City of Mount Washington
Minutes of the Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting
April 8, 2002
City Hall Annex Building, 186 Branham Way
6:30 p.m.


Mayor Ed Hilbert called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the following members present: Barry Armstrong, Sam Beichler, Sid Griffin, Ralph Lutes, Frank Sullivan and Brent Wheeler.

The City Attorney, City Engineer, Utility Superintendent, and City Clerk were also present.

The invocation was given by Joe Vires of First Assembly of God.

Sid Griffin made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 25, 2002 meeting as read. Ralph Lutes seconded the motion. Motion passed. (Unan.)

The second reading was conducted on Ordinance 2002-02 regarding amending the building permit ordinance to make sidewalks mandatory for new developments within the city limits. Sam Beichler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2002-02. Brent Wheeler seconded the motion. Motion passed. (Unan.)

The second reading was conducted on Ordinance 2002-06 regarding zoning amendment 2002Z-05 for Mary J. McCauley on 1.3 acres in the City of Mt. Washington from the current zoning of R-1 Residential to R-3 Residential. Sam Beichler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2002-06. Barry Armstrong seconded the motion. Motion passed. (Unan.)

The first reading was conducted on Ordinance 2002-08 to enact and adopt a supplement to the code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Washington.

A bid opening for residential collection of garbage and refuse in the City of Mt. Washington was held on April 4, 2002. A bid tabulation was presented to the Council. Bids were received for one day a week curb side pick up and up to three day a week curb side pick up. The bids received were as follows:

One day a week pick up

Garbage Recycling Total Container Cover
Waste Management $ 9.75 $ 2.58 $12.33 $5.00 $5.00
Rumpke $ 9.50 $ 2.16 $11.66 $7.00 $3.00
Scott Waste $19.00 $ 2.00 $21.00 $6.00 $1.50

Three days a week pick up

Waste Management $ 8.75 $ 2.33 $11.08 $5.00 $5.00
Rumpke $ 9.50 $ 2.16 $11.66 $7.00 $3.00
Scott Waste $15.25 $13.25 $28.50 $6.00 $1.50

Barry Armstrong made a motion to award the Garbage and Refuse collection to Waste Management for three days a week pick up. Brent Wheeler seconded the motion. Motion passed. (Unan.)

Gale Park presented the Council with a proposed adjustment to the Employee Wage Scale. The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed an average for the four quarters of 2001 to be 4.05%. The proposed rate for this years adjustment per ordinance 2001-05 is 4.0%. Frank Sullivan proposed a 3% increase with 1% discretionary, stating that 4.0% was high according to fortune 500 companies. Brent Wheeler proposed a 5.0% increase to the wage scale in leu of rising insurance costs even though he realized that the full 5.0% is discretionary as to an employees performance, but wanted to make a full 5% available. Brent Wheeler made a motion to adjust the wage scale by 5.0%. Sid Griffin seconded the motion. Motion passed. 5-1. Frank Sullivan voting no.

There was discussion on an ordinance pertaining to enclosing dumpsters and large garbage containers being that they are unsightly, a safety nuisance, and an attractive nuisance to children and animals. The ordinance would require all containers in excess of 36 inches in width be enclosed on all sides by suitable fencing or enclosure. Said fence shall be constructed in such a matter as to prevent the escape of trash or other refuse material. The discussion centered on the cost to business owners to enclose their dumpsters. Ronnie Fick, Utility Superintendent, was asked to check on prices for different types of enclosures and report back to the Council.

Richard Miles addressed the Council as to why he requested that the first reading on zoning for 100 acres of Autumn was asked to be postponed. He wanted to address some of the surrounding property owners concerns and address changes to the site plan.

Cathy Michelle, of 816 Bleemel Lane, addressed the Council about her concerns regarding the 100 acre development proposed by Autumn Glen development and Richard Miles of Dogwood Homes. In summary, her concerns were about additional drainage on to her property by the new development, dumping of illegal items in a ravine on the property to be developed , and a discussion she had with the State Division of Water and Wastewater on the City of Mt. Washington Sewer Treatment Plant capacity and sanctions that were to be applied to the City Sewer System. City Engineer, Dave Derreck, explained the cities' drainage review and approval program which requires that a developer construct detention basins and graduated piping systems to slow down or detour additional drainage created by a new development. On the illegal dumping, City Attorney Joe Wantland, stated that this issue would be dealt with by EPA not the City. In regard to the City's Sewage Treatment Plant, the City has received no sanctions from the Division of Water and Wastewater to date. Dave Derrick explained that the City does have problems with infiltration of storm water to the sewer system. The City has purchased equipment and is already working on a program to identify and correct leaks in the sewer system as well as a door to door inspection of households within the City to check for sump pumps drains and guttering illegally connected to the sewer system.

Richard Melton, of 2559 Armstrong Lane, address the Council in regard to concerns about drainage from the 100 acre development proposed by Autumn Glen development and Richard Miles of Dogwood Homes and he is opposed to the zoning proposed for that development.

Sid Griffin made a motion to enter into executive session at 8:13 p.m. to discuss pending litigation. Sam Beichler seconded the motion. Motion passed. (Unan.)

Barry Armstrong made a motion to reconvene open session at 9:05 p.m. Ralph Lutes seconded the motion. Motion passed. (Unan.)

There was no action taken as a result of executive session.

There being no further business before the Council, Sid Griffin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Brent Wheeler seconded the motion. Motion passed. (Unan.)

The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 p.m.