|
Record
of Proceedings
West Lafayette Village Council met in regular session
at 7:00 P.M., in the municipal building with Mayor Jack L. Patterson
presiding.
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll
Call: Dave Rogers, Roger Warne, Kelly Gossett, Ron Lusk, Christie
Maurer and Stephen Bordenkircher were present.
A motion
was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2004 council
meeting. (RC 5 yes, 1 abstention)
Mayor’s
Correspondence – A form was received from Kenneth Blackwell requesting
updated information on the village officials. The form was forwarded to the
Village Administrator for completion.
Fire
Chief, Gaylord Hill presented council with the 2003 annual report for the
fire department. The fire chief and fire committee plan to meet with
township trustees this spring to discuss future fire protection contracts
for the upcoming years.
Introduction to ordinances and resolutions:
2004-02 A resolution to amend the 2004 permanent
appropriation ordinance 2003-32, adding $5000 to the water fund (601) was
given a first reading. A motion was made and seconded to suspend the three
reading rule. (RC 6 yes) A motion was made and seconded to adopt resolution
2004-02. (RC 6 yes)
Reports:
Village
Administrator – The advertisement for a Fiscal Officer has run in the
Coshocton Tribune from 1-19-04 through 1-25-04 and a few resumes have been
received to date. The resumes will be turned over to the search committee on
February 2, 2004. The anticipated 2004 project list had been given to
Christie Maurer for publication in the village newsletter. The village
inventory has been completed with the exception of the clerk’s office
equipment.
Police
Chief – The police department is participating in the “Project Child Safety
Program” by passing out free gunlocks. The project is funded by the Ohio
Department of Safety. The financing for the new cruiser will be provided by
Ohio Heritage Bank in lieu of Ford Motor Credit resulting in a savings of
over $1600 in interest over the 4-year agreement. The clerk reported that
the bank would be sending the village a commitment letter at which time the
clerk will consult with the village solicitor to prepare the necessary
paperwork.
Annexation
(Lusk) – With the assistance of the village solicitor, Lusk had obtained
quotes for survey work on some areas within the village that had never been
officially annexed into the village. The quotes ranged from $500 to $800. A
motion was made and seconded to approve expending $500 for the survey. (RC 6
yes) The expenditure is to be paid out of the general fund, land & buildings
appropriation for 2004.
Finance
(Bordenkircher) – The committee has reviewed and approves the financial
reports for December 2003 as presented by the clerk. The committee reviewed
the village debt spreadsheet prepared by the clerk and recommends avoiding
any new debt for the next few years. The utility committee and finance
committee has reviewed the sewer fund financial status and recommends a
sewer rate increase of 5% resulting in a 50-cent increase in the minimum
utility bill. They recommended no increase in the water rates at this time.
The need for the sewer increase is due to the renovation project underway.
With the loan payments incurred by the project the expenditures for 2004
will exceed estimated revenue by a little over $9000. The increase will
generate approximately $14,000 per year to meet that increase in
expenditures and help with increased operating expenses. A motion was made
and seconded to approve the increase in sewer rates by 5% effective February
1, 2004. (RC 6 yes) Bordenkircher asked the clerk if lottery winnings were
subject to village income tax. The clerk responded that to his knowledge it
was not directly addressed by the tax ordinance but would contact the
village solicitor to get a definite answer.
Grant
(Lusk) – Lusk reported the 6th street waterline replacement
project had been rated 9th out of 10 projects submitted for issue
II funding. Unless we can enhance the application, it would be doubtful that
the project would be funded.
Planning
(Lusk) – Lusk reported that he had been elected vice-chairman of the County
Regional Planning Commission.
Pool
(Rogers) – The pool committee met last week to review the 2003 season,
looking at revenue and expenses for the season and to plan for this season.
The committee requested the VA investigate moving the storage building
closer to the pool to facilitate the use of bulk chemicals this year. Rogers
reported the Red Cross had requested use of the pool for community swimming
lessons during the week of July 19th. A motion was made and
seconded to approve the Red Cross’s use of the pool at that time providing
the pool is in service. (RC 6 yes)
Chamber Rep (Maurer) – The annual chamber dinner will be
held on February 5 with Mr.
Ed Flynn, Coshocton County Port Authority, as the
guest speaker.
Zoning
(Rogers) – An organizational meeting is to be scheduled in February for the
new Zoning Board.
Clerk’s
Report – The annual cash financial report for 2003 has been completed,
submitted to the state auditor, and is available for review in the village
offices. The county annual report has also been completed and submitted to
the county auditor. Over 2000 tax forms were mailed last week and returns
are starting to come in. The forms are also available on our website,
www.westlafayettevillage.com.
Other
business – Lusk reported he attended a meeting at the county engineer’s
office regarding the local flood plane and flood insurance. The county
engineer requested the village participate in the FEMA National Insurance
Plan so the county could participate as a whole. A motion was made and
seconded to participate in the FEMA National Insurance Plan. (RC 6 yes)
Committee
Meetings: Search 6:30 PM
2-2-04 Council Chambers
Fire 6:30 PM
2-4-04 Fire Station
Pool 6:30 PM
2-12-04 Council Chambers
A motion
was made and seconded to approve the payment of bills as presented.
(RC 6 yes)
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn until the
next regular meeting on February 12, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. (RC 6 yes)
____________________________
Jack L. Patterson, Mayor
Attest:
_________________________
Bruce E. Fouch, Clerk
|
