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. Moore, Mr. Fulmer, Mr. Mumper, Mrs. Brown and Mr. DeLuca.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend the agenda by moving Communication M-7), to the first order of business, followed by Committee Report G-4), and Resolution H-A), by moving Committee Report G-5), prior to Resolution H-E), by adding Communication M-12), and by moving a submitted request to address Council prior to item G-2). All members present voted YES.
As amended Council then considered the following items.
M-7 Letter from Rick Dettmer Re: Siemens Enterprise Zone Agreement
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
G-4) Community Development and Small Business Committee RE: Enterprise Zone Agreement/Siemens.
Mr. DeLuca mentioned that he had met with Siemens and received a tour of the facility. This is a global company with a state of the art facility in Norwood. Their leadership team will meet shortly at the Norwood facility to decide the fate of the facility.
Mrs. Brown asked Mr. Greg Kathman from the HCDC to touch on his role. Mr. Kathman responded that Siemens is a very important company to Hamilton County as well as Norwood and they are considering a 92,000 sq. ft. addition to renovate this facility. Mr. Kathman encouraged adoption by Norwood tonight and approval by County Commissioners next week.
Mr. Sanker asked Mr. Plzak and other representatives from Siemens to the podium and asked how much this agreement will assist in the upcoming discussions regarding the fate of the Norwood facility. Mr. Plzak responded that they certainly hope to stay in Norwood where they have very good workers and a great location. There are several factors that will be considered with regard to the decision on the facility; this is certainly a very important factor. The relationship with the City and the Company will be an important attribute moving forward.
Mr. DeLuca asked what improvements were planned. The representatives from Siemens responded that 92,000 sq. ft. of Manufacturing will be added, and upgrade to the office building, buying capital equipment to produce product and to increase research and development activities at the site.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved to accept the report.
That motion was superseded by a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to amend the attachment by correcting a typo to read “City of Norwood”. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved to accept the report as amended. All members present voted YES.
H-A) RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO AND SIEMENS ENERGY AND AUTOMATION, INC, WITHIN AN ENTERPRISE ZONE OF HAMILTON COUNTY.
Mr. Fulmer reiterated the importance of retaining this great
company and these 327 employees in the City of Norwood, the State, and the
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, 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. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to pass the Resolution. All members present voted YES.
G-5) Community Development and Small Business Committee RE: Cornerstone TIF Agreement.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
H-E) AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF NOT TO EXCEED $12,000,000 OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING NOTES, SERIES 2005 (CORNERSTONE AT NORWOOD, LLC PROJECT) OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO, UNDER SECTION 5709.40 ET SEQ. OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING THE COST OF CERTAIN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS; AUTHORIZING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING BONDS AT A LATER DATE AS PERMANENT FINANCING THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS; AUTHORIZING A PLEDGE OF AND LIEN ON CERTAIN SERVICE PAYMENTS TO SECURE SUCH NOTES AND BONDS; AUTHORIZING A TRUST AGREEMENT SECURING SUCH NOTES AND BONDS; AND AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO A REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT SECURING SUCH NOTES AND BONDS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Moore asked Mr. Burke, Mr. Quinn, and Mr. Kiser to the podium to explain this Ordinance. Mr. Quinn responded that this increases the amount of TIF bonds from $9.5 Million to $12 Million to meet the purpose of the TIF. Cornerstone requested this based on the value of the public improvements to date which are exceeding $12 Million. Mr. Moore added that notes are due on Phase I TIFs very soon and there are financial implications if this isn’t acted upon tonight.
Mr. DeLuca thanked all for their hard work in two months of negotiations on this matter. This incremental funding will be paid to the general fund and then directed to a special account to be allocated to special projects. This is a Class A development and Mr. DeLuca thanked the developer for their faith and trust in this Council and the Community Development Committee.
Mr. Moore then thanked Mr. DeLuca for taking the lead in these negotiations. Because this development is better than anticipated, the property value is that much higher. This allows the City to realize some of that increase now.
Mr. Fulmer thanked the Ackerman Group for this development and for their ongoing cooperation. This is a first class facility.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Tracey, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
F) Requests to address council on agenda items
G) Reports of Standing committees of council
1. Community Development and Small Business Committee re: Sign for Dog About Town in Rookwood.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
As amended Council then heard the request to address Council from Ms. Alliea Phipps re: Mayfield Clinic at Cornerstone at Norwood. Ms. Phipps spoke regarding the status of ambulances, frequency of mutual aid occurrences, and how many additional runs would be made to this new medical facility.
2. Community Development and Small Business Committee RE: Cornerstone Mayfield Clinic.
Mr. Deluca mentioned that ambulances are not part of this service unless the rare and unforeseen tragedy happens during a procedure. This is an appointment based facility with patients regularly staying less than sixteen hours. This is not a hospital, there will be no helicopters.
Mr. Moore added that this was the first design review since he has served on the Committee where the Committee has had little to no feedback. This is a great looking design and utilizes building materials seldom used in this region. This originally was to be a restaurant pad; this new usage will certainly bring more revenue than a restaurant and less drain on City services.
Mr. Fulmer agreed with the plans and stated that it is inaccurate to think that this will cause a drain on ambulance service.
Mr. Gabbard added that facilities like this do not use 911 service, rather they contract out to a third party transport service.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
3. Community Development and Small Business Committee RE: Cornerstone fountain lighting.
Mr. Gabbard asked if there are plans to address the water retention of the fountain. Mr. Moore responded that this is a work in progress and the fountain will continue to be refined into the spring.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
4. Community Development and Small Business Committee RE: Enterprise Zone Agreement/Siemens.
As amended, this item was considered previously.
5. Community Development and Small Business Committee RE: Cornerstone TIF Agreement.
As amended, this item was considered previously.
6. Community Development and Small Business Committee RE: Rookwood Design Review - Artonomy.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
7. Finance and Claims Committee RE: 2005 Appropriations re: development fee.
Mr. Sanker explained that an upcoming Ordinance will create a special account for the incremental funds rather than placing them in the general fund. This new account will require an Ordinance before these funds can be spent and will insure that these funds are not used as a simple increase in operating revenue.
On a motion by Mr. Tracey, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
On a
motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper it was moved to amend the agenda
and consider Resolution H-D at this time.
All present voted YES.
H-D) AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FUND
Mrs. Brown asked about the name of this fund and asked if this implies that there are future intentions of implementing a development impact fee. Mr. Sanker responded that this is not the case and any such future intention would require a separate Ordinance.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the Ordinance. 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.
8. Finance and Claims Committee RE: Revised appropriation list from 10/12/05.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
9. Finance and Claims Committee RE: Henry Rucker Claim Denied.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
1. Finance and Claims Committee RE: Dana Cutter, Robert Allard, Tracey Beesten, Michael Adams, Chad Adkins, MariAnn Cundall, Raedel Artis, Christen Brown, Karen Dunlevey, and Christina Reinert claims be denied.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
H) INTRODUCTORY READING OF RESOLUTIONS and ordinances
A) RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO AND SIEMENS ENERGY AND AUTOMATION, INC, WITHIN AN ENTERPRISE ZONE OF HAMILTON COUNTY.
As amended, this item was considered previously.
A) AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2005.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to amend the Ordinance as submitted to the Clerk of Council. All members present voted YES.
Mr. Moore explained the change in appropriations explaining that while some funds are completely spent, overall revenue is up, and expenses are down. This makes appropriations to cover the payroll through the end of 2005.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the Ordinance as amended. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to pass the Ordinance as amended. All members present voted YES.
B) AN ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2005
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the Ordinance. 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.
C) AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FUND
As amended, this item was considered previously.
D) AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF NOT TO EXCEED $12,000,000 OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING NOTES, SERIES 2005 (CORNERSTONE AT NORWOOD, LLC PROJECT) OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO, UNDER SECTION 5709.40 ET SEQ. OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING THE COST OF CERTAIN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS; AUTHORIZING TAX INCREMENT FINANCING BONDS AT A LATER DATE AS PERMANENT FINANCING THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS; AUTHORIZING A PLEDGE OF AND LIEN ON CERTAIN SERVICE PAYMENTS TO SECURE SUCH NOTES AND BONDS; AUTHORIZING A TRUST AGREEMENT SECURING SUCH NOTES AND BONDS; AND AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO A REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT SECURING SUCH NOTES AND BONDS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
As amended, this item was considered previously.
I) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and announced that a “Picture with Santa” event will be held by the Norwood Recreation Commission at the Community Center on December 3.
Mayor Williams mentioned that Mr. Geers and Mr. White attended a recent ODOT meeting where plans were announced for a major reinvestment in S.R. 562 that will begin on 4/3/2006 and be complete by 10/31/2006. This rehab to the Norwood Lateral won’t cost the City a dime.
Mayor Williams also mentioned that as many are aware, Mr. Lindner called and donated upwards of $300,000 in support of 800MHz radios. This generous donation will fund the radios and the base stations that will significantly update the Communications Center. Mayor Williams thanked Mr. Bill Graf and Mrs. Marilyn Hanrahan for their persistence in this matter. The Administration and City are certainly thankful we have this gracious gift from Mr. Lindner and thank him for his ongoing support and commitment to his hometown.
On a
motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to send a note of
gratitude to Mr. Carl Lindner for his generosity. All members present voted YES.
Mrs. Brown asked if the costs of these radios have been finalized. Mayor Williams responded that all costs were detailed to the component level and sent to Mr. Lindner so that he’d know the exact need and exactly what he was purchasing.
Mr. Sanker also thanked the work of Mr. Graf and Mrs. Hanrahan and stated that it is awfully nice to see a community group working proactively and working with the City. Mayor Williams agreed and noted that Mr. Lindner would not have been aware of this need without their efforts.
When opened for additional questions, Mrs. Brown asked about
the shooting at Surrey Square and asked if the Police Department is working
with the new owners to improve security.
Mayor Williams answered that the investigation is progressing. The new
owners do not want to see this type of thing happen; this happened in mid day
and resulted in a 24 year old being paralyzed.
This is a terrible thing and we will continue to work with the new owners
on preventing future such incidents.
J) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Mr. Jeff Aluotto from the
Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District re: Award.
Mr.
Aluotto was not in attendance.
K) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mrs. Brown mentioned that Pictures with Santa will be held on December 3rd from 10:00am- 1:00pm at the Community Center. Contact the Norwood Recreation Commission with questions or to volunteer at 531-9798.
Mr. Moore announced the Norwood Historical Society Christmas Party on December 10, at Lindner Park from 4:00– 6:00pm.
Mrs. Brown asked that a letter be sent to Mr. Dettmer to ask about the status of a CRA program regarding the HCDC area. Mr. DeLuca responded that Council considered this some time ago and not enough information was provided by HCDC.
Mrs. Brown announced that anyone interested in sending care packages to Norwood Residents serving the military overseas can contact Ms. Donna Burgess at 731-4287 Ms. Burgess is coordinating donations and asks for any information on residents serving overseas.
L) NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Fulmer, in preparation for his upcoming last Council meeting, thanked all those that supported him throughout his 16 years of service on Norwood City Council. Mr. Fulmer described how much had changed and how much Council has accomplished during this time. Mr. Fulmer closed by recapping the accomplishments of this Council and thanked Council for not ending debates as previous Councils have done. Mr. Fulmer thanked God for allowing him the opportunity to serve the citizens of Norwood.
Mentions of gratitude and appreciation followed from Mr. Sanker, Mr. Mumper, Ms. Grote, Mr. Moore, and Mr. DeLuca, followed by a round of applause from the current Council.
Mr. DeLuca continued by mentioning that at a recent personal visit to John Nolan Ford, he noticed five new Crown Victorias and inquired about these. The serviceman mentioned that the City of Norwood has not come up with the money to outfit these new cruisers. Mr. DeLuca has since contacted the Director of Public Safety-Service and learned that he has negotiated a much better deal than what was originally negotiated and Mr. DeLuca is now on a quest to fund the outfitting of some of these through private donations. At this point he has secured verbal agreement to outfit two of the cruisers and hopes to get more positive response from our many good corporate citizens.
Mrs. Brown asked about the funding that was originally approved to outfit these. Mr. Sanker responded that funds were only committed for the purchase of these vehicles in order to take advantage of the time sensitive opportunity to purchase these crusiers. The original plan was to outfit these only as funds became available.
Mayor Williams added that the original bid was in excess of $10,000 per cruiser and the negotiated bid is now $4,000 per vehicle. This was apparently bid in an effort for the small business that does this work to keep the City as a customer.
Mr. Gabbard mentioned that the Norwood Service League held a Thanksgiving Day dinner in conjunction with the Ashland Avenue Baptist Church. They provided a hot meal to anyone who attended. Mr. Gabbard thanked them for running such a heart warming event during the holiday season.
Mr. DeLuca asked that the issue of a safe dropoff/pickup zone for Sharpsburg Elementary be placed in Council’s Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Mumper congratulated the Norwood Fire Department for being named the Gold Star Fire Department of the year recognizing their effort in Fire Prevention and Safety programs. Mr. Mumper mentioned that they will be honored at an upcoming dinner at the Museum Center. Mr. Gabbard added that they were nominated last year and he is glad to see they took home the award this year.
Mr. Moore mentioned that there were statements made on recent campaign literature that the City was not following up on significant grant funds. Mr. Moore asked that, if this is true, individuals aware of these funds should contact their Council member and point us in the right direction.
M)COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from Mayor Williams RE: Mayor's Court Fines
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 Joe Geers RE: Bureau of Workers Comp. - reimbursement check
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
3. Letter from Joe Geers RE: Rate adjustment letter from Time Warner Cable
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
4. Letter from Chief Goodman RE: Bi-Weekly Overtime Report dated 11/1/05
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mrs. Brown, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
5. Letter from Chief Goodman RE: Bi-Weekly Overtime Report dated 11/14/05
As amended, this item was considered previously.
6. Letter from Donnie Jones RE: October 2005 month end Auditor's Report
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
7. Letter from Rick Dettmer RE: Siemens Enterprise Zone Agreement
As amended, this item was considered previously.
8. Letter from Donna Laake RE: Animals in a classroom at Allison Elementary
Mr. Mumper noted that this item is already in the Law and Ordinance Committee.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and a letter be sent to the Law and Ordinance Department requesting their investigation. All members present voted YES.
9. Letter from Donna Laake RE: Residential Reduction Assistance grant
Mr. DeLuca thanked Ms. Laake for her efforts on this matter.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
10. Report from Earnings Tax Dept. RE: Quarterly Report - July-Sept. 2005
Mr. Moore noted that earnings taxes are up as compared to last year and this is a reflection of the hard work of Mr. Molony, Mr. Hanrahan, and the tax department.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Tracey, it was moved that communications 10 and 11 be received and filed as if read. All members present voted YES.
11. Report from Earnings Tax Dept. RE: Monthly Report for October 2005
As amended, this item was considered previously.
12.
Letter from Earnings Joe Geers Director Public
Service-Safety RE:
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and this item be placed on the January 24, 2006 agenda. All members present voted YES.
N) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the absent member be excused. All members present voted YES.
O) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Fulmer, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council