Council
Chambers
A) CALL TO ORDER
The Council for the City of
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. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Committee Reports G-4), G-5), and G-6). All members present voted YES.
F) requests to address council on agenda items
There were no requests to address Council.
The Chair noted Ms. Kelly is now in Council Chambers
G) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Community Development RE: Cornerstone Design Review – Water Feature
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
2.
Community Development RE:
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
3.
Community Development RE:
Mr. Schneider asked Mr. Moore, through the Chair, if the Bridge enhancements are part of these agreements. Mr. Moore confirmed that the Bridge Enhancements are included and encouraged fellow Council members to review the list of public improvements. The current details include landscaping, bridge enhancements, and the historical monument.
Mr. Moore added that during the latest review Mr. Steele, Mr. Burke, and Mr. Quinn were present to review the agreements. Based on their review, the City’s interests are protected and a letter has been sent to the Law Department for their review. We are hopeful that these documents will be available for the Council next meeting and that Mr. Dettmer, Mr. Quinn, and Mr. Burke will be available to address Council. Mr. Moore also explained that Mr. Dettmer has a draft rendering of the historical monument.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
As
amended, Council then considered the following items:
4. Finance & Audit RE: 2007 Appropriations
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report and to send a copy of the report to the Auditor’s Office. All members present voted YES.
5. Finance & Audit RE: 2007 Appropriations
Mr.
Sanker mentioned that there are a large number of P.O.’s and Requisitions that
are either not approved or not paid.
There are several overdue items.
Mr.
Moore added that to add to the issues, the Auditor’s office has not responded
with a reason that these bills have not been paid. We should do anything we can to get these
paid and resolved.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report
and to send a copy of the report to the Auditor’s Office. All members present voted YES.
6. Finance & Audit RE: Dura Patch Machine and Street Sweeper
Mr.
Schneider mentioned that while we have discussed quite a few purchases recently
this is a big one and was well received by Public Works. There are other discussions that we will have
to have soon including street sweepers, fire department equipment, etc. The DuraPatch machine is a wise investment in
our street program.
Mr.
Sanker added that this will help to repair and maintain our present streets
proactively. Mr. Sanker encouraged
residents to check out the intersection at Fenwick and
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
H) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and mentioned that Mr. Thompson and Ms. Thomas from the
State Auditor’s Office are present and available to address Council regarding
the 2007 Forecast Analysis.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the rules
and allow Dave Thompson and Anna Mary Thomas from the State Auditor’s Office to
address Council, with as much time as is needed, regarding the Financial
Forecast for 2007. All members present
voted YES.
Mr.
David Thompson and Ms. Anne Mary Thomas presented the Analysis of the 2007
Forecast to Council. The Forecast was
prepared by the City of
When
opened for questions Mr. Moore mentioned that it appears that there are no
forecasted deficits in 2007 and that 2006 there was not a deficit and asked
what the appropriate steps were to officially get out of Fiscal Watch. Mr. Thompson confirmed and explained that
there are essentially three things that are required to come out of Fiscal
Watch. The first is that 2006 ends
without a deficit, the second is that there is a solvent 2007 forecast, and the
third is that the City Auditor’s office provide a year ending G.A.A.P report.
Mr.
Moore asked if the GAAP report was to be completed by the City or the
State. Mr. Thompson responded that the
GAAP report was the responsibility of the City.
Mr. Jones, City Auditor has been contacted and while no timeline has
been discussed, Mr. Jones was concerned with the capacity of his office and is
exploring external options for completing the GAAP report.
Mr.
Schneider commented that he was concerned with the timing of the delivery of
the report and asked why this was not included in the packets and expressed
concern in signing a document a few minutes after receiving the report. Mr. Thompson explained that until the report
is final these documents are confidential and cannot be shared or distributed.
Mr.
Mumper commented that it is important that we do what we can tonight so that we
can remove the Fiscal Watch tag as soon as possible and asked the Mayor for his
comments. Mayor Williams responded that
he understands the concern of Mr. Schneider but that the forecast was not
permitted to be distributed prior to tonight.
We should, however, do everything we can to officially get out of Fiscal
Watch. There are prospective companies
considering a move to the
Mr.
Mumper added that all we are confirming is the status of the Forecast. Forecasts will change multiple times as
actuals are reported.
Mr.
Schneider reiterated his concern with the timing of the delivery of this report
but agreed with Mr. Mumper regarding the constantly changing nature of a
forecast.
Mr.
Thompson explained that until these documents are final they cannot be made
public or even be left behind. All
copies of this document must remain in possession of the State Auditor’s
Office. This is why they could not be
distributed in Council Packets. In fact,
after the vote tonight the copies of these reports must be collected and returned
to the State Auditor’s office until such a time that these documents are made
public.
Ms.
Grote announced that a 5 minute recess would be taken allowing Council Members
to make a decision regarding the signature of the Letter of Representation.
Upon returning
from recess, Ms. Grote confirmed that all Council members, the Mayor, and the
President of Council have all signed the document.
Mr.
Thompson explained that these are considered DRAFT documents until they are
approved and these copies cannot be left behind until that time. Mr. Thompson offered to come to City Hall on
Wednesday to go over these copies, but they cannot be released until they are
final. This is precisely why these
reports were not given to the Clerk of Council’s office to be distributed in
packets.
Mr.
Mumper commented that Council ought to be permitted to keep these DRAFTs for
review and keep in confidence. At the
very least, Mr. Mumper stated he would like his copy back as he, and others,
were taking notes on these copies.
When the
Mayor’s Administration Report continued, Mayor Williams mentioned that the pony
keg at
Mayor
Williams also mentioned that the HIPPY graduation picnic is scheduled for this
Thursday at
The
Mayor also thanked the WNNA for their efforts in organizing the recent
cleanup. It was well attended and a
productive event.
Mayor
Williams encouraged all residents to attend the upcoming Memorial Day
ceremony. It is an important reminder to
hear from those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
Mayor
Williams also provided updates on many current and upcoming projects. The final course of blacktop is down on the
Mayor
Williams closed his report by encouraging Council to consider the idea of
active Marketing of our City.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Sanker mentioned that there has been significant
discussion at the federal level regarding the Immigration Bill and asked Mayor
Williams for his thoughts on how this issue might affect our City and City
resources. Mayor Williams responded that
he has already had discussions with the Law Department regarding an Ordinance
to legislate against renting to or hiring illegal immigrants. In order to protect our citizens and legal
immigrants we have to take action on the illegal immigrants and those
supporting this behavior locally.
Mr.
Schneider then asked the Mayor for his thoughts on HB154 which would eliminate
local Mayors’ Courts since this is such an important part of the
community. Mayor Williams answered that
both he and Clerk of Courts, Mr. Sorrell have been continually informed on this
matter. There are problems with smaller
Mayors’ Court in the state, but those that hire a judiciary magistrate are
providing a great service to their respective communities. This is not a revenue generator, but rather
allows communities to levy enforcement based on their community standards as
allowed by the State Law.
Mr.
Schneider mentioned that Sen. Kearney voted NO on SB117, perhaps in part due to
our Resolution and asked if we should do the same for HB154. The Mayor answered that Sen. Kearney called
the Mayor’s Office twice for clarification and additional information and
believes our Resolution was considered in his final decision.
Mr. Barlow
asked for an update on the S.S.I. eGov bid.
Mayor Williams answered that we have signed the contract and are anxious
to begin work. We need to determine the
capabilities, understand what upgrades may be necessary and then develop
training. This is not a quick project,
but is necessary.
I) OTHER
REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
There
were no requests to address Council.
J) UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
K) NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Schneider requested that a letter be sent to the Law Department asking them to send
a letter to
Mr.
Sanker mentioned that Public Works will offer a Freon Removal program on June 9
and 10 being offered through the Hamilton County Environmental Services. This is normally a $45-65 charge for each
appliance.
Mr.
Sanker thanked Mr. Geers and Mr. White for their attention to the matter he
raised at the last meeting regarding the West Bound Exit Ramp of SR 562.
L) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Jerry Owens RE: Memorial Day Celebration
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
2.
Letter from Donna Laake RE:
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that a letter be sent to the Tree Board for a job well done and that the Secretary to the Clerk of Council research to see if there is an official flower and/or tree for the City of Norwood. All members present voted YES.
3. Letter from Mayor RE: Mayor’s Court Fines for April 2007
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.
4. Letter from Donnie Jones RE: Auditor’s Report for April 2007
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.
5.
Letter from Liquor Control RE Hearing for
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.
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