Council Minutes
May and June 2008

May 6, 2008 Meeting Minutes

ROLL CALL: Bill May, Debby Curry, Maridee Curry, Jim Miller, Frank Billings, and Michelle Tippie. Also present were the following: Administrator Dennis Recker, Solicitor Phil Davis, Finance Director Jordan Daugherty, Director of Public Services Mark Weber, Fire Chief Darryl McNutt, Police Chief Ed Kaplan, Clerk Susan Miller, Lee Munz, Veronica Judy Kethel, Sheri Luedtke, Barbara Knisely, Kirby Shuey, James Forrest, James Clarkston, Yvonne Walters, Janet Traub, Elliot Tramer, Steve Pilcher, Julie Pilcher, Jeff Yoder, Jim Grove, Karen Berger, Karen Jennings, Tom Jennings, and Larry Tippie.

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2008 meeting as corrected. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to approve the bills totaling $62,942.70 dated May 2, 2008, the addendum bills totaling $86,595.04 dated May 6, 2008, and March's Financial Statement. 6 ayes

The Village of Whitehouse Tree Commission Chairperson Sherry Luedtke presented the Mayor and Council with the Tree City USA plaque.

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to appoint Steve Pilcher as the new Director of Public Services. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to retain the Finance Director upon completion of the six month probationary period. 6 ayes

Be it known that Mayor Angela Kuhn has proclaimed May 23, 2008 as Poppy Day in the Village of Whitehouse.

Be it known that Mayor Angela Kuhn has proclaimed the month of May, 2008 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month.

Motion by Maridee Curry, seconded by Debby Curry for approval to proceed with the Adopt a Garden Program. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Michelle Tippie to authorize the Solicitor to prepare legislation to suspend the temporary sign fee while the Planning Commission is working on new language, to change the $50.00 building permit fee to $0.00 for temporary, portable, or inflatable pools under 24" and less than 12' (Pools must still be placed behind the front yard setback.), and to remove the $.10 per square foot fee for pools and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Maridee Curry, seconded by Debby Curry to authorize the Solicitor to prepare legislation amending Ordinance 18-98 as to Design Review Regulations and Districts for the Village of Whitehouse, Lucas County, Ohio and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Jim Miller to approve the appointment of Robert Crowe, Philip Freier, and Larry Yunker as permanent volunteers for the Whitehouse Fire Department upon completion of their one-year probationary period. 6 ayes

Motion by Maridee Curry, seconded by Michelle Tippie to accept as previously authorized, Resolution 14-2008 authorizing the Administrator of the Village of Whitehouse, Lucas County, Ohio to approve and accept a certain easement as to certain real property titled to Rodney G. Brann and Angela M. Brann, at its first reading and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to suspend the rules and to have the second and third reading of Resolution 14-2008 by title only and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to accept Resolution 14-2008 at its second and third reading and to pass said Resolution and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Michelle Tippie to suspend the rules and to have the second and third reading of Ordinance 9-2008 dealing with snow abatement and amending certain sections of the Whitehouse Village Code of Ordinances by title only. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to accept as previously authorized, Ordinance 10-2008 amending Ordinance 18-98 as to design review regulations and districts for the Village of Whitehouse, Lucas County, Ohio, at its first reading and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to suspend the rules and to have the second and third reading of Ordinance 10-2008 by title only and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to accept Ordinance 10-2008 at its second and third reading and to pass said Ordinance and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Other items discussed:

-Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Blue Creek Athletic Area Phase I Construction Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 2:30 PM in conjunction with the 5th Annual Community Soccer Day. -Jill Gundy will be the new morning administrative assistant and Amy Cluley will be the new afternoon administrative assistant. -Internal public works foreman -The Village is currently advertising for the new maintenance team laborer. -Zoning violation report changes -A flower sale benefiting Bittersweet Farms will be held in the Community Park on May 18, 2008 from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. -Committee of the Whole overview -Arbor Day planting -Cherry Fest Plans -Tree Survey -Growth Award -Mirror article on noise -YMCA summer program -Emergency Operating Center Table Top Drill May 22, 2008 at 8:00 AM at the 911 Building on Monroe Street. -The Public Works crew is doing a good job. -Trash containers -Finance Director Jordan Daugherty has completed his probationary period. -Three Firefighters - Robert Crowe, Philip Freier and Larry Yunker - have completed their probationary periods.

Motion by Maridee Curry, seconded by Jim Miller to adjourn at 8:52 PM. 6 ayes

May 20, 2008 Meeting Minutes

At 7:01 Mayor Angela Kuhn called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL: Bill May, Debby Curry, Maridee Curry, Jim Miller, Frank Billings, and Michelle Tippie. Also present were the following: Administrator Dennis Recker, Solicitor Phil Davis, Finance Director Jordan Daugherty, Director of Public Services Mark Weber, New Director of Public Services Steve Pilcher, Police Chief Ed Kaplan, Clerk Susan Miller, Bob and Kathy Casaletta, James Forrest, Larry Tippie, Barbara Knisely, Robert Hayes, David Hayes, Todd Frendt, Phil Whaley, Daniel Kleiboemer, Karen Jennings, Kathy Spears, Tom Jennings, Karen Schneider, Karen Berger, and Jim Grove.

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2008 meeting. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to approve the bills totaling $58,409.11 dated May 16, 2008, the addendum bills totaling $44,101.31 dated May 20, 2008, and April's Financial Statement. 6 ayes

Be it known that Mayor Angela Kuhn has proclaimed the week of May 18, 2008 as Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week.

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to accept Resolution 15-2008 commending Mark G. Weber for meritorious service to the Village of Whitehouse, Lucas County, Ohio, as a loyal employee and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Michelle Tippie, seconded by Frank Billings to approve a request from the Cherry Festival committee to change Lucas Street to a two way street from set up to take down for the Cherry Festival provided that the street is monitored. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to accept Ordinance 9-2008 dealing with snow abatement and amending certain sections of the Whitehouse Village Code of Ordinances at its second and third reading and to pass said Ordinance. 6 ayes

Motion by Michelle Tippie, seconded by Jim Miller to approve the purchase of a Case 580 SM Backhoe with a hydraulic hammer for the same unit from Southeastern Equipment Company for the sum of $45,079.06. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Michelle Tippie to accept as previously authorized on May 6, 2008, Ordinance 11-2008 amending section 1319 - Village Fee Schedule - of the Codified Ordinances of the Village of Whitehouse, Lucas County, Ohio, repealing Ordinance No. 8-2008 at its first reading and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to suspend the rules and to have the second and third reading of Ordinance 11-2008 by title only and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to accept Ordinance 11-2008 at its second and third reading and to pass said Ordinance and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Other items discussed:

-The AWYF received $675,000.00 from the State of Ohio
-Charter Revision Committee draft recommendations
-Waterville Township joint economic venture
-The following committee meetings were scheduled:
        -Parks and Recreation on June 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM
        -Economic Development May 22, 2008 at 6:30 PM
        -Personnel and Safety June 3, 2008 after the Council Meeting
        -Committee of the Whole June 5, 2008 at 7:00 PM
        -Committee of the Whole June 17, 2008 at 6:30 PM
        -Planning Commission update
        -The Village of Whitehouse was presented with the BWC's 2007 Division of Safety and Hygiene Award for outstanding performance.
        -The park shelter house is 100% complete and the park restroom is nearly complete.
        -Requests for the ditches along St. Rt. 64 to be filled
        -Green Waste Recycling Center
        -Flower Sale and Adopt a Garden update
        -Zoning ride along
        -A "shred day" for the community by the Whitehouse Library and the Village
        -A zoning violations list will be included in each Council packet
        -Emergency Operating Center Table Top Drill May 22, 2008 at 8:00 AM at the 911 Building on Monroe Street.

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to adjourn at 8:00 PM. 6 ayes

June 3, 2008 Meeting Minutes

At 7:01 Mayor Angela Kuhn called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL: Debby Curry, Maridee Curry, Jim Miller, Frank Billings, Michelle Tippie, and Bill May. Also present were the following: Administrator Dennis Recker, Solicitor Phil Davis, Finance Director Jordan Daugherty, Director of Public Services Steve Pilcher, Fire Chief Darryl McNutt, Police Chief Ed Kaplan, Clerk Susan Miller, James Forrest, Jennifer Forrest, Karen Berger, Larry Tippie, Rob and Kathy Casaletta, Kathy Spears, Jim Steel, Karen Schneider, Jim Grove, Jeff Yoder, and Robert and Christina Hayes.

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to approve the minutes of the May 20, 2008 meeting. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to approve the bills totaling $57,886.89 dated May 30, 2008 and the addendum bills totaling $68,607.73 dated June 3, 2008. 6 ayes

Motion by Maridee Curry, seconded by Debby Curry to appoint Amy Schultz to the Tree Commission. 6 ayes

Motion by Michelle Tippie, seconded by Jim Miller to approve a Resolution of Support for the Clean Ohio Act, Senate Joint Resolution 7. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to accept as previously authorized on May 20, 2008 Resolution 16-2008 authorizing the Administrator to purchase a Case 580SM3 Backhoe equipped with Kent Hydraulic Hammer for the Village of Whitehouse, Lucas County, Ohio at its first reading and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to suspend the rules and to have the second and third reading of Resolution 16-2008 by title only and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to accept Resolution 16-2008 at its second and third reading and to pass said Resolution and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Other items discussed:
-Shred Day and Electronics Recycling July 12, 2008
-Meeting Reminders: Personnel and Safety Services June 3, 2008 following the council meeting. Committee of the Whole June 5, 2008 at 7:00 PM Committee of the Whole June 17, 2008 at 6:30 PM
-James Forrest has been selected as the new Public Works Foreman effective June 4, 2008.
-The Planning Commission and Signage Regulation
-No parking signs on Heller Road will be discussed on June 17, 2008
-Laborers vacancy search is underway
-Zoning violations report was reviewed
-Community Reinvestment Areas to be discussed at June 11, 2008 Public Meeting
-A CRA in the TND
-Tree Commission report
-Community Recycling Center
-Relay for Life thanks the Village for use of the park
-Park restroom project nearly complete
-Prisoner housing fees are going up

Motion by Maridee Curry, seconded by Bill May to adjourn at 7:31 PM. 6 ayes

June 11, 2008 Public Hearing  

Administrator Dennis Recker introduced Paul Tecpanecatl and Brian Bilger to Council.  They each gave a presentation on what a CRA is, how it has changed since July 1, 1994, how it differs for residential, commercial, and industrial, and how it affects the school system.  

The Administrator pointed out that the school district is facing financial challenges and would not be losing out.  This abatement is on future tax.  The school system would get everything it is presently receiving in addition to their mutually agreed portion of the incremental real estate tax increase.  

Brian Bilger gave an example of what the Village would be losing.  On a property valued at $455,000.00 in a CAUV the Village currently receives $176.87.  Without the CAUV the taxes would have been $5,700.00 with the Village receiving $498.00.  Mr. Bilger pointed out that the Village would make more money from the income taxes generated by development than it gives up.   

Example:  Village would abate $321.13 of the new real estate taxes ($498.00-$176.87).  The Village would still receive the original real tax of $176.87 as well as all the new income tax generated by the new business.  

Audience member Tom Malicki asked the following questions:  

Where will this CRA be?  The majority of it is in the Traditional Neighborhood District (TND) known as Whitehouse Square .  

 Who draws up the boundaries of the CRA?  t is a process approved by Council.  

 Are tax abatements automatic?  No, a property or business owner has to apply before they make investments/improvements and before a tax abatement is approved by the Village, County, and Schools  

The Village is already having financial problems, how does this CRA help the Village if businesses do not have to pay tax?  The tax abatement is on real estate improvements.  Increased valuation would be abated.  They will pay the current amount of real estate tax they now  pay on the vacant land and the mutually agreed school’s portion of the new real estate tax revenue. The new business will also pay income tax on profits as well as the employees who will pay income tax on their qualified wage.  

What is the benefit of a CRA?  The CRA is an incentive to spur development.  Without the CRA, the investment might not occur or locate elsewhere. We get income tax revenue  we did not have previously. The schools receive the real estate taxes they received before the property was developed and a percentage of the new higher real estate tax valuation.

  Are there any restrictions about who can build in the CRA?  Normal zoning and code restrictions apply.

Can a church build in the CRA?  Yes

Churches don’t pay taxes.  What good is that going to do us?  People go to churches.  This increases traffic to the area and businesses benefit. Additional traffic makes a business location more attractive to investors.  While churches do not pay taxes, all church-paid wages are subject to Whitehouse taxation.  

 Are the other CRAs doing anything?  We are working with the Chamber of Commerce to inform businesses in the current CRAs of the benefits.  

Is there State or Federal grant money for CRAs?  No, this is one tool.  There are other things (grants) we can pursue.  

Once the projects are approved, will the Village need to spend additional funds?  How much is this going to cost the Village?  There is minimal cost to setting up a CRA.  A CRA does not create additional service responsibilities for the Village.                      

We have seen many new homes built in town. Where does the real estate tax money go?  Most real estate tax revenues go to the County and local Schools.  The Village receives very little real estate tax income.  The services provided to the growing Community cost more.  Commercial and industrial development bring more money to the community without increasing the population of the schools.   

The speed limit on State Route 64 is 35 MPH to REXAM.  This should be changed to 35 MPH past the gas station.  This development is only going to bring more traffic.  Anytime there is development, we will conduct a traffic study.

Who decides the speed limits for State Route 64?  The Village works with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).  ODOT standards are applied.  

Who paid for the turn lanes on Finzel and Weckerly and Finzel and State Route 64?  The Village participated along with CDBG and OWPC Grants.  

 How can we get better communication between the Village and the residents?  Citizens can attend Committee and Village Council meetings and check the Village website for current information. They can also review  the quarterly Village Newsletter and local media coverage.  

There were no further review questions and Mr. Recker thanked all in attendance. The information briefing ended at 7:50 P.M.   

June 17, 2008 Meeting Minutes

At 7:01 Mayor Angela Kuhn called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL: Debby Curry, Maridee Curry, Jim Miller, Frank Billings, Michelle Tippie, and Bill May. Also present were the following: Administrator Dennis Recker, Solicitor Phil Davis, Director of Public Services Steve Pilcher, Finance Director Jordan Daugherty, Police Chief Ed Kaplan, Clerk Susan Miller, Jeff Yoder, Rob and Kathy Casaletta, Karen Berger, Larry Kowalka, John Earnest, Becke Hickman, Carl Snyder, Karen Jennings, Tom Jennings, and Andrew Burtag.

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to approve the minutes of the June 3, 2008 meeting. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to approve the bills totaling $123,951.41 dated June 13, 2008, the addendum bills totaling $31,424.62 dated June 17, 2008, and May's Financial Statement. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to authorize to advertise for Road Mill and Resurfacing Bids 2007/2008 Issue II Road Resurfacing Project. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Michelle Tippie to authorize a six month variance as recommended by the Board of Zoning Appeals to permit the continued use of the trailer at Whitehouse Square until December 17, 2008. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to approve replacement of the siren at the maintenance garage with the joint aid of Lucas County. 6 ayes

Motion by Maridee Curry, seconded by Debby Curry to change the pay frequency of the Council, Mayor, and Clerk to an administrative function effective January 1, 2009. 5 ayes 1 nay Bill May

Motion by Michelle Tippie, seconded by Maridee Curry to authorize Steve Pilcher, the Public Works Director to work with the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation to properly sign the soccer fields and parking lot to make it a one way area. 6 ayes

Motion by Michelle Tippie, seconded by Frank Billings to begin negotiations with the Metroparks to see if they are willing to lease the 69 acres south of Whitehouse Square, linking Whitehouse Square to the AWYF soccer fields. 5 ayes 1 nay Maridee Curry

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Michelle Tippie to authorize the Solicitor to prepare legislation placing Amendments to the Charter on the ballot and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Jim Miller, seconded by Michelle Tippie to reserve the right for an executive session on a matter of Real Estate. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to cancel the July 1, 2008 Council meeting. 4 ayes 2 nay Frank Billings and Michelle Tippie

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Jim Miller schedule a July 8, 2008 Council meeting. 6 ayes

Motion by Maridee Curry, seconded by Debby Curry to repeal the previous motions and to cancel the July 1, 2008 council meeting, cancel the July 8, 2008 council meeting, and only hold one council meeting in July on July 15, 2008. 4 ayes 2 nays Frank Billings and Michelle Tippie

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Jim Miller to go into Executive Session on a real estate matter at 8:02 PM. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to reconvene at 8:15 PM. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to authorize the Solicitor to prepare legislation authorizing the Administrator to enter into a purchase contract for certain real property on behalf of the Village of Whitehouse, Lucas County, Ohio and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to accept Resolution 17-2008 authorizing the Administrator to enter into a purchase contract for certain real property on behalf of the Village of Whitehouse, Lucas County, Ohio at its first reading and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Bill May to suspend the rules and to have the second and third reading of Resolution 17-2008 by title only and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Motion by Debby Curry, seconded by Maridee Curry to accept Resolution 17-2008 at its second and third reading and to pass said Resolution and declaring an emergency. 6 ayes

Other items discussed:

-Economic Development meeting with Waterville Township
-Lucas County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Meeting
-Sign regulation

The following committee meetings were scheduled:
-Economic Development June 24, 2008 at 7:00 PM
-Public Services June 24, 2008 at 6:30 PM
-Personnel and Safety July 15, 2008 following the Council Meeting

-Zoning violations
-Personnel and Safety Committee meeting report
-Traffic policing at the soccer fields
-Swan Creek Balanced Growth plan
-Carefree, AZ alternative solutions for noise
-Radar trailer
-Checking sidewalks on Laurel Ridge and Helen Drive
-Northwest Ohio Firemen's Convention

Motion by Maridee Curry, seconded by Debby Curry to adjourn at 8:19 PM. 6 ayes