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 Ms. Jane 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. Schneider, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, Mr. DeLuca, and Mr. Mumper.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the agenda be amended by moving Ordinance K-A) after Public Hearing A), by moving Ordinance K-B) immediately following K-A), by adding Committee Reports I-3), and I-4), by moving a request to address Council prior to the Committee Reports and by moving a request to address Council from Ms. Laake prior to Ordinance J-B). All members present voted YES.
F)
approve minutes from:
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to approve the Minutes. The following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, Mr. DeLuca, and Mr. Mumper. Mr. Schneider abstained.
G) Public Hearings:
A)
RE:
Prior to opening the Public Hearing, Ms. Grote explained the rules governing Public Hearings. When the Public Hearing opened, the following came forward to speak in favor of this Ordinance:
Mr. Chris Fridel representing IBEW spoke regarding the 1600 members of the IBEW, their community interests, and their intended purpose for the facility.
Mr. Steve Huffman, a Norwood resident and Officer of Local 212 spoke regarding the site, the construction plans, future uses of the facility, and plans for a long term partnership with the City of Norwood. Plans for the facility include a meeting hall, union headquarters, and a training facility. This facility will also be open for public meetings, community events, etc. The IBEW has plans to partner with the City of Norwood on several events including the annual Holiday lights display, United Way fundraisers, and many other civic events. This facility will bring the brothers of the IBEW to the City of Norwood and bring customers to Norwood businesses on a regular basis.
The Public Hearing closed when no one came forward to speak against this Ordinance.
As amended Council then considered the following item.
K-A) ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (P.U.D.) PLANS FOR 4935 SECTION AVENUE (THE IBEW & JACT/NECA PROJECT) AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Moore asked Mr. Fridel and Mr. Huffman to the podium to answer some follow-up questions. Mr. Moore asked about the timing of this effort. Mr. Fridel responded that pending approval they will finalize financing by mid to late February, begin site preparation in early spring, and be fully operational in Spring of 2007.
Mr. Moore also asked about the signage planned for the facility. Mr. Huffman responded that they would like to begin construction at this point and consider signage along the Norwood Lateral at a later date.
Mr. Schneider asked for the definition of a ‘brownfield site’ for the benefit of the citizens. Mr. Huffman answered and responded that this was once an industrial site, but that there are no outstanding EPA issues; the financing institution has also conducted an environmental study with no issues arising.
Ms. Kelly thanked the IBEW for selecting Norwood as their future home. Ms. Kelly mentioned that she knows they are great neighbors in their current location and knows she can count on the same cooperation for the City of Norwood.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
Mr. Schneider mentioned that the Planning Commission recommended this and knows that a lot of work went into this before it even got to Council.
Mr. DeLuca agreed with Ms. Kelly and again thanked the members of the IBEW for their selection of Norwood and looks forward to the IBEW being a great part of the transformation in the City of Norwood.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
As amended Council then considered the following item.
K-B) AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF NOT TO EXCEED $12,265,000 OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2006 (CORNERSTONE AT NORWOOD 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 A PLEDGE OF AND LIEN ON CERTAIN SERVICE PAYMENTS TO SECURE SUCH BONDS; AUTHORIZING A TRUST AGREEMENT SECURING SUCH BONDS; AND RATIFYING A SERVICE AGREEMENT SECURING SUCH BONDS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to amend the Ordinance by modifying the dollar amount from $12,265,000 to $12,500,000 in the three places this figure appears. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Ms. Kelly, 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. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance, as amended. All members present voted YES.
H) Requests to address council on agenda items
Council then heard the request to address Council by Mr. Anthony T. Hooks RE: Standing Committees, Ordinances, and rules of proper order.
I) Reports of Standing committees of council
1. Community Development RE: Standing Weekly Committee Meetings
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
2. Finance and Audit RE: 2006 Appropriations/Paramedic Unit
Mr. Moore mentioned that he had hoped to have the Ordinance for the Paramedic unit on the agenda tonight. Mayor Williams responded that there was a new proposal regarding the type of ambulance on his desk today and there will be a strong recommendation by next meeting.
Mr. Mumper mentioned that he agrees with the report but emphasized the need to strongly consider the Lease/Purchase option. We really need to get moving on this.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the report and to send a letter to the Law Department requesting this Ordinance be drafted. All members present voted YES.
3. Law and Ordinance RE: Parking
Mr. DeLuca asked a question to the Committee Chair, Mr. Moore and asked how the 3 ft. limit was decided upon and suggested that this could prohibit parking on some streets. Mr. Moore responded that the current Ordinance says “in front of” but the limit was set at 3 ft. in the past. This makes it somewhat feasible for residents pulling out of their driveway on particularly busy streets.
Mr. Mumper mentioned that he is concerned with the 3 ft. rule due to the fact that this effectively removes 6 feet of parking between driveways and could eliminate parking on some streets.
Mr. Gabbard mentions that he agrees with Mr. Mumper on the 3 ft. concern and that if this were the case many of the dedicated handicapped spots would need to be reconsidered.
Mr. Moore mentioned that this is less a legal concern and more of a safety concern and as such may be better placed in the safety committee.
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to accept the report and to send a letter to the Law Department requesting this Ordinance be drafted. All members present voted YES.
4. Law and Ordinance RE: High Grass
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the report and to send a letter to the Law Department requesting an opinion and that this Ordinance be drafted. All members present voted YES.
J) Second READING OF ordinanceS
As amended, Council then heard the request to address Council from Ms. Donna Laake RE: Boarding Homes and Exotic Animals Ordinances.
Ms. Laake commented first on the issue of amending the exotic animals Ordinance to allow for the use of animals for educational purposes. Ms. Laake explained the background and mentioned that this Ordinance provides for the use of exotic animals in educational circumstances provided these animals are properly registered with the Board of Health. On the issue of Boarding Homes Ms. Laake mentioned that the original language was written in 1940 and is outdated and antiquated. This will require a registration with the Health Department so we at least know how many and where these group homes are located.
A) ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 505.15(C) OF THE NORWOOD CODIFIED ORDINANCES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to hear the second and third readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1705 "BOARDING HOMES" OF THE NORWOOD CODIFIED ORDINANCES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Moore asked Ms. Laake to the podium and asked Ms. Laake to explain the use of the term “register” rather than “license”. Mrs. Laake responded that registering is certainly one step in the right direction. Regulating and licensing imply responsibility. Registering would certainly help identify these homes; the knowledge of who is residing in these homes and where these homes are located is certainly power.
Mr. Schneider asked if this wording was new or if it was copied from other communities. Mrs. Laake responded that this wording is new, this is the third draft of this Ordinance and that the Law Department has been consulted from the beginning.
Mr. Moore added that he was unable to find wording from other communities that was comprehensive enough to cover our situation. This wording covers all those that cannot take care of themselves and makes sure those residents are taken care of through the registration process.
Mr. Sanker added that the original wording is from 1940 and the last amendment was in 1976. This will be a case where other communities ask “what has Norwood done” in an effort to borrow the wording in this Ordinance for their uses.
Mr. Moore added that another thing the City is pursing is to limit the number of group homes in residential areas. What we can do legally with this issue we are trying to do.
Mr. Gabbard thanked the Law Department, the Health Department, the Building Department and the Law and Ordinance Committee for their hard work in preparing this Ordinance.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to hear the second and third readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
K) Introductory READING OF ordinanceS
A) ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (P.U.D.) PLANS FOR 4935 SECTION AVENUE (THE IBEW & JACT/NECA PROJECT) AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
As amended, this item was considered previously.
B) AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF NOT TO EXCEED $12,265,000 OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2006 (CORNERSTONE AT NORWOOD 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 A PLEDGE OF AND LIEN ON CERTAIN SERVICE PAYMENTS TO SECURE SUCH BONDS; AUTHORIZING A TRUST AGREEMENT SECURING SUCH BONDS; AND RATIFYING A SERVICE AGREEMENT SECURING SUCH BONDS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
As amended, this item was considered previously.
L) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and delivered his annual report. Mayor Williams thanked Mr. Geers. Mrs. Osterday, Mr. White, Mr, Sorrell and many others for their hard work and dedication. Mayor Williams thanked the Council for their hard work and support and congratulated all on making it through another year. The goal of the Administration and Council will continue to be Financial Stability.
Mayor Williams thanked Mr. Rick Dettmer for his continued work and success in attracting new businesses to the City. His expertise and that of the Community Development committee is critical to the long term success of this City.
Mayor Williams also suggested the notion of an Audit Committee, comprised of willing and able members of the business community, and the hiring of a Budget Director to report to Council and assist Council in the daily operation of annual and long range municipal budgeting. There was some discussion about the possible usage of these two roles and the Mayor suggested that these discussions continue over the next few weeks to determine the viability and benefits of an Audit Committee and/or Budget Director.
When opened for questions, Ms. Kelly asked Mayor Williams who should be contacted for issues with Rumpke. Mayor Williams mentioned that he gets this question quite a bit and residents are unsure whether to contact Public Works, the Safety Service Office, the Mayor’s Office, or Rumpke directly. Mayor Williams suggested that residents can do any of the above but if you are not getting the appropriate response contact his Office.
Mr. Gabbard mentioned that he had recently read about the possible relocation of Section 8 housing from Cincinnati’s West End to other areas including Norwood and asked what could be done. Mr. Williams responded that he will look into it and would love to limit Section 8 housing in Norwood but not sure what can be done legally.
M)REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
N) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Mumper mentioned that the Fiscal Recovery Plan will be on the agenda of the next Committee of the Whole meeting.
Mr. DeLuca asked if the issue of a safe pickup/dropoff location for students was also on the agenda. Mr. Mumper confirmed and mentioned that the Administration is currently looking into this issue with the Norwood City Schools on a proposed plan.
Mr. DeLuca mentioned that there will be a Community Development and Small Business meeting tomorrow Wednesday, January 25 at 2:15pm.
Mr. Moore mentioned that the Law and Ordinance Committee will be considering the issue of electrical generators; the Committee will ask the Fire Department for their assistance in dealing with issues dealing with electric generators.
Mr. Mumper provided a recap of the last Committee of the Whole meeting and announced the Committee of the Whole will typically meet the first Tuesday of the Month at 7:30pm in Council Chambers as its standing meeting.
O) NEW BUSINESS
P) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from Joseph Geers, Director of Public Service-Safety RE: Water Rates
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
Q) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All members present.
R) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council