Norwood City Council
Council
Chambers
A) CALL TO ORDER
The Council for the City of Norwood met in regular session on the above date with President Jane M. Grote presiding. The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
B) PRAYER
C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D) ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following members answered present: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Tracey, Mr. Moore, Mr. Fulmer, Mr. Mumper, Mrs. Brown, and Mr. DeLuca.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
On a
motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend the agenda
by adding Committee Report 3) RE: PUD Overlay, Ordinance B) RE: 2004
Appropriations, adding Communication 5) RE: August Tax Levy, and moving Communication
3) to the first item of business. All
members present voted YES.
F) APPROVE
MINUTES from May 11, 2004, May 13, 2004 and
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to approve the minutes as if read. All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then considered Communication 3 RE: Executive Session. On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to receive and file the letter and move into executive session to discuss pending litigation. All members present voted YES.
Council returned from Executive Session.
G) Requests to address council on agenda items
H) Reports of Standing committees of council
1. Council’s Committee of the Whole RE: Banning Smoking in Bars and Restaurants
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
2. Community Development and Small Business RE: Cornerstone Landscape Design
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
Mr. Moore added that this design review was for smaller trees and planters in the garage area. He then asked for the opinion from other council members on whether or not to include Shell Hill on this timing or to allow some additional time for the Shell Hill landscape review.
Mr. DeLuca suggested that by allowing more time for the Shell Hill landscape design, we will undoubtedly have a better feel for the final designs of Phase I, yielding better results for the Shell Hill design.
3. Council’s Committee of the Whole RE: PUD Overlay
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to accept the report and forward to the Planning Director. All members present voted YES.
I) Introductory readings of Ordinances and resolutions
ORDINANCES:
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF NORWOOD HEALTH COMMISSIONER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE HAMILTON COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to suspend the rules and have all three readings of the Ordinance – the first in its entirety and the second and third by caption only. All members present voted YES.
Mr. Gabbard asked the Health Commissioner to come up and explain the details of this Ordinance. Mrs. Laake explained that this ordinance allows the Health Department to take advantage of a federal grant primarily for the purpose of 800 MHz radios and small pox vaccinations. This grant is administered by the Hamilton County Health Department and as such the Norwood Health Department must enter into this agreement with the County to take advantage of this grant.
Mrs. Brown asked what other type of things are being done with non bio terrorism specifically the West Nile Virus. Mrs. Laake responded that they have collected 40 birds thus far and has sent those to the Ohio Department of Health for analysis. The Norwood Health Department is also harvesting mosquitos.
Mr. Sanker and Mrs. Brown asked Mrs. Laake of her involvement in leading the regional Bio- Terrorism Committee for the 7 counties in the SWOPP (Southwest Ohio Public Planning). Mrs. Laake responded that she was the Chair of the Executive Committee and worked on a daily basis in organizing Bio-Terrorism and Emergency response plans with the counties of Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, Warren, Adams, Brown, Highland, and Clinton.
Mrs. Brown noted that in the attachment there is a mention that the Norwood Health Department is the only Health Department specifically called out as having submitted a Bio-Terrorist Response Plan currently in place. Mrs. Brown thanks and congratulated the Health Department for representing the city well.
On a motion by Mr. Tracey, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2004
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to suspend the rules and have all three readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
Mr. Moore noted that the appropriations are being amended to these departments so they can spend against the grants they have received since the original appropriations.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
J) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and mentioned the last day (June 9) of outgoing Planning Director Dr. Susan Roschke. She has been an asset to the community.
The Mayor mentioned he had a discussion with Chief Schlie regarding the state of the cruisers. The mayor reported that there are seven Police vehicles that in normal financial situations would need replacement. The same can be said for five marked vehicles at Public Works and two Paramedic units.
The Mayor mentioned that he and the Administrations Financial Team met with the State Auditor’s office and have officially contacted Betty Montgomery’s office requesting a Fiscal Watch Audit. This will bring us closer to a Fiscal Emergency, but that will not commence until we default or miss payments, which is anticipated for early September if the levy does not pass.
The Mayor and Director of Public Service-Safety continue to meet with the Building Department, Fire Department, and Health Department. Progress continues on the deteriorating properties and absentee landlords.
When opened for questions Mr. Moore asked for the timing of the Fiscal Watch audit. The Mayor responded that the state will respond shortly with a timeframe for this audit. Ms. Grote mentioned that a Fiscal Watch is a free of charge, non-binding financial assessment provided by the State. The State will then provide suggestions as necessary. The Mayor also mentioned that when the City met with the State three months ago, several suggestions that were provided the City had either already done or were in the process of doing them.
Mrs. Brown asked the Mayor to look into putting together a
business commission to seek financial advice and input on the current
situation. The Mayor mentioned that he
has had discussions with the Chamber of Commerce, and will look into this and
report back on progress.
K) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
L) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Mumper mentioned that the speed hump issue, currently in Council’s Committee of the Whole, was discussed at length in the last meeting. Mr. Mumper also noted that in reviewing the Committee Reports of the past, there were numerous discussions on the speed hump issue. Mr. Mumper encouraged all Council members to review those arguments and determine what new information is now available and how to proceed on this issue.
Mr. Fulmer mentioned that he is happy that the Committee is considering this, and recommended we try this on one street. The report cited suggests a decreasing rate of children being hit by cars.
Mr. Fulmer commended the tree board for the Flower pots on Sherman, Smith, Floral, and the central business district. Mr. Fulmer also reminded the residents that the benefit for Jenny Huber will be held on June 19th at Millcrest Park.
Mr. Gabbard noted that the Norwood Soccer Association has thirteen teams participating in the tournament hosted in Norwood. Five teams are in semifinals and four in the championship game. Mr. Gabbard and Mr. Fulmer both thanked Public Works for their effort in maintaining and preparing the fields for this event. They received many compliments from visiting teams on the facilities.
Mr. Fulmer thanked the Mayor for the Administration’s effort on attacking property owners with multiple violations. Specifically the Apartment on Floral and Elsmere, which Mr. Fulmer has been concerned about for years, in the last ten days significant progress has been made.
Mr. Fulmer then asked about the enforcement of garbage set-out. While there have been 50 citations he asked if there had been any fines to date. Mayor Williams responded that the information requested is not currently available but that he would follow up. Mr. Fulmer then asked Mrs. Laake to the podium to and ask the status of garbage set-out violations. Mrs. Laake mentioned that Mr. Layne was out on three Sundays, but overtime pay became an issue and this activity had to stop due to funding considerations.
Mr. Gabbard introduced the winner of the Citizens for a Better Norwood “Making My Community Better” Contest. The winner is Michael Staggs, 2004 graduate of Norwood High School. Congratulations Michael.
M) NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Fulmer noted that the Waterworks and Victory Park pool opened during the past week, but wondered why the pools at Burwood and Northwoods have not yet opened. The Mayor noted that the electric motor burned up and Mr. Geers was called up to explain. Mr. Geers commented that Burwood needed a new pump and motor caused by an electrical problem. The electrician is coming tomorrow. As far as Northwoods Pool, the Norwood Recreation chosen not to open the pool due to resources and estimated use of the Northwoods Pool (based on 2002 attendance).
Mr. DeLuca also noted his displeasure for Northwoods pool not opening and wondered why the Recreation Commission did not communicate this decision earlier. The Mayor added that Public Works has done everything and is way above and beyond the normal work load. Mr. Geers mentioned that the Recreation Commission cited lack of use and lack of resources as the reason for not opening the pool this year.
Mr. Gabbard mentioned that New Bethel Baptist Church is hosting Family Movie Night on Friday night. All are welcome.
N) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from the Mayor’s Office Re: Mayor’s Court Fines.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
2. Letter from Jerry Owens Re: 6th Annual POW/MIA Awareness Run (Victory Park)
Mr. Gabbard thanked those that organized the event but was disappointed in the lack of attendance. Please remember the reason for this holiday.
On a motion by Mr. Tracey, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
The Chair noted Mrs. Brown has left Council Chambers.
3. Letter from the Mayor’s Office Re: Executive Session re: Pending Litigation
This item was considered directly after minutes were approved, as amended.
4. Letter from the Auditor Re: Auditor’s Report
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
5. Letter from Jill Burkett-Ragase Re: August Tax Levy
Mr. Fulmer mentioned that he only received this communication yesterday, but wanted to respond. Mr. Fulmer responded to several key points in the letter and reminded residents that all that was done was to place this levy on the ballot and give the citizens a chance to make a decision.
The Chair noted that Mrs. Brown returned to Council Chambers.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
O) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to excuse the absence of Mr. Geers. All members present voted YES.
P) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council