Village of Thurston

Council Meeting Minutes

March 10, 2005

Meeting called to order at 7:30 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 – Present

Rita Leiendecker - Absent

Mary Barber – Present

Aaron Reedy – Present

Mary asked if any visitors wanted to speak. No one did.

Diana Derringer was present from ME companies. She said the CDBG application is due in April and discussed submitting the Maple Street project to them, since that project was declined through the OPWC. Submission should cost under $250.00. She said the Community Survey needed updated – Aaron will do that. Robert made a motion to submit the Maple Street Project to the CDBG for funding. Ed second. All yea.

Warren made a motion to approve the February 2005 minutes. Robert second. All yea.

Ed made a motion to approve the February 2005 financial statement. Kevin second. All yea.

Final Reading of Ordinance 2005-6. Ed made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2005-6, An Ordinance Establishing a Review Policy for the Hiring and Discharge of Fire Department Employees. Robert second. All yea.

First Reading of Ordinance 2005-8 - An Ordinance amending the traffic control map to create a one-way street running west from Maple St to High St.

Robert made a motion to waive the three-reading rule and declare an emergency for Resolution # 2005-9, A Resolution authorizing the transfer of funds and the declaration of an emergency. Kevin second. All yeah.

Ed made the motion to adopt Resolution # 2005-9, A Resolution authorizing the transfer of funds and the declaration of an emergency. Robert second. All yeah.

Report from Fire Chief – Acting Chief Mike King was present. Mike advised Council of the following items:

· SOP’s are out for substance abuse and sexual harassment

· A letter was delivered to Mr. Gould regarding the pile of dirt in the alley behind his house

· Duty crews will probably go into effect the first of April.

· May 7^th, there will be a disaster practice exercise

· He is applying for some grants

· Reported 21 EMS runs in January, 14 Fire runs

· Reported 18 EMS runs in February, 12 Fire runs

Mike said they have a squad outside that they are considering buying. It is from Licking Trail Volunteer Fire Dept. John Shirk explained the details. It’s a 1994 Medtech ambulance that’s in good shape. It has 83,000 miles. Has a 7.3 liter diesel engine. It’s been well maintained, and is completely equipped. They could put it into service almost right away. The sticker price is $12,500, but will to sell to us for $8,500. It would need to have the front-end tightened up – it’s a little loose. It will need striping/decals. The department also has other things for sale we might be interested in. For $15,000, we could have everything else they have left, including the truck.

Ed made a motion to spend $20,000 on the Medtech Ambulance and other supplies from Licking Trail Fire Dept., pending the approval of the Walnut Twp. Trustees. Warren second. All yea.

Report from the Service Committee: Robert said there were no visitors. Ed said Bob Black could put up 2 nice ceiling fans in the room across the hall for $180.00. Ed said the glow warm is installed now. Bob Black would like to put lights in stairwell and upstairs. Committee got a camera and took pictures of work on Long St. & Third St. that still needs completed from the previous projects. Grading/seeding/stone laid. They would like Diana Derringer to add these items to the final punch-out. Ed said we should get easements along Long St. Aaron will get with the solicitor to se how we would do that. Council discussed the Third St. project.

Report from the Safety Committee: Didn’t meet.

Report from the Finance Committee: Didn’t meet.

Report from the Rules Committee: Didn’t meet.

Report from the Regional Planning Representative: Robert didn’t attend.

Old Business

Aaron said he got a couple of e-mails back from the Solicitor regarding opening/closing alleys. Basically, it must be done by legislation. There is no assumed time where the alley is just “abandoned”. No one can block or build on an alley unless it has been closed by legislation of Council.

Mary said she met with the insurance adjuster about the Street Building water damage. She hasn’t heard anything back from him yet.

Mary said three catch basins on Main St. need repaired. Bid was $950 for all three. Ed said that he and Steve Reedy could do the work themselves – only charge for material. Ed would like to do it to save the Village money.

Council reviewed the quotes Michelle gathered for the gravel to be laid. The dips in the alley between Oak & Long St. were caused by the Long St. Project – needs filled by contractor. Aaron will make sure Diane knows of this.

Council agreed to get more bids for the water shut-off valve for the Street Building.

Ed made a motion to accept the bid from Baltimore Lime & Excavating – pending the Long Street Contractor’s action of fixing the alley. Kevin second. All yea.

New Business

Leitnakers want to sell off plats. Mr. Hankison is present to have Council review the plan and approve the lot divisions on Holt St. Ed made a motion to approve the plot change. Robert second. All yea.

We need to get more bids for mowing. Currently have from Kent Leitnaker and C&C Lawn Care

Laura Clark was present. She is concerned about the high level of speeding on Maple Street and in other parts of the Village. Mary had talked about contracting with the Baltimore Policy Dept. Laura said this has been going on for a long time, and her and other neighbors would like to see something done soon. Council discussed police options.

Aaron shared the Fire Levy language received from the Board of Elections for the May vote. Council said it was fine.

Ed made a motion to adjourn. Kevin second. All yea.

Respectfully Submitted,

_______________________________

Aaron L. Reedy, Clerk