Continental Village Council met in regular session on November 26, 2019 with Mayor Miller presiding. Members present were Armey, Bartley, Knipp, Varner, Streicher and Sullivan. Solicitor Welch, Police Chief Hardy, Fiscal Officer Darby, Administrator Prowant and maintenance worker Thompson were also present. Visitors: None. The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance.
Council approved minutes of previous meeting, the bills and the receipts as presented. Six yeas, motion carried. There were no Then & Now Purchase Orders over $3,000.
OLD BUSINESS:
Third & final reading on the Personnel Policy & Procedure Ordinance held after the addition of letter D on Section 4.10 Compensation/Merit System, which set an annual date for the Employee Reviews at the first meeting in December with raises going into effect with the first full pay period of January of the next year. Council passed the Ordinance with a roll call vote.
NEW BUSINESS:
Building Permits:
Resident at S. 5th Street asked for a permit to replace the sill plate on his house. Council approved.
EPA Update: The Village received an updated violation letter from the Ohio EPA showing the required work remaining. Currently, the only remaining items required is the replacement of the water tower, which the Village is diligently working at.
NatureWork Grant: The Village received notice that the park enhancement grant has been funded. This phase of the Sparling Park upgrade will include a new swing set that will have infant swings and a swing for sensory challenged individuals. Council voted to allow the Mayor, Solicitor and Fiscal Officer to sign the paperwork.
Fire Chief Resignation: The Village received a letter from Fire Chief Steve Elkins that stated he will be resigning after 22 years as Fire Chief, effective 1/1/20. Recently elected as Monroe Township Trustee, he sought an opinion from the Attorney General. The recommendation is that he step down to avoid any conflict of interest in any dealings with the Fire Department contractual agreements. He will be staying on as a firefighter. He and his officers are actively working to find his replacement and he will provide the Village Council with their recommendation before the 12/26/19 council meeting. Council accepted his resignation
Maintenance Department Update: Maintenance is being performed on Ash and Grove Streets lift stations. Thompson stated that the work on East Rice Street/Eighth Street would begin next week. They are also working on replacing & upgrading some meters. The final meter read of 2019 will begin next week also. Thompson asked for approval for a software/training program for GIS mapping. It will be installed on the tablet that was recently purchased and will initially cost $5500 and then $2500 annually after that. This will be used to map hydrants, valves, manholes, catch basins, water, sewer and storm sewer lines. Darby will split the cost between four different funds. Council approved.
New Meter Pit: A homeowner on N. Main St. would like to have a new meter pit installed and after a brief discussion, council recommended replacing the waterline to the house also.
Open Council Seat: Because of an error in paperwork, the council has an open seat beginning 1/1/20. Council will appoint a new member. Any resident interested in serving on council may express their interest by calling the Mayor’s office number at 419-596-3206.
Council was reminded that the last meeting in December has been moved to Thursday, December 26, 2019 at 7 pm.
Meeting adjourned.
Susan Darby,
Fiscal Officer
Village of Continental
