Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

December 12, 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, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper.

 

E)   AMENDMENT OF AGENDA

On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Communications O-6), O-7), O-8), and O-9) and by consolidating these with O-3) and O-4) as a single consideration.  All members present voted YES.

 

F) REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS

 

G)  Reports of Standing committees of council

 

H)  THIRD reading of ordinance

 

A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE-SAFETY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH RUMPKE OF OHIO, INC. TO PROVIDE FOR GARBAGE COLLECTION FOR THE CITY OF NORWOOD FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2007, 2008, AND 2009 AS WELL AS OPTION YEARS FOR 2010 AND 2011, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to hear the third reading 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.

 

I)      INTRODUCTORY READING OF RESOLUTION

 

A) RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENT TO APPROPRIATE TO PUBLIC USE PROPERTY REQUIRED FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF MONTGOMERY ROAD, NORWOOD AVENUE, ROSS AVENUE, AND CARTHAGE AVENUE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

 

Mr. Moore requested that Mr. Dobroszi, Mr. Steele, and Mr. Geers approach the podium to discuss this Resolution.  Mr. Dobroszi explained that there are seven small parcels outstanding; these parcels are small slivers needed for the realignment project.  Mr. Dobroszi then showed the locations of these parcels on an overhead map. 

 

Mr. Moore asked Mr. Dobroszi to explain his role in the process.  Mr. Dobroszi answered that he is only assisting with negotiations since the Linden Pointe development is so dependent on the realignment project.  Additionally more than $300,000 has been provided as short term loans for the acquisition of these parcels and repayment would be expected once these parcels were transferred to ODOT.

 

Mr. Schneider clarified that this would include the appropriation of these parcels for public use, but that these are small parcels that would not cause displacement.  Mr. Dobroszi confirmed and added that in most cases, only a few feet of property is needed for either temporary or permanent right of way.

 

Mr. Schneider added his support for the realignment project and noted that this will not only help with traffic flow but should also significantly reduce the frequency of accidents at that five way intersection.

 

Mr. Moore asked Mr. Geers to explain the urgency in this matter.  Mr. Geers responded that the realignment project will be funded with Issue 2 grant funds that do have expiration; all work must be completed in calendar year 2007.  Mr. Moore followed up by asking Mr. Geers how much this may have cost the City without the support of Neyer, Inc.  Mr. Geers responded that this quite simply would not have been completed during this critical time.  Total cost for acquisition and appraisals are estimated at nearly $500,000 to eventually be reimbursed upon transition to ODOT.  The City however did not have these funds on hand and therefore, without the loans from Neyer Inc. this realignment project and the development of the Globe Wernicke site would have died long ago.

 

Mr. Mumper asked how this realignment will affect traffic flow along Montgomery and importantly along the side streets such as Buxton, Feldman.  Mr. Geers responded that T.E.C. had done the traffic flow analysis and determined that this should actually decrease flow on side streets since the new configuration will streamline Montgomery Rd. and therefore pull traffic from these side streets.

 

Mr. Moore commented that he had heard about a possible development of the Globe Wernicke site the day he moved to the City of Norwood.  It is great to see that this development is actually going to happen; the Montgomery Rd. realignment project is also a long awaited project that should help the entire Montgomery Rd. corridor.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, 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.

 

J)    INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF ORDINANCES

 

A) ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A FUND TO ACCEPT DISBURSEMENTS OF MONIES TO THE CITY OF NORWOOD INTENDED AS COMPENSATION FOR EXPENSES, FEES AND ACQUISITION COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MONTGOMERY ROAD AND CARTHAGE AVENUE ROAD PROJECTS IDENTIFIED AS FEDERAL PROJECT NUMBER E041 (121), AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

 

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. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the ordinance.  All members present voted YES.

 

B) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2006.

 

Mr. Moore commented that this essentially transfers money into the Montgomery Rd/Carthage Ave. Right of Way Fund.

 

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.  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 first commented on the bomb scare incident on November 28th at Williams Avenue and I-71.  Mayor Williams noted that this was a very successful regional operation involving Norwood Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works, Health Department, Building Department, the Cincinnati Fire Department, the FBI, ATF, Bomb Squad and other agencies and organizations.  The City received numerous compliments on their attention to detail and their execution of the Emergency Operation Plan.  This could not have been done without hours of preparation and training.  The 900MHz radios that were contributed by Mr. Lindner were essential to this operation and Mayor Williams again thanked Mr. Lindner for his generous contribution to the safety of our community.

 

Mayor Williams also mentioned that $15,000 in toys was donated from an anonymous Santa.  The distribution of these toys will be managed by the Health Department in coordination with the service leagues and the School District.

 

Leaf pickup will continue as needed and as whether permits.  Due to some maintenance issues, we have some catch up to do but this will be underway in the coming weeks.

 

Mayor Williams encouraged Council Members to attend any special meetings held near the end of the year in order to pass Final Appropriations for 2006.

 

Lastly, Mayor Williams mentioned that he and Mr. Dettmer had an opportunity to tour the progress of the updated Siemens Facility.  Mr. Dettmer commented that this demonstrates a significant commitment to the current location to completely renovate this 100 year old facility.  This is a first class operation and offers one of a kind systems and equipment.  Upon completion, Siemens plans to invite the public to tour the facility as well.

 

When opened for questions, Mr. Sanker asked Mayor Williams if there was an update on the final numbers paid to the Police and Fire Pension Fund.  Mayor Williams responded that after much discussion the Board has waived nearly $240,000 in interest and penalties so when we make that last payment for the 3rd quarter we will be officially out of debt to the Pension Fund.  This does not include the debt from several decades ago, but will eliminate the debt accumulated over the last several years.  Mayor Williams added that he sincerely hopes that we have all learned a lesson from this and that we are never in this fiscal position again.  We need to continue to be fiscally responsible and when we are experiencing the good times, we need to account for the eventual and inevitable rough times.

 

Mr. Gabbard asked Mayor Williams for an update on the Lindner project.  Mayor Williams replied that final landscaping plans have been submitted for approval.

 

Mr. Moore asked Mayor Williams about the status of the City Auditor’s Office.  With the Deputy Auditor out of the office for the foreseeable future and the office already down one position what are the plans to cover that work for both the short term as well as the long term.  Mayor Williams answered that he has plans to talk to Mr. Jones in the coming week and a plan will be worked out to cover the necessary work to get us through year end as well as the busy first quarter of the New Year.  This has been an unfortunate series of events, but those remaining in the Auditor’s Office are doing what they can to keep that operation moving forward.

 

L)    OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL

 

A request to address Council from Yvonne Collins regarding ‘Wish List for 2007’ was heard.

 

M)  UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mr. Moore commented that the Community Development and Small Business Meeting scheduled for tomorrow will be cancelled.

 

Mr. Moore asked Mr. Geers to discuss the plan for pothole work as we get into the winter months.  Mr. Geers approached the podium and responded that crews have been and will be out periodically and will be patching potholes using a new bag mix that performs like a hot mix.  Mr. Geers also explained the issues with the current leaf blower and that the new leaf pickup machine will be in operation during fall 2007 and the warranty will be extended due to the delay in delivery.

 

Mr. Mumper asked how yard waste is being managed until spring.  Mr. Geers responded that since the separate yard waste trucks are discontinued as of November 30th, waste will still be picked up but will be commingled with other trash until the separate trucks resume operation in the spring.  There will be a separate truck the first few weeks of January for Christmas Trees.

 

Ms. Grote recommended that the December 26 meeting be rescheduled for December 28th at 7:30pm since City Hall is closed on December 26th.

 

N)   new Business

 

Mr. Gabbard asked that a letter be sent to the Law Department requesting their opinion and the appropriate Ordinance adding playgrounds, parks, recreation centers to the residency restriction regarding sexual predators.

 

Mr. Mumper wished all residents a very Merry Christmas.

 

O)  COMMUNICATIONS

 

1.   Letter from Mayor RE: Mayor's Court Fines.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the letter be received and filed.  All members present voted YES.

 

2.      Letter from Tax Dept. RE: November 2006 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.

 

As amended Council then considered the following items together.

 

3.      Letter from Chief Schlie RE: Robanco Inc.

 

4.      Letter from Donna Laake RE: Robanco Inc.

 

6.   Letter from Fire Dept. RE: Robanco Inc.

 

7.      Letter from Building Dept. RE: Robanco Inc.

 

8.      Letter from Building Dept. RE: Robanco Inc.

 

9.      Letter from Superintendent of Schools RE: Robanco Inc.

 

Mr. Schneider asked that the Norwood Fire Department and Mr. Dettmer investigate the possibility of removing the underground gasoline tanks at the business in question.  This may increase the likelihood of a viable business relocating to the location.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that all six letters be received and filed.  All members present voted YES.

 

5.      Letter from Liquor Control RE: new license for Robanco Inc.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and to object to the new license based on objections from Donna Laake, the Fire Dept., the Building Dept., and the Superintendent of Norwood City Schools.  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