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December 11, 2006

Council briefs for 11-27-06

Mariemont Village Council convened Nov. 27 for their regular meeting held in council chambers. The Mariemont Buzz was not present for this meeting, so these are the minutes provided by the administration office.

Ms. Sullivan moved, seconded by Mr. Ebelhar to accept the recommendation of the Safety Committee regarding the Terrace Park contract renewal. The Village Council Safety Committee met September 26, 2006 and November 7, 2006 to discuss the upcoming renewal of the Village’s current agreement to provide daytime fire service to the Village of Terrace Park. The Committee agreed that a cost of living adjustment to the contract is necessary to cover increased expenses of providing fire service to Terrace Park and recommends that the contract amount be increased to $15,000. The Committee would also like both parties to further investigate ways to add value to the contract and recommends that a clause be added so it can be modified as needed on mutually agreed to terms. Ms. Sullivan said when the Safety Committee met both times; they took into consideration some of the concerns expressed by other Council members if this was a value to the Village. They came to the conclusion that it was. We would respond to Terrace Park by mutual aid even if we did not have this agreement. We have charged the Fire Chief to try to find ways to add value to the Terrace Park contract. We did discuss some options, but we did not want to add those options to the contract simply because it is too premature, but we did want to put that option in the contract if we can find a way to make it more valuable for both parties. Mr. Bevis asked how Terrace Park outsources their EMS/paramedic service. Chief Phifer said Miami Township will respond to medical runs automatically. Terrace Park is responsible for transportation of the patient. Miami Township charges $495 per run. Ms. Sullivan said one of the things they have discussed is possibly picking up their EMS service and having someone from Mariemont operate out of Terrace Park. Terrace Park would pay for the individual, however, it would give Mariemont the value of additional fire staff should we need it. Clerk Bahler asked about the 10 run minimum as set forth herein as outlined in Item #2 of the contract. It is not set forth herein anywhere else in the contract. Ms. Sullivan said that was in the last contract. Clerk Bahler said he believes that goes back to when we had a six month contract and it needs to be deleted. Mrs. Schmit asked if the Village ever considered joining a joint fire district. Clerk Bahler said we looked into that about three or four years ago. Mr. Adams said we looked at it also when we brought the EMS in house. It was determined that it would not be a cost savings to the Village. On roll call; six ayes, no nays.

Village Offices will be closed Monday December 25, 2006 and Monday January 1, 2007 in observation of Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Mayor Policastro said because Christmas falls on a Council Monday, the meeting will be held on Tuesday December 26, 2006. Mrs. Schmit and Mr. Thomas indicated that they would both be out of town that week and would not be available to attend the meeting.

Mayor Policastro moved the matter of the Resthaven Barn Bids from Planning and Zoning into the Committee of the Whole. He does not believe this is the scenario that we wanted for the barn and the residents who live by the barn need to be involved. Mr. Bevis and Mrs. Schmit represent that area, yet they are not on the Planning and Zoning Committee. He wants to call a Public Meeting and get the word out to those who live in the area to voice their opinions. He does not know if this will work with the bids that came in. He wants to save the barn anyway he can, but he does not know if this group has the money it will take to restore it. If we have to worry about grants, that may mean the barn is going to sit for a long time. Mr. Thomas reminded Council that we have a reverted clause which means if they do not get the work done within six months; the Village has the right to take the title back. The Mayor said he wants to see a plan; it can not just be a few rooms get done. From what he hears, they are only planning on fixing the bottom floor and leaving the upstairs as is - is that something that is acceptable to Council. Mr. Thomas said it goes back to Council’s objective in taking on this project - is it to save the barn or is it to make money for the Village. After discussion, it was decided to hold a public meeting on Monday December 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the matter in further detail. The Mayor said he would get flyers out to the residents in the area notifying them of the meeting and he will contact Jane McDonald to let her know of the meeting. Mr. Bevis said he agreed with Mr. Thomas as far as what Council is trying to do - are we trying to retain Resthaven Barn or are we trying in other ways to maximize that property. Mr. Thomas said we can always give this organization the chance to move forward because we do have the right to obtain title again if they do not perform as we expect them to. If the expectations of what we want were not achieved by this latest process, we can always drop back and punt again and come up with a new plan and go through the process again. We are not obligated to accept the bid. Mr. Bevis said we owe it to this group to give them a timely response. Mrs. Schmit asked about the environmental issues. Mr. Thomas said he believes that to be a separate issue. He does not think whether or not we want to decide to sell the barn to them should get tangled up with environmental due diligence or survey issues. Mayor Policastro said it is a two edged sword - we definitely want to save the barn, but we also have to protect the surrounding citizens.

Resolutions:

“To authorize solicitation of bids for Phase II of the Boathouse Restoration Project” had a third reading. Mr. Adams moved, seconded by Mrs. Schmit to adopt the Resolution. On roll call; six ayes, no nays. Resolution No. R-16-06 was adopted.

“To confirm the reappointment of Christopher M. Ertel as Village Engineer” had a third reading. Mr. Ebelhar moved, seconded by Mrs. Schmit to adopt the Resolution. On roll call; six ayes, no nays. Resolution No. R-17-06 was adopted.

“To reappoint Peggy Keyes as a Member of the Parks Advisory Board for the Calendar Years 2007 and 2008” had a third reading. Mr. Ebelhar moved, seconded by Mr. Bevis to adopt the Resolution. On roll call; six ayes, no nays. Resolution No. R-18-06 was adopted.

“To reappoint David Tensi as Building Inspector for the Building Commissioner for the Calendar Years 2007 and 2008” had a third reading. Mr. Bevis moved, seconded by Ms. Sullivan to adopt the Resolution. On roll call; six ayes, no nays. Resolution No. R-19-06 was adopted.

“To reappoint Edward J. McTigue as Solicitor for the Village of Mariemont for the calendar years 2007 and 2008” had a second reading.

Ordinances:

“Ordinance Amending Section 151 of the Mariemont Code of Ordinances” had a first reading.

“Ordinance Authorizing the Renaming of Lane E and Lane F Surrounding Patriots Park to Patriots Lane” had a first reading.

“To Grant an Easement to Owner of Property Located at 6500 Mariemont Avenue, Mariemont, Ohio for purposes of Utilizing Said Easement for a Driveway for Ingress and Egress” had a first reading.

Mr. Bevis said he had a resident contact him and asked if we could do a better job maintaining the shrubbery along the Statuary Park and Plainville Road at Chestnut. He observed that the honeysuckle is rough over there. Ms. Sullivan said she asked last month if the Maintenance Department could clean up the area. Mayor Policastro said the Park Board has been working on the Statuary. Once the Maintenance Department is finished with a current project at Murray, he will send them over to Plainville and Chestnut.

Mayor Policastro said he was approached by Karen Monzel about putting together a small citizens group together to plan a Village wide garage sale day in the spring. The group will address Council at some date in the near future.

Mayor Policastro said Amy Fisher, Dr. Wendell and James Ferguson have volunteered to work together on the 4th of July fireworks display for next year. He hopes the group will be able to address Council early next year.

Posted by johnston at 12:02 AM