City of Canfield

Key discussions included an announcement of a Public Hearing scheduled for February 5, 2014, concerning the proposed Sign Ordinance amendment. Council members shared updates regarding the Library Project, noting plans for a large new building and an upcoming three-dimensional presentation. Department reports highlighted Police activity in 2013, where 85% of stops resulted in warnings rather than citations. Legislative actions included authorizing Change Order Number 1 for the Waterline Project due to pipe deficiencies, approving the replat of a lot on West Main Street, and authorizing the refund of excess insurance premiums paid by employees. The Council also moved to rezone library-purchased properties to the 'S' Zoning District to conform with surrounding public building zones. Furthermore, a resolution was passed to allow the City Manager to claim approximately $700 in unclaimed funds from the State of Ohio, and a motion was passed to appoint an Acting Manager in the City Manager's absence. Citizens raised concerns regarding road pavement on Route 46, flooding/storm water management, speeding on residential streets, and the need to address abandoned residences. The City Manager also reported on issuing citations for Municipal Income Tax violations and the drafting of a Dangerous Drug Ordinance.

Key discussions included correspondence regarding a charter amendment judgment entry and communications from the Board of Health concerning properties at 33 Kirk and 514 Hickory Hollow. The Council addressed several agenda items, notably approving Change Order Number 1 & Final for the East Main Street Pedestrian Facility, which resulted in a net decrease in contract amount. An Ordinance was passed authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement for the construction of a Police Department Addition, with the bid coming in under the Engineer's Estimate. The Council also adopted a resolution for the annual Section 125 Cafeteria Plan and approved a motion to waive zoning fees for the Cardinal Joint Fire District for their proposed fire station construction requiring a zone change and replat. Council confirmed dates for leaf pick-up and discussed the need to appoint a Council representative to the JEDD Board. Citizen comments featured updates from the Citizens' Committee regarding initiatives like profiling city employees and sponsoring an essay contest on citizenship, as well as thanks from the Canfield Junior Women's League for police and fire support at their Fall Market.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss imminent and pending litigation, reconvening afterward. Key discussions involved clarifying notification procedures for water breaks versus planned water shut-offs. Updates were provided on compliance efforts regarding property issues at 33 Kirk, including encapsulation of a mold issue and plans for future air quality sampling before sale. The status of capacity verification for the Main St. Villa basin redesign was reviewed, and follow-up on correspondence to the Association was requested. Council members discussed the positive public feedback regarding lighting on 'the Green' and ongoing efforts by the Rotary club for future lighting enhancements. Significant time was dedicated to addressing a recent newspaper article regarding the discussion of a citizen's $46.00 water bill late fee, with Council members emphasizing the administrative burden and precedent issues. Committee reports covered progress on the new Fire Station construction, which is nearing completion and has resulted in hiring new full-time firefighters. City Manager updates included the receipt of Phase 3 legislation for Broad St. from ODOT and the arrival of a generator for the Police Department. The Finance Director reported on year-end preparations and temporary appropriations. Several ordinances were passed, including amendments to the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for 2016, the creation of the Police Department Operating Levy Fund, transfers to the Unclaimed Monies Fund, amendments to the Municipal Income Tax chapter to comply with State Law, amendments to Sewer User Charges Ordinance 2009-04, approval of a replat for two city lots, authorization for an agreement with Buckeye Energy Brokers, Inc. for electric utility aggregation consulting services, and approval of a Temporary Appropriation Ordinance. Additionally, a motion was passed to advance funds from the General Fund to the OVI Task Force Grant Fund FY2017, a motion was approved to appoint Joseph V. Warino as the Alternate to the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments bodies, appointments to various Boards, Commissions, & Committees were made, and Mark Fortunato was re-appointed as Municipal Attorney for a three-year contract. Council members concluded by exchanging holiday greetings and discussing plans to resume Strategic Planning Meetings separate from regular council meetings in the upcoming year.

Key discussions involved several public communications regarding shrub maintenance and water pressure issues in specific neighborhoods, which the Public Works Foreman agreed to investigate. The Council addressed numerous legislative items, including the award of a contract for the Chapel Lane Drainage Improvement Project. Major actions involved adopting ordinances to apply for funding through the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for the North Broad Street Safety Upgrade Project, which Council confirmed has a zero local match, and applying for an ODOT Transportation Alternatives Program Grant for the North Broad Street Safety Lighting Project. Furthermore, a resolution was passed to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with ODOT for the Safe Routes to School Program Grant. The Council also approved a motion to change the September meeting dates to accommodate the local Fair. The City Attorney provided updates on a new Charter Amendment Petition, noting that a Special Meeting might be necessary to address the ballot deadline, and discussed ongoing work related to Charter amendments concerning term limits. Additionally, the Council plans to retain special counsel to assist with rewriting the Income Tax Ordinance due to new state legislation (House Bill 5). Department reports included updates on court collections, street maintenance, and new building permits issued in July.

Key discussions included welcoming newly elected members and thanking outgoing members for their service, particularly regarding the successful annexation deal for 288.5 acres, which will not be a JEDD. Council addressed concerns regarding systemic property maintenance issues, specifically citing the property on Hickory Hollow, and discussed adopting a more proactive inspection policy. The issue of leaf collection extension due to weather was also raised. The Council addressed ongoing drag racing activity near Route 224. New business involved approving Ordinance 2017-35, amending the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for current expenses, notably due to HVAC system failures and engineering services for the annexed land. Additionally, Ordinance 2017-36 was passed, amending water rates for 2018 by instituting a 7.75% increase per the agreement with the City of Youngstown. The Council also discussed extending the City Manager's contract by sixty days pending the appointment of a new manager, and heard updates on road resurfacing projects funded in part by OPWC grants, and the status of transportation alternative funding for the North Broad Street lighting project. Citizen commentary focused heavily on the structure of the new water rates, particularly the minimum charge, and the need for training for new and existing council members regarding their responsibilities and legal compliance.