Terry Naas representing the Edison Community College Graduate Academy for Community Leadership and Cheryl Stifle-Francis a Board Member of the Graduate Academy for Community Leadership presented Police Chief Wayne Willcox with his graduation certificate. Police Chief Willcox was unable to attend graduation ceremonies last week due to other responsibilities, said Ms. Nass.

Proclamation - In Appreciation of Mr. Karl Wilson-Superintendent of Upper Valley J.V.S.

Mayor Hudson read the proclamation and presented it to Mr. Wilson.

Mr. Wilson thanked the City of Piqua, and gave a brief overview of the Upper Valley J.V.S. history celebrating their thirty-third year.

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that the minutes of the May 5, 2008 Regular City Commission Meeting, and the May 12, 2008 Work Session be approved. Voice vote, Aye: Terry, Martin, Vogt, Hudson, and Fess. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

ORD. NO. 9-08-Tabled
(2nd Reading)

An Ordinance repealing Schedule A of Chapter 33 of the Piqua Code and adopting a new Schedule A of Chapter 33 of the Piqua Code, relating to wages of certain Municipal Employees

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Terry, to remove Ordinance No. 9-08 from the table. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Hudson, Vogt, Terry, and Fess. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

City Manager Enderle stated this Ordinance would affect about fifty non-bargaining employees. When the 2008 budget was approved, we planned to operate as we have operated in previous years, said Mr. Enderle. Mr. Enderle further explained we are looking for long-term sustainable reductions, such as bringing benefits back in line, and looking at organization for effectiveness and efficiency measures, and reducing overtime. City Manager Enderle suggested allowing the cost of living increases go through for non-bargaining employees at this time.

City Manager Enderle stated he received a communication from all ten of the Department Heads and Assistant City Manager to voluntarily forgo their cost of living increase, and allow the cost of living increase to go through for the non-bargaining employees on Schedule A. Mr. Enderle further stated he has prepared a substitute Ordinance No. 9-A-08 which excludes the Department Heads.

Commissioner Vogt voiced his concern on the three percent (3%) cost of living increase at this time, stating that a three percent (3%) raise every year is a raise on a raise.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, to propose a thirty-cent per hour across the board increase for all Schedule A employees. It's not much, but it is a raise stated Commissioner Vogt.

City Manager Enderle voiced his concern on the proposed thirty-cent across the board increase. There is a reason for the three percent (3%) increase over just a thirty-cent across the board increase, said City Manager Enderle.

Mayor Hudson asked how much money are we talking about?

City Manager Enderle stated about $78,000, and with the Department Heads included it would be about $106,000 out of a $55 million dollar budget. $78,000 for raises isn't taking a step toward sustainable cost reductions, said City Manager Enderle.

Mayor Hudson stated he fully supports the increase and believes the city workers deserve it.

Commissioner Martin questioned the separation of the various pay scales.

City Manager Enderle explained the separation of the pay scales, and the reason for them.

Mr. Martin stated he supports the proposed thirty-cent across the board increase for all Schedule A employees that Commissioner Vogt proposed.

City Manager Enderle stated we've held off to this point waiting to see what's going to happen with the economy, but it has not lessened the gap.

Commissioner Vogt stated you gave the commission a task to cut expenses, but you did not tell us how to achieve it.

City Manager Enderle stated there are other ways to cut our costs other than cutting the cost of living increases.

Commissioner Vogt stated there would have to be a reduction in personnel if we keep on spending like this.

City Manager Enderle further explained some of the other expense reductions that may have to be made to keep the City competitive in the market place.

Commissioner Fess stated she has struggled with this ordinance citing there are four other bargaining groups who have received the cost of living increase, and it would not be fair to the 33 people who would not receive the cost of living increase. Commissioner Fess does not want to see the D.A.R.E. Program or Police and Fire Services cut, but would like to look at other ways to cut costs. Commissioner Fess stated she applauds the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Department Heads for volunteering to give up their increase for their employees. Maybe we should look at Commissioner Vogt's proposal for next year, said Commissioner Fess

Commissioner Terry stated she supports the ordinance, but it would be unfair to the 33 employees who do not get an increase at this time.

Law Director Wall stated she would have to do a legal review on Commissioners Vogt's proposal for a thirty- cent increase because the employees in question are not hourly employees but salary.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, to withdraw his motion at this time.

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Terry, to amend Ordinance No. 9-08 to remove all department heads and the Assistant City Manager.

A substitute Ordinance No. 9-A-08 was passed out to the Commissioners clarifying the department heads are to remain on Schedule A, with their wages highlighted to show their wages will remain the same, and will not receive an increase. All other Schedule A employees are to receive the three-percent (3%) increase.

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Fess, to give substitute Ordinance No. 9-A-08 a second reading.

Dan Sell, 125 Staunton Street, approached the lectern and asked if the wage increase would be retroactive?

City Manager Enderle stated yes, the wage increases would be retroactive to May 1, 2008.

ORD. NO. 15-08
(1st Reading)

An Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance No. 42-96 and map of the City for rezoning of Outlot 180 from R-1 (One Family Residential) to OS (Open Space)

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Martin, that Ordinance No. 15-08 be given a first reading. Mayor Hudson then declared Ordinance No. 15-08 be given a first reading.

Res. No. 59-08

A Resolution adopting the 2007 Downtown District Market Analysis

Commissioner Terry inquired about the way the application was filed last year, stating the Commission was not asked to approve this grant application last year.

Bill Lutz, Community Development Director, explained the grant application process, and stated it was an oversight last year in getting the Commissions approval.

Commissioner Vogt asked who applied for the grant last year for the City of Piqua?

Mr. Lutz stated Diane Harris, filed the paperwork for the grant for the City of Piqua last year.

Commissioner Fess asked if Mr. Lutz would explain the process for the analysis, and what it means to the City of Piqua.

Mr. Lutz explained how the analysis would be applied, and stated there is about $400,000 available in grants.

Commissioner Fess asked if the City of Piqua has received these grants before?

Mr. Lutz stated the City of Piqua has received this grant twice in the last ten years.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, that Resolution No R-59-08 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Vogt, Fess, Terry, and Martin. Nay, None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-59-08 adopted.

RES. NO. R-60-08

A Resolution adopting the 2008 Piqua Downtown Development Revitalization Plan

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Fess, that Resolution No. R-60-08 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Terry, Hudson, Fess and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-60-08 adopted.

RES. NO. R-61-08

A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the City of Tipp City and the Miami County Board of Commissioners for the purpose of conducting a Geographic Information System (GIS) Assessment

Commissioner Terry asked if there was a reason why the City of Troy was not participating in this agreement?

City Planner, Chris Schmiesing, explained that the City of Troy was given the opportunity, but at this time they are a littler further along on their GIS process than the rest of us. This will be great cost savings to the City of Piqua by participating with the other two entities, and will be a long-term investment, said Mr. Schmiesing.

Commissioner Fess asked Mr. Schmiesing to explain what the GIS is and how it is applied.

Mr. Schmiesing gave a brief overview of the GIS system stating it is a large data base, and explained the benefits it will bring to the City of Piqua

City Manager Enderle stated it would be a huge benefit to the City of Piqua especially in the Safety Services areas. The GIS will be able to map Fire and Police data and will be an overall powerful tool to have at our disposal, said City Manager Enderle.

Commissioner Martin inquired as to when the GIS would be implemented?

Mr. Schmiesing explained the initial study would be done as soon as possible, with a completion date by the end of August.

Commissioner Martin asked what the ballpark cost might be for the GIS?

Mr. Schmiesing explained how it would be implemented, and further stated it would be hard to put an estimated cost to it at this time.

City Manager Enderle stated the cost could be hundreds of thousands of dollars; this is the reason we are looking at it now and taking the proper steps to begin.

Commissioner Martin asked if there would be a yearly cost for the GIS?

City Manager Enderle stated yes, there would be a yearly cost to keep the software updated and the data current. This is something we have to do, we really don't have a choice.

Commissioner Fess asked if each entity would have their own GIS program?

Mr. Schmiesing stated yes, each entity would have their own GIS program.

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that Resolution No. R-61-08 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Terry, Hudson, and Fess. Nay: Vogt. Motion carried on a 4-1 vote. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-58-08 adopted.

RES. NO. R-62-08

A Resolution appointing five members to the Community Diversity Committee

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Fess, that Resolution No. R-62-08 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Terry, Martin, Hudson, Fess, and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-62-08 adopted.

OTHER

Gary Felver, 529 Park Avenue approached the lectern and stated the American Legion Post 184 would like to amend Section 64 of the Piqua Charter, to include the Reserve and National Guard units to allow them to be eligible to receive the additional ten percent (10%) of the passing test score in addition to their score. The last amendment to Section 64 of the Piqua Charter was on May 3, 1988. The Veterans Committee for Amending Section 64 of the Piqua Charter is asking for a referendum to be passed by the City of Piqua Commission in order to place an amendment on the November ballot. Mr. Felver presented the Commission with a copy of the proposed changes to review, and asked they act on this at the next Piqua City Commission meeting by suspending the three reading rule.

The suggested changes are:

An applicant that meets one or more of the following conditions and was discharged under honorable conditions and/or currently serving in the Armed Forces is also eligible for a 10% credit:

a. Reserve or National Guard member who served active duty for a continuous
period of twelve (12) months or more.
b. Reserve or National Guard member who served active duty for an accumulative period of eighteen (18) months or more.
c. Any Armed Forces member who served during the time of war and received a campaign ribbon for service in a specified Theater of Operation.

Commissioner Fess stated you are asking for a change in the Charter, and you would like to have it placed on the November ballot correct?

Mr. Felver stated yes that is correct.

Earl Wagner, 1611 New Haven Road, voiced his concern over the safety of children crossing McKinley Avenue at Clark Avenue and asked if a traffic light could be installed?

Mr. Wagner further stated he would like to see a Southwest Neighborhood Association started.

Lorna Swisher, Executive Director of Mainstreet Piqua stated the City of Piqua received the Heritage Ohio's Annual Award, the" Preservation Hero Award." Ms. Swisher read the plaque and presented it to Mayor Hudson.

Ms. Swisher also gave a brief update on Mainstreet Piqua, and presented the Commission with a copy of the fifteen-year Annual Report.

Ms. Swisher also thanked the City of Piqua, and the various departments for their help with the Taste of the Arts.

Frank Barhorst, 220 S. Wayne Street, stated he would like to mention a few of the positive things that have happened in the City of Piqua recently:

The Southview Neighborhood cleaned up the area from Wood Street to Clark Avenue
The City Manager presented the State of the City message.
Mr. Barhorst further stated we could all do a better job of keeping our own properties clean.
Mr. Barhorst asked residents in the Southview Neighborhood to contact any of them if they are in need of help with their properties

Commissioner Vogt inquired on the demolition of the old Piqua Memorial Hospital buildings.

Commissioner Vogt further stated the City of Piqua does not currently have a Demolition Ordinance and he would like to see an ordinance adopted.

Commissioner Vogt thanked Lorna Swisher, Mainstreet Piqua Executive Director, and her staff for the great job they did on the Taste of the Arts held on June 16th, 2008.

Commissioner Martin also thanked Lorna Swisher, stating he had a great time at the Taste of the Arts.

Commissioner Martin inquired about the purchase price of a house on South Main Street the City purchased recently.

Law Director Wall stated the city paid $22,500 with credit given toward property taxes, and the city will maintain a demolition fund. The city will be demolishing the property, so the money will not be released to the previous property owner, said Mrs. Wall.

City Manager Enderle explained it is a sub-standard lot, and will be used as open space unless one of the adjoining property owners would like to purchase a portion of the lot for improvements. The lot will be saved for future development, said Mr. Enderle.

Commissioner Martin stated he feels the City of Piqua has a wonderful staff, and they deserve a raise, but we need to be cautious of the money we spend.

Commissioner Fess thanked the Veterans for attending the meeting and addressing the Commission for the amendments to Section 64 of the Piqua Charter.

Commissioner Fess congratulated Mr. Wilson on his retirement from the Upper Valley J.V.S., and stated the City is blessed to have such a wonderful educational complex in Piqua.

Commissioner Fess stated she has received calls concerning the weeds in some of the parks.

Commissioner Fess congratulated the Taste of the Arts committee on another great event.

Commissioner Fess stated the City of Piqua is not alone with their budget problems, citing other cities are having the same problems with their budgets, and are looking at making cuts, including the City of Troy.

Commissioner Fess made reference to a list of questions the Commissioners received at the beginning of the meeting that was unsigned. Commissioner Fess stated she is unable to respond to the questions if she does not know who is asking the questions.

Commissioner Terry congratulated Mr. Wilson on his retirement, and Police Chief Willcox on his graduation.

Commissioner Terry thanked Lorna Swisher, staff, and committees for a wonderful evening at the Taste of the Arts.

Commissioner Terry also said she had received calls concerning high weeds in the parks, but stated they have been taken care of now.

Commissioner Terry stated the North Park Neighborhood would be participating in the Memorial Day Parade.

City Manager Enderle stated City Hall in the Park would officially begin on May 28th, at 7:30 P.M. at Lower Fountain Park. The meetings will be held on Wednesday evenings instead of Saturday afternoons this year, said City Manager Enderle.

City Manager Enderle stated the city is scheduled to look at sixteen different traffic signal locations, and would look at the McKinley Avenue and Clark Avenue intersection.

City Manager Enderle stated the Commission would adjourn into Executive Session at the end of the regular meeting for the purpose of reviewing pending litigation.

Mayor Hudson mentioned that the County Road 25-A project is coming along and the Main Street and Ash Street bridges are in need of painting. Mayor Hudson stated he would like to see the Ash Street Bridge painted with an Ohio Placard possibly on it to dress it up.

Mayor Hudson stated the old Piqua Memorial Hospital now has a fence around it, and asked what the tentative plans were for the structure?

City Manager Enderle explained the demolition plans for the old Piqua Memorial Hospital.

Commissioner Fess asked what the plans were for the property when the structures were removed?

Harry Bumgarner, Economic Development Director, explained it is up to the owner of the property, but it is possible it could be developed into senior housing.

City Manager Enderle stated the property is limited because it has a Residential Zoning designation at this time.

City Manager Enderle thanked Lorna Swisher and her Committees for another wonderful Taste of the Arts, and for the presenting the Heritage Award to the City.

Mr. Enderle thanked Mr. Wagner for his support of a Southwest Neighborhood Association.

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Terry, to move into Executive Session at 9:10 P.M. Roll call, Aye: Fess, Vogt, Martin, Terry, and Hudson. Nay, None. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, to adjourn from the Executive Session and the Piqua City Commission Meeting at 9:30 P.M. Voice vote, Aye: Fess, Hudson, Vogt, Terry, and Martin. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

_____________________________
THOMAS D. HUDSON, MAYOR

PASSED: _______________________

ATTEST: _______________________
REBECCA J. COOL
CLERK OF COMMISSION