Norwood City Council
Council Chambers
October 13, 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
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to amend the agenda to allow two requests as first order of business. All members present voted “Yes”.
L) OTHER REQUESTS TO
ADDRESS COUNCIL
1. John
R. Reusing of 1307
Mr.
Thornbury mentioned a presentation to the Norwood Historical Society and said
the opposition asks for a $1.00 charge for videos. Mr. Reusing said
Mr.
Sanker pointed out the levy will generate 20 million annually, how much is generated
from videos with the $1 charge? Mr. Reusing said $500,000 and there would have
to be a charge of more than $1.00 for all items – not just videos – in order to
make up the deficit.
2. Susan
Laurence of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, reviewing booster seat give-away.
Ms.
Laurence apologized for the grid lock and traffic jams. She pointed out that
Donna Laake had no role in the planning of this event. She gave the history of the
Booster Seat program and thanked the Norwood Health, Police and Fire
departments.
Mr.
Sanker said it is a noble cause and very important for safety. He questioned
the planning, logistics and location. He felt it could be better accommodated
with better planning. Ms. Laurence said
it was a poor location due to traffic concerns.
Mr. Sanker said he would like to keep it in
Mr.
Gabbard asked if those that purchased car seats could call the Health Department
for installation. Ms. Laurence
confirmed.
F) MINUTES OF PREVIOUS
MEETINGS
On a
motion by Mr. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to approve
minutes of July 14, 2009, August 11, 2009, August 25, 2009 and September 8,
2009 as if read. All members present
voted “Yes”.
G) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
There
were no requests
H) REPORTS OF STANDING
COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Committee
of the Whole Re: Garbage
Issues
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to receive and file
the report. All members present voted
“Yes”.
2. Community
Development Re:
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to receive and file
the report. All members present voted “Yes”.
3. Community
Development Re: Love Culture Façade and Signage
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury,
it was moved to receive and file the report.
All members present voted “Yes”.
4. Community
Development Re: David A. Millett Fine Furniture
Signage
Mr.
Moore said that rather than wait for the written report we thought we’d report
this out pending his approval, formalized.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to receive and file
the report. All members present voted
“Yes”.
5. Finance
& Audit Re:
Appropriations
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to receive and
file the report. All members present
voted “Yes”.
6. Finance & Audit Re: Donations from Carl & Edyth Lindner
Mr.
Barlow noted that the donations are an endowment fund and hopefully, these
funds can provide the necessary maintenance to these parks in perpetuity. He would also like a letter of thanks from
Council to the Lindner Family.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to receive and
file the letter and to send a letter from council. All members present voted,
“Yes”.
I) INTRODUCTORY
A. RESOLUTION
DECLARING IT TO BE THE DESIRE OF COUNCIL THAT HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT BE
CELEBRATED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 6 P.M. AND 8 P.M. ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2009
AND DECLARING IT AN EMERGENCY.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to suspend the
rules and hear all three readings. All members present voted, “Yes”.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury it was moved to pass the
Resolution. All members present voted, “Yes”.
B. A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND
RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX
LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE
Mr.
Schneider asked Mr. Stith to explain the necessity of this ordinance. Mr. Stith
said this is based on the tax budget approved several months ago. The County then revised slightly and send
back for our acceptance. This is the third step in this annual process.
Mr.
Schneider asked about the changes that were made. Mr. Stith answered that projected revenues
were added for several line items. Mr.
Barlow mentioned that Council did not receive the full report from the
Auditor’s Office as an attachment.
Mr.
Schneider asked if the numbers that came back from the county came back as
higher or lower than our budget. Mr. Stith said the property taxes are slightly
higher than what we sent down to the County in our tax budget.
Mr.
Sanker clarified that property tax is a small portion of our revenue. Mr. Moore said the purpose is to say “yes” we
agree and expect this amount to be collected. He asked the Auditor what other
attachments should be included and why are they not referenced in the
Resolution. Mr. Stith said they sent a
sample Resolution, Attachment A however only covers property tax.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to suspend the
rules and hear all three readings. All
members present voted, “Yes”.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to pass the
Resolution. All members present voted,
“Yes”.
J) INTRODUCTORY
A.
ORDINANCE TO CHANGE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2009, 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. Schneider, seconded by Mr.Barlow, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“Yes”.
B.
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SERVICE-SAFETY DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH GERALD L. STOKER, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, DBA SOUTHWEST OHIO
INSPECTION SERVICES, LLC. FOR SERVICES AS PLANS EXAMINER AND CODE OFFICIAL.
Mr.
Gabbard asked the Mayor for a brief explanation. The Mayor explained that this reflects a 2%
increase and is consistent with every other City employee.
Mr.
Schneider asked if it was another two year contract. Mr. Kiser answered that it is a contract that
expires annually, and can be terminated by either party with 30 days notice.
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. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted
“Yes”.
K) ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS
The
Mayor was present and discussed the new water bill format, which is sent in an
envelope and contains more detail. In addition, credit card payments are now
accepted.
The
Mayor also added that the Section Avenue overpass has new lines painted that
should address the concerns expressed previously.
The
Mayor said there are meetings upcoming with the Health Department to outline
H1N1 concerns and the vaccination process.
Additionally, messages will run on NCT this week and vaccinations at
schools start in the coming weeks. These
vaccinations are not mandatory and require a permission slip. All questions should be directed to your
family physician.
Mr.
Gabbard asked about an out of control party in Ward 2. The Mayor said there was
a Block permit for a birthday party. When applied for there was no indication
it was a Xavier issue and that these issues are being looked into.
Mr.
Schneider asked about the
Mayor
Williams read a letter that will appear in the Norwood Star later this
month. This City has gotten ourselves
out of lots of trouble and the Administration, Council, Bargaining Units, and
all residents have kept us and will continue to keep us out of trouble. We still have to be cautious as we can lessen
the impact of the bottom falling out of the economy by planning ahead.
During
the Auditor’s Report, Mr. Stith announced that September is now closed out and
the report is to be sent and posted online in the next few days. The updated deadline for the CAFR is October
31 and we are waiting on the State Auditor.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Sanker asked for clarification on a keystroke error
that could have cost us $100,000 and noted that the treasurer’s office sent a
request for return after the mistake was found.
It is a good thing for checks and balances. Is there any update on the
return of these funds?
Mr.
Stith explained circumstances of keystroke error and follow up accordingly with
the IRS. The return of these funds will
be processed with the end of quarter overpayment timing.
Mr.
Sanker asked if some of the other recent errors have been identified and
corrected as well. Mr. Stith said yes, as mentioned we found several
inaccuracies in the past and are trying to address those currently.
Mr.
Sanker wanted to know if we can e-gov track time banks. Mr. Stith said we are
working with e-gov to have this implemented.
The problem is different ways to accrue and sell out banked time. Mr.
Gabbard asked if department heads keep track of vacation and time banks. Mr.
Stith said the Auditor’s office handles payroll and payroll issues, and these
details are now being reported on a bi-weekly basis.
Mr.
Kiser had no report, but when opened for questions, Mr. Schneider asked if in
regard to the street
party issue there is a way to control via Ordinance.
Mr.
Kiser said no. There are two areas in codified ordinances regarding street
closures, other methods are by Resolution.
Mr. Schneider suggested petition for signatures of surrounding residents
and asked if Council could close that loop hole? Mr. Kiser said there are some provisions for
special street privileges that could be considered.
Mr.
Schneider provided details on the issue and noted that the party on Wayland
Avenue left residents with a huge mess.
He asked the Law Department to look into it and see what others are
doing with such requests.
Mr.
Gabbard noted that it sounds as if the Administration is not pleased and this
and it won’t happen again on their watch, but can something be done to control
these permits long term? Mr. Kiser said
he will provide the details on what is currently in place and we can go from
there.
Mr.
Moore said with questions/concerns on this issue we may need to address these
questions and not legislate all of these details. It could get way too
involved. There are lots of issues to consider when legislating. Unless this is
an ongoing problem it should be resolved by policy.
L) OTHER REQUESTS TO
ADDRESS COUNCIL
As
amended, speakers addressed Council earlier in meeting.
M) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
N) NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Mumper announced that Wednesday October 28 there would be two public hearings
for the Gas Aggregation program: 3:30
P.M. at the Community Center and 7P.M. in Council Chambers, NCT will film both
sessions.
Mr.
Schneider reminded everyone that Halloween at
Mr.
Thornbury announced the Holiday Celebration at the Community Center on Saturday
Dec. 5th from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. There will be an opportunity to have
photos taken with Santa. Volunteers and donations
are needed, call 513-9798 for more information.
O) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter
from Earnings Tax Department Re:
Earnings Tax Report: September 2009
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to receive
and file the report. All members present voted, “Yes”.
2. Letter from resident Jan A. Creusere Re:
Lawn Mowing Ordinance
On a motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive
and file the report. 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.Thornbury, the meeting was adjourned. All members present voted “Yes”.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council