JOINT MEETING WITH WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Martin, that the minutes of the January 7, 2008 Joint Meeting with Washington Township Trustees and Piqua City Commission be approved. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Vogt, Terry, Hudson, Fess, Holfinger, McMaken, and Hiegel. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

RES. NO. R-63-08

A resolution declaring the intention to levy a tax in excess of the ten mill limitation and requesting the Auditor of Miami County Ohio certification pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 5705.03

There was discussion of the mill limitation and how much it generates now and how much it will increase with the new levy.

Trustee Hiegel stated the levy is only asking for the continuation of the ½ mill levy already in place.

Trustee Holfinger stated we are going to contact the Auditors office to confirm the correct amount anticipated to be generated by the levy.

Finance Director Cynthia Holtzapple stated $211,000 is the anticipated amount that the new levy will generate.

Scott Martin asked what benefits do the citizens of Piqua receive from this levy, and voiced his concerns over the levy?

Trustee Hiegel stated the fees received pay for the burial plots and the opening and closing of the graves. Over half of the total revenue comes from the levy, said Mr. Hiegel.

City Manager Enderle stated the levy pays for the operation and maintenance of the cemetery, without it they would have to look for other ways to generate funds.

Trustee Hiegel stated Forest Hill Cemetery has been in existence since the early 1800's, and explained what the levy funds would be used for. The Riverside Cemetery in Troy is a taxpayer-funded cemetery by the citizens of Troy. Forest Hill Cemetery is a union cemetery between the City of Piqua and Washington Township, said Mr. Hiegel.

Mr. Martin asked if it would be possible to make Forest Hill Cemetery a private cemetery?

Commissioner Fess stated she is a member Cemetery Board and feels the immediate withdrawal of the levy funds would be disastrous to the cemetery. Making Forest Hill Cemetery a private cemetery might be something that we could look at in the future, said Mrs. Fess.

Gary Felver, Park Avenue stated he feels that we are getting our monies worth at the cemetery, and believes they are doing a fine job of taking care of the cemetery.

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Trustee Holfinger that the resolution be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Hudson, Vogt, Terry, Fess, Hiegel, McMaken, and Holfinger. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson declared Resolution No. R-63-08 adopted.

Moved by Trustee Holfinger, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, to adjourn from the Joint Meeting with Washington Township Trustees at 7:40 P.M. Voice vote, Aye: Holfinger, Hiegel, McMaken, Vogt, Terry, Fess, Martin, and Hudson. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Proclamation - Recognition of Pastor Thomas Farrier of the Central Baptist Church

Mayor Hudson read the proclamation and presented it to Pastor Farrier.

Proclamation - Recognition of the Birthday of the U.S. Army

Mayor Hudson read the proclamation and presented it to Sargent Skinner of the US Army.

Presentation - Renew Piqua Program Update - Mr. Andy Burner

Mr. Burner gave a brief update on the Renew Piqua Program and stated the program is still in need of applicants and volunteers to help residents who need help with their homes.

Presentation - Group Workcamp Update - Mr.. Thom Baker

Jeanie Jordon-Bates presented the update for Mr. Baker who was unable to attend. Mrs. Bates gave a brief update on the Group Workcamp citing there would be about 300 children and adults coming into Piqua to work. The Workcamp would run from July 20 - July 25, 2008. Mrs. Bates encouraged businesses to welcome the volunteers to Piqua and stated there is still a need for volunteers to help out in various ways. Sherry Heath is accepting monetary donations at the Greene Street United Methodist Church if anyone wishes to donate, said Mrs. Bates.

Residence Pride Awards - June 2008

Slides were shown of each of the Residence Pride Award winners, they include:

Tim & Amanda Lacey 928 W. North Street
Steve & Terry Riffel 647 Park Avenue
Debbie F. Barbee 926 W. North Street
Marjorie Ervin 700 Boone Street
Renee & Joyce Trevino 723 Park Avenue

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, that the minutes of the May 19, 2008 Regular City Commission Meeting be approved. Voice vote, Aye: Terry, Martin, Vogt, Hudson, and Fess. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

ORD. NO. 9(A)-08
(3rd 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

Commissioner Vogt explained his previous proposal for the thirty-cent wage increase, and voiced his concern over the three-percent wage increase, and further stated it is admirable that the department heads are willing to give up their wage increase at this time.

Commissioner Terry stated the raise was considered at the budget meeting in November and we voted for it at that time, and supports it at this time.

Commissioner Vogt stated it was mentioned causally at the November Budget meetings, that there could be a possible deficit this year. But now we are in a recession and our tax base is down, and he feels it may end up in a workforce reduction before it is all over.

Commissioner Terry stated we will have to take a closer look at the budget for next year in the fall, and consider whether there should be any cost of living increases for 2009.

Commissioner Fess stated she has looked at this issue very carefully. With over 209 employees in the city, it would not be fair to the 33 employees to not receive the increase when all of the other employees have already received the increase. Mrs. Fess further stated that benefits will have to be looked at the next budget meeting, but does not think this raise is the place to start to make cuts. The City Manager and the Department Heads have declined their raise at this time and she appreciates what they have done.

Commissioner Martin stated he does not believe the employees do not deserve the raise. But we have been told that we need to generate more revenue somewhere, and maybe giving a smaller percentage increase would be better at this time, and stated he agrees with Mr. Vogt.

Commissioner Fess stated this budget deficit has not just come on this year. We received a memo in 2002 about the budget deficit, this is not something new, said Mrs. Fess.

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that Ordinance No. 9 (A)-08 be adopted. Roll call, Aye: Hudson, Fess, and Terry. Nay, Vogt and Martin. Motion carried on a 3-2 vote. Mayor Hudson then declared Ordinance No. 9 (A)-08 adopted by a 3-2 vote.

ORD. NO. 15-08
(2nd 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)

Commissioner Fess asked if the applicant was aware that farms animals are not allowed in the city?

Jim Hiegel, Gordon Street, explained that there has been livestock on the land for over seventy years. The zoning changed in 1997 and there was livestock on the land until 2000.

City Manager Enderle stated the zoning change does not have anything to do with the keeping of the livestock.

Mr. Hiegel stated about half of the pasture is in the city and half is out. City Manager Enderle stated the city would look into it and get back with Mr. Hiegel

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

ORD. NO. 16-08
(1st Reading)

An Ordinance authorizing the submission of a proposed amendment of Section 64 of the Piqua Charter to the electors.

Stacy Wall explained we could do three readings and still make the August deadline to the Board of Elections. Mr. Felver requested that we waive the three reading rule, so if the commission did not pass the ordinance he would have time to get out and get signatures to put it on the November ballot.

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, to suspend the three reading rule. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Martin, Vogt, Terry and Fess. Nay, None. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, to adopt Ordinance No. 16-08.

No vote was taken at this time.

Gary Felver, Park Avenue came forward and voiced his concern on the timeframe to have the amendments turned into the Board of Elections to be on the November ballot.

Law Director Wall stated she had a discussion with the Director of the Board of Elections, and the deadline is August.

City Manager Enderle stated if the City Commission passes this ordinance, it is obvious that it is their desire to put it on the ballot, and that is what will be done at this time.

Mr. Felver voiced his concern on wording of the amendment as written, and stated he would like to see it written as he submitted it two weeks ago. He would like to see Section C added to this legislation as he stated it, and was under the assumption that it would be changed, thus far it has not been changed.

Mrs. Wall explained she met with Mr. Felver and they discussed Section C, and she also met with the Human Resources Director who serves as secretary to the Civil Service Commission. Mrs. Wall stated receiving a campaign ribbon and getting injured is covered by what is in the ordinance before the Commission at this time, even though it is not worded exactly as you suggested. The Civil Service Commission has no input into the language, it is a Charter Section, and the Civil Service Commission cannot amend the Charter, it can only be amended by the electorate, said Mrs. Wall. A legal opinion was given to the Civil Service Commission that it was not within their authority to amend this provision. I believe the Civil Service Commission did not make any suggestions or alternative language changes.

It is up to this Commission on what language they would like to see put in to go before the vote to the electors. But the third part of this ordinance would cover anyone injured and honorably discharged, said Mrs. Wall.

Commissioner Fess stated she is confused on what the Civil Service Commission is requesting and asked for an explanation. City Manager Enderle stated this is not a Civil Service request.

Mr. Felver explained this is the way the Civil Service Commission requested it to be presented by him to the Commission.

City Manager Enderle explained how the information was presented. There was no action taken by the Civil Service Commission for this legislation.

There was continued discussion of the language to be presented by both commissioners and Mr. Felver.

Commissioner Terry stated she is still a little confused on what they would like to see.

City Manager Enderle stated he would like to look at the language, and bring it back at the next commission meeting for approval.

Moved by Commissioner Fess seconded by Commissioner Martin, that Ordinance No. 16-08 be tabled until the June 16, 2008 meeting.

Monthly Reports were accepted.

Commissioner Vogt voiced concern over grass laying in the gutters after mowing, and asked citizens to keep the gutters clear as not to clog the sewers. Mr. Vogt explained the finances of the Car Show held last year, stating they made around $1200 not $200 that was reported previously. Mr. Vogt asked when making complaints if citizens would please give their names so he can respond to their complaints.

Commissioner Fess congratulated the Piqua High School graduates, and wished the retiring and incoming teachers the best of luck. The Piqua boy's track team is on their way to the state to compete and Mrs. Fess wished them the best of luck. Mrs. Fess urged citizens to sign up for the Renew Piqua Program.

Commissioner Terry congratulated the Residence Pride winners stating they are all from the 4th ward this time and she is very proud of them.

Mr. Enderle stated the City Commission would hold a work session on June 9, 2008. The meeting will begin with a tour of the hotel at 4:00 p.m. and conclude with a study session at 4:45 in the Commission Chamber with an update on the hotel project.

Mayor Hudson voiced concern over residents filling swimming pools from fire hydrants.

City Manager Enderle explained the reason for discontinuing the use of fire hydrants to fill swimming pools. Public Works Director Tom Zechman stated he has written a draft of a potential program request, and passed a copy out to the Commissioners to look over. City Manager Enderle went over the reasons for discontinuing the use of the fire hydrants to fill swimming pools and for watering lawns. City Manager Enderle stated he recommends the City not fill swimming pools from the fire hydrants at this time. Citizens are urged to contact the Commissioner 's to voice their concerns or opinions by calling or emailing them.

Commissioner Vogt asked if it would be possible for the city to provide at a small cost, an in line meter that could be attached between the faucet and their hose to check the water that goes into the pool, this way they could avoid having to pay sewage on the water. City Manager Enderle stated that it something they could look into.

Mayor Hudson stated he has had several calls regarding the bridges in the cemetery. City Manager Enderle stated the city owns the in trust for the cemetery, and the bridges have been inspected recently and are structurally sound, but they may not look as nice as we would like them to.

Mayor Hudson thanked Jim Roth for doing a great job at Forest Hill Cemetery in the year that he has been in the position as superintendent. The cemetery has a new sense of energy, and the best days are ahead of us at the cemetery, said Mayor Hudson.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, to adjourn from the Piqua City Commission Meeting at 8:45 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