City Council - Regular Meeting

begin a public utility meeting um take roll call uh council person delay mount how are you so we'll take a quick pause So fortunately, you needed five minutes, so we'll be safe.

At this time, we'll conclude the Municipality and Public Utilities Committee. Mr. President.

Thank you. Hey, it's 6.50. The Finance Committee would like to have a committee meeting. Ms. Mount's here and Ms. Robertson's here. And our special guest tonight is Kelly Blankenship, the Finance Director.

just been a year it's only been a year yeah i know i know i've got it written down multiple places kelly converse our finance director and mark huckleberry our i.t person and uh we just wanted to go over the recent state financial audit um We don't have any specific legislation tonight to vote on, but it's been a news topic and finance just wants to make sure everybody on council is aware and had an opportunity to see a financial audit letter and summary. And there's a lot of information flying around. So here's a chance to have Kelly give us a and ask some questions if we have any. Go ahead,

All right. Why don't we take a break? Thank you, Kelly. Let's ask if anybody on the finance committee has any questions at this minute, and then we'll go on. And then anybody on council have any questions? Yes, I see a hand. Go ahead.

Forgive my ignorance. What does PEP stand for?

Okay. I figured it was some sort of insurance, but I wasn't sure what that stood for. Okay.

So after we did this recovery, it's 2025, did we see like a significant increase in what then our PEP insurance would be after that, after this reimbursement? Because all of this was recovered through insurance, correct?

Is the PEP insurance and the insurance two separate policies? It's all the same. So the insurance was about $211,000. Yes. We had when we...

Okay. And the banking, banking was able to claw back just over half a million dollars. That's not insurance. That was very helpful.

yes michael so moving forward do we still have the the two coverage the two different policies to cover us in the same type of protection yes and i think we have increased our cyber security protection with pep okay go ahead thank you chair um

All right. So I think the good news is that the audit overall was clean. It was clean enough that they are allowing us to go back to auditor instead of the state. The state coming in is mandatory every 10 years. But if they were to come in more often, that would usually be a signal that there was a concerned at the state level. Yes. So they're not concerned at this time. Correct. All right. So let's move forward with the management letter. These are recommendations that also came out of the audit, and several of them had to do with IT. I understand IT probably also has some security issues. Bu

Let's see here. You're in the actual report. You're not in the summary. So we did get that actual report. He's just using the actual report. Yeah, I'm just using it. I saw some people dancing around. It's not the Kelly Converse report. Okay.

I want to thank you for that pretty complete, thorough response. I think my biggest timing has just to do with the calendar year and the audit review. So next year in 27, they're going to come back and look at 26. And of course, the recommendations at 26. And of course, they're They're just going to cut it off on December 31st, whether you're done or not. And that's how they're going to look at the audit next year. So I understand things take time. I also understand auditors come in and say, well, what do you get done by December 31st? And that's probably going to be the driver for the next ye

I appreciate that. So with, with my council members. All right.

So you mentioned there was a portion where you said there is a portion that the departments are responsible for their own underlying. You said those leads. Yes. Explain that to me a little bit.

Okay. That's what I was just being like cautious of. I know that can sometimes that gets hairy where people are utilizing their own. So, and it's just, you check it afterwards. Like, is there a timeframe that is given to you? Like if somebody leaves the system, does he immediately have to remove them and take them out? Like how much access do they have? Is there a 30 day window, five day window?

Anyone else? All right. Well, thank you, both of you, Mr. Congress, Huckleberry, and we appreciate it. So at 7.16, I'll close the Finance Committee meeting.

Okay. Can you all hear me now better? At 716, I'll call this session of Mansfield City Caucus, Council Caucus meeting to order. Are there any committee reports?

Thank you, Mr. President. On economic development, at our last meeting, we had a public hearing. There were questions by a constituent. I attempted to get answers from the Area Agency on Aging. This has to do with the Lexington veterans thing. Their person was not available tonight due to a previous conflict. They also indicated that some of the questions, they're not going to have answers for a little while because this is a new process for them. So we're looking at maybe sitting down with them in November. Cheryl Myers has some interest in that. So she and I may go out to their agency and si

You're welcome. Anyone else? Committee reports or public? Affairs. Okay. Mayor? Okay.

A few updates and then I have our next beautification award to give out tonight. So I wanted to just let everyone know I spoke last week at the last. Yeah, I think it was last week. Weeks are running together now for the Ohio Mayors Alliance. They are launching an initiative to try to lobby the state legislature to create a core cities transformation fund for And what they're proposing to use is not taking money away from anything else in the state budget. It would be using excess revenues. The idea behind this is somewhat similar to what used to happen once upon a time with the local governme

COVID messes with your photography. Yeah. Yeah. So, well, thanks for investing. Thank you so much. Will you take a photo of us? Thank you. IT slash photographer. Do it all. but as I was getting ready this morning, I almost put a different outfit on. When I got to the city building, I was looking at the photos up and I was like, I almost wore the exact same outfit this month. I'm done.

Okay, thank you. Deputy Director Madden? No updates from the Law Director's Office. Okay. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. I guess we shall now proceed with legislation for caucus. We will start with Bill 26-160. Mr. Falkett.

Thank you, Mr. President. This has to do with the... annual dance back and forth between the city and the county on how much money we're going to certify as our income from the real estate tax and for the city of mansfield um two million five hundred forty seven thousand and three hundred dollars is that and if i may on bill 26161 the township has basically the same thing. The township income is $94,500. The total amount is $2,641,800 between the two bills. And those amounts are going to be used in the budget when the time comes. Okay.

Is there any questions from council? Any discussion on bills 26-160 and 161? OK. Hearing none, we'll move on to Bill 26-162. And I'm going to call on Mr. Miranda for this one.

Thank you, Mr. President. A resolution ordinance to adopt the five-year update of the Soil Waste Management Plan of Richland County.

Just for newer council members, I serve on the Solid Waste Management Board along with several others, including Commissioner Banks, township folks, and some private folks. So we did adopt this as the Solid Waste Management Board. Um, it is really continuing the work that they do. So they're overseeing the landfills, um, as well as the recycling that you see that's happening in the area. Of course, their facility is out on national parkway, um, out by Trimble and, uh, Eddie Hale is their executive director. They do really great work. Um, and they have been very supportive of the city. Uh, the

OK, is there any up? I'm sorry, I'm doing it.

So they have one deputy that's for the entire county. So, you know, how it generally works for them, because, of course, you know, when they're coming into another jurisdiction is a police report is filed. So codes and permits often will work with. And I think actually the neighborhood impact section is kind of assisting with some of those, unless it's obviously something serious coming through patrol departments. You know, we have an ongoing battle on Arch Street with dumping that happens there. And there's lots of other locations around the city. I did just you know, I mean, we could keep hi

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's a, well, it's costly. It's just a difficult subject here because, of course, our trash services are privatized. Yes. Well, there's a lot of them. So Now, NECIC has been doing the dumpster days for many, many years. They always get a good turnout. We do have someone that is willing to sponsor dumpster days up more towards the Glessner Avenue neighborhood, which also could use a decent clean out. We're trying to find volunteers right now to help us staff that. So, you know, I think short of what you're suggesting, at least trying to make sure that some of those are taking

Okay. Any other questions? Council, Mr. Miranda.

So, um, um, the awareness part of this, is this from a citizen calling in saying there's a trash issue or is this the deputy going to be driving around making observations and creating what sparks the ball moving forward?

It's a little bit of both. More often than not, though, they want a police report filed before they're doing that. He does know some of our regular dumping grounds, though, and does some regular patrols. He also one of the things he does look for is unauthorized trash. Yeah. Yeah, haulers. Thank you. So they're all supposed to be registered in the city of Mansfield. So he has our list. He has absolutely pulled over unauthorized trash haulers. He also will sometimes sit up on 13 North. And if trash haulers don't have their loads secured and trash is blown out, he will ticket them for that as we

And I'm sorry, just to add to that. So you were saying you were looking for volunteers to take over the dumpster days. What does that look like? Do you need someone to where like any CIC is like the spot and basically kind of utilizes their staff? Is that what you're looking for?

Yeah, more or less. I think the hospital has shown an openness to having it on their property. So, but we need folks to, I think that we can probably get some help from the city with, you know, haulers and backhoes and loaders and stuff. So, so we have that kind of thing, but people directing traffic and, and, and things like they do for, for that day.

okay any other questions discussion on 162 okay seeing none we shall move on so miss mount if you want to just for caucus purposes just kind of lump all together 26-163 through 26-171 yes thank you mr president since they're all demolitions

26163 is a demo order for 281 Myers Avenue. 26164 is a demolition order for 479 Wayne Street. 26165 is a demolition order for 503 Woodland Avenue. 26166 is a demolition order for 550 Broadview Avenue. 26167 is a demolition order for 623 West 4th Street. 26168, demolition order for 838 Danwood Road. 26169, demolition order for 48 Douglas Avenue. 26170, demolition order for 86 Home Avenue. And 26171, demolition order for 217 Cole Street.

Is there any questions, discussion on these nine pieces of legislation concerning demolition?

Mr. President, can I just add? So the state does have a demolition grant open right now for application. So we did talk with the land bank about as long as properties have been legislated, they can be put in for a potential match in that grant. So there's a chance we wouldn't have to use pride funds with a lot of these. So I just thought I would let you know.

Very good. Thank you for the input. Okay. Anything else? That concludes our legislation. Is there anything else to come before caucus this evening before we adjourn? I'll accept a motion to adjourn. Been regularly moved and seconded. We adjourn caucus. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, same. With that, I shall call this session of Mansfield City Council to order. Please stand for the pledge and remain standing for the prayer.

Heavenly Father, we ask you for guidance and wisdom and knowledge. We ask you to look over our safety services, all of our fire, EMTs, police officers, especially our three new police officers. Look over everyone else that is here in our community. We ask this in your name. Amen.

With that, the clerk shall now call the roll.

Present. Unless there are an objection, the reading of the journal and correspondence will be dispensed with. Hearing no objection, we will dispense with that. Okay, we'll proceed into public comment. I do have two people signed up for a public comment. When I call your name, please come up to the podium and table, podium, whatever. And when you get there, please state your name and address. And as is always customary, we allow you three minutes. And so with that, I will call on Melissa Baldrige.

it has been turned into the street department it but i will call to make sure it gets moved up the list thank you okay are there any further committee reports public announcements okay mayor directors we're all good okay moving along then to we will Ms. Daly for suspension of the rules. We have no late bills, as I understand. So, suspension of the rules. It's your fault.

Been regularly moved and seconded. Council has the motion before them.

YEAH, IT DID SAY. IT'S GOING TO BE CORRECT. Okay, moving along. Bill 26-160, Mr. Falkett.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-160 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion.

Second. Regularly moved and seconded. The clerk shall read Bill 26-160.

Is there any discussion on Bill 26-160? Hearing none, Mr. Falkett.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-160 be placed upon the floor for final passage.

Second. I move and second that Council cast their vote for final passage of Bill 26-160. Bill passes 8-0. Bill 26-161, Mr. Falkett.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-161 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion.

I move that the clerk shall read Bill 26-161.

Is there any discussion on Bill 26-161? Hearing none, Mr. Falkett.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-161 be placed upon the floor for final passage.

Second. I move and second. So I'll cast their vote for final passage of Bill 26-161. Bill passes eight to zero.

Bill 26-162, Mr. Miranda. Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-162 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion.

Second. And regularly moving and seconded, the clerk shall read Bill 26-162.

Is there any discussion on Bill 26-162? Hearing done, Mr. Miranda.

Mr. President, I move that Bill 26-162 be placed upon the floor for final passage.

Second. Been a regular move and seconded. Council shall cast a vote for final passage of Bill 26-162. Bill passes 8-0. Bill 26-163, Ms. Mount.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-163 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion. Second.

Been regularly moved and seconded. The clerk shall read Bill 26-163.

Any discussion on Bill 26-163? Hearing none, Ms. Mount?

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-163 be placed upon the floor for final consideration. Second.

And we're going to move to second. And Council Castor vote for final passage of Bill 26-163. Bill passes 8-0. Bill 26-164, Ms. Melton.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-164 be read and placed up on the floor for discussion. Second.

Been regularly moved and seconded. The clerk shall read Bill 26-164.

Is there any discussion on Bill 26-164? Hearing none, Ms. Mount?

Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-164 be placed on the floor for final consideration. Second.

Second. We move to second. The council shall cast their vote for final passage of Bill 26-164. Bill passes 8-0. Bill 26-165, Ms. Mountain.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-165 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion. Second.

Been regularly moved and seconded. Clerk shall read Bill 26-165.

Ending discussion on Bill 26-165. Hearing none, Ms. Mount.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-165 be placed upon the floor for final consideration. Second.

In a regular movement, seconding council structure for final passage of Bill 26-165. Bill passes 8-0. Bill 26-166, Ms. Mount.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-166 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion. Second.

Been regularly moved and seconded. The clerk shall read Bill 26-166.

Is there any discussion on Bill 26-166? Hearing none, Ms. Mount.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-166 be placed upon the floor for final consideration. Second.

I move to second and Councilor Shuck has to vote for final passage of Bill 26-166. The bill passes 8-0. Bill 26-167, Ms. Mount.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-167 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion. Second.

Is there any discussion on Bill 26-167? Hearing none, Ms. Mount.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-167 be placed upon the floor for final consideration. Second.

And we're going to move and second it. So shall cast their vote for final passage of Bill 26-167. Bill passes eight to zero. Bill 26-168, Ms. Mount.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-168 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion. Second.

Been read and moved and seconded. Clerk shall read Bill 26-168.

Is there any discussion on Bill 26-168? Ms. Mount?

This is one that I've gotten a lot of complaints from neighbors on, so I'm grateful. It's been about five years in coming because of the issues with the owner and not making the necessary repairs, but I'm grateful to see it's finally being taken down.

Very good. Anything else? Hearing none, Ms. Mount?

Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-168 be placed on the floor for final consideration. Second.

And we're going to move the second. Council shall cast their vote for final passage of Bill 26-168. Bill passes 8-0. Bill 26-169, Ms. Mount. Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-169 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion. Regulatory move and seconded. The clerk shall read Bill 26-169.

Is there any discussion on Bill 26-169? Hearing none, Ms. Mount?

Thank you, Mr. President. I move Bill 26-169 be placed upon the floor for final consideration. Second.

I'm ready to move to second. Councilor Shester, vote for final passage of Bill 26-169. Bill passes 8-0. Bill 26-170, Ms. Mountain.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-170 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion. Second.

We're going to move in the second. The clerk shall read Bill 26-170.

Is there any discussion on Bill 26-170? Hearing none, Ms. Mount?

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-170 be placed upon the floor for final consideration. Second.

And regular moved and seconded. The clerk shall read Bill 26-170. Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, you don't have to. Okay. Council shall cast their vote. Which you did, and it passes 8-0. Thank you. Sorry about that, Council. I know. At least we only got one more to do. Yes. 26-171. Ms. Miles.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-171 be read and placed upon the floor for discussion. Second. Second.

We're moving seconded. Clerk shall read Bill 26-171. Okay.

Is there any discussion on Bill 26-171? No. Hearing none, Ms. Mount.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill 26-171 be placed upon the floor for final consideration. Second.

We're going to move to second. Council shall cast their vote for final passes. Bill 26-171. Bill passes 8-0. That concludes our legislation for this evening. Is there anything further to come before Council this evening?

mrs meyer the um uh list here the current uh review board um was this given to us for a specific reason or just information um so deb's woman has stepped down okay she's resigning so we are not going to fill that seat until

Would we want that legislation like in December so that they're good to start? Ideally in December. So they start doing it. Okay. So we need to be looking now and confirming. Yeah.

I thought I had. So the others that have.

Is there anything else to come before council before I ask you to close it?

Then we move to second. We adjourn. All in favor signify by saying aye.