Mayor Hudson stated he would like to read a brief statement expressing gratitude for U.S. Army Cpl. Sam F. Pearson's sacrifice. "The entire City of Piqua is mourning our loss", and asked for a moment of silence in his honor while the 1998 Piqua High School graduate's pictures were shown on the overhead screens in the Commission Chambers.

Commissioner Patrizio asked that the City of Piqua add Sam Pearson's name to the Veterans Memorial as soon as possible.

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Presentation: Mr. Rick Hanes, Piqua City School Superintendent
Piqua City School Levy

Mr. Hanes gave a brief power point presentation update on the final statistics of the Piqua City School's and the upcoming School Levy on the November 6, 2007 ballot.

Commissioner Patrizio asked how did the school system lose revenue.

Mr. Hanes stated the Tangible Personal Property Tax has been dropping each year.

Commissioner Patrizio asked why not cut administration.

Mr. Hanes explained the need for the number of administration.

Commissioner Patrizio stated he has heard citizen's state the school system is trying to sneak this levy through this time.

Mr. Hanes explained the school system is not trying to sneak anything through with this levy. The school system has nothing to hide, and their books are open for inspection at any time.

Commissioner Patrizio asked what would will happen if the levy does not pass?

Mr. Hanes stated they would have to start cutting programs and eliminating positions.

Commissioner Patrizio asked if the cuts would affect the students to learn, and why is class size so important?

Mr. Hanes explained the reason for the class sizes and their ability to learn.

Mayor Hudson stated this is an economic development issue and encouraged citizens to invest in their community and support the Piqua City Schools.

Presentation: Mr. Andy Burner, Deputy Assistant City Manager
Group Workcamps

Andy Burner introduced David Hartman, Seventh Day Adventist, Dennis Pax, St Boniface Catholic Church, and Jeanie Jordan-Bates, St. Marys Catholic Church.

Mr. Burner gave a brief overview of the Workcamp Program that will take place in July 2008. A five minute video was shown highlighting some of the students working on homes in other cities, and explaining what the Workcamps entail. There will be 350 students coming into the Piqua area to work on 55-70 homes in the week they are in town, and are asking for community support.

Mr. Burner stated applications are available at various locations in businesses, and in the Municipal Government Complex with the deadline to accept the applications being November 21, 2007.

Debbie Foster can be contacted for more information at 937-773-1264 regarding the application process or Andy Burner at 778-2054.

Commissioner Terry asked if the project would be in conjunction with the Renew Piqua Program?

Mr. Burner explained how it would work in conjunction with the Renew Piqua Program.

Mayor Hudson stated he would like to make sure the information gets out to all citizens so they can take advantage of this opportunity.

Mayor Hudson thanked Mr. Burner for his efforts in bringing the Group Workcamps to the City of Piqua.

Announcement: Fall 2007 Residence Pride Award Winners:

Lisa & Jeff Clark 1001 Elm Street
Todd & Peggy Richardson 434 S. Roosevelt Avenue
Howard D. & Tracy Barnthouse 319 Second Street
Clarence & Lillian Ford 412 W. High Street
Chad Spruance 704 Brice Avenue

Mayor Hudson congratulated all of the Residence Pride Award Winners.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Commissioner Patrizio, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that the minutes of the Regular City Commission Meeting of October 1, 2007. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Vogt, Terry, Barhorst, and Patrizio. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

ORD. NO. 23-07

An Ordinance to make appropriations for the City of Piqua for the year 2007

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

Moved by Commissioner Patrizio, seconded by Commissioner Terry, to amend Ordinance No. 23-07 to make it an Emergency Ordinance. Voice vote, Aye: Vogt, Hudson, Barhorst, Terry, and Patrizio. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Commissioner Patrizio, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that Ordinance No. 23-07 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Patrizio, Terry, Barhorst, and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Ordinance No. 23-07 adopted.

John Martin, 301 Cleveland Street, inquired as to the reason for $50,000 for a house demolition in the weed-cutting fund.

Finance Director, Cynthia Holtzapple, explained why the $50,000 was in the weed-cutting fund.

Mr. Martin also asked about the money that was set-aside in the General Fund to demo the two buildings on Main Street that were discussed previously at an earlier Commission meeting.

City Manager Enderle explained how the money was appropriated, and how and when the money will come back to the General Fund.

ORD. NO. 24-07

An Ordinance amending Section 154.005 of the Piqua Code relating to Definitions, Section 154.126 relating to Temporary Uses and Chapter 154, Appendix C relating to Fee Schedule

Commissioner Vogt stated he had a citizen ask a question concerning a multi-family dwelling having more than two garages sale a year.

Law Director Wall explained how this would apply.

Commissioner Vogt stated he feels it is unfair to the residents that live in an apartment complex or multi-family dwellings to be limited to two garage sales a year.

City Manager Enderle stated the city would work with various groups to have garage sales.

Mayor Hudson stated a few citizens were having permanent garage sales, which necessitated the need in the change in the regulations of garage sales.

Commissioner Terry asked if there would be a permit issued to conduct a garage sale, and would there be a fee for the permit?

City Manager Enderle stated yes, a permit will be required to conduct a garage sale, and there will be no charge for the permit to conduct a garage sale.

Commissioner Vogt asked when the language disappeared from the code on the regulation of garage sales.

City Manager Enderle stated he believes the language disappeared from the code in 1996 when the CodeBook was revised.

Law Director Wall explained the need for the legislation at this time on garage/yard sales.

Bill Shinall, 1612 New Haven Road voiced his opinion on the garage sales limit.

Nick Alexander, 122 South Street, voiced his concern about the number of garage sales allowed.

Commissioner Patrizio explained the reason for the three-day limit on garage sales.

Commissioner Terry voiced her opinion on garage sales.

Commissioner Barhorst stated all of the Commissioners were getting complaints and telephone calls on the garage sale limits.

Roy Howard voiced his opinion on the garage sales, stating it is making it tougher on the poor people in Piqua.

Steve Stiefel, Brentwood Avenue, voiced his concern about a statement made by the Mayor previously.

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Barhorst, to give Ordinance No. 24-07 a first reading. Voice vote, Aye: Barhorst, Hudson, Patrizio, Terry, and Vogt. Nay: None. Ordinance No. 24-07 was given a first reading.

RES. NO. R-111-07

A Resolution approving an annexation agreement between the City of Piqua, and the Board of Trustees of Springcreek Township

Commissioner Terry inquired as to the reason the property owner wants to be annexed into the City of Piqua.

City Manager Enderle stated they would like to have city sewer and water services.

Mayor Hudson asked how many have applied this year?

City Manager Enderle state this is the second one this year.

Public Works Director Zechman explained the reason for the requests for annexation to the City of Piqua.

Moved by Commissioner Barhorst, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, that Resolution No. R-111-07 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Patrizio, Hudson, Terry, Vogt, and Barhorst. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-111-07 adopted.

RES. NO. R-112-07

A Resolution authorizing the Manager to enter into all necessary agreements with the Fort Piqua Redevelopment Corporation relating to the Fort Piqua Hotel Redevelopment Project

Commissioner Patrizio asked where does the money come from, and what happens if we don't get the tax credit money?

City Manager Enderle explained where the funds come from for the Redevelopment Project, and if we do not receive them it will reduce the fund balance.

Bill Shinall, 1612 New Haven Road, voiced his opinion about loaning money from various funds.

City Manager Enderle explained where the money is going to come from to cover the loans.

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Barhorst, that Resolution No. R-112-07 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Patrizio, Barhorst, Hudson, Vogt, and Terry. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-112-07 adopted.

RES. NO. R-113-07

A Resolution awarding a contract to Oakley Blacktop, Inc. for the resurfacing of the Hollow Park Bike Path

Mayor Hudson asked when the Bike Path was installed?

Public Works Director Tom Zechman explained the bike path was installed in the early 1990's.

Commissioner Terry asked if funds from the Department of Development were being included at this time?

Finance Director Holtzapple explained what funds were being used in the resurfacing of the Hollow Park Bike Path.

Commissioner Vogt asked if the land adjacent to the Hollow Park Bike Path were to be developed would it affect the Bike Path in any way?

City Manager Enderle stated if the land adjacent to the Hollow Park Bike Path is developed, there are provisions in place to replace anything that is torn up by the developer of the land.

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Barhorst, that Resolution No. R-113-07 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Patrizio, Barhorst, Hudson, Vogt, and Terry. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-113-07 adopted.

RES. NO. R-114-07

A resolution adopting the policies and procedures for the administration of the Community Housing Improvement Program

Moved by Commissioner Patrizio, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, that Resolution No. R-114-07 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Patrizio, Hudson, Vogt, Terry, and Barhorst. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-114-07 adopted.

RES. NO. R-115-07

A Resolution extending a contract for the collection of recyclable material in the City

Commissioner Patrizio asked if the city could possibly get bigger recycling bins?

City Manager Enderle stated they are looking into getting bigger recycling bins at this time.

Commissioner Patrizio asked how the city is doing this year on recycling compared to last year?

Health & Sanitation Supervisor Amy Welker explained.

Commissioner Barhorst stated he has had no complaints about the service of the recyclers.

Moved by Commissioner Patrizio, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, that Resolution No. R-115-07 be adopted. Roll call: Aye: Patrizio, Vogt, Barhorst, Terry, and Hudson. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-115-07 adopted.

OTHER

A group of young citizens were in attendance to ask for a skateboard park in the city of Piqua.

Mayor Hudson outlined previous plans for a skate park, starting with a well-attended meeting at Mote Park several years ago, and including the Shawnee Neighborhood Association's most recent efforts to put the Skate Park in Shawnee.

Several young citizens voiced their opinions on the need for a skateboard park in the City of Piqua, and presented a petition to the Clerk of Commission with 883 signatures on it in favor of having a skateboard park in the city.

Police Chief Willcox explained the areas in the city where the skateboards can be used in.

Mayor Hudson stated he would continue to help work toward getting a skateboard park in the future.

Steve Stiefel, Brentwood Ave. voiced his concern over the absence of the large United Way Fund Board in the downtown area.

City Manager Enderle explained the reason for the United Way Fund Board not being located in the downtown area this year.

Mr. Stiefel asked why the city did not lower the American Flag was not lowered in honor of Sam Pearson.

City Manager Enderle explained the reason for the flags not flown at half-mast at this time.

John Martin, 301 Cleveland Street, currently running for 1st Ward Commissioner and President of the Shawnee Neighborhood Association, thanked Tom Zechman and Amy Welker for their help with the Shawnee Park.

Mr. Martin stated he made a statement at the last meeting against Chris Schmiesing and Law Director Stacy Wall that may have been taken out of context at the time, and apologized for his comments.

City Manager Enderle stated the Shawnee Neighborhood is a good example of a great neighborhood association.

Commissioner Vogt expressed his condolences to the Pearson Family in the loss of their son recently in the Iraq War on October 10, 2007.

Mr. Vogt also congratulated all of the Residence Pride Award Winners, and stated he would like to see more nominations come in.

Commissioner Barhorst conveyed his condolences to the Pearson Family.

Mr. Barhorst congratulated the Residence Pride Award Winners, and stated he has seen a lot of houses being improved recently.

Mr. Barhorst stated he attended a meeting about two years ago, and was able to see a million dollar Skateboard Park in Florence, Kentucky, which was amazing, he said.

Commissioner Patrizio expressed his condolences to the Pearson Family.

Mr. Patrizio stated the Tree Committee and others planted a total of 44 trees this past weekend in the community, and they hope to plant more trees in the spring.

Commissioner Terry expressed her condolences to the Pearson Family and their extended family and stated she would keep them in her thoughts and prayers.

Mrs. Terry stated the Hollow Park Bike Path is very pretty now with all the trees with their fall colors, and encourages citizens to get out and take a walk and enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery.

Mrs. Terry stated she received a letter of thanks from a neighbor in the Fourth Ward, expression appreciation for repaving the alley along Nicklin Learning Center.

City Manager Enderle thanked Piqua High School Junior Nate Ellis for his help with the tree planting, he is working on this project for his Eagle Scout badge.

City Manager Enderle stated a Study Work Session would be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 4:00 P.M. in the Administrative Conference Room in the Municipal Government Complex.

Mayor Hudson thanked the community on behalf of the Pearson Family for their support during this difficult time.

Commissioner Vogt stated Lloyd Smith, of Washington Road, called to thank the city for taking care of the weed problem he had in the field behind his home.

Moved by Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Hudson, to adjourn from the Regular Piqua City Commission meeting at 9:10 P.M. 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