Norwood City Council
Council Chambers
July 14, 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. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore and Mr. Thornbury.
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Communication O-16) as the first order of business. All members present voted “Yes”.
As amended, Council then considered the following item.
O-16) Letter from Fire Chief Goodman Re: New Vision Fire and Rescue
On a motion from Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved receive and file the letter and to allow Chief Goodman and Chief Coons, of New Vision Fire and Rescue, to make remarks. All members present voted “Yes”.
Norwood Fire Chief Curt Goodman was joined by Chief Carl Coons of the New Vision Fire and Rescue, of Marion, Ohio who thanked Council and the City of Norwood for their generosity in the donation of the 1980 Seagrave pumper. Chief Goodman noted that it was a special unit because it carried the body of Fireman Robert Plogman to his gravesite in its first hours of service. Mr. Gabbard presented the title of the vehicle to Chief Coons.
f) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
There were no requests.
G) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Community Development Re: Claim-Braun
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to accept the report. All members present voted “Yes”.
H) THIRD READING OF ORDINANCE
A. 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. Schneider asked the Law Director if he had any comments or feedback on this ordinance. Mr. Kiser declined to comment as they have worked through the Building Department to insure we kept the unique requirements that Council has enacted.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to hear the third reading of the ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to pass the ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.
I) INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF ORDINANCES
A. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE-SAFETY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH INTEGRYS ENERGY SERVICES, INC. FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPLEMENTING THE CITY OF NORWOOD GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Schneider had a question for Director of Public Service and Safety regarding the reason we are one of the last communities to pass this and if there is a reason. Mr. Geers responded that we waited to see how it has played out in other communities. Once we pass the Ordinance, the company we select will handle town meetings and further communications.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to hear the first reading of the ordinance. All members present voted, “Yes”.
B. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE-SAFETY TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE SMITH ROAD WATERLINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT (OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION PROJECT NO.CB29M,JMA#3257) WITHIN THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to hear the first reading of the ordinance. All members present voted “Yes”.
J) INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF RESOULUTION
A. RESOLUTION TO OBTAIN TECHNICAL SERVICES FROM THE AUDITOR OF THE STATE OF OHIO FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2009 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Schneider asked the Auditor to explain the need for this service. Mr. Stith said it is a basic level of technical service in areas with which the State Auditors feel we need assistance. Mr. Schneider asked if there is a change in responsibilities from the Treasurer to the Auditor. According to Mr. Stith there is constant discussion, but no definitive change in responsibilities.
On a motion by Mr. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to hear the first reading of the resolution, all members present voted, “Yes”.
K) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
The Mayor was not present, but the Director of Public Service -Safety made comments regarding the salt bids that opened at $120 a ton last year and are $62.15 this year. The Marion Avenue project is nearing completion and the Sherman Avenue project has been engineered and is using CDBG funds (Community Development Block Grant). In addition, OKI has been approached for additional stimulus money.
When opened for questions, Mr. Schneider thanked him for juggling the funding options and asked how the new salt storage facility worked out last year. Mr. Geers replied it worked well, and we probably have 500-600 tons still on hand.
Mr. Thornbury asked the status of the street repair program. Mr. Geers said the needed areas are being marked and will be in place late July. Mr. Schneider asked about marking of crosswalks. Mr. Geers said Public Works is currently cleaning parks and the Norwood Lateral but will address cross walks as school approaches.
During the Auditor’s Report, Mr. Stith noted that the monthly report will be available near the end of the week and will be emailed and posted online. Additionally, The State Auditors are working on a Financial Forecast and 2008 CAFR. We are still in the process of closing the 06/07 audit.
When opened for questions, Mr. Schneider asked for the Auditor’s perspective of financial standing and making it through the year. Mr. Stith responded that we are currently above water and will hold a meeting to review the first six months. He commends the conservative spending attitude of the Administration, Council and the Finance and Audit Committee.
Mr. Schneider asked the validity of the five year forecast as we look ahead. Mr. Stith responded the forecast will always be updated as actual information is received. Mr. Moore asked if the five year forecast is published. Mr. Stith said anyone can review the document in his office, but it is nothing that has been adopted by Council or the Administration. Mr. Stith reiterated that the forecast is not a budget or promise, just a tool at this point and contains an appropriate disclaimer.
During the Law Director’s Report, Mr. Kiser gave a loose outline of the process in the Law Department for the INTEGRYS program and noted that more information will be forthcoming. Additionally, an update on the Juvenile Court was given. Mr. Kiser and Mr. Brown will be trained and certified in the process. The local juvenile court will be for first time offenders, no traffic issues and no truancy cases. It is much more of a diversion program with many great benefits, while costing the city nothing.
Mr. Sanker asked what type of offenses would come before the court. Mr. Kiser said a wide range of offenses, from disturbance of the peace to theft. However, the City can direct anything we choose back to the County.
L) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
There were no requests
M) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
N) NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Schneider announced the Norwood Day Parade, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce on the 21st of July, Norwood Day at Coney, sponsored by Business and Professional Women, on the 22nd of July, and the Holy Trinity Festival on the 24th, 25th and 26th of July.
Mr. Schneider reminded everyone that the Rolling Thunder event will be at Victory Park on August 8th at 1:00 P.M. for the eleventh year.
Ms. Grote encouraged all to stop by the Norwood Branch library Friday July 17th from noon to 6:00 P.M. and Saturday July 18th from noon to 5:00 P.M. for Friends of Public Library Book Sale.
Mr. Sanker noted the new Kroger store has opened and hopes we will all support the new location.
O) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Jerry Owens Re: POW/MIA Awareness Run
On a motion by Mr. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to receive and file the letter. All members present voted, “Yes”.
2. Letter from Mayor Williams Re: COPP Summary Report
Mr. Schneider noted they are always looking for new members. Contact 458-4501 if you need information.
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Gabbard, it was moved to receive and file the letter. All members present voted, “Yes”.
3. Letter from Mayor Williams Re: Mayor’s Court Report-June 2009
On a motion by Mr. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and file the letter. All members present voted, “Yes”.
4. Letter from Health Dept. Re: Liquor License Request
5. Letter from Fire Dept. Re: Liquor License Request
6. Letter from Building Dept. Re: Liquor License Request
7. Letter from Police Dept. Re: Liquor License Request
8. Letter from Tax Dept. Re: Liquor License Request
9. Letter from Ohio Liquor Control Re: BP, 2697 Madison Road
10. Letter from Health Department Re: Liquor License Request
11. Letter from Fire Dept. Re: Liquor License Request
12. Letter from Building Department Re: Liquor License Request
13. Letter from Police Department Re: Liquor License Request
14. Letter from Tax Department Re: Liquor License Request
15. Letter from Ohio Liquor Control Re: BP, 4900 Montgomery Road
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to receive and file letters four through fifteen as if read. There were no objections from any departments responding. All members present voted, “Yes”.
16. Letter from Fire Chief Goodman Re: New Vision Fire & Rescue
As amended, this item was considered previously.
P) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to excuse Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. All members present voted, “Yes”.
Q) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Moore, 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