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, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Ordinances J-B), J-C), J-D), and Communications O-5) and O-6). All members present voted YES.
F) APPROVE MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, 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. Finance & Audit RE: 2007 Appropriations
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
2. Community Development RE: Hallmark Sign
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
I) SECOND
A) A RESOLUTION DECLARING IT TO BE THE DESIRE OF COUNCIL
THAT HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-TREAT BE CELEBRATED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF
Mr.
Mumper noted that he would prefer to stick with the more traditional Halloween
hours but can go along with this for the sake of moving forward.
On a
motion by Mr. Gabbard, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to suspend the
rules and hear the second and third reading of the Resolution. All members present voted YES.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to pass the
Resolution. All members present voted
YES.
J) INTRODUCTORY
A) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2007, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Schneider explained that the Finance and Audit committee discussed these
necessary changes primarily to Contractual and Materials keys.
Mr.
Sanker noted that he had spent some time with the Auditor’s department to take
care of some outstanding requisitions and this change in appropriations
reflects those outstanding requisitions.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to suspend the
rules and hear all three readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
YES.
As
amended, council then considered the following items:
B) ORDINANCE NAMING THE
NEW STREET AND PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN
Mr.
Schneider mentioned that he always admired Mayor Sanker growing up. Mayor Sanker always held himself at a high
level as a public official and this is the right thing to do and at the right
time.
Mr.
Sanker added that this was a very pleasant surprise to him and he thanks those
involved in this special honor for Mayor Sanker and the entire family.
Mr.
Mumper added that this is particularly appropriate in this location with the
ties to the General Motors property and what Mayor Sanker led this City
through. Mr. Mumper asked Mayor Williams
to comment on this. Mayor Williams
described Mayor Sanker as a first class individual who always treated people
with the utmost respect. This City honors
its key leaders with things like the J.B. Wirth pool, Shea Stadium, the
Mr.
Gabbard commented that he too knew Mayor Sanker while growing up and when Mr.
Gabbard entered into politics, Mayor Sanker was always very gracious in advice
and support. He truly wanted what was
best for this City and this is a great time to honor his service.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to suspend the rules
and hear all three readings of the ordinance.
All members present voted YES.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to pass the
ordinance. All members present voted
YES.
C) AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTIONS 1511.07 “APPEALS TO COUNCIL WITH REGARD TO SPRINKLER REQUIREMENT,” 1511.07 “APPEALS PROCEDURE,” AND 1511.07 “DECISION OF COUNCIL ON APPEALS” OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Sanker asked Assistant Law Director, Mr. Brown, to the podium to answer a few
questions on these Ordinances. Mr.
Sanker noted that there has been some discussion about this in the past but
asked for the origin of these Ordinances.
Mr. Brown responded that the Law Department has been working with the
Fire Department to close gaps in the Ohio Revised Code. This particular
Ordinance adjusts the appeals process to utilize the Fire Code Appeals Board
for sprinkler system appeals. The Fire
Code Appeals Board handles all other Fire Code appeals.
Mr.
Mumper asked who comprises the Fire Code Appeals Board. Mr. Brown answered that the Board includes
the Mayor, Building Commissioner, President of Council, the Chair of the Board
of Zoning Appeals, and the Law Director.
Mr.
Moore asked if this needed to be passed tonight. Mr. Brown answered that we just want to close
any and all gaps, but a first reading tonight or a referral to a Committee
discussion would keep this moving.
Mr.
Moore asked how many appeals we normally have in a given year. Mr. Brown answered that historically there
are only one or two appeals any given year.
Mr.
Sanker added that it’s fine to have the first reading tonight but prior to
passing we would like more information from the Fire Department and more
discussion on the details.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to hear the first
reading of the Ordinance. All members
present voted YES.
D) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1511.03 “AMENDMENTS, DELETIONS, AND ADDITIONS” TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE OHIO FIRE CODE TO INCLUDE SINGLE-FAMILY RENTAL PROPERTY, TWO-FAMILY, AND THREE-FAMILY DWELLING UNITS AND TO ESTABLISH THE NORWOOD FIRE CODE APPEALS BOARD TO HEAR ALL APPEALS FROM THE NORWOOD FIRE CODE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Mumper explained that the first reading should be sufficient on this Ordinance
for the same reasons given for the previous Ordinance. Essentially, we would like additional details
and clarification from the Fire Department.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to hear the first
reading of the Ordinance. All members
present voted YES.
K) ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and began his Administration Report by passing around an
article from the Cincinnati Business Courier that was written about the
Architectural Firm that will be moving into the top floor of Linden
Pointe. This consolidates 50 employees
from downtown
Mayor
Williams also noted that fences are up around the former M.A.B Paints building and
after environmental remediation, demolition should begin next week. The City began discussions with Cincinnati
Digestive Health nearly a year ago. This
was almost a dollar store and now we will have a brand new building and another
medical office in the City of
The
Mayor also commented on the letter on the agenda tonight from Mr. Dettmer
regarding School Outfitters, Inc. School
Outfitters is looking at another larger building in
When
opened for questions, Mr. Schneider asked about the excavating on the new
pavement at Williams and Floral Avenues.
It is always a disappointment when contractor need to cut into new
pavement. Mr. Schneider asked if the
contractors are required to close this back up in accordance with our
guidelines. Mayor Williams responded
that they will do it right or will have to re-do this work until it is done
right. Mayor Williams asked Mr. Geers to
come forward and provide his perspective.
Mr. Geers mentioned that he hates when we have to cut into new pavement
as well. In this case, the first heavy
rain caused a serious of events that destroyed the sanitary line. This will be replaced at no cost to the City.
Mr.
Gabbard asked if street striping could be made more reflective. Mr. Geers answered that all streets are
repainted according to State specification but he will make a note and forward
it on.
Mr.
Geers added that the preliminary ratings are in on our grant applications.
Mr.
Sanker asked about the status of leaf pickup.
Mr. Geers answered that we have started and will be in catch up mode for
the next few weeks. As soon as we get
caught up we will post our schedule on cable.
Mr.
Schneider mentioned that it was good to hear we are working to get residential
streets included in our grant applications.
Mr. Geers answered that we are trying our best to get funds to do our
worst streets correctly. This includes
not only resurfacing but also replacing catch basins, water lines, and sewer
lines whenever possible.
L) OTHER REQUEST TO
ADDRESS COUNCIL
There
were no requests to address Council.
M) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr.
Mumper noted that we have discussed at great length the language in previous
Ordinances regarding opening bids and entering into contracts as a single
step. Mr. Mumper found Ordinance 67-2003
which included this language and was signed by Mr. Schneider. Mr. Schneider responded that he did sign it
as Mayor but it’s not the right way to do business. Mr. Mumper added that based on his quick
research we have used the same wording for quite some time and that he has no
problems with the wording with this Administration.
N) NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Schneider announced that Halloween in the park is scheduled for Saturday
Evening at
Mr.
Mumper mentioned the levy that is on the ballot and rather than pass a
Resolution supporting the levy asked Council members to express their opinion
on the Levy.
Mr.
Sanker noted that he has been in favor of this all along. These funds will get us over the hump and
keep us stable. The budgetary numbers
from the State Auditor included the renewal of these funds in their analysis.
Ms.
Kelly noted that she concurs with Mr. Sanker.
We rely on these funds to make progress.
Mr.
Barlow confirmed his approval for the levy as well. We have set ourselves up to have a chance to
flourish. Without these funds we may not
officially get out of Fiscal Watch.
Mr.
Moore commented that he voted to put this on the ballot because it’s a good
idea and too big a decision for Council.
We passed a Resolution committing funds for streets, capital
improvements, and a reserve fund. If
passed, residents will get more from their City government without additional
taxation.
Mr.
Gabbard stated that this City needs to move forward and taking these funds out
of the budget is not appropriate at this time.
Mr. Gabbard added that he was in favor of earmarking funds for the
purposes Mr. Moore mentioned so we can demonstrate real progress.
Mr.
Schneider added that he is in favor of a stabilized, well-run, conservative
government. Mr. Schneider commented that
there was not enough discussion on other options. Our Auditor is currently working in
Mr.
Moore added that it is important to get out and vote for local government where
we have an opportunity to affect the competence and integrity of those running
the City. It is important that we
continue to make progress and learn from the mistakes of the past.
Mr.
Sanker added that earnings taxes are up but those increases are already
included in the budget. The Treasurer’s
Office polls local businesses for their anticipated business and their response
factors into our budget expectations.
Linden Pointe will not be generating revenue until a year from now. When the City ran into trouble in 1999 and
2000, we anticipated projects would be online long before the projects were
completed. Mr. Sanker added that he
feels this City is being run in a fiscally conservative manner and we have done
a fine job of managing expenses so that an additional levy is not needed, only
this renewal. Earnings taxes are up but
without these levy renewal funds the City would be in the red for the year 2007
and we would not have been able to make some of the improvements we have made
this year.
Mr.
Mumper then asked the Mayor and President of Council for their opinions on the
levy renewal. Mayor Williams commented
that he believes we have earned the trust and will continue to watch our
expenses even with these funds while we continue to make progress. We know the mistakes that have been made in
the past when we have made promises without knowing how these promises would be
funded. Without the $1.7 million that
this levy generates we will survive but will not be able to make these much
needed improvements. City Hall, the
swimming pool, the parks, and many other projects cost money and we have to be
hopeful that the residents will allow us to move forward with their $74
annually. Many Cities are asking for a
renewal and this Council and Administration have done the job in making sure we
could move forward with simply a renewal.
Ms.
Grote mentioned that she was present for 8 of the 9 Council meetings that were
held to place this levy on the ballot but was never asked for an opinion. As a citizen Ms. Grote mentioned that she
supports the renewal of this levy.
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that communications O-5) and O-6) be considered prior to communication O-4). All members present voted YES.
O) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from
John Hanrahan RE: Earnings Tax Report for September 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.
2. Letter from
Rick Dettmer RE: Schoolhouse Outfitters
Mr. Sanker mentioned that it is important that we move forward on this at the November 13th meeting and encouraged Council members to get any remaining questions answered prior to the next meeting.
Mr. Mumper thanked Mr. Dettmer for the advanced notice and also encouraged discussion before the next meeting.
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
Liquor RE: Appeal Hearing for Kkusum Inc.
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.
As amended, Council then considered the following items:
5. Letter from
Recreation Commission RE: Thank You
Mr. Schneider mentioned that he swam at the pool all summer and it would be great to find some funding for these much needed improvements.
Ms. Kelly added that it is projects like this that will not be able to be accomplished without the levy renewal.
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.
6. Letter from Joe
Geers RE: Check from the Bureau of Workers Compensation
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that a copy of the letter be sent to the Finance & Audit Committee. All members present voted YES.
4. Letter from
Chris Brown RE: Executive Session
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Ms. Kelly, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and that Council move into Executive Session in Council Chambers. All members present voted YES.
Council returned from Executive Session.
P) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All
members were present.
Q) 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