CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
OCTOBER 2, 2006
The Committee-of-the-Whole was called to order by Mr. Hagan, President of Council, at 8:00 p.m.
Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Moran, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Hurtuk,
Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Long, Mr. Hagan
Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden
Assistant Law Director: Mr. O'Shea
Press: Mrs. McKenzie, Ms. Mitchell
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
MAYOR'S REPORT:
The Mayor congratulated the Rocky River High School football team which won its homecoming game Friday evening. She commented on the great parade and well-organized festivities as well as the on-field performance of the team.
There has also been some discussion regarding EMS and EMT support services during games. The squad assigned too the field may be called away if the second squad is needed elsewhere. The Mayor has met with Superintendent Allen to see how safety coverage for those at the game can be improved. At the next game, a red van with two emergency technicians will be assigned to remain throughout the game. In this way, any injuries to players or spectators can be immediately addressed. Mayor Bobst thanked Mr. Moran for his participation, noting that the van will be in communication with the Fire Department so that additional aid can be summoned immediately if necessary.
Concerning the Lakewood Dog Park, the Mayor and Mr. Bemer met last week with Mayor George and Law Director Corrigan of Lakewood. She expressed appreciation for their willingness to discuss the issue at length. The Lakewood Administration sees this as an asset to their community and would be most reluctant to move it to another location. They would not be interested in closing the park. However, they are interested in working with Rocky River to control the noise, perhaps through hours of operation or the installation of bark barriers. They realize it has been a problem to our residents, and they will investigate ways to help control the noise and will communicate with the Mayor soon. Mayor Bobst expressed appreciation for their cooperation.
The Mayor then distributed to Council members a magazine entitled Rocky River, a supplement to Cleveland Magazine. She commented that it had turned out well, and thanked the magazine for promoting our city.
Safety-Service Director Linden, his assistant, Mrs. Costello, and the Mayor's assistant, Mrs. Burt, have been working on the apron snow plowing program for senior and disabled residents, refining it to meet the needs of the community. Last year, 400 residents requested the service, and it was impossible for city crews to keep up with the demand in a timely fashion. To address this problem, the City is looking at using its crews supplemented by outside contractors for some homes. The Mayor outlined some requirements for participation in the program:
The Mayor mentioned that residents with a doctor's appointment or other emergency may call the Service Garage directly for apron plowing. She thanked Mr. Linden, Mrs. Costello and Mrs. Burt for their work in reviewing policies of other cities and formulating one for this City. The program will remain under review for improvements.
Council has, this evening, received Ordinance No. 114-06 authorizing the storm and sanitary sewer repair on Roslyn. The Mayor noted that this project includes repair of the roadway. The City would like to start and complete the project this fall. (See discussion, p. 3)
A newspaper article on Friday reported a proposal from Mayor Frank Jackson in which suburbs agree not to raid Cleveland businesses in exchange for waterline help. Mentioned was a task force report of the Mayors and City Managers Association on tax sharing principles. Copies of the report were distributed to Council members. Cities were asked to consider agreeing not to attract businesses already located in the county based on inflated tax incentives. An agreement would provide for 50/50 sharing of future income taxes of companies with a payroll over $500,000 for five years or until the original city fills the space at the same payroll value. This proposal would encourage a regional economy.
Because many of these businesses would relocate from Cleveland, it is offering suburbs a capital investment program of $50 million over 5 years, as well as taking over responsibility for suburban water lines. Each suburb must enter into an agreement with Cleveland for its water, and this tax sharing would also necessitate an agreement between Cleveland and individual suburbs. It is not anticipated that moves from suburb to suburb would be subject to this agreement. This topic is currently under discussion.
Discussion: Mr. Gollinger commented that the newspaper article concerning tax sharing appeared to be unfinished. He also commented that the tax sharing and water contracts seem unrelated.
On the subject of the dog park, Mr. Gollinger mentioned that he has received e-mails supporting the park and its benefits to dogs. He asked if Mayor George would suspend operations. The Mayor responded that he would not. Mr. Gollinger commented that Lakewood is in violation of its ordinances, and he quoted sections from Lakewood 505.13 and 515.04 which prohibit barking disturbances. He also questioned the number of parking spaces available, noting that their Code requires 10 spaces for every 1000 sq.ft. in a recreational area or other parking within 300 ft. and a written agreement on file. The Mayor noted that they are aware of this requirement. Mr. Gollinger continued, noting that the park had minimal planning and in the early months of operation, had health problems for the dogs. The park had to be closed until the problem was resolved, and Mr. Gollinger stated that he expected no less until this problem is resolved. He would like to pursue whatever steps are necessary so that Lakewood will comply with its own ordinances.
Mr. Long asked if any future meetings are planned. The Mayor said there were not at this time, that the Administration is waiting to hear the results of their discussions.
Mr. Hurtuk thanked the Mayor for meeting with Lakewood officials. He asked if the topic of selling the property was raised.
Mr. Hurtuk noted that he had received e-mails supporting the dog park which will be entered into the record next week. He suggested that the issue be reviewed from every possible angle, suggesting the possibility that sound panels could help decrease the noise. A further suggestion is that because the property is so large, the park could be moved further from the road. Perhaps there are health issues that could be explored with an appropriate agency to be certain that those issues are being monitored.
Mr. Hurtuk then suggested he and Mr. Gollinger might attend a Lakewood Council meeting.
Mr. Gollinger commented that there are certainly costs associated with the park. He suggested that an expert in sound be retained to study the situation and make recommendations. He noted that sound travels in unexpected ways and impacts areas unexpectedly.
Responding to Mrs. Bartolozzi's question of a time frame for a reply, the Mayor said that a specific time frame was not mentioned. They understand the issue and want to work with us, but they have limitations.
Mr. Moran suggested that there are apartments in Lakewood close to the park which may be affected.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Ordinance No. 112-06: This ordinance approves necessary fund transfers from the General Fund, and was read for the first time last week. These fund transfers were recommended by the state auditors so that accounts are kept up-to-date with the timely transfer of funds rather than doing them all at one time at the end of the year. Mr.Hurtuk has spoken with the Finance Director and has found the transfers consistent and appropriate. Council members with questions should direct them to the Finance Director. (Consent Agenda)
NEW BUSINESS:
Ordinance No. 114-06: This ordinance authorizes the repair of storm and sanitary sewers on Roslyn. Mr. Linden explained that flooding occurred several months ago. When City crews investigated they found that the sanitary line was partially collapsed. In videotaping, it was found that the storm sewer was located above and collapsed in several places. These inverted sewers are totally inadequate. Emergency measures have been taken, but the sanitary sewer is beyond repair. Since the sewers are inverted, state regulations make it impossible to replace only the sanitary because they must be separated.
Because of the weather, this ordinance is needed as quickly as possible so that the work can be finished before winter. Bids were opened last Friday and the four bids received were carefully reviewed by the City's consulting engineer, Mr. Mackay. Although the City has never worked with the firm which submitted the lowest and best bid, Mr. Mackay has spoken to cities which have: Maple Heights, Westlake, Bedford and Northfield. All approved of their work. Mr. Linden also noted that the City will monitor their work. He requested passage next week.
Discussion: Mr. Gollinger asked if the whole length of Roslyn would be upgraded. Mr. Linden said that the south, or east end is in good condition. Sewers will be replaced between Argyle Oval and Frazier.
He then asked if, because this firm has not done business with the City before, it is required to submit additional paperwork or surety that the job will be completed satisfactorily. Mr. Linden said that it is not, but pointed out that the company has been investigated by Mr. Mackay and endorsed by him.
Mr. Hunt asked about the blockage and noted that he has not received recent complaints. Mr. Linden said that it had occurred about 3 or 4 months ago, and temporarily repaired, but replacement is necessary.
Mr. Long asked about the bid items and wondered what is represented by the item numbers. Mr. Linden indicated that he will bring a copy of the bid specifications next week. (Consent Agenda)
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Council President Hagan introduced Mr. O'Shea, the Assistant Law Director who was in attendance in the absence of Mr. Bemer.
Council Chamber Improvements: Mr. Hagan commented that the Committee Room has been updated by painting and refinishing woodwork. He turned to the Mayor to discuss Council Chambers.
Mayor Bobst said that the Administration would like to update the room, and there are dollars set aside in the budget for new carpeting, painting and refinishing of the woodwork. She brought carpet and color samples for Council opinion, which she hoped would be shared either with her or with Mr. Rosol or Mr. Krych.who are working on the project.
One major question is whether the large judges' bench should be retained, or replaced with single semi-circular table large enough for all who are currently seated in the area. The Mayor's aim is to make the chamber functional and more resident friendly. Among suggestions were visual aids and a projection system so that residents can see exhibits brought by visitors.
Beachcliff Lampposts: The Mayor explained that several years ago, a River resident, Scott Maurer, was able to obtain these lampposts from a neighborhood in Cleveland Hts. They have been used at Beachcliff Market Square for many years. Over time, they have fallen into disrepair, and the present developer has indicated that he has no interest in restoring and using the lamps. They were dismantled by Service Department crews and are presently housed at the garage, but in their present condition, there are safety issues, and Mr. Delzani has indicated that he would be concerned if the City were to try to reuse them.
The question that has arisen now is what to do with the lampposts. Mr. Maurer has expressed interest; the Historical Society would like to have one, and Cleveland Heights would also like to have one. Others could be restored and erected on private property. The Mayor is working with Mr. Bemer to determine which course can be legally followed. They could be donated to the Police Auction or to the Historical Society or they could be placed for public bid. She would like to reach a final decision later this week, and asked for Council feedback. She noted that conditions can be attached to their sale, requiring restoration and use on private property.
In an informal poll of Council members, Mr. Hagan found that there were no objections to the City's disposal of the lampposts at its discretion.
Dirt Mounding at the Service Garage:
Mayor Bobst explained that excess dirt is often brought to the Service Garage by residents or City employees doing sewer work and water repairs. Over time, it has accumulated and is now estimated to be almost 3300 cu. yds. of dirt which would cost an estimated $29,000 to remove.
Mr. Linden suggested that it could be used to create a landscaped mound at the northern edge of the property between the Service Garage and Beach House and the Beachcliff Apartments to screen their view. This would fulfill a commitment made to them many years ago, use the dirt for a good purpose, and provide buffering protection for the Service Garage.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Committee: Mr. Hurtuk reported that last month he had asked the Finance Director, Mr. Thomas, to contact the Auditor of State regarding a budget matter, that of the Law Director declining to accept the secretarial allowance budgeted for his department. The question to be researched was whether Council had the authority to change the compensation with the permission of the Law Director. The legal counsel of the Auditor of State has responded that Council does have this authority under the City's Charter, and a part-time secretary can be added and the original secretarial allowance discontinued. Mr. Hurtuk said that since the state auditors are the authority which pass the City's books, he feels this is sufficient authority for this decision.
Mr. Hurtuk also announced his intention to complete a review of and, if possible, passage of a budget before the new year. This is not always possible because of union contracts, but since a three-year agreement is in place, it may possible this year. Mayor Bobst has begun the process, and draft budgets have been received from all directors. Mr. Hurtuk's goal is to have meetings in December with directors and committee meetings in the evening with open dialogue. He will ask all Council members to take the lead in questioning directors of key departments and that information can be disseminated at one or two evening committee meetings.
As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
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Brian F. Hagan Misao Kurokawa
President of Council Clerk of Council