Council
Chambers
September 9,
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. Barlow, the agenda was amended to add
Communications O-16) and O-17), by adding Committee Report H-4), and by moving
Communication O-15) immediately following H-2).
All members present voted “YES”.
F) MINUTES
OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
G) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Community Development Report Re: Housing Strategy & Study
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted “Yes”
2. Community Development Report re:
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was move to accept the
committee report. All members present
voted “YES”.
As amended, Council then
considered the following item.
O-15) Letter from Rick Dettmer Re: Landbank & Venture I PUD
Steve
Armsby of the Resurgence Group explained the Phase I plans, Phase II and Phase
III preliminary plans and discussed proposed changes to the PUD. The developers
hope to demolish the high bay space, with plans to move forward and market the
space to new users. The artist’s renderings were shared and it was noted that
these were preliminary plans only. Mr.
Armsby also reviewed some of the questions asked during the Planning Commission
Meeting.
Tom
Shanks representing Pedco explained the architectural details associated with
the demolition and proposed market readiness.
This new plan includes 60,000 square feet of office space and all
additional parking requirements have been addressed in these plans.
Mr.
Thornbury asked for more details on the drawings. Mr. Shanks answered that the
any new development would match the existing architecture.
Mr.
Moore asked about the timeline for the demolition. Mr. Armsby asked that this
be managed as quickly as possible and warned that pushing back the demolition
risks having to wait until spring.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury it was moved that the letter be
received and filed. All members present
voted “YES”.
3. Community Development Report on Cornerstone Design Review of Landscaping
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury it was moved to accept the
committee report. All members present
voted “YES”.
4. The Finance and Audit Report Re: Appropriations
Mr.
Schneider noted Earnings Tax contractual changes and City Auditor Mr. Stith
explained that funds were moved from payroll to contractual with no net change
to the department.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury it was moved to accept the
committee report. All members present
voted “YES”.
I) INTRODUCTORY
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CLERK/TREASURER TO CERTIFY UNPAID BILLS FOR THE COST OF GRASS CUTTING TO THE HAMILTON COUNTY AUDITOR FOR FILING AS A LIEN ON THE TAX DUPLICATE OF THE OWNER(S) OF SAID PARCELS AND TO BE COLLECTED AS OTHER TAXES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, there was a request to suspend the
rules and hear all three readings. All members present voted “YES”.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“YES”.
B) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF 2,000 TONS, MORE OR LESS, OF SALT AT A BULK RATE.
Mr.
Schneider asked if the reported regional salt shortage will pose a problem for
the City of
Mr.
Thornbury asked about the previous annual usage. Mayor Williams answered that
we use approximately 1,100 tons per year.
On a
motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Mumper, 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. Thornbury, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted “YES”.
C) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2008, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Moore directed a question to Committee Chairman Chuck Barlow regarding the
negative balance in the water fund. Mr. Barlow explained how expenditures have
been more than expected over period of time and that this issue was being
addressed.
Mr.
Moore then addressed Auditor Stith inquiring details on a long term plan. Mr. Stith answered that this action will make
us whole and hopefully will carry us through. The Treasurer’s department is
aware of shortage and this will be addressed.
There were significant expenditures due to the maintenance of our
system, so it is more than just paying for water consumed.
Mr.
Thornbury asked if there are long term implications. Mr. Stith pointed out that
this is not a fund that should need to be subsidized as it is a utility.
Payment to
On a
motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Mumper, 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. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted “YES”.
J) INTRODUCTORY
A) RESOLUTION TO OBTAIN TECHNICAL SERVICES FROM THE AUDITOR OF THE STATE OF OHIO FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2008 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2009, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Mumper described the type of service offered and pointed out that at this time
this service is without charge.
Mr.
Moore asked if we have an update on when the city will officially be out of
fiscal watch. Mr. Stith answered that at the end of December they will have the
results of the audit for 2006/2007 and once the GAAP report is finalized and
submitted to the State our status will be reviewed.
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 Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to pass the
Resolution. All members present voted
“YES”.
B) RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO MAKE APPLICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009 STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS AND IF FUNDS ARE AWARDED TO EXECUTE GRANT AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
Mr.
Schneider asked Mayor Williams about the urgency of this request. Mayor Williams responded that there is not
any particular urgency but as this is only an application for grant funding,
the early we can work on this the better.
Mr.
Schneider requested that the north end of
Mr.
Sanker asked Safety Service Director Joe Geers about the application deadline.
Mr. Geers responded that final submission is required in late September and
noted that a formal resolution is required with the City’s application.
Mr.
Schneider thanked Mr.Geers for his proactive efforts on our street program and
asked the Mayor for his comments. Mayor
Williams responded that several streets have been identified for this
work.
Mr.
Schneider asked if a conscious effort had been made to select
commercial/industrial streets as opposed to residential streets and cited
Indian Mound as an example. Mayor
Williams referred to Mr. Geers who answered that SCIP funds have specific
requirements and criteria and cannot be utilized everywhere we might like.
Mr.
Sanker asked if there was a risk if we were to neglect this possibility from
ODOT due to the fact that we had to turn down funds in the past. Mr. Geers
affirmed and noted if we turn this down we will have given up our chances on
state funding for a significant length of time.
Mr. Moore
asked the time needed to modify this application. Mr. Geers responded that a
change to the application could take up to 2 – 3 months.
Mr.
Gabbard thanked Mr. Geers and the administration for their attention to the
grant application process. He realizes the significance of the work and is
appreciative.
On a
motion by Mr. Thornbury, 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 Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the
Resolution. All members present voted
“YES”.
K) ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was in attendance and commented on the Scrap Metal Ordinance and the
Ohio Supreme Court ruling. Mayor Williams added that many items are being
confiscated and scrapped for their metal value. This has escalated to robbing
cemeteries and churches. It is a shame the Supreme Court won’t allow us to
protect our citizenry from this mess.
Mayor
Williams also noted that we have rented equipment to swiftly manage overgrown
shrubs on City property. We will have
the machine for 30 days and will utilize this as much as possible during this
time.
Mayor
Williams added that with the sale of the final property for the Rookwood
Exchange project, preliminary plans for the site are progressing. These plans
are different than the original plans but upon completion no one will be
disappointed.
The
Mayor also noted that The Norwood High School marching band will host the River
City Band Competition at Shea Stadium on September 20th.
The
Mayor continued by noting that the Administration will continue to look into
the water fund issues previously discussed.
Lastly
Mayor Williams noted that The Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for September
25th will allow
When
opened for questions, Mr. Moore requested an update on current street repairs.
The Mayor answered that the street contractor is to be in to mark-up the
targeted streets.
Mr.
Stith was present and shared the formal Auditor Reports and several graphs and
hopes that these reports are a more useable format.
Mr.
Stith continued by noting that the State Auditors are in for the 2006/2007 tax
year audits and added that everything has been much more organized than in past
audits.
Mr.
Stith also noted that at today’s County tax commission hearing, our tax budget
for 2009 was approved. During the hearing
a negative balance was discovered on the bond retirement fund. The City
Auditor’s office investigated and determined there was a discrepancy in the
manner the State Auditor’s office requested this be reported versus the way the
Law
Director Ted Kiser was present and gave his Law Director’s report by echoing
the Mayor’s comments regarding scrap metal ordinance. He encouraged citizens to
contact the state legislation with their feedback.
Mr.
Kiser also noted that the second round of proceedings on the Empire Tavern
hearing have passed and a 3rd round is upcoming, but not yet
scheduled.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Sanker asked if it would be beneficial to have a
Resolution or letter from Council to State Legislature noting our concern. Mr. Kiser responded that the Law Department
feels the major problem is that the State removed all local jurisdiction and that
addressing this issue is the first request that should be made. The State
Legislature will review this in one year but could this could be reviewed prior
to that if they are so encouraged.
Mr.
Gabbard asked the purpose of the Empire Tavern hearing given the recent news on
their license issues. Mr. Kiser
responded that the license is currently suspended due to felony charges and
that this is just an additional layer of protection over which we have some
control and we will continue to pursue this liquor license objection.
L) OTHER REQUESTS TO
ADDRESS COUNCIL
Jeff
Jorling of
Mr.
Moore commented that this has been discussed in the past and a traffic study
was done which discouraged the addition of a stop sign at this location. Mr. Moore requested an opinion from the Law
Department on City liability for placing a stop sign at this and other
locations.
M) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr.
Barlow announced the
Mr.
Mumper asked that the Clerk of Council send a follow up to the letter sent to
the Recreation Commission regarding the
Mr.
Gabbard informed everyone of the volunteer opportunities with “Give Back
Cincinnati” on Saturday September 20th from 10 AM to 3 PM. The
website is www.givebackcincinnati.org for more information. 100 Young
Norwood Professionals will be volunteering their time and that materials will
be donated for clean up projects in
N) NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Mumper announced the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m.,
September 25th in Council Chambers. The only agenda item will be the
Hamilton County Health Department presentation.
Mr.
Mumper also asked that the Law Department prepare the appropriate legislation
declaring Halloween with the same hours as last year, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Mr. Moore
requested that the issue of stop signs be placed into the Law and Ordinance
committee.
O) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Health Department Re: Healthy Community Award
On a motion
by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved that the letter be
received and filed. All members present
voted “YES”.
2. Letter from Building
Department Re:
3. Letter from Police
Department Re:
4. Letter from Fire
Department Re:
5. Letter from Health
Department Re:
6. Letter from
On a motion
by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved that O-2) through O-6) be
received and filed as if read. All
members present voted “YES”.
7. Letter from Police
Department Re:
8. Letter from Building
Department Re:
9. Letter from Health
Department Re:
10. Letter from Tax Department Re:
11. Letter from Fire Department Re:
12. Letter from
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved that Communications
O-7) through O-12) be received and filed as if read. All members present voted “YES”.
13. Letter from Mayor Tom Williams Re: Mayor’s Court Fines/August Report
On a
motion by Mr. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be
received and filed. All members present
voted “YES”.
14. Letter from Rick Dettmer Re: Block Grant Public Hearings Request
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved that the letter be
received and filed and that the Public Hearing be scheduled for September 23,
2008 and October 14, 2008. All members
present voted “YES”.
15. Letter from Rick Dettmer Re: Landbank & Venture I PUD
As
amended, this item was considered previously.
16. Letter from Auditor Re: Auditor’s Report
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved that the letter be
received and filed as if read. All members present voted “YES”.
17. Letter from Tax Commissioner Re: Earnings Tax Report/August
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be
received and filed. All members present
voted “YES”.
P) EXCUSE ABSENT
MEMBERS
All members were present.
Q) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted “YES”.
Mr. Gabbard extended birthday wishes to President Jane Grote from all Council members.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council