Town of Osgood Minutes

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
7:00 P.M.

Present at the meeting were Tammy Wilhoit, Norman Kappes, David Bultman, Holley Rose, Lynn Fledderman, Steve Wilhoit, Tony Wood, Will Wallace, Kyle Negangard, David Fox, Riley Thomas, Tina and Breanna Wallace.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call - all present

Motion was made to waive reading and adopt the pre-read minutes. David 1^st, Holley 2^nd
3 - ayes

Old Business:

Town has still not received a signed contract from Rumpke.

Council will proceed with the public hearings for the 2% water and sewer rate increases at the September meeting.

Opened public hearing on the 2020 Budget. Norman Kappes asked if anyone had questions, comments or concerns. No one responded. Hearing was closed.

1^st reading of Ordinance 2019-5: An Ordinance that is in the best interest of the community and for public safety of the community to tow vehicles in violation of sections 70.03 “Sidewalks or Public Grassy Areas” and 70.04 “Public Right-of Way Obstructions”. Current policies prohibit parking or obstructing in those areas, but this ordinance adds penalties.

Motion was made to primarily adopt Ordinance 2019-5. Holley 1^st, David 2^nd
3 - ayes

Safe Passage is requesting support from our annual budget to provide life-saving services.

Motion was made to approve $500 from Regional Revenue for Safe Passage. David 1^st, Holley 2^nd
3 - ayes

Utility Gas Management is requesting a Base Contract for Sale and Purchase of Natural Gas. The intent is to facilitate purchase and sale transactions on a firm or interruptible basis.

Motion was made to approve and sign the UGM contract. David 1^st, Holley 2^nd
3 - ayes

Ripley County Area Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing September 3, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. in the meeting room of the Annex for a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance of Ripley County. Rick and Margo Johnson are requesting a rezone from R-1 Residential to R-3 Residential for 430 W. Fairground (Fairview Village). Holley Rose stated the difference between R-1 and R-3 is that R-1 is a single family and R-3 is multiple family. She stated that Fairview’s zoning has been incorrect for years. Clerk-Treasurer advised Council that the Town of Osgood never received notification of the rezone. A resident forwarded a copy of their notice to her. Holley Rose also stated that someone is looking at buying Fairview Village. Tony Wood stated that there are sewer issues there and that they smoke tested. There are defective manholes and a clean out. He advises against any approvals for new construction. Holley stated that the new owner is planning on making $200,000 in infrastructure improvements. Tony stated that he will prepare an agreement because they will need to come in to compliance with the Sewer Use Ordinance.

The Town’s insurance adjuster came to look at the Town Hall roof since the roof is leaking and we have water damage. According to his report: Their inspection revealed the interior water damage resulted from water intrusion through openings in the roof caused by conditions including improper installation methods and/or deterioration of materials. Approximately 6 pieces of sheeting will need replaced and possibly more, contractor wont’ know until they open it up. The estimate to repair the roof and dormers is $25,039.

Motion was made to approve Patrick Constructors estimate of $25,039 to repair the roof and dormers. Holley 1^st, David 2^nd
3 - ayes

Water Department - Tony Wood stated that the warranty issues for the water project will begin after Labor Day. They will be pressure washing the water tower and will not need to drain it. After pressure washing is complete, the tower will be drained for painting. Water Department has no issues with compliance. The 7^th month of the financial report shows improvements. In the fall they will start looking at making changes to the treatment of the water. An OCRA Project is also being worked on. Valves are being exercised and auto flushers installed.

Sewer Department - Tony Wood stated they have 2 pumps and a chart recorder down. Samples have been done for fertilizer and they will be getting that out early this year. Best Metal Finishing has increased flow and the sewer job on E. Ripley has been completed.

Police Department - Will Wallace stated they had 161 calls: 40 traffic stops, 16 ordinance/civil process, 23 agency/citizen assists, 12 accidents/emergency service assist, and 70 criminal calls/arrest warrants.

Street Department - Steve Wilhoit stated he would like to auction off the old Street Truck at the September meeting. He will get an ad together, truck will be sold “as is” with a starting bid of $10,000. Jerry Burton had asked him if the Town would release the lien on a property that he is looking at on N. Elm. Council didn’t feel they could because Hughes Tree Service was hired to complete that violation. Bricktoberfest is September 21^st. He would like Council permission to use S. Walnut from Jefferson to the Town Hall for the car show.

Motion was made to approve the use of Walnut Street from Jefferson to the Town Hall and to send courtesy letters to the residents. Norman 1^st, David 2^nd
3 - ayes

Multiple complaints have been coming in concerning the safety concerns at 930 S. Buckeye of semi-trucks backing up onto the highway and vehicles parking in the deceleration lane/turn lane. Vehicles are also parking on top the new sidewalks and blocking them. Other businesses are complaining that their entrances are being blocked as well. Ripley County Area Planning Commission granted them a variance, but the Town does not feel it is in compliance. Also, the Ripley County Area Planning Commission gave 127 S. Buckeye Street a variance for a storage container and that term of one year is up. There are now parking issues there as well.

Concerns were raised that the Ripley County Area Planning is not notifying the Town on zoning changes and variances. Attorney, Lynn Fledderman, suggested a letter be written to the Planning and Zoning, Commissioners, and Auditor.

Motion was made to approve Lynn Fledderman to issue a letter to the Ripley County Area Planning and Zoning, Ripley County Commissioners, and the Ripley County Auditor asking them why notifications have not been coming to the Town and if the variance for 127 S. Buckeye has been reviewed, since it’s term is over.
David 1^st, Holley 2^nd

3 - ayes

Gas Department - Steve Wilhoit stated all was good. The contract that was signed above will be a cost savings for the purchase of natural gas.

Fire Department - Kyle Negangard stated they had 5 runs for the month of July: 2 first response/EMS, 2 fire, and 1 mutual aid. They had one of their biggest fund raisers during the fair, they hosted the Fire Chief meeting, and they received a grant from the Reynolds Foundation for $250,000 to go toward the purchase of the new truck. Council congratulated them.

Lynn Fledderman was asked if the Town’s representative to the Ripley County Area Planning and Zoning had to live in Osgood. She didn’t believe so, but would check on that.

Claims signed

Motion was made to adjourn meeting. Norman 1^st, Holley 2^nd

3 - ayes

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