Council
Chambers
October 28,
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, the agenda was amended to reflect
items Q-3, H-3 and L-1 as the first order of business. All present voted YES.
F) MINUTES OF
THE PREVIOUS MEETING
G) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
As
amended Council then considered the following items Q-3), H-3) and L-1).
Communication
Q-3) Letter from Development Director Rick Dettmer regarding Seek
Research Enterprise Zone
Mr.
Haselmeyer and Mr. Tilsley, of Seek Research spoke to the business objectives
and the type of research performed by Seek Research. The proposed renovation of
the existing building is to improve function, be visually attractive and elicit
“wows” from clients and passersby. Seek
Research hopes to restore the exterior of the three story building to its
former glory. The interior will emphasize openness, collaboration and fun.
There is a reciprocal parking agreement in the works with the neighboring
church.
Mr.
Thornbury asked where the research will be conducted. Mr. Haselmeyer replied
that it is mostly external. They will meet with clients on site.
Mr.
Sanker asked Mr. Dettmer to review the highlights of an Enterprise Zone
Agreement. Mr. Dettmer explained it is a
tax incentive for investment and job creation consistent with those provided
for Schoolhouse Outfitters, Siemens, etc.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore it was moved to receive and file
the letter and to grant the request. All
members present voted “YES”.
Committee
Report H-3) Community Development Re: Seek Research Enterprise Zone
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted “YES”.
Resolution
L-1): A RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE BOARD OF
Mr.
Moore thanked Seek Research for their interest in our location and this
particular building. It is an exciting business and opportunity.
Mr.
Mumper added these are great ideas and a great approach to redevelopment.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, 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. Sanker, it was moved to pass the
Resolution. All members present voted
“YES”.
H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1) Community Development Re: Rookwood Design Review
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted “Yes”.
2) Community Development Re:
Mr.
Mumper noted that the study was very dynamic and delivered amazing results.
Mr.
Moore announced that the purpose of the Town Meeting would be to present and
get feedback, particularly rating of property quality and assessment. The next phase would be to turn these
findings into a marketing campaign.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
Committee report and invite guests from Property Advisors and Community
Building Institute to be present at the Town Meeting to be scheduled. All
present voted “YES”.
3) Community
Development Re: Seek Research
Enterprise Zone
As amended, this item was
considered previously
I) SECOND
A) ORDINANCE REPLACING EXISTING CHAPTER 1315 ENTITLED “1 & 2 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.
Ms.
Grote asked Mr. Kiser for clarification. Mr. Kiser explained that this was
primarily wording changes. Ms. Grote declared that based on the changes this
should then revert to a first reading.
Mr.
Moore requested an overview from Mr. Stoker. Mr. Stoker explained that the
updates to the building code cover new construction methods. Mr. Stoker detailed reasons for the updates
and requested all three readings if possible.
Mr.
Gabbard wanted to know why all three readings were needed. Mr. Stoker explained
Insurance Service Offices (ISO) ratings will be revised. The ratings go from 1-10, and during the last
period we went from 10 to 8 and have a chance to get to 6 if we make these
changes by the end of the month. This
will save money on home insurance since inspection levels are up to date.
Mr.
Schneider asked if more training would be needed for inspectors. Mr. Stoker
answered that Mark Reeves is already certified under these regulations.
Mr.
Moore asked if new developments/housing would be governed by these new
regulations. Mr. Stoker responded that
this is correct. Mr. Reeves and Mr. Stoker are both certified for this inspection
work.
Mr.
Schneider asked if this would apply to the Baker regulation. Mr. Stoker answered that this is different
than Baker but provides for security and controls regarding pools, spas, etc.
Mr.
Schneider noted that he sees no reason for all three readings. Mr. Moore responded that the reason is that
the ISO rating would be updated. Mr. Stoker added that ISO rating would not be
updated again for another 3-5 years.
Mr.
Mumper asked if this measure would provide a reduction in home insurance premiums
for residents. Mr. Stoker confirmed that
to be the case.
Mr.
Schneider asked about the end of the month deadline. Mr. Stoker answered that
the previous rating was due to antiquated code.
Mr. Schneider then asked the Administration why we are getting this
Ordinance now and not in July. The Mayor
answered that the Building Department has also been waiting for this
legislation. Reorganizing the Building
Department takes some time as does the update to the building code. Mayor Williams asked if there was a question about this
previously or if the first questions came tonight. Ample time was given for questions.
Mr.
Sanker added that the first reading was two weeks ago, so there was plenty of
time for questions. This should come as no surprise.
Mr.
Mumper asked if there are any negative consequences to passing this. Mr. Stoker
responded that there are no negative consequences and that this actually gives
better assurance as to the products involved in the construction all
developments.
Mr. Mumper
asked Mr. Kiser to provide his perspective of the issue. Mr. Kiser confirmed that Mr. Stoker asked
some time ago for this legislation but that the Law Department wanted to be
deliberate in investigating. Mr. Stoker
is intimately familiar with code and all updates. Mr. Kiser was not aware of timing needs
originally but the Law Department and Building Department are aligned on the
code changes.
Mr.
Thornbury asked the Clerk if there is any reference to timing from last
meeting. Mr. Brian Mumper responded that the official minutes have not yet been
approved by Council. Mr. Thornbury then
asked the Mayor about the timing. The Mayor replied that not everything is
detailed in the packets and that Council should call when there are questions.
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 AMENDING SECTION 1301.03
ENTITLED “
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the second
and third 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”.
J) SECOND
K) INTRODUCTORY
A) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2008 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Barlow explained the FEMA Grand Fund is revenue that has not yet been
appropriated. This will fund a
replacement to police radio batteries so that they can last an entire shift
without recharging.
On a
motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend Exhibit
A. All members present voted “YES”.
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”.
B) ORDINANCE ADOPTING SECTION 917.25
“PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINER” TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
Mr.
Thornbury asked if there were timing issues. The Mayor replied in the negative.
Mr.
Mumper announced he requested this ordinance due to the pop ups of PODS
throughout the city and asked Mr. Stoker to comment. Mr. Stoker added that
without regulation these can almost become a permanent accessory structure to
the property.
Mr.
Thornbury asked if we looked at how other municipalities handle this. Mr.
Stoker confirmed that we looked at nearby communities for guidance but took a
conservative approach.
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”.
C) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CLERK/TREASURER TO CERTIFY UNPAID BILLS FOR THE COST OF GRASS CUTTING TO THE HAMILTON COUNT AUDITOR FOR FILING AS ALIEN ON THE TAX DUPLICATE OF THE OWNERS OF SAID PARCELS AND TO BE COLLECTED AS OTHER TAXES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Mumper
explained the reason for the lien. The current economy finds more vacant
properties in
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, 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. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the
ordinance. All members present voted “YES”.
L) INTRODUCTORY
A) A RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE BOARD OF
As
amended, this item was considered previously.
M) ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and mentioned the street resurfacing on Section, Worth,
Buxton, and
The
Mayor also noted that plans to use the old incinerator as a salt storage
facility are moving forward as planned.
Mayor
Williams also noted that discussions with the schools are taking place to
provide a presentation of the Housing Study in the mini-auditorium in the High
School, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. More details to come.
The
Mayor noted that the old Kroger at
When
opened for questions, Mr. Thornbury asked for an update on the Fidelity
property. The Mayor answered that the development will include a medical
facility to provide dialysis. The developer would like to tear down the entire
building, but the Administration is not in favor of this approach.
Mr.
Stith then provided the Auditor’s Report and provided explanation for the reports
and documents included in packets. Reports are available for public view in the
Auditor’s office.
Mr.
Schneider asked if the Auditor’s office was communicating to these departments
that are over budget. Mr. Stith
confirmed, but this is appropriated and encumbered so that number in the
referenced column may be slightly inflated.
Department heads get a one page sheet monthly, detailing appropriation
and expenditures to date.
Mr. Schneider
asked about plans for 2009 budget preparation. Mr. Stith responded that
planning will begin in early November to look at previous years and any
necessary changes as we forecast forward.
Mr.
Moore requested information on the GAAP report required to get out of fiscal
watch and noted that another condition of formally leaving Fiscal Watch status
was to get a better handle on forecasts.
Mr. Stith answered that GAAP reporting is underway and we are creating a
process that can be repeated for coming years. The next big project for the
Auditor’s Office is a five year forecast.
In the
Law Director’s Report, Mr. Kiser referenced the PODS ordinance. The Law
Department looked at the ordinances from other cities and would appreciate any
feedback and suggestions.
There
was a question regarding gas aggregation and Mr. Kiser explained the issue. If
people do not understand, feel free to call the Law Department for answers.
N) OTHER REQUESTS TO
ADDRESS COUNCIL
O) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr.
Thornbury spoke in favor of the gas aggregation issue as has been discussed on
council floor. It appears to be a win-win situation and is only an opt-in.
Mr.
Gabbard presented 150 signatures on a petition in favor of Health Department.
Mr.
Mumper presented petitions submitted regarding the sale of property at Holy
Trinity. The petitions were organized by nearby residents. Mr. Mumper asked the Clerk to forward the
petitions to the Planning Commission.
Mr.
Barlow asked that the Noise Ordinance be placed into Law and Ordinance
Committee. Mr. Moore added that he
would appreciate some input, guidance, and proposed timing.
Mr.
Sanker encouraged everyone to vote on the gas aggregation.
P) NEW BUSINESS
Q) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from the Mayor’s office Re: Board of Health Appointment
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to approve the
appointment and receive and file the letter. All members present voted “YES”.
2. Letter from Board of Elections Re: Ballot Issue –gas aggregation
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and file
the letter. All members present voted “YES”.
3. Letter
from Development Director Re: Seek Research Enterprise Zone
As
amended, this item was considered previously.
4. Letter from Auditor’s office Re: Auditor’s
report for September
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to receive and
file the report as if read. All members present voted “YES”.
R) EXCUSE ABSENT
MEMBERS
All
members were present.
S) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, the meeting was adjourned. All members present voted “YES”.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council