image001Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

September 8, 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, Mr. Thornbury, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper.

 

E)   AMENDMENT OF AGENDA

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to amend the agenda to add Ordinance J-F to the agenda. All members present voted “Yes”.

 

f) REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS

There were no requests.

 

G) MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to approve minutes of June 9, 2009 and June 23, 2009, as if read.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL

1. Finance and Audit              Re: Appropriations

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

 

2. Finance and Audit              Re: Police Cruisers

Mr. Barlow reviewed the lease details and clarified the request. 

 

Mr. Schneider noticed the number of vehicles needed is less than previously reported and asked for clarification.  Mr. Barlow explained the rotation system used and said they requested two in order to meet immediate needs of the department.

 

Mr. Schneider asked the Mayor if the Fire Dept. equipment is on a similar rotation.  The Mayor confirmed that the Fire Department also has a rigid equipment rotation but noted they are not necessarily synched.  We will continue to provide what we can when the time is right.

 

Mr. Sanker noted this is in line with vehicle rotation that was established some time ago.  This program saves the usual beating on cars so that the rotation is more predictable and consistent.

 

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

 

I)  INTRODUCTORY READING OF RESOLUTIONS

A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO MAKE APPLICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS AND IF FUNDS ARE AWARDED TO EXECUTE GRANT AGREEMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Mr. Moore asked Mr. Geers some details of the content of the application. Mr. Geers said it is a smaller package for 2010 than 2009 due to the two year planning cycle.  This package includes Beech St., Park Av., and Smith Rd.  The 2010 program totals $1.6 Million when including Montgomery Rd. Phase 3.  The Administration is trying to make 2010 a smaller year based on that listing of projects and matching funds.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the Resolution.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

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

 

B.  A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENT OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD TO REFINANCE URBAN RENEWAL FINANCING REVENUE NOTES, SERIES 2007 (LINDEN POINTE PROJECT LLC), IN THE AMOUNT OF THREE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE LINDEN POINTE PROJECT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

 

Mr. Moore requested the second and third readings be heard in case timing dictates that this is passed at the next meeting.

 

Mr. Stith explained the details and background for this request and explained that according to the latest discussions with the State Auditors Fiscal Watch status depends on this resolution.   This resolution is needed to refinance these notes.

 

Mr. Moore asked how this fits with redevelopment agreement and asked if this request comes through our bond counsel?  Mr. Kiser answered that this Resolution is structured as a letter of intent and sets the groundwork for the future, but is non-binding at this point.  The expression of intent is all that was requested from the Auditor’s Office.

 

Mr. Schneider asked if we would come off of Fiscal Watch with the passage of this resolution.  Mr. Stith said this is the final thing preventing the completion of the forecast and while other things may come up, this is the requirement today.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear the first and second readings of the resolution. All members present voted “Yes”.

 

J) INTRODUCTORY READING OF ORDINANCES

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

Mr. Schneider asked for clarification on the increase in several keys. Mr. Barlow said it was discussed at the Finance and Audit meeting and explained that the Bond Retirement came from County Settlement Sheet and is primarily housekeeping.  He further explained additional adjustments.

 

Mr. Moore questioned Mr. Stith about changes.  Mr. Stith explained the change in County Auditor fees and that this is based on number of fees to be collected.

 

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

 

B. ORDINANCE CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE WATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FUND, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

 

Mr. Schneider noted that this blanket fund is to cover maintenance on all operating expenses for the water system.  Mr. Stith said the creation of the fund is specific to the Smith Road water project, but we wanted to give a more generic name to the water funds at the recommendation of the State Auditor.

 

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

 

C. ORDINANCE CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND I, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

 

Mr. Schneider asked why we wouldn’t want to keep these funds separate.   Mr. Stith answered that the old version of the software places some limitations on fund creation. He will look into new versions of the software to better understand the new features.

 

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

 

D. ORDINANCE CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND II, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

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

 

E. ORDINANCE CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND III, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

 

Mr. Sanker asked if this is in compliance with naming conventions of the past. Mr. Kiser confirmed. We have been in compliance in the past with Title 57 of the O.R.C. (Ohio Revised Code) as each project is described in the body of ordinance.

 

Mr. Stith further explained that this naming is based on the system and a housekeeping matter.  After the fund is closed that same fund can be recycled and reused.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear all three readings of the Ordinance.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

F. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE-SAFETY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT UNDER THE STATE BID PURCHASE PROGRAM FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) 2010 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE SEDANS, OUTFITTED WITH THE PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY THE NORWOOD POLICE DIVISION, AND DECLARING AND EMERGENCY.

 

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

 

K) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

The Mayor noted that if the discussion on Fund naming helps and simplifies with tracking of grants and expenses it’s a great idea.

 

Mayor Williams announced that on September 25th four new members will be inducted into the Norwood High School Hall of Fame.  The event will be held at the Crown Plaza.  Additionally, on September 11th Mark Edward’s high school number (#44) will be retired at the Norwood vs. Wyoming football game.  Marc Edwards is a great example for the current students as Marc has prepared himself for football and exceptionally for life after football.

 

When opened for questions, Mr. Schneider thanked the Mayor for the completion of road repairs at Floral and Park.

 

During the Auditor’s report Mr. Stith said the monthly Report for August will be completed in the coming week and explained that City revenues are consistently being monitored and this will continue with tight scrutiny for the remainder of the year.  During general housekeeping, some inactive funds have been discovered to be eligible for transfer to the General Fund.

 

Mr. Stith further provided an update on the 2006/2007 audit and CAFR 08. The CAFR deadline was extended to the end of October and the last remaining issue was with Linden Pointe TIFF funding that was discussed in item I-B.

 

Mr. Moore asked if Cornerstone bonds are also considered debt to the city. Mr. Stith said the concern with Linden Pointe was the timing of payments and revenue received to date.

 

Mr. Moore asked if there is any discussion with Linden Pointe with regard to timing of bond issuance.  Mr. Stith spoke to them and they were aware of the need to refinance by June 2010, but not much progress to date. 

 

Mr. Sanker pointed out that the State Auditor’s have been in the last 6 years. Is this the first we heard of the issue?  Mr. Stith answered that this hadn’t previously been reported out as debt.  The State finally determined that it needed to be included in our reporting and as such addressed accordingly.

 

L) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL

 

M) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mr. Barlow announced the City Wide Street Sale dates and times as Sept 18th and 19th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m each day.

 

Mr. Moore announced a Law and Ordinance meeting from September 21st at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.  On the agenda will be traffic controls, and Standing Council rules and Committees.

 

Mr. Moore also announced the Community Development meeting of September 9th would be cancelled.

 

N) NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Schneider announced that eleven new residents are now members of the COPP program. If others are interested in participating they can call Lt. Williams at 513-458-4545. 

 

Mr. Mumper reminded citizens that if they have problems with liquor permit holders to contact the Police Department or the Drug Tip Line at 351-4567.

 

Mr. Sanker encouraged everyone to fly our nation’s colors again starting September 11, 2009, in a rush of patriotism.

 

O) COMMUNICATIONS

1. Report from the Mayor’s Office                 Re: Mayor’s Court Fines – August 2009

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

 

P) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMERS

There were no absent members.

 

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