Session 2, January 20, 2020

Mayor Robert Benson called the 2nd Regular Session of Council to order on Monday, January 20, 2020. Mayor Benson began the meeting with a prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members answering roll call were Justin Cline, Liz Urbach, Daniel Rouse, Joshua Smith and President Pro Temp Derek Netzly. Also attending the meeting were Clerk-Treasurer Anne Johnson, Village Administrator Zachary Wisselgren, Village Solicitor Attorney Terry Seeberger, Zoning Inspector Jim Neely, Erie Valley Fire and Rescue Chief Rick Annen, Hunter Rouse and Sarta Outreach Coordinator Jack Thompson.

Mr. Netzly moved to approve the minutes of the 1st Regular Session of Council held on January 6, 2020. Ms. Urbach seconded. Cline yes, Urbach yes, Rouse yes, Smith yes, Netzly yes. Five yes votes. Minutes approved.

Pat Winkhart arrived to the meeting at 7:10 pm.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Sarta Outreach Coordinator Jack Thompson explained that Sarta is starting employment routes in the Village and in the North Industrial Park. Fresh Mark, Sterilite, Shearer’s and Nickles Bakery routes are set up. He advised more businesses can be added as the service starts on February 17, 2020.

SAFETY FIRE
Erie Valley Fire and Rescue Chief Rick Annen distributed and reviewed with Council the yearly report.

Chief Rick Annen reported they are now staffed twenty-four hours. They have a full roster and have people waiting to join. He gave thanks to the Navarre Police Department for their assistance and good working relationship. He advised a new fire truck has been ordered. The 2019 Award of Excellence recipient is Michelle Williams. He also reported the department is preparing to have a house fire outside of town with Brewster.

FINANCE
Clerk-Treasurer Anne Johnson gave council a copy of today’s check register and the bills and claims.

Anne Johnson reported the Governmental Law Seminar schedule for February 29, 2020.

Anne Johnson gave Council a copy of the total amount available for expenditures report for the County.

SOLICITOR
Village Solicitor Attorney Terry Seeberger reported that the contract for the notice to proceed for the Sterilite Street Extension Project was signed last week. He advised they are working to finalize the TIF Agreement and stated that all Council Members are welcome to contact him with any questions or concerns.

ZONING
Village Zoning Inspector Jim Neely reported the Canal Street Pub is no longer in disrepair. He also stated he issued two zoning permits, two nuisance letters and received an estimate from a contractor for the Feed Mill. He the contractor who reported there is not a contract. Therefore, a letter will be sent to the Prosecutor.

STREETS AND ALLEYS
Village Administrator Zachary Wisselgren reported the Street Department did some work patching roads last week. He also advised that he and Mayor Benson toured the Hendrickson plant and inspected the new water line.

MAYOR’S STATE OF THE VILLAGE 2020
Mayor Robert Benson read the following 2020 State of the Village:

Hendrickson will begin the hiring process very soon and the facility will begin operations this spring.

At this time, Navarre is working with the Stark Board of Trade on the project of extending Sterilite Street into Prospect Industrial Park via grants obtained by the village.

I have come to realize that the full financial benefit, because of the required abatement incentives will not be fully attained for 10 years. Even with the reduced anticipated revenue, my vision of building a good financial future for our Village is being fulfilled.

Hopefully at the end of this four-year term as Mayor and my retirement of 38 years as a public servant, I will see several more facilities like Hendrickson located in our Prospect Industrial Park.

Through the years I have worked with many Councils. The Council now in place is made up of the finest community minded members obtainable.

This last election retained Councilwoman Pat Winkhart. Her dedication to our community is known to everyone in our Village. She is instrumental in service not only on Village Council but through her service at her Church, various endeavors such as our Fairless Food Cupboard and the local VFW among the many. Navarre is fortunate to have her dedication, talent and commitment.

Justin Cline has been added to Council replacing Councilman Don Berkey who has moved out of Navarre, along with Josh Smith who is filling the term left vacant by Councilwoman Robin Keith. Both Justin Cline and Josh Smith are bringing to Council a younger perspective and a professional character. This character along with their wish, simply to be of service to our Village, is what was looked-for by Council when they were selected. We appreciate their willingness to serve our Village.

Speaking of younger Councilmember’s, we have Liz Urbach and Danial Rouse who still fit that designation and our current President Pro-temp, Derek Netzly, who in my eyes still fits that description of younger.

The Village of Navarre is, “The Friendly Hometown at the Bend of the River” because of the services provided to our community. These services provided are achieved through Navarre’s dedicated employees. These are the people who protect and maintain our village.

The first and most important issue for any community is the safety.

Navarre Police are the utmost proficient Police in our area. The Department is headed by Chief Dennis Albaugh who has demanded that officers are continually kept up to date on the latest requirements of law enforcement. The safety of our community is and has always been the Chief’s utmost interest.

Because Navarre is now a part of the Navarre Bethlehem Township Joint Fire District, we are protected by the Erie Valley Fire and Rescue Fire Department. Erie Valley’s Chief is Rick Annen. Under his leadership, the Department has grown since its formation in 2016 to a competent skilled Fire Department that is providing Fire protection and Medical Emergency protection.

Because of Erie Valley Fire and Rescue’s accomplishment, Fire ratings in the area have been improved, so Fire Insurance cost for area residents is reduced.

Most importantly since the formation of the Department, we, the community have had staffed Medical personnel on station, go from only weekdays 12 hours a day, to seven days a week and soon, because we have the new Medical Annex, we will be going to full time 24 hour 7 days a week on station coverage.

Since 2016 to the end of 2019, total runs per year for the department have gone from 654 in 2016 to 932 in 2019.

This increase is because they have learned that they can rely on the good Fire Protection and Medical Emergency Service provided by Erie Valley Fire and Rescue.

Expanding on critical services provided to Navarre, I must express gratitude to Navarre’s Street, Water, and Wastewater Departments. Zack Wisselgren, Village Administrator who is over the operation of these Departments, works hard to make sure expected services are met and concerns are addressed. These Departments work together in providing all the services expected. Many residents don’t realize the unobserved work shared by the departments, like the cemetery operation, Banner and Flag placement and the unexpected Snow Storms and Water Main Breaks. Navarre has the benefit of having a group of dedicated employees that are willing and able to handle expected and unexpected tasks.

In closing, the State of the Village of Navarre is financially good because the State requires it to be so. My assessment of the future for Navarre is enthusiastic because of the development taking place currently in our Prospect Industrial Park. I am optimistically expecting more facilities to locate in this park.

I am Honored to serve as Navarre Mayor and Blessed to do so.

May God continue to bless our Village of Navarre and our businesses and residents.


Respectfully submitted,
Mayor Bob Benson

MAYOR
Mayor Benson reported he received a thank you note from United Freewill Baptist Church for the free use of the Civic Center.

MISCELLANEOUS
Ms. Winkhart reported there is a big hole in her alley.

Ms. Urbach asked about work in front of Village Hall. Zack Wisselgren said he is getting quotes for the work.

Ms. Urbach advised the VONBA Chocolate Tour will be February 29, 2020 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Ms. Urbach also reported there will be a Park Board Meeting on Thursday at the Bethlehem Township Hall.

Mr. Smith reported that a resident requested a Certificate of Elevation for his property. Mr. Smith also said he would like a copy of the tree ordinance for the Tree Committee. Zack Wisselgren advised the ordinance may need updated and reported he is working on a list of trees to be looked at.


BILLS AND CLAIMS
Mr. Netzly moved to approve bills and claims in the amount of $32,188.99. Ms. Urbach seconded. Winkhart yes, Cline yes, Urbach yes, Rouse yes, Smith yes, Netzly yes. Six yes votes. Bills and claims approved.

Mr. Netzly moved. Ms. Urbach seconded to adjourn the meeting. Winkhart yes, Cline yes, Urbach yes, Rouse yes, Smith yes, Netzly yes. Six yes votes. Meeting adjourned.


____________________________ ____________________________
Anne L. Johnson, Clerk-Treasurer Robert L. Benson, Mayor



UPCOMING EVENTS
February 3.………………………..…………………………...Council Meeting 7:00 pm