BRUNSWICK --- As it has for the past several years, city council approved a resolution Dec. 19 urging contributions to local food banks. Councilman At-large Brian Ousley again took the challenge one step further.
"This has been going on about five years and the city of Brunswick has really stepped up to help the needy," Ousley said. "But I want to put up the challenge - let's pack city hall on Jan. 9 when the (Brunswick) Food Pantry will be here to pick up all (donations)."
Ousley added that the Brunswick Food Pantry is also in need of items in addition to food, such as paper products and toiletries, as well as monetary donations.
"They are seeing 50 families every Tuesday, so the need is there," Ousley said.
Chagrin Valley Engineering contract
The city will retain the services of Chagrin Valley Engineering and Matt Jones as its consulting municipal engineer for the next two years, following passage of a resolution approving the city's contract with Chagrin Valley.
The city paid the firm $383,982.71 from Jan. 1 through Dec. 12, 2016 for professional municipal engineering services. Finance Director Todd Fischer said the new contract fee schedule is commensurate with the previous agreement, except for $1-to-$2 per-hour increases in some services.
Audit contract
Council members also approved a one-year contract with the audit division of the Ohio Auditor of State's office to audit the city for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2016.
"The city is required to have an annual audit and this legislation allows it," Fischer said of the $28,700 audit. "And this is not just a year-end 2016 financial audit, but they also audit our processes."
Property taxe revenues released
Council passed a resolution requesting the advance of property tax revenues collected for the city by the Medina County Treasurer.
"Medina County collects for all the governments in the county," Fischer explained. "This will require them to disperse those funds several times throughout the years, instead of only twice, so that we can earn interest on it."
Fischer said the majority of these funds are used on road repair projects in the city.
Caution with Christmas decorations
In his departmental report to council, Fire Chief James Baird reiterated his annual warnings to residents about fire safety around candles, electrical appliances, and live Christmas trees.
"Live trees are beautiful, but as soon as you cut them down they are dead," Baird said. "And as beautiful as they are and as good as they smell they are perfect fuel for fires."
He advised watering live trees frequently, being cautious with electricity around live trees, and keeping them away from candles.
He added that safety around the latter is especially important this time of year, as people tend to use candles more often. Baird reminded residents to avoid leaving lit candles unattended, to extinguish them at night, and to not allow children near them.
Baird issued similar warnings when it comes to cooking food on the stove.
"And now that I have spread Christmas fear, I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas," Baird concluded.