Council - Regular Meeting

so that anybody can do it. Good evening. Happy Veterans Day. Welcome to the November 11th council meeting. Can we all please stand for the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And please continue standing and we'll have the invocation.

Dear heavenly father, we come to you this evening. We just thank you for another great day of life. We thank you for this great country we live in. It's made up of so many good communities like this one. We just ask that you be with the council this evening as they make their decisions uh for the community and uh be with us throughout the rest of the evening and uh bless us throughout the rest of this week. Amen. Amen. Amen.

All right. Uh call the meeting to order. Can we have roll call, please? Mr. [clears throat] Dorman here. Mr. Todd here. Miss Gregory here. Mr. Fogle here. Mr. Solders here. Acting Mayor Mets here. All right. So, we all should have gotten the minutes from the October 14th council meeting and the October 28th workshop. Any questions on the minutes? So we have to excuse and we will need to make a motion to excuse councelor Gregory from the October

28th 28 14th regular council meeting. Is there any motion? I'll make a motion to excuse Councilwoman Sarah Gregory from the meeting on October 14th. Second 25. Uh roll call, please. Mr. Norman. Yes. Mr. Todd, yes. Miss Gregory, abstain. Mr. Fogle, yes. Mr. Sers, yes. Acting Mayor Mets? Yes. Make a motion we accept the the minutes then as entered into record. Second. Second.

Roll call, please. Mr. Dorman. Yes. Mr. Todd. Yes, Miss Gregory. Yes, Mr. Fogle. Yes, Mr. Sers. Yes, acting Mayor Meds. Yes.

Okay, so we have options tonight of swearing in new mayor and vice mayor. Um, council should have received an email about filling vacant seats and how um we can go about doing that or waiting until the new mayor starts in January. So, is there any discussion um of what you guys would want to do about swearing in tonight or waiting till January and then vice mayor would go up for appointment or voting?

I I think it's a rare opportunity to say you've been sworn in as mayor of a village and a vice mayor and I think we should take advantage of that opportunity for just to honor all the hard work that you guys have done. uh on councel and uh as a sign of respect for the authority. Anyone else have I second that. Yep. All right. So, we will swear me in as the new mayor. I don't know. And Sarah in as the vice mayor. And Sarah Gregory as vice mayor. After that, swear you in.

You'd have chief. You can have Rodney do it. I know. Who does it? Whoever you want. You pick. Where you at? Anyone. Any takers? I think I bet Rodney, Mr. Creech, Representative Creech, would you love to swear us in? It's a council member. You're awesome. We got it. We have to read to you. It [laughter] has to be a council member. Manager or a council. Okay. So, it has Never mind. I'm sorry. Let's put it on Lene then. She's got a good speaking voice. Nate, the L or Jeremy, you swear me in, I swear you in. There you go. That's sweet.

That's good. That's a shame. I just take a picture.

Where? I state your name. I please being duly sworn according to law. Being duly sworn according to law. Say that I will support the Constitution of the United States. to say that I will support the Constitution of the United States. the Constitution of the State of Ohio. The Constitution of the State of Ohio. The charter and codified ordinances of the municipality of West Milton, Ohio. the charter and codified ordinances of the m municipality of West Milton, Ohio. And that I will faithfully That I will faithfully, honestly, honestly, and impartially discharge the duties and impartially discharge the duties

as mayor of the municipality of West Milton. as mayor of the municipality of West Milton in Miami County, Ohio. and Miami County, Ohio. During my continuence in set office during my continuence in office, [laughter] [applause]

girl power. Okay. And so that we don't we're not videoing the back of your head, flip-flop the positions you guys were in last time so the people at home can see. There we go. Awesome. Can you see? Yeah. I'll try not to put a glare off my head into the picture. Here we go. There you go. Um I danger I Sarah Gregory being duly sworn according to law. being duly sworn according to law. Say that I will support Say that I will support the Constitution of the United States. the Constitution of the United States. the Constitution of the State of Ohio.

the Constitution of the State of Ohio. The charter and codified ordinances the charter and codified or ordinances of the municipality of West Milton, Ohio. of the municipality of West Milton, Ohio. and that I will faithfully and that I will faithfully honestly honestly and impartially and impartially discharge the duties as vice mayor discharge the duties as vice mayor of the municipality of West Milton of the municipality of West Milton in Miami County Ohio in Miami County Ohio during my continuence insaid office during my continuence insaid [applause]

And then I would like to nominate Councilman Dorman as the council chairperson uh for the next couple of months. [laughter] I've avoided this for 10 years and you stick me on the last 30 days. [laughter] Second. Uh roll call, please. Mr. Dorman. Abstain. [laughter] Mr. Todd. Yes. Miss Gregory. Yes. Mr. Fogle. Absolutely. Yes. Mr. Solders. Yes. Acting or Mayor Meds? Oh, yes. [laughter]

All right. Congratulations, chair. Thank you. Another Oh, you got to be kidding me. [laughter] You're welcome. day on. I'm the one that has to say [laughter] 50 times for for all the times I stick with something. [laughter] You're a veteran duty. A copy of that to read. Nope. All right, here we go. I state your name. I, Donald Dorman, being duly sworn according to law, being duly sworn according to law, say that I will support the Constitution of the United States, say that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Ohio, the Constitution of the State of Ohio,

the Charter and Codified Ordinances, the Charter and Codified Ordinances of the Municipality of West, Ohio of the Municipality of West, Ohio. and that I will faithfully and that I will faithfully honestly honestly and impartially and impartially discharge the duties discharge the duties as chairperson of council of as chairperson of council of [clears throat] the municipality of West Mountain of the municipality of West M in Miami County Ohio in Miami County during my continuous inset office

during my continuous inset office [applause] That's what I get for people. Well, [laughter] all good. All right. You've only got six weeks. I Yeah, I know. I January. I'll be making sure you all carried out your continuence time and set office. He's going to be like, are you taking vitamin C [laughter] in? All right. Uh, next on the agenda, Mr. Manager, is there any correspondence to council? No, mayor. None was received.

Thank you. Next on our agenda, we have Mr. Rodney Creech, state representative.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Rodney Cree, state rep in the 40th district, and uh that rep that is representing Prebble County. I'm from Prebble County. That's my original county. um northern Butler County and Western McGomery County. Uh the reason I'm here this evening is I'm looking at running for uh the fifth Senate district, which is Steve Huffman's current Senate seat. As many of you are probably aware, Senator Huffman is terming out and uh so I've been spending a lot of time up in Miami County over the last two years just trying to get to know the lay of the land and I'm trying to get out into the townships and villages and cities and get to know as many people as I can. So I'm trying to get to council meetings and anything else that I can get to. I've had a good meeting with your chief there maybe a couple months ago and u at the end of the day my goal is to get to know as many people as I can in the community and gain support. Um a little bit about me um I'm a fourth generation grain farmer. I farm with my father generation to live on the family farm. Uh what got me into politics was my grandfather was a township trustee and I used to help him when I was a kid little boy. And uh really didn't know what my grandpa did as a trustee. I just helped him. And uh as I got a little older and figured out what trustees actually did, I ran for trustee and was elected and uh served six years as a twin township trustee in Prebble County. And uh then I ran for county commissioner and served six years in our county as county commissioner and I'm currently in my fifth year as a state rep. So some call me a career politician. Uh local government probably doesn't count. You know, I think state does. I'm in my fifth year of, you know, serious politics, if you want to call it that. Um, but with all that said, um, in serving in the local government, um, I just felt found that I love to serve people and, um, if you talk to the elected officials in the communities that I serve, you'll you'll learn that, um, I do have a lot of endor I have about 25 endorsements of elected officials in my state rep district. Uh, I also have the endorsement of Congressman Davidson. If you like Congressman Davidson, I'm a huge

supporter. Um, very good conservative man. Um but uh local business owner. Um you know again just uh a little bit about me just so you know who I am. I do have my business cards with me. I'll leave a stack um somewhere. Um but uh my I you know my business cards have my cell number on. I've been giving my cell number out for 20 years. And uh you know I always say if uh if you're trying to get a hold of me and you can't, shame on you. Um I'm on social media on every thing you can think of social media wise. And uh but if any of you would like to meet and you know have a coffee or a sandwich one-on-one, I'd love to do that. I think it's very important to have good relationships with your local elected officials. Um you know, I I always say that uh when the crap hits the fan, um I want you to be able to die on me within a minute. And um who knows what that could be, but it might happen down the road. So, appreciate you having me this evening. I am going to jet out a little early. I actually tonight is my 14th wedding anniversary

and I asked my wife if it was okay if I came here [laughter] tonight. I said absolutely. She's used to this. Um but I'll probably stick around for a minute or two and if I got to get home see her but if anybody's got any questions I'm open for them if that's allowed or I'll like I said I'll eat my cards. I have a question for you. When will this seat be on the ballot? Next November. So the primary is in May. Okay. And then, you know, pretty much whoever wins the primary will move on that, you know, it's a very uh it's a 65% uh Republican seat. So, whoever wins the primary pretty much is going to be your next senator. Okay. So, primaries in May. Yep. Great. All right. Thanks. All right. Thank you. Thanks for having Hurry home. I know.

I'm going to be an advocate for your wife. You don't need to stay a minute. You don't need to. You don't have to stay. I just really appreciate you coming here and all that you do. And I will say like when he said like he has to he's one of the few like state reps I've met who has a cell phone number on his business card and I like pass his card out [snorts] like c Halloween candy and and he does answer and I appreciate that.

Thank you for coming. Sour mugs down the street for chicken wings might be anniversary dinner. [laughter] All right. Um, next on the agenda, do we have any comments tonight from citizens regarding the legislation?

All right, let's jump into it. So, first we have ordinances and resolutions. We have CM-25-60. Law director Rush, take it from here. It's a resolution authorizing the director of transportation to proceed with the bicycle and pedestrian improvements on State Route 571 from Miami Street to Rachel Am Boulevard in the municipality of West Milton, Ohio and authorizing the municipal manager to enter into and execute contracts with the state of Ohio to complete said project. Whereas on the 12th day of August 2025, the village of West Milton, Ohio, hereafter referred to as the legislative authority or a local public agency, passed resolution CN-25-54, authorizing the municipal manager to cooperate with the director of transportation for the following described project. The project consists of the installation of a shared use pedestrian and bicycle path along State Route 571 from Miami Street to Rachel Am Boulevard, including asphalt concrete surfacing, pave pavement planning, curb, curb and gutter, 4-in concrete walk, erosion control upgrades, drainage upgrades, lightning lighting upgrades, and pavement markings lying within the village of West Milton. And whereas the LPA shall cooperate with the director of transportation on the above described project as follows. The village agrees to assume and bear 100% of the entire cost of the improvement within the village limits less the amount of federal aid funds set aside by the director of transportation for the financing of this improvement from funds allocated by the federal highway administration US department of transportation. And whereas in view of the fact that the LPA share of the project is now estimated in the amount of $445,293 less SIB loan in the amount of $445,293 leaving a balance of $0. The village will not be required to deposit any

funds at this time. The LPA's ultimate share of the cost will be determined when final actual costs and allocations are determined. And whereas a director of transportation has approved said legislation proposing cooperation and has caused to be made plans and specifications and an estimate of cost and expenses for improving the above described highway and has transmitted copies of same to this legislative authority. And whereas the legislative authority desires the director of transportation to proceed with the apher highway improvement. Now therefore, be it resolved by the council of the V village of West Milton, Ohio, that section one, that the LPA hereby requests the director of transportation to proceed with the Afroaid highway improvement. Section two, that the LPA enter into a contract with the state and that the municipal manager is hereby authorized to execute said contract for improving the described project. Section three, that the LPA transmit to the director of transportation a fully executed copy of this resolution. Mr. Sheridan, any information um that you want to share with this resolution?

Only [clears throat] that this is the last piece of legislation before the project will begin hopefully next spring. Nice. Any um questions or thoughts about CM260? Do we have a motion for CM 25660? I'll make a motion that we accept CM-25-60 as written and read. Second. Uh, roll call, please. Mr. Dar, yes. Mr. Todd, yes. M. Obsain. Mr. Fle. Yes. Mr. Sold. Yes. Mayor Max.

Yes. All right. Next we have the first reading of an ordinance CM-25-61. Law director brush. It's an ordinance to appropriate funds necessary for the various departments and offices of the municipality of West Milton, Ohio for the year 2026. Now therefore, be it ordained by the council of the municipality of West Milton, Ohio, as section one, to provide for the current expenses and other expenditures of the municipality of West Milton during the fiscal year beginning January 1st, 2026 and ending December 31st, 2026. The following sums are hereby set aside and appropriated as follows. For the general fund, personal services for general government, $39,625. Transportation, $31,350. Security of persons and property 1,432,900 for total personal services of1,773,875 transfers to fire truck capital improvement of $257,000 total other expenditures of 2,954,150 for a total general fund of $4,985,025. Special revenue funds, street levy, $219,500. Street construction and maintenance, total personal services, $193,250. Total other expenditures of1,382,400 for total street construction and maintenance of $1,575,650. State highway, $56,000. Enforcement and education, $3,500. Drug law enforcement, $2,000. Total special revenue funds of $1,856,650. Debt service funds OPWC of $6,520.58.

Total debt service funds of $6,520.58. Capital improvement funds fire capital improvement of $33,500 for a total capital improvement funds of $33,500. Enterprise funds water capital improvement of $356,900 sewer capital improvement total other expenditures $1,365,000 [snorts] transfers to OPWC debt service $6,5201 total sewer capital improvement of $1,371,521. Refuge fund total personal services of $238,300. Total other expenditures of $726,700 for a total refuge fund of $965,000. Water fund. Total personal services $555,000. Total other expenditures of $716,900. Total water fund of $1,271,900. Sewer fund. Total personal services $530,100. Total other expenditures $291,550. Total sewer fund $821,650. Total enterprise funds $4,786,971. Total appropriations of all funds 11,668,666.58. The summary is total personal services of $3,290,525, total other expenditures of $8,114,62058, total transfers of $263,521 for a grand total of 11,668,66.58.

Section two, the director of finance is hereby authorized to draw warrants on the village treasury for payments from any of the foregoing appropriations upon receiving proper certificates and vouchers. Therefore approved by the board or officers authorized by law to approve the same or an ordinance or resolution of council to make the expenditure provided that no warrant shall be drawn or paid for salaries or wages except to persons employed by authority of and in accordance with law or ordinance. Section three. This ordinance shall take effect from and after the earliest date permitted by law. Thank you. Can you repeat that when I was

We look forward to hearing that again in December. Are there any um questions regarding the um the first reading um tonight for Miss Grace or anyone on council? Great. Moving on. Next, we have a first reading of ordinance CM-25-62. Law Director Brush. Um, I don't

Can we What's the thing we did? You can wave the rating. Do I motion to wave the reading? You'd have to motion to wave the reading of the ordinance. Do we do that on first reading? Yes, because it's only the first reading. Second one's by title only. The I make a motion we uh wave the reading of ordinance CM- 25-62. Second. Sorry, it's like seven pages. Uh, roll call. Mr. Dorman, yes. Mr. Todd, yes. Miss Rory, yes. Mr. Fogle, yes. Mr. Solders,

yes. Mayor Max, yes.

Moving on to first reading for ordinance CM-25-63, Law Director Brush. It's an ordinance increasing the salary of council members and the mayor council member. Whereas article 4.03 of the municipal charter provides that council may by ordinance change salary paid council members and the compensation paid the mayor council member. And whereas this article further stipulates that no such ordinance can take effect until the date of commencement of the term of council members elected at the next regular election provided that such election follows the adoption of such ordinance by at least 6 months. And whereas council members currently receive $50 per meeting and the mayor council member the additional sum of $600 annually. And whereas the current fixed salaries of council members and the mayor council member is established in article 11.05 of the charter and have not been adjusted since 2003. And whereas council desires to adjust the compensation paid to council members and the mayor council member. Now therefore, be it ordained by the council of the municipality of West Milton, Ohio, that section one, the mayor, council member shall be paid $6,000 per year. Section two, council member shall be paid $4,000 per year. Section three, the mayor, council member, and council member shall be paid semianually except no salary shall be paid for an unexcused absence. $250 for the mayor council member and $150 for council members shall be forfeited for each unexcused unexcused absence. Section four. The provisions of this ordinance shall become effective from and after the earliest date allowed by law and all parts of ordinances or resolutions in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed. As someone who's uh going off council and uh did not run for reelection, I just wanted to take a moment and say that over the last 10 years that I've

spent on and off council, the uh amount of time and hours that we spend in researching and uh participating in things has just tremendously increased, especially with the uh trying to grow the village and things like that. And as we um go into a uh growth phase that requires more of the council, um I just think this is a a good move to make to uh I mean it still probably works out to about $2 an hour to what we spend, but um it's more reflective of what's compensated to other villages our size around the area. Um, and again, being someone who's not going to benefit [clears throat] from this, I I just want to say how much I fully support it and uh how much I think it's a positive thing for everyone who may run for council in the future or who will be affected by this down the road.

So, um, Miss Broch, the way that I understand this is, so this will kick in with the next regular election. So, we have two two-year unexpired terms that were on the ballot currently. So, when those two-year terms are up in 2027, that election year, that's when this would kick in for those council members and so on. So, no one that is in the seat that was currently elected will see any increase until their seat would come up for re-election down the road. Correct. Correct. Y

and that includes everyone that was elected coming in January. Yep. The people who Now I do have one question because this happens quite often. Um a council member, a mayor, a vice mayor resigns. If someone is appointed to a position and not in an not elected, will that appointed person um be able to obtain that increased um amount? If it's after the six-month period, yes, I believe it's following an election, but I'd have to look at the Okay.

the code to be sure. I thought about that while we were [cough] um talking through this. So, I would just that that'd be a bit of clarification. I guess we would have to find out in the future, but cuz I believe it's elected [snorts] to the seat. So, I think that's when it would take effect. Okay. All right. Thank you. Any other discussion? All right. Moving on. We have CM-25-65. A second reading, Miss Brush.

It's an ordinance repealing chapter 116 tattoo and or body piercing enterprises of the code of ordinances of the municipality of West Milton, Ohio. Uh sorry. Is there uh any discussion? Um, we've had a lot of discussion about this of this um, repealing of chapter 116. I just have one question again so folks understand um, how everything works with this process. If things are passed tonight with this, it officially doesn't take effect until 10 days after today. Is that correct?

Or is it 5 days? I thought it was five days. Five days. Okay. I just wanted to see for sure u what what it is. So folks in the community know the law director and I have a disagreement on the number of days. So don't take that for gospel. Okay. Okay.

10 10 days. 10. Okay. Thinking about decisions on the planning board. Yeah. Counting today. That's day one. So it' be November 21st. It's 10 days after adoption. So today would not be day one. Tomorrow's day one. Okay. So November 22nd. So today this and tomorrow we discontinue the ban on dancing next. Is that how it works? We're going to have to talk about that dancing one. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Any questions? So the 21st um would be the 10th day,

21st of November. All right. So we ready? Roll call. No. I motion we approve CM-25-65. Second. Roll call. Mr. Dorman. Yes. Mr. Ty. Yes. Miss. Yes. Mr. Fogle. Yes. Mr. Yes. Mayor Max.

Yes. All right. Next ordinance first reading CM-25-66. Law director Brooch. It's an ordinance amending chapter 53 garbage refues and recyclables and to specifically amend section 53.25H titled municipal billing provisions of the code of ordinance ordinances for the municipality of West Milton Ohio. Whereas a municipality's expenses for providing refuge service are projected to exceed revenues provided by the current rate structure and whereas it has been determined that it is necessary to increase garbage and refuge collection fees in order to maintain the fiscal stability of the refuge fund. Now therefore be it ordained by the council of the municipality of West Milton Ohio that section one the language contained in the existing section of the West Milton code of ordinances 53.25H12 25H12 and 3 are hereby modified to read as follows. 53.25 municipal billing provisions. Section H. The billing rate per residents or customer for regular refuge removal will be as follows. Section one 26 $26.60 for standard volume per month per household beginning January 1st, 2026. $2910 for standard volume per month per household beginning January 1st, 2028. Section two, $24.70 for low volume per month per household for beginning January 1st, 2026. $27.20 for low volume per month per household beginning January 1st, 2028. Section three, $5 for each additional total receptacle, standard or low volume per month per household. Section three should be section two. The provisions of this ordinance shall become effective from and after the earliest date allowed by law and all parts of ordinances or resolutions in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.

Thank you. And I know we talked about this at the workshop, but one of the things too um councelor Dorman said and I agree with if um you're looking to get rid of an extra to just utilizing the recycling bins. um even for the cardboard which could take up a lot of volume in your regular toar. So um knowing that that is available 24 hours a day for those extra things that maybe could cut back on your cost. Any discussion, Mayor Max, we actually also do a lot of yard waste too. Oh yeah,

we offer free yard waste bags. So they can go up and get a free bag or that way that's not counting towards their, you know, the rep use especially during the the high grass months and leaf leaf falling months. Oh, and just the reminder on that, we mentioned last time too, um the yard wastist bags are available in the um village hall office for free of charge and you can call and be on the schedule for a Monday pickup or do that online and request Monday pickup of your yard waste. And and on the I meant to bring one in to demo it, but on the idea of making recycling easier, for 99 cents, they sell these ginormous Harbor Freight bags with these two great handles that we have just started using for hauling our uh all of our recycling up there. And if anybody hasn't seen one, I'll try to bring one at the next council meeting. They are just they they fold up into nothing, but they're ginormous and easy to carry, especially when you throw cans and cardboard and everything in them. It's just it's the best solution we found uh uh for that. So, I'll try to bring one in to demo one for the for the next council meeting. But, and for all you Harbor Freight fans out there, which I think Tom works there, um they're they're dirt cheap. They're like 99 cents and sometimes I think they even give them away. But um durable, great for the job. Just something to think about on folks.

I'm doing it. We're doing it. All right. Thank you. Oh.

And last but not least, we have a resolution CM-25-67 Law Director Brush. It's a resolution to purchase a new 2026 police vehicle for use in patrol duties. [clears throat] Whereas the municipality sees a need for a new police vehicle to replace an aging vehicle in the police division fleet. And whereas in preparation for the 2026 budget meeting, the police staff have learned the year-end close of ordering 2026 police cars from the Ford Motor Company will end prior to the budget approval for the 2026 budget year. And whereas the police chief is requesting budgeting in the 2026 budget cycle allowing authorization to purchase a new Ford Police Interceptor hybrid for gas conservation and go green. And whereas the chief of police is requesting that the council wave the formal bidding process for this purchase by an affirmative vote of five council members pursuant [clears throat] to section 33.18a9 of the West Milton codified ordinances based on Montrose Ford beating the beat the state bid pricing by under $1. And whereas the actual payment of the new police vehicle will not be expended until the passing of the 2026 budget and expenditure authorization to begin in January 2026 or later. Now therefore, be it resolved by the council of the municipality of West Milton, Ohio. The section one, the council authorizes the purchase of a 2026 Ford interceptor hybrid police package in the amount of $43,555

and 15. 15 cents from Montress Ford located at 3960 Medina Road at Akran, Ohio 44333 and to execute all documents and agreements necessary to complete the transaction of this purchase. Section two, the council hereby authorizes the chief of police to execute all the proper documents. Section three, this resolution shall take effect and be enforced from and after its passage.

All right, thank you. Any questions uh for Chief about our new vehicle? This is this is the thing we've done the last couple years only because Ford closes out early for ordering cars for the next year. Uh the crazy thing is is this is about 4,000 cheaper than we paid last year on state bid because they have now made the hybrids the same price as the regular gas. So uh they went down in price, believe it or not. And uh the state bid was a dollar more through statewide Ford and Van Wart. And we have bought the cars the last few years on a state bid through Montrose Ford. Montro Ford does such a large production that they would end up uh cutting it by $1 to beat the bid so that they would be able to uh still have our business.

So this would be our second hybrid. Third. Third. So just out of curiosity how hybrids work, how how are they doing on saving the village on runtime that the motors running and the Abs they have saved us in the fuel for sure. Uh on an average weekend the officers would have to fuel up each day and they're only having to fuel once over the weekend when they work three days in a cycle. So, uh, the cars are not using near the fuel they were using before cuz I I'm going to guess a lot of time is spent with just the engine idling [clears throat] normally, right? That's

Yeah, they they would start them at the beginning of the shift and let them run through the whole shift because all the computer equipment, everything that's inside and we can still leave all that on and the car only starts up and runs when the batteries start getting low to recharge. Once they're recharged, the car shuts back off. And these aren't plug-in hybrids either. These are not these are these are hybrids that run off themselves. So if something were to happen to the battery, you would still be able to drive them. [clears throat] And Chief, how are things working maintenance-wise? Uh

we've had we've had no issues out of them. Uh actually, one of our older cars had to have the motor rebuilt, but it was still under warranty, and we did that uh about 2 months ago. Uh it has 90ome,000 miles on it. It's the one that's um given us a lot of issues since we've actually owned it. Um but they just rebuilt the motor on it a couple months ago. Okay. [snorts] Mr. Ros, do we need to um strike out that 75 at the end and amend that at all or? You would just pass it as read. Okay. As red. And I've marked it out on the document. So Okay. Sounds a typo on my part. I apologize. No, it's all right.

All right. Do we have a motion for resolution CM-25-67? I'll make a motion to approve CM25-67 as read. Second. Roll call, please. Mr. Dorman, yes. Mr. Todd, yes. Miss Gregory, yes. Mr. Fogle? Yes. Mr. S? [clears throat] Yes. Mayor Mats? Yes. [snorts] All right. Next, we have the manager's report. Mr. Manager,

thank you, mayor. I was notified by the Stillwater Crossings developers that they've identified a vendor for the convenience store on the south side. I'm hoping to get a meeting set next week to get more detail on the proposal. Uh the other item I was contacted by an attorney about a class action suit dealing with PAS and I was actually contacted by the uh engineer in Plymouth. U and we're on a list from the state even though we buy water from Plymouth because Plymouth is on the list. We're also eligible. Uh the attorney offered to meet with us at the workshop virtually and explain there's no cost as I understand it. they would pay for all the testing and it goes for several years. So, we don't believe we've ever had any PIOS in our system, but should we identify any, we would be eligible for some compensation. So, with the council's pleasure, I'll set it up so he can discuss it with you virtually at the workshop. You can ask any questions and decide if it's something you want to pursue.

Can you repeat what that is again? What [laughter] is POS? Pifos. It is a u it's it's a chemical that's used in a lot you say f pas p f a s pas okay pf a s uh it's used in airplane deicing but a lot of industrial uses and it's now I think linked as one of those for forever chemicals uh and so it does work its way into the uh the water system because we get our water through Troy Is that something that they are also

they've they've signed on to it. My understanding is no one has identified it in their system yet. Uh but that it can leech into the system over time and so you sign up. So if in the future you do have an issue, you might be eligible for some compensation. Is the county also doing that? I believe the county was contacted. I don't know if they've made a decision to participate or not yet. So I if if the community that we purchase our water from is involved in it, I guess what would be the benefit? Well, I guess that's what their lawyers are going to present to us. Correct. Okay. I'm asking questions ahead of time and to the wrong. It's all right.

Yeah. If we do that at the beginning of the workshop, I will set it up for the workshop. Yeah. All right. Thank you. Um those are the only updates I have. be happy to answer any questions. Questions? Uh any updates on the the as we head into these shorter days, any updates on the uh um lighting out at the development? Yeah, it was in my report. I believe according to Miami Valley Lighting, the project is complete and they're simply waiting on AES to install a meter. So, it'll be a flip of a switch. And

it's my understanding he Miami Valley Lighting made it clear they have no control how quickly AES will come out to install the meters. So it may be a couple of days. It may be longer than that. But uh so all the kids at home will be negotiating for later play times with uh perhaps. All right. I drove out there today uh before the meeting and the lights look great. Um they're fabulous out there. Look very good. uh any updates with the uh with the north side? Um I know that the there was, you know, the last bit of legislation uh was was passed a few months ago. Any updates on uh where things stand with that?

I meet regularly with the financial team. As I understand it, it takes several weeks, if not months, to work through the bond issues and and implementing the legislation to free up the dollars for them to move forward. Okay. I thought they had uh somebody under contract for this past April for moving. Yeah, Milcon. Yeah, I I believe they had selected a contractor, but they obviously need to be able to pay them. So, I'm not sure when they'll actually start. They're obviously the the developer is wanting to start as soon as possible.

Thank you. Uh Manager Sheran, did you want to go over old business? Sure. I was asked to uh put these on the agenda. Uh I had gotten some feedback on the sidewalk program that it might make sense based on the small number of applicants that we received this fall to push it to next spring and put those on the beginning of the list for whoever we identify next spring to move forward. How many applicants have we believe we see? Four. Four. All right. Can you send us those? Sure. And then we can contact them and let them know our place. I'd be happy to contact them if that's in fact what the council wants to do, but I'll be happy to send you what I got. Okay. Do you want me to move forward with contacting or wait?

Um I think send us maybe send them to you. Okay, we'll do who was interested or the just the locations and then we can Sure, we'll do that. Yeah. Okay. Next.

Next was the uh Premier Health Grant. Um, I'm not sure. I I I [clears throat] guess the next step is to begin to put together exactly what we want in our multi-purpose building. So, the grant from Premier Health was offering money for us to put a pavilion in the park. They are stage, shelter, etc. But they also had said if we had a scope of the project costing more, they'd be willing to contribute. So from my understanding, do we have to have before we say yes, we want your money or no, we don't want your money, we have to give them a new scope of the project.

No, I don't believe so. I think we can we can move forward with the initial 200,000 and as the project is developed now. Also, we're waiting to hear on the community development block grant application. There were four projects in that application. one of the four was 150,000 towards the pavilion in the park. Uh I we should hear from that any day now. So once we have those numbers, we can begin putting it together. And if in fact once it's designed and we come up with a final product, I think we would go back to Premier Health and explain to them the increase in the budget and they seemed very willing to consider increasing their donation. But at this point in time, they do know that we want to move forward and we're moving in that direction. Is that

we've certainly given them no indication we don't. Okay. Okay. Are we going to do this as a design build? Like how like I I'm curious first of all, are we going to have to get like choice one engineering and studies done on this?

I don't know about studies, but design. I I would expect to get an architect. I I know I mentioned it to uh Calabo when I was talking about the the recent draft of the comp plan. They'd be interested in assisting us if you're interested in involving them. But I would think you want an architect to design and come up with put your heads together and decide all the different things you want in the building to do and then have a design of what that looks like and then a budget. So I would welcome input from all of you about things you think would be important to have. I think initially we looked at it being maybe a nine-month a year building. Now I think it can be a year- round building. Water, restrooms, heat and and be used year round if if you wish. It's really up to you to decide what you want in the structure. So my question I guess about this building is if we've got like some grant money like what the function of this building is like what the who who's going to manage the events at this building. Um can we reach out to local contractors? I know we have Bruns Construction Level MB are just two of them. local contractors that will do design build to talk to them to get their input.

Well, even before we do a design build, you'd have to have a better idea of exactly you want the building to continue. I I I think there's an opportunity for homework for everyone in the community there that's been to another community or park somewhere

where they've had facilities that you've seen something that's interesting that you think, "Oh my god, I wish we had that in our beautiful park by the river there." So, anybody that has anything like that out there that you've seen something in another community or heck for that matter in a movie, um you know, re reach out and uh let us know what that is. And for for everybody out there that just spends time in our park and thinks, you know, what would look cool over there is this, you know, think about what would uh accentuate and um be more inviting to people in our community to uh enjoy that wonderful park we have and uh be there for the events that we do hold and even think about the events we're not holding or not doing because we don't have the facilities and things to do there. you know, uh, community events, theater things in the park. Um, you know, I mean, the Rock the Hill is awesome. Imagine if we had a permanent stage for, uh, other venues like that. Um, I've often said if we're going to rock the hill, we should praise the hill, too. I think it'd be awesome to have, uh, you know, even place for, uh, local churches to hold uh, uh, events down in the park, you know. Um but just everybody out there try to wrap your head around all the different things and ideas and and um you know uh literally be part of the project.

Another possibility as you may recall when we did the retaining wall we looked at terracing the hill right and the cost on that side only not the side. There will be no touching the sledding side as long as I am on Carol [clears throat] of broken arms. Yes. Only in conjunction with this new facility and that might be an option to consider again if we can increase the budget actually terrace it so it makes it much more functional for a performance. So like what numbers are we talking about when we say increasing the budget? whatever you think you come with the design first and then from that you come up with a budget

and and the idea of terracing it's hard to imagine just from hearing this at home but the the stairs that we have into the park leading from the village are are steep and not easy to manage. And uh the idea would be to have what we call switchbacks where you got a gentle slope going down and you know you zigzag your way down the hill at a much more gentle slope than what it is now. And that would be to the if you're facing east to the right hand side of the steps, right Jeff? Yes.

Um so just I don't know. It would be great if we had would do a computer rendition and pop something out there. But I just I think it's one of the coolest ideas and it would just make our our park more accessible um than it is now from from the quote I got on that was uh that was adding a couple culdeacs with benches and stuff. Right. Right. And and meeting that grade we were over 200 just for that. Yeah. Yeah. M when is the new bathroom coming? Uh it was scheduled for uh early 20 uh early 26.

Okay. I know. Now I wonder, you know, with all these thoughts of different changes or placement. Is there any way to hold off on? That's actually a grant project. So, it's got to be done in a certain time frame and we're at the we're going to be at the outer end of the time frame. Um, we'll probably have to get an extension to for the completion of it as it is. It's a custom building. Okay. Not that we don't want it, but maybe just like the location or, you know,

built. quite I I think the location some of the future possibilities with the park was taken into consideration back when we originally placed planned where would we put this right um so well I'm thinking too like if we build this pavilion do we have to put bathrooms in it because that's like does it need to have water cuz that's just an additional cost if we've got a brand new bathroom facility that's going to be the same age basically as this pavilion would it make sense to have a bathroom here and a bathroom like that to me just

because that restroom is for the park like the main visitors that we're getting right now. So if you put a pavilion of some kind and you're going to need more facilities, you know, for that. So yeah, but would we I mean could we just bring in portaotties? Well, you can. I'm just saying

I'm just trying to think like where's the Okay, where's the money coming from to build this? Like I'm on budget committee and it's like we have a lot of expenses going out which is I mean we are I'm all about this project. I love it. I think it's awesome. I talked to a lot of people outside of West Milton about it. I've talked to builders about it, different ideas and I just am curious like is it necessary or if we have events where there's going to be 3,000 people. I I I would say you you're you're not putting in first class restroom facilities until you've got I mean you you build what you're going to build for the purpose. I don't think you can foresee the volume of people needing all those kind of extra things. I would think if

you know you would bring in the extra facilities the way we do now is a pavilion. It was like a mixeduse pavilion and the only reason we would even we were even talking about the increase in pricing was because of the block grant which hopefully we'll know soon. And then Premier getting on board saying they would put some money in. I mean, at the end of the day, the project's controlled by what money we do or don't get, right? And then we know that's why it's impossible to set an amount or set a plan in place yet because like I said, some sidewalks going down, we're like 200,000, you know, so we won't know until we know

what funds are coming, I guess.

Well, and not beyond what funds, but what we're doing. I think it would be helpful to talk to maybe Calabo and like a design like a local design build firm. I know we have them. Like I can send you contact information of a couple different ones. Um I just feel like if we keep it local, it's going to be good. And plus, if we can keep our money that's Miami County money inside Miami County, it's a benefit to the county. Um that's kind of my thought process. Like if we like we've got level I'm I'm just thinking of two and if I'm missing you I don't know these are just the signs I see the most level MB and bronze if we can talk to them individually and say hey this is what we're looking at can we talk about like some different ideas what you've experienced what you've done um I think that might be beneficial also cuz I don't know what the answer is I love the idea like I I've been doing Rock the Hill for a couple years so I know what goes into it and know how beneficial just having a stage with electric there would be amazing. Um, and it's just how like I think getting community input especially of like the people that are involved in the events and even if we go to other communities that do the events and ask those people like what do you like, what don't you like? I know PWA has lock 9 park and they have someone on staff who manages those events and then Covington has a new facility. Um just talking to them about what's working, what's not, getting some feedback and getting like some design build ideas as well with some local builders that know that know Miami County would be awesome.

I'll have to send you all a picture. This weekend I went to the Ohio State Buckeyes game against Purdue. We're not building a horseshoe. No, this [laughter] they Purdue had a Wait a minute. You may get more support for that than than anything [laughter] we've ever done. It's just the tax dollars. Yeah. Purdue had a really cool pavilion that was on top of a hill uh where they uh have a pep rally before the game with the band and it was one awesome really cool put together structure.

Send a picture. Yeah. So, I'll have to send you a picture of that. Uh, it was in a park uh area. It was all everybody was up on the hill just like we have here at Milton looking down on it. It was really really well put together. Now, it was it was pretty large, so we would probably have to scale it back, but I'll send you all pictures of it uh through email so you can at least take a look at it. But it it it's a really neat structure and you can see it from way out so you know that that's where you're going uh for pregame uh type of stuff. So it was it was cool.

And then I've mentioned too if anyone's been to Fort Lur's um public park or community park, they have a really cool event room. Uh I went to a wedding reception right in the park next to the playground. Um, but it had a fireplace, an indoor room, tables and chairs, and they had a little reception and then restrooms, but the restrooms could be accessed from the outdoor or the inside, so locked either way. But it's a really nice just community room, dead center in the park. Baseball fields are over here and playground over here. Um, but it was a neat something I'd never seen. So, homework is brainstorming community. We want the ideas. Send them to us. And so then Jeeoff, do you have to tell Premier anything?

Not at this point. Okay. All right. Um, next in your old business, the 571 crosswalk grant. Mr. Herren, would you want to give an update, please?

Yeah, I think I I tried to get that out to council. Um, because I know Manager Sheridan and Council Member Gregory were in the what I would call the kickoff meeting. So, choice one is on board. Um, we scored I had um Jill Doyle and um Megan Hall um score our consultants and choice one is our chosen consultant. Uh we had our first meeting which is basically just choice one knowing what the expectations are from ODOT and ourselves and then getting us together basically pricing um pricing information on the design and then all of the um all the design stuff will be coming later. Um it's ODOT things have to be done in a set schedule. Um, so but as I said in the memo, um, to you guys, I will get you anytime I get updates and information, I'll get it to you guys specifically when we start to get the actual pricing data in on how, you know, on what the phases will be and that kind of thing. So, I have one question because I was thinking about this when we were driving up there around the university approaching a lot of crosswalks close to the uh to the university. They have a lot of the rumble strips approaching it and of course um you know out there the speed limit I'm if I'm not mistaken I think it's 55. U will that be adjusted? Will there be something like that approaching that area? Is that something that would be in the design specs?

It's very possible. Luckily, since ODOT is actually in the grant, too, you know, that could be a recommendation. Um, so it'll definitely, you know, when you're you're talking about the cross out there. I know it's 50 going out or I mean, it's 50 coming in and Yeah, 50 coming in. But, um, that's still really fast for people crossing. So we have hopes that the speed will be also looked at during this during this whole cycle I guess looking at that. Yeah. Okay. Thanks. Couldn't we ask for that to be looked at separately so it could even be done before that?

I mean we have and we've asked a few times. They turned us down. It's just about driveways and intersections and you know ODOT. Have we asked since the whole thing of busing has changed? We haven't talked to them since then mainly because right they're aware of it though because they came to us because they also got complaints at the same time we got complaints. So, could we make that ask again while this is two two different things, two different asks,

but ask that that that be on its own merit uh as a as a more immediate safety measure. The cost of signage and us throwing up some stuff could, you know, um they would actually come change it if they decide to. whoever, however, that's got to be pennies on the dollar and and and more of an immediate uh it's also learning time for everybody that travels that before it would change. And um I don't know, I just think it's worth the ask. You know, was it the old saying, close mouth, don't get fed.

Ben has a very good relationship with um the project manager that we've been working with. Her name is Mary Hoy. Uh she's been matter of fact she held a meeting last week that we attended along with Mr. Sheridan about all the projects going on in Miami County. There was all the other police chiefs there and uh uh many agencies and public works from all the cities. So we we have a very good relationship with her. Uh Ben's been in contact with her and she's the one that helped to get the grant started. Actually, maybe we count uh all the uh homes out there at uh the park. Uh add up all their since they all come through a common driveway.

There's 19. [laughter] There's 19 units there. You know, numbers how they're presented, you know, whatever helps us. Yeah, we can definitely All we can do is that. I I I appreciate the gracious way that I know you all would do that. Yeah. Um All right. Next we have rebranding. Jeeoff and I um and Jeremy briefly discussed this the other day. Something that we just didn't want falling by the wayside, but wanted to kind of bring up again. Um see people's thoughts.

Yeah, as you may recall, Calabo suggested that as a part of the comprehensive plan process and I I think initially there was not interest and then just the question is has that changed? Uh we're going to be coming up uh in December with the final proposed draft of the comp plan and if rebranding is something the council might be interested in it may warrant an initial conversation. I don't think from my understanding it was not that council was not interested. I just feel it kind of fell to the side with all the other things that were happening. Um could be I I agree with that. I think we talked about it. I when I was on planning board or I think planning board Mhm.

we talked about it and there was a presentation but it was like $80,000. I don't recall a price. It was really high. Okay. I I mean local people in Miami County branding. I know we have people that do this locally. Um I I don't know if like Koalas if that's something they do. Um, I love the idea of rebranding. I think with the downtown strategies and, you know, moving forward with kind of the revitalization, it would all come together. Yeah. Let me know how you want to proceed.

Yeah. I feel like it was really high and it was somebody out of town, out of state, and it was like that was one of the reasons from the planning board perspective, we were like, this is silly. I think it'd be cool if we like got again like the design build some ideas from local local people. If we can keep our money in Miami County, it's going to be beneficial. So, I think the idea of planning it is one thing. The um I think the implementation should probably coincide with the next time we paint the dag on water towers. [laughter] Yeah, because we just put the old brand smack dab. That'll be starting in 27 if you So I know there's a I know I know there's a time frame on that.

27 and 28. Okay. So So we sometimes we move slow with um finalizing a decision. So there's your drop dead date if you're going to do it is uh coinciding with the next time we paint the the the our biggest brand out there, our water towers. Our signs downtown which are considered custom. our downtown street name signs. They're reaching their life expectancy. So, I mean, it could take a year to to like find Can we do would we do like an RFP or not RFP, an RFQ for you? Can branding companies?

Sure. Well, can can we lean in on planning board being more of an active role in in um in literally doing some homework and uh coming up with some ideas and sure maybe work some stuff in house. Yeah. Um sure. And plan is still that we all are going to the December planning board meeting to see the comp plan, right? Yeah. So maybe that's something we could Can we put that on the agenda for the planning board and then I know like Ken Thompson would probably be interested in participating in that and or other graphic designers in the village. Huh? Yeah, sure. I think that's awesome. Like [clears throat] I think that

he's awesome. You want that on the agenda for the joint meeting? Yes, absolutely. We'll put it on there. I am I am pro and I think that makes s like the timing makes sense with retail strategies and all the other stuff that we've all the things that we've got going on. I think it makes sense and I'm shop local. We can't put Tim waving on the water tower. [laughter] Do what? We wanted to put Tim waving water tower. Can we do that? I mean if we can't you know what I think we can I bet you we can do it with a laser. We can make a a stick on like mural. That would be awesome. [laughter] I think just the laser that beams it up there on special occasions. Y'all come back. Maybe we got to have you up there, too.

No, I don't want to be on a water. [laughter] Not Not till he's retired. Never going to happen, right? That would be cool. All right. Uh, so yeah, if planning board, we can discuss that. Put it on the agenda. Um, next we have a code enforcement update.

Chief, can you give us a brief update on the code enforcement? So, uh, the last couple weeks, obviously due to some incidents that occurred here in the parking lot, we not had an opportunity to spend much time on code enforcement. Prior to that, we had met with Miss Ross, uh, and with, uh, Mr. Sheridan. There's a couple properties in town that we're looking at. Uh, she was going to do some research and we I have not gotten back with her. It's partially my fault. uh do some research on some potential uh properties that are in uh tax has tax back taxes owed on them and see how soon the county was going to potentially auction those off because there is back taxes. Uh the other property is uh property that is actually um under a u order from the health department that uh can't be lived in or worked in uh beyond certain hours. I've got to get down to actually do a visit for that place to see if there's been any updates since we were there the last time. So that's what we're that's what we're doing now. the other property that we had an issue with downtown, a letter has been sent to them and uh I think a second letter was either going out yesterday or tomorrow uh in regards to the not no response from that last letter.

Okay. I mean the downtown is looking great. I think all the property owners that have done updates and painted it and it looks amazing. We have more benches coming for the downtown. Mhm. Yeah. I think your efforts and everyone else's have made a huge difference. Appreciate that. Yeah. Thank you. Very good. All right. Next. Uh any questions so far? All right. Any old any old old business? New business. New business. But no other old business. All right. Any new business?

All right. Any comments tonight from our citizens? All right. Is there any motion? Do we have to read that? Does anyone have it?

Are there any motions to go into an or just have it. Oh, yeah, that's a good idea.

Didn't bring my reading glasses here. The first line of a uh uh M Miss Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to enter an executive session. Um and then to consider the employment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, compensation of a public employee or official or the investigation of charges or complaints against a public employee, official, lency, or regulated individual unless the public employee, official lency or regulated individual. No, just that. Okay. Apparently that's good enough. Apparently the first sentence covers that. Are there any second? Second for a roll call, please. Mr. Dorman,

yes. Mr. Todd, yes. Miss Gregory, yes. Mr. Fogle, yes. Mr. Siders, yes. Mayor Max, yes. All right. Thank you all for coming. There won't be any further business after the executive session.