Invocation was given by: Dr. Jerry A. Burton, Pastor followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes – October 8, 2007
James so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Workshop
a. Discussion from the Wayne County Commissioners Concerning Grants for
Recycling and Waste Management from the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste Management District. Wayne County Commissioners Cheryl Noah, Ann Obrecht and Scott Wiggam in conjunction with Joanna Weaver, Recycling Specialist for Wayne County for the Solid Waste District as well as Lenny Broome, Assistant Executive Director for the Solid Waste District were present to discuss the upcoming changes in recycling to be mandated by the EPA and the monies received due to those changes.
Commissioner Ann Obrecht advised under the direction of the EPA there would be some changes to the recycling program and the amount of money coming to Rittman (as well as others in the tri-county area). Obrecht advised there would be a transition period where Rittman could increase their recycling and thus increase the dollars that would be awarded. Obrecht spoke on the “Recycling Makes Sense Grant Program” and advised last year Rittman received $12,360.00 from the Solid Waste District to help fund their recycling program. Obrecht advised this new program would be an incentive based program versus a population-based program and so the more you recycle the more funds you would receive. Obrecht explained Rittman currently was earning $45/ton for recyclable materials collected and under the incentive based program there was a base rate of $25/ton and the dollars per tonnage could increase by $10/ton if the following three requirements were met: 90% access rate for residents in the county, collection one time per week and collect at least five materials from the list provided. Obrecht indicated the dollars per tonnage could increase another $5/ton if the following were met: collect at least seven materials from list for a total of $40/ton. She further explained an additional $5/ton could be obtained for a total of $45/ton if Rittman met the requirement of an average of 40 pounds per resident in 2007, 50# per resident in 2008 and 60# per resident in 2009. Obrecht indicated the first three requirements would need to be met before receiving additional funding for the requirements listed after them. Obrecht advised she was happy to say that in 2006 Rittman had 59.8 pounds of material per resident so they were real close to the 60 pounds per resident to receive the additional $5/ton provided they met all of the previous requirements. Obrecht clarified the whole tonnage that Rittman recycles would have to be increased and advised if they continue to recycle at the same rate currently, which was about 200 tons a year, and multiply it by $45/ton it would equal $9,000. Obrecht advised if Rittman wanted to receive the $12,000 as they have in the past they were going to have to increase their recycling which was EPA’s whole goal with this program. Obrecht advised there was a transition period for this program to be implemented so in 2008 & 2009 they would still be guaranteed to receive the $12,360 and after that the monies would be based solely on tonnage. Obrecht advised this transition time would allow for the opportunity to work at educating the community and try to keep those funds coming to your city. Obrecht advised Ms. Weaver was here to help discuss ways that Rittman could work on these issues and help to keep the funds up where you have had them in the past. Obrecht reiterated this was an EPA mandate and they have said they want more recycling and they have built incentives into their programs.
Council Member Glen Russell inquired as to what was the items on the list that needed to be collected to qualify.
Obrecht advised cardboard, paper, newspaper, glass, aluminum, plastic containers, household hazardous waste, wood, packaging, scrap tires, lead, acid batteries, used motor oil, textiles, major appliances. Obrecht advised any seven from that list would qualify.
Mayor Robertson inquired as to who tracts what Rittman was recycling.
Assistant Executive Director Lenny Broome advised the City of Rittman sends quarterly reports to them at the Solid Waste District, which states what Rittman recycles and the tonnage that they recycled. Broome advised Rittman’s recyclables were co-mingled and they collect the tonnage information and it was taken to a MRF (pronounced murf) (Material Recovery Facility) and it was separated at the MRF.
The Mayor advised he believed the contract with Waste Management only allowed for paper, cardboard, glass and plastic and inquired if a resident wanted to include tires or batteries etc. what would need to be done.
Obrecht indicated this was the reason for the transition years, as these things would need to be considered when renewing a contract.
Commissioner Cheryl Noah advised there were Rittman residents who were contributing to the appliance and hazardous waste drop-off center and inquired if that could be tracked to give Rittman the credit and encourage them to continue to do so.
Broome advised they were currently in discussions with the Solid Waste District and the EPA, as the entire communities share in the collection of these items during these drop-off days. He advised they would have those answers soon.
Mayor Robertson advised he knew Waste Management had a mail-in recycling program for ink cartridges and cell phones and inquired if that would count toward Rittman’s collection.
Broome advised they could petition to add a new item, but those items weren’t currently on the list.
Robertson advised the school had recycling bins for people to drop-off their recyclables and inquired if they could count those items in Rittman’s total tonnage.
Broome advised yes, if it was reported to them at the Wayne-Stark-Tuscarawas Joint Solid Waste Management District.
Noah advised the schools sometimes have a program to teach recycling where they collect such items as milk containers and this could be reported as well.
Robertson advised the key was to get people tapped into the recycling program and receive credit for the tonnage collected.
It was noted the monies currently received go into the general fund, which helps to offset the cost of waste collection paid out of the general fund.
Obrecht clarified due to a question from Russell that the tonnage was to be reported to the Solid Waste District of which the Wayne County Commissioners were Board Members. Obrecht advised Lenny Broome keeps track of the tonnage collected for the communities.
Commissioner Cheryl Noah advised she would be speaking on the “Composting Makes Sense Grant Program” Noah advised a lot of work went into the preparation for the implementation of these programs and she thanked Assistant Executive Director Broome and all those responsible for their hard work. Noah advised all three counties were going to be making these same changes to their recycling programs. Noah advised Rittman reported compost materials equal to 561 tons in 2006 and received a grant award of $36,050 in FY-2007 and would continue to receive that amount during the transition through 2008. Noah explained in the Fiscal-Year 2009 grant funding would be based solely on tonnage generated. Noah advised currently Rittman was earning $20/ton for composting materials. Noah advised with the new rate sheet the minimum price would be $15/ton and each community may add $5/ton if their program provides monthly collection/drop-off at least nine months out of the year (excluding Dec., Jan., & Feb.) and/or an additional $5/ton could be given if the program provides educational information to their constituents on backyard composting and mulching of grass for a maximum rate per ton of $25. Noah advised there were a great number of people already doing the backyard composting and many more who may want to learn. Noah advised some communities offer a collection area of a large open space for dropping off of composting materials and she believed this saved a lot of money for these communities.
Broome advised there was a protocol of what the district would accept and what it wouldn’t after a storm for debris cleanup. He advised he believed the City of Rittman received $961.27 for a 2006 storm, which paid for the tub grinders and the overtime of employees and other allowable expenditures the district would pay for to help the city compost.
City Manager Boggs inquired if the city receives credit for wood chips turned into mulch.
Broome advised yes as long as it was coming from residents. He advised commercial/industrial was on a case-by-case basis.
Russell inquired as to how backyard composting and mulching of grass was to be counted.
Broome advised the EPA wants us to educate the public not to collect grass, leaves or mulch and yard waste for collection, but to compost it in their backyards and use it to feed their lawns and gardens. Broome advised the education process would be very valuable to the city with regards to their compost funds.
Commissioner Scott Wiggam clarified the storm cleanup was different than the basic composting and would be counted toward the composting tonnage, but would be paid for differently. Wiggam advised when working on implementing these new programs obviously there would be some things they would struggle with and some positive as well. He advised one of the things the board members would like to see was a greater payback as recycling climbs to encourage more recycling. Wiggam advised Rittman had a good start here and was certainly something to build on and there were some positive aspects. Wiggam advised when looking at the recycling programs within the city there were future funding possibilities for Rittman through the “Model Community Grants”. Wiggam advised in 2008 and 2009 there would be $250,000 (each year) available for these two years only for one community per county. He advised this program was to reward “early adopting” communities. Wiggam advised Rittman might want to look at having a subcommittee that looks at ideas of how to become identified as a model community and may be a potential grant recipient and assist in the development of funding proposals. Wiggam advised model community grant funding would not be available to support ongoing program operational expenses. Wiggam advised Rittman needed to increase their tonnage of recyclables and one way was to implement certain programs to increase awareness of the need for recycling. Wiggam advised the Joint Solid Waste Management District would have a committee pick one community per county to be funded through their idea submitted. He advised the program could be through education or equipment or program improvement. Wiggam advised if the idea was implemented and submitted that community could be awarded $250,000 for their idea as a model community and the idea was based on rewarding early adopting communities. Wiggam advised their staff was available for help if the city wanted to use them as a resource. Wiggam advised Cindi Kerschbaumer, Grant Administrator, could be contacted for more information regarding the Model Community Grants.
Noah inquired if the City of Rittman is chosen for an outstanding project, which increases their tonnages collected, how was it any different than the ones they (the Commissioners) gave awards for the other night in the sense that you have entities within a community that suddenly appear and start recycling actively. Noah advised a business in Wooster received a recognition award the other night and inquired if that tonnage was or was not counted.
Broome advised the key was that it was counted as long as the recycling comes from residential customers. Broome indicated the schools recycling tonnage would be counted as well.
Joanna Weaver, Education Specialist for the S-T-W Joint Solid Waste Management District who has an office in the Wayne County Administration Building in Wooster advised her main focus was to educate the people and she had several programs she could assist in establishing such as general recycling, composting, landfills and natural resources. Weaver advised they could visit www.timetorecycle.org for more information.
Ellen Waggy of Guilford Township wondered how the composting in a backyard works if a neighbor doesn’t want it due to the smell.
Broome advised if people compost correctly and follow the guidelines there was no odor. Broome advised if a neighbor was composting incorrectly and the smell was a nuisance they should call the health department.
Jennifer Jackson of Grant Street inquired if the new fluorescent light bulbs were recyclable as she was aware they contained mercury.
Obrecht advised that kind of item could be brought to the hazardous waste collection drop-off once a year through the Joint Solid Waste Management District. Obrecht advised she understood there would be big changes in the money received for recycling and these communities have a full two years to educate people on these changes in order to try to minimize the reduction in funds.
Mayor Robertson thanked the Wayne County Commissioners and the Representatives from the Joint Solid Waste District for attending and presenting to Council the upcoming changes in recycling due to EPA mandates.

b. Discussion from Clerk of Courts Tim Neal Regarding a Deputy Registrar’s Office Being Located at City Hall.
Tim Neal briefly explained they were hopeful to have a limited authority Deputy Registrar at the Rittman Title Office soon in order to be able to offer temporary tags and renewal stickers on license plates although they would not be able to issue driver’s licenses. Neal advised they were still in the negotiation stages with the State of Ohio and the City Manager and himself, but he has been very encouraged by the state’s reaction and felt it would be a very good thing for the community.
The Mayor requested Mr. Neal address the public with why it was important to buy or renew your license plates in Wayne County, as he knew a lot of people currently go to Wadsworth or Medina County to do so.
Neal advised a couple of years ago legislation was passed that allowed cross county titles. He advised it has helped some counties and hurt some counties, but it enables someone to obtain their title from a different county than from where they purchased their vehicle or a different county from where they live. Neal advised it was critical to keep those dollars in Wayne County because when someone takes their title or plates to Medina or Summit Counties, they don’t see any of those revenues in Wayne County. Neal advised they want to be able to service not only the individuals, but also the local dealerships here in this part of the county. Neal advised having a limited authority deputy registrar here would really help to be able to offer more services in the community.
Council Member Faye Telford inquired as to who receives the money when she mails in her state license plate renewal application.
Neal advised the county in which you live still receives the funds for those who mail in their renewal form.
Mayor Robertson indicated the greatest loss was probably the dealerships as Premier and Laria do a great amount of business and it was his guess that it was more convenient for them to run over to Wadsworth for those additional services. Mayor Robertson advised although these businesses were doing the best they could to keep the dollars in Rittman/Wayne County.
Neal advised the city administration has been very helpful/cooperative and he would keep all abreast of the progress being made toward this effort.
Council Member Charles Copley inquired if they were considering any Saturday hours.
Neal advised they currently have Saturday hours in Wooster, but they would definitely keep that option open should the need arise in Rittman.
Boggs advised he believed it was a fantastic idea and he appreciated all of Mr. Neal’s efforts toward this service, as he felt it was really needed in this community.
Glenn Waggy of Guilford Township inquired as to what would have to be done to get a full deputy registrar here in Rittman.
Neal advised they didn’t give him that option, as they could not have a full authority deputy registrar because the Auditor’s Office was only allowed to have one full authority deputy registrar per county. Neal advised it was up to the state to decide where else a deputy registrar needed to be established. Neal advised there was one in Orrville that was privately owned and selected through a bid process and was viewed as a business.
Tim Stefanko of Salt Court advised he thought the money for license plates all went to the State of Ohio.
Neal advised some of the funds go to the county.
Stefanko inquired as to how much goes to the county.
Neal advised for a title it was $5.00, but he didn’t have the figures with him for the deputy registrar fee and the plates.
Rick Hanlon of Olds Avenue advised he felt it was a good idea and inquired if this would be an extension of the Auditor’s Office.
Neal advised it would be a limited authority deputy registrar in the title office here in Rittman, which is a branch of the Clerk of Courts office. He advised it would not be a separate office.
Ramsier advised if this should come to fruition he would urge him to have an employee working there who actually likes their job although he understood there were quite a few personalities that must come through the door.
Neal advised he has taken steps to try to rectify some issues they have had in the past. Neal advised if anyone had any problems to please call him directly.
Mayor Robertson thanked Clerk of Courts Tim Neal for coming and addressing Council with this subject.

c. Discussion of 2008 Commodity Bids
City Manager Boggs advised the annual commodity bids were opened and read publicly on
October 4, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. Boggs advised Service Director Simpson and Utilities Director Metcalf were available if Council had any questions. The recommendations are as follows:

Hot Mix, HPM Winter Mix - CCR Asphalt Mfg. Ltd.
Sand & Gravel - Seville Sand & Gravel (gravel #8 & #304)
J & J Elite Transportation
(limestone & infield mix)
Crack Sealer - DJL Material & Supply
Concrete - Orrville Trucking
Chip & Seal - Lytle Construction
Motor Paving - Lytle Construction
Crack Sealing Operation - G.T. Contracting Inc.
Pavement Marking - Oglesby Construction
Asphalt Rejuvenation - Pavement Technology
Fire Hydrants - Trumbull Industries
Water Meters - Trumbull Industries &
Utility Service Supply
Potassium Permanganate - Sal Chemical – One Year
No questions were asked.

Citizens Forum
No comments were made.

Old Business

a. 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. Second Reading.
Ord. No. 7465 was read on second reading. Telford moved to place on third, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

b. 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. Second Reading.
Ord. No. 7466 was read on second reading. Russell advised on page 001 of the budget he would like to recommend that under general government the Mayor should be placed under Council and the Clerk rather than under the Administration Department. Copley inquired if the Mayor wasn’t considered part of the Administration and advised he believed it has been listed like that for quite awhile. Finance Director Mann concurred it has been that way for quite awhile and advised she felt the reasoning behind moving it was that the Mayor like Council was an elected position and she didn’t feel it would make a difference where it was listed in the report as it was all paid out of the general fund. Robertson inquired if accounting codes had to be changed. Mann advised no, she just had to move it around on the report and she didn’t believe they needed a motion to change it. James moved to place on third, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

c. 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. Second Reading.
Ord. No. 7467 was read on first reading. Lapehn moved to place on third, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

New Business

a. Approval of 2008 Employee Holiday Schedule
James so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

b. Ord. No. 7468 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne
and Medina Counties, and State of Ohio, Authorizing the Municipal Manager to Accept the Lowest and Best Bids for the Furnishing of Commodities for the Year 2008 and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7468 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 advised the recreation center roof replacement was going as planned and anticipate opening the pool on November 10th. Boggs advised they hoped to be able to start filling the pool with water by the end of this week or next to allow it to get heated in time for the opening.

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

Council Remarks
Council Member James Johnson thanked everyone for coming and he wished all the candidates the best of luck come Election Day.
Council Member Faye Telford thanked everyone for coming and said she would see them next time. Telford advised if anyone wanted more information on Issue #35 on the Annexation there would be a meeting tomorrow (10/23) at the recreation center at 7 pm.
James inquired if the annexation meeting would be an open forum to ask as many questions as people wished regarding the issue.
He was advised yes.
Council Member Richard Lapehn advised he spoke with Rob Mullins, the Chief of Staff at Regula’s office in Canton and they have become phone buddies since the city has submitted a request for some help with Landis Ditch repairs. Lapehn advised he calls him quite often to find out where the budget was in Washington and such, which was on hold until November 15th. Lapehn advised Representative Regula did submit (Rittman’s) request for funds, but he said he was currently in the minority party and a lame duck. Lapehn advised they would know by the end of November or by Thanksgiving whether Rittman was in line for any federal dollars to help with Landis Ditch.
Mayor Robertson advised he had a contact number for Rob Mullins if anyone was interested in contacting him themselves to voice their concerns.
Council Member Steve Johnson thanked everyone for coming. He advised the recreation center roof looks well from DeCourcey Road and as long as it was dry it was going to be wonderful.
Council Member Charles Copley thanked everyone for coming. He encouraged everyone to get out and vote and let your voice be heard.
Council Member Glen Russell thanked everyone for being here and invited all to come back. He advised he had a couple concerns regarding the E. Sunset Dr. intersection at Industrial St. by the Legion Hall, as there was a (speed limit) sign covered by debris and brush. He advised he has had some complaints from that area that trucks are traveling at an excessive speed. Russell suggested the sign be moved to a more noticeable location. He advised he felt it was dangerous for those living in that area to get in and out of their drives. Russell advised he has received some complaints from the Chamber of Commerce Members regarding letters sent out to all the residents. He advised one was a chamber letter and one was a “Keep Rittman Growing” letter. Russell advised the concern was over who paid for the postage and inquired if it was the chamber or Mr. Laurila who paid for the postage.
City Manager Boggs advised the chamber didn’t pay for it and he believed Mr. and Mrs. Laurila paid for the postage.
Mrs. Laurila confirmed she paid for the postage.
Mayor William Robertson advised tomorrow night (Oct. 23rd) the chamber was sponsoring a Communication Committee that has been ongoing for a couple of years where they look at activities around Rittman and encourage communication and interaction and support of Rittman activities. Robertson advised they were always looking for new members to join that committee and give new input into projects. He advised they would be meeting at 7 pm in the Chamber of Commerce Office. Robertson congratulated City Manager Boggs on the update to the website as now service requests or complaints or other kind of communication could be made directly from the city website and they would be issued a tracking number and could follow their request. He advised rather than wait for a Council Meeting or try to get a hold of someone on the phone you could go right to the web at www.rittman.com and it was available 24/7. Mayor Robertson advised they were hopeful this would become a good communication tool and would make our website a little more interactive. Robertson encouraged residents to get out and vote and to get out and be prepared to vote. He advised the Civic Day luncheon was this Thursday (10/25) at noon at the Methodist Church and was $10 and to let the Chamber Director know of your desire to attend. He advised it was a great lunch and you get to hear from the candidates and about the issues and it was a great opportunity to become an educated voter for Election Day November 6th when you cast your vote. Robertson advised November 10th there would be a ribbon cutting and quite a festival planned at the Rittman Recreation Center. He advised there would be gospel singing and lots of activities for the kids and the re-opening of the pool. Robertson advised there were a group of parents hosting a Euchre tournament fundraiser at the Middle School on November 10th starting at 6 pm. The Mayor advised he was pretty excited about the “Model Community Grant” Commissioner Wiggam spoke of and he may introduce it to the communication committee and suggested anyone interested to contact him as he would sure like to think of ways they could increase recycling and keep the funds coming into the city. Robertson advised he believed they probably would get the service organizations excited about it and there ought to be some great thinkers out there who could come up with some unique ideas that could put us on the map and get some funding. He advised it would be great to land that $250,000 and do something with it.

a. Approval of Vouchers 47199 thru 47284 Including Then and Now
Certificates.
James so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn – 8:00 p.m.
Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.