The Metamora village council met on Monday June 21st at 8PM. Council members John Pupos, Cindi Pawlaczyk, Karen Noward, John Hudik, and Cathy Mossing were present with President Karon Lane absent.
Other officials that were present were Mayor Richard Sauerlender, VFO Heather Lumbrezer and Maintenance employee Steve Venia. Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Hensley was also present.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Deputy Hensley reported to the council that there had been 26 calls for service and 1 non-injury accident in March.
He also informed the council of the ongoing issue of vandalism at the church next door. The council advised the deputy of the ongoing issue of 4-wheelers and golf carts driving on the road in town as well as at the reservoir.
They also informed Deputy Hensley that someone has been throwing trash bags into the reservoir that possibly contained cat litter and smelled of chemicals.
Deputy Hensley said that he would notify his office and have the issues watched more closely. The council also asked the deputy about the possible abduction that they had heard about taking place in the village last week.
Deputy Hensley said that he was not aware of that and would check into it and get back to the council. A motion to approve the minutes was then made and approved.
In Personnel and Finance the moving of the T-ball field was discussed. Council discussed purchasing new playground equipment to put at the current T-ball field.
Council agreed to host a meeting on July 7th to do a walk through, take inventory and discuss further ideas.
In Lands and building a signed agreement was sent to Toledo Edison for the LED lighting agreement. The council decided to replace all non-LED lights to LED lights as they stop working.
Council agreed to purchase 3 new basketball nets due to wear and tear on the current ones. Looking to purchase a new dump truck was discussed as the current one needs several repairs and has a broken pump. It was decided to shop around for pricing on a new truck.
A list has been comprised for the church next door due to the ongoing issues regarding safety to the public. The list will be made into a letter and sent to the owner from Solicitor Al Lehenbauer.
Eminent domain was also discussed regarding the church building. Pasternak’s will start work on the trees at the end of July.
The quote had come in for the additional streets for a total of an additional $5300.00. A discussion was had regarding the re-establishment of the zoning or planning committee due to the possible expansion of Ten Mile Meadow off Cornflower and Garnsey. A motion was made to pay the bills as read and was approved.
In old business: A motion was made to increase line item B10-6B-239-00 by $5500.00 for the additional quote from Pasternak’s. The motion was approved, and the line item was increased to a total of $12,500.00.
Ordinance number 1056 Sewer Credits 2nd reading was conducted. It was decided that the village will retain 25% of any sewer credit issued to residents due to administrative costs and is effective January 1st, 2022.
The parapet wall and chimney repair for the village office has concluded. The spectrum cable line is pushing up against the chimney and is causing it to lean. Spectrum will need to be contacted regarding the line to see if they can move it.
In New Busines: Parker-Hannifin had reached out and asked the village if they would like to use their concrete benches and picnic tables as they would like to donate them if they will.
A motion was made to accept the donation and passed.
Recognition plates for the park were discussed and nominations were made. Healthy Choices Caring Community called in to inquire if the village had an ordinance for or against marijuana dispensaries.
A motion was made to have an ordinance drawn up to prohibit the cultivation, processing or retail dispensing of marijuana in the village.
Chicken BBQ signs were discussed but decided to stick with the ones that were already purchased in previous years.
Fiscal report: The next council meeting will take place July 7th at the park. The volleyball league will be starting up on July 7th as well. 20 permits were purchased this year for the town garage sales vs 25 in 2019.
An elderly gentleman had fallen while leaving the village office after purchasing his permit. The issue of adding handrails to the front of the building will be discussed.
The council discussed looking into buying a new PA system for the village. The OPWC sewer bills final payment is due. The line item for the bill is short $0.09.
A motion was made to increase the line item by $0.09 and was passed.
Mayor’s Report: A letter was received by the Toledo Chamber of Commerce regarding federal funding likely being available.
The issue about volunteers borrowing equipment and tools from the maintenance department and not bringing them back was discussed.
Juneteenth was asked about and will be looked at for the next years holiday schedule. The issue of using COVID money for the fire department was discussed with it being said that money had already been given by the township and unused funds were already returned.
The meeting was then adjourned at 9:03PM.
