TIPP CITY WORK SESSION
TIPP CITY, MIAMI COUNTY, OHIO March 2, 2015
The work session began at 7:00 pm. The following Council members were present: President Joe Gibson, Mayor Pat Hale, Katie Berbach, Dee Gillis, John Kessler, Mike McDermott and Matt Owen. Also attending was City Manager Tim Eggleston, Assistant City Manager Brad Vath, Finance Director John Green, Law Director David Caldwell, City Engineer John Donnelly, Police Chief Eric Burris and Clerk of Council Janice Bates. Reporters Nancy Bowman and Cecilia Fox were also in attendance.
Laura Steinbrink from Brilliency was also in attendance.
Ms. Butera and Laura Steinbrink from Brilliency reviewed the attached PowerPoint with Council. The program will be designed to help address peak power usage in the summer and to manage demand. Brilliency would like to deploy to customers this summer. The system is comparable to a point value/game orientation by rewarding the customers with a point structure. Customers can compare and set savings goals via the energy dashboard.
President Gibson asked the kind of points that will be offered. Ms. Steinbrink replied the rewards are customizable. Mayor Hale stated “So the points don’t mean anything?” Ms. Steinbrink replied “Customers are motivated by points and rewards. President Gibson asked if the City would be the ones to assign points. Mr. Owen replied the City would need to create a goal for customers and assign points and merchants to those goals. Mr. McDermott commented the City could chose to offer a one day pass for reaching a certain point goal.
Ms. Steinbrink stated the goal is to run the program for Tipp City customers June 2015 – September 2015. She added there will be a $7,500.00 commitment for the three month trial period. Mr. Kessler inquired the cost benefit to the City. Ms. Steinbrink replied the City will know at the end of the day electric usage and can create behavior modification based on those results. Ms. Butera stated it is difficult to predict demand time and peak load. “Our usage is triggered off that peak load. Any way to incentivize residential/commercial customers to help with that peak load would be a benefit”. President Gibson asked the cost of a two-year program. Ms. Steinbrink stated it is $20,000 for the first year and $16,000 for the second. Mayor Hale asked if the Smart Meters can also provide a summary of customer usage. Ms. Butera replied “Customers can see their usage at a month. They aren’t able to host onto web and have ability to view individually. Mayor Hale inquired what other municipalities are using this service. Ms. Steinbrink replied Tipp City would be the first. Brilliency is an Ohio Based Company, who can help in leveraging the investment on the Smart meters. Mr. McDermott inquired the cost of Efficiency Smart. Ms. Butera replied the cost for that program was $36,000 - $40,000. Mr. Green commented the City was required to participate in the Efficiency Smart program. Mayor Hale added there is different levels of participation to the Efficiency Smart program.
Mr. Eggleston informed Council staff is currently looking at the most cost effective means to present to Council. Mr. Eggleston added Mr. Donnelly will have a presentation for Council at their June 2nd meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.
__________________________________
Joseph Gibson, President of Council
Attest: _____________________________
Janice Bates, Clerk of Council
TIPP CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TIPP CITY, MIAMI COUNTY, OHIO March 2, 2015
The following Council Members answered roll call. President Joe Gibson, Mayor Pat Hale, John Kessler, Mike McDermott and Matt Owen.
President Gibson moved to excuse Ms. Berbach. Mr. Kessler seconded. Motion carried. Mr. McDermott moved to excuse Ms. Gillis. Mr. Kessler seconded. Motion carried.
City Staff in attendance include: City Manager Tim Eggleston, Law Director David Caldwell, Finance Director John Green, Utilities Director Christy Butera, City Engineer John Donnelly, Police Chief Eric Burris, Fire Chief Steve Kessler and Clerk of Council Janice Bates.
Guests signing the register include: Thomas Chaney, Pat Langley, Scott Thomas, Polly Thomas, Evan Thomas and Karen Jackson. Reporters Nancy Bowman and Cecilia Fox were also in attendance.
Mayor Hale gave the Prayer for Guidance. President Gibson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Hale moved to approve the agenda. Mr. Kessler seconded. Motion carried.
2/17/2015 Work Session
Mr. Kessler moved to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2015 Pre-meeting Work Session. Mr. Owen seconded. Motion passed 5-0.
2/17/15 Council Meeting
Mr. Kessler moved to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2015 Council Meeting. Mr. Owen seconded. Motion passed 5-0.
Mayor Hale presented Evan Thomas with a proclamation for earning his Eagle Scout designation. Mr. Kessler stated he had been part of scouting for over twenty years. Mr. Kessler added he wanted to also congratulate Evan’s parents. He understands the effort it took in helping him earn his Eagle Scout. Mr. Kessler directed his next comment to Evan. “You will not regret getting your Eagle Scout. Two of my boys have their Eagle Scout and they have reaped the rewards. It is an accomplishment that is well earned. Congratulations!”
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A resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase one truck for the Water and Sewer Department from Middletown Ford, through the State of Ohio purchasing plan at a cost not to exceed $25,244.80
City Manager Comments: This was budgeted in the 2015 budget with funding coming from both the Water and Sewer funds.
Mr. McDermott sponsored the resolution and moved for its adoption. Mr. Kessler seconded. Motion passed 5-0. Resolution 8-15 was declared adopted and President Gibson affixed his signature in witness thereto.
A resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase one truck for the Electric Department from Terex, through the State of Ohio purchasing plan at a cost not to exceed $148,588.00 and declaring personal property owned by the City of Tipp City to be surplus property and no longer useful in the general operation of the City.
City Manager Comments: This resolution authorizes the purchase of a 2015 XT Pro 60 on an International Chassis at a cost not to exceed $148,588.00 from Terex through the State of Ohio Purchasing Plan. This resolution also declares a 2003 International 4900 with Versalift with 18,402 miles (8,243 engine hours) as surplus property.
Mayor Hale sponsored the resolution and moved for its adoption. Mr. Kessler seconded. President Gibson inquired the uses for this vehicle. Mr. Eggleston replied it will be a tree trimming truck for the Electric Department. Mr. McDermott inquired if the vehicle will be placed on GovDeals.com. Mr. Eggleston replied the vehicle will be on GovDeals. Motion passed 5-0. Resolution 9-15 was declared adopted and President Gibson affixed his signature in witness thereto.
A resolution of necessity for improvements on various streets upon the addresses attached to replace sidewalk, curb and gutter, and driveway approaches where necessary.
City Manager Comments: This authorizes the City to contact certain property owners of the need to replace sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and driveway approaches. The property owner will have 30 days to comply. If a property owner does not comply, this resolution permits the City to make the necessary repairs and to bill the costs incurred back to the property owner.
Mr. Kessler sponsored the resolution and moved for its adoption. Mr. Owen seconded. Mr. Kessler inquired if this is where the City has determined the sidewalks are unsafe. Mr. Eggleston confirmed. President Gibson read the names of the streets affected. Mr. Owen asked how often the sidewalks get assessed. Mr. Donnelly replied, “Each year there will be one sidewalk program. In this instance we might provide a second inspection in 2015 to ensure the safety of the sidewalks”. Motion passed 5-0. Resolution 10-15 was declared adopted and President Gibson affixed his signature in witness thereto.
An ordinance appointing Milton Eichman to the position of Part-Time Acting Utility Director, establishing compensation and declaring an emergency.
City Manager Comments: With Ms. Butera’s leaving, Mr. Eichman has graciously accepted the invitation to help us out while we are making this transition. This ordinance will also set his compensation at $45/hour. Staff’s intent is he might have this position for three months and will work for approximately 24 hours/week. Depending on need and overseeing projects.
Mr. Kessler introduced the ordinance as an emergency. Mr. Owen inquired how the vote would take place as an emergency. Mr. Caldwell replied “It would need to be super majority or 2/3 of Council Members and with only 5 present tonight, it would need to be unanimous”. Mayor Hale asked for a response to his question regarding Mr. Eichman stepping down from the Planning Board. Mr. Eggleston replied Mr. Eichman has sent a letter to staff contingent on the passage of this ordinance he would step down. Mayor Hale asked if Council can appoint someone to fill that position for three or four months while Mr. Eichman is Acting Utility Director. Mr. Eggleston commented Council can appoint someone immediately if they so choose. President Gibson stated the tenure of the person replacing Mr. Eichman would not be temporary and would be to fill his unexpired term. Mr. Eggleston stated that was correct. Ms. Butera approached the podium. “If Council will allow, I believe that Mr. Eichman would kindly like to consider perhaps a temporary vacancy in light of the position. For the two to three months and consider a re-appointment”. Mr. Owen inquired if there were anything prohibiting Council from doing that. Leaving the Planning Board seat vacant while he serves and then be able to return. Mr. Caldwell stated that is completely up to Council whether or not that position is left vacant provided Planning Board has enough members to have a vote and quorum. “There is no such thing as a temporary leave of absence. The conflict would remain. He could not be an employee and on the Board at the same time. There is no such thing as a temporary leave of absence”. President Gibson stated if no one applies and there is a vacancy, it is Council’s discretion as to when to fill that vacancy. Mr. Caldwell replied that was correct. “Even if someone applies, if Council chooses to leave that position vacant so long as Planning Board has a quorum for purposes of voting”. Motion passed 5-0. Ordinance 6-15 was declared adopted and President Gibson affixed his signature in witness thereto.
An ordinance modifying code section §52.02 of the Tipp City, Ohio Code of Ordinances regarding sewer rates and charges.
City Manager Comments: This ordinance, if adopted, will change the current summer sewer credit for single-family residential units from a program that caps summer consumption at 17,000 gallons for the purposes of billing sanitary sewer/wastewater treatment to a program that will set the summer consumption maximum at a level consistent with the average water consumption during the winter months. In order to qualify for the summer sewer credit based on winter average consumption a resident will have to have consumption history for the entire winter average period. Single-family residential units that have their water service disconnected for periods in excess of four consecutive weeks will not qualify for the summer sewer credit.
President Gibson introduced the ordinance.
An ordinance amending the schedule of fees to include irrigation meters and an administrative appeal fee.
City Manager Comments: This allows for the inspection and installation fees for a second meter.
Mr. McDermott introduced the ordinance.
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Mr. Owen wished to congratulate Evan Thomas for his Eagle Scout. It is such an honor. Mr. Owen also congratulated Evan’s parents. “Job well-done! What a huge accomplishment!” Mr. Owen also thanked Ms. Butera for her service to the City. “I wish you a tremendous amount of luck in the City to our North. Once again we appreciate all you have done for our City and we wish you well”. Mr. Owen wanted to provide everyone with an update regarding the upcoming 175th anniversary celebration. There has been a planning committee that has been formed. A news release is forthcoming. The celebration will surround the July 4th weekend. There is discussion of a parade on Saturday with other entertainment and food. We are also looking to combine this with the Friday Community Night in conjunction with Steve Watson.
Mr. Kessler also congratulated Evan Thomas on his Eagle Scout. Mr. Kessler also wished Ms. Butera well. “It will be sad to see you go”. Mr. Kessler also thanked the City crews for all of their hard work during the recent snow storm.
Mr. McDermott also wished to congratulate Evan Thomas on his Eagle Scout. “Eagle Scout is quite an award, and achievement. Of all of the Eagle Scouts that I know out there, I don’t know one that isn’t successful in life. Congratulations on your future successes”. Mr. McDermott stated he really appreciated all of the work Ms. Butera had done for Council and the City of Tipp City. “I mean that wholeheartedly. You have been integral in a lot of our plans of growing, our Utilities Department and keeping them well above water and working with the Engineering Department to make a better Tipp City. I think residents can’t fully capture and I can’t fully tonight illustrate all of the work that you have done. Thank you so much for your service and we will miss you!” Mr. McDermott agreed with Mr. Kessler. Staff has done a wonderful job in digging the snow out. “I believe we are to be receiving another tonight. Everyone get home safe.”
Mayor Hale began by thanking Christy. “I have certainly enjoyed working with you. I had the opportunity to work a bit closer with you because of AMP and I am certainly going to miss seeing you there at those meetings and having the opportunity to have the discussions that we have had. I wish you the best in Troy. I will continue to give Mayor Beamish as much grief as I can for stealing one of our Department Heads, as I already have been. I wish you the best of luck and I hope that this works out well for your family. For the time that you need to have with your family also. I do wish you the best”. Mayor Hale continued that he had the opportunity to go to the Fairfield Commons Mall and participated in the National Anthem selection for the Dayton Dragons home games. Mayor Hale concluded by reminding everyone that he will be attending the OMEA Spring Legislative Meeting in Washington D.C., next week.
President Gibson also thanked Ms. Butera for her work for the City. President Gibson continued, earlier the City appointed Mo Eichman as Acting Utility Director to replace outgoing Christy Butera who is leaving us and moving on to the City of Troy. President Gibson continued, “I want to say it has been a pleasure working with you. And to thank you for all you have done for the City. The big Downtown project in 2013 was an enormous task that you handled quite well, kept everyone informed. You held multiple meetings with merchants and all things considered, I think it went very well. That is just one of the many things that you have done for the City over the course of your tenure here. You have always handled all of our questions and our issues with professionalism and grace and class. It is going to be our loss. Best of luck to you in the future. Congratulations and best of luck and we will miss you. Thank you for everything that you have done”.
President Gibson continued by stating “Tonight I introduced legislation that I hope will be an alternative to the issue of the City’s summer sewer credit that has been the subject of discussion over the past several months. Several citizens have approached us to make this change. I believe this particular legislation in its current form is the best and fairest way to address this issue. The final vote is at our next meeting which will be March 16th. If anyone has any questions, concerns or issues; please let me or other Council Members know. You can come to the meeting and let your voice be heard. That will be the final vote on this”. President Gibson thanked Mr. Eichman for stepping forward and we appreciate his willingness to step down from the Planning Board to assist us while we look for a permanent Utilities Director.
President Gibson informed everyone we will soon be having our one year review of the Tipp City Zoning Code. “We are coming up on one year since the land use code went into effect. This was a huge effort on the part of Council and the citizen’s steering committee that put that together and made their suggestions. Anyone wishing to comment, please let me or any Council Member know. Let us know your thoughts, good or bad on how everything is being implemented. Staff and the citizens put a lot of work into the revision of the code to make sure it was more user friendly”. Once the official date for that meeting has been determined, it will be published. President Gibson also wished Phil Cox and his family who were recently selected as volunteer of the year by the Downtown Tipp City Partnership at their annual appreciation gala. Phil and his family work very hard on their efforts and congratulations to them. Also congratulations to Harrison’s restaurant (Kelly and Ellen) for their recognition for all they have done with the Partnership to make Tipp City a better place. President Gibson also congratulated Mayor Hale on his recent win for the best tasting chili at the Tipp-Monroe Optimist chili cook-off. President Gibson reminded everyone discounted pool passes for the Tipp Aquatic center are available until April 30, 2015. President Gibson reminded everyone these proceedings are being recorded and will be rebroadcast over the next two weeks on the local cable access station or at www.kittv.org.
Mr. Eggleston informed everyone shelter rentals began today and we had 13 rentals for the upcoming season.
Mr. Eggleston also reminded everyone Daylight Savings time will begin this weekend and to spring your clocks forward on Saturday evening.
Mr. Eggleston also thanked the Street crews for their hard work on taking care of the snow from this past weekend.
Mr. Kessler moved to adjourn. Mr. McDermott seconded. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
__________________________________
Joseph Gibson, President of Council
Attest: _____________________________
Janice Bates, Clerk of Council