CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

OCTOBER 16, 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. Moran, Mr. Hunt, Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Long, Mr. Hagan

Absent: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Hurtuk

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Ms. Mitchell

Special Guest: Flat Stanley

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

The Mayor introduced her companion, Flat Stanley, a book character being sent out to the community to teach elementary school students about the world around them through Geography, Social Studies and English. The Mayor's Flat Stanley was sent to her by a fourth-grader, David Hein, and he said that he hoped she would include him in meetings throughout the week.

Last week's business section of the Plain Dealer reported that the United Way thanked many organizations through its Pacesetter program. The Mayor was pleased to announce that the our City was the only municipal government which has been given a Pacesetter award for its efforts in support of United Way. Sue Whitman, Director of Human Resources, accepted the award on behalf of all City employees.

Mayor Bobst also announced that the City has been given a AAA Community Safety Award because there were no pedestrian fatalities in Rocky River last year. This is the 15^th year that the award has been received. She commented that this speaks to the importance of pedestrian safety in our community.

As the Senior Center celebrates Women's Week, one of the highlights will be a luncheon and program featuring antique and vintage aprons.

In a Lakewood Dog Park update, the Mayor was pleased to report developments:

• •Lakewood Mayor George met last Wednesday with the Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park, a well-organized group of park supporters who maintain an informational website. The group has expressed willingness to work at controlling barking and noise.



• •Mayor George is researching barriers, and he will continue until he finds one that is effective. He is also willing to investigate moving the park further back on the property to see what effect that has on noise.



• •Other measures under consideration include locking the gate, modifying hours and improving signage.



• •The Mayor is also hopeful that the website will urge park users to control noise.



• •Mayor George mentioned that a great deal of barking comes from the path and parking lot with the approach of other dogs. They will focus on that aspect also.

The Mayor thanked Mayor George and commented that she was very pleased that he has taken such assertive steps to work with our City.

A house on Bonnie Bank in foreclosure was sold today in its first appearance at the Sheriff's Sale.

The Business to Business Expo last Thursday had approximately 1200 attendees. The Mayor reported that exhibitors were pleased about the turnout and the potential for future business. Additional statistics will be forthcoming.

Last week 869 flu and/or pneumonia shots were administered at the Senior Center, which handled the program very smoothly.

Lake Road sewers will be cleaned and televised in preparation for engineering for ODOT's reconstruction and repaving project.

On Saturday, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) will meet for a training session in the morning and a search and rescue demonstration in the afternoon. Residents can still sign up to participate by calling Fire Chief Flynn or City Hall.

In the transition to electronic updates for residents, 258 households have already enrolled by submitting their e-mail addresses. The Mayor encouraged participation and assured residents once more that their information will be safeguarded and not be disseminated, but used by the City only for communication with residents.

Finally, Mayor Bobst announced that Mary Ventimiglia, an 8-year employee of the City, will be her new administrative assistant. She commented that Ms. Ventimiglia has many skills and that she is looking forward to working with her.

Discussion: Mr. Long asked if the gate will be locked at the Lakewood Dog Park and hours enforced. The Mayor said that up to now, hours have been on the honor system, but now the gate will be locked by a city employee. This will prevent park use very early in the morning and at night. Furthermore, hours may be modified.

Mr. Hagan mentioned that the City has heard from Railroad Controls Limited (RCL) that it will have a representative in our area and available for the meeting on November 6 if Council wishes to hold a public hearing. The matter will be discussed next week during Miscellaneous Business.

Mr. Hagan also asked if more information is available on the post office issue. The Mayor reported that she has discovered complaints about the condition of the property going back to 1975. A letter dated that year outlines issues about the appearance of the property. Further, last Thursday, residents of Struhar Drive presented petitions regarding the condition of the post office. The Mayor will forward all this material to Representative Kucinich's office which has been contacted to help find funding for upgrading the property.

• •Mr. Hagan asked if the property owners had ever been cited. Mr. Linden responded that they had not. He then asked if the City can issue citations for any violations of the Code. Mr. Bemer said that it should not be too difficult and that he will talk to the Building Department inspectors. While the City does not have lease documents, it may be possible to bring all parties together to mediate a solution.



• •Mayor Bobst observed that Congressional involvement may help because regional offices have agreed to work on the problem, but their funds has been cut or put on hold.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 116-06 and Ordinance No. 117-06, both read for the first time last week: These two ordinances authorize the purchase of tires, gas, oil and other products on the open market. Mr. Linden explained that this has been the practice for the 12 years that he has done his job, and even before, because it saves money, as these products are less expensive than if the City were to enter into a contract. This is a better system and it works. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 119-06, read for the first time last week: This ordinance would repeal Section 3 of Ordinance No. 76-05. Mr. Hagan explained why this legislation is necessary. The City has communicated with the State Auditor to ask whether or not it can change the item in the passed budget which provides for the Law Director's secretarial stipend. They responded that it was their recommendation, as the auditing agency, that for auditing purposes, that section of the compensation ordinance should be repealed. (Consent Agenda)

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Mr. Moran, Safety Committee Chairman, said that the AAA safety award reminded him that he would like to recognize Lt. Hudec of the Police Division for organizing the school crossing guards. He reported that they are very conscientious and take their responsibilities very seriously. He congratulated them and Lt. Hudec for his organizing efforts which have kept students safe.

Mr. Hagan has received a call from Tom Harper who is completing a pictorial book of Rocky River which has been in progress for seventeen years. He has photographed many locations, City employees, residents and events, but the last picture he has of City Council dates from 2000 and needs to be updated. Mr. Hagan asked Council members to let him know of availability by phone or e-mail.

Mr. Hunt mentioned that between appointments this morning, he had heard on 1100 radio an acknowledgment of the fine work of Ptl. Kenney, Witalis and Thompson in the Heritage House fire as discussed at last week's Council meeting. He indicated that he was nice to hear the applause for their efforts.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Safety Committee: Mr. Moran announced that the Safety Committee will meet November 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the David J. Cook Council Chambers to discuss numerous issues.

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution No. 120-06 and No. 121-06: These resolutions concern housekeeping matters which will be discussed by Mr. Hurtuk next week. Through Mr. Long, Mr. Hurtuk requested that they both be placed on the Consent Agenda.

Ordinance No. 122-06: Mr. Hunt explained that this ordinance involves a name change for a chemical provider. He has spoken with Mr. Harrington, the WWTP Superintendent, who assured him that the same product will be provided as in the original ordinance and that only a name change is involved. (Consent Agenda)

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.

________________________________ ______________________________

Brian F. Hagan Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council