DRAFT

CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

JULY 18, 2005

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. Frost, Mr. Hurtuk, Mrs. Bartolozzi,

Mr. Hagan, Mrs. Bobst

Absent: Mr. Potterfield

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

Assistant Law Director: Mr. Hotz

Press: Mrs. McKenzie

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Bobst announced that the meeting was being recorded by a resident.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

Because concerned residents were in attendance, the Mayor opened his report with a discussion of the Yacht Club Basin Feasibility Study. He mentioned that the charts presented were the same as those discussed at the recent meeting at the Yacht Club.

• •His first chart showed the present roadway with its problem turn, and the Mayor pointed out the lots which belong to the City. He noted that the curve was so sharp that there was hardly room for an ambulance to make the turn. Over the years, there have been perhaps three dozen calls, including one house fire.

• •His second chart showed the turn proposed by the feasibility study. It proposes dropping the roadway coming down and allows a radius sufficient for a pumper truck to negotiate without backing. A new sidewalk was shown along the road. The major part of necessary property for the proposed project is owned by the City. Some property, however, would require a permanent easement, a construction easement or a donation of land to the City. He also pointed out the retaining walls, which are a large part of the cost, but necessary to stabilize the hill and make sure the roadway is safe and stays in place. Supports for the wall would be drilled into bedrock. Widths of the road are still to be discussed.
  
  
• •The stage following this feasibility study would be a geological survey along the hillside in which a hole is made, lined and a measurement taken to determine movement of the hillside before construction of the retaining walls. Additional survey work would also be done. The Mayor estimated that this phase would cost approximately $50,000 and take from six months to two years.
  
  
• •The third phase would be the actual engineering work. This would be followed by discussions with property owners about easements or donations.
  
  
• •The final phase would be the actual bidding and construction.
  
  
• •The Mayor said that this is a long-term project, and that initial responses have been mostly positive, with one negative call. Much would depend upon the location of the roadway.
• •Mr. Gollinger asked about extending the sidewalk to the base of the hill. The Mayor responded that this is not in this project.
• •Mrs. Bartolozzi asked if increasing the grade would be a problem in winter. Mr. Linden said that it would not be more troublesome than Wagar hill or Mastick. It would require salt to insure safety.
• •Mrs. Bobst clarified the point that the Mayor is seeking agreement from Council that the second phase, geological testing and additional survey work. The Mayor's opinion is that the next phase should go forward. Some residents have done surveys on their own, and this information will be given to the City's testing firm. Mrs. Bobst explained that while resident comment would not be accepted this week, she encouraged residents to call, e-mail or attend the next legislative meeting to express their ideas.
• •The Mayor added that anyone interested in a closer look at the charts is welcome to see them in his office.

As there were no objections, Mrs. Bobst asked the Mayor to draft appropriate legislation to move ahead with the next phase of the project. The Mayor thanked the 45 or so residents who attended the meeting at the Yacht Club and contributed their productive comments.

• •Mr. Frost also thanked the members of the Yacht Club Board. He asked his fellow Council members to support the coming legislation.
  
  

Continuing with his report, the Mayor touched upon the events of the past weekend: the Senior Art Show was excellent and continues until the end of the month. He encouraged all to attend. On Saturday, a successful Fun Fest, Shred-It event and Taste of Rocky River were held. He thanked Mrs. Bobst for guiding residents through the Shred-It event for four hours on Saturday.

The bait shop at the fishing pier will re-open, probably by this weekend. This will provide adult supervision on-site. The shop will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday, the park will be open but the shop will be closed.

Some residents have been concerned about the lack of upkeep of the landscaping at the post office property. The administration has scheduled a meeting with the postmaster on Thursday in the hopes that the issue can be resolved. The post office does not own the building, but leases it.

Discussion: Mr. Gollinger asked if the property owners of the post office property would be in attendance at this meeting. The Mayor said that they would not, and he is currently attempting to obtain a copy of the lease for further discussion.

Mrs. Bobst added that the Shred-It event on Saturday was very well-attended and almost 4500 lbs of paper was shredded. This free event helped safeguard against identity theft and saved a great deal from being added to the landfill.

ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S REPORT:

Mr. Koran began with a report on the four active construction sites in the City:

1. Beachcliff Market Square is progressing well in its demolition phase with most of the 1979 addition gone. Mr. Koran was happy to report that the small parking garage has been approved. There is a minor issue with the church, but he is hopeful that it can be resolved without participation by the City. During the demolition phase, many street lights have been reclaimed for reuse in the City's streetscaping project which he hopes to have ready for bids in February. These original lights are from the 1920's and originated in Cleveland Hts. and East Cleveland as part of the Forest Hills area.
   
   
2. Astor Place is almost finished, and going very well. Two final units remain to be completed.
   
   
3. Beachcliff Row, after a slow start, is progressing nicely. The third floor is under way at the project at Lake and Linda. There will be 11 units, and according the Bob Kelly, three have been sold with reservations on another three.
   
   
4. Hamlets West is also going well and should be complete soon. Hamlets East will begin in the spring.
   
   

Among other projects, Riverside, off E. Asplin is a typical Chandler development, very well done. At River Place, the status is unchanged. At Grandview on River Oaks, there are issues with the demolition contractor.

In commercial development:

• •Two newcomers, Qdoba and Mocha Dreams have both had ribbon cuttings.
• •River Plaza has been restriped, but final landscaping remains.
• •McDhurrie's, Innuendo and Yeager Jewelers have resettled in new quarters in the City.
• •Eagle Financial with its 50 employees has moved into its Center Ridge offices.
• •An agreement may be close for a new tenant at Harrison's on Center Ridge.
• •Demolition has begun at Westgate, but final plans have not yet been forwarded to the City.
  
  

The first annual Taste of River, a new idea proposed by members of the Chamber of Commerce, was very successful and featured excellent food. Although a final count is not yet available, it is known that over 300 people bought tickets. It is hoped that next year's will be even bigger.

A final matter of concern from a development standpoint was raised by Mr. Koran. Rocky River is one of the few communities which allow cluster housing in single family districts. This has encouraged development. He feels that it is time to reevaluate this policy and open talks about the ramifications. The goal should be neighborhood preservation; the cluster development must be compatible with the existing nei ghborhood. A large parcel in any neighborhood could be sold to a developer and a significant number of new units added. Council may or may not want this for the City. At any rate, he recommended discussion.

• •Mrs. Bobst has spoken to Mr. Potterfield who requested that this topic be added to the agenda of next week's Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee meeting. Mr. Koran will attend that meeting.
  
  

Discussion: Mr. Gollinger asked about the activity on Detroit close to Ingersoll's and Max's Deli. Mr. Koran responded that it is a problem of water leakage into the basement which is being addressed.

Mr. Gollinger's second question concerned the streetscaping project which Mr. Koran said would go to bid in February. He wondered about a time frame for funding. Mr. Koran answered that the original deadline was two years which would have expired this October. He has applied for and received a one-year extension. The project will be reviewed this winter with a bid opening in early February. Completion should be in October, 2006 with all expenditures in before the end of the year. That will meet the deadline.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Resolution No. 133-04: This resolution adopts the Master Plan and will be discussed at the next meeting of the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee at 7:00 p.m. next Monday.

Ordinance No. 86-05: This ordinance deals with maximum lot coverage and will also be discussed at the next meeting of Mr. Potterfield's committee.

Ordinances No. 91-05 through 96-05: These ordinances, which authorize changes in the zoning or property maintenance code, have been read once and referred to the Planning Commission for discussion at their tomorrow evening.

Ordinance No. 97-05: This ordinance establishes the higher standard in the event of conflict between Codes or Code sections and will be available for its third reading next Monday.

Ordinance No. 98-05: This ordinance prohibits storage of rubbish and garbage where it is visible from the public right-of-way. Although it would be available for a third reading this week, there is interest in seeing the ordinances being drafted by Mr. Linden as they refer to rubbish.

Ordinance No. 99-05: This ordinance prohibits parking of vehicles on landscaped areas. This will be eligible for a third reading this Monday.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Rocky River WWTP Sewer Flow and Strength Study 2005: Mr. Gollinger's intent is to meet with the Administration to review various aspects of the report. Rocky River's flow has increased which will result in increased costs. He will schedule such a meeting with the Administration and be prepared to discuss the issue with Council.

Review of Yacht Club Basin Feasibility Study: This topic was discussed under the Mayor's Report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Environmental Committee: Opening a topic discussed last week, Mr. Gollinger noted that Council members had received a copy of the final rules for establishment of quiet zones by the FRA. He has found that there is a good deal of support for these quiet zones. He will meet with Mr. Matty and the Administration to determine requirements and will then discuss the issue with his committee.

He also noted that Mr. Linden had put together three ordinances to cover changes to Section 941 concerning when rubbish may be placed on tree lawns, how it must be prepared, etc. He encouraged the Administration to place it on the agenda for the next meeting.

• •Mr. Frost asked if there is conflict between the proposed ordinances and Ordinance No. 98-05 which is currently on the agenda. Mr. Gollinger responded that they cover different Code sections and there did not seem to be a problem.
  
  

Safety Committee: Mr. Frost reported that the Safety Committee has looked into possible restrictions on hours of prohibited right turns on red. This question was raised by the recent action permitting no right turns from Westway onto Wagar Rd. Mr. Frost found that several surrounding cities prohibit right turns on red only during certain hours or days, independent of school times. He indicated that the City could choose the hours to suit the situation. At this time, he has not received complaints, and he is not proposing legislation. If, however, the Administration feels that this would be beneficial, his committee would consider any proposed legislation.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 104-05: This ordinance authorizing the purchase of vehicle maintenance parts is an ongoing expense. There is only one bidder who perennially provides the products at the best price. Mr. Hagan requested that this ordinance be placed on the Consent Agenda.

Ordinance No. 105-05: Mrs. Bartolozzi indicated that this ordinance authorizes the sale of used City vehicles including police cars. Mr. Linden noted that although the market for these used vehicles is not as good as it was once, these are fair prices. Mrs. Bartolozzi indicated that this ordinance should be on the Consent Agenda for next week.

Ordinance No. 106-05: Mr. Hurtuk turned to Mr. Thomas for details on the supplemental appropriations that make up this ordinance. Mr. Thomas explained that the major changes were necessitated by additions to the road paving program and expenses difficult to predict such as natural gas and fuel. He noted that the City is now using an improved pump computer which more accurately indicates how much gas is being used by each department.

Answering a question from Mr. Hurtuk, Mr. Thomas indicated that the Permanent Improvement Fund is higher than projected with $1.8 million or more expected this year. The other income funds, payroll tax and property tax are up slightly. Expenditures are slightly lower than projected. Mr. Hurtuk expressed optimism at these encouraging signs.

Resolution No. 107-05: Mr. Thomas indicated that this form of preparing information is relatively new. It replaced the Tax Budget that the City has been required to submit to the County Budget Commission. The City is permitted to use this form, saving a tax budget hearing, because the public may comment at the regular Legislative Meeting. The information being submitted is a first estimate of the 2006 budget with predictions about the end of this year and projections for next year. Mr. Hurtuk noted that the information is required by the end of the month and requested that this resolution be placed on the Consent Agenda.

Ordinance No. 108-05: This ordinance will increase fees slightly at the ice rink. The new rates are shown in italics in the exhibit. Mrs. Bobst explained that the wide range of spectator fees is a reflection that the high school is participating in a new hockey conference and the range of fees will accommodate many activities from ice shows to standardized rates in the conference.

Ordinance No. 109-05: This ordinance authorizes repair of a 24" storm drain which runs from Maplewood to the lake and runs under a home presently being sold. The pipe has been videoed, and under the home, it is cracked. The location of the cracks dictates the only type of repair possible without digging. Since the title transfers on August 31, Mr. Linden would like the repair to be accomplished before then. He indicated that another ordinance authorizing an easement would also need to be passed next week. Mr. Hagan asked that this ordinance be placed on the Consent Agenda.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

President Bobst mentioned that this Sunday at 7:00 p.m. another community concert will be held at Rocky River Park.

She also announced that August is a month of recess for Council with no regular meetings scheduled. Special meetings requested by the Administration will be held if five or six members are available.

The Division of Liquor Control of the Ohio Department of Commerce has notified the City that all liquor licenses in the City will be up for renewal on October 1. At this time, the City is granted the right to object to any renewal.

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 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 meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole of July 11, 2005. These minutes may be amended or revised at the next Legislative Meeting.