Mayor Nathan Frisch called the May 14, 2020 Village of Attica Council meeting to order at 7:33 PM. Roll Call: Lynn Love, George Yakoubian, Ed Treft, Louie Sanders, Kirk Stanfield*, Tim Bulger *Mr. Stanfield exited the meeting at 8:22pm, prior to meeting adjournment at 8:55pm. Others Present: Solicitor Heather Niedermeier Heyman

Approval of Warrants: Motion by Councilman Yakoubian, seconded by Councilman Bulger to approve the warrants for payment. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes:

Motion by Councilman Sanders, seconded by Councilman Bulger to approve the minutes. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried.

Written & Oral Communication: none

Public Safety: none

Streets & Properties: VA Martin sent in a report in lieu of attending the meeting. He stated that he is applying for a grant for street signage along Venice Twp. Brush pickup is underway and will be every Friday, weather permitting. Martin also announced the street paving list needs to be completed so we can get quotes. Martin advised that he is working on the Venice Street property. Councilman Yakoubian asked if anyone knew if Venice Twp has an ordinance that would apply to the property. Mayor Frisch advised the issue is all on the Village side of the property. Councilman Yakoubian asked if anything has been addressed with the parking spot in front of the fire hydrant. It will be followed up with VA Martin to see. Councilman Yakoubian also brought up a letter that was taped to a resident’s door about brush pickup. It stated some stipulations that residents needed to follow. He wanted to clarify the information. Brush should be bundled and no more than 6 feet long. Grass clippings, leaves, garden debris, etc should be placed in garbage bags or similar containers. Limbs should be trimmed to no longer than 6 feet. Glass, metal, wood or similar materials will not be picked up. Any excessive amounts will be removed by the Village at the expense of the property owner. Yakoubian will put the information on the Village website.

Parks: Councilman Love stated she is working on the parks grant with FO Gullett. She has a quote for the fence project with her tonight to include in the application. This should be ready to file after tonight. RES 2020-7: A RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY ON A TAX LEVY IN EXCESS OF THE TEN MILL LIMITATION FOR PROVIDING PARK OPERATION (A RENEWAL LEVY) AND REQUESTING OF THE AUDITOR OF SENECA COUNTY, OHIO, CERTIFICATIONS UNDER SECTION 5705.03 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY was presented. This is a resolution necessary to proceed with getting the park levy renewal on the ballot this November. Motion by Councilman Sanders, seconded by Councilman Yakoubian to suspend the three read rule on RES 2020-7. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried. Motion by Councilman Yakoubian, seconded by Councilman Bulger to declare an emergency on RES 2020-7. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried. Motion by Councilman Sanders, seconded by Councilman Yakoubian to adopt RES 2020-7. Vote: 6-0. Motion carried. Mayor Frisch announced that Council has a big decision to make about the pool. The Governor or Ohio has announced that pools can reopen on 5/26, but will we have the ability to open and lifeguards available is the question. We do have information from the CDC that routine chemicals used in the pool should kill the COVID-19 virus. Councilman Yakoubian asked what other communities were doing. It was noted that some have already closed, some are waiting on announcing, and some will open. Councilman Bulger asked what requirements lifeguards needed. It was answered they need an actual lifeguard certification in addition to CPR certification. Nobody is sure on when the next lifeguard class would even be scheduled or how long it would take for new lifeguards to complete it. Mayor Frisch advised that no chemicals have been purchased, as it was just announced today about a reopen date. Councilman Treft asked how long it would take to get ready. It was answered we would have to get it cleaned up and see if it would hold water first. Councilman Love stated she thinks it is in the best interest not to open this year. Councilman Yakoubian agreed, noting we may not have the attendance to support it and question of liability and safety. It was also noted that additional guidelines and signage would be required under the reopening plan. Motion by Councilman Treft, seconded by Councilman Stanfield to open the pool for the 2020 season. Vote: 2-4. Motion failed. Councilman Yakoubian noted that his vote was not for financial reasons. Councilman Love also added an idea for an event at the park, like a “touch a truck.” She thinks it would be something to look into for next year. It’s a big hit in other towns and could be something really enjoyed and attended at our park. Others felt the same and this will be something to look into for next summer. It may not be feasible this year with the pandemic still happening

Trees: none Fire: Councilman Yakoubian reported: had meeting, paid bills.

EMS: Councilman Love reported: no meeting, signed checks. The department also celebrated 10 years of service for Shane Vanderveen.

Cemetery: Signed checks, no info on mausoleum.

Personnel: none

Zoning Commission: none

Finance & Rule: Cash balance of all funds $ 1,216,934.79. The April Bank Reconciliation was passed for review and approval. FO Gullett also announced that the we received a letter from the county auditor that the budget cuts on the state level could trickle down to local government distribution, and gasoline tax could be much less with fewer people traveling. It can’t be seen right now how much of a cut, but it would likely be seen over the next few months. Councilman Yakoubian stated that we need to talk about the 1% income tax. We are tight and have nothing to cut. Councilman Stanfield asked why we are not calling Rural Water to see what they can do for us. He also requested that a water schedule be distributed. Councilman Yakoubian stated that beyond the water plant, an income tax would help with other things in the Village. There are other issues to discuss regarding Rural Water, including our long term debt and whether they would want to buy our water. Yakoubian added that with all of the regulations added to the water service by the EPA and other things, it could potentially be something our small village can’t handle at some point down the road. There are many aspects to consider. Councilman Love stated that she has a conflict of interest with Rural Water and would recuse herself from discussions regarding it. After some discussion, it was decided that Councilmen Yakoubian and Bulger would get together and contact Rural Water for any information that Council wanted or needed, as they are on the Water/Sewer committee. Councilman Bulger requested that Councilman Stanfield write down his concerns so that they can be addressed when they contact Rural Water. Councilman Stanfield exited the meeting. Councilman Yakoubian stated that the income tax was an issue that needs to be discussed at length by Council as a whole. It should be discussed at every meeting and added to the agenda, as well as the future of the police department and/or equipment.

Water & Sewer: Discussed under Finance/Rule. The April Utility Billing Adjustment Report was passed for review and approval.

Village Website & IT: none

Unfinished, Old Business and New Business: Mayor Frisch asked how Council felt about going back to regular meetings or should we stay at one per month. After some discussion, those present expressed going back to regular meetings would be fine, with continuing the distancing we have been practicing. FO Gullett advised that she will be meeting with Charlene Watkins and Jim Alt on Monday 5/18 regarding the next steps for the Veterans Memorial Park Grant. Councilman Treft asked if the ball diamonds would be open this summer. It was advised that the summer leagues decided to cancel this year and would not be playing. Mayor Frisch also brought up an incident that happened a few months ago where Councilman Stanfield left a derogatory message on the machine at the water plant. The actual message was played in open council and contained several derogatory slurs and profanity directly aimed at Village Administrator Greg Martin over a storm drain issue that has been discussed, inspected and cleaned previously. It was questioned whether or not this action was in violation of an ethics or code of conduct rule for public officials. The solicitor will be looking into the matter to determine if any disciplinary action is warranted or applies to the situation.

Next meeting: May 28, 2020 at 7:30PM

Motion by Councilman Sanders, seconded by Councilman Bulger to adjourn the meeting. Time: 8:55 PM. Vote: 5-0. Motion carried. ____________________________________ ______________________________ Mayor Nathan Frisch Fiscal Officer Michelle Gullett