Meeting Minutes: February 5, 2013
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:
Council called to order by Mayor Amy Joseph on
Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the Rockford Village Hall.
Invocation was given by Gene Steiner
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Steiner, Blossom, Pontsler, Searight, Heitkamp
Gehle – absent
Also attending: Mr. Roy Thompson, Marti Lentz, Nancy Leighner, Chief May, Jeff Long, and Amy K. – Daily Standard.
Motion Steiner Second Pontsler to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Searight called for the question. Steiner = y, Pontsler =y, Searight = y, Blossom = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion: Searight. Second Heitkamp to accept the minutes from the
January 15, 2013 council meetings as presented. Steiner called for the question. Searight = y, Heitkamp =y, Steiner = y, Blossom = y, Pontsler = y, Passed 5 yes.
Visitors to Address Council:
Mr. Roy Thompson address council regarding an ordinance he is presenting regarding wind generation in the Village. There has been a new organization formed called Neighbors United that is working to prevent wind generations in the local villages. The ordinance has been based on one that St. Henry approved in March of 2012. He is asking council to review the ordinance and to consider passage of no wind generators inside the corporation. Neighbors United will be meeting with Mendon and Willshire also. There is a meeting on February 12th here at the Village Office at 7:30 pm. The public is invited to attend.
The Service Committee will meet after the meeting next Tuesday to discuss the ordinance.
Nancy Leighner reported there will be some enhancements to the Splash Pad this year. A pergola is being planned and some metal colorful butterflies on the fence to brighten it up. The park board is also looking at some Cando Media – trash cans with local advertising.
Gene to Nancy – glad to have you back !
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
Village Administrator’s Report – Jeff Long
We have been using the extreme cold weather to do some inside work at the wastewater treatment plant. The plant office building was built in 1988 and was in much need of some paint and some repairs. New lighting was installed to be more efficient. Looks nice.
We will open bids for the UV System for the wastewater treatment plant on Wednesday – February 6th at 1 pm. This will be for the equipment. The village will act as the general contractor to keep the costs lower. This system is a requirement of the EPA and needs to be completed by May 1st. We will have more information at the next meeting regarding the cost. We are working to stay at about $90,000 for this part of the project. We are working to stay at a no cost
increase for the residents. Our surplus capacity is about 50% above what we have now.
The Water Rural Association has loaned us their smoke blowing equipment free of charge. Therefore, we will not be purchasing the equipment which was estimated at $2,000.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee – Ron Searight
Motion Pontsler to pay the bills in the amount of $16,466.45 – Second Heitkamp. Bills include fuel, tax refund, building repairs and electric. Steiner called for the question. Pontsler = y, Heitkamp =y, Steiner = y, Blossom = y, Searight = y. Passed 5 yes.
Motion Steiner. Second Pontsler to accept the Mayors Court pay in of $728.00.
Searight called for the question. Steiner = y, Pontsler = y, Searight = y , Blossom = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 5 yes.
A Finance committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 12th at 7 pm.
Service Committee: Greg Pontsler
Discussion regarding removing a dumpster at resident location. The village will pay for the removal and the costs will be put on the property tax as a lien.
Motion Searight. Second Pontsler to approve the dumpster removal, pay Mahargs and put a lien on the property. Heitkamp called for the question. Searight = y , Ponstler = y, Heitkamp = y, Steiner = y, Blossom = y. Passed 5 yes.
Discussion about the village clean up process. Mayor to Council ~ we all need to work together. If you see something that needs cleaned u, report it.
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp
Chris request the snow removal ordinances for review.
Chris also reported that while in Van Wert a week ago, he received 2 compliments on how nice the Village of Rockford is looking.
Economic Development Committee: Eugene Steiner
Gene asked Jeff to talk to Wright State about a program that will help the RADC.
The RADC had a meeting last week with a good turn out. They are working to show some businesses what we have to offer.
We have assigned the new address for Dollar General – 401 W Bridge St.
Congratulations to Barrys Market for 25 years in business!
Public Utilities Committee: Steve Gehle – absent
Rules Committee: Peggy Blossom
We will be scheduling a meeting with the committee in the near future.
Old Business
New Business
Mayor to Council – impressed with new committees. Looks like we are all ready to keep things rolling in a good direction. She would like to see some goals and new ideas.
Meeting adjourned 8:28 pm