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. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the agenda be amended by moving Communications 1) to immediately following the approval of minutes, by adding Committee Reports 7), 8), and 9), and by adding Ordinances I-B) and I-C). All members present voted YES.
F)
approve minutes from:
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to approve the Minutes as if read. All members present voted YES.
As amended Council then considered the following item.
N-1) Letter from Mr.
Rick Dettmer RE:
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and to grant the request to address Council. All members present voted YES.
Mr. Wocher, Mr. Copp, and Mr. Newman representing New Plan
Realty addressed Council and shared their plans for the redevelopment of Surrey
Square. As was shared, the plans include
relocating and expanding Kroger, demolishing several outbuildings, building a
new McDonald’s location, new streetscaping along Montgomery Rd., and increasing
the landscaping buffer along
When opened for questioning, Mr. Mumper asked about the timeline of these plans. Mr. Wocher answered that engineering will begin soon, permits will be sought in early summer, and work will begin this calendar year.
Mr. Schneider shared his concern regarding the residents along Lafayette Ave. Mr. Copp responded that the back of the facility will obviously be the service access to the facility but that the increased landscaping barrier should help with sound.
Mr. Moore mentioned that he was excited to hear about the cart control and interested in the timing. Specifically, can this be installed prior to the remodeling? Mr. Newman responded that due to the nature of the cart control protection system it can be damaged during major construction and therefore will not be able to be installed until after the major renovation.
Mr. DeLuca asked what type of tenants they would be looking at bringing in and asked specifically about the fate of Murray Brothers. Mr. Newman responded that Murray Bros. are certainly the type of tenant they would want to attract and retain. The facility is interested in neighborhood service usage, apparels, Radio Shack, the types of tenants typical of a grocery anchored shopping center.
Mr. Sanker asked if this would then change to an outdoor mall. The representatives confirmed that it would be an outdoor mall.
Mayor Williams added that when these gentlemen say they are open to ideas and suggestions they really are. Contact them directly with suggestions, concerns, or contact Mr. Rick Dettmer.
G) Requests to address council on agenda items
H) Reports of Standing committees of council
1. Community Development RE: Design Review Mayfield Medical
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
2. Community Development RE: Mayfield Medical Design Review
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
3. Community Development RE: Design Review – Planter Box on Garage
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Kelly, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
4. Community Development RE: Design Review – concrete platform
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
5. Community Development RE: Design Review – Artonomy Signage
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
6. Committee of the Whole RE: Dropoff zone/traffic problems at schools.
Mr. Moore commented that the solution for Allison Elementary School, will be to move traffic one way from Weyer Ave. around the school towards Courtland Ave. and then to Montgomery Rd.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
7. Finance and Audit RE: 2006 Appropriations/Paramedic Unit.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
8. Finance and Audit RE: Claim of Brandon Elliot.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
9. Law and Ordinance RE: Ordinance Amending Section 351.03.
Mr. Schneider expressed his concern that eighteen inches in unenforceable. It is enough work for the Police to enforce three feet but that the eighteen inches will create additional work on the Police.
Ms. Kelly mentioned that the Committee discussed this and this approach will save 3ft. total between driveways and possibly allow for the parking of one additional car. Ms. Kelly also commented that the 18 inch rule would decrease the number of incidents of violation when compared to 3ft not increase it and as such will not burden the Police Department.
Mr. DeLuca added that the wording in this amendment seems to be a happy medium.
Mr. Mumper commented that the Police Department is not driving around the City ticketing offenders, this is normally enforced only upon complaint.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
I) Introductory READING OF ordinanceS
A)
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 351.03
"PROHIBITED STANDING OR PARKING PLACES" OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD
CODIFIED ORDINANCES
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to amend according to Committee Report H-9). The following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Ms. Kelly, Mr. DeLuca, and Mr. Mumper. The following members voted NO: Mr. Schneider and Mr. Moore.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to hear the first reading of the Ordinance as amended. All members resent voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2006
Mr. Moore detailed the exact changes to appropriations and individual department keys.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, 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. Moore, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
C) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE SAFETY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH HORTON EMERGENCY VEHICLES
Mr. Moore noted that there were representatives from the Fire Department present and asked them to the podium to share their research on the proposed equipment.
Chief Goodman and Lt. Cartuyvelles approached and described the process and result of their research. Lt. Cartuyvelles explained that while equipment loads get heavier and heavier it will cost less over the long term to acquire the medium duty unit. The chassis on this unit will absorb the wear and tear of the job more adequately than the light duty and will keep this unit in service thereby saving maintenance expense over the life of the unit.
Chief Goodman and Lt. Cartuyvelles thanked and praised the Public Works mechanics for their incredible job in maintaining these units; they are dedicated and provide a great service to the City of Norwood.
Mr. Gabbard thanked Chief Goodman and Lt. Cartuyvelles for their efforts and asked about the timeframe. Lt. Cartuyvelles responded that it can be delivered in 6-8 months and the anticipated delivery would be in September.
Mr. Moore asked for a breakdown of costs associated with the lease option. Chief Goodman responded that the 5 year Lease/Purchase will cost $44,000 per year but often times the City Auditor’s office is able to crunch numbers with a local bank and find an even more favorable deal.
Mr. Mumper asked if there was any training available to the mechanics. Chief Goodman responded that Horton is located in Grove City and they do supply one day of training on the electronics system.
After questioning, Mr. Moore commented that we cannot afford this purchase but this is a priority and a crisis if we are to be able to continue this vital service. We will find funding from other areas to make this happen as necessary.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, 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. Gabbard, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
J) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and mentioned a problem at the Section Ave. Office Supply facility and explained that the Building Department is working on a demolition permit. In fact, the Building Department observed water running out of the top floor just today and determined a riser pipe had cracked. The Building Department is working with Cinergy and MSD to get the appropriate safety measures in place. This facility is in miserable shape and needs to be demolished before it burns down or falls down.
The performance audit should be finalized in the next week and be available for Council approximately February 23rd.
When opened for questioning, Mr. Moore asked if we have heard anything from the Pension Board. Mayor Williams responded that we have not heard, but have plans to talk to the CFO of the Pension Board. Due to the recent changes in the Ohio Revised Code, the Board doesn’t have the flexibility they once had in negotiating repayment options.
Mr. Moore asked for a status on the road work surrounding the Linden Pointe development. Mayor Williams responded that at this point, ODOT is working on the preliminary infrastructure assessment and identifying underground lines and pipes. The administration will keep Council apprised of progress.
Mr. Sanker asked Mayor Williams to bring up the garbage setout rules in his regular discussions with X.U. It would be great to get ahead of the issue of students moving out and educate them on the garbage setout rules before there are problems. Mayor Williams responded that he certainly will bring this up.
Mr. Mumper asked when we can expect a ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court re: the Rookwood Exchange Development. Mayor Williams responded that he is hoping to hear by the end of April.
Mr. Moore asked for more information regarding a cart barrier at Walgreens. Mayor Williams confirmed they are considering it and will likely apply for permits shortly.
K) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
L) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Moore mentioned that he received a report from Mr. Schneider titled Financial Recovery Plan. Mr. Moore read several of the items included and asked Mr. Schneider if this was his plan and if he stood behind these items. Mr. Schneider responded that this is essentially the East Cleveland Plan and a list of other suggestions previously made by Council, but includes a system to track these ideas. Mr. Schneider recommended this be placed into the Finance Committee.
Mr. Moore commented that the concept of a Financial Recovery Plan is already in the Committee of the Whole and therefore many of these ideas are already in committee.
Mr. DeLuca added that much of this list seems redundant and asked Mr. Schneider, through the chair, if he endorsed these items. Mr. Schneider responded that some of these are indeed repeats and that he doesn’t endorse all of these items but supports investigating these items. This is a draft and not necessarily a complete version.
Mr. DeLuca responded that since most of these items are already in committee, this is really just a form of tracking documentation and not necessarily a Financial Recovery Plan.
Mr. Mumper added that this is already in Committee of the Whole and questioned whether adding this list accomplishes anything. One item states that what we should do with a surplus from the general fund. Mr. Mumper commented that there is no surplus. Mr. Schneider added that the item states that a surplus in the general fund should be applied to the Pension Fund balance. Mr. Mumper responded that the point is that there is no surplus and if there was a surplus we wouldn’t need a Financial Recovery Plan in the first place.
Mr. Moore commented that this list of items will certainly balance the budget if they can all be implemented, but several of these items raise taxes, fees, and rates.
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved that the Financial Recovery Plan be placed in the Finance and Audit Committee and the Committee of the Whole. The following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, and Mr. DeLuca. Mr. Mumper voted NO.
M)NEW BUSINESS
N) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter
from Mr. Rick Dettmer RE:
As amended this item was considered previously.
2. Letter from Mayor Williams RE: Mayor’s Court Fines.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. DeLuca, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
3. Letter from Tax Department RE: January 2006 Monthly Report
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the letter be received and filed as if read. All members present voted YES.
4. Letter from Mr. Rick Dettmer RE: 2006-2008 Community Development Block Grant
Mr. Moore asked the Director of Public Service-Safety to the podium and asked about the status of the Williams Avenue Storm Sewer project.
Mr. Geers responded that the City applied for 80/20 grants for both the Williams Ave., and Elm Avenue Storm Sewer project. The grant application for Williams Ave. was approved; we will reapply for the Elm Ave. project in September. The goal is to have all of the paperwork and bids ready by July 1.
Mr. Sanker asked if there is anything needed from Council to move this along. Mr. Geers responded that an Ordinance needs to be drafted in order to continue with the Engineering.
Mr. Sanker requested that a letter be sent to the Law Department requesting this Ordinance and if it cannot be prepared by the next meeting, requests that the Law Department be in attendance at the next Council meeting to explain the delay.
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
5. Letter
from Carrie Town, Building Department RE:
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and the Public Hearing be scheduled for April 25th 2006. All members present voted YES.
O) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All members present.
P) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. DeLuca, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council