Meeting Notes December 3, 2019
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• December 3, 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 addressed three items, Two Resolutions, and one Ordinance. More important than that were the comments made and stories told regarding the loss of one of the city’s most memorable employees, ANGELO TOMASELLI. He passed away Monday, December 2, 2019, at home with his family at his side. Mr. Tomaselli was elected as Willoughby’s Ward 2 Councilman and remained in that position for 11 years. He became the City of Willoughby’s Service Director as an appointment of then-Mayor Dave Anderson. He proudly served in that position for 21 years, becoming the longest-serving Service Director in the city’s history. To his peers, he was known for his sarcastic sense of humor and his genuine care for everyone he met. During his tenure, Angelo was honored by the city as “Santa” Tomaselli, as he was a driving force behind the Willoughby Christmas displays, downtown Willoughby Tree Lighting, the hanging of spring flower baskets, tree planters and bridge flower boxes. Anyone that knew Angelo understood his two primary loves, his FAMILY and his city, WILLOUGHBY.
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
December 3, 2019
PUBLIC HEARING
Rezoning of 3 Parcels - 5160 SOM Center Rd.
This is a property where the developer is proposing to ask for a rezoning of land now zoned Residential One-Family (R-100), to Residential Multi-Family Low Rise (R-MF-L). Plans are to build fifty (50) residential townhomes, with private streets.
There are concerns with the impact on traffic since this development is right across Big Turtle One Condominiums. We are also working to provide protection that this property if rezoned, will be developed as residential homes and not in any way be “adjusted” to become apartments.
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing to be held tonight on the proposed rezoning of three parcels on SOM Center Rd. (see attached).
Those Speaking in Favor -
Mark Holtz, Frontier Land Group, 25700 Science Park Drive, Suite 360, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 - Mr. Holz said he wanted to confirm a few things regarding the rezoning. He said upon closing, the three parcels will be consolidated into one and that their contract is conditioned upon approval of the rezoning. He said they have no intention of making the development multi-family (apartments) and have no problems signing an affidavit. Regarding the traffic study, even though a traffic study wasn't warranted, it will take four weeks from today to complete. He asked Council if the rezoning could be approved contingent upon the traffic study.
Law Director Lucas said the traffic study was an important part of the Planning Commission discussion and subsequent recommendation to the Council to approve the rezoning. He said he would feel different if it was a development plan, but he doesn't feel comfortable with the rezoning at this time.
ROLL CALL
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular Council Meeting of November 19, 2019
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development Committee, Ms. McNeil! –
No report. Councilman Carr asked if there would be further discussion regarding the vacant property registration ordinance. Councilwoman McNeil! said Mr. Thielman was still working on the details and she hadn't heard anything from him. Mr. Carr asked her to follow up with Mr. Thielman.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the "official council meeting minutes."
Joy Cross, 38269 Wilson Avenue - Ms. Cross expressed her concerns regarding tenants living in Willoughby explaining that she has been in apartments in Willoughby where there are no lights in the hallway and no screens in the windows. She suggested a committee that tenants can voice their concerns to, followed by an inspection. She mentioned a neighbor who rents a house that had six inches of water in her basement. Building and Zoning Inspector suggested that tenants report issues to the Building Department. Councilwoman McNeil! asked if that inspection would be for the interior. Mr. Keller said interior inspections can be done if the tenant or the landlord invites the City in. Mr. Keller said if an annual inspection was done it may not be on a day where water was present in the basement; he likes to be able to respond to complaints as they come in. Ms. Cross requested that this information get out to the residents. Mr. Keller said he would talk to the Mayor to see how to get this information out. Mr. Keller said another option for tenants would be to have their monthly rent payments put in escrow until the conditions were satisfied with the Building Department.
Brent Woerner, American Legion Post 214 - Mr. Woerner asked for an update on the former high school. Law Director Lucas said there is a review underway regarding additional infusion of capital with the development company which should be completed in mid December. The Mayor had previously mentioned three options regarding the building and one was for the developer to seek out additional monies with the assistance of the City.
Jerry Ranally, 37832 Park Avenue - Mr. Ranally said he was before Council to talk about Angelo Tomaselli. He said his commitment to community, the City and his family, especially his wife Judy was tremendous. He asked the City to recognize Angelo Tomaselli in a substantial way to honor him. Council said discussions are underway on how to honor Mr. Tomaselli.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-107
A resolution approving EAS #13-10-19 for construction of a fueling facility located at Willoughby Commons (BJ's Fueling Facility).
There were no EAS concerns for the Environmental Planning Committee or Planning Commission. There is an abundance of parking to accommodate this facility.
Motion carried 7 to 0
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-108
A resolution approving EAS #12-10-19 for the rezoning of real property from Residential One-Family (R-100) to Residential Multi-Family Low Rise (R-MF-L) and construction of eleven (11) buildings which will consist of fifty (50) residential townhomes with private streets; said buildings to be located at 5164 SOM Center Road (SOM Center Townhomes Frontier Land Group).
Concerns were expressed regarding the impact this development would have on the neighboring intersections so we asked our City Engineer to take the lead to assess the concerns
Resolution Tabled
waiting for the Traffic Study covering this development as well as the Ingress/Egress of Big Turtle One.
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-109
An ordinance amending the Zone Map of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, to reclassify 6.6 acres of certain real property located at 5164 SOM Center Road (Permanent Parcel Nos. 27-A-006-0-00-025-0, 27-A-006-0-00-024-0 and 27-A-006-0-00-023-0)
This is a zoning change from Residential One-Family 100 (R-100) to Residential Multi Family Low Rise(R-MF-L).
The plan is to build Fee Simple Town Homes at this location.
The construction of eleven (11) buildings which will consist of fifty (50) residential townhomes with private streets. With this zoning change, the project would meet the Townhome requirements and there would be no need for any variances.
Concerns were re-addressed that Planning Commission had regarding the security that this development in no way, either by the original developer or another developer could ever be changed to Apartments. Our legal department is taking the lead on this precaution.
Ordinance Tabled
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the "official council meeting minutes."
MAYORS REPORT
The Mayor was absent
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - No report. Tree Lighting will take place on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. It's the 50th anniversary so there will be a few extras. The band will begin playing at 6:45 p.m.
Finance Director Bosley - No report. She said there will a number of resolutions for the year-end at the next Council meeting.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Tomaselli - No report. Thanked everyone for their condolences. He said his dad truly loved serving the City and that Mr. Woodin had an impact on him.
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