Meeting Notes January 21, 2020
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• January 21, 2020 •
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 was quite important on several fronts.
The Environmental Planning Committee met to:
Look at the E.A.S. for a proposed project, grading and filling at 30817 Euclid Ave.
Submitted by: Frank Fatica, Parkview Land Development, Inc. There were concerns here addressed with the grading of this property as well as Storm-water runoff and a collapsed septic system. These were all addressed in the discussion.
A few Economic Development projects addressed were:
Zeppe’s Tavern to be located at 5680 SOM Center, as well as the new Marc’s going into the existing building located at 34881 Euclid Avenue. A new Marc’s location will soon take over the building where the Willoughby Fitworks currently operates. Fitworks CFO and operating owner Patrick Petrecca said he does not know when their 34881 Euclid Ave. location will close, but he said they are currently investigating opportunities to move into another local facility.
We addressed the Erie Street Reconstruction BETWEEN THE TRACKS. This looks as if it will be addressed around mid-May. Again, this is Erie Street between the tracks where new pavement will go in, curbs, aprons, etc. This will be an inconvenience for sure while the construction goes on but well worth it when finished!
The “OTHER” Erie Street Reconstruction, in DTW, will encompass the replacement and repairs to antiquated water lines in the street that need replacement. The construction project will be installing a new waterline pipe from the intersection of Vine Street and Erie Street (by Post Office) to the intersection of River, Euclid and Erie Street (in front Wes Point Park).
Important Project Notes*
· Construction is scheduled to begin February 3rd and continue for approximately 3 months
· The contractor is responsible for maintaining traffic and minimizing disruptions
· The traffic routing is to remain two lanes
· There will be no parking along Erie Street in Downtown Willoughby
· Side streets will be open
· Periodic water outages will occur in the area; the contractor will notify businesses of the schedule
· Travelers should expect delays and limited access in that area
· Detours will be posted
· *Please note the above list represents the intended plans as the construction starts but may be subject to change during the project if needed.
This too will be a major workaround but well worth it. Don’t make yourself scarce for all the DTW businesses that will still be open the whole time. The reason for doing it in the Winter is to have it all done in time for our great Summer DTW events, Rib cookoff, Car show, Artsfest, Last Stop Willoughby and newcomer, Live Well Willoughby! Of course, the Outdoor Farmer’s market starts in May and runs every Saturday, rain or shine through October!
PRIOR TO THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Ken Kary, Dan Anderson, Dan Garry
EAS #1-1-20
The proposed project is for the grading and filling at 30817 Euclid Ave.
Submitted by: Frank Fatica, Parkview Land Development, Inc.
The plan is to bring the property up to the level of Euclid Avenue at this location.
Demolition permits have been pulled to remove the buildings on the property.
During this discussion, items addressed were the
· Grading of the property
· Storm-water concerns
· Erosion
· Demolition
· An abandoned Septic system
· Time frame
The city engineer was polled and shared that they must create some storm-water retention system for the property. They must also address the issues with the capture of erosion and sediment. The grading and filling project will take between 4-5 months. Approximately 90,000 yards of dirt will be trucked into the site.
The Environmental Planning Committee approved the EAS after all items of concern were addressed with the City Engineer and the Chief Building and Zoning Inspector. This E.A.S. does not need to go to the Planning Commission. Once a development plan is created it will then go in front of the Planning Commission.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 21, 2020
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS (Board and Commission Members)
Income Tax Board of Review .................................................... Paul Korst, Birkett Gibson
Clean City Commission ....................................................................................... Dan Garry
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS (Confirmed by Council)
Civil Service Commission ................................................................................... Eric Barbe
APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Regular Council Meeting of January 7, 2020
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
None
PUBLIC PORTION
Jerry Ranally, 37832 Park Avenue - Regarding the development of the former Tegner property discussed earlier in the evening, Mr. Ranally asked if the City still has an ordinance in place that prohibits concrete and or asphalt crushing. Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Keller said that is correct, there is an ordinance prohibiting that. Mr. Ranally asked about the traffic light at Park and Euclid Avenue. Mr. Bock said the poles are up and the wires have been run; rewiring needs to be redone on existing poles with lights operational by next week.
Mr. Ranally asked if there was a plan in place to combat empty storefronts downtown. Mayor Fiala said last year six businesses left downtown, four due to high rent and two due to failed business plans. There are nine new businesses; there are more businesses this year than there was last year. He said the problem is one landlord who has been difficult, but the City is in communication with that landlord.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-9 PASSED
A resolution approving EAS #11-10-19 for an addition to the existing building and construction of a covered patio bar at 5680 SOM Center Road (Zeppe’s Tavern).
For your benefit, the passage of an E.A.S. is based on a review of:
· Traffic impact
· Stormwater management
· Police and Fire demands
· Noise, Water and Air Pollution
· The Demands on the School System
· Hazardous Waste and Material concerns
· And Finally, the TimeLine for the project
Please note that the developer “dropped” plans for an “Outdoor Patio” on this site. He will focus now on an addition to the building and a covered patio with “garage doors” that will be open during the better weather. There are limitations as to when these doors can be open, especially at night when there is music. This was all set in the approval of their Conditional Use Permit by the Planning Commission.
While the garage doors are open during hours of operation, the noise level must be kept to a conversational level. This includes sound from music and TVs. The garage doors must close my 11 pm Thursdays – Saturdays, and 10 pm on other days. Anytime there is live music, the garage doors must be closed. The C.U.P. will last for one year to assess the conditions and then allow the Planning Commission, if they see fit, to extend the time.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-10 PASSED
A resolution approving EAS #17-11-19 for construction of additions to the existing building located at 34881 Euclid Avenue (Marc’s).
This E.A.S. was approved since it meets all City requirements and there were no Environmental concerns noted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-11 PASSED
A resolution requesting the Lake County Auditor to make advance payments of taxes to the City of Willoughby, Ohio.
Legislation requested in 2020-11 is to allow the Finance Director to request advances of taxes from the County Auditor / Treasurer.
This is the first time we have been required to do this legislation, but it will now be an annual piece or anytime there is a change in authorized personnel.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-12 PASSED
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with CT Consultants in an amount not to exceed $68,134 for construction management services necessary to the Erie Street Reconstruction Project. This is for the reconstruction of Erie Street, between the tracks.
Erie Street in this area is in poor condition with improper grading allowing flooding of the roadway and water to drain onto private property. Sidewalks, drive aprons and curbs are likewise in poor condition and a hazard to residents. The project will encompass improved drainage, new pavement, new curbs, new drive aprons, and new sidewalks.
These services include Construction Administration, Inspection, Material Testing and Project Reporting. We received responses from six (6) firms. Scoring was performed according to ODOT scoring procedures by our Service Director, as well as Superintendent Palmisano and Engineering Technician Tyler.
C.T. Consultants held the highest average score amongst the firms under consideration.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-13 PASSED
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with 32 Degrees/SP3 Foods in the amount of $5,800 for the operation of the concession stands at the Willoughby Municipal Pool and the Osborne Park Pool for the 2020 season, and with an option for a one-year renewal. Our Recreation Director spoke favorably about this company citing the following reasons for their choice.
This decision was made for several reasons, but most importantly because they treat our residents with respect and are easy to work with.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the "official council meeting minutes."
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala reported the City recently applied for a state capital grant in excess of $500,000 for improvements along the Chagrin River; the City should know within the month it qualifies. Councilman Carr asked if it was a generic, open-ended application or is it for something specific. Mayor Fiala said it was specifically for the infrastructure for the amphitheater that would include underground grading and some trail work at the riverfront. The amphitheater structure would be set along the Chagrin River along the right-field line fence where the play structure currently sits. In order to obtain the grant, it needs to encompass one or several items: the historical significance of the site (the site sits about 1/10 of a mile from where Abbotts Mill was); on the waterfront so it will include wellness and cultural amenities. Mayor Fiala said he would send out a rendering to Council.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Service Director Bock - No report. Mr. Tomaselli asked if there were any challenges plowing snow on E. 364th/E. 365t during the ongoing project. Mr. Bock said no, the plow drivers try to get out there before the construction begins and they are aware of the plates on the streets.
City Engineer Sayles - Reported the City made the stage 2 submittal date for the Lakeshore Blvd. resurfacing plans which are submitted to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - Thanked Council for the passage of the resolution pertaining to the concession stands. Mr. Carr asked about ID badges for the Senior Center. Ms. Banker said she was waiting for Zenithto do the installation. After installation, attendance will be taken by members scanning their cards upon entry to the building as well as the fitness center. This feature will make it easier for the staff to compile information required for the senior levy.
Finance Director Bosley - Reported she had a preliminary meeting with the auditors last week; they will begin the onsite audit on February 10th. They will be reaching out to potential members of Council to answer questionnaires.
COUNCIL REPORTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
I am looking forward to 2020 and the cities plans and goals. First and foremost, I want to continue to work to serve the constituents of Ward 2. All your calls, emails, and face to face meetings have, in my opinion, resulted in a “high percentage” of favorable outcomes. Thanks for taking the time to communicate. I am still keeping my list of items that need to be addressed, but fortunately, that list is decreasing in size rather than “increasing.” I promise, as I have mentioned in the past, to keep my eyes and ears open regarding any planned development for the properties on Lost Nation Road. As a member of Council and Planning Commission, I have the opportunity to review and vote on what is proposed. As I shared in the past, based on the Zoning Restrictions in place, we were able to hold off plans to build more apartments. The land is zoned General Business as well as Light Industrial with a Limited Retail overlay. I know I can continue to work with our Economic Development Director and meet early with any developer that wants to make a move on these properties. Also, please let me mention that if any of you hear “a rumor” about what may be planned for these properties, do not hesitate to contact me so that I can confirm or dispel what you may be hearing. As you can all see, the final phase of Fairway Glenn is going in. The roads are in, and you will soon see the next phase of homes being built. I would venture to guess that by the end of the summer, this development could be completed. I will be watching carefully that the developer complies with my requests for the sidewalk on Hodgson, more perimeter fencing, some barriers installed where streets end abruptly, etc...
Regarding the entire City, we have been collaborating with other cities and organizations with our involvement in such projects as the
· Vine Street Corridor
The corridor which runs from Erie Street in Downtown Willoughby to Lakeshore Boulevard in Willowick touches on Classic Park in the middle. This is a group effort with Willowick, Eastlake, and Willoughby as well as Laketran. It would involve a total upgrade to Vine Street.
· Chagrin River Corridor and Lakefront Trail Connection
This is a group effort of multiple entities working together to provide more public access to the Chagrin River and Lake Erie (two of Willoughby’s most significant assets).
As well as our own movement forward on the
· Magic Mile
· Willoughby Amphitheater
The Magic Mile is part of the cities master plan and consists of bicycle and pedestrian trails along the Chagrin River. Hopes are to connect the Chagrin River Park to both Todd Field and Daniels Park.
Building the Amphitheater by the river-front near Todd Field as well as other mixed-use development will provide better parking, more amenities and accessibility, and better use of Todd Field. This venue is planned to hold 2,000 people near the river providing a facility to enjoy concerts and other events.
All of this is beyond the “idea phase”, and everyone is moving forward to bring these goals closer to a reality.
Understand, we are still working hard and staying focused on those items that need to be addressed in our City on a daily basis:
· Our residents
· Our assets
· Safety
· Roads
· Services
· Economic Development
· Recreation
· Finances
· And more
I want to share that the everyday operations are “CRITICAL,” but without a vision for the future, Willoughby would not be where it is today.
Special TRASH Collections 2020
Lake County’s Special Collection Dates – 2020
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds – 1301 Mentor Ave, Painesville Township. NO Businesses, residents only. Enter from Mentor Ave., follow event signs.
CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS
2020 Special Collection Detailed Flyer
April 25th & August 15th
Electronics Collection (free)
May 2nd
Tire Collection (fees may apply; cash/check only
May 9th & August 15th
Television Collection (fees may apply; cash/check only)
June 6th & Sept 19th
Household Hazardous Waste
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