April 28 , 2004

The regular monthly meeting of the Millersburg Town Council was held on Wednesday April 28th, 2004 at 6:30 P.M. at the Millersburg Town Hall.

James Winkler called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

A motion was made by James Winkler to approve the minutes for April 14th, 2004.   The motion was seconded by Abe Beachy and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Park

• The Millersburg Little League has complained to Kurt Kritzman about residents letting their dogs run and mess on the ball diamonds. What can be done? After a short discussion the Council advised Park Board President Lee Nisley to post signs that read “No dogs will be allowed on ball diamonds”.
• President Nisley asked if Stephanie DeBolt the Goshen News Correspondent for Millersburg would put a comment in the paper asking that the residents not put more dirt on the dirt pile at the Park and do not take any dirt away. Mrs. DeBolt said she would put a comment in the paper.
• President Nisley informed the Council that the Little League used the new cash register at the concession stand and it is working really well. Mr. Nisley commented that the register gives a tape each night that shows all sales for the day, which will do a better job of tracking monies ran through the concession stand.

Water Superintendent

Wastewater Superintendent

Maintenance Director

• Director Matt King gave a recommendation to the Council to buy six (6) speed bumps to be placed on Cripe Street and Larimer Street to slow traffic coming into Cook Station Park. The cost of (6) speed bumps are approximately $800.00. The speed bumps will be 2 ½” tall and 12” wide. Council member Dean Hawkins suggested that he would like to see some kind of reflective markings on the speed bumps.  After some discussion Dean Hawkins made the motion to accept the recommendation to purchase the speed bumps James Winkler seconded the motion and motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
• Council President James Winkler asked Director King what direction the retention swale runs at the new house on Blessing Street. Director King answered that the flow runs west. The residents have done a great job grassing and shaping the yard, but President Winkler was concerned that it might change the contour of the swale and cause flooding onto the street and into other resident’s yards. As the flow runs west it should not be a problem commented Director King.
• A request from Jack Lantz Jr. a resident living at 422 E. Lincoln Street to put in a new sidewalk was presented. The issue was tabled as Mr. Lantz did not state if he was going to pay for the concrete or the labor. The Council advised Director King to find out the cost of the sidewalk repair and which will Mr. Lantz pay for.

Marshal

• Resident Steve Gierek was present and asked if the town would re-grass the parking area at the east side of his property at 101 W. Washington Street. Mr. Gierek commented that he is the only resident in town that has parking on two sides of his property. Mr. Gierek would like to use the area and agreed to maintain it. Council President Winkler commented that the Council will look at something different in the future, but not this year as the town has a parking problem and needs the parking spaces.  
• Mr. Gierek also commented on the large building behind his property being in bad shape and was concerned that the building might collapse. President Winkler asked if the building was empty. Marshal Hathaway answered “no” there are things being stored in the building by the landlord. The Council suggested that Marshal Hathaway contact someone at the County about run down buildings. Marshal Hathaway said he talked to someone last year and would try to get a hold of this person again and also discuss other run down properties in town.

Clerk/Treasurer

• The floor was opened for a Public hearing for Ordinance 2004-3 to vacate the Public Way of Railroad Street. As there were no comments from the public James Winkler made the motion to adopt Ordinance 2004-3 Dean Hawkins seconded and motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.
• Information was sent to the town about property taxes and when they will be collected. The information stated that residents could pay their property taxes as billed last year, but actual bills won’t be mailed out until the fall and taxes will be due by November 10th, 2004. There was some conflicting information given to Director King about paying taxes early so the Clerk/Treasurer was instructed to call the County and confirm the information.
• The new health insurance premiums went up 8% for the next year for full time employees working for the town. This was a lower increase than what was expected.
• Mark Grady from Quality Cablevision had his secretary to call and inform the Clerk/Treasurer that Mr. Grady will not be able to attend the meeting on April 28 th, 2004 as he will be out of town, but would be back after April 30 th, 2004 and would meet with the Council anytime after the 30 th. Council President Winkler suggested that he would contact Mr. Grady next week and set up a meeting at Mr. Grady’s office.

Unfinished Business

• The Clerk/Treasurer was instructed to send a copy of the Outdoor Burning Ordinance 2004-4 to the town attorney Doug Hayes for review.
• Marshal Hathaway is still checking on what laws apply to the request by Mr. Scott Beard to operate a special gator around town.
• Per State Auditor Ed Christner the Town of Millersburg needs to have a backup disaster plan for the computer system. Deputy Clerk Branden Beachy informed the Council that he will have to do an upgrade to accommodate better backups and a plan will be draw up.

New Business

James Winkler made the motion to pay bills. The motion was seconded by Abe Beachy and was carried by a unanimous voice vote        

Adjourn: Time:    7:40 p.m.      James Winkler made the motion Abe Beachy seconded and motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.