CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

FEBRUARY 2, 2009

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

Council Members Present: Mr. Hunt, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Furry, Mr. Mylen

Mrs. Arabian Whitman, Mr. Long, Mr. Moran

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Ms. Pritchard

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

As an update to last week's report concerning overcharges in the City's electric bills, the Mayor reported that the second check has been received from CEI in the amount of $171,697, making the total adjustment just over $279,000. She once more thanked Law Director Bemer, Recreation Director Patterson and Finance Director Thomas.

The Mayor said that last week she was honored to administer the oath of office to this year's officers of the Seniors Council. She congratulated them and wished them well in their leadership roles.

• •President - Lee McCauley

• •Vice President - Mary Ellen McFarland

• •Secretary - Dottie O'Neill

• •Treasurer - Will Woodruff

• •Assistant Treasurer - Henry Curtis

Last Friday, the Fire Division submitted a grant proposal to the State Fire Marshal's office for training of all shifts in the use of firehouse software. This will enhance incident reporting, both to the state and federal governments. There is also a potential reduction in the cost of ambulance billing because of the electronic submission of information. At present, many incident reports are paper copies.

The Mayor has received a letter from Mayor Jackson's office which contains information about the medical mart. His position has been that the decision was made by the County Commissioners for the convention center site; he is focusing on the next steps to make the project a reality. Copies of his letter will be provided to Council members.

Regarding the snow season and its costs, the Mayor noted that it began in December with one day of overtime totaling 100 hours required for plowing.

• •Beginning January 10^th through the end of the month, 1050 hours of overtime were necessary.
• •Last week during the long storm, 500 tons of salt and 290 hours of overtime were used.
• •The City began the year with 800 tons of salt; since then, 3200 tons have been purchased and 800 tons are currently available.
• •Tomorrow another storm is expected along with a shipment of an additional 800 tons of salt.
• •To date, the City has used 3200 tons with 800 in reserve at the Service Garage at a total cost of $128,000. The budget contains two line items which cover salt expenditures: one in the Streets Department ($150,000) and another in a line item under State Snow Removal ($80,000). The Mayor noted that Director Linden has been thanked many times, in this instance because the City is paying $39.57 per ton of salt. Last week she received an offer of salt delivered at $112-$127/ton. These savings are possible because early ordering means inclusion under the state bid. She noted that salt delivery will now be slower since stores have been exhausted and new orders are being mined.
• •Despite the many compliments received from residents, she said there is always room for improvement in areas such as the 44 hills and inclines and 45 cul-de-sacs or not piling snow on sidewalks.
• •The storm also presented challenges for refuse collection and delivery of mail. Last year's problems with mailboxes close to the street in Christensen Estates was not repeated, and no complaints were received.

Family game week will be February 8^th through the 14^th and as in past years, will be sponsored by the Community Coalition.

Discussion: Mr. Moran noted that he had spoken with residents about Christensen Estates, and with the City's quick response to the heavy snow, the comments were all positive.

Mr. Furry asked if the price of salt remains the same regardless of quantities used. Mr. Linden said the City places its order and must accept 50% of that amount but may order up to 150% of that amount. With this year's snow, there will be no problem with the minimum amount.

• •Responding to a Council question, Mr. Linden indicated that the City's order was increased to 5000 tons this year.
• •Mr. Moran asked how much can be stored at the Service Garage; Mr. Linden responded that the holding capacity is approximately 3000 tons.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 94-08 and 103-08: These ordinances would authorize easements on City property

for AT&T. Mr. Hunt said that no further communication has been received from AT&T, so the ordinances will continue on hold.

Ordinance No. 128-08: This is a rezoning ordinance for a warehouse that straddles Allen Court, close to Linda Street by the railroad tracks which has been recommended by the Planning Commission. Mr. Long indicated that, as required, a Public Hearing will be held on February 17. When complete, the ordinance will move forward.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: NONE

COMMITTEE REPORTS: NONE

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mr. Long reported that on Wednesday, a good Samaritan driving an F-150 equipped with a plow cleared his driveway as well as those of most houses on Bonnie Bank. Although his identity is not known, Mr. Long expressed appreciation and will report on his name when discovered.

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

______________________________ ______________________________

James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council