PROCLAMATION - Business Appreciation Week in the City of Piqua
Accepting - Ms. Lisa Whitaker - President of Piqua Chamber of Commerce

Mayor Hudson read the Proclamation and presented it to Lisa Whitaker, President of the Piqua Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Whitaker thanked the Mayor and stated they would proudly display the proclamation in their office. Ms. Whitaker also announced the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Regional Business Showcase on October 15, 2009 with 110 companies in a 117 booths.

PROCLAMATION - Community Planning Month in the City of Piqua
Accepting - Chris Schmiesing - City Planner

Mr. Schmiesing thanked the City Commission for acknowledging the importance of planning in a community and the contributions that planning can bring to the community so far as the benefits derived. Mr. Schmiesing also thanked the citizens who take the time to participate on the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Downtown Design Review Board and other planning activities and applauds them for taking time out of their personal schedules to contribute to the community.

PROCLAMATION - International Walk to School Day in the City of Piqua
Accepting - Chris Schmiesing - City Planner

Mr. Schmiesing thanked the Commission for recognizing International Walk to School Day and accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Piqua City Schools representatives and city employees who participated in several meetings on a safe routes to school initinitative. October 21, 2009 is the date set for the Walk to School Day in the City of Piqua, said Mr. Schmiesing.

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that the minutes of the Regular City Commission Meeting of September 21, 2009 and the Piqua City Commission Work Session of September 28, 2009 be approved. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Fess, Terry, Martin, and Vogt. Nay: None.

ORD. NO. 16-09
(2nd Reading)

An Ordinance levying a five-dollar municipal tax on motor vehicle licenses pursuant to section 4504.06

There was discussion of the fees and when the increases would take place, if the City has had any firm commitment from the County that they plan on levying a motor vehicle tax any time soon. There has been no indication of the County levying this tax anytime in the near future. City Manager Enderle stated this is being brought forward as part of the Long Range Plan that was set to increase the revenue for the Street funds. There were questions concerning adding the extra five dollars in 2011, and thoughts were of not putting both on at this time, City Manager Enderle further explained.

Mayor Hudson asked where we are on the street levy, and when it is it up for renewal again. City Manager Enderle stated the street renewal levy is scheduled for renewal next year. Mayor Hudson stated he likes the thought of the money staying in the city versus the county receiving the revenue. Commissioner Fess stated there has been so many new fees put on citizens recently, and she would only like to add one additional fee at this time.

Law Director Wall stated Ordinance No. 17-09 could be tabled indefinitely for now, and Ordinance No. 16-09 could be passed at this time.

Public Comment

No one came forward to speak for or against Ordinance 16-09 at this time.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, that Ordinance No. 16-09 be given a second reading. Aye: Fess, Terry, Martin, Vogt, and Hudson. Nay: None.

ORD. NO. 17-09
(2nd Reading)

An Ordinance levying a five-dollar municipal tax on motor vehicle licenses pursuant to section 4504.17

Public Comment

No one came forward to speak for or against Ordinance No. 17-09 at this time.

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Terry, to table Ordinance No. 17-09 indefinitely. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Martin, Fess, Terry, and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Ordinance No. 17-09 tabled indefinitely.

ORD. NO. 18-09
(1st Reading)

An Ordinance enacting Chapter 55 of the Piqua Municipal Code to establish a new Chapter entitled Stormwater Management, which provides for effective management and financing of a Stormwater Utility System

City Engineer Any Havenar, read the names of the Committee members who participated in the planning over the last nine months. Jim Rozelle, representative of Stantec Inc. gave a brief presentation on the need for the storm water project at this time.

There was discussion of where the money would come from for the unfounded mandates that have been placed on the City at this time, the use of grants to help defray costs, how the committee arrived at the suggested fees. There were also questions concerning water run off on yards, parking lots, roofs, and from the streams that run down from the Miami County areas. Other surrounding cities are also having the same issues and are doing the same type of plans.

It was stated the $4.70 per month is to be set in place for five years, and the money is designated for the sewers and will be reviewed again at the end of five years. Committee members Andy Monnin and Jim Vetter stated it was a consensus based program, and the City would have to pay substantial fees if this plan is not implemented sometime in the near future, they further explained how the Committee arrived at their suggestions for fees.

Mayor Hudson thanked all the Committee Members for taking the time to sit on the committee for this storm water plan at this time.

Public Comment

Earl Wagoner, New Haven Road, voiced his concern about the $4.70 per month increase and if it would appear on his monthly utility bill on a separate line. Mr. Wagoner would also like to see the $5.00 Municipal Tax on motor vehicle licenses not be put into effect at this time.

Commissioner Fess said she appreciated the presentation and stated that it was quite thorough and very understandable, it certainly helped her understand the direction the city is taking and why.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, to give Ordinance No. 18-09 a first reading. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Fess, Terry, Hudson, and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

RES. NO. R-94-09

A Resolution awarding a contract to Brian Brothers Painting and Restoration LLC for the 2009 Mausoleum Building repairs

There was discussion regarding the new roof that was put on last year, the type of repairs that need to be done, the plans to possibly market the remaining vaults in the Mausoleum to raise some revenue to help defray the costs in the future. It was stated that the Judge turned over the Mausoleum to the City of Piqua after the funds to maintain it ran out. The Forest Hill Cemetery has never had ownership of the Mausoleum at any time, it was previously set up in a trust, and when the trust money ran out the problems begin to arise. Bob Greaser, Project Manager gave a brief overview of the type of repairs that have taken place so far and what is needed to be done to complete the repairs at this time.

Public Comment

Larry Starrett, Fairfax Avenue, voiced his concern over the need to have heat and air conditioning in the Mausoleum, and inquired who previously owned the building. Mr. Starrett also asked the names of the people that are interred in the Mausoleum, and if they were local citizens.

Law Director Wall explained how the City of Piqua ultimately became responsible for the Mausoleum and the maintenance. The City of Piqua has no choice but to maintain the Mausoleum at this time.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, that Resolution No. R-94-09 be adopted. Roll call, Aye: Terry, Hudson, Fess, Vogt, and Martin. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-94-09 adopted.

RES. No. R-95-09

A Resolution approving the 2009 School Travel Plan Safe Routes to School Countermeasure Application

There was discussion regarding the possibility of obtaining grant funds and what the requirements were to receive the funds. If the grants were received they would be at 100% with no local matching funds required, said City Planner Chris Schmiesing.

Public Comment

No one came forward to speak for or against Resolution No. R-95-09.

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that Resolution No. R-95-09 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Vogt, Martin, Fess, and Terry. Nay. None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson declared Resolution No. R-95-09 adopted.

RES. NO. 96-09

A Resolution of authorization to submit applications for Federal Safetea-Lu funds through the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission

City Manager Enderle gave a brief overview of what projects the funds would be utilized for.

Public Comment

No one came forward to speak for or against Resolution No. R-96-09.

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that Resolution No. R-96-09 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Fess, Vogt, Martin, and Terry. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-96-09 adopted.

OTHER

Approval of the Monthly Reports for August.

The Monthly Reports for August were accepted.

Public Comment

Terry Wright, W. North Street, thanked the City Commission, stating there are several DVD's of previous Commission Meetings now available at the Piqua Public Library for viewing. Mr. Wright also voiced his concern over the funding for the Mausoleum and asked if anyone had looked into the possibility of using historical grant funds for repairs.

Joe Wilson, W. Greene Street, stated he attended the Dancing in the Moonlight/Car Show activities in the downtown last weekend. Mr. Wilson wanted to publicly thank Lorna Swisher and Mainstreet Piqua along with the city employees and volunteers for hard their work on putting together the event.

Lisa Whitaker, President of Piqua Chamber of Commerce, stated the Dancing in the Moon light/Car Show event was a very successful evening with the proceeds from the Car Show going to the Veterans Memorial Fund. Ms. Whitaker thanked Bruce Hogston, chairperson for the Car Show for raising $1000 for the Veterans Memorial Fund that evening.

Deron Yingst, Adams Street, voiced his concern about where the money that was set aside previously for improvements to the Mote Park building was at this time, and when the scheduled repairs would begin. City Engineer Amy Havenar stated the repairs should begin late winter or early spring.

Commissioner Vogt stated he attended the Dancing in the Moonlight/Car Show event and applauds Lorna Swisher for her efforts in putting together such an entertaining event. Also the Farmers Market in the downtown every Thursday has been very well attended and he wanted to give Lorna Swisher credit for all her work on putting this together every week.

Commissioner Martin stated he attended the Moonlight Stride to Ride event and it was very well attended with quite a number of bicyclist participating. Commissioner Martin also stated he received a telephone call inquiring if there are any plans for reconstruction of Commercial Street and also concern over the numerous potholes around town.

Mayor Hudson inquired as to the status of the Hospital Demolition project.

City Planner Chris Schmiesing stated there is nothing to new to report at this time, the City is still in contact with the owners, who are still looking for grant dollars to continue the cleanup. The EPA is also involved with the project along with the City, and will continue to monitor the situation, said Law Director Wall.

Mayor Hudson inquired as to the status of the Landscape Plans for the Rt. 75/36 Intersection. City Engineer Amy Havenar explained the plans and stated the project should begin sometime in 2010.

Mayor Hudson reminded citizens political signs are going to be coming out soon, and reminded citizens they are not to be placed in the public right-of-ways. Mayor Hudson also stated there is a portion of wood at Locke 9 Park that is deteoriated by the Bike Path and asked if someone would look into it. City Engineer Amy Havenar stated she would look into it.

Mayor Hudson stated a send off is scheduled for the Veterans on Tuesday morning and encouraged citizens to attend and show their support for the Veterans. Mayor Hudson also thanked Rich Koon and Ron Pierson for their continued efforts in putting these trips together for the Veterans.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, to adjourn from the Piqua City Commission at 9:20 P.M. Voice vote, Aye: Vogt, Martin, Terry, Hudson, and Fess. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

_____________________________
THOMAS D. HUDSON, MAYOR
PASSED: _______________________

ATTEST: _______________________
REBECCA J. COOL
CLERK OF COMMISSION