FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION, RECREATION, SERVICE,
ENGINEERING and GORMAN FARM
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
August 31, 2010
The Finance, Recreation, Service, Engineering and Gorman Farm Committee met at 6:00 pm on August 31, 2010. Present were Councilmembers Vonderhaar and Schaefer. Councilmember Smiley-Robertson was absent and excused. Also in attendance during portions of the meeting were Chief Cruze, George Snyder, James Jeffers, Jim Bothe, Jack Cameron, Dave Nichols, Michelle Gottschlich and representatives from URS.
I. Recreation
Dave Nichols reported that there were sufficient funds in his budget to pay for Phase II of the URS Bicycling Master Plan without the need for Council Action. The discussion, however, center upon what is now being called Phase II(A) of the project. Essentially, URS does not have a handle on what services would be required to provide advise on the GE Parkway Bicycle Path proposal, the connection to Evendale Drive, the 2012 Traffic Light Contract, and striping the Glendale-Milford Road project to include a bicycle path. The committee decided to ask URS to look into these additional matters because they are time critical now. Once they are comfortable with the services that would be needed, they can incorporate them into the Master Plan proposal.
That will be presented at the next committee meeting, October 5.
The Recreation Commission adopted a resolution encouraging participation of representatives of the Gorman Heritage Farm Foundation in the recreation commission meetings on an informational basis, but also suggesting that there be no change in the current make up of the Recreation Commission membership.
II. Engineering/Service
The Glendale-Milford project is still being delayed by the railroad The grinding and paving are being delayed until the bridge work is complete so that the bridge work does not adversely impact new pavement. The Bridge work is being held up by the railroad.
The Monet project has begun. It is expected that curb removal and replacement will begin next week.
There is a meeting with GE, ODOT, and Evendale on the Thru-the Valley project in mid September. Jack Cameron will check with GE and ODOT if it will be appropriate to have URS participate directly.
There was further discussion about the proposed Gorman Heritage Farm Foundation Contract provisions that the Village will provide services of a custodian to the interpretive building and pavilion and also provide trail maintenance. At this point the Committee is waiting for the Mayor to make a recommendation as to whether these items can be provided by the Village with existing manpower. Councilmember Schaefer agreed to contact the Mayor about these items.
Finally James Jeffers reported that he has been working with Princeton concerning the division of the old driveway areas between adjoining lots. A discussion of costs was raised. Ideally, the costs could be divided four ways between the four property owners who would benefit.
III. Finance
August Financial Report
George reported that while the August financial reports are not yet complete, the August financial picture is still tracking better than the concerns expressed after the June report. The current year to date net cash is still positive, in the $260,000.00 range. The funds encumbered, from last year and the current year, are in the $4,350,000.00 range. There is no reason, at this point, to believe that the year end unencumbered fund balance estimates from the last month will not be met or exceeded.
George then discussed the investment policy. There are CD’s coming due and about $3.6 million currently available for investment. The committee recommended that the CD’s be renewed and the notes directly guaranteed by the Federal government.
The completed financial reports will be completed and sent to Council members as soon as they are completed on or after September 1, 2010.
Tuition Reimbursement
This will be on the Council agenda for September. The full language is in the August 3, 2010 committee minutes.
Budget Process
George indicated that this will begin in mid September.
IV. Administration
Property Maintenance Code
No action was taken on this item.
Water Contract
Jack indicated that the Cincinnati Waterworks is offering to renew the contract with the Village through 2047 at 1.25 the City rate. In 1987 there was an effort by the Hamilton County Commissioners to reduce the differential between the rate Cincinnati users pay and the rate suburban community users pay. Currently the suburban users pay 1.25 times the Cincinnati user rates. Cincinnati is offering to allow communities to renew at the existing differential between now and December 31, 2010. There are plans for Cincinnati to make the water works independent of the City of Cincinnati. The question is whether we should renew now are the differential of 1.25 or wait to see what happens with the independent waterworks. No action was taken at this time.
Council Items from CIC
Jack Cameron indicated that the CIC will meet before the September Council meeting and he expects several economic development items to be on the agenda from the CIC. The idea of attempting to sell the old Vonderhaar Carwash site and Clark Station Sites will be referred to the CIC.
V. Gorman Farm
Sandra Murphy submitted a written report, it is attached.
VI. Aerial Tower Replacement
Chief Cruse attended the meeting to provide the Committee with information concerning the status of the Aerial Tower and need for replacement in the near term. The information included the NFPA recommendations for replacement of apparatus built before 1991 because the safety standards changed in that year. The Aerial Tower is 25 years old. The chief presented the maintenance history on the Aerial Tower over the last three years and the expected maintenance costs. Also include in the presentation was the EMS billing information compared to the amortization of the fire department appuratus. Finally the Chief showed the cost of a new Aerial Tower which would be available off of the State Bid.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.
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Christian J. Schaefer
Committee Chairman
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