Norwood City Council
Council Chambers
April 28, 2009
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
F) MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Minutes of February
10, 2009 and February 24, 2009
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury 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
I) THIRD
A) ORDINANCE REPEALING EXISTING SECTION 711.01 ENTITLED “LICENSE REQUIRED” AND ADOPTING NEW SECTION 711.01 ENTITLED “LICENSE REQUIRED” TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO
On a motion
by Mr. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to have the third reading
of the ordinance. All members present
voted, “Yes”.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the
ordinance. All members present voted, “Yes”.
J) SECOND
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT
RELATIVE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF SHERMAN AVENUE BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORWOOD AND
THE BOARD OF HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr.
Moore asked the Mayor or Mr. Geers to address the timing involved in the
procedure. Mr. Geers explained it is a
Municipal Road Improvement Tax ($350,000 in total-$125,000 from the
County). Work would start at the Allison
intersection and continue to the corporation line. It is part of a stimulus package bid or
$80,000 of OKI funds could be applied. The total, with stimulus package,
includes drainage and rebuild of the street.
If we were to pursue the stimulus money, engineering by July 1 could
delay the project up to 1 year. This
ordinance secures MRF Funds. If the stimulus money comes through we can
reconsider our game plan.
Mr.
Moore asked if there is a “Federal Match”. Mr. Geers said engineering funds would be sunk and the
overall cost could contain significantly more expenses. We are in the running
for federal funds, but we are awaiting additional information.
Mr.
Thornbury asked if these are cosmetic changes or if there is a traffic flow
difference. Mr. Geers said there is no
change to the traffic flow.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to suspend the
rules and hear the second and third readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“Yes”.
B) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY AT 4320 FRANKLIN AVENUE AT
COST NOT TO EXCEED FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000), AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY,
AS AMENDED.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to hear the second
reading of the ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.
K) INTRODUCTORY
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CLERK/TREASURER TO CERTIFY UNPAID BILLS FOR THE COST OF DEMOLITION 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
Mr.
Schneider said the demolition of property, about 2 weeks ago, pleased the
neighbors. He commended the
Administration for their efforts.
Mr.
Mumper said the cost was $15,600 to remove a problem, one of the first we
visited on our tour of problem properties.
Mr. Schneider
asked the Law Director if the lien amount was negotiable. Mr. Kiser said if we
could find the owner or auction the property, Council could reduce the lien at
any point.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, 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. Thornbury, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“Yes”.
B) ORDINANCE CREATING AND ESTABLISHING
THE COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA FUND, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Schneider requested clarification on the need for this fund. Mr. Moore
explained revenues associated with CRA need to be separated from the General
Fund, as there are restricted uses. This
was confirmed by Mr. Stith.
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. Schneider, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“Yes”.
C) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE A GRANT OF A RIGHT OF ENTRY AND PERPETUAL EASEMENT FOR THE TIE-BACK
ANCHORS TO ROOKWOOD PARTNERS LTD AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Moore asked the Mayor for an update regarding the development. Mayor Williams explained this was the same
procedure used in the other development.
When construction begins they will need to secure the wall during
excavation. Engineering is moving
forward with Duke, MSD, and traffic. Mr.
Moore noted his excitement that someone is investing time and money in these
tough economic times.
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. Schneider, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“Yes”.
D) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE A GRANT OF A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT TO ROOKWOOD PARTNERS LTD
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, 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. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“Yes”.
E) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH AFSCME
OHIO COUNCIL 8, LOCAL 914 FOR THE YEARS 2009, 2010, AND 2011
Mr.
Schneider asked the Mayor if Local 914 has accepted. The Mayor confirmed.
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, 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. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.
L) ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS
The
Mayor appreciates the positive comments on the efforts to clean up the problem
properties. Additional funding for
demolition of these properties has also been secured.
Mayor
Williams discussed the progress at Rookwood Exchange and further noted that one
permit was issued for a restaurant in Hamilton County in 2009. That restaurant
is in
Mayor
Williams noted he attended a Veteran’s Lunch sponsored by the Knights of
Columbus in Holy Trinity’s Undercroft.
This was a great event and well attended. Mayor Williams added that he had a chance to
speak with a Vietnam era Navy Seal regarding the Somalia incidents.
May 9th
is the third annual Forget Me Not Walk on
The 21st
Century Grant Award Ceremony will be in the
Mayor
Williams also announced that the Norwood Young Professionals will host a Clean
Up on May 16th.
In
regard to the Swine Flu, he met with the Health Dept. and they are in constant
contact with
Mayor
Williams closed by requesting an executive session at some point tonight to
discuss legal matters.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Gabbard asked if the loading docks at Kroger would
have sound barriers and hoped deliveries aren’t accepted at all hours of the
night. The Mayor said he will speak with
the developer and Building Department and forward the response.
Mr.
Thornbury asked about the State Police planes buzzing over I-71. The Mayor said federal grants fund these
efforts/patrols. He hasn’t heard or seen that aircraft, but will ask the Police
Chief to look into the matter.
Mr.
Mumper said he has received complaints about CVS dumpster pick ups at 4:00 a.m.
every Tuesday. Are there any guidelines? The Mayor responded that he will check
into it and report back.
Mr.
Gabbard wanted to follow up on the graffiti issues and asked if we were still
on top of the issue? The Mayor said we
are addressing it in a couple of ways and we will stay aggressive. Mr. Gabbard asked if we are still pressuring
property owners to remedy the situation.
The Mayor said yes, and we will continue to apply pressure.
Mr.
Moore said he received an email from North Avondale Neighborhood Association regarding
XU annual pig roast and asked if the Administration was aware of the
event. The Mayor answered that we have
told students up front that they needed a liquor license and that has forced
them to the other side of campus.
Mr.
Gabbard asked about the
Mr.
Sanker requested an update on
Mr.
Barlow asked if the new Health Commissioner was on the job. The Mayor said they are doing standard
background work on the candidate which will wrap up shortly.
Mr.
Gabbard asked if NO PARKING signs could be posted for street repair and street
sweeping dates. The Mayor said it is a valid point to be looked into and added
that there is plenty of history on the topic, but it’s worth a try once again.
Mr.
Gabbard said the recommendation may be to follow garbage trucks as they seem to
drop trash while picking up cans from the streets. The Mayor encouraged anyone that sees sloppy
trash removal to call the Mayor’s Office or Rumpke. The Rumpke supervisors care and will address
the issue if they have the date and truck number.
During
the Auditor’s report, Mr. Stith noted that he has supplied copies of the 5 year
forecast to members of the Finance and Audit Committee. He requested review of the document and
replies to his office.
Mr.
Stith also reported that the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is
now on the state schedule.
During
the Law Director’s Report, Mr. Kiser noted that he had been asked about fund
raising efforts for Officer Gehring. Mr.
Kiser encouraged everyone to validate the funds before contributing and
recommended “Shield” for support of all officers.
Mr.
Mumper noted that at the last council meeting there was a rejection of Fact
Finding on a 4-2 vote and asked for details.
Mr. Kiser responded that it did not surface as an issue at the time but
he will look into any potential issues.
M) OTHER REQUESTS TO
ADDRESS COUNCIL
N) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr.
Barlow announced the dates and times of the
O) NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Thornbury
thanked the Board of Zoning Appeal for helping a resident get through some
procedural issues. The Board met 1 or 2 days later in order to hear a matter.
Mr.
Schneider announced the Victory Park Veterans Memorial Day Program on May 25th
at 1pm in
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to enter executive
session to discuss pending litigation and contracts. All members present voted “Yes”.
Upon
returning from Executive Session, Mr. Thornbury announced the last free
delivery of the Norwood Star was the most recent (April issue), to subscribe to
further issues visit www.norwoodstar.com.
Mr.
Schneider mentioned the Norwood Community Senior Center and encouraged all to
take advantage of this community resource and noted that May is Older Americans
Month.
P) COMMUNICATIONS
1.
Letter from Jerry Owens Re:
Memorial Day Service
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and file
the letter. All members present voted
“Yes”.
Q) EXCUSE ABSENT
MEMBERS
There
were no absent members.
R) 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