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. Sanker, Mr. Tracey, Mr. Fulmer, Mr. Geers, Mr. Mumper, Mrs. Brown and Mr. DeLuca.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Communication O-8), moving communication O-1) prior to the Public Hearing, and by moving the request to address Council on Linden Pointe to immediately after the Public Hearing. All members present voted YES.
F) Approve minutes from: September 27, 2005 and October 11, 2005.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to approve the Minutes as if read. All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then considered
1. Letter from Richard Dettmer, Community Development Director RE: Public Hearing for FY2006-2008 CDBG Application.
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.
G) Public Hearing RE: second Public Hearing for FY2006-2008 CDBG Applications
Ms. Grote explained the rules and procedures governing the Public Hearing RE: Ideas and suggestions for the 2006-2008 CDBG planning cycle. Each speaker during the Public Hearing will have 5 minutes to address Council.
Mrs. Donna Laake spoke in favor of funding the Norwood Youth Dental Program and requested $4000 per year over the next three years which is a decrease from the $7000 that has been requested in previous funding cycles.
When no others came forward to speak at the Public Hearing, the Public Hearing closed.
Mrs. Brown asked Mr. Dettmer to the podium to ask how the $125,000 for parks was calculated. Mr. Dettmer responded that this was based on discussion with Mr. Geers and others and includes handicapped accessible restrooms, new fencing at Dorl Field, and playground equipment at Hunter Park and Millcrest Park. Mrs. Brown also expressed concern that infrastructure improvements were at the bottom of the prioritized list. Mr. Dettmer responded that infrastructure improvements are indeed at the top of the list and would be half of the grant funds we will likely receive.
Mr. Fulmer added that the storm sewers should be the highest priority and he sincerely hopes that these 2 projects are completed sooner rather than later.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to confirm the priority for CDBG List and requests that the Clerk of Council send a letter confirming this list by Friday, October 28th as requested in Communication 1). All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then heard a request to address Council from Mr. Chris Dobrozsi re: Linden Pointe development. Mr. Dobroszi provided an update on five areas of the development including remediation, parcel acquisition, landscaping along Ross Ave., road work construction, and the Final PUD submission.
On a
motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to give Mr. Chris
Dobrozsi additional time as needed.
H) Requests to address council on agenda items
I) Reports of Standing committees of council
1. Community Development and Small Business Committee RE: Cornerstone at Norwood Design Review.
Mr. DeLuca mentioned that a ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted this morning at the water feature and Cornerstone. While some landscaping still needs to be installed it looks very nice.
Mr. Fulmer added that this water feature idea originated from the Community Development and Small Business Committee and will certainly make the whole area more attractive. Many changes have been made and the entire development has certainly turned out better than we could have expected. Phase II tenants will be moving in soon; we should all be proud of this development.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Geers, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
2. Community Development and Small Business Committee RE: Rookwood Design Review for Chico’s.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Geers, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
3. Community Development and Small Business Committee RE: Rookwood Christmas Tree Concrete Platform
On a
motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
J) INTRODUCTORY READING OF ordinances
A) ORDINANCE SETTING THE FEES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES AT SCENES OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Fulmer explained that this Ordinance sets fees to be collected from insurance companies for the work to clean up and treat an accident scene. The City will bill the involved insurance company to recover the cost of using these services.
Mr. Gabbard added that this is a great example of teamwork and thanked the Fire Chief, the Administration, and Council for their work on this effort.
Mrs. Brown added that the Chief does not intend to bill the insurance companies representing Norwood residents for these services.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the Resolution. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Gabbard, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
K) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and mentioned that the leaf collection program is currently underway. The program began on October 17th and will run through December. The full schedule has been posted and is available on Council’s website.
Mayor Williams also provided a status update on the road construction on Sherman Ave., Park Ave., and Beech. These projects are well underway and now ready for concrete work.
Mayor Williams added that bids have been received for the salt supply and the contract was awarded to Morton Salt. Mr. Geers and Mr. White are currently investigating better storage locations for the salt supply.
Mr. Williams also described a recent successful drug raid on Mills Ave. The raid went off without a flaw and significant amounts of crack and heroin were confiscated. This is the first of many future aggressive raids. Mayor Williams suggested any resident aware of criminal activity of this type call the tip line at 351-4567. Callers will remain anonymous but the Mayor asked for as much detail as possible, the most helpful being license plate numbers.
When opened for questions, Mr. Fulmer asked Mayor Williams what pieces of information in addition to license plate numbers would be helpful. Mayor Williams answered that license plate numbers are the big thing but the time of day that this activity occurs would also be helpful.
Mrs. Brown asked if the roadwork on Sherman Ave. is complete and expressed concern over its smoothness. Mayor Williams responded that that is only the base and concrete work and a topcoat will be added to complete these projects.
Mr. Sanker asked about the timeline for the Cleneay Ave. project. Mayor Williams answered that this project will be complete in the next month or so. This project involves surface work only and will not go down to the concrete.
L) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Jerry Owens re: Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall coming to Norwood in November 2006
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved to allow Mr. Owens additional time as needed.
Mr. Jerry Owens spoke regarding plans to bring the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to Norwood on Veterans Day 2006. Funding is still required and any donations are appreciated. Residents and businesses can send donations to Victory Park Veterans Fund, 2200 Adams Ave., Norwood Ohio 45212.
2.
Dirk Schneider re: Petition regarding portion of
Mr. Dirk Schneider spoke regarding the City vacating a small parcel of Lloyd Avenue that he has been maintaining for quite some time as it is adjacent to his place of business. Plans for the property would be to provide additional parking to be used by his business during the week; he would allow schools and recreation to use the facility for parking for sporting events during non-business hours and weekends.
Mr. Sanker mentioned that while this seems feasible it sets a bad precedent to pass this tonight and that the Planning Commission and Law Department should be involved in this decision.
Mrs. Brown added that Norwood City School Board should also be consulted.
Mr. DeLuca asked the Mayor for his opinion. Mr. Williams responded that while he doesn’t have a problem with the proposal, diligence is required and we can’t set a bad precedent. Right or wrong, there is a process that must be followed.
Mrs. Brown asked Mr. Schneider if there was a specific timeline. Mr. Schneider responded that there is no immediate need, but that when he contacted the Planning Commission they suggested addressing Council as a first step in the process.
Mr. Sanker added that since there is no rush on this Council should follow the process.
On a motion by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to refer this issue to the Planning Commission, sending copies to Law Department and the School Board. All members present voted YES.
M)UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The Chair noted that Mr. DeLuca has left Council Chambers.
Mr. Fulmer mentioned that Halloween in the Park was well attended and lots of fun. Mr. Fulmer also mentioned that Halloween will be held in the City of Norwood from 6-8pm and encouraged residents to leave their lights on.
Mrs. Brown mentioned that she is forwarding several requests to the Director of Public Service-Safety to the Clerk of Council’s office and requested that these items be resubmitted to the Director for resolution. One item that continues to be a problem is late night parking lot cleanup at Surrey Square. In addition, the landscaping that was to be provided along Lafayette Ave. is also less than promised by the new owner.
The Chair noted that Mr. DeLuca has returned to Council Chambers.
N) NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Fulmer added to previous comments regarding speed humps on Madison Ave. and
Lafayette Ave. Mr. Fulmer asked that
this issue be placed into the Streets, Infrastructure, and Public Works
Committee.
Mrs.
Brown requested that a letter be sent to the Law Department requesting an
Ordinance prohibiting parking within one foot of driveway aprons.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to cancel the
November 8, 2005 meeting. All members
present voted YES.
O) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from Richard Dettmer, Community Development Director RE: Public Hearing for FY2006-2008 CDBG Application.
As amended, this item was considered previously.
1. Letter from Chief Goodman re: Bi-Weekly Overtime Report date 10/12/05.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved that Communications O-2) and O-3) be received and filed as if read. All members present voted YES.
2. Letter from Chief Goodman re: Bi-Weekly Overtime Report dated 10/19/05.
This item was considered previously.
3. Letter from Joseph Geers re: Consulting Contracts for Negotiations
Mrs. Brown had questions for the Mayor and Mr. Geers regarding contract rate and timing. Mr. Geers responded that the standard rate is what was included in the contract and is also what we have paid them in past negotiations. Additionally the consulting firm doesn’t receive anything until they provide the required service and depending on how the negotiations go this could be less than the negotiated rate.
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.
4. Letter from Donna Laake re: Community Health Assessment of Norwood.
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.
6. Letter From
Joseph Geers re: Planning Commission on
4533 Carter Avenue.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that a Public Hearing be set for December 13, 2005. All members present voted YES.
7. Letter from Joseph Geers re: Planning Commission on 5025 Carthage Avenue.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and a Public Hearing be set for December 13, 2005. All members present voted YES.
8. Letter
from Donna Laake re: Smoke Free
Community Center.
On a motion by Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and the issue placed into Council’s Committee of the Whole. All members present voted YES.
P) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to excuse the absent member. All members present voted YES.
Q) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, 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