CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

SEPTEMBER 17, 2007

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

Council Members Present: Mr. Moran, Mr. Hunt, Mrs. Bartolozzi,

Mr. Long, Mr. Hagan

Absent: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Hurtuk

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Hagan introduced and welcomed Dr. Michael Shoaf, the newly appointed superintendent of the Rocky River School District. Dr. Shoaf expressed pleasure at being in Rocky River, adding that he hoped to become better acquainted with members of Council and have as cooperative relationship as that enjoyed by the district in the past.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

Mayor Bobst noted that Dr. Shoaf has already reached out to the City and they have already discussed many issues. She welcomed his presence in the community and commented that he is very interested in establishing a productive relationship between the schools and the City.

The opening of the expansion of the Don Umerley Civic Center was held on Saturday. The Mayor, speaking for herself and the staff, thanked Council members for all the time they spent greeting residents and supporting staff members. She noted that the 1200 residents on Saturday and 600-700 on Sunday enjoyed seeing the center and record numbers of memberships were sold. On Thursday, a difficulty arose with a visit from the Health Department which found

problems with drainage on the pool deck surface. They would like the contractor to make modifications which will take some time, so that the estimated opening date for the pool is now October 1. The Mayor also paid tribute to the vision of the late Mayor Don Umerley who saw the last recreational additions to the Civic Center as only the beginning. She observed that he would be pleased to see the expansion of the facility, and particularly the process in formulating the expansion through work with residents and community groups.

The Senior Center also had an eventful weekend, beginning with a "Junk in Your Trunk" sale. Twenty-nine trunks were on display and 32 groups participated in the Community Health Fair, providing health screenings and information.

Today the Senior Center received a $5000 check from Giant Eagle for the senior transportation program. The Mayor noted that over the past three years, this very popular program has received great support from Giant Eagle. Approximately 1000 senior residents have enrolled in the program and through August, over 5000 trips have been made.

Flu shots will be available for residents 65 and over on Tuesday, October 9. Appointments in person are required and the charge is $30 which is covered by Medicare Part B and some insurance programs. An e-update has been sent.

Last week Fairview Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic Health System presented their community service awards. Rocky River is fortunate to be home to four individuals honored, and the Mayor extended her congratulations:

• •Mike and Shannon Cain, who were catalysts in bringing Challenge Day to the schools and community.
• •Brian King, chairman of North Coast Health Ministry which serves the health care needs of the working uninsured.
• •Gerald Skoch, executive director of the West Side Catholic Center which provides assistance for the homeless.

Another document shredding day for residents will be held Saturday October 6 from 8:00-11:30 a.m. next to the fire station. The Mayor asked that residents limit their materials to two standard-sized boxes so that everyone can be served.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) now has 16 residents who have completed their training and another session will be initiated beginning October 15 at 7:00 p.m. This program will provide training to those interested in being certified in a number of areas to enhance preparedness in the community, providing skills to complement health care professionals and safety forces. The Mayor expressed hope that a regional CERT can be formed.

The Rotary will sponsor Martin Savidge day with a luncheon at noon on Monday, September 24. At that time, Mr. Savidge will share his experiences as a world news reporter, hopefully sharing his perspective as a Rocky River native. Rotary members or the Mayor's office have more information.

At its recognition dinner, the Cuyahoga County Soil and Water Conservation District will honor two younger residents of the City, Charlie Yingling and Adam Pullar, who have completed their Eagle Scout projects in this area. The Mayor noted that Adam Pullar worked with the City to establish a rain garden between the Civic Center and the ice rink. The Mayor extended the City's congratulations to both young men on their accomplishments.

A Republican primary in Ward 3 will be held tomorrow.

Discussion: Mrs. Bartolozzi commented on the opening of the Rec Center. She attended the Parks and Recreation Foundation benefit on Wednesday and had an impressive grand tour of the project and observed the importance of recreational facilities for young people which provide opportunities for fellowship and friendship as well as physical exercise for fun and stress relief. She said that recreation facilities help to make this City unique and heighten its sense of community. Through recreation programs, young mothers meet and make friends; pre-schoolers meet others to make kindergarten less intimidating. The number of residents who use recreational facilities is phenomenal, and Mrs. Bartolozzi asserted that it is these services which provide the connection between citizens and their community. She urged every resident to use the facility, either as members or as non-members, on a drop-in basis.

She applauded Don Umerley's vision for recognizing the need and pursuing a two-step process, doing what could be done initially, keeping the long range plan for eventual expansion. She also commended Mayor Knoble for moving the process forward, and Mayor Bobst for completing it. Finally, she thanked community organizations for their support including the Rocky River Jr. Women's Club and the Early Education Childhood PTA for their significant financial support which indicates how important this project is to the community.

Mayor Bobst observed that the product is incredible because the process was incredible. It engaged so many residents over time in an important way to define resident wishes and needs and challenged the Administration to build a facility to meet those needs. The Administration's commitment now is to the successful operation of the facility which will make it financially viable.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 91-07: Mr. Hagan explained that this ordinance approves a contract with Community Challenge which will enable the City to pay the invoice for services approved in the December 2006 budget hearings. He anticipates another request shortly to consider services for the 2008 budget. President Hagan indicated that he will move for a rule suspension at the next meeting, as the funds have already been appropriated and the services have been performed.

Ordinance No. 92-07 : Mr. Long, acting for Mr. Hurtuk, noted that this ordinance will authorize the Mayor to make purchases for various computer accessories and other types of peripheral equipment which will exceed the City's bid limit with this vendor. Council members have received an explanatory e-mail from the Finance Director which will be discussed in greater detail next week.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: NONE

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Parks and Recreation Committee: Mrs. Bartolozzi reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. at the ice rink pavilion. Mr. Moran will be in attendance.

Environmental Committee: Mr. Hunt announced a meeting of his committee on October 1 at 7:00 p.m. to consider the proposed Sewer Maintenance and Rehabilitation Plan. This would be prior to the meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole.

Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee: Mr. Hagan, in Mr. Gollinger's absence, noted that a communication was received from the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce regarding requested changes in the proposed portable and temporary sign ordinance which were presented in draft form and discussed at earlier committee meetings. He proposed a brief discussion with Mr. Bemer with a further discussion scheduled when Mr. Gollinger and Mr. Hurtuk are present.

Mr. Bemer acknowledged that additional guidance from Council would be helpful before redrafting the legislation. He said that he has discussed the proposed changes from the Chamber of Commerce through President Greg Thompson's office with both Building Commissioner Kevin Beirne and Economic and Community Development Director Kory Koran, and he commented on the key elements:

• •Section 1163.01(b)(9) and 1163.05(e) would allow temporary signs only within six feet of a public right-of-way. The Chamber requests that this wording be removed.



• •Section 1163.05(e)(1) outlines a secondary element which is the number of days in a calendar year permitted. The draft proposes 75; the Chamber is proposing 90.



• •Section 1163.05(e)(3) The Chamber requests adding that signs must be at least three feet from the public right of way. Mr. Bemer asserted that he stands by 1163.05(e)(3) as originally drafted, feeling that it is sufficiently open-ended and clear so as not to unduly inhibit the placement of signs, but also provide the necessary safety by removing any hazards. Three feet from the public right-of-way would restrict most of Old Detroit from using temporary signage, since they would be automatically in the right-of-way.



• •The last item, 1163.05(e)(6) was thought by the Chamber to be unwieldy to expect that an applicant go before both the Building Commissioner for the initial application and then the ARB. Mr. Bemer said there was general agreement among Administration members that the ARB should have input in being certain that the sign would be compatible both for the business purpose and the architectural design of the building or structure.



• •Section 1163.05(d)(2) may have been misinterpreted. There is no restriction on one sign, whether it is a wall sign, roof sign or projecting sign. The subsection (2) should allow, at the suggestion of both Mr. Beirne and Mr. Koran, a ground sign, wall sign, roof sign and projecting sign if a business felt it would be compatible with their business needs.

Mr. Hagan commented that the six-foot regulation has been discussed and based on that discussion, he believes Council's intention is to prohibit temporary signage on sidewalks which are immediately adjacent to store entrances. Here, projecting signs would be permitted. If the setback is greater than six feet, then a temporary ground sign would be permitted.

• •Mr. Bemer confirmed that the Old Detroit area would be prohibited from placing temporary signs because establishments are adjacent to the right-of-way. Mr. Hagan agreed, saying that they would probably go back to projecting signs. Shops that are further back than six feet would not be helped by a projecting sign because they would not be seen, but those stores would be able to place a temporary sign close to the right-of-way, but farther from the entrance. Mr. Bemer noted that a projecting sign would be a permanent sign, not used for temporary purposes.

Mr. Hagan observed that sandwich-type signs are seen for some restaurants, but for others, an attractively framed sign can be placed in the window so that anyone interested can see the menu. This would also encourage foot traffic in the Old Detroit area and Beachcliff Market Square.

Mr. Hagan further indicated that he has no problem with the increase in calendar days that temporary signs are permitted, noting that the figure was always intended to be open for discussion. He also sympathizes with their point of view regarding approval only by the Building Commissioner, but he favors some design requirements to assure that signs are well designed and constructed.

Mr. Hagan proposed further discussion upon the return of Mr. Gollinger and Mr. Hurtuk, but he expressed confidence that Council has agreed that if an entrance is closer to the sidewalk than six feet, a ground temporary sign is not appropriate and should not be permitted. Mr. Bemer confirmed that the change would be made to indicate beyond six feet from the right-of-way.

Mr. Moran questioned Mr. Bemer about his explanation that a business has the opportunity to choose all three types of signs at their discretion. Mr. Bemer confirmed that statement, saying that the point had been raised in conversations with Mr. Koran and Mr. Beirne who said that some businesses may opt for a ground sign and a wall sign. Although roof signs are not common, they could also be selected. Mr. Moran expressed concern about having too much signage which would detract from the appearance of the community.

• •Mr. Bemer agreed, noting that on Center Ridge, it could be common for a medical practice to have names on a ground sign and also wall signs. Projecting signs are unique, not only for Old Detroit, but also in a shopping center like Westwood Towne Center which also has wall signs.



• •Mr. Moran added that if advertising is done is a uniform manner, the effect can be quite pleasing. In some shopping centers, more advertising looks better. Others can be done poorly and detract from the appearance of the area. The Mayor commented that this speaks to having input from the ARB.



• •Mr. Long cautioned against allowing too many projecting signs which could lead to a "junky" appearance when looking down the thoroughfare.



• •Mrs. Bartolozzi stated that one key for projecting signs is uniformity in any given area. If merchants follow similar designs. Those at Westwood Towne Center, for example, are tastefully done, and she can see the need to have them. She feels that most businesses will opt for esthetically pleasing signs.



• •Mr. Hunt said that banner-type projecting signs can be readily changed. In this situation, the signs are permanent, but the content can be changed. Mr. Bemer noted that at present, banners are prohibited, so any proposed banner must appear before the BZA.



• •Mayor Bobst indicated that the Administration has met with Old Detroit merchants to discuss issues. They would have great interest in unifying the signage to give it a sense of place. One factor, however, is that all merchants are not leasing from the same owner which means that actions permitted on one property may be prohibited on another. Historic photographs of Old Detroit present an interesting look. Sometimes when it's too unified, it blurs. The City will strive for complementary architecture and signage.

Mr. Hagan thanked all Council members for their input, and indicated that when another draft is presented, further discussion can be held with the participation of Mr. Gollinger and Mr. Hurtuk.

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

________________________________ ______________________________

Brian F. Hagan Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council