

Administrative Services: No Report

Safety Services: Mr. Reynolds reported that the Committee met on October 19, 2004 just prior to this Council meeting.  Arthur Scott, Police Chief of Beavercreek along with Sgt Ted McFadden and two members of the COPP program in Beavercreek attended the Committee meeting.  Chief Scott and Sgt. McFadden gave an overview of the COPP program currently used in Beavercreek.  The two members of the COPP program explained what their duties included and how they became involved with the program. 

No decision has been made at this time as to whether Milford will incorporate a COPP program.  More study and discussion will be held on this project. 

Community Development: Mr. Antell reported that the Committee met on October 18, 2004.  Mr. Wright informed the Committee that the terms of Ron Hutchinson and Jennifer Liles on the Citizens Housing Committee will expire this month.  He recommended that they be reappointed to new terms.  A motion by Mr. Antell, second by Mr. Gradolf to reappoint Ron Hutchinson and Jennifer Liles to the Citizens Housing Committee.  All voted yes. 

Mr. Wright distributed copies of duties performed by the Code Enforcement Inspector, zoning complaints investigated and abated, property maintenance violations investigated by the Inspector and the Police Department, property maintenance progress made by the Citizens Housing Committee, and the work involved in the Sidewalk Repair Program over the last few years.  Mr. Wright also distributed a status of the complaints received recently from a resident that was discussed at the previous Council meeting.  Mr. Kuhnell informed the Committee that his intent in relaying his concerns was not to express any dissatisfaction with the Planing and Zoning Department, rather is was to express that all city employees should be aware of problems and then contact the staff responsible for correcting the problem.  Discussion took place among the Committee, Citizens Housing Committee, and those present regarding additional resources for patrolling the City, educating the public regarding property maintenance and other violations of codes through various means.  Mr. Wright distributed copies of a proposed new ordinance regulating control of street trees, which is a requirement for application this year as a Tree City.  The Committee agreed to motion for an ordinance to replace Section 911.08 of the Codified Ordinances.  Motion by Mr. Antell, second by Mr. Gradolf to draft an ordinance to replace Section 911.08 of the Codified Ordinances with the attached Control of Street Trees regulation.  All voted yes.

Mr. Wright distributed a request from OMMA for the City to again make a contribution of at least $1,500 for the entertainment portion of the Hometown Holidays weekend.  The Committee agreed to recommend that Council donate $1,750 to OMMA to fund the entertainment portion of the Christmas Walk.  A motion by Mr. Antell, second by Ms. McBeath that Council donate $1,750 to OMMA.  All voted yes.

The Committee discussed advertising rates for Images of Clermont County magazine.  The Committee agreed to recommend that the City buy a fourth-page ad if possible or an eighth-page ad if that is not accomplished.

City Manager’s Report: The City Manager reported that the Service Department painted stalls on Maple Street.  16 dumpsters and 3 garbage trucks were filled during Junk Days and leaf pick-up will begin the last of October.  The Water Department had an emergency call for a leaking fire hydrant on Cleveland Ave.  The OKI approved an amendment to the wastewater facilities plan boundaries.

Items of interest: The Clermont County Police Memorial was dedicated on October 9^th.  30 volunteers planted 10,000 daffodil bulbs.  About 30,000 bulbs have been planted over the last three years.  October 9^th was Litter Collection Day.  Ninety-five volunteers made this a success.  Thanks to Tri-State Juice and Target for their donations to the event.

City Manager Rokey introduced to Council Mr. Daniel McDonald.  Mr. McDonald is the retired Police Chief of Springboro, Ohio.  He has applied for the position of Interim Police Chief of Milford.  He was recommended by the Ohio Association of Police Chiefs.  Mr. McDonald spoke to Council and answered questions.  Jean Ackermann of the Chamber of Commerce stated that the Chamber has a good relationship with our Police Department and hoped that it would continue. With a motion by Mr. Kolb, second by Ms. McBeath Council agreed to accept the appointment of Mr. Daniel McDonald as Interim Police Chief beginning November 1, 2004.  All voted yes.

It was agreed that when Steve Wagner retires his calculator and desk lamp would be given to him.  A motion by Mr. Gradolf, second by Mr. Reynolds with all voting yes that these articles would be his.