Invocation was given by: Barbara Brooks, clerk followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes – September 24, 2007
Telford so moved, upon roll call; Steve-Abstain, Copley-Yes, Russell-Yes, Telford-Yes, Lapehn-Yes, James-Yes and motion carried.

Workshop
a. Discussion of a Zoning Inspector & Building Department w/ Roger Houpt
City Manager Boggs advised Roger Houpt who is the Zoning and Building Inspector in
Doylestown where they have set up a program was asked to speak to Council and go over any questions they might have regarding this program to see if they were interested in possibly starting it up in Rittman someday.
Mr. Houpt advised in Doylestown they took the Wayne County fee schedule and Doylestown’s Council adopted it. Houpt advised he has his certification as a residential building inspector, residential building official and residential plumbing inspector. Houpt advised he also holds a building inspector’s license for inspecting commercial buildings. He advised they made application to the state for a residential building department and received certification the first of May 2007. Houpt advised they have now made application for a commercial building department and as of November 1st they would be certified to take over the commercial buildings, although they still had to send a letter to Wayne County stating in 30 days they would be terminating their contract with them so, it would probably be an extra fifteen days (after the 1st) before they actually would be doing the approval of any commercial buildings in the Village of Doylestown. Houpt advised he has a small office at Village Hall and he tries to make it simple for the residents while abiding by the code of the State of Ohio and they want a safe community. Houpt advised he has thirty plus years experience in the construction trade.
Council Member Richard Lapehn advised basically he (Houpt) was provided the information when someone pulled a permit and inquired if he then makes an appointment to meet with the property owner.
Houpt advised basically he was provided all the information on the plans and he reviews it and if was sufficient permits were issued. He advised he has a turn around of about 24 hours to 48 hours for residential plans. He advised everyone gets the same once over and treatment.
City Manager Boggs inquired if this meant all permits would be local with no trips to Wooster to obtain permits.
Houpt advised everything would be local. He advised people come to Town Hall and everything was handled right out of that building. Houpt advised the fees that were set go to the Village of Doylestown and the inspectors were paid from those fees.
Lapehn inquired if he was involved with existing structures that weren’t going through alterations or doing improvements.
Houpt advised yes, he was the Property Maintenance Officer for the village as well. He advised that means he inspects property maintenance according to the code the Village of Doylestown has adopted to enforce. Houpt advised it was on the village website under zoning and property maintenance code and was approximately 12-15 pages long. Houpt advised the property maintenance is enforced on rental units only as this was the way Doylestown’s Council wanted it (enforced) and it was complaint driven.
Acting Mayor Glen Russell inquired as to what was done if the property owner didn’t cooperate (with a request to clean up said property).
Houpt advised he was the enforcement officer and he has the authority to issue citations.
Telford inquired if he was paid a salary or a commission.
Houpt advised he was paid a salary and works often times 40 plus hours a week, whatever it takes even Saturdays.
Council Member Steve Johnson inquired if he was certified in electric as well.
Houpt advised no, he has two electrical inspectors who work for him. He advised their cost was recovered from the fees collected.
Rick Hanlon, resident advised he was registered in both electrical and plumbing and inquired if they were requiring a registration in Doylestown for contractors.
Houpt advised the Mayor’s office handled the registration for contractors.
Hanlon inquired if it was the same fee as charged by Wayne County.
Houpt advised he wasn’t sure as that was handled through the Mayor’s office, but he believed it was $35 registration the first time with proof of insurance and proof of license and a surety bond. He advised every year thereafter, he believed it was $20. Houpt advised the City of Rittman would be setting their own fees schedule. He advised in Doylestown those fees did not come out of the Building Department office so they would most likely come out of Rittman’s City Manager’s office.
Hanlon inquired if he would be covered for both plumbing and electrical with one bond and one fee.
Houpt advised he didn’t know they would have to contact the Mayor’s office in Doylestown, as that was not his department.
Hanlon inquired if he (Houpt) charges for re-inspection fees as he has never been charged one in Wayne County although he couldn’t say he has never been re-inspected
Houpt advised if you (mess) up you would be, as he has to pay the inspectors. Houpt advised they put a sticker in the window and inspection slips, which they sign off on. He advised he couldn’t say they have done a lot of re-inspections. He advised they follow the NEC 2005 code and it was nothing new.
Hanlon inquired if he (Houpt) notifies the builder of the appeals process.
Houpt advised yes. Houpt noted he has a commercial plumbing inspector (working for him) who can also do tests on backflow prevention.
Boggs advised one of the few complaints he has heard has been from those who want to be able to do their own projects and they can’t seem to get much assistance. Boggs inquired as to how Houpt handles those kinds of situations in Doylestown.
Houpt advised he can’t design it for them, but indicated he has some handouts with some general guidelines to help the residents.
Russell inquired as to how many inspectors were working under him in Doylestown.
Houpt advised he has an electrical and plumbing inspector and he does the HVAC and he has backup inspectors. Houpt advised with regards to commercial he has two plan examiners, one primary and one backup, and then he has a certified building official and a backup.
Lapehn inquired regarding the complaint driven inspections as to what kind of resistance he has had from the owners, renters or citizens in general.
Houpt advised he hasn’t had a lot of resistance although there have been a couple of instances and he turns them over to the law department to handle.
Tim Stefanko, resident inquired of the number of people working for him or under him were actually employees of the Village of Doylestown.
Houpt advised they were all employees.
Stefanko inquired as to how many employees were in this department.
Houpt advised there were six employees for the residential end of it and two for the commercial end of it. He advised they were employees, but they were not making $30,000 a year (from Doylestown), but they were paid per inspection. He advised they were paid kind of like contractors, but they were employees of the village. He advised they were all part-time employees including him and the village did not provide benefits to them.
Acting Mayor Glen Russell thanked Mr. Houpt for attending.

Citizens Forum
Tim Stefanko, Sr. of Salt Court inquired regarding the new city logo if it was protected or trademarked or registered or could anyone use it for any purpose.
City Manager Boggs advised it was the chambers logo voted on by their communications committee and the city adopted it and he believed the Chamber Director has applied for rights in order for it to be protected.
Stefanko inquired that the chamber would be retaining the legal rights to the logo.
Boggs advised yes.
Stefanko advised he felt that sounded kind of strange that the city would not have legal rights over their own logo and wondered if it struck anyone else as odd. Stefanko advised the other point he wanted to bring up was that every year they (city) were looking for more revenue and every year he was always asking what they were going to cut (in the budget) and every year Council says we can’t cut anything. Stefanko advised he was always critical of the travel expenses of the City Manager and the City Treasurer and it was obvious to him those numbers have drastically fallen and he commended the current City Manager and Treasurer for bringing those costs down. Stefanko advised although he didn’t know the actual numbers it just goes to show what somebody can do when they use a little common sense and discretion and he really appreciated it.

Rick Hanlon of Olds Avenue advised Council made a motion at the last meeting regarding candy and the Sleepwalker Festival. Hanlon advised he felt it was a great motion although he didn’t believe they should limit it to candy, but include other things in general so citizens don’t have to start buying balloons and limos for people because he felt if they just restrict it to candy it was pretty limited. Hanlon advised the other question he had was in regards to the annexation, as he wasn’t here when Council voted on it so all he was hearing was what was in the paper and he had a lot of questions which he has not seen the answer publicized yet. Hanlon advised there were different zoning districts throughout the town and he inquired as to what zoning district this annexed property would fall under.
City Solicitor Bower advised (R-E) Residential Estates.
Hanlon advised he read in the paper that the city would not be providing sewer to this area and inquired if that was what they approved.
Council Member Charles Copley advised he believed what was voted on was that the sewer was not a requirement as a contingency in order to be provided water. Copley advised the city did not say they would not provide sewer, but said it wasn’t contingent on the city providing water. Copley advised he has said he was willing for the sewer system to be out there prior to development.
Hanlon inquired at whose expense.
Copley advised he believed any expense would be the property owner’s responsibility to install the infrastructure prior to the city accepting (ownership).
Hanlon inquired regarding sanitary sewer and referenced a section of the code, which states they (the developers) could create their own treatment plant and asked if this would be controlled by the city planning commission.
Council Member Steve Johnson advised the Wayne County Health Department regulates those kinds of issues. Steve advised when he built his house he had to go through the county regarding his septic system. Steve advised he doesn’t believe the county has ever approved any sewer treatment plants that have not been municipally owned and operated. Steve advised in reality any houses built out there (Rawiga) would be built with septic systems and would be required to have a minimum of 2 acres under current zoning regulations.
Hanlon inquired, as this would be property in the City of Rittman, if the developer would come to the planning commission with development plans for the entire project.
Steve advised yes, it would come through the city.
Copley advised yes, they would be required to comply with current legislation just like any other developer in the city.
Hanlon inquired if that meant that 1163.17 regarding Special Regulations for Large Scale Residential Development were applicable.
Copley advised yes, but he believed there was a minimum of ten acres if the developers chose to go that route and it was in the codified ordinances to allow them to do so within the confines of those codified ordinances.
Shawn Vallery of Joshua Drive advised she was very pleased to hear that some are asking questions although she felt it came a year and a half too late and they may not have had to have a referendum if the people had their questions answered at that time. Vallery advised if they check the minutes from back then she felt those answers were not forthcoming. Vallery advised as a member of the Chamber of Commerce she wanted to make people aware the chambers plans for this years old fashioned Christmas and encouraged everyone to get the word out and participate in this year’s event. Vallery advised the theme this year was going to be “Christmas Around the World” and they (chamber) were planning on the merchants uptown and downtown participating and represent an area from around the world and it was going to be a wonderful time. Vallery advised she also wanted to say that whenever she has attended any meeting in town she has been impressed to see Mr. Boggs present and he does an outstanding job and she felt he had his finger on the pulse of the city and was doing everything he could to ensure that he knows what was happening with the operations of the city and she appreciated it.
Council Member Faye Telford inquired as to when the Christmas event would be held.
Vallery advised Saturday, December 8th and they were looking to hold the event a little earlier in the day around 2-6 pm and it was really going to be an exciting time and great for the kids. Vallery advised these were the kinds of things they were looking for in Rittman for its image to pull people together and find out what the community needs and that it was a wonderful place to live and work and be a part of.
Telford noted this was an event sponsored by the Chamber.

Don Sweigert, Rittman Fire Chief advised he wanted to remind everyone this week was Fire Prevention Week and to check your fire extinguishers and smoke detectors at home. Sweigert advised the fire station would be hosting an Open House on Thursday evening October11th. He advised everyone was welcome to attend and there would be hot dogs and potato chips available. He advised his fire prevention committee would be at the schools educating Pre-K through 5th Grade on fire prevention.

Motion for Council to Go Into Executive Session to Discuss a Personnel Matter and Invite the City Manager – 7:33 p.m.
Telford so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Motion to Come Out of Executive Session – 8:25 pm
Telford so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Old Business
None

New Business

a. Proclamation – Ron “Woody” Woodward Rittman Community Parks Week
Mayor William Robertson proclaimed October 21 thru October 27, 2007 as Ron “Woody” Woodward Rittman Community Parks Week in the City of Rittman and encouraged the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.

b. Ord. No.7465 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. 7465 was read on first Reading. James moved to place on second, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

c. Ord No. 7466 Annual Appropriation Ordinance. An Ordinance of the Council
of the City of Rittman, Wayne and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, to Make Appropriations for Current Expenses and Other Expenditures of the City of Rittman, State of Ohio, During the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2008 and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7466 was read on first reading. Copley moved to place on second, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

d. Ord. No.7467 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne and
Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Providing for the Compensation of Certain City Employees Determining Effective Dates and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7467 was read on first reading. Telford moved to place on second, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

City Manager’s Remarks
City Manager Larry Boggs congratulated Ron Woodward and advised the recognition was well deserved as he has been working to cleanup our city parks for several years as he has sons here in Rittman and he does this for them and others although he isn’t actually a Rittman resident. Boggs advised he really appreciates Woodward’s work and dedication to the city.
Boggs advised just today they received the second portion of the revised website he has been working on. He advised if you visit the city’s website you will click on the left hand column where it says, “Find Answers and Request Services” which directs you to a different area where you can find out answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) or ask one of your own. Boggs advised you could now make a service request such as high weeds, chuck holes etc. and receive a tracking number and find out where your particular request stands. Boggs advised he was pretty excited about this new feature and he hoped people would use it and find it useful for city services. Boggs noted the city website was www.rittman.com.
Boggs advised he met with representatives of the Muskingham/Chippewa Watershed Conservancy District last week and it was a productive meeting although he was expecting a little more out of it. He advised he did receive a lot of information on potential grant sites and potential ideas and they were there to help and work with us. Boggs advised he was going to follow-up with all the contacts provided and try to look for some type of source for funding. He advised he felt the only way they were going to stop the problem with Landis Ditch was to install some type of retention basin or a dry damn to the north. Boggs advised he was still optimistic as there were still several people to contact for advice.

a. Approval of Financial Report for September
James so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

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

Council Remarks
Council Member Steve Johnson thanked everyone for coming.
Council Member Charles Copley thanked everyone for coming. He advised he was glad to hear they were going to have another old fashion Christmas again this year, as he worked in a local business last year and felt it was met with pretty good success. He advised he was reminded that anyone who would like to get involved to contact the Chamber of Commerce and they would be happy to put you to work.

Council Member Faye Telford advised she was glad to see more of the candidates for City Council present and she wished them all good luck in the upcoming election although she knew they couldn’t all win. Telford thanked the chamber for all the work being done and advised the poles look quite festive and she felt that was a good thing. Telford thanked the IGA for bringing in the animals and advised she believed the children had a good time with it last week. Telford advised she believed IGA was doing a really good job and she hoped everyone in town supported them. Telford advised it was her understanding that Kelley’s Automotive was responsible for painting the old Ohio Edison building next to his business and she thanked him, as she felt it has been a great improvement in the downtown area. Telford thanked everyone for coming. Telford noted the leaf collection schedule and was advised it would be published in The Post and on the city website as well as a copy could be picked up at City Hall.

Council Member James Johnson thanked everyone for coming. James advised the police department members have a uniform allowance and inquired if there was a way for the members of the fire & EMS departments to have uniform allowances as well. James advised he knew from experience that buying all your dress uniform items gets very expensive. He suggested a one-time uniform allowance for new members or when they were promoted to captain.
Finance Director Mann advised both of those departments have a uniform account, which the department head was in charge of ordering uniform items for, but they don’t track these uniform expenses like they do the police department and it was up to the department head (fire/EMS) how the money was spent.
James suggested they look into it for a possible one-time thing. James advised he believed the employees of the medical center enjoyed getting their picture taken with the tiger at the IGA and he was glad to see something going on out there in order to attract customers to the shopping center. James inquired if they have come up with any ideas on how to identify city vehicles.

City Manager Boggs advised he has asked for price quotes and was working on something with a local business and would like something implemented by the first of the year.
Council Member Richard Lapehn advised regarding the Muskingham Watershed District that there was a possibility of two charges as part of the Chippewa sub-district and the Muskingham Valley overall district.
Boggs advised he wasn’t sure if there were two separate charges, but he would try to find out.
Mann advised she believed there was a separate charge on for the Chippewa and the Muskingham Watershed District although she didn’t know the figures off the top of her head.

Lapehn advised regarding the note from the resident on Ohio Avenue complaining of speeders and inquired if 25mph was the commercial district speed and 35mph was the residential speed.
Boggs advised that was correct. He advised part of the reason they have 35 posted was because it was still a main thoroughfare even though it dead-ends at the top (east end) of the street and it drops down to 25 mph when it gets to the business district. Boggs advised he passed the information along to Police Chief Burg and they would try to get more enforcement out on that street periodically.
Lapehn noted he has seen the cruisers around especially before and after school. Lapehn advised there was a question about income from the Guilford Township property on Rawiga Road and he had copies of a Fax from the Medina County Auditor, Michael Kovack stating the City of Rittman was presently collecting 5.8 mills on the parcel in property taxes from September 2006 to the present. Lapehn advised there was some question about it at the last meeting stating the money was being put in some sort of (hold) account, but we are collecting from the time it was annexed, Sept. 2006, until such time, if it were to be detached.

Acting Mayor Glen Russell advised he appreciated everyone being here and invited them to come back. He advised he would like the Council Clerk to write a letter on behalf of Council to Kelley’s Automotive thanking them for the improvement on the (adjoining) building even though he (Kelley) didn’t do it for recognition, but as a good neighbor, as they do appreciate those kinds of neighbors. Russell advised he realized he was bending the rules a bit, but recognized council candidate Shawn Vallery to speak.
Vallery advised they (cffr) contacted the Ohio Secretary of State as well as Al Schrader their attorney in regards to the annexation and they (Council) should be receiving a letter from their attorney in the next few days. Vallery advised there has been no annexation taken place and there should have been no money transferred. Vallery advised unfortunately Mr. Kovack was in error according to the law at the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office and Attorney Al Schrader and she would be providing that information to them soon.
Lapehn advised she should correct Mr. Kovack too.
Vallery advised they were being corrected as well as the Medina County Prosecutor’s Office and others. Vallery advised there was nothing happening with that (annexation) it was just pending the people’s decision on November 6th as to what will happen.

a. Approval of Vouchers 47128 thru 47198 Including Then and Now
Certificates.
A question was asked regarding #47187. James so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn – 8:48 p.m.
Copley so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.