Presentation-Grow Piqua Now (GPN)
Mr. Dan French - Chairman of GPN
Mr. Harry Bumgarner - Executive Director of GPN

Dan French, Grow Piqua Now Chairman, gave a brief power point presentation on the introduction of GPN, and the list of board members, along with the companies that have invested in the Grow Piqua Now.

Harry Bumgarner, Executive Director, gave a brief power point overview of the projects and updates, and explained how the various industrial and retail sites available in the City of Piqua are marketed around the United States and in foreign countries.

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Barhorst, that the minutes of the Regular City Commission Meeting on August 6, 2007, be approved as written. Voice vote, Aye: Barhorst, Vogt, Patrizio, Terry, and Hudson. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

ORD. NO. 13-07

An Ordinance vacating a portion of platted public alley right-of-way

Moved by Commissioner Patrizio, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, that Ordinance No. 13-07 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Barhorst, Terry, Vogt, and Patrizio. Nay: None. Mayor Hudson then declared Ordinance No. 13-07 adopted.

ORD. NO. 17-07

An Ordinance amending Section 53.01 and 53.07 of the Piqua Code relating to water rates and new service

Commissioner Patrizio asked why they rates are being raised now and why such a large increase?

Tom Zechman, Public Works Director, explained the need and the reason for the increase at this time.

City Manager Enderle briefly explained the State's position on allowing the City of Piqua to continue to operate a water treatment plant and the reason for such a large increase in fees at this time.

After a lengthy discussion on the water rate increase Commissioner Patrizio made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Terry to give Ordinance No. 17-07 a first reading. Voice vote: Aye: Terry, Hudson, Barhorst, Patrizio, and Vogt. Mayor Hudson then declared Ordinance No. 17-07 was given a first reading.

ORD. NO. 18-07

An Ordinance amending Section 51-46 and 51.61 of the Piqua Code, relating to wastewater permit application fees and schedule of charges and fees

Commissioner Vogt asked when the sewer rates were increased the last time.

Tom Zechman stated the last raise in sewer rates was in 1994, and explained this fee increase is driven by EPA requirements.

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Barhorst, that Ordinance No. 18-07 be given a first reading. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Terry, Barhorst, Patrizio, and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Ordinance No. 18-07 was given a first reading.

ORD. NO. 19-07

An ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of not to exceed $2,400,000 Economic Development Bonds series 2007 (Ft. Piqua Hotel Project). To provide funds for a portion of the costs of an Economic Development Project in the City, and declaring an emergency

Commissioner Vogt asked why we waited so long to apply for assistance with bonds?

City Manager Enderle explained the reasons for waiting and how this will benefit the City of Piqua by being able to get the bonds at a lower rate.

Cynthia Holtzapple, Finance Director, gave a brief explanation on the reason for going out for bonds at this time, and how the funds will be applied.

Moved by Commissioner Barhorst, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that the rule requiring the ordinance to be read fully and distinctly on three separate days be suspended. Voice vote. Aye; Terry, Barhorst, Patrizio, Vogt, and Hudson. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Barhorst, that Ordinance No. 19-07 be adopted. Roll call, Aye: Vogt, Barhorst, Terry, Hudson, and Patrizio. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Ordinance No. 19-07 adopted.

ORD. NO. 20-07

An ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance No. 42-96 and map of the City for rezoning of 624 Park Avenue from R-3 (Multi-Family) to B (General Business) for the Piqua Memorial Center Mixed-Use Planned Unite Development

Chris Schmiesing, Planning and Zoning Director, explained the Planning Commission process before it is given their approval, and passed on to the City Commission for final approval.

Commissioner Patrizio asked how long would it take to complete the project, and when would it begin?

Mr. Schmiesing stated the first phase would be cleanup, which would be a three to four month process, but the property will need to purchased first.

Commissioner Vogt asked if the work could begin if the ordinance is passed now?

City Manager Enderle stated the developer should answer that question and asked Mr. Desmond to come forward.

John Desmond, developer of the Piqua Memorial Center project read a brief prepared statement on the plans for the property and asked citizens to go to their web site www.piquahospital.com and sign the guest book with their comments and suggestions.

Mr. Desmond asked that neighbors in the area work with them during the cleanup process, and be patient during the process of restoring this facility to a new viable asset to the City of Piqua.

After a lengthy discussion and questions on the Piqua Memorial Center's plans and development, it was moved by Commissioner Patrizio, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, that the rule requiring the ordinance to be read fully and distinctly on three separate days be suspended. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Patrizio, Vogt, Barhorst, and Terry. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Commissioner Patrizio, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that Ordinance No. 20-07 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Patrizio, Vogt, Hudson, Terry, and Barhorst. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Ordinance No. 20-07 adopted.

RES. NO. R-96-07

A resolution of Appreciation for the Public Service of Mark Heft as a City Employee

Mayor Hudson read the Resolution of Appreciation and presented it to Mr. Heft.

Mr. Heft thanked the Mayor, and expressed his appreciation for being given the opportunity to work his way up the career ladder in his thirty years of service with the City of Piqua.

Moved by Commissioner Barhorst, seconded by Commissioner Patrizio, that Resolution No. R-96-07 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Patrizio, Vogt, Terry, and Barhorst. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-96-07 adopted.

RES. NO. R-97-07

A Resolution approving the final plat plan for the Swift Run Lakes Residential Planned Unit Development Subdivision Section One

Commissioner Patrizio stated he had to abstain form this resolution at this time.

Commissioner Vogt voiced his concern about the Planned Unit Development not installing sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and storm sewers.

Commissioner Barhorst stated he believes the Planned Unit Development project has taken care of the surface water problem and does not foresee any problems.

City Manager Enderle explained the developer has addressed the storm water issue, and he does not have concerns about storm water causing any problems in the Planned Unit Development.

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Barhorst, that Resolution No. R-97-07 be adopted. Roll call: Terry, Hudson, and Barhorst. Nay: Vogt. Commissioner Patrizio abstained. Motion carried on a 3-1 vote.

RES. NO. R- 98-07

A Resolution approving a Mixed Use Planned Unit Development (M-PUD) Concept Plan for the Piqua Memorial Center located at 624 Park Avenue

Moved by Commissioner Patrizio, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that Resolution No. R-98-07 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Barhorst, Terry, Hudson, Patrizio, and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-98-07 adopted.

Joe Drapp, 1366 Park Avenue voiced his opinion concerning the matter of curbs and gutters in the Swift Run Lakes Residential Planned Unit Development Subdivision Section One.

Bill Shinall, 1612 New Haven Rd., voiced several concerns on the budget and bond proposals.

City Manager Enderle explained the budget process and how the bond proposals will be used.

Mr. Shinall also thanked Commissioner Terry for her comments regarding mowing properties that are not being taken care of by the owners or the residents.

Patricia Adkins, read a prepared statement on the parking of semi-trucks in the city. Ms. Adkins also voiced her concerns about the parking of the various sizes of trucks and recreational vehicles parked on the streets in the City.

Joe Drapp, 1366 Park Avenue, stated the Commission Meetings that are rebroadcast on the Piqua Access (APTA) Channel 10 will be moving to Channel 5 on Tuesday, September 28, 2007.

Jim Cline, 725 Clark Avenue, voiced his concern about the water and wastewater fee increases along with the power increase earlier this year. Mr. Cline also inquired about several other issues including the hotel bonds and questions about the use of General Fund money.

Cynthia Holtzapple explained the difference between the issuance of bonds and how the money is applied.

Commissioner Patrizio stated citizens need to understand the difference between the Enterprise Fund and the General Fund and gave a brief explanation of both funds. No one is happy about the rate increases, stated Commissioner Patrizio.

John Martin, President of the Shawnee Neighborhood Association, thanked Mr. Zechman for moving the Stop Bar at the Shawnee Bridge, stating it is easier to see pulling out now.

Mr. Martin also inquired as to how the hotel project is $2,400,000 over budget?

City Manager Enderle explained the reason the project is over budget, and what is going to take place to complete the project.

Commissioner Vogt asked if something could be done about the cat problem in the neighborhoods. He further stated the City of West Milton has a solution and explained how they handle it.

Commissioner Vogt also inquired about the number of garages sales permitted per year, and if there is any legislation on the number of sales per year that could be enforced.

Chris Schmiesing stated no, we do not have a limit to the number of garage sales permitted per year.

Commissioner Barhorst expressed the need for the rate increases, but also voiced his concern about the citizens on fixed incomes. Are utility rates all together are still lower than many of the other communities around us, stated Commissioner Barhorst.

Commissioner Patrizio congratulated Piqua City Schools on their proficiency rating, citing it is up again this year. The Piqua Schools are something we can all be proud of, said Mr. Patrizio.

Commissioner Patrizio inquired as to the status of the Mo's building on Main Street, and the high grass on the empty lot located next to the building.

City Manager Enderle stated the owner would be closing on the sale of this property soon.

Commissioner Patrizio asked if it would be possible to pass an ordinance to file misdemeanor charges on citizens who do not comply with code enforcement issues.

City Manager Enderle stated the city is working on the code enforcement issues at this time and will be meeting with the City Commission in September.

Commissioner Terry congratulated Mark Heft on his generous comments on his employment with the City of Piqua.

Commissioner Terry stated she is unhappy about having to increase water and sewer rates, but understands is necessary at this time.

Commissioner Terry thanked Mr. Shinell for his comments on the grass mowing issues, and encouraged citizens to continue to keep their properties cleaned up and the grass mowed.

City Manager Enderle stated if the Commissioner's are interested in putting together garage sale legislation to please let him know.

City Manager Enderle explained that citizens could trap and take stray cats to the Miami County Animal Shelter for a fee of $3.00 per cat.

Mayor Hudson stated there is a fire hydrant on Looney Road that is leaking water, and asked if someone could look into it.

Mayor Hudson announced Piqua City Schools would be opening on August 21, 2007 and to watch for children crossing streets, and for school busses in the neighborhoods.

Moved by Mayor Hudson, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, to adjourn from the Regular Piqua City Commission meeting at 9:30. Voice vote, Aye: Vogt, Hudson, Patrizio, Terry, and Barhorst. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

_____________________________
THOMAS D. HUDSON, MAYOR

PASSED: _______________________

ATTEST: _______________________
REBECCA J. COOL
CLERK OF COMMISSION