Village Manager's Report

For the June 20th, 2005 Council Meeting

The following report is intended to supplement the information related to the upcoming Village Council meeting. If you have questions or comments about these or other issues, please feel free to give me a call at (937) 767-1279 , or e-mail me at rhillard(at)yso.com.

A. Council Items:

Supplemental Appropriations Ordinance: Enclosed in the packet is a Supplemental Appropriations Ordinance for public hearing and final reading. A memo was included in last meeting’s packet, which outlines the changes from the adopted budget. Please bring this information to the meeting. I expect Supplemental Appropriations legislation to be presented every quarter year, to adjust the appropriations to the issues that occur. Please call me if you have any questions.

Income Tax Residual Balance : The Village no longer utilizes the Income Tax Fund – Special Revenue for the collection of income tax. This change was a result of a comment from the State Auditors office regarding transfers. However, the fund has approximately $159,000, which the legislation authorizes the Finance Director to be transferred to the General Fund. The Council is scheduled to conduct a public hearing and final reading at the meeting.

RITA Presentation: The Regional Income Tax Association (RITA) is scheduled to attend the June 20, 2005, Council meeting to outline the service provided by RITA, and to answer questions. If you have specific inquires related to service, please give me a call so I may follow-up with RITA before the presentation.

2006 Tax Budget : Annually, the County requires the presentation of a Tax Budget, to justify the receipt of property taxes collected by the County for the Village. A public hearing is scheduled for June 20, 2005, Council meeting.

2004 Annual Accomplishments : Enclosed is a listing by activity, accomplishments completed in 2004. This list is intended to demonstrate the variety of items pursued by the Village government through the year. The list includes approximately 250 items, but does not include absolutely every activity completed. However, it is quite comprehensive. The Village does keep lists of public works service requests, as well as police reports to demonstrate additional activities. Thank you to the department supervisors and crews for the hard work. I believe this work is making a difference.

Sign Inventory Grant : Staff is recommending applying for a grant to complete a traffic sign inventory. This item was recommended when the Village completed the Xenia Avenue Traffic Study a couple years ago. The grant is due July 1, 2005, so staff is requesting Council endorse the submittal of the grant. The cost of the program is $5,250, and is a 100% grant, with no matching funds required by the Village.

B. Agenda Planning:

Caboose Task Force : I have started the recruitment of members for the Caboose Task Force. If you have names of individuals who would be interested, have them call me. So far, Karen Wintrow from the Design Advisory Commission and Bill Bebko of the Planning Commission have volunteered. I will be discussing possible volunteers with Bruce Rickenbach, and will be bringing this issue back to the Council at a future meeting.

Backflow Prevention Ordinance : Enclosed in the ordinance are a draft Backflow Prevention Ordinance and a letter from the OEPA regarding the Public Water Supply. Every four years the Village has the water system inspected, with recommendations to follow. The ordinance is a result of one of the recommendations. Troy Slone will be at the Council meeting in July to explain the program, and assist in a discussion about the proposed program.

C. Additional Issues:

2005 Pool Season: This weekend the concession stand will open. We purchased a new refrigerator this week, and will be utilizing Dollar General for supplies, which should make it easier to stock. I am starting meetings with the Pool Manager’s on a formal basis each Friday in the afternoons. I have been communicating with them a couple times a week to get updates and emphasis safety and cost containment. We are working with non-profits to provide group discounts (15 people and over), for half price day admission. These groups involve the Girl Scouts, County Parks Department, etc. If individuals have suggestions, please feel free to speak with the Jen Malone, Pool Manager (767-9064), or me at 767-1279.

Final Thoughts…
During this period, I worked on a variety of issues with supervisors, communicated with organizations throughout the Village and pursued projects as necessary. A citizen came forward to assist the Village in maintaining the skate park better, the Finance Department is pursuing a recommendation on new financial software, and much discussion has been held on a variety of issues. I have met with Tecumseh Land Trust, Chief Grote and myself attended the beginning semester Community Meeting with Antioch College students, and the Chamber of Commerce held the Spring Street Fair. The projects I am working on involve the 2004 Annual Report, pole contact agreements with Warner Communications and SBC, as well as other projects. As projects are complete and ready for recommendation, staff will be presenting to Council for decision. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 767-1279.