Mayor Bryan Shock called the December 5, 2019 Village of Attica Council meeting to order at 7:34 PM.
Roll Call: Nate Frisch, George Yakoubian, Justin VanAlstine, Louie Sanders, and Kirk Stanfield
Approval of Warrants: Motion by Councilman VanAlstine, seconded by Councilman Yakoubian to
approve the warrants for payment. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: Motion by Councilman Sanders, seconded by Councilman VanAlstine to approve
the minutes. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried.
Written & Oral Communication: none
Public Safety: none
Streets & Properties: VA Martin stated the final brush route pickup would be happening this week.
Parks: none
Trees: none
Fire: none
EMS: none
Cemetery: none
Personnel: none
Zoning Commission: none
Finance & Rule: Cash balance of all funds $ 1,038,545.33. The November Bank Reconciliation and Utility
Billing Adjustment Report were both passed to Council for review and approval.
FO Gullett presented the information for health insurance renewal for employees of the Village.
Renewal at current coverage levels would be an increase of 14.6%. Based on information given from the
insurance broker and feedback from employees, the renewal at current coverage levels would be the
best option. Some further discussion was had on insurance benefits and rates. Councilman Stanfield
questioned the rates, asking why we needed to renew. VA Martin gave some input, stating that we
often change carriers between 2-3 insurance companies. We generally change every few years to
continue getting the best rates and coverage. Last year, coverage levels were decreased but for
significant savings. These renewal rates are still better than what we were previously paying with
Anthem in 2018. Councilman Stanfield asked if we are saving money by not having a police chief to
cover. FO Gullett answered yes, but simply because it’s one less person. She explained that rates are set
by insurance companies not by the number of claims, but by age, sex, demographics and smoking/nonsmoking status.
Motion by Councilman Sanders, seconded by Councilman Yakoubian to renew with United Healthcare at
current coverage levels, accepting the 14.6% increase. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried.
FO Gullett also presented information on the Village’s energy savings contract renewal. For the last 3
years, the contract has been with Gold Star Energy with Engie being the service provider, at a rate of
$0.05376 KWH. Gold Star Energy is offering tiered renewal rates, with Engie still as the service provider:
3-year contract $0.0490 KWH, 4-year contract $0.0487 KWH, 5-year contract $0.0483 KWH. Some
further discussion was had on energy savings and how much rates can change in 3 years.
Motion by Councilman Sanders, seconded by Councilman Frisch to renew the contract with Gold Star
Engery/Engie for a 3-year term, at the rate of $0.0490 KWH. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried.
Water & Sewer: VA Martin stated that a lead service line was replaced.
Martin also stated that he discussed the water and sewer budgets with Gary Weis, and they are recommending to continue with the 3% increase for 2020 water rates as scheduled, but no increase on sewer rates for 2020. Councilman Stanfield questioned the rates for sewer, asking if anything would be done for the $0.04 difference in rates dating back several years. Martin suggested that Stanfield get with the solicitor to draw up an ordinance pertaining to that or submit one himself. Martin stated that the mandates from the EPA on testing require the 3% increase on the water side. The interpretation of regulations has recently changed, causing the need for more testing. Councilman Yakoubian added that he has read about something called “forever chemicals” which could also cause other changes. Some further discussion was had on potential changes and regulations in drinking water and the EPA.
Motion by Councilman Frisch, seconded by Councilman Sanders to leave the 3% rate increase in place for 2020 but suspend the 3% increase for sewer rates in 2020. Vote: 4-2, with Councilmen Stanfield and Treft opposing. Motion carried.
Village Website & IT: none
Unfinished, Old Business and New Business: Reporter Bonnie Daniel asked if a solicitor has been selected yet. Councilman Frisch stated that he has a resume that was passed to him today, along with a few outstanding phone calls.
ORD 2019-12 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REPLACE THE VILLAGE OF ATTICA CREDIT CARD USE POLICY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY was read and reviewed. Motion by Councilman Frisch, seconded by Councilman Sanders to suspend the three read rule on ORD 2019-12. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried.
Motion by Councilman Sanders, seconded by Councilman VanAlstine to declare an emergency on ORD 2019-12. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried. Motion by Councilman Sanders, seconded by Councilman VanAlstine to adopt ORD 2019-12. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried.
Next meeting: December 19th*, 2019 at 7:30PM *Please Note: Meetings in December are 1st & 3rd Thursdays, due to Christmas holiday. Motion by Councilman VanAlstine, seconded by Councilman Frisch to adjourn the meeting.
Time: 8:20 PM. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried.
____________________________________ ______________________________ Mayor Bryan Shock Fiscal Officer Michelle Gullett
