CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
DECEMBER 17, 2007
Regular meeting of Council was called to order by Mr. Hagan, President of Council, at 8:00 p.m. in the David J. Cook Council Chambers.
Council Members Present: Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Moran, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Hurtuk,
Mrs. Bartolozzi, Mr. Long, Mr. Hagan
Council Members-Elect: Ms. Arabian, Mr. Furry, Mr. Shepherd
Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden, Mr. Thomas
Law Director: Mr. Bemer
Press: Mr. Saylor
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mr. Gollinger, that the reading of the minutes of the Legislative Meeting of December 10 be waived, and that the minutes be accepted as submitted.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye
Hurtuk - aye Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye
Hagan - abstain
6 ayes 0 nays 1 abstention PASSED
MOTION:
Moved by Mr Hagan, seconded by Mr. Long, that the 72-hour rule of notification be waived, and that Resolutions No. 139-07 through 142-07 be added to the agenda for consideration at this evening's meeting.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
MAYOR'S REPORT:
The WWTP Transformer Project has been completed, and as of Friday, the transformer is completely functioning. This was a $65,000 project and at its end, the Mayor was pleased to report that no contingency funds were required.
The evaluation and testing of the roof system continues at the Recreation Center in response to leaks reported in the past. A report based on the evaluation should be complete by Wednesday, and the Mayor will then report those results to Council. The vapor barrier which covers the roof system is being specifically reviewed.
On December 27, there will be a Dive-In Movie at the Rec Center. Featured will be Finding Nemo. All families are invited to watch the movie and enjoy the pool.
Community Challenge will once again sponsor its New Year's Eve skate.
Holiday fire prevention tips were issued as an e-update in an effort to keep residents safe among the trees, candles and other decorations popular during this season. The Fire Chief had expressed some concern about safety, and has placed timely and useful information sent on the e-update and on the website. Next week, the refuse collection schedule will be sent on the e-update.
The Mayor, having just returned from the high school, urged residents to take advantage of the musical talent displayed in the choirs and bands and enjoy a concert there. She was enthusiastic about all of the performing groups from the jazz ensembles to River's Edge to the concert choir and band, and even a blue man group type of ensemble. She said it was very enjoyable and urged residents to attend when possible.
LAW DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bemer has received the train traffic report for November, showing an average of 3.5 trains per day passing through the City.
Mr. Bemer has had an inquiry from a resident asking about the status of the Quiet Zone. The last information from Norfolk-Southern was in early November when our City Engineer discussed traffic counts and which standard to use. The City counts the through trains from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board; Norfolk-Southern counts the switch trains as well as the through trains. Based upon past history, dealing with the railroad is a slow process. Mr. Bemer noted that the City is also awaiting their review of its tracks to determine the extent of the constant warning time equipment which will be required. He hopes that in 2008 the Quiet Zone will move forward.
Responding to a past question from Mr. Gollinger, Mr. Bemer reported that through Mr. Thomas' office, he was able to determine some history. In 1999 an agreement was struck for the City to pay Cleveland $20,000 so that Rocky River workers would no longer have to read the meters. This is done on an annual basis, and from those readings, sewer rates are calculated. The rates are available on an annual basis. Mr. Bemer also noted that in Council packets, Council members found the water rate schedules through 2010.
Discussion: Mr. Gollinger asked if the monthly traffic statistics are for through trains or switch trains. Mr. Bemer said that those figures are for through trains.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Committee: Mr. Hurtuk noted that minutes for the meetings of his committee remain to be accepted.
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mr. Gollinger, that the reading of the minutes of the meetings of the Finance Committee of December 4 and December 10 be waived, and that the minutes be accepted as submitted.
Vote, 12/4: Hurtuk - aye Gollinger - aye Hagan - aye Long - aye
4 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Vote, 12/10: Hurtuk - aye Gollinger - aye Hagan - abstain Long - aye
3 ayes 0 nays 1 abstention PASSED
Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded Mr. Long, that the reading of the minutes of the Public Hearing of December 10 be waived and that the minutes be accepted as submitted.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye
Hurtuk - aye Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye
Hagan - abstain
6 ayes 0 nays 1 abstention PASSED
Mr. Hurtuk again thanked all Council members for taking the time during the week to seek out commissioners and directors so that budget hearings were informative and successful.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Gollinger has received an e-mail from Mr. Ghazal concerning cable television providers. (Exhibit "A")
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
Michael O'Shea, 21714 Aberdeen Road, extended his gratitude to the four outgoing City Councilmen. He noted that he has had great interaction with all of them, but he directed his comments to Mr. Gollinger. Acknowledging that they had had political battles, he also noted that they had some great relationships. As a former constituent, he thanked him for his years of service to the City of Rocky River.
Kevin Connors, 20661 Bonnie Bank Blvd, echoed Mr. O'Shea's comments. For the past year and a half that he has been attending meetings, he has learned a great deal from all Council members and definitely from those who are leaving, whom he thanked and said that he would miss.
Fred I. Sokol, 20021 Parkview Ave. also echoed best wishes for the outgoing members of Council. He said that his comments would be respectfully directed to Amended Ordinance No. 123-07, the annual budget. He repeated last week's comments that he felt the budget was too high and had asked Council to cut it by 25% of 2007's proposed budget. He asked the following questions: Who is asking for the money to be spent and who will receive it? What is the money for? And why pass the budget on December 17, eight days before Christmas. Finally, he said that the City's school district will ask for a 5.9 mill increase and said that passing the City's budget may cause the schools' increase to fail.
ORDINANCE NO. 95-07 BY FRANK B. GOLLINGER
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE CHANGING CHAPTER 1163 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER CONCERNING PROJECTING SIGNS AND TEMPORARY BUSINESS SIGNS, BY AMENDING SECTIONS 1163.01, 1163.04, 1163.05, 1163.06 1163.09, AND 1163.11 AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT "A"
Mr. Gollinger indicated that this ordinance has been read twice and referred to the Planning Commission which will meet tomorrow evening. Mr. Gollinger plans to attend that meeting during which he expects that the minutes of the meeting recommending this ordinance will be approved. When those minutes are returned to Council, further action will be taken.
AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 100-07 BY JAMES W. MORAN
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND PART NINE OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, OHIO TO INCLUDE A NEW CHAPTER 913 TITLED RIGHTS OF WAY ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Moran commented he will also hold this ordinance as he awaits the same minutes of the Planning Commission. The third reading of this ordinance will be next year.
ORDINANCE NO. 116-07 BY FRANK B. GOLLINGER
AN ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS AUDITOR'S PERMANENT PARCEL NO. 304-09-005 FROM ITS PRESENT CLASSIFICATION OF SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
(1F-R1) TO PUBLIC FACILITY (PF) IN ITS ENTIRETY AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A"
Mr. Gollinger explained that this ordinance which reclassifies real property was also referred to the Planning Commission and was on the agenda for the last meeting and was tabled. He expects that it will be addressed at tomorrow's meeting and has spoken to the applicant who will be represented at that meeting.
AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 123-07 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER, OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008
3RD READING
Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi and Mr. Long, that Amended Ordinance No. 123-07 be passed as read:
Discussion: Mr. Hurtuk explained once more that Council's role is to control the pursestrings, as part of the checks and balance system of the City's Charter. It is not to set policy or tell the Administration where to spend money. He said that Council has done that well over the last several years. He is especially appreciative that each year the very experienced directors and commissioners take the time to start budgets from zero and calculate what is needed to retain quality services that residents have come to expect, though paying one of the lowest tax rates in Cuyahoga County. He continued that this is an outstanding framework, a work in progress which is a monthly process that the new Council will continue to monitor. He is comfortable that the budget has been created conservatively as to revenue projections and aggressively on expenditures so that there is some space, and if changes need to be made, Council is act accordingly. He recommended voting for passage of the ordinance.
Mr. Gollinger stated his feeling that he is not entitled to vote for this legislation. He is finishing his 14th year and has approved 14 budgets, but he believes that the responsibility for this coming year's budget is that of the Council that will serve next year. He wished to clarify that he is not abstaining because he disapproves of the budget because it's too high, too low, or too anything, but because he does not believe that he is entitled to the vote.
Mrs. Bartolozzi explained that she is in the same position as Mr. Gollinger as she is leaving, but she does feel that for the new members, it will be helpful for them to have a framework, a starting point for them to use as they move forward. As they assume their responsibilities, they can modify it as needed. She has no qualms about voting for the budget and at this time of the year because she believes it is important to have the budget in place so the starting point is known and the goals set for the coming year.
Mr. Moran thanked Mr. Hurtuk for organizing and helping set the direction for the way the budget meetings have evolved during the last three to four months. Each year, as the budget begins from zero, and although Council does not have all the answers, more questions are raised and discussed. The time spent with the directors was a great opportunity to hear their proposals and to see where the City is going. He believes that when the new members are seated, they will agree that this process went in the right direction. He said this is a sound and frugal budget and he is happy to be a part of it.
Mr. Gollinger reiterated that he has no concerns about the budget but he does not believe that it is his responsibility to vote on this budget because he will not be in office for the period covered by this budget.
Mr. Long commented that last year, he said that it was a good, tight budget, one that reflects what the City needed, and he firmly believes that this year it is the same. He also thanked Mr. Hurtuk for his leadership. Studying the budget closely is a large undertaking for anyone to assimilate and integrate in order to be able to direct Council in its various ramifications. Mr. Hurtuk has done a fine and excellent job. Speaking to residents, Mr. Long emphasized that Council does not waste their money. When the task of looking at the budget is undertaken, it must be remembered that all Council members live in the City and don't want to waste their money, and are very cognizant of and sensitive to waste. Residents have experienced a certain level of service and to diminish it is not what Council wishes to do. Rather Council members would like to keep it where it is, or improve where possible and make certain that everyone's quality of life stays where it is. He said Council has the City's well-being at heart and he hopes that the budget reflects the well-being expressed by residents.
Mr. Moran pointed out that two persons are responsible for the budget, Mayor Bobst and Finance Director Thomas. As stated by Mr. Long, Council is responsible for all the money being spent and everyone is proud to live in the City and the budgets insure the goods and services received.
Mr. Hagan echoed sentiments of Council members in appreciation for the work expended by Mr. Hurtuk, not only on this budget, but for those of past years. Everyone may not realize the amount of time and effort outside meeting times which this type of ordinance requires. He said that when Mr. Hurtuk assumed chairmanship of the Finance Committee, he was confident of the direction of the budget process and that the best work possible was done. He commended Mr. Hurtuk for his hard work. To incoming Council members, he noted that while this would be an outline, those funds would not be appropriated unless an ordinance is brought before Council. In the next 12 months, when departments ask for the expending of funds, those issues will again be discussed by members of Council. Council will have the ability to change priorities. It is an outline as to how Council will be the fiscal stewards of the City for the next 12 months. Rocky River residents expect a high level of service, and Council wishes to be certain that those expectations are met.
In conclusion, after the election, Mr. Hurtuk indicated that he spoke to Councilman-elect Arabian, Councilman-elect Mylen, Councilman-elect Shepherd and Councilman-elect Furry to share plans for the budget this year. He said that they were all comfortable with proceeding as planned.
Vote: Gollinger - abstain Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
6 ayes 0 nays 1 abstention PASSED
ORDINANCE NO. 124-07 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE FORMALLY CREATING THE FINANCIAL AUDIT COMMITTEE AS A JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
3RD READING
Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi and Mr. Gollinger, that Ordinance No. 124-07 be passed as read:
Discussion: Mr. Hurtuk noted that this committee has been under discussion for some time because it was recommended by the State Auditors. This is another form of a check and balance and will also contribute to the support system for Director Thomas. Mr. Hurtuk said that it was a prudent step which will further benefit Council in maintaining a watch on the financial condition of the City.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
MOTION:
Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi, that Ordinance No. 136-07 be amended.
Discussion: It was noted by Mr. Hagan that a substitution had been provided for Exhibit "A".
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 136-07 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE CREATING POSITIONS AND FIXING THE ANNUAL SALARIES AND HOURLY RATES FOR THE APPOINTED EMPLOYEES IN THE SEVERAL DIVISIONS AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
2ND READING
Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi, that the rule requiring that Amended Ordinance No. 136-07 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Amended Ordinance No. 136-07 be placed upon its passage:
Discussion: Mr. Hurtuk observed that this is a companion piece to the budget and should be settled this evening.
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 Amended Ordinance No. 136-07 be passed as read:
Discussion: Mr. Hurtuk turned to the Mayor who noted that this represents a 2.8% increase for WWTP employees, Service employees, City Hall employees, 3% for Police and Fire and includes adjustments consistent with the compensation survey as discussed last week.
Vote: Gollinger - abstain Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
6 ayes 0 nays 1 abstention PASSED
ORDINANCE NO. 137-07 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE DELETING AND REPLACING THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER CODIFIED ORDINANCE SECTION 133.08 CONCERNING THE INITIAL GENERAL FUND DEPOSIT AND ALLOCATION OF ESTATE TAX REVENUES
1ST READING
Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mr. Gollinger, that the rule requiring that Ordinance No. 137-07 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Ordinance No. 137-07 be placed upon its passage:
Discussion: Again, Mr. Hurtuk noted that this is a companion piece to the budget.
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 Mrs. Bartolozzi, that Ordinance No. 137-07 be passed as read:
Discussion: As discussed earlier, the reason for this ordinance is that under former Mayor Knoble, there was a concern that payroll tax revenue was becoming static or possibly decreasing. An ordinance was passed which allowed a percentage of the Estate Tax revenue to be directed, at the discretion of Council upon the recommendation of the Administration, to the General Fund. As discussed at the last meeting of the Finance Committee, the revenue trend is encouraging, and it was thought appropriate to reverse this ordinance so that if modifications in the estate tax are needed, explanations will be made to Council. He said that he was pleased that the idea was favorably received by the Administration. In this way, Estate Tax funds will all go to infrastructure improvements and make up an enormous part of future planning that will need those funds.
Mr. Hunt thanked Mr. Hurtuk for introduction of this ordinance, adding that he thinks this is a prudent move, and said he appreciated Mr. Hurtuk's leadership.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
ORDINANCE NO. 138-07 BY BRIAN A. HURTUK
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 914.15(A) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER ENTITLED "CHARGES AND RATES"
1ST READING
Moved by Mr. Hurtuk, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi and Mr. Gollinger, that the rule requiring that Ordinance No. 138-07 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Ordinance No. 138-07 be placed upon its passage:
Discussion: This is a companion piece to the budget.
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. Gollinger, that Ordinance No. 138-07 be passed as read:
Discussion: Mr. Hurtuk commented that this is a key component of infrastructure improvement. This City has an aging infrastructure which could easily cost $30 to $50 million to update, but Mr. Hurtuk said that it is not prudent to issue bonds now for such a large amount to be spent in the future. The Administration's plan is to direct funds each year into set projects, so that within 10 years or so, the system can be modernized. The components are $700,000 from a sewer increase of $100 per year on the approximate 7000 City accounts; $800,000 from the General Fund, and $1.2 million from the Permanent Improvement Fund. The Administration was able to obtain an interest-free loan from the County. Mr. Hurtuk said that this financing is a good start, and he hopes that revenues stay healthy in the future so that each year repairs can be made.
Mr. Gollinger agreed, recalling that a representative from the Cleveland Water Department spoke to Council, acknowledging that no funds had been set aside for infrastructure improvements, which was creating a crisis in their system. He felt that this is a good start and that it shows that the City has raised funds, which makes it more attractive to the bond market.
Mr. Moran said that, in the light of problems which have arisen over the past years, he believes that the response from residents will be extremely positive, and that they will feel more secure knowing that steps are being taken to correct a longstanding situation. He favors moving forward.
Mr. Hunt also concurred, indicating that this issue is of paramount importance, which Council needs to address proactively. With so many problems in the past, and no answers for residents this will be a good beginning.
Mr. Hagan recalled that when the Mayor was sworn in the summer of 2006, there was an admonition from one Council person who hoped that she would develop a plan for the repair of storm and sanitary sewers which would utilize Director Linden's knowledge of the system. Mr. Hagan observed that the Mayor has worked extremely hard over the past 12-14 months on this project. In the big picture, it will be costly to bring the system up to standard, and there is a demanding list of needed repairs to the infrastructure so that the problems such as those experienced by his Ward 4 constituents which were rectified. Mr. Hagan applauded this beginning and wished her success, as this will not be easy. Many residents will not think about these problems until it impacts their basements. He said that this requires courage on the part of Council members to pass, but when things work as planned, all residents will benefit.
Mrs. Bartolozzi added that most homeowners put off doing big unexciting projects, preferring to spend on new carpeting, drapes, a deck, or a jacuzzi because those are things people enjoy. A new roof is often postponed until necessity demands spending on it. She said that this is the City's position. Having focused on other projects and made a few sewer repairs, the City has put off large spending and committing to the improvement of the system. She said that this has been put off long enough and needs our primary attention over the next few years.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
7 ayes 0 nays PASSED
RESOLUTION NO. 139-07 BY MAYOR BOBST, LAW DIRECTOR BEMER
AND ALL MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE SERVICE OF LINDA BARTOLOZZI, COUNCILWOMAN -AT-LARGE OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
1ST READING
Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mr. Moran, that the rule requiring that Resolution No. 139-07 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Resolution No. 139-07 be placed upon its passage:
Discussion: Mr. Hagan explained that the purpose of the rules suspension is to pass the resolutions so that they can be signed and distributed to the members of Council being honored.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye
Hurtuk - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mr. Gollinger and Mr. Long, that Resolution No. 139-07 be passed as read:
Discussion: All members of Council and the Mayor expressed their appreciation to Mrs. Bartolozzi for the fine job she has done representing the residents of the City. They commented on her calm and straightforward approach and noted that she has been a tremendous asset to Council. She has always had a pulse for what the residents think and was well-respected by them. She has always been willing to serve the community in many ways.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye
Hurtuk - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Mrs. Bartolozzi commented that her life has been enriched through the experience of working with everyone, both in the present and the past.
RESOLUTION NO. 140-07 BY MAYOR BOBST, LAW DIRECTOR BEMER
AND ALL MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE SERVICE OF FRANK B. GOLLINGER, COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM AND WARD 3 COUNCILMAN OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
1ST READING
Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mr. Long and Mr. Gollinger, that the rule requiring that Resolution No. 140-07 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Resolution No. 140-07 be placed upon its passage:
Discussion: See discussion for Resolution No. 139-07.
Vote: Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mrs. Bartolozzi and Mr. Long, that Resolution No. 140-07 be passed as read:
Discussion: Mr. Gollinger was honored by his fellow Council members for his 14 years of service. Members recalled that he has given guidance, support and insight to many of the new members as they assumed their duties. His contributions have been thought-provoking in representing his ward and his committee work. He was blessed with excellent recall and that added to providing background for Council members to make decisions. He has been devoted to the interests of the residents and the City.
Vote: Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Mr. Gollinger commented that over 14 years, he has served with many fine individuals, and each one served because they wanted to serve the community and the residents. He was honored to have been elected and have the opportunity to serve.
RESOLUTION NO. 141-07 BY MAYOR BOBST, LAW DIRECTOR BEMER
AND ALL MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE SERVICE OF BRIAN F. HAGAN, PRESIDENT AND WARD 4 COUNCILMAN OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
1ST READING
Moved by Mr. Gollinger, seconded by Mr. Moran, that the rule requiring that Resolution No. 141-07 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Resolution No. 141-07 be placed upon its passage:
Discussion: See discussion for Resolution No. 139-07.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Moved by Mr. Gollinger, seconded by Mr. Moran, that Resolution No. 141-07 be passed as read:
Discussion: Personal and professional tributes were paid to Mr. Hagan for his dedication to his Ward 4 residents and his leadership on the issues. Members thanked him for his welcoming attitude and encouragement, particularly as a mentor for new members. All members wished him well in the new position to which he has been elected. The Mayor noted that he has already collaborated with Judge Fitzsimmons to streamline processes at the Court and foster good stewardship of court revenue.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye Hurtuk - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Mr. Hagan commented that he was privileged to have served with other Council members and to have represented Ward 4. He expressed excitement for the four new members and said that he was proud to be a resident of the City.
RESOLUTION NO. 142-07 BY MAYOR BOBST, LAW DIRECTOR BEMER
AND ALL MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE SERVICE OF BRIAN A. HURTUK, COUNCILMAN-AT-LARGE OF THE CITY OF ROCKY RIVER
1ST READING
Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mr. Long, that the rule requiring that Resolution No. 142-07 be read on three separate days be suspended, and that Resolution No. 142-07 be placed upon its passage:
Discussion: See discussion for Resolution No. 139-07.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Moved by Mr. Hagan, seconded by Mr. Long and Mrs. Bartolozzi, that Resolution No. 142-07 be passed as read:
Discussion: Mr. Hurtuk was praised for his professional demeanor, his knowledge, his interest in getting things done, his ability to be forthright and particularly, the sharing of his invaluable expertise. His insights and leadership helped Council members make decisions which bettered the City. He was also commended for his ability to focus on the issue and proceed to an orderly conclusion. This was clearly shown through his leadership of the Finance Committee, a key role in holding the pursestrings of the City.
Vote: Gollinger - aye Moran - aye Hunt - aye
Bartolozzi - aye Long - aye Hagan - aye
6 ayes 0 nays PASSED
Mr. Hurtuk said that he will always be grateful to those who involved him with the City, starting with the Planning Commission. He praised Mr. Linden and Mr. Thomas, reiterating that it is because of the directors and commissioners that the City runs so well. He also praised the audience which he said often gives a different perspective. He hopes the new Council will continue to keep the City strong and competitive.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: NONE
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
Kevin Connors, 20661 Bonnie Bank Avenue commented that he thought it made good sense to pass the budget before the new year. He said he was amazed at how much work goes into what Council does. He thought Council should have given themselves a raise which they deserve for all the work done.
Mr. Hagan reminded all that the next Council meeting will be January 7 at 5:00 p.m. At that time, newly elected officials will be sworn in for the 2008-2009 term.
As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:02 p.m.
_____________________________ _______________________________
James W. Moran Misao Kurokawa
President of Council Clerk of Council