The Council of the City of Milford met in Regular Session at 7:00 p.m. on September 21, 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. McBeath, Mr. Kolb.  Absent: Ms. Hinners, Mr. Antell.  Motion by Mr. Kolb, second by Mr. Gradolf to excuse Ms. Hinners and Mr. Antell.  All voted yes.

Minutes:  A motion by Ms McBeath, second by Mr. Gradolf to waive the reading and approve the minutes as corrected of the regular Council meeting of September 7, 2004.  All voted yes.

Correspondence:  The Clerk read a letter from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control concerning a permit request and a possible hearing for a liquor permit for D3 and D3A for Latitudes Café and a D5I for Constantini’s.  A motion by Mr. Kolb, second by Mr. Gradolf that a hearing would not be required.  All voted yes.  The Clerk also read a letter of thanks from OMMA and Karen Huff for the City’s participation in the Family, Freedom and Small Town Festival.

The Clerk asked Council for a voice vote to accept and approve the financial reports; Reconciliation of City Funds, Investment Summary, Report on Building/Zoning Receipts, Statement of Cash and Revenue Report.  These reports were given to Council for approval.  A motion by Mr. Kolb, second by Ms. McBeath to approve and accept the financial statements.  All voted yes.

Speakers:   Nancy Meyer of Row House presented a check for $921 to the Milford Task Force.  This was the first proceeds from the sale of prints of the painting of downtown Milford.  30% of all sales go to the Task Force.

Karen Huff thanked the many sponsors for their help with the Festival.  She reported that there was a good response from the community.  Ms. Huff stated that the Chamber would be having an “Adopt a Patriot” program during the Holidays.  Residents can obtain the name of a member of the armed services serving overseas and prepare a gift package to be sent to them.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Services: Mr. Gradolf reported that the Committee met on September 15, 2004.  City Manager Rokey provided the Committee with the proposal from CDP Engineers to design the Price Road Slide Project.  The Manager recommended that tasks one and two be authorized in an amount not to exceed $5,400.  Cost estimates need to be evaluated before we proceed to bidding and construction phases.  David Hammer reported that they will begin field investigations on Wallace and Tyler Avenues next week.  The Committee discussed resurfacing of Laurel Avenue and working on punch list items such as striping and final quantity adjustments.

City Council has been asked to make a motion to draft a resolution of support for Clermont County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.  The Committee agreed to make a motion to draft a resolution of support.  A motion by Mr. Gradolf, second by Mr. Kolb to draft a resolution in support of Clermont County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.  All voted yes.

Manager Rokey provided a copy of Clermont County’s Lower East Fork Watershed Management Plan.  Mr. Jay Dorsey was introduced as part of the Committee’s report.  Mr. Dorsey explained the activities of the East Fork Coalition.  They are seeking endorsement from Milford.  The endorsement would help them in their effort to receive grants.  A motion by Mr. Gradolf, second by Mr. Reynolds that a resolution be drafted in support of the East Fork Watershed Management Plan.  All voted yes.  Mr. Doresy stated that signs have been placed at various streams that flow into the East Fork.  The Manager advised that we will be participating with Clermont County on an awareness activity called project “SIGNS” at a cost of less than $700.  They will be placed at up to five stream crossings in Milford.

The Manager reminded the Committee of the OKI public hearing regarding our Wastewater Facility Planning Area Boundary Amendment.  The OEPA draft Wastewater Permit has been received and advertised for a 30-day comment period.  The Committee also discussed brush pick-up and the increase in size of parking stalls before they are striped.  Mike Haight suggested an increase of four feet to twenty-two feet per stall.  The Committee agreed to recommend the change.

Administrative Services: Ms. McBeath reported that the Committee met on September 13, 2004.  The Finance Director advised the Committee that it is time to pass the annual resolution accepting the amounts and rates provided by the Clermont County Auditor’s office.  The Committee agreed to motion to draft the resolution.  A motion by Ms. McBeath, second by Mr. Kolb to draft a Resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor.  All voted yes.

The Manager provided a copy of section 5.11 of the personnel policies and procedures regarding “alcohol misuse and drug abuse in the workplace” with suggested additions.  These language amendments are recommended to comply with the drug free workplace initiative from the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation to realize the maximum discount on our rates.  The Committee agreed to motion to draft an ordinance amending the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual for the City of Milford.  Motion by Ms. McBeath, second by Mr. Kolb to draft an Ordinance amending the Personnel Policies and Procedures manual for the City of Milford.  All voted yes.

The Finance Director requested a voice vote from Council to approve the reimbursement of expenses paid from the General Fund for the Beechwood Road Connector Project.  The Committee agreed to the request.  A motion by Ms. McBeath, second by Mr. Reynolds to approve reimbursement to the General Fund for the Beechwood Road Connector Project.  All voted yes.

The Finance Director reported that Harry Steger, the new Assistant Finance Director is doing well.  Mr. Wagner will retire at the end of November.  Manager Rokey reported that volunteers are needed for the Personnel Commission.