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. Tracey, Mr. Moore, Mr. Fulmer, Mr. Geers, Mr. Mumper, and Mrs. Brown.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Geers, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Communications 6) and considering it as the first order of business, adding Communications 7), adding Ordinance G), moving the request to address Council to immediately following Communications 6), and by moving Ordinance A) and B) to immediately following the request to address Council. All members present voted YES.
F)
APPROVE MINUTES FROM:
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was
moved to approve the minutes as if read.
All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then considered Communication 6)
Letter from the Mayor’s Office RE: Appointment of Jeffrey
R. Reichard Norwood Planning Commissioner.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that permission be granted to address council. All members present voted YES.
Mr. Reeves and Mayor Williams then introduced Mr. Reichard to Council as a newly appointed member of the Planning Commission.
The Chair noted that Mr. DeLuca is now present in Council Chambers.
As amended, Council then heard the request to address Council.
1. Rev. Kirk Pike, Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church RE: Appeal for Amended Codified Ordinance 1511.07 (sprinkler system).
Rev. Kirk Pike of the New Bethel Baptist Church expressed his need for a variance over the existing City building code regarding sprinkler systems. Rev. Pike is compelled to ask Council for a variance due to the increased cost of building their new Gymnasium/Family Center with a sprinkler system. Rev. Pike explained and answered questions from Council regarding the facility’s intended use.
On a motion by Mr. Gabbard, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved to grant the variance. Council then deliberated and discussed the merits of such a variance and who might need to be consulted when granting this variance.
Prior to the vote, this motion was superseded by a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, when it was moved to place this issue in Council’s Committee of the Whole. All members present voted YES.
As amended Council then considered Ordinances A) and B).
A) ORDINANCE ADOPTING FOURTH AMENDMENT TO REDEVELOPMENT CONTRACT FOR THE ROOKWOOD EXCHANGE PROJECT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Moore noted that Mr. Burke was present and asked Mr. Burke to come to the podium to explain this Ordinance. Mr. Burke explained that this Ordinance is similar to the three previous amendments and essentially just adjusts the dates on the redevelopment agreement. Ordinance B) allows the Mayor and Administration to acquire the last parcel which could close as early as Friday. Mr. Moore then explained that this moves the dates from March 31, 2005 to August 31, 2005 and based on progress thus far on the site should be the final amendment.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, 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. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE PROPERTY OWNED BY TIRELESS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ON EDWARDS ROAD, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved to suspend the rules and have all three readings. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Geers, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. 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: Cornerstone at Norwood design (dumpster enclosure).
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: Globe Re-development.
Mr. DeLuca mentioned that the developer was adamant about demolition of the flat iron building, while the City felt as strongly about maintaining some memory of both the structure as well as the site. The Norwood Historical Society brought their expertise and have provided some ideas and thoughts as well. The current proposal is a compromise that includes the demolition of the current building, but then the reuse of the bricks and other materials to build a smaller version of the building on the new development. The current approach also includes a monument on the actual site as well.
Mr. Fulmer explained that the “Flat Iron building” is the building on Montgomery and Carthage and is the first business to be established in Norwood and deserves to be preserved in some fashion. The proposed site will be cleaned this summer and construction should start by the end of 2005. This development will include Office, Retail, and Restaurants.
Mr. Moore noted that this was certainly a compromise and while not everyone is thrilled with the current plan this may be the best chance to proceed and for everyone to retain some interests in the new development.
Mr. Mumper explained that the monument will commemorate the first business which was a stage coach and later became Sharp’s Market, giving Norwood its first name of “Sharpsburg”.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
3. Community Development and Small Business RE: Ordinance amending and updating Chapter 163 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Norwood.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
4. Finance and Claims RE: Appropriations.
Mr. Moore asked the Committee Chair if this money comes out of separation pay and if this was due to new estimates regarding the amount needed for separation pay. Mr. Sanker responded that it did in fact come from a reduction primarily from separation pay but only because this was an area that could be reduced by this amount and not impacted in the near future.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
5. Finance and Claims RE: Paint Striper.
Mr. Sanker explained that the recommendation is to pursue the purchase of this paint striper since it will easily be paid off in two years with the attached quote to outsource the service. The next step is to determine how to pay for this equipment. One way or the other however, we must re-stripe per ODOT regulations.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
I) Introductory reading of ORDINANCES
A) ORDINANCE ADOPTING FOURTH AMENDMENT TO REDEVELOPMENT CONTRACT FOR THE ROOKWOOD EXCHANGE PROJECT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
As amended, this item was handled previously.
B) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE PROPERTY OWNED BY TIRELESS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ON EDWARDS ROAD AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
As amended, this item was handled previously.
C) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2005.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mrs. Brown, 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.
D) ORDINANCE PROMOTING THE “CITY WIDE STREET SALE” AND ABATEMENT OF ALL PERMIT FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SALE, AS AMENDED.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to suspend the rules and have all three readings, the first in its entirety. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to amend the Ordinance by adding the emergency clause. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, 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.
E) ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE PLAN KNOWN AS CORNERSTONE AT NORWOOD TO INCLUDE THE MAYFIELD CENTER AND TO REMOVE PLANS FOR A RESTAURANT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. DeLuca explained that this essentially formalizes the change that was heard at the Public Hearing on February 22, 2005.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the rules and have all three readings. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
F) ORDINANCE OF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORWOOD AND THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE NORWOOD LATERAL.
Mr. Moore asked the Director of Public Service-Safety, Mr. Geers to explain this Ordinance, the work that was to be conducted on the Lateral, and the timetable. Mr. Geers explained that this Ordinance allows the City to enter into an agreement so that this project to resurface the Lateral and perform some maintenance work on the Section Avenue Bridge can quickly be bid out. The general timeframe at this point is to bid this out in late 2005 and begin construction in 2006.
Mr. Moore asked if this was something that the City applied for. Mr. Geers responded that we asked to be moved up on the scheduled due to the current conditions and the number of potholes that appeared this winter.
Mr. DeLuca asked if something could be done at the Section Avenue Bridge to place a lighted Welcome to Norwood sign similar to the Paddock Road and Union Center signs along I-75. Mr. DeLuca realizes that this cannot be done in the City’s current financial condition, but asked if the ground work could be completed during this planned work. Mr. Geers responded that the State of Ohio won’t pay for it but the utilities are already there and this is something that could be done in the future.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to suspend the rules and have all three readings. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Geers, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
G) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORWOOD AND THE BOARD OF HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RELATIVE TO THE RESURFACING OF SHERMAN AVENUE FROM STATION AVENUE TO SMITH ROAD INTERSECTION.
Mr. Moore stated that it appears that the County has provided funds to resurface Sherman Avenue and asked the Director of Public Service-Safety, Mr. Geers, to confirm and explain the City’s cost for this resurfacing. Mr. Geers responded that $500,000 has been received through a Community Block Grant that will resurface Beech St. from Robertson to Park Avenues and Park Avenue from Beech to Forest Avenues as well as Sherman from Smith Road to Station Avenue. The City’s cost is the cost of engineering which is coming out of Permissive taxes. The rough timeline is to bid the project this May or June and the project should be complete this year.
Mrs. Brown asked for the dollar value of this project, and Mr. Geers responded that the engineering cost is estimated at $18,500.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, 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. Fulmer, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
J) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
The Mayor was present and mentioned that he was present at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday April 9th at the Grand Opening of the Harley Davidson Dealership which is now under new ownership.
At the latest Historical Society Meeting, the Administration assured the Historical Society that the Administration would support their efforts at Lindner Park, specifically in obtaining grants for maintenance of the spring house and bath house on the Lindner Park grounds. Mr. Dettmer will provide assistance where needed and appropriate in applying for these grants.
Mayor Williams mentioned that E. B. Miller Contracting at 1701 Mills Ave. has donated $1000 plus parts and labor towards the renovations of the substation at the Community Center. This is a great example of a local company getting involved in their community in a time of need.
Another great example of businesses getting involved in their community is during the recent West Norwood Neighborhood Association clean up day on April 2nd. The Daily Grind Coffeehouse donated their efforts and coupons to the West Norwood Neighborhood Association Clean Up. Mayor Williams thanked all residents and the youth who helped out during this effort.
Mayor Williams mentioned the recent Oxford House Fire and encouraged all home owners, landlords, and tenants to take the time to make sure your property is safe and smoke detectors are operational. The Administration will do anything possible to prevent a similar incident here and have been active in the inspection of houses for Fire, Building, and Health violations.
Along those same lines, the Police Department assembled a task force to patrol the area with large numbers of Xavier students and several citations were issued. This task force was assembled without overtime.
Mayor Williams mentioned that the Fire Department wanted to make Council and the public aware that two Paramedic units have more than 100,000 miles on them. There have already been 997 runs this year.
When opened for questions, Mrs. Brown asked if it is the responsibility of local municipalities to maintain emergency sirens within the City limits. Mayor Williams responded that is indeed the City’s responsibility and he will report back to Council regarding the recent maintenance on our emergency sirens.
Mrs. Brown also asked Mayor Williams if the intersection near Medpace Inc. at Wall St. and Wesley Ave. could be realigned and re-striped to accommodate a right turn only lane onto Wall Street and a straight/left turn lane for those needing to get into the facility. Mayor Williams responded that this intersection was designed and approved by the State and therefore might be difficult to modify, but he will look into the possibility.
K) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
Kirk Pike, Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church RE: Appeal for Amended Codified Ordinance 1511.07 (sprinkler system).
As amended, this item was handled previously.
L) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Tracey mentioned that he was present at the West Norwood Neighborhood Association Cleanup event and thanked those businesses who donated supplies and coupons and thanked residents for their involvement.
Mr. Moore announced that the City’s Arbor Day celebration is scheduled for Saturday April 30th from 10am-2pm at the Community Center. Festivities include Plant Swaps and Tree Giveaways among others.
Mr. DeLuca reminded viewers that “Out Of Order” the Live Call In Show will be live on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 7pm-8pm. The next scheduled show is April 24th.
M)NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Fulmer announced that the 4th of July Fireworks are again planned and donations can me made to the Norwood Fireworks Committee at 2013 Cleaney Avenue, Norwood Ohio, 45212.
Mrs. Brown added that this Fireworks presentation is funded entirely by private funds and that some new additions, including the Ohio National Guard involvement, are planned for this summer.
Mr. Fulmer read from an Earnings Tax report indicating that earnings taxes are up approximately $600,000 over last year or a 23% increase year-to-date.
Mrs. Brown asked that the issue of regulation of Xavier Houses be placed in the Law and Ordinance Committee.
Mr. Gabbard asked that a letter be sent to the Fire Chief and Building Department requesting their presence at the next Committee of the Whole Meeting to discuss the New Bethel Baptist sprinkler variance.
Mrs. Brown asked that the Clerk of Council’s office prepare a flier summarizing some of the events of the Hamilton County Environmental Services Department and to make those fliers available at public venues so that residents are aware of upcoming events.
N) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from Joseph C. Geers, Service-Safety Director RE: Used Tires.
Mr. Geers asked that the Clerk’s Office publicize this event on Norwood Cable.
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: MSD Rate Increase for Sewer Service Charges.
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.
2. Letter from Donnie Jones, City Auditor RE: Month Ending March 31, 2005 Auditor’s Report.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
3. Letter from Norwood Knothole Association RE: Knothole Opening Day Parade.
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.
4. Letter from Norwood Recreation Center RE: Annual Parks Cleanup Day.
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.
5. Letter from the Mayor’s Office RE: Appointment of Jeffrey R. Reichard to the Norwood Planning Commissioner.
As amended, this item was handled previously.
6. Letter from Joseph C. Geers, Service-Safety Director RE: Sherman.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved that the letter be received and filed as if read. All members present voted YES.
O) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All members are present.
P) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Moore, 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