CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

FEBRUARY 4, 2008

The Committee-of-the-Whole was called to order by Mr. Moran, President of Council, at 8:03 p.m.

Council Members Present: Mr. Hunt, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Furry, Ms. Arabian,

Mr. Long, Mr. Moran

Absent: Mr. Mylen

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Mr. Saylor

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

The meeting for Detroit Road stakeholders which was scheduled for last Wednesday had to be cancelled because of the power outage at City Hall. The meeting has been rescheduled for Friday, February 15.

The Senior Center Volunteer luncheon will also be on February 15, and festivities begin at ll:30.

An organizational meeting for River Days will be held this Thursday. The event has been scheduled for July 12 and 13, and the Mayor was pleased to report that many civic organizations have expressed interest in participating in a variety of activities.

Finance Director Thomas has made arrangements with the Central Collection Agency (CCA) to conduct their Taxpayer Assistance Program at the Don Umerley Civic Center. Sessions have been scheduled for Saturdays, March 29, April 5, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays, April 3 and April 10 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointments will be accepted, and residents will be seen in the order of arrival. Dates and times will be on the City's website and sent as an e-update.

Last Friday, with Council President Moran, the Mayor attended the quarterly meeting at the airport with Director Ricky Smith. Noise calls were discussed and the Mayor noted that there has been an increase in the number of calls but a decrease in the number of complainants. The airport is moving forward this spring with a study usually done every five years, an Airport Noise Compatibility Study. The last time it was done was as part of a master plan process in 2000. This year, Rocky River will be a part of the study; two noise monitors were recently installed, on Westover and on High Parkway, and they will measure noise both on the ground and in the air. This will produce a model which can predict what will happen with increased air traffic. Under the City's present agreement, there will be a 10 degree fanout with each takeoff in the same direction so there should not be a great number of planes taking off over the same airspace. The Mayor indicated that in the future, she will discuss the airport's system which monitors noise and every aircraft which leaves the airport. There is an interface between the FAA and the air traffic control tower which can pinpoint every jet which takes off. This will assist in managing noise coming from the airport.

• •Also reported upon at the meeting was the redesign and expansion of Class B airspace which is that used by passenger flights. This will not affect noise, flight patterns, number of flights, etc. However, it will impact traffic from Cleveland Hopkins to other smaller airports which can be completely monitored by air traffic control. This would be for planes flying at 5000 ft. or higher.



• •The final points of interest discussed at the meeting were plans for an aerotropolis, part of the master plan. This is a group of businesses located in and around an airport because they benefit from that location as they are compatible businesses. This is seen as an economic development opportunity which will be presented with master plan information at the next airport meeting.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) conducted a training session on Saturday, and Chief Flynn was pleased to report that 25 new individuals from the West Shore area began their training.

A communication has been received from the Board of Elections regarding temporary positions during the upcoming primary election and the following general election. Through the Federation of Community Organizations, speakers from the Board have informed the community about some temporary opportunities and the importance of having trained individuals to assist in the elections. Anyone interested in participating is invited to apply.

The Mayor turned to the Law Director to discuss the meeting with Mayor Fitzgerald of the City of Lakewood regarding the dog park. Mr. Bemer indicated that the City had anticipated having a conference prior to the pre-conference with the mayors and law directors involved. Unfortunately, our City had scheduling difficulties and the meeting could not go forward. As a result, Safety-Service Director Linden and the Law Director, together with some residents, attended a pre-hearing conference at the Court of Appeals concerning the appeal of the dog park. Mr. Bemer reported that it was a pleasure to meet Mayor Fitzgerald and although ideas were exchanged, neither party was in a position to discuss substantive matters. There was a request for a further meeting so that alternative proposals can be discussed among the respective city administrators. Mayor Bobst has contacted Lakewood to set up a meeting next week. The next meeting with the Court of Appeals will be on April 18, and the Law Director hopes to have more definitive news at that time.

Discussion: President Moran noted his interest in his first airport meeting attended by Olmsted Falls, Fairview Park, Rocky River, Middleburg Heights and Cleveland. Commenting on resident noise complaints, he said that in one quarter last year, there were 30 calls, 40 in another and then, 110. When flight patterns were changed in the middle of summer, people noticed it. The airport will, however, communicate frequently if there are changes so that city officials know in advance before calls are received. One future project mentioned was the uncoupling of a runway which is parallel to Brookpark Road. The runway is now connected to others and it will be disconnected and used for maintenance and other issues. When work on this runway is undertaken, patterns could change and if so, the City will be notified.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Mr. Moran has received a letter from the City of Cleveland Water Department. He recalled that last year an agreement was proposed under which the City of Cleveland would take over parts of the City's infrastructure in return for maintenance. To date, fourteen communities have taken advantage of the program. At this time, amendments to the program have been proposed, and a representative of the Cleveland Water Department would like to attend a Council meeting to explain and discuss the changes. Mr. Moran suggested that Council listen to the changes, and the consensus was to invite the water department to speak within the next month.

• •Mayor Bobst added that the proposed agreement has three parts: tax sharing, transfer of assets and the water service agreement. In its original form, the Mayor recalled that it was not an agreement that appeared to be beneficial to the City, particularly with the required transfer of assets. Some modifications have been made.

Amended Ordinance No. 100-07: Mr. Shepherd explained that this ordinance will amend the Code to include right of way legislation. He noted that the Law Director continues his review to determine if changes are necessary. Mr. Bemer confirmed that the review continues, noting that AT&T submitted approximately nine pages of questions, objections and comments. The Building Department and the Law Department are continuing their work, and Mr. Bemer requested more time for consideration of the changes.

Ordinance No. 116-07: Mr. Long indicated that the Planning Commission has recommended this rezoning. This ordinance will continue on hold for next week because a Public Hearing has been scheduled for February 19.

Ordinance No. 16-08: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of a reconditioned scooter for refuse collection. In Mr. Mylen's absence, Mr. Linden explained that scooters are a major concern for his department at present. With the assistance of Mr. Bemer, legal differences on their operation have been settled with the Cushman attorney, and the supply of scooters can now be augmented, which is a necessary step, since none have been purchased since 2003. Normally, 12 to14 are maintained, and at present, there are only six. Mr. Linden asked for passage next week and noted that another will follow on the 25^th with an order for four more following to bring the fleet up to full strength. Delivery will take 90 days, but two more will suffice for the next three to four months. These scooters, although expensive, create efficiency, and they have also been found useful in Lakewood and Shaker Heights. Mr. Linden expressed gratitude for the Law Director's work to make replacement possible.

• •Mr. Moran asked about the possibility of purchasing used scooters from other cities. Mr. Linden said that the City is always alert for the opportunities, but the body of the vehicle is what is vulnerable because of salt. Replacement is necessary as soon as possible.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Parks and Recreation Committee: Ms. Arabian reported that she had spoken with Recreation Director Mike Patterson who indicated that employees had received information about Rock Well, the employees' wellness program with their last paychecks.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Mr. Moran requested an Executive Session prior to adjournment this evening to discuss property purchase for public purpose.

MOTION:

Moved by Mr. Moran, seconded by Mr. Furry and Mr. Shepherd, that, at his request, an Executive Session be held prior to the termination of tonight's meeting to discuss the purchase of property for public purposes under Article X, Section 6, Subsection 2 of the Charter.

Vote: Hunt - aye Shepherd - aye Furry - aye

Arabian - aye Long - aye Moran - aye

6 ayes 0 nays PASSED

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 17-08: This ordinance, sponsored by Mr. Mylen, will be discussed further next week. It will authorize the updating of the City's computer system by adding a server, new work stations and new laptop computers. Mr. Ron Gottschalk, the City's IT specialist, has agreed to attend next week's meeting to explain the purchases.

Ordinance No. 18-08: This ordinance will authorize the purchase of a 2008 Impala for the Senior Center. In Mr. Mylen's absence, Mr. Moran turned to Mr. Linden to discuss not only this ordinance, but the four which follow. Mr. Linden indicated that this request for a second Impala was made to the Mayor by the Senior Services Director. These smaller cars would enable the Senior Center to stop using its vans except where necessary and they would be more economical. Mr. Linden is also investigating a company which makes a mini-van which can be fitted with a wheelchair lift. The large wheelchair van will be sold or traded in.

• •Mr. Moran added that in discussing the issue with Mr. Linden, he saw that it is a long process of replacing expensive vans with lower maintenance vehicles which are more economical. Long term plans call for moving larger vehicles out of the pool and replacing them with more sensible vehicles.



• •Mr. Furry asked if the Impala will work for loading and unloading passengers as well as the vans. Mr. Linden said that their communications indicate that seniors prefer entering and exiting a car rather than a van.

Ordinance No. 19-08: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of three cargo vans for the Fire and Service Divisions. Mr. Moran noted that the vans are replacements for older vehicles, 1984, 1993 and 1997. Mr. Linden referred to the equipment list he had distributed and indicated that some are overdue for replacement. Another reason for haste is that the budget used to be passed in March; by the time vehicles could be ordered, they were gone. The carpenters' van is the 1984; the mechanics' van is the 1993 and the fire van is the 1997. It is hoped that this van can be passed on to the Fire Inspector who needs more space for his equipment. The new van will be used by the fire department on runs.

• •Mr. Moran commented on the excellent price for the Impala, noting that because of the State Cooperative Purchasing program, the car is approximately $4000 less than regular retail. Mr. Linden added that this is a police vehicle with a wider wheel base and heavy duty alternator, battery and cooling system. It is an excellent buy.



• •Mr. Furry asked about delivery or pick up of the new vehicles. Mr. Linden said that they are delivered because it is more expensive for the City to send personnel to pick them up.

Ordinance No. 20-08: Mr. Moran noted that this ordinance authorizes the purchase of a vehicle for the Building Department. Mr. Linden explained that this Ford Focus will replace a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria, an old police car which is in dire straits. Following this purchase, there will be two Tauruses and the remainder will be Ford Focuses. Mr. Linden said that the new cars use far less fuel.

Ordinance No. 21-08: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of pick-up trucks for the Service Department and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. These purchases total $28,257. Mr. Linden explained that the WWTP mechanics use this truck for carrying their tools and pick up parts, etc. The Service Department also uses this small truck with an extended cab to carry tools to repair jobs. It is also used to run necessary errands.

• •Mr. Moran asked if replaced vehicles will be sold. Mr. Linden said that they would.

Ordinance No. 22-08: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of a pick-up truck for the Recreation Department. Mr. Linden noted that it replaces a 1999 Dodge pickup. The parks crew uses this and it is also used to plow the City recreation lot in the winter.

Mr. Moran indicated that Mr. Mylen will return next week to present these ordinances.

Mr. Linden referred again to the City vehicle list and explained that the next purchase may be two packer trucks which are in the budget, a Zamboni for the Recreation Department and the scooters mentioned earlier which will give the Service Department 12 operating scooters. He said that redundancy is necessary because six to eight scooters can be out at one time. The life expectancy of the scooters is 3-4 years.

Finally, Mr. Moran extended his congratulations to Rocky River's sports teams:

• •girls' basketball is undefeated this season, rated # 14 in the area;
• •the boys' basketball program is also doing well;
• •there are strong competitors in the wrestling program;
• •the hockey team is first in its division;
• •the swim team, both boys and girls, recently won their conference.

He encouraged everyone to support the local teams.

Mr. Furry also announced that the Rocky River Education Foundation will have its annual fundraiser, Saturday, March 1 at the Don Umerley Civic Center. Invitations will be forthcoming. The cost will be $65 per person with a '70's theme-peace, love, Pirates.

Mr. Moran also announced that the Northeast Ohio City Council Association will have its annual meeting on February 21. The featured speaker will be Lee Fisher, the Lieutenant Governor, and it begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites on Rockside Woods Blvd in Independence. If any Council member is able to attend and represent the City, Mr. Moran asked for a call to indicate interest.

As there was no further business by members of Council, members adjourned to the Executive Session at 8:45. Mr. Moran announced that there would be no further discussion following the Executive Session.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. following the Executive Session.

________________________________ ______________________________

James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council