Norwood City Council
Council Chambers
October 27, 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. Mumper, seconded by Mr.Schneider, it was moved to amend the agenda to add Resolution A) and Communication K-22). All members present voted “Yes”.
F) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA
ITEMS
G) INTRODUCTORY READING
OF RESOLUTION
A. RESOLUTION OF
ISSUE 7 TO PROVIDE
FUNDING FOR THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF
AND
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE
WHICH INCLUDES THE CITY OF
BRANCH
Mr. Schneider
said support of the levy continues one of the best library systems in the
nation. It will cost a homeowner of a
$90,000 home approximately $2 per month.
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, 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. Thornbury, it was moved to pass the
Resolution. All members present voted,
“Yes”.
H) ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and discussed the recent stabbing death of 93 year old Ida
Martin, of Roselawn and explained that the killer slipped through the cracks of
the parole system. Mayor Williams asked
Council to draft a letter to Governor Strickland asking that the parole system
be modified and to demand action.
The
impending retirement of Rick Dettmer creates a situation where we need to
consider how to approach the position long term. Do we fill the position or contract the job
out? In the interim, Gerry Stoker has
been filling in on the CRA aspect.
The old
Franklin and Courtland property has finally been demolished and the neighbors
are finally happy. The City is
continuing an aggressive stance in dealing with problem properties.
The
meeting with Dave Thompson from the State Auditor’s Office cleared up TIF
language and hopefully this resolves one last item before removing the Fiscal
Watch status.
The
Mayor also noted that there has been discussion with the Law Department
regarding our form of government as a statutory government as opposed to a
Charter. Changing formats is a long
process but something that should be looked at from an exploratory nature in
2010.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Thornbury asked about a particular house on Williams
Avenue and whether that may be in consideration for demolition. The Mayor
answered that the property is currently bank owned and there is quite a process
that must be followed before action is taken.
There are others on the radar as well and the Law and Building departments
are actively working on these matters.
Mr.
Gabbard said one property is coming down soon and asked the location. The Mayor confirmed that it is the gas
station at the corner of Wayne and Section.
Mr.
Sanker said in regard to a letter to the Governor, we should clearly explain
our issue with the leniency on those who have committed violent crimes. The Mayor added that could be part of a
request and that we need to shine a light on these issues with the parole
board. There is no explanation, and we cannot tolerate these policies that
could very easily affect our City.
Mr.
Molony was present as a response to a letter from Mr. Thornbury and responded
that the public records request that was mentioned in the letter went to the wrong
department; tax records are never released.
Mr. Molony also noted that the numbers quoted were not accurate.
Mr.
Molony continued his report by explaining that the investment strategy is based
on rate of return and length of investment.
Interest earned has declined in recent years based on the market and
available interest rates and further explained the Federal Fund Rates have
declined from 4.4% to .9% to .15% in an overnight rate over the last few
months. Some investments that we have
used in the past are not even offered on today’s rate sheets. The Treasurer’s Office must balance out the
need for the cash with possible investment gains.
Mr.
Molony then explained the nature of bank fees and explained that in
2007
bank fees were approximately $1,800 per month.
In 2008 those jumped to $2,600
but in 2009 we have found ways to reduce those fees to $2,000. According to the bank, the changes we have made have saved
approximately $500 per month. Mr. Molony
added that in the last quarter the daily movement of bank fees has saved more
than $3,300.00. We have a great relationship with US Bank. On a daily basis the Treasurer’s Office
tracks funds to maximize interest and minimize fees.
Mr.
Thornbury thanked Mr. Molony and asked for an explanation of his attendance
record at meetings. Mr. Molony promised
to be the best treasurer and will gladly be present at any meeting requested,
but without that he will stay out of the way.
Mr.
Sanker asked if the daily reconciliation is where the Treasurer’s Office found
the $100,000.00 overpayment by the Auditor’s office? Mr. Molony confirmed.
Mr.
Stith gave his Auditor’s Report and noted that the City is still working with
the State Auditor’s Office. In addition, the Fenwick Park grant money should
arrive in the next few weeks.
When
opened for questions, Mr. Mumper asked if P.O.’s are signed by Auditor’s Office
or department heads? Mr. Stith responded that regularly scheduled payment to
vendors comes through the Auditor’s Office.
Mr.
Schneider asked if the Auditor’s Office is still trying to smooth out end of
the year issues and asked if non-standard purchases are still created by
department heads? Mr. Stith confirmed and noted that purchase orders are opened
and encumbered as soon as possible.
Mr.
Sanker asked if we check that all Duke invoices are assigned to City owned
properties? Mr. Stith explained that
when a property the City owns is sold, the Auditor’s office is made aware and
records are double checked.
Mr.
Mumper stated that he is aware that some purchase orders are created by the
Auditor’s Office. Mr. Stith said this is
done as a service to department heads in effort to expedite the P.O. process.
Mr.
Moore asked if for clarification and if bills are not sent to department heads,
who checks the validity of these invoices.
Mr. Stith answered that the Auditor’s Office looks for red flags.
Mr.
Thornbury asked about the replacement of systems and how it is of benefit to
the Auditor’s Office. Mr. Stith said
this was all in preparation to use an updated system and hoped to have a
purchase order request system online in the near future.
Mr.
Mumper asked if Duke Energy bills are paid on property not owned by the City
particularly on the stadium. Mr. Stith said his office was looking into this
and believes this to be a previous agreement between the City and School
Board.
Mr.
Sanker asked how the Auditor’s Office was informed that this was part of the
agreement. Mr. Stith answered that Ms. Kennedy
found this information in old paperwork, but not sure how this is to be paid.
During
the Law Department’s Report Mr. Kiser thanked Council, the Mayor and code
officials for helping eliminate problem properties. It is a long process, but doing things the
right way is worth it. Mr. Kiser added
that Mr. Brown will work on a draft letter to Governor Strickland.
Mr.
Kiser also mentioned that he is sad to hear that Mr. Rick Dettmer is retiring,
he is a good man that probably can’t be replaced and added that the Law
Department can help through the transition as much as possible.
Mr.
Mumper asked about the re-opening of Schaeffer’s Tavern and how that may have
happened without our knowledge. Mr.
Kiser said he will look into it.
I) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS
COUNCIL
J) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr.
Moore said Muse’s Food Mart coming down pointed out how much we have learned in
the last few years in dealing with these and related issues. He thanked Jim
Shelby, Mark Reeves, Gerry Stoker, etc. in addressing these issues and noted
they have definitely made positive changes in our City through their efforts.
K) NEW BUSINESS
L) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter
from Building Dept. Re:
2. Letter
from Earnings Tax Dept. Re:
3. Letter
from Fire Dept. Re:
4. Letter
from Health Dept. Re:
5. Letter
from Police Dept. Re:
6. Letter
form OH Div. Liquor Control Re: Chipotle Mexican Grill
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to receive and
file communications K1 through K6 as if read, with no objections. All present
voted, “Yes”.
7. Letter from Building Dept. Re:
8. Letter from Earnings Tax Dept. Re:
9. Letter from Fire Dept. Re:
10. Letter
from Health Dept. Re:
11. Letter
from Police Dept. Re:
12. Letter
from OH Div. Liquor Control Re: CVS #6111
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to receive and file
communications K7 through K12 as if read with no objections. All present voted, “Yes”.
13. Letter
from Building Dept. Re:
14. Letter
from Earnings Tax Dept. Re:
15. Letter
from Fire Dept. Re:
16. Letter
from Health Dept. Re:
17. Letter
from Police Dept. Re:
18. Letter
from OH Div Liquor Control Re:
Mr.
Schneider asked where this is going. Mayor said it is going to a Xavier
University campus facility that is in the City of Norwood. Mr. Schneider asked
if it is a new building and the Mayor answered that it is an existing
structure.
Mr.
Mumper clarified that the Cohen Center is an Art Gallery on campus and they
sometimes have receptions in the facility.
On a
motion by Mr.
19. Letter
from Mayor’s Office Re: Mayor’s Court Fines:
September 09
On a
motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to receive and
file the Mayor’s report. All present voted, “Yes”.
20. Letter
from Health Dept. Re: Dr. Frank Perrino
Mr.
Thornbury asked if Dr. Perrino had been to the Finance Committee. Mr. Barlow said the request is to increase a
key, but that key was never decreased so there should be funds available for
the Health Commission to act as they see fit.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and file
the letter from the Health Dept. and place it into the Finance and Audit
Committee. All present voted, “Yes”.
21. Letter
from City Council Re: Timothy Hale, Eagle Scout
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and file
the letter and extend congratulations to Eagle Scout Timothy Hale. All members present voted, “Yes”.
22.
Letter from Safety Service Director
Re: BWC Check-Safety
Committee
Mr.
Mumper thanked the Safety Committee members and Mr. Geers.
Mr.
Schneider asked for the members to be listed. Mayor Williams responded that the
members include Service-Safety Director Joe Geers, Tom White, Mark Reeves, Gary
Fye, Mike Raleigh, and Bob Laake.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to receive and
file the letter. All members present voted, “Yes”.
Mr.
Mumper announced there would be no Committee of the Whole meeting next month
due to election night.
M) EXCUSE ABSENT
MEMBERS
All
Members were present.
N) ADJOURNMENT
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to adjourn. All
members present voted, “Yes”.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council