Council
Chambers
December 8,
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. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend the agenda
by moving communication #1 before Ordinance B. All members present voted YES.
F) MINUTES OF
THE PREVIOUS MEETING
G) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Finance and Audit Re: Appropriations 2008
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the report be
accepted. All members present voted YES.
2. Finance and Audit Re: 2009 Budget
On a motion
by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the report be accepted.
All members present voted YES.
I) INTRODUCTORY
A. ORDINANCE
TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2008, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
On a motion
by Mr. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Barlow, 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. Moore, it was moved that the Ordinance be
accepted. All members present voted YES.
As
amended, Council then considered the following item.
O-1. Letter from Building Commissioner Re: Lien for Securing
Buildings
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved that the letter be
received and filed. All members present voted YES.
Mr.
Sanker asked the Law Director the timeline for the filing and activation of the
lien. Mr. Kiser said it is a quick and easy process that is generally completed
in one day. The urgency is the property is going on the auction block, if we do
not file the lien now we will be unable to recoup the money.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to receive and
file the letter. All members present
voted YES.
B. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CLERK/TREASURER TO CERTIFY UNPAID BILLS FOR THE COST OF SECURING BUILDINGS 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. Barlow, 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. Sanker, it was moved that the Ordinance
be passed. All members present voted
YES.
C. 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. Thornbury, 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. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, the Ordinance passed. All
members present voted YES.
D. ORDINANCE
MAKING PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF
Mr.
Schneider asked the Mayor for clarification of some website costs and issues.
The Mayor responded that the feedback from the Town Hall meeting led him to
action for supplying news to the citizens. The website firm is the same as used
in other city departments. The Mayor just wants to get the ball rolling and is
happy to entertain suggestions for content.
Mr.
Mumper noted that he thought the monthly rate is too high and asked what could
be done to seek a lower rate. The Mayor
said he would look into the details and that was for continual content
management for the site.
Mr.
Schneider asked if the budget fully funds the Health Department. Mr. Stith
answered said that it does and is the same amount as last year with slight
changes. There will be some fluctuation. Mr. Barlow responded that this is 100%
of the budget and there will be changes, as this is based on estimated revenues
and will be closely monitored. Last year’s budget was distributed in quarters.
The Committee felt it was more helpful to start with the entire funding of
departments.
Mr.
Schneider asked the Mayor if there were concerns in particular departments. The
Mayor said the Tax Department is consistently conservative but there may indeed
be unforeseen expenditures. Caution is the key word throughout the process. Mr.
Mumper added that budget was based on contracts.
Mr.
Thornbury asked for Mr. Stith’s input on the subject of current contracts. Mr.
Stith talked about a zero sum budget and the projections based on financial
history. All departments should look into savings in contracts, leases, and to
identify fixed costs early.
Mr.
Moore felt it was necessary to insure there is money for maintaining streets
and buildings and that is not yet reflected in this budget. This is the basic
definition of what a city does, and it needs to be a priority, as it was a
campaign promise. Mr. Barlow said it is reflected in the Capitol Improvements
portion with streets and infrastructure. Mr. Barlow agrees that it is important
to earmark the funds specifically. They
are approximately $180,000 short of the promised $600,000. Mr. Schneider asked Mr. Stith to respond to
the subject. Mr. Stith answered they looked to cut expenses and Safety Service
Director Joe Geers had successfully pursued several matching grants and these
could defray the total dollars needed to complete projects. Mr. Moore further
expressed the need for programs that enhance and attract quality residents as
we hear this over and over from the public. We need to set funds aside and not
depend on “what we have leftover”.
Mr.
Moore asked if the Mayor had comments. The Mayor does not want to send a
negative message or hit the panic button. Finances are going to be in flux.
Streets and infrastructure are an ongoing priority.
Mr.
Schneider asked if there is wisdom in a quarterly budget because the
information is better and timely. He directed his question to the former
Finance Chair, Mr. Sanker. Mr. Sanker answered that there was more limited
information last year and they have tried to identify fixed expenses and more
contracts from start to finish. There will be adjustments. This is a good trend
and a 2 year budget would allow for forecasting and a plan for the future. A
quarterly budget just creates more headaches.
Mr.
Schneider has a concern with full appropriations being quickly encumbered and
asked for an update on E-Gov and the hardware needed. Mr. Barlow explained that
E-Gov will be quickly implemented and $35,000 has been appropriated for the
upgrades.
Mr.
Stith encourages each department to review their open purchase orders and to
close them so encumbered funds may be returned to the appropriate key.
On a
motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to hear the first
reading of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
J) INTRODUCTORY
K) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and noted that forecasts by the experts in these economic
times are always questionable and we should sit back and wait. We should not
have anything set in stone with such economic uncertainties in play.
Discussions
are ongoing with Al Neyer Inc. and Cumulus at Linden Pointe. April or May
should find 16,000 square feet with 3 radio stations. Warm 98, WGRR, and 96
Rock.
A survey
exists that notes we have the second oldest housing stock. Mr. Thornbury asked
if we have the second oldest housing stock in the county. The Mayor said yes,
the way it is being told, but has not seen the source of survey.
During the
Auditor’s Report, Mr. Stith discussed the two Ordinances dealing with finances
and provided peripheral reports. The late fee charged by the IRS will be
returned ($19,000). The money was paid, just improperly filed by the IRS. Mr. Schneider asked about “fiscal watch” and
any detrimental effects on development. Mr. Stith said we are filed on ’06 and
’07, the auditors are here and will be finished in the next couple of
weeks. In late January or February we
can apply to get off fiscal watch. It is a short process after the letter is
written. Mr. Schneider added he would like to see a media event when we are
removed from fiscal watch.
During
the Law Director’s Report Mr. Kiser announced the hearings for Empire Tavern
and Donna’s Carryout closed today. Alcohol delivery is not in the plans for
Donna’s Carryout. Additionally, there is a CRA draft Ordinance that he would
like to review further and get more feedback on before presenting to Council.
L) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
M) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr.
Sanker asked the Mayor for comments on the fiscal watch. The Mayor credits
everyone working together, employees, bargaining units, Council and the
administration. Mr. Schneider reiterated his desire for a media event when the
city is removed from the watch list.
N) NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Thornbury reminded everyone that the annual Talk to Santa show will be
broadcast live, Thursday evening (7-9 pm) on Norwood Cable Television channel
24. The number for reaching Santa is 396-7509. Mr. Thornbury also announced the
Norwood Historical Society Holiday Open House at the McCullough Estate on
Saturday from 4-7 pm. There is a raffle for a scale model of a police patrol
cruiser.
Mr.
Gabbard gave the figures for Norwood Recreation Commission Christmas
Celebration. There were 246 children and 428 people in total in attendance. He
thanked all for their donations to the event.
O) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Building Dept. Re: Lien for Securing Vacant Buildings
This
item was considered previously.
2. Letter from Mayor’s Office Re: November Mayor’s Court Fines
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.
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.
.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council