Meeting Minutes: February 19, 2013

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:

Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on
Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.

Invocation was given by Gene Steiner

Pledge of Allegiance

Those present: Gehle, Steiner, Pontsler, Searight,
Blossom and Heitkamp – absent

Also attending:  Marti Lentz, Georgette Knox, Jeff Long, Sergeant Stetler and  Amy K. – Daily Standard.

Motion  Steiner   Second Gehle to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Pontsler called for the question.  Steiner = y, Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y.  Passed 4 yes

Motion: Searight.  Second Pontsler to accept the minutes from the
February 5, 2013  council meetings as presented.  Gehle called for the question.   Searight = y, Pontsler = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Visitors to Address Council:

Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:

Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long

Wastewater Treatment Plant:

The low bid, which was the only bid for the equipment to be installed at the treatment plant, was from Aquionics for $63,000.  Since this was the only quote, Jeff contacted other companies that have that equipment to make sure the bid was fair.  He feels confident that we are receiving a fair price.

The EPA is requiring us to make improvements to our disinfection system.  Jeff estimates the total cost of approx.  $90,000.  We have $30,000 set back in the wastewater fund for improvements.  Jeff suggests we borrow $60,000 from the Peoples Holding Company at a renewable rate of 3%.  We should pay it off in 2 years.

Construction schedule Phase I by May 2013 and Phase II by May 2017.

Jeff reviewed the information ordinance prohibiting wind turbines and wind generators in the village.  He believes this can be handled through our zoning code which will establish height restrictions.  It’s best not to eliminate the entire village.  There may be some opportunity for the Village at the wastewater treatment plant, Fremont or even the school that might benefit from wind energy at some point in the future.

Jeff will hold a meeting with the proper committee and the Zoning Board to make recommendation on the zoning code.

There will be a meeting regarding wind energy at the Village Hall on February 26th at 7:30 pm.  The Public is invited.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Ron Searight

Motion Gehle to pay the bills in the amount of $12,760.96  –  Second Pontsler  Bills included are normal operating expenses.  Steiner called for the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Searight = y.  Passed 4 yes.

RESOLUTION 02-13
THE BOARD OF COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, MERCER COUNTY, OHIO THAT TO PROVIDE FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,2013, THE FOLLOWING SUMS ARE HEREBY SET ASIDE AND APPROPRIATED.

Motion Gehle, Second Steiner.  Pontsler called for the question.  Gehle = y, Pontsler = y, Steiner = y, Searight = y.  Passed 4 yes.

RESOLUTION 03-13
A RESOLUTION BY THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKFORD, OHIO DIRECTING AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN A GENERAL OBLIGATION NOTE WITH THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY FOR THE WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, DISENFECTION REPLACEMENT.

Motion Steiner.  Second Pontsler.  Searight called for the question.  Steiner =y,
Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y.  Passed 4 yes.

The Finance Committee held a meeting on February 12th.  The following is a list of items requested.  1.  Identify bills by line item on the report to council.  2.  Debt information.  Who do we owe and how much.  3.  The committee should come to meetings at 7:15 to review the bills.  4.  The heads of each department will meet with the committee at least quarterly.  (Jeff, Paul and Lisa)  We will review where we stand, how we are doing and any recommendations.

Service Committee:            Greg Pontsler

ORDINANCE 01-13
AN ORDINACE LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR COSTS INCURRED FOR WASTE REMOVAL AT 507 W PEARL ST. ROCKFORD OHIO AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

1st reading – 02/19/13

2013 Rockford Recreation Members:

Andy Rogers – President, Jeff Bollenbacher – Vice President,
Brent Agler – Secretary, Ryan Sipe – Treasurer,
Andy Rogers – member,  Doug Hughes – members, Courtney Smith – Member, Chad Bruns member, Wilbur Fox – member

Motion Pontsler, Second Searight.  Gehle called for the question.  Pontsler = y, Searight = y, Gehle = y, Steiner = y.  Passed 4 yes.

Safety Committee:            Chris Heitkamp – absent

Economic Development Committee:   Eugene Steiner

Gene scheduled an Economic Development Committee on March 19th at 6:45 pm.

Public Utilities Committee:            Steve Gehle

Reviewed information on the bid and the wastewater treatment plant with Jeff.

Rules Committee:            Peggy Blossom – absent

Old Business

Auditors in house to finish the 2011 – 2012 audit period.

New Business

Meeting adjourned 8:01 pm