DRAFT
CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
MAY 3, 2004
The Committee-of-the-Whole was called to order by Mrs. Bobst, President of Council, at 8:00 p.m.
Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Potterfield, Mr. Frost, Mr. Hurtuk,
Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Hagan, Mrs. Bobst
Administration: Mayor Knoble, Mr. Linden
Assistant Law Director: Mr. Hotz
Press: Mr. Van dell
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Because Senior Services Director Carole Calladine was present, Mrs. Bobst opened the discussion of Resolution 75-04 which supports the Center's application for a grant to launch Bridgeworks. This is a program which will blend the efforts of the City's Senior Center and the Chamber of Commerce to find positions for recently retired seniors in an auxiliary employment program. Possibilities include temporary, part-time employment to fill in for an employee on leave, a mentorship or consultation service, or support for self-employment or for developing special interests.
After a short history of the grant program of the Cleveland Foundation, Mrs. Calladine noted that on this third round of grants, the City will apply for $50,000 to set up the program. The major expense will be the hiring of two part-time coordinators, one to enroll interested seniors, finding their areas of interest and expertise, and the other to work with the Chamber and potential employers. There would be no cost to the City. It is hoped that this program could then be replicated in other locations.
Mrs. Bobst asked about a timeline. Mrs. Calladine explained that the grant application is due Friday. Results will be announced on June 18 with the programs to be under way by July 1 and hiring by September/October. The grant period would be 18 months, through December 31, 2005. Following this period, the program would become permanent and self-funded through a small use fee, $10 for seniors to register with $15 upon a successful match, and $25 for businesses.
Mr. Gollinger asked about the likelihood that the City would win the grant, noting that it was a Cleveland Foundation grant some years ago that started Community Challenge. Mrs. Calladine was pleased to hear that the City had had a successful grant bid in the past, noting that the strength of our programs could actually be a weakness in the grant competition.
This resolution will appear on next week's Consent Agenda, and passage should be considered as soon as possible because of grant deadlines. Mrs. Bobst also took the opportunity to introduce others who attended the meeting in support of this resolution: Mr. John Brewer, President of the Senior Council; Mrs. Ann McCauley, who helped write the grant application, and Mr. Dave Furry, Executive Board member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Also present was the Human Resources Administrator, Sue Whitman who was present to discuss Ordinances 66-04 through 69-04, changes to the Code necessitated by the writing of the Employee Handbook.
Ordinance 66-04: This will update our Code so that the City will be in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Mrs. Bobst asked about exempt and non-exempt employees. Mrs. Whitman indicated that certain job categories and positions are considered exempt, e.g. executive, computer, outside sales. Working with job descriptions formulated by Ms. Kopcienski, a Human Resources consultant, approximately 25 positions were designated as exempt, including directors and professional employees. Responding to a question from Mrs. Bobst, Mrs. Whitman acknowledged that employees under collective bargaining agreements receive overtime or comp time. Currently all employees, exempt or non-exempt, receive comp time for hours worked over 40. With this ordinance, only non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours per week will receive overtime or comp time at 1˝ times the regular rate. The Mayor indicated that exempt employees were notified over six months ago about the change, and it will not create any problems. There will be no impact on hiring, programming or any salary adjustments, as directors understand that they are hired to do the job.
Mrs. Whitman explained that it was important for the City to come into compliance with the law, establish a policy, and designate exempt and non-exempt employees.
Ordinance No. 67-04: This section on military leave updates what is currently in the Code, using the language of the police contract. The Mayor noted that the reason for these ordinances is that Law Director Matty has recommended that all financial aspects of employee relations be codified. This means that policies have not necessarily changed, but rather have been formalized.
Ordinance No. 68-04: Section A, concerning leaves of absence is the same as is currently in the Code. Section B, Family and Medical Leave, replaces the current Section B and is in conformance with the law. Further, the City requires that when on Family/Medical Leave, any accrued vacation and sick time must be used.
Ordinance No. 69-04: In the present Code, this section is very brief. This new ordinance attempts to establish guidelines, setting amounts for meals, and policy for travel and expenses. It provides for updating as the IRS sets the new figures so that a change is not necessary to our Code every year.
Mrs. Bobst asked about a timeline for implementation of the handbook. Mrs. Whitman indicated that the handbook is ready as soon as the ordinances are passed.
MAYOR'S REPORT:
Updates on road construction projects are available for Council members upon request.
Beginning last Friday and continuing into the Saturday and Sunday, the area experienced very heavy rain, amounting to 1.57 inches. The WWTP, whose normal flow is 8-12 million gallons per day experienced a surge to 79 million gallons at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. This confirms the necessity for the sewer rehabilitation projects going on in the City since storm water is apparently flowing to the WWTP. Happily, there were no reports of flooded basements in spite of the heavy rains, which indicates that Mr. Linden's plan is working.
At the Wooster Road construction site, a POPAS force last Friday issued 14 tickets to 11 persons from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., including three drivers who were under suspension. This was in response to traffic problems caused by drivers who ignore "local traffic only" signs, and the Mayor hopes this will get the message out.
The Fire Department has received an Ohio Division of EMS Airway Equipment grant of $2,124.83. This can be used for certain approved equipment such as an adult/infant/child airway intubation mannequin, mask ventilation devices, intubation equipment and a CO2 detector.
A second payment of $30,000 from the estate of May Radebaugh has been received by the Senior Center.
The Lake Road Development Site Phase I Environmental study has been distributed to Council members.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will stock the Rocky River with 90,000 young steelhead trout at the marina on Tuesday at 10 a.m. The Mayor commented that this fishing brings a lot of people to our area.
The West Shore Council of Governments will meet on Tuesday morning. The results of a request for proposals for a central dispatch system for fire and EMS should be presented then. That meeting will be followed by a meeting of the Board of the WWTP which will consider the screw pump issue.
On Wednesday, Kory Koran will speak to the League of Women Voters at the Yacht Club at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday is a national Day of Prayer, and this Saturday will see the opening of Little League.
The Police Auction was held last Saturday. About $1500 was raised, but no computers were sold.
The fire truck has been listed on E-Bay.
Discussion: Mr. Gollinger asked if equipment at the WWTP was able to show the quantity of flow from each city. The Mayor said that it was not.
Mrs. Bobst asked the Administration to indicate to City Council how it wishes to proceed after the Phase I study. The Mayor responded that he is under a mandate not to spend more funds, and that the matter is still under study. Mrs. Bobst asked if requirements are the City's responsibility or can be a condition of purchase. The matter will be discussed further at a committee meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Amended Ordinance No. 46-04 and Ordinance No. 59-04: Mr. Potterfield has not received public input as yet. The Public Hearing will be May 24, after which there will be a third reading.
Ordinance No. 55-04: This ordinance will be placed on the same agenda as Ordinance No. 58-04. It provides for potential reimbursement of expenses for the construction of the aquatic center if the City should wish to borrow the funds.
Ordinance No. 58-04: This ordinance, which authorizes construction of a family aquatic center, will have a third reading this week, and Mr. Hagan will recommend that it be considered for passage. It will be placed on the regular agenda with Ordinance No. 55-04.
Ordinance No. 63-04: This is a housekeeping appropriations ordinance. The Finance Director will quickly review it next week. Mr. Gollinger asked about the police appropriation, and the ordinance will be on the regular agenda next week.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Master Plan Update: Last Wednesday, Mrs. Bobst and Mrs. Bartolozzi attended the meeting of the Master Plan Working Group and heard an excellent presentation.
City Architecture incorporated comments from the Stakeholder and other meetings which honored the opinions of the community.
The project is drawing near the point where it will be submitted to Council.
A lengthy power point presentation was prepared and delivered by City Architecture. Council will receive one document on implementation strategies. Council members interested in further information may request the presentation on CD rom. Mrs. Bobst commented that it is important that Council be involved, discussing with the Working Group general guidelines, priorities, timing issues, the importance of the focus areas, zoning updates, development strategies, and what needs to occur to make it happen.
Mr. Potterfield suggested that a set of full-size drawings be available to residents in the Building Department. Mrs. Bobst mentioned that it will also be available on the website.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Committee: Mr. Hurtuk indicated that the Finance Committee was willing to help in the process of choosing a Finance Director. As the Mayor is working on 2005 budget parameters, Mr. Hurtuk suggested the possibility of a meeting in early July on that topic to help identify challenges.
The Mayor noted that 7 qualified applications have been received and Mrs. Whitman will be scheduling appointments for interviews.
Environmental Committee. Because of a conflict, the Environmental Committee will meet June 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Committee Room. Mr. Gollinger attended a meeting of the Rocky River Watershed Council on April 29 at the Nature Center for a good presentation in terms of what is happening upriver. A streamside cleanup will be held on the morning of June 19 around Clifton Park and the boat ramp. The Watershed Council is seeking a logo for the group and sponsoring a contest for high school students within the Rocky River watershed. First prize is $100. Finally, Mr. Gollinger reported that the Mayor planted a tree on Arbor Day.
Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee: will meet next Monday, May 10, at 7:00 p.m. Under discussion will be sewer tie-in fees and the Lake Road Phase I study.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ordinance No. 64-04: This is an annual ordinance necessary to bill residents for sewer usage. The Mayor mentioned that the recently formed Suburban Water Council of Governments is meeting fairly regularly. The Westshore representative is Mayor Patton of Fairview Park who has promised to raise the question of the high charges for this service. The Mayor's contention is that this is a public record which should cost $.05 per page rather than the $2.76 per account that we are presently charged. Mrs. Bobst attempted to find out last year how the $2.76 was calculated, and how that compared with other communities, but was unsuccessful. The readings, however, have already been done and have been received by the City. Mr. Hurtuk will ask for a first reading next week.
Ordinance No. 65-04: This ordinance provides assistance from the State of Ohio in the operation of the Marine Patrol. The contract will provide up to $25,604 in state funds. It will be on the consent agenda.
Ordinances 66-04, 67-04, 68-04, 69-04: Mrs. Whitman's excellent explanations make it clear that these should be considered without delay so that the City will be in compliance with the law and the employee handbook can go forward.
Resolutions No. 70-04 and 71-04: These two resolutions are necessary because the state pension funds have requested that two separate resolutions be passed instead of the single resolution already passed. Mr. Hurtuk will check with the Finance Director and the Law Director to see if they should be placed on the Consent Agenda.
Ordinances No. 72-04 and 73-04: The Mayor explained that the City has used Cushman vehicles for years for backyard pickup of trash. These were titled as three-wheeled motorcycles and legal for street use. In 2002, none were purchased, but in 2003-4, three were purchased and the shape had changed to a four-wheel golf cart shape. After using them for several weeks, a sticker was noticed on the vehicle which alerted City officials that this vehicle is not legal for street use. Mr. Matty was able to negotiate a return of the vehicles for refund with an agreement for a rental fee for the period they were in use. Mr. Hurtuk felt that Baker Motors had been very reasonable.
Ordinance No. 74-04: This ordinance will authorize a contract for a collection agency to assist the Court in collecting fines and fees levied, but unpaid. There will be no cost to the City and the Court will receive 100% of the monies due it because the agency will be empowered to collect 30% more than the owed funds. That 30% will be its fee. This will be placed on the consent agenda. Mrs. Bobst wondered what the total outstanding amount due the court would be, and Mr. Hagan volunteered to ask Mr. Gareau.
Resolution No. 75-04: Already discussed, this will be on the consent agenda.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The annual report of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health has been received via the Administration.
The Recreation Facilities Task Force met with City Architecture to review proposed improvements to the Civic Center and ice rink. More than 200 interested parties attended. The power point presentation will be on the website. Mrs. Bobst heard some very interesting comments, and an increase in the income tax as opposed to a bond issue is being considered. A second meeting will be held before plans are formalized and presented to Council.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 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 May 3, 2004. These minutes may be amended or revised at the next Legislative Meeting.