Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Martin to excuse Mayor Fess from the June 19, 2012 Commission Meeting. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Vogt, Terry, and Wilson. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Consent Agenda

Approval of the minutes from the June 5, 2012 Regular Piqua City Commission Meeting.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Wilson to approve the Minutes from the June 5, 2012 City Commission Meeting. Voice vote, Aye: Wilson, Martin, Terry, and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

RES. NO. R-97-12 (Public Hearing)

A Resolution accepting for statutory purposes a budget for the calendar year 2013

Finance Director Cynthia Holtzapple stated the City of Piqua is required to file a Resolution and County Tax Budget with Miami County Budget Commission on or before July 20, 2012. The Resolution needs to be approved by the City Commission with advertising and a public hearing properly conducted. Resolution No. R-97-12 is the resolution that will be forwarded to the Miami County Budget Commission.

Ms. Holtzapple explained the 2013 County Tax Budget was prepared based upon information obtained from the individual City Departments and the City Administration. The total 2013 tax budget is projected to be $81.9 million, with a decrease of $5.3 million, or 6.1% less than the latest 2012 estimates based on several major projects in the Special Revenue, Internal Service and Enterprise funds.

The major reason for the net $5.3 million decrease is in the General Fund- Operations $0.4 million increase, Safety-Operations $0.3 million increase, and Safety-Equipment ($0.3) million decrease. For a total General Fund $0.4 million increase.

Special Revenue Funds, Downtown Revitalization Grant $0.2 million increase, Clean Ohio- Hospital ($2.0) million decrease. The Special Revenue Funds Total is a ($1.8) million decrease.

Internal Services Funds- Health Care, Due to a change in the accounting method there is a ($3.2) million decrease, The Internal Service Funds Total is a ($3.2) million decrease.

Debt Service Funds, Electric Debt Service ($1.9) million decrease, Water OWDA Debt Service $1.8 million increase. The Debt Service Funds Total is a ($0.1) million decrease.

Enterprise Funds, Power System Operations & Capital $0.3 million increase, Water System - Operations & Capital ($1.0) million decrease, and Wastewater System-Operations $0.1 million increase. The Enterprise Funds Total is a ($0.6) million decrease.

The grand total is a ($5.3) million decrease, stated Ms. Holtzapple.

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to approve the Resolution No. R-97-12. Roll call, Aye: Vogt, Terry, Martin, and Wilson. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Vice Mayor Vogt then declared Resolution R-97-12 adopted.

RES. NO. R-98-12

A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement to permit the usage of a portion of Fountain Park, Hardman Field and Hance Pavilion to the Piqua Fourth of July Association.

Law Director Stacy Wall explained Resolution No. R-98-12 authorizes a lease with the Fourth of July Association for the annual 4th of July Celebration in the Park contingent upon the passage and acceptance of the Lease Agreement. The lease requires the Association to provide the necessary insurance for the Association as well as the vendors that are involved in the celebration. The Association itself has provided proof of insurance along with the Fireworks Organization and we are waiting on a couple of vendors to supply their insurance coverage at this time. This Resolution may be passed at this time as the Fourth of July Association is more than willing to work with the City on getting all of the necessary requirements of proof of insurance in. The Fourth of July Association has also provided a copy of the program for the 4th of July Celebration for the Commissions review.

Public Comment

No one came forward to speak for or against Resolution No. R-98-12.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that Resolution No. R-98-12 be adopted. Roll call, Aye: Terry, Martin, Wilson, and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Vice Mayor Vogt then declared Resolution No. R-98-12 adopted.

RES. NO. R-99-12

A Resolution submitting to the electors of the City of Piqua, Ohio a proposed amendment to Codified Ordinance Sections 36.03, 36.04, and 36.13 providing an increase of 0.25 of 1% Municipal Income Tax Levy beginning on January 1, 2013.

Finance Director Cynthia Holtzapple explained this resolution is a request for submitting to the electors a 0.25 of 1% municipal income tax levy. The Commission and staff have been reviewing the requirements of all of the departments. Based on the current structural budget issues particularly in the General Fund, and the recent decline of local government funding from the State as well as the elimination of the inheritance tax, alternative revenue is needed to help maintain current service levels. The City is proposing submitting to the electors a 0.25 of 1% municipal tax levy beginning on January 1, 2013 to help address the issues. An approved resolution must be filed in early August with the Board of Elections.

The increase in rate would take the current rate of 1.75 % to 2.0% and provide additional revenue of about a million dollars per year, stated Ms. Holtzapple.

There was discussion concerning who would be paying the increase. It was noted that only earned income would be taxed. Those individuals on Unemployment, Social Security, and Pensions will not be required to pay the tax.

It was stated this 0.25% increase in the income tax is necessary to maintain Police and Fire service at the current level in the future, but this will let the citizens decide, stated Commissioner Wilson.

Commissioner Vogt stated there is more than wages to pay; there is health care and equipment that will need to be replaced in the future. We will let the public decide.
City Manager Huff further stated in addition to the increase the city will always be looking at cost efficiencies and ways to do things at less cost.

Commissioner Vogt stated both the Police and Fire Departments are helping to try and reduce expenses, as this is a team effort and we need the 0.25% to keep our heads above water. This will not last forever, as cost will continue to go up in the future.

Commissioner Terry read Section 36.13 (E). The funds collected under the provisions of this ordinance relating to the remaining 0.25% levy shall be used entirely for capital and operating needs of police, fire and public safety-related services.

Public Comment

No one came forward to speak for or against Resolution No. R-99-12.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that Resolution No. R-99-12 be adopted. Roll call, Aye: Martin, Wilson, Vogt, and Terry. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Vice Mayor Vogt then declared Resolution No. R-99-12 adopted.

Monthly Reports

Monthly Reports were accepted.

Public Comment

This is an opportunity for citizens to address the City Commission regarding issues or to provide information. Comments are requested to be limited to five (5) minutes and specific questions should be addressed to the City Manager's office.

Brad Boehringer, Mound Street, also a recent graduate of the Piqua Government Academy came forward stating he feels the City of Piqua has the best Police and Fire Departments of any city in the area. Mr. Boehringer does not believe the 0.25% increase is that hurtful and stated he would be willing to pay it. Mr. Boehringer further stated he supports both the Police and Fire Departments and hopes the voters will feel the same way he does when they go to the polls.

City Manager's Report

Department Update - Cynthia Holtzapple - Finance Department

Ms. Holtzapple explained the original ordinance for 0.7% for the General Fund was put in place in 1966; the current rate of 1.75% has been in place since 1991. The tax rate of 1.75% collected $1.75 per $100 Taxable Income, and $525 per $30,000 Taxable Income. Taxpayers who will pay the tax include: Citizens working within the City of Piqua; Corporations doing business in Piqua; Individuals and Small Businesses doing business in Piqua; Some residents of Piqua that work in other communities. The type of Income that is to be taxed includes: Earned Income and Wages; Other Compensations, Tips, Gifts, Bonuses, Lottery, Prize and Gambling Winnings, Director Fees, Severance, and Vacation Pay; Business net profits, Rental and Farm Income. Other types of income that are not taxed include: Individuals under 17; Social Security; Pensions; Unemployment; Military Pay; Alimony; Long Term Disability; Interest and Dividends.

Ms. Holtzapple further explained the Mandatory filing became effective in 2009. The Tax Department is staffed with 3 full-time Tax Clerks, 1 Part-time Tax Manager, and Ms. Holtzapple is also a Part-time Tax Administrator. Individuals file from January - April 15th, there are also Monthly or Quarterly Withholding filers from Business, Quarterly Tax Estimates, and Business Filers. Other functions of the Tax Department include Tax Return Preparation, Audit of W-2 forms, Auditing of Tax Returns, Follow-up of collections from taxpayers, and processing court papers for delinquent and failure to file taxpayers.

Ms. Holtzapple explained how the 1.75% income tax is divided between the Parks, Street Construction, Public Safety, and Street Operations. Information regarding the Income Tax can be found on the City of Piqua web site at www.piquaoh.org/incometax.htm.

City Manager Huff stated recently the Storm water Department held a contest asking 7th and 8th grade students to design signs to encourage citizens to keep things out of the storm sewers. City Manager Huff displayed the winning signs that were chosen with Libby Spoltman an 8th grade student, and Alie Valdez a 7th grade student taking the honors. The signs will be placed throughout the city as reminders to citizens to help keep things out of the storm drains. City Manager Huff further stated he appreciates all of the students who participated in the contest.

City Manager Huff commented on the burning of the Bike Path Bridge as it received extensive damage and will be out of commission for a while. City Manager Huff thanked the Fire Department for their quick response.

City Manager Huff mentioned the Commission Work Session was held on Thursday, June 14 with discussion of the water issue on whether to build a new water treatment plant or to join with the City of Troy in a joint facility. The Commission directed City Manager Huff to contact the City of Troy and make an offer for half of the assets, which are valued at $30 million. The city would be buying half of the assets as part of the joint venture, which would be $15 million to own half of the assets. The Commission asked City Manager Huff to offer $7.5 million, which he did and the response from the City of Troy was that the City of Piqua would only own 25% of the assets. The other question that was asked was for a commitment from the City of Troy to participate in the 24-inch redundant water transmission line from the booster pump station to the Troy Treatment Plant. Right now Troy does not feel that is needed and will not commit to that. These are the responses that City Manager Huff received from the City of Troy.

Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Wilson spoke on the ADOPT Program stating the program has been well received so far. Commissioner Wilson stated he would like to see someone adopt the little traffic island on Downing Street by the Fire Department as it is in need of some TLC. Commissioner Wilson further stated there is a list on the city web site of other locations in Piqua that citizens can view for adopting, and encouraged citizens to participate in the ADOPT Program.

Commissioner Terry commented she stopped and looked at the Bike Path Bridge and stated it is so sad to see the charred timbers on the Bridge. Commissioner Terry reminded citizens to be very careful when smoking on the Bike Path Bridge, or anywhere else along the Bike Path, and to discard their cigarette butts in the proper place.

Commissioner Martin commented on the INVOLVE Program asking for more citizen participation to help residents as needed. Commissioner Martin encouraged citizens to sign up to help and for those residents needing help to sign up also. Residents may sign up for assistance with their properties, and those wanting to help can also sign up on the city web site. Commissioner Martin inquired if it would be possible to use some type of fire retardant material that could be applied to the Bike Path Bridge to prevent further incidents. City Manager Huff stated he understood that fire retardant had been utilized previously, and they will be looking at several other options to prevent this from happening again.

Commissioner Vogt stated he wanted to congratulate the Government Academy graduates for spending the biggest part of their spring going through the academy learning how the City of Piqua operates. Another Government Academy will begin in September and registration will begin in July stated Commissioner Vogt.

Commissioner Vogt reminded citizens when mowing their grass to please blow it back into their yards, and not blow it out into the street as it ends up in the storm sewers.

Commissioner Vogt mentioned the 4th of July is coming up soon, and encouraged citizens to attend the festivities at Fountain Park.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Terry, to adjourn from the Regular Piqua City Commission Meeting at 8:00 P.M. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Wilson, Vogt, and Terry. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

______________________________
WILLIAM D. VOGT, VICE MAYOR

PASSED: ______________________

ATTEST: _______________________
REBECCA J. COOL
CLERK OF COMMISSION