By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Metamora Village Council held their meeting on Monday, December 4th. Council first moved to approve the November 20th meeting minutes and reading of the bills.
Next, council discussed old business. The Village will have an open council seat on January 3, 2024, after Mossing is sworn in as their new Mayor. Postings will be put on social media and fliers will be around town for anyone who is interested.
DGL Engineers looked over both quotes for repairs to the pedestrian bridge on Garnsey Ave. It was stated both quotes/repairs would work.
The only thing DGL recommends is that whichever one the village goes with should follow ODOT C&MS guidelines.
R.G. Zachrich Construction’s quote is $33,500.00 and Anderzack Pitzen’s quote is $49,400.00. Concerns were brought up that the Garnsey Road bridge will need to be repaired in 3 to 5 years.
When that happens the pedestrian bridge would have to be torn out and redone, however, the Garnsey Road bridge is not bad enough to apply for a grant yet.
Council agreed the pedestrian bridge cannot wait to be fixed, they do not want to put anyone in danger.
Pupos will reach out to both companies that gave quotes and find out if following the ODOT C&MS guidelines changes their bid. A follow-up to this will be discussed at the next meeting.
Pupos completed the FC Demolition Intake Form, applying for the demolition of the buildings at the reservoir.
Mossing volunteered to attend the next Land Bank meeting on Tuesday, December 19th, where she should find out more information about this.
Council then moved on to discuss new business. Council approved the revised employee handbook effective January 01, 2024, and moved to purchase Christmas gift cards for village employees, as well as the 1St reading of Ordinance 2023-21 employee compensation rates for 2024.
Council’s 2024 “wish list” amounts need to be turned into Lumbrezer at the next council meeting so she can work on next year’s budget. Council also agreed to let Kevin Shull farm/maintain the property behind the maintenance shop.
Next, council approved the 1st reading of Ordinance 2023-16, approving the Countywide Emergency Management Agency Agreement between The Village of Metamora & The Fulton County Emergency Management Agency.
Council also approved to suspend the rules on Ordinance 2023-18 amending part fifteen of the Codified Ordinance concerning the fire code and open burning as well as the passing of Ordinance 2023-18 amending the Codified Ordinances sections for Ohio fire code and open burning under emergency measures.
Council approved the 1st reading of Ordinance 2023-19 to amend Title Nine of the Codified Ordinances of The Village of Metamora regarding municipal income tax. Changes will reflect the passing of House Bill 33.
Also approved was the 1st reading of Ordinance 2023-20 establishing medical, dental and vision insurance costs for Metamora Village full time employees.
Discussion at the last council meeting was to raise the sewer rate next year by .5%. After further discussion, it was decided it isn’t enough of an increase. It was then agreed to raise the rates by 1%.
Council approved the 1st reading of Ordinance #2023-17 increasing sewer rates 1% for one year, starting in 2024.
Next came the financial reports with council moving to approve the transfer of $877.94 from ARPA Professional and Technical Services account to ARPA Supplies and Materials account.
It was motioned to lower the expense line by $762.00 and create a new expense line for UAN 1st QTR. accounting fees, adding $762.00 to this account which council approved.
Lastly, a follow-up on the 347 E Main Street complaint took place with it being stated the property is changing hands and the new owners plan on cleaning this property up.
With nothing else to discuss, council adjourned at 8:05 p.m.