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
F) APPROVE MINUTES FROM
G) Requests to address council on agenda items
H) Reports of Standing committees of council
1. Community Development RE: Linden Pointe Design Review - Building C.
Mr. Moore commented that the triangle building is progressing nicely. This is a half scale replica of the original. The remaining bricks will be used for the construction of the monument.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
2. Community Development RE: Gold Star Block.
Mr. Sanker explained the location this is referencing. These houses will be torn down and fenced in. Conceptual ideas for this property look promising.
Mr. Moore added that the attached rendering shows a two story office building with parking garage. Intended use will be for high end medical. These are very early drawings at this point.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.
I) INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF ORDINANCES
A) ORDINANCE CLARIFYING THAT THE REPAYMENT OF FUNDS BY THE DEVELOPER OF ROOKWOOD COMMONS PROJECT ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2006 SHALL NOT BE DEPOSITED IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND CREATED BY ORDINANCE 53-1985, BUT RATHER SHALL BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY AND APPROPRIATED AS DETERMINED BY COUNCIL, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Sanker asked Mayor Williams if he could explain this in more detail. Mayor Williams responded that after this is done we will need to create a fund under Section 5705.12 This is the approach recommended by the State Auditor, City Auditor and Treasurer.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, 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 Mr. Barlow, it was moved to pass the ordinance. All members present voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE OHIO FIRE CODE AS PART OF THE
NORWOOD CODIFIED ORDINANCES, AS AMENDED BY THE NORWOOD FIRE DIVISION, AND
DELETING CHAPTERS 1519 AND 1523, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Sanker asked Fire Inspector Jones to the podium to explain any further amendments or comments. Fire Inspector Jones reiterated that this aligns us very closely with the Ohio Fire Code and aligns us on this standard.
Mr. Sanker asked if there were any timelines or any reason to expedite. Inspector Jones responded that there is not necessarily a hard and fast deadline, but the sooner we can adopt this code, the better our code and standards will be. The current code based on the Southwest Ohio Fire Code is still in force.
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.
C) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE-SAFETY
TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR A CONTRACT TO PROVIDE FOR GARBAGE COLLECTION FOR THE
CITY OF NORWOOD, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Schneider asked if this was only authorization to advertise for bids. Ms. Grote confirmed and added that this does not authorize entering into a contract; this alignment would have to be forthcoming.
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 Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the ordinance. All members present voted YES.
D) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC
SERVICE-SAFETY TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE BARGAINING COMMITTEE OF THE
NORWOOD, OHIO POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEARS 2006 THROUGH 2008, AND DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Moore asked a question to the Mayor or Director of Public Service Safety and asked how we got to this agreement. Mayor Williams responded that this is the result of professional negotiations on both sides; there was no animosity and both sides worked to get through the City’s tough financial times. The bargaining committee sent a note to our negotiator thanking him and the Administration for their cooperation and acting in good faith throughout the process.
Mr. Schneider detailed the increases and provisions provided for in this contract do not seem to be a result of going into the negotiations with a hardline stance. The pay increases, increase in clothing, sick days and bonus appear to be similar to last time. Mayor Williams responded that this is dramatically different. Minimum manpower has been reduced, and contains a 0% increase in 2006. This is also the first time in the City’s history that something has been done about Medical insurance. This contract is a net savings of more than $1 Million over the course of the contract.
Mr. Moore asked the Director of Public Service-Safety to explain the highlights of the contract. Mr. Geers detailed the highlights and changes to previous contracts. Previous contracts have given positions, given on minimum man, and given 4%, 5%, and 6% pay raises. This contract does none of that and gives a total of 5% pay raise over the three year contract.
Mr. Moore added that the net is that this contract saves significantly over current contract even with the 5% pay raise.
Mr. Schneider commented that it is nice to see that we enter into negotiations with a clear understanding of the current situation rather than arguing over past contracts continually. Mayor Williams responded that we want good people, we want to retain good people, and want to provide equipment so that the job can be done effectively. We need to keep efficiency up while keeping costs down. Keeping contracts at a 5% increase with the other provisions over the three year contract is a dramatic cost savings. This is a good and fair contract.
Mr. Moore commented that he could not be happier. Having a contract presented by the Administration that actually saves money is a nice change. This contract changes the way we do Health Care and is a dramatic change in how we do business. This is a great accomplishment for Mr. King, the Administration and demonstrates the strong relationship we have with the Police Department.
Mr. Mumper thanked both sides for a professional process that delivered results. These are the necessary steps to maintain service levels during these tough financial times.
Mr. Schneider added that while there are changes to the contract that will benefit the budget we also gave the employees something and this is what a negotiation is all about. The morale stays up and we can move forward with a contract that will aid all parties in the coming years. The negotiator did his job and was in a tough position to be in when you have little to nothing to give. Congratulations to all.
Mr. Sanker added that Council’s guidance going into these negotiations was to go for 0% pay raise over the contract knowing that their would be give and take and that other concessions could be made by the bargaining unit to achieve a fair and amicable contract. This contract, while not 0%, will save significant money while maintaing services.
Mr. Moore added his thanks to all parties on a job well done. Mr. Sanker reiterated.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, 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 Mr. Schneider, it was moved to pass the ordinance. This motion was superseded by a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend Section 2 of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
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 Mr. Schneider, it was moved to pass the ordinance. All members present voted YES.
J) INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF RESOLUTIONS
A) RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS
DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES
AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to amend the resolution correcting a typographical error. All members present voted YES.
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. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the resolution. All members present voted YES.
K) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and announced that the bids for the Williams Avenue Sewer
project have closed; Trend Construction came in with a low bid that was nearly
$350,000 lower than the grant awarded.
Mayor Williams reminded all that this is a very large project being
funded by this grant.
Mayor
Williams added his recommendation on the appropriations of the funds from the
UDAG grant. Payment of the Police and
Fire Pension Fund should be the first priority, and then taking a good chunk of
the remainder as a reserve fund. We
never want to be in this position again and we should all remember the very
tough and miserable meetings in the past.
We should tie money up for future low points. This $3.5 Million is only short term, we need
to continue our diligence on questioning any cost increase in the future if we
are to remain solvent into the future.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Schneider asked Mayor Williams or the Director of
Public Service-Safety if there was any background on Trend Construction. Mr. Geers responded that Trend Construction
is a branch of Ford Development and they have been around for more than twenty
years. Mr. Geers has personally worked
with them on $5-10 Million worth of projects.
Mr.
Schneider followed up with a question regarding timing. Mr. Geers responded that there will be a
preconstruction meeting next week. This
will be a Winter job. The delay in
starting was primarily due to Duke Energy; they will be putting in a new main
and we are trying to coordinate these two projects rather than resurfacing the
street only to have it torn up by main replacement. The project includes curbs, sidewalks,
street, and storm sewer. Current
completion is targeted for early Spring.
Mr.
Moore asked what we are permitted to do with the underspent funds from the
grant. Mr. Geers responded that the
current plans are to hold that for contingency and we will reevaluate other
related work periodically.
Mr.
Schneider asked for an updated delivery date for the ambulance. Mayor Williams responded that it should be
available in the next few weeks.
Mr.
Molony, Treasurer, was also present and provided an update on several separate
topics.
1) The $3.5 Million payment as a result of the
UDAG Grant: Mr. Molony reported that the
funding is currently in the general fund.
The first step is to place in reserve where we will invest in short term
CDs until we appropriate to specific funds.
The ORC allows for the creation of a rainy day fund with restrictions on
spending.
2) The appropriation of these UDAG Grant
funds: Mr. Molony concurred with the
Mayor’s recommendation and believes we should retire the debt from the Police
and Fire Pensions Fund. The City Auditor
is working with the Police and Fire Pension Fund Board to get final payout
amounts.
3) The third item was an update on Earnings Tax
Collection. We are currently tracking at
about an $800,000 increase over next year.
We should meet our October projections.
One watchout is that the letter from the tax commissioner was a
comparison over last year not necessarily a comparison over projections. We are currently about $200,000 over
projections however so that is good news but is tapered with our current
reality and deficit.
4) Tax Collection Software – We have received
two bids for a new software package and these bids are very different. The devil is in the details. We will meet to dig deep and determine the
differences in the next few days.
5) The last update is in regards to mandatory
filings. Just to reiterate this is not
an increase in taxes for those that are not required to pay or those that
currently pay. The only difference for
these residents is that they will now be required to complete a return
form. The form itself will be mailed in
early January and will be accompanied with educational material regarding the
new procedures and requirements.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Moore asked about other short term investment
options. Mr. Molony answered that there
are several options that we can pursue once a final decision has been made on
the direction of these funds.
Mr.
Moore also questioned the Pension Boards stance on the penalty. Mr. Molony stated that the latest penalty is
a result of not continuing payment on the debt owed from the 1980s. Unfortunately it was their advise to hold all
payments until we could render payments in full.
Mr.
Gibson, Law Director, was also in attendance and provided a few updates
including his perspective on the UDAG funds.
Section 5705.12 and 5705.13 are our two options. 5705.13 has restrictions on contribution
amounts and spending use, 5705.12 has no restrictions other than an approval
form which is why it is the recommended approach at this point. The other update was in regards to Item
I-B). Ted Kiser has worked diligently
with the Fire Department to refine this Ordinance. Not only does this Ordinance adopt the Ohio
Fire Code, but also cleans up the old legislation for the previous fire code.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Gabbard asked for an update on Sex Offenders. Mr. Gibson responded that it appears we have
them on the run with our aggressive stance.
We are not the only ones that are taking this approach however so at
times we are relocating offenders from Norwood to nearby communities and they
are doing the same; it is a constant battle to identify violators and stay on
top of the situation.
Mr.
Sanker asked for Mr. Gibson’s perspective on the Pension Board’s position on
the pentalty – it seems like we are victims of their guidance. Mr. Sanker asked if there was anything we
could do to fight this. Mr. Gibson
responded that everything is up to negotiation but we certainly would not want
to discuss strategy in an open forum like this.
Mr.
Moore asked that the Law Director and Mayor work with the Board to determine if
we have a strong legal position on this and to attend the next Committee of the
Whole meeting to discuss our options.
L) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
M)UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr.
Moore commented on the three crime prevention programs spearheaded by the West
Norwood Neighborhood Association. The
turnout was fantastic. If you would like
more information but cannot attend a W.N.N.A meeting contact a W.N.N.A member,
the Police Department, or Mr. Moore.
N) new Business
Mr.
Barlow asked that a letter be sent to Mr. Geers and Public Works regarding an
addition of a 4-way stop at the intersection of Linden and Kenilworth.
Mr.
Schneider asked that the issue of a Norwood Community Newsletter be placed into
the Committee of the Whole.
O) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from Mayor RE: Mayor's Court Fines.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
2. Letter from Joe Geers RE: Election Day.
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
3. Letter from Recreation Commission RE: Clean parks/restrooms.
Mr.
Schneider mentioned that it is nice to see this letter and a little positive
reinforcement can go a long way.
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be
received and filed. All members present
voted YES.
4. Letter from Jerry Owens RE: Vietnam "Wall That Heals".
Mr.
Gabbard expressed thanks and gratitude for Mr. Owens and the Victory Park
Veterans. Mr. Gabbard encouraged all
residents to attend in honor of those who have served this Country and those
that made the ultimate sacrifice.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved that the letter be
received and filed. All members present
voted YES.
P) 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.
On a motion by Mr. Gabbard, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved that Council go into Executive Session to discuss negotiations with other contracts. All members present voted YES.
Q) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council