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

Approval of Minutes – January 14, 2008
Johnson moved to approve, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Workshop

a. Discussion of the Contract with the Chamber of Commerce
City Manager Boggs advised recently the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce
met and felt that even though they were doing very well financially since the new Executive Director took over they wouldn’t be able to make progress without extending this contract for another term. Boggs indicated the CIC approved the contract at their meeting for another five-year period and he would recommend Council approve it as well. Boggs advised the Chamber Director has been working hand in hand with him on economic development issues. He advised it has been a blessing having an active chamber working with the city and he felt has been very supportive and he would hate to see the chamber lose its momentum due to lack of funding. Boggs advised he understood there was a concern this (extension) would be ongoing every five years, but he really believed with this financial assistance and with the direction the chamber was heading it would be very solvent and be able to continue on its own (by the end of this contract renewal). Boggs advised he was asking Council for their blessing in approving that contract.
Copley advised he had two major concerns from his standpoint. He advised he was under the assumption the previous contract was $5,000 a year and he inquired if that was an incorrect assumption.
Boggs advised it was $5,000 a year from the City and $5,000 a year from the CIC.
Copley advised the new contract appeared to him like it was $5,000 every six months (per entity).
Boggs advised they could clarify that issue as it was meant to reflect the CIC pays the first half and the City pays the second half of each year.
Copley advised the other concern he had was that five years ago when this contract was originally (entered into) it had the same language as in the last paragraph which states that once the contract ended the Chamber would find a way to secure the necessary funds in order to be self supporting. Copley advised that was not done and his concern was would they be able to do it this time.
Boggs advised he felt if they would have had the current Executive Director (for the full five years) he would say they wouldn’t be here asking for an extension. Boggs advised if the Chamber continues to have the same leadership and direction he was confident they wouldn’t have to approach Council again for this type of contract.
Copley advised previously there has been no formal reporting back to the City and it had been suggested they provide a quarterly report to show how the taxpayers’ money was being well spent. Copley advised he would like to see that as part of this new contract that they (Chamber) have some obligation to report back to the City.
Boggs advised he didn’t feel that would be a problem.
Russell inquired as to what actually were her duties (Executive Director of the Chamber). Russell advised he didn’t know who was a member (of the Chamber) and who wasn’t, but some of the business people have asked what does she really do as some have said they don’t get any help at all as a business (if they weren’t a member of the Chamber). Russell advised he didn’t know this, but he was just repeating it. Russell advised he felt it was misleading as some thought she was a city employee. Russell advised his second concern was even though it was only $5,000 at the same time he didn’t feel they were being fair to the city employees. He advised we have asked city employees to look at ways of saving money and reduce expenses at the same time they were giving $5,000 out and they have to justify to the taxpayers why they were spending the $5,000.
Beaumont advised he believed it was counterproductive to say that we were trying to promote the city and yet we don’t want to give a minimal amount of money to the agency that was the promotion arm of the city. He advised we don’t pay the City Manager to promote the city we pay the City Manager to run the city. He advised the Chamber of Commerce goes out with contacts from the City Manager and promotes the city and tells new businesses what was beneficial about the city. Beaumont advised he agreed they needed to be fiscally responsible, but felt it would be a hard sell to say they couldn’t spend $5,000 to promote the city. Beaumont advised he felt they should go ahead with this and he was a member of the Chamber and he felt the Chamber does good things (for the community). Beaumont advised at the Chamber Awards Banquet last week he felt it was one of the nicest banquets they have ever had and was very well supported and there was a lot of enthusiasm about the city. Beaumont advised some real positive things were happening in the city now. He agreed there should be some accountability, but he would very much support this (contract extension).
Russell indicated they were told (the Chamber) would be self-sufficient by this point and he would like to see a breakdown on what the Chamber does and what the (Executive Director) duties are and so forth. Russell advised as far as he knew she has done a good job, but he didn’t really know what her duties were and he felt they needed to know what her job consisted of before we give that kind of money out.
Carey advised the gentleman who held the position previously passed away and there was a period of time when the Chamber did not have anyone (as Executive Director). He advised he would guess that more than likely they would have a better shot at getting fiscally responsible on their own after this (contract extension) and if they don’t then, we would have to consider not renewing it again. Carey advised he knew they were having some difficulties in the last four years.
Mayor Robertson advised there were different benefits to chamber members than there were to non-members. He advised there was a reason why you join and support it.
Russell advised he felt it would be good for us and for businesses that don’t belong to the Chamber to know, as he wasn’t sure everyone knew the benefits.
Robertson advised he believed they have had information given to them and it was their choice whether they belong. He advised he didn’t know why they would expect services if they weren’t paying dues to an organization.
Russell advised he didn’t either, but he just wanted to point that out and maybe she (the Executive Director of the Chamber) could give it to us in writing and we could pass that (information) on.
Robertson advised he was sure, having just hired a new director; they had a real good job description.
Tim Stefanko, resident inquired just exactly what was the Chamber being contracted to do and what have they delivered.
Boggs advised he believed Councilman Beaumont “hit the nail on the head” when he said they (Chamber) was there to support the city and they were an extension of our arm for economic development. Boggs advised they promote the city itself and they provided other services for the businesspersons. Boggs advised he believed (Stefanko) was asking why were we spending the money and what were we getting out of it in return. He advised basically it was to promote the city.
Stefanko advised typically with a contract the parties expect something and the other party has to deliver something in order for a contract to be valid. He advised, “it has been made so vague that it was impossible for them not to deliver on a contract whether they have performed or not because they have set no performance goals and there was nothing they have to achieve or nothing they have to do, they just have to promote the city”. Stefanko advised as far as being a representative of a business community, they represent the business community who happens to be chamber members, but they do not represent the businesses that aren’t chamber members. He advised he ran a business in this town for eight years and the only time he was contacted by the chamber was when they were looking for donations. Stefanko advised to say they serve the businesses in the community wasn’t quite correct. He advised the interest of the Chamber of Commerce was to bring in or promote businesses to directly compete with their members. He advised if you have half a dozen realtors as members of the Chamber of Commerce and inquired why would they roll out the welcome mat for another realtor to come to town and compete with existing businesses. He advised he believed there was a conflict of interest in the Chamber of Commerce to be promoting new business, as he believed the Chamber of Commerce was there to promote the businesses that already exist who were members of the Chamber of Commerce.
John Laria, Chamber Board Member and owner of Laria Chevrolet-Buick advised as far as the Chamber promoting new businesses for those who have similar businesses in town and with him being a car dealer he would love to see two more dealerships move into this town. Laria advised it creates activity and more people coming into town. He advised right now there were two car dealerships in town spending money in advertising bringing people into the city to look at cars. He advised if you add one more dealership then it was one more business doing some advertising trying to get people into the city. Laria advised so as far as the Chamber wanting to promote other businesses to come into the city, he didn’t believe anyone on the board would disagree with that (practice). He advised competition was good and healthy and it makes you better. Laria advised in business “numbers breed money”. He advised when you have businesses to promote the city and bring them into the town he believed competition was good.
Laria advised as far as what the Chamber has done in the last year he believed they have 18 new members taking them from 72 to 90 members. He advised revenue for the Chamber in the past was stable and they now have a strong well-educated director and the revenue was growing very well. He advised he believed they had a good (financial) base and in time that base would become very strong and he doesn’t believe they would have to ask for this (contract extension) again. Laria advised in all fairness the new director has only been here a year and he felt it was in the best interest of all parties to make this commitment. Laria advised he agreed 100% the City should have a copy of the (financial information requested) as they had an investment here. He advised growth makes you stronger and the Chamber has an Executive Director who understands that and he believed they were heading in the right direction and he would hate to lose that (momentum). Laria advised he understood making cuts, but he didn’t believe it was the right time to make this cut. He advised as far as reaching businesses and going to businesses, which was part of the Executive Directors responsibilities and he knew the previous director did that and the new director does the same. Laria advised as far as providing a list of people who have been visited, he didn’t feel the board would have a problem with providing that list as he knew she was doing such. Laria advised the dues were based on the number of full-time employees at the business. Laria indicated individuals even if they were not business owners could join as members of the Chamber as well. Laria advised the awards banquet was well attended and well organized. He advised he felt they have a great director and a good council and would like to see it supported. Laria advised he believed she was doing a fantastic job. Laria advised they had some very good qualified people apply for this position and he doesn’t regret their decision in hiring her. He advised he believed she has worked better with the city than any Executive Director that the Chamber has had since he has been there and she has been a great help to the City Manager.
Stefanko advised he wished the Chamber all the success in the world, but they are a private organization. He advised it was said they were an extension of the arm of the City Manager, but they were not. He advised they were not a government agency and to be supporting them year after year with taxpayer money he believed was not fair to the taxpayer. He advised they should be self-sufficient. He advised the Chamber has been charging for the parade for the last three years and they own the city’s logo and have the rights to sell it or loan it, but they were a private organization and they should be privately funded. Stefanko advised he also has a problem with a Chamber that was active in political campaigns and someone who was funded with public money should not be injecting themselves in political campaigns or causes.
The Mayor advised when we were out looking for businesses and economic growth it goes beyond retail business, as it could also be manufacturing or light industry. He advised there was growth with the number of employees who pay city income taxes, which possibly allows us to restore cuts or have more money to spend on city services.
Copley advised if the reason the Chamber was not able to keep their end of the previous contract and become self sufficient was the fact there was a turn over in the Executive Director’s position and he inquired if there was any likelihood that would happen in the next five years again.
Laria advised he felt confident enough with the current director that hopefully it was a long-term relationship, but the way that they went about hiring her he felt if something were to happen they had enough qualified applicants to pass the torch and be very successful as they were now. He advised they don’t see any signs of losing our Chamber director and hopefully they wouldn’t.
Russell inquired if (the Executive Director) was paid benefits.
Laria advised the current director was not receiving any health benefits.
Russell inquired if we really had to go with a five-year contract or could we go with a one or two year contract and renew it at that time.
Boggs advised he couldn’t say it had to be for five-years the Chamber Board of Directors asked for that time period to help them get themselves squarely on their feet, but they weren’t going to turn down a three year commitment if that was what Council wanted to do. Boggs advised this just supports them for that period of time, which he believed was what they were looking for.
Laria advised in a five-year period, if they kept the same revenue generated as was generated last year, he believed it would make the Chamber more solid than it has ever been from his understanding by talking with past board members.

Citizens Forum
Tim Stefanko of Salt Court inquired regarding new business item (f) amending sewer regulations and rates as to just what exactly was that (legislation pertaining to).
Copley advised the proposed ordinance would remove the automatic six percent increase.
It was noted an annual review of the sewer rates would be required instead.
Stefanko advised he appreciated whoever requested it and he hoped his support of it didn’t “put the nail in the coffin”.
Boggs advised our current Recreation Director Kovacevic would be leaving his position shortly and we were sad to see him go and wished him well. Boggs advised Kovacevic accepted a position near Toledo where his wife’s family was located. He advised Council had a copy of the statistics requested to keep posted regarding activities at the center. Boggs advised he would also like to welcome the new Recreation Director Garrick DiSalvo.
Ivan Kovacevic thanked the City of Rittman for the opportunity to be the director of the rec center for two and a half years. He advised they had some drama with the pool, but they got through that situation, but he believed they have made some progress at the center over the last couple of years. Kovacevic advised he looked at key revenues over the past years to see where they have made progress and where they still needed to make improvements and he identified areas where there was some fluctuation such as the pool closing. He advised he included updates on changes to the facility such as the look and different services they have introduced. Kovacevic advised he felt the facility was something that made Rittman standout from a lot of surrounding communities and he would like to see the progress continue. He advised Garrick has been working for him for two years now and has great potential and has helped him a great deal with the programming. He advised DiSalvo has not only the educational background but also the fitness background, which was something previous directors could not provide. Kovacevic indicated he wanted to emphasize they needed help acquiring funds to increase advertising as currently it was restricted due to budgetary constraints. He advised whenever he has done some advertising it had a good short-term effect, but he felt it needed to be expanded and he would really like to see Council look at ways they could increase advertising.
Garrick DiSalvo, the new Rittman Recreation Director beginning Feb. 4th, thanked Council for the opportunity. He advised he was really excited and had a lot of new ideas. He advised it was great to put names with faces of those he has seen at the center and he encouraged those who haven’t to come check out the facility, as it was a great facility.
Lapehn advised he wanted to salute Ivan (Kovacevic) who really had a tough road the past couple of years. He advised Kovacevic had such a strong vision and a good push and working with the youth and seniors and everyone in between all while trying to make the facility meet the needs of everyone who wanted to use it. Lapehn advised Ivan has done an excellent job and he saluted his great work.
Mayor Robertson commended Kovacevic for helping to get the city through the roof ordeal and keeping the facility going. Robertson jokingly advised if Garrick (DiSalvo) wants to talk to you about spinning he warned it had nothing to do with wool or yarn.
Ruth Crowley advised she was the co-chairman of the Library Levy Campaign, which would be on the ballot in March. She advised they support seven different branches and areas within Wayne County and the current operating levy expires at the end of 2008. She advised they were asking for a replacement of the current one mil with another one mil to carry us through the end of 2013. Crowley advised it was a small tax increase of about $.65 a month on a $100,000 home. She advised the funds were used for story hours, school outreach programs, books, audio books, newspapers, videos and computer classes for all ages, etc. She advised it also helps to keep the library doors open with convenient hours and she appreciated any help in spreading the word.
Charlie Hardman advised he was a candidate for State Representative, which was the position Jim Carmichael currently holds. Hardman advised his background was thirty years in law enforcement and he was currently the Administrative Captain for the Sheriff’s Office. He advised he has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1978 and he got involved with the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Office Legislative Committee and it spurred his interest in (government). Hardman advised he was a people person and he is very excited about this new way to serve Wayne County. He advised he was willing to listen and work with and represent the people of Wayne County. He advised he was most excited about getting funds back to Wayne County and he also would be on the ballot for March 4th and he appreciated their support.

Old Business
It was noted a workshop would be scheduled for the next regular meeting regarding budget saving measures from the Police Department and then subsequent departments at following meetings.

New Business
City Manager Boggs requested Council table items a. & b. until further review.
Copley moved to table items a. & b. (new business) as requested, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

a. Motion to Approve Michael Pyle to Paid Status on the Rittman Fire
Department - Tabled

b. Motion to Approve Cale Bachman to Paid Status on the Rittman Fire
Department - Tabled

c. Ord. No. 7472 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne
and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Amending Section 975.03, Eligibility for Reduction of Rates, to Amend this Section of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Rittman and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7472 was read on first reading.
Copley requested the federal poverty guidelines from the US Census Bureau be incorporated into the policy times two to determine the total maximum household income baseline for approval.
Council was in agreement as the Utilities Board of Review would not have to deliberate over the income level to be set each year as it would automatically adjust each year from the poverty guidelines set by the federal government times two.
Bower reiterated income could not exceed two times the federal poverty guidelines as set forth in the federal register.
Copley moved to suspend the rules and have second and third reading, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried. Ord. No. 7472 was read on second and third reading. Carey moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

d. Ord. No. 7473 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Ohio,
Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Amending Section 303.08 Impounding of Vehicles; Redemption, to Create an Additional Section of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Rittman and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7473 was read on first reading.
Boggs advised this ordinance was changing the language from two to one (vehicle) as previously if someone had two unpaid parking tickets and failed to respond the vehicle could be towed. Boggs advised the courts really don’t want to hear parking ticket cases unless they have to so this gives our department more leverage to deal with the people who ignore parking tickets.
Burg advised after ten days they were sent a warning letter and it was often ignored.
Johnson moved to place on second, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

e. Res. No. 7474 A Resolution of the Council of the City of Rittman, Ohio,
Authorizing the Creation of a Law Enforcement Assistance Grant Fund for All Monies Received through a State Grant for the Purpose of Reimbursing the Continuing Professional Training of Peace Officers. First Reading.
Res. No. 7474 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. Res. No. 7474 was read on second and third reading. Russell moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

f. Ord. No. 7475 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne
and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Amending Section 941.05 © Sewer Regulations and Rates, to Amend this Section of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Rittman and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7475 was read on first reading.
Beaumont advised he had some concerns although he understood they were trying to not have something automatically increase, but rather an annual review, but inquired if they were sure there wasn’t language in the loan documents, which requires (the automatic increase).
Boggs advised he was told there was something, but it has not been located. He advised they have gone through mounds of paperwork.
Carey inquired as to whom the loan was paid to.
Mann advised Farmer’s Home Administration.
Beaumont advised they (Farmer’s Home) should have copies. He advised he has a hard time not following what was set before he came on Council as the assumption was that the loan documents require such and now it was going to be changed without any investigation as to whether our loan documents require it or not. He advised he would not like to change the ordinance and then be told we found the language and have to change it again. Beaumont advised why don’t we just find out, he didn’t believe it would be that difficult to find language in the loan documents which state one of the conditions of the loan is_____. He advised he understood the rationale in proposing this (change), but until they actually know…
Carey advised that was his concern as well because if they become in violation of the loan, they don’t have the money to pay it (back in full).
Beaumont advised they don’t have the authority to change the conditions of the loan documents. Beaumont indicated it was similar to restrictions on a mortgage loan, as one couldn’t just decide they weren’t going to follow those restrictions. He advised it was the conditions upon which the loan was made and he didn’t believe any of them know for sure, but they were just guessing. He advised let’s not do something on the public record that would put us in violation of the conditions of the loan. He advised let’s wait until we know for sure.
Boggs advised he would try to have those documents for the next meeting.
Copley moved to place on second, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

g. Ord. No. 7476 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne
and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Amending Section 901.02, 901.03, 901.99 Streets, Utilities and Public Service Code to Amend this Section of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Rittman and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7476 was read on first reading.
Beaumont inquired if prior to getting these permits they have provisions to establish these (contractors) have insurance.
Bower advised they could post a bond or cash.
Boggs advised he believed they have posted bonds previously, but he didn’t know if there was any specific provision.
Beaumont advised if a contractor destroys a cable line or a telephone pole or a parked car what assurance does the city have that they haven’t just issued a permit to someone who isn’t properly insured or properly bonded.
Boggs advised he felt that was a good point and indicated the ordinance could be brought back with those revisions.
Bower indicated he could include language to require a million dollar insurance policy and bring those changes back at the next meeting.
Copley moved to place on second, all Yeas on roll call motion carried.

h. Ord. No. 7477 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne
and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Adopting Section 1163.20 Fences, to Create this Section of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Rittman and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7477 was read on first reading.
Johnson advised he would like to table this ordinance indefinitely as he felt it was ridiculous. He advised they were pretty much telling (a business owner) that he could only have a seven foot maximum height of fence in the back and three and a half in the front, as he didn’t see why the city should have any control over the commercial or industrial district on what they could or could not do with their land. He advised he understood it being done in the residential areas, but for commercial and industrial he felt it was “stupid”.
Copley advised he understood why Russell requested it for what some felt was an eyesore, but to limit commercial and industrial districts with a seven-foot fence might not be a high enough (deterrent). Copley advised it would concern him to place (this restriction) as they were trying to promote businesses coming into town, as he felt it could be a hindrance.
Beaumont advised there might be a reason the city has not regulated fencing in a commercial district all these years. He advised he would be hard pressed to believe this was the first time this issue has been brought before the governing body. He advised he wouldn’t say it was “stupid” as Russell had a legitimate reason to request such, but he felt there should be some more thought put into this before we jump into restricting what businesses could do. He advised they always have the option to create an ordinance, but he didn’t feel a complaint about one particular business should rush them to judgment about creating law. He advised we should take some time to think about this and decide if it was really something they wanted to do. Beaumont advised he agreed if a business owner wanted to put a fence around his business he should be allowed to protect his equipment.
Boggs advised he talked with the party in question and the owner doesn’t like the aesthetics of the fence either and wanted him to pass on to Council that he would remove it if Council so requested. Boggs advised he believed he (BG’s Main Event) would remove it (fence) anyway in the spring.
Copley advised he believed in the end the aesthetics issue with businesses would play out more than any ordinance would anyways. He advised if you want people to come to your business, you’ve got to keep it looking nice.
Mayor Robertson advised public pressure could influence these decisions as well.
Johnson moved to table, upon roll call; Copley-Yes, Beaumont-Yes, Russell-No, Carey-Yes, Lapehn-yes, Johnson-Yes and motion carried.

i. Ord. No. 7478 An Ordinance of the Council of the City of Rittman, Wayne
and Medina Counties and State of Ohio, Amending the Annual Appropriation Ordinance No. 7466, As Amended According to the Attached Sheet(s) and Declaring an Emergency. First Reading.
Ord. No. 7478 was read on first reading. Johnson moved to suspend the rules and have second and third reading, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried. Ord. No. 7478 was read on second and third reading. Russell moved to adopt, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

j. Motion to Approve the Contract for the Executive Director Position with the Chamber of Commerce with the Amendments
It was noted the contract would clarify the City of Rittman and the CIC each pay $5,000 annually and not bi-annually. It was also noted quarterly financial statements from the Chamber would be sent to the City Manager.
Beaumont so moved, upon roll call; Carey-Yes, Copley-Yes, Russell-No, Beaumont-Yes, Lapehn-Yes, Johnson-Yes and motion carried.

City Manager’s Remarks
City Manager Larry Boggs inquired if Council wanted to explore anything further regarding the beekeeping request in city limits.
Copley advised he would prefer to leave the ordinance as is.
Boggs advised Police Chief Burg would be here next meeting for the Workshop on cost saving measures in the police department.
Boggs advised the city received the new logo door decals and the magnetic ones were on his vehicle and they would have to wait for a little bit warmer weather to get them on the city trucks.
Boggs congratulated Finance Director Cindy Mann for receiving the achievement letter of financial excellence and advised that was great and he appreciated her hard work.

a. Finance Director’s Remarks
Finance Director Lucinda Mann advised she received today the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Mann advised she couldn’t do it without a lot of help from the staff and Lennon & Associates who helped to gather the information for the report. She advised she wanted to give credit where credit was due.
Mann advised they were looking at doing some upgrades to our current software and breaking it down in different sections over the next number of years. She advised with our current software company we have a character-based system and want to switch everyone to their windows-based system. Mann advised they were being told that after so many years the software company would no longer support the character-based system anymore. Mann advised they were discussing changing over two units a year. She advised they were looking at doing payroll and the utility system first. She advised payroll was their biggest concern because without the support contract they won’t receive the W-2 updates. Mann advised the cost was approximately $12,000 for utilities and $9,000 for the payroll upgrades. Mann advised Council would see appropriation amendments, as they didn’t plan this in the budget last year. Mann advised they would be then look at other upgrades such as budgetary, tax and the fixed asset system. Mann advised she would try to provide more information as it became available.
Copley inquired if other cities would be looking at doing the same changes and we could possibly join in their efforts.
Carey advised that would (breech) the software license agreement.
Mann advised other than going with a totally different company she felt there wasn’t much they could do. She advised there really wasn’t an advantage to switching companies, as they would be going through the same headaches anyway. She advised she would rather stay with what (program) we have that we understand and know.
Boggs advised he didn’t want to wait until the last minute and get a $50,000 to $60,000 bill all at once.

Council Remarks
Council Member Darrell Carey thanked everyone for coming. He advised he was very pleased from the City Manager’s memo about the number of potential new businesses who were looking to relocate to Rittman. He advised he believed the expansion of the commercial base was the biggest thing they needed to accomplish.
Boggs advised it makes his day when someone calls and says they want to move here from another city.
Council Member James Johnson thanked everyone for coming. He inquired if the recently purchased canine cruiser would be restriped.
Police Chief Burg advised it wasn’t decided, but it would remain as is for now. He advised if they get another car and they could do them both at the same time they would consider it at that time in order to get a lower price.
Council Member Richard Lapehn advised it was exciting to see in the Daily Record articles on all the good things happening here. He advised he was fine with having a Workshop item on the beekeeping, as he knew nothing about beekeeping. Lapehn advised from what Dr. Meade claimed beekeeping could be beneficial for an eco-system and he wouldn’t mind a ten-minute beekeeping session to hear his side of the story. Lapehn congratulated Cindy (Mann) for her certificate of achievement. He thanked Chief Burg for his excellent summary sheet on all the cost saving measures he has implemented at the police station. He thanked Burg for keeping Council informed and advised it helps us to see what was going on in a good way.
Council Member Lynn Beaumont advised regarding the Chamber of Commerce (Executive Director) she was as enthused about Rittman as he was and he felt that was a good thing. He advised he felt she does a terrific job and there was more positive things coming out of the Chamber and the City than there has been in quite some time. Beaumont advised when he is at the Recreation Center he gets tired just watching Garrick (DiSalvo), as the man has boundless energy. He advised he felt this was a great hire although we all know we wouldn’t be able to keep a person in that position forever. He advised he (DiSalvo) was so enthused about the job and the people love him. He advised he wasn’t on the rec. board, but he would encourage them to discuss with the director the things that he (DiSalvo) wants to do with the center although he understood money was an issue. He advised they should discuss how much money was available and develop a plan how they could get more people into the facility. Beaumont advised he felt it was like a car salesman who says if you drive it you’ll buy it and if you go into the center you’ll want to join because it was such a terrific facility. Beaumont advised he would encourage the rec. board to come up with a plan to promote that facility.
Johnson advised when the board interviewed Garrick (DiSalvo) at their last meeting, he (DiSalvo) threw about thirty ideas at them for what he wanted to do in this (position). Johnson advised the ideas focused on all age groups from three year olds to senior citizens and he agreed he (DiSalvo) had a lot of great ideas. Johnson advised the advertising budget was a concern as currently they had $2,000 to work with and advertising was expensive. He advised the board was looking at ways to get the (facility) name out there and were also considering cable T.V. advertising.
Beaumont agreed and advised if you let the public know that you were really interested in what they want and would like to see (at the facility). Beaumont advised as a pure independent he would like to say Chuck (Hardman) was a good guy and a great candidate for the (State Representative) position.
Council Member Glen Russell thanked everyone for coming. He welcomed the new (Daily Record) reporter. Russell advised he appreciated Mr. Hardman for being here and wished him luck in the future. Russell advised he would like to say to Kim (Field-Springer [Executive Director of the Chamber]) that he has no “odds against you” it was just that there were some issues and the reason he voted the way he did, but he felt she was doing a good job.
Council Member Charles Copley thanked everyone for coming. He congratulated Mann on her achievement in financial reporting. He advised the (City Manager) car (with the new logo magnets) looked pretty good.
Mayor William Robertson advised the Communication Committee was going to meet tomorrow (1/29) in the Chamber Office if anyone would like to participate they would love to have their input. Robertson advised the State of the City Address was scheduled for February 12th at noon at the Methodist Church. He advised the reverse raffle was coming up on March 22nd and to contact the Chamber with any questions regarding those events.

a. Approval of Vouchers 47810 thru 47910 Including Then and Now
Certificates
A question was asked regarding # 47834. Johnson moved to approve, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.

Motion to Adjourn – 8:30p.m.
Russell so moved, all Yeas on roll call and motion carried.