DRAFT
CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
JUNE 14, 2004
Regular meeting of Council 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, Mr. Lesiecki
Law Director: Mr. Matty
Press: Mr. White
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
MOTIONS:
Moved by Mrs. Bobst, seconded by Mr. Hagan, that the reading of the minutes of the Legislative Meeting, Public Hearing and Executive Session of May 24 and the Committee of the Whole of June 7 be waived and that the minutes be accepted as submitted.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Potterfield - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Moved by Mr. Potterfield, seconded by Mr. Hurtuk, that the minutes of the meeting of the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of May 10 be accepted as submitted.
Vote: Potterfield - aye Bartolozzi - aye Gollinger - aye
Hurtuk - aye
4 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mrs. Bobst, that the minutes of the Contracts - Government and Judicial Committee of May 24 be accepted as submitted.
Vote: Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
2 ayes 0 nays PASSED
MAYOR'S REPORT:
A pre-construction meeting will be held June 24 at the Civic Center for the Hilliard Boulevard reconstruction project. Present at the 7:00 p.m. meeting will be representatives of the County, the City, and the contractor to discuss the project and answer questions.
This Friday will be the annual luncheon honoring seniors aged 90+ in our community. More than 100 have already been invited to the event which will be held at the Senior Center.
The Mayor reported that the attendance at the Bike Rodeo was somewhat sparse, but a good time was had by all. Youngsters of all ages learned to more safely operate their bikes.
The DARE graduation for fifth graders at Kensington School was very successful with 204 certificates being awarded and a pool party following. The Mayor said it was a great day.
The Mayor, Mr. Linden, Mr. Ed Connelly and Mr. Bob Kelly met at Cravings to select those pieces of the greenhouse which can be saved before the July 1 bulldozing. Since the structure is basically wood which is not in good condition, it is not suitable for moving, but the steel structure which supports the window openings will be moved by City crews and saved until it can be reused in a suitable situation, possibly a greenhouse constructed behind the Senior Center.
The Mayor noted the passing of Albert Wilhelmy's wife. Mr. Wilhelmy, a prominent local florist, has been generous in the City's life for many years and has a long personal history with the Mayor. Services will be held tomorrow.
LAW DIRECTOR'S REPORT: NONE
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Environmental Committee: Mr. Gollinger reported that he and Mr. Matty had attended a SAFE meeting at the airport. Mr. Matty has been appointed to a subcommittee working with issues of noise and noise control. The Airport Director reported upgrades including new carpeting, concessions and more which he hopes will increase air traffic. The extension of the main runway will open in August which should mean some noise relief for takeoffs to the northeast. This could be helpful to us.
The Environmental Committee met this evening, addressing inspections of rental housing. Three points were discussed: penalties, meeting and discussions with the judiciary, and how to carry out changes to inspection rates for rental properties if a consensus is reached. Mr. Gollinger will continue discussions with the Administration and Mr. Matty. Councilman Gollinger also thanked Mr. Beirne and Mr. Koran for their input in the discussion.
The Parks and Recreation Commission: Mrs. Bobst announced a meeting on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. at the Civic Center.
On Wednesday, June 16, a joint committee meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Finance Committee of City Council will be held. The agenda has been posted, and includes in the Parks and Recreation meeting, a presentation by the Recreation Facilities Task Force, a preliminary design presentation by City Architecture and discussion of the proposal with its related ballot issue and recommendations to Council. In the Finance Committee, financing options for the improvements and current bonding needs will be discussed. This meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m. in the David J. Cook Council Chambers.
Buildings, Equipment and Technology Committee: Mrs. Bartolozzi has called a meeting of this committee for Monday, July 12 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss various equipment purchases.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mrs. Bobst announced that the first Council meeting in July will be Tuesday, July 6 because of the July 4 holiday.
The Master Plan Working Group's minutes of June 2 have been distributed. The Master Plan will be received by Council in the next week or so and a preview of the table of contents was included with the minutes.
The Bike Rodeo, as mentioned by the Mayor, was held last Saturday. Thanks were extended to the many volunteers and particularly to Suzanne Parker, a State Farm agent, who supported the rodeo with materials and resources from her company.
A letter has been received from Fred I. Sokol, 20021 Parkview, concerning Rocky River taxes. (Exhibit "A")
Mrs. Bobst asked that a discussion of a "nuisance ordinance" be added to the agenda of next week's Committee-of-the-Whole.
Mr. Hurtuk requested that Ordinance No. 64-04 be removed from the Consent Agenda to be held for further discussion.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
Karl Bergquist, 2890 Wagar Road, spoke on Ordinances 84-04 through 87-04 concerning drive-throughs. His comments were particularly directed at Ordinance No. 87-04 which sets the requirements. He urged Council not to pass this ordinance in this form. He does not feel that 35' and 40 dB provides adequate protection for the value of his property or that of other owners whose property is adjacent to businesses. He recalled that Council, in dealing with sexually oriented businesses and ambulatory surgical facilities had legislated from strength. He sees no strength in this ordinance and fears for the rights of people in the City and the country. Recently, reviewing laws and regulations, he realized the Walgreen's lighting is not in conformance, so he will file a complaint. In summary, he said there is not enough room for Walgreens to have a drive-through. He pointed out that Giant Eagle will have a drive-through in the front of their store.
Kevin Bednarsky,2602 Lakeview Avenue, spoke on Ordinance No. 90-04. Noting that this was an emergency ordinance, he stated that he would like to see City Council discuss this ordinance further before taking a vote, particularly since it still has six weeks before it must be sent to the Board of Elections. This ordinance would allow the Mayor to appoint the Chiefs of Police and Fire, removing the positions from Civil Service. Mr. Bednarsky would particularly like Council to consider practices in other cities. He said that it would be a mistake to make these positions political appointments. At present, chiefs are responsible to the people first, then his police or fire personnel, then the Mayor. A political appointment would make the Mayor's office their first loyalty, perhaps at a sacrifice of safe practices.
First, although the sponsoring names on the ordinance are the Members of Council, the ordinance was submitted to Council by the Administration.
The "emergency" ordinance means that if passed, it will go into effect immediately rather than after a 30-day waiting period.
A suspension of the three read rule would mean that it could be passed immediately, but Council did not plan to pass the ordinance after one reading.
Mr. Bednarsky pointed out that the Charter Review Commission had considered the issue and chosen not to place it on the ballot.
ORDINANCE NO. 64-04 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY THE CITY OF CLEVELAND, DIVISION OF WATER FOR METER READINGS NEEDED BY THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $19,267.56
This ordinance, authorizing payment to the City of Cleveland, was removed from the Consent Agenda as requested by Mr. Hurtuk. He requested that it be held until next week's meeting for further discussion.
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mr. Hagan, that Ordinance No. 66-04 be amended as to Exhibit "A", adding language submitted by the Administration in Section (c).
Discussion: Mr. Matty approved the placement and language of the amendment. Mr. Hurtuk noted that Council members had had an opportunity to review this language and were comfortable with it. He stated that it was important to codify this policy and pass the ordinance so that the policy could be included in the handbook.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Potterfield - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 66-04 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 153.015 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER ENTITLED EXEMPT AND NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEES - OVERTIME COMPENSATION AND COMPENSATORY TIME AS DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT A
3RD READING
Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mr. Hagan, that Ordinance No. 66-04 be passed as read:
Discussion: Mr. Hurtuk indicated that the changes had been discussed above, and thanked the Mayor for his input. He said that this was a reasonable compromise and encouraged passage.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Potterfield - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
ORDINANCE NO. 84-04 BY EARL W. POTTERFIELD
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1151.03 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, ENTITLED "OFFICE BUILDING DISTRICT", AND AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
Mr. Potterfield commented that this ordinance and the three that follow are related to revisions on drive-throughs. He explained that he will not request a second reading until they have been discussed at the meeting of the Planning and Zoning Committee on June 28. At that time, potential changes will be discussed and the ordinances will be read.
Responding to a question from Mr. Hurtuk, Mr. Potterfield indicated that they will be referred to the Planning Commission following the committee meeting, probably in time for the July meeting.
ORDINANCE NO. 85-04 BY EARL W. POTTERFIELD
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1151.04 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, ENTITLED "LOCAL BUSINESS DISTRICT", AND AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
See discussion for Ordinance No. 84-04.
ORDINANCE NO. 86-04 BY EARL W. POTTERFIELD
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1151.05 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, ENTITLED "GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT", AND AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
See discussion for Ordinance No. 84-04.
ORDINANCE NO. 87-04 BY EARL W. POTTERFIELD
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 1151.07 TO CHAPTER 1151 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, ENTITLED "DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICE BUSINESSES" AND AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
See discussion for Ordinance No. 84-04.
ORDINANCE NO. 90-04 BY ALL MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORS OF A PROPOSAL TO AMEND SECTION 3 OF ARTICLE V OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER BY PROVIDING THAT THE POLICE CHIEF AND THE FIRE CHIEF SHALL BE APPOINTED BY AND SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE MAYOR, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
1ST READING
Mrs. Bobst indicated that this ordinance will be discussed at the next Committee-of-the-Whole.
RESOLUTION NO. 91-04 BY BRIAN HAGAN
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE UPDATED PUBLIC, EDUCATIONAL AND GOVERNMENT ACCESS GUIDELINES AND HANDBOOKS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
1ST READING
Mr. Hagan indicated that he would like to refer this ordinance to the Contracts - Government and Judicial Committee and schedule a meeting to discuss it. It was determined that the meeting could be held on July 26. Mr. Matty and Ms. Christy Frederick of Cox Cable will be invited to help in the discussion.
ORDINANCE NO. 93-04 BY BRIAN F. HAGAN
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH BRANDSTETTER CARROLL ZOFCIN, INC. FOR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROCKY RIVER FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $33,128.00
1ST READING
This ordinance will be held for discussion at the next Committee-of-the-Whole. Mr. Patterson will be invited to assist in the discussion.
ORDINANCE NO. 94-04 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL SERVICES ALREADY PERFORMED BY GGJ, INC. RELATIVE TO THE DESIGN OF SEWER IMPROVEMENTS ON TONAWANDA DRIVE AND POCONO DRIVE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $12, 089.75
1ST READING
This ordinance represents a change in the scope of the project. Mr. Hurtuk will consult with Mr. Lesiecki during the week and hope to move for passage in two weeks.
ORDINANCE NO. 95-04 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2004
1ST READING
The changes in this ordinance are mostly minor changes and will be discussed with the Finance Director.
ORDINANCE NO. 96-04 BY BRIAN F. HAGAN
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICE TO PURCHASE JANITORIAL SUPPLIES FOR THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $18,000.00 PER ANNUM FOR A TWO (2) YEAR PERIOD FROM CORPORATE EXPRESS
1ST READING
This ordinance, too, will be discussed at the next Committee-of-the-Whole.
ORDINANCE NO. 97-04 BY PAMELA E. BOBST
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THAT ROCKY RIVER CITY COUNCIL SHALL RECESS DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST IN 2004
1ST READING
This is the traditional month for Council's recess and is passed every year. Mrs. Bobst reminded everyone that because Council is in recess does not mean that the group is never available should the need for a quorum arise.
RESOLUTION NO. 98-04 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, OHIO TO SUBMIT THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR 2005 OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR AS REQUIRED BY LAW
1ST READING
This is the first of three readings which will authorize the Finance Director to submit the annual budget to the County Auditor.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS UNDER CONSENT:
ORDINANCE NO. 89-04 BY LINDA S. BARTOLOZZI
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY-SERVICE TO PURCHASE ONE (1) NEW HOLLAND LS180 STEER LOADER FOR CITY USE UNDER THE STATE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ACT FROM WESTSHORE NEW HOLLAND, INC. FOR A TOTAL COST NOT TO EXCEED $29,814.25
1ST READING
This machine will be used to clear the beaches of logs. It can also be used in other ways during the rest of the year. Money will be saved because it is available under the State Cooperative Purchasing Act.
ORDINANCE NO. 92-04 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE CREATING POSITIONS AND FIXING THE ANNUAL SALARIES AND HOURLY RATES FOR THE APPOINTED EMPLOYEES IN THE SEVERAL DIVISIONS AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
1ST READING
This will create the position of temporary Finance Director and allow him to be paid during the transition period.
Moved by Mrs. Bobst, seconded by Mr. Gollinger and Mr. Hurtuk, that the rule requiring that Ordinances No. 89-04, and 92-04 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that those ordinances be placed upon their passage:
Vote: Gollinger - aye Potterfield - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Moved by Mrs. Bobst, seconded by Mr. Potterfield, that the above ordinances be passed as read:
Vote: Gollinger - aye Potterfield - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Bobst - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: NONE
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
Fred I. Sokol, 20021 Parkview, read his letter, (Communications and Announcements) calling for a tax cut of $5 million. (Exhibit "A")
John Janszen, 19607 Detroit Road, is from Cincinnati and is owner of Fitworks. He spoke on the proposed expansion of the Don Umerley Civic Center. To his questions of how this project would affect current fitness businesses, Mrs. Bobst referred him to City Architecture which is preparing the preliminary design, or the Task Force which commissioned the survey. Mr. Janszen
indicated that he had recently invested millions of dollars in his center. He maintained that he had called the Economic Development Director a year ago and been assured that no project of this sort was planned. He added that he felt it was unfair for the government to use his tax dollars to compete with him. He acknowledged that he did not have full information about the project, having only scanned what was on the City's website.
Kevin Bednarsky, 2602 Lakeview Avenue, wished to congratulate Ms. Wollenzier, the Finance Director, upon her retirement.
He also reported that he had applied for a grant for a new fire truck, and invited Council members to the Fire Department to see the new fitness equipment, thermal imager, and defibrillator. The exhaust system, purchased through a grant, should be installed by the end of the summer.
Jim Sekosky, 1011 Chatham, a longtime resident of Rocky River, asked if residents would see noise barriers soon.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 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 Legislative Meeting of June 14, 2004. These minutes may be amended or revised at the next Legislative Meeting.
DRAFT
CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
June 14, 2004
Environmental Committee
The meeting of the Environmental Committee was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Gollinger, at 7:00 p.m. in the Committee Room.
Environmental Committee Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Hagan,
Mr. Potterfield
Council members present: Mrs. Bobst
Administration: Mr. Linden, Mr. Koran, Mr. Beirne
Law Director: Mr. Matty
Mr. Gollinger thanked Administration members Mr. Koran and Mr. Beirne for attending the meeting. He called first upon Mr. Koran, the City's Economic and Community Development Director for his views on property maintenance and inspections.
Mr. Koran observed that some issues with property maintenance concern the high number of rental properties. Ordinances could help the Administration to keep ahead of problem situations. Referring to his previous experience in the City of Euclid, he noted that they have a very large building and housing department. In that city, the following inspections are required:
The fees are $35 per apartment unit with no discounts for size and $100 for one and two-family rental units. Complaint-driven inspections are also made.
Judges in their Court understood the need and supported code enforcement. Previously, Mr. Koran found a tendency to blame inspectors for poor enforcement, but he pointed out that when extensions are granted without fines or other punishments, there is little incentive for property owners to comply with regulations and enforcement is difficult. In Euclid, then, a concerted effort evolved which required cooperation from everyone, but was then much more successful.
Mr. Koran commented that Euclid and Rocky River have a similar percentage of rental properties, 29% for Rocky River and 32% for Euclid. Euclid, however, has 2 full-time inspectors who devote their full-time efforts to inspecting apartments. They also have support staff..
Mr. Gollinger asked if fees include reinspection as required. Mr. Koran responded that it did, with only one fee being charged and reinspections made as required.
Mr. Potterfield asked about the inspections. Mr. Koran explained that pre-sale inspections are very thorough, and apartment inspections more cursory. If apartments are obviously in bad condition, then every visible violation is cited. Mr. Gollinger asked if only vacant apartments are inspected. Mr. Koran indicated that the majority were occupied.
Mr. Potterfield remarked that in our City, the focus is on exterior complaints from neighbors and the aim is to be non-invasive. Mr. Gollinger agreed, saying that the first point of contact usually occurs because the exterior is in obvious need of repairs. Mr. Koran cautioned that a book cannot be judged by its cover, commenting that he has seen many houses which look fine on the outside with very serious interior problems, many owned by senior citizens unable to care for them.
Mr. Gollinger then asked for Mr. Koran's perspectives on issues of community development. Mr. Koran responded that the Master Plan cites the necessity of Code enforcement, repeatedly recommending strengthening requirements, predominantly in the commercial sector. Mr. Koran would add apartments to their recommendation. Our City's lack of Code enforcement is not due to any lack of effort on the part of the Building Department which is, Mr. Koran asserted, over-whelmed daily with paperwork and permit applications as well as new construction inspection. Mr. Gollinger agreed, observing that additional resources are needed if stricter adherence to the Code is expected.
Mr. Hagan pointed out that Code enforcement requires fines. Housing violations are, at present, given low priority. He feels that a two-pronged approach would be more successful: more manpower to enforce regulations and conversation with the judges to insure their cooperation.
Mr. Matty agreed, noting that our judges are not in a punishment mode. Prosecution requires additional personnel and conferences with the judges. He indicated his opinion that the City needs to add more serious penalties for Code infractions, eliminating minor misdemeanors. More enforcement personnel should be hired.
Mr. Gollinger emphasized that these views were not negative evaluations of the current staff of the Building Department which he feels is doing as much as it can with the resources it has available. Previously, space for additional personnel was an issue. At that time, Mayor Umerley added two part-time positions for property maintenance inspectors. He noted that Ward 3 has a large number of single family houses for rent. His aim is to reduce the impact of these rental properties on neighbors who are making great investments in their homes and property. He pointed out that our City is located between Lakewood and Bay Village which both have programs for rental property inspection. In conversations with officials in Bay Village, he learned that its 200 rental units are reviewed annually on the anniversary of the permit. Typically, 90% of issues are found with 5-10% of owners. Bay Village feels that its program is very effective in preventing problems.
Mr. Hagan asked if the City was precluded from establishing an independent housing court. Mr. Matty said that it was, that the City must work through the municipal court judges.
Mr. Koran agreed with Mr. Gollinger's previous point, but pointed out that 5% of the 2800 units in our City would be 140 problem units. Mr. Beirne added that 1100 rental buildings have six suites or fewer, and that in those buildings, every suite is inspected, but not every two years.
Mr. Gollinger asked what Council can do to provide resources and recover its expenses through fees. Mr. Potterfield feels that Council can improve the ordinances. He has had only positive experiences with the Building Department, but enforcement is a problem. With extensions of 3-4 months, he finds that six months later, nothing has changed-there are no teeth in our ordinances. Mr. Beirne asserted that his inspectors are too busy to pursue every case and do the necessary follow-up and paperwork involved. Mr. Koran spoke in defense of the judges, noting that Mr. Beirne's staff does not have the resources to present a full and fully documented case in court with pictures and times and documented follow-up. In that instance, our judges tend to be more lenient and allow more time for compliance. Additional manpower would improve enforcement.
Mr. Hagan commented on the need to show that this enforcement is a mainstay of improving our housing stock and that there is a need to maintain the quality of housing.
Mr. Beirne pointed out that if a home is allowed to deteriorate, the Courts do not view any problem as long as it is finally repaired. There should be some penalty. If a driver is drunk, for instance, and appears in Court sober three months later, a penalty is still assessed.
Mr. Koran indicated that through the Master Plan process, consultants have noted that our rental rates are not keeping up with home values in single family neighborhoods. This could be because of supply and demand which, because of the large number of rental units in our City, keeps prices low. Increased inspection fees, which would be passed on to tenants, would increase rents without harming people who live there.
Mr. Beirne pointed out that in the City of Rocky River, it is difficult to find 10 really bad areas. Most problems occur in buildings of fewer than 6 units. Most inspections occur in the winter when there is less construction activity.
Mr. Gollinger asked about rental condominium inspection. Mr. Beirne responded that every one is inspected before rental. Problems can occur in unoccupied properties. Mr. Gollinger raised the possibility of increasing the inspection cycle to annual and raising the fee. He feels there would be a greater likelihood of compliance than a less intense program. Mr. Beirne thought that a fee for reinspection might help compliance. Mr. Gollinger agreed, adding that one reinspection could be included in the original fee, but additional inspections could incur further charges. Mr. Beirne further noted that 60% of rental properties with six suites or less are currently inspected every two years.
Mr. Gollinger concluded, then, that the issue of penalties, including meeting with the judges, needs to be completed. He agrees that they need to be aware of the seriousness in the community of maintaining and upgrading the housing stock. The large number of rental units needs to remain as solid as possible because of the investment of other homeowners. The City needs more inspectors. Based upon information from Bay Village, their system seems to work. Lakewood has inspection of rental units at the point of sale. This also could be something to consider.
Other topics, placement of refuse on lawns and pigeon pollution will be discussed at a later meeting.
Moved by Mr. Potterfield, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi, that the meeting of the Environmental Committee be adjourned.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye Potterfield - aye
4 ayes 0 nays PASSED
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Frank B. Gollinger, Chairman Misao Kurokawa
Environmental Committee Clerk of Council
Please note: This is a draft copy of the minutes of the Environmental Committee of June 14, 2004. These minutes may be amended or revised at the next Legislative Meeting.