DRAFT
CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
FEBRUARY 13, 2006
Regular meeting of Council was called to order by Mrs. Bobst, President of Council, at 8:00 p.m.
Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Moran, Mr. Frost, Mr. Hurtuk,
Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Hagan, Mrs. Bobst
Administration: Mayor Knoble, Mr. Linden, Mr. Thomas
Law Director: Mr. Bemer
Press: Mrs. McKenzie, Ms. Payne
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Bobst announced that the meeting was being recorded by a resident.
MOTION:
Moved by Mrs. Bobst, seconded by Mr. Gollinger and Mr. Hurtuk, that the reading of the minutes of the Legislative Meeting of January 23, and the meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole of February 6 be waived and that the minutes be accepted as submitted.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Frost - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
MAYOR'S REPORT:
City Hall will be closed in observance of President's Day on February 20. Refuse collection will be delayed one day, and Council will meet on Tuesday, February 21.
The Mayor requested an Executive Session for the purpose of reviewing labor negotiations. Special Counsel Matty will attend that session to report on the current status of police and fire negotiations.
Mayor Knoble then noted the passing of Ed Kassouf, a longtime resident of the City who had his own construction firm and who served for many years on the BZA. His contributions will be long remembered.
The post office has rejected the tentative agreement reached with the City on the improvements to the Rocky River branch office. Citing budgetary constrictions and the fact that this facility is leased rather than owned, Mr. Shah, the City's contact person with the USPS in Columbus, called the Mayor to say that the request to construct any kind of fence as agreed previously, was denied. The Administration will pursue other avenues, but for now, it appears that any upgrading of the post office property will be postponed.
As the Finance Committee has begun the budget process, the Mayor distributed information on the City's proposed rental conversion program which will be discussed on Thursday by Mr. Koran, Director of Economic and Community Development. This program provides an incentive for purchasers of one and two-family rental units to convert them into owner-occupied units.
The WWTP Management Board met last Wednesday and recommended the WWTP budget as presented by the superintendent.
The Cleveland Magazine questionnaires distributed are now due. Council members with comments or information are requested to return them to the Mayor's office.
Discussion: Mr. Frost asked about the repayment period for the rental conversion loans. The Mayor said that the period is 10 years.
MOTION:
Moved by Mrs. Bobst, seconded by Mr. Hurtuk, that at the request of the Mayor, an Executive Session be held following the meeting to discuss preparing for, conducting or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concening their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment under Article X, Section 6, Subsection (4) of the Charter.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Frost - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
LAW DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bemer indicated that he attended an internal meeting ten days ago dealing with the implementation of the Quiet Zone to the City's four railroad crossings. At that meeting it was agreed to delegate the responsibility of determining the cost of the improvements necessary to implement the Quiet Zones to the City's consulting engineer, Michael Mackay. Required improvements will include additional gates and pedestrian crossings. Once costs have been determined, they will be presented to Council, as well as a discussion of safety elements. Because the City is a walking community, children walk to and from school and their safety is a primary consideration. The possibility of reducing the Quiet Zone only to nighttime hours, from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. can also be considered once information has been gathered.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Parks and Recreation Committee: Mrs. Bartolozzi indicated that the Parks and Recreation Commission will meet this Wednesday morning as scheduled.
Finance Committee: Mr. Hurtuk reported that his committee has begun the budget consideration process. The first hearing will be this Thursday, February 16, from 8:30 a.m. until approximately 11:30 a.m. This meeting will give the committee an opportunity to meet with directors and commissioners to discuss their budgetary needs. An initial draft of the agenda has been prepared and will be on the website tomorrow. Individual Council members with committee responsibility will take the lead in their respective areas. Mr. Hurtuk indicated that the committee will look for justification of all expenses, not just increases.
Mr. Hurtuk added that the committee will hold at least two meetings at which he does not anticipate public comment. The second meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 27 at 7:00 p.m. prior to the Council meeting. Also that evening, he would like to have the Public Hearing to hear audience participation in the process. Passage will be considered on March 13 or March 27.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Hurtuk has received an e-mail from Steven Pappadakes commenting on the budget. (Exhibit "A")
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
Chuck Bartsche, 20200 Kramer Drive expressed his opinions on Ordinance No. 12-06, the budget. He congratulated the City on its budget process, noting that it is far from finalized.
In past years, he acknowledged that he felt that the expenditures of the law department were too high, returning no value to the City as did other departments. He realized, however, that today, it is a necessary cost in the running of the City. The City of Rocky River has traditionally had the lowest legal expenses in the area, averaging $176,000, and in no case over $200,000. For 2006, a cost of $242,300 is proposed under the change of management. He urged Council to closely review proposed expenses so that the final budget figure will be more in keeping with past expenditures.
ORDINANCE NO. 12-06 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND TO REPEAL ORDINANCE 181-05
1ST READING
The budget process and timeline were discussed by Mr. Hurtuk during Committee Reports.
ORDINANCE NO. 13-06 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE CREATING POSITIONS AND FIXING THE ANNUAL SALARIES AND HOURLY RATES FOR THE APPOINTED EMPLOYEES IN THE SEVERAL DIVISIONS AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
1ST READING
Mr. Hurtuk noted that this companion to the budget had its first reading this evening. It will again be reviewed following the committee meeting. At this time, he feels that it will have three readings.
ORDINANCE NO. 14-06 BY FRANK B. GOLLINGER
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LINKED DEPOSIT LOAN PROGRAM AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE LINKED DEPOSIT LOAN PROGRAM AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING RELATED MATTERS
1ST READING
Mr. Gollinger anticipates further discussion next week at the Committee-of-the-Whole with consideration of passage at the next Legislative Meeting.
ORDINANCE NO. 17-06 BY FRANK B. GOLLINGER
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO CONTINUE THE HERITAGE HOME LOAN PROGRAM AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE OF $5,400.00
1ST READING
Moved by Mr. Gollinger, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi, that the rule requiring that Ordinance No. 17-06 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Ordinance No. 17-06 be placed upon its passage:
Discussion: Mr. Gollinger noted that this is a continuation of an existing successful program. He indicated that he saw no reason for three readings.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Frost - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Moved by Mr. Gollinger, seconded by Mr. Frost and Mrs. Bartolozzi, that Ordinance No. 17-06 be passed as read:
Discussion: Residents have expressed interest in this program. Initially, it was felt that more review would be required in terms of fees, but as the figure was corrected to $5400, it was more in keeping with past fees. Passage at this time would allow the Administration to publicize the program in the next newsletter.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Frost - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
ORDINANCE NO. 18-06 BY BRIAN F. HAGAN
AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR THE SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS ON U.S. ROUTE 20 - CENTER RIDGE ROAD
1ST READING
Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi and Mr. Gollinger, that the rule requiring that Ordinance No. 18-06 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Ordinance No. 18-06 be placed upon its passage:
Discussion: Mr. Hagan explained that Ordinance No. 2-06 was passed approving expenditures for the City's share of resurfacing and improvement of a portion of Center Ridge Road. Bids that were received were higher than the ODOT estimates, however, so additional funding is necessary immediately so that the project can go forward.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Frost - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi, that Ordinance No. 18-06 be passed as read:
Discussion: Mr. Linden added that the lowest bid was $863,864 instead of the estimated $815,000. This is within the 10% guideline, and the additional must be put in escrow so that the project will continue.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Frost - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS UNDER CONSENT
RESOLUTION NO. 8-06 BY BRIAN F. HAGAN
AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE WESTERN RESERVE AREA AGENCY ON AGING FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING TITLE III SERVICE(S) AS DESCRIBED IN THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT OF 1965, FOR A PERIOD COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2006, AGREEMENT ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A"
1ST READING
Director Calladine explained at the last meeting that this is the renewal of a grant which would allow the Senior Center to continue its caregivers' program.
ORDINANCE NO. 9-06 BY BRIAN A HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 153.13 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, ENTITLED "HEALTH BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES OF NON BARGAINING UNITS", AND AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
1ST READING
Because a new contract has been signed with the Service Division, changes need to be made in the Codified Ordinances. This ordinance and the two which follow make the changes called for by that agreement.
ORDINANCE NO. 10-06 BY BRIAN A HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 153.132 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, ENTITLED "HEALTH BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT", AND AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
1ST READING
See discussion for Ordinance No. 9-06.
ORDINANCE NO. 11-06 BY BRIAN A HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 153.152 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, ENTITLED "UNIFORM ALLOWANCE FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF THE SERVICE DIVISION BARGAINING UNIT", AND AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
1ST READING
See discussion for Ordinance No. 9-06.
ORDINANCE NO. 15-06 BY BRIAN F. HAGAN
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY-SERVICE TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH FABRIZI TRUCKING & PAVING CO., INC. FOR THE EMERGENCY REPAIR OF STORM AND SANITARY SEWERS WITHIN THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR NOT TO EXCEED $75,000.00 PER YEAR
1ST READING
This housekeeping ordinance will insure that emergency repairs are made in a timely manner to storm and sanitary sewers. The provider was the lowest bidder and has done a good job in the past.
ORDINANCE NO. 16-06 BY BRIAN F. HAGAN
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH CONSERVE AIR COMPANY FOR THE GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND EMERGENCY REPAIR OF HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS SERVICING THE BUILDINGS OWNED BY THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR NOT TO EXCEED $35,000.00
1ST READING
This is another housekeeping ordinance which provides for maintenance and emergency repair of heating and cooling systems in buildings owned by the City. This, too, was awarded to the lowest bidder.
Moved by Mrs. Bobst, seconded by Mr. Hurtuk, that the rule requiring that the ordinances and resolutions of the Consent Agenda be read on three separate days be suspended, and that the stated ordinances and resolutions be placed upon their passage:
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Frost - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Moved by Mrs. Bobst, seconded by Mr. Gollinger, that the stated ordinances and resolutions be passed as read:
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Frost - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Mrs. Bobst once more reminded all that the next meeting, the Committee-of-the-Whole, will be held on Tuesday, February 21.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: NONE
As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Pamela E. Bobst Misao Kurokawa
President of Council Clerk of Council
Please note: This is a draft copy of the minutes of the Legislative Meeting of February 13, 2006. These minutes may be amended or revised at the next Legislative Meeting.