Rittman City Council Met in
A Regular Meeting
on Monday, May 14, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

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

Approval of Minutes – April 9, 2007
Telford so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Approval of Minutes – April 23, 2007
Copley so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Workshop
1. Discussion of the Purchase of a Vehicle for the Wastewater Department to
Replace a 1994 Ford Truck
Interim City Manager Larry Boggs advised Utility Director Cary Metcalf was requesting the replacement of this vehicle. He advised it currently was not even running and was in a pretty rusty condition and they felt it was not worth putting any money into. Boggs advised they obtained a price quote from Laria Chevrolet on a 2005 4x4 GMC pickup truck with 6,500 miles for approximately $19,500. However, they have since learned they could purchase a new 2007 4x4 Chevy pickup for $21,009.50. Boggs advised Laria felt the 2007 vehicle would be a better purchase because the warranty was five (5) years or 100,000 miles. Boggs advised they were requesting to purchase the 2007 vehicle and the funds were available in the account.
Russell advised he felt an ordinance should be adopted to show record of the purchase to the auditor’s.
Boggs and Finance Director Mann indicated neither an ordinance nor a motion were necessary if the purchase was $25,000.00 or less and this was state guidelines and the auditor’s look at purchase orders for verification. Mann advised the limit has been raised over the years as it used to be only $10,000.00 and cities had to pass a lot of ordinances for so many small purchases previously.
Steve inquired if this vehicle could be used to assist in snow plowing.
Boggs advised the ’94 vehicle was used to plow snow in the alleys and the Utility Department said the new vehicle could still be used for snow plowing if necessary although it was not the heavy duty snow plow truck.
Steve inquired if the new vehicle would be the ¾ ton truck with snowplow package.
Boggs advised they did not specify the new vehicle with a snowplow package and it was a ½ ton truck.
Telford advised she felt they should go with the new one as it had a warranty.
No objections from Council were raised for the purchase.

2. Discussion of 2008 Budget – Police Department

Acting Chief Mike Burg and Interim Manager Boggs advised they worked on putting
together a proposed budget and were available for questions.
Lapehn inquired as to why the PERS actually went down for 2008.
Boggs advised they take all the salary categories that are in PERS and total them and
multiply by 19.5%. Boggs advised with the hiring of a new full-time officer, the part-time salaries account would actually be reduced as the number of shifts needed to be covered would be reduced.
It was noted, the part-time officers and dispatchers were included in PERS and full-time officers were in the Police Pension.
Lapehn advised with fewer part-time hours, the PERS would go down and the Police Pension would go up. Lapehn advised the Police Pension has gone up $13,000 each of the last two years and inquired if that was pension board determining those rates.
Boggs advised it was mostly due to the increase in wages and this year they’ve budgeted for another full-time officer.
James inquired of the increase in the Leads Terminal account.
Boggs advised they were given an increase of $200. a month from Leads starting next year.
Steve inquired regarding Longevity as it went down $1,000 and this year it jumps up $4,000.
Boggs advised there were several employees who reached the next step in the number of years of service increase as well as a slight increase with the new OPBA contract. Boggs advised longevity was an annual payment based on the number of years of service and by contract.
Telford inquired regarding the maintenance agreements account as it jumps every other year.
Boggs advised they were at the mercy of the vendor as these were the software and other program vendors and without getting other software programs in place they couldn’t just change vendors. Boggs advised the school guards account was down due to the hours and number of guards being cut with only one elementary school now in response to a question by Copley. Boggs clarified that the schools reimbursed the majority of those school guard funds.
Discussion included the increase in office supplies.
Boggs advised it was based on supply & demand.
Copley inquired if it wouldn’t actually be cheaper to purchase computer items directly
through the account rather than reimbursing the employee who services/maintains the computer equipment.
Boggs advised he hasn’t done a cost analysis for each ticket item, but part-time officer Toepke has been the city’s computer technician for a couple of years and they thought it was best if they needed a computer to have him build it for us. Boggs advised he didn’t know what the savings would be if any, but he felt if Toepke were building them he would hopefully know how to service them and they were not purchasing anything elaborate.
It was noted Toepke was paid a different rate when he was the computer technician vs. when he was working as a police officer as set forth in the salary and wage ordinance and that rate came out of the administrative budget.
Boggs thanked Sgt. Burg for his hard work.
Russell suggested larger print as well as the explanation not being cut off the page. Russell advised he appreciated the way it was prepared as he felt it was self-explanatory.
Copley suggested they add a column displaying the percentage of increase or decrease.

Citizens Forum
Rick Hanlon of Olds Avenue advised there were eleven items under new business and inquired as to how they he could comment on agenda items before they were discussed as citizens forum comes before new business. Hanlon advised he guessed he would wait until next meeting when it was old business.
Copley advised he wanted to point out that several years ago Citizens Forum did fall after New Business and the complaint heard then was that they could only discuss the issue(s) after they were voted on especially if they passed it on emergency. Copley advised this was the reason Council changed Citizens Forum to prior to Old and New Business.
Hanlon indicated it was hard to know from the agenda provided just exactly what the issue was they would be discussing, as everyone was not provided a packet like Council. Hanlon advised he would see as the meeting continues what you will be talking about because this (agenda) doesn’t get it. He advised if the agenda were more specific maybe it would help.
The clerk advised the agendas were ready Friday on the day the packets go out (to Council) and anyone can come in and request anything (legislation, etc.) that was on the agenda.
Telford inquired if there was an item he would like clarified.
Hanlon advised he was sure it would be clear next week after it was discussed. He advised he didn’t want to waste money on paper and increase the city budget so, he would not be stopping in on Friday (before a Monday meeting) and pick something up and he didn’t know how many more pages they could add to the agenda to make it more specific. Hanlon advised many what he was questioning was an explanation of the ordinances. Hanlon advised he didn’t know if he could be recognized during the discussion if they had a question.
It was noted, that was not normally done.


Old Business

1. 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. Third Reading.
Ord. No. 7440 was read on third reading. Telford moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

2. Motion to Go Into Executive Session to Discuss the Status of the City
Manager Position and Invite Law Director Bower and Interim Manager Boggs – 7:30 p.m.
Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

3. Motion to Come Out of Executive Session – 7:54 p.m.
James so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.


New Business

1. Motion to Approve a Conditional Sign Permit for the South Main Street
Church of God at 261 S. Main St. Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

2. Res. No. 7441 A Resolution of the Council of the City of Rittman, Ohio,
Authorizing the Municipal Manger, Chief of Police and City Finance Director to Submit Application for D.A.R.E. Program Funds for the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. First Reading.
Res. No. 7441 was read on first reading. Copley moved to suspend the rules and have second and third reading, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried. Res. No. 7441 was read on second and third reading. James moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

3. Ord. No.7442 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties, Authorizing the Municipal Manager to Enter into a Contract with Harris Day, Inc. of Canton, Ohio for Phase II of the Roof Repair on the Municipal Natatorium and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading. Ord. No. 7442 was read on first reading. James requested a copy of the proposal from Harris/Day. It was noted a presentation was made at a previous meeting. Boggs advised he has not received any price quotes as yet and he believed the basic specs would be ready by the end of the month to get ready for bid. James advised he didn’t want to pass something on emergency three readings without a written proposal. Telford moved to suspend the rules and have second and third reading, upon roll call; James-No, Copley-No, Telford-No, Steve-Yes, Lapehn-Yes, Russell-No and motion failed. Copley moved to place Ord. No. 7442 on second reading, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

4. Motion to Set a Second Regular Meeting in May for Monday, May 21, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Due to the Memorial Day Holiday May 28th.
Telford so moved, upon roll call; Lapehn-Abstain, Telford-Yes, Steve-Yes, Copley-Yes, Russell- Yes, James-Yes and motion carried.

5. Poppy Day Proclamation – May 18, 2007 Mayor William Robertson proclaimed the 18th of May, 2007 as Poppy Day and asked that all citizens pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom by wearing the Memorial Poppy on this day.

6. Ord. No. 7443 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Ohio,
Authorizing the Municipal Manager to Accept the Renewal Rates of Wichert Insurance Agency, Inc., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on Behalf of Selective Insurance Company for Errors and Omissions Coverage for All Members of the Fire Department, Property and Casualty, Auto General Liability, Ambulance Malpractice Insurance, Law Enforcement Liability and Public Officials Insurance Pursuant to Attached Exhibit “A” Subject to Yearly Audit, for a Term of One (1) Year Effective June 1, 2007 and Ending May 31, 2008 and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7443 was read on first reading. Russell indicated whenever possible he would like the three readings to be over the span of three separate meetings. Steve advised they would then have to schedule three meetings every May because this would reoccur every May as it has been the same way for the past twelve years he has been on Council. Russell advised they could have two readings at the second meeting of the month. It was noted they could not get a quote sooner than thirty days before renewal. Telford moved to suspend the rules and have second and third reading, upon roll call; Russell-No, Steve-Yes, Telford-Yes, James-Yes, Copley-No, Lapehn-Yes and motion failed. Copley moved to place on second, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

7. Res. No. 7444 A Resolution of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties, Ohio to Provide a General Election to Amend the Charter of the City of Rittman to Amend Section 3.01, the Council, and 4.01, the Mayor, and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading. Res. No. 7444 was read on first reading.
Copley advised it was his understanding there was a delay in getting Council a legal opinion regarding this legislation as requested and it was his opinion they should not move forward with this legislation until they have such an opinion regarding the vacating of all the seats of Council. Copley advised if this issue were placed on the ballot, he felt it would not affect those Council Members who are elected this term. Copley advised there was no essence of time in this matter as those qualifications would have to be set seventy-five days prior to the election.
Steve inquired as to when they needed to have it for this years ballot in November.
Bower advised seventy-five days before the election. Bower advised the opinion of which Copley spoke was a request to provide a written opinion that Copley and J. Johnson would continue to serve out their current term.
Copley advised it was his opinion that all seats would have to be vacated.
James inquired as to why this Council was trying to ruin what democracy was as this nation was formed on democracy meaning people can serve this country through this position and Council is trying to dictate whether they can or not. James advised he would like to see an opinion from the Law Director on the Ohio Ethics Commission Advisory Opinion 92-010 where the Ethics Commission has already ruled on this issue and that there was nothing wrong with family members serving together as long as one family member doesn’t move to pay another. James advised he believed this Council was going outside of what they can and cannot do by trying to say who can serve on these seats. James advised he felt Council was getting way out of line by stating one family member cannot serve with another family member and it was well known this was drawn up because of two people sitting in these seats, he and his brother. James advised he felt it was very predjudiced and he would also question the legality of this legislation. James pointed out Ohio Revised Code division B of section 102.03 and advised the Ohio Ethics Commission refers to a copy of that section in their ruling and he had a copy if any wished to see it. James advised he would like to know the true reasoning behind this legislation.
Lapehn advised he was not in favor of tabling this legislation because he would vote against it right now for the record because he felt it was silly to restrict who can/can’t run for office. Lapehn advised both Mr. and Mrs. Kindig ran for office and neither one was elected to office although they could have both been elected, but for whatever reason those two were not elected. Lapehn advised he has confidence and puts his trust in the public’s opinion of people and the news reporters’ talk to all those running for office and information was accessible if they wanted to read about a candidate. Lapehn advised if they were informed voters, he felt they could let the election take its course and anyone who gets all the proper forms in on time could run for office and let the citizens of Rittman decide. Lapehn advised he didn’t believe this would pass at the ballot. Telford advised she requested this legislation because someone came to Council and requested it and she has received several phone calls asking why it was allowed and why they didn’t put it to a vote.
Copley advised they just recently went through their ten-year reevaluation of the Charter and those members did not bring up this issue nor did the public to bring it up to those on the Commission and if those members did not feel it was necessary at this time and the citizens did not feel it was necessary at the last election then, he didn’t feel it was necessary either.
Steve advised he gathered from the public that they would like to see this issue on the ballot and he didn’t have a problem with it and to let the citizens decide and he wouldn’t have to make that decision, but give the citizens that option.
Copley moved to table, Copley-Yes, Telford-No, Russell-No, Steve-No, Lapehn-No, James-Yes and motion carried.
Copley inquired as to why they were looking at 3.01 and 4.01 as opposed to 13.04 of the Charter, which was qualifications of an elector and could be handled with one issue. Copley advised this would avoid the chance of one issue passing and the other not.
Bower advised he felt it would be cleaner.
Copley advised he felt 13.04 was cleaner and could be handled with one issue and no chance one would pass and one would not and maintain consistency.
Bower advised he felt it would be more straightforward plain and simple. Bower advised it was a subjective thing and he felt he answered his question, but he could redraft it and put it in 13.04.
James agreed with Copley’s opinion and advised he didn’t feel it was fair that the Mayor’s position would be less restricting than Council’s position by stating that the Mayor can be related to a Council Member, but the Council Members could not be related to each other although he was against this ordinance, but if it went to the voters he would like that clarified.
Russell advised he didn’t have a problem with the way this was written with the exception he felt it should be an ordinance and not a resolution. Council continued to debate their opinions regarding the way this legislation was written.
Steve moved to place on second, James-No, Lapehn-No, Steve-Yes, Russell-Yes, Telford-Yes, Copley-No 3-3 tie and Mayor Robertson-Yes and motion carried.

8. Proclamation – EMS Week – May 20- 26th – Mayor William Robertson
designated Emergency Medical Services Week as May 20 through May 26, 2007 and encouraged the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

9. Ord. No. 7445 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties, Ohio, Authorizing the Municipal Manager to Execute the Linked Deposit Loan Program Agreement and Authorizing Related Matters and Declaring an Emergency. Three Readings.
Ord. No. 7445 was read on first reading.
Lapehn advised in order for the low interest loan program to be enacted by June 4th for the those residents in Medina County whose home value was $200,000 or less he would like Council to approve this on emergency three readings.
Lapehn moved to suspend the rules and have second and third reading, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried. Ord. No. 7445 was read on second and third reading.
Steve suggested a link be posted on the city website so the residents would know this program was available.
James moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

9. Motion to Approve a Conditional Sign Permit for CJ’s Country Store at 48 E. Ohio Ave. Telford so moved, upon roll call; Copley-Abstain, Russell-Yes, Lapehn-Yes, James-Abstain, Telford-Yes, Steve-Yes and motion carried.

10. Ord. No. 7446 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties, Ohio, Adding Chapter 735, Amusement Arcades, to the Codified Ordinances of the City. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7446 was read on first reading.
Russell moved to place on second,
Copley advised current legislation has licensing fees set at $25. and this legislation was asking for $1,000. licensing fee per year plus $50. per machine per month and it sounded to him like they were trying to run somebody out of town rather than just keep track of activity.
Boggs clarified a question from Copley that Tallmadge had a section in their legislation designating some of those fees paid be used for the training budget of the Police Department as those who would be enforcing this legislation would have an incentive. Boggs advised he and Kevin opted to leave that section out of this legislation. Boggs advised regarding the fees, he originally thought of leaving it blank, but decided to include it at half the cost of what Tallmadge was requiring and Council certainly had the option of amending that section.
Copley advised the fees were one of his concerns and the other was the hours of operation and he inquired if they could not have this establishment open on Sundays.
Law Director Bower advised they could include it in this legislation however, if litigated it might not withstand constitutional muster.
Telford suggested they restrict the hours until after noon to open on Sundays.
James advised he believed the owner was agreeable to close on Sundays if requested. James advised it was a legal business in Rittman and he felt they were trying to run him out of town, as he believed if they charge these fees he would be forced to leave. James advised it made Rittman look like they were not open to businesses and he felt that was wrong.
James moved to table,
Lapehn advised there were laws in place, which establish what businesses, you do or do not want in your community. Lapehn advised if they closed up shop, it would not hurt him and he would be happy they did, as he felt it was another gambling operation and he believed gambling was very bad for families and individuals who gamble. Lapehn inquired of the City Solicitor regarding the lottery as an amusement device and advised it was an instrument used for amusement with the electronic device and the card instrument and their were several elements which could be considered instrument devices and he wondered if it was a self contained arcade of amusement devices. Bower advised he didn’t believe so because a lottery ticket was not a machine. Lapehn advised the ordinance reads any machine, device or instrument and he believed it would be an instrument of amusement.
Bower advised he didn’t believe if you read that b section in its totality it would be applicable to the lottery. Bower advised he could add amusement devices do not include vending machines or a state sanctioned lottery.
Lapehn advised no, he would like the lottery included. Lapehn advised it was interesting that a couple of years ago they talked about taxing the lottery and Council was against that, but this legislation was choosing to tax the games of skills. Lapehn advised he may be alone, but he would prefer neither one be located in the City of Rittman, but it was interesting to him how accepted the lottery has become. Lapehn advised this was to dissuade them from operating this establishment and he felt taxing the lottery would dissuade people from spending their money.
James advised he respected Lapehn’s opinion considering his position, but who were they as Council Members to make moral judgment for 7,000 people as he felt it was up to the individual to make his or her own moral judgment. James advised he would like to see an amendment to include the lottery as previously stated or a state sanctioned lottery because if they run the lottery out of town the city was running out something that helps to support the schools and the lottery was established to help support the schools.
Telford advised she believed the profits had to be donated to a charity.
Boggs advised for BINGO yes, but he wasn’t sure about the Games of Skill. Boggs advised the owner of this establishment previously advised him he was working for Wadsworth Youth Football, but he since found out Mr. Strader brought a 501 © to City Hall from the Rittman Moose Club.
Telford advised the Rittman Recreation Center has a 501 © and inquired if those funds to go to the recreation center scholarships for needed families who can’t afford to use the recreation center. Boggs advised he could ask Strader.
Copley moved to amend by removing 735.06 (b) (the monthly fee) and amend 735.06 (a) by reducing the annual fee to $25.00 per year,
Russell advised he didn’t believe they were trying to run anyone out of town, but this business chose to come to our town and if this is where they are taking the publics money and this was a way for the city to get some money back into the general fund.
James advised as this business was established before this ordinance would be passed, he felt the business should be grandfathered and not be subject to this ordinance.
Discussion included that this business would be grandfathered this calendar year.
Steve advised he felt they should leave the annual fee per location at $1,000. Steve advised as far as passing moral judgment, the government enacts and we submit things through the Legislature, the Senate, the House and the Council, which are believed to be morally correct all the time. Steve advised strip clubs, x-rated movies, adult entertainment were dealt with morally continually. Steve advised this was gambling and to some people that was as offensive as some of the other things he just mentioned. Steve advised some areas choose not to have alcohol in their jurisdiction and that was a moral decision. Steve advised saying we shouldn’t do that makes for an interesting argument, but it was done all the time. Steve advised he believed the defining thing was what the community wanted. Steve advised he has heard mixed comments, but he keeps coming back to the issue that this establishment preys on those who can least afford it, and that was his concern.
Copley advised it was his understanding if we pass this legislation the owner would be forced to close, as he would not make enough to cover the fees. Copley advised the city would not be receiving funds if this business were to leave. Copley advised he agreed with all other aspects of the ordinance.
Telford agreed with Steve’s comments and advised he had quite a few machines.
Boggs advised he currently had 38 machines and would be increasing it to 46 machines.
Steve advised he didn’t believe the $1,000. a year would run him out of business.
Boggs agreed. He advised it was up to Council and they could choose to tax the profit margin, they could reduce the amount or increase it in the future or take it out completely.
Steve suggested they check with Wooster/Orrville as to how they are handling these types of businesses.
Boggs advised when he initially talked with them, they didn’t bring up any kind of legislation and he wasn’t sure they knew about it. He advised he happened to read about it in the Beacon Journal regarding Tallmadge and New Franklin. He had their ordinances Faxed and provided it to Council.
Steve advised if our goal was to monitor and know how many machines he was running, they could charge a $1. per machine per month.
Boggs indicated some machines have counters and possibly they could amend the ordinance to record the number of transactions per machine. Boggs indicated there could be some issues related to these machines.
James advised he believed it was a good idea to use some of the money for the recreation center scholarships, but felt that would never happen if they run him out of business.
Russell felt they should charge more than $1. per machine. He inquired how were they to know how many employees and how much profit they were taking in.
Steve advised he was leery of these businesses and a certain element was attracted to them and he would suggest the recreation center scholarships not be associated with it as often times these were the type of businesses which were on the news and there had been a raid and someone somewhere along the line has done something illegal. Steve advised it could tarnish our reputation. Steve advised as a government entity he felt they should stay at arms length.
Telford advised they were grandfathering until January and she didn’t see any need to hurry and pass this legislation and maybe they should contact some of the other cities and see what they were doing and do some a little more study on it before they set these fees.
Copley advised if Council was more willing to go with $500. per fee annually and look at it again later and at least have it on the books, it would not look as if they were trying to run him out of town.
Russell advised he believed Akron was also looking at these games of skill businesses.
Steve advised he didn’t have a problem with $500. annually and they could go with $5. monthly per machine in order to keep track of that activity. Steve advised as we get more input and see what was going on, we could always make adjustments as it goes along.
James advised he felt they should hold off until they hear from what other cities in our county are doing. James advised he was also uncomfortable with it because the man who this would be affecting was not present to represent himself. James advised he believed they should table it until this man could be present.
Boggs clarified he informed Mr. Strader and invited him to the meeting and thought he was going to be here tonight.
Lapehn advised if you tell me you are not going to tax me until I show up in front of City Council, I am not going to come to City Council Meetings, but am just going to go to the bank every night. Lapehn advised he felt $500. and $5. was a start and a happy median. Lapehn advised this establishment was located on the south end of town and they have had some folks from the south end question the forgotten south end of Rittman. Lapehn inquired if this business were going to be located where the old hardware store used to be located on North Main Street, would there be the “oh well, don’t worry about it” attitude. Lapehn advised soon there would be a walking trail along the tracks (Rails to Trails) and hopefully some people would make their way up Main Street a bit and here we are presenting them with the City of Rittman and “don’t forget to bring a crisp $20. so you can slide it into a machine.”
Copley withdrew his motion to amend.
Acting Police Chief Burg advised they have not had any calls to this establishment. He advised the employees were cooperative and didn’t try to hide anything and gave him night numbers for his files and the Fire Department. Burg advised he didn’t see anything out of the ordinary and he has been in there about 3 times.
Russell advised he would like to remind Council there was a church located right beside this establishment.
James advised the Broken Spoke (a bar) sat by a church for a number of years.
Steve moved to amend with the change to $500. annual fee and $5. per month per machine fee, upon roll call; Lapehn-Yes, James-No, Telford-Yes, Steve-Yes, Russell-Yes, Copley-Yes and motion carried.
Russell moved to place on second as amended, upon roll call; Copley-No, Russell-Yes, Steve-Yes, Telford-Yes, James-No, Lapehn-Yes and motion carried.

11. Motion to Hire Larry Boggs as Rittman City Manager Per the Contract as Discussed in Executive Session.
Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

City Manager’s Remarks
City Manager Larry Boggs advised he had quote from a local business depicting the new city logo and felt it was a very nice logo and they would be coming up with some new great looking signs for our entrances to town and he would provide those to Council at the next meeting to get their approval and spruce things up a bit.
Boggs advised last Friday he attended the graduation of EMS Chief Andy Baillis from the Ohio Fire Executive Program and it was a 2 ½ year course and he congratulated Baillis on his hard work as it was a big effort. Boggs advised Baillis was the first one in Wayne County to make it through the course and he was very proud of his accomplishment.
Boggs advised one of the items in Council’s memo was about the stop sign at Hilty and he felt it was within the City Manager’s power to regulate that although a previous Council dictated on which stop signs and where they should be located. He advised the sign at Rufener and Hilty was removed and they recently received a request to reinstall this sign and he was seeking Council’s direction on what they wanted to do.
Russell advised he felt they should put the stop sign back at Hilty on Rufener.
Steve disagreed as he felt it was a main thoroughfare and it would restrict the flow of traffic.
Boggs advised they couldn’t install stop signs strictly to regulate speed. Boggs advised he agreed with the sign at Eastern and Rufener for sight reasons.
James advised this would make the third time they have changed the signs at this location and he felt it would become too confusing for motorists.
Lapehn advised there has not been an accident at Hilty and he didn’t see the need to reinstall it.
Russell advised he felt there have been excessive speeders in the area of Rufener and Hilty and he felt something should be done before someone gets hurt. He advised there was one motorist who wakes him up every morning at around 7 am speeding through this area.
Steve advised it would make three stop signs on Rufener in less than ¼ mile of each other. Steve advised he liked it when you could drive clear from Eastern Rd to Sunset on Rufener without stopping and felt it became the main thoroughfare and removed some of the traffic off of Metzger and little side streets, which he felt was a benefit. Steve suggested they install one of those portable radar units to control the speed.
Boggs advised the speed was to be no greater than 25 mph in that area.
Boggs advised Baillis received a grant along with Orrville to purchase radio equipment and there would be an ordinance at the next meeting in order to start the process of purchasing the equipment.
Boggs inquired if Council had any objections to the city purchasing/sponsoring one of the new planter boxes for $500. for the Main Street beautification project.
No objections were raised.

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

2. Finance Director’s Remarks
Finance Director Lucinda Mann advised she was available if Council had any questions on her memo. Mann advised it was good to see income tax collections were good in April even with the closing of Caraustar, but she would keep Council posted.

Council Remarks
Council Member James Johnson thanked everyone for coming. He congratulated Baillis on the completion of that program. He advised it was nice to see the EMS Chiefs new vehicle was complete and it looks nice. He inquired if the new cruiser was in service yet. He was advised not yet, but soon. James advised he would like to see an increase in the budget for fire training when they discuss the Fire Department budget as he felt $4,500. a year was very lacking in that area.
Council Member Steve Johnson thanked everyone for coming. He congratulated Boggs on his appointment as he felt he was doing a great job and working hard for the city. Steve congratulated Baillis on his graduation from the Fire Executive Program. Steve advised Baillis has grown into his job very well and was very professional and doing well and he appreciated his hard work. Steve advised the comments he heard were all good and the one he hears most often was he (Baillis) was very professional and that was what he liked to hear. He advised they should check with neighboring cities and what they were doing regarding games of skills and possibly the Attorney General would take it off their hands completely by passing something statewide regarding these establishments and they wouldn’t have to discuss it further.
Council Member Faye Telford welcomed Boggs and advised she appreciated him and to keep up the good work. She congratulated Baillis on his accomplishment. Telford invited everyone to come back again.
Council Member Richard Lapehn thanked everyone for coming and they value each and everyone for showing their support by attending the meetings. Lapehn congratulated Boggs and Baillis. He inquired regarding the old bowling alley building.
Boggs advised the owner was fixing it up hoping for a tenant. He advised they were putting a new roof on and have gutted the interior and is trying this approach now for a tenant and he felt he had a much better chance this way.
Lapehn inquired as to a date for the grocery store to open.
Boggs advised initially they were hoping for a date of May 23rd, but they still had a lot of work to do to meet that goal. He advised there were a few issues to solve yet. He advised he was sure all of Council would be invited to the opening ceremony.
Council Member Charles Copley thanked everyone for coming and inquired as to the status of the new police officer.
Boggs advised they got the list last Thursday and have begun discussions with the number one candidate.
Council Member Glen Russell thanked Mike and Cindy and Larry for getting the budget out for the Police Department. He thanked Council for voting to hire Larry and he congratulated Larry for the job he’s done and now maybe after eight months he could sleep all night again. Russell advised he appreciated everyone for being here and invited them to come back. Russell inquired if there were any plans on resurfacing Ohio Avenue.
Boggs advised he didn’t believe they were on the list this year.
Russell advised the company that repaired Ohio Avenue after the work did an excellent job patching.
Boggs advised Service Director Simpson explained to him that the contractor has a special machine, which cost $50,000. and does that kind of work. Boggs advised Mr. Simpson has wanted one of these machines for years. Boggs advised he would like to look into the capital improvements budget in the upcoming years for purchasing such equipment.
Russell advised he felt Ohio Avenue needed to be resurfaced as he felt it was getting pretty worn. Russell invited everyone to come back again.
Mayor William Robertson advised the grocery store was hoping for a soft opening on May 23rd to train the employees although it might be a week later for the Grand Opening. Robertson advised there would be a Communication Committee Meeting on May 15 at 7pm at the Chamber Office. He advised they were working on the logo and the signs to the entrances of the city and some other items with the Sleepwalker Festival. He advised they welcomed all the help they could get. He advised there was a planting day scheduled for May 19th at 9 am and he encouraged those who could to come out and help plant flowers in the new planters on Main Street with refreshments provided. The Mayor advised the Veterans cemetery would be having their ceremony memorial weekend (Sun 5/27). He advised last year over 2,000 people attended and they do a wonderful job. Robertson advised the Rittman Memorial Parade would be on Monday, May 28th at 10:30 am and contact Scott Pamer if you wish to participate. The Mayor congratulated Andy on the completion of that course and he was proud to have him on the force and a part of the city. Mayor Robertson congratulated Mr. Boggs on his new job title.

1. Approval of Vouchers 45997 thru 46139 Including Then and Now
Certificates
Copley so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn – 9:50 p.m.
Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.