WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011

REGULAR MEETING

7:00 P.M.

1. ROLL CALL. Mr. Sauer called the meeting to order at 7:09 P.M., with roll call as follows: Mr. Blair, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Barletta, Mr. Fix, Mr. Sauer, and Mr. Wisniewski were present. Mrs. Sanders were absent. Others present were Bill Vance, Lynda Yartin, Chris Schornack, Ed Drobina, Greg Bachman, Dan Heitmeyer, Bertie Heitmeyer, Helen Mayle, Peggy Portier, Lori Dunlap, Jayme Gates, Sandi Miello, and others.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF March 2, 2011, Regular Meeting. Mr. Fix moved to approve; Mr. Blair seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski abstaining, and Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Fix, Mr. Blair, Mr. Barletta, and Mr. Sauer voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 5-0.

Mr. Sauer stated two representatives from the LEADS class were present and would like to address Finance Committee this evening. He stated if there were no objections, he would ask them to do so at this time.

Lori Dunlap and Jayme Gates stated they were with the 2011 LEADS class. Ms Dunlap stated each year the Chamber of Commerce sponsors a Leadership Education and Development Seminar, also known as LEADS. She stated this year they decided to take on a project that was relevant and of utmost importance to our community. She stated there is a possible drop in athletic participation in our high schools because of the proposed pay to play fees of $500 per student per event for high school and $325 per student for junior high. She stated the LEADS class decided they would like to help defer or even eliminate the cost for students affected by these fees by hosting a fund raiser, the Play-A-Palooza. She stated the event itself will be a fun day for all ages and all skill levels for a modest admission fee. She stated the primary funding for this will come through corporate sponsorship. Ms Gates stated she had provided information that outlines the event, the activities that will happen throughout the day, and also outlines the financial opportunities for sponsorship for the community’s local businesses and also the corporate sponsorship level. Ms Gates stated their goals were extremely high for this event, they would like to raise anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 throughout this event. She stated while she knew this sounded lofty, but they felt if they had the support of the entire community it would present a united front. Ms Gates stated they were asking for the City’s support and it was their intention to utilize the logo for the City of Pickerington in the informational packets they would be giving out and they would like to ask Council’s help in promoting this event within the community and with different contributors and businesses. Ms Gates stated they would like to partner with the City Manager and the police department to ensure a safe event and they were asking for some police officers to help on the day of the event which is May 22, 2011, at Pickerington North High School. Ms Gates stated they are open to suggestions and advice, and tonight they were asking for Council’s backing, financial support, and for the police officers to help on the day to ensure safety. Mr. Sauer clarified that on May 22^nd they were asking for police support and the City’s financial support as well. Ms Gates stated that was correct, they would like any financial support the City could provide and definitely the in-kind support of the police officers. Ms Gates stated this event includes the music department as well as the art department. Mr. Vance stated the City does not have any monies budgeted for such a purpose, but that would be at the pleasure of the Finance Committee. He stated as far as using the logo, if the Committee has no problem with that it would just indicate the City’s support for the effort. He stated with regard to the police support on the day of the event obviously there would be a lot of money changing hands and he felt the City Manager and Police Chief could work with the Sheriff’s Department to make sure that money is safe.

Mr. Fix stated he commended LEADS for taking this on and he applauded the effort for a good cause. Mr. Fix moved to support the Play-A-Palooza LEADS program and offer the use of the City of Pickerington logo; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sauer, Mr. Fix, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Barletta, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mr. Blair voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 6-0. Mr. Sauer clarified the police department could be utilized and they would work with the City Manager on that.

3. FINANCE DEPARTMENT.

A. Finance Director’s Report. Mr. Schornack stated he had provided a written report and he would like to add that through March we are up 4.2 percent in income tax which is a positive sign for this year. He stated as we move closer to April 18^th collections are picking up.

Mr. Fix clarified that with regard to the performance audit they are currently collecting peer data from various cities as well as our operations, and their goal is to have something by the end of June.

B. Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance amending the 2011 appropriation, Ordinance 2010-91. Mr. Schornack stated the Committee had received a draft appropriation ordinance and reviewed all of the appropriation requests. Mr. Fix moved to approve and forward to Council; Mrs. Hammond seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sauer, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Wisniewski, Mr. Blair, Mr. Fix, and Mr. Barletta voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 6-0.

4. CHAIRMAN:

A. 2012 Budget Issues/Concerns.

(1) Blue Ribbon Panel – Update. Mr. Sauer stated this item is on hold pending discussion at the Council retreat later this month.

(2) Revenue Enhancement Timeline - Update. Mr. Sauer stated it did not appear that there would be any changes to the timeline at this time.

B. Discussion regarding water/sewer rates in the City. Mr. Schornack stated he had provided a five-year forecast and rate analysis for water and sewer. He stated this is a forecast for our water and sewer rates going forward with the current rates we have in place. He stated he had taken into account the three different funds that comprise each type of utility; the capital fund, the operating fund, and the debt service fund. He stated we combined these three funds together, projected any future debt based on the Capital Improvement Plan over the next five years, integrated those improvements into this plan, and the showed the rates going forward and the balances as well as a water and sewer rate comparison between us and other peer cities. Mr. Schornack stated the conclusion was that on the sewer rates we were a little out of line with other entities at this time and with the 19 percent increase we had go into effect in 2011 we projected that at the end of 2015, a $5.47 million ending fund balance. Mr. Schornack stated with that he is recommending that we rescind those rates for this year for the sewer. He stated if we were to rescind those rates we would end 2015, with a $2.1 million balance which he felt was a more comfortable balance and that is about 30 percent of the total budget for that fund. Mr. Schornack stated in analyzing the water rates, they were not out of line with other entities and were actually below the average and therefore he was not recommending they be reduced at this time. Mr. Wisniewski inquired if any other figures besides rolling back to see if it could be decreased any further and Mr. Schornack stated by reducing it further it would reduce our fund balance exponentially and, therefore, he was trying to keep it at about a $2 million balance. Mr. Wisniewski clarified that leaving our water rate where it is right now, we would end with a $2.3 million balance in the Water Fund. He stated if we reduced that to 2010 levels it would end at about $1 million. Mr. Schornack stated further this took into consideration the three percent annual increase that is built into the ordinance for each of those funds. Mr. Schornack stated we could obviously analyze that at the end of each year to determine whether or not we need to reduce it at that time. Mr. Schornack stated if everyone is in favor of reducing the sewer rates, if we could move it forward as a consent agenda item the rates could go into effect for April and be on the May first billing. Mr. Wisniewski inquired if this could be included on the consent agenda and Mr. Schornack stated the law director had recommended this not be done by emergency and in order for it to be effective for the next billing period the consent agenda was the quickest method. Mr. Sauer stated he did not see a drawback to making it a consent agenda item. Mr. Schornack stated he did not have a problem with it going into effect in June, he was just thinking it would be effective earlier if it were on the consent agenda. Mr. Fix stated he did not foresee a referendum, but he would rather let the citizens have the 30 days to have their say rather than put it on the consent agenda. Mr. Sauer stated he did not like charging people the higher rate for another month when we already know the rates are too high. Mr. Fix stated he understood that and Mr. Sauer could recommend a refund. Mr. Sauer stated the $25,000 limit on the consent agenda was for expenditure, and we were not really expending funds. He stated if the law director is comfortable with this being placed on the consent agenda, he did not see a problem with it. Mr. Blair stated he was also comfortable with placing this item on the consent agenda because it was saving money for the taxpayers. Mr. Fix clarified the savings per household would be about $20.00 or less per month. Mr. Sauer moved to approve and forward to Council and if the law director deems it acceptable that it be placed on the consent agenda; Mr. Blair seconded the motion. Mr. Sauer stated further this could be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any council member or individual at council. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Fix, Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mr. Sauer voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 6-0.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

A. OPVBA Update. Mr. Vance stated Ms Sandy Miello who is President of the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association is present this evening to address the Committee. Ms Miello stated she just wanted to give the Committee an accounting of the money they had provided to the OPVBA this year. She stated they have used some of the funds to ramp up their events, and they have been more aggressive in the advertising of their events and things going on in the downtown. Ms Miello stated in her opinion the proposed matching funds will help the businesses in the downtown invest in themselves and sends a message to the businesses that the City is supporting the economic development in the village. She stated in years past there has been an apathy in the old village and in the last few months she has seen so much excitement in the area. Ms Miello stated they have 42 members in the OPVBA and that is up 16 from last year. Ms Miello also stated they have formed three committees, a marketing committee, an economic development committee, and an outreach committee and they are working aggressively to enhance the downtown area. She stated they have identified 86 businesses in the downtown area and they have 54 property owners and they are willing to improve their properties and help the community.

B. Review and discussion regarding matching grant program for the Olde Downtown area. Mr. Vance stated the City is proposing to invest significant sums of money in the form of a match for the rejuvenation of the 256 commercial corridor in relation to the grant the City Engineer will be submitting in the fall. He stated in that spirit that he was proposing to coordinate an investment into the City’s old village. He stated he would proposed the $13,000 Volunteer Energy natural gas abatement donation to the City be made available as matching grant funds dedicated to exterior business improvements involving the old village commercial properties. He stated the Committee had received a draft application form for the program provided it receives the support of the Finance Committee and Council. Mr. Vance stated the funds would be in amounts not to exceed $1,000. Mr. Vance stated this seems to be a good public/private partnership using funds made available to the City by Volunteer Energy. Mr. Blair clarified that only commercial properties would be eligible for these funds and the monies would be distributed upon the applicant providing receipts and the City verifying the improvements have been completed. Mr. Fix inquired if property owners in the old village have expressed an interest in this and Ms Miello stated members of the OPVBA have expressed an interest and there is a lot of excitement about it. Mr. Wisniewski clarified the applications would be dealt with on a first come/first serve basis. Mr. Vance stated if the applications are successfully completed and they abide by the requirements associated with the opportunity, then we would fund up to $13,000. Mr. Fix verified that we have not had any other requests for the use of these funds. Mr. Barletta clarified that the proposal would cover both sides of Hill Road as you come into the old village and that the boundaries would be clearly delineated. Mr. Sauer stated he felt it was a great idea and he would just suggest the law director review the application as well.

Mrs. Yartin stated she would just like to remind everyone their Financial Disclosure forms should be mailed by April 15^th, and the Council Retreat is scheduled for April 23^rd, at 8:00 A.M. at the Police Department.

Mr. Fix questioned if it would be wise to take $1,000 of the funds received from Volunteer Energy and apply it toward the Play-A-Palooza event that was presented earlier in the meeting and use the remaining $12,000 for the matching funds. Mr. Blair stated he liked that idea and Mr. Barletta stated he also liked that idea. Mr. Wisniewski stated he felt that would be in the spirit of what Volunteer Energy was giving it back for and he would like the majority of the funds to go to the OPVBA, but he also felt sports are an important part of our community. Mr. Schornack inquired if they would like to amend the appropriation ordinance approved earlier to reflect $1,000 for the Play-A-Palooza program and $12,000 for the downtown matching funds. Mr. Fix moved to amend the appropriation to reflect that; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Barletta, Mr. Wisniewski, Mr. Fix, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Sauer, and Mr. Blair voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 6-0.

Mr. Sauer moved to recommend Council approve the matching grant program application contingent upon the law director’s review and approval; Mr. Fix seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Sauer, Mr. Blair, Mr. Barletta, Mr. Fix, and Mr. Wisniewski voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 6-0.

Mr. Wisniewski questioned with regard to the sewer rates, how many customers do we have that are under 3,000 gallons a month. Mr. Schornack stated he did not know how many there were right off, but he could get that information. Mr. Wisniewski stated he was opposed to charging people flat rates when they are not using the system. He stated for example if someone was in Florida for three months and were not really using the system, they were still paying the minimum. Mr. Schornack stated those people could always call and we would put them on a shut off status. Mrs. Hammond stated she is here year round and she only uses 2,000 gallons. Mr. Wisniewski stated that was his point, if someone was using less than the 3,000 gallons why they are paying for more. Mr. Fix stated as he understood it, the flat rate was the minimum amount that it cost us to process, to have the hook up, and do all of the administrative functions. Mr. Sauer requested this be added to the next agenda as a discussion item.

6. MOTIONS:

A. Motion for Executive Session under Section 121.22(G)(1)b, Matters involving an employee’s or public official’s employment, Section 121.22(G)(2), Purchase or sale of public property, Section 121.22(G)(3), Conference with law director regarding pending or imminent court action, and Section 121.22(G)(4), Matters involving bargaining sessions with public employees. Mr. Sauer stated an Executive Session was not necessary this evening.

7. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mr. Fix moved to adjourn; Mrs. Hammond seconded the motion. Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Barletta, Mr. Fix, Mr. Blair, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mr. Sauer voted "Aye." Motion carried, 6-0. The Finance Committee adjourned at 7:50 P.M., April 6, 2011.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

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Lynda D. Yartin, City Clerk