Council
Chambers
September 23,
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. Moore, it was moved to amend the agenda
by adding Communication O-8) immediately before Public Hearing F-2) and by
moving Ordinance I-A) immediately following Public Hearing F-1). All members present voted YES.
F) PUBLIC HEARING
1. PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATION FOR
The
Public Hearings opened with an explanation of the format from Ms. Jane Grote.
The
following spoke in favor of the zoning district:
Steve
Armsby of Resurgence Group, represented the developer, Tom Shanks of Pedco
E&A Services, and Tim Roberts of Venture I were available for
questions. These representatives of the
development explained the difference in the PUD application and the demolition
of the old industrial space was discussed.
No one
came forward to speak against the zoning district, the Public Hearing
closed.
At this
time, Council considered the following item.
I-A) ORDINANCE
APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR PHASE II OF THE PROJECT KNOWN AS NORWOOD
VENTURE I, LLC (AMERICAN LAUNDRY PROJECT), COVERED BY THE PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY ZONE OVER THE VICINITY OF 5050 SECTION AVENUE, AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Community
Development Committee Chair, Mr. Moore explained the process of getting
information before Council early so all questions can be answered. The sooner
the high bay is demolished, the sooner marketing of the property can begin.
Mr.
Schneider called attention to the developer’s desire to maintain the aesthetic
elements and this is very encouraging.
Mr.
Thornbury noted that the same comments were made at a recent Historical Society
meeting.
On a
motion from Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the
rules and hear all 3 readings of the Ordinance.
All members present voted “YES”.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“YES”.
2. 2009-2011 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FOR CITY OF
The
Public Hearing Opened and the following came forward to discuss possible
funding.
Ms. Donna
Laake requested continual funding of the Norwood Youth Dental Program.
Ms. Lupe
Gonzalez Hoyt requested that the Norwood Service League be partially funded by
the CDBG Funds.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Schneider asked Mr. Dettmer if these funds could be
used to replace municipal street signage.
Mr. Rick Dettmer responded that this would likely come under
“streetscape” improvements but will check with the County for clarification.
Mr.
Mumper asked if additional litter containers could be placed throughout our
neighborhoods. Mr. Dettmer confirmed those could be included in streetscape
improvements.
Mr.
Dettmer noted that the second PUBLIC HEARING for CDBG Grant Funds is scheduled
for October 14, 2008.
As
amended, Council then considered the following item.
O-8
Letter from Rick Dettmer Re: CDBG Grant
Funds
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and file
the letter. All members present voted
“YES”.
G) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
I) INTRODUCTORY
A.
ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR PHASE II OF THE PROJECT KNOWN AS
NORWOOD VENTURE I, LLC (AMERICAN LAUNDRY PROJECT), COVERED BY THE PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY ZONE OVER THE VICINITY OF 5050 SECTION AVENUE, AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
As
amended, this item was considered previously.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, 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. Moore, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“YES”.
B.
ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE #45-2008 ADOPTING CHAPTER 769 “SCRAP METAL
DEALERS & RECYCLING FACILITIES” TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
Mr.
Sanker asked for an explanation of this Ordinance. Law Director Ted Kiser
responded that it is simply housekeeping to go along with Resolution J-3. Our
previously passed Ordinance was pre-empted by S.B.171.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, 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. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“YES”.
J) INTRODUCTORY
A.
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET
COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE
Mr.
Schneider asked if this is the product of the Budget Commission meeting.
Auditor Stith answered no, this is our certificate of expected resources from
the county.
On a
motion by Mr.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the
Resolution. All members present voted
“YES”.
B.
RESOLUTION DECLARING IT TO BE THE DESIRE OF COUNCIL THAT HALLOWEEN TRICK OR
TREAT BE CELEBRATED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 6:00 P.M. & 8:30 P.M. ON FRIDAY
OCTOBER 31, 2008 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to hear the first
reading of the Resolution. All members
present voted “YES”.
C. RESOLUTION OBJECTING TO THE PASSAGE OF SENATE
BILL 171 WHICH ADDRESSES SCRAP METAL DEALERS AND RECYCLING FACILITIES IN THE
STATE OF
Mr.
Schneider requested clarification on this Resolution. Law Director Ted Kiser reiterated that we
object to several details in the State Bill, but in particular we object to the
“home rule” provision? This is a big
deal for our community as with increased scrap prices we have seen an increase
in theft.
Mr.
Steve Thornbury noted that the Norwood Historical Society is drafting a similar
letter.
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 from Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to pass the
Resolution. All members present voted
“YES”.
K) ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS
Mayor Thomas
Williams was present and announced there was a message from the Administration
running on Norwood Cable Television reviewing the situation of storm damage
throughout the city. Mayor Williams
acknowledged the performance of the Fire, Police and Public Works
departments. Moving forward many issues
will be addressed, including the generators needed to power our critical
departments. E-911 worked very well. The Fire Department handled 90 calls for
service. There are still some without
power and a couple of road closures still in effect. Most residents were very understanding. Duke will be reviewing their processes as
well.
Mayor
Williams also noted that the chipper will remain out in the field until we
catch up on the storm damage but that could take several weeks. We have plenty of wood chips, if you could
use some stop by Public Works from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Mayor
Williams continued that the road milling of streets selected for repair has
begun. In addition, Public Works has rental equipment capable of removing large
brush. This equipment will be used to
clean up SR562 among other areas. This
may impede traffic but it is well worth the inconvenience.
Safety
Service Director Joe Geers has an application for SCIP Grants as well as MRF
funding.
Norwood
Young Professionals did an outstanding job on their public service project and
we are appreciative. There was no public media for the NYP event however.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Thornbury mentioned he had a discussion with Acting
Health Commissioner Dr. Perrino regarding the recent storm “emergency”. Mr. Thornbury asked who is responsible for
the closure and sending employees home during such power outages? The Mayor answered that without power it was
determined to be unsafe to stay. The Health Commissioner is the ruling
authority, but this is the first he has heard about confusion on the matter.
Auditor
Jim Stith began his Auditor’s Report by noting that the office was without
power for 2 ½ days. Payroll was
completed on time and the bills were paid as required. The City business must
go on both inside and outside regardless of other situations.
Law
Director Ted Kiser gave his report and discussed the city’s liability in
placing a stop sign. Stop signs are discretionary and the city is covered by
ORC. The problem occurs when the sign
“creates” a hazard, but with any forethought this should be easily avoided.
In
regard to the Resolution (J3 on the 9-23-2008 agenda) Mr. Kiser works in a law
firm with other law directors. He will give copies of our Resolution and hope
for additional support from other municipalities.
Mr.
Kiser also thanked the Norwood Young Professionals and Give Back Cincinnati
organizations for their efforts. Mr.
Kiser also thanked Mayor’s Court for providing help through community service
hours. Chris Brown, Vic Schneider, and Mr. Kiser also participated in the
cleanup effort.
Mr.
Moore requested a written opinion from the Law Department in regard to the stop
sign placement. Mr. Kiser said that would be forthcoming.
L) OTHER
REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
M) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
N) NEW
BUSINESS
Mr.
Thornbury asked Mr. Mumper if there will be opportunity for citizen
participation in the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for next
week. Mr. Mumper reviewed the procedures
planned for the session. The meeting
will start with a presentation by the Hamilton County Health Department,
followed by Council questions and then we will give our citizens a chance to
ask questions of the presenters.
O) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Building Department Re:
2. Letter from Earnings Tax Dept. Re:
3. Letter from Fire Department Re:
4. Letter from Health Department Re:
5. Letter from Police Department Re:
6. Letter from
On a
motion from Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved that the
letters O-1) through O-6) be received and filed as if read. All members present voted “YES”.
7. Letter from Recreation Commission Re:
Mr.
Mumper asked Mr. Stith if this was part of the grant where we provide funding
up front. Mr. Stith responded that he
was indeed aware and that a fund was created that will be subsidized once we
start getting bills and then the funding for this work.
Mr.
Mumper asked Mayor Williams if there was a deadline for the work to be done to
receive the grant funds. Mayor Williams
responded that we were unfortunately not involved in the grant submission and
only the Recreation Department has information on the grant details.
Mr.
Moore asked if the Recreation Department has scheduled a meeting with the
Administration. Mayor Williams responded
that a meeting has not yet been scheduled but the Administration would love to
hear an update and help out wherever possible.
On a
motion from Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved that the letter
be received and filed. All members
present voted “YES”.
8. Letter from Mr. Rick Dettmer, Economic Development Director Re: CDBG Grants.
As
amended, this item was considered previously.
P) EXCUSE ABSENT
MEMBERS
All members
were present.
Q) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to adjourn the meeting. All members present voted “YES”.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane M.
Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council