The Metamora Village Council held their meeting on Monday, March 21st at 8:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a Prayer. Council first heard from Ahrianna McCabe who was present to speak with council.
Ahrianna came to give an update to council regarding the color run that is scheduled on Saturday, March 26th at 11:00 a.m. in the park.
The group is looking to get 16 volunteers for the event. The trail will be marked with flags and signs will be around showing people where to go.
The Country Charm has donated 2 pies to raffle. They are looking for donations of pizza and water. Proceeds will go to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).
Next, council moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting that was held on March 7th followed by the reading of the bills which was also approved by council.
In personnel and finance, the new Wastewater Operator Mikael Stiles would like to be hired as an independent contractor. He will not be covered under the village’s insurance policy and as such will be looking to obtain his own. If he is not able to obtain his own insurance, he will be hired as a village employee.
The L & B utility expense line was then increased by $2,000 due to an increase in utility prices this year. Council then moved to approve a change to the village insurance.
The change will involve the adding/increasing of coverage to include items in a shelter building. A proposal made by P&F was then discussed.
The proposal involves the hiring of another full-time maintenance employee due to the fact that they believe there is enough work for two people.
The company would like the position to be paid at $20/hr with the village also paying for 25% of the employees’ health insurance. The proposal was approved by council.
A motion was then made and approved to update the employee handbook to include the Village Administrator overseeing and supervising the maintenance supervisor’s position.
Council also approved Ordinance 2022-08 under emergency provisions. The Ordinance amends Ordinance 1068 and increases the Village Administrator’s salary to $350.00 a month.
In the Lands and Building report, a discussion took place regarding the possible purchase of a skid steer instead of a tractor due to the feeling that it may work better for the removal of snow.
The village received a quote form Bill’s Service for a new Exmark 72” lawn mower for $8,236.00 with trade-ins. This price includes a mulch kit and freight, also included in this price are trade in values for the bagger and the old mower. The bagger has recently been sold outright.
Council is deciding if they want to trade the old mower in or sell it. A motion was made and approved to purchase the mower for $14,736.00.
The ODOT salt contract is coming up for bid for the coming year. With a lot of salt still left from this previous winter, there will be no need to order any at this time.
A sewer line issue at 358 W. Main Street was then discussed. A camera was run down the line which showed a sag which will need to be fixed.
A quote was received from Dave White Chevrolet for the purchase of a new 3500 Chevy Silverado. The vehicle being looked at has 2 doors and is gas powered. No extended cab or power windows.
The price for a 2022 would be around $55,700.00. The price will go up for a 2023. It was recommended to also get a quote from a Ford dealership.
Another quote was received from J.B. Pavement Repair for $3750.00 to spray patch the roads. Several areas will need work including areas on Mill, Garnsey, and Swanton Street.
A motion was made and approved to pay the $3750.00 to spray patch the village roads.
In old business, an update was given for the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt. Several eggs have already been filled by the Cub Scouts with volunteers being rounded up. More volunteers are needed for this year as well.
Council then moved to approve Ordinance 2022-06 regarding the signing of a contract with ODOT for the bridge replacement on SR 120 for the year 2024.
Mayor Sauerlender then opened a public hearing for a zoning change to 343 W. Main Street. No objections were made, and no public attended the meeting for the hearing. A motion was made, which passed, to approve the zoning change at 343 W. Main Street from R3 to S1 for the Historical Society.
The previous water issue which resulted in a boil advisory was then discussed. Council is looking to get a letter from the county sent out the village residents with an explanation for why a boil alert was not sent out earlier than it was.
Discussion then shifted to Studenka Construction who has begun to build a pole barn for Tri County Fuels with-out an approved and signed building permit.
The building does not meet distance requirements and will now require a variance to be filed with the zoning appeals board.
In the Fiscal Officers report, repairs were done to the 2005 GMC work truck. The USDA sewer loan was paid in full on 03/04/2022.
The ball diamond lights are now up in running, but some bulbs may need to be replaced.
Backflow testing was done by Taylor Plumbing on 03/17 and 03/18. The mayor then gave an update to council for the Sheriffs report.
With no other issues to attend to, council moved to adjourn at 9:05 p.m.
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