Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

June 22, 2004

 

 

 

 

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. Geers, Mr. Mumper, Mrs. Brown, and Mr. DeLuca.

 

Ms. Grote announced that while the Mayor is out of town she is Acting Mayor, and as such cannot preside over tonight’s meeting.  Mr. DeLuca as President of Council Pro-Tempore assumed the chair and presided over the remainder of the meeting.

 

E)   AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:

On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Communication 5) Re: a Proclamation and to consider this item as the first matter of business.  A request to address Council RE: July Fourth Fireworks was moved to the first request to address Council under agenda item I).  All members present voted YES.

 

As amended, Council then considered Communication 5) RE: Proclamation.  On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to receive and file the letter and have the reading of the Proclamation.  All members present voted YES.

 

Acting Mayor, Ms. Jane Grote then read a Proclamation honoring the Norwood Fire Department Softball Team on their successful defense of their National Title this past May in the Las Vegas tournament that honors fallen firefighters.

 

F)   Requests to address council on agenda items

 

G)  Reports of Standing committees of council

1.      Community Development and Small Business RE: Cornerstone at Norwood Landscape Plan

On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report.  All members present voted YES.

 

H)   ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

 

 

I)      REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:  

Donna Burgess addressed council on the upcoming Fireworks.  The event is scheduled to take place on July 4^th at Shea Stadium, beginning at 10pm.  Ms. Burgess noted that this is entirely privately funded and thanked the residents and businesses that contributed.  Ms. Burgess also thanked the Norwood City Schools for their cooperation in allowing them to utilize Shea Stadium for this event.

 

Mrs. Brown thanked the Fireworks Committee and all those that made donations to this event, and mentioned that Rozzi will be conducting the fireworks entertainment.

 

Mr. Fulmer also expressed his appreciation for bringing a fireworks celebration back to the City.

 

Susan Knox addressed Council RE: the 6/20/2004 article in the Cincinnati Enquirer and the 14 mil levy.  Ms. Knox began her address to Council by acknowledging that she thought she required more than the allotted five minutes in order to get through the topics she would like to cover.  On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to allow Ms. Knox additional time as necessary.  All present voted YES.

 

Margaret Wehmeyer addressed Council RE:  Kemme’s article re: Norwood in the Enquirer.

 

Vicki Garry addressed Council on the city finances and the proposed city tax levy, city appointments to boards and commissions, and other city matters.  During Ms. Garry’s comments, the Chair noted that Ms. Garry had exceeded her time limit.  On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to allow Ms. Garry additional time as necessary.  All members present voted YES.

 

J)    UNFINISHED BUSINESS  

Mrs. Brown mentioned that she was frustrated and confused by the article as well.  However, Mrs. Brown disagreed with the speakers on the appeal of Fiscal Emergency.  Mrs. Brown does not believe that is where we should go and that it is her responsibility as an elected official to insure that doesn’t happen.  The levy is needed.  Mrs. Brown noted that she voted for the fire contract because she thought that the proposed contract was as good as any future negotiations would bring.

 

Mr. Sanker explained that he was called and asked where the money from the levy was going to go.  He responded to the reporter what he believed a potential future allocation might include; future Councils must commit these resources when available towards these capital improvement and recently neglected areas.  Mr. Sanker also explained to the reporter that the full funds will not be available until 2006 due to our requirements to borrow against 2005 in order to meet 2004 obligations.  Due to this, there will be no opportunity for this Council to make this allocation in the near term.  Mr. Sanker dispelled the notion that a pledge was ever made between Council members, but did acknowledge that every meeting has included discussion about how we may be able to provide additional services in future years.  These additional service levels will only be available when the current financial crisis is relieved through a combination of increased revenue, additional cost savings, and contract renegotiations. 

 

Mr. Fulmer mentioned he received a phone call regarding this article.  Mr. Fulmer agrees with several of the speakers that the Collective Bargaining Agreements need to be re-negotiated, particularly the health insurance aspects.  Mr. Fulmer acknowledged that the Mayor has met with each union asking for their cooperation.  Mr. Fulmer also noted his displeasure in soliciting vendors for donation to the levy campaign. 

 

Mr. Moore explained that there are two options, the first is to decide today to go into Fiscal Emergency, the other option is to let the voters decide the fate of the City.  Mr. Moore also explained two of the levy amounts that were discussed.  We could have gotten by with the current level of services with a 9 mil levy, but that assumed that the unions made concessions, that there would be no pay raises, that residents would have to pay for garbage collection, and there would continue to be no street program or capital improvements.  The other option was the 14 mil levy that would allow the eventual possibility of providing additional services, continuing the current funding strategy for garbage collection, and assuming the other cuts.  Mr. Moore noted that most complaints he receives are quality of life issues, and there would be little to no money to address these needs without the required funds and then we lose quality residents that this City is based on.  Mr. Moore also mentioned that the Mayor has met with the Unions and requested the Fiscal Watch Audit from the state.  Many additional steps have been taken the past few years as well.  He also acknowledged that at this point it is up to the citizens to decide which level of services they want from their community and how much they are willing to pay.  Without this levy on the ballot, this is a very clear cut decision with little formal input from the community.  The levy is the best option for the short and long term if we want a City that can continue to provide basic and enhanced services that make this a great City.

 

Mr. Sanker reminded that Council’s Finance Committee has discussed all options with the State several months ago.  Many of their suggestions at that time were already being done or were in progress.

 

Mr. Gabbard mentioned he also received several calls regarding the article, and he hopes people realize that the press is not the best source for getting the truth.  Mr. Gabbard reiterated that there was never a pledge and that was a misrepresentation of the article.  Mr. Gabbard noted that the levy is needed and the only possible way to maintain services, much less provide additional services at any time in the near future, based on revenue projections.  The Administration and Council must continue to look at cost savings as a means to more efficiently run the City and provide services.

 

Mr. Fulmer announced that Burwood pool opened on June 11, 2004.  Mr. Fulmer also reminded all of the many other positives around the city including the recent news that the top floor of Cornerstone has been leased by a financial company and the potential new tenant at Surrey Square in place of Thriftway.

 

Mr. Gabbard mentioned that Norwood was the host city for the S.W.S.A. Soccer Tournaments and is happy to report that of the 13 teams that Norwood sent to participate in the tournament, five won championships.  Mr. Gabbard thanked Public Works for their hard work in making the parks and fields really stand out.  He received many compliments from many attendees.

 

Mr. Fulmer thanked the Norwood Soccer Association for their efforts in organizing the fund raiser for Jenny Huber.  It was great to see the City and City workers rallying around our youth and her family as they struggle with illness.

 

Mr. Gabbard added that the event was very well attended and thanked all for helping to raise funds for this little girl and her family.  Mr. Gabbard also thanked the Mayor for putting together a Proclamation for Ms. Jenny Huber, and declaring the day Jenny Huber day in the City of Norwood.

 

Mrs. Brown directed a question through the Chair to Mr. Molony who was in attendance regarding an update on a Tax Amnesty program.  Mr. Molony responded that the retiring Tax Commissioner plans to organize a committee to arrange for this in early fall and include this as a retirement activity.

 

Mrs. Brown reminded everyone of the Relay for Life to be held Friday, June 25, and Saturday June 26^th at Shea Stadium.  Relay for life benefits the American Cancer Society.

 

Mr. Moore mentioned that he received a call inquiring about the Building Departments posted hours of operation for contract work governed by construction permits.  Mr. Moore asked the Clerk’s Office to send a letter to the Law Department requesting an Ordinance be drafted to amend the posted hours to include language around reduced hours for the operation of equipment that could produce a loud sound and disturb the peace.  Mr. Moore asked that the letter also include a request for an Ordinance to amend the Vicious Dog Ordinance.  Mr. Moore provided attachments with suggested wording.

 

Mr. Fulmer thanked the Police Department for their help in addressing a couple of problems in his area.

 

Mr. Sanker noted that the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Ride is scheduled for Saturday, June 26^th culminating in a ceremony remembering all POW/MIA at Victory Park at 1:00 pm.

 

K)  NEW BUSINESS

 

Mr. Fulmer announced that the Health Department in cooperation with Children’s Hospital are selling bike helmets for $5.  These helmets will be sold on July 6^th at Burwood from Noon – 2pm, and at the Community Center from 3pm-5pm.  Intended recipient should be present to insure proper fitting.  Call the Health Department or Mr. Fulmer with questions.

 

Mr. DeLuca also announced that the best number to reach him regarding Council matters is 395-7069 or via email at WilWorks4U@Aol.com.

 

L)   COMMUNICATIONS: 

1.      Letter from the Health Department Re:  Grass cutting at 5120 Montgomery Rd.

On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and the requested action be authorized.  All members present voted YES.

 

2.      Letter from the Health Department Re:  Grass cutting at 2060 Elm Ave.

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and the requested action be authorized.  All members present voted YES.

 

3.      Letter from the Health Department Re:  Grass cutting at 1807 Cleveland Ave.

On a motion by Mr. Geers, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and the requested action be authorized.  All members present voted YES.

 

4.      Letter from the Mayor’s Office Re: Fiscal Watch Review

On a motion by Mr. Tracey, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved that the letter be received and filed.  All members present voted YES.

 

5.      Letter from the Mayor’s Office Re: Proclamation

This item was considered as the first item of business, as amended.

 

M)EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS

All members present.

 

N)  ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Mr. Gabbard, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to adjourn.  All members present voted YES.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________            ______________________________

J. Brian Mumper                                           Jane M. Grote

Clerk of Council                                             President of Council