Meeting Notes July 9, 2019
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary Notes
July 9, 2019
Tonight's Council Meeting was quite important on several fronts. Committee meetings took place to:
• DISCUSS AND SEEK PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE WE-WPCC CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT.
• DISCUSS OSBORNE PARK MASTER PLAN & EROSION
• REVIEW OF E.A.S. FOR RENOVATIONS TO TAKE PLACE @
o CUBE SMART, 31581 EUCLID AVE.
o BRECKENRIDGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, 36851 RIDGE RD.
o PANINI’S 37333 EUCLID AVE.
PRIOR TO THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING/EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Ken Kary, Dan Anderson, Bob Harrold
The purpose of the Environmental Planning Committee meeting is to discuss:
EAS #6-5-19
The proposed project is for a 22,575 sq. ft. climate-controlled storage facility for Cube Smart and an additional 3,900 sq. ft. metal storage building located at 31581 Euclid Avenue. Submitted by: Norman Kotoch, NAK Management and Consulting.
We will look at their need to get a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Self-storage not a permitted use in this area. We will also attend to storm-water mitigation.
EAS #8-6-19
The proposed project is for two additions (1,015 sf and 968 sf) at The Osborne Community Plaza which is part of Breckenridge Village Retirement Community, 36851 Ridge Rd. Submitted by: Michael Hughes, JMM Architects.
We are asking Planning Commission to address diligently any increase in storm-water.
EAS #9-6-19
The proposed project is for Willoughby Panini's located at 37333 Euclid Avenue. An existing 3 car attached garage will be converted into kitchen space; a new 1,100 sq. ft. garage will be built as a separate structure and 236 sq. ft. will be added to the existing patio. Submitted by: Chris Mccrone, Conor Services,Inc.
We will be paying attention to “noise mitigation” with the addition to the patio size. Residential areas and other businesses close by.
WPCC COMMITTEE MEETING
Bob Harrold, Dan Anderson, Katie McNeill
**The purpose of the WPCC Committee meeting is to discuss and seek public comment on the WE-WPCC Capacity Enhancement Project.
Major upgrades are needed to comply with the EPA.
This will be a joint venture between Willoughby and Eastlake.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Chris Woodin, Katie McNeil, John Tomaselli
The purpose of the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting is to discuss:
• Osborne Park Master Plan andErosion
This issue is in the forefront for the City and Council. First and foremost we want to help any and all residents that are struggling with erosion at their properties. We will help to direct them towards funding, permits. There are 30 year funding options for homeowners. We need to assure that homes are lost due to this situation. As far as the city and the park, we need to look at the immediate creation of a Master Plan to address the shoreline in Willoughby. This includes the entire Willoughby Shoreline. We are exploring all financing options, as well as all engineering options. What we do in one location can and more than likely will affect areas to the East and West. We need to assure that we do not adversely affect other areas with our solutions. This is why we need to collaborate with the most experienced engineers working with these issues. The Master Plan could take as long a 5-7 years. A major question looming is, can we do work now that can be financed and funded “later”? We are also looking at possibly connecting Sunset Park with Osborne Park. This is a thought that could help with the city acquiring funding. OF COURSE, we will be posting all information to the public through the city website. This is being worked out now. We will NOT be using Facebook as a forum! We will also be holding public meetings during this process.
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
July 9, 2019
PUBLIC HEARING-8:15 p.m.
2020 TAX BUDGET
The proposed Tax Budget of the City of Willoughby, Ohio for the year 2020 is on file in the office of the City Finance Director and available for public inspection from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There was a public hearing on this topic.
ROLL CALL
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-Regular Council Meeting of June 11, 2019
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
There was correspondence regarding the request for a Liquor Permit Transfer.
This will be addressed in the future.
It is for All AXS in DTW.
PUBLIC PORTION
Several residents spoke during the Public Portion. Here is a summary.
Octoberfest was brought up and concerns where at the intersection of Wilson and Park, the traffic signal has yet to be replaced. There was a suggestion to have a policeman at this site during the festival to handle the traffic concerns.
Melrose Farms is on the agenda for the evening with Council to vote on the approval of the Final Plat. Two issues are involved with this decision.
The extension of Gold Rush Dr. which is currently a cul-de-sac, out to Lost Nation Road. There were residents that spoke both for this to happen and those who opposed. The issue here is that the connection of Gold Rush to Lost Nation Road was already approved by the Planning Commission in the initial plans as well as the Final Plat which is in front of Council on tonight's agenda. Again, there were residents both for and against this road connection.
The second issue involves concerns with Storm-water problems in the new development as well as to properties on Wood Road. The city shared that they need more time to investigate the issues brought up and see first what they are. Next, there needs to be a decision made as to what parties are responsible for any repairs that need to be made.
The final decision made here, and will be repeated later with Ordinance 2019-74 is to “TABLE THIS ITEM” until the engineers can gather all the necessary data needed to solve the flooding issues.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-64– TABLED/UNTABLED
A resolution approving the Petition for Special Assessments for Special Energy Improvement Projects and Affidavit under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1710 and approving the Necessity of Acquiring,Installing, Equipping, and Improving Certain Public Improvements in the City Of Willoughby, Ohio in Cooperation with The Lake County Communities Energy Special Improvement District (Todd Field #2 Project).
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-65– TABLED/UNTABLED
A resolution declaring an intent to proceed with the Acquisition, Installation, Equipment, and Improvement of Certain Public Improvements in The City of Willoughby, Ohio in cooperation with The Lake County Communities Energy Special Improvement District (Todd Field #2Project).
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-66-TABLED/UNTABLED
An ordinance Levying Special Assessments for the purpose of Acquiring, Installing, Equipping, and Improving Certain Public Improvements in the City of Willoughby, Ohio in Cooperation with the Lake County Communities Energy Special Improvement District (Todd Field #2 Project).
NOTES:
Resolution No. 2019-64, No. 2019-65, and No. 2019-66.
Each resolution above pertains to the City of Willoughby joining the Lake Communities Energy Special Improvement District (ESID).
What is an ESID (Energy Special Improvement District) and PACE {Property-Assessed Clean Energy) financing:
Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing allows public and private property owners to self-assess property and borrow money in order to pay for energy efficiency improvements. The amount borrowed is typically repaid via a special assessment on the property over a period of years. Ohio Revised Code has authorized local governments to establish such programs as an economic developmenttool.
To be eligible to use PACE financing, a local ESID (Energy Special Improvement District) must be established at the city or county level. In 2012 the City of Mentor along with the Lake County Port and Economic Development Authority established the Lake County Communities Energy Special Improvement District which incorporates the geographic boundary of the City of Mentor. Other Lake County communities can participate in the ESID by legislatively opting-in, participate in a pilot/demonstration project, and being contiguous to the current ESID boundaries.
One of the key benefits of PACE financing is that it enables our Port Authority to coordinate the issuance of bonds to fund energy efficiency improvement projects (such as HVAC, window upgrades) without requiring the borrower or the sponsoring authority to pledge its credit. The borrower self-assesses their property which is then collected by the Auditor and used to pay bonds or the cost of the project. This provides the borrower longer financing terms and more favorable rates than typical bank financing will provide for tangible asset purchases.
Why are we participating:
The City of Eastlake has asked for the City of Willoughby to join the Lake County Communities Energy Special Improvement District in order to expand the district to their border, allowing them to join (the ESID district must be contiguous). Eastlake Council has passed legislation to participate and a letter from Mayor Dennis Morley requesting our participation is attached. The City of Eastlake has a private secto rproject desirous of using the PACE bond financing for its energy improvements which were part of a multi-million-dollar renovation project (Four PointsHotel).
Benefits for Willoughby:
The ESID will put another economic development tool in our community toolbox available to both private and public sector entities. The benefits for private sector businesses are many: lower rate financing, longer terms, and off-balance sheet financing with a designated source of repayment.
Participation in the ESID will not cost the City of Willoughby anything.
Why three separate Resolutions:
• Resolution2019-64-Basically isthepetitionsayingthattheCityisjoiningtheLake CommunitiesESID.
• Resolution 2019-65 - Identifies an energy efficiency project as a pilot project. This is a necessary component when joining the ESID established by Ohio Revised Code. In our case,weareusingthenewLEDLightFixturesinstalledatToddField.Asapilotprogram, we are only using the costs associated with one fixture($600).
• Resolution2019-66-Establishesthemechanismwheretheweself-assessourselvesvia the CountyAuditor.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-67 PASSED
A resolution adopting the Tax Budget of the City of Willoughby, Ohio for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2020; submitting same to the Lake County Auditor.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-68 PASSED
A resolution authorizing an expenditure of $198,948.80 for the purchase of five (5) 2020 Ford Utility Police Interceptors from Classic Ford of Mentor for use by the Willoughby Police Department.
Lebanon Ford, located in Lebanon, Ohio, has the current contract for the Ford Utility Police Interceptor through the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program. They have provided us with a quote for five (5) 2020 Ford Utility Police Interceptors for the total amount$205,267.00.
Classic Ford in Mentor, Ohio, has also provided a quote for five (5) 2020 Ford Utility Police Interceptors, for the total amount of $198,948.80.
By purchasing the five (5) vehicles through Classic Ford, the City would realize a total savings of $6,318.20 and include the benefits and convenience of purchasing locally. This is our recommendation.
Total of five (5) 2020 Ford Utility Police Interceptors equipped as quoted by Classic Ford: $198,948.80.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-69 PASSED
A resolution approving EAS #7-6-19 for exterior alterations, awning replacement, and construction of a garden patio for the existing building located at 38501 Lakeshore Blvd. (At Witz End).
That the application submitted by Stephen Ciciretto, Architect, for exterior alterations, awning replacement, and construction of a garden patio for the existing building located at 38501 Lakeshore Blvd (At Witz End) 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 ofOhio.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-70 PASSED
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to reject all bids for the E. 364th,E. 365thand Harvard Drive Storm Sewer Replacement Project.
All bids came in over budget.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-71 PASSED
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to re-advertise for bids for the E. 364th,
E. 365th, and Harvard Drive Storm Sewer Replacement Project.
Hoping for bids more in-line to the estimates.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-72 PASSED
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with S.E.T. in the amount of $317,750 for implementation of the Plains Road Force Main Replacement Project.
The bid received from S.E.T., Inc. was, in the opinion of the Council of the City, the lowest and best bid received.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-73 PASSED
A resolution authorizing termination of the current lease agreement between the Willoughby-Eastlake Board of Education and the City of Willoughby for the Browning CenterFacility.
A Lease Agreement for use of the Browning Elementary School, parking lot, and playground facilities was entered into on August 1, 1984 between the Willoughby-Eastlake Board of Education ("Lessor") and the City of Willoughby ("Lessee"); andthe Lease Agreement was amended on February 7, 1992; andthe continuation of this Lease is no longer in the best interest of the residents of the City of Willoughby.
We are removing Browning Center as the Senior Center for the “NEW” senior center built on the grounds of the South HS Campus, or more appropriately the new Union Village Campus.
ORDINANCE NO.2019-74 TABLED TO THE AUGUST MEETING
An ordinance accepting the final plat for Melrose Farms Subdivision, Phase 5.
Loreto Venture Group 111, developer of Melrose Farms Subdivision, has filed the Final Plat of Melrose Farms Subdivision, Phase 5 ("Final Plat") with the Planning Commission of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, and has requested approval thereof;andthe Planning Commission and the City Engineer have reviewed and approved the Final Plat and the City Engineer has further certified said approval and estimated the cost of the improvements to Council, which estimate amounts to $347,000; andthe developer has offered certain streets, alleys, public grounds, and utility easements for dedication to public use, as shown and described on the Final Plat.
That the Council of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, hereby accepts and approves the Final Plat, and authorizes the recordation of said Final Plat upon receipt from the developer, in a form acceptable to the Director of Law of the City, of the following:
1. financial guarantee in the amount of no lessthan
$347,000 to guarantee the cost of the improvements; and
2. developer's liability insurance policy which covers personal injury and property damage in the amountof
$2,000,000 per person and per occurrence.
MAYORS REPORT
The mayor shared that, August 10, 2019 is the opening of the new Willoughby Union Village. The new South High, YMCA and Senior Center.
He also discussion Point Park and the plans for the Old Union High School that not too long ago had plans to be developed into living space and retail. We are still aggressively looking for the right developers to take on this project. If this does not come about we will then look at giving it back to the School System. It is costing the city monies to maintain since we do have ownership of the building and its maintenance.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
LAW DIRECTOR, MIKE LUCAS
Mr. Lucas shared that attorney Mike Germano will be leaving his position with the City of Willoughby.
Mr. Lucas will take over as legal counsel at Planning Commission.
He also shared that the S.I.D. (Special Improvement District) plans for Downtown Willoughby will be dropped. There was just not enough support for the plan. Coming out of this actually a stronger force made up of the owners of the businesses in DTW.
SERVICE DIRECTOR, LEE BOCK
Striping of streets is done in Willoughby
Paving is close to completion
PATCHING is still going on and will continue all summer
BUILDING AND ZONING, DARRYL KELLER
The Vitalone Impound fence has been removed and will soon be replaced!!!!!!!
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council at Large, Katie McNeill
Shared her thanks for seeing the parking lot improvements at TRUE VALUE HARDWARE. The entire lot was re-paved.
She also shared to the residents at Melrose Place her opinions on the issues at hand.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Let me share a few of the items that I am working on this summer.
· Working aggressively with the Airport to have them replace missing Street Lights that they have ownership of.
· Close to getting “traffic calming devices” installed on Hodgson and Adkins Roads.
· Working with the city of Mentor to add calming devices on their side of Adkins Road.
· Working with the city engineer to solve storm-water issues for Ward Creek near Kyle Cove off of North Bay.
· Close to getting Laketran stops on Lost Nation Road at Hodgson and Adkins.
· Getting missing Street Lights replaced near the entry of Fairway Glenn
· Pushing hard to complete the storm-water repairs to Two Town Ditch (specifically the enlargement of the culvert under Lakeshore Blvd where the waters travel out to Lake Erie.
· and several others!!!!
Oh yes
Preparing to run for my “second term” on Willoughby City Council!!!!!!
ANY & ALL SUPPORT APPRECIATED
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