CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

OCTOBER 19, 2009

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

Council Members Present: Mr. Hunt, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Mylen, Mr. Furry,

Mrs. Arabian Whitman, Mr. Long, Mr. Moran

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden, Mr. Patterson

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

Over the past few months, the City has been working with the Ohio EPA and the US EPA on matters concerned with the good housekeeping protocol at the Service Garage, the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the collection system.

• •Mayor Bobst thanked Safety-Service Director Linden, Service Commissioner Winterich and Mrs. Costello for their work on the protocols at the Service Garage. Positive feedback was received in many areas along with a few that the City was asked to address, e.g. salt coverage, but the Mayor was pleased that many issues have already been resolved..

• •In late September, the US EPA shared findings, and last week a large team which has worked on the collection system gathered in the Mayor's office to participate in a conference call with the EPA. Attendees included City Engineer Michael Mackay, representatives from AECOM and URS, Safety-Service Director Linden, WWTP Superintendent Harrington, WWTP legal counsel Matty and Law Director Bemer, among others. Under discussion was the City's sewer system and the Mayor was able to share the City's actions and plans to improve the system including the Comprehensive Sewer Maintenance and Rehabilitation Plan, the establishment of the Sewer Rehabilitation Fund and ongoing projects. The next meeting will be in early February regarding CMOM, the maintenance and operation of the system and the SSES (Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study) which is a comprehensive review of the entire system. The current study was finalized in 1998 and Mr. Linden, Mr. Mackay and URS representatives are reviewing the document with a view of updating it with 2009, 2010 and 2011 information.

On Thursday, the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District will celebrate its 60^th anniversary. The Mayor will present a proclamation on behalf of the Administration and City Council honoring their efforts. The Mayor noted that this group assists the City with its stormwater management Public Information and Public Education program (PIPE) as well as site monitoring and plan review for new developments in the City also as it relates to stormwater management. The Mayor extended thanks to the organization and best wishes for continued success.

An inspection of the new paving on W. Wagar Circle uncovered leveling issues. On Wednesday, Terrace Construction will modify its paving job and bring it up to specifications. The matter has been communicated to the residents.

Next week there will be a public meeting for the Community Development Block Grant regarding the old Detroit Streetscape Project and the City's application for a $100,000 grant. The meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers and will be led by the City's Economic and Community Development Director, Kory Koran, who will present details of that project and the request.

At noon on Thursday, Director Koran will provide a development update to the Chamber of Commerce at Westwood Country Club.

The Business Expo was very successful. There were fewer sponsors, but more vendors and attendance was excellent.

Discussion: Mr. Furry asked about the Ohio EPA's issues with the Service Garage. The Mayor said the City is working on revisions to an emergency action plan and procedures for logging events. They have also requested a copy of the sewer use ordinances at the WWTP. She offered to forward the report to any Council members who request it.

Mr. Shepherd asked about times for Council members to meet with the fire study consultant who will be at City Hall on Wednesday, October 21. The Mayor said that late morning or late afternoons at the convenience of Council members can be scheduled. It was determined that the meetings will be at 11:30 a.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 48-09: Mr. Long indicated that this ordinance, which authorizes the adoption of an updated development code, is currently under review by the Planning Commission. It is expected to be returned to Council after the November meeting.

Ordinance No. 58-09: This change of zoning on Plymouth Road will be on the agenda of the Planning Commission for October 20 and their recommendations will then be returned to Council for further action.

Resolution No. 65-09: Mr. Moran noted that this resolution accepts the tax amounts and rates approved by the County Budget Commission and Council. This has been discussed at past meetings, and there were no further questions. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 67-09: Mr. Furry explained that beginning with this ordinance through Ordinance No. 72-09, housekeeping issues to provide chemicals and services for the WWTP are addressed. This ordinance authorizes purchase of sodium hypochlorite which is used in the effluent, pre- chlorination and primary sludge applications. The price has returned to more historical levels, $.588/gallon. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 68-09: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of sodium bisulfite at a cost of $1.04/gallon. This is in line with the five-year average although last year's price was $1.93. This is part of the dechlorination process and is an EPA requirement. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 69-09: This ordinance authorizes the purchase of ferric chloride at $292/ton. This chemical promotes the settling of sludge and the reduction of phosphorus. The five-year average price is $286/ton; last year, $302. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 70-09: This ordinance is for the removal of digested sludge cake from the WWTP to Yaworsky farms at $14.98/ton. Mr. Furry indicated that this is the preferred way to remove sludge cake because it is the most economical. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 71-09: Per the EPA requirement, if 120 days' storage is not available on site (the City has only six), a contract for removal of sludge cake is required. The five year average cost is $38.94. Last year's cost would have been $46.08 if it had been needed. This year will be $30.86/ton. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 72-09: This is for the removal of raw sewage sludge. The five year average cost is $41/ton. This contract will be used only for emergency services, e.g. equipment failure, when raw sewage sludge must be removed. The price in 2009 was $52.25, and this year's contract will be for $30.86, if needed. (Consent Agenda)

• •Mr. Mylen asked if this service is used. Mr. Furry said it was not, that it was in place for emergency only. Ordinance No. 71-09 is also for emergency use if the sludge cannot be taken to the farm.

Ordinance No. 73-09 and Ordinance No. 74-09: Mrs. Arabian Whitman noted that these ordinances concern fees for use of the ice rink and the facilities at the Don Umerley Civic Center. The fees at the Civic Center have not been increased since it was built in 2007. She assured Council members that each fee was reviewed closely and discussed by the Parks and Recreation Commission which revised several originally proposed fees. She turned to Recreation Director Patterson for his comments.

• •Mr. Patterson noted that when fee revisions were made, comparisons were made with similar facilities. For Ordinance No. 73-09, for example, Winterhurst in Lakewood and the North Olmsted rink fee schedules were reviewed. He said that Rocky River's fees are in the middle range, if not lower, e.g. ice time. The rink has the largest youth hockey program with 13 teams participating, which takes the majority of ice time available but youth hockey rates still fall in the bottom third of area rinks. Learn-to-Skate rates are also competitive, and remain one of the larger sources of income.



• •For Ordinance No. 74-09, Civic Center fees, Mr. Patterson again noted that this is the first increase since the facility opened over two years ago. He said that Westlake was used as a comparison because of its similar operating philosophy, and Rocky River's rates are lower across the board. This year a direct debit payment plan has been added in response to requests from members who wish to spread payments over 12 months. He added that not all fees were raised, e.g. daily fee.



• •Mr. Furry asked about coupon books which Mr. Patterson said that they provided a small discount and were particularly popular with seniors. Mr. Furry also asked about the effective date for new rates, wondering if a cost adjustment will be made for hockey programs already in progress. Mr. Patterson said they would be effective for the following season.



• •Mr. Shepherd asked about lane rental fees. Mr. Patterson explained that organizations such as Magnificat need all four lanes, but sometimes only one or two lanes are needed and the per lane fees reflect that policy.



• •Mr. Mylen asked why direct debit rates are more expensive. Mr. Patterson responded that it is due to staff time required to process these payments. Responding to Mr. Mylen's question about renewal, Mr. Patterson said that, typically, direct debit continues until the account holder asks that it be discontinued. Members will be notified of any changes due to rate increases.



• •Mr. Hunt asked about youth hockey and non-resident fees and what percentage comes from non-residents. Mr. Patterson responded that approximately 40% are non-residents because there is approximately one ice rink for 100,000 population, and Rocky River's rink serves the West Shore area.



• •Mr. Moran asked about the progress of the new high speed stationary bicycling program. Mr. Patterson indicated that it was very popular during the free trial period and the regular schedule has just begun. It will be monitored to determine if class schedules need to be revised to make it available for the most residents, and more advertising will be done in the next brochure.

Since an error needs to be corrected in Ordinance 74-09, only Ordinance No. 73-09 will be on the Consent Agenda.

Ordinance No. 75-09: Mr. Shepherd indicated that this ordinance authorizes a contract with Michael's Family Restaurant to provide meals for the jail at $7.50 per meal, the same charge as last year. (Consent Agenda)

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Mr. Moran noted that the Jr. Women's Club will again sponsor a Holiday Home Tour on December 6 to benefit the community. He thanked Council members for their contributions in support of this effort and said that the proceeds support scholarship programs, Community Challenge, the library and other programs.

Mr. Moran also relayed information from an e-update asking for volunteers for the Meals on Wheels program which delivers 35-40 meals every weekday to neighbors in need. Anyone who can cook, package, or be a runner or driver is needed. He urged those with free time during the midday hours (10:30 a.m. until 1:00) to call Jeannette Fridich at 331-4860 or to stop in from 10:30 until noon at Our Savior's Lutheran Church at 20300 Hilliard Blvd.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Parks and Recreation Committee: Mrs. Arabian Whitman announced that the wellness festival, Health Rocky River will be Sunday, October 25 from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. Working closely with Cleveland Clinic Hospitals, Fairview Wellness Center, Lakewood Hospital and Westlake Family Center, many activities have been planned. Health Ohio Cities, Medical Mutual, the Rocky River Schools and the Chamber of Commerce have also been very supportive. This event is open to all ages with free health screenings for those over 12 including blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and hip-to-waist ratios. There will also be raffle prizes and displays from 21 local vendors. The price of admission is one can to be donated to the Rocky River Jr. Women's Club who will distribute to those in need. Information will also be available about the 10-week health and wellness challenge which will begin in mid-January. There will also be children's activities and Zumba classes.

• •Mayor Bobst added that Councilwoman Arabian Whitman has assembled this festival single-handedly and made certain that the efforts of all the institutions and staff were well-coordinated. This event will also engage businesses to participate and many plans are already under review to expand the program. The Mayor said she has wanted to see a community-wide wellness program for a long time, and she added that this would not have happened if not for the efforts of the Councilwoman.

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution No. 76-09: Mr. Moran explained that this ordinance authorizes an application for a grant from the Cuyahoga County Community Development Block Grant Program for the Detroit Road Streetscaping Project.

• •The Mayor acknowledged that all members of Council have been involved in stakeholders' meetings for the reconstruction and economic revitalization of Detroit Road which is the larger project submitted to Congressman Kucinich's office. Next Monday Council is invited to join Director Koran who will present the various elements of the program. The maximum grant would be $100,000 toward a project that will cost between $250,000 and $275,000. Responding to a question from Mr. Furry, the Mayor noted that since the design has already been completed, any funds received would be applied to construction costs.

Ordinance No. 77-09: This ordinance authorizes the City to purchase tires for its vehicles on the open market. Mr. Hunt observed that it is important to keep vehicles in good condition and running efficiently. In the past, prices on the open market have been lower than those negotiated by the State in its cooperative purchasing program. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 78-09: Mr. Hunt explained that this ordinance is in the same vein as Ordinance No. 77-09 but is for gasoline, oil and allied products. He noted that once more Director Linden has been able to find lower prices than the State Cooperative Purchasing plan for both unleaded and diesel fuel. (Consent Agenda)

• •Mr. Furry asked what allied products are. Mr. Linden responded that this refers to transmission oil, gear oil and other lubricants.



• •Mr. Moran asked if State prices are frozen for the year. Mr. Linden said they are not, and buying on the open market has saved an average of $.06/gallon on unleaded gas during the past year, and that this method has been successful for more than 20 years.



• •The Mayor added that there are three or four primary companies used for City gas purchases. At the same time, the State price is also checked. She said that for each order, that price is matched or beaten. This is done through Evelyn Briggs of the Fire Division who handles the transactions on behalf of the Safety-Service Director.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mrs. Arabian Whitman announced that on Sunday, October 25 St. Demetrios Church on Center Ridge Road will open its 50^th anniversary celebration with a church service followed by a reception at 6:00 p.m., and all are welcome to come. More events will follow during the year.

She commented that the church is very proud of having been a part of the community for 50 years and serving the community in a religious way for its members and also sharing their Greek culture.

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

______________________________ ______________________________

James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council