The Wellman City Council met in regular session in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building at 7:00pm. Mayor Ryan Miller presided with the City Administrator, City Clerk and following Council Members: Marc Pennington, Steve Slaubaugh, Doug Powell, Fern Bontrager and Johnny Schwartz; absent: no one. Also present were: Elizabeth Beachy from the news media, Deputy Sheriff Randy Tinnes and WATV staff Larry Thurman and Susan McClellen.     The Consent Agenda was approved upon motion by Pennington, second by Schwartz and all aye votes. The Consent Agenda includes the agenda, minutes of the previous meeting, appointment of Sarah Latcham to the Library Board of Trustees and Steve Miller to the Cable Commission and the following claims:

Deputy Tinnes reported there were twenty four calls of service for the month. They have scheduled a radar project for school opening.

Larry Thurman requested purchasing a new camera for WATV. He reported the camera they are using is five years old and in need of repair. The new camera will cost $2,799 plus a bag and video cards. Thurman noted this is in the budget. Pennington moved to approve the purchase, Powell seconded and all voted aye.

Marlyn Allen owns the building at 241 8^th Avenue next to the downtown walkway. He submitted a letter requesting the City sell the walkway to him so that he can enclose it and expand the use of his building now that the Hills Bank drive thru has a sidewalk that can be used to and from the parking lot. Concerns were voiced as to the use of the building zoned C1. Allen has made living quarters out of it and City Code requires in this zoned district, the front twenty feet must be commercial use. No action was taken on Allen’s request until he can meet with the Council to discuss his plans.

Resolution No. 11-31 to provide for Local Option sales Tax ballot language was introduced and caused to be read. The LOST option sunsets in 2012 so voters must approve extending the tax which will be on the November ballot. The City will indicate use of the tax 0% property tax relief and 100% for any legal purpose. Slaubaugh moved to adopt Resolution No. 11-31, Bontrager seconded and upon roll call the vote was unanimous ayes. The Mayor affixed his signature.

Resolution No. 11-32 to approve submitting to the voters a change in the makeup of the Library Board of Trustees was introduced and caused to be read. As a large percentage of Library usage is from patrons living outside the City limits, the Board wishes to give larger representation to the rural residents of Washington County. The Board now consists of six city residents and one rural. The change would provide for five city residents and two rural. State law requires this must be approved by the voters. Bontrager moved to adopt Resolution no. 11-32, Schwartz seconded and upon roll call the vote was unanimous ayes. The Mayor affixed his signature.

Four grant applications have been received for Downtown Improvement Projects. The City has an additional $15,000 available this year due to a Washington County Riverboat Foundation grant. The Council reviewed each application and discussed the qualifications for them. After due consideration the Council consensus was to approve the following:

Freeman Foods, $10,000 to replace the flooring in the store. Project estimate $36,000.

Shawn and Tonya Powell, $3,900 to replace the stucco on the front of their building. Project estimate is $7,800.

Robert Runciman, $2,500 to put flooring, bathroom walls, partial kitchen area and sheet rock in their building to provide a finished interior to be rented. The estimated project total is $5,000.

Jared Schneider, $10,000 to put a roof on his downtown building at an estimated cost of $38,000. The Council indicated they would like to place a deadline of December 31, 2011 to have the roof completed.

In regard to the City Administrator position, the Council decided to meet on Saturday, August 27 at 8:00am to review the resumes and select those to be interviewed. The interview date(s) will be set at that time.

In general administrative discussion Johnny Schwartz asked that the downtown area be kept cleaner. There are rocks in front of the Senior Center that could cause a fall. He would like to see the streets cleaned and encourage business owners to sweep in front of their buildings to make the district more presentable.

Pennington commented on the improved water with the new RO system on line. There are still a few control problems to be worked out. He also asked about striping the downtown street. Ross indicated that is to be done yet this summer.

As this is Ross’ last meeting with the Council, they thanked him for all he has done to move the City forward.

With no further business Slaubaugh moved for adjournment at 7:55pm, Pennington seconded and all voted aye. The next City Council meeting will be a work/special session on Saturday, August 27, 2011, 8:00am in the Council Chambers of the Wellman Municipal Building to review city administrator applicant resumes and address any actions if needed.

Minutes transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.