CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

NOVEMBER 17, 2008

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. Mylen, Mr. Furry, Mrs. Arabian Whitman,

Mr. Long, Mr. Moran

Absent: Mr. Shepherd

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Ms. Pritchard

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

The Mayor extended sympathy to Nancy Score and the entire Score family in the loss of Rocky River resident Herb Score. He will be missed by the entire community. The Mayor noted that newspaper stories detailed what he meant both as a player and a broadcaster.

Regarding the surveys to businesses along Center Ridge Road which were explained last week, the Mayor mentioned that 550 surveys were sent to businesses identified along the road. Director Koran, marketing students and Mark Wagner, business teacher at the high school, will follow up.

The tree planting program is well under way with plantings planned on at least one street in every ward. Residents may have one tree placed on their tree lawns without cost, and additional trees are available at additional cost. She acknowledged residents who, from time to time, have sent in donations to support the program and thanked them. During the last four years, more than 800 trees have beautified the City. She thanked Director Linden and Mary Kay Costello for administering this ambitious program which starts in the fall for early spring planting.

Because of recent heavy leaf drops, City crews have been busy picking up piles of the leaves from residents' tree lawns. On Thursday, the Mayor asked Commissioner Winterich to track tonnage transported to Lorain County. In that one day, the Service Department collected more than 110 tons of leaves. She extended thanks to workers in the Service Department for their hard work which has kept crews pretty much on schedule or only a day behind.

Ptl. Bill Dawson, a crime prevention specialist with the Police Division, responded to a request from the clergy in the City asking him to participate in an informational session for their association. He spoke on crime prevention in the context of the economy and current trends of people entering cars and homes, etc. Ptl. Dawson also works with the Senior Center, the Wellness Center and many other local organizations.

Director Bemer and Building Commissioner Beirne have been working together, examining and updating some of the City's fees. A proposed Chapter 1321 has been distributed to Council members and it sets forth all fees. Along with that, Commissioner Beirne also assembled a fee schedule comparing present and proposed fees with those of surrounding communities. The

Commissioner will be prepared to answer any questions Council may have at a future meeting. Legislation will be drafted for Council review.

In a foreclosure update, the Mayor commented that she met with the League of Women Voters last Thursday and questions on this topic were raised.

• •She advised that there are currently 53 active foreclosures in Rocky River, which includes 33 single family homes, (8 vacant, 25 occupied), 16 condominiums, 3 rental doubles and one vacant lot. A close watch is kept on all these properties.
• •Looking into the question of conversion of single family homes to rental properties, the net increase for 2008 is 22 units.

The Mayor explained that there are foreclosure prevention resources available to residents, and City Inspectors Zell and Connelly play a large part in the fact that the City does not have to maintain any of the foreclosed properties. Individuals who are in control of the properties are being found and they are responsible for the maintenance, rather than having the City do the work and bill it to the property. She said that this is due to the efforts of Mr. Zell and Mr. Connelly.

• •In other statistics, at the Sheriff's Sale between August 18 and November 10, 11 homes were sold and six were withdrawn.
• •The Mayor also commented that the judicial system is cooperating in moving cases along quickly so that the process is not delayed.

On Sunday, the library will celebrate its 80^th anniversary. Festivities begin at 1:00; at 2:00 there will be a brief ceremony and the Mayor will read a proclamation on behalf of City Council and the Administration. All are invited to attend.

The Mayor then outlined events during the first weekend in December:

• •On December 4, City Music Cleveland will sponsor a free concert at Rocky River United Methodist Church beginning at 7:30 p.m.. Further information is on the website.
• •Friday, December 5, is the City's tree-lighting ceremony where the high school show choir will join residents for carols. This will be followed by the All Aglow celebration at the Senior Center, sponsored by the Rocky River Junior Women's Club. Featured will be cookies, crafts for small children and photos with Santa.
• •On Saturday, December 6, the shops of Old River will sponsor their annual Holiday Walk with special events.
• •On Sunday, December 7, the Rocky River Junior Women's Club will sponsor the Holiday Home Tour which benefits the Rocky River Assistance Program. It will begin at Beach Cliff Market Square.

Discussion; Mr. Moran echoed comments made regarding the Building Department. He expressed Council's appreciation for frequent updates which keep Council members informed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 94-08 and Ordinance No. 103-08: These two ordinances authorize easements on City property for AT&T. Mr. Hunt acknowledged that he has had no further updates since the last meeting and asked the Mayor if there has been further contact with AT&T. Both the Mayor and Law Director said that there has not. Mr. Hunt indicated that the ordinances would be considered on a week-to-week basis. As information is gathered, the ordinances will be passed when appropriate.

Ordinance No. 125-08: This ordinance would authorize the purchase of gas, oil and allied products on the open market for all City vehicles. According to Director Linden, there are two options: purchasing on the open market or through the State Cooperative Purchasing Act. Figures show that if gas had been purchased through the State, the cost would have been $3.22/gallon; instead, the City paid $3.07 on the open market. The total cost of fuel from January through October was $309,000.

• •Mr. Furry asked if the State contract is current market price. Mr. Linden responded that whenever fuel is ordered, proposals are solicited. Over the past 20 years, the open market has always been less expensive. The figures given to Councilman Mylen show that the City has saved $.12 on unleaded and $.15 on diesel by buying on the open market as needed.
• •The Mayor explained that when fuel is required, several suppliers are contacted together with the State. The lowest of those bids is chosen. Responding to Mr. Furry's question, Mr. Linden said that 3-5 brokers are consulted. The price fluctuates a great deal.
• •Mr. Moran asked if the State bid were to be accepted, whether it would be for the entire year. Mr. Linden said that it is a fluctuating price, but the open market has been lower every time.

Mr. Mylen clarified by confirming that if quotes are received and the State price is lower, the City can purchase from the State. Mr. Linden said that is possible, but another factor is delivery difficulty with the State contract. In most cases, it is more expensive through the State, but if it should be less expensive, it could be purchased from the State on any single occasion. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 126-08: This ordinance would authorize the purchase of tires on the open market. Mr. Linden said that the City is able to negotiate with tire salesmen and save money for the City if tires are purchased on the open market. (Consent Agenda)

Ordinance No. 127-08:  This is the appropriations ordinance. Mr. Moran noted that budget books have been received. A Finance Committee meeting has been scheduled for December 2 from 8:30 to 12:30 for interviews with directors. Next week the Mayor, with Director Linden, will present further information during Monday's meeting. The Mayor encouraged Council members to submit questions before Monday's meeting.

• •Mr. Mylen asked about figures for appropriations and projected revenues. The Mayor said that this is on her agenda for discussion next week. In this budget, the last page is not necessarily indicative of the actual spending and revenue of the City. Mr. Mylen also asked about the General Fund which the Mayor said will also be addressed next week.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Mrs. Arabian Whitman reported further news from the Magnificat girls' cross country team where she is the coach. The team competed at the Nike Midwest Regional Meet in Terre Haute, Ind. The top two qualifying teams will compete at the national meet in Portland, Ore. The Magnificat team placed second, so eight girls and Mrs. Arabian Whitman will fly to Portland December 4-7 to compete nationally. The team went into the meet ranked 19^th in the country and placed second to the 4^th ranked team.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: NONE

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 128-08: Mr. Long explained that this ordinance is a rezoning ordinance for a warehouse that straddles Allen Court, close to Linda Street by the railroad tracks. Spremulli Services, the property owner, would like to rezone the area which is currently zoned Office, O-3, but has a non-conforming use of warehouse. The new zoning would be Service/Manufacturing as there is a tenant who would like to perform automotive servicing at this site. Since that fits with the Master Plan projection for that area, they are moving forward on this rezoning effort. Next week, it will be read for the first time; it will then be referred to the Planning Commission. This will be followed by a Public Hearing and an eventual vote.

• •Mr. Mylen asked if the rezoning will require any construction. Mr. Long said that at this point, he does not know, but the building may require refurbishing. Mr. Mylen asked about disruption of the residents of the area. The Mayor noted that they will be notified of the rezoning and will have an opportunity to ask questions. (Note: the Administration has confirmed that there are no plans for construction at this time.)



• •Mr. Furry asked if the property is being used at present. The Mayor said that it is vacant. The business will move from the old City service garage and hopes to be relocated to this site.

Ordinance No. 129-08: In Councilman Shepherd's absence, Mr. Moran explained that this ordinance will authorize the purchase of four cars for the Police Division. Part of this purchase will be part of next year's budget as they will arrive April - June. Three will be purchased from the POPAS Fund; the fourth from General Account. These vehicles have 75,000 to 100,000 miles which was acquired in 3-4 years. Further discussion will be held next week. Mr. Linden added that although a vehicle may have 80,000 miles, it runs all the time, so another 50% can be added to the odometer from this constant idling, necessary to keep the computer systems running.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: NONE

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

______________________________ ______________________________

James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council