CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

JULY 17, 2006

The Committee-of-the-Whole was called to order by Mr. Hagan, President of Council, at 8:12 p.m.

Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Moran, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Hurtuk,

Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Hagan

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Mrs. McKenzie, Ms. Mitchell

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MOTION:

Moved by Mr. Hagan, at his request, seconded by Mr. Gollinger, that an Executive Session be held immediately following the meeting to consider the appointment of a public employee or official under Article X, Section 6, Subsection (1) of the Charter:

Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye

Hurtuk - aye Bartolozzi - aye Hagan - aye

6 ayes 0 nays PASSED

MAYOR'S REPORT:

Mayors and law directors of the Westshore Council of Governments are hoping to schedule a meeting with a representative of Walter & Haverfield for August 10. The Mayor indicated that, as yet, she has not heard from AT&T with further information about the buildout for Project Lightspeed.

Mayor Bobst has met with Mr. Gonzales of the Rocky River Post Office. He indicated that a new parking lot and traffic pattern will be in place by the end of August. Officials are proceeding with their plans and will address landscape maintenance issues on the property around the post office.

The new hiring policy was disseminated at the last Directors' meeting. The Mayor thanked Mr. Bemer for composing the cover letter discussing ethical responsibilities. Directors will be responsible for disseminating the policies to their departments.

The Planning Commission has one item on its agenda for tomorrow evening, a children's playground at the Unitarian Church. That meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.

Today, thanks to the efforts of Law Director Bemer, an interior inspection of the property on the corner of Bonnie Bank and Wooster was held. The Mayor is awaiting the report from the Building Department. Present at the inspection were Mr. Beirne, Mr. Koran, Mr. Nugent and Mr. Zell. Several exterior maintenance issues also remain. Interest is increasing in foreclosure, the Sheriff's sale and condemnation. Mrs. Bobst has heard from Judge Sutula and one other judge on the subject. These judges wish to be certain that the process runs smoothly and is comprehensive and in particular, that houses on the list not be withdrawn without a good reason. The Mayors and Managers Association is working with the judges.

The attendance for the outdoor pool over the weekend was 3600 for the three days.

The Senior Art Show will open on Friday, July 21 at 2:00 p.m. and will run through August 4.

An employee cookoff to benefit United Way will be held on August 25.

On Sunday, the outdoor concert at Rocky River Park will feature Eddie and the Edsels.

On Thursday, First Watch, a breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant will open for business at Beachcliff Market Square.

There has been considerable progress on construction projects: at the Umerley Civic Center, pool construction is beginning. Also, Mr. Linden and Mr. Mackay are collaborating on specifications for the Spencer and Roslyn sewer projects.

During the Council recess, the Administration will continue to work on other projects:

• •The railroad Quiet Zone, hoping to hear from the railroad about electrical boxes
• •Sewers and other projects, including the Westover water line
• •Study of Master Plan recommendations and ways to incorporate them into the Code
• •Review of the rental inspection program, evaluating what has happened and eliciting feedback from the inspectors.

Discussion: Mr. Moran asked about the landscaping at the post office. Mayor Bobst responded that funding is still needed. Although the parking lot and traffic pattern are funded, there is no money as yet for landscaping. The City has volunteered to assist with the removal of existing shrubbery, but that is on hold pending further plans. The Mayor added that she had had a call from a resident who owns a landscaping company and is offering services on a volunteer basis. She referred him to the post office and is hopeful that something can be worked out. In response to a further question, Mr. Hurtuk explained that although the post office property is leased, the type of lease provides that the lessee does everything and the landlord bears no maintenance responsibility.

Mr. Hunt asked about the correspondence from the judges, wondering if it was in response to questions posed by the Mayor. Mayor Bobst said no, that it was in response to newspaper articles, and discussions with county commissioners and Mayors and Managers which humanizes the issue and shows the impact on neighborhoods by foreclosure.

Mr. Hunt commented that some judges do not personally keep track of these dockets and turn them over to their magistrates. The Mayor indicated that Judge Sutula wrote that she will handle these cases personally.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: NONE

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Planning, Zoning & Economic Development: Mr. Gollinger commented that there were 15 items on the agenda of the BZA last Thursday. Of the many dealing with air conditioners, all were approved except one. The meeting ran from 7:30 p.m until 12:20 a.m. He advised Council members to read the minutes when they become available.

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25p.m.

________________________________ ______________________________

Brian F. Hagan Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council