Meeting Notes January 16, 2018

This was the second Council Meeting of the year for our new Mayor and the 4 new council members.  The three veteran council members, as well as the council secretary are making everyone feel relaxed and comfortable.  There is quite a large transition and learning curve for sure, but everyone is coming to terms with what their duties are.  Here are the details from the January 16th, 2018 meeting.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

 Environmental Planning Committee

The Regular Council Meeting was preceded, by a meeting of the Environmental Planning Committee.  Their task is to review all the E.A.S. papers (Environmental Assessment Statements).  The purpose of the environmental assessment is to require the Council to make an assessment of the environmental effect of any proposed project, construction or change of land use prior to the issuance of a permit pursuant to other ordinances of the City. 

The Environmental Planning Committee looks at reviews of:

·      Traffic impact

·      Stormwater

·      Firefighting demands

·      Noise, water, and air pollution

·      Demands on the school system

·      Hazardous waste and materials

·      Timeline of construction

Upon the review by the Environmental Planning Committee, all EAS Statements go to the Planning Commission for review and approval.

 Tonight:         Review of EAS #1-1-18

The proposed project is for a 9,100 sq. ft. Dollar General retail store with 37 parking spaces located at 38878 Mentor Avenue.  The existing asphalt pavement and prior motel floor slab and foundation walls will be removed.  After a presentation and then a question and answer period, this EAS was approved by the Environmental Planning Committee and will be sent to Planning Commission for review.

ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS

Council Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Dependents Fund Board (this board is being put into place should there ever be a death of a Volunteer Firefighter)

·      Councilman, Bob Carr

·      Councilman, Chris Woodin

Income Tax Board of Review

·      Gary George

·      Birkett Gibson

Clean City Commission

·      Councilman, Dan Anderson

Mayor’s Appointments (confirmed by council)

Directors

Director of Public Service

·      Lee Bock (formerly from the City of Euclid)

Boards and Commission Members

Civil Service Commission

·      Jeff Mitchell

Board of Building Code Appeals

·      Kevin McCrone

Planning Commission

·      Mike Wildermuth

NEW BUSINESS

 Summary of the more significant Ordinances and Resolutions

·      Ordinance passed to approve the naming of the City of Willoughby Senior Center the David E. Anderson Senior Center in honor of 26 years of service as Mayor and Safety Director.  Mayor Anderson took the floor and thanked Mayor Fiala and all of Council, as well as the employees of Willoughby for this great honor.

·      Resolution to approve a decrease in the contract amount for work done on Osborne Park (Parking improvements and the walking trail).  There was a drop in the cost for these projects due to the fact the contractor did not meet their project deadline.

·      Resolution asking the Mayor to accept a 2017 Grant for Willoughby Firefighters to receive the Firefighters Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant Award through the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation.  This will enable the Department to acquire a UniMac Washer/Extractor to aid in the exposure to dangerous environmental elements.  Because of the work of Fire Marshal Mike Kocab and his extremely strong grant writing skills, the Department received a grant to cover the majority of the costs to purchase this highly specialized Washer to handle the cleaning of equipment worn by our Firefighters.  Its primary purpose is to rid all gear of dangerous toxins and carcinogens.

·      Ordinance for the Glenbury Subdivision that all utilities for the Subdivision No. III, are found to be constructed in accordance with the City Engineer.  There is also a guarantee for any necessary repairs for a period of 2 years by the developer.

·      Resolution that bids have been received and by Nerone & Sons for the rebuilding of Timber Ridge, Sherwin Woods, Plains Road, Chestnut, and Poplar Pumping Stations.  The Mayor is authorized to enter into a contract for the rebuilding.  The amount of $263,000 will be expended from the Sewer Fund.

·      Resolution approved to congratulate the Fine Arts Association of Willoughby for being the recipient of the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Distinguished Small Business.  The Fine Arts Association is a major partner in the community in their promotion of all the Arts.

·      Resolution to authorize the necessary tax levies voted on by the voters this past November 2017.  This was for a renewal for an Operating and Recreation levy.      

·      Resolution authorizing the cities Finance Director to enter into an agreement with the Board of Lake County Commissioners to utilize proceeds from the Senior Levy Fund for the purpose of providing or maintaining senior citizen services or facilities at the Willoughby Senior Center (January 2018-December 2018). 

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

 Questions Asked that may be of interest to the residents of Willoughby

·      Questions asked of City Engineer, Mr. Sayles

·      What is the status of the traffic study that is being done from Gilson to Adkins Rd.?

·      Answer:

·      This traffic study is taking place NOW and the results will be shared as soon as the study is complete.  The primary task is to assess the traffic, safety, and light timing in this particular location.

·      What is the status of the study regarding the traffic light at Adkins, Westminster and Lost Nation Rd.  There has been concern that there have been far too many accidents at this intersection where vehicles are making left turns off of Lost Nation Rd.  ?

·      Answer:

·      This study too is currently taking place.  At the completion of the study, there will be a recommendation as to what may be the best solution to this particular intersection.

·      Regarding the work being done with Storm Water Management, and Two Town Ditch, when do you expect the Lakeshore Blvd. culvert replacement to take place, going from a 4’x3’ to 10’ by 6’ culvert.  (This will ease the flow of stormwater from this stream out to Lake Erie and help reduce flooding)?

·      Answer:

·      This particular piece of work is part of a much larger project.   Currently all the easements are in place and the only obstacle to clear is the funding.  More than likely there will be a recommendation to borrow the funds to get this project done sooner.  It will be done in 2018.