CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

MAY 3, 2010

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

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

Mrs. Arabian Whitman, Dr. Schieda

Absent: Mr. Moran

Administration: Mayor Bobst, Mr. Linden

Law Director: Mr. Bemer

Press: Ms. Toth.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

An informational meeting concerning foreclosure prevention and intervention was hosted today by Congressman Kucinich. He was joined by Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, the Honorable Herbert M. Allison, who shared some new measures being enacted by the Federal government. Mr. Allison then listened to testimony from local individuals concerned about the accessibility of federal funds to those in need and the problems involved with prompt and just distribution of those funds.

• •The Mayor reported that last year Rocky River had 94 foreclosures, which is the predicted level for this year, noting that this was a very low figure compared to other communities which have hundreds.



• •Each foreclosure represents a negative impact on its neighborhood as a home begins to deteriorate through neglect and abandonment. Because this is problematic, Rocky River is active in taking a proactive role to assure that the owner has the necessary resources and tools to prevent foreclosure and deterioration.



• •She noted that there is also a need for counseling in this situation which is often not in place as it should be. Communication is essential to make certain that necessary tools are accessible to individuals in need.

Mayor Bobst commented that this was a very worthwhile meeting at which important information was shared, and she expressed appreciation to Congressman Kucinich and Assistant Secretary Allison.

Council will soon receive a supplemental appropriations ordinance making adjustments to the budget.

• •Mayor Bobst indicated that for the Lake Road project, both revenue and expenditures, there will be an adjustment in the budget because the project financing will be handled by ODOT which is in control of Phase 2 of the project.
• • Interest revenue will be reduced
• •An adjustment will be made for severance pay at the WWTP.

The ordinance will focus on the appropriations issues rather than revenue, but Council members are encouraged to ask questions of the Administration on any aspect of the legislation.

Friday was the last day for Mike Patterson, Director of Parks and Recreation. The Mayor reported that he was thrilled with his gift of lifetime membership to the Don Umerley Civic Center and even more excited at the naming of the gymnasium in his honor.

The Arbor Day tree planting ceremony went very smoothly and was attended by several members of Council.

The 90^th birthday celebration at the Senior Center was attended by more than 104 residents over the age of 90 and 110 guests. Interestingly, the Senior Center reported that 295 invitations were sent, indicating the older population is strong in the City.

The afternoon ended with the reception for Library Director John Lonsak who retired after a long history with the county library system and the Rocky River Library. The Mayor said that he did a great job during the years that he served as director.

This weekend and next (May 7 & 8, 14 & 15), the Senior Center will present "Steppin' Out" at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from this variety & musical revue will help the Senior Transportation Program.

The Senior Transportation Program will also benefit from a grant awarded by the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation. The Mayor said she appreciated those efforts from the organization which has been a longtime supporter.

The grant application submitted to EfficientGovNow by the WWTP district together with the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) has not qualified for the final round. The $27,000 grant would have been used by the four communities of the WWTP district to audit stormwater management practices and create benchmark best practices, putting together a model which would be important environmentally and which could be replicated in other communities. Because the communities and CSWCD feel this is a worthwhile and important project, they will continue to seek other funding so that the project can go forward.

The Crown Water Works at Clague and Detroit, which delivers pure drinking water to this region, will observe National Drinking Water Week, May 2 through May 8. On Saturday, May 8, free public tours will be available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The Police Auction will be this Saturday as well as Operation Medicine Cabinet, which will collect out-of-date or unused medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter for safe disposal. This will be held in the lobby of the Police Station from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

The Garlic-Mustard Pull at Elmwood Park will also be this Saturday. This annual event, which rids the park of as much of the invasive weed as possible, has made a huge difference.

Saturday, Little League will have its opening day. Glenn Combes, who led the program for many years before he passed away last year, will be honored by a proclamation. One of his sons will throw out the first pitch.

The Rain Barrel Workshop is Tuesday, May 18 at the Don Umerley Civic Center at 6:00. The Mayor added that the CSWCD is sponsoring an art project which places colorfully decorated rain barrels throughout the county to spotlight the need for good stormwater management and access to clean water.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ordinance No. 48-09: Dr. Schieda indicated that this ordinance, as discussed at earlier meetings, authorizes the adoption of an updated Development Code. The process is moving forward with a Public Hearing on May 17 for comment by the community. The City's consultants, David Hartt and Alisa Duffey Rogers, will be present to discuss the update and answer questions. Mr. Hunt added that the Public Hearing will begin at 7:30 p.m.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: NONE

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Safety Committee: As discussed by Chairman Hunt last week, a question had been raised by Dr. Schieda on the life expectancy of breathing apparatus which is currently being replaced by new equipment. Dr. Schieda indicated that he had spoken to Chief Flynn who explained that some equipment was replaced because it is outdated, being 15+ years old, does not comply with current standards and is not compatible with other mutual aid communities.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance No.29-10: Mr. Shepherd introduced this ordinance which authorizes an agreement for the printing services required by the City for the next two years. He noted that there was only

one bid, explaining that all required services are itemized and sent to 15-20 companies including all who have bid in the past. The only response was from the current provider, Admiral Products.

• •Mr. Linden said that in this situation, Admiral is well-equipped to handle all the printing needs of the City, and has done an excellent job of working with all departments and keeping costs reasonable. He said that he is pleased that they have won the bid. Noting that City newsletters have won two printing prizes this year, he recommended that Council members visit Admiral's facility.

• •The Mayor commented that Admiral is a full-service printer and can print all the forms needed by the City.

Mr. Shepherd added that for this two-year contract, some prices have decreased or remained the same, and those that have increased have been modest amounts.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mr. Hunt announced that on Saturday, former Councilman Tom Long was ordained as a permanent deacon in the Catholic diocese and will serve at St. Christopher's Church. He began his participation with mass on Sunday morning, May 2. Mr. Hunt added his congratulations to those of all Council members.

As there was no further business by members of Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m.

______________________________ ______________________________

Thomas J. Hunt Misao Kurokawa

President Pro Tem of Council Clerk of Council