CLERK’S JOURNAL OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE COUNCIL

CLERK’S JOURNAL OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF EATON, OHIO, HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, AT 7:00P.M., ON MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2008

Mayor Robert Stonecash called to order the regular meeting of the Eaton City Council on Monday, June 16, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., in Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. Wes Brubaker delivered the invocation and led the pledge to the flag; the Deputy Clerk called the roll and found the following to be:

Present: Bob Brower

David Kirsch

Ben Maffett

Gary Wagner, Vice Mayor

Robert Stonecash, Mayor

Absent: None

MINUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTS

Councilman Kirsch moved to approve the Clerk’s Journal and to accept the tapes as the official minutes for the regular meeting of May 19, 2008, and to acknowledge the May, 2008 financial reports. The motion was seconded by Councilman Wagner which passed as follows:

Ayes: Brower, Kirsch, Maffett, Wagner, Stonecash (5)

Nays: None (0)

REPORT FROM FIRE CHIEF

Issues and statistics of the Fire Division were updated by Fire Chief Jack Royer.

OATH TO THE AUDIENCE

Members of the audience were asked to take the oath to speak during the public hearing; there was no one wishing to speak.

ORDINANCE 08-05

With an increasing number of homes in the City requiring the Maintenance Division to mow and trim the yards, it has become a necessary and time-consuming chore to cleanup the property in order to mow and trim. This ordinance repeals Chapter 555," Weeds," of the Codified Ordinances and enacts a revised Chapter 555, "Weeds and Litter." Further, Council finds it necessary to declare this ordinance an emergency and, therefore, it will go into effect immediately upon passage.

Councilman Kirsch moved for the reading of Ordinance 08-05, by title only, and to adopt Ordinance 08-05. Councilman Wagner seconded the motion which passed as follows:

Ayes: Brower, Kirsch, Maffett, Wagner, Stonecash (5)

Nays: None (0)

Law Director Jill Allen read Ordinance 08-05 by title only.

RESOLUTION 08-23

Mayor Stonecash opened the Public Hearing. With no one wishing to speak, the Public Hearing was closed. The City’s 2009 tax budget with supporting schedules has been prepared in conformance with the requirements of the law and in according with the request from the Preble County Budget Commission, and has been available for public inspection. This resolution adopts this 2009 tax budget and directs the Clerk to certify and deliver a copy to the Preble County Auditor.

Councilman Maffett moved to adopt Resolution 08-23. Councilman Kirsch seconded the motion which passed as follows:

Ayes: Brower, Kirsch, Maffett, Wagner, Stonecash (5)

Nays: None (0)

RESOLUTION 08-24

The City’s tax levy for the operation of Mound Hill Union Cemetery needs to be renewed at the November general election. Prior to submitting the request to the Board of Elections, the City must obtain certification from the County Auditor of the total current tax valuation of the subdivision and the dollar amount of revenue that will be generated for a five year period of time by the renewal of this levy. This resolution authorizes this request to the County Auditor.

Councilman Wagner moved to adopt Resolution 08-24. Councilman Maffett seconded the motion which passed as follows:

Ayes: Brower, Kirsch, Maffett, Wagner, Stonecash (5)

Nays: None (0)

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

During a recent Appeals Board meeting, issues in the 100 block of East Spring Street were discussed. As a part of that discussion, it was questioned if Council would consider making this block a one way street. This will be considered and discussed at an upcoming Council meeting.
James R. Hawley submitted a letter to Council resigning his Council-appointed position on the Preble County Area Community Improvement Corporation. Councilman Kirsch moved, seconded by Councilman Wagner, to accept Mr. Hawley’s resignation and to thank him for his years of service. A replacement appointment will be considered at a future meeting of Council.
It was noted that all members of Council have attended the required Public Records seminar.
Upcoming events include Safe Community Day on June 28 and a Fourth of July celebration hosted by Give Back America from July 4 through July 6, both at the Fairgrounds. The July 4^th event is in need of volunteer workers.
The annual municipal paving project begins on Tuesday, June 17.
The Fire Division’s ladder truck is in process of being replaced; it is being planned to convert the old ladder truck into a leaf truck chassis.
The Hillcrest project has begun.
Improvements to the Black Water Plant are in the final stages.
On June 24, an economic development meeting will be conducted at the YMCA as well as an open house hosted by Grandview Hospital opening their recent expansion at that facility.
Proposed plans for the Sonic restaurant, to be located just north of the Arby’s on North Barron Street, have been submitted.
As reviewed at the May Council meeting, the Fire Division proposes to construct a fire training ground facility in the vicinity of Station 2. It was reported that an alternate plan will be researched.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Stonecash reviewed his recent activities: Attended Downtown Eaton Inc. meetings and participated in placing of the flower pots, planning of the upcoming car show, antique show and the Music on Main program; gave a tour of City facilities to the local 3^rd grade who sent a multitude of ‘thank you’ letters; attended the Preble County Mayors Association meeting in Camden and the Preble County transportation meeting; was a guest speaker at the Preble County Workforce meeting; attended an open house at Bullen Semiconductor, celebrating the completion of their $50 million addition; participated in the planning for the annual White and Whispering Christmas events; attended the Eaton-Preble County Chamber board meeting who will be hosting a golf tournament on September 13; spoke with local ministers regarding their desire to begin a ‘Youth for Christ’ program in the high school. Mr. and Mrs. Ken Davey of Eaton Greenhouse were in attendance, Mayor thanked them for planting the urns at the Bicentennial Park.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

Local businessman, Manfred Schreyer, would like to conduct a contest for artists to draw with chalk on sidewalks.
Matt Cain, President and C.E.O. of Eaton Compressor, was in attendance to ask for responses from Council and staff regarding questions he raised during recent months in his plans to expand his business. Following some discussion and numerous allegations by Mr. Cain, Mayor Stonecash, as in previous meetings, urged Mr. Cain to schedule a time to meet with City officials to discuss his concerns. Mr. Cain went onto say that his company’s name was not included on the plaque at the Bicentennial Park as he had been promised when he donated money. He was advised to discuss that issue with Bicentennial committee members. Mr. Cain advised Council that this issue would involve litigation. Mr. Cain then reported that his facility will be open in December of 2008 in Englewood.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Councilman Kirsch moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss legal matters with the Law Director, the City Manager, the Finance Director and the Police Chief present. Councilman Maffett seconded the motion which passed as follows:

Ayes: Brower, Kirsch, Maffett, Wagner, Stonecash (5)

Nays: None (0)

Councilman Wagner moved to return to regular session. Councilman Maffett seconded the motion which passed as follows:

Ayes: Brower, Kirsch, Maffett, Wagner, Stonecash (5)

Nays: None (0)

Mayor Stonecash announced there was no action taken.

ADJOURN

Councilman Wagner moved to adjourn. Councilman Brower seconded the motion which passed as follows:

Ayes: Brower, Kirsch, Maffett, Wagner, Stonecash (5)

Nays: None (0)

____________________________________ ____________________________________

Deputy Clerk of Council Deputy Clerk of Council Mayor

Approved as to form____________________________________________________________

Director of Law