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, April 6, 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. Antell, Ms. Hinners.  Absent Mr. Kolb and Mr. Reynolds.  Motion by Ms McBeath, second by Mr. Antell to excuse Mr. Kolb and Mr. Reynolds.    All voted yes.

Minutes:  A motion by Mr. Antell, second by Ms. McBeath to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting of March 16, 2004.  Voting yes: Mr. Gradolf, Ms. Hinners. Mr. Bishop, Ms. McBeath.  Abstaining:  Mr. Antell.

Correspondence:  The Clerk read a letter from Virginia Critchell commending Mike Haight for his thoughtfulness and work for the City of Milford.  A letter was also read from Tim McMannis of Nature Outfitters promoting “Go with the Flow” event scheduled for May 23, 2004.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Services: Mr. Gradolf reported that the Committee met on March 23, 2004.  City Manager Rokey provided the Committee “Preliminary Legislation” from ODOT regarding the Lila Avenue/US 50 repaving project.  This agreement must be executed prior to bidding of the project.  The Committee agreed to draft an ordinance authorizing the agreement.  A motion by Mr. Gradolf second by Ms. Hinners to draft an Ordinance authorizing an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the Lila Avenue/US 50 repaving project.  All voted yes.  Mike Haight provided a proposal from Louiso Landscaping for mowing Greenlawn Cemetery.  After a discussion the Committee agreed that considering the cost and maintaining city standards it did not seem feasible to contract out at this time.  Seasonal workers are added during mowing season at a substantially lower cost.  Mr. Haight provided a proposal from Equipment Maintenance and Repair to purchase two mowers on the state bid in the amount of $20,318.40.  A motion by Mr. Gradolf second by Ms. Hinners to draft an Ordinance authorizing the purchase of two mowers from Equipment Maintenance and Repair in accordance with state bid in the amount of  $20,318.40.  All voted yes.  A discussion was held among Council members concerning the cost of maintaining the cemetery.

The City Manager informed the Committee that it is time to prepare bid documents for our garbage collection and recycling program.  The Committee agreed that they continue to support the volume-based program but that an alte3rnative bid should be included based upon a traditional collection program for comparison purposes.  Mr. Kolb expressed concern regarding the erosion of the Clermont/Nisbet lumber site.  The Oxbow Company will perform an inspection and can be asked for suggestions to help the property owner. 

Administrative Services: Ms. Hinners reported that the Committee met on March 22, 2004.  The Finance Director provided a transfer request to pay debt.  A motion by Ms. Hinners second by Mr. Gradolf to draft an Ordinance authorizing the transfer of funds to pay debt.  All voted yes.  The Finance Director also provided a list of appropriations changes requested for several items not included in the original appropriations budget.  A motion by Ms. Hinners second by Mr. Antell to draft an Ordinance Amending Appropriations Ordinance 04-355.  All voted yes.

Safety Services: No Report

Community Development: No meeting was held but Mr. Antell discussed several items of interest including the City and Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission, a meeting on May 8^th for elected officials training and that Santoro Engineering is re-structuring services such as building permits, etc.  They will have recommendations at a later date.

City Manager’s Report: Ms. Rokey reported that mowing season is underway with preparation for Memorial Day and Frontier Days events.  Potholes are being repaired and brush/litter is being collected.  The Water Department has had bid openings for cleaning the lime lagoon.  The bids are being reviewed for committee approval.  The main operating floor at the water plant has been rehabbed.  Water was off on Edgecombe in preparation for the tank rehab.  Laurel Ave. also had a water shut-off to remove a pre-1920 fire hydrant.