Village of Seneca Council met April 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
Roll Call: Present: Applebee, Olson, Timmons, Barla, Spicer
Absent: none
A motion was made by Comm. Olson and seconded by Comm. Applebee that the Council approves the March 20, 2018 council meeting minutes as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Applebee, Barla, Timmons, Spicer
Nays: none
A motion was made by Comm. Barla and seconded by Comm. Timmons that the Council approves the payment of bills as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Barla, Timmons, Olson, Applebee, Spicer
Nays: none
Seneca Business Spotlight presentation:
1. Mr. Chris Amir, new owner of Seneca Ace Hardware gave a presentation on the changes to be made to the business. He stated that as the new owner he is focused on the community needs and will be updating the store to include lumber department, fishing & hunting items including licensing, plumbing needs, increased nut & bolt section, gifts and toys, updated Stihl product section, automotive and increased candy selection. He also announced that they have hired six new employees and extended store hours. Mayor Spicer presented Mr. Amir with a business certificate on behalf of the council.
Communications, Petitions, Reports and Additional Agenda Items:
1. Burn Announcement
Old Business:
Streets Barla:
Commissioner Barla announced that each councilman received a budget breakdown from Treasurer Gross and they should be reviewed. In addition, if any council member wishes to discuss their department budget, a separate meeting will be set up which will include Ms. Gross and Commissioner Barla.
Streets Olson:
Comm. Olson presented the item of employee internet usage policy. He felt that a policy should be in place to address the consequences of employees and/or village council using social media expressing negativity about village business. In addition, he stated the policy should include consequences for employees utilizing their personal social media during work hours and also stipulate general internet usage guidelines on village equipment. Commissioner Olson stated he felt there should be no verbal warning, it should simply be one written warning and then termination of employment for any second infraction. Commissioner Applebee stated he felt that there should be exceptions including an example of employees streaming music through the internet at their work station, as well as first amendment rights for employees utilizing their personal social media. Both Mayor Spicer and Comm. Olson agreed with Comm. Applebee on his statement. Commissioner Barla indicated that his employer provided firewall protection that blocked employees from sites other than those that are work related and that prior to logging onto equipment, employees were also required to read and accept a policy statement before proceeding on computer. Commissioner Applebee indicated that the current village firewall has been in place for thirteen (13) years and therefore should most likely be updated. Commissioner Timmons suggested that all employees have cyber security training and that after training set guidelines for infractions. Mayor Spicer stated he does not agree with employees or councilmen representing the entire village council or divulging specific information on social media; but he acknowledged that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Commissioner Olson asked Attorney Russo to present policy bullet points at the subsequent council meeting.
Comm. Olson announced that summer employment applications will be accepted at Village Hall until 4:00 pm on May 1st.
Public Health and Safety Applebee:
Comm. Applebee stated at the prior meeting, a discussion was held regarding employee residency requirements. An updated ordinance was presented exempting the Village Attorney, Village Engineer, appointed village clerk, appointed village treasurer, appointed village collector, any part-time employee or other officers who require technical training or knowledge as a condition of their employment to have their home within village limits. The Police Chief will be required, as a condition of their employment to have their home within fifteen (15) mile radius of village. Comm. Timmons asked the question exactly which point does the 15 mile radius start, it was indicated by Comm. Applebee that it starts at any point of the village limits. No further questions were presented.
A motion was made by Comm. Applebee and seconded by Comm. Olson that the council adopts ordinance #18-04 amending the Seneca code of ordinances pertaining to residency requirements.
Roll Call: Ayes: Applebee, Olson, Timmons, Spicer
Nays: Barla
Public Affairs Mayor Spicer:
Mayor Spicer stated a village clean up event will be held at Olson’s Salvage Yard on June 1st 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and June 2nd from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. It was stated by Comm. Olson that no resident will be turned away if they arrive with items close to the event end time. No questions were presented.
A motion was made by Comm. Applebee and seconded by Comm. Barla that the council approves an expenditure of $4,000.00 to James Olson out of the Garbage Fund.
Roll Call: Ayes: Applebee, Barla, Timmons, Spicer
Nays: none
Abstain: Olson
New Business:
Public Property Timmons:
Comm. Timmons stated a bill was received by Vortex Technologies for the calibration of flow meters at water and sewer plants; no questions were presented.
A motion was made by Comm. Timmons and seconded by Comm. Barla that the Council approves an expenditure of $1,785.00 to Vortex Technologies split between the water and sewer departments.
Roll Call: Ayes: Timmons, Barla, Applebee, Olson, Spicer
Nays: none
A second expenditure was submitted for approval from Hawkins Inc. for water plant chemicals.
A motion was made by Comm. Timmons and seconded by Comm. Applebee that the council approves an expenditure of $2,894.39 to Hawkins Inc. out of the water department.
Roll Call: Ayes: Timmons, Applebee, Barla, Olson, Spicer
Nays: none
Public Health and Safety Applebee:
Commissioner Applebee stated it is unlawful to burn leaves, twigs or grasses unless raked into piles of a reasonable size and on the following days: between the dates of April 15th to November 15th on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between the hours of 8:00 am and 7:00 pm and no leaves, twigs, grass or other material shall be burned on any street or alley within village limits. No fire shall be burned without a person in attendance to control the fire.
Public Affairs Mayor Spicer:
Mayor Spicer announced he had recently spoken to Renee McKinney, Chairman of the Seneca Festival Committee regarding the 2018 festival. Mrs. McKinney stated that currently there is adequate funding to provide for start-up fees, but committee concern is that donations will not be forthcoming. Mayor Spicer suggested a donation of $3,000.00 out of the gaming fund; no questions were presented.
A motion was made by Comm. Olson and seconded by Comm. Applebee that the council approves an expenditure of $3,000.00 to the Seneca Festival Committee out of the gaming fund.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Applebee, Barla, Timmons, Spicer
Nays: none
Mayor Spicer announced the resignation of Jackie Brewster from the Plan Commission; he added that Mrs. Brewster had served on the board since its inception. Mayor publically thanked Jackie, and announced the vacancy on Plan Commission with term ending 2020. In addition, Mayor Spicer announced three re-appointments and no questions were asked.
A motion was made by Comm. Applebee and seconded by Comm. Olson that the Council approves re-appointing Tom Justice as Plan Commission Chairman with a term ending April, 2023.
Roll Call: Ayes: Applebee, Olson, Timmons, Barla, Spicer
Nays: none
A motion was made by Comm. Olson and seconded by Comm. Applebee that the Council approves the reappointment of Patty Newberry to the Park Board with term ending May, 2022.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Applebee, Timmons, Barla, Spicer
Nays: none
A motion was made by Comm. Applebee and seconded by Comm. Olson that the Council approves the reappointment of J.D. Mott to Park Board with a term ending May, 2022.
Roll Call: Ayes: Applebee, Olson, Timmons, Barla, Spicer
Nays: none
No Public comment presented
A motion was made by Comm. Olson and seconded by Comm. Applebee that the April 3, 2018 council meeting is adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Applebee, Timmons, Barla, Spicer
Nays: none
http://senecail.org/pdf/minutes/April%203,%202018minutes.pdf
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