CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

JANUARY 3, 2005

The Committee-of-the-Whole was called to order by Mrs. Bobst, President of Council, at 8:00 p.m.

Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Potterfield, Mr. Frost, Mr. Hurtuk,

Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Hagan, Mrs. Bobst

Administration: Mayor Knoble, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Matty

Press: Mrs. McKenzie

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

The Mayor wished everyone a Happy New Year and reported that the New Year Family Skate was enjoyed by all. Although attendance was down slightly, it was a festive event. He suggested more extensive publicity which might increase attendance.

He also thanked everyone who came to the memorial service for his wife. Over 500 people were in attendance, and he thanked everyone for their good wishes.

Recently, there have been some heightened water flow issues. Fortunately, the rains came after the ice on the river had melted, so the water was able to flow into Lake Erie without any appreciable problems. There was, however, a significant increase in the flow at the WWTP. On 12/31 at 7:45 a.m., the peak flow rate occurred, 91.1 million gallons/day, up from the usual flow rate of 8 to 12 million gallons/day. On that day, 56 million gallons of water were treated. These figures show that there are still significant infiltration issues in the sanitary sewer system. There was no reported flooding, except possibly one home on Argyle.

This Friday the annual harbor dredge meeting will be held at the Yacht Club. Members of the Coast Guard, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, valley residents and officials of Lakewood and Rocky River will meet to discuss winter and spring issues.

Next Monday an amendment to the recently passed bond ordinance will be presented. This new ordinance will restore a necessary clause with the tax-exempt qualification for federal and state taxes which was eliminated in the original ordinance.

The Mayor then distributed a chart prepared by Commissioner Beirne showing the projected income from rental fees based upon the recent increase passed by Council. The figures show that because many licenses were renewed in 2004 for a two-year period, increased revenues will not reach the City until 2006. He added that the Administration is so committed to the program of increased rental inspection, it will hire additional personnel now instead of waiting for the income so that the program can go forward. Revenues from other sources will be diverted to fund this program now instead of waiting until 2006.

Discussion: Mr. Frost asked about the time of the meeting at the Yacht Club. The Mayor responded that it will be held on Friday at 11:45 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Resolution No. 133-04: This resolution adopts the Master Plan. Mr. Potterfield reported that the issue is still under discussion by the Planning Commission. This is a subject which he would like to discuss at a meeting of the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee to be scheduled for this month.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Sewer Tie-in Fees: Mrs. Bobst indicated that, under the direction of Mayor Knoble, Mr. Koran and Mr. Beirne have prepared a proposal for a revision of the recently-changed fees. She turned to the Mayor for comments.

The Mayor explained that the ordinance recently adopted was from another city, and unfortunately was not sufficiently reviewed. The Administration feels that it is difficult to decipher and out of line with the realities of development and the true nature of the Administration's goals.

• •The new schedule has been formulated by Mr. Koran and Mr. Beirne with information from many cities. It calls for a tie-in charge of $750 per dwelling unit, which is standard in neighboring communities. Qualifiers are included for larger developments and has different rates for restaurants, laundromats, etc, which have different impacts on the wastewater treatment process. The Administration believes this schedule sets a fair fee to pay to tap into the City's system. It does not cover any work to accomplish the actual tap-in, but is strictly a fee to tap into and use the sanitary sewer system.
  
  

The second page contains qualifiers which cover redevelopment. For example, a new development of 35 units which tears down 10 existing houses would pay on the net increase of 25 units. In addition, the contractor would have the responsibility for the actual tie-in. The City would inspect and approve the work and the charges would be made based upon the time spent by the inspector on the job. City crews will no longer be involved in making tie-ins. Council is free to adjust fees at its discretion. The Mayor feels this is a workable, fair plan, both for the developers and for the City. Council will decide on any fine tuning and also how to treat pending applications under the existing ordinance. He noted that only one contractor, Hamlets West, has paid the current fee.

• •Mr. Gollinger asked if the new connections will be made at the same site as the existing connections.

The Mayor responded that it will vary from job to job, depending upon how the new structure is situated on the lot.

• •Mr. Gollinger then asked who is responsible for any street disruption and repaving which are necessitated by moving the connection.

The Mayor asserted that it would be the responsibility of the contractor, overseen by the Building Department.

Mrs. Bobst noted that this matter will be referred to the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee. Mr. Potterfield commented that his committee will discuss changes to the sewer tie-in rates as well as the impact on the existing ordinance.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee: Mr. Potterfield reported that his committee has four items which require discussion: a review of the Master Plan notes with comments made by the Planning Commission, 15 recommendations regarding the Code made by the Building Department, sewer tie-in fees and Resolution No. 1-05. He proposed a meeting on January 18 to discuss the first two items as well as a traffic study suggested by the Planning Commission. Another meeting on January 24 would discuss sewer tie-in fees and Resolution No. 1-05.

Safety Committee: Mr. Frost mentioned a communication received from the City of Highland Heights expressing opposition to House Bill 175. He asked that a copy be routed to Mr. Crowe, the Fire Prevention Officer.

• •The Animal Control Working Group will be prepared to present its recommendations to the Safety Committee and Mr. Frost would like to set a tentative meeting date for the Safety Committee to hear those recommendations on February 22. He will check with the Chairman, Dr. Parraga, to see how much time will be required.
  
  
  
  

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution No. 1-05: Mayor Knoble explained that this resolution is concerned with the acquisition of property, a former gas station, at the corner of Shoreland and Wooster. There have been a number of discussions by the City in an attempt to purchase the property in order to accomplish Administration goals, but all have been unsuccessful, so there is no alternative. The plans for this property include an RTA shelter surrounded by a smaller parklike area; behind that, landscaped city parking facility with no fee would promote off-street parking in the area and help the six successful businesses in the Tudor building and the four additional in the other building. Those ten businesses are in dire need of parking, and the Mayor is seeking to avoid abandoned storefronts.

The plan, therefore, would accomplish the following:

• •Get rid of a non-conforming property use
• •Provide enough room for a shelter at the bus stop
• •Provide a mini-park
• •Provide parking for local businesses
  
  

Mrs. Bobst indicated that the topic will be discussed by the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee on January 24. She asked that the Law Director be present to clarify all steps in the process for committee members.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: NONE

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

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Pamela E. Bobst Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council