Council of the Village of Yellow Springs

MINUTES

IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS October 18th, 2004

CALL TO ORDER

President Tony Arnett called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Tony Arnett, Mary Alexander, Jocelyn Hardman, George Pitstick and Denise Swinger were present as was the Village Manager, Rob Hillard.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Annual Clean-Up will begin the week of October 18 th.

Beggar’s Night is scheduled for Sunday, October 31st from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with neighborhood bonfires until 9:00 p.m.

REVIEW OF THE MINUTES

Review of the minutes from October 4, 2004 regular meeting. Swinger MOVED and Alexander SECONDED a MOTION for APPROVAL as amended. The MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

REVIEW OF AGENDA

1st Reading of Ordinance #2004-38 Accepting Annexation Request-Fogg was moved to the December 6 th meeting.

PETITIONS/COMMUNICATIONS

The Clerk will receive and file:

AMP OH Newsletter(s)
Amplifier Magazine
Clean Cities-Idle Reduction Conference
Copy of Time Warner Promotion
Dayton Chamber of Commerce Updates
Grant Writing & Resource Development Workshop
PUCO re: Disconnection of Utilities in Winter Emergencies (Manager’s Report)
Y.S. Chamber of Commerce Update
Ohio Dept. of Dev. re: Amended Ohio Enterprise Zone-The Antioch Co.

PUBLIC HEARINGS/LEGISLATION

1st Reading of Ordinance #2004-37 Establishing the “Law Enforcement Trust Fund” Pitstick MOVED and Alexander SECONDED a MOTION for APPROVAL.

Hillard explained that State statute requires the Village to establish this Fund by legislation. The MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The public hearing was scheduled for November 1st.

1st Reading of Ordinance #2004-38 Accepting Annexation Request-Fogg (Postponed)

1st Reading of Ordinance #2004-39 Request Zoning Change from Educational to Residence “A”- Antioch University. Pitstick MOVED and Hardman SECONDED a MOTION for APPROVAL.

Pitstick explained the Planning Commission held their public hearing and had an extensive discussion over two meetings regarding this request. He added that it was his hope that access to the Antioch School would be considered in any future development plans.

Swinger asked if there was any historical information regarding any conservation easements. Pitstick stated that there were no easements for the G. Stanley Hall property.

Peggy Erskine a former Director of the Antioch School stated that the Antioch School had asked for a long-term lease but was told not to worry about the property adjacent to the School because it would not be sold. She added that the Board of Trustees would not withdraw the zoning request and that if approved she would consider this “spot” zoning.

Chris Powell a teacher at Antioch School explained that the School’s driveway is included in the parcel of land to be sold. She added that she had a concern of underground caves on the property and the impact on Allen Street if the driveway was moved there from Corry Street.

The MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The public hearing was scheduled for December 6 th.

Resolution #2004-58 Public Records Request-Procedure of Standards for the Release of Public Records. Swinger MOVED and Alexander SECONDED a MOTION for APPROVAL.

The Clerk explained that this would bring the Village into compliance with the State statutes.

Swinger and Alexander agreed to three friendly amendments. In Section 1(B)(b) changing the wording from Chapter 210 to Resolution #2004-59; add the wording “long distance fax charges” to Sections 1(C) (c) and 6 (B); and in Section 2 amend this section to read, “This resolution shall take effect and be in full force at the earliest date provided by law.” The MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Resolution #2004-59 Establishing Fees for the Duplication & Release of Public Records. Pitstick MOVED and Alexander SECONDED a MOTION for APPROVAL.

The Clerk explained that it was necessary to have a fee schedule based on recommendations from the State.

Pitstick MOVED and Alexander SECONDED an amendment to add the wording, charges of one dollar or less may be waived and in Exhibit A to add “Fax” and “Actual cost of transmission”.

The MOTION on the AMENDMENT PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The MOTION on the Resolution PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

CITIZENS CONCERNS

There were no comments from the audience.

SPECIAL REPORTS

There were no special reports scheduled.

OLD BUSINESS

Quarterly Financials. Hillard reviewed the report. He informed Council that the Village had received a $54,000 check for our Estate tax. He also reported that the water use is down and is reflected in our water fund and in the sewer fund and that revenue is pretty consistent.

Hillard also distributed a copy of the 2004 Supplemental Appropriations, which will be reviewed at Council’s November 1st meeting.

5-Year Financial Plan. Arnett distributed an updated brochure. He suggested that an additional page be added to the 5-Year Financial Plan. The new Page 4 demonstrates what job and housing growth could look like. The page included several points on these topics as well as maps.

CUPA Survey Questions. Hardman, Arnett and Hillard began an initial review of the survey questions.

On Page 4 there was a question added regarding dispatch service. Hillard explained that due to needed capital upgrades and efficiencies he would reevaluate the dispatch service. The dispatch service would not be eliminated but it could be done another way.

Council agreed to hold a special session with David Jones from Wright State University/CUPA on Thursday, October 28 th at 7 p.m. to further discuss the survey questions.

NEW BUSINESS

There were no items listed for New Business.

MANAGER’S REPORT

PUCO. Hillard explained that the Public Utilities Commission does not regulate the Village. They are encouraging municipalities not to disconnect utility services during the winter months. Hillard stated that the Village’s utility office would continue to work closely with residents to prevent shutoffs during the winter months.

Natural Gas Aggregation. Hillard reported that the Village’s annual fixed price for natural gas ends in November. During the first week of November a decision would be made to either go with an annual fixed price for the year or go on a month-to-month price plan.

STANDING REPORTS

Alexander gave a brief overview of the Ohio Municipal League Conference that she had attended in Akron. She distributed copies of the report from the Mayor’s Think Tank for Economic Strategies. She informed Council that the U.S. government preparing a new census entitled the American Community Survey. This will be an annual survey. She has requested copies of the survey for distribution to Council. Alexander further reported that Ohio’s economy is still in decline. She is also waiting for information regarding a grassroots movement to retrieve reciprocal taxes.

Arnett Village Mediation Program

Arnett Community Council

Hardman Environmental Commission (On file)

Hardman Human Relations Commission

Alexander Library Commission (On file). Alexander reported that the Commission is meeting regularly. They are raising funds for the proposed renovations to the main entrance of the Library. The renovation plan is in four phases, which are repair/replace front columns, repair of the handicap ramp and extension ramp and repair of the steps. The Y.S. Library Association will sponsor fundraisers to offset the cost. They will also donate $15,000 towards the project. Donations for the project can be sent to the Y.S. Library Association or to Connie Collett. The next Commission meeting is scheduled for January 12, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. in the Y.S. Library. Hillard added that this is a $50,000 project.

Arnett was asked to participate in the one-on-one interviews program survey for the Greene County libraries.

Alexander Cable Advisory Panel. Alexander reported is working on the equipment upgrade.

Alexander Reg. Planning & Coord. Comm. Greene Cty. (On file)

Pitstick Planning/Bike Comm./N. Gateway Commission (On file)

Swinger Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (On file). Swinger encouraged residents to write their legislators concerning the Local Government Funds. There is to be an anticipated decrease in the Fund.

Peggy Erskine stated that the Antioch University Board of Trustees announced its plans to move forward and build the Center for Business and Education.

Hillard reported that the bid for the improvement project for Gaunt Park was taken off the agenda because the Public Works crew completed the work in-house. He added that it was a very impressive job.

AGENDA PLANNING

The next meeting of the Council of the Village of Yellow Springs will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 1, 2004 in Council Chambers, John Bryan Community Center, 100 Dayton Street.

Items for discussion at the November 1st meeting are:

Clerk of Council Annual Evaluation
Wheeling Gaunt Request-Flour/Sugar
Bid Award-Salt Barns
Supplemental Appropriations
Law Enforcement Trust Fund

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

2005 Annual Appropriation
Village Manager Employment Agreement (November)
Village Treasurer Employment Agreement (November)
Zoning Code/Enforcement Update (November)
Accepting Annexation of Fogg Property (December)
Supplemental Appropriations (December)
Records Commission Update (December)
Ordinance re: Utility Deposits and Delinquent Notices
Charter Review Committee
Conservation Easement for Well Fields
Annexation Policy Review
Disposition of Cabooses

EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was no Executive Session schedule.

ADJOURNMENT

Having no further business, Hardman MOVED and Alexander SECONDED a MOTION for ADJOURNMENT. The MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY at 8:35 p.m.

__________________________

Tony Arnett, President

___________________________

Deborah Benning, Clerk