MEETING NOTES OCTOBER 1, 2019
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• October 1, 2019 •
Ken Kary • Councilman Ward 2
NOTE
These notes “are not” the official minutes for Willoughby City Council.
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
Tonight's Council Meeting was quite short, with only two items of legislation. We are now back to our Fall-Winter schedule, with Council Meetings being held two times per month. If you ever wanted to see an actual Council Meeting first hand, please check the cities website for the dates and times and JOIN US! Like to talk, share comments or ask questions……..feel free to jump in during the Public Portion. Share your ideas and concerns.
PRIOR TO THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING/EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS
The general purpose of the Legislative Caucus meeting is to review and discuss the legislation on the Regular Council. More on the legislation covered later in this summary.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 1, 2019
ROLL CALL
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Regular Council Meeting of September 17, 2019
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the "official council meeting minutes."
Brent Woerner, American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center Street - Mr. Woerner asked for an update on the former school buildings. Mayor Fiala indicated there was a legal dispute between the partners of Building B but that was resolved recently. Construction will start on the office building with demo in the next 30 days. No update on Building A. The City has encouraged the current development team to seek another equity partner for the development of Building A but no other information is available.
Jerry Ranally, 37832 Park Avenue - Mr. Ranally asked about the light on Wilson and Park Avenue. ServiceDirector Bock said the poles were going up today or tomorrow and the traffic department will hang the lights. Mayor Fiala updated Mr. Ranally on a project at the old Imagine Salon on Euclid Avenue stating the developer has not submitted any plans. Mayor Fiala said the owner had proposed 400 sq. ft. micro unit apartments that the City is not in favor of. Mr. Ranally asked about Courthouse Square Apartments; he was informed that work is being done inside of the building. Mr. Ranally asked about the Citizens Bank building. Economic Development Director Thielman said the broker has a user they are working with so there is interest in the property. Mr. Ranally thanked the Mayor and the administration for the summer concert series stating it was one of the better concert series the City has had.
Regarding, the changeover to Republic Waste, Mr. Bock said information regarding the new service should be going out soon, however, details are currently on the website. Residents will be receiving a 96 gallon tote and a recycling tote. Residents who can't handle the 96 gallon tote can receive the 64 gallon tote. Bag service is also available. The monthly rate is $16.76 with a $1 discount for senior citizens. The new service begins on November 1
Residents who have excessive garbage may put out an additional 3 cans or 5 bags of garbage. Bulk and yard waste services remain the same.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-91
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for and enter into a contract with the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC), Round 34, for funds necessary to the 2020 Concrete Slab Replacement Project.
The State Capital Improvement Program and the Local Transportation Improvement Program both provide financial assistance to political subdivisions for capital improvements to public infrastructure; and the City of Willoughby is planning to make capital repairs to the 2020 Concrete Slab Replacement Program; and theCity is pursuing funding assistance from the Ohio Public Works Commission to complete this project; and the infrastructure improvement herein above described is considered to be a priority need for the community and is a qualified project under the OPWC program.
Annually we apply for funds to do concrete slab repairs on the city streets. These monies will go toward repairs needed on Airport Parkway and Lost Nation Road north of Airport Parkway. This work should take place in 2020.
A $265,000 project was submitted and the City received $132,000. This legislation is routine that makes the official application to OPWC. Mr. Sayles says he would like the regular road program done before this contract starts next year in July.
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-92
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to solicit statements of qualifications from any real estate developer/development team for development of a six acre City owned property. (Glennridge Project).
Project Goals:
· Parking for Downtown Willoughby
· Public Space/Waterfront along the river
· Economic Development
o Office and Tenant space to the city
· Residential
Economic Development Director Thielman said this resolution authorizes the City to go out for RFQ's (request for qualifications) for the Glenwood project. Approximately eight parties are currently interested in the project and Grain's Cleveland Business would like to write an article about the project.
Passed
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the "official council meeting minutes."
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala said there will be several proposed zoning code text amendment changes in the near future including an arts review policy, guidelines for use of outdoor space on right-of-ways for entertainment and other purposes i.e., sandwich boards and outside clothing displays.
Regarding a memo distributed to Council on vacant property registrations, Economic Development Director said these registrations are used by some communities to communicate with property owners and make them aware of what is expected of them maintenance wise. He said the City of Painesville started a registry back in 2011 due tosome chronic vacancies that weren't listed with a broker and the owners were fined due to various reasons. He said Willoughby has a problem with what some of the empty storefronts look like in downtown. He said Painesville waives the fees occasionally if the property is listed with a commercial broker or if an owner is making efforts to maintain the property and improve the interior. He believes it's a good way to establish dialogue with property owners. Mr. Thielman would like to discuss the registration further during a committee meeting. Mr. Woodin expressed concern about fining businesses' for long term vacancies and wanted more information. Ms. McNeil! said a property owner that has open storefronts in downtown won't respond to phone calls. Mr. Tomaselli voiced his concerns about policing the policy for residential. Mr. Thielman said he would prefer having the ordinance only apply to commercial property.
Mr. Woodin thanked the Mayor for the recent Special Improvement District (SID) meeting at the Senior Center.
Mr. Woodin inquired about the Design Review Board reviewing a piece of art for the Library. Mayor Fiala said oneof the artists who submitted artwork for the electric boxes had submitted a piece of art (a mural) to the arts collaborative who thought it would be a good idea for the library. The library was consulted and they think it's a great idea. It will be discussed with the Design Review Board this week to see if they favor it. The Mayor said a mural could be put on every corner right now which is why it important an "arts code" be added to the codified ordinances.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
No major reports
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Anderson - Reported he will be having a Ward 5 meeting at the Senior Center on October 28 at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Be watching for a Late Fall, Ward 2 meeting to be held, more than likely at Lost Nation Golf Course. I will keep you all posted!!!
· IN CONCLUSION: If you have any topic you want to discuss, CONTACT ME. I can easily be reached by email @ kenkarycouncil@gmail.com OR call me @ 440-537-2841
Best Wishes, Ken
NOTE
These notes “are not” the official minutes for Willoughby City Council.
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