City of Fairfield City Council met Sept. 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Council-Manager Briefing
A. 6:00 PM - Fairfield Forward Presentation
Mayor Miller called the briefing to order at 6:00 PM. Councilmembers present were Leslie Besl, Craig Keller, Debbie Pennington, Tim Abbott, Chad Oberson and Bill Woeste. Staff members present: Mark Wendling, Greg Kathman, Erin Lynn, Dan Wendt, Scott Timmer, Mark Parker, Steve Wolterman, Adam Sackenheim, Alisha Wilson, Tiphanie Howard, Steve Maynard, Carol Mayhall. Planning Commission members present: Scott Lepsky, Dean Langevin, Terry Senger and Dale Paullus.
Council heard an update on the Comprehensive Plan from Consultant Paul Colter. See attached slides.
Business Meeting Call to Order
Mayor Miller called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Prayer/Pledge of Allegiance
Councilmember Woeste led in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call
Councilmembers present included:
| Attendee Name | Title | Status |
| Ron D'Epifanio | Council Member at Large | Present |
| Chad Oberson | Council Member at Large | Present |
| Bill Woeste | Council Member at Large | Present |
| Leslie Besl | Council Member, 1st Ward | Present |
| Craig W. Keller | Council Member, 2nd Ward | Present |
| Debbie Pennington | Council Member, 3rd Ward | Present |
| Tim Abbott | Council Member, 4th Ward | Present |
| Steve Miller | Mayor | Present |
None.
Executive Session Requests
Councilmember Abbott, seconded by Councilmember Woeste, moved for Executive Session to discuss purchase of public property and negotiations with public employees. Motion carried 7-0.
Special Presentations and Citizen Comments
a. Oath of Office - Police
Councilmember D'Epifanio administered the oath of office for Officer Brandon Barda, Officer Connor Frazier, Officer Ben Schwartz, and Officer Jeremiah Taylor. Chief Maynard welcomed them to the department.
Public Hearing(s)
None.
Approval of Minutes
The Regular Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2019 were approved as written and submitted.
OLD BUSINESS AND REPORTS Community & Public Relations Committee
Leslie Besl, Chair; Debbie Pennington, Vice Chair; Craig Keller, Member
Development Services Committee
Bill Woeste, Chair; Tim Abbott, Vice Chair; Ron D'Epifanio, Member
Resolution approving the Ward Boundary Review Commission Report and recommendation to make no changes to the boundaries of the four wards and amend the City Charter to require a decennial review.
Recommendation:
A resolution approving the Ward Boundary Review Commission’s report that recommends no changes be made to the political ward boundaries and that the City Charter be amended to require a decennial review.
It is recommended that City Council approve this report at the August 12, 2019 meeting. Councilmember Woeste presented the second reading of this resolution.
RESULT: SECOND READING Next: 9/23/2019 7:00 PM
Parks, Recreation and Environment Committee
Craig Keller, Chair; Bill Woeste, Vice Chair; Debbie Pennington, Member
Public Safety Committee
Ron D'Epifanio, Chair; Craig Keller, Vice Chair; Tim Abbott, Member
Public Works Committee
Chad Oberson, Chair; Ron D'Epifanio, Vice Chair; Bill Woeste, Member
Public Utilities Committee
Debbie Pennington, Chair; Chad Oberson, Vice Chair; Leslie Besl, Member
Finance & Budget Committee
Tim Abbott, Chair; Leslie Besl, Vice Chair; Chad Oberson, Member
NEW BUSINESS
Public Safety Committee
Ron D'Epifanio, Chair; Craig Keller, Vice Chair; Tim Abbott, Member
Simple Motion: Motion to not request a hearing regarding a liquor permit application in the name of NicFusion, LLC, Hot & Spicy, 4623 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH 45014 (Permit Class D1, D2, D3 & D6).
Recommendation:
It is recommended that City Council request, by simple motion, that no hearing be held on the liquor permit application in the name of NicFusion, LLC, Hot & Spicy, 4623 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH 45014 (Permit Class D1, D2, D3 & D6).
SIMPLE MOTION NO. 16-19. APPROVED 7-0.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Ron D'Epifanio, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Bill Woeste, Council Member at Large
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Motion to Read by Title Only
Motion to read one ordinance by title only.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Ron D'Epifanio, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Ordinance to amend Chapter 505, entitled Animals and Fowl, of Ordinance No. 166-84, the Codified Ordinances of Fairfield, Ohio.
Recommendation:
Due to recent court decisions and the need to provide for more effective enforcement animal control it has become necessary to update the City's animal control statutes. It is recommended that City Council have a first reading on this item at the September 9, 2019 meeting.
Attorney Steve Wolterman presented an overview of the proposed revisions to the animal control ordinance.
Kurt Frymouth, District Leader for Humane Society of the United States, spoke regarding the insurance requirement that is proposed. He is not in favor of it because it puts an unnecessary burden on low income pet owners.
Katherine Hartung, Joseph's Legacy Dog Foster and Legal Advocate/Paralegal with Department of Justice, also opposed the insurance requirement and said that the number of dogs needs to be addressed, as well. City Manager Mark Wendling explained that the number is something that is part of the zoning code and as such, it will be addressed separately.
Councilmember D'Epifanio presented the first reading of this ordinance.
RESULT: FIRST READING Next: 9/23/2019 7:00 PM
Public Works Committee
Chad Oberson, Chair; Ron D'Epifanio, Vice Chair; Bill Woeste, Member
Motion to Read by Title Only
Motion to read the following four ordinances by title only.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Craig W. Keller, Council Member, 2nd Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Ordinance to authorize the City Manager to execute and file an Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) grant application and agreement for purchase of the 5333 Pleasant Avenue Property and declaring an emergency.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that City Council authorize the preparation of legislation, with rules suspension and emergency provision, authorizing the City Manager to execute and file the application for financial assistance, and enter into an agreement with OPWC for a grant to fund a portion of the 5333 Pleasant Avenue Property Acquisition.
ORDINANCE NO. 89-19. APPROVED 7-0.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Craig W. Keller, Council Member, 2nd Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Motion to Suspend Second and Third Readings
Councilmember Oberson presented the first reading of this ordinance.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Bill Woeste, Council Member at Large
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Ordinance to authorize the City Manager to execute and file an Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Grant Application and Agreement for 2020 Boymel Drive Improvement Project and declaring an emergency.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that City Council authorize the preparation of legislation authorizing the City Manager to execute and file the application for financial assistance, and enter into an agreement with OPWC for a grant to fund a portion of the 2020 Boymel Drive Improvement Project.
ORDINANCE NO. 90-19. APPROVED 7-0.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Bill Woeste, Council Member at Large
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Motion to Suspend Second and Third Readings
Councilmember Oberson presented the first reading of this ordinance.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Bill Woeste, Council Member at Large
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Ordinance to authorize the City Manager to execute and file an Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Issue 1 Grant Application and Agreement for 2021 Street Improvement Project and declaring an emergency.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that City Council authorize the preparation of legislation authorizing the City Manager to execute and file the application for financial assistance, and enter into an agreement with OPWC for a grant to fund a portion of the 2021 Street Improvement Program.
ORDINANCE NO. 91-19. APPROVED 7-0.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Craig W. Keller, Council Member, 2nd Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Motion to Suspend Second and Third Readings
Councilmember Oberson presented the first reading of this ordinance.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Debbie Pennington, Council Member, 3rd Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Ordinance to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with MKSK of Cincinnati for the engineering services needed to complete the design of Citywide Active Transportation Plan (Pedestrian Interconnectivity) and declaring an emergency.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize an appropriation of $75,000.00 be made from the General Fund and that Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with MKSK of Cincinnati for the engineering services needed to perform the Citywide Active Transportation Plan design.
ORDINANCE NO. 92-19. APPROVED 7-0.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Debbie Pennington, Council Member, 3rd Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Motion to Suspend Second and Third Readings
Councilmember Oberson presented the first reading of this ordinance.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
SECONDER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Finance & Budget Committee
Tim Abbott, Chair; Leslie Besl, Vice Chair; Chad Oberson, Member
Motion to Read by Title Only
Motion to read the following resolution and three ordinances by title only.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
SECONDER: Debbie Pennington, Council Member, 3rd Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Resolution Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor.
Recommendation:
The resolution would authorize the necessary tax levies to be collected for tax year 2019 collected during budget year 2020 to the Butler County Auditor.
RESOLUTION NO. 7-19. APPROVED 7-0.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
SECONDER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Motion to Suspend Second and Third Readings
Councilmember Abbott presented the first reading of this resolution.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
SECONDER: Debbie Pennington, Council Member, 3rd Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Ordinance to Amend Ordinance no. 127-18 Entitled "An Ordinance to make estimated appropriations for the expenses and other expenditures of the City of Fairfield, Ohio, during a period beginning January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2019." - Supplemental Appropriations - Transfers of Monies
Recommendation:
It is recommended that City Council authorize and direct the preparation of legislation amending the annual operating budget.
ORDINANCE NO. 93-19. APPROVED 7-0.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
SECONDER: Leslie Besl, Council Member, 1st Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Motion to Suspend Second and Third Readings
Councilmember Abbott presented the first reading of this ordinance.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
SECONDER: Chad Oberson, Council Member at Large
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 127-18 entitled “An Ordinance to make estimated appropriations for the expenses and other expenditures of the City of Fairfield, Ohio, during a period beginning January 1, 2019, and ending December 31, 2019.”
Recommendation:
It is recommended that City Council suspend the rules requiring a second and third reading of this Ordinance and adopt the appropriations listed above.
ORDINANCE NO. 94-19. APPROVED 7-0.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
SECONDER: Craig W. Keller, Council Member, 2nd Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Motion to Suspend Second and Third Readings
Councilmember Abbott presented the first reading of this ordinance.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
SECONDER: Debbie Pennington, Council Member, 3rd Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 127-18 entitled “An Ordinance to make estimated appropriations for the expenses and other expenditures of the City of Fairfield, Ohio, during a period beginning January 1, 2019, and ending December 31, 2019.”
Recommendation:
It is recommended that City Council suspend the rules requiring a second and third reading of this Ordinance and adopt the appropriations listed above.
ORDINANCE NO. 95-19. APPROVED 7-0.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
SECONDER: Craig W. Keller, Council Member, 2nd Ward
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Motion to Suspend Second and Third Readings
Councilmember Abbott presented the first reading of this ordinance.
RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Abbott, Council Member, 4th Ward
SECONDER: Bill Woeste, Council Member at Large
AYES: D'Epifanio, Oberson, Woeste, Besl, Keller, Pennington, Abbott
Meeting Schedule
Clerk Wilson read the following meeting schedule:
A. Monday, September 23 - Council-Manager Briefing, 6:00 Pm; Regular Meeting, 7:00 PM
B. Tuesday, October 15 - Council-Manager Briefing, 6:30 Pm; Regular Meeting, 7:00 PM
C. Monday, October 28 - Council-Manager Briefing, 6:00 Pm; Regular Meeting, 7:00 PM
Executive Session of Council (if needed)
Council adjourned to Executive Session at 8:00 PM.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
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