Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

July 12, 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. Tracey, Mr. Moore, Mr. Geers, Mr. Mumper, and Mrs. Brown.

 

E)   AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:

No amendments to the agenda.

 

F)   Approve Minutes from:  JUNE 14, 2005

On a motion by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to approve the minutes as if read.  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 Review (dumpster enclosure).

 

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

 

2.      Community Development and Small Business RE: Cornerstone at Norwood Design Review (fountain water pump).

 

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

 

I)      Introductory reading of ORDINANCES

 

J)    INTRODUCTORY READING OF RESOLUTIONS

 

K)  ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

Mayor Williams was present and reminded residents that the 70th Annual Norwood Day will be celebrated on July 27th.  City Hall will close at noon that day and he hopes to see many residents celebrating at Coney Island.

 

When opened for questions, Mrs. Brown asked about the status of the repaving of the Norwood Post Office.  Mayor Williams assured that as he understands it, this work would begin shortly.

 

Mr. Moore asked the Mayor for feedback on the performance review process and an estimate on when the report will be finalized.  Mayor Williams answered that a Preliminary Report was received and some information incorrectly was leaked.  The information that was prematurely communicated were preliminary recommendations and the intent was to discuss these recommendations with all parties prior to their being released.  Mayor Williams cautioned that this is only a preliminary report and that the numbers should be finalized in late July.

 

The Chair noted that Mr. Sanker and Mr. DeLuca are now present in Council Chambers.

 

Mrs. Brown mentioned that she has been made aware of possible grant money being available from the County and asked if the City has applied for these funds.  Mayor Williams replied that he believes that Rick Dettmer has inquired about these funds but he will follow up directly.

 

Mr. Moore asked, regarding the Performance Appraisal, if the State Auditors will issue budget estimates when these are final.  The Mayor responded that Mr. Thompson has been unavailable the last week but that he was to contact Mr. Geers and Mr. Jones, City Auditor, to set up the next review.

 

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

 

Ms. Yvonne Collins addressed Council with her concerns with the City of Norwood.

 

On a motion by Mr. Gabbard, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to allow Ms. Collins additional time as necessary.  All members present voted YES.

 

Mr. Anthony Hooks then addressed council RE:  Council Rules Procedure.

 

M)UNFINISHED BUSINESS  

 

Mr. Moore addressed some of the issues raised regarding Council Rules in stating that the Standing Rules of Council apply to regular sessions of Council as opposed to committee meetings.  These rules state that residents have up to 5 minutes to discuss their topic on Council floor.  During Committee Meetings however, citizen involvement is entirely up to the Committee Chair.  Mr. Moore added that by the time the Committee got to the agenda items Mr. Hooks wanted to comment on he had already left Council Chambers.  Mr. Moore assured citizens that their input is wanted and appreciated by Council but there are certain venues for this feedback.

 

Mrs. Brown thanked those for attending the 4th of July fireworks.  This was a great time and very well attended.

 

Mr. DeLuca mentioned that one of the items suggested in the process of drafting the Financial Recovery Plan was Impact Fees for new development.  Mr. DeLuca added that he has researched this and will make copies to distribute to the rest of Council.

 

Mr. DeLuca also mentioned that the Hamilton County Regional Planning newsletter provides some interesting data on the breakdown of Section-8 housing in the County.  Areas with a high concentration include Mt. Airy, Westwood, Roselawn, Bond Hill, and East Price Hill.  Northside, Springfield Township, and Forest Park are considered future watch areas.

 

Mrs. Brown announced that the Tree Board is looking for board members and more board seats will be open in December.  Contact Ms. Laake or Mayor Williams if interested.

 

Mr. Sanker announced that the Hamilton County Hazardous Waste Program is being conducted Tuesdays from 3:00-8:00pm, Thursdays from 10:00am-3:00pm, and Saturdays from 9:00am-1:00pm on Spring Grove Avenue.  This is an excellent opportunity to get rid of old paint cans, stain, paint thinners, anti-freeze, etc.  This is open and free to all Hamilton County residents.

 

N)  NEW BUSINESS

 

Mr. Geers mentioned that the West Norwood Neighborhood Association will meet on Wednesday, July 20 at 7:30pm at the Community Center.  Rene Dierker, from the Tree Board, will be there and will provide a Landscaping Seminar.  Call 631-5895 with questions.

 

Mrs. Brown asked that the Law and Ordinance Committee invite Charles Tassel from the Apartment Association of Cincinnati to an upcoming committee meeting to discuss rental unit strategies.

 

Mr. Moore mentioned that he received a call from a resident complaining of trucks parking on a residential street.  Mr. Moore reminded the community that trucks 18 feet or longer, or 7 or more feet wide cannot be parked on residential streets.

 

O)  COMMUNICATIONS: 

1.      Letter from Mayor Thomas F. Williams RE: Mayor’s Court Fines.

 

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.

 

1.      Letter from Director Public Safety-Service Joseph C. Geers RE: Re-paving of Norwood Post Office.

 

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

 

P)   EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to excuse the absent member.

 

Ms. Grote reminded everyone that there will not be a second Council Meeting in July in observance of the 70th annual Norwood Day parade.

 

Q)  ADJOURNMENT

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________            ______________________________

J. Brian Mumper                                           Jane M. Grote

Clerk of Council                                             President of Council