Preble County, Ohio, County Commissioners

December 14, 2009

Meeting audio and review

This meeting finds dissention among the Commission ranks. Commissioner Wesler recused himself from the three meetings scheduled over a friendship relationship with one of the original five companies. Sooo.. He was a no show on this issue involving Goose Creek. There is an election next year and the money and time spent on Goose Creek over the last eight years could very well become an issue. The recusal could also be viewed as a way of letting Commissioner Day & Commissioner Stonecash hold the bag for something inherited. There is a lot more that could be written about this and I will try and cover it after I get done with the Wednesday, December 16, audio.  

File 1

Opening

2.41 minutes – 629KB

File 2

 V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING THE JOURNALIZATION &

APPROVAL OF THE CD RECORDATION BOTH AS THE OFFICIAL MINUTES FOR THE

NOVEMBER 30TH & DECEMBER 2ND REGULAR SESSION MEETINGS

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

VII. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS

NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING THE VOUCHERS AS SUBMITTED

BY THE COUNTY AUDITOR

VIII. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

A. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #652-09-142

RE: AUTH. PAYMENT – VARIOUS DEPTS.

B. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #653-09-142

RE: TRANSFER OF FUNDS – VARIOUS DEPTS.

C. NOTE RECEIPT OF (2) AMENDED CERTIFICATES

RE: 2010 TAX BUDGETS – FY09 HOME CHIP ($177,000) & SHERIFF’S ROTARY FUND

($72,100)

D. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #654-09-142

RE: SUPPLE. TEMPORARY APPROP. – SHERIFF’S ROTARY FUND ($71,518) & FY09

HOME CHIP ($177,000)

E. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #655-09-142

RE: AUTH. PAYMENT – VARIOUS DEPTS.

F. NOTE RECEIPT OF A COURT ORDER FROM JUDGE DUES, JUVENILE COURT

RE: COLLECTION OF COURT COSTS, SPECIAL FUNDS PROBATE MAGISTRATE

FEES

G. NOTE RECEIPT OF (2) COURT ORDERS FROM JUDGE DUES, PROBATE COURT

RE: TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR PROBATE COURT

H. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #656-09-142

RE: TRANSFER OF FUNDS – PROBATE CT.

I. NOTE RECEIPT OF A COURT ORDER FROM JUDGE DUES, PROBATE COURT

RE: PROBATE COURT DISPUTE RESOLUTION FUND

End 24 minute mark on cd

21.19 minutes – 4.87MB

File 3

Opens with continuation of discussion from file 2 and whether Judge Dues submitted a "realistic budget" as everyone was asked to do.  Connie felt he had and that this budget reflected the "hardships we've incurred".

J. NOTE RECEIPT OF A COURT ORDER FROM JUDGE DUES, JUVENILE COURT

RE: MATTER OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION

K. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #657-09-142

RE: TRANSFER OF FUNDS – GENERAL MISC.

L. NOTE RECEIPT OF A COURT ORDER FROM JUDGE DUES, JUVENILE COURT

RE: MATTER OF SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND

M. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #658-09-142

RE: TRANSFER OF FUNDS – GENERAL MISC.

N. NOTE RECEIPT OF A COURT ORDER FROM JUDGE DUES, JUVENILE COURT

RE: COLLECTION OF COURT COSTS

O. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #659-09-142

RE: TRANSFER OF FUNDS – GENERAL MISC.

P. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RES. #660-09-142

RE: TRANSFER OF FUNDS – SHERIFF

IX. CORRESPONDENCE & REPORTS

A. NOTE RECEIPT OF (2) CERTIFICATES OF RESULT OF ELECTION

RE: PREBLE CO. MHRB LEVY & PREBLE CO. GENERAL HEALTH DIST. LEVY

B. NOTE RECEIPT OF A LETTER FROM VETERAN SERVICES BOARD

RE: 2010 SALARY INCREASES

C. NOTE RECEIPT OF A LETTER FROM U.S. DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY, FEMA

RE: CONTINUATION OF CURRENT RATING IN NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE

PROGRAM

X. AGREEMENTS & CONTRACTS

A. NOTE RECEIPT OF AN EXECUTED AGREEMENT

RE: RECORDING SYSTEM SUPPORT AGREEMENT W/ SOUND COMMUNICATIONS

INC. – COMMISSION

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

RE: PROFESSIONAL SVS. AGREEMENT W/ MALCOLM PIRNIE – $31,000 –

LANDFILL

C. NOTE RECEIPT OF & CONSIDER APPROVAL BY SIGNING AN AMENDMENT

RE: AMENDMENT #1 TO 2010 SUBSIDY GRANT AGREEMENT W/ OHIO DEPT. OF

YOUTH SERVICES – BUDGET CHANGES – JUV. CT.

End 46.75 minute mark on cd

21.44 minutes – 4.97MB

File 4

48 minute mark: David – Mary Bullen wanted him to call her about something, he assumed it had something to do with the Woolpert study and the Fair grounds. The other Commissioners had not heard from her.

Commissioners going to VanWert tomorrow (December 15)

51 minute mark:  Connie – Soil & Water's Board Supervisors requested meeting with Commissioners. Coming in on December 21.

52 minute mark: Dave: looks like the landfill is going to pay the balance of the $100,000 payment due the county. This payment will be around $25,000.

53.50 mark: Ray Koontz of Park Festival letter on Expo Center to building inspector. Issue discussed previously.  Appears to be another Pork Festival – Fairground issue. It was previously agreed that putting concrete in building would still allow tractor pulls if dirt was put in and taken out. This particular issue involves turning on the fans for fresh air.

57 minute mark: E – mail on long term funding of strategic funding of Fairground. Group to include three members from Fair board, three from Pork Fest and one from County Commissioners (Bob Stonecash) & one from City of Eaton. January 6, 2010, next meeting.  Chris Day had problem with Commissioners were not notified of last meeting until the day of the meeting.

59 minute mark: Le Paul station on Rt. 40.

1 hr. mark:  Goose Creek project, mentioned.

1hr. 1 min mark:  Chris: on County Commissioners meeting and cuts amoung other counties 5% – 45%.  OSU Extension and Soil & Water cuts and or elimination from county budgets. Dr. Keith Smith of OSU Extension made clear that 4H was not a priority for them (OSU Extension). Concern from Commissioners on 4H and expectation that there will be further discussion locally on issue.

Bob on cuts made locally earlier in the year that have allowed the county to be in a much better position than some other counties, mentioned Montgomery County. Relationship between Commissioners and courts – court orders.

Bob called Neil George the other night to see if he would serve on Zoning Appeals Board.

End 1hr. 9 minute mark on cd

22.14 minutes – 5.08MB

RECESS until Budget Commission Meeting

File 5

Bob & Chris – Continued discussion on Zoning Board with cell phone call in background, there is apparently a list. Possibly promote someone from zoning appeals to planning.

Bob – had someone in mind but that would be three out of Dixon Township, need for someone from Gratis Township or Jefferson if we want to spread it around.

1hr. 22 minute mark: Chris – Our obligation is to do what is best for the county. (Apparent discussion on choice of company to handle Goose Creek (may involve use of previous use of Poggemeyer or company handling brown field clean-up. Talk of something being between them and Mr. Wesler.)

1hr. 23. min. mark: Chris we need to make it a policy that we don't talk to anyone except inside this room"

Bob "we've been led down the path here, trying to steer it that way."

Chris – "I don't like getting back doored" on that and another issue."

1hr. 25 min – Bob – something is going on .. (whisper) "he talked to Kyle"…

Discussion continues just out of chambers where most of the conversation is not clear but at  the 1hr. 26.75 mark Chris comments "I don't like this". Something about a false sense of expectations. Connie in Chambers

End 1hr. 29 minute mark on cd

20.00 minutes – 4.58MB

Four minutes removed from 1hr. 29min to 1hr. 33min

File 6 – File 7 – File 8

10:30 A.M. – BUDGET COMMISSION MONTHLY MEETING

Meeting begins at  1hr 33 min. mark on cd.

Started December with cash fund balance of  $1,616,434.72      

 $1,405,692.74 as of December 11.

Landfill owes $187,000 but not expected in December.

Sales tax down. Estimated to be $ 341,131 vs. $282,891.83 that came in. Issue on refunds but state will not disclose who is getting the refunds, amounted to $55,000. Issue across the state.  If the issue continues it will have a major impact on county.

Expected to fall short of estimates in December.

Possible amended certificate on Monday.

The certificate for 2009 is at $9,423,928.  2010 – $250,000 less than 2009. Landfill payment not expected.

Expected  to meet the $800,000 carry over into 2010.  1hr. 48.50 Marty – $1,325,000 cash carry over into 2010.

End 1hr. 53 minute mark on cd

20.00 minutes – 4.58MB

File 7

End 2hr. 12 minute mark on cd

19.01 minutes – 4.35MB

File 8

End 2hr. 30 minute mark on cd

18.01 minutes – 4.12MB

File 9

2hr. 31 min. Late contract from state for re-evaluation services for Preble County. Contract is for that amount of $179,860.90.

2 hr. 34 min  *** Chris Day is asked about tax appeals on property appraisals. His response was that this past spring they normally have 25 and there were 125 – 130. 25 a year and there was a box full.

As a result of the impaired functions of those elements depression buy cialis buy cialis report gets the better of a human being.
End 2hr. 35.5 minute mark on cd

5.33 minutes – 1.27MB

File 10

1:00 P.M. – ME COMPANIES – RFQ GOOSE CREEK CROSSING PROJECT

Company Website & Info: http://www.mecompanies.com

M·E Companies, Inc. • 635 Brooksedge Boulevard • Westerville, Ohio 43081 • 614-818-4900 • mailbox@mecompanies.com

Commissioner Dave Wesler not on hand (recused on advise of Prosecutor's office for possible conflict of interest.)

For three to five years this company sees no way there is demand for Outlet Mall, biggest developer is in bankruptcy and there is a glut of retail. No financing available for it.

The Pizzutti quadrant plan is out of date. The environment has changed.

$6 million estimate for water & sewer?

Major freight corridor. Rail is going to be double stacked but will require infrastructure alteration along route to accommodate.

Expectation of 30% more freight being trucked along I-70 corridor.

2hr. 55 mark There are a lot of decisions that need to be made Pre-ap due a week from Wednesday. Probably want to ask for as much as we can from state but it will require you guys to come up with $940,000 match. You don't have to have it at the time of the pre-ap but it is something to be discussed.

We are most likely going to go for the "Manufacturing Designation". You are required to have 500,000 gallons a day, sewer 300,000  gallons a day, electric (we're fine with that)  gas 300,000 cubic feet per hour and telecommunications. Water & sewer requirements are robust, Pizzuti had been figuring 100,000 gallons for water and sewer. Not allowed to discharge to a stream.

4. 5 miles from Wal Mart to the center of the Exit 10 bridge. It might be cheaper to extend the mains if there is the political will. For JRS (Job Ready Sites) the expectation is large capacity for a marketing strategy. Apparently Eaton is no an option.

Possible extension from Lewisburg.

7 – 8 days to fill out the application out. Pre-ap is a place holder.

Biggest issue for JRS that this guy sees is the Gas capability.

3hr. 4.5 min mark ***JRS is a little more political than need based.

Question on property owners being talked to. (Could not make out all of commissioners response).

Chris we need to get some long term options on property.

3hr. 13 min.   JRS requires seven years.

Chris talking about a 10 year option being put in place.

Commissioners asked about  TIF or JED being in place.

Commissioners and Connie unaware if even Lewisburg have one set up.

Short term a Distribution Center is probably best option.

Talk of Know County success.

Chris wanted to know what they see as the highlights coming out of this in March.

 3hr. 24min.  talk of southwest quadrant development.

President of company – they can start tomorrow.  Jeff & Tim made presentation.

End 3hr. 28 minute mark on cd

52.31 minutes – 12 MB

File 11

2:00 P.M. – KLEINGERS & ASSOCIATES – RFQ GOOSE CREEK CROSSING PROJECT

Company Website & Info: http://www.kleingers.com/  

Cincinnati, OH  (513) 779-7851 – Columbus, OH (614) 882-4311 – Dayton, OH  (937) 426-3404

Making the presentation were Jay Stewart, Dave Franklin and Rob Painter (project manager)

Commissioner Dave Wesler not on hand (recused on advise of Prosecutor's office for possible conflict of interest.)

Meeting starts about 4 minutes in at 3 hr. 28 min mark   Presentation starts with Rob Painter (Principal with Kleingers & Assoiciates)  introducing the team he has assembled – Jay Stewart (Funding & Economic expert) former assistant city manager for city of Monroe,  David Wright (Civil Engineer and Development),  Nathan Moore (Transportation & Traffic expert),  Frank ??? (Wastewater expert).

3 hr. 36 min.  This is a global market place. Understand that there are other sites just like it up and down the I-70 corridor. If you don't have all your ducks in a row…  Big box and freight corridor, available land. Down in West Chester (where they are from) land is going for over $100,000 an acre.  First challenge – water & sewer, how to get traffic into the site once off of I-70, environmental due diligence.

3 hr 41.75 minute mark  it is mention that the Preble site involves 200 acres. Discussion of roadway improvements needed to get into area, Phase 1 environmental site adjustment, Wetland & stream assessment,  Archeological and literature review (arrow heads & brown bats).

Frank: Water & Sanitary.  Solve onsite, so county has control without having to worry about 5 miles from somewhere else. Get well site approval from EPA for test and production wells so it is known what type of treatment and volume output. (Apparently, Preble left impression they wanted 100,000 gallons a day which was less then he thought.) Waste water: package plant. Mentioned EPA letter from 2002. Users in area may want to use county facility to comply with EPA rules. Treat farm field with irrigation from system.

Jay: Financing, finding the money. As much bang for the $250,000 as possible, leverage the money and grants. Look at JRS again. Preble in District 11 and there are politics involved, deal making needed. Was unaware that there is CIC in Preble County. Public – Private partnership. Mentioned TIF ( Tax Increment Financing) , JEDD (Joint Economic Development District), township income tax.

4 hr. mark Commissioner Stonecash says something… southwest corner.

K&A – Industrial distribution is the company's first thought for area.

Chris: asks about them updating original Master Plan.

K&A – Big box distribution.

Talk of irrigation for local farms from treated water.

Perform survey work, check courthouse documents.

4hr. 13 min.  ***Asked Commissioners about what type of arrangements from land owners (commitments) they have… hand shake?

Commissioner Stonecash answered but it cannot be made out.

4 hr. 15 min Chris on end project and what county can do with it.

Chris: what we need is something we can market. Asks about them working with landowners. Need for agreement with property owners over price.

K&A:  At some point you are going to put some of your own  (County) money up. If the guy decides his family wants to farm it for years you wasted taxpayers money.

( More questions asked by Commissioners with this group and over all a much better presentation. The group seemed more at ease.)

End 4 hr. 30 minute mark on cd

1 hour 2 minutes – 14.1 MB

File 12

3:00 P.M. – WOOLPERT, INC. – RFQ GOOSE CREEK CROSSING PROJECT

Company Website: http://www.woolpert.com/  headquartered out of Dayton.

Woolpert is currently doing a study on the future and uses for the Preble County Fairgrounds.

4hr. 33minute mark  Bob asked about the first meeting between the Pork Fest & Fair board as the commissioners were not invited. Bob is to be on steering committee for the Fairgrounds.

Problem getting the projector to work.

4hr. 40 minute mark meeting starts    

In attendance for Woolpert – Steve Morrison, Charley Moore (Water treatment), Brad Scwab (Zoning), Brian Smallwood (Engineer) raised in Preble County, New Paris, Bob ?? (Transportation).

Brad: lists advantages as being close to Indiana, Interchange, possibly market tax advantage and incentives of Ohio to companies in Indiana.

Challenges to the site: the entrance.

Hazelwood Drive as an access point, a second access point at Orphans Rd. at some point.

Over build it to save time and money in the future.

Onsite waste water treatment as Twin Creek is the second cleanest stream in the state.

Need to get on property to do a test well, how deep will dictate cost and quality treatment.

Long term it may be better to connect with an existing line.

Sustainable design.

4hr. 55min.   What will make this project successful on this two month project?

Start fast out of gate. Property not in the county commissioners names, will need permission.

Commissioner Stonecash:  "We have had meetings with this gentleman, he is on board"

Brad: To answer your three questions-

1. What are the major items with this project?

Infrastructure needs to be in place. No one will wait six months for it to get there. We need to upgrade the transportation, communications, funding. AND FUNDING.

We need to go through a Master Planning.

High Priority – This site is zoned Highway Service and Ag. Thinking something grander than wither one of those can accommodate.

5 hr.  What you get at the end of this thing (March 1)?

Wants to get out of due diligence as fast as possible and will need the Commissioners help.

5 hr. 3 min. mark   Lists projects on Company resume.

Miami Valley Research Park is on the company resume.

Coventry River Front is a current project.

Mentions retail as a possibility, light industrial, manufacturing, R&D and maybe some hospitality, not much in the way of office, unless they just wanted to be here.

Chris Day: On need to have something to market the area.

Woolpert: The front door where the Pilot is needs work.

Bob Stonecash on waste water.

Woolpert: Onsite treatment, probably won't approve any discharge into stream. Talk of connecting to Eaton or Lewisburg.

EPA has to approve the well site.  Issues depend on amount of water and treatment.

Pretty good and long Q&A session.

Mention again on options for land issues. Commitment to sell for an extended period of time by current land owners. Fear of doing work and landowner pulling the rug out when it came time to sell.

Commissioner Stonecash: This deal has been in the works forever.

I would say that meetings two and three were pretty close. Commissioners seem to know a lot of the same people as this group.

End 5 hr. 33.5 minute mark on cd

1 hr. 3.31minutes – 14.5 MB

File 13

Chris: Where's David?

Bob: I don't think he came back did he?

Chris: I tell you what..he should of  (whisper)

Kim: On grant for FCFC.  This grant was mentioned as a funding source for OSU Extension, the amount was for around $60,000 and would qualify for matching funds from OSU. County would have to come up with advance money and then be reimbursed.

Bob: asking if the county has anything that in writing that OSU will do what they have said. Concern over need for written agreement that this can ne used for matching funds.

Chris: Wants something from Ohio State on agreement before Commissioners sign off on.

End 5hr. 41.8 minute mark on cd

8.23 minutes – 1.91 MB

File 14

Invitation to Bruce Elementary (tomorrow, December 15). Chris & Bob will go, Dave still not back.  Bob calls to confirm time (12:30 a.m.)

5 hr. 45 min. mark   Chris asks what are your thought on this Robert? How about you David? (Sarcasm as Dave is not there) LOL

Bob all three were very good presentations.

Chris: Woolpert did a nice presentation. Kleinger very impressed with, appear to have full spectrum available. Received an email from Poggemeyer. Talks about history with Poggemeyer (sounds a little upset with David)

Bob – I think they thought they were a shoe-in.

5 hr. 51 min.  Chris – Poggemeyer felt that with their previous association with the project, some at little to no charge….  Never led them to believe.

Bob  I don't feel any obligation. they may meet with Poggemeyer. Prepared to make a decision on- Wednesday.

Chris – already comparing two presentations (Woolpert & Kleinger). Sounds like he feels they never

Connie on a couple landowners approached but.

Bob have them in and listen to what they have to offer.

Chris schedule them in 9:30 Wednesday

6:00 hr. mark  Chamber meeting. Bob going, Chris has something to do in town.

Bob Why don't we adjourn and we can discuss this.

Chris impressed with Kleinger but there is the local presence….

ADJOURN

End 6hr. 3.3 minute mark on cd

20.23 minutes – 1.91 MB