Rittman City Council Met in
A Regular Meeting
on Monday, April 9, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

Invocation was given by Rev. Ron Heasley, Pastor followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes – March 26, 2007
James so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Workshop
1. Discussion of Abatement Policy
Interim Manager Boggs advised he would like to defer this discussion for a later date, as he was unable to prepare something in time for the meeting.
It was noted, Council could meet Monday, April 16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. as previous discussed.
Mayor Robertson indicated he had asked County Auditor Jarra Underwood, Betsy Sparr from the County Planning Department and Rod Crider from the WEDC to attend and provide their input and knowledge of tax incentives.

Council Member Steve Johnson arrived at 7:03 p.m.

Council Member Lapehn noted he would be unable to attend and Council Members Telford and Steve Johnson indicated they were unsure of their schedules.

Citizens Forum
Bill Springer of N. Main St. read an email authored by Council Member James Johnson, which was forwarded to (Springer), which addressed (James Johnson’s) reasons for voting no to hire Mr. Boggs as City Manager. Springer inquired if James Johnson had the 700 signatures stating they do not wish Mr. Boggs to be hired as City Manager as stated in said e-mail.
James advised the signatures were with the person who is circulating it and he indicated it would eventually be made available for public inspection.
Springer inquired of James as to how he could say the person who has been the Chief of Police for 30 + years doesn’t have managerial experience and he has a public relations background. Springer advised he knew PR was not management, however this position does require a person with PR.
James advised he wasn’t saying that he doesn’t need to have that, but he was just saying that Larry’s educational background was not appropriate.
Springer advised he would like this Council to consider amending the charter to include language that only one person (per family) can be represented on Council.
The Mayor noted charter amendments had to go before the people.
Springer indicated he believed someone on Council could move to amend it and he felt it would be well received by the voters.
Copley advised he and his brother James Johnson were duly elected and never hid the fact that they were brothers.
Ruth Stone of W. Sunset Dr. advised she now lives one-third of the way up the hill, but indicated when she first came to Rittman in 1950 she lived on Salt Ct and in 1953 rented a house on N. State St. and began purchasing it in 1962 until they were able to buy a low maintenance brick home in 1968 on W. Sunset Dr. where she still resides today. Stone advised when they first came to Rittman there was still very little land available east of Main St. to buy and build upon. Stone noted she has been in Rittman during several different forms of government and multiple administrations. She indicated City Manager’s came to Rittman to line their pockets and use Rittman as a stepping-stone to their next conquest. Stone spoke of several companies such as the paper mill, the hardware store and the 5&10, which are no longer in Rittman. Stone advised the cost of hiring an outside City Manager would cost the city approximately $117,500 more than hiring Mr. Boggs who has been an employee of the city for 35 years with nearly 30 years as Chief of Police. Stone advised neither of the Jr. Councilmen own a house or have the expense of rent, house payments, real estate taxes, house insurance, utility bills and maintenance. Stone wondered as to the average monthly income of the many senior citizens in Rittman who worked 30 to 50 years when wages were low. She advised many think seniors get a break on everything and she assured us they don’t as she once figured she had $1 to the good after paying necessary expenses and she was in a much better position than those who retired 15 or 20 years ago. Stone advised she couldn’t spare one more penny to the city coffers and inquired where they were going to come up with the additional $117,500 to hunt for a City Manager when there was already a person willing to fill the position. Stone advised she hoped the Jr. Council Members have listened to the citizens of Rittman and will reconsider their position.
Carl Jentes of Lane St. inquired as to how we got a gambling establishment in town without ever getting to vote on it as he felt it was illegal and the people voted it down three times.
Mayor Robertson advised it was legal, the people voted down gambling and the establishment coming in was called games of skill rather than games of chance.
Jentes advised he felt they sneaked it in on us.
Robertson advised this wasn’t anything that Council did as they did not have a vote on it.
Jentes inquired as to how it got in here then.
Robertson advised like any other business that comes to town, they found a place to rent and they move in and it was legal in the State of Ohio.
Jentes inquired as to what was happening in other communities.
Robertson advised there were three of these types of businesses in Wooster, one in Orrville and he believed there was one in Dalton.
Jentes inquired if no one opposed (these establishments).
Robertson advised there was nothing to oppose it was a business.
Jentes advised it would be the downfall of Rittman.
Law Director Bower agreed and advised he and Mr. Boggs reviewed it with the prosecutor and it was legal activity. Bower advised as pointed out, it was a game of skill and not chance and therefore it was legal.
James advised it was not classified as gambling.
Russell advised it was his understanding the Ohio Attorney General was fighting it.
Bower advised that was correct.
Robertson advised as of right now, it was legal.

Old Business


1. Motion to Hire Larry Boggs as Rittman City Manager
Telford so moved,
Copley moved to object to the motion, as this motion has been brought up three times previously and each time it has failed and nothing new has been brought before this Council as to reasons to pursue that avenue.
Steve advised he didn’t see anything wrong with the motion being brought up again as he didn’t believe there was any limit as to how many times they can bring something as a member of Council to the floor. Steve advised if it’s voted down, it’s voted down and he felt it was good to keep it in front of the public so the public knows what’s going on. He advised he continues to hear throughout the city that we should be hiring Larry. He advised he has received a lot of e-mails and none of them say we shouldn’t hire Larry. Steve advised if Faye wants to bring that (motion) up he felt she was entitled to do so as it was legitimate business of Council. Steve advised he understood Mr. Copley’s objection, as he believed he was out of touch with what the community has stated they want and he felt they needed to keep that in front of the public.
Upon roll call of the motion to object; James-No, Copley-Yes, Telford-No, Steve-No, Russell-No, Lapehn-No and motion to object to the motion to Hire Boggs as City Manager FAILED.
Discussion entailed whether the details of the terms of the contract should be restated.
Russell advised he believed Council was familiar with the terms and he didn’t know what else they could add as he felt it had all been discussed in previous meetings.
Copley requested the contract be read aloud.
Russell advised he did not have the contract with him.
Copley advised Russell was voting on something he didn’t have a copy of.
Russell advised he has a copy at home, but not with him.
Copley inquired if there was a copy in City Hall.
Russell advised he has a copy at home. He advised he didn’t know it would be requested of him, as he would have been glad to bring it had he known.
Copley inquired if any members of Council had a copy of the contract as it currently stands. Copley advised he was requesting the contract be read aloud so the public could hear the contract and he felt that was not an unreasonable request.
Russell advised he has a copy, but he did not have it with him.
Steve advised the basic terms of the contract were for three years at $65,000. each year. Steve advised he believed if the contract were here and it was read aloud Mr. Copley would still vote no.
James advised he has never seen a copy of this contract although it was briefly read in short detail in executive session. James advised he believed the public should at least know of it and he was not familiar with it and he was not going to vote for something he was not familiar with.
Lapehn advised he didn’t have a copy of the contract in front of him either although he does remember Mr. Copley making a motion to advertise for a City Manager in many publications at the expense of the taxpayers and James Johnson suggested we’d seen this two months ago so it should be fresh in our minds to vote on something seen two months prior. Lapehn advised he felt Council, knowing that the contract was discussed in executive sessions, should be able to work with the contract previously presented.
Russell advised he believed he had a copy of the contract and it was read in full in one of the executive sessions and when they came out it still was voted down. Russell advised if this was a problem he could make it available at the next meeting.
Copley advised his concern was that Councilman Steve Johnson has inferred that the insurance was off the table and not offered to Larry Boggs when in fact it is in the contract that if he wished to take the insurance, although he probably wouldn’t, he has every right to do so. Copley advised another item in that contract that the public should be made aware of is that there is a twelve-month severance package. Copley advised at the previous Council Meeting Mr. Russell suggested if Larry does not work out, we could go another way or seek another avenue. Copley reminded Council that per the contract, it would cost the city $65,000 to go another direction and that was his concern.
Russell advised maybe he was misunderstood, as he believed what he said was, “let’s vote for Larry and let’s get on with the business at hand and if you don’t like it there were avenues we could take”.
Copley advised but it would cost the city $65,000 to take those avenues.
Russell advised we haven’t said that.
Copley advised it was in the contract that there would be a twelve-month severance package.
Russell advised the contract was not complete until they vote on it.
Copley advised you have voted on it three times and you yourself have voted yes three times. Copley advised you (Russell) have agreed to pay him $65,000 if this Council or a future Council changes their mind.
Russell advised “I am willing to accept that, if Larry didn’t work out then I am as sure as my name is what it is that he will be the manager in the future and I am willing to accept that responsibility, yes sir”.
Steve advised Mr. Boggs was currently receiving healthcare through the retirement system. Steve advised any City Manager that we would hire would be entitled to healthcare and the advantage with Larry is that he doesn’t need it and won’t take it. Steve advised if we were to hire someone new, there was a very good chance he would take it (healthcare benefits) and that would be an additional expense of approximately $7,000 per year. Steve advised as for the severance package, it only comes into play if we (Council) would get rid of him for any of the reasons not stated in the contract inside of three years. Steve advised if he works the three years, we don’t have to pay it, as there would be no severance package involved. Steve advised he believed this again was just more “red herrings”.
James advised he would have a problem with the fact that this contract goes outside of what the city charter states is allowed regarding the contract and severance package. James advised the charter states that the City Manager shall work at the pleasure of Council, which was an at-will employee and he inquired as to why they had to give a contract to an at-will employee.
Steve advised he believed the charter was a minimum (of the requirements) and Council could add anything they want to in their employment agreement and has for all the previous City Manager’s.
James advised he has noticed that other cities have found ways to put it in there without going outside of their charter, we do not.
Russell advised he believed that Mr. Boggs was willing to work without a contract and he believed that some Council Members, and he was one of them, said that he needed a contract to protect himself.
James advised if Mr. Boggs was willing to work without a contract, he was willing to hire him tonight. He advised if he were willing to work without a contract, he would vote to hire the City Manager. James advised you would then have the fifth vote and Larry Boggs would be the City Manager.
Russell advised he doesn’t know how he feels now, as you would have to ask him. Russell advised he didn’t feel it would be fair to hire a City Manager without a contract.
James advised if you look at the contract versus the charter he believed it would be a lot harder to eliminate the City Manager by the provisions of the charter, as they would have to commit a felony to be removed from the position.
Copley advised this motion has been brought before Council three previous times; and as far as he was aware he would still be on Council for the next two and a half years. He advised if they wished to keep bringing up this motion he would continue to vote no until such time that we look at other applicants in addition to Larry.
James advised a lot of people were saying it would be wasting city money to (do a city manager search) and inquired if these same people realized the recall petition was a waste of city money. James declared, “Congratulations to you, Mr.Springer, I am wasting tax dollars.”
The motion was restated.

1. Motion to Hire Larry Boggs as City Manager Per the Contract Which Included but Were Not Limited To - 3years at $65,000 a Year and a Twelve-Month Severance Package Telford so moved, upon roll call; Lapehn-Yes, Russell-Yes, Steve-Yes, Telford-Yes, Copley-No, James-No and motion failed.

2. Motion to Hire Larry Boggs as Permanent City Manager Without a Contract at a Salary of $65,000 a Year and the Healthcare to Be Provided By His Retirement, With Vacation as it is Now, and a Severance Package as in the City Charter. Steve so moved,
James inquired if Mr. Boggs was willing to accept the job without a contract.
Mayor Robertson advised that was a question for Executive Session.

3. Motion to Go Into Executive Session for the Purpose of Discussing the Motion on the Floor Regarding the City Manager Position. - James so moved,
Boggs advised he didn’t wish to accept the position without a contract with the political climate as it currently stands.
James advised because of the statement made by the Interim City Manager he removes this motion from the floor.

4. Motion to Hire Larry Boggs as Permanent City Manager Without a Contract
The motion in Item b. above was restated. Boggs clarified he was receiving healthcare through his wife’s employment. Boggs advised his pension system does not allow him to draw healthcare until fully retired. Steve amended the motion to provide healthcare if needed.
Russell advised he felt it necessary to go into executive session to discuss this motion.

5. Motion for Council to Go Into Executive Session to Discuss Steve’s Motion Regarding the City Manager Position and Invite Mr. Boggs, the Mayor and the Law Director. – 7:35 p.m. Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

6. Motion to Come Out of Executive Session – 8:12 p.m. James so moved, all
Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

7. Motion to Hire Larry Boggs as Permanent City Manager Under the Terms
of the Charter at $65,000 a year with Healthcare if Needed and a Severance Package as Designated by the Charter. The motion from item 4. was restated. Steve so moved.
Copley advised he would like the motion to include an amendment that it cannot be
changed without the agreement of at least five members of Council, as he didn’t want four members to come back and give him a contract.
James advised if this Council should so choose to go with a contract at a later date he felt it should be written where five members of Council should agree to hire him with a contract and not just four members.
Copley advised it would still technically fall within the charter.
Steve advised he felt that would be changing the rules in which Council works under and inquired if they could do that.
Law Director Bower advised if they wanted to add it they could, as it was his motion, but as you know it takes five members to hire the manager.
James advised he would already be hired we would just be giving him a contract.
Bower advised he believed it would still take five, as it was implicit. Bower advised the charter says five to hire and it was implicit by a contract of employment was part of the hiring process, therefore it would seem to logically follow that it would take five members of Council to add a contract.
Copley advised he just wanted that clarified.
Russell noted it takes four (members of Council) to fire (a City Manager).
Lapehn advised regarding this motion, as discussed in executive session, and what he heard Mr. Boggs say was that these terms would not be agreeable to his family and for his security. Lapehn advised he just wanted to make certain he understood correctly. He advised he was in favor of hiring Mr. Boggs for the position, but for him to say yes…
Steve advised the only security he would have would be a one-month severance package and he could be removed at any time by four votes of Council, as there was no three- year contract. Steve advised he would work at the pleasure of Council and so four members of Council would have to decide he doesn’t work for Council.
Lapehn advised his understanding and the reasoning behind this motion and the purpose would be to give…
Steve advised it would be to remove the interim from his title and be able to conduct the business of the city and correct the problems in the police department.
Lapehn advised if he were to say no to the terms of the contract it would in no way take him out of the running for future appointment to this position.
Steve advised he would think not. Steve advised he didn’t think they would go out and advertise for a new manager if he was the permanent manager until four members decided and he didn’t see that happening.
Lapehn advised he wouldn’t want the newspaper to imply or the public to leave with the impression that Council offered Mr. Boggs the position at a certain rate and so forth and he turned it down. Lapehn advised if he is reading the paper the next day, he might say, “What’s the hang up here?” as it sounds like he doesn’t want the job. Lapehn advised the defining point here is the terms of the contract and the charter states the hiring takes five affirmative votes and the firing takes four affirmative votes. Lapehn advised if Chief Boggs were to accept the terms of this motion as Mr. (Steve) Johnson has suggested it would only take four affirmative votes of this Council or in six months a new Council for him to be removed from that position. Lapehn advised he didn’t want to speak for Chief Boggs, but in six months there could be a new Council and he knows what could happen and he didn’t know if he would personally risk it. Lapehn advised for him to vote yes, it appeared they were offering him what looked like a carrot, but was really a pretty rotten carrot and for him to say, “no, thank you” the impression could be that we offered the world and he turned his back on us and what was all the fuss about anyway. Lapehn inquired if he was correct in what he was trying to say.
Steve advised he would like to withdraw the motion.

Copley advised he felt that motion was worth voting on and advised he would like to place it back on the table.

8. Motion to Hire Larry Boggs as City Manager without a Contract Per the Charter to Include Health Benefits if Needed. Copley so moved. Copley advised he would like to remind Council that even without a contract it would take four affirmative votes to fire a City Manager.
Russell advised he didn’t believe it was fair to Mr. Boggs to put him in that position without a contract. Russell advised he didn’t feel there was a person in the country in a management position that would work without a contract.
Lapehn advised he felt they were playing word games. He felt this motion gives the opportunity for a motion to be made that, from what he has heard, would not be acceptable to the candidate. Lapehn advised he felt the offer was worthless to make and his voting no on the contract, it would sound as though they voted no not to offer him a contract this time and people might wonder what was going on down here in Council Chambers. Lapehn advised they just spent time in executive session discussing this matter and his understanding of Mr. Boggs’ position was he and every reasonable person on earth would like the security of saying for the next 36 months this is where I will be employed. Lapehn advised 36 months was not a long time and he felt a very reasonable offer therefore, he would have to vote no on the basis of Mr. Boggs’ wishes and the best would be to go with a contract that has a stipulated time period.
James advised it was obvious that four members of this Council want Larry in (office) and he would vote yes making the fifth vote and he would be willing to come back in a year and review the situation and consider a contract. James advised he felt they needed to get someone in the position now and he felt it was better right now to do it without a contract and come back in a year and look at it. James advised you have an opportunity right here to, as you know you have your five votes to do it, as I have just made it very clear that I would be the fifth vote and come back in a year and see if a contract was worth going for and let’s just get going on this.
Telford advised at the end of that year if you decide you don’t want to give him a contract then would he be out.
James advised no, he would still be in (office), just with no contract. James advised it would still take four members of Council to remove a City Manager.
Lapehn advised the assumption is that Mr. Boggs would be here in a year and with an election this November for three Council seats and not knowing the outcome of that election, as it takes four affirmative votes to fire the City Manager and a year from now that seat could be vacant if there were four affirmative votes in December to remove the City Manager. Lapehn advised so, saying we would come back in a year and review this, he couldn’t see how that was an assurance.
Copley advised with all due respect, there has been a consensus that he and his brother James Johnson were wrong and that the community supports Boggs and inquired as to why they would elect three Council Members who don’t (support Boggs). Copley advised if what you are saying is true that the community supports Larry Boggs then they will not elect three members of Council who are not in favor of Larry.
James advised if there is truly a big backing of Larry as stated inside this Council Chambers then, who knowingly would vote for someone who is not going to support Larry Boggs.
Telford advised but they (James/Charles) were telling us the only ones who support Larry are the select group who come to Council Meetings whereas you have stated you have 700 signatures against hiring Larry then, they didn’t stand a chance.
Copley advised based on that statement, they were now believing them that there is indeed 700 people out there who do not want Larry Boggs to be City Manager.
Telford advised I don’t know, you keep telling me there are 700 signatures.
James emphatically stated, “Do you or do you not want Larry Boggs as City Manager, I am giving you the fifth vote! This is your only chance for it!” “You want the fifth vote, I am giving you the opportunity with no contract to come back in a year or less than a year…” “ I am still willing to go out on a limb and vote him in straight up with no contract right now.”
Russell advised he would like to see Larry hired, but we need a contract to protect his “integrity” and also to be able to tell (business) people outside of Rittman that yes, he is the City Manager and he indicated they could feel secure in their business dealings. Russell advised he felt it was hurting the city having an interim manager and not being able to move on.
James advised without a contract, he would still be hired in the position and could tell people he was City Manager.
Lapehn moved to table the motion, seconded by Telford upon roll call; Lapehn-Yes, Telford-Yes, Steve-Yes, Copley-No, Russell-Yes, James-No and motion carried.

New Business

1. Arbor Day Proclamation
Mayor William Robertson proclaimed Friday, April 27, 2007 as Arbor Day in the City of Rittman, and urged all citizens to support efforts to protect trees and woodlands and to support our City’s urban forestry program.

2. Ord. No. 7440 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne
and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Amending the Annual Appropriation Ordinance No. 7423, As Amended According to the Attached Sheet(s) and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading. Ord. No. 7440 was read on first reading. Telford moved to place on second, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

3. Telford requested legislation be drafted regarding amending the charter to not allow members of the same family serve on Council at the same time. Discussion followed as to how such legislation could affect the eligibility of those already sitting on Council. Law Director Bower noted they would be grandfathered.

City Manager’s Remarks
Interim City Manager Larry Boggs advised he held a staff meeting regarding the 2008 budget with department heads. He advised he would like to start the process early this year by departments and would be bringing that to Council for their discussion and consideration. He advised it takes three readings to pass the final budget and there was only one regular meeting scheduled in the summer months.
Boggs indicated he has been looking at engineering firms to get estimates on the downtown renovation as they have found some potential problems and there might be some collapsed storm sewers and there is some sidewalk deterioration. He advised they were working to obtain grants.
Boggs advised on May 11th EMS Chief Andy Baillis would be graduating from the Ohio Fire Executive Program. He advised few reach this accomplishment and we should be proud of Baillis as he was very deserving of our congratulations.
Boggs advised the culvert on Rufener Street collapsed again and they were looking at approximately a $35,000 project.
Boggs advised he gave a press release regarding the police department’s outstanding job of investigating a burglary and a weapon was taken and there were two arrests with confessions. Boggs advised he was pleased with the police department work.

1. Approval of Financial Report for March
James moved to approve, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

2. Finance Directors Remarks
Finance Director Lucinda Mann advised she would try to get the tax budget ready
for Council approval in May so they would have a better idea of what they were working with. Mann advised every year was different, but she wanted to make Council aware that our income tax collections were down. She advised she was hopeful with tax season coming up, but it seemed really slow and with individual filings the money was down. She advised this was the lowest since 1995 and she would keep Council up to date.

Council Remarks
Council Member Richard Lapehn thanked everyone for coming. He advised he was happy to seek Mr. Boggs meeting with people and was seeking grants for projects, as every dollar was good for the city.
Council Member Steve Johnson thanked everyone for coming and invited all to come back.
Council Member Charles Copley had no remarks.
Council Member Faye Telford recognized EMS Chief Baillis for his hard work and accomplishments. Telford inquired about the property maintenance code, if anyone was working on forming a committee, as she would like to see that effort started up again. Telford thanked everyone for coming and invited all to come back.
Council Member James Johnson commended Acting Police Chief Burg for the good job he did on the annual report. James advised with regards to the budget he would like to see more money put into the fire training fund. James inquired as to the status of hiring a full time police officer.
Boggs advised the civil service exam would be held on April 26th and he would have a list of candidates the 1st week in May.
James advised it seems people think he is against hiring Larry Boggs for City Manager because of the situation with the fire department and myself. James advised he along with several members of the department wanted to leave it at a personal issue however, due to recent accusations, he felt obligated to give the reasons he left in more detail. He advised the fact was Larry ruled in his favor that the fire department was in the wrong and he left the department for reasons outside of the grievance. He advised when you are on a department, you rely on trust and when that trust is gone, you can’t do your job. James advised he has stated to the members of the fire department that he had lost trust in some of his officers and regular members alike and leaving was the only way to solve it. James advised when he left he felt that he was shown a great deal of respect for doing what he did and he appreciated those that have shown it. James advised his reasons for not hiring Larry are as follows: First of all, he does not feel he has the right background for running a city as he has a criminal justice background and he feels this city needs someone who has a little more experience in economic growth. James advised he has had several people come up to him outside of council saying that Larry isn’t the right guy and the number of people he has spoken with greatly outnumber those in favor. James inquired as to how we could hire Larry when we have no one to compare him to except Robert Kellogg and to him this didn’t seem fair. James advised they accepted resumes for the finance director position before hiring Cindy Mann and inquired why the city manager should be treated any differently. James advised there was nothing personal about it, as he speaks with Larry outside of council and he knows it isn’t personal. James advised he was elected to serve the community, not 40 people that come to council week after week. James advised when more people say they don’t want Larry, he must go with the majority. James advised when he was elected he vowed to never become a puppet like four members of council have become as he is an independent thinker and he does not always follow the lead of the rest of council. James advised for those who say he does everything like his brother all they had to do was look at past minutes to see he has voted differently on several issues.
Council Member Glen Russell advised regarding an article in the newspaper about the vacation of First Street. Russell advised School Board Member Doug Stuart made a statement that City Council failed to approve it soon enough and it costs the schools even more money. Russell advised he believed the schools needed to make sure Council receives it in enough time to have three readings. Russell advised normally it takes three readings for anything to pass and he believed he called a special meeting in order to get it through the second reading and it was moved up probably another week. Russell advised he couldn’t see Council taking the blame because we cost the schools another $2,000. Russell advised they processed the legislation the way it should have been done and he just wanted to clear that issue up.
Mayor Robertson clarified the legislation came to Council late because the school thought the street had been vacated years ago.
Russell inquired if the city was going to plant any trees for Arbor Day.
Mayor Robertson advised Mr. Russell could check with the Service Director, but he believed there were several ways to comply as a Tree City.
Russell advised he didn’t see where they have replaced trees of late as it takes a long time to grow a tree and it helps to beautify the city and helps with the streetscape.
Boggs advised the downtown revitalization committee was working on some planter boxes using Unilock bricks, which would be removable when they did the sidewalk replacement or underground utility work.
Russell advised maybe the committee members could poll the residents as to what they would like to see and if they would like to help donate. Russell advised he appreciated everyone for coming. Russell replied regarding a comment made by Councilman James Johnson and advised he was not a puppet and he felt the rest of the Council Members were not puppets either. Russell advised he appreciated those who came in support of Mr. Boggs and hoped they would continue to do so and invited them to come back. He advised he regrets that Council had the opportunity to hire Boggs and was not successful. He advised he understood it was probably not easy for Mr. Boggs to sit through the process at every meeting, but he felt it was the only way for others to know how they feel and he was sorry they were not able to hire him tonight. Russell advised he appreciated the Annual Report of the Police Department as it was interesting and contained helpful information.
Mayor William Robertson advised on May 17 heroes of the Red Cross would be honored and if you would like to nominate someone there were several categories for consideration and to contact Marsha Woodward with any questions. Robertson advised Rails to Trails was holding another workday on April 14th and he encouraged Rittman residents to participate by helping to clean up the trail and their efforts were very much appreciated. Robertson encouraged the citizens to be informed and involved and stay positive.

1. Approval of Vouchers 45767 thru 45880 Including Then and Now
Certificates Questions were asked regarding #’s 45767, 45875, 45877, 45792, 45793, 45805 and 45806. Russell moved to approve, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn – 9:10 p.m.
James so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.