CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

MARCH 17, 2008

The Committee-of-the-Whole was called to order by Mr. Moran, President of Council, at 6:30 p.m.

Council Members Present: Mr. Hunt, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Mylen, Mr. Furry,

Ms. Arabian, Mr. Long, Mr. Moran

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

The Charter Review Commission will discuss Article III (Council) on Thursday and they have invited any available Council members to attend their meeting. Presentations may be made, and the Commission may address questions to Council members. The meeting following this Thursday's will be March 27, when Article IV (Administrative Departments-Law, Finance and Safety-Service) and Article VI (Boards and Commissions) will be discussed and the appropriate guests invited. The Commission's plan is to review all the articles, keeping a master list of issues to be discussed. Then they will proceed to a closer review of those issues.

The 2008 Residents' Reference is in the mail. For those who did not receive a copy, additional copies are available in the Mayor's office, the front desk and the Senior Center.

On Friday, City Hall will be closed in observation of Good Friday.

Next week the City is anticipating that a draft of the Detroit Road Streetscape Project report will be received. Following review of the report, another meeting for stakeholders will be scheduled.

City Hall celebrated a resounding victory in its Challenge Cup Basketball game. This means the trophy will remain in the Mayor's office for another year. Mayor Bobst thanked all who played and Mr. Bemer who coached, and commented that they did a great job. She was especially pleased that on a Wednesday evening, the gymnasium was filled.

Discussion: Mr. Moran asked if trash pickup would remain on its normal schedule since City Hall offices will be closed on Friday. Mr. Linden responded that the regular schedule will be maintained.

The Mayor added that if residents are in doubt, the pickup schedule is on the City's website, www.rrcity.com.

Mr. Moran also praised the Residents' Reference as a great source of information about Rocky River. It also includes the trash pickup schedule.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Amended Ordinance No. 100-07: Mr. Shepherd explained that this ordinance was intended to amend the Code to include right of way legislation and has been under review by the Law Department. He said that the ordinance will be withdrawn because of the substantial changes made to it. The new ordinance will be introduced under New Business.

Ordinance No. 24-08: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of pool chemicals. Ms. Arabian explained that the ordinance has been on hold because the low bidder was bought by the higher bidder and an issue remained regarding the delivery charge. She was pleased to report that all issues have been resolved and that O.P. Aquatics has agreed to honor prices quoted by the Whitmer Company. The ordinance will be amended to indicate that fact.

Ordinance No. 33-08: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of t-shirts. This company has supplied t-shirts in the past, and has done a great job.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Rocky River Community Improvement Corporation (CIC): The Mayor explained that this corporation was established in November, 2002 to provide a conduit so that other entities can utilize the City's borrowing power for approved projects. She read from the ordinance which quoted the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) that it

"may be organized for the sole purpose of advancing, encouraging, and promoting the industrial, economic, commercial, and civic development of a community or area and may be designated by a municipal corporation as its agency for the purpose of industrial, commercial, distribution, and research development"

She further noted that an annual meeting must be scheduled as provided in the Code of Regulations, Article I, Section 3. That has been moved from October to January, or the first quarter, to meet with the calendar year. Each member of Council becomes a director of the Corporation, and she asked Council members to review the materials in the packet.

The Mayor also provided a letter from the Finance Director and Treasurer of the Corporation indicating that there has been no financial activity during 2007. At this time, she indicated that no activity is anticipated for 2008, but it could be possible later in the year.

Two projects have been financed through the CIC:

• •the Lutheran West project, an $8 million expansion and improvement to Lutheran West High School.
• •the Child Care Center at the West Shore Unitarian Church, a $1.3 million project to improve that facility on Hilliard.

These projects did not affect the City's bond rating and there are no liability issues or cost to the City. It does mean a lower interest rate for these entities. Westwood Country Club approached the City, but they are not eligible as provided in the ORC.

Questions should be addressed to the Administration, and the annual meeting will be scheduled in the next few weeks.

• •Mr. Long asked if this directorship must be listed on Council members' ethics forms which are submitted to the State. The Mayor will research this question and report at a later date.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: NONE

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 35-08: Mr. Furry explained that this ordinance will authorize the purchase of tree lawn trees from Down to Earth Landscaping, Inc. This has been an annual appropriation of approximately $50,000 for the last three years. The Beautification Committee selects tree locations and the contractor provides the trees and installation with a one-year warranty.

• •Mr. Mylen asked if there is a schedule of future tree locations. Mr. Moran noted that an outline was distributed last year. Mr. Linden agreed, and indicated that the Master Tree Plan will be distributed to current Council members.



• •Mr. Linden explained that several years ago, the Beautification Committee reviewed tree lawns in the entire City and determined where trees should be placed. One important point is that the proper tree must fit in the proper place, i.e. it must be short enough to fit under utility wires.



• •Mr. Shepherd commented that he has performed legal work for Down to Earth and will abstain from any discussion or vote on this ordinance.

Ordinance No. 36-08: This is the new right-of-way ordinance. Mr. Shepherd advised Council that it will be read for the first time next week and referred to the Planning Commission in light of the many significant changes in the ordinance.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: NONE

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

________________________________ ______________________________

James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council