Hiram – Mayor Bertrand called the meeting to order at 7 pm. All members present. The Mayor asked for approval of the minutes from the 7/12/11 meeting and the motion passed.
Guests and public comment: Doug McGee of McGee & Associates, Inc. spoke on behalf of Hiram College: A HUD grant is available that college would like to apply for. McGee would like to work with the Village on this 80/20 grant for a Master Plan. This new program was just announced on 8/3/11. McGee wanted to apply for $130k meaning that HUD would kick in $104k. The Master Plan would cover the campus area and area around the campus which is part of the Village.
Councilperson Spencer questioned the distribution going to the college, he felt it should go to do work for the public. The Council asked for more specifics; the grant is a planning grant for any neighborhood or any segment in the US.
Councilperson Spencer wanted to amend McGee’s proposal to allow it to be more for the village. The monies go to writing the plan which would cover planning for what new facilities are needed in the area, documenting how are facilities being used at this time and a plan for the future. A comprehensive plan will help the college make future plans and detail how it can benefit the community. “If it benefits the college, it benefits the community” was McGee’s explanation.
The college is open to making amendments to incorporate the village. Council President Wadkins would like to partner with the college so that the benefits are for the college and for the village. September 9th is the deadline.
The Mayor encouraged McGee to put something together and Councilpersons Dempsey, Spencer and Donley agreed to work with the college as village representation.
Hiram 4th of July: It was suggested that council consider taking over this endeavor. It is a large undertaking and needs more people involved in the process. The Western Reserve Kiwanis might be interested in taking over the project. It was suggested that whoever takes over would want to keep Fire Department involved. The best person to head the project would be someone who knows the college resources as well as resources from the village. This project needs a focus person or set of people. The wonder of the event is that everyone participates. The grant for this event does not have to be done until May or June so there is time for the project to change hands.
Councilpersons Donley and Dempsey will discuss it further with the Kiwanis club and report back to the Council. Elements of this event include the parade (Village entity), fireworks, kids games . It is a great tradition and wonderful for village, but more volunteers are needed. Will report back at September meeting with Kiwanis decision.
An update was provided for the Hinsdale Project.
Police Report: The Police Chief was unable to attend meeting, however the chief’s report was submitted to council. No questions were asked. There were 100+ activities for the month of July.
Fire and EMS Report: The average response time was 4 minutes and 4 seconds. The Fire and EMS are ahead 70 calls from last year. Fire loss report $40-50K from last month. Many calls lately have been coming in back to back but the department is doing a great job responding.
Village Administrator: There was a major water main break on Sunday. Most of the day was spent on repair work. It was explained that periodically this is going to happen because of some of the materials used date back many years. The break was on Route 305.
Mayor’s Report: Highlights include: work was done with Planning and Zoning. A commission conducted a special meeting to approve/amend the Hinsdale project and the Commission approved plans so that it could go forward and be bid publicly. A formal commitment was signed by Hiram College President Chema regarding 1.5 acres of land to be sold to the college. The construction projects at the college’s Miller Hall, Hinsdale and library are all progressing, as well as the locker rooms project.
Fiscal officer’s report was submitted. Council needs to take action per the codes of the Board of Tax Appeals. A motion to approve tax appeals was passed.
A “Then and Now” payment in the amount of $13,874 for fire truck #2 for ladder work as brought before the board. Motion passed.
Another “Then and Now” item for over $3K for CT Consultants was submitted. Some work needs to be done by them to work within the constraints of government. There are certain procedures to follow.
The Village is getting a new phone system. The current phone system went down on Monday. They were able to get it back up and running but for a while it was totally dead. Council has a quote from Dunk Electronic Services for the new phone system and telephones. A motion to ratify the fiscal officer’s actions and a motion to spend $7,804 of capital for phone system were motion passed.
Fiscal officer’s report accepted, motion to pay bills was passed.
Ordinances:
2011-12: An ordinance continuing the investment policy for the Village of Hiram with respect to investing funds that can be made by the fiscal officer (third reading)-motion to adopt – so moved.
2011-19: A resolution authorizing specific enumerated transfers by the fiscal officer between funds of the Village of Hiram from the General Fund (1000) to the First Energy Grant Fund (2908) in the amount of $919.88 and authorizing an advance of $5,651.20 from the General Fund to the First Energy Grant Fund and declaring an emergency. Motion passed.
2011-20: A ordinance amending the permanent appropriations in the general fund by $6,572 and declaring an emergency. Motion passed.
2011-21: An ordinance amending the permanent appropriations in the First Energy Grant Fund by $12,224 and declaring an emergency. Motion passed. Motion to approve as emergency. Motion passed.
2011-22: An ordinance amending the permanent appropriations in the State EMS Grant Fund by $2,100 and declaring an emergency. Motion to adopt. Motion passed.
2011-23: Amend Income Tax Regulations – First reading
Resolutions:
2011-13: Transfer to Capital Contract (for township contract). Motion approved.
2011-18: New Special Revenue Fund. Motion approved.
2011-19: Enumerated Transfers. Motion approved.
No other business. Council went into Executive Session. Meeting adjourned.
