CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
FEBRUARY 19, 2008
The Committee-of-the-Whole was called to order by Mr. Moran, President of Council, at 8:06 p.m.
Council Members Present: Mr. Hunt, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Mylen, Mr. Furry, Ms. Arabian,
Mr. Long, Mr. Moran
Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden, Mr. Thomas
Law Director: Mr. Bemer
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
MAYOR'S REPORT:
The rescheduled meeting for Detroit Road stakeholders was held at the Don Umerley Civic Center last Friday and was very successful despite the fact that Paul Volpe was unable to attend because of illness. Approximately 25 stakeholders were in attendance with a great deal of positive feedback. This is being processed by City Architecture and will be followed by further proposals and plans for the area along the corridor.
The Ohio Municipal League (OML) has scheduled a series of seminars for newly elected council members. Details will be passed along in Council packets.
The condensation issue continues at the Don Umerley Civic Center, with more moisture seen recently in the fitness area. Infinity Construction has been on site, and the Mayor was encouraged by the spirit of cooperation shown by all concerned.
Tomorrow the Mayor and the Law Director will meet with Lakewood Mayor Fitzgerald and the Lakewood Law Director to discuss dog park issues.
The 2008 Residents' Reference is now being printed and should be available soon.
The Mayor then reported on a development which will soon allow cellular 911 calls to be located through GPS technology. The County has indicated that this technology should be in place by the end of the month and will allow the originating location of all cellular 911 calls to be instantly displayed. The Mayor noted that the recent address verification project performed in the City has supported this program.
Tomorrow the Parks and Recreation Commission will meet to review pool fees, a process which is undertaken every other year. Some modifications will probably be made, and additional membership levels may be added. Upon the Commission's recommendations, fee adjustments will be forwarded to Council within the next couple of weeks.
On Presidents' Day, 270 attended the ice rink activities; 1000 participants were in attendance at the Don Umerley Civic Center, and on Sunday, 300 swimmers took advantage of the pool facility.
Finally, the Mayor requested an Executive Session to discuss the purchase of property for public use under Article X, Section 6, Subsection (2) of the Charter.
Discussion: Mr. Long asked about the 911 calls, wondering if the 911 function on the phone must be activated in order for the call's origination point to be displayed on a GPS system. The Mayor will look into that question.
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Moran, seconded by Mr. Furry, that, at the request of the Mayor, 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 Mylen - aye Furry - aye
Arabian - aye Long - aye Moran - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Amended Ordinance No. 100-07: Mr. Shepherd explained that this ordinance will amend the Code to include right of way legislation. The legislation remains under review by the Law Department.
Ordinance No. 116-07: Mr. Long indicated that this ordinance will move forward to a vote on its passage next week.
Ordinance No. 23-08: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of a second reconditioned scooter for refuse collection. Mr. Mylen noted that the purchase of this vehicle will bring the City's fleet to 7, still well below the average of 12-15. Mr. Linden added that another ordinance will be introduced as the City goes to bid for an additional four new scooters to augment the fleet. (Consent Agenda)
Ordinance No. 24-08: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of pool chemicals and will remain on hold. Ms. Arabian has confirmed that following the bidding procedure, the lower bidder was bought by the higher bidder. While the higher bidder has agreed to honor the prices quoted, a delivery charge of $10 remains to be arbitrated. Ms. Arabian noted that there could be approximately 17 deliveries during the year. Mr. Bemer added that the City needs to have the agreement in writing.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Mr. Moran has received communications from Walton Hills which is discussing the issue of how many Council members constitute 2/3 or 3/4 of the seven members. As they have received a legal opinion, he turned the question over to Mr. Bemer.
Mr. Moran also acknowledged receipt of information from AT&T regarding issues with batteries. The Mayor indicated that AT&T has hired a contractor to replace any defective batteries. The question of defective batteries in Rocky River has yet to be answered.
A summary of issued permits has been received from the Building Department. Last year a total valuation of $22 million in permits was issued, much of it on the commercial side, including the new construction for Lowe's. In residential permits, almost $6 million was issued.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee: Mr. Long reported that Ordinance No. 116-07 had had a Public Hearing this evening; no public comments were made. He said that the ordinance will be brought up for a vote next week.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ordinance No. 25-08: Mr. Shepherd indicated that this is a revision to Chapter 1340, passed late last year. This revision would add a provision giving the City the right to not require a carbon monoxide detector in areas where it is not needed, e.g. electric heat. Mr. Shepherd said that the changes are straightforward and that there is no reason to delay passage. (Consent Agenda)
Ordinance No. 26-08: This ordinance would authorize the City to become a member of U.S. Communities, a nonprofit purchasing cooperative. Ms. Arabian explained that there is no cost to the city to join and membership is available to public entities such as cities and schools. It would allow purchasing without bidding. Quite a number of communities belong, e.g. Avon Lake, Cleveland Heights, and Hudson, and in fact, the Rocky River Schools are members.
Ms. Arabian added that Game Time, a primary supplier of City recreational equipment, is a participant in the cooperative.
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Moran, seconded by Mr. Shepherd, that, at his request, an Executive Session be held prior to the termination of tonight's meeting to discuss the appointment of a public employee or official under Article X, Section 6, Subsection (1) of the Charter.
Vote: Hunt - aye Shepherd - aye Mylen - aye Furry - aye
Arabian - aye Long - aye Moran - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Moran announced the appointment of Councilman Furry to the S.A.F.E. Committee. Mr. Furry is chairman of the Environmental Committee.
Mr. Moran also thanked members of the Building Department for keeping Council members updated on foreclosures in the City.
Two members of Council will attend the NOCCA dinner meeting on Thursday to hear Lt. Governor Lee Fisher.
Issue 15, the Health & Human Service issue will be on the ballot next month. Mr. Moran noted that he had received a communication outlining the need for additional funds and urging Council to promote the issue in the community.
A request for transfer of a liquor permit has been received. The Police Department reports no record for either of the parties involved, and there were no objections to the transfer of the permit by Council members.
Council President Moran also had the pleasure of attending the luncheon at the Senior Center on Friday which honored its volunteers. He mentioned that it was great to see so many participants and noted that Councilpersons Arabian and Shepherd were also in attendance, along with the Mayor and the Law Director. He commented that the 147 volunteers make a tremendous contribution to the Senior Center's $1.3 million budget, and that they logged 12,600 hours.
As there was no further business by members of Council, members adjourned to the Executive Sessions at 8:45. Mr. Moran announced that there would be no further discussion following the Executive Sessions.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. following the Executive Sessions.
________________________________ ______________________________
James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa
President of Council Clerk of Council
CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
FEBRUARY 19, 2008
PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE NO. 116-07
AN ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION OF
CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS AUDITOR'S PERMANENT
PARCEL NO.304-09-005 FROM ITS PRESENT CLASSIFICATION OF
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (1F-R1) TO PUBLIC FACILITY (PF)
IN ITS ENTIRETY
The Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 116-07 was opened by Mr. Moran, President of Council, at 8:00 p.m.
Council Members present: Mr. Hunt, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Mylen, Mr. Furry, Ms. Arabian
Mr. Long, Mr. Moran
Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden, Mr. Thomas
Law Director: Mr. Bemer
Mr. Moran called upon Mr. Long, Chairman of Council's Planning and Zoning Committee. Mr. Long noted the presence of Ms. Carol Juniewicz, Facilities Manager for St. Christopher Church, which is seeking the rezoning.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: NONE
Mr. Shepherd asked about the location and potential use of the property.
Ms. Arabian mentioned that she had reviewed the plans as a member of the Planning Commission last year.
Mr. Mylen asked about resident questions and concerns.
As there was no further public comment or comment from members of Council, the hearing was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
______________________________ ______________________________
James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa
President of Council Clerk of Council