Village of Thurston

Council Meeting Minutes

June 10, 2004

 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Barber.  Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

 

Roll call:          Robert Ortman – Present

Roger Aubery – Absent

Warren Simpson – Present

Ed Vanek - Present

Kevin Ety – Absent

Rita Leiendecker - Present

Mary Barber – Present

Aaron Reedy – Present

 

Brooks Davis was present from Regional Planning.  He discussed the County’s Fair Housing Program.  He then made a presentation about zoning, including what it can and can’t do.  He shared handouts with Council.  He also shared information regarding Amanda’s recent adoption of zoning ordinance.

 

Robert made a motion to approve the May 2004 minutes.  Ed second.  All yea.

 

Warren made a motion to approve the May 2004 financial statement.  Rita second.  All yea.

 

Council had 2nd Reading of Ordinance # 2004-10, An Ordinance to increase the fee for returned checks due to insufficient funds.  This will increase the fee to $35.00 per check.

 

Council had the 2nd Reading of Ordinance # 2004-11, An Ordinance amending Ordinance 9-24-89 and Ordinance 12-20-90 by increasing the rate charged for reconnecting service for non-payment of monthly charges.  This raises the water reconnect fee from $30 to $50.

 

Council had the 2nd Reading of Ordinance # 2004-12, An Ordinance rescinding Ordinance 12-14-00-1 and 12-14-00-2 relating to the applications of interest on checking and/or savings accounts and certificates of deposit and to apply said funds to the “General Fund”.  This moves all interest earned to the General Fund, except where prohibited by State law.

 

Council had the 2nd Reading of Ordinance # 2004-13, An Ordinance to increase the salaries of members of Council and Board of Public Affairs.  This increases Council pay to $50.00 per meeting and BOPA pay to $30.00 per meeting.

 

Rita made a motion to waive the 3-reading rule and declare an emergency for Ordinance # 2004-16.  Ed second.  All yea.

 

Warren made a motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-16, An Ordinance to amend the 2004 appropriations Ordinance and the declaration of an emergency.  This ordinance appropriates more money to help pay for the new billing computer system purchased by the Walnut Creek Sewer District (WCSD).  Robert second.  All yea.

 

Ed made a motion to waive the 3-reading rule and declare an emergency for Ordinance # 2004-17.  Rita second.  All yea.

 

Warren made a motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-17, An Ordinance to Amend the 2004 Appropriations Ordinance, creating accounting Fund Codes, Authorizing the Transfer of Funds, and the declaration of an emergency.  This was so accounting records can be properly recorded for the Storm Sewer Projects this year.  Robert second.  All yea.

 

Report from Fire Chief - Mike Jackson was present.  He said that the tornado siren box went out about a week ago.  It was sent out for repair, came back, and still does not work.  Sheriff’s office is going to work on it.  It should go off at noon every Wednesday.

 

Mike asked Council to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues.  Robert made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues.  Ed second.  All yea.  The time is 8:10 p.m.

 

At 8:20 p.m., Ed made a motion to come out of Executive Session.  Warren second.  All yea.

 

Report from the Service Committee:  Robert said Ernie Harter came to the last meeting.  They are all concerned about the First Street building.  The roof is in terrible condition.  He said they discussed fixing up the old truck to sell it.  Then we could buy a small pickup.  Also thinking about auctioning off the old tractor.  The committee said they wouldn’t do any cleanup in there until the roof is repaired.  Ed said some kids took off the storm sewer lid behind the municipal building and threw some bricks & blocks down there.  Kevin and Ed cleaned up the mess.  Michelle will call a couple roofers for estimates on the street building.  She’ll also call a couple tree service companies for quotes on trimming the trees around town as requested by Walnut Township.  The trees that need trimmed are marked with white paint.  Construction has begin in the bathroom of the municipal building.

 

Report from the Safety Committee:  Rita said the committee discussed the possible merger into a fire district; advantages/disadvantages.  She said it was favorable for the Village to join a district than go any other route.  Rita said the Poochy Parlor nuisance was discussed.  Discussed kids coming out of Moline Drive into the Main St. playing in the roads.  Mary said the attorney will soon be sending a certified letter to the Poochy Parlor addressing that issue.

 

Report from the Finance Committee:  Meets next week.

 

Report from the Rules Committee:  Only Kevin showed up.

 

Report from Board of Public Affairs President:  Lowell Hite wasn’t present.

 

Report from the Walnut Creek Sewer District Board appointees:  Lowell Hite and JoAnn Hite were not present.  Bryan Shook was present.  Kristi said they heard from FHA about allowing the park.  They said it could be done, and sent some items that needed to be addressed.  The attorney at WCSD is reviewing at this point, and they will get back with us soon.  Mary said “Woo!”

 

Report from the Regional Planning Representative:  Robert didn’t attend last month since he attended the Fire District Steering Committee meeting.

 

Old Business

Ed made a motion to accept the proposal from Sam’s Pest Control for mosquito spraying for the Village.  Rita second.  All yea, except Warren voted no.  This will be for $100 per spraying.

 

We received a letter from ME Companies regarding the hole next to the storm basin at 2090 Second St.  Keith offered some alternatives.  Mary is going to get quotes from local contractor to do the work since there is also a problem with the catch basin on First St. and near the firehouse.

 

Michelle finally got information from Susan Lent at Waste management regarding trailer rental.  We can get a 30 yard roll-off, they will waive the delivery charge and monthly rental since we have a contract.  There is a $240.00 hauling & disposal fee (up to 5 tons).  $75.00 if we want them to relocate it.  Liquids, concrete, bricks, batteries and tires are not allowed.  They can deliver within 3 business days from order date.  We can leave a voice mail for her whenever we decide we want it.

 

Everyone agreed Council would have to meet and look through everything to decide what is trash and what can be auctioned off.

 

Mary said the attorney is still working on the Long Street plat update issue.

 

Ed said he would check the status of the drainage violation at 8192 High St. (Larry Robinson’s property).

 

New Business

 

Aaron received a bill from Orkin for renewal termite service.  Council agreed to have the service done again for the Municipal Building.

 

Michelle spoke with Randy at the Walnut Township Trustees.  He said they wouldn’t mind cold-patching our streets, but before they do, we need to have our trees trimmed for their snowplow trucks.  He estimated the street repairs at $1,500 - $2,000.  The materials are going to run about $70 per ton along with labor for 2 or 3 guys.  Council decided to pursue issue once the trees have been trimmed.

 

Aaron said the CDC wants a project representative for the Village assigned to handle day-to-day issues.  Council decided Michelle would be assigned.  If there were issues out of her control, she could contact Mary, Aaron, or another councilmember by phone.

 

CDC sent Statements of Qualifications from three engineering firms.  They want us to suggest one.  Warren made a motion to go with ME Companies.  Ed second.  All yea.

 

Aaron informed Council that Michelle Shumaker was doing an excellent job so far as Village Secretary.

 

Mary said she talked to the business regarding the bad roads on Oak Street.  Trucks have just demolished a section of that street.  The owner wants to know what the Village wants done before he agrees to help.  Mary will get quotes to repair the section or replace the entire street up to Wilson.  Ed said it needs a heavy base due to truck traffic.

 

Robert informed Council that the Thurston United Methodist Church purchased the Dan Masters property on Main Street.  It will become the new parsonage.

 

Robert said that the Fire District Steering Committee had a good meeting.  They are leaning towards a district.  The next meeting is June 23rd.  They want the Village to appoint someone else from the Village to be on the steering committee.  Warren made a motion to appoint Ernie Harter to the Walnut Township Fire Dept Steering Committee.  Rita second.  All yea.

 

Warren made a motion to adjourn.  Rita second.  All yea. 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

_______________________________

Aaron L. Reedy, Clerk