CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

FEBRUARY 20, 2007

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

Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Hurtuk, Mrs. Bartolozzi,

Mr. Long, Mr. Hagan

Absent: Mr. Moran

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Mr. Saylor

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

With the heavy snowfall of Tuesday evening and Wednesday, the Mayor opened her report with snow statistics:

• •The City received 14-16 inches of snow between Tuesday and Wednesday, February 14.
• •By Wednesday noon, main streets had been plowed 6 to 7 times; secondary streets plowed 5 to 7 times and side streets, 3 times.
• •A total of 500 tons of salt were used, but because of the continuing snow and low temperatures, the majority was spread on Wednesday when it would be most effective. Only 200 tons were used before that time. She complimented Director Linden for his judicious use of the salt to use it when it would be most effective.
• •Seventeen employees were clearing snow by Tuesday at 11 a.m. and were joined by another 17 by Tuesday evening. Some stayed overnight to insure being on the job until it was finished. The Mayor expressed the City's thanks for their commitment.
• •The bombadier was used during most of this time to clear sidewalks and small areas
• •Driveway aprons were plowed three times for 97 seniors who qualified for the City's program.
• •With such heavy use, equipment repairs were needed and made by City mechanics over the weekend.

Work continues on widening streets. Two issues remain, sidewalks on Wooster which were cleared today, and Center Ridge which will see continued efforts tomorrow morning. Sidewalks on bridges have been cleared except for Detroit over I-90 which will also see additional work.

Another issue was with the Post Office. Until the City received a resident call, it was not aware that the Post Office was unable to deliver to addresses in Christensen Estates because of snow buildups. The problem was addressed by Mr. Linden and Mr. Winterich. This morning it was discovered that other problems remain on Wooster Road. The Mayor explained to the manager of the Post Office that, in the future, the City needs to know immediately when mail cannot be delivered and that will be given a top priority after the safety of the streets.

The news report of a boy struck by a plow prompted the Mayor to caution residents about children playing in large snowdrifts or banks created by plows. She noted that plow drivers have reported having to ask children to move, and recounted a personal story of a young man she knew who was killed in such an incident.

The Administration is watching the river closely and working with the Yacht Club, Lakewood, the Coast Guard and the Metroparks. She applauded the foresight of Mr. Linden who has already obtained contact information for residents of the Yacht Club basin so that they can be reached quickly in an emergency.

Finally, she thanked residents for their expressions of support and gratitude for the safety forces and the Service Department. She said that residents have been understanding and flexible and wonderful about alerting the Administration to situations which require action. Situations are prioritized with safety the foremost consideration.

A water main break occurred in our City over I-90. The Cleveland Water Department was able to shut off the water in about 40 minutes and address the break.

The e-update program is working very effectively and has generated positive feedback from recipients. It was last used to update residents on refuse collection during the snow emergency. Once more she encouraged residents to sign up since it has proven to be effective.

Roof trusses have been delivered for the expansion of the Don Umerley Civic Center and will be moved from the parking lot shortly.

Tonight, Eagle Scout Russell Lenahan is being honored for his achievement of that rank. He is a senior at Rocky River High School and for his project, coordinated and directed a project at the Rocky River Nature Center to protect wildlife and trees. He is a National Merit Semi-Finalist and his activities include marching band and fencing. The Mayor wished him every success, and has forwarded a mayoral proclamation honoring his efforts.

The 2007 Rocky River Residents' Reference is at the Post Office and should be delivered shortly. The Mayor praised the cover artwork, a photograph by Frank Kalman who graciously permitted the City to use his unretouched photo of the clock tower. Mr. Kalman, an active Senior Center volunteer, took the photo last spring.

On February 28, a meeting will be held with Mayor George of Lakewood regarding the Lakewood WWTP. Storm and sanitary sewers from 110 Rocky River homes empty into that plant, and the Mayor, Mayor George, his engineer, Mr. Linden and Mr. Mackay will discuss several matters.

On February 25, the Junior League will host its annual Pancake Breakfast.

A meeting of west suburban mayors and representatives will be held Friday at the airport.

Finally, the Mayor thanked Council members who attended the Senior Center Volunteer luncheon. Their presence meant a great deal to the volunteers and staff

.

Discussion: Mrs. Bartolozzi asked if it would be possible to use the e-updates to remind residents when rubbish collection will be delayed because of holidays. The Mayor said that it could be done.

Mr. Hurtuk congratulated the Mayor on the appointment of Paul Gallagher as an alternate to the Planning Commission. He said that Mr. Gallagher is a tireless worker and will be a great asset to the Commission.

Mr. Hurtuk continued by reminding Council members of a moral claim presented last summer by resident Suzanne Saganich. Council was unable to act on the claim, but Mr. Hurtuk asked Kevin Beirne, the Building Commissioner, to see if he could help the resident. Mr. Beirne was able to approach the general contractor and negotiate a settlement. Mr. Hurtuk commented that Mr. Beirne does a lot of good for the City, but this was above and beyond his obligation, and he extended his thanks.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 6-07: This ordinance would authorize the rezoning of a property on Forestview to Local Business which would enable Dollar Bank to use the property for parking and other purposes. Mr. Gollinger noted that this evening the Planning Commission discussed details of this ordinance and following its considerable deliberations, decided to hold it until next month pending additional information from the applicant. The Commission may also conduct a public hearing, but that would not replace Council's public hearing under the Charter.

Resolution No. 10-07:   Mr. Gollinger noted that this resolution, which was read for the first time last week, encourages a the seeking of federal funds for a study on the feasibility of a commuter rail line between Lorain and Cleveland.

• •Mr. Hurtuk noted the reference to All Aboard Ohio and asked about their connection with this project. Mr. Bemer responded that this is the sponsoring group. The idea originated with Lorain County administrators; Ken Prendergast, is the self-appointed chairman. Mr. Bemer plans to attend the next meeting of the Stakeholders which will be held at NOACA this Friday, February 23, from 1:00-2:30 p.m.



• •Mr. Hurtuk then asked if Rocky River is a participant in the plan. Mr. Bemer explained that area law directors were invited to attend as stakeholders representing their cities and he has attended past meetings.



• •Mr. Gollinger said that he will be unable to attend because he will be at the airport meeting, and Mr. Hunt commented that he is available and plans to attend.
• •Mr. Hagan pointed out that this resolution would encourage All Aboard Ohio in conjunction with NOACA to seek federal funding for a feasibility study. Asked who has passed this resolution, Mr. Bemer said that so far, Lakewood and Cleveland have passed it.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Proposed Right-of-Way Legislation: Mr. Bemer has received an updated version of right-of-way legislation passed in Cleveland Heights, and has completed a first analysis of this legislation, comparing it with the ordinance prepared for Council. He has found some modest changes, but has asked local administration members Director Linden, Mr. Mackay and Mr. Beirne to meet with him for an in-depth reading and analysis of the 20-page document. This meeting will be Tuesday at 9:30, and Mr. Bemer anticipates good feedback from the reading and brainstorming session.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Parks and Recreation Commission: Mrs. Bartolozzi indicated that the Parks and Recreation Commission will meet tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. in the Pavilion to discuss a modest increase of $3 to $5 in the Summer Camp rates.

Finance Committee: Mr. Hurtuk raised the question of the establishment of an Audit Committee which was suggested earlier. Now that things have settled down, he would like to discuss the matter with the Finance Director and the Mayor. An Audit Committee Manual will be distributed to members of Council who have not yet received one.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 11-07: This ordinance which makes supplemental appropriations is a housekeeping ordinance as explained by Mr. Hurtuk. There are two parts, one which deals with the courts and a second in which the City confiscated cash in a seizure which must be turned over U.S. Marshals, but needs to be accounted for in the City's accounts. Mr. Thomas will explain in greater detail next Monday, if necessary. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 12-07: This ordinance was received via Chief Flynn for Council's adoption of the County's mitigation plan. The plan is lengthy, but a summary is attached to the ordinance. Each community is required to adopt the plan in order to be eligible for FEMA funds. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 13-07: This contract was negotiated with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers on behalf of certain employees of the Service Division and the Recreation Department and approved by the union. The Mayor will explain more fully at the next meeting, and Mr. Hagan then plans to ask for a rule suspension and a vote.

Ordinance No.1 4-07: Mr. Hurtuk explained that this salary ordinance accompanies the negotiations and implements the financial changes made under the contract in the preceding ordinance. He noted that he intends to follow the same course as for Ordinance No.1 3-07.

Ordinance No.1 5-07: Mr. Hagan turned to Mr. Linden to explain this annual contract for sewer televising. Mr. Linden explained that this program helps to find emergency problems and is used to video streets which will be repaved. In this way, problems are known before the paving. The cleaning portion of the contract is useful when City crews are unable to do the work themselves. This program is being used on the Lake Road project because City crews are performing maintenance work elsewhere in the City. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 16-07: Mr. Linden explained that Sherwin-Williams made the only bid, and there was a quote from Home Depot. The City's traffic engineer, Mr. Delzani determined the specifications and has used the paint successfully for the last 15- 18 years. Unfortunately, it is not included in the State Cooperative Purchasing Act, but this company's paint has worked well at a good price. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 17-07: Mr. Hunt explained that this ordinance will authorize the purchase of cationic polymer used at the WWTP. Bidding goes back to October 13, and there were three bids.

This was followed by a required testing procedure. The price for this product, $1.57 per pound, is a slight increase over 2006, $1.38, but it is still lower than the price from 1993-1999. (Consent Agenda)

Mr. Hagan indicated that a letter and resolution received from a Parma councilman encouraging the Special Olympics Board to select Northeast Ohio for the 2011 summer games will be discussed next week.

He also indicated that notices will be mailed concerning the meeting on Monday, March 5, discuss Quiet Zone updates and safety issues.

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

________________________________ ______________________________

Brian F. Hagan Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council