City Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, February 11, 2008

Call 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.

Roll Call

Clerk Morsch called the roll of Council. Present members were Timothy Meyers, Marty Judd, Michael Snyder, Michael Oler, Terry Senger, Tim Abbott, and Mitch Rhodus.

Prayer & Pledge of Allegiance

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

Request for Executive Session

Councilmember Judd, seconded by Councilmember Rhodus, moved for an executive session to discuss the employment of public officials and collective bargaining. A roll call vote was taken by the clerk. The executive session was approved by a 7-0 vote.

Special Presentations and Citizen Comments

Mayor D’Epifanio presented a proclamation honoring and thanking Army Specialist Dennis Berger for his military service.

Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Ginger Shawver introduced Parillo Extreme Nutrition and Training as part of the new Chamber program “Good News Minute”. Robert McAdory, Training Director of Parillo Performance, stated Parillo has been in business for four years and is here to bring health and fitness to the community. Mr. McAdory welcomed everyone to the facility which manufactures nutritional products in addition to offering health and fitness information to athletes, non-athletes and children and is located on Union Center Boulevard.

Mayor and Council Reports

Mayor D’Epifanio discussed and offered his support for the Butler County Children Services Levy which will be on the ballot March 4, 2008, and is a 2 mil, 5 year renewal levy. He stated for a 100,000 home, the current payment of $56.17 will increase by $5.08 a year for a total of $61.25 per year. Mayor D’Epifanio stated all three Butler County Commissioners are in support.

Agenda Additions

Reading’s (2) by Title Only: Councilmember Snyder, seconded by Councilmember Rhodus, moved to read the following resolutions by title only. Motion Carried 7-0.

Endorsement: Issue 12: Councilmember Snyder presented a resolution endorsing Issue 12, the Butler County Children Services Levy on the March 4, 2008 primary election ballot. Councilmember Snyder, seconded by Councilmember Judd, moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the resolution. Rules Suspended 7-0. Councilmember Snyder, seconded by Councilmember Judd, moved for adoption. RESOLUTION NO. 2-08 ADOPTED 7-0.

Butler County Children Service Volunteer Program: Councilmember Snyder presented a resolution endorsing the Butler County Children Service Volunteer Program. Councilmember Snyder, seconded by Councilmember Rhodus, moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the resolution. Rules Suspended 7-0. Councilmember Snyder, seconded by Councilmember Rhodus, moved for adoption. RESOLUTION NO. 3-08 ADOPTED 7-0.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes from the Regular Meeting of January 28, 2008 were approved as written.

OLD BUSINESS

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Rates: Legislative Action – Councilmember Judd presented the third reading of an ordinance to amend Subsection 953.01 (a) of Ordinance No. 166-84, the Codified Ordinances of Fairfield, Ohio, relative to the service fees for residential garbage and solid waste collection. Councilmember Judd, seconded by Councilmember Rhodus, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 9-08 ADOPTED 7-0.

PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMITTEE

Water and Sewer Rates: Legislative Action: Councilmember Rhodus presented the third reading of an ordinance to amend Section 921.08 and Subsection 925.08 (b) (1) of Ordinance No. 166-84, the Codified Ordinances of Fairfield, Ohio, relative to water rates and sewer service user rates. Councilmember Rhodus, seconded by Councilmember Snyder, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 10-08 ADOPTED 7-0.

Purchase of Lime: Legislative Action: Councilmember Rhodus presented the second reading of an ordinance to authorize the City Manager to enter into a one (1) year contract with Carmeuse North America for purchase of lime for use at the Water Treatment Plant. Ordinance approved for second reading only.

NEW BUSINESS

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Reading’s (2) by Title Only: Councilmember Senger, seconded by Councilmember Rhodus, moved to read the following ordinances by title only. Motion Carried 7-0.

Ward Boundaries: Background: City Manager Pizzano recommended an ordinance accepting reapportionment of the wards as suggested by the Ward Boundary Commission which includes one change which is bounded by the area comprised of South Gilmore Road-Resor Road and Gilmore Drive. Legislative Action – Councilmember Senger presented the first reading of an ordinance to amend Section 105.02, entitled Boundaries of Wards, of Ordinance 166-84, The Codified Ordinances of Fairfield, Ohio, to reapportion the wards of the City of Fairfield, Ohio pursuant to Sections 3.03 (B) and (C) of the Fairfield City Charter. Ordinance approved for first reading only.

Verizon Wireless Generator: Background: City Manager Pizzano recommended an ordinance authorizing an addendum to the existing lease for Verizon Wireless to install a generator at the Winton Road water tower to enhance their communication system capabilities. Mr. Pizzano noted there will be a slight increase in the rent paid to the City. Legislative Action: Councilmember Senger presented the first reading of an Ordinance to authorize the City Manager to sign an addendum to the existing lease for Verizon Wireless to install a generator at Winton Road water tower. Ordinance approved for first reading only.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

2008 Sidewalk/Apron Replacement, Pleasant Avenue Ramp Upgrade and Sidewalk Gap Program: Background: City Manager Pizzano recommended a contract with Prus Construction for the 2008 Sidewalk/Apron Replacement, Pleasant Avenue Ramp Upgrade and Sidewalk Gap Program. He commented out of 11 bids, Prus was the lowest and best bidder. Legislative Action: Councilmember Judd, seconded by Councilmember Rhodus, moved to read the following ordinance by title only. Motion Carried 7-0. Councilmember Judd presented the first reading of an ordinance to authorize the City Manager to enter into a one (1) year contract with Prus Construction with an option to renew for two (2) years for the 2008 Sidewalk/Apron Replacement, Pleasant Avenue Ramp Upgrade and Sidewalk Gap Program. Ordinance approved for first reading only.

FINANCE & BUDGET COMMITTEE

Reading’s (3) by Title Only: Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Meyers, moved to read the following ordinances by title only. Motion Carried 7-0.

City Manager Employment Agreement: Background: Mr. Pizzano discussed an annual amendment to the employment agreement of the City Manager based upon the performance review that was conducted. Legislative Action: Councilmember Abbott presented the first reading of an ordinance to authorize an amended employment agreement for the City Manager and declaring an emergency. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Meyers, moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the ordinance. Rules Suspended 7-0. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Meyers, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 11-08 ADOPTED 7-0.

2008 Budget Amendments (Contractual): Legislative Action: Councilmember Abbott presented the first reading of an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 154-07 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, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008”. Mr. Pizzano stated this ordinance is for the 2008 Sidewalk/Apron Replacement, Pleasant Avenue Ramp Upgrade, and Sidewalk Ramp Program in the amount of $176,300. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Snyder, moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings of the ordinance. Rules Suspended 7-0. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Snyder, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 12-08 ADOPTED 7-0.

2008 Budget Amendments (Non-Contractual): Legislative Action: Councilmember Abbott presented the first reading of an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 154-07 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, 2008, and ending December 31, 2008”. Mr. Pizzano stated this ordinance appropriates $24,100 for additional geotechnical services related to the design of the State Route 4 By-Pass Project and $98,000 for the purchase of right-of-way at Mack and S. Gilmore Roads. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Rhodus, moved to suspend the rules requiring thee readings of the ordinance. Rules Suspended 7-0. Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Rhodus, moved for adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 13-08 ADOPTED 7-0.

Citizen Comment

Keith Davis, stated Butler County Children Services Program is looking for volunteers to mentor children, fold clothes, stock supplies and many other opportunities. He noted a meeting will be held February 26, 2008 at 6 PM at 300 North Fair Avenue in Hamilton, Ohio. He further noted for additional information contact Ms. Richardson from BCCS at 513/887-4351 or email richad05@odijfs.state.oh.us. Councilmember Meyers asked that the volunteer and meeting information be added to TV Fairfield.

Councilmember Oler stated the 2008 Ohio State USBC Bowling Association Championship Tournament is taking place for the first time at Fairfield Lanes from February 9 through May 11, 2008 and will include 1,360- 5 person teams. He encouraged everyone to visit Fairfield Lanes to view and show their support for the tournament.

Meeting Notices

Monday, February 25 Council-Manager Briefing, 6PM; Regular Meeting, 7PM

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

Executive Session

Council recessed to executive session at 7:39 p.m. to discuss employment of Public Officials and collective bargaining.

Regular Meeting Reconvenes

The Regular Meeting reconvened at approximately 7:39 p.m. No announcements were made as a result of the executive session of Council.

Adjournment

The Regular Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Last updated: 02/26/2008