Meeting Notes December 17,2019
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• December 17, 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 dealt with some Economic Development taking place in the city. Fifty residential Townhomes are being proposed for an area on S.O.M. Center Rd. There was also a “flurry” of resolutions dealing with end of the year finance items. To the pleasure of all Willoughby residents, we addressed work to be done in preparation for the resurfacing of SR 283 (Lakeshore Blvd). In closing to the meeting, a resolution honoring Building and Grounds Supervisor Pete Brooks was adopted and commending him for his 35 years of dedicated service to the City. We also took the time to talk about and thank Councilman Bob Harrold for his dedicated service to the City of Willoughby. He is retiring at the end of December when his current term is up.
PRIOR TO THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING/EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council and the Administration met in Executive Session
COMMITTEE OF THE FULL
Councilman Carr chaired this Committee where we had a detailed presentation on the “NEW” City Website that will be in operation around February 2020. More on this later.
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 17, 2019
ROLL CALL
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular Council Meeting of December 3, 2019
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the "official council meeting minutes."
Dave Anderson, 4813 Willoughcroft Rd. - Mr. Anderson said it was a privilege and honor serving with Councilman Harrold and wished him the best. He wished everybody a Merry Christmas and thanked everyone for another great year and for their service to the City.
Jerry Ranally, 37832 Park Avenue - Mr. Ranally wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thanked everyone for their service and commitment to the City and its residents. He said Mr. Harrold represented his ward and the City very well and wished him the best in his retirement.
Mr. Ranally asked Mr. Bock for an update on the traffic light (at Euclid and Park). Mr. Bock said it would be mid-January when the lights are received. He said they are looking into the future and the possibility of going with lights that is more readily available. The poles will be delivered on-site and installed by the supplier and the City will get them operational.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-108 REMAIN ON THE TABLE
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).
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-109 REMAIN ON THE TABLE
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) from Residential One-Family 100 (R-100) to Residential Multi Family Low Rise(R-MF-L).
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-110 PASSED
A resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission, authorizing the necessary tax levies, certifying same to the Lake County Auditor.
Amounts and rates are adjusting General Bond Retirement fund outside millage from .56 to .58.
Finance Director Bosley said the Lake County Auditor requested that the City recertify the tax rates for the year due to a small adjustment in the fire station tax levy.
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-111 PASSED
An ordinance accepting the improvements for Melrose Farms Subdivision Phase 5.
This is the approval for the completion of this development off of Lost Nation Road, south of Grant Elementary. The city engineer shared that many of the problems in this area have been resolved. Most of these dealt with storm-water concerns to properties in the area.
City Engineer Sayles said all improvements for the subdivision are installed including the ditch/swale along the southern property line. The improvements are ready for acceptance by the City for maintenance; the City has a two-year maintenance bond in hand.
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-112 PASSED
An ordinance authorizing Amendment No. 2 to Ordinance No. 2019-32, The Manning & Payroll Ordinance, relative to Building Maintenance Division, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Service, and Golf Course.
The Payroll and Manning ordinance changes allow for the increase in Ohio Minimum Wage. We are using MW in the step rate instead of the amount so that we won’t need to change these tables every December. For 2020 that amount is $8.70 (up .15)
There is also one change in Section 10.1 -Land and Building Administration to allow for the option of a Supervisor l instead of a Supervisor ll.
Finance Director Ms. Bosley said the change to the minimum wage mimics what other cities do. The added supervisor in the Building and Maintenance division is to allow for a Supervisor I instead of a Supervisor II; there still will only be one supervisor in that department at any given time.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-113 PASSED
A resolution authorizing the Director of Finance to transfer funds from the General Fund to Various Other Funds, and declaring an emergency.
This allows for transfers to the Future Retirement, General Bond and Golf Course funds-up to $665,000.
Ms. Bosley said this legislation allows for an "up to" amount but the transfer could be less as in the case of the general bond fund (the amount will be $115,000 instead of $265,000) and the golf course will be up to $150,000.
Councilman Kary asked Assistant Golf Course Manager Brian McCoy about positions listed on the manning but are not being filled. Mr. McCoy said the concession manager position most likely will be in hibernation but will remain on the manning table in order to be flexible in the future. An intern position will remain on the manning table for people who want to get into the business. Councilman Woodin said years ago the City allocated a lot of money to reinvigorate the golf course; he asked if the income is covering the debt service plus the expenses on a yearly basis or is this the reason for the transfer. Ms. Bosley said yes that is the reason for the transfer; they are always close on operations. She said it is the debt and this year the City spent money on capital items that were needed due to safety.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-114 PASSED
A resolution amending Resolution No. 2019-21 to provide for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, during the period ending December 31, 2019.
This amends 2019 Appropriations for the additional transfer of funds.
NOPEC Capital grant spending is adjusted $2264 to match the actual grant received.
Changes to return completed WPCC project funds from Quentin Basin ($46,679) and Equalization Basin ($1446) and to increase the Capacity Enhancement project in the replacement fund by $79,103.
There is an amendment to this resolution. Ms. Bosley said the total change to expenses is $794,000 budgeted, but $665,000 is in transfers plus a minor NOPEC grant change and three items within the WPCC funds for projects that are being closed out plus the beginning of the capacity enhancement fund.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-115 PASSED
A resolution authorizing temporary appropriations totaling $22,165,762.00 for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Willoughby, Ohio during the period ending March 31, 2020.
This is legislation for Temporary 2020 Appropriations that allow us to operate until we pass the budget in March.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-116 PASSED
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans for the LAK-283-06.82 Lakeshore BoulevardResurfacing Project.
Authorizing the preparation of plans by the City Engineer for resurfacing of Lakeshore Blvd.
Mr. Sayles said this project has been moved up. The plans have to be completed by the end of March. There is a possibility paving could take place later in the year (September). Rt. 84 will follow in early 2021; those plans have to be completed by the end of 2020. In order to get the money from ODOT and the Federal Highway Administration for the projects, it is a requirement to improve the handicap ramps along the improved routes to the current standards with 100% local money. ODOT is not allowing those improvements to be part of their projects as in the past. The City needs to complete those improvements before those resurfacing projects can begin. He said bidding for that work will most likely be in two phases as the work on Lakeshore Blvd. will need to be completed near the end of 2020.
Councilman Tomaselli asked about what the City and state pay for. Mr. Sayles said construction costs are 80/20. The state does not pick up any of the engineering and design costs. All the engineering and handicap ramps will be 100% local. Mr. Sayles said the City has the opportunity to assemble how much was spent over the last decade on patching and the City can receive credit as much as 10% making the match 90/10.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-117 PASSED
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans for the LAK-84-03.61 Ridge Road Resurfacing Project.
Authorizing the preparation of plans by the City Engineer for resurfacing Ridge/Johnnycake Ridge Roads (LAK-84-03.61).
Mr. Sayles said the estimate for this project is $1.84 million. This project starts just east of Rt. 91 because resurfacing was done previously towards Wickliffe. The funds for these projects will come out of the road program. Mr. Sayles said he and Service Director Bock will review costs with Finance Director Bosley; it looks like there will be money for the 2020 road program but funds will be limited. The Erie Rd. project and curb work downtown will also impact funding for the road program.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-118 PASSED
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and to advertise for bids for the SR 84 and SR 283 Handicap Ramp Replacements Project.
This is to authorize the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and to advertise for the replacement of handicap ramps on Lakeshore Blvd., Ridge Rd. and Johnnycake Ridge Rd. prior to the start of the respective ODOT resurfacing projects. This is always a requirement of an ODOT resurfacing project. The cost is 100% local.
Mr. Sayles said the City is required to properly improve all the handicap ramps on Rt. 283 and Rt. 84 in the right of way even where there is an intersection where a sidewalk is crossing a side street (not crossing Rt. 283 or Rt. 84). After discussion, Mr. Sayles clarified that ramps only have to be improved where there are sidewalks and signals intersecting the streets.
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-119 PASSED
A resolution honoring Building and Grounds Supervisor Pete Brooks and commending him for his 35 years of dedicated service to the City of Willoughby.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the "official council meeting minutes."
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala said this is a bittersweet night because the City is losing Pete Brooks after many years of service and Mr. Harrold. He said he wanted to echo the same comments made by Mayor Anderson and Jerry Ranally. He said Mr. Harrold is honorable, honest and fair and no one can ask anything more from a Councilman.
Regarding the upcoming water line replacement in downtown Willoughby, Councilman Anderson said Arabica called and asked if someone will be contacting them with the work schedule. Mayor Fiala said all merchants and restaurants will be contacted.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas - No report. Mr. Lucas wished Mr. Harrold a happy retirement.
Service Director Bock - Mr. Bock said it's been great working with Mr. Harrold and wished him the best. He said losing Pete Brooks is a great loss to the Service Department. He said he will personally miss him because Pete Brooks has been his "go-to" person these last two years.
Councilman Tomaselli asked if Pelton Road was closed due to railroad work. Mr. Bock said it was closed due to someone trying to evade the police. A pole was taken out and CEI is trying to replace it. The railroad is doing some drainage and erosion work, however, the City never received any plans on the work being performed.
City Engineer Sayles - Mr. Sayles thanked Mr. Harrold for his work as Councilman and that he really enjoyed working with him on many issues.
Councilman Carr asked if the school zone for the middle school on Rt. 84 still needs to be designated as a school zone. Mr. Sayles said he has not asked the traffic engineer that specific question yet. However, if you have an entrance that goes to the school and it's on school property, the school zone is from the property line to property line. He said analysis can be prepared by a traffic engineer and the City can petition the state to modify the requirement. Mr. Carr said it needs to be marked better as a school zone. Mayor Fiala said the question is if the school zone needs to go from the parking lot, all the way through the parking lot past Shankland and all the way to Breckenridge or just from Shankland to Breckenridge.
Fire Chief Ungar - Chief Ungar congratulated Mr. Harrold on his retirement and thanked him for all his years of service especially the last few years he served on the Safety Committee.
Police Chief Beckwith - Chief Beckwith thanked Mr. Harrold for all his years of service and that it was a pleasure working with him.
Building Inspector Keller - Mr. Keller thanked Mr. Harrold for all his help and assistance given him and Karen Brooks over the years with the residents of Ridge Acres.
Mr. Carr asked Mr. Keller about the demolition of buildings where Tegner's was on Euclid Avenue. Mr. Keller said the buildings have been demolished and site plans have been submitted but the City doesn't know what the proposed use is yet. CT Consultants did review the drawings and corrections need to be made. He said they want to raise the area because it's a low line area. He heard the owner wants to place a building there and do metal fabrication. An EAS will need to be submitted for the grading and a development plan eventually.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - Reported that in 2020, the Senior Center will be receiving $130,000 from the senior citizen’s levy. There was an article in today's News-Herald recognizing the fourth aquatics international award received; this year was for lifeguard management. Ms. Banker thanked Mr. Harrold for all his help over the years.
Finance Director Bosley - Ms. Bosley thanked Council for the legislation. Ms. Bosley thanked Mr. Harrold for his service.
COUNCILMEN:
Mr. Woodin - Mr. Woodin said Pete Brooks was always a pleasure to work with and a wealth of information and a huge loss to the City. Mr. Woodin thanked Mr. Harrold for his years of service and said it was a pleasure working with him. He congratulated Ms. Banker on the recent aquatics award. Mr. Woodin thanked the directors for all their hard work throughout the year.
Mr. Kary - Mr. Kary said he will see Mr. Harrold out on the golf course.
Mr. Tomaselli - Mr. Tomaselli wished Pete Brooks the best in his retirement. He thanked Mr. Harrold for helping him when he was a new councilman. He thanked everyone who participated in sending off his Father to All Souls Cemetery.
Mr. Anderson - Mr. Anderson thanked Mr. Harrold for helping him out when he was first elected as a Councilman.
Mr. Harrold - Mr. Harrold said in the 14 years he's served on Council, he has met many people who he now calls his friends in the City and in his ward. He said he has enjoyed his years on Council and hopes that he contributed to keeping the City the great City that it is. He thanked the members of Council for acting as a smooth and cohesive unit with no personal agendas. He thanked Council Clerk Novak for her guidance. He said Chuck Cox mentored him when he first came on Council.
Ms. McNeil! - Absent.
Mr. Carr - Mr. Carr congratulated Mr. Harrold on his retirement and thanked him for serving as Council Vice President. He said he did a great job mentoring the new council members and organizing the legislation.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Just a few closing comments for this meeting summary. I would like to share that the City has taken steps to greatly improve the cities Website. Prior to the Council meeting, we had a very comprehensive presentation that shared many of the new improvements that will be implemented soon. Over the years the site has become awkward and rather “user-unfriendly”. You will be able to start using the newly updated site by the end of January 2020. We will be doing some beta testing in early January. From what I have seen and experienced, you will be pleased to find it less cumbersome, more informative and easier to navigate. On top of that its “look” will be much more attractive to the user.
· 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
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