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

Mayor Robertson welcomed and gave a special thanks to all guests or members who might be Veteran’s. He advised he hoped they enjoyed some kind of Veteran’s Day celebration and he certainly appreciated their service to our country and he thanked those who have family members who are serving as well.

Approval of Minutes – October 22, 2007
Telford so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Workshop

a. Discussion of a Contract Revision for the Cell Tower Lease at Metzger Avenue Water Tower.
City Manager Larry Boggs advised he was contacted by a company wanting to revise the city’s cell tower lease agreement at a reduced rate, but would guarantee payment for a longer period of time. He advised the current contract was for $1,460.00 and runs through 2017 with increases over time. Boggs advised AT&T has dropped about 6500 sites, but he felt if they haven’t been dropped by now, they have a good chance of remaining. Boggs advised if Council wanted an analysis study done of where the cell towers are around us to see if there was a possibility of a merge; it could be done for approximately $1,000. Boggs indicated he was seeking Council’s guidance on what they wanted to do regarding this issue, but advised he would recommend they “roll the dice” and leave the contract as is.
Copley agreed and advised basically telephone companies were in the business of offering the best coverage they could and he didn’t believe they had a lot of options available for sites.
Boggs advised this particular tower was originally Cingular and was now AT&T and thus, the discussion regarding merging sites.
Mayor Robertson advised it seemed to him that the cell tower company would either leave it as is or remove it off the water tower and build their own cell tower which a lot more costly. He advised he would be surprised if they actually pulled out.
Telford agreed they should just leave it as is.

b. Discussion of Non-Union Employees Cost of Living Increase
Boggs advised Council reviewed and approved the 2008 budget and there was a 2% cost of living increase included in that budget and he was bringing this issue to them for discussion and consideration.
Russell advised he believed in the past they gave these employees a percentage rate increase, but he didn’t believe they were given both a percentage raise and a cost of living increase.
Boggs indicated the employee wage and salary ordinance set the range of pay and he advised he understood it was up to the City Manager to give a merit increase if he felt it was warranted. Boggs advised this motion was a cost of living increase.
Copley advised this was basically an across the board percentage increase and if there was anyone who has done outstanding work in the last year the City Manager has flexibility within the ranges set in the ordinance to give a merit increase.
Russell inquired if it was an increase in wages plus the cost of living increase, but one or the other.
Boggs advised a raise of one or two percent was a cost of living increase. He advised if there was an employee who he feels deserves a merit increase and it was in their salary range there was flexibility to do so.
Russell advised he thought they were talking about an across the board, but now he understood.

c. Discussion of Replacement Parts Due to Damages from an Electrical
Surge at the Sterling Water Plant
City Manager Boggs advised they had some major problems at the water plant where all three pumps were down. Boggs advised it was discovered they were receiving electrical surges from the power company, which caused all three pumps plus the three wires between the plant and the pump site to be damaged and all of these parts need to be replaced and were very costly. Boggs advised they were looking at a cost of a little over $35,000 although they didn’t have all the totals in as yet. Boggs advised the good news was that it appears the insurance company was going to pick up the majority of the cost and the city would be filing a claim with Ohio Edison. He advised the ordinance was to cover us to hire the company to do the electrical work even though they should be reimbursed for those costs.
Copley inquired if there was any surge protection at the plant.
Mann advised it was her understanding it wasn’t exactly a power surge, but the voltage itself. She advised it was suppose to be 480, but it was registering at around 490 and all three lines coming in were over 480 and basically fried the wires.
Russell inquired if anyone spoke with the employees at Ohio Edison.
Boggs advised the employee who came out (to the site) did tell him that it was a voltage regulator that was bad. Boggs advised he was standing right there when this employee tested it and this employee did acknowledge something was wrong. Boggs advised the next morning he called the area Supervisor Ray Martinez and put him on notice that there was a problem so, Ohio Edison was aware of it.
Steve advised it sounded as if the problem was caused by a loose connection on Ohio Edison’s end because the voltage always equals the same, but it would go lower on one end and higher on the other and they might want to look into some type of monitoring equipment to shut off at the breaker.
Boggs advised they do have monitoring equipment and was part of the accumulated evidence.
Telford advised it was temporarily wired right now.
Boggs concurred and advised he just wanted to update and explain the reason for the ordinance in new business. Boggs advised he does have a letter from the insurance company saying they were covered, although it was before they were made aware of the cost.

Citizens Forum
Rita Hart of Rittman Rotary advised the rotary was collecting plastic coffee cans to put together emergency kits. She advised if someone came to your door and said you had 15 minutes to evacuate, like in California with the wildfires, she asked what would you take with you. Hart advised she spoke with the Wayne County Federal Emergency Management Agency in Wooster and John Wise emailed her information on what to use along with a list of items to include inside and one of the things Wise said was they should use a moisture proof can. Hart advised the rotary was asking for donations of these plastic coffee cans, the ones with the handle were preferable, and they would be filling them with first aid items, a water bottle, etc. and people could also copy their personal information such as a list of medications, their driver’s license, social security card and insurance information and insert into the can. Hart suggested they keep the can ready to grab in an emergency such as the freezer or a cupboard where it would be inconspicuous to others. She advised the cans were being collected at Wayne Savings or they could be dropped off at the Rittman United Methodist Church on Thursdays at noon when the rotary had their weekly meetings. Hart advised there were posters placed at different locations and some other communities were helping as well. Hart advised 500 cans collected was the goal although she indicated that wouldn’t begin to cover the number of people they would like to reach. She advised she was asked how they were going to be distributed and she suggested bringing in canned goods and you could receive an emergency kit. Hart indicated the need was great and she appealed to the community to help with the collection of these moisture proof plastic coffee cans.

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. Third Reading.
Ord. No. 7465 was read on third reading. James moved to adopt, 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. Third Reading.
Ord. No. 7466 was read on third reading. Copley moved to adopt, 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. Third Reading.
Ord. No. 7467 was read on third reading. Telford moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

d. 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. Second Reading.
Ord. No. 7468 was read on second reading. Copley moved to place on third, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

e. Motion to Request Legislation Be Prepared to Defer the Sewer Rate Increase for 2008.
Steve advised he didn’t want to vote to not increase the sewer rate until he understood where they were in the budget.
Boggs advised the only reason the sewer department was in the black was due to the contract with Caraustar. (It should be noted the city receives their effluent from the lagoon to our wastewater treatment system at $10,000 a month). Boggs advised he received a letter stating they were putting the city on notice that contract would soon be terminated.
Steve advised the sewer plant has to pay for itself and he would rather increase it a small amount every year than to be forced to have a huge increase. Steve advised Rittman’s rates historically in the area were not high.
Telford inquired as to what was the percentage increase in the sewer fund.
She was advised it was a six percent increase automatically effective with the January billing unless deferred.
Boggs inquired if Council wanted him to prepare an analysis for the December meeting.
James advised he didn’t feel comfortable voting until he had something from the finance department telling him how this would affect the sewer fund.
Copley noted legislation could be brought and considered at the December meeting before the increase would automatically take affect.
Boggs advised he would prepare an analysis of the impact this would have on the sewer budget.
Russell so moved, upon roll call; Russell-Yes, Telford-Yes, Steve-No, James-Yes, Lapehn-Yes, Copley-Yes and motion carried.

New Business

a. Proclamation – National Home Care Month
Mayor William Robertson proclaimed November as National Home Care Month and
encouraged the support and participation of all citizens in learning more about the home care and hospice concepts for the elderly, disabled and infirm. He urged all residents to show their support for the excellent care that their family members deserve.

b. Ord. No. 7469 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Ohio,
Wayne and Medina Counties, Authorizing the Municipal Manager to Enter into a Contract with Star Electric of Rittman, Ohio for the Emergency Repairs for the Wiring and Motors for the Pumps at the Municipal Well Field and Declaring an Emergency. Three Readings.
Ord. No. 7469 was read on first reading. Russell moved to suspend the rules and have second and third reading, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried. Ord. No. 7469 was read on second and third reading. James moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

c. Motion to Approve a 2% Cost of Living Increase for the Non-Union
Employees.
Lapehn inquired where the 2% came from and inquired if it was the COLI national figure.
Boggs advised no.
Lapehn advised the 2% was actually lower.
Boggs advised yes.
Lapehn advised so this was our local definition of COLI.
Boggs advised pretty much.
Copley inquired if it was consistent with the union employees.
Boggs advised the police department will get a 3% raise and the other union employees get 2 ½% so it was lower.
Copley so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

d. Motion to Omit the Regularly Scheduled Second Meeting in November
2007.
James so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

e. Motion to Go Into Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation
Regarding the Recreation Center and Include the City Manager, Law Director, Finance Director, the Mayor, and the Two Newly Elected Council Members– 7:34 p.m.:
Lapehn so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

f. Motion to Come Out of Executive Session – 7:55 p.m.:
Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.


City Manager’s Remarks
City Manager Larry Boggs had no remarks.

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

b. Finance Director’s Remarks
Finance Director Lucinda Mann advised she wanted to remind Council there was
still a vacancy on the Records Commission and it needed to be someone from the general public.
Boggs advised he was given a name to contact from Councilman Russell.

Council Remarks
Council Member Glen Russell appreciated everyone for being here and he invited them to come back. He advised he was appreciative of the support he received for the next four years and he was looking forward to serving the citizens and residents and he would do his best. Russell wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Council Member James Johnson thanked everyone for coming. He congratulated the newly elected candidates for Council. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Council Member Charles Copley thanked everyone for coming and he congratulated the two new Council candidates and to Russell on his re-election.
Council Member Richard Lapehn inquired if there was a report on the event, (fall festival/pool re-opening) at the recreation center this past Saturday.
Boggs advised the center had one of their best days for membership sign ups just prior to the grand re-opening of the pool. Boggs advised he believed there was a steady flow of people coming in all day (to the festival). He advised unfortunately the water in the main pool was not warm enough for swimming (on that day). Boggs advised Ivan (director) was very happy with the response he received on Saturday.
Council Member Faye Telford congratulated Mr. Russell, Mr. Carey and Mr. Beaumont and she welcomed them to City Council. Telford advised she sincerely hoped everyone would start the next term with a positive attitude. She advised Council to do their job with dignity and respect for each other and remember your actions reflect on the image of Rittman. Telford thanked the 78% of the voting citizens who agreed with Mr. Russell and her on the annexation issue. She advised she truly believes that Rittman does not need more land for residential use, but the need for additional business and industry was vital to Rittman’s economy. Telford advised she believed Mr. Boggs was working very hard to reach those goals. She advised Rittman was a great place to live and raise a family and she hopes and prays that with the City Manager and Council working together it will be even a greater city. Telford advised us to remember our motto “A Small Town with a Big Heart”. Telford advised it was an honor to serve the citizens of Rittman for eight years.
Council Member Steve Johnson advised it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens. He advised it has been a lot of fun and he learned a lot and it was a very nice experience. Steve advised he first sat in his Council seat twelve years ago with Bonnie Kindig to his left and then Frank Hisem, Mayor Hardgrove, Harvey Johnson, Leroy Johnson and Mike Wilkinson and Mr. Kellogg and Judy Emery. Steve advised twelve years doesn’t seem like that long of time, but faces change and time goes on. Steve thanked everyone. He thanked Larry and Barb as he felt they have done a wonderful job for the city. He thanked the Mayor and the rest of Council. He advised they have had some great discussions here and he always thought it benefits the city when they have good participation. Steve thanked his wife for putting up with him being gone most Monday nights for twelve years. He thanked the people of the city and he thanked God for giving him strength during the times that he needed it.
Mayor William Robertson advised they would certainly miss the 20 years of combined service between Faye and Steve and he thanked them for their service to the city and he certainly appreciated it and enjoyed working with both of them. He thanked them for their comments and counsel during the time he was “breaking into” this job. Robertson advised he attended the fall festival at the recreation center and they had a ribbon cutting ceremony at the pool with Ivan Kovacevic and Tom Leatherman. He advised there was a steady stream of people with12 to 15 tables from various groups and organizations set up and gospel singing and it was very well attended. He advised the biggest disappointment was they couldn’t go into the big pool. He advised the pool area really looks nice and they painted the walls two tones of blue and was classy. Robertson advised there were 50 people at the middle school for the fund raising Euchre Tournament and they would be having another one in the future. He advised it was a lot of fun and lots of food and the cost was $10 at the door. He advised the money was for activities/field trips for the middle school students. Robertson advised there was also a talent show at the high school that same evening and he indicated there was plenty to do Saturday night. He advised Friday, November 30th there would be an Elected Officials Open Forum luncheon at noon at the RUMC and the cost was $10 for those interested.

a. Approval of Vouchers 47285 thru 47434 Including Then and Now
Certificates
Questions were asked regarding #’s 47318, 47430, 47343, 47399, 47405, 47423 & 47350. James moved to approve, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn – 8:15 p.m.
Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.