Mayor Nathan Frisch called the October 14, 2021 Village of Attica Council regular meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
Roll Call: George Yakoubian, Kirk Stanfield, Tim Bulger, Louis Sanders, Lynn Love Others Present: Village Administrator Greg Martin
Approval of Warrants: Motion by Councilman Love, seconded by Councilman Bulger to approve the warrants for payment. Vote: 5-0. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: Motion by Councilman Love, seconded by Councilman Bulger to approve minutes. Vote: 5-0. Motion carried.
Written & Oral Communication: Residents Ed Beamer, Tony Wurm, and Jim Phillips were present to ask some questions about the proposed income tax. Beamer asked if we still had a parks levy, and if so, how much. FO Gullett advised that yes we do, and it only brings in around $19k a year. Beamer also asked RITA would be the administrator of the income tax if passed. FO Gullett advised that Council would have to make that decision to join RITA, and that RITA’s fees would be far less than hiring and paying someone to administer the taxes ourselves, let alone the expertise they have and keeping up with laws and regulations. Phillips asked why 1%, and it was answered that was a pretty standard percentage. It was noted that if the Village finds that amount is more than needed, it can be lowered at a later time. It cannot be increased. Council has the legal right to enact up to a 1% tax, no more. Anything else would have to go to a vote. Other items in the income tax conversation included the theory that an income tax is fairer to residents than property taxes, as only homeowners pay the property tax. It was again mentioned that retirement and social security income are not subject to the tax. Also, people can check with other municipalities where they pay taxes for working and see if they offer a credit for taxes paid in other places. It was noted from the residents present that better communication during the process from Council would have been nice.
Beamer and Phillips also had questions regarding the sale of water/sewer operations. Mayor Frisch advised that Aqua is currently reviewing the information from the Arcadis report, and that both companies interested in the purchase of the systems stated they would want to bring on existing employees of the Village.
Public Safety: A sheriff’s deputy was present at the meeting, stating that they often make visits to villages, townships, etc when they have the time in the schedule. There has been more of a presence from the sheriff’s office in Attica recently patrolling, and it was noted that presence has been appreciated.
Streets & Properties: Resident Tony Wurm questioned if there was a camera near the recycling area. VA Martin advised there is, and if it catches people dumping illegally, that information will be passed to the sheriff’s office. Councilman Yakoubian stated the quote from Terry McConnell for the ditch cleanup was $6750. He would not like to vote on the issue tonight, because he has asked for a revised quote to include another 100ft. Council did not vote but voiced no objections to using the $10k from the budget slated for street paving for this project, as it is still streets and properties and there are no paving projects planned for this year. Councilman Stanfield inquired if Darr’s has been in yet to run a camera and look for issues in the Woodwind Dr area. VA Martin advised not yet.
Parks: VA Martin advised that he would be winterizing Myers Park next week, as long as cross country was done for the year. Councilman Love stated she was emailing Doug Mason tomorrow to confirm they are finished. Love also stated that she spoke to Tim Bowerman of the baseball club, and there are some grandstands that need replaced. She would also like to look into putting in a t-ball field. Mayor Frisch advised that the Legion was wanting to put one in at the park on Seneca St.
Trees: Tree Commission member Lance Drummond stated that he is still waiting to hear back from NASA regarding moon trees, and trimming will hopefully take place within the next few weeks.
Fire: Councilman Bulger reported: meeting is next week Wednesday at 7pm, the truck pad at the firehouse has been poured.
EMS: Councilman Love reported: had meeting in Tiffin; Bascom still deciding, reviewing the contract for district coverage and evaluating needs, picnic recently held for 7 new EMTs, Attica currently has no squad, the county ordered 2 but won’t be here until next year sometime.
Cemetery: Councilman Sanders stated they are still waiting on information for the grant to fix the mausoleum.
Personnel: Councilman Love stated the job opening is still out on OTCO and Indeed.
Zoning Commission: none
Finance & Rule: Cash balance of all funds $ 1,355,045.46. All funds includes CDs and reserved or restricted funds, and debt reserve funds.
Village Income Tax: none
Water & Sewer: none
Village Website & IT: none
Unfinished, Old Business and New Business: none
Next meeting: October 28, 2021 at 7:30 PM Motion by Councilman Bulger, seconded by Councilman Love to adjourn the meeting. Time: 8:57 PM. Vote: 5-0. Motion carried.
____________________________________ ______________________________ Mayor Nathan Frisch Fiscal Officer Michelle Gullett
