Invocation was given by: Dr. Richard Lapehn, Pastor followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes – September 10, 2007
James so moved, upon roll call; Russell-No, Telford-Yes, James-Yes, Lapehn-Yes, Copley-Yes and motion carried.

Workshop

a. Discussion of Property Maintenance Code
City Manager Boggs advised at the last meeting the Chairman of the Property Maintenance Code Committee, Tim Stefanko requested a discussion with Council on this topic to see what they would want in a Property Maintenance Code.
Tim Stefanko advised what he was looking for was what they (Council) wanted this (code) to accomplish or what you don’t want or what issues they would like to see addressed. Stefanko advised he wasn’t looking for specific details so much as what would they like to see come out of (adopting) this (code). He queried if they were looking for better enforcement capabilities or something more easily defined or something simplified.
Council Member Charles Copley advised he was originally on that committee and one of his goals was to simplify. He advised they had various codes throughout the Codified Ordinance Book that cover property maintenance and he believes one of the steps that needed to be taken was going through that (code) and determine what they will be replacing, with this new section. He advised he would like it in one place and a better defining document. Copley advised one of his biggest concerns was the restrictive nature of some of the codes they were looking at as he felt it was almost too restrictive for a property owner. Copley advised if a property owner wants to paint his house purple with green polka dots he should be allowed to and some of those codes were saying you couldn’t do that. He advised he felt they were just too restrictive, but at the same time he would like to keep the community from being run down. He advised if someone owns the property, he felt they should have some leverage and be able to do some things beyond what that original code was saying.
Council Member Faye Telford advised she felt they were trying (by adopting a code) to keep places cleared up and not have junk littered all over the place. Telford advised she felt people should keep their property well maintained so it wasn’t an eyesore to the community. Telford advised she felt they should not have a lot of cars sitting around that don’t run and be able to enforce some of these (restrictions). Telford advised she felt they shouldn’t be too strict on people and they didn’t want to make a lot of money, but just wanted to clean up Rittman and make it a nice place to live.
Council Member Richard Lapehn advised they did have a situation a couple of years ago where something was taken to the county prosecutor who basically said there was no case here or no problem that he could see. Lapehn advised the county prosecutor further stated that the city’s code didn’t match up with what he would do anyway. Lapehn advised he would suggest finding out what code he (prosecutor) recognizes and was willing to enforce and match Rittman’s up as close as possible to what he (county prosecutor) has acted upon. Lapehn advised specifically in the case of a couple years ago he believed there was garbage in the backyard and potential rodent harborage, noxious weeds and other things so he would like us (Rittman) to have something that enables the prosecutor to follow through on the problems we see.
Mayor William Robertson inquired as to the previous problem if it was contrary to law or just something the prosecutor didn’t feel like enforcing.
City Manager Boggs advised he believed that the prosecutor thought it (the case) was too vague.
Copley advised he (the prosecutor) felt there was too much room for interpretation.
Boggs advised one of the things he requested in being a former police officer and seeing this (property) being reported routinely and one of his concerns was that they have a lot of property owners who didn’t keep their property maintained. Boggs advised quite a few of the owners were from out of town and there were situations which appeared the owners were interested in rent only and there was not a lot of maintenance on the property. Boggs advised he doesn’t have a zoning or building code background, but he could see situations that just didn’t look right. Boggs advised there were old homes converted into 2, 3 or 4 apartments and might have only one heating system and he expressed his concern on those kinds of issues. Boggs advised he understood there were landlords/property owners who take excellent care of their property and he didn’t want to penalize them by being too restrictive. He advised they did have to be conscious of neighboring properties and ask if their property declines your property value. Boggs advised the document (for consideration/modification) provided to Council does have some language regarding rental properties and landlords. Boggs advised he was looking for direction from Council as to whether this was part of what they would consider to be a maintenance code.
Copley advised he believed the rental properties should be more focused on than the owner occupied properties. He advised when there was someone making money off of the property by renting it they may or may not care as much for the property as long as the rent check was coming in. He advised he believed they should focus on and be more restrictive of the rental properties as opposed to the owner occupied properties and that would be an avenue he would support.
Tim Stefanko for clarification inquired if he was talking about a single-family dwelling versus a multi-family dwelling or was he talking about a different set of standards for someone who owns their home and whether they live in it or rent it out.
Copley advised he believed the rental units in Wayne County now had to be registered as such and he felt they (Rittman) should have a way to find out if it was a rental unit. He advised this would take care of first finding out where these properties were located and secondly, the fact the owners were receiving income from these properties he felt they should be putting something back into it and not let it become an eyesore to the community. Copley advised he felt that was especially true if they own property in Rittman, but don’t live in Rittman. Copley advised there were many property owners who do take care of their properties and he applauds them, but there should be a different standard. Copley advised if you are living in your property and you want to do some things, he felt that would be o.k. because they would have to listen to their neighbors complaints.
Boggs advised with regards to safety issues he felt rentals should be made to have smoke detectors and checked to see if their furnace was safe etcetera, but he didn’t feel there should be a double standard with the outside appearance.
Stefanko advised that gives him a pretty good idea and he was sure there would be discussions with regards to rental properties. Stefanko advised one of the problems they had last time was they never even bothered to look at the existing code first and he clarified they intended to do so this time. He advised they also were not going to take someone else’s code and insert the word Rittman and stamp it (approved). He advised his intention was to start from scratch by writing, authoring a codified ordinance. He advised his concerns involved respecting individual property rights and the permitting process for contractors and not create any financial burden to the city. He advised he would like to simplify and streamline the property maintenance code and not create a larger bureaucracy. He advised it would be difficult to address all of these concerns, but they were going to give it a shot as best they could.
Discussion included what other members were on the committee. It was suggested the committee should include people with specific areas of expertise such as realtors, owners of rental properties and those who have to deal with these issues on a daily basis.
Steve Walker of Sterling Avenue advised he felt they should talk to people who own rental properties. He advised his father has owned numerous rental properties in this community and the biggest problem they see with people was them not paying rent and it takes six months through the county to get them out of your house. He advised in the meantime they could really trash your property. Walker advised if you (Rittman) set a standard that is real strict the renter would be charged for fines when the owner can’t even get them to pay rent or move out and he felt they would continue to trash these properties and the owners hardly have any recourse.
Mayor William Robertson advised he received a few comments through emails. He advised one was in regards to junk cars and he will forward that information to the police department. He advised another was regarding trash being placed out too early and the containers not being brought in after it was picked up. Robertson advised another email was encouraging people to clean the street in front of their property to help the whole city look better. Robertson advised he wanted to pass those comments along.

b. Discussion of Cemetery Rates
City Manager Boggs advised Council was provided with an estimate for installing a lawn at the new section for approximately $13,000 with the total cost of extending into the new section would be approximately $50,000 to $60,000. Boggs advised the Finance Director provided a spreadsheet of the questions asked previously regarding revenues and expenses for the cemetery. Boggs advised the other issue was a copy of a letter sent out to those who purchased lots in the F section asking if they had any objections to changing this section from having flat headstones only to all types of monuments similar to the rest of the cemetery. It was noted, this would open up approximately 138 gravesites. Boggs advised this could defer the expansion until a later date however, rates were always increasing and if they wait 5 to 7 years to open the new section costs could go up another 10 to 20 percent. Boggs advised this would deplete most of the current cemetery endowment fund.
Copley inquired if there would be any additional maintenance costs associated with changing the F section to allow all types of monuments.
It was noted the additional maintenance would be minimal.
Copley advised he understood costs would increase in the future, but they were only spending half of what they current have in this fund and he felt the purpose of the endowment fund was for capital improvements. Copley advised unless the cemetery board could come to him with a reason for an increase other than saying we (Rittman) were lower than the surrounding communities because he didn’t see that as a valid reason. Copley advised they were bringing in more to this fund than they spend.
Lapehn inquired as to how much the endowment fund was used from year to year and who had the authority to determine spending from this fund.
Mann advised the decision was purely up to Council when they set the budget. Mann advised there was nothing saying they had to have a set number of dollars in the cemetery endowment fund.
Lapehn advised it was used for capital expenses and he inquired if there was a list.
Mann advised the small amounts used every year (as seen on the spreadsheet) were used for headstones and foundations. Mann advised the last time they use the endowment fund for a capital purchase was when they bought four or five trees for the cemetery in 2001. Mann advised the maintenance of the building comes out of the general fund. She advised a piece of equipment would have to cost more than $500 to come out of the endowment fund. Mann advised maintenance of the equipment and equipment costing less than $500 comes out of the general fund. Mann advised the cemetery endowment fund was used for any capital cemetery purchase or improvement over $500.
Boggs inquired if Council wished to move forward on this issue or leave it alone. Boggs indicated in his research other cemeteries have done the same thing with regards to allowing any type of monument in a section previously designated as a flat stone section. Boggs advised the flat stone areas were not as popular as originally thought.
Telford thought we should wait until we hear from those who have purchased lots in the flat stone section. She advised she felt the number of sales would remain down due to the National Cemetery (option).
Lapehn advised he believed 130+ lots was plenty, as it appeared the number of burials was decreasing and the endowment fund would continue to increase and with the four or five year window to ready the new section he could see us keeping things as they are and letting interest accumulate in that fund and grow.

c. Discussion of New Floodplain Regulations
City Manager Boggs advised as he stated in his memorandum to Council he attended a class on floodplain regulations. He advised this class was hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and apparently they were in charge of some enforcement areas of our floodplain regulations. Boggs advised the city’s floodplain legislation has not been updated since 1987 and he was informed they were out of compliance if they didn’t have anything updated since 1996. Boggs advised after it was explained to him some of the new changes in the laws, he sat down with an advisor and worked with him to establish minimum regulations. He advised these minimum regulations needed to be adopted by Council in the very near future to be compliant with the state’s floodplain regulation laws. He advised he was advised if they didn’t pass this then residents would be notified they would no longer be able to get flood insurance and the city would no longer be eligible for grants. Boggs advised in reading through it, it was basically common sense and general logic for building in the floodplain areas. Boggs advised he and Law Director Bower would be going over it and would be bringing it to Council for three readings and would give the public ample time to look it over and respond before adoption.

Citizens Forum
Carl Jentes of Lane Street advised the street light on his street was still out and he inquired as to how you get a streetlight working again as it was mighty dark on his street.
Boggs advised the city hires a private contractor to fix streetlights.
Russell inquired if he didn’t inquire about this a couple of months ago.
Jentes advised nothing has been done.
Russell inquired if anyone came to check it out.
Jentes advised no, you didn’t do anything and why did they elect him.
Russell advised not to do electrical work.
Jentes advised then have somebody else do it. He advised Mr. Boggs said it was your fault that you said you would get a hold of someone. He advised it was dark throughout the whole south end and he inquired as to what had been done about that.
Boggs advised they spent quite a bit of money…
Jentes advised it still wasn’t on my street.
Boggs advised he wasn’t sure why his streetlight wasn’t repaired as yet, but he would check on it with Mr. Simpson in the morning.
Jentes thanked him.
An unnamed gentleman suggested a PA system so those in the audience could hear the discussion from Council.
The clerk noted it was a recording system and not a microphone system.
It was noted it does amplify.
Tim Stefanko of Salt Court advised it has always been a pet peeve of his for a long time regarding the Council Agendas; although most of it was pretty self-explanatory, he didn’t know if people understood that amending ordinance no. 7025, section thirteen actually pertained to Council voting themselves a raise. Stefanko advised he felt people might be real interested to know that as he knew he was and if you get to vote yourself a raise it might be an interesting performance review. Stefanko advised he also found it interesting that the three Council Members who decided to back this; one an outgoing Councilman and the other two freshman Councilmen who haven’t even finished their first term yet. Stefanko advised he felt the freshman Councilmen was doing a good job, but he didn’t see any outstanding crowning achievements that warrant a $50 a month raise. Stefanko advised as for the outgoing Councilman who was not present, he was sure that he had him (Stefanko) in mind and was willing to do this for him as he was running for his Council seat. Stefanko advised he really appreciated it, but he really didn’t want the extra money. Stefanko advised when he was elected to take over this seat, the first thing he would do if this (ordinance) passes was vote to rescind it. He advised this was one of those rare occasions where he and Mr. Lapehn agree on something that this was unnecessary. Stefanko congratulated Lapehn on agreeing with him.
James Johnson advised this raise would not even take effect if he (Stefanko) were to get elected into office. He advised this raise would not take effect until his (James Johnson’s) term was up in 2009, so he was not voting himself a raise. James advised he (Stefanko) needed to get the facts straight on that (issue).
Stefanko advised he would be sure to remind the voters of that when he (James) runs for reelection.
Mayor William Robertson advised the summary was on the agenda, but they read the ordinance in full on the first reading.
Carl Jentes advised when he asked what you were elected for, Mr. Russell stated not to do electrical work and he inquired that someone needed to see this gets done and advised it was a streetlight on a public street. Jentes advised he (Russell) wasn’t elected to do electrical work, but inquired as to who was going to do it. Jentes advised they were voting themselves a $50 pay raise.
Russell advised they haven’t got that (raises) passed yet, but he would like to answer his question. He advised he believed he (Jentes) has been here several times and complained about the electrical light…
Jentes advised you (Russell) said someone was going to fix it and they fixed the ones at the south end of town.
Russell advised he doesn’t know that they are fixed as Mr. Boggs answered that question, but I am telling you that when you asked a couple of times, I went out and checked and I also called and talked to the City Manager. Russell advised that was as far as I could go was to pass it onto the City Manager and hopefully he would get it done. He advised if he were an electrician he would go and put his light up, but he was sorry he couldn’t do that.
Jentes inquired as to who was going to do it.
Russell advised the city would have to do that or get Ohio Edison to do that.
Jentes advised they were suppose to come up there and do it a while ago and you said someone was going to come out there and do it.
Russell advised that was what was reported to him.
Mayor Robertson advised they would get the contractor to come out and take a look at it.
Jentes advised they should take back that $50 pay raise.
Russell advised that was fine with him.

Old Business

a. Ord. No. 7454 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Amending Section 941.01, 941.12 © (1) and 971.01 (f) (1) to Include the Definition of Church and Provide for the Renumbering of the Subsequent Definitions and Establishing Tap In Fees for Churches and Declaring an Emergency. Third Reading.
Ord. No. 7454 was read on third reading. Lapehn moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

b. Res. No. 7457 A Resolution of the Council of the City of Rittman, Ohio, Granting a Tax Abatement Extension to All Creatures Veterinary Clinic and Declaring an Emergency. Third Reading.
Res. No. 7457 was read on third reading. Copley moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

c. Res. No. 7458 A Resolution of the Council of the City of Rittman, Ohio, Granting Tax Abatement to John W. (Jack) and Rosie Blanton and Declaring an Emergency. Third Reading.
Res. No. 7458 was read on third reading. Telford moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

d. Ord. No. 7459 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Amending Section, 747.05 (b) Fees and Declaring an Emergency. Third Reading.
Ord. No. 7459 was read on third reading. Russell moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

e. Res. No. 7460 A Resolution of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Granting Tax Abatement to Jon Tousley for Tousley Properties, LLC and Declaring an Emergency. Third Reading.
Res. No. 7460 was read on third reading. Copley moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

f. Motion to Require Reimbursement to the City for Voucher # 46967 for $39.40 for an Expense from the Mayor’s Office.
Russell advised he voted no on the approval of the minutes because at the last meeting he wasn’t quite comfortable with voting yes on a bill (voucher # 46967) dated 8-17-07. Russell advised he believed Lapehn made a motion previously that any expenses coming from Council or the Mayor should be pre-approved. Russell advised he believed it wasn’t and he felt they were setting a precedent.
Lapehn advised he wanted to clarify his motion previously was for travel expenses as there was a lot of debate in 2003 or 2004. Lapehn advised at that time there were travel expenses from the Mayor’s office and the City Manager at that time to some it seemed they weren’t sure they could justify those travel expenses and they set a policy for future travel to conferences and hotels and food be approved prior in order to know ahead of time the purpose of the trip.
Robertson inquired of the Law Director if it was a valid motion requesting reimbursement as the vouchers have already been approved.
Law Director Bower advised Councilman Russell could make the motion although he didn’t know about enforcement.
Russell advised he was requesting reimbursement for candy used during the Sleepwalker Parade and if this were going to be a policy then the rest of Council next year would be doing same thing. He advised he felt this was something they needed to “bite in the butt” right now at the present time. He advised he felt they have never done this in the past and he didn’t believe they should do it in the future.
Mayor Robertson advised he didn’t believe any other Council people were in the parade.
Russell advised he understood it was a minute amount of money, but at the same time if the six Council Members were to have the same privilege, he didn’t feel they should be doing that as he felt there was something wrong with that issue.
Telford advised she agreed as she was in several parades and she never even thought of being reimbursed. Telford advised she didn’t know that they should require the Mayor to reimburse the city, but she felt something should be said for the future.
Lapehn advised in light of his other comment regarding the change in the travel plans; it was not a retroactive thing where they required Mayor Kindig or Mr. Kellogg to repay expenses already incurred. Lapehn advised he would vote NO to demand the repayment, but perhaps he would see the wisdom of creating a policy for the future that would require Mayor’s and Council Members to buy their own candy for parades. Lapehn advised to ask him (the Mayor) to pull out his checkbook he felt was silly.
Telford and Copley agreed with a future policy.
Copley advised he also agreed they should not make it retroactive. Copley advised one reason he would agree with a policy was the parade has always been used as a campaign platform for present Council Members to have an advantage over candidates. Copley advised they (the recipients) believe the candy was coming from them specifically.
Russell so moved, upon roll call; Copley-No, Russell-Yes, Lapehn-No, James-No, Telford-No and motion failed.

g. Motion to Set a Policy to Not Reimburse City Employees, Council Members or the Mayor for Candy Purchased for their Participation in Parades.
Copley advised he knows on occasion city vehicles and fire trucks were used in the parade and he didn’t know how this motion would affect them. James advised the firemen’s association pays for the candy for the firemen. Boggs advised the DARE Association buys the candy for the DARE vehicle.
Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

New Business
a. Ord. No. 7464 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Amending Ordinance No. 7025, Section Thirteen and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7464 was read on first reading.
Lapehn advised his question was the change in policy as previously the Mayor, because of his unique position representing the city, was the highest paid elected official and this would set a new policy that would say Council President would receive $5,400 a year and the Mayor $4,800 a year. Lapehn advised presently the Mayor was at $4,800 a year and this ordinance reflects no change in the Mayor’s compensation, but the Council President receiving a raise of $1,800 a year at the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010. Lapehn advised this was a real policy shift making the Council President the highest paid elected official in the City of Rittman.
Telford advised she felt the Mayor should have also received an additional $50 a month pay raise.
Russell advised he felt that was a typo.
James advised it was not a typo as the Mayor was not included in the motion when they discussed pay raises. James advised Council President used to be an additional $50 per month and this ordinance was giving the Council President an additional $100 per month.
Telford advised she felt an additional $50 more than Council Members would be more in line.
Copley advised it was his understanding they were only changing the base salary for Council and if it was an additional $50 for Council President he felt it should remain so.
Lapehn advised this would make the Council President pay equal to the Mayor’s pay.
James advised he felt because the Mayor was the more upfront figure, he should be receiving more than the Council President because the Mayor was the face of the city. James advised no one really thinks of Council running a city as much as they do a Mayor.
Telford advised the Mayor doesn’t run the city, the City Manager does.
Russell advised he disagreed with James, as he believed Council was the one who does all the adoptions (of legislation) and the Mayor runs the meetings, but Council itself makes the rules of the city.
James advised he understood the way that sounded, but the Mayor more or less was the general face of the city. James advised the Mayor is out in public perceived by the public…
A Council Member advised he is supposed to be.
James advised exactly and therefore he felt the Mayor should be receiving an additional $50 (a month). He advised if we were, using Tim’s words, going to give ourselves a raise, then I think we should give the Mayor a raise too.
Discussion included whether the Mayor’s salary was changed in this ordinance. It was noted the Mayor’s salary remained the same.
James advised if they were raising the pay of 2009 Council Members, he felt they should raise the pay of the 2009 Mayor.
Copley advised he agreed if the Council Members elected in 2009 should be paid $50 more then, he felt the Mayor should be paid $50 more (per month) regardless of their position. Copley advised he believed the same reasons the Council positions deserve a raise, the Mayor position deserved a raise.
Russell advised they would then have to go back to the Council President (salary) and if you were going to give everybody $50 (more a month) then you should give everybody $50.
Copley advised the Council President would be getting a raise because as a Council Member they receive the Council pay with a $50 increase plus an incremental increase of $50 more as President just as it was before, if this ordinance were to pass.
Telford moved to amend Section One to be only an additional $50 per month for Council President, upon roll call; Russell-No, Telford-Yes, James-Yes, Copley-Yes, Lapehn-Yes and motion carried.
James moved to amend Section One to increase the Mayor salary by an additional $50 per month, upon roll call; Lapehn-Yes, Copley-Yes, James-Yes, Telford-Yes, Russell-No and motion carried.
Copley moved to place on second as amended, upon roll call; Russell-No, Telford-No, James-Yes, Copley-Yes, Lapehn-No and motion failed. Ord. No. 7464 died.

City Manager’s Remarks
City Manager Larry Boggs advised Glenn Berkey, who has served for many years, has resigned from the Records Commission and they were in need of a new member if anyone had any nominees or knew of anyone interested to please contact him. Boggs advised this commission was to meet at least twice a year and they pass policy on records and the length of their retention and disposal. It was noted their main function was the approval of disposal of certain records. Boggs advised the policy was pretty much in place although he felt it might need tweaked a bit. Boggs advised when the city needed to dispose of records they petition the Records Commission for approval of said disposal and then the records were shredded or burned or whatever means were available.
Boggs advised at the last meeting Councilman Russell mentioned something about trying to contact the Muskingham Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). Boggs advised he sent an email to them right after that meeting and just today received contact from a person who was going to be checking for us to see if there was the potential of having some grants available. Boggs advised the person he spoke with was somewhat local and promised to give us as much assistance as they could. Boggs advised he was optimistic and hopefully they would be able to get some assistance. He advised it appeared there was a possibility they could recoup some of these assessment costs for the possible dredging of Landis Ditch.
Boggs inquired if Council was interested in him scheduling a workshop discussion with the person who was doing the building inspections/permits for Doylestown to see how they were handling that situation in their town. Boggs advised currently they were using Wayne County Building Department for building permits/fees. He advised he has no complaint with Wayne County Building Department whatsoever as they have helped us out quite a bit. He advised the only thing they were looking at, if they do adopt a property maintenance code, they would be spending a little more time with an inspector doing those types of things. Boggs advised the big thing, mentioned by Tim Stefanko when they had the workshop, was a convenience factor. He advised currently the residents have to go to Wooster to obtain their building permit. Boggs advised Doylestown residents could now stay in-house. Boggs advised Wayne County has done an excellent job and if Council wished it to remain the same, he didn’t have a problem, as this was mainly a convenience factor. Boggs advised he has not spoken with them (Wayne County Building Department) about whether they would assist us in enforcing a Property Maintenance Code if we were to adopt one.
Council thought it would be good to hear from the inspector in Doylestown.
Boggs advised he hoped to bring the annual budget, which Council has already looked over, for first reading at the next meeting. He advised this should give plenty of time for three readings (over three meetings) and he and the Finance Director would be working together on bringing the budget ordinance.
City Manager Boggs advised the recreation center roof was proceeding basically on schedule. He advised as mentioned in his memo there were two minor problem areas with one being that they found rust on some of the beams for which they are going to wire brush and prime with a coat of paint. Boggs advised that work was being done on a time and cost of material basis. He advised the second problem they knew there was potential for was regarding the decorative holes in the brick walls, which were a sound buffer, they were discovered there was no vapor seal on those as well and the reason they were seeing the whitish effervescence coming through on the outside of the bricks. Boggs advised the decision was made to seal and cover those holes, as the roof was now going to be fully sealed and if these holes weren’t properly sealed it would be pushing all that moisture into those holes and cause problems. He advised that was a change order, as well and he believed the estimate was approximately $20,000 to $25,000 and this was still within the contingency funds.

a. Finance Director’s Remarks
Finance Director Lucinda Mann advised Council had a copy of the Annual Financial
Report, which was recently released by the Auditor of State. Mann advised the state auditors did their review work and approved it along with the audit done by Rea & Associates. Mann advised also included with the annual report was a management letter and Council could contact her if they had any questions. Mann advised they had a pretty good audit and there were not any major issues, just some housekeeping items.
Russell inquired if there were any changes that needed to be made regarding the audit.
Mann advised there were just some policy issues that the state auditor’s have in place that they want us to have various policies in place.
It was noted this could be done internally.

Council Remarks
Council Member James Johnson thanked everyone for coming. He advised he has had a couple of complaints regarding end-loaders speeding around town and people thinking they were the city’s vehicles and come to find out they weren’t. He suggested finding a way to mark the city vehicles (for the water and street depts.) to identify them from other vehicles such as private contractors working in the city.
City Manager Boggs agreed.
Council Member Charles Copley thanked everyone for coming. He advised it was good to see a lot of young faces (the boy scouts were in attendance).
Council Member Faye Telford thanked the scouts and their faithful leaders for attending and hoped they weren’t too bored and that they would want to come back. Telford thanked Stefanko for his hard work so far (on property maintenance).
Council Member Richard Lapehn advised he hoped the scouts earned a badge for their attendance. Lapehn inquired if there was any information about the new business prospect that the City Manager could share with the public.
Boggs advised not yet.
Council Member Glen Russell thanked everyone for being here especially the scouts. He advised they deserved a good merit badge for good behavior because they sat and listened very well and he invited any who wished to speak and possibly tell what they thought of the meeting. He advised the City Manager that he has had complaints from the area at the top of Industrial Street and East Sunset Drive that there were 18-wheelers going down through that area and there was a sign that states “No Trucks” and the trucks were speeding through that area. Russell suggested something be done before someone gets hurt. Russell advised it sounded good regarding he Muskingham Watershed Conservancy District and it would be great if they could get some grant money and ease us in that particular problem. Russell invited everybody to come back and see us again. Russell inquired as to where the “City of Rittman” flowerpot the city paid $500 for was located, as he didn’t see it.
City Manager Boggs advised he believed it was on the other side of the square.
Russell advised he thought it should be in front of City Hall. He advised tell them we want one by City Hall because they put it in the wrong spot and to do it for free.
Mayor Robertson opened the floor if any of the scouts or their leaders wished to speak.
Ken Mann, scout leader commended his troops for their exemplary behavior.
Mayor William Robertson advised if any of the scouts had any questions about how business was handled for them to feel free to talk to any one of them and they would try to answer their questions. Robertson congratulated the Foutty’s of the IGA who held a bluegrass festival in front of their store this past weekend and it looked very well attended and they were doing a great job. Robertson reminded everyone that the Chamber Office was still selling bricks to fill in some of the areas where there used to be trees around the square. Robertson advised they have a few to sell and they could memorialize themselves, family or loved ones. He advised the cost was $100 for one or $150 for two bricks and they would be surrounded by Unilock blocks. Robertson advised the Chamber Office was closed this week due to the wedding//honeymoon of the Executive Director, but would be open again the following week for business.

a. Approval of Vouchers 47039 thru 47127 Including Then and Now
Certificates. Telford moved to approve, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn – 8:18 p.m.
Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.