Meeting Notes May 21, 2019
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary Notes
May 21, 2019
Tonight's Council Meeting was light on the agenda, but a pleasure to attend with the presentation of a few Awards to a few of Willoughby’s finest, Firefighters. That activity again is always a special one for Council and the Administration.
PRIOR TO THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING/EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Katie McNeill (absent), Ken Kary, Chris Woodin
The purpose of the Economic Development Committee meeting is to discuss:
· Special ImprovementDistrict (SID)
· This was our fourth meeting to meet and discuss the proposed S.I.D. (Special Investment District) for Downtown Willoughby.
Marketing Objectives
Promote the district as a destination for retail, services, dining, nightlife and the arts
Maintain a district web site and utilize Facebook & Twitter to engage consumer audiences
Produce promotional materials such as brochures and e-newsletters
Present marketing & promotional events that highlight the district and its amenities Keep merchants abreast of area-wide marketing and promotional opportunities
Beautification and Maintenance
Coordinate the delivery of maintenance services by independent contractors Oversee additional seasonal plantings, watering, and care
Seasonal snow removal service
Sidewalk sweeping and litter removal; multiple weekly schedules
Supplemental Security
Work in partnership with the Willoughby Police Department to address areas such as parking enforcement, crime prevention, and safety awareness
Provide crime advisories to the merchants
Physical Improvements
Redefined green space, pedestrian amenities & wayfinding signage
COST
The costs of the Plan of Services shall include those permitted pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, Section 1710.07. The annual cost of the Plan of Services is budgeted at $100,000.00 for each of the five years of the plan and will be generated by property owners’ assessments.
Area to be Served:
• Erie Road from the Conrail tracks to Vine Street
• Erie Street
• Glenn Avenue
• Clark Avenue, east side from Third Street to Sharpe Avenue
• Third Street between Erie and Clark.
• Second Street between Erie and Clark.
• E. Spaulding
• W. Spaulding
• River Road to the American Legion Site
• Euclid Avenue between Erie Street Wilson/Park
All fees to those involved will be based on the "frontage" of the property in question. The more frontage the more they contribute. Voting for the group will also be based on the frontage. It is very much like "percentage of ownership".
Here is the calendar of how this proposal will be presented.
The entire S.I.D. is based on the approval of Council
25-Apr
The committee submits methodology and Improvement Plan
2-May
to City Council
Council Reviews Plan and returns to Committee
7-May
The committee submits a petition to members
10-May
Signatures gathered
10-May
to 03-Jul
The committee submits petitions to City Council
3-Jul
Petition approved by City Council, Resolution of necessity,
9-Jul
appoints Equalization Board
Notices sent to property owners
17-Jul
Owners objections received
9-Aug
Equalization Board meets
12-Aug
Council Resolutions accepting EB report, Proceed, Levy Assessment
13-Aug
or 3-Sept
Assessments forwarded to County Auditor
5-Sep
Dave Anderson addressed the Council and the Administration to share, in his words, why it is a good idea for the City to take part in sponsoring the S.I.D..
He also took a straw vote of the members of Council and all were “on board” with the exception of Councilman Chris Woodin, who still shared he needed more time to think about the cities involvement in being a partner in the S.I.D..
For me, personally, I shared the concepts that there are many residents in the city that do not use the two city pools yet their tax dollars help to pay for their maintenance and upkeep. The same for the cities ownership of Lost Nation Municipal Golf Course. We have city assets that are seen as important to the city, and yet there are those who do not use them, but their tax dollars are used to support them. This is how I see the downtown area. It is a major part of the “face” of Willoughby so I believe we as a city and residents of the city need to help to keep the Downtown “strong and vibrant” for the success of Willoughby as a whole. It just makes sense economically.
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
MAY 21, 2019
PUBLIC HEARING - 8:15 p.m.
Codified Ordinance Text Amendments - Chapter 1135
These text changes all deal with the planning criteria established to regulate the planning and development of multi-family units in the city.
Amend Chapter 1135 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio titled, "Multi-Family Residential Districts", specifically Section 1135.05(c) titled "Building Height" deleting the verbiage "unless the Planning Commission approves a greater height as a conditional use" and Schedule 1135.05 titled "Site Development Standards" adding maximum principal building heights.
Recommendation of the Planning Commission: Approved
NOTE:
There were no speakers to address the Codified Ordinance Text Amendments - Chapter 1135 either
For the Amendments
Or
Against the Amendments
ROLL CALL
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
FIRE DEPARTMENT AWARDS AND SWEAR-IN
Fire Chief Ungar conducted a swearing-in and also presented some awards to members of the cities Fire Department.
· Battalion Chief Mike Dorsey was sworn in
· Co-Firefighters of the Year
o Lt. Mark Leisure
o Firefighter Ricky Stuart
· CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!!
ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS
Mayor Fiala appointed and Council approved the appointments of the following individuals to the following positions.
· Little Red Schoolhouse Trustees:
o Catharine Beal
o Michelle Morgan
o Thomas Roseum
APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Regular Council Meeting of April 16, 2019
Minutes approved
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major committee reports presented
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Former Mayor, Dave Anderson addressed Council and the Administration, which he claims he never thought he would do, to complement both parties for the outstanding work they are doing with the city. He stated, "I could not be more pleased".
The next speaker addressed concern for the Planning Commission and the city to be more cautious when approving a Development Plan and during the "build" the developer makes changes. He suggested that we definitely should as for "revised plans". This is a very serious situation and needs to be attended to at all levels of operation.
He also addressed a change that was made at the cities downtown cemetery where no dogs were permitted to be in the cemetery and he wanted to compliment the city on this change.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-55
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Lake County Landscape & Supply, Inc. for the 2019 Voluntary Concrete Sidewalk Repair & Replacement Program with the City's option for a one (1) year renewal of the contract in 2020.
This action provides an opportunity for residents to do sidewalk repair and replacement at a reasonable cost. This is not a sidewalk lifting program, rather a repair and replacement. The cost this year is ONLY five (5) cents higher per square foot than last year.
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-56
A resolution authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $38,408.80 for the purchase of (1) 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle through the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program; the said vehicle for use by the Willoughby Fire department.
An expenditure in an amount not to exceed $38,408.80 for the purchase of one (1) 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle is hereby approved and the Chief of Fire is authorized to proceed with such purchase from Ganley Chevrolet of Aurora LLC, 310 West Garfield Road, Aurora, Ohio 44202 through the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program; said vehicle for use by the Willoughby Fire Dept; and said amount to be expended from the Capital Fund. A 2002 high mileage vehicle will be replaced.
Passed
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-57
An ordinance amending Chapter 1135 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Multi-Family Residential Districts", specifically, Section 1135.05, titled, "Site Development Regulations".
This action is removing from the ordinance the ability of the Planning Commission to issue a Conditional Use Permit to exceed the maximum building heights listed in the code. Again this Ordinance deals with Multi-family residential districts including Townhouses. If a developer wishes to ask for a higher building they must appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance.
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-58
A resolution granting a temporary Right of Entry to the driveway at Gilson Park, owned by the City of Willoughby, to Lake Metropolitan Housing Authority necessary to the Lake Metropolitan Streambank Stabilization Project.
Lake Metropolitan Housing Authority ("LMHA") desires to perform a streambank stabilization project ("Project") at Parkview Place Apartments, Willoughby, Ohio and the best point of ingress/egress for the Project is the City-owned driveway at Gilson Park. This resolution is granting them the right of way to address this riverbank stabilization project.
Passed
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-59
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Constellation New-Energy, Inc. for the purchase of electricity for the City of Willoughby's Street Lighting for a period of thirty-six (36) months effective June 30, 2019.
In Ohio, you can choose the electric supplier that provides the generation of your electricity.
It is the intent of the City to determine the best provider of electricity for the City's street lighting.
The Superintendent of the WPCC requested formal proposals from regional providers to determine the best price.
Constellation New-Energy, Inc. provided the lowest proposal to supply electricity for the City's street lighting for a thirty-six (36) month period commencing June 30, 2019.
TheSuperintendent of the WPCC has recommended that the Mayor enter into a thirty-six (36) month agreement with Constellation New-Energy, Inc. to provide the electricity for the City of Willoughby street lighting.
Passed
MAYORS REPORT
The mayor shared that on June 3rdhe will meet with all the Lakefront cities in the area and the Lake County Port Authority to discuss the erosion concerns all cities are facing.
On June 12thhe will also be meeting with the Mayor of Euclid to discuss Lakefront investment.
The mayor also met with Steve Thompson, the superintendent of Willoughby Eastlake Schools to discuss the “Old Willoughby Union” School complex that the city currently has ownership of. Since the developers that came in with a plan for taking over the building and creating apartments, condos, and retail backed out of the deal, the city now needs to look at their next option.
Discussions centered around asking the Schools if they would consider a “lower price” for the sale of the building and property. There was also discussion of the city going out again to pursue potential new developers to explore its future in Willoughby. Finally, it was pointed out as a last resort to just give the building back to the School System.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
SERVICE DIRECTOR, LEE BOCK
The Service Director shared that streets are being “ground”, leveled, and eventually paved that are on the calendar for this year. This is a 4-6 week process for each.
The Street striping crews are out at night painting the streets. They have about four (4) weeks of work left. We are also close to negotiations with Waste Management for our trash and recycling.
RECREATION DIRECTOR, JUDEAN BANKER
The city pools open this Saturday, May 25th.
The Memorial Day Parade is Monday morning May 27th.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No major reports to share
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Comments about the S.I.D. being proposed:
I asked the following questions of Dave Anderson during the Economic Development Committee meeting.
1. S.I.D. money is not to replace city services?
a. NO
2. Is it possible to consider moving some of the private homes out of the S.I.D. district?
a. Yes, the map has been re-configured and some of those privately owned homes will be removed.
3. S.I.D. money is used to enhance existing services or create new ones?
a. YES
4. Is the front footage calculated in square footage or linear footage?
a. LINEAR
5. How many organizations are there now that help Downtown Willoughby?
a. A FEW
i. The Merchants Association
ii. The Bar Owners Association
iii. Heart of Willoughby
6. If the city of Willoughby is a partner in this S.I.D. what will their financial contribution be?
a. They would be contributing just over 1/3 of the monies annually to fund the S.I.D.
7. Can a S.I.D. be disbanded if it fails to meet expectations?
a. This answer was directed to the statement that it is in existence for 5 years and controlled by a board. On that Board serves the Mayor and a member from Council.
b. Literature states the following:
i. Yes. Should the SID fail to meet the expectations of downtown property owners, they can disband the district upon a request signed by owners of 50 percent of the total district's property front footage.
NOTE:
Kyle Cove residents, we will be setting up a meeting with city engineer Jim Sayles sometime in JUNE!!!!
Wait to hear from me on the possible dates and times. We will plan to meet at City Hall.
Traffic Calming Signalsare still on order and plans are for them to be installed soon.
Planned Ward 2 locations
· Adkins Road
· Hodgson Road
These decisions were made by the Police Department and the Service Department.
Culvert running under SR 283
Work to increase the size of the Culvert running under SR 283 that takes storm-water from Two Town Ditch out to Lake Erie.
We have had several delays here and currently, Burgess & Niple is working on/reviewing the calculations to assure that all will work according to the plans created.
Action on Real Estate on Lost Nation Road
There have been no changes to the properties for sale on Lost Nation Road near the Airport. Other than two lots being purchased, to date, no plans have been submitted to the city or Planning Commission for their development. The other major lots for sale are owned by Cleveland Clinic, and they are aggressively trying to sell. Again, they will not develop these properties themselves.
Citizens Bank, Willoughby
Citizens Bank, currently located at 38115 Euclid Avenue, is moving to a new location at the corner of Erie St. and Mentor Avenue (former home of the BP Gas Station). Their current location more than likely will remain at this time and be rented out to a new business. If you drive by you will see the development taking place.
I would appreciate all the support
Since I have declared that I will be placing my name on the ballot in November, for a second term on Council, I would certainly appreciate your support to help this become a reality. I have tried my best to be open and transparent on all issues, as well as crusade for what is best for Ward 2 and the City of Willoughby.
I may be asking for supporters to help with the display of signs “LATERTHIS SUMMER/FALL”.
If you are a resident in Ward 2 and you would like to help, please e-mail me at
and please share your Name and Address with permission to place a campaign sign in your yard. I promise to try and not place any signs up EARLY!!!!!!!!
NOTE
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 Minutesare posted on the City of Willoughby Website http://willoughbyohio.com/government/city-council