Council
Chambers
August 22,
2006
A) CALL TO ORDER
The Council for the City of
B) PRAYER
C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D) ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following members answered present: Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to amend the agenda by moving the presentation by the Moose Lodge as the first order of business followed by Ordinance K-B), by moving Communication O-1) to immediately preceding K-A), and by adding Ordinance K-E) and K-F). All members present voted YES.
F)
approve minutes from: June 22,
2006 and June 27, 2006
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to approve the minutes as if read. All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then allowed the Norwood Moose Lodge #301 to make their presentation to the Norwood Police K-9 Unit. Norwood Moose Lodge made a donation of $1400 to the Norwood Police K-9 Unit.
As amended, Council then considered the following item:
K-B) ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 55-2003 ADOPTING
THE EDWARDS ROAD CORRIDOR AREA URBAN RENEWAL PLAN DATED JULY 7, 2003 AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Moore asked Mr.
Mr. Schneider asked if this changes the zoning on this property. Mr. Burke responded that this would not affect the zoning, but zoning may need to be looked at as a result of the Supreme Court decision.
Mr. Sanker noted that while this original Ordinance was based on State law at the time it was passed and that the Supreme Court essentially nullified that state law. This is an appropriate follow up step.
Mr. Burke also mentioned that the remaining three properties and the remaining litigation pending on these properties have been consolidated.
Mr. Moore mentioned that one of the main reasons for declaring this Urban Renewal Plan was so that we could use TIF financing for the residential portion of the development. When this development is renewed we may have to go through this process again in order to get a new plan on the books.
On a motion by Mr.
On a motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to pass the ordinance. All members present voted YES.
G) Requests to address council on agenda items
A request to address Council from Anthony Hooks will be heard immediately prior to the consideration of the agenda item.
H) Reports of Standing committees of council
1. Finance and Audit RE: 2006 Appropriations.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
2. Finance and Audit RE: Salt Trucks for 2006-2007.
Mr. Sanker explained that the current trucks are inadequate particularly for the narrow streets and new trucks are definitely needed as we prepare for the winter. The Finance and Claims Committee will meet to discuss the best way to fund this acquisition, whether through a purchase or lease agreement.
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
3. Finance and Audit RE: Budget Analyst
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
4. Finance and Audit Minority Report RE: Budget Analyst
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
5.
Community Development RE:
Mr.
Moore explained that the attorneys were brought together to develop these
agreements and they are all very close.
The remaining element that needs to be reached is an agreement with the
School Board.
Mr.
Schneider commented that the School Board is actively involved and is an
important decision maker in the approval of this TIF agreement.
On a
motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
6.
Community Development RE:
Mr.
Moore explained that the developer brought in the building materials for review
in this informal design review.
Additionally, some of the bricks from the old triangle/flatiron building
were broken during demolition. All
bricks that survived will be used in the construction of the replica building
and the developer has also secured very similar bricks from the original brick manufacturer
to complete the replica building.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
7. Community Development RE: Rookwood Exchange
On a
motion by Mr.
I)
THIRD
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TREASURER TO PURCHASE COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR THE TAX DEPARTMENT FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000.00), AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Sanker mentioned that the funding of this key is yet to be determined and will need to be done in a future appropriations ordinance. Additionally the Treasurer’s Office is still evaluating several software packages and has not yet made a final determination. Since we do not have a definitive answer we can either pass this tonight and wait for the funding of the key until we hear the details from the Treasurer, or we can defer this to the next meeting.
Mr. Schneider mentioned that he prefers tabling this since we do not yet have the formal presentation from the Treasurer.
Mr. Sanker replied that deferring is fine, but we can also pass this tonight since we know that the City needs to purchase a software package to assist the Treasurer’s Office in the processing of mandatory income tax filing. This can be passed tonight and then funded when a final decision on the software package has been made. This approach will insure that the paperwork is in and a software purchase can be made as soon as a decision has been made and the key is funded.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to table the third reading of the Ordinance until the next meeting. The following members voted YES: Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore and Ms. Kelly. The following members voted NO: Mr. Sanker, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. Ms. Grote then voted to break the tie and voted YES causing the motion to pass.
J)
SECOND
A) 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 REPEALING SUBSECTION
"(d)" OF SECTION 181.17 OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD CODIFIED ORDINANCES,
AS AMENDED.
Mr. Moore noted that this will not affect most residents if they are paying their taxes or are not required to do so. This is designed to identify those that need to pay taxes but are not currently filing and paying.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to hear the second reading of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE
PROMOTING THE "
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to hear the second and third reading of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
K) INTRODUCTORY
Prior to consideration of this item, Council heard a request to address Council from Mr. Anthony Hooks regarding this agenda item.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved that Mr. Anthony Hooks be granted an additional 2 minutes and 30 seconds. All members present voted YES. Mr. Hooks addressed Council on the Deputy Auditor position and the background of this proposal.
A) ORDINANCE CHANGING THE DEPUTY AUDITOR POSITION TO A PART-TIME HOURLY POSITION WITHOUT BENEFITS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to postpone the reading of this Ordinance and Communication O-1) until the next meeting. All members present voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 55-2003 ADOPTING THE EDWARDS ROAD CORRIDOR AREA URBAN RENEWAL PLAN DATED JULY 7, 2003 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
As amended, this item was considered previously.
C) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF 2,000 TONS, MORE OR LESS, OF SALT AT BULK RATE.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, 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. Barlow, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
D)
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A FUND TO ACCEPT
DONATIONS FOR EQUIPMENT FOR THE CITY OF
Mr. Sanker commented that this should really be passed tonight so that this fund can be created. There have already been funds collected for this purpose and we need to create a fund to direct these donations.
Mr. Schneider directed a question to Mr. Sanker and asked what the estimated amount of this fund might be and asked if this would be an ongoing fund. Mr. Sanker responded that there is already approximately $25,000 that has been collected, and this fund will remain open for additional donations in the future.
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 Ms. Kelly, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then
considered the following item.
E) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2006.
Mr. Moore explained that this Ordinance makes a few changes
including the appropriations of $25,000 to the Police Academy Fund that was
just created, and moves $15,000 from the fund for the CAFER Audit key and
directs that to the Director of Public Safety-Service for funding the Budget
Analyst position. Mr. Moore explained
that he fully expects that this position will significantly change the way
budgets are developed, tracked, and appropriated. This will change the way the City does
business; the out of control spending of the past has placed the City in the current
financial situation. Mr. Moore asked Mr.
Geers to the podium to explain how the role of a budget director assisted him
in his former position in the City of
Mr. Moore added that this level of tracking will assist us in answering key questions in identifying what we can cut or where we may need to scrutinize costs. Mr. Geers confirmed and stated that if this is done right this will allow us to track the amount of time our employees are doing certain tasks and will be fully documented.
Mr. Schneider asked if we would utilize Software Solutions as the software tool to track this and if those that have been talked to have experience in this software package. Mr. Geers responded that we have not talked to candidates at this time. In addition, we need to analyze e-gov and our usage of this package. As the State Auditor has declared, this software package is not being used as originally intended. This will need to be looked at separately.
Mr. Schneider asked who the Finance Director reported to in
the City of
Mr. Barlow asked Mr. Geers if he was able to access e-gov from his desktop within City Hall. Mr. Geers responded that several months ago, he as asked to discontinue usage of the system. Mr. Geers added that when he did have access it was limited and was not able to do the type of reporting that is needed to manage the full budget. Hardcopy backups have also been heavily relied upon as transactions are sometimes lost in the system.
Mr. Moore noted that a majority of Council is in favor of this position and the funding of this position. Mr. Moore asked Mr. Schneider not to hold this up, since while not having enough votes to suspend rules, this will be done eventually even if through three separate meetings.
Mr. Schneider responded that he does not think that the Auditor’s Office is fully on board and feels that this is needed in order for this position to be effective. Mr. Schneider mentioned that he doubts that this one part time position can make sustainable changes that can achieve these great results that have been discussed.
Mr. Mumper asked Mr. Schneider if the Auditor’s Office would be a road block in attaining these goals. Mr. Schneider responded that there is a lot of history and personalities that conflict. Mr. Schneider added that the Treasurer’s Office, Auditor’s Office, and Administration need to be on the same page in order for this position to be effective. Mr. Schneider affirmed that he believes that the Auditor’s Office will not work affectively with this position.
Mr. Sanker expressed his disappointment in hearing that the Auditor’s Office would be a hindrance in changing the way this City does business. If that is the case then we really need to understand why this situation exists.
Mr. Moore added that sometimes bringing in an outside professional can ease the situation with personality conflicts and office politics. Mr. Moore asked the Mayor for his opinion. Mayor Williams answered with thanking the Council for honoring the verbal agreement to remove the Ordinance regarding the Deputy Auditor while the Auditor is out of town. That was the honorable thing to do. On the other hand, this is new information after a discussion with Mr. Jones where he seemed very agreeable. Mayor Williams hopes that the information presented here tonight is inaccurate.
Mr. Schneider commented that coordination is needed between several areas, not just the Auditor’s Office. The Treasurer’s Office and the Administration will also need to be on the same page. Mr. Schneider commented that he is not sure this is the present state and will be voting NO.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the Ordinance. The following members voted YES: Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. The following members voted NO: Mr. Schneider. The motion FAILED due to the requirement to have six votes in order to suspend the rules.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to hear the first reading of the Ordinance. The following members voted YES: Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. The following members voted NO: Mr. Schneider.
As amended, Council then considered the following item:
F) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE-SAFETY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO DUMP TRUCKS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, PLUS INTEREST, UNDER THE STATE BID PURCHASE PROGRAM.
Mr. Moore
asked Mr. Geers to come to the podium to discuss the status of our current
trucks. Mr. Geers answered that we had
our fingers crossed all last winter and were lucky to make it through the
snowfall season with the current trucks.
The new trucks will be medium load and will be well equipped to handle
our more narrow streets. This will be
managed under the state purchase program and we are running out of time in
order to purchase vehicles for the upcoming winter.
Mr.
Moore explained that these vehicles would be financed with a lease/purchase
program and therefore the expenses would be spread over several years.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, 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 Ms. Kelly, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
YES.
L)
INTRODUCTORY
A) RESOLUTION HONORING THE GRADUATING COMPANIES OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY BUSINESS CENTER, INC.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to suspend the
rules and hear all three readings of the Resolution, the first in its
entirety. 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.
M) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and mentioned that grand opening of the Police Substation
was well attended, and Mayor Williams encouraged all residents to go down and
take a look at this wonderful project.
Mayor Williams thanked all the volunteers who made this renovation
possible.
Mayor
Williams also mentioned that the demolition of properties for the Linden Pointe
development has been completed and construction has begun on this development.
The
Mayor commented that graffiti in the area has increased. Mayor Williams encouraged anyone who notices
this to call the Police immediately.
Graffiti is something that needs to be addressed early or can be a
spreading problem.
Mayor
Williams also mentioned that he attended the Norwood Soccer Association Grand
Opening and thanked all the volunteers that make community events like this
possible.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Schneider asked for progress on the redevelopment at
Mr.
Schneider also mentioned that there are lights on the underpass that are not
operational and asked that the Director of Public Safety-Service contact the
railway owners to address the condition of the railroad tracks along
Mr.
Gibson was present but did not give a report.
N) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
O) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
P) new Business
Mr. Moore requested that a letter be sent to the Law Director requesting that they review Chapter 163 and identify any changes that need to be made in light of the Supreme Court ruling.
Mr. Mumper mentioned that it has come to his attention that an employee of the City is being reimbursed for their high speed internet expense so that they may be able to work from home. At the same time, Mr. Mumper and Mr. Sanker are personally paying for port-o-lets at Hunter Park. Reimbursing employees for their internet service doesn’t seem like something that should be happening and Mr. Mumper asked that this item be placed into the Finance and Claims Committee.
Mr. Schneider asked that a letter be sent to the Economic Development Director asking for images of the Linden Pointe development on the City website.
Mr. Sanker asked that a letter be sent from Council to
Norwood Moose Lodge thanking them for their generous donation to the Norwood
K-9 Unit. It is great to see these
community volunteers stepping up to contribute and manage projects like this
and the West Norwood Neighborhood Association’s work on the Police
Substation. It is great to see these
organizations contributing rather than some that will look to find the negative
in everything in the City of
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that a letter of appreciation be sent to the Norwood Moose Lodge for their donation to the K-9 Unit. All members present voted YES.
Q) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from Ted Kiser RE: Ordinance Request.
As amended, this item was tabled until the next meeting.
2. Letter
from Ted Kiser RE: Property on
On a motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
3. Letter from Donnie Jones RE: Auditor's Report for July 2006
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
4. Letter from Betty Montgomery RE: Local Government Services.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the letter be received and filed, and that the terms and conditions be accepted to enter into a contract with the State Auditor's office. All members present voted YES.
R) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to excuse the absent member. All members present voted YES.
S) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, 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