Greenfield council tables franchising agreement with DP&L
Lead Summary
By
Brandy Chandler-brandychandler@gmail.com
The Greenfield City Council tabled an issue regarding a franchising agreement with Dayton Power and Light during their regular session Sept. 21.
Bill Kelley of DP&L addressed council and explained issues regarding the franchising agreement and offered to answer any questions city officials may have.
Kelley said that common practice in the 1980s was to sign franchising agreements for a period around 25 years. The problem they ran into was that whenever it was time to renew the agreement, rarely was anyone left from the municipality, or from DP&L, who worked on the previous agreement. Common practice now is to enter into five-year agreements, with automatic renewals every two years.
"I understand there are concerns from one or two council members," Kelley said.
It is possible, he said, to enter into a 10 - to 15-year agreement with renewals every five years.
"It is simpler to do it the other way, but if this community feels better with a fixed-term, you are your own legislative body and can do that."
The agreement allows DP&L to conduct its business in the city, with regard to working on electrical issues and equipment. Kelley said that it is beneficial for the company's ratings if they maintain a good working relationship with the city.
Council president Betty Jackman said the she knew council member Harvey Everhart, who was not in attendance, had some questions regarding the matter.
"We will take our time and wait until the next council meeting," Jackman said.
During her report to council, city manager Betty Bishop said, "Other energy inquiries were received in the finance office late today. If council wants to look at other proposals, we would suggest just receiving the DP&L legislation tonight. It might be worth waiting on and if they cannot beat DP&L," then they will know they made the right decision.
In other business, council voted 4-0 to waive the three reading rule and pass as an emergency a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an Anemometer Loan Program Study Agreement with Green Energy Ohio.
Bishop said, "This will be announced by Green Energy after all contracts are signed."
According to the ordinance, the Ohio Department of Development and Green Energy Ohio "seek to stimulate the development of Ohio's wind resources by providing qualified candidates with the means of obtaining a detailed, on-site Wind Resource Assessment Study and Wind Turbine Feasibility Study at a reduced cost."
The funding comes from the Anemometer Loan Program provided by the ODOD with a match requirement from the city.
In other business:
• Bishop reported that the police negotiations are in progress and "We anticipate bringing an agreement to you at the Oct. 5 meeting." She also requested to meet with the finance committee at a later date to discuss some issues that arose during negotiations.
• During the city manager's report, Bishop noted: Landlords who have empty houses after tenants move out can request water be turned off until a new tenant moves in, which is a free service provided by the city; finance director Karen Daniels has reported that the state notified the city that the audit was "acceptable;" and staff members are currently working on the city's five-year plan.
• Council voted to excuse the absence of council member Harvey Everhart, who is out of state.
• Council member William Redenbaugh, in the finance committee report, noted that the committee reviewed detailed expense reports during their Sept. 10 meeting; approved payrolls pools, and the proposed DP&L agreement; as well as the situation regarding software for the finance, payroll, income tax and utilities. The next finance committee meeting will be held Sept. 27 at 1 p.m.
• Council voted 4-0 to waive the three-reading rule and passed as an emergency an ordinance authorizing the city manager to advertise for bids for the purchase of the financial software. The ordinance noted that the software will cost in excess of $25,000. Redenbaugh said that it was necessary to pass the ordinance as an emergency because the extra time was needed for the city to begin the conversion process from system to system, and "The more time we have, the better it is for everyone."
• Bishop said, regarding a previous request to the city for 'Watch for Children' signs on North Fourth Street, the city had looked into the matter and that signs had been ordered.
Council member Brenda Losey said, "That is a continuous street with no stop signs and people really pick up speed through there."
• Redenbaugh, in reporting about the Paint Creek Joint Fire and Ambulance District, said that tax revenue for the district is down 17-18 percent for Clinton and Highland Counties. Redenbaugh said that "is not a significant amount," but if that trend continues, "it may prove to be a serious problem in the future. But we will work with whatever we have."
Additionally, Redenbaugh said the fire district voted to hold a union election, and that some equipment is in need of upgrading due to age.
• Jackman reported on two meetings held by the ordinance committee on Sept. 10 and Sept. 21 when the committee met with Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward and county dog warden Tim Hart regarding various animal-related issues. Jackman said the city is discussing the ordinance regarding kennels, possibly limiting the number of animals a household can have within the city limits, the amount of time a household may keep puppies following a litter, leash laws, cleanup and noise. Jackman said the city has received a lot of complaints regarding dogs and noise, and about cats. She said the city is looking into the animal ordinance, but there currently are no ordinances regarding cats. During the next committee meeting, scheduled for Sept. 28, they will review second-hand shops and pawn shops.
• Redenbaugh told council that a constituent approached him about the use of semi trucks on city streets. It has been alleged that some trucks are bring parked illegally and driven through residential neighborhoods. Bishop said she would review the ordinance to see if such use was prohibited, and council indicated they may look into amending an ordinance if it was not covered.
• On its third reading, council voted 4-0 to pass an ordinance regarding the level, grading and removing piles and other accumulations.
• On its third reading, council voted 4-0 to pass an ordinance creating a requirement of notifying the city regarding who is responsible for maintenance of a foreclosed property.
• On its third reading, council voted 4-0 to pass an ordinance amending Greenfield Codified Ordinance Code Section 521.13.
• Voted 4-0 to waive the three-reading rule and pass as an emergency a resolution directing the city manager to execute a generation supply and street lighting agreement with Miami Valley Lighting LLC, and DPL Energy Resources, Inc.
The Greenfield City Council tabled an issue regarding a franchising agreement with Dayton Power and Light during their regular session Sept. 21.
Bill Kelley of DP&L addressed council and explained issues regarding the franchising agreement and offered to answer any questions city officials may have.
Kelley said that common practice in the 1980s was to sign franchising agreements for a period around 25 years. The problem they ran into was that whenever it was time to renew the agreement, rarely was anyone left from the municipality, or from DP&L, who worked on the previous agreement. Common practice now is to enter into five-year agreements, with automatic renewals every two years.
"I understand there are concerns from one or two council members," Kelley said.
It is possible, he said, to enter into a 10 - to 15-year agreement with renewals every five years.
"It is simpler to do it the other way, but if this community feels better with a fixed-term, you are your own legislative body and can do that."
The agreement allows DP&L to conduct its business in the city, with regard to working on electrical issues and equipment. Kelley said that it is beneficial for the company's ratings if they maintain a good working relationship with the city.
Council president Betty Jackman said the she knew council member Harvey Everhart, who was not in attendance, had some questions regarding the matter.
"We will take our time and wait until the next council meeting," Jackman said.
During her report to council, city manager Betty Bishop said, "Other energy inquiries were received in the finance office late today. If council wants to look at other proposals, we would suggest just receiving the DP&L legislation tonight. It might be worth waiting on and if they cannot beat DP&L," then they will know they made the right decision.
In other business, council voted 4-0 to waive the three reading rule and pass as an emergency a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an Anemometer Loan Program Study Agreement with Green Energy Ohio.
Bishop said, "This will be announced by Green Energy after all contracts are signed."
According to the ordinance, the Ohio Department of Development and Green Energy Ohio "seek to stimulate the development of Ohio's wind resources by providing qualified candidates with the means of obtaining a detailed, on-site Wind Resource Assessment Study and Wind Turbine Feasibility Study at a reduced cost."
The funding comes from the Anemometer Loan Program provided by the ODOD with a match requirement from the city.
In other business:
• Bishop reported that the police negotiations are in progress and "We anticipate bringing an agreement to you at the Oct. 5 meeting." She also requested to meet with the finance committee at a later date to discuss some issues that arose during negotiations.
• During the city manager's report, Bishop noted: Landlords who have empty houses after tenants move out can request water be turned off until a new tenant moves in, which is a free service provided by the city; finance director Karen Daniels has reported that the state notified the city that the audit was "acceptable;" and staff members are currently working on the city's five-year plan.
• Council voted to excuse the absence of council member Harvey Everhart, who is out of state.
• Council member William Redenbaugh, in the finance committee report, noted that the committee reviewed detailed expense reports during their Sept. 10 meeting; approved payrolls pools, and the proposed DP&L agreement; as well as the situation regarding software for the finance, payroll, income tax and utilities. The next finance committee meeting will be held Sept. 27 at 1 p.m.
• Council voted 4-0 to waive the three-reading rule and passed as an emergency an ordinance authorizing the city manager to advertise for bids for the purchase of the financial software. The ordinance noted that the software will cost in excess of $25,000. Redenbaugh said that it was necessary to pass the ordinance as an emergency because the extra time was needed for the city to begin the conversion process from system to system, and "The more time we have, the better it is for everyone."
• Bishop said, regarding a previous request to the city for 'Watch for Children' signs on North Fourth Street, the city had looked into the matter and that signs had been ordered.
Council member Brenda Losey said, "That is a continuous street with no stop signs and people really pick up speed through there."
• Redenbaugh, in reporting about the Paint Creek Joint Fire and Ambulance District, said that tax revenue for the district is down 17-18 percent for Clinton and Highland Counties. Redenbaugh said that "is not a significant amount," but if that trend continues, "it may prove to be a serious problem in the future. But we will work with whatever we have."
Additionally, Redenbaugh said the fire district voted to hold a union election, and that some equipment is in need of upgrading due to age.
• Jackman reported on two meetings held by the ordinance committee on Sept. 10 and Sept. 21 when the committee met with Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward and county dog warden Tim Hart regarding various animal-related issues. Jackman said the city is discussing the ordinance regarding kennels, possibly limiting the number of animals a household can have within the city limits, the amount of time a household may keep puppies following a litter, leash laws, cleanup and noise. Jackman said the city has received a lot of complaints regarding dogs and noise, and about cats. She said the city is looking into the animal ordinance, but there currently are no ordinances regarding cats. During the next committee meeting, scheduled for Sept. 28, they will review second-hand shops and pawn shops.
• Redenbaugh told council that a constituent approached him about the use of semi trucks on city streets. It has been alleged that some trucks are bring parked illegally and driven through residential neighborhoods. Bishop said she would review the ordinance to see if such use was prohibited, and council indicated they may look into amending an ordinance if it was not covered.
• On its third reading, council voted 4-0 to pass an ordinance regarding the level, grading and removing piles and other accumulations.
• On its third reading, council voted 4-0 to pass an ordinance creating a requirement of notifying the city regarding who is responsible for maintenance of a foreclosed property.
• On its third reading, council voted 4-0 to pass an ordinance amending Greenfield Codified Ordinance Code Section 521.13.
• Voted 4-0 to waive the three-reading rule and pass as an emergency a resolution directing the city manager to execute a generation supply and street lighting agreement with Miami Valley Lighting LLC, and DPL Energy Resources, Inc.
[[In-content Ad]]