By Leigh Ann Rutledge
FPS Reporter
December 29, 2009
When 2010 arrives it will bring a new water and sewer billing system with it.
Carrollton council voted 4-2 to implement monthly billing of water and sewer bills at the Monday night meeting. Councilwomen Mary Ann Miller and Sharon Ott voted against the change. Miller, speaking for the finance and legislative committees, listed some negative effects of going to monthly billing. These included customers being subjected to the 15 percent late fee every month instead of bi-monthly; $1,250 in extra postage plus the cost of billing cards; senior citizens will have to make a monthly visit to pay their bill instead of bi-monthly and the change requires the village to hire a full time clerk to handle the billing. Full time benefits will also be paid for the new position.
With monthly billing, rates will be $.006/gallon for the first 2,000 gallon or $12/month for water and $10/month for sewer plus the $2 monthly assessment fee. This pricing will give the customer a little more water for a little less money, roughly 2,000 gallons a month for minimum billing compared to the current 1,875 gallons.
Miller informed council the cost of health insurance will increase nine percent next year or approximately $17,000. Employees may be offered some options to offset the increase such as increased deductibles or council could establish a minimum level the village would cover and the employee would be responsible for the remaining amount.
In an unrelated matter, council went into executive session for approximately 30 minutes for pending imminent litigation and employment of public personnel. There was no outcome.
Council was questioned regarding Bill Grimes, former street superintendent. Questioned as to whether Grimes would be reimbursed for the two months he was placed on unpaid leave before being terminated, Village Solicitor Clark E. Battista said, “Mr. Grimes had filed an appeal and that may be addressed in the appeal.” Battista explained there is a policy in the Policy & Procedure manual that explains what goes with an employee when they leave village employment but did not elaborate. Grimes has filed an appeal with Carroll County Common Pleas Court.
The arrival of 2010 will bring two new council members on board, Luke Grimes and Frank Leghart.
Grimes and current council members John Yeager and Wilma Lambert were sworn in by Mayor Dave Flanary after the meeting. Leghart was sworn in at an earlier time.
Councilwoman Sharon Ott said, “It’s been an interesting two years and I have learned a lot. When you wonder how things get done, it is by the people sitting in these seats. I wish the new members luck.”
Councilman Bob Dunlap stated, “Four years ago, I was asked why not run for township trustee and I said I would rather run for council, it would be more interesting. And it has been.”
In other business, council:
-LEARNED the office will be closed to the public Dec. 31 for year-end processing. Residents may use the drop box.
-RECEIVED bids for the North Lisbon water line project. Low bid was from Kemppel Industries of Akron for $66,335.40. Village Administrator Robert Fowler is waiting on references before he can recommend council accept the bid.
-HEARD the Farmers Exchange board of directors rejected our request for a storm sewer easement. Other options are being reviewed.
-LEARNED the village will receive part of a $296,400 grant from Ohio Public Works Commission to reconstruct part of Lincoln Ave. The village will match with water and sewer funds.
-APPROVED a change order for the 2nd St. sewer project for $4,875 less than anticipated. Not as much pipe was required.
-ACCEPTED the resignations of village firemen Zac Campbell and Kevin Witts. Campbell moved and does not feel he should fill a position on the roster when he is not sure of his response time. Witts has joined another department.
-PASSED a request to advertise for bids for a smaller vehicle for the water and sewer department. Advertising would be Jan. 12 and 19 with bids due Jan. 29. Dunlap questioned whether another vehicle was really needed. It was noted it was allocated in the budget council passed in July.
-GRANTED a 30-day extension to the contract with J&J Refuse Inc. for trash pickup through Jan. 31 with the option for an additional 30-day extension if needed.
-APPROVED the hiring of outside legal counsel for the environmental issue of closure of the landfill. Chris Schrass of the law firm Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur of Columbus will be counsel.
-APPROVED payment of bills totaling $166,778.70 for vendors and $38,974.83 for payroll.
-SET the next council meeting for Jan. 11, 2010, at 7 p.m. in council chambers. |
