REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, that the minutes of the October 12, 2009 Piqua City Commission Work Session and the Regular City Commission Meeting of November 2, 2009 be approved. Voice vote, Aye: Hudson, Fess, Terry, Martin, and Vogt. Nay: None.

RES. NO. R-103-09

A Resolution approving the Community Diversity Committee priorities and authorizing the Committee to undertake a work program to implement projects consistent with those priorities

The five recommended programs are:

Develop signage associated with historical sketch of the Randolph/Rossville Settlement along Co. Rd. 25-A within the City and develop a working relationship with Springcreek Township, Miami County and other interest groups to explore development of the Rossville Historic site.

Solicit events and activities of note and compose a multicultural calendar for the community.

Assist and coordinate the invitation of speakers to address municipal departments and/or other organizations and groups within the city.

Partner with schools on mentoring/skill development programs.

Focus on insensitivity toward racial and religious minorities particularly among youth; understanding the implications of such insensitivities in the midst of adverse economic conditions; partner with public/parochial school systems on sensitivity awareness events for youth; and partner with clergy organizations to consider opportunities to involve the faith community.

A lengthy discussion followed concerning several of the priorities the majority of the Diversity Committee chose to recommend to the City Commission at this time.

City Manager Enderle stated he needs to get some direction from the City Commission on what they would like to do, and the areas they would like the city to focus on at this time.

There was discussion on the possibility of tabling the Resolution so the Commissioners would have more time to look at the information provided, and the requests recommended by the Diversity Committee.

Public Comment

No one came forward to speak for or against Resolution No. R-103-09.

Moved by Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Commissioner Martin, to table Resolution No. R-103-09 until January 2010. Roll call, Aye: Martin, Terry, Hudson, Fess, and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-103-09 tabled until January 2010.

RES. No. R-104-09

A Resolution awarding a contract for uniform & mat rental and cleaning services

There was discussion of the type of uniforms that are worn, who is responsible for cleaning and the repair of the uniforms, what departments the uniforms are supplied, and the number of uniforms each employee receives.

City Manager Enderle stated uniforms are provided to all AFSCME employees, the rental company provides the cleaning and repairs, and each employee receives 7-10 uniform sets. Having a uniform with the city logo and a name on them helps provide citizens with easy recognition of a city employee when out working in the community, said City Manager Enderle. There was also discussion on the city employees wearing florescent green city t-shirts in the summer versus their button up shirts.

Public Comment

James Cruse, Co Road 25-A, inquired if the city employees contribute anything to the cost of rental of the uniforms.

City Manger Enderle stated the city pays the cost of the rental of the uniforms as stated in the their contracts.

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Terry, that Resolution No. R-104-09 be adopted. Roll call , Aye: Martin, Terry, Hudson, Fess, and Vogt. Nay. None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson declared Resolution No. R-104-09 adopted.

RES. NO. R-105-09

A Resolution endorsing the existing condition assessment phase of "Going Places" - an integrated land use vision for the Miami Valley Region

Commissioner Fess stated the Going Places meeting at the YWCA was not very well attended and she was a little disappointed with only ten people there to hear the plans.

City Planner Chris Schmiesing gave a brief update on what "Going Places" is and how it will affect the City of Piqua in the future. This is a long-range plan that we are working on, and this is just Phase I of the plan, and it is the Existing Conditions Assessment that they are asking the City Commission to approve at this time, said Mr. Schmiesing.

Public Comment

No one came forward to speak for or against Resolution No. R-105-09 at this time.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Fess, that Resolution No. R-105-09 be adopted. Voice vote, Aye: Terry, Hudson, Martin, Vogt, and Fess. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-105-09 adopted.

RES. No. 106-09

A Resolution awarding a contract for the purchase of a variable frequency drive for the Water Department

There was discussion on the number of bids, why a local business was not given the local preference on this project, what is a variable frequency drive, have we ever had one previously. City Manager Enderle explained the bid process, and Don Freisthler, Water Treatment Plant Superintendent explained what a variable frequency drive is and how it works, and further stated the city has never owned a variable frequency drive.

Public Comment

No one came forward to speak for or against Resolution No. R-106-09.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Vogt, that Resolution No. R-106-09 be adopted. Roll call, Aye: Hudson, Fess, Vogt, Martin, and Terry. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hudson then declared Resolution No. R-106-09 adopted.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Presented by - Mr. Bill Murphy, Assistant City Manager/Director of Economic Development.

Mr. Murphy gave a brief power point presentation on the three separate areas of development. They includ:
1. Regional Priorities
2. Prospect Activity
3. Consultant Visitation Engagements

Commissioner Fess asked Mr. Murphy to explain what a lead is and what the next step is when a lead is given to the City.

Mr. Murphy explained what a lead is and how they come to the City of Piqua.

Mayor Hudson stated he was glad to hear Mr. Murphy's update, and feels he is doing a good job and is looking forward to hearing more from him next month.

Public Comment

Lorna Swisher, Executive Director Mainstreet Piqua, gave a brief update on some of their projects and upcoming events in the Downtown area. Christmas on the Green to be held on December 4, Holy Jolly Run held on December 5, along with the Christmas Parade at 2:00 P.M. on December 5, 2009.

A new business, Ken Mar Antiques has relocated in the downtown area on Main Street and is a welcome addition to the downtown stated Ms. Swisher. Ms. Swisher thanked the City for their continued support of Mainstreet Piqua.

Scott Phillips, Piqua Lockington Road congratulated Toone P's on the Plaza on their opening. Mr. Phillips also stated he was part of the Community Advisory Committee trying to put together the plan for the wastewater program. They hope to release a plan in the near future so citizens can understand what is needed. It was mentioned there is a power point presentation that might be helpful if it was to be put on the web site for viewing.

Mike Perando, Third Street, stated the Christmas lights have been put up at Rowan Park, the Shawnee Neighborhood Association has completed three home repairs, and reminded citizens the Shawnee Christmas Party will take place on November 19, 2009 at the Staunton Street School at 7:00 P.M. Mr. Perando thanked the City for working with the Shawnee Neighborhood Association.

Commissioner Vogt stated Lorna Swisher does a great job for Mainstreet Piqua, and wished everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Commissioner Martin inquired about the status of the well fields and if they would be conditioned. City Manager Enderle state the study should be complete in the near future, and yes the well fields will be conditioned.

Mayor Hudson congratulated Commissioner Fess, Commissioner Terry, and Joe Wilson on their recent victories in the November elections.

Mayor Hudson inquired as to the new pedestrian crossing sign in front of the Library. City Manager Enderle explained that Street Department Superintendent Doug Harter and Assistant Superintendent Don Seeberger located the signs and purchased them to be placed in front of the Piqua Plaza to slow traffic down for pedestrian crossing.

Mayor Hudson also inquired about the McCulloch Historical Marker on the square and the status of the new bicycle racks that are to be located in the downtown. Lorna Swisher stated the markers would be back in place soon. City Manager Enderle stated they are in the process of pouring the slabs for the racks now.

Mayor Hudson stated he wished there was a way for senior citizens to enjoy the bike path more, and reminded citizens to watch their speed on Riverside Drive now that it open.

Commissioner Vogt inquired on the status of the leaf pickup. City Manager Enderle stated they are half way through the first round.

Commissioner Fess thanked all the citizens for their votes and stated she is looking forward to being Mayor in 2010.

Commissioner Terry stated the North Parks Neighborhood Association completed several roofing projects and thanked all who participated for their hard work. The roofing materials were donated by Classic Products stated Commissioner Terry and thanked them for their donation.

Commissioner Terry reminded citizens they need to bag their leaves before taking them to the compost pile. Commissioner Terry also stated Riverside Drive is open and looks really good.

Commissioner Terry thanked all the citizens who voted for her in the November election.

City Manager Enderle stated three study sessions for budget review have been scheduled for November 23 at 6:00 PM to discuss Enterprise Funds, November 30 at 6:00 PM to discuss the General Fund and December 2 at 6:00 PM for follow-up if necessary.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

To review negotiations on compensation or other terms and conditions of employment for City personnel.

Moved by Commissioner Fess, seconded by Commissioner Terry, to adjourn into Executive Session to review negotiations on compensation or other terms and conditions of employment for City personnel at 8:45 P.M. Roll call, Aye: Fess, Vogt, Martin, Terry and Hudson. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Terry, to adjourn from the Executive Session at 9:15 P.M. Voice vote, Aye: Martin, Hudson, Fess, Terry, and Vogt. Nay: None. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Commissioner Martin, seconded by Commissioner Fess, to adjourn from the Piqua City Commission Meeting at 9:15 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