Council meeting was held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Valleywood Golf Club for Swanton Village. Two committee meetings were held before council, accomplishing quite a bit around seven different topics.
Following prayer, pledge and passage of Agenda, and Minutes for the previous meeting, Council heard Committee Reports. Public Service Committee, with Chairman David Pilliod, discussed at their 6 p.m. meeting: Crestwood, Woodside, Prohibition of Fowl, Swanton Depot Project, and Tournaments at Memorial Park.
The Public Safety Committee, with Chairwoman Kathy KReuz, discussed at their 6:30 meeting: Grant Application and an Organizational study on the Swanton Fire and Rescue Department.
In Old Business, Council voted to approve:
•Third Reading Ordinance Declaring the necessity to assess all properties in the Village of Swanton, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code – for the cost of leaf collection, approving plans, establishing tentative assessments, and method of payment.
•Third Reading Ordinance Declaring the necessity to assess all properties in the Village of Swanton, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code – for the cost of street lighting, approving plans, establishing tentative assessments, and method of payment.
In New Business, Council approved:
•Emergency Ordinance Authorizing the village administrator and or Mayor to apply for, accept, and enter into a Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA) Agreement on behalf of the Village of Swanton for planning, design, and/or construction of Water Treatment Plant Membrane Softening Improvements and designation a dedicated Repayment Source for the loan
•Emergency Resolution Authorizing the submission and support of an application to FEMA for the Assistance for Firefighters Grant (vehicle exhaust system)
•Emergency Resolution Authorizing the submission and support of an application to Division of State Fire Marshal for the Fire Department Equipment Grant (Hose and turn out gear)
•Emergency Resolution Authorizing the submission and support of an application to FEMA for the Assistance for Firefighters Regional Grant (if applicable) (for two way radios)
•Emergency Ordinance Vacating an alley in the Village of Swanton
In her report, Village Administrator Rosanna Hoelzle updated Council on the following:
•Snow Removal – Public Service Crews kept up with snow as best they could. Chief Berg, Mr. Tedrow and Hoelzle were in communication throughout the snowfall regarding parking emergency and snow removal logistics.
They made use of the CivicReady System, pushing out “sign up” messages between the February 5th and 15th Snowfall.
Cul-de-sacs and alleys continue to be trouble spots and she is working Tedrow on possible solutions moving forward, including the possibility of needing specific equipment for tight areas, which may be feasible.
The main concern for the week of February 22 was rising temperatures, which could lead to possible flooding if the catch basins aren’t cleared properly to allow for drainage.
•Project Updates on Projects 8 & 9, WRRF Master Plan, Phase 2 Meter Update, Beard Pavilion, Safe Routes, Sidewalk Replacement Grant Program, and Facade Enhancement Program.
Council went into Executive Session to discuss Public Employee Hiring. Committee of the Whole had a meeting scheduled for 7:45 that evening.
The discussion covered that the staff has spent the last six months compiling information, analyzing and reviewing utility accounts. The majority of discrepancies centered on storm water utility and many accounts were identified which were under charged.
A couple properties requested an adjustment to their storm water utility bill per the Codified Ordinance procedure and they were adjusted where appropriate. One property is requesting a public hearing before council regarding the adjustment that was approved.
Also identified were properties that were not being charged at all. The review led to the creation of a Utility Status Map to easily identify if properties are currently being charged appropriately for Water, Sewer and Storm Water.