Norwood City Council
Council Chambers
May 26, 2009
A) CALL TO ORDER
The Council for the City of Norwood met in regular session on the above date with Ms. Jane Grote presiding. The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
B) PRAYER
C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D) ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following members answered present: Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore, Mr. Thornbury, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA
f) Minutes of previous meetings
Minutes of March 10, 2009, March 24, 2009 and April 14, 2009
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to approve the minutes as if read. All members present voted “Yes”.
G) REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
1. Finance & Audit Re: Salary Ranges
Mr. Barlow explained the purpose of the ordinance.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted “Yes”.
I) INTRODUCTORY READING OF ORDINANCES
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CHIEF OF THE NORWOOD FIRE DIVISION FOR YEARS 2008 THROUGH 2011, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Schneider asked the Mayor if this contract would be retroactive to spring of 2008. The Mayor requested Mr. Lucas address the detail questions, as he was the lead negotiator. Mr. Lucas said 2008 was the date we started the negotiations. This makes the Fire Chief’s salary consistent with other department heads for 2008 and 2009. And reduces the number of categories where Chief is eligible for overtime.
Mr. Moore asked if the Chief has agreed to this. The Mayor said yes, each side made concessions and we have eliminated provisions that were outside standard compensation packages. It took longer than it should have, but it has been completed.
Mr. Schneider asked if residency is still a requirement for Police & Fire Chiefs. The Mayor confirmed.
Mr. Thornbury asked for clarification on the “declaring an emergency” clause. Ms. Grote explained that an emergency clause goes into effect upon Mayor’s signature. Without it, the ordinance goes into effect 30 days after the signature. Ms. Grote clarified that this has nothing to do with hearing all three readings.
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. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.
B) ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2009, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Barlow asked Mr. Stith to review the Appropriations changes. Mr. Stith explained all the changes requested with this ordinance.
Mr. Moore asked if it was the same firefighter turn out gear requested previously. Mr. Stith confirmed it was the same request, but not all was paid out of FEMA. Mr. Sanker confirmed his understanding as well.
Mr. Moore asked if the increase to Civil Service was to cover remainder of the year. Mr. Stith said no, they are working on a budget for remainder of 2009.
On a motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Sanker, 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 to pass the Ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.
C) ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING CHAPTERS 5722 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE 5722.01 BY CREATING THE CITY OF NORWOOD LAND REUTILIZATION PROGRAM & ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF NORWOOD LAND REUTILIZATION FUND AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Moore asked the Mayor to explain this ordinance. Mayor Williams responded that he was not all that familiar with the Ordinance. Mr. Moore then directed a question to the law director as to who requested the ordinance.
Mr. Kiser answered that the change was required by new legislation in Ohio Revised Code. With the most recent changes, when a property goes through a tax sale we have the first option to acquire these properties. After the City, then the County has rights to acquire.
Mr. Kiser further explained that there are two separate lists; one for tax delinquencies and the other for tax foreclosures.
Mr. Chris Brown further explained forfeited and tax delinquent land and explained modifications to current procedures. There is a need for an ordinance on file with the County in order to have access to these lists to which the City has first rights to property. This is the first step in the process and any land acquisition would require additional steps to be brought before Council.
Mr. Schneider asked for other examples of municipalities using this. Mr. Brown cited Dublin and North Olmstead and further explained it is a relatively new change to ORC (April). It does not affect mortgage foreclosures, only tax foreclosures or vacated properties.
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to hear the first reading of the Ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.
D) ORDINANCE ADJUSTING CERTAIN SALARY RANGES & AMENDING ORDINANCES #73-1999 AND 7-2007, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Barlow explained that this sets salary ranges for non-classified positions and adjusts some ranges that were automatically increased previously. Mr. Mumper added that this puts a salary range on all positions.
Mr. Thornbury asked if Council would still have an opportunity to raise salaries. Mr. Barlow said yes, but not to the salary range and explained that previously salaries were frozen, but pay ranges were not.
Mr. Moore asked if any work was done to benchmark against other municipalities. Mr. Barlow replied no, but that by informal assessment our people were within established and fair ranges.
On a motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to hear the first reading of the Ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.
J) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
The Mayor commented that the land reutilization program is an “opt in” program.
Mayor Williams then gave an update on the parks: Burwood trees are trimmed and street lights are operational, Pool maintenance is completed, Public Works is patching and painting. Waterworks will be opening for the season and Fenwick Park is completed. Public Works will take advantage of the weather and get parks in first class shape as soon as possible.
Mayor Williams also reported that the generators for Police & Fire departments are in place and will be online shortly.
Veteran’s Day at Victory Park had a nice turnout and Mayor Williams thanked all those in attendance.
Mayor Williams also announced that the Community garden will be dedicated on May 30th at 9 a. m. and May 31st at 2pm will be the re-dedication of Fenwick Park.
Mr. Schneider asked about a plan for pedestrian safety and cross walks needing repainting and mentioned overgrown trees along bridges. The Mayor agreed, and now is a good time to address that. Like everything else we are stretched thin, but we should be able to get this done. He cautioned that crosswalks aren’t a guarantee of safety, but are important.
Mr. Schneider asked if the radar wagon could be placed on side streets like Jefferson, Grove. The Mayor said placement will be scheduled soon.
Mr. Moore felt that crosswalks were very important and added his comments as well. He mentioned Carter and Hopkins as well as Carter and Weyer Ave.
During the Auditor’s Report, Mr. Stith announced that the monthly reports from his office are available online at the Auditor’s website and noted that any department that still desires a paper copy can let his office know.
The Auditor’s Office is working on the CAFR for the first time in five years.
During the Law Director’s Report, Mr. Kiser revisited the Land Reutilization and said passing the Ordinance only gives the access to lists. Decisions will be made on a per parcel basis and there is also a possibility of grant funds for these acquisitions.
Mr. Mumper asked if there is an update on the Franklin Avenue issue. Mr. Kiser said there is no update and he will let Council know when the situation changes.
Mr. Schneider asked if additional information in packet will help clarify and understand the impact of the land reutilization program. Mr. Kiser confirmed and reiterated that this is only the first step and that many additional details need to be worked out. Mr. Brown added additional explanation noting that there were approximately 10 properties currently on the list and only one was more than a slivered parcel.
Mr. Kiser added that small parcels may seem insignificant now, but could prove very important to an upcoming project.
Mr. Sanker proposed Community Development as a possible committee for further discussion. Mr. Kiser reiterated that this is a brand new program and asked for feedback.
K) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
J) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
K) NEW BUSINESS
L) COMMUNICATIONS
M) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to excuse Mr. Gabbard. All members present voted “Yes”.
N) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, the meeting was adjourned. All members present voted “Yes”.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane M. Grote
Clerk of Council President of Council