Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

July 10, 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, 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 communication L-5).  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

There were no Committee Reports.

 

H)  ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

Mayor Williams was present and started his report with a sad note and mentioned that Mr. Bill Goecke has passed away.  Bill spent several years on the Recreation Commission and was very active in Norwood Knothole.  His services will be missed and our condolences go to his family.

 

In addition, Deputy Auditor Janet Kennedy is not well.  A card or phone call may increase her spirits and energy level as she continues to fight hard.

 

Mayor Williams reminded all that the Norwood Day Parade is scheduled for July 24th followed by Norwood Day at Coney on the 25th.  The Mayor’s office is committed to delivering good weather for both days.

 

Mayor Williams also mentioned that the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Norwood Library will be held on July 21st from 1-4pm.  Many activities are planned including Barbershop Quartet, magic, and a slide show.

 

The Mayor also mentioned that the Holy Trinity Festival will be held on July 27th, 28th, and 29th.  In addition, the Norwood Senior Center will host a Hawaiian Luau party on July 13th.

 

Mayor Williams encouraged attendance at the next Committee of the Whole meeting.  Mr. Mumper has arranged a traveling meeting where we will look at some of the problem properties in each ward.  We need Council, the Administration, the Building Department, and the Law Department to come up with a plan to address these problem properties and most importantly to protect the neighbors in these areas.  This plan must include goals and deadlines to aggressively curb this issue.

 

The Mayor then stressed the importance of our dedicated 911 staff.  This administration has fought to keep this service in our community and with the recent donations from Mr. Lindner and the Extreme Makeover that will maintain our 911 service as a first class operation.  There are many examples of why this is important to our community, the most recent example was a chase of a Towne Taxi Cab that began as a disorderly conduct call at the BP station on Montgomery Rd and proceeded through North Norwood, Golf Manor, Bond Hill, Pleasant Ridge and ended with stop sticks and tazers.  Throughout the chase, the 911 operator maintained the source of information from beginning to end and their performance was outstanding.  Our Police always get the priority rather than be passed among dispatchers or 911 centers and this is an asset to maintaining a safe community.

 

When opened for questions, Mr. Schneider asked what could be done to stop the loud noises in our community including helicopters, airplanes patrolling I-71, trains and any other excessive noise.  Mayor Williams responded by saying that in large part this is one of the joys and issues of urban living.  The aerial surveillance in particular should be seen as an asset rather than an issue.  The trains are required to sound their horns at busy intersections, but at times this can be overdone.  While American Railroad has been unresponsive in other matters, we will attempt to contact them regarding this matter particularly at night.  The Administration will keep you posted if anything comes of this.

 

Mr. Sanker asked for an update on the 911 refurbishing and makeover.  Mayor Williams answered that we may have to purchase a new console.  The work thus far has included the removal of some asbestos but work is progressing.  We should have a firm timeline shortly.

 

I)  OTHER REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL

There were no requests to address Council.

 

J) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mr. Moore mentioned that he has distributed copies of the Vacant House Tax Ordinance from the City of Cincinnati and encouraged everyone to review this as we attempt to address our own issues.

 

Mr. Sanker reminded Council that several months ago the firefighters had been researching a replacement fire pumper.  Since then, the machine they were considering has been determined to be less durable than other options.  The fire department has since been reviewing alternatives and has submitted new proposals.  Mr. Sanker asked that these new proposals be placed in both the Committee of the Whole as well as the Finance Committee.

 

K) NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Mumper reminded all that the next Committee of the Whole Meeting is tomorrow night at 7pm where we will be visiting properties throughout the City of Norwood.  Mr. Mumper also requested that neighbors in the nearby area come out and express their concerns and issues regarding these properties.  Our goal is to work with the Building Department, and the Law Department to be aggressive and act quickly in dealing with these problems.

 

Mr. Sanker mentioned that he has received questions on the Montgomery and Carthage Avenue realignment projects and thought that all residents would like to hear the updates.  Based on the current progress and timeline the realignment should be complete in late fall or early winter.  Already traffic seems to be moving more freely and this will only get better after construction is completed.  Once completed the re-synchronization of traffic lights will really aid traffic flow.  Mr. Sanker encouraged residents to bear with the project, you will be pleased with the final result.

 

L) COMMUNICATIONS

 

1.      Letter from Sgt. Tom Stein RE: Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)

 

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.

 

2.      Letter from Mayor RE: Mayor’s Court Fines – June 2007

 

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 Donnie Jones RE: Auditor’s Report – June 2007

 

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.

 

4.      Letter from Liquor Control RE: KKusum Inc. DBA Quick Pick

 

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.

 

As amended, Council then considered the following item:

 

5.      Letter from Donna Laake RE: High Grass/Weeds Abatement

 

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

 

M)  EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS

All members were present.

 

N)  ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, 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