September 11, 2007


Record of Proceedings

Millersport Village Council met in regular session on Tuesday September 11, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building.  In attendance were Mayor Dean Severance, Sandra Lines, President Pro Tem, Kenneth Brotherton, David Levacy, Charles Mesko, James Wright and Fiscal Officer Vincent Popo.  Also present were John Benson, Sharon Detty, Charles Prince, Matthew Bergum, Zaryl Stamford, Fire Chief William Yates, Mary Blue, Richard Bennett, Michael Donnally, Wilma “Joan” Benson, Amelia Kempton, Thomas Middleton and Street Commissioner Gilbert Arnold. Gary Matheny was absent.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said and roll call was taken.

Minutes of August 14, 2007 were read.  A motion to accept the minutes was made by Councilman David Levacy and seconded by Councilman Charles Mesko.  All voted yes and the motion carried 5-0.

The bids for the street paving project were opened and the results were: Neff Paving $53,502.50; Kokosing $59,570.00; Spires Paving $64, 802.00; Shelly Company $51, 116.00 and Heiberger $69,292.00.  The bids are being sent to Thomas Corbin for review.

Committee Reports 

Gilbert Arnold and Jeff Stought have built eight docks so far and are in the process of building eight more.  We are hoping that the docks will be completed by next year.  We are in the process of taking names for dock spaces next year. 

The Swimming Pool’s gross receipts for the year were $32,000 and not all of the bills have been paid.  The preliminary outlook is that there will be a $4,000.00 carryover.

Old Business

Mayor Dean Severance reported that the building dedication was a success as council and residents celebrated Madeline L. Utley’s forty years of service to the Village of Millersport as clerk, treasurer and fiscal officer.  The dedication took place on Saturday August 25, 2007 at 10:30 AM.

New Business

Zaryl Stamford of GGC Engineers reported that Crace Construction is on schedule and council was given a list of items that were completed since last month and what will be completed next month.  Equipment is starting to come in and the remainder will be in two weeks. The completion date is still scheduled for November 6, 2007.  By mid October the plant should be able to function and there will be a two week practice run of the operation.

Michael Donnally of the United Methodist Church in Baltimore reported that from June 29 to July 5, 2008 the church will be hosting Group Work Camps.  Junior High and Senior High students will be staying at Liberty Union High School and will be doing community service projects in the form of simple home improvements.  Applications are now being accepted and more information will be forthcoming.

Matthew Bergum reported that the fire department still does not have a contract.  Vincent Popo reported that the money is low in the fire fund and that the village has only received money from the first half settlement from Walnut Township.  The village has received money from the county auditor for its share of the second half settlement but has not received any money from Walnut Township for the second half.  The fire department is looking at cutting services to keep from running out of money and will again revert to being a mostly unpaid volunteer organization. Council discussed the issue of filing suit against the trustees and the township in regards to the lack of a contract.  Gilbert Arnold thanked the fire department for their help in cleaning up downed trees and debris on Lancaster Street from Saturday September 8, 2007’s storm.

Resolution 1020-Is a resolution to increase compensation to the Police Chief.  A motion to table the third reading was made by Councilman David Levacy and seconded by Councilman Charles Mesko.  All voted yes and the motion carried 5-0.

Resolution 1025-Is a resolution to accept the amounts and rates as determined by the Fairfield County Budget Commission.  A motion to suspend the three readings was made by Councilman David Levacy and seconded by Councilman Charles Mesko.  All voted yes and the motion carried 5-0.  A motion to pass the resolution was made by Councilman David Levacy and seconded by Councilman Charles Mesko.   All voted yes and the motion carried 5-0.

Resolution 1026-Is a resolution to authorize the Mayor to apply for Ohio Public Works Commission funds.  A motion to suspend the three readings was made by Councilman Charles Mesko and seconded by Councilman James Wright.  All voted yes and the motion carried 5-0.  A motion to pass the resolution was made by Councilman Charles Mesko and seconded by Councilman James Wright.   All voted yes and the motion carried 5-0.

Mayor Dean Severance read and signed a Proclamation declaring September 17 through 23, 2007 as Constitution Week.  The United States will be celebrating the 220 anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution.

Gilbert Arnold reported that the two trees that need to be trimmed were removed at a cost of $2,475.00. Discussion revolved around Gift Street and the feeling is that it should be straightened out.  There was no clear decision in terms of widening the street or paving only the existing street.  It was agreed that the three property owners were to sign a waiver giving the village the right to widen the west end of Gift Street. John Benson reported that everyone involved had to be notified including Columbia Gas Company.  

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

A motion to go into executive session was made by Councilman David Levaacy and seconded by Councilman Charles Mesko.  All voted yes and the motion carried 5-0. Council went into executive session to discuss personnel issues.

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