Village of Thurston

Council Meeting Minutes

March 8, 2007

 

Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm by Mayor Mary Barber.  Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

 

Roll call:          Robert Ortman – Present

Warren Simpson – Present

Ed Vanek – Present

Vickie Carroll - Present

Steve Reedy – Present

Laura Clark – Present

Mary Barber – Present

Aaron Reedy – Present

 

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

 

Jeff Tipple was present from Falcon Sanitation and made a presentation to council for waste services.  He said they would like to be considered the next time the waste contract comes up.

He said they dontate $.50 per stop per month to the local school district.  Ed Grubb, the owner, was also present.

 

Michael Carder and Jennifer Emerick were present from GGC Engineers.  They thanked Council for choosing them for the Village’s engineering needs.  Jennifer said CDBG applications need to be in by April 1.  She suggested submitting for a couple of projects.  They said to contact them anytime we need help.

 

Steve made a motion to approve the February 2007 minutes.  Robert second.  All yea.

 

Robert made a motion to approve the February 2007 financial statement.  Laura second.  All yea.

 

Second reading for Ordinance 2007-4, An Ordinance limiting the amount reimbursed for mileage for Village employees.

 

Ed made a motion to waive the three-reading rule and declare an emergency for Ordinance 2007-6, An Ordinance to amend the 2007 appropriations ordinance and the declaration of an emergency.  Robert second.  All yea.

 

Ed made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-6, An Ordinance to amend the 2007 appropriations ordinance and the declaration of an emergency.  Laura second.  All yea.

 

Robert made a motion to waive the three-reading rule and declare an emergency for Resolution 2007-7, A Resolution authorizing the transfer of funds and the declaration of an emergency.  Steve second.  All yea.

 

Ed made a motion to adopt Resolution 2007-7, A Resolution authorizing the transfer of funds and the declaration of an emergency.  Warren second.  All yea.

 

Report from Fire Chief – Jim Hite was present and submitted the report.  Jamie Carroll talked about the mapping software they are looking into.  Jim said they are getting better at getting trucks out. 

 

Aaron shared information he found on the internet regarding paying for volunteer time when paid employees are off-duty.  This has to do with the Fair Labor Standard Act.  Sonny Dupler was present from the Walnut Township Trustees.  It was decided Aaron will fax the information to Village Solicitor Jeff Feyko for a decision.

 

Mary presented Council with the most recent version of the 50/50 agreement with Walnut Township.  There were three things she wanted added.

 

  1. The Association is it’s own entity with it’s own inventory which is to be treated separate from the 50/50 contract; unless they designate it to the fire department

 

  1. Any new property and/or equipment will fall under the 50/50 contract

 

  1. The equipment that is currently at the Thurston Fire station will stay there, unless agreed to by both parties.

 

Sonny said those items shouldn’t be a problem.  He will send the information to their lawyer to incorporate into the contract.  Jim Hite said this contract will guarantee the future of the fire department; it’s a win-win for both entities.

 

Report from the Service Committee:   Robert said they met Wednesday, March 7th at 7:30 pm.  Present were Michelle Shumaker, Aaron Reedy, Laura Clark, Ed Vanek, Michael Betts & Robert Ortman.  They discussed potential projects in the village and their priorities with Michael Betts from GGC.  They discussed the future of the water system; whether we continue to purchase water from Baltimore, strike a deal with Pleasantville, or pump our own water.  Discussed work on soffit on the Municipal Building.  They have one quote, but are going to wait on more.

 

Report from the Safety Committee:   Ed said they met on Monday, March 5th at 7:30 at the firehouse.  Present were Pauline Ety, Sonny Dupler, Ralph Zollinger, Mary Barber, Robert Ortman, Michelle Shumaker and Ed Vanek.  He said they discussed the 50/50 contract agreement.  Pauline asked how snow plowing we going.  A couple of issues were given to her that she said she’d follow-up on.

 

Report from the Finance Committee:  Didn’t meet

Report from the Rules Committee:  Didn’t meet. 

Report from the Regional Planning Representative:  Robert wasn’t able to attend.

 

Report from Village Administrator:  Michelle said she knows another quote for the soffit job is coming; others don’t seem interested in doing it.  She passed out a quote for the storm sewer drain work on First Street; still waiting on more quotes.  She announced the township will be down to take care of potholes throughout the Village.

 

Old Business –  Mary said she had a meeting setup with Nick Ford tomorrow to discuss historic railroad signs for the Village.

 

New Business  - Steve announced that he will be resigning from Council as of the end of this evening’s meeting.  This is because he will be moving out of the Village.

 

Robert said the men of the Thurston United Methodist Church will be working all day in the cemetery on March 24th.

 

Aaron made a presentation regarding the Water Fund budget and what needs to be considered when talking about a rate increase.  Aaron suggested a big rate increase because the past several years of almost negligible increases have left us with almost no reserve, and we need to plan better for the future of the water system.  In 2005, the Water Fund lost $13,000.  $20,000 worth of water was “lost” somehow in the system.  Increased expenses are constantly pushing the fund to need more money each year.  Discussion was had by everyone on Council and the audience.  Most understood the need for a modest increase, but not too high.  Some said we need to find out where the 5,730,800 missing gallons went to.  Some blamed leaks in the system, some blamed a leak in the main line from Baltimore, and some blamed outdated/broken meters.  Aaron explained that his calculations and projections were based on past history, and billed usage reports from the Walnut Creek Sewer District.  Lowell Hite said the reports from the WCSD were not right; they never add up.  Aaron said he can’t make a responsible projection if he doesn’t have good figures.  Council considered to discuss the issue, and discussed possibility of replacing all the meters in the village.

 

Laura made a motion to table the issue until we can check the water usage between the Village of Baltimore and the pump house.  Ed second.  All yea.

 

Jamie Carroll said he would like the Village to take out of service and sell the 1962 Grass Truck to the fire association for $1.00.  They will use it for parades and special activities.  Ed made a motion to table the issue until it is discussed with Walnut Township.  Robert second.  All yea, with Vicki abstaining.  Mary said she would give them a call.

 

Ed asked about the status of the new sire.  Aaron said we’ve paid for it, but it’s not ready yet.

 

Steve made a motion to adjourn.  Ed second.  All yea.  Time is 9:35 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

_______________________________

Aaron L. Reedy, Clerk