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, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Resolution H-A) and Communication M-4). All members present voted YES.
F) requests to address council on agenda items
There were no requests to address Council.
G) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Committee of the Whole RE: ID Card Making System
Mr. Sanker mentioned that the purchase of this system is partially funded by a grant. This equipment will create Photo IDs for City Employees and creates these with a common format across all of Hamilton County. This will provide consistency across all emergency first responders.
On a motion by Mr. Moore,
seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
As
amended, Council then considered the following item:
H) INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF RESOLUTIONS
A) RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL INVESTIGATE POTENTIAL PRICE FIXING AND GOUGING WITH REGARD TO THE RETAIL PRICE OF GASOLINE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Moore noted that this was prepared at the request of the Mayor and Mr. Moore asked Mayor Williams for his comments. Mayor Williams commented that this has been on his mind for quite awhile and when gas prices were raised all of a sudden to $3.19 he felt it was time for the Attorney General to take a look at any inappropriate collusion.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, 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.
H) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor Williams was present and thanked Mr. Geers for his efforts in saving the City nearly $90,000 in working with the Ohio Municipal Self Insurance Pool.
The Mayor also mentioned that he attended the Norwood Presbyterian Church’s 120th anniversary celebration. It was a wonderful event and he was glad to be invited.
Mayor Williams then provided an update on the Montgomery Rd. Realignment construction timeline. The major construction will begin in mid May and be finalized in the November timeframe. This will be inconvenient for some time but when finished will be a significant improvement.
Mayor Williams also provided a follow up to the request to look into possible Edmonson/Smith Road work. The contractor provided an early estimate of $137,000, which obviously would be a major undertaking at this time. This will be prioritized along with the other City Streets needing repair.
As an update on the Williams Avenue Storm Sewer project, Mayor Williams noted that the base coat is down and they are currently raising sewers in preparation for the final coat.
Following up on the status of the Police Department’s strategic plan to address hot crimes, Mayor Williams acknowledged that he received the plan from the Chief this week and there are 3-4 different areas and types of crimes that will be addressed. Phase I of this plan will begin next week and we look forward to seeing the results.
When opened for questions Mr. Schneider noted that the most recent graffiti perpetrator has been caught and asked if there was any way we could attach the financial impact of cleaning up the graffiti as part of this person’s charges. Mayor Williams responded that he wished it was that simple. The offender is 19 years old and it’s not likely that we would ever see any funds. There are also other graffiti issues in the City and the Administration is working closely with Hamilton County officials to determine if there is any common theme that may help track down future offenders. So far there aren’t any leads, but Council will be updated on any progress.
Mr. Schneider acknowledged the steep price tag on the Smith Rd. work, but stated that this is a heavily traveled road and often times the first impression of our City and we are giving a bad impression. The same can be said of the weeds along the Norwood Lateral, and our other “front doors” not being maintained. Norwood is dragged through the mud enough as it is and Mr. Schneider asked what we need to do to make sure we are taking care of our image. Mayor Williams commented that he disagrees that Norwood’s name has been dragged through the mud. There have been many positive reports recently and he believes that we are turning the corner. There is great work going on in these areas and we are making progress. The Williams Avenue project and Linden Pointe are two great examples of that. Public Works would love to be able to address all of these areas, but they have made parks and other recreational facilities a priority so our children and residents can participate in our parks and with Norwood Knothole and Soccer. When we are caught up with this work we will improve other areas. The weeds along Norwood Lateral will be addressed.
Mr. Sanker asked if the City normally plants flowers or if those are traditionally maintained by volunteers. Mayor Williams confirmed that there are many locations that are maintained by our tree board and other volunteers. Ms. Rene Dierker and Ms. Linda Prues are among the many that volunteer. Additional volunteers are always welcome and interested parties can contact a member of the Tree Board or Ms. Donna Laake for more information.
Mr. Sanker asked the Mayor if he had heard an update from the State Auditor’s Office. Mayor Williams responded that they have a draft version of the forecast and they are waiting for a final report from the City Auditor’s office and will subsequently issue the 2007 forecast.
Mr. Schneider mentioned that a resident had observed aluminum cans and other recyclables being removed from bins and asked the Mayor for his advice in dealing with this. Mayor Williams responded that any resident that sees this behavior should question the person or persons taking these items.
Mr. Moore added that when we started the recycling program the City enacted an Ordinance that made the removal of recyclables a crime. Residents should call the Police Department if they observe this activity.
Mr. Sanker added that the offenders probably don’t realize this is a violation. Mr. Sanker cautioned residents not to be confrontational but to inform them they are breaking the law and they will likely move on.
Mr. Schneider asked if the Chief can address some of these recurring offenders directly. Mayor Williams responded that it will be addressed the next time we are made aware of the issue.
I) OTHER
REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
There
were no requests to address Council.
J) UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
Mr. Moore mentioned that Community Development Director Mr.
Rick Dettmer has the preliminary plans for the historical marker to be built at
the Linder Pointe development. Additionally
we are very close on the redevelopment agreement which will require the
developer to consult with the Norwood Historical Society on the plans for the
monument.
Mr. Sanker asked that a letter be sent to the Treasurer’s Office thanking them for their support of the City Wide Yard Sale. There were over 250 registered yard sales this year and this event is growing every year.
Mr. Moore mentioned that he met with the State Auditor’s Office where they shared their draft forecast. The numbers look good enough to get the City officially out of Fiscal Watch status. The State Auditor’s commented favorably on the City’s work on reducing insurance costs, and commended the City and the Bargaining Agreements for reaching agreement on new contracts.
K) NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Sanker asked that a letter be sent to the Director of Public Service-Safety asking them to consider alterations at the west bound exit of the Norwood Lateral. Many of those turning right do not realize that they need to Stop and are simply rolling through and making a continuous right turn.
Mr. Moore mentioned that his Live Call In show on Norwood Cable will not be held this week due to the Cable Blue Chip Access Awards, but it will be back in two weeks.
Mr. Sanker provided a brief update on the pools and mentioned that Public Works is working to insure the pools open on time.
L) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Jerry Owens RE: Memorial Day Celebration
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.
2. Letter from John Hanrahan RE: April 2007 Tax Report
Mr. Sanker noted that we are ahead of where we were last year at this time and we should consider ourselves lucky as many surrounding communities are not as fortunate. The City still has cash flow issues and all City employees and Council should remain diligent and cautious as we move forward.
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.
3. Letter from Donna Laake RE: Automatic External Defibrillators
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that a thank you letter be sent to Mr. Carl Lindner. All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then considered the following item:
4. Letter from Don Howe RE: Ohio Municipal Joint Self-Insurance Pool
Mr. Mumper thanked Mr. Geers for his efforts in making this happen. This is another example of the Administration’s close attention to detail.
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.
M) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All
members present.
N) 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