Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

March 13, 2007

 

 

 

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. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper

 

E)   AMENDMENT OF AGENDA

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Ordinance K-A), and Communications O-10), and O-11).  All members present voted YES.

 

F)   Approve MINUTES from 1/09/2007 and 1/23/2007

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to approve the minutes as if read.  All members present voted YES.

 

G)  requests to address council on agenda items

There were no requests to address Council.

 

The Chair notes that Mr. Gabbard is now in Council Chambers.

 

H)  REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL

 

1.      Community Development RE: Cornerstone Waterfall

 

On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted YES.

 

2.      Community Development RE: Cornerstone First Financial

 

Mr. Sanker mentioned that First Financial has now officially located their Corporate Offices into Cornerstone.  This is a great addition and we hope for a great long term relationship.

 

On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the

report.  All members present voted YES.

 

I)      SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES

 

A)    ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CLERK/TREASURER TO CERTIFY

UNPAID WATER AND SEWER BILLS AS WELL AS GARBAGE FEES TO THE HAMILTON COUNTY AUDITOR FOR FILING AS A LIEN ON THE TAX DUPLICATE OF THE OWNER(S) OF SAID PARCEL AND BE COLLECTED AS OTHER TAXES

 

Mr. Moore mentioned that he has had discussions with the Assistant Law Director and this is not necessarily adding a provision but is simply clearing up the current code.  Mr. Moore asked Mr. Kiser to comment.

 

Mr. Kiser explained that this is a benefit to the citizens, when a lien is applied this Ordinance will help remove that lien when all bills are paid up.  This also adds garbage fees to the code.  This Ordinance was requested by the County.

 

On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear the second and 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.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to read Communication O-5 prior to considering Ordinance I-B.  All members present voted YES.

 

O-5)   Letter from Dan Bly RE: Fee Schedule

 

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

 

ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PROVISIONS AND FEE SCHEDULES UNDER CHAPTER 1305.05 OF THE NORWOOD CODIFIED ORDINANCES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

 

Mr. Moore expressed concerns and raised some questions with this new fee schedule.  While Mr. Moore understands that this increase is needed to keep up with inflation, we need to better understand how this fee schedule will incentivize and remove barriers for those who want to do the right thing, while restricting plans clearly violating the Building Code.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to place the Ordinance is the Community Development Committee.  All members present voted YES.

 

J)    SECOND READING OF RESOLUTIONS

 

A)    RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITIES READINESS INITIATIVE (CRI) PLAN, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to hear the second reading of the Resolution.  All members present voted YES.

 

As amended, Council then considered the following item:

 

K)  Introductory readings of ordinances

 

A)    AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND/OR SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR TO SIGN AN “ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RELEASE” CONCERNING DONATED PROPERTY TO BE USED FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF NORWOOD AVENUE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

 

Mr. Moore asked Mayor Williams or Mr. Kiser to explain this Ordinance and the timing requirements.  Mr. Kiser explained that this was originally on the agenda a few meetings ago, but the necessary backup documentation was not available and it was recommended not to pass the Ordinance at this time.  Since then we have all the necessary attachments which alleviates the previous concerns.  Mr. Kiser referred to Mr. Geers to provide information on the urgency.  Mr. Geers approached the podium and explained that this is part of the Montgomery Rd. realignment and is another important piece to that puzzle.  This would need to be passed prior to the end of the month in order to facilitate the progress that is needed on the overall project.

 

Mr. Sanker encouraged all to review this Acknowledgement and Release and have any questions addressed prior to the next meeting.

 

Mr. Moore asked Mr. Kiser to respond to the concerns with the environmental issues.  Mr. Kiser responded that testing has been done which have come back negative.  There are certainly some risks with any brown site, but they have taken some steps to help the City feel more comfortable.  Mr. Kiser agrees with waiting until next meeting to act on this Ordinance.

 

Mr. Mumper asked Mayor Williams for his comments, Mayor Williams commended Mr. Geers and Mr. Kiser for their diligence in this matter and making sure the City’s interests are protected.

 

On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to hear the first reading of the Ordinance.  All members present voted YES.

 

K)  ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

 

Mayor Williams was present and mentioned that he attended the Knights of Columbus event and read Proclamations honoring Firefighter Brian McCarthy and Police Officer Michael Huston who were honored by the K. of C.  Ms. Donna Laake also received a citizenship award.

 

Mayor Williams also mentioned that he, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Moore, and Ms. Grote served as judges in the Schools recent History Day.  The kids put in a lot of work and this was a very nice event.

 

Mayor Williams, in following up to a question from the previous meeting, mentioned that bids for the Montgomery Rd. project will open up on March 16th. 

 

Mayor Williams also noted some positive financial news for the City, including that Municipal Insurance is $92,000 less than last year, Workman’s Comp is down $50,000 from last year and Medical Insurance will be down $80,000-$100,000 from last year.  Mayor Williams thanked Mr. Geers and all employees that were responsible for these savings.

 

When opened for questions, Mr. Sanker asked for an update on the annual pothole repair effort.  Mayor Williams answered that Public Works has been taking advantage of the recent good weather and addressing matters as they are identified.

 

Mr. Mumper asked for an update on the demolition of the building on Worth Ave.  Mayor Williams noted that they are working on the final Gas and Electric certifications necessary prior to the demolition permit being issues.

 

Mr. Sanker asked for an update on the Williams Ave. project.  The Mayor replied that this is a major project and is progressing.  The cooperation of the residents during this construction is greatly appreciated.

 

Mr. Schneider asked if the light at Floral and Williams will be on a timer or control loop.  Mayor Williams responded that due to cost this will remain on a timer, as most traffic lights are in the City.

 

L)  OTHER REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL

 

A request to address Council from Margaret Wehmeyer regarding confidentiality of Earnings Tax material was heard.  Ms. Wehmeyer encouraged all to be protective and cautious of identity theft.

 

M)  UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

N)  NEW BUSINESS

 

Mr. Barlow announced that the Spring City Wide Street Sale will be held on May 4th and 5th.

 

Ms. Kelly announced that the annual Easter Egg hunt will be held on Saturday March 31st.  Children are invited for pictures with the Easter Bunny at 9:30am and the hunt will begin at 10:00am.

 

O)  COMMUNICATIONS

 

1.      Letter from Liquor Control RE: New License/Permit for Ramco 2

 

2.      Letter from Chief Schlie RE: Ramco 2

 

3.      Letter from Donna Laake RE: Ramco 2

 

4.      Letter from Dan Bly RE: Ramco 2

 

Mr. Gabbard mentioned that his concern is due to the proximity of the School.  Mr. Mumper concurred and mentioned that this was the main concern when we discussed this matter previously.

 

Mr. Sanker asked about quotas and the status of our saturation of this type of license within City limits.  Mr. Kiser confirmed that there is indeed a quota but not sure where we stand on this particular type of license.  Mr. Kiser added that if there is an objection any supporting evidence or witnesses will greatly increase our chances on the hearing.  Even if this new license is granted, we will have the opportunity to review every June and if necessary we could follow the same approach they City was successful in with regard to the Soupies license objection.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the first four letters be received and filed and to object to the new license/permit based on an objection from Building Commissioner Dan Bly.  All members present voted YES.

 

5.      Letter from Dan Bly RE: Fee Schedule

 

As amended, this item was considered previously.

 

6.      Letter from Donnie Jones RE: February Auditor’s Report

 

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

 

7.      Letter from John Hanrahan RE: February Tax Dept. 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.

 

8.      Letter from Mayor RE: February Court Fines

 

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.

 

9.      Letter from Mayor RE: Board of Health Appointment

 

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

 

As amended, Council then considered the following items:

 

10.  Letter from Chief Goodman RE: Homeland Security Grant

 

Mr. Mumper congratulated Chief Goodman and all those involved in the application of this grant. 

 

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

 

11.  Letter from Mayor’s Office RE: Time Warner

 

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

 

P)  EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS

All members present

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker it was moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation.  All members present voted YES.

 

Council returned from Executive Session.

 

Q)  ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to adjourn.  All members present voted YES.

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________            ______________________________

J. Brian Mumper                                           Jane M. Grote

Clerk of Council                                             President of Council