Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

April 24, 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. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper.

 

E)    AMENDMENT OF AGENDA

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Resolution I-A), Ordinance J-B), Communications N-9) immediately preceding Ordinance J-B) and N-10) immediately preceding Resolution I-A), and by moving Communication N-1 immediately preceding H-A).

 

The following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore and Mr. Barlow.  The following member voted NO: Mr. Mumper.  The motion PASSED.

 

F)     requests to address council on agenda items

There were no requests to address Council.

 

G)    REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL

 

1.      Community Development RE: Linden Pointe TIF Agreement

 

Mr. Moore noted that the final TIF agreement is being finalized and should be available for the next Council meeting. 

 

Mr. Schneider asked if the agreement includes the gateway project and other enhancements.  Mr. Moore answered that the final agreement is being worked but their will be plans for the bridge, historical monument, improvements related to the realignment and other improvements that will really raise the profile of the entire area.

 

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 RE: Cornerstone T-Mobile Antenna

 

Mr. Moore explained that T-Mobile was pursuing a large antenna on top of the building, the final design however will be flush with the building matching the aesthetics of the development. 

 

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

report.  All members present voted YES.

 

As amended, Council then considered the following items:

 

N-1)  Letter from Chris Dobrozsi RE: Linden Pointe – Phase IIA

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that Ordinance H-A be removed from the Agenda.  All members present voted YES.

 

H)    SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE

 

A)    ORDINANCE APPROVING THE FINAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (P.U.D.) PLANS FOR PHASE IIA OF THE LINDEN POINTE ON THE LATERAL DEVELOPMENT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

 

As amended, this Ordinance was removed from the Agenda.

 

As amended, Council then considered the following item:

 

N-10  Letter from Casey Brown RE: Senate Bill 117

 

Mr. Mumper explained that he voted No on the motion to add this letter only because it didn’t add much to the discussion, the Resolution was already available and Mr. Tyler Meyer is present to address any questions or concerns.

 

Mr. Sanker added that Council had been discussing this item in the Community Development Committee. 

 

Mr. Schneider asked Mr. Tyler Meyer to the podium and asked Mr. Meyer if cable access will continue if this Senate Bill was to pass.  Mr. Meyer answered that it doesn’t look likely.  Most of the operating budget comes from franchise fees which would be eliminated if this were to pass.  Additionally, there is a requirement for 9.6 hours of original programming per day which is nearly impossible.

 

Mr. Sanker asked Mr. Meyer who would benefit in this scenario.  Mr. Meyer responded that essentially only the large cable and phone companies would stand to benefit and the community would likely suffer without local cable programming.

 

Mr. Schneider asked where the equipment would go in this scenario.  Mr. Meyer answered that presumably the equipment would revert to the school system or the City, but with no one to operate the equipment, it would likely sit idle.  Mr. Meyer added that Public Right of Way would also be in the control of the state.

 

Mr. Sanker asked if there were any local supporters of the Bill.  Mr. Meyer responded that he was not aware of any local support for the Bill.

 

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.

 

I)       INTRODUCTORY READING OF Resolution

 

A)    RESOLUTION OPPOSING SENATE BILL (SB)117

 

Mr. Schneider asked if there was a reason Senator Kearney’s name was not included on the distribution for Resolution.

 

Mr. Moore thanked Mr. Tyler Meyer for his proactive stance on this and for forwarding a Draft Resolution to the Law Department.  Mr. Meyer made Council aware of the implications several weeks ago and as soon as we can pass this the better.  This is a classic example of the lobbyists gaining while local municipalities are losing.  Mr. Moore asked Mayor Williams for his comments on the matter.  Mayor Williams responded that the spin surrounding this is that it promotes free enterprise but it is hard to believe that any of them care about the localities.  TimeWarner Cable and AT&T both win while everyone else loses. 

 

On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend the Resolution by adding Senator Eric Kearney’s name to the distribution.  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. Schneider, it was moved to pass the Resolution.  All members present voted YES.

 

J)      INTRODUCTORY READING OF ORDINANCEs

 

A)    ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2007

 

Mr. Schneider commented that we are once again grateful to the Lindners for their contributions for Waterworks and Lindner Park maintenance.  These funds have been deposited but need to be appropriated to the proper keys before these funds can be utilized.

 

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.

 

As amended, Council then considered the following items:

 

N-9)  Letter from Ted Kiser RE: Annual Update to Codified Ordinances

 

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

 

B)    ORDINANCE APPROVING THE EDITING AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE VARIOUS COMPONENT CODES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF NORWOOD, OHIO AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, 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 Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance.  All members present voted YES. 

 

K)    ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

 

Mayor Williams was present and mentioned that he received a letter from the Director of Anesthesiology of the Mayfield Clinic commending and thanking the City for the paramedic services provided in March.  A letter like this from a person with this background speaks volumes about the quality of services provided by our City’s paramedic unit.

 

Mayor Williams also announced that the Norwood Presbyterian Church will be celebrating their 120th year anniversary on May 6th and mentioned how important all of our Churches our to our Community in the services they provide and the manner in which they provide them.

 

Mayor Williams also announced that on April 26th two Boy Scouts will get the Eagle Scout honors.  Brad Evans and Randy Burgess have put in significant work to achieve this goal and certainly behind these kids are great parents that provide their support and encouragement that enable such achievement.

 

The Mayor also announced that the Norwood Knothole Opening Day Celebration has been rescheduled due to the previous rain out.  The ceremony is scheduled for April 29th at U.C.’s ball field.

 

Mayor Williams also provided an update on the Williams Avenue project.  The new base is down, and curbs, sidewalks, and gas lines are being installed in the coming days.  The residents have been suffering through this construction but the final result will be a major improvement and will be well worth it.

 

Mayor Williams also mentioned that he had recently attended a demonstration of a DuraPatch machine along with Mr. Mumper, Mr. Sanker, and Mr. Geers.  This was done at the intersection of Fenwick and Glenside and Mayor Williams encouraged everyone to take a look at the result.  This is not a cure all but a piece of equipment that will function as a quick fix program and is a dramatic improvement over cold patch.

 

When opened for questions, Mr. Mumper asked if the Mayor will be throwing out the first pitch at the Norwood Knothole Opening Day celebration in competition with Cincinnati’s Mayor Mallory.  Mayor Williams confirmed and mentioned that he has been practicing and receiving advice from Mayor Mallory.

 

Mr. Schneider mentioned that the early results of the Williams Avenue project is incredible, but now that there is a smooth surface there is a concern with speeding.  Mr. Schneider asked if the speed wagon could be placed in this area and asked for the timelines of the installation of signage, crosswalks, etc.  Mayor Williams responded that this is all in the plans as the final steps in completing the project.  In regards to speeding in general, Chief Schlie is working on a comprehensive plan for dealing holistically with our hot problems including speeding, drugs, etc.  The Police Department is looking through data and analyzing the best approach.  We need to enforce these issues with proper analysis. 

 

Mr. Schneider asked for an update in locating a Budget Analyst.  Mayor Williams answered that he had conducted two interviews for the part time position and neither candidate was interested in the role as a part time position.  Through this process it has become increasingly evident that we need to address the effectiveness and usage of the E-Gov system.  The Administration recently met with a representative of SSI and we will look to them to provide the necessary consulting to address the issues and to unleash the full capability of the software.  This alone should increase the ability to share and track our short and long term budgetary needs.

 

Mr. Moore asked if there has been any word regarding the State Auditors review of the 2007 Forecast.  Mayor Williams answered that he had a discussion with the State Auditor’s office two weeks ago and they understand the importance of the forecast but have not yet finalized a timeline for completion.  Mr. Moore added that we need to plan for the future and need a final forecast urgently.  Mayor Williams agreed and added that as we wait for the forecast we will address the e-gov issues in hopes of delivering a much better reporting mechanism.  We need to make a decision quickly on what to do with the expiring operating levy and need the forecast in order to make an informed decision about how to proceed.  One thing is clear, we can’t drop our guard or change our scarcity mindset.

 

Mr. Gabbard mentioned that one of his pet peeves is when Norwood businesses list Cincinnati or Hyde Park as their location, but even worse was when the mandatory filing forms were sent out, Cincinnati was listed on the return address.  This is unacceptable.  Mayor Williams agreed and confirmed to look into this issue with the Earnings Tax Department and the printer.

 

L)    OTHER REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL

 

A request to address Council from Brian Watson regarding the Norwood Community Center was heard.

 

A request to address Council from Tom Wilkinson regarding bringing back the Taste of Norwood was heard.

 

M)  UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Mr. Barlow reminded residents that the City Wide Street Sale is scheduled for May 4th and 5th from 9am-5pm.

 

N)    NEW BUSINESS

 

Mr. Schneider requested that the Taste of Norwood topic be placed into the Finance and Claims committee.

 

Mr. Barlow requested the issue of digitizing codified Ordinances be placed into Council’s Committee of the Whole.

 

Mr. Schneider announced that the Holy Trinity Variety Show is being held at the Holy Trinity Social Hall this weekend and encouraged attendance.

 

O)    COMMUNICATIONS

 

1.      Letter from Chris Dobrozsi RE: Linden Pointe – Phase IIA

 

As amended, this item was considered previously.

 

2.      Letter from Donnie Jones RE: March 2007 Auditor’s Report

 

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.

 

3.      Letter from John Hanrahan RE: March 2007 Tax Report

 

Mr. Schneider mentioned that he appreciates the comparison report and commended the efforts of the Earnings Tax Department and Treasurer’s office in their efforts with the mandatory filing including the informative cable show providing instruction.  We all hope for success. 

 

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

 

4.      Letter from Norwood Tree Board RE: Arbor Day Celebration

 

Mr. Sanker thanked the Tree Board for their commitment to the City, to Arbor Day, and to this celebration. 

 

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

 

5.      Letter from Dan Bly RE: Liquor License Renewals

 

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

 

6.      Letter from Liquor Control RE: Liquor Permit Renewals

 

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

 

7.      Letter from Liquor Control RE: Hearing for Kkusum, Inc.

 

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.

 

8.      Letter from Liquor Control RE: Hearing for Palcincy, LLC.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that a letter be sent to the Law Department to insure they are aware of these hearings and are present to represent the City.  All members present voted YES.

 

9.      Letter from Ted Kiser RE: Annual Update to Codified Ordinances

 

As amended, this item was considered previously.

 

10.  Letter from Casey Brown RE: Senate Bill 117

 

As amended, this item was considered previously.

 

 

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.

 

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