Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

July 13, 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. Mumper, and Mr. DeLuca.

 

E)   AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding a Proclamation honoring Mr. John Hanrahan immediately following the approval of Minutes, by adding Ordinance B), by adding Communication 4) and by moving Resolution A) to immediately following the Public Hearing on the same subject. All members present voted YES.

 

F)   Approve minutes from:  June 8, 2004 and june 22, 2004

On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to approve the minutes as if read.  All members present voted YES.

 

As amended, Council then moved to a Proclamation honoring Mr. John Hanrahan for his dedicated years of service and congratulating him on his retirement effective July 5, 2004 and declaring July 13th, 2004 as John Hanrahan Day in the City of Norwood.  This was followed by some words from the Mayor, Mr. Hanrahan himself, members of Council, and his former manager - Treasurer Tim Molony.

 

G)  Public hearings

Council then moved to Public Hearings with an explanation of the general format of Public Hearings provided by Ms. Grote.

 

Public Hearing A)  2005 Tax Budget.

After the call to speak on the Public Hearing, the Hearing closed with no attendees speaking either for or against the ordinance.

 

On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to suspend the rules and have all three readings of the RESOLUTION ADOPTING 2005 TAX BUDGET.  All members present voted YES.

 

Mr. Sanker mentioned that the City’s 2005 tax budget must be into the County Auditor to show the need for taxes coming to the City.  This shows an ending Cash Balance in 2005 of a deficit of $3.4 million.

 

Mr. Moore noted that this tax budget, as with previous years, shows that the revenues collected by the city has decreased over the years particularly in estate taxes and other significant cuts in our budget.

 

On a motion by Mr. Tracey, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Resolution.  All members present voted YES.

 

H)  Requests to address council on agenda items

 

I)      Reports of Standing committees of council

1.      Finance and Claims RE: Claims 1. Angela Weinberg, 2. Carol Miller, 3.  Sharon Totton.

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

 

J)    Introductory readings of Ordinances

A)    ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 509.09 “DISTURBING THE PEACE” OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD CODIFIED ORDINANCES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

 

Mr. Moore mentioned that this is the Ordinance he requested that amends the permitted hours of operation of power tools to 7:00am-8:00pm.

 

Mr. DeLuca commented that 8:00pm might be too restrictive with daylight savings time and the need of both property owners and contractors to complete projects on time.  Mr. DeLuca suggested 9:00pm as a more appropriate ending time. 

 

Mr. Moore had no objection as he has not heard complaints during the hours of 8:00pm-9:00pm.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to have the first reading of the Ordinance.  All members present voted YES.

 

B)     ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2004

 

Mr. Moore noted that this Ordinance is needed to allow the Norwood Recreation Commission to spend the allotment contributed by the Norwood City Schools.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to suspend the rules and have all 3 readings of the Ordinance.  All members present voted YES.

 

Mr. DeLuca thanked the School Board for this contribution.  Mr. DeLuca reiterated his frustration with Northwoods Pool not opening due to a lack of funds.  He has continued to receive complaints on this topic and hopes that this is rectified in 2005. 

 

Mr. Mumper also thanked the School Board and asked that a letter be sent to the schools from Council’s office acknowledging the contribution.  Mr. Mumper also noted that the Northwoods Pool should be opened to serve the residents of the Fourth Ward as it is the only pool in the vicinity of the Fourth Ward.  Mr. Tracey reiterated his appreciation for the contribution.

 

Mr. Moore asked Mayor Williams if this contribution was contingent on the money being spent for recreation.  Mr. Williams responded that this was the case and that because of this contribution our parks will remain open for the duration of the season.  Mayor Williams expressed his personal opinion that if the City cannot operate its parks and other recreational services the City must question its fundamental purpose.  Parks are one of the reasons residents stay in the City and we should continue the operations of all parks.

 

On a motion by Mr. Tracey, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to pass the Ordinance.  All members present voted YES.

 

K)  Introductory readings of resolutions

A)    RESOLUTION ADOPTING 2005 TAX BUDGET.

 

This resolution was considered under Public Hearing A).

 

L)    ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

Mayor Williams was present and mentioned that the State Auditors arrived on Monday July 12, 2004 in response to his request for the Fiscal Watch Audit.  The State Auditors are operating out of Conference Room B and as such Conference Room B is off limits for the duration of the audit.  While there is no timeline on the audit, early expectations are that it will take 3-4 weeks – but the timing is out of our immediate control.

 

Mayor Williams announced that the Norwood Day Parade is scheduled for Tuesday July 27th and will start at 7:00pm.

 

The Mayor also mentioned that Public Works has been busy cleaning debris from the east bound side of the Norwood Lateral.  Fifteen trucks of debris have been removed to date.

 

The Building Department, Health Department, and Fire Department continue to meet and continue their rigorous enforcement of building code.  Six properties have been vacated, the latest for Health concerns, filth, and the breeding of pit bulls.  The individuals doing this work should be commended, their attitude is fantastic and they enjoy the support they have received and the progress that has been made.

 

Mayor Williams noted that, as most residents know, Thriftway/Winn Dixie is gone and Kroger is moving into the facility and will open on July 29, 2004.  This is a big improvement to the City and to Surrey Square Mall.

 

When opened for questioning Mr. Mumper asked for details regarding new lawsuits being filed against the City.  The Mayor responded that there are indeed lawsuits being filed regarding several Fire Fighters and Police Officers who believe they are due promotions.  The City is fighting these vigorously because these promotions will cost the City hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

 

Mr. Fulmer mentioned that while Public Works is doing a great job with their limited resources, he would like to see Public Works water the trees that the Tree Board planted as they are in desperate need of watering.  The Mayor responded that this has been discussed, but resources are currently strained and Public Works are busy cleaning up the Norwood Lateral, fixing water mains, and putting efforts against other high priority tasks.  The Mayor suggested that this may be an appropriate volunteer activity.

 

Mr. DeLuca suggested that the Tree Board contact local businesses to water the trees in front of their businesses.  The Mayor responded that the calls have been made.  Some have agreed and are watering regularly while others agreed but are not following up on the commitment.

 

Mr. Fulmer commented that it would be a real shame if these trees, secured by the Tree Board through a grant, would be allowed to die due to a lack of water.  Perhaps this is more pressing than the Lateral cleanup.  The Mayor responded that residents complain that they are not asked for volunteers, this is an excellent volunteer activity.

 

Mr. DeLuca asked if this is something that perhaps Work Detail could be assigned.  Ms. Grote suggested that this would be up to the supervisor of work detail but the problem may be in getting the water to the tree.  The Mayor suggested that this could also present an issue with monitoring those workers closely, which is an absolute necessity with some of those assigned to work detail.

 

Mr. Mumper suggested that while these types of actions are all done with good intentions, these actions also place additional strain on City resources.  Perhaps the Tree Board can reserve funds to care for these plantings including pruning, fertilizer, and of course routine watering.

 

Mr. Fulmer commented that it is important that we support this group of citizens before they become frustrated with the lack of help and just give up.  If we help them out now we can maintain this effective volunteer group.

 

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

 

N)  UNFINISHED BUSINESS  

 

Mr. Fulmer thanked the Health Department and Children’s Hospital for their bicycle helmet program.  Bicycle helmets were fitted and distributed to almost 100 kids and adults for a nominal fee of $5 per helmet.

 

O)  NEW BUSINESS

 

Mr. Mumper announced a town meeting for Wards 4 and 6 scheduled for Wednesday, July 14th at the Holy Trinity Parish Hall starting at 7:00pm.  This will be an informational session on the upcoming levy.

 

Mr. Fulmer announced a town meeting for Ward 2 at 11:00am on Saturday, July 17th at the Norwood Community Center with open discussion.  This meeting will be immediately followed by a Wards 2 and 5 town meeting beginning at Noon with discussion dedicated to the upcoming levy.

 

Mr. Moore thanked Mr. Layne, Mr. Russ, and Mr. Shelby for their hard work in tracking down those that are illegally obtaining the Stadium Tax Credit and Homestead Credit on their property taxes.  These credits are provided by those residing in their property and these gentlemen have tracked down several properties receiving the credit that were rental properties or even businesses.  Thanks again to these gentlemen for making it their personal responsibility to enforce the appropriate use of these credits.

 

Mr. Moore also announced a Wards 1 and 3 town meeting on July 20th at 7:00pm at the Norwood Community Center.  The discussion will be open but likely to revolve around the levy.  Mr. Moore also announced an open house scheduled for Saturday, July 25th beginning at 2:00pm in Council Chambers.

 

Mr. DeLuca mentioned that the Community Development and Small Businesses Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 14th is cancelled, but the committee will meet Wednesday, July 21 to discuss Cornerstone and a new car wash potentially located in Norwood.

 

Ms. Grote reminded Council and residents that there is no Council meeting on July 27th, due to the Norwood Day Parade.  Ms. Grote also mentioned upcoming events in the City including The Norwood Day Parade and Norwood Day at Coney Island.

 

P)   COMMUNICATIONS: 

1.      Letter from the Mayor’s Office Re:  Mayor’s Court Fines.

On a motion by Mr. Moore, 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.

 

2.      Letter from Jennifer Wallace, Norwood Recreation Commission Re:  Recreation Commission Meeting.

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, 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 Norwood Recreation Commission Re:  Summer Splash Family Night.

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, 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 Jennifer Wallace, Norwood Recreation Commission Re: 21st Century Grant.

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.

 

Q)  EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS

On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to excuse the absence of Mr. Geers and Mrs. Brown.  All members present voted YES.

 

R)  ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Mr. Tracey, 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