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. Geers, Mr. Mumper, Mrs. Brown, and Mr. DeLuca.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
F)
APPROVE MINUTES FROM:
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to approve the Minutes. All members present voted YES.
G) Requests to address council on agenda items
H) Reports of Standing committees of council
I) third READING OF ordinance
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF THE ROOKWOOD EXCHANGE INCENTIVE DISTRICT WITHIN THE CITY OF NORWOOD; DECLARING IMPROVEMENTS TO CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY WITHIN SUCH INCENTIVE DISTRICT TO BE A PUBLIC PURPOSE; DESCRIBING THE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE TO BENEFIT OR SERVE THE REAL PROPERTY WITHIN SUCH INCENTIVE DISTRICT; REQUIRING ANNUAL SERVICE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES; CREATING A MUNICIPAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT TAX INCREMENT EQUIVALENT FUND FOR THE DEPOSIT OF THE BALANCE OF SUCH SERVICE PAYMENTS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SERVICE PAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE PROPERTY OWNER OF SUCH INCENTIVE DISTRICT; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SCHOOL COMPENSATION AGREEMENT WITH THE NORWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2-2005; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Burke and Mr. Quinn, special counsel to the City of Norwood, were asked to the podium to answer questions. Mrs. Brown asked if the School Board has had an opportunity to review and approve this. Mr. Burke confirmed.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to hear the third reading of the Ordinance. 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) INTRODUCTORY READING OF ordinanceS
A) 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
Mr. Moore commented that we have made payroll all year and this is a great credit to the Administration, Department Heads, and Council. While we still have the matter of the Pension Board, it is nice to get through the year making payroll.
Mr. Sanker reiterated that Council and the Administration have certainly found
ways to delay payments and avoid expenditures altogether. Mr. Sanker thanked all City employees. A payment plan will be worked out with the
State Pension Board. We are optimistic,
but we will face these same challenges in 2006.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, 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. Geers, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
A) ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2006
Mr. Sanker mentioned that this budget is based on the 2005 actuals with adjustments where necessary. There are no increases with respect to wages.
On a motion by Mr. Fulmer, seconded by Mr. Geers, 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.
B) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH JMA CONSULTANTS, INC. TO SERVE AS CITY ENGINEER, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
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. 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.
K) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and mentioned that the State Pension Board is scheduled to meet December 30th, the Administration will be in contact with them shortly to discuss their plans and establish a payment program.
Mayor Williams also mentioned that he is considering the notion of a part time Budget Director. This resource would be responsible for working with Department Heads and Council to assemble a rolling multi-year budget. While this is just a thought at this point, this is a concept used in other municipalities and certainly something to consider in the near future.
L) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
M)UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Moore commented that he likes the concept of a Budget Coordinator. Council can certainly handle the yearly budgets but long range planning is an area where the City could use help.
Mr. Sanker added that the idea has merit; we have always been focused on the here and now. This could be a benefit to Council, the Administration, and all Department Heads. This is something to pursue in 2006.
N) NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. Brown directed a question to Mayor Williams and asked if the Administration could contact Rumpke regarding sloppy refuse pickup. She often sees garbage lying in the curb after the cans are dumped. Mayor Williams responded that this is a very valid point, the Administration has been in contact with Rumpke on related matters in the past and this will definitely be brought up at contract time.
Mr. Gabbard thanked Mrs. Donna Laake and the Handicapped Parking Committee for acting quickly on a recent request for a handicapped parking spot for one of his constituents.
Mr. Tracey mentioned that it has truly been a pleasure to serve on Council, thanked Council and the Administration for the great job and long hours they have put in, and wished everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.
Mrs. Brown thanked the residents of Ward 5 for their support
over the last few years and thanked all employees of the City for their help
and immediate response when there were questions. Mrs. Brown encouraged all citizens to get and
stay involved and mentioned that it has been a pleasure serving on this
Council.
Mr. Geers also expressed his thanks to the Administration, Department Heads, Ward 3 precinct execs, and thanked his wife for her support. While he will miss serving the City it will be nice to spend time with his wife and two daughters.
Mr. Gabbard thanked all four outgoing members of this Council. It is hard to get here and even harder once here. Thank you all.
Mr. Mumper thanked the outgoing members as well. While this is all hard work and can be thankless at times, it certainly takes a special person to want to continue doing this in service of their community. This Council has worked hard and worked long hours and the results have shown; you will be missed.
Mr. Fulmer thanked this and previous Councils, residents, and Department Heads. God Bless you all, it has been a pleasure serving you, and Mr. Fulmer is proud to call Norwood his hometown.
Mr. Sanker added his thanks as well. Rather than politicians, Mr. Sanker prefers to refer to members of this Council as community servants and elected officials.
Mr. Sanker also mentioned that in addition to a Budget Director there are tentative plans to compile a group of consultants from citizens and the business community. This is still in development but this would be an advisory committee to the Administration and Council’s Finance Committee.
O) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter
from Chief Goodman RE: Bi-Weekly Overtime Report dated
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed as if read. All members present voted YES.
P) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All members present.
Ms. Grote mentioned that this is the last meeting of the Norwood City Council as a nine member body. Ms. Grote thanked this Council and the four outgoing members. As a reminder, the special organization meeting is scheduled for Jan 1, 2006 beginning at 10:30am.
Q) 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