image001Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

June 9, 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

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury it was moved to add Communication N-3.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

f) Request to address council on Agenda Items

There were no requests.

 

G) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

1. Community Development   Re: Vacant Properties, Housing Stock

 

The Chair noted that Mr. Gabbard is now present.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to accept the report from Community Development.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

2. Finance & Audit     Re: Appropriations

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report from Finance and Audit.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

3. Finance & Audit     Re: Donation of Pumper

Mr. Barlow read a letter from Chief Goodman to Service-Safety Director Joseph Geers announcing the retirement of a 1980 pumper, which will now need storage. There is a volunteer company in Marion County, Ohio which can use the equipment.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to accept the report from Finance and Audit and to approve the donation. All members present voted “Yes”.

 

H) SECOND READINGS OF ORDINANCES

A)  ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING CHAPTER 5722 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE 5722.01 BY CREATING THE CITY OF NORWOOD LAND REUTILIZATION PROGRAM AND ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF NORWOOD LAND REUTILIZATION FUND AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

 

Mr. Moore noted his desired to move forward and explained the purpose of the Ordinance, noting the City has first rights to purchase over Hamilton County.  Mr.  Moore further explained that this is the first step in the process and there are still details that need to be worked out.

 

Mr. Schneider thanked the Law Department and Community Development for their attention to this matter.

 

On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to suspend the rules and to 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 ADJUSTING CERTAIN SALARY RANGES AND AMENDING ORDINANCES No. 73-1999 AND 7-2007, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

On a motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Mumper, 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. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the Ordinance.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

I) INTRODUCTORY READING OF ORDINANCES

A)  ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2009, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

 

Mr. Barlow gave an explanation for changes, including the tire changer and software for the Building Department.

 

Mr. Schneider asked if this would be a recurring cost of $10,000.  Mr. Barlow answered that subsequent annual fees are approximately $7,000. It is more than software, it includes a service that is done throughout the region and is a huge improvement over our existing system.

 

Mr. Thornbury asked if it is common to change our own tires or if an outside service may be more efficient.  Mr. Barlow explained the past heavy usage and need ongoing. Mr. Sanker said it is part of the operation of the garage. The Mayor concurred that having the ability to change onsite is enormously more efficient than having a vehicle out of service while waiting on pickup or dropoff of new tires.

 

Mr. Schneider asked the Auditor if a support fee is part of normal software costs.  Mr. Stith replied that in general support covers bugs, questions and frequent upgrades.  Mr. Schneider asked if training was included. Mr. Stith answered, “Yes”.

 

Mr. Schneider asked Mr. Stith to comment on some of the further changes to the Appropriations.  Mr. Stith explained necessary modifications to keys originally provided by the Deputy Auditor.   Mr. Stith noted that he has ownership for appropriations requests while Mr. Patterson has responsibility for expenses and encouraged that all questions on appropriations be directed to Mr. Stith directly.

 

On a motion by Mr. Barlow, 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. Mumper, it was moved to amend the attachment to the Ordinance.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

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, as amended.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the Ordinance.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

B.  ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS & ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF 2,000 TONS, MORE OR LESS, OF SALT AT A BULK RATE.

Mr. Mumper noted that Safety-Service Director Mr. Joe C. Geers appeared before Council’s Committee of the Whole to announce that the cost of salt is very low currently, and we should act quickly on procurement.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, 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. Moore, it was moved to pass the ordinance.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

C.  ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1335 TO ADOPT THE MOST RECENT EDITION OF THE ICC INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE

DESIGNATED AS THE CITY OF NORWOOD PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, AND TO MODIFY RELATED BUILDING CODES, AS AMENDED.

 

Mr. Moore explained that moving to this code was a request from the Building Department and asked the Law Director if the accompanied list of legislative differences is complete.  Mr. Kiser explained that all contradictory codes have been removed or duly noted.


Mr. Moore asked the Mayor if the Building Department personnel were up to speed on this code.  The Mayor expressed confidence that the department is prepared to enforce this code when it is adopted.

 

Mr. Schneider asked how often codes are to be updated.  The Mayor responded that he is not sure about regularity, but understands this is continually amended.  Mr. Kiser explained that his ordinance will identify the most current version as the City’s maintenance code.  Ongoing, Council or the Building Department can bring any conflicts to the attention of the Law Department.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to hear the first reading of the Ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.

 

J) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

Mayor Williams was present and mentioned that the May 30th Community Garden event was lovely and well attended. The May 31st re-dedication of Fenwick Park was well attended and included Council members, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Mumper. The upgrades look very nice and he thanked everybody involved in helping complete these wonderful additions.

 

Mayor Williams also noted that the new Kroger in Surrey Square will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony June 25th at 8:00 a. m. and updated Council that the generators are installed at the Police and Fire Departments and nearly ready to go online.

 

The Mayor also noted that the new pumper has arrived for the Fire Department. He thanked Chief Goodman for the letter proposing donation to a volunteer department in need.

 

Mayor Williams detailed each of the many renovations at all the city parks including Burwood, Millcrest, Fenwick and Hunter and reiterated that vandalism will be attacked aggressively at all City property and parks.

 

When opened for questions, Mr. Moore asked about the $90,000 in funds for the Sherman Avenue project.  Safety-Service Director Mr. Geers responded that it was additional as part of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).  The total cost of the proposed project is $340,000: $120,000 would come from MRF Funds plus this $90,000 in CDBG would leave the City to cover $130,000.  When OKI funds were applied for the total project was $1.1 million, but only $85,000 has been approved by the grant thus far.  This project is much more comprehensive and costly; unless additional funds are received, the best approach would be to go the route of the MRF funds.

 

Mr. Schneider asked what happens to the train tracks for the project. Mr. Geers said we would need to work around them as they are still owned by the railroad.

 

Mr. Schneider then asked the timing of Park Avenue resurfacing. Mr. Geers said it will have to be bid out this year, but likely not completed until 2010.

 

During the Auditor’s Report, Mr. Stith said the Monthly Auditor’s report will be available online at the Auditor’s website, as indicated in letters sent to Council.

 

Mr. Stith also explained that there is a computer controls audit taking place, which is an annual assessment of our computer infrastructure and security processes.

 

Mr. Stith also noted that the CAFR is on target for September submission, and confirmed the plans to close the 2006/2007 audit by July, dependent on State Auditors schedule.

 

Mr. Stith further clarified the key numbering and appropriations process.  Mr. Sanker explained specific examples, when details of the exact key are indeed desirable.  Mr. Stith agreed and added perspective on additional checks and balances that will catch most of these cases.  The goal is to encumber funds as soon as they are approved in order to provide a high level of control and tracking.

 

During the Law Director’s Report, Mr. Kiser elaborated on the Land Reutilization Program.  The list of available properties would be obtained from the County and then explained the process that will be used on a temporary basis.   Mr. Kiser asked for feedback on this process in particular.

 

Mr. Kiser also updated Council on the Juvenile Court effort.  The City was made aware of the formal request process for a local Juvenile Area Court.  Additional information will be provided to Council as the Law Department gets this information.

 

K) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL

Council heard from Norwood resident, Patrice Logan, of 4224 Forest Avenue, in regard to dog ordinance, specifically pit bulls. She feels the targeting of specific breeds equals racism.

 

Council heard from Celine Brotherton of 6515 Lewis Road, Loveland, Ohio 45140 on dog ordinances and breed specific legislation.

 

Council heard from Norwood resident, Angela Whitterson, of 4224 Forest Avenue, in regard to the vicious animals ordinance, specifically pit bulls.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to allow Kathleen Braun, of 2730 Walsh Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208 to address Council. All members present voted “Yes”.  Ms. Braun arrived while the meeting was in progress and did not fill out a speaker’s form.  Council heard from Kathleen Braun in regard to her claim against the City of Norwood for damage to her vehicle while parked in the garage at the Cornerstone development according to Ms. Braun. 

 

L) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no unfinished business.

 

M) NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Gabbard asked if Huff Realty is in Norwood or Hyde Park.

The Mayor replied it is in Norwood.  Mr. Gabbard thanked the Mayor for his response and publicly encouraged all businesses to accurately represent this information, specifically when addressing Council.

 

Mr. Sanker asked about the “speed wagon” on Montgomery Road near Quatman Avenue.  The Mayor said the wagon is currently in place near that location and radar is positioned there frequently as well.

 

Mr. Moore reminded everyone that Rumpke will not pick up yard waste unless it is in the paper bags, supplied free by the Health Department.

 

Mr. Gabbard encouraged citizens to call police when people are nosing around inappropriately, particularly in our parks.  Mr. Gabbard added that we must all be diligent on enforcing our stance on vandalism and graffiti.

 

Mr. Schneider submitted a cross walk letter to the Mayor.

 

N) COMMUNICATIONS

 1.  Letter from Auditor          Re: Monthly report is now online

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and file the letter. All members present voted “Yes”.

 

2.  Letter from Auditor           Re: Tax Budget County Filing Deadline

Mr. Moore questioned the deadline for filing and timing for public hearing. Ms. Grote advised an extension could be requested, if needed.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and file the letter and set a Public Hearing for the earliest date to be confirmed by the Clerk of Council’s Office.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

3.  Letter from Mayor’s Office           Re: Mayor’s Court Fines: May

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and file the report. All members present voted “Yes”.

 

O) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS

 All members were present.

 

P) ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to adjourn.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

 

 

______________________________            ______________________________

J. Brian Mumper                                          Jane M. Grote

Clerk of Council                                            President of Council