City Council Meeting Minutes - June 11, 2007

Monday, June 11, 2007Call to Order

Mayor Ronald A. D’Epifanio called the Regular Meeting of Council to order at 7:00pm at the Fairfield Municipal Building, 5350 Pleasant Avenue.

Prayer & Pledge

Councilmember Oler led in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

Deputy Clerk Johns called the roll of Council. Present members were Marty Judd, Mike Snyder, Mike Oler, Steve Miller, Tim Abbott, and Tim Meyers. Councilmember Meyers, seconded by Councilmember Oler, moved to excuse Councilmember Mitch Rhodus. Motion Carried 6-0.

Request for Executive Session

Councilmember Judd, seconded by Councilmember Abbott, moved for an executive session to discuss collective bargaining issues and pending and imminent litigation. A roll call vote was taken by the Clerk. The executive session was approved 6-0.

Special Presentations and Citizen Comments

Mayor D’Epifanio presented a Mayoral proclamation to Michelle and Donald Dunn, parents of Senior Airman Monica R. Dykstra, 332^nd Medical Air Wing, of the U.S. Air Force for her service in Iraq. The proclamation also proclaimed June 13, 2007 as “Senior Airman Monica R. Dykstra Day” in the City of Fairfield.

Mayor D’Epifanio presented a Mayoral proclamation to Second Lieutenant Adam Roth, B Company, 149^th Infantry, of the Army National Guard Unit from London, Kentucky for his service in Baghdad, Iraq. The proclamation also proclaimed June 12, 2007 as “Adam Roth Day” in the City of Fairfield.

Mayor/Council Reports

Councilmember Meyers invited everyone to attend the upcoming Groovin’ on the Green concerts at Village Green. The concerts are held on Thursday nights at 7 PM.

Councilmember Oler reported that he attended a welcoming home heroes ceremony held at Fairfield High School for the 377^th Battalion Detachment- 3, which just returned from Iraq. He mentioned the special guest was General Pace.

Mayor D’Epifanio commented that he was the opening speaker for Relay for Life, which raises money for cancer. The Relay for Life event took place Saturday, June 9 and into Sunday, June 10, 2007.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes from the Regular Meeting of May 29, 2007 and the Special Meeting of June 2, 2007 were approved as written.

NEW BUSINESS

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Reading’s (4) by Title Only: Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Snyder, moved to read the following four ordinances by title only. Motion Carried 6-0.

River Road Bank Stabilization Phase 2 Project: Background – City Manager Pizzano explained this is the follow up to a project a couple of years ago when portions of the bank and River Road were lost after heavy rain. He further explained this project will construct a retaining wall to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Legislative Action – Councilmember Miller presented the first reading of an ordinance to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Mainline Road & Bridge Construction, Inc. for the River Road Bank Stabilization Phase 2 Project and declaring an emergency. Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Abbott, moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the ordinance. Rules Suspended 6-0. Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Snyder, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 86-07 ADOPTED AS AN EMERGENCY 6-0.

Completion of 2007 Asphalt Paving and Resurfacing Work: Background - City Manager Pizzano recommended a contract with Mt. Pleasant Blacktopping Co. for the 2007 annual asphalt paving and resurfacing program. He explained this is a one year agreement, which is part of the annual Capital Improvement Program and will take care of many of the streets, public drives and parking lots. Legislative Action – Councilmember Miller presented the first reading of an ordinance to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Mt. Pleasant Blacktopping CO., Inc. for the completion of the 2007 Asphalt Paving and Resurfacing Work. Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Judd, moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the ordinance. Rules Suspended 6-0. Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Judd, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 87-07 ADOPTED 6-0.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Readings (3) by Title Only: Councilmember Judd, seconded by Councilmember Snyder, moved to read the following three pieces of legislation by title only. Motion Carried 6-0.

Community Reinvestment Agreement with Iwata Bolt USA, Inc.: Background – City Manager Pizzano explained this is a new 115,000 sq. ft. facility on 17 acres on Union Center Blvd. and will be the U.S. Headquarters for this company and their first manufacturing facility in the United States. He stated this is a $10.5 million investment with 50 full time and 18 part time jobs and the school district will be compensated per the agreement. Development Services Director, Tim Bachman introduced three representatives from the company. Mr. Akira Kayama, Executive Vice President of Iwata Bolt USA Inc.gave a brief history and description of the Iwata Bolt USA, Inc. listing many of the areas in which the company is located. The Mayor and Council welcomed the company to Fairfield. Legislative Action - Councilmember Judd presented the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute the Community Reinvestment Agreement with Iwata Bolt USA, Inc. and declaring an emergency. Councilmember Judd, seconded by Councilmember Abbott, moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the ordinance. Rules Suspended 6-0. Councilmember Judd, seconded by Councilmember Oler, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 88-07 ADOPTED AS AN EMERGENCY 6-0.

International Property Maintenance Code: Background – City Manager Pizzano recommended the adoption of the 2006 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code. He stated this code is the most current code available nationally. He mentioned this code will allow a manual for property owners to be completed. Legislative Action – Councilmember Judd presented for first reading an ordinance to amend Chapter 1343, Property Maintenance, of Ordinance No. 166-84, the Codified Ordinances of Fairfield, Ohio, to adopt the 2006 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Development Services Director Tim Bachman clarified that this item is not yet ready for adoption. City Manager Pizzano clarified that this code is for all properties and is an upgrade of an existing code. Keith Davis, 1853 Vernon Place, expressed his concern regarding how much of the code is being applied. He also stated it seems that more power is being granted to the government than necessary unless there is a true health hazard or problem in the community. Mr. Bachman stated the existing code is the 1996 property maintenance code. He stated maintenance of the exterior of the abode is currently enforced for single family, multi-family and commercial. He stated we are indeed dealing with regulation of private property and have been for the past 10-15 years. Mr. Davis questioned the scope and definition of when it will be dictated who can live in a given home and how many can live in a given home other than the basis of the physical size inside that home. Mr. Bachman stated the 1996 code currently discusses in terms of overcrowding a square footage by bedroom. Mr. Bachman further stated one of the changes that will be looked at will be a better definition to the issue of overcrowding. Law Director John Clemmons stated this is strictly a maintenance code and does not speak to the issue of who can live there. Ordinance approved for first reading only.

Revisions to the Design, Construction and Materials Specifications Handbook: Background – City Manager Pizzano recommended revisions to the Design, Construction and Materials Specifications Handbook which addresses public improvements, streets, and etc. He stated the changes have been accepted generally in the construction industry already many have been in operation for some time. He said the code has been forwarded to various members we are aware of that are in the development and construction industry locally and no comments have been received. Legislative Action – Councilmember Judd presented the first reading of an ordinance to amend Section 1105.01 (11) of Ordinance No. 166-84, the Codified Ordinances of Fairfield, Ohio to adopt certain revisions to the Design, Construction and Materials Specifications Handbook to reflect changes and current industry standards in construction techniques and specifications for materials used in construction of public improvements. Ordinance approved for first reading only. Councilmember Judd stated a public hearing is scheduled for July 9 at 7:00 p.m. for further discussion and review of the ordinance.

FINANCE & BUDGET COMMITTEE

Readings (4) by Title Only: Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Miller, moved to read the following four ordinances by title only. Motion Carried 6-0.

Purchase of Computer Hardware for Various City Users: Background – City Manager Pizzano recommended an agreement with Dell Computer Corporation for computer hardware. He stated these are state contract prices and there is generally a four year rotation on computer equipment to keep current. Legislative Action - Councilmember Abbott presented the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Dell Computer Corporation for the purchase of computer hardware for various city users and declaring an emergency. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Meyers moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the ordinance. Rules Suspended 6-0. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Meyers, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE 89-07 ADOPTED AS AN EMERGENCY 6-0.

Implementation of document imaging, network infrastructure upgrades and various software upgrades: Background – City Manager Pizzano recommended an agreement with CDW-G to implement document imaging, network infrastructure upgrades and various software upgrades. Legislative Action – Councilmember Abbott presented the first reading of an ordinance to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with CDW-G for the implementation of document imaging, network infrastructure upgrades and various software upgrades and declaring an emergency. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Miller, moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the ordinance. Rules Suspended 6-0. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Meyers, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE 90-07 ADOPTED AS AN EMERGENCY 6-0.

2007 Budget Amendments (Contractual): Legislative Action –Councilmember Abbott presented the first reading of an Ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 1-07 entitled “An Ordinance to make estimated appropriations for the expenses and other expenditures of the City of Fairfield, Ohio, during a period beginning January 1, 2007, and ending December 31, 2007.” City Manager Pizzano stated this ordinance appropriates $742,631 for the River Road Stabilization Phase 2 Project; $141,676 for the purchase of various computer hardware; $31,764 for the purchase of various computer upgrades; and $900,000 for the 2007 Asphalt Paving and Resurfacing Work. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Miller, moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the ordinance. Rules Suspended 6-0. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Meyers, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 91-07 ADOPTED 6-0.

Note: Councilmember Abbott excused himself from the Council Chambers before the next item was introduced and discussed by Council.

2007 Budget Amendments (Non-Contractual Items): Background: Councilmember Miller, Vice Chairman, presented the first reading of an Ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 1-07 entitled “An Ordinance to make estimated appropriations for the expense and other expenditures of the City of Fairfield, Ohio, during the period beginning January 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2007.” City Manager Pizzano stated this ordinance appropriates $8,418 for sidewalk installation of Cody Court; $12,940 to replace street lights in the area of Parliament Court; and $8,262 for the purchase of content management software. Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Oler, moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the ordinance. Rules suspended 6-0. Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Meyers, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE 92-07 ADOPTED 6-0.

Meeting Notices

Monday, July 9 Council-Manager Briefing, 6 PM; Regular Meeting; Public Hearing (2008 Tax Budget); Joint Public Hearing (Design/Construction/Materials Specifications Handbook, 7 PM

Monday, August 13 Council-Manager Briefing, 6 PM; Regular Meeting, 7 PM

Monday, September 10 Council-Manager Briefing, 6 PM; Regular Meeting, 7 PM

Monday, September 24 Council-Manager Briefing, 6 PM; Regular Meeting, 7 PM

Executive Session

Council recessed to executive session at 7:39 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining issues and pending and imminent litigation.

Regular Meeting Reconvenes

The Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:00 p.m. with no announcements being made as a result of the executive session.

Adjournment

The Regular Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

ATTEST:

Dena Morsch, Clerk of Council

Ronald A. D’Epifanio, Mayor

Date Approved: July 9, 2007

Last updated: 01/10/2008