Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

August 28, 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

There were no Amendments to the Agenda.

 

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 Standing Committee Reports.

 

H) SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE

 

A) ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO REZONE PARCELS 651-0026-0011-00, 651-0026-0012-00, 651-0026-0013-00, 651-0026-0014-00, 651-0026-0022-00, 651-0026-0023-00, 651-0026-0024-00, 651-0026-0025-00, 651-0026-0026-00, AND 651-0026-0027-00 (WHICH ENCOMPASSES A BLOCK BOUNDED BY SHERMAN AVENUE TO THE NORTH, MONTGOMERY ROAD TO THE EAST, LAWRENCE AVENUE TO THE SOUTH, AND WALTER AVENUE TO THE WEST, NORWOOD, OHIO 45212) FROM A “MULTI-FAMILY DISTRICT” (R-3) ZONE TO THAT OF A “OFFICE DISTRICT” (0) ZONE, AS AMENDED AND TO REZONE PARCELS 651-0026-0001-00, 651-0026-0002-00, 651-0026-0003-00, 651-0026-0009-00, AND 651-0026-0010-00 (4555-4559 MONTGOMERY ROAD, NORWOOD, OHIO 45212) FROM “GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT” (GBD) ZONE TO “GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT)” (GBD-PUD) AS AMENDED

 

Mr. Moore mentioned that the developers came to the last Community Development Committee and explained that they are interested in this property for a new medical facility.  It is great to see interest in property so close to the Pike as is the case with the former MAB paints property.

 

Mr. Sanker agreed and added that this comes at a time where Surrey Square is also being redeveloped and all are hopeful that this starts something that brings the focus back to the Pike.

 

 

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to hear the second reading of the ordinance.  All members present voted YES.

 

I) INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF RESOLUTIONS

 

A) RESOLUTION TO OBTAIN TECHNICAL SERVICES FROM THE AUDITOR OF THE STATE OF OHIO FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2007 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2008, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

 

Mr. Mumper asked Mayor Williams to explain which services are being considered.  Mayor Williams answered that these are the same services discussed in the past including training for the Auditor’s and Treasurer’s office regarding budgeting, annual reporting, etc.  This was a recommended follow up from the Performance Audit.  With the new focus on e-Gov, the new Deputy Auditor, and the SSI project this is great timing.  These changes of course will not happen overnight but progress has finally begun.

 

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

 

B) RESOLUTION HONORING THE GRADUATING COMPANIES OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY BUSINESS CENTER, INC.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the resolution, the first in its entirety.  All members present voted YES.

 

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

 

J) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

 

Mayor Williams was present and mentioned that he has received a check for $280,000 from OKI for the Montgomery Rd project.  Most of those funds of course go to reimbursing Neyer on the upfront money they provided.

 

Mayor Williams announced that the Urology Center on Smith Rd is sponsoring a 5k Prostate Cancer Awareness Race/Walk on September 8 and encouraged participation.

 

The Mayor also added that he attended the Norwood Soccer Association Opening Day as did Mr. Mumper, Mr. Sanker, and of course Mr. Gabbard.  This was a great day and a wonderful event.

 

The mayor closed by mentioning that Xavier is back in school and that is always a busy time for our new residents.  It is always important to be aggressive and make sure the message is sent early that we welcome them as good neighbors, but expect cooperation and for them to abide by the law.

 

When opened for questions, Mr. Moore asked about the stop sign at Forest and whether or not a traffic study has been completed as discussed.  Mayor Williams confirmed that the study has begun but has not yet been completed and he will let Mr. Moore know when this is complete.

 

Mr. Schneider mentioned a recent article in the Enquirer regarding speed traps on the interstates and asked if the Mayor was happy with the results.  Mayor Williams confirmed and that without a special grant we won’t pull a car off the street to run radar on the interstates.  When federal grants come in those numbers will always increase.

 

Mr. Gabbard commented on the very dramatic changes made at Waterworks Park and once again thanked the Lindners for their generosity.  Mr. Gabbard added that the park has been given a new life and asked if there are other projects on the table specifically anything with the Pool Locker Room area or wooded area behind the courts.  Mayor Williams answered that there are other projects on the table that have been discussed with the Lindners.  Unfortunately we have also experienced some vandalism in the park and this will not be tolerated and will be addressed aggressively.  Mayor Williams added that the wooded area will be cleared, but the current priority is along SR 562 but this will be an immediate second project with the chipper.

 

Mr. Gabbard also asked if there were any plans to match funds for a grant for Fenwick Park.  Mayor Williams responded that we are currently working this.  The Administration was not made aware of the grant application and therefore funding was not allocated prior to the application being approved.  Grant applications are always encouraged, but if the Administration is aware we can plan accordingly.

 

Mr. Moore asked for an update on the recent Committee of the Whole tour of houses.  Mayor Williams answered that the Assistant Law Director and Building Department are working on a policy to address this issue and provided updates on each of the houses visited on the tour.

 

Mr. Sanker asked if the street sweeper has been out and asked about its performance.  Mayor Williams confirmed that it has been out nearly every day and Mr. White has received many positive calls.  This street sweeper is more effective than the old sweeper.  Once we are caught up we will develop a full street sweeping program.

 

Mr. Mumper asked if the DuraPatch machine had arrived yet.  Mayor Williams responded that Mr. Geers was working out the lease agreements and he recently got word that the papers have in fact been signed and are under final review.

 

K) OTHER REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL

 

A request to address Council from Dennis Nichols regarding Norwood Times was heard. 

 

L) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

In response to the request to address Council, Mr. Sanker clarified that this was a private publication and not run by the City or with City funds. 

 

M) NEW BUSINESS

 

N) COMMUNICATIONS

 

1.  Letter from Mayor RE: Executive Session

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed, and added to the next meeting’s agenda.  All members present voted YES.

 

2.  Letter from Donnie Jones RE: Appointment of Robert Laake

 

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 Jenny Wallace RE: Swim League Championships

 

Mr. Mumper asked that an estimate be provided along with future requests for project funds.

 

On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed, and that this matter be placed in Service, Recreation and Infrastructure Committee.  All members present voted YES.

 

4.  Letter from Liquor Control RE: BWR Norwood LLC

 

Mr. Mumper explained that this is at the former Brinkley’s location.

 

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 Chief Schlie RE: Donna’s Carry Out

 

6.  Letter from Liquor Control RE: Donna’s Carry Out

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the preceding 2 letters be received and filed as if read and to be acted on as appropriate based on future responses.  All members present voted YES.

 

7.  Letter from Chief Schlie RE: Sorrentos

 

8.  Letter from Donna Laake RE: Sorrentos

 

9.  Letter from Liquor Control RE: Sorrentos

 

On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the preceding 3 letters be received and filed as if read and that no objection be filed.  All members present voted YES.

 

O)  EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS

All members were present.

 

P)  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