| January 3, 2005 MINUTES OF COUNCIL A regular session of Troy City Council was held Monday, January 3, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Members Present: Baker, Clark, Douglas, Mercer, Saxton and Wise. Upon motion of Mr. Mercer, seconded by Mrs. Saxton, Mr. Hutchinson was excused from this meeting by unanimous roll call vote. Presiding Officer: William F. Lohrer, President of Council Others Present: Michael L. Beamish, Mayor W. McGregor Dixon, Jr., Director of Law Richard L. Cultice, Auditor David E. Anderson, Director of Public Service and Safety INVOCATION was given by Rev. Dr. James Wilson of the First United Methodist Church. MINUTES: The Clerk gave a summary of the December 20, 2004 meeting of Council. There were no corrections or additions. Upon motion of Mrs. Baker, seconded by Mr. Clark, these minutes were approved by unanimous roll call vote. COMMITTEE REPORTS: None RESOLUTIONS: None ORDINANCES: None COMMENTS BY MAYOR: The Mayor noted that the first “First Night” event – a community New Year’s celebration that was alcohol free -- was well attended. The Mayor submitted his annual report (original attached to original minutes). He further commented that the flags are at half mast following the Presidential order in memory of the victims of the Christmas Day Tsunami in the Indian Ocean area. COMMENTS BY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND SAFETY: Mr. Anderson advised that the Concord Twp. Trustees have agreed to donate $3,000 toward the July 4 fireworks. Mr. Anderson asked Public Works Director Steve Leffel to discuss the response required for the “record” 22” snowfall of December 22-23. Mr. Leffel noted that the Sheriff declared a Level 3 (essential travel only); there were some complaints that the postal boxes could not be reached due to plowing but the Post Office did not even attempt to deliver mail for three days; the City attempted to pick up refuse although some was delayed. Mrs. Baker asked for Mr. Leffel to discuss alleys as that may be the only access a citizen may have to a vehicle. Mr. Leffel stated the procedure is to stabilize main thoroughfares handling the greatest amount of traffic, then secondary routes, followed by residential/side streets, and, lastly, alleys. Mrs. Saxton commented that she had calls erroneously assuming that members of Council received preferential treatment. Mr. Douglas commented that with the magnitude of the snow he feels the City did an excellent job. Mr. Clark stated he feels all employees worked extra hard for the citizens, and people do not realize that there was just so much snow there was no place to put it. Mr. Anderson noted that many employees lost a lot of family time over the holidays to handle the snow. COMMENTS OF DIRECTOR OF LAW: Mr. Dixon presented his annual report (original attached to original minutes). COMMENTS OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Regarding events at the Martin Luther King Holiday, Mr. Lohrer noted there will be a concert on Jan. 14 at 7 pm at Troy High School; a ceremony at the First United Methodist Church on Jan. 16, and a parade on Jan. 17 at 10 am to St Johns United Church of Christ, where a service will follow. COMMENTS OF COUNCIL: Mr. Clark noted that the Mayor has asked Council approval of the appointment of Theodore Ristoff to the Miami County Board of Health to fill an unexpired term to 3/31/07 due to the resignation of Frank Bazler. Upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Mrs. Saxton, the appointment of Mr. Ristoff was approved by unanimous roll call vote. COMMENTS OF STAFF: Mr. Leffel noted that citizens may request additional recycling bins at any time. January 3, 2005 Page Two AUDIENCE COMMENTS: -Mike Burkholder, 465 W. Staunton Road, mentioned that former THSHSHS HS football player Bob Ferguson passed away recently. -Lester Conard, 1210 S. Clay Street, asked that consideration be given to cleaning driveway entrances after a plow may shut it as part of street opening/clearing efforts. Mr. Anderson commented that this would delay service to the public and that driveways being plowed shut is an issue faced by citizens in every community that deals with snow. Mr. Conard then suggested there be a voucher program for those that cannot afford to hire a contractor to help move snow. -Patrick Borgerding, 401 W. Ross, thanked the Mayor for taking his call as he lives on a street that is never plowed, and he asked how that will be handled. Jerry Mullins, Foreman, Street Department, stated he has discussed this with Mr. Borgerding and has said the best way to usually handle this is to push snow back to dead end. With this snow, the choice was to plow around the corner or plow five cars in, and if cars had not been there it would have been easier. Mr. Mullins stated that when it was possible to get to it, they went back with trucks and backhoes to clear the snow. Mr. Borgerding questioned why the City was not more prepared and how prepared it is for the next snow with staff and equipment. Mr. Leffel said there is no way to prepare for or staff/purchase equipment in case of such a record-breaking snow. There being no further business, Council adjourned at 7:45 p.m. ______________/s/__________________ _________________/s/___________________ President of Council Clerk of Council |