COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF ATTICA

January 11, 2010

The Common Council for the City of Attica met on the 11^th day of January at the hour of 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Those present: Mr. Bill Craft, Mr. Larry Askren, Mr. Larry Grant, Mrs. Valerie Maus, Mr. Dale Wilson, Mr. Tom O’Connor, Mr. Robert Shepherd and Ms. Sharon Negele.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

Mr. Wilson made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 14th Council meeting and seconded by Mr. Craft.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Cemetery Committee met and Mrs. Maus has determined that they will need to continue discussing the various issues. She did present the 6 issues that are under discussion.

1. How many cremations are going to be allowed to be buried on a single grave space? It was suggested by the local funeral director that the amount be two.

2. Should the City insist that urn vaults be required to be used for an urn/cremation burial? Cemetery personnel noted that this would assist when probing is needed to locate cremated remains. The local funeral director noted that this requirement would place an additional financial burden on the family and he objected to it being mandatory.

3. The only animals/pets that can be placed on grave spaces, are the ones who have been put inside the casket of the owner. No other animals may be buried in the cemetery.

4. Regulations on pouring of foundations for memorial markers. If a family member wants to pour their own foundation, do we allow other contractors to come into the cemetery and pour these foundations? The local funeral director was not in favor of this due to the regulation requirements for the various sizes and depths required and not all contractors will follow the rules. Another thought to consider may be to allow a family member to assist a designated person from the cemetery in this process.

5. Considering a “Green Burial Site”. This is new idea that has evolved in cemeteries. Would the cemetery accept an area to be designated as a “green burial site” for future burials in our cemetery. This is designated for those who do not want “traditional” burials. It would have to be approved by the environmentally Green Burial Society. It would not be our rules, but the rules from the Society for this section only. Grave openings would be by hand, with no memorial markers, only stones or wood, that is eco-friendly. The Gravesites would not be maintained, but allowed to grow with natural or wild flowers.

6. Add to the existing rules that no decorative rocks/stones be placed on the ground on the gravesites. Our current rules: states that “nothing” is to be on the ground.

When these decisions are made, along with the rules, Mrs. Maus would like to see that the City provide these to all who purchase a space and to the area funeral homes, so they too can hand these out at time of arrangements for them to take home, knowing ahead of purchasing. Also Mrs. Maus requested if there was anything else that could be added to the aforementioned list to please contact her in writing. Mrs. Maus would like to meet with her committee one more time to review the suggestions and report those responses at the next Council Meeting.

Mrs. Maus also presented the Park Board Meeting wish list for future discussion.

CITIZENS PETITIONS

Ms. Jessica Daily presented a petition with 58 signatures from Davis Township residents supporting no change in the existing Fire Protection Contract. Mr. O’Connor advised Ms. Daily that the decision was not up to the Attica City Council but that he would like a copy for the record and may be helpful with future discussions involving Westpoint Fire Department and Davis Township trustee.

DEPARTMENT HEADS

Mr. Jean reported that the Air stripper was still not up and running but expected the system to be turned on the next day. He also noted that demolition of 501 Summit has started.

Mr. Snoeberger reported that he was currently taking applications for a new police officer upon receiving notification from an Officer of his resignation in December.

Mr. O’Farrell introduced Mr. Joe Whitaker the Director of Fountain County Emergency Management Agency. He presented the Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan which includes directions for the City of Attica . The plan takes a problem/solution approach. This plan covers Fountain County plus all of the Cities and Towns. The plan took seven months to generate and the State and FEMA have approved the plan. Each City and Town will need to pass a resolution accepting the plan. He further explained that this plan did not constitute any financial obligation and if there is a disaster FEMA would come in and help assist on funding. This plan should be viewed as a tool that helps you qualify as a City that is prepared for emergency situations. After a quick discussion amongst Council members they chose to table the resolution passage until next meeting which will allow the appropriate time for review of the plan. Everyone thanked Joe Whitaker for his attendance and presentation. Ms. Negele offered to burn CD’s for Council members to review the book at their leisure. Mr. Ed O’Farrell presented his year end run report. The following is a summary of his report.

· The calculated average response time was just over two minutes

· Average Manpower per response 7.4 fire fighters

· Mutual aid responses were 53 runs – 25 given, 28 received

Mr. O’Farrell introduced the Fire Chief of West Point, Mr. Gary Cheeseman. Mr. Cheeseman voiced his concern over the Davis Township decision to not enter into a Fire Protection contract with the Attica Fire Department (AFD) and only enter into an agreement with the West Point Fire Department (WPFD). He emphasized how much AFD and WPFD work together as mutual aid for Davis Township and that he would like to see that continue. Additionally he noted that this same thing occurred about eight years ago and was able to be resolved. In closing he stated that the fire business has changed tremendously and that a meeting with everyone involved may assist in a resolution and he was willing to meet with everyone including the trustees. Mr. Robert Shepherd responded in agreement and he would assign two council members (Larry Grant and Larry Askren) to arrange a meeting with all of the parties concerned to discuss the issues involved in protecting the Citizens of Davis Township. Mr. O’Farrell inquired if the instructions were still the same on runs called in for Davis Township and Mr. Robert Shepherd replied yes to continue the Fire Protection coverage until further notice.

Mr. Eric Dismore reported that there was repair activity occurring at 705 S. Brady St. and that the demolition order is on hold for now pending the outcome of the ongoing refurbishments. He also reported a meeting that he had with a downtown building tenant regarding the structural issues associated with the abandoned building at 207 S Perry St. He asked if the city could provide fencing in the back for now to secure the site. Mr. Robert Shepherd asked the council if they would table the issue for now upon review of the structural engineering report which had been performed less than 12 months ago. Council agreed to table the issue until the next council meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mr. O’Connor reminded Council that the City is following procedure on acquiring the 6.85 acres adjoining the Riverside Cemetery. The land owner has 30 days to respond to an offer and if this request is ignored or declined then he will begin the eminent domain procedures.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Mr. Robert Shepherd inquired if anyone had any objections to remaining on their assigned standing committees from 2009 and everyone was in agreement that these committee assignments were still acceptable so there will be no change.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Askren made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Maus all ayes.

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Robert G. Shepherd, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Sharon Negele, Clerk/Treasurer