CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

MARCH 2, 2009

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, Mr. Mylen

Mr. Long, Mr. Moran

Absent: Mrs. Arabian Whitman

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

The Mayor began by reporting on 13 projects proposed to the State for consideration under the economic stimulus package, and submitted to the State's recovery website.

• •Three of these are on behalf of the WWTP and are shared with Fairview Park, Westlake and Bay Village.
• •The cost of all these projects totals $53,661,000 and they range in price from $85,000 for the filter building floor at the WWTP up to $20 million for a comprehensive sewer plan for the Tangletown area in Ward I.
• •Rocky River's total stimulus request is $43,679,000; the estimated job creation is 1660 positions. Mayor Bobst went on to explain that the job estimate is based on a calculation by the Federal government which assigns 30 jobs for every $1 million in project cost.
• •The time of construction ranges from three months (Lake Road) up to three years (the Tangletown comprehensive sewer project). As requested, only projects which can be completed within three years were submitted; most within 24 months.

The thirteen projects are: Lake Road resurfacing (Phase I)

Lake Road reconstruction (Phase II)

Valley View area sewer lines

Elmwood sewer

WWTP filter building floor repair

WWTP asphalt repair

Hampton Interceptor

2009 paving and water line projects

WWTP improvement projects, Phase IV (a combination of 14 projects totaling $7.2 million)

2010 paving program, (about $3 million)

2011 paving program (about $3 million)

Tangletown sewer and pavement project

Detroit Road Streetscape project

The Mayor indicated that last week she discussed how the funds could be used with the Governor's representative. Some projects are already funded, but she said the City could use relief with local matches. Some projects are shovel-ready and will go ahead; others are proposed and will not be ready for 24-36 months.

The City has also been requested to replicate this list of projects for the EPA and ODOT websites so that those agencies are aware of what has been submitted to help in prioritizing and decision-making.

The Storefront Renovation Rebate Program began today. Two inquiries and two applications have already been received, and a county representative has already reviewed the projects. The Mayor commented that she believes that it will be very worthwhile to local business owners.

The committee studying the development code update met last Wednesday. A great deal of information is being presented to the working group, with all draft sections being submitted at the March and April meetings. The consultant commented that the most difficult areas have already been examined, and the more straightforward will be presented during this upcoming period.

• •During May and June, and July, if necessary, outstanding items requiring agreement will be refined;
• •When completed, the draft will be submitted to Council; this could be as early as July or if not, in September.
• •At that time, it will be referred to the Planning Commission for review. Members of that body have been involved in the review at all stages, but the Commission will review it as part of the formal process.
• •Once reviewed, their recommendation for approval or for modifications will be forwarded to Council and then public meetings will be scheduled regarding the changes.

The Mayor said that although this is a long process, the consultant is pleased with the progress to date, and she expressed her appreciation to those involved in the process.

From the Recreation Department: for the month of February, Civic Center membership revenue is up 32% (about $13,000); total revenue is up about 19% over February of last year. Total revenue sources include programming, daily passes, babysitting, room rentals-and other sources outside membership fees.

The Mayor then congratulated the Rocky River High School women's fencing team which has won the State Championship. She said it was a wonderful accomplishment for the relatively new program and wished the team continued success.

The Senior Center has purchased Wii game systems, not with taxpayer dollars, but through the Seniors Council. Programs are now being considered using the systems for creative intergenerational Wii competitions.

Last Saturday the Senior Summit was held. Participants focused on pinpointing modifications in the Center's programming which could save money. Additional revenue streams were also considered. She thanked all who participated.

Notice has been received that the Workers' Compensation premium has increased by $80,000. It was paid promptly because cost savings were realized with payment in a timely fashion, but Human Resources Director Whitman is working with the Bureau of Workers' Compensation reviewing the reasons for the increase. While there has been some experience, the City believes that the increase is aggressive.

The Audit Committee will meet on March 18. Joining Mr. Moran, Finance Committee Chairman, will be three residents with considerable technical and practical expertise:

• •Tom Stafford, retired from Ernst & Young.
• •Yvette Ittu, with the Greater Cleveland Partnership, presently on the Audit Committee of several local governments including the City of Cleveland.
• •Brent Leslie, the CFO of the Port Authority, who recently established an Audit Committee for that agency.

The Committee will use the Audit Committee Manual and Tool Kit formulated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, with a focus on transparency, accountability, internal controls and best practices. They will also serve as a resource and support for Director Thomas and the Finance Department.

Discussion: Responding to Mr. Furry, the Mayor said that at this point, no one knows what projects will be funded under the economic stimulus package. She said that more than 8000 projects have been submitted to the Ohio Recovery site.

Regarding the Workers' Compensation premium increase, the Mayor said it was interesting that the City receives multiple discounts and has an excellent rating regarding safety efforts, which explains why reasons for the increase are being pursued.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 94-08 and 103-08: These ordinances would authorize easements on City property

for AT&T. Mr. Hunt said that the ordinances will continue on hold. The Law Director has attempted to speak to AT&T for direction and is hopeful of a response by next week. In the absence of such direction, Mr Hunt indicated that Council will consider removal of these items from the agenda.

Ordinance No. 5-09: This ordinance authorizes supplemental appropriations to the budget. Discussion was held with the Finance Director at last week's meeting, and Mr. Moran asked if there were any unresolved issues.

• •Mr. Mylen asked if the $80,000 increase in the Workers' Compensation premium should be included in this ordinance. The Mayor agreed to inquire. She further noted that, as outlined in the Finance Director's narrative, the interest income and associated fees are a source of concern at present. She noted that today's interest rate was l.07% on a CD, better than the recent past, which has been at a very disappointing rate, below ½%. At the same time, some fees have been increasing. Mr. Thomas is working with all the local banks regarding reduction of the fees in the environment of the lower interest rates.



• •Mr. Furry asked if investments must be made locally. The Mayor said that there are so many banks represented in the community, the City has stayed with local banks. Particularly with collateralization, some banks in the current economic environment will not respond with an interest rate in response to the City's inquiry.



• •Mr. Moran indicated that Director Thomas works with many City banks for 30-90 day investments to be certain that the City has fluidity yet the best interest rate possible. He confirmed the low interest rates in his personal contacts.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Mr. Moran expressed his pride in the high school's hockey team which moved up in the sectional finals until last Saturday when they were defeated by St. Ignatius. Once more he said how proud he was of all the City's teams. Mr. Mylen also noted that four wrestlers have moved beyond sectionals. Further news will follow.

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: NONE

COMMITTEE REPORTS: NONE

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

______________________________ ______________________________

James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council