Meeting Notes April 17, 2018

Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary

Notes:  April 17, 2018

The April 17th Council Meeting was rather lean, regarding the agenda.  What was important was the annual Student Government Day for students from Willoughby South High School.  We had the opportunity to have as guests of the city, nine future politicians.  I myself had the opportunity to have Ms. Ashley Banas, 38153 Erie St. follow me through the Council Meeting.  She was the Ward 2 representative for the day.  Ashley's interests include creative writing, political science, biology, law, and theatre.  I would sum that up as a "well rounded" student with interests from the sciences to the arts.  Ashley said she would like to attend college in New York or Massachusetts. 

·      Other students in attendance were

o  Joseph Smith           Ward 1

o  Emma Tomaselli       Ward 3

o  Maneet Verma          Council President and Ward 4

o  Lauren Vladyka        Ward 5

o  Veronica Blatnick     Ward 6

o  Alison Keller             Council at Large

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

·     No committee meetings this evening 

 LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS

·     The general purpose of the Legislative Caucus meeting is to review and discuss the legislation on the Regular Council.

o  The focus of the discussion was on the 5 Resolutions up for a vote as well as one Ordinance.

PUBLIC PORTION

·     We had a speaker representing the Lake County Crime Lab.  She spoke to Council and all in attendance.

o  Founded in 1973, the Lake County Crime Laboratory is funded by a countywide tax levy. The Lake County Crime Laboratory is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors — Laboratory Accreditation Board, assuring that it adheres to stringent policies and that its’ scientists are skillfully trained in state-of-the-art technology. The Laboratory serves Lake County law enforcement agencies at no cost and assesses a fee for out of county police agencies.

o  She asked all to support the Crime Lab when we vote.

o  Also of note was mention by the speaker as well as the Chief of Police for Willoughby that due to the location of the Crime Lab in Lake County, some of the “undesirables” that prey on communities have a tendency to avoid Lake County.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

·     None

NEW BUSINESS

Summary of the more significantOrdinances and Resolutions addressed

·      Resolution No. 2018-44

o   This was a resolution amending a Municipal Tax Incentive Agreement with Process Technology (a new business moving to Willoughby on Mentor Avenue).  Its primary purpose was to adjust the timeframe for their moving to their new location so they can receive the full benefit of their tax incentive.

·      Resolution No. 2018-45

o   This resolution is declaring certain obsolete and or damaged equipment; owned by the City of Willoughby and no longer serviceable for the Fire Department, as surplus, authorizing the disposal thereof.  The fire department has gear that no longer meets the current standards.  They will more than likely donate it to another city fire department. 

·      Resolution No. 2018-46

o   A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a two (2) year agreement with Medicount Management, Inc. for services necessary to the collection of rates charged by the City of Willoughby for all Fire Department Emergency Medical and Rescue Squad Services provided to the residents and non-residents of the City.  This company has served the city for many years and this rate increase is the first in 14 years.  They handle all the billing for rescue and ambulance services to the community.

·      Resolution No. 2018-47

o   A resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply to the Lake County Office of Planning and Community Development for a Community Development Block Grant for the fiscal year 2018.  Application for these monies, if granted, will provide funds for our City Park, Osborne for continued improvements. 

·      Resolution No. 2018-48

o   A resolution recognizing the responsibility of the City of Willoughby to affirmatively further fair housing.  This resolution goes hand in hand with resolution No 2018-48.

·      Resolution No. 2018-49

o   An ordinance amending Chapter 185 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio titled “Municipal Income Tax”.  These changes are being implemented to protect the City of Willoughby from some of the negatives of House Bill 49.  They will provide the city more flexibility.

Reports from the Directors, Mayor and Council Members

·      The Mayor introduced a new employee to the City, Shana Boyd, as the Assistant to the Economic Development Director as well as the Mayor. Shana is a Willoughby resident.

·      Councilman, Ken Kary, Ward 2 shared two items

o   The new housing development Fairway Glenn has started construction.  The first “Model Home” had its foundation poured and the lumber for construction has been set on site.

o   Councilman Kary shared that in his most recent newsletter he is asking the residents on Hurricane Drive to share their opinions regarding their desire to have sidewalks installed on Hurricane Drive or not. These sidewalks would be a cost to the residents and could be paid for immediately or be placed on their taxes over a period of years.

Next Countil Meeting the topic of Sidewalks will return with the Service Committee Meeting scheduled.

 The views I express in these Council Meeting Summaries are my own and do not reflect any official view or position of the City of Willoughby. The “official” Council Minutes are posted on the City of Willoughby Website    http://willoughbyohio.com/government/city-council/