DRAFT
CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
MARCH 1, 2004
The Committee-of-the-Whole was called to order by Mrs. Bobst, President of Council, at 8:08 p.m.
Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Potterfield, Mr. Hurtuk, Mrs. Bartolozzi
Mr. Hagan, Mrs. Bobst
Absent: Mr. Frost
Administration: Mayor Knoble, Mr. Linden
Assistant Law Director: Mr. Hotz
Press: Mr. White
MAYOR'S REPORT:
The Police Department had to use the newly-issued tasers this past week end. An emotionally disturbed individual with a handgun was subdued through the use of the taser.
The Website Committee met last Thursday, and some positive developments emerged. The website is progressing nicely, and departmental information is now posted. The Mayor urged Council members to take a look. Mrs. Bobst thanked Ron Gottschalk and Jim Umerley for their expertise and help in making the site resident-friendly.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Ordinance No. 19-04: Mr. Potterfield indicated that the third reading of this ordinance to change the Code as to play structures will be next Monday. He has received no input from the public, and ascertained that no other Council members had. He added that his intent is to move for passage on next week.
Amended Ordinance No. 21-04: This ordinance, outlining the 2004 Budget, will also have its third reading this Monday. The Public Hearing was held this evening, so Mr. Hurtuk commented that after giving residents one more opportunity for public participation, he will move for Council consideration.
Ordinance No. 32-04: Mr. Hagan said that he has yet to receive any information from the Law Department of the School Board as to amendments to the Turf Field Agreement, so he anticipates that the ordinance will be held for another week.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Resolution for the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act: Mrs. Bobst referred to resolutions of support forwarded by other communities. She noted that so many people in the community have been touched by breast cancer, either personally or through family and friends. Mrs. Bobst has been in contact with Allison Murphy from Rep. Kucinich's office who told her that this bill is very small and will probably become part of a much larger one. If Council feels that it should support minimum benefits for the protection of breast cancer patients, Mrs. Bobst explained that now would be a good time to express that support before this bill is added to another. It was decided that the resolution will be drafted, and Mrs. Bobst asked that Council members with comments forward them to her.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Parks and Recreation Commission met last week and Mrs. Bobst touched on the most pertinent information. All are invited and encouraged to attend the annual Ice Show which will be held on the 27th and 28th of March. The Commission considered the report of the Recreation Facilities Task Force as to improvements for the Ice Rink and construction of an indoor pool. Also under consideration is the limiting the use of Rocky River Park and the picnic shelter to residents. Details will be in the minutes. A new program has for girls' lacrosse has also been implemented.
Environmental Committee: Mr. Gollinger reported that the meeting of the Environmental Committee will be rescheduled within the next two weeks. A resolution for Council's appointment to the Storm Water Management Committee will be prepared.
Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee: Mr. Potterfield announced that his committee will meet on April 12 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the Lake Road development site.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ordinance No. 34-04: This ordinance sets new outdoor pool fees. Mrs. Bobst explained that this is the review of fees is normally done every two years, and that fees were not increased last year. Further, these are minimal increases. Mr. Potterfield asked if guests from other communities are permitted. Mrs. Bobst responded that they were, but were required to pay a higher fee. Mr. Potterfield asked if this policy would be changed next year when the pool is refurbished. Mrs. Bobst indicated that the current plan is based on a "residents only" use, and this will be re-evaluated at a future date.
Mrs. Bartolozzi asked about the reduced rate after 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Bobst commented that it was to encourage use of the pool after families had returned home following swim lessons. She noted that in the new configuration, families will not have to leave during swim lessons, so this may not be a problem.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
As mentioned earlier, the Ice Show will be held at the end of the month. All are encouraged to attend.
Mr. Hagan reminded members that the meeting for residents affected by Wooster Road construction will be held on March 3 at 7 p.m. at the Fairview Park City Hall.
On Thursday and Friday, the Mayor and several Council members will participate in the Challenge Day for middle school students at St. Demetrios.
Mr. Hurtuk again congratulated the Magnificat team, coached by Mr. Hagan, who won their last playoff game. They will play again on Thursday.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 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 Committee-of-the-Whole of March 1, 2004. These minutes may be amended or revised at the next Legislative Meeting.
DRAFT
CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
MARCH 1, 2004
PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 21-04
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS
FOR CURRENT EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER,
OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2004
The Public Hearing for Amended Ordinance No. 21-04 was called to order by Mrs. Bobst, President of Council at 8:00 p.m.
Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Potterfield, Mr. Hurtuk, Mrs. Bartolozzi,
Mr. Hagan, Mrs. Bobst
Absent: Mr. Frost
Administration: Mayor Knoble, Mr. Linden, Ms. Wollenzier
Assistant Law Director: Mr. Hotz
The hearing was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Bobst introduced Mr. Hurtuk, Chairman of the Finance Committee, who explained that three meetings have been held on the 2004 appropriations, two on expenditures and this evening's on revenues. This Public Hearing will give the public an opportunity to add its comments.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
Fred I. Sokol, 20021 Parkview, observed that the two meetings of the Finance Committee that he was able to attend had been very enlightening. Regarding the budget, he had two questions: Mr. Sokol stated that a line item, "General Government" has increased by $994,000 and he wondered how that would be spent. Mr. Hurtuk explained that this is a forum for comment, not questions, and that answers would be provided next week.
Mr. Sokol's second question concerned the Fire Department. He noted that Fire Chief Flynn spoke to the Finance Committee about the budget, and asked, since their budget was cut by $2 1/4 million (sic) why they now need a fire truck which costs $300,000. As with the former question, it will be addressed next week.
As there was no further public comment, the Public Hearing was closed at 8:08 p.m
______________________________ ______________________________
Pamela E. Bobst Misao Kurokawa
President of Council Clerk of Council
Please note: This is a draft copy of the Public Hearing of March 1, 2004. These minutes may be amended or revised at the next Legislative Meeting.
DRAFT
CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
MARCH 1, 2004
Finance Committee
The meeting of the Finance Committee was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Hurtuk, at 6:34 p.m. in the David J. Cook Council Chambers.
Finance Committee Members Present: Mr. Hurtuk, Mrs. Bobst, Mr. Gollinger
Council members present: Mr. Potterfield, Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Hagan
Administration: Mayor Knoble, Mr. Linden, Ms. Wollenzier, Mr. Koran
Law Director: Not required or requested
Mr. Hurtuk opened the meeting by observing that the testimony at the two previous meetings had been very helpful in understanding expenditures. At this meeting, it was his intention to explore revenues. He called upon Mayor Knoble for an overview.
Mayor Knoble first addressed the projections he had prepared with the help of Mr. Linden, Mr. Lesiecki, and Mr. Koran. These are by no means final, but are rather the best guess at this time of proposed capital projects and their costs. They include projects which the State has notified us will go forward, and reflects the costs we will incur as we perform our part in preparation for those projects. It does not include normal street paving. Most of the expenses are geared toward sewer improvement, road construction and other long-range improvements.
Mr. Hurtuk asked if the outdoor aquatic facility is now part of the 2004 budget. The Mayor confirmed that it is, and indicated that the budget page will be updated.
Another Administration table projects real estate tax increases due to completion of current and proposed residential and commercial developments. Mr. Koran chose eight of the largest projects that we are aware of and are reasonably certain will be completed. He has predicted the amounts that will come onto the tax duplicate, cautioning that this is only a guess. His round numbers show that the City may increase its property tax by $157,000 per year after four years as a result of these developments, but he does not include what may happen within that four years as a result of the reappraisal when property values may be appraised higher or lower.
Mr. Hurtuk pointed out that this is purely the City's portion, and does not include school taxes.
Mr. Koran also acknowledged that there are many variables, and that this is the first time he has been asked to prepare such a projection. He pointed out that appraised values of property may be evaluated or re-evaluated. The City monitors this, and he said that, unlike many other cities, it is rare for property values here to fall.
Mr. Hurtuk commented that since long-term debt is projected, this estimate of the number of new residences is helpful.
Mayor Knoble then turned to a discussion of income tax. He said it was important to remember that in dealing with fund accounting, even though transfers are shown as revenue, they are not truly revenue. The amount of income tax collected by the City in recent years (from 2001-2003) has remained virtually flat. With our aging population and the economy, he does not project any increases, and thinks that Ms. Wollenzier's estimate is a good one.
Mr. Hurtuk commented that the fact that the income tax collected has not decreased is encourag- ing. Mr. Gollinger agreed, saying that we should be glad to hang on until things open up.
Mr. Hurtuk noted that the top 15 employers in the City are governmental, educational and retail.
Mr. Koran said that many office buildings on Center Ridge have become outdated and he is starting to see companies which outgrow their quarters and look for larger office space in other cities, notably Westlake. Newer properties on Detroit and Lake are very popular, but the Center Ridge office market is soft. Mr. Gollinger asked about the possibility of updating the old buildings, pointing out the 5/3 Building and Continental Airlines. Mr. Koran responded that it may be possible, but some buildings are functionally obsolete. The picture is not yet bleak, but it could be much better. He maintains a list of vacant office space, and most is on Center Ridge. In newer buildings, the rent is quite high, and it is difficult to find property for new construction.
Mr. Gollinger asked if the City is comfortable that it is collecting income tax from workers on the expensive projects with high wages being completed in the City. Ms. Wollenzier said that as permits are issued, contractors are required to submit names and social security numbers of workers which are then forwarded to the CCA.
Mr. Potterfield asked for a "ballpark" figure on the increases in income tax from the new construction which will be completed in the next 3-5 years. Mr. Koran said that it is very difficult to estimate, because of variables like retirees, and people who own S corporations. The Mayor noted that with a $10 million payroll, the City would receive $150,000. Mr. Koran said that he would apply an accepted formula to estimate increases. Mr. Koran also indicated that the City receives much less from utilities than it did formerly. Since property values have constantly risen, this has not affected the City.
Mr. Hurtuk asked if grants, such a storefront grants, are available to renovate Center Ridge properties. Mr. Koran said that those grants are available to cities with populations over 50,000. Issue 2 funds or block grant funds are probably the best sources available to us.
Mr. Hurtuk then asked about the estate tax. Ms. Wollenzier said that last year's was more than we have had in some time. The Mayor mentioned that the State is trying to do away with the City's share of the tax, a move which is being vigorously opposed by the Mayors and Managers Association.
Mrs. Bobst asked several questions:
We will remain partially self-insured. We will also sign the contract for eight months which will bring the policy year to a close at the same time as the calendar year. Because deductibles run on a calendar year, this will make bookkeeping much easier and it will be less confusing to employees. This will also allow us to obtain the renewal figures before salary and benefit negotiations.
Mr. Hurtuk then began a short discussion on long-term financing of capital improvements, noting that the amount would be approximately $7.5 million including the pool. The Mayor added that our most recent bond issue, for the Court, was for $3.7 million and requires $250,000 per year. Mr. Gollinger asked about current rates, but Ms. Wollenzier has not yet spoken with Mr. Babbitt. He also mentioned that it was his understanding that the project under way on Inglewood could be rolled into the bond package. Mr. Hurtuk suggested the possibility of including the project, which would save on-hand funds for emergency needs. Repayment would be in inflated dollars.
Mayor Knoble also mentioned to Mr. Potterfield that, as he had requested, the Cleveland Water Department had supplied information about the number of water leaks on Hilliard, but because of discrepancies, he would not yet disseminate it. His conclusion, however, was that the number of leaks would not justify the expense of replacement before paving.
Mr. Potterfield asked if there were projects on the list of capital improvements which could be deferred or eliminated. The Mayor responded that we are committed to most of the projects, either because they have been started or they represent work to be done before a county or state project. Some projects represent only money in and out, like the gas well on Carmen which will be reimbursed from a grant as well as the exhaust system for the Fire Department, or are annual programs. The only projects which are not urgent are the salt barn, which has been discussed for many years, and the Civic Center generator.
Mr. Gollinger pointed out that Aberdeen needs attention and will not improve without work.
Mr. Hagan asked about Carolyn. The Mayor said that on Wednesday, Fairview Park will publicly commit to rehabilitating the street, but that the time frame remains to be seen.
Mrs. Bobst wondered about the budget for the Beautification Committee. The Mayor said that the $35,000 will pay for an inventory of every City-owned tree and cover the expense of a landscape architect to plan the design along the I-90 sound barriers as well as the restoration of Hilliard after that repaving.
Mrs. Bobst then asked if another part-time person is needed in building. Ms. Wollenzier said that Phil Minko and Clayton Zell were not full-time last year. The Mayor said that the present system will continue with Mr. Zell doing rental inspections until the return of Mr. Minko. At that time, about May 1, a decision will be made as to whether a full-time person is needed, particularly with increased inspections this year. Mr. Gollinger pointed out that the Environmental Committee will look at revision of the fee structure, but that it will be offset by added expenses, i.e. revenue neutral.
As to Mr. Koran's budget, it was noted that he has adapted to the lean government philosophy of the City and there were no questions on his budget.
On the WWTP expenditures, professional services and safety management are issues because the City needs to conform to OSHA standards which include the training of our technicians with in-house study so that they can maintain their licenses. The increase in professional services will finance the flow study.
The Mayor also mentioned that, although it is not in the budget, there is potential revenue if the Lake Road property is sold. Mr. Potterfield determined that the next meeting to discuss the issue will be before the first Legislative Meeting in April, April 12.
Referring to the memo on the costs of contract administration and resident observer services, Mrs. Bobst thought the City might want to look at a different engineering structure in which we contract with one firm for those services. This may be discussed on a future agenda.
Mr. Hurtuk thanked all participants for their input on the budget, and announced that the Public Hearing would be held shortly.
There was no further discussion from Council, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Brian A. Hurtuk, Chairman Misao Kurokawa
Finance Committee Clerk of Council
Please note: This is a draft copy of the minutes of the Finance Committee of March 1, 2004. These minutes may be amended or revised at the next Legislative Meeting.