This was four hour plus meeting and most of was on the Lakengren recycling issue.  Sandwiched in between though were a couple of other meetings some of you may find interesting.

File 7 had Kyle Cross was in for a discussion on who should pick up the liability insurance costs for the County Engineer.  It has previously been picked up by the county and last year cost the General Fund around $22,000. A new ruling with language that can possibly be read for the Engineer’s office taking over the expense is the reason for the meeting.  David Wesler obviously felt that it is an expense the Engineer should pick up and must have figured he would have the support of Chris Day who is President of CORSA this year where this type of case would fall. It was almost like Chris had family working for the Engineer because he waffled on the issue. Kyle Cross who recently had his department take over the drainage department expense which helped the Commission and the General Fund reminded the commissioners of that issue and voiced frustration as to what he may expect from them next as his budget for the year was set last November. He also reminded them the Ohio Revised Code stated that “you shall” regarding the commission picking up a third of his office’s operating cost and mentioned that as being in the $300,000 – $400,000 range of additional General Fund expense. That pretty much ended the discussion.

File 8 had Lisa Senasac and Rita Daily in for the Community Action Partnership.  This was a short meeting that had a grant, homeless shelter and a rumor that CAP was closing covered. CAP is not closing.

Lakengren recycling though was the issue of the day. The tonnage received at the landfill is in free fall and mentioned here as expected to be in the 29,000 ton range. Less tonnage means less operating money and the need to look at areas where expenses can be cut.  Recycling in Lakengren was covered by a grant back in the year 2003-2004. Since then the curbside recycling expense in Lakengren has been picked up by the county.  Now why this expense was not noticed sooner is a matter of discussion but much like the “pop fund” issue the previous county commission never did. The rest of the county is mentioned as making due with recycling bins that require individuals to haul their recyclables to the nearest bin instead of an easier trio to the curb.  The argument being that the rest of the county taxpayers have been subsidizing curbside recycling in Lakengren.  Nobody dispute that Lakengren is doing a very good job with recycling the issue is how to cut costs. Another issue is that unlike other communities Lakengren operates its own trash service.  David Wesler was against continuing the expense to the county. At first galnce I don’t think the rest of the county including myself is in favor of subsidizing recycling at Lakengren but Randy Blaich of the Lakengren Property Owners Association offered some very good points that I had not heard before. There were hours of this back and forth and that was just this meeting – there have been others.  Dave Wesler felt the county cannot afford the hit to the General Fund. Randy Blaich who was in the room for Mindy Robbins report mentioned the General Fund appeared pretty healthy. Here is my review of the General Fund Balance over the last four years using the archives:

April 17, 2013:   $3,126,935.05

April 16, 2012:   $3,334,618.80

April 11, 2011:   $2,887.895.09

April 16, 2010:   $1,841,804.06

Eventually Denise Robertson motioned for a vote to allow Lakengren to dump the recyclables at the landfill. Chris Day after waffling most of the day eventually agreed but there will be a review in a month. Dave Wesler voted no. The issue continues much to the frustration of Randy Gilbert the Landfill manager who turned in a report that I have posted from my open record request.  Given the multiple management issues recently like the “pop fund” any numbers coming from landfill management are probably suspect too much of the county. The Preble County Commission recently voted 2 – 1 to write off $465,813.60 that Wesler and Day wasted last year at Goose Creek. Denise Robertson voted against doing that and rightfully so as the public should not soon forget the expensive mistakes and mismanagement of the previous commission as it casts a shadow over any claims Day and Wesler make now.

Review the documents, email and listen to the audio for more on the issue.

Preble County Commissioners

April 17, 2013

Three Commissioners in attendance

File 1

I. OPEN MEETING

II. CALL OF ROLL

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

IV. PRAYER

4.46 minutes – 1.09 MB

File 2

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Randy Blaich President of the Lakengren Property Owners Association

Will speak later.

VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING THE JOURNALIZATION & NOTE RECEIPT OF THE CD RECORDATION BOTH AS THE OFFICIAL MINUTES FOR THE APRIL 15, 2013 REGULAR SESSION MEETING.

6.5 Minute mark   REBECCA SORRELL – PERSONNEL

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE EMPLOYMENT OF A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE

Exit no action taken.

9 Minute mark  FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

A. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #290-13-160

RE: MORAL OBLIGATION – 2011 CDBG Chris Day abstains

B. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #291-13-160

RE: TRANSFER – GENERAL – PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

C. NOTE RECEIPT OF A RESOLUTION FROM THE PREBLE CO. BUDGET COMMISSION

RE: RESOLUTION 2013-002 – WAIVE THE ADOPTION OF A TAX BUDGET FOR 2014 FOR COUNTY FUND DEPARTMENTS & RESOLVES THAT ANY ENTITY HAVING DEBT MUST SUPPLY COMPLETE INFORMATION TO THE BUDGET COMMISSION

10.3 minute mark on cd  

6.02 minutes – 1.38 MB

File 3

BUDGET COMMISSION MONTHLY MEETING

Mindy's report is posted below or listen to the audio file. If you would like even more information use this LINK.

Preble County will receive $116,457.96 in casino tax for the quarter.

 

29 minute mark on cd  

18.14 minutes – 4.17 MB

File 4

CORRESPONDENCE & REPORTS

A. NOTE RECEIPT OF A LETTER FROM SHERIFF SIMPSON

RE: PERSONNEL ACTIONS – NEW HIRE – COURTNEY WELLS – $11.18 per hour then full time on April 20 at $13.25 per hour (probationary rate in labor agreement); EMPLOYEE RESIGNATION – ERIC LEE

B. NOTE RECEIPT OF A LETTER FROM JUDGE DUES, JUVENILE COURT

RE: PAY INCREASES FOR JUVENILE COURT & FELONY SUBSIDY

30.5 Minute mark  Effective March 30, 2013 – .50 cent an hour raises.

C. NOTE RECEIPT OF A REPORT FROM THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE

RE: MONTHLY JAIL REPORT FOR MARCH 2013

68 average daily count

6493 meals served

Male admissions – 90

Female – 24

108 total releases.

AGREEMENTS & CONTRACTS

A. NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING AN AGREEMENT

RE: FY13 REFUSE PICKUP AGREEMENT W/ RUMPKE – $4,600.00 – ENGINEER

TRAVEL

NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING TRAVEL REQUESTS:

A. RES. #293-13-160 – DANIELLE PIERATT – JOB & FAMILY SVS. Cost not to exceed $168

B. RES. #294-13-160 – DANIELLE PIERATT – JOB & FAMILY SVS. Cost not to exceed $20

C. RES. #295-13-160 – MAGISTRATE OVERMYER & DAWNA SIMPSON – JUVENILE CT. Cost not to exceed $94

33.5 Minute mark  David Wesler – Do you have anything else?

Connie – Not right now.

39 Minute mark  Discussion on multiple topics.

47  Minute mark   Randy Gilbert enters chamber.

47 minute mark on cd  

18 minutes – 4.12 MB

File 5

Randy Blaich President of the Lakengren Property Owners Association asks to speak – does not think video will be necessary and he is short on time that he can stay. David Wesler asks Randy Gilbert how long his presentation will be.

49.5  Minute mark   Randy Gilbert begins and refers to a video that is being shown.

55  Minute mark   Randy Gilbert mentions that he put together a briefing sheet. View report below and then continue the review:

 

 

Extended discussion on issue.

1 hr.  13.6 Minute mark     Randy Blaich President of the Lakengren Property Owners Association finally gets to speak.

He is upset and comments on claims he says were made at meeting in Lakengren and he apparently believes were false – he has checked with the EPA and Health Department.

1 hr.  17.5 Minute mark   David Wesler comments on a number of issues including the right hand of the EPA not knowing what the left is saying.

1 hr.  21.25 Minute mark   Randy Blaich comments that are worth a listen.

1 hr.  23 Minute mark   Kevin Thorpe   Manager – Lakengren Property Owners Association.  Comments on compactor.

1 hr.  26 Minute mark   David Wesler on cost to the Solid Waste District and previously mentioned additional expense if Lewisburg comes in. Both Randy Blaich, Kevin Thorpe and Randy Gilbert have also mentioned Lewisburg.

1 hr.  32 Minute mark   David Wesler on budget concerns.

1 hr.  33 Minute mark    Connie offers that the budget will be tight at landfill regardless of what is done the rest of the year.

Randy Gilbert fears a continue fall in landfill tonnage.

1 hr.  35 Minute mark   Beth Wright offers that there has been a growing problem with trash in the recyclables this year at Camden & Eaton – a lot of trash. Just last week they had to call Rumpke to dump a container in Eaton that had carpet roll, a bed frame and vinyl siding sticking out. Over the few couple years the county has raised the landfill assessment and tipping fees and it should have been expected that tonnage would drop and people would engage in more illegal dumping throughout the county to avoid the expense wherever possible. The only way to save on their landfill assessment is to have smaller containers or less pick-up and the only way to avoid the pick-up cost is illegal dumping.   

1 hr.  39 Minute mark   Randy Blaich ..no issue with the dumping at Lakengren – we monitor that ourselves.  As to the budgets… you are proposing a cut at Lakengren of 87% vs. the rest of the county and a cut at Camden of 63%. So when you are talking about keeping it fair to the rest of the residents and you are talking about keeping it on an even playing field – this is still staying with-in your scope as well as staying underneath the $89.26 per ton – per location. So based on worst case scenario at Lakengren you are talking $70.83 and that is going at 42 dumps a year – you are still with-in your scope so maybe we need to look at other places to make cuts vs. cutting one area to the absolute bone and keep it as you said before fair to the county, fair to all residents. This is still fair; we are just able to provide a different service to our residents that the city of Eaton can't do. The City of Lewisburg, I don't know if they can or can't, Camden can't. We just happen to own our own trash service, it is just lucky for us we own our own trash company. That we are able to haul it to a drop off location. So with that I appreciate your time and I hope that you can keep the service for our community. Please.

David Wesler – Ok what is your pleasure? Chris I appreciate Kevin's remarks about Lakengren or Lewisburg that he feels that they would jump on board – further hurt the budget. As you and Connie stated, even at a bare minimum we are going to be hurting here…they have had the service for free for what? the last eight or 10 years almost 10 years. Listen to the audio.

Chris Day ….at this point only Lakengren has the ability…

Compactor rental $3,000 annually.

Randy Gilbert feels the compactor may pay for itself. The initial cost of installation of electric and service would be a problem. Concrete pad also a cost.

1 hr. 47 minute mark on cd  

1 hr.  0 minutes – 13.7 MB

These days, ED is hop over to these guys cheap levitra considered as a concern of proper medication and consultation.

File 6

Randy Gilbert – …I cannot afford the installation costs in this year's budget.

Discussion on Eaton.

Discussion on generator.

1 hr.  52.5 Minute mark  Discussion on Columbus and recycling and hoped for future of nothing going to landfill. There are examples of this with Sweden. Columbus hopes to eliminate the need for a landfill.

1 hr.  53.5 Minute mark   Offer to help pour concrete from Kevin Thorpe?

1 hr.  59.75 Minute mark   Randy Gilbert – Eaton Fire Station cost $9,500…. numbers for others mentioned.

RECESS FOR LUNCH

2 hr. 6.75 minute mark on cd  

19.52 minutes – 4.54 MB

File 7

KYLE CROSS – LIABILITY INSURANCE

Engineer – …Took on drainage – unexpected cost with budget already set.

Dave Wesler – feels the Engineer should pay for it.

2 hr.  11 Minute mark   Chris Day waffling on interpretation.

Dave Wesler – On five years ago the Engineer cutting snow removal at Courthouse and Sheriff's Department.

Kyle Cross does not see it happening in 2013.

Dave Wesler wants the Engineer to take over the cost.

Kyle Cross – I mean also it would be fair if you would pay a third of my operating costs for my office which the Ohio Revised Code says that "you shall". At no point have we ever came and asked for that $300,000 to $400,000 out of General Fund for it. So I mean if you want me to pay that because that's "fair" then you may want to prepare for some additional General Fund dollars that would be mandated to my office.

Chris Day – I know Kyle has been gracious enough to take over the drainage.. I know he didn't budget his insurance monies into this year's budget. I think that we should work with him on that.

Listen to the audio

2 hr.  17.4 Minute mark   $22,000 expense last year.

2 hr. 23 minute mark on cd  

16.24 minutes – 3.75 MB

File 8

LISA SENASAC & RITA DAILY, COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP – ODOT GRANT APPLICATION SUPPORT

Listen to the audio

2 hr.  29 Minute mark   Resolution 289 passes.

Discussion on shelter.

Rumor that CAP is closing is false.

2 hr. 32.5 minute mark on cd  

9.24 minutes – 2.19 MB

File 9

Connie on three additional items up there.

One requires going into executive session.

Letters to the payroll clerk can be done on record.

John W. Ferguson hired full time at landfill service worker 2 effective April 22 at $11.31 per hour with a 180 day probation period.

EXECUTIVE SESSION OVER THE POSSIBLE EMPLOYMENT OF A COUNTY EMPLOYEE

Exit no action taken.

David Wesler instructs Connie to have Randy Gilbert offer this person a position.

2 hr.  35.5 Minute mark   Preble County received two awards.

2 hr. 37 minute mark on cd  

4.31 minutes – 1.03 MB

File 10

Randy Gilbert back into discuss Recycling at Lakengren.

Spoke with Rumpke.

Discussion on landfill issues.

2 hr.  47.75 Minute mark  Denise Robertson asks question n cost of a cement pad and location.

Randy Gilbert – $5,000 – $7,000.

A compactor would cost an estimated $15,000.

2 hr.  52.5 Minute mark   Question on a policy review committee. Apparently has not met in a very long time or the Commission has not attended.

Question on how a person gets on that committee. Person would like to be on the committee.

Cost of concrete for a pad would be about $1,600 for a 20 ft. x 40 ft. – $80 a yard.

Randy Gilbert mentions paying $120.

3 hr.  0 Minute mark   David Wesler offers his reasons and his decision. Listen to Randy Gilbert's options. See .pdf

3 hr.  3 Minute mark   Denise Robertson – Wants to help Lakengren and offers her reasons.

Chris Day – …Lewisburg… waffling back and forth.

3 hr. 8.5 minute mark on cd  

31.3 minutes – 7.2MB

File 11

Please listen to the audio.

Randy Blaich Mr. Wesler I have heard you say nothing but negative on this…. listen to the audio as this gentleman covers good points.   

3 hr.  13 Minute mark   David Wesler ..I've been around here longer than these other commissioners… I feel bad for Lakengren…I don't like that email you sent out… Lakengren got about 9 or 10 years of free curbside pick-up. We just have to look at the budget.

3 hr.  15 Minute mark   Randy Blaich  Question on why the landfill was mismanaged for so many years? Good question and one that rightly or wrongly calls into any number currently provided by landfill employees.

3 hr.  17 Minute mark   Chris Day asks a tonnage question.

Randy Gilbert answers on how they know the tonnage.

More questions from Chris Day on effect to landfill budget.

Lewisburg collects 150 tons of recyclables. Close to Lakengren's 148 tons.

3 hr.  24.6 Minute mark   Kevin Thorpe – Feels Lewisburg would jump on board.

This is a long discussion – please listen.

3 hr.  37.5 Minute mark   Dave Wesler – …We cannot afford it.

General Fund Balance (Use the archive feature):

April 17, 2013:   $3,126,935.05

April 16, 2012:   $3,334,618.80

April 11, 2011:   $2,887.895.09

April 16, 2010:   $1,841,804.06

3 hr.  44 Minute mark   Question on what happened to the money they were paying Tish Plaugher.

3 hr.  46.5 Minute mark   Landfill assessment cannot be used for this expense.

3 hr.  50 Minute mark    Chris Day believes it unlikely to find $5,000 in savings.

Dave Wesler other than subsidizing it from the General Fund…

3 hr.  54 Minute mark    On adding out of county trash to subsidize the landfill.

Discussion on issue.

3 hr.  57 Minute mark    Dave Wesler asks Chris Day what his thoughts are? Make a motion and see what sticks.

3 hr.  58.5 Minute mark    Denise Robertson moves that the county allow Lakengren to dump at the landfill. Without the expense of the concrete pad or compactor as of yet. Reimbursment from the Solid Waste District at a cost of estimated $70.

Chris Day seconds but asks questions.

4 hr. 2 Minute mark    Commissioner Robertson votes yes.

Commissioner Day – waffling……time ticking….. asks for stipulations on time frame.

Dave Wesler on liability of bees stinging people.

Commissioner Day – finally vote yes.

Commissioner Wesler – No.

Commissioner Day – We will try this for a month.

Resolution transferring $38,000+ to recycling

ADJOURN

4 hr. 9.4 minute mark on cd  

1 hr.  1 minutes – 13.9 MB