CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

MAY 19, 2008

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

Council Members Present: Mr. Hunt, Mr. Mylen, Mr. Furry, Ms. Arabian,

Mr. Long, Mr. Moran

Absent: Mr. Shepherd

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Koran

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Mr. Saylor

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S REPORT:

Mr. Koran began with a report on commercial properties on Center Ridge Road:

• •Rockport Shopping Center. Demolition of the old toy store, restaurant and the smaller stores in that strip has been completed, and that area is now a gravel parking lot. Mr. Koran was pleased to report that, although he cannot announce the name, the owners have a Letter of Intent from a significant anchor that will occupy the west side (35,000 s.f.) of the Target building. Recent progress has been reported by the owner, Dennis Fisher, in his negotiations with Target which still has a long-term lease on this property; Wald-Fisher is looking for long-term control over the lease ground of that building. They anticipate coming before the Planning Commission with a phased redevelopment plan after negotiations with Target are finalized. No tenants have been signed for any of the other buildings, including two smaller spaces of new construction attached on the east side of the building and an outparcel facing Center Ridge Road. The property is being marketed by Randy Goodman Real Estate. At this week's huge industry show in Las Vegas, plans like this for shopping areas all over the country will be marketed. Mr. Fisher will meet with the Mayor and Mr. Koran on Wednesday afternoon to review further details of the plan.

• •At the corner of Plymouth Road, First Merit Bank is in the process of acquiring three parcels which will include the Peking House, the north parking lot and one of the existing homes (converted to commercial use) in order to build a new bank with a drive-through. The project is still in a preliminary stage, but meetings have progressed to the point where an announcement will be made soon. Responding to Mr. Furry's question, Mr. Koran indicated that this will be a second bank in addition to the office at River Terrace.

On Hilliard Boulevard: The Kanaans (Joe's Deli) have sold the building east of their restaurant which will be a dialysis clinic and will be developed by RAGG Medical. This will be a complete renovation which is almost complete.

On Detroit Road: Sweet Melissa's, a new restaurant, is open. The owner and his wife worked together at Max's which was formerly in this location. The grand opening was two weeks ago, and the business appears to be doing well. Currently it does not have a liquor license, but is in the process of acquiring one, hopefully for beer and wine.

• •A new wine bar, Tartine Bistro, will open on Old Detroit Road in June. The owner, John McDonald, will petition the BZA this Wednesday for a variance for outdoor dining.



• •Also before the BZA will be a new development called the Residences at River. With preliminary approval last year from the Planning Commission, the owner will apply for four variances for his 11-unit project which will be on a little more than an acre of land, currently zoned for apartments. These condominiums will be on the river and each unit will have its own dock and plunge pool. The Director noted that it will be directly on the river and would be within the setback proposed by the storm water ordinance.



• •The Rocky River United Methodist Church has proposed an expansion and has negotiated a shared parking agreement with its neighbors, Madison Marquette (Beach Cliff Market Square). Upon the signing of that agreement, the BZA approved the parking variance. Under the terms of the agreement, shoppers at the BCMS can park during the day at the church and churchgoers can use the garage and the BCMS lot on Sundays. Pending final approval by the Planning Commission on June 17, the project should move forward.



• •Beach Cliff Market Square is building out all the vacant storefronts and has submitted plans to improve the facades of the buildings. In addition, plans for signage now being redesigned by City Architecture. Massage Envy will soon open in the old theater building, and, a new bookstore, Giant Bookstore, will take the space vacated by Liberty Books. Also being reviewed for the shopping center are new light poles, banners and way-finding signs.



• •National City Bank's move is approaching, and their new building is almost complete. This will, however, leave a vacancy at BCMS.



• •The Westwood Country Club project is moving ahead quickly. There is significant construction which has resulted in the completion of the caddy shack. The shell of the clubhouse is also up and very large.

On Lake Road, a new small art gallery, Paper Cuts and Glue Sticks has opened across from Kensington School. Mr. Koran noted that that area is now totally occupied. The gallery is already working with the Mayor on ideas for an art show or festival.

Residential Projects:

• •Hamlets West on Center Ridge is complete; Hamlets East has six complete units with eleven remaining. Progress has slowed a bit, but units are still being built and sold.



• •Grandview on River Oaks has seen resumed construction. The building is completely sided, under roof and has installed windows and doors. At present, interior finishing is their focus.



• •Riverside, off East Asplin, has three remaining lots.



• •Beachcliff Row, at Linda and Lake, continues in the same state that it has been for some time.

Grants Received or Applications Pending:

• •$100,000 for the Lake Road Pedestrian Enhancement Project. (This makes $400,000 from the County for the last two applications.)



• •Two grant applications have been submitted for assistance in purchasing a new generator for the City Hall complex. The first was through the Fire Fighters, and the second, through the Department of Justice in cooperation with the courts. No word has been received on either application.



• •The Lake Road NOACA grant is almost complete.



• •$3500 from the County for new recycling brochures.

In further news, the Development Code update is moving forward. Council members were interviewed along with members of Boards and Commissions and Administration members during a three-day period in which 30 interviews were completed. The next phase will begin with a meeting on Tuesday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the David J. Cook Council Chambers. Discussions will center around directions for the zoning code, and the consensus at this meeting will provide the basis for more detailed development of the Code. Those Council members who have not yet responded to their invitations to this meeting should call Heather Wagner as soon as possible.

From the Chamber of Commerce:

This Thursday, the Mayor will present her State of the City speech to the Chamber's luncheon meeting.

The Chamber Golf Outing will be June 16.

The Taste of River is July 12 and is part of the River Days celebration. The next day, July 13, is the Memory Lane Antique Car Show. Owners of antique cars are invited to display their vehicles and spend an enjoyable afternoon at Rocky River City Hall Park from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The Chamber's annual Business to Business Show will be October 16 from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sponsors are currently being enrolled, and tables are also available.

Mr. Koran concluded with a statement that investors and residents are still investing heavily in our City. Many homeowners are adding to their homes. In a recent conversation with Kevin Collins, the manager of Realty One, commented that business is brisk. In March, 100 homes were sold compared to 140 in March of last year. Rocky River is a stable market and homes are still being sold and built without the dramatic rise and fall in home values which occurs in other parts of the country.

Questions and discussion: Mr. Long asked about the rationale behind tearing down the existing stores at Rockport. Mr. Koran said that it was an economic decision; the existing buildings had limited uses and were expensive to maintain and heat.

Mr. Moran asked about Hamlets East and its smaller square footage. Mr. Koran recalled that Hamlets West was the original development and larger than the scaled-down Hamlets East which was a response to the market. No changes have been made since the original modifications.

• •Mr. Moran also asked if any Grandview units have been sold. Mr. Koran said that no units have transferred, although he acknowledged that deposits or reservations may have been made. Units are selling for $199,000.
• •Finally, Mr. Moran asked about the Spudnuts building. Mr. Koran indicated that it is empty, and expressed sympathy for the owner who has a successful franchise in Berea and has tried everything here without good results. He also noted that the store next door is on a month-to-month lease. The area behind the donut store is being used by the owner for storage.

Mr. Furry asked about the Rockport Redevelopment plan, wondering if the three larger stores shown at the south end comprise the footprint of the present Target store. Mr. Koran said that, with a small exception, it was, and the plan is to use the building for the three anchor tenants. The Mayor added that the outbuilding shown in the plan is consistent with the Master Plan to provide interest on Center Ridge.

Mr. Hunt asked about the area which will be vacated by National City. Mr. Koran said that it is small, approximately 3000 s.f. Asked further about possible uses, Mr. Koran noted that there has been talk about an expansion for the Pub. He said the restaurant is doing well, but it remains to be seen if they can afford an expansion. Mr. Koran added that the City was pleased to think that the drive-through could be eliminated because it poses a traffic hazard, but now there is discussion of keeping it for a possible coffee shop or other business.

Mr. Mylen asked about the riverfront development and if it is currently concrete. Mr. Koran said that it is all fill and is located at the hairpin turn which goes north and is just below the Bridge Building. It is directly on the Rocky River and is on a bulkhead. Originally slated for three large single-family homes, this newest plan is still dealing with legal issues raised by other residents of the area. Mr. Koran acknowledged that the site is difficult to develop because of infrastructure issues, easement issues, water and sewer difficulties, storm water management, fire prevention rules, etc. The current plan will have a shared roof for the 11 units and common walls, and is a unique opportunity to own a unit with a boat dock in the back yard.

• •Mr. Bemer commented that with 11 units, a community is created and is superior to three single residences.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

In a Quiet Zone update, the Mayor reported that on Thursday afternoon, she and the Law Director will participate in a conference call with Ron Ries of the FRA and Bill Harris of Norfolk Southern. She hopes for a productive session and will report progress at the next meeting.

A meeting will be held at the airport to discuss noise issues and will be attended by airport officials, the FAA and others. The meeting will be June 13 at 2:00 p.m. in Middleburg Heights Council Chambers.

On Friday morning, a mediation meeting will be held to discuss the Lakewood Dog Park.

The Middle School will host an assembly at which the Task Force on Internet Crimes Against Children will present an informational program at two assemblies, one for 8th^th graders and another for 6^th graders. Seventh graders received this information through health classes. At this program, sponsored by Community Challenge, Brendan Sheehan, an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor and Director of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Ptl. George Lichman of the Rocky River Police Division, their investigator, will work with students to alert them to the dangers of predators on the internet.

The Cleveland Water Department has sent the City a quarterly report of their work orders for the City of Rocky River. For the first quarter, they had 102 work orders which represent both service and repair calls.

Tomorrow two new police officers will be sworn in, Michael Pavia and Matthew Rodriguez. The Mayor was pleased to welcome them to the City's force. Both have completed their training and are ready begin their work with the department.

Yesterday there was a fire on Warren Road in Lakewood. Mutual aid was deployed in the form of the EMS which helped with runs to the hospital. Fairview Park was also involved, and both departments accepted some additional calls to support the entire community. The Mayor was pleased that the Central Dispatch system worked and was able to track the location of all vehicles so the nearest could be redeployed to Lakewood.

On Thursday at 9:00 a.m., the 4^th grade fishing program will commence at Bradstreet's Landing. The Mayor recommended this event and said that it is fun than you can imagine for students, staff and parents.

Friday and Saturday, the Relay for Life will be held at the high school. The Mayor expressed her appreciation for the support already shown for this event. Mary Blank and Shari Caruso have also extended their thanks to the City and to City Council.

On Sunday, a motorcycle procession starting from downtown will pass through Rocky River. This honors first responders and an e-update will be sent to residents asking them to join the route which will come down Westway to Wagar and up to Hilliard to Clague Road.

On Memorial Day, the traditional parade will begin at 10:30 from the high school. The Mayor once more reminded everyone that parade organizers have arranged for an Air Force Aerial Flyover which will be low, loud and large. They will fly over twice, once from west to east, and then east to west. The Mayor said it is important to alert residents so that they are not startled by the noise. After the parade, the public is welcome to attend the program at Lakewood Park Cemetery on Detroit Road.

The Mayor indicated that, as mentioned in the newspaper, Hudson is looking at establishing a Quiet Zone in their community. Hopefully, some of the work being done by Rocky River will assist other communities.

Finally, the Mayor disseminated drafts of ordinances which deal with Green Infrastructure and an alternative, Riparian Setbacks, which have just been received from Mr. Joseph Koncelik, the City's consultant who has been working with Michael Mackay. The Mayor said that over the coming weeks, both can be studied in detail and key individuals can be invited to clarify any questions. The Administration, including the Mayor, the Law Director and the Building Department, will also review the proposed legislation and will provide Council with a recommendation regarding these alternatives.

• •Mr. Bemer added that Kim Kerber, of Mackay Engineering, and Mary Kay Costello, the Safety-Service Coordinator, will attend tomorrow's meeting of the Planning Commission which will discuss proposed storm water management including erosion and illicit discharge. In addition, the Law Director indicated that he had received a call from Avon Lake which is interested in establishing a Quiet Zone. He referred them to Mackay Engineering for further information.

Discussion: Mr. Long asked if the drafts distributed this evening are different from materials previously distributed. The Mayor said that they are new drafts, and in response to Mr. Long, she indicated that a request would be made for the consultant to indicate what changes had been made. Any information received will be e-mailed to City Council.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 36-08: This ordinance adds right-of-way administration to the City's Code, and has been held pending further information.

• •Mr. Bemer added that he has engaged in dialogue with the AT&T representative. He hopes to have a revised version next Tuesday or the week after. If any changes are made, he said that a City Council affirmative vote of at least five members would be necessary to modify the findings of the Planning Commission which recommended it in prior draft form.

Ordinance No. 57-08: Mr. Moran explained that the Finance Department would like to establish a new position, as shown in the exhibit, for a part-time secretary in that department. At present, part-time help is occasionally available, but more assistance is needed.

• •Mr. Thomas explained that sometimes the receptionist at the switchboard will help with Finance tasks while she is there, if it's not too busy. They also work for the Building Department.

Mr. Moran added that having employees who work consistently within a department makes things move more efficiently.

Ordinance No. 63-08: Mr. Furry noted that this ordinance had a first reading last week and that it was referred to the Planning Commission for discussion at tomorrow's meeting. He noted that this ordinance was prepared in response to a requirement for the City to develop a Storm Water Management Program to address erosion, sedimentation, and the quality of storm water runoff during and after soil disturbing activities.

Ordinance No. 64-08: Mr. Furry noted that this companion ordinance to Ordinance No. 63-08 also had its first reading on May 12 and was also referred to the Planning Commission for discussion at tomorrow's meeting. This ordinance deals with illicit discharge and illegal connection.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Council President Moran announced that this Wednesday, an interview with Mayor Bobst will be aired on Fox News, Channel 8. The interview topic is the Mayor's economical City car, a Ford Focus, which saves resident dollars which can be spent elsewhere.

• •The Mayor explained that the interview was the result of a public records request to the Mayors and Managers Association asking each municipality to describe the mayor's car and other vehicles in the fleet. In addition to the information requested, the Mayor sent Rocky River's vehicle use policy. Channel 8 responded that the City has a positive situation in terms of fuel efficiency and requested the interview.

Mr. Moran then announced that next week's Council meeting will be held on Tuesday in observance of the Memorial Day.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: NONE

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 65-08: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of desktop equipment for the Court. Fifty-one computers will be purchased: forty-six true desktops and five laptops which will be installed for the judges. All those being replaced are beyond their warranty period and this purchase will increase storage capacity and speed which will increase efficiency. Mr. Mylen will speak to Mr. Bracken before next week's meeting.

• •Mr. Moran asked if this purchase was in the budget. Mr. Mylen said that it was, and Court Technology Funds will be used for the purchase which will be made at a very good price through the Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Act.

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

______________________________ ______________________________

James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council