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. Sanker, Mr. Tracey, Mr. Moore, Mr. Fulmer, Mr. Geers, Mr. Mumper, Mrs. Brown, and Mr. DeLuca.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding communications N-5 and N-6 and moving item N-5 to immediately following the approval of Minutes. All members present voted YES.
F) APPROVE
MINUTES FROM:
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 considered communication N-5)
Letter from the Mayor’s Office RE: Appointment of Bridget Gannon McGraw to the Norwood Board of Zoning Appeals.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that the Mayor be granted permission to introduce Mrs. Bridget Gannon McGraw. All members present voted YES.
G) Requests to address council on agenda items
H) Reports of Standing committees of council
1. Community Development and Small Business RE: Tax incentive district CRA in Norwood.
Mr. DeLuca noted that this makes sense particularly for those buildings that need repair and significant maintenance. This would help small businesses move to Norwood and rehab their place of business with some financial incentive. Mr. DeLuca thanked H.C.D.C. for their assistance in this matter.
Mr. Moore further explained that the CRA essentially provides tax abatement for several years on any significant rehab and investment in their property as an incentive for doing such. Norwood has some incredible properties and architecture and this will only help place businesses in those properties.
Mr. DeLuca noted that this will also be extended to those that purchase multi-families and wish to convert these properties back to single family owner occupied dwellings thereby increasing owner occupied residency.
Mrs. Brown added that it is really important to get this going and begin the survey process as soon as possible.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
1. Streets and Infrastructure RE: Snow Removal.
Mrs. Brown mentioned that she had contacted the Public Works Superintendent and wanted to make sure residents knew that there are very specific routes and the streets are specifically prioritized. These routes will be continually monitored with the goal of improving service at every stage possible.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
2. Streets and Infrastructure RE: Pot Holes.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
I) Introductory reading of ORDINANCES
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF THE CLAIM OF ROSE JOHNSON.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to suspend the rules and have all three readings. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Tracey, seconded by Mr. Geers, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE TO CONTINUE FREEZING WAGES FOR ALL APPOINTED EMPLOYEES IN THE CITY OF NORWOOD, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. DeLuca asked the Mayor through the Chair for his comments on this issue. Mayor Williams responded that this is a difficult issue, these salary increases really don’t amount to much and only apply to the bi-partisan appointees that don’t have a union representing them and therefore often get left out when it comes to compensation. The City also has to maintain their interests and insure that quality resources are retained. Mayor Williams agreed with Council’s need to take time on this issue and only hear one reading tonight.
Mrs. Brown asked the Mayor if he could produce a list of whom this Ordinance affects and their salaries. Mayor Williams confirmed that this will be done.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved to hear the first reading. All members present voted YES.
J) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and focused the discussion on the Rookwood Exchange Project. Through recent media coverage this project has been referred to as a shopping mall. Mayor Williams assured that this is not just a shopping mall. The previous Community Development Committee and the current Committee have worked hard to design a top notch development. Mayor Williams then displayed a scaled model of the development.
The Rookwood Exchange development includes 400,000 square feet of office space, 2 parking garages with capacity for more than 2500 cars, 250,000 square feet of retail and restaurant, a 150 room upscale hotel, and 280 units of living space over 10 acres of land. This is a very unique, $175 Million, all inclusive, complex that is much more than your standard shopping mall and will increase the current tax base from $80,000 to $500,000 to the school system and up to $2,000,000 for the City.
When opened for questions, Mr. Mumper asked about the status of the street layout and design. Mayor Williams pointed out the preliminary street layout as designed and confirmed that the Safety-Service Director Mr. Geers has been involved in all pre-construction meetings, specifically targeting traffic patterns.
Mr. DeLuca added that this project has been a long process that has had considerable involvement from several Council members past and present and several City officials. In meetings with the developer there were several very heated moments. Significant and specific demands were made of the developer to meet the goal of the best development possible and a development that will contribute to a better Norwood. Mayor Williams added that there have been some very difficult times but that Council worked countless hours to protect the interests of the City and did so. When complete, the development will benefit everyone. The Mayor also added that there have been several reports of those that oppose this development, but the stories from those in favor of moving this development forward have been less covered by the media. The Institute for Justice doesn’t have a corner on the market for justice and finally those lives that were put on hold for nearly two and a half years can continue again and this development can progress for a better Norwood.
Mr. Sanker added that this development replaces 65 residencies with 280 potential residencies and asked for an estimate on timing. Mayor Williams responded that this will be a phased development with the first phase planned for late 2006, then another phase to be complete in mid 2008.
When questioning closed on the Rookwood Development project, questioning opened on other topics. Mr. Geers asked about the downed street lights on Sherman and Mr. DeLuca asked about the same on the Norwood Lateral. Mayor Williams asked the Director of Public Safety-Service to respond to which Mr. Geers replied that the pole on Sherman is the responsibility of Cinergy and the light pole down on the Norwood Lateral is the City’s responsibility and this will be handled as funds are available.
Mr. Fulmer asked if Cinergy was responsible for the normal maintenance of the lights on City streets. Mr. Geers confirmed that Cinergy is responsible and if residents notice a light in need of residence they can contact his office.
K) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
L) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Fulmer announced that the annual Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday March 19 at Waterworks Park. Pictures will begin at 9:30am and the hunt will begin at 10:00am. Contact Norwood Recreation for more information at 531-9798.
Mr. DeLuca announced that a Ward meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 12 at 10:00am in Council Chambers. A significant portion of the agenda will be regarding development including renderings for the Globe Site. All are invited.
Mr. Moore announced that his ward meeting was held last week. One of the topics at his meeting was plans for the Globe site particularly the plans for conserving the “flat iron building” and the first business in Norwood. Mr. Moore commented that the developer had several options for this building and that the Historical Society will be consulted soon.
The Chair noted that Mr. Gabbard is now in Council Chambers.
Mr. DeLuca asked the Director of Public Safety-Service to consider re-painting crosswalks near North Norwood School and Holy Trinity School.
Mr. DeLuca brought up the P.U.D Overlay that was placed over the current Norwood Plaza. This P.U.D. will allow the City to have tighter control over what type of development goes into that site. The timing was right, as the most recent Business Courier indicates that the property is now on the auction block.
Mr. Moore thanked those that attended his Ward Meeting. Several concerns were raised. One interesting outcome of the meeting was a need to get information out to new residents as well as those outside Norwood when it comes to the many positive things that are happening in our City. This mechanism could also be used to get new residents involved in the City. Mr. Moore also announced that the West Norwood Neighborhood Association’s Clean Up Day is scheduled for April 2.
Mr. Sanker thanked all those involved, past and present, with the development projects particularly Rookwood Exchange, Cornerstone, and the Globe development. This is certainly a thankless job and one that consumes countless hours. Every iteration is a lot of work but the results are going to be outstanding.
M)NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Fulmer announced that the Norwood Recreation Commission’s clean up the parks day is scheduled for April 23rd from 9:00am – Noon. Contact 531-9798 for more information and to volunteer.
Mr. Geers asked that the issue of truck routes be placed into the Streets, Infrastructure and Public Works Committee.
Mrs. Brown asked that the issue of Recycling Theft be placed in the Law and Ordinance Committee.
Mr. Fulmer reminded residents that the Hamilton County Commissioners will be holding a budget review meeting in the Norwood Council Chambers on Monday March 14 at 6:30pm. Ms. Grote announced that this is a County meeting that will simply be hosted in our facility and is the only such meeting outside of downtown Cincinnati.
Mr. Moore announced a Law and Ordinance meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 15 beginning at 6:30pm in Council Chambers. Topics include crimes of theft of Recyclables, Group Homes, and Regulations on Day Care.
Mr. DeLuca announced that he and Mr. Moore will be hosting a live call-in show on the Government Access Cable channel that will air on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 8:00pm-9:00pm. Mr. DeLuca encouraged all residents to call in and ask questions of their Council members. Additional guests will be available for future shows. Mr. DeLuca hopes that this will be yet another avenue to address the concerns of the community and provide a forum that is not always available in the normal course of Council business.
N) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from Donnie R. Jones, City Auditor RE: February 2005 Auditor’s Report.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
1. Letter from Joseph C. Geers, Service-Safety Director RE: Sanitary Survey/water supply system.
On a motion by Mr. Tracey, seconded by Mr. Geers, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
2. Letter from Hamilton County Board of Commissioners RE: HIP Program.
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.
3. Letter from TEC Engineering RE: Montgomery/Carthage Ave. realignment.
Ms. Grote mentioned that there will be another Public Hearing to address this project.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
4. Letter from the Mayor’s Office RE: Appointment of Bridget Gannon McGraw to the Norwood Board of Zoning Appeals.
As amended, this item was considered immediately following the approval of Minutes.
5. Letter from the Mayor’s Office RE: Mayor’s Court Fines.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
O) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All members are present.
P) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Tracey, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council