CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
OCTOBER 13, 2008
The Regular Meeting of Council was called to order by Mr. Moran, President of Council, at 8:00 p.m. in the David J. Cook Council Chambers.
Council Members Present: Mr. Hunt, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Furry, Mr. Long, Mr. Moran
Absent: Mr. Mylen, Mrs. Arabian Whitman
Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden, Mr. Thomas
Law Director: Mr. Bemer
Press: Ms. Macho, Ms. Pritchard
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Moran, seconded by Mr. Long, that the reading of the minutes of the Legislative Meeting of September 22 and the meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole of October 6 be waived, and that the minutes be accepted as submitted.
Vote: Hunt - aye Shepherd - aye Furry - aye
Long - aye Moran - aye
5 ayes 0 nays PASSED
MAYOR'S REPORT:
Regarding the 10 Charter Amendments on Rocky River's ballot, the Mayor indicated that Council members may have been receiving calls from residents who have already received mail-in ballots. To disseminate more information, last week an e-update was mailed with the 10 amendments, and they also appear on the City's website together with minutes from all of the public meetings held by the Charter Review Commission. The City is forbidden to use taxpayers' dollars to provide information that may appear to support or attempt to defeat any issue, so only factual information will be issued by the City in legal notices and on the website. Last week's West Shore Sun featured an analysis of the amendments and the newspaper's recommendations. The Mayor noted that in the past, the League of Women Voters has provided an analysis of the ballot issues, but they have decided not to do this at this time. Greg Thompson and Linda Bartolozzi, co-chairpersons of the Commission, and Bernice McGovern, a two-time Commission member, are available for resident or media questions.
The Mayor then distributed an informational packet concerning the Division of Liquor Control's TREX, or Economic Development Transfer which was developed through Legislation. This program allows for the transfer of a liquor permit into a community already at its legal limit in the number of permits in the presence of an economic development project. One such project was recently presented, although not fully, to Council, and the Mayor indicated that it would be beneficial to Council members to have complete information for the future.
A new program called Buy River is being initiated with local businesses. This customer-loyalty incentive program is being sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce with IBUYNEO, part of COSI. With a swipe card presented at a local business, a resident can receive an incentive such as a rebate. Cardholders and the Chamber will both benefit from this program, and funds will also be set aside for local promotions. It will be initially launched at Thursday's Business-to-Business Expo from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Don Umerley Civic Center. The Mayor encouraged all to attend and applauded the Chamber for assembling this program.
Last week the Mayor reported that 700 flu shots had been scheduled at the Senior Center. She was pleased to report that 699 shots were given.
The Mayor and Councilman Furry attended the airport meeting.
The 1000th household has signed up for the E-update Program. The Administration continues to urge participation by residents to become better informed about the City and receive timely updates. Enrollment is simple and available on the City's website.
The Mayor also announced upcoming events:
LAW DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bemer reported that he has contacted the public affairs official for AT&T with whom he is acquainted, and posed the question of that company completing the City's fiber optics connection from City Hall to the Don Umerley Civic Center with the understanding that the City was amenable to working with AT&T. He noted that two private easement issues were before Council concerning a buildout, reviewing the City's relationship with the company. She promised to look into the matter as requested by Mr. Bemer to see if, in the spirit of good will and marketing, the company would be willing to make the connections for the City. He is hoping for a response this week.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Committee: Mr. Moran announced that next Monday at 7:00 p.m. the Finance Committee, which consists of Mr. Moran, Mr. Furry, Mr. Long and Mr. Mylen, will meet for initial information from the Director of Finance about the upcoming budget meetings with the Administration. All other Council members and the public are welcome to attend.
Environmental Committee: Mr. Furry reported that S.A.F.E. had met last Thursday for a Noise Compatibility Plan update. The speaker was attorney Bob Miller of Harris, Miller, Miller and Hanson Inc., a firm specializing in aviation noise consulting, having worked on 27 of 30 large hub airports. This preliminary session was concerned with team members, subcontractors, timelines and phases of the project. Three public workshops will be held at different stages of the program. More information will be forthcoming at future meetings.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: NONE
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: NONE
ORDINANCE NO. 94-08 BY THOMAS J. HUNT
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN EASEMENT TO THE OHIO BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY DBA AT&T OHIO ON PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, AND AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
Mr. Hunt explained that, based upon comments from the Law Director, he will await further information from AT&T. This ordinance concerns the easement which has been discussed. Mr. Hunt has unearthed materials from 2006 when AT&T first approached the City shortly after buildouts were begun and more boxes were proposed. He said that the reading of the ordinance will be deferred until further discussion pending communication from AT&T. Council members did take note that landscaping efforts have been made on Bonnie Bank.
ORDINANCE NO. 103-08 BY THOMAS J. HUNT
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN EXCLUSIVE AND A NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENT TO THE OHIO BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY DBA AT&T OHIO ON PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, AND AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN EXHIBITS "A-1" AND "A-2"
Mr. Hunt indicated that the same discussion will cover this ordinance with the reading deferred for the same reasons as Ordinance No. 94-08.
ORDINANCE NO. 104-08 BY THOMAS J. HUNT
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR TO SELL USED CITY VEHICLES WHICH WERE PUBLICLY BID FOR A TOTAL SUM OF $15,802.79
1ST READING
This ordinance will be discussed further at the meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole, but this is similar to past legislation which allows for the sale of City vehicles as they are replaced for various departments.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS UNDER CONSENT
Mr. Moran noted that these ordinances can be read, but because only five Council members are present, the three-read rule cannot be suspended and the ordinances cannot be passed.
ORDINANCE NO. 99-08 BY MICHAEL W. MYLEN
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PURCHASE DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM UPGRADE FOR THE ROCKY RIVER MUNICIPAL COURT UNDER THE STATE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ACT FROM VISTA SOLUTIONS GROUP AT A TOTAL COST NOT TO EXCEED $84,350.00
2ND READING
In Mr. Mylen's absence, Mr. Moran noted that Council has received substantial information on this ordinance during the past weeks. Mr. Moran has notified Clerk of Courts Comery that passage will be delayed.
ORDINANCE NO. 100-08 BY THOMAS J. HUNT
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH LIFE FORCE MANAGEMENT, INC. FOR SERVICE AND SUPPORT REGARDING CHARGES FOR MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ROCKY RIVER FIRE DIVISION AND FURTHER DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"
2ND READING
Mr. Hunt explained that this ordinance will provide a service to bill for fees charged by the Fire Division for ambulance services, and has been discussed at length.
ORDINANCE NO. 101-08 BY THOMAS J. HUNT
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COLLECTION SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH J P RECOVERY SERVICES, INC. REGARDING REVENUE COLLECTION ASSISTANCE FOR THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
2ND READING
This is a companion piece for Ordinance No. 101-08 and will be dealt with at the next meeting. Information has been received from Finance Director Thomas, and Mr. Hunt said that he hopes to move forward at the next Legislative Meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Mr. Moran pointed out that much information has been discussed in preparation for the November 4 ballot, but explanations on the actual ballot are short. He urged residents to read and study issues in advance to be prepared for the many ballot issues.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: NONE
As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
_____________________________ _______________________________
James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa
President of Council Clerk of Council