Council
Chambers
October 14,
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. Sanker, it was moved to agenda by moving
items P-4) and I-3) before the Public Hearing, by adding the Minority Report as
I-3 and by adding Communication P-6).
All members present voted YES.
F) MINUTES OF
THE PREVIOUS MEETING
June 10,
2008, June 24, 2008, and July 8, 2008
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to approve the
minutes as if read. All members present voted YES.
As
amended, Council then considered the following items.
P-4) Letter from Rick Dettmer RE: CDBG Block Grants
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to receive and file
the letter. All members present voted YES.
I-3) Community Development Committee RE: CDBG
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
G) PUBLIC HEARING
1) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION
FOR 2009-2011.
The
Public Hearing opened by an explanation of the rules of Public Hearings by Ms.
Grote.
Those
speaking for the Application included Ms. Donna Laake.
Mr.
Mumper asked if these funds could be used to provide additional litter
containers within the 4th Ward west of
Mr.
Schneider asked about the significance of priorities in the application for
grant funding. Mr. Dettmer answered that
the priority will be the same as past grants.
Mr.
Mumper asked if there is the discretion to partially fund all items. Mr. Dettmer said there could be, but expects
these projects will be funded as in years past.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved that Council accept
the application for 2009-2011 CDBG as presented by Mr. Dettmer. All members
present voted YES.
H) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Robin
Mace of
I) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1) Finance and Audit Committee RE: Claims
On a motion
by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to accept the report and
request that the Law Department prepare the appropriate Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
2) Finance and Audit Committee RE: Appropriations 2008
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, the changes are approved. All
present voted YES.
3) Community Development
Committee RE: Approval of Block Grant Proposal
As
amended, this item was considered previously.
4) Committee of the Whole
RE: Minority Report
Mr. Mumper
commented that this report is not yet officially a minority report since a
majority report has not yet been issued.
The opinions expressed could very well be the majority report once
additional information is gathered and analyzed. This item was added to Council’s Committee of
the Whole to gather additional information and more is needed.
Mr.
Thornbury explained his rationale for the minority report and added that he
believes that we already have a pretty thorough analysis of services. Mr. Thornbury mentioned that this issue
should be acted upon with urgency. The
County presentation did not lead him to consider another direction.
Mr.
Mumper stated that information from the County, as well as citizens, prompted
the meeting with the Board of Health and insurers.
Mr.
Schneider asked Mr. Mumper the timeline for these follow-up meetings as the
Health Commission is vital to public safety. Mr. Mumper responded that the
timeline will be finalized and that the Committee would like to hear all
suggestions on cutting costs.
Mr.
Sanker added that we are still looking to see how the City and County can work
together to provide the most efficient services. Additional meetings and
investigations are currently underway. The Administration is engaged in discussions
moving forward to gather additional information and feedback.
Mr.
Gabbard added that while the meeting gathered information, we have a department
that is up in the air and that he would like to see the process sped up.
Mr.
Moore responded that he certainly feels for employees and that restructuring
happens everywhere. This Council had
considered cost cutting measures in other areas including 911, the Building
Department, Payroll, etc. Mr. Moore
added that he was less than impressed by the level of service presented by the
County, but the numbers still need to be investigated. More discussion is needed. While there should be some urgency, the City
hasn’t shut down when other department head positions have been vacant. Council can talk about any item at any time,
so he is not sure why some members claim this was the first opportunity to
discuss. In addition, this would not
require a separate Resolution, in fact there are increased appropriations on
tonight’s agenda. The Health Department is not going anywhere next week and we
need a rational discussion regarding the best interest of the City of
Mr.
Mumper announced the next meeting of the Committee of the Whole is November 4th
and clarified his comments regarding the previous meeting being more of a
circus compared to most Council meetings as it was very busy, very fragmented,
and very long. We have asked Hamilton
County Health Commissioner Tim Ingram for comments regarding the appropriate
next steps.
Mr. Thornbury
is glad to hear council is interested in moving forward. He stands by his
report. Mr. Thornbury added that while he does not want to preclude any
discussion, he would like to end this process.
Mr.
Mumper reminded Council that the Health Commission appointed an interim Health
Commissioner and added that four years ago we went through the opposite process
when others wanted to completely close the Health Department. We investigated it at that time and determined
it was not the right time. We owe it to
the City to review this at this time.
On a
motion by Mr. Gabbard, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report. The following members voted YES:
Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Thornbury.
The following members voted NO: Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Mr. Barlow, and
Mr. Mumper. The motion FAILED.
J) SECOND
A) A
RESOLUTION DECLARING IT TO BE THE DESIRE OF COUNCIL THAT HALLOWEEN
TRICK-OR-TREAT BE CELEBRATED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 6:00 P.M. AND 8:30 P.M. ON
FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2008 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
On a
motion from Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the
rules and have the second and third readings of the Resolution. All members present voted YES.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to pass the
Resolution. All members present voted
YES.
K) INTRODUCTORY
A) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2008, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Schneider asked Mr. Barlow to explain the appropriation changes noted in
Exhibit A. Mr. Barlow responded that
most of the items are simply transferring funds. The only major increase is to fund the
procurement of salt.
Mr.
Schneider asked about codification of ordinances online. Mr. Barlow relayed the
Finance and Audit Committee’s desire to wait until next year to fund the
codification online.
On a
motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Moore, 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. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
YES.
B) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS & ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW RESTROOM FACILITIES AT HUNTER PARK WITHIN THE CITY OF
NORWOOD, OHIO.
Mr.
Moore noted that that the County will fund this as part of the Community
Development Block Grants.
Mr.
Schneider asked about the time frame for this work. Mayor Williams responded that we may have to
wait a few months as this work needs to be bid out. The goal is that this work
will be ready for Spring Soccer.
Mr.
Gabbard noted his excitement for this improvement and thanked Councilmen
Mumper, Sanker and others for funding the port-o-let at the park. Mr. Gabbard also thanked Mr. Mumper for
getting the applications completed; this is much needed for
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, 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. Schneider, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
YES.
C) ORDINANCE FOR SAFETY-SERVICE
DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to amend the
Ordinance by correcting the spelling of
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to suspend 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.
D) ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION
1301.03 ENTITLED “
Mr.
Sanker asked Law Director, Ted Kiser to explain the ordinance. Mr. Kiser responds that this Ordinance amends
the Ohio Building Codes to make areas more consistent with our existing
code. The code we are replacing was last
updated in 1996.
The full
Building Code is available for review in the Law Department and the Clerk of
Council office. The Building
Commissioner can address any of Council’s questions regarding specifics. Mr. Moore feels that at first glance, the
changes are slight, but this really cleans up the code and updates language.
On a
motion by Mr.
E) ORDINANCE REPLACING EXISTING
CHAPTER 1315 ENTITLED “1 & 2 FAMILY DWELLING CODE” WITH NEW CHAPTER 1315
ENTITLED “ONE & TWO & THREE FAMILY DWELLINGS” WHICH ADOPTS THE CURRENT
EDITION OF THE RESIDENTIAL CODE OF OHIO, 1, 2, & 3 FAMILY (RCO) AND
APPENDIX GAS TO SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND HOT TUBS DESIGNATED AS THE CITY OF
NORWOOD RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE AS AMENDED, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to hear the first
reading of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
L) ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS
Mayor Williams
was present and noted that Tom White, Director of Public Works has an updated
list of the streets where brush has been cleared and there has been significant
progress. Mr. Mumper asked what should
be done in the case that residents see others burning brush. The Mayor answered that with the brush as
dry as it is, there is potential for danger and that the Fire Department should
be contacted.
Mayor
Williams also noted that the Safety-Service Director submitted a report to the
Finance Committee regarding the purchase of 1,600 tons of salt. In previous years, the cost was $50 a ton,
but with the recent shortage, the best price we could get in the current market
is $124. While other communities are
throwing sand, we feel salt is still the best option. Mayor Williams also noted that a demolition
company has agreed to remove steel at the old incinerator at no cost, we will
then fix the roof, and the plan is to store the salt inside the old
incinerator. 1,600 tons should cover us
for the year with what we have on hand from last season, but this is of course
dependent on the upcoming weather.
The
Mayor announced that discussions are underway with the developers and
engineering companies for Rookwood Exchange.
Preliminary layouts were shared which include a hotel, housing, garage,
office and retail. In addition, all
parking will be underground. The preliminary drawings were submitted today;
this is exciting and should be a first class development. The Administration will keep Council
informed.
Auditor
Stith was also present and began his report by commenting that the September
2006 Cash Report were provided in the packets and that the 2007 GAAP Report has
been filed with the State Auditor’s Office. The State Auditors are assisting us
with the format for 2008. As we build
that template, the 2009 budget process has started and the next goal is to
prepare the 5 year forecast.
Mr.
Schneider asked about the status of the Auditor’s systems. Mr. Stith responded
that minor upgrades are scheduled.
Software is to be updated and training is included in the
appropriations. The printer will be
upgraded with savings from another key within the Auditor’s appropriations.
Mr.
Sanker asked about previous penalties and interest incurred due to late
payments and asked if we are working to have those costs rescinded. Mr. Stith answered that the request for
dismissal of those fines has been made, but the IRS very rarely excuses
payments. The problem was that paperwork was not filed with the payment as
required.
Ted
Kiser was present and began his Law Director’s report by further commenting on
the revised/updated building code and advised Council to direct any questions
to the Building Commissioner or the Law Department.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Mumper asked for an update on the Portable On Demand
storage units (P.O.D.) Ordinance requested in the spring. Mr. Kiser answered that the Ordinance will
be ready for the next Council Meeting.
Mr.
Moore asked if there was any action on the appeal at the corner of Franklin and
Courtland Avenues. Mr. Kiser responded that he will have to report back.
Mr.
Mumper asked for an update on the Empire Tavern case. Mr. Kiser responded that the city has
presented its case and is awaiting the scheduling of the fourth hearing date.
M) OTHER REQUESTS TO
ADDRESS COUNCIL
N) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr.
Moore announced that the Community Development Committee will be hosting a Town
Meeting at which CBI, Property Advisors, and
Steve
Thornbury reminded all that Senior Night for the Norwood Football Team is this
Friday in which
O) NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Gabbard presented 1,300 signatures on the petition to keep the Norwood Health
Department.
Mr.
Schneider shared a poster from Jenny Wallace for the Marsh Insurance Clean Up
event at Marsh and Northwoods parks. He also gave updates from the Recreation
Commission regarding
Mr.
Schneider also announced that basketball signups are underway at the Community
Center and Halloween in the Park is scheduled for Saturday the 25th
of October at
Lastly,
Mr. Schneider commented on the effort of the great team at Public Works, under
the direction of Mr. White and commended their efforts at
Mr.
Sanker added that
P) COMMUNICATIONS
1) Letter from the Health Department Re: Request for Property Tax Liens
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to receive and
file the letter and request that the Law Department draft the appropriate
Ordinance. All members present voted YES
2) Letter from the Tax Department Re: September Earnings Tax Report
On a motion
from Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved that the letter be
received and filed. All members present voted YES.
3) Letter from the Mayor’s office Re: September Mayor’s Court Report
On a
motion from Mr. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Schneider, the report was received
and filed. All members present voted YES.
4) Letter from Mr. Rick Dettmer Re: CDBG
As
amended, this item was considered previously.
5) Letter from Auditor’s Department Re: Details of Exhibit A
On a motion
by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received
and filed as if read. All members present voted YES
6) Letter from
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and file
the letter and to appoint Ms. Debra Simpson as the representative to this
committee. All members present voted
YES.
Q) EXCUSE ABSENT
MEMBERS
All
members were present.
R) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, the meeting was adjourned, with all present voting YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council