Meeting Notes May 7, 2019
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary Notes
May 7, 2019
Tonight's Council Meeting was work and pleasure. There was legislation to discuss and vote on. We also had an opportunity to recognize members of our Police Force for their performances as well as swear in some new officers. That activity is always a special one for Council and the Administration.
Officer of the year: Mike Sevel
Special Officer of the year: Randy Ricciardo
Civilian employee of the year: Chris Borstnik
New Officers: Jeremy Blackstone
Jackson Hyams
PRIOR TO THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING/EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Katie McNeill, Ken Kary, Chris Woodin
The purpose of the Economic Development Committee meeting is to discuss:
• Special Improvement District (SID)
• The Executive Director of the Downtown Willoughby Organization, former Mayor, Dave Anderson returned to Council to re-address his attention to the creation of a Special Improvement District in Downtown Willoughby. This SID will have the property owners pay an additional tax or fee for services or improvements within the district. Examples of the types of services to be provided can include marketing efforts, beautification and maintenance, supplemental security and physical improvements, i.e. green space enhancement, pedestrian amenities, wayfinding signage, etc.
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
FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING
John Tomaselli, Bob Harrold, Ken Kary
The purpose of the Finance & Audit Committee meeting is to discuss:
• Capital Budget
The Finance committee, led by councilman Tomaselli discussed the 2019 Capital Budget for the city. The goals were to plan long term (at least 5 years out) to assure we have the Capital funds necessary for operations.
• Police, Fire and Service Expenses were the focus of the meeting.
• In summary:
o For 2019 we have approximately $1,691,029 remaining or available.
o Police Capital expenses total $356,500
o Service Department expenses total $215,000
o Fire expenses total $43,000
Total requested for Capital expenses from these 3 groups is $614,500
This leaves a total of $1,076,529 moving forward to 2020.
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 7, 2019
ROLL CALL
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Regular Council Meeting of April 16, 2019
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major committee reports presented
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
There were three speakers during the Public Portion of the meeting.
• The first speaker shared compliments to the city regarding:
The first day of the City Farmers Market operations. Some 700 customers opening day.
Compliments to the Service Dept. for the outstanding work preparing Point Park this spring.
Compliments to the Police Department for their work.
• The second speaker also
Echoed the first-day success of the City Farmers Market operations
They also suggested the city experiment with some more "high tech" striping paint on the streets as a test area. Looking to see if it could lead to a more cost-effective paint to be used long term.
• The third speaker addressed the council and the administration
asking them to seriously investigate NOT USE “weed killer” on city properties.
The guest suggested strong research to explore alternative action
This was all addressed to action they felt took place at Point Park during the Spring Clean-up
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-46
A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the City of Willoughby to participate in the ODOT Road Salt Contract awarded in 2019.
The City of Willoughby, County of Lake (hereinafter referred to as the "Political Subdivision") hereby submits this written agreement to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT) annual road salt bid in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 5513.01(8) and hereby agrees to all of the following terms and conditions in its participation of the ODOT road salt contract.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-47
A resolution approving EAS #4-3-19 for construction of an addition to the existing building located at 3860 Ben Hur Avenue (Weiss, NA).
The application submitted by Mark Leszynski, Architect, for construction of an addition to the existing building located at 3860 Ben Hur Avenue (Weiss, NA) is approved, and the Council hereby determines that, based on environmental considerations, such project shall be allowed to commence or be constructed subject to compliance with all applicable ordinances and regulations of the City of Willoughby and statutes of the State of Ohio.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-48
A resolution approving EAS #5-3-19 for construction of a pole barn located at 4958 Campbell Road.
The application submitted by Anthony Farinacci, Farinacci Landscaping, for construction of a pole barn located at 4958 Campbell Road is approved, and the Council hereby determines that, based on environmental considerations, such project shall be allowed to commence or be constructed subject to compliance with all applicable ordinances and regulations of the City of Willoughby and statutes of the State of Ohio.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-49
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 2019.
The Lake County Office of Planning and Community Development provides annual grants through the Community Development Block Grant Program for the purpose of developing viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment along with expanding economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate incomes; and
WHEREAS, the City of Willoughby desires to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for Fiscal Year 2019;
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-50
A resolution recognizing the responsibility of the City of Willoughby to affirmatively further fair housing.
WHEREAS, the effort to create equal housing opportunities for all people is encouraged at every level of government; and
WHEREAS, it is an important goal of our government to eliminate housing discrimination and assure the right of every citizen to buy, rent, and sell housing without regard to race, color, sex, religion, familial status, national origin or disability; and
WHEREAS, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act and Presidential Executive Order 12892 describes the obligation to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH); and
WHEREAS, it is a goal of the City of Willoughby to accord residents with an enhanced quality of life through the development of opportunities in housing, employment, education, and services by the implementation of plans that assure all people are afforded their rights thus fostering open inclusive communities; and
WHEREAS, as an applicant or potential recipient of federal funds, the City of Willoughby agrees that it will take specified actions to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing and confidently asserts that all policies and practices adopted and in place are in conformance with applicable fair housing law;
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-51
A resolution authorizing Amendment No. 2 to the Ohio Enterprise Zone Agreement with Weston Jet Center Road LLC.
Due to unusually wet weather last Fall, construction of the light manufacturing facility has been delayed and it is necessary to amend and extend the completion date specified in the Agreement to November 30, 2019.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-52
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into Credit Card Agreements with credit providers, in accordance with the City of Willoughby Credit Card Policy.
The City of Willoughby, pursuant to Ohio law, authorized a written policy governing the use of credit cards by designated Directors, Chief or Elected Officials of the City ("Credit Card Policy"); and
WHEREAS, the City of Willoughby's Credit Card Policy, in part, establishes formal policies and procedures concerning credit card usage and oversight, including, but not limited to, appointment of a Compliance Officer to monitor the use, reconciliation of usage against authorized purposes, personal responsibility by the user in the case of tax charges, and to further determine inappropriate or unsubstantiated charges; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City is authorized to execute Credit Card Agreements in accordance with the City of Willoughby Credit Card Policy.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-53
A resolution authorizing the Director of Finance to transfer funds from the General Fund to various other funds.
That the Director of Finance is hereby authorized to transfer up to the amount of $2,735,000 from the General Fund, as follows:
TITLE FUND AMOUNT
Fire Pension Fund 2010 $690,000.00
Police Pension Fund 2020 650,000.00
Recreation Fund 2030 550,000.00
SCM&R 2040 730,000.00
State Highway Fund 2050 105,000.00
Victims Assistance Fund 2211 10,000.00
TOTAL $2,735,000.00
RESOLUTION NO. 2091-54
A resolution honoring Detective Thomas Bertone and commending him for his 26 years of service to the City of Willoughby.
Thomas Bertone began his service with the Willoughby Police Department on September 6, 1993, as a patrolman; and was thereafter assigned to the Detective Bureau in March 2000; and
WHEREAS, Detective Thomas Bertone was in charge of the Department's Photography and Imaging Division, and served as a hostage/crisis negotiator for the Western Lake County Emergency Response Team; and
WHEREAS, Detective Bertone worked regularly with and was respected by other law enforcement and related agencies throughout Lake County; and
WHEREAS, Tom remained very dedicated to the Willoughby Police Department throughout his service; enjoyed his job, and continually worked hard in the performance of his duties.
MAYORS REPORT
The Mayor thanked all the Directors for their work in reducing the Capital Expenses by 38% from the original proposals.
The Mayor also shared an administrative decision that was made to re-assess action to be taken on Osborne Park and the erosion issue. We are looking at all aspects of funding. There is NO funding for just erosion control alone, but there is funding when it is tied to another project such as a boardwalk, beach development, etc.. Because of these discoveries and communication with Coastal Management, and ODNR, and others, we will be looking for a stronger long term plan. Spending $400,000 to place Armour Stone would end up being a misuse of funds for the long term plans we need to address. To close the Armour Stone is on hold and we will be communicating with as many agencies as possible to tailor a plan that will produce a stronger, safer, better, plan for the Park where the best resources are available.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Service Director, Lee Bock
Mr. Bock spoke sharing the cities striping program for roads has started. The downtown area will be addressed first due to all the activities that will be starting SOON.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman, McNeill
Shared her compliments to councilman Tomaselli for his work on the Finance and Audit Committee.
Councilman Kary
Spoke clarifying the activity taking place in Ward 2 with all the tree removal on Lost Nation Road near the airport.
There has been a lot of discussion about the trees that were taken down on Lost Nation Road, near the Airport.
Now that the County owns the Airport, and they receive FEDERAL MONIES, THEY MUST FOLLOW FAA GUIDELINES.
Because of this, any trees that are in the Runway Protection Zones MUST BE TAKEN DOWN.
There are, at the airport in Willoughby, two Runway Protection Zones.
• RUNWAY 10 THAT RUNS EAST AND WEST
• RUNWAY 5 THAT RUNS SOUTH-WEST TO NORTH-EAST
The trees in the Runway Protection Zone for Runway 10 are now down, paid for by a Grant the Airport received
The trees in the Runway Protection Zone for Runway 5 ARE NOT DOWN YET BUT WILL BE ADDRESSED SOON
THOSE ARE SOUTH OF THE FIRE STATION ON THE WEST SIDE OF LOST NATION ROAD.
ONCE THESE TREES HAVE ALL BEEN CLEARED THE AIRPORT WILL BE IN COMPLIANCE REGARDING THE WILLOUGHBY SIDE OF THE AIRPORT.
SECOND:
Councilman Kary thanked all the Directors and the Mayor for attending his Ward 2 meeting last night at the Classic Jet Center. He received several e-mails from the residents complimenting the city on the Meeting, the Venue and the clarity in all the information presented.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
TRAFFIC LIGHT AT HODGSON AND LOST NATION ROAD
• When this was first explored we needed to find out what it would cost the city to place a light there
o Due to the Airport, the flight paths, and the Runway Protection Zone
It would cost approximately $400,000 vs the usual $200,000 for a signal.
o With this cost in mind, I researched the following and received these comments
The developer of Fairway Glenn would pay a percentage based on their use of Hodgson (that is some help)
The Airport stated “talk to the County” who owns the Airport
The City, “What do we want to cut in the budget” to fund this light
• Do only ½ the street maintenance and repairs planned for 2019
• Reduce Police and Fire Staffing by 5 or 6
o If we look at Police Department Data
o From 2014-2019 there were under 10 incidents
2 vehicles out of control into the ditches
1 vehicle striking a deer
1 rear-end crash
1 accident due to failure to control the vehicle
4 accidents where the driver/s were cited for failure to yield
o SIGNIFICANTLY MORE ACCIDENTS TOOK PLACE AT LOST NATION/ADKINS/AND WESTMINSTER (THERE IS A LIGHT). Studies show that Lights can cause “more accidents”
o Most Traffic Light accidents are a result of a driver running thru a red light.
o FINALLY
I have been in communication a great length with the County and specifically County Commissioner John Hammercheck, in fact, he called me today.
He and I are working on trying to secure funding for a few different ideas on how to get the intersection of Hodgson and Lost Nation Road a Traffic Signal.
We are looking at agencies that help fund Infrastructure
o I want to share that I have not exhausted all my resources
o But I want you to see that I am not sitting on MY HANDS
o I ALSO HAVE A GOAL TO DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THIS SPECIFIC AREA “LONG TERM”. That means if the properties zoned General Business develop as we expect they will, I want to see that if there is a traffic signal installed in “any location” it will address FUTURE TRAFFIC concerns for Lost Nation Road “as a whole” and all those that feed into its traffic flow.
o PLEASE REMEMBER, if properties get developed on Lost Nation Road, the Planning Commission, which I am a member, can ask the developer to cover the cost of a Traffic Signal if warranted for the location!!!
SIDEWALKS ON HODGSON JOINING WILLOUGHBY CROSSINGS AND LOST NATION ROAD
• We will do our best to get the developer of Fairway Glenn to put this in
TRAFFIC CALMING
• The budget allows the purchase of 6 Traffic Calming Devices (permanent mount, not portable)
• Streets chosen for use are Adkins, Hodgson, Kirtland, Reeves, and Stevens.
• Cost approximately $4000 each price may change
• THANKS TO WILLOUGHBY CROSSINGS FOR THEIR DONATION TO FUND TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES ON HODGSON ROAD. TWO DEVICES WILL BE PLACE ON HODGSON THIS SUMMER.
MISSING STREET LIGHTS ON LOST NATION RD. AT THE AIRPORT
• Patty Fulop, the Director of the Airport reported to me recently, the Airport is working to have installed this summer two street lights that have been missing for years.
STREET LIGHT AT THE ENTRY OF FAIRWAY GLENN
• The city Service Dept has filled out the request form for a replacement light near the entry of Fairway Glenn where there was at one time a light.
o When First Energy gets that they will do the install and bill the Developers of Fairway Glenn
STREETS TO BE PAVED IN WARD 2 THIS YEAR
• This summer we will be patching and maintaining roads throughout the city
• LakeShore Blvd is scheduled to be done in 2022. But may be addressed earlier 2021. The state pays about 80% of the cost to do the state roads
• Lost Nation, no plans at this time to re-pave but we will be doing concrete repairs replacing slabs.
• The streets in Ward 2 as part of the program this year are
o Ash Road (end to end) and
o the crossover between Parkway and Poplar.
o Any other work will be patching as needed.
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 Minutes are posted on the City of Willoughby Website http://willoughbyohio.com/government/city-council