Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

May 10, 2005

 

 

 

 

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, and Mrs. Brown.

 

E)   AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:

On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Geers, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Ordinance D), adding Communication 3), adding Communication 4) and moving it immediately preceding Ordinance D), by moving Administration Reports to the first order of business, and by moving Communication 1) to immediately preceding Ordinance A).  All members present voted YES.

 

As amended Council then moved to Administrative Reports.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

The Mayor was present and invited Hamilton County Auditor Dusty Rhodes to speak to Council and the Community regarding the upcoming Property Re-Appraisals.  Mr. Rhodes described the process and mentioned that new values will be sent to property owners beginning May 23.  Mr. Rhodes also noted that Neighborhood Conferences are scheduled at the Cintas Center for June 14th, 15th, and 16th to allow property owners a chance to question the new values in an informal way before they are final.  These new values are simply an attempt to reflect the current market, these values aren’t final until late 2005.

 

Mr. Rhodes also clarified that these new values will not raise all current property taxes; only the inside millage will be affected by these new values per House Bill 920.  The inside millage is defined as the first 10 mills of which only 1-2 mills go to the City.  Furthermore this is not a windfall to either the Schools or the City due to HB 920.

 

Mr. Rhodes encouraged property owners to come prepared to the Neighborhood Conferences if they have questions or concerns. 

 

Mr. Rhodes mentioned that he believes property values will be strong in this and surrounding areas due to the recent increased appeal in being closer to the City and decreased commute times.

 

When opened for questions, Mr. Fulmer asked Mr. Rhodes about the deadline for filing for the Homestead Act.  Mr. Rhodes responded that the deadline for filing for the Homestead Act is the first week of June.  The Homestead Act is available to all property owners 65 years or older or those permanently disabled with an annual income of less than $25,000 are eligible for this exemption.  Please call 946-4098 or 946-4099 with questions regarding the Homestead Act.

 

Mrs. Brown asked about the appeal process.  Mr. Rhodes responded that the first step is submitting questions on their new values at these Neighborhood Conferences.  The  process takes into account all information available and considers it in a final valuation.  Notification of final values will be sent in December at which point property owners can file an appeal with the board of revisions up to 90 days after the notification.

 

Mr. Gabbard asked what property owners should bring, Mr. Rhodes answered that owners should bring any evidence that their new appraisals are either over or undervalued including recent appraisals, pictures, comps, etc. 

 

Mr. Rhodes reiterated that the purpose of this re-appraisal is not to raise taxes but to be sure that properties are valuated fairly and reflect the market.  For more information property owners can visit www.hamiltoncountyauditor.org.

 

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 Design Review (water feature).

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

 

2.      Finance and Claims RE: Health Care Changes.

Mrs. Brown asked the Chair of the Finance Committee for more information on the presentation that was given to the bargaining groups.  Mr. Sanker responded that most bargaining units had representatives attend a recent Finance Committee meeting so that all questions could be heard and addressed efficiently.  There was not much feedback immediately following the meeting; the committee is waiting to hear a response from these representatives.  This new Health Care plan is only available if there is an approach for all of the bargaining units to adopt the new plan eventually. 

 

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

 

3.      Finance and Claims RE: Purchase of Police Cruisers.

Mr. Fulmer clarified that the plan is to purchase 5 police cruisers and pay those out over 3 years.

 

Mr. Sanker confirmed that this is a program available to municipalities to purchase these cruisers at an average cost of $20,000 per unit on a lease/purchase program.  The cars could be ordered and received in the fall but the first payments aren’t due until 2006.  The plan is to fund a majority of this purchase with the Police Department’s Drug Funds.  Without these funds this purchase would not be possible.

 

Mr. Mumper mentioned that this is a great deal for the City to replace some very old cruisers with a net cost to the General Fund in the neighborhood of $8500 per unit. 

 

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

 

H)  Introductory reading of ORDINANCES

As amended Council then heard communication M-1).

1.      Letter from Rick Dettmer, Development Director RE: 2006-2008 CDBG Program (RE: ORD H-A).

Mr. Fulmer noted that this year these funds will cover such things as trees for Montgomery Road, Sherman Avenue reconstruction, the resurfacing of part of Park Avenue and part of Beech Street. 

 

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

 

A)    ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT OF COOPERATIONWITH HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO PURSUANT TO PROVISIONS OF THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED.

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

 

B)     ORDINANCE VACATING A PORTION OF ACREAGE ON EDMONSON ROAD.

Mr. Fulmer clarified that Council agreed to this some time ago as part of the redevelopment agreement and that this is a housekeeping item. 

 

Mr. Moore asked Mr. Tranter, representing the developer, to come forward to describe this Ordinance.  Mr. Tranter described that this property is one tenth of an acre on the hillside near Max and Erma’s at Rookwood Commons.  This was initially delayed while the developer completed some of the items contingent on the release of this property.  Those contingencies, including a façade change on the parking garage, Right of Way dedication, and aesthetic features, have all been addressed.  The developer has already taken over the maintenance and landscaping of this property and this will help to insure that the transaction is finalized.  This item slipped through the cracks and this will complete this chain of events.

 

Mr. Moore noted that while not on the Community Development Committee at the time, he has heard some of the aggressive items that the Committee required from the developer as part of this property transfer.

 

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. Fulmer, it was moved to pass the Ordinance.  All members present voted YES.

 

C)    ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND ACCEPT A PLEDGE AGREEMENT WITH ROOKWOOD COMMONS, LLC AND UPON COMPLETION, SIGN A RELEASE OF MORTGAGE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to place this item into the Community Development and Small Business Committee.  All members present voted YES.

 

As amended, Council then heard Communication 4).

 

Letter from Officer Chad Whitford RE: Quote for new police cruisers.

 

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

 

D)    ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT UNDER THE STATE BID PURCHASE PROGRAM FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIVE 2006 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CRUISERS OUTFITTED WITH THE PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY THE NORWOOD POLICE DIVISION.

Mr. Moore commented that based on the attachments and the letter, even if we are to replace the 5 highest mileage cruisers, there will still be 4 cruisers with more than 100,000.  This is certainly a need and a great opportunity to fill the need.

 

Mrs. Brown asked how much was anticipated to be available in the drug fund and if more is collected whether the Police Department would increase this commitment and fund even more of the purchase price.  Mayor Williams responded that there is approximately $25,000 in the fund now and more has been declared but has not yet been transferred.  These funds pay for a variety of items and the Chief has already made cuts to enable this purchase of cruisers.  Additional items are traditionally covered by this fund so it is unlikely that this commitment will increase from the $80,000 currently committed. 

 

Mrs. Brown asked about the timeline of this purchase.  Mayor Williams responded that Ford has a deadline of May 15th and the cruisers will be available roughly four months after the order is placed.

 

Mayor Williams continued that drugs are certainly bad and our Police Department has been diligent in addressing the problems.  These drug funds provide an incentive to continue the aggressive approach and importantly will provide the cruisers that will allow the continuation of this aggressive approach.  This is a great opportunity to address a need in these tough financial times.

 

Mr. Sanker reiterated that this is certainly a great way to finance these cruisers and address these needs, but it is a sad day when the City cannot purchase these from the General Fund.  This is a way to keep safe equipment on the streets and keep the community safe.

 

Mr. Gabbard asked if these cruisers would then need the lighting, sirens and detailing packages.  Mr. Mayor asked Officer Chad Whitford to come forward to help answer some of these questions.  Officer Whitford came forward and mentioned that in a response to a previous question the Police Chief mentioned that an additional $80,000 in drug funds is expected in the next few months.  In response to the equipment question, he has received a quote for $32,000 to outfit the 5 cars.  There are other ways where if we cut back to the bare minimum and do some labor within the City, we can cut back significantly on this cost to outfit the cruisers.

 

Mr. Gabbard then asked what happens to the other cruisers.  Officer Whitford responded that in the past these cars have been stripped and deployed to other departments.

 

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

 

I)      ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

As amended this item was heard previously.

 

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

Ms. Alliea Phipps addressed Council RE: Communications from City Departments that she has received over the course of the last few months.

 

K)  UNFINISHED BUSINESS  

Mr. Fulmer announced that the annual Memorial Day celebration is scheduled for May 30th at 1pm at Victory Park.

 

Mr. Mumper then provided a summary of the recent Committee of the Whole meeting.  The issue of a sprinkler variance for the New Bethel Baptist Church was removed from the agenda on a request from the Law Department.  On the issue of a possible Recreation Levy, members of the Recreation Department were present and will return with more details at the next meeting.  The Treasurer provided a report on a Tax Amnesty program and more detail will be available at the June or July meeting.  Lastly, the Financial Recovery Plan was discussed and an outline will be available on the next agenda.  More details will follow in upcoming meetings.

 

Mr. Geers mentioned that Auxiliary Police patrolled for garbage setout violations in a particular area and quoted a letter from the Auxiliary police to Chief Schlie.  The letter stated that most residents did not know about the Ordinance.  There were 30 written and 15 verbal warnings issued.  Mr. Geers asked Mayor Williams if any citations were issued or will be issued.  Mayor Williams mentioned that the most affective approach is voluntary compliance and we need to get the word out, repeat violations will certainly be enforced with citations.

 

Mrs. Brown asked if information regarding the garbage setout restrictions could be distributed via the water bill.  Mayor Williams said that he would certainly look into any opportunity to educate the public on this item.

 

Mr. Fulmer thanked the Administration and Auxiliary police for the enforcement of garbage setout violations on May 1st in particular.  He agrees with the approach laid out by the Mayor and really encourages harsh enforcement for repeat offenders.  In the long run this will make many residents happy.

 

Mr. Moore noted that this was always classified as a Health Department issue and it is good to see the Police Department getting involved and the City’s departments working together.

 

L)   NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Fulmer announced a Community Development and Small Business Committee meeting has been moved and rescheduled for tomorrow at 2:30pm.  The meeting will be held at the Stone Center at 4820 Stafford Street in Madisonville.  The topic is the stones to be used for the water feature at Cornerstone.

 

Mr. Fulmer also announced a Ward 2 Town Meeting on June 25th in Council Chambers from 11:00am to 1:00pm.  Mr. Fulmer asked the Clerk of Council to make sure that this is advertised on cable.

 

Mr. Moore provided an update on the item in Law and Ordinance where Group Homes were discussed.  The Law Department is working the details and issues and he hopes to have something soon.

 

Mrs. Brown asked that a discussion of water and sewage rates be placed into Council’s Committee of the Whole.

 

Mr. Geers mentioned that he received an email correspondence regarding possible Health and Building concerns at an Apartment Building at the dead end of Woodlawn Ave.   Concerns are with high grass and weeds, junk cars on the lawn, and late/loud parties 7 nights per week.  Mr. Geers asked the Administration to look into these issues.  Mayor Williams responded that this issue will be addresses and encouraged residents to call Police directly on such concerns.

 

On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to enter into Executive Session re: two labor contract matters.  All members present voted YES.

 

M)  COMMUNICATIONS: 

1.      Letter from Rick Dettmer, Development Director RE: 2006-2008 CDBG Program (RE: ORD H-A).

As amended this item was considered previously.

 

1.      Letter from Donnie R. Jones, City Auditor RE:  Auditor’s Report month ending April 30, 2005.

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

 

2.      Letter from Donnie Jones, City Auditor RE:  City’s Financial Position.

Mr. Sanker thanked Ms. Kennedy for reinforcing the real problem and financial difficulties that the City is facing.  Some of the larger numbers outstanding are pension payments to the State.  Mr. Donnie Jones is going to Columbus to discuss a pension payment plan.  The number one goal continues to be making payroll and it will continue to be a struggle and a cash flow problem for the near term.

 

Mr. Mumper also thanked Ms. Kennedy for this report and asked that this report be made available on a monthly basis.

 

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

 

3.      Letter from Officer Chad Whitford RE: Quote for new police cruisers.

As amended this item was considered previously.

 

N)  EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper it was moved that the absence of Mr. DeLuca be excused.  All members present voted YES.

 

O)  ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Mr. Geers, 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