Meeting Notes November 19, 2019
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• November 19, 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
Two more Council Meetings in December and 2019 is "in the books." It has been a busy first two years for me as Councilman, Ward 2. All I can share now is that I will continue to place the same effort if not more, working on keeping Willoughby moving forward. We need to address everything from infrastructure to city services, as well as focus our attention on all re-development as well as new developments.
I look forward to continuing working together with my fellow Council members as well as the Administration. 2020 will be a GREAT YEAR for Willoughby.
This evening I had the opportunity to host Cub Scout Pack 105 Chartered by the American Legion Post 678 and their adult leaders at our Council Meeting. I have been working with the scouts on their efforts toward earning their Arrow of Light Rank. I had not only the opportunity to address the scouts but also field their questions on many topics related to Local Politics. Here is a list of the Scouts and their adult leaders. This evening, their primary task was to start the November 19, 2019, Council Meeting by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Adults
Sharon Trsek - Den Leader
Mike Johnston, Assistant Den Leader
Webelos AOL Scouts
Ryan Scott (5th Grader at Grant Elementary)
Eli Daher (5th Grader at Grant Elementary)
Kian Becker (5th Grader at Grant Elementary)
Michael Manzi (5th Grader at School of Innovation)
PRIOR TO THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING/EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
*The purpose of the Environmental Planning Committee Meeting is to address:
· Traffic Impact
· Storm Water Management
· Police and Fire Demands
· Noise, Water and Air Pollution
· The Demands of the School System
· Hazardous Waste and Materials Concerns
· Timeline of the Project
Once these seven items have been addressed, the committee has a responsibility to send comments to the Planning Commission to inform them of details they would like to see addressed when the project appears on Planning’s agenda.
EAS #15-10-19
The proposed project is for a 4,600 sf one-story addition to an existing building (8,000 sf) for Timperio Roofing located at 32711 Ben Hur. Masonry walls will match the existing structure with a wood truss and sloping roof. The addition will be divided into three rental units for small businessstart-ups.
We made recommendations to the Planning Commission to address storm-water runoff since there will be an elimination of some large grassy areas with the addition. Planning will also be informed that the developer will need to combine two parcels for this addition to take place.
EAS #17-11-19
The proposed project is for three additions totaling 14,221 sf to an existing 29,363 sf building located at 34881 Euclid Avenue to be used as Marc's store. The additions include a two-bay loading dock and stock room additions to the north and east and the demolition of the front canopy, facade and 14' addition to the south with a new storefront sign.
At the conclusion of this E.A.S., the Environmental Planning Committee made recommendations to the Planning Commission to address traffic concerns. There is a need to determine the impact on nearby intersections. They also asked Planning to be sure that all Parking requirements are met.
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
November 19, 2019
ROLL CALL
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Cub Scout Pack 105 Chartered by the American Legion Post 678
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular Council Meeting of November 5, 2019
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Shade Tree Commission, Ms. McNeill - Reported that 80 trees were being planted this fall. The Shade Tree Commission will not meet in December.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the "official council meeting minutes."
Chasity Strauder, 38330 North Lane, Building J, Unit 107 - Ms. Strauder said there is a squatter issue in the unit next to her; she indicated that maintenance has changed the lockbox. She said there are a lot of empty units and squatters are an issue. She said that the management company doesn't respond well to residents who are renters. Chief Beckwith asked her to report the issue to the Police Department and to the management company. Mayor Fiala asked that the City go out and check to see if there are any building violations.
Jerry Ranally, 37832 Park Avenue - Mr. Ranally thanked Ms. Bosley for sending him a report showing lost revenue from the Local Government Fund and estate tax which was pretty substantial. He congratulated the City on operating so well considering the millions of dollars that have been lost. Mr. Ranally asked about the traffic light at Park and Euclid Avenue. Mr. Bock said the order is two weeks out. Mr. Ranally asked about roof repairs being done at the Senior Center. Mayor Fiala said there was an insurance claim due to fireworks damage; the builder's risk policy will cover the repairs. He said new roofs will be replaced on the Senior Center, the YMCA, and the high school.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-99
A resolution approving E.A.S. #16-11-19 for the removal of trees located on private properties south of Willoughby Parkway, north of Airport Parkway, and along Lost Nation Road.
On October 8, 2014, sponsorship of the airport was transferred from the City of Willoughby to Lake County and the Lake County Ohio Port and Economic Development Authority. Because of this, they must comply with F.A.A. rules to acquire funding. One of the requirements for the County was for the airport to eliminate "obstructions" to the runways. Runway 10 obstructions have already been cleared when 10 acres of trees were removed from the Runway Protection Zone on the west side of Lost Nation Road on private property. The airport received a grant to fund this project. NOW, trees (shagbark), need to be removed that are considered obstructions to Runway 5 south of Willoughby Parkway and north of Airport Parkway again on the west side of Lost Nation Road. As is the case, this must be done between November and March due to the presence of Indiana Bats!!!
Motion carried 5 to 0
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-100
A resolution approving E.A.S. #10-10-19 for construction of a self-service fuel center located at 6035 SOM Center Road (Sheetz).
The passage of this E.A.S. now allows this project to start to take shape. It will be constructed on S.O.M. where the "old" Eat’n Park stands.
Mr. Carr said this project needed a zoning variance that was approved and the EAS has gone to the Planning Commission and approved.
Motion carried 5 to 0
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-101
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept the proposal for medical insurance coverage for the eligible employees of the City of Willoughby and the Willoughby Municipal Court provided by OGBC Consortium and administered by Medical Mutual for health care and prescription coverage, effective December 1, 2019, through November 30, 2020.
Finance Director Bosley said the City is continuing a second year with the OGBC and the renewal rate was a 2.74% increase.
Motion carried 5 to 0
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-102
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Great Lakes Construction Co., in the amount of $5,480,790 for implementation of the WPCC Capacity Enhancement Project.
The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with The Great Lakes Construction Co., 2608 Great Lakes Way, Hinckley, OH 44233 in the amount of
$5,480,790 for implementation of the WPCC Capacity Enhancement Project, in accordance with the specifications and bid submitted; said amount to be expended from the WPCC Replacement Fund.
Motion carried 5 to 0
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-103
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Board of Lake County Commissioners necessary to establish funding and reimbursement procedures for the E. 364th, E. 365th, and Harvard Drive Storm Sewer Replacement Project.
That the Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Board of Lake County Commissioners, 105 Main Street, P.O. Box 490, Painesville, OH 44077 necessary to establish funding and reimbursement procedures for the E. 364th, E. 365th, and Harvard Drive Storm Sewer Replacement Project; said Memorandum substantially in the form attached hereto and incorporated herein as if fully rewritten.
The County collects monies from the residents of Willoughby to fund our Storm-water projects. Without these monies and this help, there is NO WAY we could afford to do the critical repairs to our infrastructure. We have done work not only on these sewers but also addressed flooding issues with the Two Town Ditch as well as Ward Creek in Ward 1 and 2.
Ms. Bosley said this will be the second MOU with the county regarding reimbursement of debt payments; the Two Town Ditch was done in 2018. The City is borrowing the money in advance with a good interest rate of approximately of 1.1% and the county will provide the City the money to make the loan payments. Repayment won't begin until 2021.
Motion carried 5 to 0
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-104
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the auditor of the State of Ohio and Rea & Associates, Inc. for the audit of the City of Willoughby for fiscal years January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2023.
Ms. Bosley said the state had done our audit for the last 5 or 6 years but had put out a request for proposals (RFP) to outside accounting firms. The City receives the names of the firms at the end of the process and reviews their scores. Proposals were reviewed and the City is allowed to give 5 points out of 100 to a preferred firm. References were checked and based on the scoring and the City's 5 points, Rea & Associates won the bid.
Motion carried 5 to 0
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-105
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Auditor of the State of Ohio and Rea & Associates, Inc. for the audit of the City of Willoughby Landfill for the fiscal years January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2023.
Ms. Bosley said the landfill is an agreed-upon procedure that has to be done. The audit looks at the numbers at the Pelton Rd. landfill to make sure the City is accurately showing the remaining liability until 2025.
Motion carried 5 to 0
ADDENDUM
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-106
A resolution approving the petition for creation of Shoreline Special Improvement District and for Special Assessments for Shoreline Improvement Projects, and declaring an emergency.
This is all about repairing and protecting the Lake Erie Shoreline among several communities.
We have received a petition, filed with the City of Willoughby, to initiate and establish a shoreline special improvement district and for shoreline improvement projects. With the receipt of the signed petition, the City in response to its residents has drafted this resolution approving the petition under Resolution # 2019-106.
This is the first step in the creation of this specific S.I.D. (Special Improvement District) to help address financially the costs of erosion control for the City and its residents. This will provide individual property owners to have the funding of their repairs placed on their taxes for many years, making the financing a more palatable process.
Mayor Fiala said by accepting this petition, it sets the framework to allow the Special Improvement District (SID) to occur. There will be another piece of legislation to create the Willoughby SID. Mr. Lucas said Brickler and Eckler are trying to have a contiguous stream of public properties for this SID. The statute requires that within 60 days of receipt of the petition, Council establishes the district. Mr. Lucas said this is hopefully the beginning process of property owners along Lake Erie. The legislation itself provides for other property owners within the City to join this particular district. This format will be the same in other communities such as Eastlake. The first step is to establish the district and then other residents can fill out the petition. Mr. Lucas said that each property owner will have a different monetary amount established based on their project which will be the second step and will provide the amount for the assessment. The assessment will stay with the property. Mr. Carr asked if this was the only piece of legislation required for the SID. Mr. Lucas said each property owner will need to file a petition so they have their own independent monetary value which will require legislation by Council.
Motion carried 5 to 0
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the "official council meeting minutes."
MAYORS REPORT
Reported the City was unsuccessful securing a grant for stream bank erosion near Daniels Park; however, the City received a larger Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI), Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinative Agency (NOACA) grant for the stream bank and the Chagrin River waterfront trail. Mr. Carr said that Citizens bank will be moving into the new location on February 10th and ask if there was anything developing with the former location. Mayor Fiala said there have been a few inquiries but nothing more than that. Councilman Anderson asked about the artwork that is to be placed at the new Citizen's Bank. Mayor Fiala said the plaza will be in place soon and fundraising efforts will take place for the actual art. Economic Development Director Tom Thielman met with the artist and the contractor today; the art will be in place next spring. The artwork has been finalized and approved by the bank and a rendering will be sent out to Council.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas - No report. Mr. Carr said he wanted to discuss a piece of property on Beachview that is considered non-productive referenced in memo Mr. Lucas had sent to Council. Councilman Kary asked if there would be an advantage for the City to purchase the property and then sell it and make a profit as opposed to having the Land Bank acquire it. Law Director Lucas said if the City takes the property; the City is subject to the tax which is the basis of the delinquent foreclosure. Mr. Lucas said the property isn't very desirable and the City historically has let these properties go to the land bank due to the taxes. The City isn't in the business of purchasing and selling property. Councilman Anderson suggested taking the property and using it for equipment storage while erosion control work is being done. Mr. Carr said there are parcels on the lake right now that could be used for the access to the lake. Councilwoman McNeil! said the neighbors wouldn't be happy with equipment stored there. Mr. Lucas said he would reach out to the legal counsel for the land bank and find out if there is a reason why the property has to sit idle for three years which is what Mr. Kary's concern is.
Service Director Bock - Reported that the City received funding (80/20 match) from NOACA for the resurfacing of Kirtland Road from Sherwin to the Willoughby corp. line for FY 2023 which will coincide with the work on Rt.174.
Mr. Carr said there are still Waste Management totes that need to be picked up. Mr. Bock said residents should call Waste Management to have them picked up. Mr. Carr said trying to receive the senior discount through Republic has not been an easy process. Mr. Bock said what Republic Waste is telling residents is contradictory of what they said in the beginning; the senior discount was to be given without documentation. He said he is trying to work out matters with the CEO of the Republic Cleveland office. He will communicate the process for the senior discount to Council.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - No report. Tree Lighting will take place on Thursday, December 5th.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Kary - Mr. Kary thanked Judean Banker for all she does for the City particularly the banners on the north end. He thanked Mr. Bock with his help on the replacement of street lights on Lost Nation Road and thanked Mike Lucas for all the time he puts in for the City.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Thank you to everyone for making my first two years on City Council what I believe to be a success. I have had the opportunity to not only address Major city issues but also help dozens of residents solve very individual problems. I can share my help with getting undeveloped properties "mowed" where, in the past, they were left to no care and becoming "eyesores." I have helped with problems with "unfriendly" neighbors, yard flooding, speeding, protecting trees, planting trees, replacing street lights, parking infractions, homes that have become a "negative" due to lack of care, to helping get unfriendly critters removed, Waste Management Trash bins removed, and most recently a deceased deer removed. To some, these may seem "small," but to those who faced the issues, they were seen as a problem they needed help to overcome. I need to Thank all who use my position as the Ward 2 Councilman to help. Just take the time, when you are facing an issue that is "stressing you out" to call or write. You elected me to help, and that is the role I want to address. Remember, if you don't ask for help, it will not happen. I need YOU to help me to help you. In closing, I promise to keep an open ear to your cares and concerns.
· 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 for a
GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON
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