COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ATTICA
November 8, 2004
The Common Council for the City of Attica met on the 8th day of November 2004 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. at city hall. Those present: Mr. Bill Craft, Mr. Larry Grant, Mrs. Valarie Maus, Mr. Harold Burris, Mr. Larry Askren, Mr. Deon Swift, and Ms. Sharon Negele.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
Mrs. Maus made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 11th meeting, seconded by Mr. Burris.
CITIZENS PETITION
There were several citizens present to ask questions. Mr. Jerry Heeter began the questioning by first asking about what is going on with the police investigations regarding the young girl attacked in our community. Mayor Swift responded with the information reported by Channel 18. They announced that some DNA evidence has been received but not all has been processed. In addition, our police are working closely with the State (specifically Detective Tom Minnicus), and County Police and Parole Officers. Mr. Heeter responded with concern over cooperation with specifically the County Police. Mayor Swift responded with that he was not aware of any police agency having an issue and that he would arrange for all representatives to be available at the next Council meeting. Mr. Heeter then questioned the progress on the local fire investigations. Mr. Ed O’Farrell (Fire Department Chief) reported that there were two suspects regarding the downtown fires. In addition, there were two cars observed at the rural fires, which are being investigated by the County. At this time they feel the fires are unrelated. He also mentioned that they have all been classified as arson. Arson cases are usually solved when someone reports an admission via bragging. Mr. Heeter questioned why Attica Police are seen outside the City limits and Mr. Marvin Osborne concurred that this appeared to be a waste of the Attica’s resources. Mayor Swift responded by explaining that if our police are called that they will respond. Mr. Osborne responded that they are volunteering instead of being called. Mayor Swift asked for dates and times. Mr. Heeter then asked why the Chief of Police has a personal secretary, out of control comp time, and a cell phone. Mayor Swift responded that Mr. Snoeberger does not have a personal secretary, and comp time was recently bought down to 50 hours. There is some concern that the number of hours may rise with the ongoing investigations. The department is one patrolman short. The situation will be monitored closely and kept in check. The city does provide a cell phone for the Chief of Police, Director of Public Works, and our Fire Chief. He added that cell phones are an important tool for operations. Mr. Heeter asked why ambulances are allowed to race through Perry St. by a deaf child sign. Ron Jean responded that the child no longer lives there and he would remove the sign the next day. Mr. Osborn asked why the police are not patrolling the downtown area more thoroughly. Mr. Heeter added that the police should be walking downtown at night to chase away the bad element. Mayor Swift responded that he would have to address this with the Police Chief and that he would make sure he was available at the next Council meeting. Mr. Osborn reported that there are a lot of elderly people very scared about what is going on in Attica. Mayor Swift responded that he invites all concerned citizens to attend the next meeting and additionally stated that there was no blame to place on the Council that he appoints the Police Chief directly.
DEPARTMENT HEADS
Mr. Jean reported that they are working hard on leaf pickup. Currently they are picking up 5 days a week. Mr. Burris asked if the direction of the light at the river had been fixed and Mr. Jean reported in the affirmative. Mr. O’Farrell announced that the Fire Department was approved for the Fema Fire Grant of $47,396. The grant required a 10% match from the city. The monies will be used for new turnout gear, pagers, rescue equipment, extradition equipment, and carbon monoxide detection equipment. He also announced that the Roemers have offered a reward leading to the arrest of the arsonist who set fire to their building. In addition, the Fire Marshall’s Office in conjunction with the International Association of Arson Investigators has offered a reward up to $5,000 that leads to an arrest. Mr. O’Farrell also reported on the condition of some of the other downtown buildings and has documented concern areas and is working with some of the owners for solutions. Mr. Burris asked Mr. O’Farrell on the status of the old tanker. Mr. O’Farrell reported that since we were unable to sell it at auction that he, along with another Fire Department, were arranging to donate the truck to a Fire Department in Mexico. The details on transferring the truck were still being finalized.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mrs. Maus made a motion to begin paying the new sanitation rate in January, which includes the spring clean up fee. Mr. Grant seconded the motion, all ayes. The date of the spring cleanup would be discussed at another meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Ms. Sharon Negele informed the Council on the aging policy associated with the Utility collections. As of November disconnects will occur at 30 days rather than 60 days.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the council, Mr. Craft made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Askren.
________________________________
Deon H. Swift, II, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Sharon Negele, Clerk/Treasurer