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, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Ordinances I-B), and I-C), and by adding Communications N-4), N-5) immediately preceding Ordinance I-C) , N-6) immediately preceding Ordinance I-B), and N-7). 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: Cornerstone Design Review.
Mr. Schneider asked a question through the Chair to Mr. Moore regarding the changes in this version. Mr. Moore responded that that the original submission was for 6ft lettering, then to 5ft, we have since approved 54” lettering. This will be a new lighted sign format similar to the Miller Valentine sign along I-75 which also utilizes LED lighting.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
2. Community Development and Small Business RE: Mayfield Signage.
Mr. Moore commented that this is a large sign facing the entrances to the Mayfield property but this will be a back lit sign. The design is as classy and sophisticated as the rest of the building and will be a great addition.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
3. Committee of the Whole RE: Financial Recovery Plan.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
H) Second READINGs OF Ordinances
A) ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1321 "SIGNS" OF THE NORWOOD CODIFIED ORDINANCES
Mr. Moore explained the changes from the last version.
Mr. Schneider asked which version was the most recent.
Ms. Grote confirmed that the version that was in the packet is the most recent and is the version being considered tonight.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to hear the Second reading of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
A) ORDINANCE DENYING THE APPLICATION AND/OR PLAN SUBMISSION FOR THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF THE RENTWAY STORE, WHICH FALLS WITHIN A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (P.U.D.), FOR 3835 MONTGOMERY ROAD.
Mr. Richard Tranter addressed Council representing the developer and expressed his opposition to this Ordinance.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to hear the Second reading of the Ordinance. The following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper. Mr. Schneider voted NO.
I) INTRODUCTORY READING OF ORDINANCES
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TREASURER TO PURCHASE COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR THE TAX DEPARTMENT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000), AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Sanker commented that this upgrade is necessary and among other things would enable the Tax Department to handle the increased load of mandatory tax filings.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to hear the First reading of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
N-6) Letter from Ted Kiser, Law Department RE: Ordinance I-B.
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.
B) ORDINANCE AMENDING 181.05(a) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO TO PROVIDE FOR MANDATORY FILING OF INCOME TAX RETURNS AND A LIMITED AMNESTY PROGRAM RELATIVE THERETO, AND REPEALING SUBSECTION “(d)” OF SECTION 181.17 OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD CODIFIED ORDINANCES.
Mr. Moore commented that he agrees with the motion and is interested in any and all feedback. Some residents have called and asked Council not to increase taxes. Mr. Moore clarified that this is not a tax increase, but mandatory tax filing is the only way to identify those not paying their taxes.
Mr. Mumper added that most residents, if they are currently paying their taxes or do not owe City taxes, will not be impacted. However, identifying those that owe but are not paying taxes is a potentially significant increase in City revenue.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to hear the First reading of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
N-5) Letter from Mr. Joseph Geers RE: Ordinance I-C.
Mr. Schneider asked Mayor Williams how the property would be used. Mayor Williams responded that the current property would be torn down and the lot will temporarily be a greenspace. The basic idea is to clean up that property for the safety and security of that area.
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.
C) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND/OR SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY, THE DONATION OF 2046 WORTH AVENUE, NORWOOD, OHIO 45212, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Mumper added that this property has been an eyesore for years, and is glad to see this being resolved.
Mr. Moore asked Mayor Williams why this owner would donate this property. Mayor Williams responded that there are so many violations with the current structure it would require significant re-investment or demolition. The donation gives the current owner a tax break, while alleviating their burden on the demolition.
Mr. Schneider asked Mayor Williams if there were other properties that are being targeted for this same approach. Mayor Williams confirmed that this approach is being taken when owners are absentee and would rather have their problems go away than to address them.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to PASS the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
J) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and mentioned that he recently attended a book signing on a book called “Images of Norwood”. This is a historical look at some old images of our City, this is a very well done book and Christine Mersch has done a wonderful job.
The Mayor also mentioned that southbound Montgomery Rd. and northbound Carthage Ave. will be closed for two weeks while utilities are disconnected prior to demolition of those buildings.
When opened for questions, Mr. Schneider asked for a report on the progress of Waterworks Park. Mayor Williams responded that there has been some delay due to sewer work, but progress continues to be made on fencing, decking, lights, painting, tennis courts, and the upgrades to the basketball courts.
Mr. Gabbard asked if there were plans to clear the brush from behind that area as well. Mayor Williams confirmed that this is a high priority as work continues on that project.
Mr. Jones was present and mentioned that the City has not yet made the June 30th payment to the Police and Fire Pension Fund. Mr. Jones has contacted them and confirmed that under the new penalty structure we are granted a sixty day grace period. Mr. Jones further explained that the last funds certified directly from the County were applied to the second quarter payments – avoiding any further penalties. At this point, depending on how payments are applied, we should not be levied any additional penalties as our oldest outstanding payments are maxed out.
Mr. Schneider commented that this sounds like progress but would like this agreement in writing and would also like to better understand the old and new penalty structures. Mr. Jones read from a recent fax detailing the latest breakdown of outstanding payments and penalty structure.
Mr. Sanker asked Mr. Jones to get confirmation that the newest payments will be applied to the most recent payments rather than the oldest payments. Mr. Jones answered that he will get this in writing.
Mr. Moore asked Mr. Jones for an updated unpaid Purchase Order list and asked for the status of meeting the next payroll. Mr. Jones responded that it appears we will make the next payroll but after that it is day by day. We will pay what we can and prioritize after insurance, payroll, and basic operating expenses.
Mr. Moore asked about the steps to find a replacement for the Deputy Auditor; Mr. Moore stated that he understand that she has retired but has been rehired. Mr. Jones confirmed that she took the required two months off then was rehired at the minimum salary. Mr. Jones said that she knows the City policies and procedures and her coming back has eliminated the need to train a replacement.
Mr. Sanker explained that it is hard for people to understand double dipping particularly when times seem tough and when there was very little done to find a replacement. While the Deputy Auditor knows the City inside and out, this may have been an opportunity to get some needed outside skills and perhaps someone who could do the work more effectively and efficiently.
Mr. Jones responded that he had an opening and he filled it at no additional expense. This is an appointed position where trust and a good relationship are more important than technical skills for this Chief Deputy Auditor position. This is a good use of the investment in our personnel.
Mr. Moore asked Mr. Jones his opinion on hiring a budget director without any other contingencies. Mr. Jones responded that the concept of a Budget Director is great. Clarity on the roles and responsibilities will be essential but it’s a great concept. This role would help Department Heads estimating budgets, tracking, and identifying service levels and the budget necessary to provide those service levels.
On that topic, Mr. Moore asked if reports were available regarding the current balance of budgets and keys. Mr. Jones responded that there are updated reports available and his office will print out another version and forward it on. Mr. Jones reiterated that we still have not budgeted for the last three payrolls in the year.
K) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL RE: NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
L) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Moore asked that a letter be sent to the Law Department requesting the status on the three Ordinances that he requested several meetings ago.
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to place the issue of the budget director into the Law and Ordinance Committee. The following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper. Mr. Moore voted NO.
Mr. Moore added that he would have rather seen this go to the Finance and Claims committee since it relates to budgets and finances, but he will have a meeting on this on Thursday to report it out and get this going.
Mr. Sanker asked the Mayor if he had any input on this. Mayor Williams responded that he just wants to see this done. A Budget Director should have been involved by now.
Mr. Mumper mentioned that he is strongly in favor of a budget director and stressed the need for concise reports, appropriations vs. actuals, and comparisons to same time last quarter and last year. This would certainly help us all analyze the situation and would not place additional burden on the Auditor’s Office.
M)NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Moore announced a Law and Ordinance meeting this Thursday at 7:30pm. Agenda will conclude the Roles of Budget Director and Ward Boundaries.
Mr. Barlow read two letters from residents on Kenilworth Ave. detailing criminal behavior at specific location on Kenilworth. Among the problems were multiple emergency runs, noise, high grass, cleanliness, garbage, fighting, and drugs.
Mr. Mumper asked that these letters be sent to the Police Department, Health Department, and Building Departments requesting their follow up.
Mr. Barlow asked that a letter be sent to the Law Department requesting their assistance in defining a property a “nuisance”.
Mr. Schneider thanked the Fireworks Committee and the Boy/Girl Scouts troops for putting on a great event for the 4th of July Fireworks.
Mr. Sanker reminded everyone that Tuesday July 25th is the annual Norwood Day Parade. Norwood Day is then celebrated at Coney Island the following day and this is sponsored by the Norwood Business Women.
N) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from Mayor Williams RE: Mayor’s Court Fines.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that a letter be sent to the Mayor’s Office requesting the cover page include the totals as well as the totals for the same period in the previous year. All members present voted YES.
2. Letter from Tax Department RE: Monthly Report for June 2006.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that a letter be sent to the Mayor’s Office requesting the cover page include the totals as well as the totals for the same period in the previous year. All members present voted YES.
3. Letter from Jerry Owens RE: Rolling Thunder – OH Chapter 9.
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.
4. Letter from Donna Laake, Health Commissioner RE: High Grass.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that the abatement be authorized. All members present voted YES.
5. Letter from Mr. Joseph Geers RE: Ordinance I-C.
As amended, this item was considered previously.
6. Letter from Ted Kiser, Law Department RE: Ordinance I-B.
As amended, this item was considered previously.
7. Letter from Ohio Division of Liquor Control RE: Transfer of Liquor License.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed, that a letter be sent to all department heads requesting their objections to the transfer, and that the objection be formally filed if department heads have any specific objections. All members present voted YES.
O) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to excuse the absent member. All members present voted YES.
P) 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