image001Norwood City Council

Council Chambers

December 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 accept the new agenda with amendments including changes and additions to I-A), I-B), J-C), and O-2) through O-7).  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

F) MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Approve the minutes of September 22, 2009 and October 13, 2009

 

On a motion by Mr. Thornbury, seconded by Mr. Moore the minutes were approved 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

1. Community Development               Re: Cornerstone Design Review-Baird Signage

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to accept the report.  All members present voted, “Yes”.

 

I) SECOND READINGS OF ORDINANCES

A. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1305.05(M) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO, ENTITLED “FEES” AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Mr. Moore explained this would waive fees for building permits for Schools.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to hear the second reading of the ordinance.  All members present voted, “Yes”.

 

B. ORDINANCE MAKING PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2010, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear the second and third readings of the Ordinance.  Voting in favor of the motion were Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. Voting against the motion were Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Thornbury. The motion failed 4-3, as 6 votes are required to suspend.

 

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to hear the second reading of the Ordinance. Voting in favor of the motion were Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. Voting against the motion were Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Thornbury.  The motion passed.

 

J) INTRODUCTORY READINGS OF ORDINANCES

A. ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE RAISES FOR APPOINTED EMPLOYEES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

 

Mr. Moore said the motion for the first two readings is so it can be done this year. Mr. Schneider said it is the wrong time with negotiations ongoing. Mr. Moore understands the concerns, but feels it is not a real issue and added that appointed employees took no pay increase for several years.

 

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 ordinance. Voting in favor of the motion were Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. Voting against the motion were Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Thornbury. The motion failed 4-3, as 6 votes are required to suspend.

 

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, 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. Voting against the motion were Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Thornbury.  The motion passed.

 

B. ORDINANCE MAKING TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2010

Mr. Moore asked the Auditor if this version includes the $2,000 for the new chairs for Council Chambers as requested by Mr. Schneider. Mr. Stith confirmed that this version includes that request.

 

Mr. Schneider noted that $400,000 was to streets and $750,000 Anthem money was included for the Developmental Impact Fund. The discussion at Finance meeting was for temporary budget to pay all critical expenses in the beginning of 2010.  A temporary budget gives a chance to think about things in January, February, and March.

 

Mr. Sanker clarified that the $750,000 has nothing to do with Anthem or anything that was discussed last meeting.  The Community Impact Fund is separate altogether.  What we were talking about last meeting was a subsidy to Economic Development.  Mr. Schneider said that explanation is why Mr. Sanker’s input is so important.

 

On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to suspend the rules and hear the first and second readings of the Ordinance. Voting in favor of the motion were Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Schneider and Mr. Thornbury. Voting against the motion were Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Mumper. The motion failed.

 

On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to hear the first reading of the Ordinance. Voting in favor of the motion were Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Thornbury and Mr. Barlow. Voting against the motion were Mr. Sanker, Mr. Moore, and Mr. Mumper.  The motion passed.

 

C. ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

 

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 Ordinance.  All members present voted, “Yes”.

 

K) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

The Mayor was present and noted that we received a $750,000 grant to do Lowery Avenue, which would include $150, 000 in matching funds and $75,000 in Engineering expenses. Lowery Avenue from Courtland to Hopkins will be completely redone and this is an important side street project.

 

Medical insurance was originally reported to increase 29%. We have received a new competitive bid that is 6% lower than that original bid.

 

When opened for questions, Mr. Moore said it is great news on Lowery Avenue and asked for the schedule.   Mayor Williams said 2010 is the target date and added that Mr. Geers is balancing these and all projects to insure we have funds for the match.

 

Mr. Schneider asked Mayor Williams for his perspective on full or temporary appropriations and asked about the ramifications of not having a budget by 12:01am on January 1st?  The Mayor said there is no need for bickering and hoped that cooler heads should prevail.  This type of thing sometimes happens, but there is no need to dig in heels for next year as we have nothing to gain.

 

During the Auditor’s Report, Mr. Stith noted that the office closed out November yesterday and that once again there was great coordination with the Treasurer’s office. The Auditor will put together expected expenditures for remainder of the year and reports will be available online Friday.

 

Mr. Mumper asked if the cost for these Council Chairs goes in Public Buildings or the Council key. Mr. Stith answered that these were placed in the Council Key. Mr. Mumper then asked who would sign that purchase order.  Mr. Stith answered that the 2010 Clerk of Council would sign the purchase order.

 

Mr. Kiser was not present but Assistant Law Director Chris Brown was available for any questions.

 

L) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL

There were no requests.

 

M) UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no unfinished business.

 

N) NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Thornbury announced the Holiday open house at Lindner Park is Saturday, December 12, from 4 to 7 pm.  Everyone is welcome and there is no charge. There will be door prizes and music.

 

Mr. Sanker added that it is a great opportunity to see the McCullough House opened for all its glory.

 

Mr. Mumper congratulated Judy White and the Norwood Community Choir.  They keep getting better and all are encouraged to see their next performance.

 

Mr. Schneider thanked the Recreation Commission and Jenny Wallace for the Community Christmas event. 350 kids and 500 adults participated. It was very well attended.

 

O) COMMUNICATIONS

1. Letter from OKI Council                          Re: Election of Representative

Mr. Schneider said it is interesting to see how these major projects are put together and noted that he would continue in the role.

 

On a motion by Mr. Gabbard, seconded by Mr. Thornbury, it was moved to receive and file the letter and reappoint Mr. Schneider as the OKI representative for Norwood.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

2. Letter from Earnings Tax Dept.                Re: Monthly Earnings: 11-2009 

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

 

3. Letter from Mayor’s Office                      Re: Mayor’s Court Fines: 11-2009

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

 

4. Letter from Mayor’s Office                      Re: Board of Health Appointment

Mr. Mumper thanked Mr. Layne for accepting the appointment and his service to the City.

 

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

 

5. Letter from Mayor’s Office                      Re: Civil Service Commission Appointment

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to receive and file the letter and approve the appointment of  Pete Tepe.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

6. Letter from Mayor’s Office                      Re: Recreation Commission Appointment

On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to receive and file the letter and approve the appointment of Kevin Moreland.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

7. Letter from Mayor’s Office                      Re: Tree Board Appointment

On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to receive and file the letter and approve the appointment of Linda Prues.  All members present voted “Yes”.

 

P) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS

All Members were present.

 

Q) 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