Invocation was given by Sister Joan Rader, P.O. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes - February 26, 2007
James moved to approve, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Approval of Minutes - March 5, 2007
Steve moved to approve, upon roll call; Russell-Yes, Telford-Yes, Steve-Yes, James-Abstain, Lapehn-Yes, Copley-Abstain and motion carried.

Approval of Minutes - March 7, 2007
Telford moved to approve, upon roll call; Steve-Abstain, Copley-Abstain, Russell-Yes, James-Yes, Lapehn-Yes, Telford-Yes and motion carried.

Workshop - None

Citizens Forum
Craig Horbus, Counsel of Witschey, Witschey & Firestine on behalf of C & C Excavating and the Oak Hill Group thanked the Council Members, the Mayor, the City Manager, the Service Director who were able to attend the Special Meeting on-site last Wednesday and he believed all of the questions were answered regarding the Oak Hill Estates. Horbus advised they were present in support of the acceptance of the dedication and he reiterated to Council that they were asking for their support as well.

Old Business

1. Ord. No. 7434 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties, Ohio, Accepting the Dedication of Oak Hill Estates and Declaring an Emergency. Third Reading.
Ord. No. 7434 was read on third reading. Telford inquired if all the issues have been resolved with regards to maintenance of the detention basin. Horbus advised during discussions they came to an agreement with the Homeowners Association to have a provision put into the maintenance contract on the property for the general week to week hand cleaning out of the grate and it would not be an issue the city would have to worry about. Horbus advised the remainder of the maintenance, which he discussed with the city’s Service Director, would be something that would take place once every year or so with removing some of the heavier silt build up from the ravine and that would be resolved by the (right of way access) at the top of the detention basin. Horbus indicated a provision would be placed in the contract of the Homeowners Association. Telford inquired if it had been done. Horbus advised the Homeowners Association was currently seeking a new maintenance contract if Council wished to have something in the record to that effect. Russell agreed there should be a record of what was transpiring. Russell indicated his greatest concern was that as they continue to build homes that the ones below on Sterling Avenue didn’t sustain water and he requested they address that issue in writing. Horbus advised it would be handled by the developers and the general overall maintenance of the detention basin would still fall under the dedication to the city and the general maintenance would be taken over by the Homeowners Association and would be in writing. Telford inquired about the mowing (of the detention basin). Horbus advised there would be no mowing. Telford advised there would be weeds and such which would need trimmed periodically. Horbus advised it shouldn’t be an issue with the thatched grassing material and any other area which would be necessary to mow, would be mowed by the Homeowners Association. Russell advised there was discussion of using a weed eater in the detention basin area. Horbus advised yes, the general maintenance would be taken care of by the Homeowners Association. Discussion included whether mention in the minutes was enough to cover said maintenance. Horbus advised it could be part of the record that it was a requirement for the dedication that those areas would be maintained by the Homeowners Association. Russell discussed the issue of whether to put in an access road from Sterling Avenue on the city’s right of way. Council agreed to amend the ordinance and include the amendment directly into the body of the ordinance. Bower advised he was trying to pin down the nature and extent of the maintenance with particularities and specificity. It was noted, the amendment would include, but would not be limited to the mowing and general cleaning out of the grate and the exact language would be specified in the actual ordinance. James moved to adopt as amended, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

2. Ord. No. 7437 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties and Stat e of Ohio, Authorizing a Contract with the Board of Wayne County Commissioners for Administration and Enforcement of the Ohio Manufactured Homes Installation Standards by the Wayne County Building Department and Authorizing an Application to the Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission for the Certification of the Building Department through a Certified Building Department. Third Reading.
Ord. No. 7437 was read on third reading. Lapehn moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

3. Ord. No. 7438 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties, Ohio, Vacating a Portion of First Street and Declaring an Emergency. Third Reading. Ord. No. 7438 was read on third reading. Discussion included the location of the waterline in relation to the bleachers. It was noted, the bleachers would not be under the framework of the bleachers. Boggs advised the Utility Dept. advised him they would be able to get a backhoe in there and do maintenance if necessary. Copley advised the city did have an easement for that waterline and clarified that the school would bear any expense should the bleachers need to be moved. James advised it was his understanding you could not build on an easement. Solicitor Bower advised they could build on it subject to the easement. Superintendent Ullman advised the waterline runs parallel to the pavement and the edge of the bleachers would be inside of that waterline and in talking with the city personnel, if there ever were a problem with that waterline breaking they would be putting in a shut off valve by the hydrants on the north and south side and the drawing clearly indicates the waterline is outside of the bleacher area. Lapehn moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

4. Motion to Hire Larry Boggs as Rittman City Manager Per Previous
Discussions.
Steve advised Boggs was doing an excellent job and the first year savings of putting him on the job would be in the neighborhood of $30,000. to $40,000. dollars and he has like community support.
Telford advised she received e-mails and comments from different people and they have all been favorable and has not received one bad word about him (Boggs) and she agreed with Steve. Copley advised he received those same e-mails and letters, but unfortunately he received quite a few more “thank-you’s” for the way he voted the last time. Copley advised while he believed Boggs was doing a decent job as interim, I think the City of Rittman deserves the best we can get and he didn’t believe he was the right person for the job. Copley advised he listened to the 9-25-06 recordings and during that (meeting) we had several citizens present state the best thing Council could do was hire a firm to get the right person. Copley advised at that time he was wholeheartedly against hiring a firm as he didn’t think Council should waste the money on a firm, but felt they could do it themselves. Copley advised some of his fellow Council Members disagreed with him saying they couldn’t do it themselves and now those same people were wanting to hire (a City Manager) themselves, which he felt was contradictory. Copley advised at this time he just could not support the hiring of Larry Boggs as City Manager.
Telford advised she has talked with another member, who at the time wanted to hire a firm and was now totally in favor of giving Larry (Boggs) a chance in that he has done a great job in the length of time we have had him, and she didn’t understand why they were not receiving any of the negative comments as she has not received even one.
Steve advised he was one of the those advocating an outside search firm and as things have transpired, he has since changed his mind. Steve indicated he was not against hiring a search firm, but it seemed a waste of taxpayer dollars when they have someone already sitting in the chair who has proven he can do the job. Steve advised he would be saddened to spend $20,000. of taxpayer money and have a 4-2 vote and not be able to hire a man and he felt that would be a waste of time and money.
Telford advised this was all before they (Council) knew that Boggs was available (for the position).
Copley advised there was still a majority consensus of Council as well as the community that they needed to hire a firm as we were not able to hire one by ourselves. Copley advised other members felt this Council did not have the capability at hand to know who to hire and inquired how they could tell him now that they know Larry was the right guy for the job.
Steve advised if they would survey the community, he felt they would find a large majority who would agree with his position.
James advised he would disagree with that (statement). James advised he would like to point out that this Council, back when they first started (discussions) of a search when Steve was Council President, that without 100% agreement this Council would not be making these types of decisions. James advised you (Steve) wanted 100% agreement and was the only way you felt for sure we had the right person was that we have to have every person up here agree.

Steve agreed and advised to get good quality leadership, they need unity here and his purpose here tonight was so the public could see the disagreements on Council. Steve advised many years ago when he first came onto Council as a younger fellow, there were some votes for positions and he was advised by your (James) father (Leroy Johnson) when he disagreed with Council that it was Council’s tradition to vote in majority on positions. Steve advised Mr. Hisem, who was on Council at the time, took me aside and expressed the same as well. Steve advised I took that advice and he felt it was well for our young members to follow some of the traditions of our city as well.
James advised Mr. (Steve) Johnson, just so you know, my father did believe in many traditions of this Council and I am saddened to say that you sir have broken all of them. James admonished Mr. Russell to keep control of the meeting as Acting Mayor. James advised they (the audience) have already had their chance to express their opinion, you (Russell) need to get control of this meeting. James speaks into the audience, “You have already had your time to speak Mrs. Staley and you already got rid of that.”
Steve advised he just wanted to bring this out into the open and allow the public to see what was going on and he was quite happy for input from the public and he didn’t have a bit of problem with what the public might perceive was going on.
Lapehn advised he was in support (of hiring Larry) and they were offering him a minimal two year contract and actually cutting the pay he was currently receiving. Lapehn advised no health benefits would be offered to him and he agreed to these terms when they voted on it previously. Lapehn advised he felt it was very generous of him (Boggs) to be willing to take the job at those terms saving the city thousands upon thousands of dollars. Lapehn advised what he has seen in the last couple of months as a member of the CIC and Council, was when business people outside the community come before these boards, they have spoken without hesitation of the great way that Larry Boggs has worked with them to search for business opportunities/opening businesses here in town making a way for them to not only earn a profit, but a way to make Rittman their home. Lapehn advised you can’t be more impressed when outsiders/entrepreneurs come into town and say your Acting City Manager is a keeper and those were kinds of things he listens to.
Russell advised Copley asked at the last Council Meeting for the three outside search firms (previously discussed) and he pointed out The Mercer Group was $16,500. plus expenses with a maximum of $24,000., The Circuit Rider was $17,500. and was Ohio based, and The Par Group was $20,000. plus candidates travel and lodging. Russell advised it has been a pleasure working with the Interim City Manager Larry Boggs and felt he has kept Council very well informed and the many times that he has called him, he gave him an answer right away or found out the answer and got back with him. Russell advised looking back over the minutes back in October from those wanting to go with an outside manager and since that time he has talked with some of those people and they have stated they have changed their mind. Russell advised at the time the residents spoke (of hiring an outside firm), Larry at that time wasn’t interested in the job and after he became comfortable (in the position) he decided he would like to have it and he felt it would behoove us to put him in that position. Russell advised he felt he (Larry) would do an excellent job and he has pointed out such things as him willing to take a used vehicle versus a new one and the city would not have to pay insurance or hospitalization for him and was taking a cut in pay and he didn’t feel they would be able to get many people from out of town looking for a job to accept those kinds of conditions. Russell advised Larry knows the community and the people and he knows how to talk to the people and he felt they would be making a mistake if they didn’t go with Larry and give him a shot at it.
Steve so moved, upon roll call; Russell-Yes, Steve-Yes, Telford-Yes, James-No, Lapehn-Yes, Copley-No and motion failed. It requires an affirmative vote of five (5) members of Council to hire a City Manager per section 5.01 of the Charter.

New Business

1. Motion to Approve Kenneth Gallion of S. Second St. to Paid Status on the
Rittman Fire Department by Recommendation of the Fire Chief Copley so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

2. Ord. No. 7439 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Amending Ordinance 7399 to Provide Assessments for the Improvement of Liberty Street, Grant Street, Erie Street and East Sunset Drive and Declaring an Emergency. Three Readings. Ord. No. 7439 was read on first reading. James moved to suspend the rules and have second and third reading, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried. Ord. No. 7439 was read on second and third reading. Lapehn moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

3. Motion to Allow Citizen Comments Again
Russell advised with Council’s approval, he would like to get away from the next order of business and let the public speak as he felt there were a lot here who would like to speak.
James advised they had their chance to speak during Citizens Forum and inquired as to why they didn’t speak then.
Steve advised he would make that motion as he believed they (the citizens) wanted to hear some of Council’s discussion and would like to comment.
Steve so moved, seconded by Telford, upon roll call; James-Abstain, Russell-Yes, Lapehn-Yes, Telford-Yes, Copley-Yes, Steve-Yes and motion carried.

Citizen Forum II
Lynn Staley of N. Hickin Ave. advised she takes great offense at James singling her out as there were many comments being made which were even nastier than what she was saying. Staley advised you work for me and all of you work for the community and what we feel we want you to hear and I think our community is speaking loud and clear. Staley advised as far as (being in favor of) spending the money on a City Manager search, “I was one of them”. Staley advised but, this man (Boggs) has stepped up to the plate and he has gone above and beyond what any one of us expected and I feel Larry Boggs deserves the job as he has worked extremely hard for this community and that is what you are suppose to be doing for us.
Pam Wolfe of W. Sunset Dr. agreed and advised she didn’t know Mr. Boggs very well, but everything she has been hearing from other people in the community was exceptional. Wolfe advised she voted for Mr. Copley and Mr. (James) Johnson and was really sorry she did. Wolfe advised she was sorry they were representing us because they don’t. She advised most of the people she talks to say they (Copley/James) cannot represent what they feel and what they want as they do not vote the way we want them to (vote). Wolfe advised she felt this was a perfect example of that as she was one of those people who wanted to go outside (of Rittman) for somebody new, but Mr. Boggs has shown he is perfect for the job. Wolfe advised they didn’t know (at the time) they had such a capable person for the position. Wolfe inquired why spend taxpayer’s money to go outside the city when we have someone sitting right here. Wolfe suggested they start going around town to businesses and the community asking people what they want instead of sitting there spending our money however they feel.
Sam Bauman of DeCourcey Rd. advised he was born and raised in this town and he remembers when they first went to the City Manager form of government. Bauman advised it seemed as if a manager lasted 2 to 5 years and moved on up until we got Bob Kellogg and Bob was the one that stayed. Bauman advised he remembers when Larry took over for Merle Heffelman as Chief of Police. Bauman advised he (Boggs) has done an excellent job as the Chief of Police and has done an excellent job as a fill-in City Manager. He advised Mr. Copley says this was what the people wanted back then (to hire a firm) and he (Boggs) has proved he can do the job and outside people have commented on his ability to do the job. Bauman inquired as to what the two “No” votes were about and advised he didn’t understand that when he (Boggs) has proven to our community that we would not have to spend excess tax dollars to hire someone to find a guy who may stay 3 to 4 years and move on. Bauman advised that does not make any sense to me as we have been down that road as a community. Bauman advised we want to move onward and we have a man that has found a store for town and was making progress, so why fight it and inquired why the two Council Members were saying, No other than Council did this when Mr. Kellogg left and he felt that was a pretty small excuse to keep on the same path. Bauman advised change was tough and none of us like it, but we are sick as a community of staying where we are at. Bauman and Mr. Boggs, Mayor Robertson, and the Council have done a fine job up to this point, but you two (Copley/J. Johnson) are a hindrance to our community.
Bill Springer of N. Main St. advised he hasn’t been real active in the community in the past two years and it has only been since his fiancé took the position of the Chamber of Commerce Director that he has been coming to Council Meetings. Springer advised it was very sad the debacle that they were in right now simply because you guys are fighting something for some kind of issue that you are completely and totally stuck on. Springer advised not only did they give a bad name to younger people on councils and were the reason some people don’t want to vote younger people in (to office). Springer advised he was offended that they (Copley/J. Johnson) as City Council Members walk into Council Chambers with “Budweiser” jackets on and inquired as to how serious could he take them as a City Council Member.
Copley advised with all do respect, it was a racing jacket.
James inquired that they couldn’t be racing fans.
Springer advised that was fine if that was the way they wanted to be seen, but he felt that was sad. Springer advised it was the voters that put you into office and the great thing about our country is that we allow for us to get out of bad situations. Springer advised to be honest, it was real easy for us voters to pull you out of office.
Copley advised he would like to remember them that come November there would be three seats available, feel free to run so you can sit up here as well.

Steve advised some of those present were because he asked them to be here. He advised noone was more disappointed than he is. He advised he has put almost 12 years in this seat. Steve advised he sent a letter out to some people and felt it was a shame that Rittman was in the news for picking about who was in charge instead of getting new people in town for business. Steve advised Larry has done more in five months than has happened in a long time here. Steve advised nobody campaigned harder for these two guys than I did and I apologize to you (the residents). Steve advised he felt if he and Bill Robertson and some others hadn’t campaigned they would have made it because it was close. Steve advised he wanted the public to see what was going on and to him leadership was moving on and we were not going to be able to move on until we change the seats at the table. Steve advised there was nothing he could do and he just wanted the public to see and he didn’t have a bit of problem with this getting out in the public and let the public discuss it. Steve advised his seat was up in November and the public could have their say and he was quite comfortable with whatever the people in this town say and over the course of his career he feels he has represented the public well and he has been wrong a few times and I am not so bold as to say I am not wrong. Steve advised on this issue, he feels a large majority of the citizens support the position of the majority of the Council and he’ll let the public decide how this issue goes.
Mark Herwick of N. Fourth St. inquired as to how long they would keep an interim manager before they appoint an official position. He inquired as to the process.
Copley advised back on October 30th , they had their first discussion with Larry Boggs and it was several months later that he came to the decision for us to make a motion to hire him. Copley advised this was one of the reasons he was hesitant to hire him because if someone waits that many months to come back and say he wants the job, it tells me that maybe he didn’t want it 100 percent. Copley advised he would like to hire a firm and get this thing rolling as he didn’t want to go too much longer with an interim manager.
Herwick advised would like to go on record as saying he feels Larry Boggs is the man for the job and if he has to run for a chair up there then he would spend his money and run for a seat.
Steve advised Mr. Boggs did express an interest in the position in November, he assumed the job in September as he was Council President at the time. Steve advised when they first began discussions in November, it was put off for a while due to holiday schedules and never really voted on it until January when Russell had become Council President. Steve advised it wasn’t that it wasn’t being discussed as Larry sent him a letter mid November and indicated he was interested. Steve advised when Larry first took the job, he wasn’t sure, he said he would help us out and after he got in it a few weeks, he realized he could do the job as it was problem solving and he has proved he’s good at it.
Glenn Waggy of Rawiga Rd. advised he was not a resident of Rittman, but he has been attending Council Meetings pretty regularly for the last year and he has done a lot of observing. Waggy advised at the time this issue first came up, the public was in favor of going outside and using a search firm, but since Larry Boggs has taken over the job as Interim Manager, he has proven himself to the public and I think the public has changed their mind. Waggy advised he felt it was the responsibility of Council Members to recognize the fact that the public is saying, we changed our mind.
Allan Emerson of Bauman St. advised maybe Mr. Boggs wasn’t so sure he wanted to be a part of this, maybe he didn’t want to throw himself into this mess, but I think he stepped up and I think you need to change your mind.
Russell advised he believed they would have been in dire need if he (Boggs) hadn’t stepped up to the plate and he didn’t know what they would have done if he hadn’t as we didn’t have a City Manager at that point. Russell advised he appreciated him and the work he’s done so far.
Dale Steiner of Hilltop Drive advised most successful companies promote from within. Steiner advised if you representing us as voters, were saying we wanted someone from the outside, then how do you explain your being elected.
Copley advised when he ran (for election) noone knew how he was going to vote. Copley advised he feels that when people voted for him, there were some who thought they were voting for someone who would listen to other people and he was not that type of person, sorry. Copley clarified his statement that he does not listen to other Council Members and he does listen to the citizens of this community.
Steiner inquired we are saying promote from within, we elected you and now you are saying we need to bring outside people.
James advised he has been saying that since day one.
Allan Emerson advised he was embarrassed for himself that he voted for you (James) and this was not a fist fight or a hair pulling contest sir and that was exactly the way you are treating it with screaming and yelling and calling out other Council Members. Emerson advised we are not a bunch of yahoo’s here, sir.
James advised everyone wants to know why he voted, no and don’t take this the wrong way, but most of the people here “live up on the hill”. James advised like I said don’t take that the wrong way because technically you do. James advised he has gone Tuesday evenings door to door and I have made it as far as Third Street so far, sorry, but well over 75% of the people I talked to state that we are making a right decision, as in me and my brother up here, that we need to stick our ground. James advised if you can get over 4,000 people in this chamber, or standing around it, to tell me otherwise then I’ll consider it. James advised you say the community is wanting him in, show me, I am seeing a select few. James advised this was less than a half a percent of the city.
Telford inquired why don’t those people come to Council.
Lynn Staley inquired, because we live on the hill?
James advised like I said, you are going to take it the wrong way and I told you not to.
Staley inquired as to how she was suppose to take it.
James emphatically states, “Where you live, on that hill!”
Russell advised he didn’t mind them talking, but he didn’t want screaming. He reminded them one person at a time when recognized including Council.

Judy Emerson of Bradley Street advised she lives on the hill and asked James to explain to her what that has to do with where we live.
James advised the way he wanted to explain it and it came out wrong was that the people down on this end of town were the exact opposite of those up on that end of town. He inquired as to what he was suppose to call it, the west? James advised there were people down here and he’s even got people on the hill, everybody since the beginning of time has called that the hill, and he was hearing more negative than positive. James advised do I think he’s (Boggs) done a good job as interim, yes. He advised what he was hearing from very respected business leaders in this community were even saying to me that this was not the road that we need to take, but needed to go with somebody who doesn’t have any connection to the city.
Judy Emerson inquired as to how many outside people have we (the city) had and where has it gotten us. She advised we have someone here who has lived in this town and knows what we need to do to move forward in this town. Emerson advised if we get somebody from the outside, they would only stay a few years and use us for a stepping stone.
James advised whenever Mr. Kellogg was hired 19+ years ago, he was an outsider.
Emerson inquired where did it get us, where are we and advised it was time to move forward.
Bill Springer advised you are saying that he (Boggs) has done a good job and everyone is saying he has stepped up to the plate and inquired as to what was their issue and what was their problem. Springer advised he didn’t know what they were voting against.
James advised what people have told me they do not want was a person in the City Manager position with ties to this community because it creates problems like they had (in the past) and that is what he was being told.
Springer advised he (Boggs) does have ties to the city which was great for businesses and great for helping people out and when you have a City Manager that people feel comfortable talking to and sharing their problems with and he has an open door policy. Springer advised he didn’t know how much more they could look a gift horse in the mouth. Springer advised they have the man for the job right here and your only excuse is you don’t want a man from this city, however you will say he’s done a great job in the interim. Springer advised that was not only a paradoxical question, but it was an idiotic one.
Interim City Manager Larry Boggs advised all I can say is, “Wow!” I did expect it and I didn’t ask for it. Boggs advised it was true that when Steve called him and Council asked him to be the interim that he had no desire at that time to step into the job full-time. He advised there were many problems the first couple weeks and he had to jump in and go after things and try to keep things stable. He advised we lost our grocery store, PCA had closed, we didn’t know what our budget situation was (going to be). Boggs advised in defense of Council, he told them up front that he was at peace with whatever they decided to do. He advised it is a tough job with a lot of hours. Boggs advised he believes the job was a lot of public relations and he has done that for many years as a police officer. Boggs advised he was overwhelmed at this (show of support) because from the police side of it, you don’t get many positive comments and he thanked each and everyone of them. Boggs advised he could honestly say that there could be somebody better out there. Boggs advised he appreciated the confidence in him and he promised he would do the best he could. Boggs indicated he might not have any hair left when working for a new grocery store as that has been a real challenge. Boggs advised he would continue to do the best he could until they do get someone permanent and he did appreciate all their support. thank you.

1. Motion to Go Into Executive Session for the Purpose of Discussing Pending Litigation and Invite the Interim City Manager and the Law Director - 7:55 p.m.
Lapehn so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

2. Motion to Come Out of Executive Session - 8:15 p.m.
Lapehn so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

City Manager’s Remarks
Interim City Manager Larry Boggs advised he sent e-mails regarding the cell phone tower issue and he was looking for guidance from Council as to what they wanted him to do with regards to one company if they wanted him to renegotiate the contract as the company has requested or risk them pulling out altogether. Boggs advised it was fairly new equipment installed in August 2006. Boggs advised he has heard discussion of a merger with T-Mobile and their argument is if they merge with another company, there was a possibility that some cell towers would be eliminated. Boggs advised as the current contract was written, they could pull out at any time. Boggs advised they were offering a guaranteed contract for nine years. It was noted, the other company on the Metzger Avenue water tower was Cingular.
Copley advised his only concern was if they give T-Mobile a reduced rate, Cingular or one of the other companies might come to us for a reduced rate as well. Copley advised they might get a guarantee for a longer term, but he felt it could hurt in the long run. Copley advised it was revenue above and beyond and did not cost the city anything to allow.

Russell advised he felt it was good to have the assurance of a guaranteed rate for nine years and that Larry has done a good job in negotiating for the city.
Lapehn advised presently they get $16,800. per year from T-Mobile and the proposal was $14,400. but it would be guaranteed for nine years and currently there was an opt-out clause in the contract. Lapehn advised they would be guaranteed $129,600. over nine years which was approximately $20,000. less over a nine year period, but was guaranteed income they could budget over those nine years and he would be in favor of the lower rate knowing it was a nine year guarantee.
Steve agreed and advised he would be in favor of the guaranteed rate for budgeting issues. He advised it was extra money and they sure could use it.
Telford concurred and advised she liked the guaranteed rate.
James agreed.
Copley advised his only concern was for the other companies, but it appeared they were under contract with the city for a number of years. He advised he didn’t have a problem with the new contract as it was guaranteed.
Boggs thanked everyone for coming and speaking on his behalf tonight and he sincerely appreciates it.
Boggs advised they have had some progress and some digress on the grocery store issue. He advised they were still plugging away and it still looks positive, but it was tough dealing with the old grocery store owners, the new grocery store owners and the owner of the shopping center. He advised he has become the negotiator between the three-way discussions.
Boggs advised they were doing water testing for the old Mainway Market bldg. for a potential new business and that was good news.
Boggs advised Engineering Associates were the lowest quote previously submitted to Council regarding testing the water pressure and whether we need a new water tower and Mr. Bower was reviewing the contract specifications. He advised that project would be underway shortly.

1. Approval of Financial Report for February
Copley so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

2. Finance Director’s Remarks
Finance Director Lucinda Mann had no remarks

Council Remarks
Council Member Faye Telford thanked everyone for coming and for their remarks. She was hopeful that one of these days Council could all work together and resolve some of the pending issues at hand. Telford invited them to come back.
Council Member James Johnson thanked everyone for coming. He advised he saw there was an appointment of another Acting Police Chief and he inquired as to why there was no consultation with Council.
Boggs advised he didn’t have much choice as there were only two sergeants. Boggs advised there was a six month period of time and he wasn’t aware that he had to bring an “acting” to Council, if so he apologizes and bring it to you next time.
James advised it states so in the Charter although he did not have a problem with the appointment. James inquired with regards to the “bingo hall” if he found a suitable location.
Boggs advised as stated in his memo, it was his understanding that he has made a verbal agreement with the owner of the old Pontiac garage on South Main Street. Boggs advised there have been some articles recently about this type of business and the prediction that some of the loopholes would be closed and he didn’t know how long this business would last. Boggs advised bingo has been legal for a long time and if he chooses to do only bingo and meets all other requirements he’ll be O.K.
James thanked Fire Chief Sweigert for the Year End Report of the Fire Department as he put some time and effort into it.
Council Member Richard Lapehn advised he was sorry that the gambling business could come to town due to those loopholes. He advised along with bingo he understood there were (slot-type machines) and the only way to prevent them was not to go in and lose your money and then the business doesn’t stick around.
Lapehn advised he was recently at the recreation center on a Sunday afternoon and it was neat to see a couple dozen teens and pre-teens participating in various activities. Lapehn advised the center was such a community resource and a beautiful building despite the problems with the pool, which was fixable. Lapehn advised what a great place that didn’t exist six or seven years ago and we always said what do we have in this town for teens and pre-teens and we’ve got that now. He advised he wanted to continue to express his support for the recreation center as such a valuable community asset and a wonderful place for young people to gather together during the cold winter months.
Lapehn advised he was asked about where they stood with the trees and the downtown redevelopment at the square.

Chamber Director Kim Field advised there was a meeting Wednesday, March 14th at 2:00 p.m. Field advised they were continuing to work on that project and would actually like to get an architect drafter to come do a rendering of our downtown, but they do have a temporary plan in place and they would be discussing that at that meeting. Field addressed a concern a lot of people have regarding the placement of the holes for the trees to be planted as other cities were more evenly spaced. Field indicated they would like to have a landscape architect/designer/contractor and drafter give their input.
Lapehn advised his impression from people was to get it right the first time and not have to do it over again after spending a lot of money and finding out it doesn’t look good. He advised there were a lot of people looking forward to new trees.
Council Member Charles Copley advised regardless of what was said to him tonight he thanked everyone for coming. He advised he appreciated people telling him how they feel whether they agree with him or not. Copley inquired as to where they stood with the full-time police officer.
Boggs advised the Civil Service Commission met and the test is April 26th. He advised he has advertised and were taking in applications right now.
Council Member Steve Johnson thanked everyone for coming and for the discussion as he appreciated them taking their time to come out and share their thoughts with us.
Acting Mayor Glen Russell apologized for getting the schedule off balance, but he did want the citizens to speak up as he felt there had to be a reason they were here and they wanted to hear from you. Russell thanked everyone for coming as he appreciates it and invited them to come back. He advised we sit here and try to represent everyone and sometimes it doesn’t go our way, but the people who voted they represented from their heart they way they thought and it was all apart of the political system. Russell advised they have to vote their conscience, but he would like to say he has gotten a lot of e-mails and spoke to a lot of people on the street and he has not heard any negative comments at all. Russell advised one of these days they would get there even though it would take a little longer. Russell inquired if there was any news regarding installing a stop light at the intersection of Eastern Rd. and SR57.
Boggs advised he has had time to work on that and it wasn’t as simple as calling up the state and requesting a light as they do studies. It was noted, a new sign was posted.

1. Approval of Vouchers 45580 thru 45670 Including Then and Now Certificates
Telford moved to approve, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn - 8:35 p.m.
Steve so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.