Huber Heights City Council

Huber Heights City Council

In Council Chambers

6131 Taylorsville Road September 28, 09

1.The Huber Heights City Council met in a Regular Session on September 28, 2009.

Mayor Ron Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

1. The Invocation was given by Pastor David McClary of First Christian Church located at 6114 Fishburg Road, Huber Heights, Ohio.

3.Mayor Fisher led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

4.Council members present for this meeting were Mayor Ron Fisher, Jim Ellis, Karen Kaleps, Roger Hensley, Mark Campbell, Jan Vargo, RoShawn Winburn, Tyler Starline, and Judy Blankenship. Mayor Fisher stated Council is all present and accounted for.

5.Approval of Minutes

The following Minutes were approved:

1. City Council Meeting Minutes – September 14, 2009

6.Special Presentations / Announcements

A.Huber Heights Senior Center Presentation to Huber Heights City Council – Bill Wright, President of the Board of Trustees, and Other Representatives of the Huber Heights Senior Center.

Bill Wright presented a plaque from the Senior Center for their appreciation to Council and City Staff for their generous funding and support in the expansion and renovation of the Senior Center. It was noted a “Meet the Candidates” night will be held on October 22, 2009 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Senior Center.

1. Mayoral Proclamation and Presentation to Faith Presbyterian Church – Mayor Ron Fisher

The Faith Presbyterian Church was founded on October 4, 1959 and is celebrating 50 years of service in the community. The church services were held for their first three years at Titus Elementary School. On Sunday, October 4, the church will hold their service at the Titus Elementary School to commemorate the beginning of the church.

1. Mayoral Proclamations and Presentation to Aryel Newman, Taylor Hunt-Johnson, and Master Benny Meng for the National Junior Olympics in Martial Arts – Mayor Ron Fisher

Mayor Fisher presented proclamations to Master Benny Meng who has coached numerous youths who have received national recognition at the AAU Junior Olympics for Taekwondo, Aryel Newman who has received recognition of the AAU Junior Olympics as the First Place National Champion for Taekwondo, and Taylor Hunt-Johnson who has received recognition as the Second Place National Champion.

1. Introduction of Newly Hired Huber Heights Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Warrick – Chief Bob Maimone

Fire Chief Bob Maimone introduced Christopher Warrick, newly hired Firefighter/Paramedic, who has been in the fire service for about two years. He previously worked part-time at West Carrollton Miami Township.

E.Five Rivers MetroParks Issue 4 Levy Presentation – Mr. Charlie Shoemaker, Executive Director, Five Rivers MetroParks

Mr. Charlie Shoemaker stated Five Rivers MetroParks operate 25 facilities throughout Montgomery County. You can be at a MetroPark facility within 15 minutes regardless of where you live in Montgomery County. Their ultimate goal is to protect, connect, enrich, and respect their property. They want to make sure they are good stewards of this property and pass it on to future generations. He encouraged everyone to vote for Issue 4 on November 3 which is a replacement of our existing $1.8 mill property tax levy which expires next year. It represents 80% of their annual operating revenue and it is the only levy that they have. He said for every $100,000 of property value, this would be an additional $10.72 per year to fund MetroParks for another ten-year cycle.

Alan Schaeffer said he is currently paying this $10 per year on the existing $1.8 mill levy that is out there now.

Mr. Shoemaker said for every $100,000 of property value right now, to support MetroParks, you are paying $44.41 per year. If you replace this levy, you will pay $55.13 per year, which is only $10.72 more (less than $1 per month).

F.Huber Heights Neighborhood Stabilization Program Presentation – Mr. Jim Martone, Vice President, and Mr. Adam Blake, Housing Development Manager, County Corp.

Mr. Jim Martone stated their President, Steve Nass, was brought up in Huber Heights, his parents still live here and his son is still a member of the Boy Scott Troop here in Huber Heights. County Corp was established in 1980 and their mission is to improve the quality of life for residents of Montgomery County and neighboring counties through improved housing and economic development opportunities. They offer affordable housing programs as well as business expansion and small business lending-type programs. He said HUD was awarded $5.9 million for Montgomery County. The funds are a result of the housing and economic recovery act (HERA) that passed in July 2008. The purpose of the funds is to rebuild our weakened housing market. County Corp received $3.3 million to implement the program dealing with residential real estate. This allows for the acquisition and redevelopment of foreclosed properties that otherwise become abandoned and blight neighborhoods. The initial plan for Huber Heights is to purchase, rehabilitate, and sell 15 homes. Their overriding goal is to provide affordable housing where owners stay in the home as their income increases over time and continue to invest in their home. They can serve 120% of the medium income. A single person can earn up to $52,100 or a family of 4 up to $74,000. The target area is the older area which is below Chambersburg and between Route 201 and 202. There are about 2,000 homes in this area and about 200 vacant properties there. Some of the homes were gutted down to the studs and there was no side wall installation and asbestos. The home buyers will be offered a 3-year home owner warranty, maybe a 5-year warranty. They have a program with Wright Pat Credit Union. Buyers will need a $1,000 down payment. For more information, you can visit their website.

7. Citizens Comments

Howard Updyke, 4640 Fishburg Road, representing the Chamber of Commerce, said that Channel 22 (Where You Live) will spotlight Huber Heights in February. If anyone has any suggestions, call him or Pat Stephens at the Chamber. He then said the Chamber is starting an exciting marketing program that will let people know that this is a great community. This will help to bring new residents and new businesses to our area. He indicated they will have a presentation on October 7 at St. Peter’s at 5:30 p.m.

8. Citizens Registered to Speak on Agenda Items

There were no citizens registered to speak on Agenda Items.

9. City Manager Report

City Manager Eileen Bensen reported that Planning and Development issued the first Carriage Trails single family home zoning certificate last Friday. This will be the first model home. NEAT (Neighborhood Enhancement and Abatement Team) will host a Reception/Open House here on Tuesday, October 12, from 5:00 –7:00 p.m. before the Council Meeting. Everyone is invited to learn about this new program. The City is partnering with the Senior Center Area Office on Aging Senior Resource Connection and Job and Family Services to identify residents who would benefit from the services that NEAT has to offer in the community. If you know of a senior or disabled person who could use help with minor property maintenance, call NEAT at 237-5815.

Public Safety: Dispatching for Butler Township Fire started last Wednesday, September 23. We hope that this is the start of a long and fruitful partnership. We will start dispatching Butler Township Police Department on October 19. This does not in anyway affect the dispatching services we give our citizens.

Later this fall, we will be taking 2010 reservations for parks and shelters. More information will come later. The YMCA will have a Harvest Party on October 25 on Shull Road. This will take the place of the previously held Pumpkin Patch at Cloud Park. The Cloud Park event will likely be reinstituted next year. The Huber Heights Y was represented by 140 seniors from the Senior Olympics and they took first place in the area event. Congratulations to all our seniors --- we should all be in such good shape.

Eileen Bensen also reported that the 36% discount we were getting on our Workers’ Comp Premium for next year has gone up to 50%. We are also getting a 12% rebate so our $12,000 premium has now shrunk to 4.

The Business Expo with the Chamber will be held on November 5 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Huber Heights Athletic Foundation. Our senior staff will attend and we urge all current and perspective businesses and residents to come to the Expo.

Another reminder is that the WEB domain HHOH.org is now active. If you need to communicate with any of us via email; use the person’s first initial followed by their last name @ HHOH.org.

Eileen Bensen said we are still looking for a few hearty souls for our Adopt-A-Park. If you are interested, please call Emily Haney at 233-1423. Another reminder is that on October 24, City Staff will participate in “Make a Difference Ohio Day” from noon to 5:00. It is a green theme with several events being planned including parks cleanup, medical waste drop-off, information about green initiatives, and a drop-off

site for aluminum cans. There is also an opportunity for residents to clean their homes and use a dumpster provided by the City for City residents only.

The Fire Department will have an Open House during National Fire Prevention Week on October 11 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. A Child Safety Seat Inspection will be held at the Huber Centre from 9:00 – 2:00 on October 1.

As part of the Clean Sweep Program, the City is announcing a Community Garage Sale from October 22-25.

The Radio Read Meters are being installed --- 930 have been installed thus far.

Eileen Bensen noted that Mr. Art Couturier, from the Senior Center, brought her a newsletter from the Catholic grade school they both attended together.

10.Pending Business

There was no Pending Business this evening.

11.New Business

CITY COUNCIL

A.An Ordinance to Revise the City Code by Adopting Current Replacement Pages, and Declaring An Emergency.

Tony Rodgers explained each year all of the legislation which was passed by the City Council is submitted to a private codification service, Walter H. Drane Company. They take that legislation and codify it into the Codified Ordinances of the City of Huber Heights. This update reflects the period from September 1, 2008 through September 1, 2009.

Mrs. Vargo moved to waive the second and third readings; Mr. Ellis seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mrs. Kaleps, Mr. Roger Hensley, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Vargo, Mr. Winburn, Mr. Starline, Mrs. Blankenship, and Mr. Ellis voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.

Mrs. Kaleps moved for adoption; Mr. Campbell seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mr. Roger Hensley, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Vargo, Mr. Winburn, Mr. Starline, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Ellis, and Mrs. Kaleps voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.

B.Motion to Adopt the Revised Rules of Council Dated September 28, 2009 Effective Immediately.

Mark Campbell, Chair of the Administration Committee, stated the Council Rules is the language that governs how we do business as a Council. It was brought to our attention by our Clerk and Law Director that there were

revisions needed to bring it up to date. Those revisions were completed, but we do ask that this go to the Administration Committee one more time for a last look and then be put on the next Council Meeting Agenda.

ADMINISTRATION/HUMAN RESOURCES

Eileen Bensen, City Manager

C.An Ordinance Amending Various Portions of Part One, Title Five, Chapter 943, “City Parks”, of the City Code of Huber Heights, Ohio.

Eileen Bensen, City Manager, said it came to their attention as they acquired Cloud Park, that the County’s practice was to allow alcohol to be served , but not sold in the park for special events upon permission by a County official. She said it would be Staff’s decision whether alcohol should be served or not.

Karen Kaleps, Chairman of the Public Works Committee, said they did discuss this. Her understanding is if it was a family reunion, they could serve alcohol, but they could not sell it. They did not address an actual function that is sponsored by a jaycee, or WING, or by a radio station, such as Country in the Park. They would like to discuss this further.

Mayor Fisher stated this will be sent back to committee and passed to a second reading.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Don Jones, Finance Director

D.A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Expend Funds to Cover the Costs of Various Goods and Services Ordered by City Departments/ Divisions, and Declaring an Emergency.

Don Jones, Finance Director, explained this is the amnesty ordinance for purchases that may not have had a purchase order until after the purchase or the purchase may have exceeded the amount on the purchase order. The largest amount is for CompManagement. He asked that this be approved this evening.

Mr. Campbell moved to waive the second and third readings; Mrs. Kaleps seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Vargo, Mr. Winburn, Mr. Starline, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Ellis, Mrs. Kaleps and Mr. Roger Hensley voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.

Mr. Starline moved to adopt; Mr. Winburn seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mrs. Vargo, Mr. Winburn, Mr. Starline, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Ellis Mrs. Kaleps, Mr. Roger Hensley, and Mr. Campbell voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.

E.A Resolution Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission of Montgomery County, Ohio, Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying Them to the Montgomery County Auditor, and Declaring an Emergency.

Don Jones stated this is the final piece in the process that we started with the Tax Budget a couple of months ago. We passed the Tax Budget and sent it to the County Auditor’s office, and they determine our needs and use that to determine our property tax rates. The Tax Budget generates these tax rates from the Montgomery County Budget Commission. We are required to accept these rates by October 1, 2009. He asked that this be approved this evening.

Mrs. Blankenship moved to waive the second and third readings; Mrs. Kaleps seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mr. Winburn, Mr. Starline, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Ellis, Mrs. Kaleps, Mr. Roger Hensley, Mr. Campbell, and Mrs. Vargo voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.

Mr. Campbell moved for adoption; Mr. Ellis seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mr. Starline, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Ellis, Mrs. Kaleps, Mr. Roger Hensley, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Vargo, and Mr. Winburn voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.

F.A Resolution Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission of Miami County, Ohio, Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying Them to the Miami County Auditor, and Declaring an Emergency.

Don Jones explained this is the same resolution -- just a different county. He asked that this be approved his evening.

Mr. Starline moved to waive the second and third readings; Mr. Ellis seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Ellis, Mrs. Kaleps, Mr. Roger Hensley, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Vargo, Mr. Winburn, and Mr. Starline voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.

Mrs. Kaleps moved for adoption; Mrs. Vargo seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mr. Ellis, Mrs. Kaleps, Mr. Roger Hensley, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Vargo, Mr. Winburn, Mr. Starline, and Mrs. Blankenship voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.

G. A Resolution Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission of Greene County, Ohio, Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying Them to the Greene County Auditor, and Declaring an Emergency.

Don Jones stated this is the same resolution and same requirement as the others but this one is for Greene County. He asked that this be approved this evening.

Mrs. Kaleps moved to waive the second and third readings; Mr. Campbell seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mrs. Kaleps, Mr. Roger Hensley, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Vargo, Mr. Winburn, Mr. Starline, Mrs. Blankenship, and Mr. Ellis voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.

Mr. Starline moved to adopt; Mrs. Blankenship seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mr. Roger Hensley, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Vargo, Mr. Winburn, Mr. Starline, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Ellis, and Mrs. Kaleps voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.

H. A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter Into an Amended and Restated Development Agreement With DEC Land Co. I, LLC, and Declaring an Emergency.

Don Jones explained this is the authorization to use the funds to reimburse the developer approximately $1.8 million for the first three public infrastructure improvements. He asked that this be approved this evening.

Mark Campbell stated the Administration Committee has reviewed this; and he then moved to waive the second and third readings. Mr. Roger Hensley seconded the motion. On a call of the vote, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Vargo, Mr. Winburn, Mr. Starline, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Ellis, Mrs. Kaleps, and Mr. Roger Hensley voted yea; none voted nay. The motion passes 8-0.