CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

NOVEMBER 20, 2006

The Committee-of-the-Whole was called to order by Mr. Hagan, President of Council, at 8:10p.m.

Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Moran, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Hurtuk,

Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Long, Mr. Hagan

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Mrs. Mackenzie

MAYOR'S REPORT:

A wonderful event celebrated the opening of Beachcliff Market Square this past weekend with many members of Council in attendance. The Mayor wished the shopping area continued success and commented that she appreciates their spirit of cooperation and partnership with the Old Detroit Merchants' Association.

A draft of a tree ordinance was forwarded to the Mayor's office last week from the Beautification Committee. It will be reviewed by several members of the Administration and will then come to Council.

On Saturday, three individuals were apprehended in "Tangletown" on suspicion of breaking into homes to steal valuables. The Mayor expressed her appreciation to observant residents and the quick response of the Police Department which resulted in the arrests. Break-ins have been occurring for the last several days in Lakewood and Rocky River. The accused have confessed and many items have been retrieved from their vehicles and homes. Mayor Bobst took this opportunity to caution residents to lock their cars and homes. Although this is a wonderful community and a safe community, it is not immune to crime.

A productive meeting has been held with residents and representatives of Congressman Kuchinch's office concerning the post office. The Administration will be speaking to officials to determine the scope of the projected improvements and to see if the City can play a role. The Mayor was pleased to see that progress is being made, with a commitment for fence placement, paving and landscaping.

Service Department crews are making their ninth circuit around the City to collect leaves. At present, it appears that the goal of December 1 to pick up the bulk of the leaves will be met. The Mayor noted that, if necessary, leaves are picked up throughout the winter.

This Saturday, the Rocky River Jr. Women's Club will sponsor its annual tree-lighting ceremony. Council President Hagan, as master of ceremonies, will have the honor of turning on the tree lights. Attendees will then be invited to the Senior Center for refreshments, crafts and entertainment. The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m., and Mr. Hagan advised everyone to arrive early as there is a hockey tournament that evening and parking will be at a premium.

The Mayor has received a letter from Mayor Frank Jackson of Cleveland outlining the new water service agreement. As yet, there has been no opportunity to review the document, but Mayor Bobst will forward a copy of the letter and fact sheet to members of Council. She will then review the agreement in detail with the Law Director and will report findings to Council.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 139-06: This ordinance authorizes an agreement for snow removal from aprons of qualified residents. Mr. Hagan turned to Mr. Linden who suggested waiting until the December 1 deadline to see how many residents sign up for the service. Fifty or more are necessary to make this contract viable. Criteria have changed from last year's program, so it is unknown as yet how many residents will qualify for the program.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:

Council Chamber Improvements: Mayor Bobst noted that, as mentioned before, funds are available in the Building Maintenance Budget which will allow the proposed updating of the Chambers which is projected to cost less than $15,000. Included in the proposed improvements are a new speaker system, carpeting, lights, dropped ceiling, drywall and an air conditioning system with current ductwork removed. City crews will perform much of the labor. The timeline for the project is about six weeks, and the renovations may mean that Council will have to find another venue for its meetings for a couple of meetings.

Another suggestion is equipment for Power Point presentations, including a scanner which could project information on a screen mounted at the front of the Council Chambers. Estimates for this equipment range from $7,000 to $11,000. It has also been proposed that if the equipment were portable, it could be used in other city buildings, e.g. the Civic Center or Senior Center.

Mayor Bobst asked if the Administration should proceed with this project.

• •Mr. Gollinger said that he did not disagree with the audio-visual equipment proposals. He noted that Council Chambers hosts Council meetings as well as meetings of the Planning Commission, Design Board and BZA. These groups often have drawings and renderings which the public would like to see, and he thinks it would be beneficial to have good quality equipment and a drop-down screen for the audience. Since nothing has been done since the room was designed for the Court, he would like to see this project pursued.

Mayor Bobst further explained that proposals had been received from Wellman & Griffith and Audiocraft. Suggestions had been to mount a large screen behind Council members with a monitor in front of them. Costs for the scanner ranged from $700 to $1700 and for the monitor, $1800 to $3400 plus some labor charges for connections.

• •Mr. Hagan explained that the chambers had originally been designed for use by the Rocky River Municipal Court.

The Mayor indicated that reconfiguration can be done in-house. Estimates came to $13,100 with some smaller related expenses, leading to the figure of under $15,000 which is available from the Building Maintenance Fund.

• •Mr. Moran asked if these funds must be disbursed this year. Mr. Hurtuk, Finance Chairman, said that they do not.



• •Mr. Hurtuk added that he would be interested in seeing any available drawings or sketches of proposed changes as well as a breakdown of costs. The proposed technology would make the Chamber more user friendly, and careful consideration would be prudent.

The Mayor indicated that she will distribute summaries and cost estimates.

Rental Inspection Program Update: At the beginning of October, the Mayor met with the City's inspectors, Building Commissioner Kevin Beirne and Economic Development Director Kory Koran to discuss the rental inspection program.

There are approximately 2900 rental units in the City. There are 197 single family, 145 doubles representing 247 rental units, 223 condominiums and 2234 multi-family. The number has grown slightly, but in talking with the inspectors, the feeling is that the reason for the increase is that the City is making progress in finding existing rental units. The number of former rental units has also grown from 446 to 502.

The inspection team consists of one full-time and two part-time inspectors who have completed approximately 900 inspections to date, but their need for clerical support restricts their workloads. The Administration is working to address that need.

The revenue for inspections thus far is $65,000 and is on budget. The target figure is $80,000 for the year. Under the Rental Inspection Program, an occupancy permit is completed every year. Legislation passed by Council gives inspectors the authority to evaluate every unit every three years or more often, if necessary. Some inspections are time consuming, particularly if the unit is not in compliance and return visits must be made. Complaints are also addressed.

• •Mr. Long asked about the time elapsed between the inspection where code violations are noted and the return visit. The Mayor responded that it depends upon the violation, but usually another visit is scheduled in 30 days. That property may be on a more frequent visitation cycle until inspectors are convinced that it is in compliance.



• •Mr. Hunt commented that on two occasions he has spoken with inspectors Mr. Connelly and Mr. Zell about properties in his ward, and has found that they are very responsive. They are willing to allow the homeowner or landlord to have some leeway on when the problem is addressed. He observed that this is a worthwhile program and that it is important to keep up the housing stock which makes strong neighborhoods.



• •Mr. Bemer agreed that it is important to maintain property values, but safety is the most important. Inspectors are extremely vigilant about smoke alarms and other safeguards which protect residents. The Mayor added that inspections often are coordinated with the Fire Safety Officer.



• •Mayor Bobst remarked that the aim of inspections is compliance. Citations are not desirable if the property owner is moving toward what is required. Safety is always first, and compliance is the goal.



• •The Mayor noted that there has been an increase in single-family rentals, some because a house has not sold, and some recently discovered by tracking sewer bills which are sent to a different address.



• •Mr. Hagan asked if inspections of non-rental homes is complaint driven. The Mayor responded that every home is assessed in a drive-by inspection every year which may generate a warning letter. Otherwise, they may be complaint driven.



• •Mr. Hagan then asked if information can be given to Council members about problems in their respective wards so that when called by residents, they have the necessary information to answer questions. Sometimes residents call to report problems to Council persons.



• •Mr. Moran indicated that he had received copies of warnings and citations delivered in his ward for a more involved problem and had found it very helpful.



• •Mr. Hagan then asked Mr. Bemer if there is more enforcement and a difference in court cooperation with city-handled building code violations. Mr. Bemer recalled a case involving a vehicle in Ward 2 where inspectors were particularly diligent. A second citation was issued and the prosecutor was involved with good results from the court.



• •Mr. Gollinger has had an opportunity to meet with inspectors and feels that they are to be commended for finding a way to determine which properties are single-family rentals. He suggested that the Code could be changed to make it mandatory to report when a property changes to rental and attach a penalty for non-compliance. He indicated his intent to discuss this further in a meeting of the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee.

Free Standing Commercial Signs: an inventory of signs as of November 8 was prepared and distributed to Council members by the Administration. This will give Council an idea of how many free standing signs there are in the City. The Mayor pointed out that Code Chapter 1163.06 (f) states, "Portable, free standing signs are prohibited.". At one time, it was decided that this section would not be enforced, but it is clear now that the number of signs has multiplied and that many of these signs are in the public right-of-way and present line of sight and other safety issues. The Administration is prepared to enforce this section unless Council amends the Code or has additional input. Letters will be sent asking that such signs be removed but allowing some time to do so.

• •Mr. Gollinger pointed out that Council had given the Administration wide latitude in enforcement of this provision, particularly with new businesses. He said that now it is out of hand. He asked, however, that the Mayor delay the letters for one week to allow discussion at a committee meeting.



• •Mr. Moran has received comments from constituents complaining that there are too many of these signs which are changing the appearance of shopping areas. He is trying to be responsive to these residents while supporting local businesses.



• •Mayor Bobst noted that the City is working hard on streetscaping on Detroit and on Center Ridge and ironically, it is these streets which have the most portable free standing signs. She recognizes that signage is necessary, and would like to encourage permanent signs in compliance with the Code. Enforcement can be supportive, since there are so many signs it is difficult to read them all. She would encourage property owners to join in the streetscaping beautification effort.



• •Mrs. Bartolozzi agreed, pointing out that a letter prior to enforcement is a good idea. Many new business owners may not be aware that these signs are illegal, particularly since there are so many of them. Large numbers of these signs render them ineffective.



• •The Mayor agreed to delay enforcement until after the committee meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee: Mr. Gollinger requested, in the absence of any other committee meeting, that a meeting of his committee be scheduled for next Monday, November 27 at 7:00 prior to the Legislative Meeting. On the agenda will be discussions of the Rental Inspection Program, regulation of PODS, and Free Standing Commercial Signs.

Mr. Hagan noted that the last Monday of the year will fall on December 25, and that Council will not meet on that date. He asked Council members to consider either the 26^th or the 27^th , noting that this will be the last Legislative Meeting of the year.

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolutions No. 147-06, 148-06 and 149-06: These resolutions were passed at this evening's Special Meeting.

Ordinance No. 150-06: Mr. Gollinger explained that this requested legislation has been provided by the Law Director. Regulations of PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) is necessary because the units have appeared in front yards and on streets for temporary storage. He encouraged committee members to see the website of the company for an overview before the next meeting.

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

________________________________ ______________________________

Brian F. Hagan Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council

CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

NOVEMBER 20, 2006

The Special Meeting of Council 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

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Mrs. McKenzie

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Council President Hagan explained that the Special Meeting this evening had been convened to consider three resolutions honoring the achievements of student athletes.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: NONE

RESOLUTION NO. 147-06 BY MAYOR BOBST, LAW DIRECTOR BEMER AND ALL MEMBERS OF COUNCIL A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF A ROCKY RIVER HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER, BRIAN GIBBONS

1^ST READING

Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mr. Gollinger, that the rule requiring that Resolution No. 147-06 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Resolution No. 147-06 be placed upon its passage:

Discussion: Mr. Hagan indicated that this first resolution honors the performance of Brian Gibbons, a state district champion and regional runner-up. Resolution 148-06 pays tribute to the girls' cross country team which won the West Shore Conference and placed first at the State District meet and the state regional meet. Resolution No. 149-06 honors the Rocky River football team which had an undefeated season in the West Shore conference and was the first RRHS team to qualify for the OHSAA playoffs with a 9-2 season.

Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye

Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye

7 ayes 0 nays PASSED

Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi, that Ordinance No. 147-06 be passed as read:

Discussion: See discussion above.

Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye

Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye

7 ayes 0 nays PASSED

RESOLUTION NO. 148-06 BY MAYOR BOBST, LAW DIRECTOR BEMER AND ALL MEMBERS OF COUNCIL A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF THE ROCKY RIVER HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY TEAM, THEIR COACHES, AND ATHLETIC STAFF

1^ST READING

Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mr. Long, that the rule requiring that Resolution No. 148-06 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Resolution No. 148-06 be placed upon its passage:

Discussion: See discussion for Resolution No. 147-06.

Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye

Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye

7 ayes 0 nays PASSED

Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi, that Ordinance No. 148-06 be passed as read:

Discussion: See discussion for Resolution No. 147-06.

Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye

Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye

7 ayes 0 nays PASSED

RESOLUTION NO. 149-06 BY MAYOR BOBST, LAW DIRECTOR BEMER AND ALL MEMBERS OF COUNCIL A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF THE ROCKY RIVER HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM, THEIR COACHES, AND ATHLETIC STAFF

1^ST READING

Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mr. Gollinger and Mr. Moran, that the rule requiring that Resolution No. 149-06 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Resolution No. 149-06 be placed upon its passage:

Discussion: See discussion for Resolution No. 147-06.

Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye

Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye

7 ayes 0 nays PASSED

Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mr. Long, that Ordinance No. 149-06 be passed as read:

Discussion: See discussion for Resolution No. 147-06.

Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye

Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye

7 ayes 0 nays PASSED

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

__________________________________ _____________________________

Brian A. Hagan Misao Kurokawa

President of Council Clerk of Council