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. Moore and Ms. Kelly.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Ordinance J-B), a letter from the Clerk of Council’s office prior to Communications O-7, moving O-4) prior to J-A), and by removing O-2). All members present voted YES.
F)
Approve MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGs:
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, 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.
H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Community Development RE: Cornerstone Design Review – PUD
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded
by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
2.
Community Development RE:
On a motion by Ms. Kelly,
seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
3. Community Development RE: Kaesmeyer Dairy – Revised Proposal
Mr. Moore explained that the original plan was to use the
existing structure; however, the architects rendered the front structure
useless. The new plan is to demolish the
front building and install landscaping along
Mr. Sanker added that the biggest landmark anyone wanted to retain was the chimney with milk jug décor. Unfortunately, this has deteriorated to the point where salvaging is unlikely.
On a motion by Ms. Kelly,
seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
4.
Community Development RE:
On a
motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
I) INTRODUCTORY
A) AN ORDINANCE DECLARING IMPROVEMENTS TO PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO TO BE A PUBLIC PURPOSE UNDER CHAPTER 725 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE, PROVIDING FOR THE EXEMPTION OF SUCH IMPROVEMENTS FROM REAL PROPERTY TAXATION, AUTHORIZING THE NEGOTIATION AND PREPARATION, EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A SERVICE AGREEMENT, TAX INCENTIVE AGREEMENT, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, TRUST AGREEMENT AND SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY, ESTABLISHING AN URBAN RENEWAL EQUIVALENT FUND AND A PROJECT FUND, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Moore requested that Mr. Quinn, Mr. Dettmer, and Mr. Weber come to the podium
to explain this Ordinance.
Mr. Quinn
explained that based on a meeting this morning we believe we have resolved our
previous misalignment and that we have been correct in our approach in the
valuation of property. Mr. Weber
indicated that Neyer is encouraged by this preliminary indication and believe
that the statute is clear. Hopefully the
State Tax Commission will make the right decision based on this early
indication.
Mr.
Sanker asked if we needed to have a Special Meeting in order to pass this
Ordinance as soon as possible. Mr. Quinn
responded that he does not think so but will get some clarity. It seems the action of Council in 2006 was
most significant.
Mr.
Moore asked, since we have the full legal contingent present, if all are happy
with the current wording. Mr. Quinn
responded that unless major revisions are requested we are in good shape.
Mr.
Moore commented that it sounds like we can have this fully wrapped up by the
next Council meeting.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to hear the first reading
of the Ordinance. All members present
voted YES.
J) introductory
As
amended, Council then considered the following item:
O-4) Letter from Mayor RE: Resolution for Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
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.
A) RESOLUTION
ADOPTING THE
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to hear the first
reading of the Resolution. All members
present voted YES.
As
amended, Council then considered the following item:
B)
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING HOUSE BILL 154 WHICH
PROPOSES TO ABOLISH ALL MAYORS’ COURTS BY
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to hear the first
reading of the Resolution. All members
present voted YES.
K) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and announced that he recently attended the Ice Cream
Social at
Mayor
Williams also noted that
Mayor
Williams also reported that
The
Mayor then announced that the Relay for Life event will be held from this
Friday at 6pm until Saturday noon at Shea stadium. All are encouraged to attend.
Mayor
Williams then discussed the Police Department’s recent strategic effort to
address frequent crimes in high crime areas.
This has been very successful.
Mayor Williams then cited several arrest statistics over the 12 day
period. These statistics are available
in the Mayor’s Office for those interested and included drug abuse,
trafficking, disorderly conduct, open container, resisting arrest among others. Significant drug quantities were also
confiscated.
Four
officers per shift are not always enough.
There will certainly be times when extra officers will be on the street
and when we do that we will want results and Mayor Williams stated we received great
results and this was a great success.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Moore asked if the statistics quoted were for the
entire Police Department or just this special unit. Mayor Williams confirmed that these stats
were for the special unity only and stated that when we apply pressure, word
travels quickly. Criminals tend to find
the areas that will put up the least resistance.
L) OTHER REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
There
were no requests to address Council.
M) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
N) NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Sanker mentioned that the Finance and Claims committee is working on new
appropriations along with the Administration, and the City Auditor. There is concern however, that various
departments are running out of money only 5 months into the year. Over the last few years we were not in a
position to maintain our assets and equipment, but we must be rigorous in
updating these assets as we pull out of our financial crisis. Mayor Sanker asked all City employees to continue
to be conscientious and strict as they prioritize expenses.
Mr.
Gabbard added to the Mayor’s comment on the Relay for Life event by stating
that the event includes a ceremony at
Mr.
Sanker asked that a letter be sent to the Safety Service Director and Law
Department requesting an Ordinance be drafted for the lease/purchase of a
Street Sweeper and DuraPatch machine.
Mr.
Sanker also added that the annual Norwood Day Parade is scheduled for July 24th
sponsored by the Norwood Chamber of Commerce.
The following day, the Norwood Business Women sponsor Norwood Day at
O) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Donna Laake RE: Rumpke Yard Waste
Mr. Moore asked Ms. Laake to approach the podium to provide additional detail. Ms. Laake explained that there have been several citizens that have reported that Rumpke was placing both yard waste and solid waste into the same trucks. Ms. Laake mentioned that she has been in contact with Rumpke the complaint was heard and responded to. For this case, the route supervisor was fined. However, our residents also need to be advised on the procedure and standards. If there is a single solid waste item in your yard waste containers, Rumpke must take that to the solid waste trucks.
Ms. Laake proposed a solution where all yard waste should be
placed to the curb in brown paper bags provided by the Norwood Health
Department. These bags are available
free to all
Mr. Sanker noted his concern with the proposal but agreed it was a reasonable first step. The issues are that instead of buying a garbage can during hours at a local store, residents now must pick up bags during Health Department Business hours. The fear is that those that want to recycle will make the effort, those who don’t care will never recycle, but the large majority will recycle only if convenient. This may change the dynamics.
After discussion, Council acknowledged their support for this approach as a starting point but would like to revisit as necessary.
Mr. Sanker then asked about the process for high grass abatement and wondered if there are more proactive ways to address these problems. Ms. Laake described the entire process indicating that there are certain time allowances we must provide the homeowner and then Council must approve abatement before the issue can be resolved.
Mr. Gabbard asked if it was possible to eliminate the need for Council approval which could be introducing a time delay in the process. Ms. Grote responded that we could ask the Law Department but that due process must be followed.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and to allow Ms. Laake to address Council for as much time as she needs. All members present voted YES.
2. Letter from Mayor RE: Larry Barbiere/Executive Session
As amended, this item was removed from the agenda.
3. Letter from John Mumper RE: 4th Ward Town Meeting
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.
4. Letter from Mayor RE: Resolution for Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
As amended, this item was considered previously.
5. Letter from Mayor RE: Mayor’s Court Fines – May 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.
6. Letter from Donnie Jones RE: Auditor’s Report – May 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.
7. Letter from Donna Laake RE: Abatement of High Grass/Weeds
Mr. Gabbard asked that a letter be sent to the Law Department requesting their opinion on expediting the abatement of high grass and weeds for the purpose of expediting the abatement process.
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and to Authorize the Abatement. All members present voted YES.
8. Letter from Attorney General RE: Gasoline Prices
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.
9.
Letter from Liquor Control RE: Rescheduled
Hearing for
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.
10. Letter from Jerry Owens RE: Rolling Thunder
On a motion by Ms. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
P) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to excuse the absent
members. All members present voted YES.
Q) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council