Norwood City
Council
Council
Chambers
May 9, 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
Prior to roll call, Mr. Chuck Barlow was sworn in as the representative for the third ward of Norwood City Council.
D) ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following members answered present: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Communication O-3), O-4), and O-5), by adding Ordinances J-A) and J-B), and by moving O-3) prior to the consideration of Ordinance J-A). 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 RE: Linden Pointe TIF Proposal
Mr. Moore mentioned that the Committee is awaiting the draft redevelopment agreement. If there are any issues of comments please forward those on to the Committee now so that we can move forward. Given that this is a new kind of TIF it is very important we get feedback sooner rather than later.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
H) THIRD READING OF resolution
A) RESOLUTION APPROVING THE UPDATE OF THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to hear the third reading of the Resolution. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to Pass the Resolution. All members present voted YES.
I) Second READING OF ordinanceS
A) ORDINANCE DENYING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (P.U.D.) PLANS FOR 3875 MONTGOMERY ROAD AND THE PROPOSED BINGO USE AND OCCUPANCY, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Moore asked the Mayor if there have been any new developments or discussions on this issue.
Mayor Williams responded that the owner has several requests, to expand the rental center and to put in a Bingo, both of which are counter to the City’s and the immediate area’s plans for this area.
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. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
J) INTRODUCTORY READING OF Ordinances
As amended, Council then considered the following item.
O-1) Letter from Ted Kiser, Law Department RE: Lindner/Waterworks Ordinances
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
A) ORDINANCE CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE WATERWORKS/CARL AND EDYTH LINDNER PARK FUND, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Moore explained that this Ordinance creates two separate funds for managing this generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Lindner and dedicates these funds to this project. The sooner the fund is created, the sooner the work can begin.
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.
As amended, Council then considered the following item.
O-2) Letter
from Carrie Town, Planning Commission RE: Donation of property at
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND/OR SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY, THE DONATION OF 2701 HARRIS AVENUE, NORWOOD, OHIO 45212, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Moore asked Mayor Williams to explain this donation of property. Mayor Williams responded that the house and garage are currently boarded up. This property will be demolished and nicely landscaped as a grand park entrance. When the Ordinance is passed we will begin title search and the process to take the deed to this property.
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Sanker, 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.
K) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and mentioned that he was invited and attended the ENX (Evanston, Norwood, Xavier) Graduation. Graduates spend six weeks training on leadership principles and how to take the principles back to the community. This was once again a very nice event.
Mayor Williams then describe some of the projects planned for the Carl and Edyth Lindner/Waterworks Park. These projects include new tennis courts, new basketball courts, updating and painting restrooms, new fencing and updated lighting. When these projects are complete this will be a first class facility.
The Mayor also reported on a recent call from Xavier University to Chief Schlie warning him on the annual Hog Crawl. Apparently students would purchase a bracelet, and walk around from house to house drinking for free as long as they were wearing their bracelet. The Police in turn, made their presence felt and issued 6 arrests for underage consumption, 2 for Public Intoxication, 14 for Open Container, 2 cautions for Loud and Disorderly House. This ongoing collaboration between the University and the City has hopefully curtailed the many incidents that may have been caused to the immediate community during this student event.
When opened for questions, Mr. Gabbard mentioned that he has received several phone calls requesting the plans for Waterworks. Mr. Gabbard has asked the Recreation Commission, but they claimed they were also unaware of the plans and asked that we slow down a bit on the use of these funds. Mayor Williams responded that some of these projects are currently underway and some of these projects were requests from Mr. Lindner himself.
Mr. Gabbard asked if the Tennis Courts were the best use of funds since the Tennis Courts are rarely used. Mayor Williams responded that perhaps they will be used when they are resurfaced. Mayor Williams also suggest that anyone with ideas should contact the Administration and we will see what can be done.
Mr. Mumper added that Norwood High School uses these as their home courts.
Mr. Moore added that he loves the idea of creating a grand entrance. Many Norwood Parks are hidden and this will create the entrance that is needed to make sure the facility is adequately used and safe. Mr. Moore asked the Mayor how folks that are interested in volunteering to address graffiti issues should contact the Administration. Mayor Williams responded that they can contact his office directly and we will check out the problem and ensure they are equipped, if willing, to address these issues.
L) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
Mr.
Wolfgang Schneider addressed Council regarding the possibility of a Skate Park
included in the renovations at Waterworks Park.
M)UNFINISHED BUSINESS
N) NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Sanker commented on the letters from the Ohio Municipal League that was in Council’s packets this week. These letters are in regard to an Ohio Constitutional Amendment that will require municipalities and School Districts to have more than 50% of all registered voters vote in favor of any increase (as opposed to 50% of voter turnout for a given election). This is quite hypocritical; the fact that the Ohio State Congress can increase taxes on a whim and without voter approval. In addition, those against the measure need only register voters rather than ensuring that they actually vote at the polls. Mr. Sanker encouraged Council to pass a Resolution in the future pronouncing the opposition to this measure. This is something many smaller municipalities are considering as well.
Mr. Schneider announced that the Clean Up Lindner Park Event is 8:00am this Saturday, any volunteers are welcome. Bring garden tools and gloves for this annual event. In addition, the Relay For Life is scheduled for the third week in June at Shea Stadium, more details will follow.
Mr. Moore mentioned that he has gotten some calls regarding traffic concerns at the intersections of Weyer and Bell, as well as Weyer and Carter. Mr. Moore requested that a letter be sent to the Director of Public Safety-Service requesting Stop Signs be placed at these intersections. Mr. Moore also requested that the issue of Speed Humps on Mills Avenue be placed into the Safety Committee.
Mr. Sanker requested that a letter be sent to the Recreation Commission in regard to the request of Mr. Wolfgang Schneider for a skate park at either Waterworks or another Norwood Park. The Recreation Commission has researched the cost and maintenance concerns as well as the pros and cons regarding skate parks.
Mr. Moore asked if the issue of a potential Skate Park should be placed into the Parks and Recreation Committee and asked for Council’s thoughts on this matter.
Mr. Mumper responded that he would prefer to give the Recreation Commission a chance to respond before placing in Committee.
Mr. Sanker added that he would hate to hold up projects at this point by placing in committee and that some of the possible improvements are not subject to Council approval.
Mr. Schneider stated that he agrees with Mr. Mumper, let’s first hear from the Recreation Commission, and then consider the appropriate course of action.
O) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from Donnie Jones RE: April 2006 Auditor's Report
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
2. Letter from Jerry Owens RE: Veterans Memorial Service
Mr. Mumper mentioned that this has been a wonderful ceremony in the past and is uplifting. This is what this holiday is all about and Mr. Mumper encouraged residents to attend on Memorial Day.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that a letter be sent to the Law Department requesting a Resolution be drafted honoring these groups for their effort in providing this very important Memorial Day ceremony. All members present voted YES.
3. Letter from Ted Kiser, Law Department RE: Lindner/Waterworks Ordinances
As amended, this item was considered previously.
4. Letter from Carrie Town, Planning Commission RE: Donation of property at 2701 Harris Ave.
As amended, this item was considered previously.
5. Letter from Mayor’s Office 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.
P) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All members present.
Q) 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