Council
Chambers
August 26,
2008
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. Thornbury, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, the agenda was amended to include a communication N-7). All members present voted YES.
F) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
G) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Community Development Re: Signage at
Mr. Schneider asked Committee
Chair Mr. Moore about LED lights and the brightness of these lights. Mr. Moore discussed LED vs. neon signage and
the fact that the signs are on the Norwood Lateral side of the development and
not facing neighborhoods. Mr. Moore
commented that developers are aware that we prefer LED.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to accept the committee report. All members present voted YES.
2. Finance and Audit Re: Appropriations and Review 1st Half 2008
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Mr. Moore it was moved to accept the committee report. All members present voted YES.
H) INTRODUCTORY
A) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2008, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Moore
wanted to know if the increase to the street/maintenance repair would fund this
year’s program. Mr. Barlow affirmed. Mr.
Moore also asked about the 100 thousand for demolition of property and wondered
about the legal steps. The Mayor said they are waiting on the final funding
decision.
On a
motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend all three
readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
On a
motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
YES.
I) INTRODUCTORY
A) RESOLUTION HONORING THE GRADUATING COMPANIES OF THE HAMILTON
COUNTY BUSINESS CENTER, INC., AS AMENDED
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to amend the
resolution by adding the name Skilled Trades.
All members present voted YES.
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to hear all three
readings. All members present voted YES.
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the
resolution. All members present voted
YES.
J) ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS
The
Mayor was present and reported that the Norwood High School Varsity football
team was selected as the Channel 9 Team of the Week for their victory over
Mayor Williams also mentioned that there are ongoing talks regarding the
Montgomery/Ross/Carthage properties listed together for sale. An owner of multiple properties is willing to
tear down three properties and another owner is willing to assist in our
efforts to cleanup this area. The
ultimate goal is to clean and improve the area. We are tired of the neglect and
will enforce our code.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Schneider thanked the Mayor and Public Works for
taking care of cleanup at the
Mr.
Thornbury noted that he finds the Durapatch machine to be impressive
particularly along Shanmoor. Mayor Williams feels it is a matter of training
and reaching a comfort level. He is convinced
the results will be impressive.
Mayor
Williams closed by introducing members of the Norwood Young Professionals
Organization who are organizing a volunteer event. “Give Back Cincinnati” and “The Young Norwood
Professionals” volunteers are planning a fix up project to include the Business
District,
Mr.
Hursh and Mr. Weston then provided background.
The Young Norwood Professionals has 150 residents on email. Their website is www.NorwoodYP.com or email at: norwoodyp@gmail.com.
The
Business District Cleanup event is scheduled for September 20 from 10:00 am –
3:00 pm and all volunteers are welcome.
Current volunteers include over 100 individuals including members of
NYP, Give Back Cincinnati and
Auditor
Jim Stith presented the Auditor’s Report for the month of July, 2008. The
expenditures and revenues were explained.
Mr. Stith also explained the issue with a negative balance on Fund 27,
and noted that this will require close monitoring as we move forward.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Moore asked for details on why the fund was negative
in the first place. Mr. Stith explained that “cash report” is different than
appropriations and this is a cash flow question. Mr. Barlow clarified that we have adjusted
the manner in which we appropriate these funds and we are trying to control
appropriation as revenue is realized.
Mr.
Sanker asked if this should be listed separately on the agenda. President of
Council Ms. Grote replied that it is not necessary to have the Auditor’s Report
Received and Filed and Mr. Stith felt that this would be more efficient to
include as part of his verbal report.
Law
Director Ted Kiser gave his report by discussing the competitive bidding
process on the street repair program. The ordinance was passed late 2007 that
permits the Safety Service Director to enter competitive bidding. While the
wording is a bit unclear, the Law Department would be happy to provide a new
version that is more inclusive.
Mr.
Sanker said one street project/program we bid out, the program negotiated on a
price per unit basis, to be determined based on current year budget. Mr. Kiser
requested the opportunity to further review that contract.
Mr.
Mumper asked if any Ohio Revised Code changed that would render the previous
ordinance illegal. Mr. Moore reminded
all that time is of essence. Mr. Sanker
had hoped the Law Department had an opportunity to review this previously. Our entire street program rides on this
decision. He recommends we review ASAP. Contractors are ready to go.
Mr.
Kiser pointed out the draft of PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) ordinance,
requested by Mr. Mumper, is in the Council packets. The Law Department has
reviewed sample ordinances from other communities and would appreciate Council
feedback. Mr. Mumper asked that the Building Department have the opportunity to
review the document, since they will be the enforcement arm for the City.
K) OTHER REQUESTS TO
ADDRESS COUNCIL
L) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr.
Barlow reminded residents that the
Mr.
Mumper requested that Council send a letter to the Recreation Commission in
regard to the work at
Mr. Moore provided an update on the Linden Pointe development and noted that
updates are frequently provided at standing Community Development Meetings. The
bridge design plans have been presented as have plans for the corner memorial. The corner will commemorate
the 1st
Mr.
Moore also announced that the West Norwood Neighborhood Association invited John
Kucia and Liz Blume of XU to discuss the
Mr.
Sanker noted that he and other members of Council had intended to attend the
WNNA meeting, but were tied up in a Finance Committee that ran rather long.
M) NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Thornbury noted that he attended the 10th anniversary celebration of
the
Mr.
Gabbard announced a Norwood Open House for Realtors being coordinated by
realtor Jamie Stutzman. Call 515-0689 for additional information.
Mr.
Barlow requested an ordinance be drafted to allow Safety Service Director Joe
Geers to bid for road salt.
Mr.
Gabbard thanked the Norwood Young Professionals and their enthusiasm for the
community. It is an exciting group that meets monthly at the Speckled Bird
(Carter and Mills).
N) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Tax Department Re: Earnings Tax Report July 2008
Mr.
Sanker commented that as a result of the economy, earnings tax collections are
lagging behind last year. As a result,
we need to continue tight control of expenditures.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker it was moved the letter be received and filed. The motion passed. All present voting YES.
2. Letter from Police Department Re:
3. Letter from
Fire Department Re:
4. Letter from
Building Department Re:
5. Letter from Health
Department Re:
6. Letter from OH
Div. Liquor Control Re: Max & Erma’s Restaurants, Inc.
7. Letter from
Tax Department Re:
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider it was moved to receive and file communications 2-7 as if read. All members present voted YES.
O) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All members were present.
P) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by John Mumper, seconded by Keith Moore, the meeting was adjourned. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council