January 22, 2008
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2008
The regular meeting of the Bowling Green City Council, held in the Council Chamber, 304 North Church Street, Bowling Green, Ohio was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Council President Newlove. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
On roll call, Council Members Dunn, Frost, Heminger, McOmber, Newlove, Sorrells, and Zanfardino responded. Also present were Mayor John Quinn, City Attorney Michael Marsh, Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Grigore, Public Works Director Brian Craft, Utilities Director Kevin Maynard, and Planning Director Rick Ketzenbarger. Municipal Administrator John Fawcett was not present.
Council President Newlove declared the minutes of the meeting held January 7, 2008 approved as distributed.
CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk noted that a listing of budget transfers for the month of January 2008 was received from Finance Director Brian Bushong and distributed to Council prior to the meeting for approval. Council Member Heminger moved, Frost seconded, to approve the transfers as presented. On unanimous voice vote, Council President Newlove declared motion carried. A copy of the transfers is attached and made a part of these minutes.
OFFICIAL REPORTS
Mayor John Quinn displayed the commemorative 175th Anniversary flag that will be flown throughout the year outside City Hall. Mayor Quinn also noted that an identical flag will also be presented to the University.
Municipal Administrator John Fawcett was not present.
Planning Director Rick Ketzenbarger had no report.
Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Grigore introduced Neil Munger from the Wood County Park District. Mr. Munger discussed the park district’s upcoming levy on the March ballot and asked for the continued support of the citizens.
City Attorney Michael Marsh had no report.
Utilities Director Kevin Maynard had no report. Council Member Dunn questioned Maynard regarding the use of the emergency clause on the proposed legislation for the purchase of an additional 6 megawatts of energy. Dunn noted that the stated purpose of enacting the emergency clause was to take advantage of current lower interest rates. He wondered that in light of the rates being lowered by .75% today, is there still an advantage of passing the legislation tonight rather than waiting to see if rates are lowered again. Maynard responded that the financing for the project is scheduled to close no later than March 1. AMP-Ohio is trying to make sure that they have contracts for the full 368 megawatts of that subscription as soon as possible so that if rates continue to drop or begin to go back up, they will be ready to go forward with the execution of the contracts. Maynard noted that the rate for the project will be determined between now and March 1 and based on the amount of savings that is projected over the life of the contract, he feels that the use of the emergency clause is warranted in this case. Dunn stated that he does not have a problem with the accelerated readings, but does not see that there is an emergency in terms of public peace, public health, or public safety.
Council Member Frost commented regarding the legislation for the automated meter reading system and noted that this system will put Bowling Green on the leading edge of technology and will be a good thing for the community. Maynard stated that the American Public Power Association (APPA) represents municipal electric utilities across the country. APPA has selected the company proposed in the legislation to be their preferred vendor and has negotiated arrangements to offer this system to their 2000 members at discounted prices.
Public Works Director Brian Craft reported that city crews will be picking up Christmas trees placed curbside for disposal for nine more days.
NEW LEGISLATION
The following new legislation was recommended by the Administration and presented to Council for introduction:
Council Member Heminger, for the Public Lands and Buildings Committee, introduced an ordinance authorizing the Municipal Administrator to advertise for bids and enter into a contract or contracts for roof repair and/or replacement and facility repairs at city-owned buildings.
Council Member Heminger, for the Public Lands and Buildings Committee, introduced an ordinance authorizing the Municipal Administrator to seek proposals and enter into a contract or contracts for aquatic facility professional design services.
Council Member Newlove, for the Finance Committee, introduced an ordinance providing supplemental appropriations for the current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Bowling Green, Ohio, during the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008.
Council Member Newlove, for the Finance Committee, introduced a resolution transferring previously appropriated funds.
Council Member Newlove, for the Finance Committee, introduced an ordinance amending and adopting Section 33.01(I), (M), (N), (O), and (P) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bowling Green, Ohio, relative to the non-bargaining salary schedule.
Council Member Newlove, for the Finance Committee, introduced an ordinance authorizing the Municipal Administrator to enter into a contract or contracts with specified vendors for work that may exceed $25,000 annually for calendar year 2008.
Council Member Newlove, for the Finance Committee, introduced an ordinance authorizing the Municipal Administrator to advertise for bids and enter into a contract or contracts and/or participate in State of Ohio purchasing programs for the purchase of vehicles and equipment as well as the trade-in or outright sale of vehicles and equipment being replaced.
Council Member Newlove, for the Finance Committee, introduced an ordinance authorizing the Municipal Administrator to advertise for bids and enter into a contract or contracts for the cleaning of uniforms for the Department of Safety.
Council Member Sorrells, for the Transportation and Safety Committee, introduced an ordinance authorizing the Municipal Administrator to advertise for bids and enter into a contract or contracts for sidewalk improvements, pavement striping, deicing salt, and improving streets, alleys, and other public ways in the City of Bowling Green, Ohio.
Council Member Sorrells, for the Transportation and Safety Committee, introduced an ordinance authorizing the Municipal Administrator to seek qualifications and enter into a contract or contracts for design, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and other services relating to the improvements on North Main Street.
Council Member McOmber, for the Public Utilities Committee, introduced an ordinance authorizing the Utilities Director to solicit requests for qualifications and to execute an agreement or agreements for engineering design services and alternatives for the Water Pollution Control facility’s tertiary filter upgrade.
Council Member McOmber, for the Public Utilities Committee, introduced an ordinance authorizing the Utilities Director to enter into a contract or contracts for the purchase of and/or replacement of parts and labor installation for the final settling tank drives located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant without advertising for competitive bids.
Council Member McOmber, for the Public Utilities Committee, introduced an ordinance authorizing the Utilities Director to execute a supplemental power sales agreement with American Municipal Power-Ohio., for an additional 6 megawatts of power for a total of up to 41 megawatts, and to take all other actions necessary and related thereto, and declaring an emergency.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Sorrells reported that the Transportation and Safety Committee met earlier this evening to discuss a petition for full city services received from the Larch Landing Homeowners’ Association. Sorrells noted that after a lengthy discussion, the committee voted unanimously to deny the request and makes that recommendation to City Council.
LOBBY VISITATIONS
There were no lobby visitations.
READING OF LEGISLATION
Clerk read Resolution #3357 transferring previously appropriated funds, for first reading.
Council Member Newlove moved, Zanfardino seconded, to suspend the rules and give Resolution #3357 its second and third reading. On roll call vote, Council Members Frost, Heminger, McOmber, Newlove, Sorrells, Zanfardino, and Dunn voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and rules suspended.
Clerk read Resolution #3357 for first reading by number and title only.
Council Member Newlove moved, Sorrells seconded, to adopt Resolution #3357. On roll call vote, Council Members Heminger, McOmber, Newlove, Sorrells, Zanfardino, Dunn, and Frost voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and Resolution #3357 adopted.
Clerk read Ordinance #7741 providing supplemental appropriations for the current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Bowling Green, Ohio, during the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008, for first reading.
Council Member Newlove moved, Dunn seconded, to give Ordinance #7741 its second and third reading. On roll call vote, Council Members McOmber, Newlove, Sorrells, Zanfardino, Dunn, Frost, and Heminger voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and rules suspended.
Clerk read Ordinance #7741 for second and third reading by number and title only.
Council Member Newlove moved, Frost seconded, to adopt Ordinance #7741. On roll call vote, Council Members Newlove, Sorrells, Zanfardino, Dunn, Frost, Heminger, and McOmber voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and Ordinance #7741 adopted.
Clerk read Ordinance #7742 amending and adopting Section 33.01(I), (M), (N), (O), and (P) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bowling Green, Ohio, relative to the non-bargaining salary schedule, for first reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7743 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to enter into a contract or contracts with specified vendors for work that may exceed $25,000 annually for calendar year 2008, for first reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7744 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to advertise for bids and enter into a contract or contracts for the cleaning of uniforms for the Department of Safety.
Clerk read Ordinance #7745 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to advertise for bids and enter into a contract or contracts and/or participate in State of Ohio purchasing programs for the purchase of vehicles and equipment as well as the trade-in or outright sale of vehicles and equipment being replaced, for first reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7746 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to advertise for bids and enter into a contract or contracts for sidewalk improvements, pavement striping, deicing salt, and improving streets, alleys, and other public ways in the City of Bowling Green, Ohio, for first reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7747 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to seek qualifications and enter into a contract or contracts for design, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and other services relating to the improvements on North Main Street, for first reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7748 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to advertise for bids and enter into a contract or contracts for roof repair and/or replacement and facility repairs at city-owned buildings, for first reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7749 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to seek proposals and enter into a contract or contracts for aquatic facility professional design services, for first reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7750 authorizing the Utilities Director to solicit requests for qualifications and to execute an agreement or agreements for engineering design services and alternatives for the Water Pollution Control facility’s tertiary filter upgrade, for first reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7751 authorizing the Utilities Director to enter into a contract or contracts for the purchase of and/or replacement of parts and labor installation for the final settling tank drives located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant without advertising for competitive bids, for first reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7752 authorizing the Utilities Director to execute a supplemental power sales agreement with American Municipal Power-Ohio, Inc., for an additional 6 megawatts of power for a total of up to 41 megawatts, and to take all other actions necessary and related thereto, and declaring an emergency, for first reading.
Council Member McOmber moved, Dunn seconded, to suspend the rules and give Ordinance #7752 its second and third reading. On roll call vote, Council Members Sorrells, Zanfardino, Dunn, Frost, Heminger, McOmber, and Newlove voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and rules suspended.
Clerk read Ordinance #7752 for second and third reading by number and title only.
Council Member McOmber moved, Heminger seconded, to adopt the emergency clause for Ordinance #7752. Mayor Quinn stated that one of the principle reasons that the City is going into this project is that the City needs the additional 6 megawatts of power in its base load and the opportunity may not be there in the future. The city needs to assure as much base load as possible and if we go ahead as quickly as possible then the city is assured of getting the additional 6 megawatts from this project. Council Member Dunn stated that he supports this project totally, but is having trouble connecting the usage of the emergency clause with passage of the ordinance. Council Member McOmber commented that not enacting the emergency clause does not give AMP-Ohio adequate time to finalize their contract by March 1. Council Member Sorrells commented that public power is city infrastructure and needs to be adequately maintained to protect the public health and safety. Council Member Heminger called the question. On roll call vote, Council Members Zanfardino, Dunn, Frost, Heminger, McOmber, Newlove, and Sorrells voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and the emergency clause adopted.
Council Member McOmber moved, Dunn seconded, to adopt Ordinance #7752. On roll call vote, Council Members Dunn, Frost, Heminger, McOmber, Newlove, Sorrells, and Zanfardino voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and Ordinance #7752 adopted.
Clerk read Ordinance #7739 authorizing an agreement between the City of Bowling Green, Ohio, and the Wood County Regional Airport Authority, for second reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7740 authorizing the Municipal Administrator to advertise for bids and enter into a contract or contracts for tree plantings and tree maintenance for trees located within the public right-of-way of the City of Bowling Green, for second reading.
Clerk read Ordinance #7733 establishing the uniform tap fee of $40.00 per front foot for construction of the East Gypsy Lane Road/Klotz Road sewer improvement project, for third reading.
Council Member McOmber moved, Zanfardino seconded, to adopt Ordinance #7733. On roll call vote, Council Members Frost, Heminger, McOmber, Newlove, Sorrells, Zanfardino, and Dunn voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and Ordinance #7733 adopted.
Clerk read Ordinance #7734 authorizing the Utilities Director to enter into a contract or contracts for the performance of a water distribution study, for third reading.
Council Member McOmber moved, Heminger seconded, to adopt Ordinance #7734. On roll call vote, Council Members Heminger, McOmber, Newlove, Sorrells, Zanfardino, Dunn, and Frost voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and Ordinance #7734 adopted.
Clerk read Ordinance #7735 authorizing the Utilities Director to enter into a contract or contracts for the purchase and installation of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System with Distribution Control Systems, Inc., and H.D. Supply Utilities, Ltd., and Badger Meter, Inc., and ValuTech Solutions, for third reading.
Council Member McOmber moved, Frost seconded, to adopt Ordinance #7735. McOmber stated that this is a major project for the City in excess of $4 million. McOmber noted that he had a lengthy discussion about his concerns with Utilities Director Kevin Maynard to alleviate those concerns and it is his best judgment that this project go forward. McOmber said he puts a lot of faith in Kevin’s judgment and the system needs to work and work well for this amount of money without an increase in water rates to support it. On roll call vote, Council Members McOmber, Newlove, Sorrells, Zanfardino, Dunn, Frost, and Heminger voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and Ordinance #7735 adopted.
Clerk read Ordinance #7736 amending Section 150.55(C) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bowling Green, Ohio, with respect to the parking of recreational vehicles, for third reading.
Council Member Frost moved, Heminger seconded, to table Ordinance #7736 until February 4, 2008. On roll call vote, Council Members Newlove, Sorrells, Zanfardino, Dunn, Frost, Heminger, and McOmber voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and Ordinance #7736 tabled until February 4, 2008.
Clerk read Ordinance #7737 amending the Zoning District Map of the City of Bowling Green, Ohio, for approximately 0.36 acres of land on West Wooster Street from R-2 Residential zoning to S-3 Planned Institutional zoning as petitioned for by Wood County Hospital, for third reading.
Council Member Frost moved, McOmber seconded, to table Ordinance #7737 until February 4, 2008. On roll call vote, Council Members Sorrells, Zanfardino, Dunn, Frost, Heminger, McOmber, and Newlove voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and Ordinance #7737 tabled until February 4, 2008.
Clerk read Ordinance #7738 approving the S-District Site Plan with waivers for the Wood County Hospital, for third reading.
Council Member Frost moved, Heminger seconded, to table Ordinance #7738 until February 19, 2008. On roll call vote, Council Members Zanfardino, Dunn, Frost, Heminger, McOmber, Newlove, and Sorrells voted yes. Council President Newlove declared motion carried, and Ordinance #7738 tabled until February 19, 2008.
Council Member McOmber commented that he was not comfortable with the way the Transportation and Safety Committee meeting ended earlier this evening regarding the petition brought before Council from the Larch Landing Homeowners’ Association. McOmber indicated that he did not think there was a full opportunity to get all of the questions asked and that he is still uncertain on which side of the issue he stands. Other Council Members expressed the same concern and after some discussion, a meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole was scheduled for March 3, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the members of City Council intend to discuss the issue. Council President Newlove requested that the representative from the homeowners’ association be present in case Council has questions. Otherwise, if the residents want to address Council regarding the issue, they should do so during Lobby Visitations at the February 4 and 19 Council meetings. Council President Newlove also requested that the agenda for the March 4 meeting be modified so that lobby visitations occurs prior to a decision being made that night by Council.
Council Member Heminger moved, Zanfardino seconded, to adjourn. On unanimous voice vote, Council President Newlove adjourned the January 22, 2008 regular meeting of the City Council at 8:54 p.m., subject to call.
