Norwood City Council
Council Chambers
November 24, 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 by adding M-2). All members present voted “Yes”.
F) REQUEST TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON AGENDA
ITEMS
There were no requests.
G) REPORTS OF STANDING
COMMITTEES
1. Finance
and Audit Re:
2009 Appropriations
On a motion
by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report. All
members present voted “Yes”.
2. Finance
and Audit Re:
2010 Budget
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report.
All members present voted “Yes”.
3. Finance
and Audit Re:
Appointed Positions Pay Increase
Mr.
Schneider said the letter read that all unions were reopened and asked the
Chair of the Finance Committee for perspective.
Mr. Barlow said exact percentages were not discussed.
Mr.
Schneider asked the Mayor for the percentages.
Mayor Williams said he is uncomfortable discussing in open format due to
negotiations.
Mr.
Schneider asked if this compromised the negotiations. The Mayor stated that he is uncomfortable in
opening discussion outside of Executive Session.
Mr.
Barlow gave clarifications and said appointed positions were based on what was
achieved by Police Department. Mr.
Schneider asked if this is detrimental or a good move pending negotiations.
Mr.
Moore pointed out that this only asks for an Ordinance.
Mr.
Schneider asked if this impacts ongoing negotiations. Mr. Moore said the real issue is what Police
got during fact finding.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to accept the report
and request the Law Department to draft an Ordinance. Voting in favor of the
motion were Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper. Opposing the
motion were Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Thornbury. The motion passed.
H) INTRODUCTORY
A. ORDINANCE TO CHANGE
APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2009, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr.
Moore asked for an explanation. Mr. Barlow said this will adjust payroll keys
as required. The biggest are the implications of contracts which were not
finalized when original Appropriations were passed.
Mr.
Schneider asked if Mr. Stith agrees with the “net”. Mr. Stith said he agrees
with the numbers and assisted in its preparation. Mr. Stith confirmed the changes as explained
by the Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee.
Mr.
Moore offered a thought for next year, to make incremental adjustments or
better yet, to finalize once contracts are finalized.
On a
motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the rules
and have all three readings. All 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”.
B. ORDINANCE
MAKING PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF
Mr.
Moore asked what this is based off of, what portions are fully funded.
Mr.
Barlow answered that the original was based on this year’s final budget. The
plan is that all keys are fully funded, but payroll will have to be determined
as contracts are finalized.
Mr.
Schneider said in years past we passed temporary appropriations, but this year
and last year it seems that all keys are fully funded and expressed concerns
with departments encumbering full amounts.
Mr.
Barlow said 2009 permanent appropriations were passed and the Auditor
encumbered fixed costs. The line items
that are increased have been explained by letter noting changes, however most
information is based on this year.
Mr.
Sanker said this is a pretty solid budget for 2010 based on conservative
projections. As always, appropriations change as we see additional
information. In the past we had to use
temporary appropriations because so many things were questions going into the
year. We will certainly be updating this
in the future but will encounter even more problems with temporary appropriations.
Mr.
Thornbury said there is a checkered history with the budget process. How was this budget worked in conjunction
with the Auditor and Department Heads?
Mr. Barlow answered that until the economy comes back we have a much
easier job when taking conservative projections. This year’s budget is based on
many of the same assumptions as 2009.
The Auditor and key Department Heads have provided input.
Mr.
Mumper said we spent considerable time last year going through the budget and
if this is based on that extensive work we are in a much better and more
accurate position than ever before?
Mr.
Thornbury said he is more comfortable with temporary.
Mr.
Sanker said this is the Finance Committee’s recommendation. They have spent the
time to work this in detail.
Mr.
Schneider asked if the Mayor is comfortable as the Appropriations have been
presented. The Mayor answered that with
flat revenue projections this is a great start to the budget.
Mr.
Moore added that basing 2010 on 2009 it is a great start and these amounts
won’t hamstring any department. Mr.
Moore asked the Auditor about the subsidy to Economic Development Fund. Mr. Stith answered that this is based on
recommendation of the State Auditor.
Mr.
Moore asked if we are tying up funds in Economic Development when this could be
left in the general fund. Mr. Stith answered that the Economic Development
Director was paid out of the general fund.
Mr. Moore argued that this was not how it happened in the past.
Mr.
Schneider stated in his opinion that there are problems with these appropriations,
so we need to pass a temporary appropriation and added that he would like to
see requests from Mayor’s Office.
Mr.
Thornbury asked the Auditor for his thoughts.
Mr. Stith answered that it is not a bad starting point, since that time
additional information has been gathered. Employee payroll is based on 2009
starting amounts. Additionally, health
care will increase significantly. Mr. Stith reiterated that it is a good
starting point, but could be reviewed and revised.
Mr.
Sanker said 2010 payroll increases wouldn’t be reflected in these
appropriations regardless and reiterated that there will always be changes to
appropriations as there have been multiple changes throughout this year. Based on what we know, this is a great
starting point and should not require blowing up the good work that was done in
favor of temporary appropriations.
Mr.
Moore said it requires 6 votes to suspend and 5 to pass. He recommends we
proceed with at least something and anxiously awaits the alternative.
On a
motion by Mr. Barlow, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to suspend the first
and second readings of the Ordinance. Voting in favor of the motion were Mr.
Sanker, Mr. Moore, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper; opposing the motion were Mr.
Gabbard, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Thornbury. The motion Failed.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to hear the first
reading of the Ordinance. Voting in favor of the motion were Mr. Sanker, Mr.
Moore, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper; opposing the motion were Mr. Gabbard, Mr.
Schneider, and Mr. Thornbury. The motion passed.
C. ORDINANCE
AMENDING SECTION 1305.05(m) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
Mr. Moore
said this would remove permit fees but not the permit process for City Schools
projects.
Mr.
Schneider asked who sponsored this Ordinance. Mr. Kiser said it was a request
of the Mayor’s Office.
Mr.
Schneider asked for clarification. Mayor Williams said it provides for no fees
for school projects.
Mr.
Mumper added that it was a request from Mr. Stoker, Building Department.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to hear the first
reading of the Ordinance. All members
present voted, “Yes”.
I) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and urged Council to work out differences before there is
some massive showdown and suggested calling a Finance Committee meeting where
all members can and should attend.
The
Mayor continued by commenting on the November 18th chemical spill on
I-71 which raised several questions.
HazMat training requires caution when dealing with chemicals and the
potential mixing of such chemicals. Our
Fire Department called Hamilton County HazMat and from there it is their call.
All teams proceeded very cautiously and HazMat will continue to work on their
communications plans. All parties will continue to work together in the future
to protect all those concerned.
The
Mayor also noted that there is a preliminary report from our medical broker
indicating a 29% increase in health care costs to the City.
Mayor
Williams also stated that work continues on Sherman Avenue and the waterline on
Smith Road is nearing completion.
During the
Auditor’s Report, Mr. Stith said 2006, 2007 Preliminary Audit Reports should be
available soon. The 2008 CAFR should
also be completed soon. Continual
extensions have been needed as we have proceeded and this represents many
changes and a significant milestone.
Payroll
projections are continually updated and even more regularly as year end
approaches; this information is then shared with Finance Committee.
Mr.
Kiser followed up on last meeting’s question regarding liquor permits. It does
not appear to be possible to invoke constraints. Mr. Kiser also explained additional details
regarding liquor licenses.
Mr.
Mumper asked regarding trexed and development type licenses. Mr. Kiser said ORC has some imbedded
constraints, but other than that we can only impose restraints on zoning.
Mr. Moore asked if we should cancel the hearing. Mr. Kiser said it can
certainly be done. Mr. Sanker added that
since there are no complaints we can cancel the hearing as our questions have
been addressed. Mr. Thornbury asked for
follow up explanation. Mr. Kiser repeated his explanation.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to withdraw the
request for hearing. All present voted “Yes”.
J) OTHER REQUESTS TO
ADDRESS COUNCIL
There
were no requests.
K) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There
was no unfinished business.
L) NEW BUSINESS
There
was no new business.
M) COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter
from John Hanrahan Re:
Earnings Tax Report-Oct. 2009
On a motion
by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and file the
report. All members present voted “Yes”.
2. Letter
from Recreation Re:
Victory Pool
Mr.
Moore asked residents to please contact Council members or the Recreation Commission
to provide input into Victory Pool operations and upgrade.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and file
the letter. All members present voted
“Yes”.
N) EXCUSE ABSENT
MEMBERS
All
Members were present.
O) 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