Norwood City
Council
Council
Chambers
April 11, 2006
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 and Mr. Mumper.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved that the agenda be amended by adding an ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2006 (K-A) prior to the First Readings of Resolutions. All members present voted YES.
F)
approve minutes :
G) Requests to address council on agenda items
H) Reports of Standing committees of council
1. Finance and Audit Committee RE: 2006 Appropriations
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 Committee RE: Various Claims
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
3. Community Development RE: signage code
Mr. Moore mentioned that the proposed changes to the signage code are very comprehensive and Mr. Moore asked for Council’s comments on these changes. Among other things, the proposed changes reduce signage height and places restrictions on illuminated signs.
Mr. Sanker added that the Committee would like to report this out and enact this as soon as possible; please pass on comments to the committee immediately.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
4. Community Development RE: Standing Meeting Time Change
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
I) THIRD READING OF ordinanceS
A) ORDINANCE
PROMOTING THE "CITY WIDE STREET SALE" AND ABATEMENT OF ALL PERMIT
FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear the third reading of the Ordinance, in its entirety. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
J) second READING OF ordinanceS
A) ORDINANCE APPROVING THE EDITING AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE VARIOUS COMPONENT CODES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF NORWOOD, OHIO AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear the second and third readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE MAINTAINING THE PART-TIME HOURLY TAX CLERK POSITION ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE 34-2005 FOR THE REMAINDER OF CALENDAR YEAR 2006, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Moore commented that this continues the existing arrangement in the Tax Department and explained that this is the case because the full time job opening went unfilled for a period of time. Based on the City’s financial position and risk of missing payroll, qualified candidates were ultimately not interested in this position.
Mr. Schneider added that we should be advertising for a full time position while the part time clerk is working. Mr. Sanker agreed but until we resolve the issues surrounding the future of the tax department, this position would only be temporary and would still be hard to fill. Mr. Sanker recommended we get through these issues before making any decisions on the Full-Time position.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear the second and third readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then considered the following Ordinance.
K) INTRODUCTORY READING OF ordinanceS
A) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2006
Mr. Moore explained that this change reflects many adjustments including a revised and increased estimate of Earnings Taxes. This will enable us to add an additional three pay periods yielding a total of 23 out of the 26 periods budgeted. Mr. Moore added that this includes the assumption that we will be able to acquire all funds that we are entitled to from the County Auditor. Mr. Moore asked City Auditor, Mr. Jones for an update.
Mr. Jones responded that he hand delivered the certified Resolution to the County Auditor and had a conversation with the County Auditor regarding the entitled funds. We are awaiting a final decision on whether the City’s share of the property taxes will come to the City or go directly to the Police and Fire Pension Board. Mr. Jones expects to have a decision in the next few days. Regardless of this decision, the money earmarked for bond payments will likely be escrowed and remain in the City’s possession in order to make these monthly bond payments. Without the remainder however, the City will be in a significant cash flow crunch; as of today there was only $32M in the general fund.
Mr. Schneider asked Mr. Jones why we had changed from semi- annually to monthly when we are in a cash flow crisis. Mr. Jones responded that monthly bond payments are much more desirable when in a cash flow crisis. Instead of needing to come up with a huge lump sum twice a year, we come up with a much smaller payment on a monthly basis.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, 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. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
L) introductory READING OF resolutions
A) RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE STANDING RULES OF COUNCIL, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Sanker explained that the changes reduce the required membership in the Community Development and Small Business Committee from 4 to 3 members. This subsequently reduces the requirements for a quorum from 3 to 2, which should enable the Committee to conduct its business even when one member is unable to attend a scheduled meeting.
Mr. Schneider suggested the idea that the Mayor’s office should be responsible for design reviews given the reduction in Council Seats and the need to have these reviewed in a timely fashion.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Ms. Kelly, 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 Ms. Kelly, it was moved to pass the Resolution. All members present voted YES.
B) RESOLUTION TO CHANGE ASSIGNMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, 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. Moore, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
C) RESOLUTION APPROVING THE UPDATE OF THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Mr. Moore asked Mr. Geers to the podium to explain how this solid waste management plan would affect the current plan. Mr. Geers responded that he does not have all of the details, the Administration did not request the Resolution and this is the first time he has had a chance to review the Resolution.
Mr. Schneider commented that he has some information on this and that, as he recalls, the Federal EPA mandated that Counties have a plan for solid waste management and that all municipalities adopt and approve of this plan.
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to hear the first reading of the Resolution. All members present voted YES.
M) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and began by mentioning the upcoming Norwood Historic Schools Day scheduled for April 19th, 2006. Mr. Williams presented a Proclamation to the Norwood Historical Society represented by Ms. Carmen McKeehan. Ms. McKeehan then spoke and provided details of the event and asked the community to support this wonderful event.
Mayor Williams continued by mentioning that the restoration of the Lindner Park Bath House is nearing completion. This work was done by a local company and is very unique and impressive. This is worth a visit to see this craftsmanship and the renovated bath house.
The Mayor also mentioned that Norwood Knothole Opening Day is scheduled for April 22nd at Noon at Shea stadium. Mayor Williams also noted an example of many organizations working together to complete a project for the good of the community. The Norwood Recreation Commission, the City, Public Works, Mills Fence, and Ryan Carpentry have constructed a T-Ball ball field at Fenwick Park. Mayor Williams encourages residents to stop down to Fenwick Park to watch the little boys and girls play ball.
In addition, the property at 3726 Elsmere has now been deeded to the City and will be demolished shortly. This lot will then be converted to green space.
The Police Department will begin using their 800 MHz radios, courtesy of Mr. Lindner, beginning May 1st.
When opened for questions, Mr. Gabbard asked about the status of the Office Supply Warehouse on Section Ave. Mayor Williams responded that this demolition has been a very slow process. The Mayor noted that he is not pleased with the demolition progress and will provide an update shortly.
Mr. Schneider asked the Mayor about the status of the construction on SR 562. Mayor Williams responded that construction will begin shortly and the barrels are already making an appearance. This will be a complete resurfacing that won’t cost the City a dime.
Mr. Mumper asked the Mayor what the plans were for the Office Supply building. Mayor Williams answered that there are prospects but none that can be discussed at this time.
Following the Mayor’s Administration Report, Law Director Mr. Gibson approached the podium to comment on the Solid Waste Management Resolution.
When opened for questions, Mr. Gabbard asked about the status of the City’s efforts to remove sexual offenders in violation of the 1000 ft. rule. Mr. Gibson responded that things are progressing, but this is a constant battle. Several suits were ruled on in our favor but these are Civil Suits that don’t have the significant bite to act as a deterrent. We will continue to fight this issue aggressively.
N) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
Carmen
McKeehan addressed Council regarding the Performance Audit Presentation open to
the public to be held on April 26th from 7-9pm at the Norwood Middle
School Auditorium.
O) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Schneider mentioned that the Easter Egg Hunt held last week was a big success and very well attended. Mr. Schneider thanked the Norwood Recreation Commission for this event.
P) NEW BUSINESS
Q) COMMUNICATIONS:
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved that items P-1 through P-4 be considered together. All members present voted YES.
1. Letter from OH Dept of Commerce RE: Liquor License Permits – expire 6/1/06
2. Letter from Paul McMullen, Inspector RE: Liquor Permits – no objection
3. Letter from Lieutenant Gary Fye RE: Liquor Permits – objection
4. Letter from Lieutenant Gary Fye RE: Liquor Permits – objection
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that items P-1 through P-4) be received and filed and that a letter be sent to the Law Department requesting a Resolution be drafted objecting to the renewal of the license for Soupie’s Bar. All members present voted YES.
5. Letter from Mayor Williams RE: Mayor’s Court Fines
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
6. Letter from Tax Department RE: Monthly Report for March 2006
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
7. Letter from Donna Laake RE: Asset investigation on indigent deceased persons
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
8. Letter from Donna Laake RE: Yearly Report
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
R) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All members present.
S) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council