Council
Chambers
December 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. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, the agenda was amended to move K-A
to after PH-1, to substitute K-B attached contract and to add Ordinance
K-E). All members present voted “YES”.
F) PUBLIC
HEARINGS
PUBLIC
HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS PRELIMINARY
PUD SUBMISSION FOR THE ROOKWOOD EXCHANGE PROJECT LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF
Ms.
Grote began the Public Hearing by explaining the rules ofr Public
Hearings.
When no
one came forward to speak in favor of, or against the Ordinance, the Public
Hearing closed.
As
amended, Council then considered the following item.
A. ORDINANCE
APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR 12.71 ACRES OF LAND COMPRISING THE ROOKWOOD
EXCHANGE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Jeffrey
Anderson and his attorney, Mr. Richard Tranter, from Anderson Development, said
this is a very preliminary PUD. The PUD
was submitted and he shared the architectural renderings with proposed uses and
density plans. This allows marketing of the property to begin with potential
uses including hotel, residential, office, and retail. Parking is to be below surface.
Mr.
Schneider asked for the timeframe. Mr.
Anderson said it would be based on marketing, lending, and the interest of
potential tenants. It is pretty much starting over, but this is a necessary
first step.
Mr.
Moore added that he is glad to see progress, but this is very preliminary.
Changes should be expected as the market demands.
Mr.
Schneider asked if the developer would continue to appear before the Community
Development Committee for updates. Mr. Moore said that is the expectation.
Mr.
Sanker added that there may be concerns regarding traffic and those issues will
be addressed as the process continues.
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. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, the ordinance was approved. All
members present voted “YES”.
G) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Community Development Re: HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Mr.
Schneider asked if the $375,000 was a grant and if so what are the matching
requirements?
Mr.
Moore stated the County submitted application during the summer, based on
estimates of distressed property. The
City has 18 months to allocate spending over the next few years - some will be
directed to demolition, other funds could be determined down the road. The
Building Department is working to determine how to spend these funds.
Mr.
Sanker added that the funds could also be used to generate revenue by
redeloping property and moving the property on to further development.
On a motion
by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, the report was accepted. All members
present voted YES.
I) SECOND
A.
ORDINANCE MAKING PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF
NORWOOD, OHIO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR ENDING 12-31-2009 AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY
Mr.
Barlow asked that the appropriations for streets be increased to meet the
promises of the last levy requirements.
Mr.
Schneider asked how this affects our budget. Mr. Stith replied that it puts us
at a deficit spending situation. Based on estimates we will not have
appropriate revenue to cover these expenditures without dipping into
contingency. Everyone would like to see
street repairs, but the goal was to pass a balanced budget and add only based
on increased revenue.
Mr.
Barlow added that with 3 million in surplus, at the end of this year, it is not
quite deficit spending. This is about
the promise made by Resolution with respect to street repair. He would love to have a zero sum budget, but
we need to keep our promise to our residents.
Adjustments will be made throughout 2009 anyway and we can adjust every
key as necessary.
Mr.
Moore feels many priorities are in place in this budget. With streets as an afterthought, or
“leftover”, implies this is not a priority.
We have to maintain our infrastructure and our streets are an important
part of our image. While not balanced,
this is not deficit spending in that we are not borrowing to fund this
maintenance.
Mr.
Mumper noted that this is of critical importance. Council has worked hard to
create a surplus. We should be spending
this surplus only as needed, but a commitment to our streets, residents and
image is long overdue.
Mr.
Sanker added that while we can’t go in the hole with our spending we should use
a contingency fund where necessary.
Mr.
Schneider said reserve for contingency is $100,000. There are other areas where
some keys are possibly inflated. Mr.
Stith described the budgeting process used in preparation of 2009 budget. There
are requests for increased expenditures but those are few and far between. The
three million dollar surplus does not include any outstanding purchase orders
so that could be somewhat depleted. Mr.
Stith mentioned three projects where grant funds have been awarded.
Mr.
Sanker suggested we use funds in Streets key as our matching funds. These are
all components of the bigger picture. We
are only moving a portion of funds tonight, but the manner in which these funds
are spent is a separate discussion. In order
to accommodate these larger projects additional discussion is needed.
Mr.
Schneider agreed that this is a good discussion and that the budget is dynamic
so these items don’t all have to be solved tonight.
Mr.
Sanker agreed, additional discussion will take place as the year plays out. We
will all be required to engage in these discussions.
Mr.
Schneider asked if the Health Department was still fully funded. Mr. Barlow said yes, the only change is an
increase in Streets.
On a motion
by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to amend the ordinance to
increase line 2902 to $400.00. All members present voted
“YES”.
On a
motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to suspend the rules
and hear all three readings of the amended Ordinance. All members present voted
YES.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, the ordinance passed. All members
present voted “YES”
J) SECOND
K) INTRODUCTORY
A. ORDINANCE
APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR 12.71 ACRES OF LAND COMPRISING THE ROOKWOOD
EXCHANGE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
As
amended, this item was considered previously.
B. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY– SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A LABOR AGREEMENT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL #445 FOR YEARS 2009-2011, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Barlow mentioned he had spoke with the Mayor and a 2% increase in 2009 will be
renegotiated next year.
Mr.
Mumper asked if the minimum man per shift has changed, Mayor Williams responded
that the minimum man is 12.
Mr.
Moore asked the Law Director to explain the timing. Mr. Kiser answered that the old contract
would prevail until a new contract is approved. Ms. Grote said there is a 30
day period from the time the contract is submitted for Council to act.
Mr.
Schneider made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, for a 10 minute recess. The
motion passed. All present voted “YES”.
Upon
returning from recess, Mr. Gabbard thanked the firefighters and administration
for working together on this timing.
Mr.
Barlow reiterated 2% - 1 year, minimum man 13 to 12 for 3 years, and hiring
another fire fighter and
Mr. Schneider
asked if we were just reopening negotiations on salary? Mr. Kiser confirmed.
Mr.
Barlow announced the firefighters are voting the next 3 days and that’s when
the 30 day period begins. A first reading is appropriate, but it would be great
to pass this tonight and move forward..
Mr.
Schneider noted he had no problem passing it tonight. Mr. Mumper agreed and
added it was a fast but effective negotiation.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to suspend the
rules and hear all three readings. 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”.
C) ORDINANCE CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE EMERGENCY FUND, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Moore had questions to be addressed in regard to terms, conditions and funding
requirements. Mr. Sanker affirmed and
added that a discussion with regard to liquidity of these funds for future use
should be scheduled. We need to be aware
of terms before locking away any funds.
Mr. Stith responded that under the Ohio Revised Code there are specific
requirements. It would be nice to have a Finance meeting and include the
Administration.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Barlow, the ordinance was placed in the
Finance & Audit Committee. All
present voted “YES”.
D) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2008, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Barlow explained the changes implemented by this Ordinance.
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. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“YES”.
E) ORDINANCE
AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY- SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT, UNDER
THE STATE BID PURCHASE PROGRAM, WITH PROCOPY, FOR THE LEASE OF COPIERS FOR THE
CITY OF NORWOOD, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr.
Mumper asked if these would be “all in one” printer, scanner and copier
machines. Mr. Stith affirmed and noted
that these will be networked with no additional charge.
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, 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. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“YES”.
L) INTRODUCTORY
M) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mr.
Stith was present and described the monthly Auditor’s report. Charts and new
attachments were explained. The department is wrapping up year end with
purchase orders and invoices.
Mr.
Schneider asked if the State Auditors were still onsite. Mr. Stith answered the State Auditors are
still in City Hall finishing their audit of
During
the Law Director’s report, Mr. Kiser wished everyone a Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year. He presented a letter from Ohio Liquor Control Board in regard
to Donna’s Carryout and their approval as a State Agency.
Mr.
Mumper asked if there were other protests from the community. Mr. Kiser answered none were present at the
hearing.
Mr.
Schneider asked for a Mayor’s Court update.
Mr. Kiser responded that we are diligent in our accounting and the new
state legislation should present no real change in
N) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
M) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
N) NEW BUSINESS
O) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Auditor’s Office Re: 2009 General Fund Graph
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to receive and
file the graph. All members present voted “YES”.
2.
Letter from
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and
file the letter, as if read. All members present voted “YES”.
3. Letter from Recreation Commission Re: Sports Sign Ups
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and
file the letter. All members present voted “YES”.
4. Letter from Tax Department Re: November Earnings Tax Report
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to receive and
file the letter. All members present voted “YES”.
5. Letter from Planning Commission Re: Request for Public Hearing
Mr.
Mumper asked that all with an opinion express that to Council members or attend
the Public Hearing.
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and
file the letter and set Public Hearing for February 10, 2009. All members
present voted “YES”.
6.
Letter from Auditor’s Office Re:
Auditor’s Report
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and
file the report. All members present voted “YES”.
7. Letter from Dawn James-Ballato Re: Taxes and Related Small Business Issues
On a motion
by Mr. Gabbard, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and file the
letter, with copies to Police Department, Building Department, Public Works and
Safety-Service Director. All members present voted “YES”.
8. Letter
from Safety-Service Director Re:
Bureau of Workers Compensation
Mr.
Mumper noted the diligence of Safety-Service Director Joe Geers and thanked him
for addressing these matters. He also commended the members of the Safety
Committee for their efforts in reducing the City costs.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and file
the letter. All members present voted “YES”.
P) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to excuse the
absent member. All members present voted
“YES”.
Q) 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