February 8

Millersport Village Council met in regular session on Tuesday February 8, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. In attendance were President Pro Tem David Levacy, Council members Donna Thogmartin, Charles Mesko, James Wright, Shane Wise and Fiscal Officer Susan Ramsey. Also present were Sandy Lines, Charles Prince, Sergeant Mark Consolo, Police Chief John Shirk, Fire Chief William Yates, Street Commissioner Gilbert Arnold, Trimmer Agency representative Dale Dixon, Faye Whitaker, James McKintrick, Michael Popo and Assistant Fiscal Officer Vincent B. Popo. Gary Matheny was absent.

Minutes of Tuesday December 21, 2010 were read. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Councilman Charles Mesko and seconded by Councilman James Wright. All voted yes and the motion carried 5-0.

Michael Popo presented his Eagle Project to village council of raising money for 100 new U.S. flags and disposing of the torn and tattered U.S. flags. Michael’s plan is to solicit donations by adopting flags by residents and businesses in the area.

Dale Dixon did a synopsis of the coverage for the village. Property adjustments have been increased by two-percent (2%). There has been an increase from 105 to 117 fire hydrants that has also led to the rise in costs. Under contractor’s equipment the gator, the John Deere tractor the front-end loader, and the John Deere mower were added at renewal time. We have added four new vehicles at the renewal time and all of these increased the village’s rates especially three automobile accidents. There have been more claims this year than in the past. After a short discussion, a motion to accept the insurance renewal by Wichert Insurance through the Trimmer Agency (Wichert Insurance) was made by Councilman Charles Mesko and seconded by Councilman James Wright. All voted and the motion carried 5-0.

There was no new information to report on the annexation of the Village Twist for Charles Gang.

There was no new information to report from the Street Department and Street Commissioner Gilbert Arnold.

Chief William Yates gave a short review of the EMS billing presentation that was done for the Township Trustees. The chief clarified some of the misconceptions pertaining to the billing process. Chief Yates explained the procedure known as “soft billing” and how it would work in Walnut Township. The chief also requested that anyone calling the fire stations directly for assistance needs to call 911 first because the 911-call center needs to follow the run card system. The departments have to call the 911-call centers before they leave the station if they take a direct call and it takes minutes away from the response time. The general population is paying for the service so the general population needs to use it. The call center brings up the address and then sends units to the scene.

Chief John Shirk and Officer Carl Roberts went to the Chicago area to bring back a 2009 Crown Victoria that has 30,000 miles. The money from the insurance covered the cost of the vehicle. Officers Weiland, Hardway and Sheets have completed their training and are eligible to patrol without mentors. Officer Amanda Hoffman. Timothy Hoffman and Robert Tischler are beginning their field training. Sgt. Mark Consolo completed a 40-hour field-training program to train new officers. Officer Consolo, Peddicord and Hardway complete a 40 hour training program through the Ohio State patrol that teaches how to better use speed tracking devices. Sgt. Mark Consolo was commended for assisting residents by bringing their groceries into their house. Unbeknown to Sgt. Consolo, the residents he aided happened to be the parents of Mayor Dean Severance. The roof of the police station has been finished and donations have been made to carpet and tile the floor.

The finance committee met on Tuesday January 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm. The meeting was to discuss the water and sewer rate increases for 2011. The BOPA recommended an increase for 2011 that is in the ordinance for tonight.

New Business

Council discussed raising the boat tie-up rates from $250.00 to $300.00 for in town residents and from $350.00 to $400.00 for out of town residents. Councilman James Wright proposed that the rates remain the same for one more year because the new docks are uniformed and complete. The majority of council felt the new rates were reasonable.

Resolution 1128 is a resolution authorizing the Village of Millersport to set boat tie-up fees for the 2011 season. This is the first reading.

Council discussed raising the pool membership rates and the daily admission rates. Also discussed was charging the swim team a fee for using the pool. The Barracudas practice and then use the pool for home meets. When a home meet occurs, the pool is closed to the public and there are limited concession sales. The finance committee will meet on Tuesday February 22, 2011 for further discussion on how to increase revenues and reduce costs. Council also discussed new federal regulations that require ADA guidelines for handicap access into the pool.

Resolution 1129 is a resolution authorizing the Village of Millersport to set pool rates and daily admission fees for the 2011 season. This is the first reading.

The Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday February 22, 2011 at 7:00 pm to discuss the pool rates and expenses for the 2011 season.

Ordinance 734 is an ordinance authorizing an increase in water and sewer rates. This is the second reading.

Bills were presented for payment as attached. A motion to pay the bills was made by Councilman Charles Mesko and seconded by Councilman James Wright. All voted yes and the motion carried 5-0.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Charles Mesko and seconded by Councilman James Wright. All voted yes and the motion carried 5-0.

*A copy of the recorded Village of Millersport Council Meeting dated Tuesday February 8, 2011 is available upon request.