Approval of Minutes - March 12, 2007
Telford so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Workshop
1. Discussion of Economic Development/Abatement
Interim City Manager Larry Boggs advised he was looking for direction from Council as to how they would like to proceed in the future with regards to abatements. He advised he included in their packet the brochure that Orrville hands out to any prospective business and he was trying to put together a package with the assistance of the Chamber. Boggs indicated it was feasible to do something similar to what Orrville put together and spell out what abatements they were willing to give up-front and he could address certain issues when approached and didn’t need to come to Council each time and they could work through issues and arguments prior to prospective customers coming to Council.
Council Member Richard Lapehn advised he was generally in favor of abatements and felt they put them in a competitive disadvantage if they do not have something in writing and the surrounding cities all have abatement policies in place. Lapehn noted a recent article he read regarding school funding and Mogadore, a smaller school district, had a huge warehousing district where they abated taxes for ten years and now the share the citizens pay into the schools was less than it was ten years ago compared to the industrial component of the Mogadore community and this was due to the abatements they did years ago. Lapehn advised the other districts (noted in this article) said the share the private property owner pays into the schools increases every year which hurts all of us. He advised he was very much in favor of abatements and he would like to have a policy in place so the City Manager isn’t making it up on the fly and wouldn’t require every person to come and plead their individual case.
Council Member Steve Johnson advised he discussed this issue with some businessmen in Orrville during and it was a very competitive market. He advised what they were working toward was getting jobs in Rittman. Steve advised he felt it would be nice to have a written policy and set what they wanted and possibly weigh it with job creation as he knows it has been varied according to some formula or criteria. Steve advised from a businessman’s point of view, if they go to Orrville and are handed a packet of what they (Orrville) can offer and Rittman tells them they have to go to Council, they probably won’t even bother. Steve advised in business, everything is time and they have other hurdles, but he felt this was worthwhile and something they could do in-house and would be helpful to make them competitive. Steve advised today the market was the small shops and Larry has been working on several and they wanted to establish a strong base of small companies to add diversity and one way was through incentives such as this (abatement policy).
Mayor Robertson advised he believed it was one of the things Rod Crider from the Wayne Economic Development Council was looking for as well to be able to sell Rittman to prospective businesses.
Council Member Charles Copley advised he looked at several different areas around Ohio and quite a number of them have tax abatement policies. He advised it appeared a majority of them were looking for a number of employees. Copley advised the City of North Royalton actually looks at how much payroll was going to be created, which he liked better. Copley advised it was one thing to create jobs which pay $40,000. a year versus one that pays $10,000. to $20,000. a year. He advised he felt by looking at the payroll apposed to looking at the number of jobs, they would be better off. Copley advised it was a graduated abatement schedule based on the amount of payroll created. Copley indicated there were other abatement percentages allotted for such things as expanding existing or reusing abandoned buildings as well as other community or environmental issues and took into account more than just the number of employees. Copley noted, the maximum number of years in the State of Ohio was ten years. Copley advised North Royalton had a minimum of five years and was according to how much you invest and for each million dollars the company would receive an additional year. Copley noted, he liked how North Royalton had a two page straight forward policy versus a 7 to 10 page document.

Council Member Glen Russell advised he liked the (booklet) Orrville provides. Russell advised he believed the city has granted as high as 100% abatement and he really didn’t understand where the city was coming from when they give 100% tax abatement. He felt it was O.K. to have the business, but as far as the city was concerned, it was not helping. Russell suggested they have a workshop set up for a special meeting to discuss adopting a policy as he felt it was a good idea. Russell advised there were a lot of good ideas in here (Orrville’s tax incentive policy) and felt we could use it as a guideline along with Copley’s suggestions.
Copley advised tax abatements affect the school and suggested getting the school board involved in the process to allow them to give their input.
Mayor Robertson advised typically the response from the school has been that they were willing to give up the short term income for a long term gain, but agreed the school should be involved as the climate was certainly changing.
Russell agreed the school has been supportive.
Discussion included how a plan would be presented to Council.
Boggs advised they were trying to put together a booklet which shows all the assets and benefits around our area. Boggs advised of course Council would have to direct on the abatements and he was trying to get a general consensus of how Council feels and this was not something they could do in one or two nights, but an ongoing slow process of putting it together.
Discussion included holding a meeting(s) for this issue on the off Mondays from the regularly scheduled meetings. It was noted, April 2, 2007 at 7:00 pm was a possible meeting date and time. Discussion included the CRA’s (Community Reinvestment Area) which was controlled locally and the other abatements which had county and state involvement. Discussion also included inviting school board members and other interested parties to said meetings regarding abatement discussions.

2. Discussion of Downtown Renovation
Boggs advised he was seeking Council’s direction for where they wished to go with this issue. He advised he met with some of the leaders from Doylestown who enlightened him on where the JEDD project stood and what they did on their downtown renovation project. Boggs advised one thing he felt might speed up the entire process, if Council wanted, was to hire an engineer firm as they really couldn’t do much until they knew where the utilities would be located and so forth. He advised everyone would like new sidewalks, but they can’t just jump in there and replace sidewalks until they know what the actual plan was going to be. Boggs inquired if Council was interested in visiting Doylestown and talking with their Council and Mayor. He also inquired if they were interested in getting quotes from engineers to start the process.
Steve advised Doylestown had nice street lighting and suggested they visit it at night as it was well lit and clean and they haven’t even begun the work on the buildings as yet and it already made a huge difference, but planning was the first step.
Boggs advised he believed once some of this was underway, they would be eligible for grants, but none of the grants would pay for the engineering studies. Boggs advised Doylestown did it in two phases and he believed they paid approximately $24,000. and they used Engineering Associates. Boggs advised there were committees working on plans and if they (the city) “bite the bullet” and get the engineering study done then hopefully the rest would follow.
Mayor Robertson advised originally Doylestown thought their project would cost $2.4 million and when complete it ended up around $325,000. and a lot of that was grants and low interest loans.
Discussion followed by Council who were receptive to seeking quotes from engineering firms as this was the first step in the process. Council considered whether to meet in Doylestown to review their work and was in general agreement they could do it in the near future on an off meeting Monday, possibly in May.

Citizens Forum
Dave Strader of Nevada Jacks of 44 S. Main St. advised they would like to donate money to the city toward the flowers and trees in the downtown area.
Chamber Director Kim Field gratefully accepted the donation on behalf of the committee(s) in charge of said project and Dave Strader received a round of applause and thanks for his contribution.

Tim Stefanko of Salt Ct. advised he would like Council to reconsider hiring Larry Boggs with a contract as City Manager. He advised he understood some Council Members might feel they were doing the will of the people by not hiring him as he was present in a meeting where the public was invited to state what they wanted in a City Manager and several said at that meeting that they want someone from out of town without ties to the current administration. He advised he was one of those people, but at the time they didn’t know Larry Boggs was being considered for the position. Stefanko advised he felt Council would then choose someone who was going to agree with them and be a puppet and he felt that certainly was not Larry Boggs. Stefanko advised a statement was made that only those living on the hill would want him (Boggs) for a City Manager. He advised he lives on Salt Court which was certainly not on the hill, in fact he lives in the hole and from past interactions Larry has always treated him with respect and dignity regardless of what part of town he happened to live and he has never seen him treat anyone else any different. He advised it was obvious to him that when Chief Boggs ran the Police Department, that Chief Boggs was running the Police Department and not under the thumb of another branch of city government. Stefanko advised Boggs was definitely an independent person and obviously wasn’t micro-managed from any other part of the city. He advised the officers who have worked with Mr. Boggs and he has talked to a lot of them over the years and you would be hard pressed to find a single officer who didn’t have the utmost respect for the Chief and he would like to see any other department in the city be able to say that and he appealed to Charles Copley and James Johnson to reconsider their vote although he believed that they believed they were doing what the people wanted them to do, but the people he has talked to have nothing but the utmost respect for Larry Boggs. Stefanko advised he believed he (Boggs) would make an excellent City Manager who would serve not just the people on the hill, but the people everywhere like he has in the past. Stefanko advised he didn’t support them (Copley/J. Johnson) in the last election because he ran against them, but he always respected that they voted independently and voted their own conscience, which he appreciates even though he has disagreed with them more than he agreed with how he voted. Stefanko advised when you vote independently, there was a time to consider the fact that when Glen Russell, Steve Johnson, Pam Wolfe and himself all agree on one issue, it probably was not a good time to vote independently and in fact they might want to hold hands and sing a few verses of Kumbaya as it might not happen again. He advised they need to consider if the information they received which was telling them to go the other way may not be correct as he really didn’t believe it was (correct).
Rick Holt of Joshua Dr. advised he has only been a resident for five years in Rittman, but he has seen a lot of what happens in other communities. He advised he has seen cities hire City Manager’s through a “headhunter” and it cost them more to get rid of them after they were hired. Holt advised he didn’t respect the fact that they have someone who has put so much time and effort into the community, as 35 years was a long time, not to give him the respect with his education and background before they would go to a headhunter as he felt that was very disrespectful. Holt advised for him it was a “no brainer” as he has seen it in other communities and he didn’t understand what their personal stance was by paying more money by hiring outside the city. He advised he needed the two Council Members to explain to him what their feelings were as to how they were going to better the city by going outside the city.
Roger Martin of Wilers Grove advised he agreed and he was present to support Larry as he dealt with him on some recent issues and he doesn’t live on the hill. Martin advised since Larry has been in charge he felt he has done a lot for our city. He advised he disagreed with hiring outside as they would spend $20,000. plus expenses and suggested they put the money into the town streets and sidewalks and support Larry for the job.
Tom Leatherman of DeCourcey Rd. advised he was an elected official as Milton Township Trustee and he has worked with Larry for a lot of years and we need to have the continuity of government and bring Larry on as our City Manager on a regular basis. He advised Larry was very knowledgeable, you can work with him and the trustees have a very good working relationship with the city and he didn’t want to see that change. Leatherman advised he was also President of the County Township Association and he has had a number of Wayne County Officials come to him and want to know why we can’t confirm Larry as our City Manager. Leatherman advised the county officials have known Larry for a long time as well and can’t understand why we would want to seek outside help to find a City Manager and spend an exorbitant amount of money to bring people in when we have an individual right here ready to go to work for us. He advised for the continuity of government and the various issues that we face which have to be dealt with, we cannot continue to deal with those things with an Interim City Manager because we don’t know what we are going to be working with in the future. Leatherman advised we need to confirm Larry and go forth with what is important and that is to do the best job we can for this community and this town.
ConiAnn Limpert of W. Ohio Ave. advised everyone on Council knows she likes working with Larry and inquired how do they as the public and the citizens convey in a balanced way from all areas of the city what our will is and how do the people express that will as you work for us.
Council Member Lapehn advised you (Limpert) did it beautifully just now and the reporter would hopefully convey those thoughts in the paper and if others disagree they would come to the next meeting to share their opinion and he thanked Limpert for her comments.
Mayor Robertson advised it was the responsibility of Council to hire and fill the position of the City Manager and could not be done any other way (per the charter).
Jennifer Jackson of Grant St. advised she supported hiring Larry Boggs as the City Manager and she also felt it was not necessary to have a recall.
Doug Stuart of Matthew Dr. advised he agreed with Steve Johnson that permanent property tax that comes to the schools for tax abatement on inventory was being phased out in the State of Ohio. Stuart challenged Council to not just rely on Doylestown, but suggested other cities such as Seville, Apple Creek and Wadsworth to learn more about how they improved their downtown areas. Stuart advised in his opinion, the difference between Larry Boggs was that his door was always open and he didn’t have to make an appointment if he has a concern. He advised he gets on the phone or walks right into his office. Stuart advised he felt it was a discussion item to even get to your city manager. Stuart advised he knows that when Larry is in that chair, he will address it and he will get back to me if he doesn’t know it right then so that respect he gives me and the other people of this community has definitely mattered.

ConiAnn Limpert advised regarding the downtown revitalization committees and those people involved have been meeting with Main Street Ohio and other groups. She advised there were people who were willing to work together with Council and merchants and citizens to see this all come together.
Walter Marquart of Cardinal Dr. advised he liked the general consensus he heard from the discussion by Council getting things established regarding abatement issues. Marquart advised there were avenues approaching to try to relieve our dependence on property tax for the school system and that lends credence to some of the things we know about abatement. He advised from the general stupid statement made at the last meeting (You live on the hill) he felt there ought to be something like “We Are Rittman” and get on board and get things accomplished.

Old Business

1. Motion to Rescind the Prior Motion which Passed to Hire an Outside Firm for a City Manager Search. James advised he would like to remind this Council that a motion was made and it passed to hire an outside firm to search for a City Manager. James advised this Council cannot vote in a City Manager until that motion has been rescinded. Steve advised he would be happy to make that motion, if it would change his opinion. Steve so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

2. Motion to Hire Larry Boggs as Rittman City Manager
Steve thanked the people for their comments and from his twelve years on Council, he has received more e-mails, more phone calls than anything else that has ever happened here, even the cemetery debacle or trees being cut down actually. He advised he didn’t know what he could add to what has been said, but they have a lot of challenges ahead and he felt they should get together and get behind Larry and let him work. Steve advised from the memos he is receiving from Larry and the quality of his work, he didn’t believe anyone could question it. He advised he felt Larry was doing a marvelous job and they need to be working on these economic developments and the downtown and not spending a lot of time and money looking for somebody else, but let Larry run with the ball. He advised if we could put this on the ballot, he believed Larry would win by a landslide.
Russell advised he believed the public said everything that needs to be said as well as at the last meeting and he has not heard an “no’s” on the issue.
Russell so moved, seconded by Telford, upon roll call; Lapehn-Yes, Telford-Yes, Steve-Yes, Copley-No, Russell-Yes, James-No and motion failed.

3. Russell advised regarding the Oak Hill Development as he believed they were suppose to get back to us regarding the agreement on the maintenance part of the development.
Boggs advised it was covered in the body of the ordinance and he could provide him a copy and it was spelled out as to what was discussed by Council.

New Business

1. Motion to Advertise for the Position of City Manager in the ICMA, the Ohio
Municipal League, Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Akron Beacon Journal, the Wooster Daily Record and the Trading Post.
Copley advised one item he has heard the most in the discussions to hire Larry Boggs as City Manager was, “Why go out and spend the money for a firm?” and Council voted tonight to say that we don’t need to hire a firm.
Steve advised he felt that would be a waste of money as he believed if they were going to hire a City Manager that they would need outside help and his opinion hasn’t changed, but his opinion was that Mr. Boggs is the guy. Steve advised they would also have to pay the expenses of those people who apply to travel, to stay and they would be obligated for moving expenses. Steve advised they would have to negotiate salary and we would have to pay healthcare. Steve advised Mr. Boggs has agreed to work for $5,000. a year less than Mr. Kellogg and Mr. Boggs does not need healthcare coverage which saves $7,000. Steve advised we would be obligated to pay moving expenses to relocate to this area which would be approximately $10,000. plus a new guy doesn’t know any of the players and it would take at least a year to get up to speed to where Larry is at right now and I don’t think that is what is best for Rittman.
James advised back when the Treasurer’s position was open, we all knew who we were going to hire and yet we still advertised it and it was a waste of money then so, what’s the difference now as they were wasting money no matter what and we did it before.
Steve advised at the time we advertised for the Treasurer’s position, he didn’t know that Cindy was a candidate until after we began accepting applications.

Russell advised advertising was just a stall and it would take another six months to find a manager, if we find one. He advised they were just killing time and he didn’t feel the city could afford that loss of time, or the money it would cost to get a new City Manager and he pleaded with Mr. Copley and Mr. James Johnson to get on the same page with them. He advised if Larry doesn’t work out, there was a remedy to take care of it, but Larry has done a good job. Russell advised Larry has exceeded the expectations of others and maybe even surprised himself and he felt it was a breath of fresh air to be able to walk in and talk with Larry and work with him. Russell advised he could call him up and go into the office and feel comfortable talking about anything he would like to address concerning the city and he was willing to listen. Russell advised he didn’t believe they were going to be able to find anybody else and he felt they were just killing time and he would like to avoid that if possible.
Copley advised if this motion were to pass, although he felt it wouldn’t, he would like to see his resume submitted with the other candidates. Copley advised this Council has not seen his resume and he did not personally know Larry and inquired as to how he could make that judgment without seeing a resume or a background check. Copley advised Council saw a resume and background on Cindy and you laugh, but we did do it with the Treasurer’s position.
Telford inquired as to how he (Boggs) could be Police Chief and still need a background check. Faye is interrupted by James and the Mayor asks him to wait his turn. Telford inquired after 35 years, what is there to check. She advised she felt they were just wasting time, lets vote and see what happens.
James advised name one employer that will hire somebody without seeing a resume and a background check.
Mayor Robertson advised when he moved jobs within the same company he didn’t have to go through the background check again and felt this was a similar situation.
Russell advised he has known Larry ever since he became a policeman and he felt he was one who talks the talk and walks the walk and he didn’t know what else they expected from the guy. He advised he has watched Larry from the time he has been a police officer and he has had a very good rapport with the citizens and knows how to communicate with the community and he didn’t know what else they would need as far as a manager was concerned.
Copley advised his concern was, how could they say he was the best candidate when they have not looked at anybody else.
Lapehn advised he wanted to speak to the motion with regards to all the advertising in the different newspapers and journals and at this point he would vote no simply because he didn’t know what he was advertising. He advised they haven’t worked on anything to advertise and if they were going to advertise in all those local papers, they were looking for someone who was very local. Lapehn advised the purpose of the outside firm was to do that work for us and they look into a lot of things so we don’t make any EEOC mistakes as he would be fearful without outside counsel to work with Council before we even approve sending out an advertisement. Lapehn advised he felt that was jumping with both feet into a big vat of something or other and get ourselves in a lot of trouble. Lapehn advised if we accept resumes and those resumes are treated in a certain way, those people could sue for various reasons if information is revealed that shouldn’t be revealed. Lapehn advised to go that route he felt they should hire outside counsel and he was not in favor of the motion.
James inquired as to where Lapehn was two months ago when this Council looked at an advertisement Councilman Copley put together and said this was a good way to go.
Lapehn inquired if he could answer.
James advised whenever it was his turn to speak. James advised he was told to keep his mouth shut whenever it was not his turn to speak and he would too. James advised whenever there was an open position within a company, a job posting must be held for thirty days. He advised they could not just fill a vacant position without the job being posted for thirty days first, we cannot. James advised there are affirmative action suits which prevent you from doing it and he didn’t know how Steve runs his business, but you can’t do it.
Steve advised he didn’t believe it would apply because we are a self ruled municipal charter and we would be exempt. Steve advised we did not do a background check on Larry when we hired him as interim and he has yet to hear from them the reason why Larry was not qualified and he didn’t believe they had one (reason). Steve advised it doesn’t pay to argue and he feels it does a disservice to the citizens and to the community and he felt they should leave it up to the community as he believed they would have more to say about this (issue).
James advised with all due respect to Larry, his educational background was not in the right field.
Copley so moved, upon roll call; Copley-Yes, Telford-No, Russell-No, Steve-No, Lapehn-No, James-Yes and motion failed.

2. Russell suggested Council consider some of the legislation adopted in other cities (copies of which were in their packets) regarding how they regulate the “games of skill” businesses although he understood they might not be able to stop them, but felt they needed to look at adopting something for next year. Russell indicated this included charging licensing fees and fees per machine.

Copley advised looking at their current ordinances, they do have some that cover pool halls and he believed the licensing fee was for pool halls. Copley advised he felt to do anything beyond that would be inconsistent and just because a business was coming into town regardless of the business, they would receive tax money from that business. Copley advised he would be in favor of doing something similar as we do with pool halls.
Russell advised he felt the ordinance passed in Tallmadge covered just about anything you could think of regarding these types of businesses. Russell advised he felt they needed to look at that particular ordinance.
Copley advised he felt it was a bit much and to him it appeared as if just because the guy was coming into town, they were looking at legislation to make him reconsider. Copley advised he felt it was better if they were consistent with what they already have. Copley advised he knew a lot of cities required transient vendors licenses and he understood they were under the Green River Ordinance, but maybe they would want to look at transient vendors licensing as he has heard from quite a bit that the police were having to track these people down because somebody was going door to door. Copley advised he felt this would allow the city to know that they are in town.
Boggs advised a lot of those people do check in. He advised the only thing that would concern him with permits was that he felt it opens the door and the Green River Ordinance was no soliciting in residential areas, but they could go to businesses.
Robertson inquired if that would have an effect on the Sleepwalker Festival.
Copley advised it all depended on how it was worded and he felt it was something to look at if they were going to look at permits for skill games.

3. Motion to Hold a Special Meeting on Monday, April 2, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. for the Purpose of Discussing Abatements Copley so moved, upon roll call; Telford-Yes, Lapehn-Abstain, James-Yes, Copley-Yes, Russell-Yes, Steve-Yes and motion carried.

City Manager’s Remarks
Interim City Manager Larry Boggs thanked everyone for coming as he appreciated it. Boggs advised item #1 in the memo in their packet was something they might want to look at down the road as they have discussed it periodically. Boggs advised he was disappointed with Wayne County and their directives and he was afraid since they don’t have local control, they could lose that one business although he was hopeful they could salvage it. Boggs advised he spoke with Rod Crider and he was going to bat for us with the commissioners and trying to get some vendors to do the process cheaply and help get this business into town if it is meant to be. He advised it was a shock to him when they did the water inspection and found out they have to have an electrical inspection done by the county and set off a chain of events no of us were prepared for with this project.

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

Council Remarks
Council Member Steve Johnson thanked everyone for coming. He noted there was an obvious division on Council regarding the City Manager position and he hoped the citizens would continue to canvas the community and keep working on this and don’t give up. Steve advised the people who want Larry in this position and feel he is the best man for the job was overwhelming and he has talked to many people and he felt it was personal thing and not a policy thing. He advised unfortunately in his opinion when you put personal things ahead of policy, this wasn’t the place for them to be and he was being blunt and didn’t mean to offend, but he has made mistakes and learned over time Council needed unified leadership in the time and we needed to be working the problems and not the personalities. Steve advised it was obvious what the problems were such as economics, jobs, downtown revitalization and Larry has been working those issues extremely hard and he may not be the best expert, but he knows the players, the locale, he knows the people. Steve advised Tim (Stefanko) and he don’t agree all that often, but Larry treats everyone the same and he was very much a people person and was not afraid to tell you what he doesn’t know and he would find out to the best of his ability. Steve advised there was nothing more he could do, but put it in the citizens hands to let them carry the ball.
Council Member Charles Copley thanked everyone for coming. He advised it was not a personal agenda, and he didn’t have anything against Larry personally, but he doesn’t feel he is the right person for the job. Copley advised outside of this building he has heard from more people who disagree with those who are sitting in this audience right now and Steve said he received many e-mails in favor of Larry and he has received maybe 4 or 5 and he wasn’t hearing as much as Steve. Copley thanked everyone for coming and regardless of what they said he appreciated them coming. Copley inquired as to how they were coming with the grocery store issue.
Boggs advised they were still waiting on the accountants paperwork to go to the bank. He advised everything has been signed and ready to go and it should be soon.
Copley inquired regarding a new business going in next to the Village Craft Mall.
ConiAnn Limpert of the Village Craft Mall advised it was her understanding it was a junk store and they haven’t done anything with the space yet and hopefully they would do better than the last store.

Council Member Faye Telford thanked everyone for coming and for their comments. She advised she wished those opposed would come to Council so they could hear the other side and she didn’t believe they were there or they would be showing up. Telford advised she too received a lot of e-mails and she thanked each and everyone of you for those as I have answered many of you and she appreciated their comments in those e-mails. Telford advised she appreciated Larry for sticking with us.
Council Member James Johnson thanked everyone for coming. He advised he has not received but 4 e-mails in favor of hiring Larry. He advised it was not hard to find his e-mail as they could just go to www.rittman.com and search under Council members and send me an e-mail. He advised it was not a personal thing and he would speak to him on the street as a normal person and he felt he (Larry) knew that and it was not a personal thing against him. He advised he was hearing from more people outside this building who were saying they do not feel Larry is the right person for this job and he was voted in by the people to serve them and for those who thought he was going to be a “Yes” man, I’m sorry you are wrong. He advised he was not going to just join up with Council just because they are all going for it. He advised he has to do what he feels is right based on people’s opinions.
Council Member Richard Lapehn requested Larry speak regarding the upcoming stop light to be installed at Eastern Road and Ste Rte. 57 as that was coming soon.
Boggs advised he was told by O.D.O.T. the latest it would be installed was six months from now. Boggs advised they have already done the traffic flow study and agree that there needs to be a traffic light installed at this location. He advised O.D.O.T. was in the process of getting the engineering study done and once the engineering was complete, it would be awarded to a local contractor. He advised it would probably happen a lot faster than the six months.
Lapehn advised he felt that was great as it was a dangerous intersection. He advised he also wanted to say that he was in support of getting quotes for the engineering study for the downtown area. He advised he felt once they get the figures that fit into our budget, we could move forward with the study because individual business persons could not afford that we as all the citizens together can afford to do for the benefit of the whole community. Lapehn advised Larry has been working very hard with those renovation groups and he felt the engineering study was another piece of that (design). Lapehn advised he would like to say a big “hooray” for Rosie Blanton for the work she is doing in her store and in the building she will now be renovating and he wanted to support all the wonderful work she was doing.
Council Member Glen Russell advised he would like to commend the Fire Chief for his annual report and doing an excellent job on their response time and training. He advised sometimes we don’t take the time to thank those people who are responsible for our lives sometimes and he commended those firemen for their (dedication). Russell commended the street department for the snow removal this winter as he felt they have done an excellent job. Russell advised he received some phone calls regarding the last school board meeting and he understands the issue was brought up regarding the “gaming” business and he felt the school board was left with the impression that Council had passed something. Russell clarified that Council did not vote on anything, but there was general discussion about the business coming into town.
Mayor William Robertson advised the gentleman (who owns the business) addressed the board that he had received approval from Council.
Russell advised he felt they came away with the understanding that we had voted on something and we didn’t vote on anything and he just wanted to make that clear. Russell inquired if there were a lot of customers switching to the Doylestown tv cable now (in Rittman).
Boggs advised the underground cable was now only installed in a loop between North Main Street and back around the State Street. He advised they are planning on running up the hill on the Ohio Avenue and back down Sunset this year. Boggs advised there was a delay and he got involved with Ohio Edison as there was a conflict on the pole contract, but has been resolved. Boggs advised he has encouraged them to get it done quicker as he felt there was a market for it although he did not know the monthly cost off hand although he thought it was a little cheaper.

Russell thanked the residents for showing up tonight as he certainly appreciated their comments as far as Larry was concerned. Russell advised he has not talked to anyone around town that has told him “no” (don’t hire Larry) and maybe they were afraid to tell him he didn’t know, but everybody he spoke with said, “What are we waiting on?” and he felt everyday that goes by we are losing steps farther and farther behind and it was going to take us that much more time to get caught up and so we need to get on with it and move on with it. Russell encouraged the citizens to talk with the two Council Members to try to get them to change their vote. Russell advised he understood they were voting their conscience, but if you (as residents) have any influence on the guys, to please talk to them. He advised he didn’t want Larry to get discouraged as they bring the motion up every meeting and he gets slapped in the face because being the Police Chief he didn’t believe he was used to that. Russell advised he was asking them (the residents) to continue to support Larry and talk with the two gentlemen. He advised there was a statement made at the last meeting about “on the hill” and he happens to live on the hill most of his life, but as a Council person he represents the people on the hill, off the hill, over the hill and down in the hole and down in South Fork and the whole city. Russell advised there hasn’t been anyone who has come to him with a problem that he hasn’t tried to help them to work it out and he wanted everyone to understand that we do try to represent you to the best of our ability. He thanked them for coming and invited them to come back. Russell wished everyone a very Happy Easter.
Mayor Robertson thanked those who expressed their opinion and he encouraged them to write e-mails to all the elected officials which could be found on the city website. He advised phone numbers were available (at City Hall) and they were welcome to call people within reasonable hours and let us know what you (the citizens) are thinking and we welcome your input on any ideas you might have as well. He advised this past couple of weeks he was able to help deliver for Meals on Wheels and suggested anyone who has the time to consider supporting that program as it was a wonderful outreach to the senior citizens who were so happy to have someone come to their door. Robertson advised there was a work day last week on the Rails to Trails project as they were still clearing brush so surveyors could come in and some of that work can begin. He advised he heard an update that not all of the land had been purchased so, it might be 2008 before actual paving and construction work could begin. The Mayor congratulated Kim Field on the successful reverse raffle that was held in support of the Chamber. He advised it was a great turnout and a great time with door prizes and everyone who attended had a great time. He commended Kim on her good work with the Chamber. Robertson advised the Communication Committee was meeting tomorrow at 7:oo pm at the Chamber Office if anyone was interested as it was a part of the Strategic Planning Committees and they would love to hear your input. He advised they would be discussing a city logo and city colors and other positive things they were trying to do around town to improve the city and improve communication within our community. Robertson advised they were trying to do some things to put in the empty squares left from when the trees were cut down and one of the committees were working on installing some planters and pavers and one of the corporate sponsors was Unilock. The Mayor advised if anyone wished to be a corporate sponsor or individual sponsor, it was $500. to sponsor a planter and $300. to sponsor paving bricks which would be engraved with the desired name(s). He advised it was an interim project and they were hopeful that they could be removed and reused when the long term plan comes to be, but they wanted to show some progress in the downtown area and he felt it was a great step forward. Mayor Robertson advised Rev. Ron Heasley has announced he was accepting a calling to go to a church in central Ohio and we (Rittman) were certainly going to miss the Heasley family and their community support and involvement and he wished them good luck.
A round of applause was given for Rev. Heasley.

1. Approval of Vouchers 45671 thru 45766 Including Then and Now Certificates
A question was asked regarding number 45688
James moved to approve, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn - 8:30 p.m.
Telford so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.