Council
Chambers
November 25,
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. Thornbury, it was moved to amend the
agenda by adding Communication Q-3. All
members present voted YES.
F) MINUTES OF THE
PREVIOUS MEETING
September
23, 2008 and October 14, 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.
G) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Committee of the
Whole Re: Health
Department
Mr.
Mumper thanked all participants for their patience. It brought out a lot of great information and
this was a worthwhile investigation with a great outcome.
Mr.
Thornbury thanked Mr. Mumper, Chairman of Committee of the Whole, for
facilitating the discussion.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted
YES.
2. Community
Development Re: Committee
Assignments
Mr.
Moore asked that the Law Department make an amendment to the rules of
Council.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to accept the
report and to forward the request to the Law and Ordinance Committee. All members present voted YES.
3. Community
Development Re: Potential
PUD Overlay
Mr. Sanker would like to have
the 20 acre site under a PUD overlay to maintain the best
interest of the site and the
City. The site is listed with a realtor
and is being marketed.
Mr. Schneider asked the Mayor
if the PUD will dampen developer interest in the site.
Mayor
Williams responded that the site is currently designated as M2 and we may want
to consider mixed use. A PUD protects
the City and allows some flexibility for potential uses.
Mr. Moore
added that it is additional work for a developer, but that the protection to
the City is important. Mr. Moore clarified that this
is only a request for the Planning Commission to look into placing a PUD over
the site. The City does not want a warehouse and would like to have some
control. After the Planning Commission has rendered an opinion, the final
decision will come before Council.
Mr. Schneider asked if the
Ohio Department of Development or
been
contacted regarding incentives. The
Mayor responded that those discussions are ongoing with the Ohio Economic
Development Chairman.
Mr.
Schneider asked for the identities of members of the Planning Commission. The
Mayor answered he and Mr. Geers are members along with Ms. Brigid McGraw.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to accept the report
and forward the request to the Planning Commission. All members present voted YES.
I) THIRD
A. ORDINANCE
ADOPTING SECTION 917.25 “PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINER” TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES
OF THE CITY OF
Mr.
Sanker asked if all three readings were now needed due to the change. Mr. Kiser answered that it was in affect a
new ordinance. Mr. Kiser then explained
the changes by noting there is new language to include provisions for
emergencies and disasters.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to withdraw the
previous version of the ordinance and add the current ordinance to the
agenda. All members present voted YES.
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. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
YES.
K) INTRODUCTORY
L) INTRODUCTORY
M). ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and thanked
When
opened for questions, Mr. Moore asked about a planned adult skate at the
Sherman Avenue Fun Factory with a 3 AM closing time. The Mayor said they will follow up
accordingly and explained that we thought an agreement had been reached between
the City and the owner but it appears this again needs to be addressed. Mr. Schneider noted that he attended Fun
Factory with his family and had a great time. It is a nice facility when
operated during appropriate hours.
Mr.
Schneider commented that Public Works is doing a great job on the leaf pickup
and asked how many leaf crews are in operation.
The Mayor responded only one unit has been on the street. There have been some complaints, but Public
Works is making great progress. Mayor
Williams added that the abatement of steel from the old incinerator has been
completed and that it should soon be ready to store salt.
Mr.
Mumper referenced a City of
Mr.
Stith presented the Auditor’s report for October and noted the slight downward
trend indicated on the tax revenue report.
The year to date report shows the same decline. Also included in the packets was a statement
of cash position, expenses by department, expenditure worksheet, updated
certificate of estimated resources and current appropriations.
Mr.
Stith added that the budgeting packet was sent with projections for 2009 and we
are on track to have the budget prepared by year end. Expecting less revenue in 2009 due to economy
by approximately $755,000 means we need to live within our means as we move
forward. Mr. Stith added that the GAAP
reports are wrapping up and should be filed by the end of the year.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Thornbury asked the steps to be taken in the next six
weeks. Mr. Stith stated the goal is to
have a few meetings so that permanent appropriations are available for the
first December meeting.
During
the Law Director’s report, Mr. Ted Kiser, announced the State Liquor Board
hearings for objections to the Empire Tavern and Donna’s Carry Out will be held
on December 8, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. and 1:00pm in Room B of Cincinnati City Hall.
Mr.
Kiser also noted that Assistant Law Director Chris Brown has worked with the
Auditor’s office and located 14 City properties that are tax exempt but not
classified accordingly. Mr. Kiser
extends thanks and kudos to Mr. Chris Brown and the Auditor’s Office. Mr. Thornbury asked for clarification on the
exempt properties. Mr. Kiser explained that these were city owned properties
that we had previously paid taxes on in error.
We should expect a rebate.
Mr.
Kiser also echoed the Mayor’s sentiment; we have a lot to be thankful for and
encouraged citizens to donate canned goods to the various charities as many in
our community are in need during these trying times.
N) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
O) UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
Mr.
Moore thanked all in attendance at the Town Hall Meeting on November 13, 2008.
A final report will be available in December. One of the major concerns was
that of street repair and this is certainly one thing we can do to improve our
image. Mr. Mooer added that another item
of citizen concern was city wide communication, which has certainly been an
issue. Mr. Moore thanked X.U., Liz
Blume, Community Building Institute and Property Advisors. Mr. Mumper echoed
the thoughts of Mr. Moore and felt it was good for all involved.
P) NEW BUSINESS
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, the regularly scheduled meeting
of City Council will be moved to Monday, December 8 from Tuesday, December
9. Mr. Lindner has invited several City
officials to his annual holiday party and it would show some gratitude for all
he has done to attend his event. The
following members voted YES: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Mr. Thornbury,
Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper. Mr.
Schneider voted NO. The motion passed.
Mr.
Thornbury mentioned the Norwood Food Bank is in need of donations. Donations may be dropped off at Norwood
Service League (513-924-1200). Mr.
Thornbury added that The Norwood Historical Society Holiday Open House will be
held December 13th from 4-7 p.m. at the McCullough home in
Mr.
Moore gave a recap of the Xavier University Student Task Force. In attendance included XU student president,
Bill and Vivian Graf, and Mike Couch, Chief of XU Police. The
discussion included the existing issues of student housing and noted positive
comments about responsiveness of the Norwood Police Department. This could be a
great venue for further discussion of issues and concerns. The next meeting is
in January.
Mr.
Thornbury announced another organization started to talk about similar issues;
The South Norwood Neighborhood Association is a discussion group that will be
continuing to meet and address issues and opportunities.
Q) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Auditor’s Department Re: October Auditor’s Report
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and file
the letter, as if read. All members present voted YES.
2. Letter from Health Department Re: Request for Ordinance for Liens
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and file
the letter and forward the request for a grass cutting lien to the Law
Department. All members present voted
YES.
3. Letter from Mayor Williams Re: Request for Executive Session
On a
motion from Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to receive and
file the letter and enter Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. All
present voted YES.
Upon
returning from Executive Session, the Council agenda continued.
R) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
All
members were present
S) ADJOURNMENT
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, the meeting was adjourned. All
members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council