The Council of the City of Milford met in Regular Session at 7:00 p.m. on September 7, 2004, in Council Chambers, 745 Center St., Milford, Ohio.  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, Ms. McBeath.  Absent:  Mayor Bishop and Mr. Kolb.  Motion by Ms. Hinners, second by Ms. McBeath to excuse Mayor Bishop and Mr. Kolb.  All voted yes.

 Minutes:  A motion by Ms McBeath, second by Mr. Antell to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting of August 17, 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 D2 liquor permit for Mio’s Pizza, 217 Rivers Edge Drive.  A motion by Ms. McBeath, second by Mr. Antell that a hearing would not be required.  All voted yes.

Speakers:  Skip Stewart of the American Legion advised Council and the audience that the Legion would have a candlelight memorial service at 8:30 p.m. on September 11^th.  The public is invited to attend.

Kim Bush of OMMA gave an update of the festivities planned for the Family Fun and Freedom Festival on Saturday, September 11^th.

Chris Habel of the Valley View Foundation announced that the Foundation has received the Clean Ohio grant of $1.18 Million.  With this grant Valley View will now be able to purchase 70 acres from the City.  Valley View has several money-making projects planned.  There will be music festival on September 18^th and 19^th and a Pig Roast on October 24^th.

Cathy Gatch reminded citizens of the Antique Show that will be held on September 12^th on Main St.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Services: Mr. Gradolf reported that the Committee met on August 23, 2004.  The Committee discussed the street resurfacing projects.  Laurel Ave. will require additional grinding due to the condition of the street.  City Manager Rokey provided the engineers review of bids for the S.R. 126 Erosion Project.  The lowest bidder for the project was Nekamp Construction Company. The Committee agreed to motion to draft an ordinance for this project.  A motion by Mr. Gradolf, second by Ms. Hinners to draft an Ordinance Authorizing a contract with Nekamp Construction Company in the amount of $69,000 for the S.R. 126 Retaining Wall project.  All voted yes.  The City Manager noted the CDBG project bids came in $9,083 over the grant amount of $37,000.  $7,000 was set aside toward additional costs for this project.  In order to proceed, the County requires the City to pay the additional costs.   The Committee agreed to recommend that Council proceed with the project providing $9,083 from the local capital improvement funds.  With a voice vote motion by Mr. Gradolf, second by Ms. McBeath all voted yes to this recommendation.  This project includes continuation of the sidewalk to Locust St. The Committee also discussed safety concerns for cars turning left on Main (westbound) from High St. A no left turn sign with be considered for this intersection.  Chief Lantman and Chief Cooper spoke on the safety concerns of the intersection.  CDP Engineers will investigate the Wallace/Tyler drainage area at a cost to more than $7,400.  CDP will proceed with the project and provide alternative solutions.

Mr. Gradolf stated that the Committee has received a request from GMMA for the trailer at the Wastewater plant that is no longer being used.  GMMA is a non-profit organization so the city can give the trailer to them.  GMMA would use the trailer for storage.  A motion by Mr. Reynolds, second by Ms. Hinners to donate the trailer to GMMA.  With a voice vote all voted yes.

Administrative Services: No Report.

Safety Services: Mr. Reynolds reported that the Committee met on September 7, 2004.  Mr. Reynolds requested updates regarding the Citizen’s on Patrol COP and Citizens Police Academy (CPA) programs.  Chief Lantman had visited Beavercreek but did not have any updates at this time.  Manager Rokey noted that she had recommended ride-a-longs with Milford prior to re-scheduling a visit to Beavercreek.  Ride-a-longs are part of the visit for their police academy training.  Chief Scott from Beavercreek offered for their representative to come to Milford so individuals did not have to coordinate schedules to meet in Beavercreek.  Mr. Reynolds further questioned Chief Lantman regarding his discussions and visit to Beavercreek.  He was unhappy that he or his designees were not included in the visit.  The Manager noted her frustrations with the Committee’s approach to the project, pursing information gathering with a commitment from City Council to adopt the program.  She discussed the staff’s need for clearer direction.  She also noted that that with current demands and the status of the department, she could not give the project adequate attention and sought all of City Council’s guidance on this matter.  Prior to the close of the discussion, it was agreed that specific tasks would be completed with the specific timeframes as follows:  1.  The Manager will contact Chief Scott and request representatives from Beavercreek attend a Safety meeting regarding the COPP program in October.  2.  Identify the scope/nature of the program to be investigated.  3.  By December 1 Chief Lantman will identify a budget associated with bringing such a program to Milford.  Mr. Reynolds informed the Committee he will be attending a COPP meeting in Beavercreek on Thursday evening and invited the Committee and Manager to attend.  Those who participated in the ride-a-longs with Milford found it to be a very positive experience and would like the policy to permit this more than once a year.  This policy can be reviewed in November when accreditation policies are reviewed.  The FATS schedule was presented to the Committee.  Mr. Reynolds would like Council to have the opportunity to see this equipment.  Our training time was limited last time since everyone was taking the first opportunity to get acquainted with the system.  The Mobile Date Terminals from Hamilton County are currently being tested in Hamilton County prior to full deployment.  We will serve as the eastern-most test site, sometime in late October or early November.  The Manger provided the results of the police survey for review and discussion at the next committee meeting.

Chief Cooper noted that the Fire Department “boot drive” will be at Five Points intersection on September 18 from noon to 4:00 p.m.  Chief Cooper also advised the Committee that with $8,500 in local match, a $77,000 grant has been received to replace firefighter’s gear.  Sem Laurels also recently honor the department.  Due to lack of time, the remaining agenda items will be carried forward until the next meeting.