DRAFT

Mrs. Bobst mentioned that Mr. Linden had presented an additional piece of legislation, Ordinance No. 132-04 for discussion this evening.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Master Plan: Mrs. Bobst announced that draft copies of the Master Plan as submitted by City Architecture had been distributed to Council members on Friday.

Mr. Koran came forward to bring Council up to date on the plan. He explained that this report was the culmination of over 18 months of hard work by his office, the Master Plan Working Group and City Architecture. He briefly detailed the Charter change which mandated the plan, the proposal and hiring of City Architecture and the volunteers, who were architects, city planners and City board members who came forward to serve on the Master Plan Working Group. He also reported on the 10 public meetings held to receive public input including three target area meetings. All the public sessions were well-attended and resulted in good ideas for City Architecture in their study of what future development would be best for everyone in our community.

Last week, Mrs. Bobst and Mrs. Bartolozzi met with Mr. Koran to formulate a tentative schedule for review of the Plan:

Administration submission to City Council 9/3/04

City Architecture presentation to City Council 9/20/04

City Architecture presentation to Planning Commission 10/19/04

City Council Public Hearing 10/25/04

Final approval by City Council 11/1/04

So that everyone would understand the charge to the City, Mrs. Bobst read from the Charter, Article VI, Section 3, (b) Planning Commission, Powers and Duties:

“A comprehensive general plan to be known as the master plan shall be prepared by the Mayor or his designee by May 15, 2005. It shall provide for the overall development of the entire City. This master plan shall be reviewed every ten (10) years thereafter and revised as necessary giving due consideration to those areas requiring redevelopment or urban renewals. Consistent with the master plan it may prepare a mapped streets plan together with necessary maps or plats showing the surveyed lines of all proposed improvements. It shall have such powers as may be conferred upon it by ordinance of the Council concerning the plan, design, location, removal, relocation and alteration of any public building or structure or those located on public streets or property, and the location, relocation, widening, extension and vacation of streets, parkways, playgrounds and other public places, the zoning and rezoning the of the City for any lawful purpose, and such other powers as may now or hereafter be conferred upon it by ordinance of the Council or by the general laws of the State of Ohio to the extent not inconsistent with this Charter or such ordinances.

The Commission shall review the comprehensive plan, as prepared by the Mayor or his designee as set forth above, and all revisions made each ten (10) years thereafter, and shall refer to Council with its recommendations any revisions or amendments thereto. No comprehensive plan or portions thereof or amendments thereto, shall be adopted by Council until after a public hearing thereon. The comprehensive plan shall serve as a guide to all future actions of the City concerning land use, development regulations, and official maps. A sufficient sum shall be appropriated by the Council each year to carry out the planning provisions of this Charter.”

Law Director Matty has offered to draft legislation adopting the plan. Referring to the tentative schedule above, Mrs. Bobst mentioned that Council may choose to add public hearings. She is hopeful that the first reading will be next Monday. October 1 will be the first opportunity for the plan to be adopted.

Mr. Matty suggested that ward council members may wish to look at the parts of the plan that impact their wards. He remarked that this document may be a tool for us or against us, and may have a positive or negative effect on neighborhoods.

Mrs. Bobst asked Council members to gather questions for the City Architecture presentation or talk with Director Koran before the meeting.

Mr. Potterfield commented that Mr. Koran and the Working Group have spent a great deal of time on this project. This is very important for Rocky River, and Mr. Potterfield urged communication with the public so that residents know that this is under consideration because it could change community thinking. He would like as many people as possible to express opinions on the plan.

Mr. Koran acknowledged that that was an excellent point. Two color copies will be available at the library. A desk will also be set up in the Building Department so that the plan can be examined by residents at their leisure. Other copies have been distributed to Council, the Planning Commission and the Working Group. The BZA, Design and Construction Board and the Community Development Advisory Board will also receive copies.

Mr. Hagan agreed with Mr. Matty and felt that ward council members can help educate members of their wards. He asked if small sections can be pulled out of the plan and copied since he thought neighborhoods would focus in their own area.

Mrs. Bobst cautioned that residents need to see the entire picture. Individual sections can be pulled out, but it needs to be remembered that they are integrated and a part of the entire process.

Mr. Potterfield added that this plan proposed some big changes and many will be impacted by it. He suggested that if sections are used alone, that the first pages and introduction be included.

The Mayor mentioned that partial and full black and white copies are available upon request at $.10 per page and/or $15.00 for a complete copy.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Safety Committee: Mr. Frost reported that the Working Group on Animal Control Laws has recommended that signs be installed at Elmwood Park and Rocky River Park stating that “Dogs Must Be on Leash”. Since this does not require Council approval, he will pursue the matter with Mr. Linden. If the budget permits, the signs will be installed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 130-04: Mr. Hurtuk turned to Mr. Thomas, the Finance Director, for brief comments on this ordinance. Mr. Thomas explained that this is an annual renewal of a third party administrator. The City contracts for those services, and this is necessary to qualify the City for more favorable rates. Mr. Hurtuk asked that this be placed on the Consent Agenda.

Ordinance No. 131-04: This has been discussed at the Special Meeting.

Ordinance No. 132-04: Mrs. Bartolozzi called upon Mr. Linden to explain this ordinance. After some delays, this ordinance has been prepared so that the City’s Fire Division can purchase an exhaust extraction system which is needed for the safety of the fire fighters. Mr. Linden added that the Fire Department was able to obtain a grant from FEMA to pay for 90% of the system. He asked for passage as soon as possible so that the grant is not lost. This will be on the Consent Agenda.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mrs. Bobst sent Council’s condolences to Mayor Knoble on the loss of his father, William H. Knoble.

Thanks were in order for Mr. Hurtuk who presided at meetings held on July 26 in the absence of the president.

Belated birthday wishes went to Mr. Potterfield for his birthday July 5 and to Mr. Hagan, July 11.

On Tuesday, September 14, Community Challenge will hold an Open House from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at its offices, 20525 Center Ridge Road, Suite 518.

The completion of Linden Park was accomplished very quickly. Mrs. Bobst said that it was being used by many children when she passed.

Mayor Knoble asked for an update on the central dispatch issue. Mr. Matty reported that he had received two changes including one from North Olmsted totaling four pages. At this point he does not know the final status.

Mayor Knoble will attend a COG meeting tomorrow where more information will be available. He noted that a grant from FEMA has been received for more than $600,000 which will pay for the equipment. The space and utilities have been donated, so the expense will be in the operation of the facility.

He asked for an idea as to whether Council is interested in pursuing the concept. He and the other mayors favor the plan and the fire chiefs of all the cities are also in favor.

Mrs. Bobst asked if a dollar amount has been set. Mayor Knoble said that is will be between $80, 000 and $140,000 per year for Rocky River, depending on whether or not North Olmsted chooses to participate. This facility must be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Mayor feels this is a safety issue, not a money-saving concept. With the participation of Fairview Park, Bay Village, Westlake and Rocky River there could be a more effective use of resources which may eventually result in the purchase of less equipment, but the main benefit is that this will improve service to all the communities.

It was determined that, in principle, there is support for this concept.

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at

11:25 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 September 7, 2004. These minutes may be revised or amended at the next Legislative Meeting.

DRAFT

CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

SEPTEMBER 7, 2004

The Special 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. Frost, Mr. Hurtuk,

Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Hagan, Mrs. Bobst

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

Law Director: Mr. Matty

Press: Mr. Kelley, Mrs. McKenzie

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Bobst opened the meeting with a statement that its purpose is to discuss Ordinance No. 131-04. She called upon Mayor Knoble for his comments.

Mayor Knoble first thanked members of the community who came forward to help him grieve the passing of his father. Both he and his family appreciated the expressions of sympathy.

He then reviewed a short history of this construction program which improves the water and sewer lines in the Orchard Park/Bates area. Eight years ago, plans were discussed to replace the water lines on Berry and in the entire area. This was determined on the frequency of breaks as reported by the Cleveland Water Department. Replacement of these lines is the responsibility of the City, except for major lines such as Detroit Road.

Upon becoming mayor, Mr. Knoble moved this project to the top of his priority list and applied for Issue 2 funds, which were granted, to help pay for the water line project. The engineering was done in early 2002 and work on drawings and bids commenced. At that point, the Administration was unsure of the status of sewers, but upon testing, it became clear that there were problems. It has been the Mayor’s position that when the repair of a street is undertaken, all aspects should be reviewed so that it is done right and further excavation is unnecessary. Without this policy, after the waterline replacement and repaving, necessary sewer work may have torn up the street and necessitated construction for a second time. This project was originally budgeted for $500,000 to $600,000, but with additions, expanded to $2 million. The lowest bid came from DiGioia Suburban which, in accordance with City policy of accepting the lowest bidder unless circumstances dictate otherwise, was accepted. Letters were mailed to residents on March 2, 2004.

As work began, some problems arose with gas lines, but the water and sewer lines were installed. Some delays were experienced, and, as happens with many large projects, there was a lot of dirt, dust and inconvenience.

The Mayor acknowledged that he should have done a better job in communicating with residents as to the progress or problems in the project. About a month ago, he received calls from residents and indicated that he would be happy to meet with them. Subsequently, such a meeting was held, attended by 19 residents from Bates. Since that time, however, the situation has deteriorated with half-truths and untruths circulating. The Mayor enumerated his many ties to the area, including the fact that his parents lived on Berry Drive from 1960 to 1984. He maintains much affection for the area with friends on every street.

He said that Bates was evaluated, based upon certain criteria, to determine what needs to be done to make the area look good and satisfy infrastructure requirements. Sidewalk restoration, curbs and driveway area construction must be fully funded by the City, and replacement is not made unless necessary. The standard criteria applied to all areas of the City was not varied in this case. The project and its costs have now escalated because it was discovered that three streets have no base, and this will be done before paving.

The Mayor noted that he receives dozens of requests each week asking him to spend money. He must evaluate them and bring to Council those which benefit the City the most without favor to any section. Because of this policy, the renovation of City parks is done on a rotating basis, with one park done each year. To be fiscally responsible, only necessary replacements are made. Without Council approval, the Mayor cannot spend more. He further feels that the line was crossed by many who accused him of favoritism, and that this may be political. He has reviewed the project with the City Engineer and added $350,000 to the $2.1 million contract. He also noted that sound barriers will be erected in this area and a small park will be added.

Mr. Richard Lesiecki, the City Engineer, then explained that the contractor, DiGioia Suburban, originally bid $2,127,388.35 with an April 1 start date. He stated that they have installed 3300 linear ft of sanitary sewers and 3300 ft of storm sewers as well as approximately 9,000 linear ft of water line, totaling 3 miles of underground piping. Approximately 1/3 of 220 water connections have been completed. Remaining are the 2/3 of the water connections, replacement of curbs, aprons and sidewalks and restoration.

Ordinance No. 131-04 will authorize full depth pavement replacement for Blossom, Berry and Bartlett Drives. Without this base, the streets would not stand up to traffic. This addition was not anticipated nor expected. Another part of the expenditure in this ordinance is the replacement of additional curbs, drives and aprons. In the ordinance attachment, the map shows properties originally slated for curb, apron and sidewalk replacement as gray shading. Black shading was used for properties added by this ordinance.

The total expenditure for sidewalks is proposed to increase from $68,120 to $81,984. The total expenditure for apron replacement is proposed to increase from $57,350 to $89,029. The addition of $350,000 to this project means that the total spent will be $2.4 million. On this project, not all sidewalks and curbs will be replaced as in any standard engineering project. With this addition, the completion date has been tentatively set at November 24 as outlined in a letter from the contractor received today.

Mr. Frost, Ward I Councilmember, confirmed that the project was originally slated to end in early October after 210 days, but will now end at the end of November. He has seen the circulated notices and received calls. Residents are right to be concerned after the information which was circulated. He has spoken with the Administration and now feels that with this meeting, residents will better understand what is to be replaced. He has digital pictures showing replacement areas, and he is satisfied that it was properly evaluated. His street has been undergoing similar construction, and he is sympathetic to what residents have been enduring.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:

Diane Bizga, 22557 Locust Lane, asked if anyone has used the sidewalks in the area with a child and stroller. Without replacing all the sidewalks, it is not safe.

• Mrs. Bobst noted that sidewalks are covered under the Sidewalk Replacement Program which can be implemented at the completion of the project. Mr. Frost asked about the criteria.

• Mr. Lesiecki indicated that a 3/4" or 1" horizontal displacement (not certain on the Code) or a crack in a sidewalk would require replacement.

• Mrs. Bobst explained that only sidewalks damaged or moved by construction would be replaced at this time. If not, the Sidewalk Program would be in effect, and owners would be notified of the need to replace sidewalks.

• Mr. Frost has walked with his children on Aberdeen, and used a stroller. There is much jostling and bumping. In his neighborhood, many homeowners elected to replace sidewalks with slate rather than the traditional concrete. He feels that the evaluation was done within city-wide criteria. Tolerable variations will exist in any neighborhood.

Mrs. Bizga then said that normal sidewalks had not been marked. Further, calls to the construction company had not been returned.

• Mr. Matty noted that the Code says that a displacement of 1" or less is permitted. If a sidewalk block had more than 1", it would be marked and the resident asked to replace it.

• Mrs. Bobst asked, upon completion of the project, that the City be made aware of any sidewalk which needs to be replaced.

•

Terry Bizga, 22557 Locust Lane, asked if anyone in the City had given any thought to placing a police officer in the area during rush hour to direct traffic because of impaired visibility. He thought this was a major oversight. Mr. Linden commented that this is not normally done unless requested.

Therese O’Malley, 14 Baldwin Lane, said that they are caught between two streets being rehabilitated. They have not been able to ride their bicycles for six months.

• Mrs. Bobst noted that the construction takes longer because the City is trying to do the right thing, and this is a large project. She acknowledged that it has been difficult, but she urged all to be patient. She said that although everyone was asked to focus on the current ordinance, Council was interested in all aspects of the construction.

Harry Efferth, 22656 Beechnut Lane, mentioned that the contractor no longer sweeps the rocks off the pavement at the end of the construction day. He feels this is a safety issue and poses a dangerous situation.

Tony Patton, 957 Bates Road observed that some aprons and curbs were being replaced, but not all. He pointed out that on Inglewood, 66 houses received 66 new aprons and curbs and sidewalks. Further, this was a City project. If the City authorized expenditure of $900,000 on Inglewood, one street, then for this project of 9 streets, it should allot 9 x $900,000 or $8.1 million. This would be enough budget to do it right. He does not see the problem, and asked, “What’s the big deal?” He said another project could be postponed so that this project could be done right. There is nothing political about it, and he has no agenda.

• Mr. Gollinger noted his confusion in that currently sidewalks and aprons do not match. Additionally, Mr. Gollinger stated that residents on Inglewood did not, in fact, receive any sidewalk replacement except where required.

Julia Patton, 957 Bates Road expressed outrage and said she was insulted at the Mayor’s comment that the protest was political. She was very disappointed because she thought that the letter led residents to believe that all sidewalks would be replaced. She also raised the question of rollover curbs which she felt were not safe as they will not stop a car from going onto the sidewalk. She would like to see a traditional curb installed.

• Mayor Knoble noted that his letter to residents specified, “replacement of the waterline, miscellaneous storm and sanitary sewer repairs, and, where required, replacement of driveway aprons, curbs and sidewalks.” He maintained that the City is doing nothing that was not stated in the letter of March 2, which specifically said, “where required”, the same as in other parts of the City.

Jennifer Kostik, 910 Bates Road, asked for uniformity in curbs for the area. She said that the City would not allow her to paint only half her house or replace half her roof in a different color. She felt that all curbs replaced should be uniform.

• Mrs. Bobst noted that the curbs would be replaced as rollovers.

Ms. Kostik also asked about the addition of the construction of the base. Without it, she was told, the condition of the road would deteriorate quickly. A full-depth base will be built for Berry, Blossom and Bartlett Drives as part of the work authorized by Ordinance No. 131-04.

Mr. Hurtuk requested that everyone respect the speakers and allow Council to hear what they have to say.

Melissa Mentzer, 22310 Blossom, has a new fire hydrant which sticks out above the ground level. She also has a yard full of large rocks. She asked what would happen after the curbs are installed.

• Mr. Lesiecki answered that part of the restoration contract required that yards be regraded and rocks be removed.

She also noted that the contractor does not work on Fridays.

• Mr. Lesiecki said that their workweek is 4 ten-hour days, Monday through Thursday with Friday as a make up for a rain day, if necessary.

Ms. Mentzer, addressing the Mayor, said that he should not take the Patton letter as a personal attack.

Joanne Gerhart, 22309 Blossom, commented that she would not be able to get into her driveway for 11 days. She has not washed her car all summer; her house is dirty and she is disgusted and discouraged. Now hearing that the project will not be finished until November 24, she wondered if there is a penalty for the contractor if it is not completed by that date.

• Mr. Matty indicated that this is not a guaranteed date, but rather a target date. Mr. Lesiecki added that sub-contractors will be used for concrete and paving. Adding work at this time of year may delay the project if winter comes early, so no completion dates can be guaranteed.

Mike Uline, 946 Bates Road, stated that he feels everyone should be treated the same. He also mentioned that the contractors have been very courteous.

Frank Kollath, 22667 Meadowhill Lane, agreed that the contractors were great. He thought, however, that rocks left on the street should be swept up. He lives on a cul-de-sac and invited the Mayor and Council to enjoy his “swimming pool” at the next rain. He felt that the base on Meadowhill is sadly lacking.

• Mr. Lesiecki explained that the surface 3" will be removed and repaved on the base. The three streets he mentioned earlier have no base. He said that Meadowhill will be smooth when the project is finished.

Pat Keith, 22606 Meadowhill Lane, asked if the dips will be removed when the street is repaved.

• Mr. Lesiecki commented that the street will be taken down to 3” from grade and built back up. He asked for patience as this takes time. The surface will be level prior to repaving.

The resident also complained of the lack of communication.

Margaret Kourjis, 1311 Orchard Park, had an issue with asphalt streets, and wanted the streets to be concrete. She asked how the replacement could be 3" from the current grade.

• Mr. Lesiecki explained that the surface will be taken down 3" and repaved on top of the existing 6" of base (asphalt or concrete) or new asphalt streets will be 9" of asphalt total.

Ms. Kourjis was concerned about the appearance. Mr. Lesiecki pointed out that the concrete streets would have a strip due to the construction trenches. In the interests of uniformity, all streets are to be done with asphalt.

Ed Baisel, 981 Bates Road, observed that sidewalks, curbs and aprons are a lifetime project and the residents deserve it if all other streets have it. Everything should be replaced.

Shirley Horwatt, 19415 Dorothy, recently had her street repaved and new aprons and curbs were installed. However, the sidewalks were paid for by homeowners.

Bob Myers, 22677 Beechnut Lane, is a general contractor and he rehabs houses. He understands that they have to go through the development process. He feels that Orchard Park is a showplace and very well maintained, although 40 years old. This is an opportunity for this to be a model situation. He thinks asphalt is acceptable, and other elements should be uniform. This could perk up the entire area. He thinks the City has the money and should get the funds for this project.

Bob Meister, 22390 Bartlett Drive, does not understand–he thinks the contractor is holding the City hostage. For two weeks, no one has been working on the project on his street. He wondered why it is taking so long.

• Mr. Lesiecki explained that in August, there was a 2-3 week delay required by the Cleveland Water Department for testing, chlorination of water and flushing of the line. After this, water lines must be reconnected and a crew has been working on it. Last week a second crew was added. When they are enough ahead, concrete work can begin on one street. Other areas of the project are in different phases, and preparations are being made for paving.

• Mrs. Bobst said she heard the general concern that the contractor was not mobilized and Council will pursue this question. She noted that Council has work to do and asked for patience on the part of the residents, adding that there would be communication.

Bill Welsh, 1050 Orchard Park, said that he had no real complaint with the contractor. The work on the sewer and water lines went quickly. He asked why, with so many connections to make, the contractor had only one crew working on it. Mr. Lesiecki indicated that he had asked the same question and now a second crew has been added. Mr. Welsh also commented that dust is part of construction, but he wondered why calcium, which decreases dust, is no longer added to the streets at the end of the day.

· Mr. Lesiecki explained that the calcium, which does diminish dust, turns to slime when it rains, so that if there is a possibility of rain, it is not used.

Finally, Mr. Welsh asked about specifications for compaction and the replacement of dirt.

· Mr. Lesiecki said that ODOT standards are used and that compaction tests are required.

George Palmer, 1090 Orchard Park, asked about paving. When residents were told that the streets would be repaved, he felt that implied that concrete would be used. He confirmed that the roadway would be asphalt with concrete curbs. The type of curb on Peachtree will not change, and the curb on Orchard Park will remain standard. He felt the letter was misleading.

Ed Buchwald, 1150 Orchard Park, feels that he enjoys living in Rocky River and has a great neighborhood. He also has no problems with the Service Department.

Keith Riegelsberger, 22577 Locust Lane, expressed appreciation to the City for doing something. His tree lawn was dirt, but last Friday, he found that it had been seeded and straw scattered on the area. The problem is that it was level before construction and now is 8” to 10” above the sidewalk on one end and 8” to 10” below the sidewalk on the other with a large pond forming. He was not concerned until he saw the grass planted and it seemed that the contractor felt that his work was finished.

· It was determined that the work was done by the gas company contractor and will be redone when the other tree lawns are done.

Keith Delany, 920 Orchard Park, has a corner lot and rollover curbs on Orchard Park and Locust. The sidewalk is uneven and there is a school bus stop on the corner. The sidewalk is cracked on the turn. He wanted to know who is responsible.

· Mr. Lesiecki responded that it will be evaluated by an inspector from his department or a third-party observer. In answer to another question, he responded that the City will replace the tree lawn.

Greg Hargett, 22656 Peachtree Lane, thinks there is a lack of accountability. He has been unable to walk since the beginning of the project and feels that it has not been a positive experience. He is concerned with the replacement of concrete with asphalt and feels that it devalues the property. He also says that communications have been bad. He has seen nothing from the contractor for two weeks. He said that someone has to be accountable. He asked if any information could be placed on the website.

· Mrs. Bobst commented that some construction updates are on the website. She said that when the City is made aware of problems, it can take action. This is a large project, scheduled for 210 days, and originally would have ended at the beginning of October. A one-week extension was granted. We now have additional information.

Mr. Hargett wanted to know how this will proceed and he said he had not seen an outline. He also wished to see the engineer’s drawings. Further, he was disappointed by their reception by the Administration and Council.

Kathy Lewis, 1261 Orchard Park, wished to thank the Service Garage, and particularly, Mary, a City employee who helped her dispose of slag left on her driveway and in front of her home.

Greg Erlanger, 22430 Blossom Drive, wished to clarify his understanding that unexpected events such as the backhoe discovery that there was no base on three streets, caused the project to go over budget.

· Mrs. Bobst made it clear again that sidewalks are not part of any project and would not be replaced in any case unless there was construction damage. Sidewalks are replaced by homeowners as part of the Sidewalk Program. Curbs and aprons are a separate issue, and are done as needed.

· Mr. Lesiecki also emphasized that no work was removed from the original project and nothing was decreased because of what was found after the project was begun. This ordinance adds the work on the base on Bartlett, Blossom and Berry with no decrease of the base bid.

· Mayor Knoble stated that once legislation is passed, the sole responsibility for its implementation lies with his administration. He hires the employees and accepts the responsibility for lapses in communication. However, he and all City employees take pride in being responsive. If residents see a situation and need help, they should call City Hall and talk to the Mayor. If he is unavailable, Mrs. Burt will see that he receives the message and he will return the call. The responsibility is his.

· Mr. Gollinger commented that this is the first time in his recollection that Council is addressing a situation before completion of a project. He noted that problems are common in construction projects and cited examples. He encouraged residents to ask questions when they do not understand or need information. He asked the engineer if residents could call the inspectors directly.

Mr. Lesiecki said the on-site inspector, Pete Callahan, works for GGJ under contract with the City. He requested that any questions for Mr. Callahan be directed through the Engineer’s office.

This concluded the first round of questions and comments with all persons given an opportunity to speak.

Mr. Harry Efferth thanked Council for holding the meeting.

Ms. Diane Bizga expects City employees to be fully accountable in their jobs as she is in hers. She lives in the City, pays taxes, and wants to see her neighborhood develop into a nicer place. The City needs to be responsive to their needs. No supervision was provided for children going to school buses during construction. No police cars helped direct traffic. Whoever is responsible has much to answer for. Construction shook her house so that the air conditioning broke down. Without complaint, they paid to have it repaired. There was no communication from City Hall. Their attitude is disappointing. She would like to see uniformity in all aspects of construction.

Mr. Tony Patton repeated that the money spent on Inglewood was $900,000. They have nine streets and even spending half, or $4 million, should have been budgeted.

· Mrs. Bobst pointed out that the legislation to add $350,000 will be on the agenda for some time, allowing discussion to go forward.

Mr. Patton asked who settled on $2.1 million. This was not enough, and adding $350,000 is still not enough.

Mrs. Bobst indicated that she understood what is being requested. This is not proceeding differently from any other project. Tonight Council members have listened to resident comments.

Mr. Patton insisted that Council must spend whatever it takes. He said the park in their area will be a patch; the wall (sound barrier) won’t cost the City a dime; more money is needed for this project.

Mrs. Bobst reminded Mr. Patton that Council needs to look at this situation and do more work. That is why the Special Meeting was called—because Council wants to address the issues.

Mrs. Bartolozzi expressed her opinion that the project started a long time ago, and communication goes two ways. If residents have problems or questions, they need to be brought to the attention of the Administration or Council members. Many concerns and frustrations have been brought out, and Mrs. Bartolozzi felt that the discussion was no longer productive. She invited them to attend future meeting. Her comments enraged several residents who seized the microphone and delivered rebuttals to her opinion.

Mr. Myers said that since cosmetics were a major concern and sidewalks were an important part of that, he proposed a compromise whereby residents would agree to be assessed some of the cost of new sidewalks. Most in attendance were not in favor of that proposal, and it was felt that the main issue was new curbs, new aprons and sidewalks where necessary.

Mrs. Bobst pledged that this would be discussed.

ORDINANCE NO. 131-04 BY BRIAN F. HAGAN

AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS FOR DIGIOIA-SUBURBAN EXCAVATING, LLC FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ORCHARD PARK/BATES ROAD AREA WATERLINE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $350,000.00

1^ST READING

This ordinance will be on the agenda of the next Legislative Meeting to be held September 13.

As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:33 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 Special Meeting of September 7, 2004. These minutes may be revised or amended at the next Legislative Meeting.