Council
Chambers
June 24, 2008
A) CALL TO ORDER
The Council for the City of
B) PRAYER
C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D) ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following members answered present: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore, Mr. Thornbury, and Mr. Barlow.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA
F) MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Approve
the minutes of Council meetings 3-11-08 and 3-25-08
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Schneider it was moved to approve the
minutes as if read. All members present
voted YES.
G) requests to address council on agenda items
H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
I)
INTRODUCTORY
A) ORDINANCE
TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE SAFETY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
WITH SEAGRAVE EMERGENCY VEHICLES UNDER THE STATE BID PURCHASE PROGRAM FOR THE
PURCHASE OF ONE (1) MODEL YEAR 2008
SEAGRAVE MARAUDERII PUMPER OUTFITTED WITH THE PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR USE
BY THE
Mr. Sanker asked Chief Goodman and Lt. Cartuyvelles to the podium to explain this equipment. Chief Goodman responded that this was certainly overdue and that this equipment will replace the 28 year old Seagrave that has served us well. Lt. Cartuyvelles did an excellent job in the specification of this equipment. There is a 10 month lead time on the delivery of this pumper.
Mr. Sanker asked if the tightness of some of our streets would be an issue with this pumper. Lt. Cartuyvelles responded that the specification for rolling doors rather than swinging doors will mitigate this concern on most streets. In addition, this vehicle has a tight turn radius relative to other models.
Mr. Sanker asked for an estimate on the life span of this pumper. Chief Goodman responded that depending on usage the standard is 10-12 years. In the past, we have been able to keep our equipment in service considerably longer with an excellent maintenance and inspection regimen.
Mr. Thornbury mentioned that he was most impressed with the cabin safety of this unit and asked what other features this pumper may have. Mr. Goodman responded that the cab was a major concern and that Seagrave manufactures their own cabs which have first class rollover protection. In addition the specification of this pumper includes ground lighting, a lower hose bed, and is one of the more compact units in its class. This specification emphasizes the core features of a pumper and leaves out bells and whistles that often times cause maintenance issues.
Mr. Schneider asked what item is next on the replacement schedule. Chief Goodman responded that our Aerial truck and Quint are very heavy vehicles and we should target replacement in approximately 5 years.
Mr. Schneider asked if for $382,000 this would be ready once delivered. Chief Goodman responded that once a radio is transferred from one unit to the other, it will be on the streets.
Mr. Moore asked a question to Mr. Barlow as to how this was to be funded. Mr. Barlow answered that this is a 5 year lease program and approximately $80,000 will be appropriated for each of the next 5 years.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the ordinance. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to pass the ordinance. All members present voted YES.
J) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and commented on the state of the City swimming pools. Burwood has averaged 75 swimmers each day and the community is really showing up to support this pool. Waterworks Pool opened this past Saturday. There is still some work to be done and the pool manager is working aggressively to insure a family friendly environment.
Mayor Williams added that Public Works is still catching up from the cleanup efforts of the June 3rd storm.
In addition, the Police Department is putting extra patrols on the street. This was done a few weeks ago with outstanding results and we expect the same from this task force.
Mayor Williams added there was a working fire on
In addition, many members of Council attended the recent Smoke Showing which was an opportunity to learn about the Fire equipment and training, and to experience a live fire with the help of our Fire Department mentors. Those that attended in addition to the Mayor were Joe Sanker, Mike Gabbard, Keith Moore, Chuck Barlow, Lt. Williams, and Brian Mumper. The mentors from the fire department included Firefighters Cartuyvelles, Duwel, Donovan, Mumper, Blevins, Meyer, and Reese. This was a great day and a great experience. There really is no replacement for training and we’d love to see our own fire tower sometime in the future.
Mr. Stith was also present and gave an Auditor’s Report by stating that there is a Public Hearing on the Tax Budget scheduled for the June 24th meeting. In addition the 2007 property settlement sheets are now available. Mr. Stith also added that the GAAP figures are in for 2006/2007 and we expect to have reports finalized by Aug 1. Lastly, the State Audit is scheduled to begin in mid-August.
Mr. Schneider asked if there was any way to stay up to speed so that these reports are easier to generate. Mr. Stith answered that we have ballpark figures monthly although final numbers are not available until February following the fiscal year close. We are trying to create a reproducible process and this should be easier in years moving forward.
Mr. Kiser was present and gave a Law Department report beginning by providing an update on the matter of requiring a Resolution for the transfer of funds. The State Auditor’s references to the Attorney General’s opinions are all partial interpretations. The full language is consistent with what we believe is and has been the case. There is still work to be done on this item however.
When opened for questions, Mr. Moore asked if there was any progress on vacant properties legislation. Mr. Kiser answered that an Ordinance will be available for the next Council Agenda. This will constitute an amendment to the demolition language in our building code.
K) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
Council then heard a request to address from Ms. Judith Maltry Re: Dishonest Police.
L) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
M)NEW BUSINESS
Regarding the Smoke Showing, Mr. Barlow, Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Moore, Mr. Sanker, and Mr. Brian Mumper all thanked their mentors for their expertise and for giving of their Saturdays. All noted their appreciation for being included in the event and the praise they had heard from other departments on the professionalism of the Norwood Fire Department.
Mr. Sanker noted that there has been some vandalism of local parks and this will not be tolerated. We will be aggressive in dealing with vandalism and will prosecute to the full extent possible.
N) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Jerry Owens Re: POW/MIA Awareness Run
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
1. Letter from Earnings Tax Dept Re: Monthly Earnings Tax Report/May 2008
Mr. Sanker commented that while we had seen double digit increases in previous months, income is starting to level out. We welcome any and all increase over our high base from last year but this is a reality check.
Mr. Moore added that we should count our blessings that we have any increase at all, most nearby communities are not as fortunate.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
2. Letter from Mayor Williams Re: Mayor’s Court Fines/May 2008
On a motion by Mr. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
O) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to excuse the absent member. All members present voted YES.
P) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council