Meeting Notes July 14, 2020
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• July 14, 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
The council meeting started out with a “very informative” and robust discussion of Economic Development going on in our city. Details will be listed below.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: Katie McNeill, Ken Kary, Chris Woodin
Economic Development Director, Tom Thielman
The purpose of the Economic Development Committee Meeting is to discuss:
· Economic Development Update
There was a “very informative” Economic Development UPDATE presented by our Economic Development Director Tom Thielman. I would recommend everyone to visit the cities Website and go to the Agenda/Minutes section and then to the Minutes for the July 14th Council Meeting to read the Economic Development Committee Minutes:
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 14, 2020
PUBLIC HEARING
2021 TAX BUDGET
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing to be held tonight on the proposed 2021 Tax Budget (see attached).
Those Speaking in Favor - No one spoke.
Those Speaking in Opposition - No one spoke.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of June 9, 2020 & Special Council Meeting
of June 23, 2020
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No significant reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Greg Patt, 38005 Brown Avenue - Regarding the paving of Rt. 84, Mr. Patt asked if the small portion of Johnnycake Ridge that turns into River Street will be part of the regular road paving program. City Engineer Program said that is correct.
Regarding the tax diversion program on SOM Center Road, he asked what the money would be used for and if it encompasses a specific area. Law Director Lucas said yes, it will be a defined area and the money will be used for infrastructure. There will be more specific details on the area prior to the third reading. Councilman Carr said general discussions have been infrastructure i.e., traffic control lights based on the projects or infrastructure projects that are part of the master plan to handle more stormwater capacity and safety issues such as sidewalks. Mr. Patt asked if Council had to approve each project individually or if was handled administratively. Mr. Lucas said it doesn't have to be specific to a particular project but rather defined by subject matter i.e. installation of sidewalks. He said there would be a paper trail via resolution. The Mayor said the funds slowly increase as homes are sold so it will take several years before the first dollars are actually spent.
Clerk Novak read into record an e-mail received from Terry Foreman, 2405 Bunker Lane, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit A).
In short Mr. Foreman asked Council to vote no on ordinance 2020-59. His major point was that a list of subdivisions within the county and city would not receive additional new real estate taxes (or funding) from qualifying improved properties within the district. “Please do not deny additional funds to these important and respected organizations. Let them take full advantage of the levies as approved by the citizens of Willoughby and Lake County.”
Greg Patt, 38005 Brown Avenue - Regarding the tax diversion program on SOM Center Road, Mr. Patt asked if the City can pick and choose which Lake County funds they take and asked specifically if the City can choose not to pick the library funds for example. Mr. Lucas said he doesn't think it's all or nothing but isn't certain of that.
*These questions and more will hopefully be answered on the third reading of this item, next council meeting. (Proposed Ordinance # 2020-59)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-59 – SECOND READING
An ordinance declaring 100% of improvements to certain parcels of real property to be a public purpose, describing the public infrastructure improvements to be made to benefit those parcels, requiring the owners of the improvements thereon to make service payments in lieu of taxes, establishing a SOM Center I Municipal Public Improvement Tax Increment Equivalent Fund for the deposit of such service payments and related matters.
This Ordinance is specific to a new development on the West Side of S.O.M.
There would be a reassignment of property tax dollars going to the city of Willoughby for the use of specific infrastructure improvements in the general area of these townhomes. Examples: sidewalks, traffic signals, storm-water, and sanitary improvements. The amount of monies collected for one development could be around $50,000 per year. The downside of this is that those monies that the city may now use for improvements to the area are not going to the “usual county and city agencies” that would typically receive the new monies.
County agencies:
Narcotics Agency
Children’s Services
Forensic Crime Laboratory
Senior Citizens
Metroparks
City agencies
Police Pension
Fire Pension
Recreation
Road & Bridge
NOTE: There are other cities around Willoughby that are now using this practice and because of that they have taken some of the burden off the funding of infrastructure projects in their communities.
MORE ON THIS AFTER THE THIRD READING NEXT MONTH.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-61 Vote 7-0 passed
A resolution affirming that funds received from the County Coronavirus Relief Distribution Fund be expended only to cover costs of the City consistent with the requirements of Section 5001 of the CARES Act.
2020-61 and 2020-62 establish the Special revenue fund for accepting the Federal Cares funds sent from the State to the County and now available for us to use.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-62 Vote 7-0 passed
A resolution establishing a Special Revenue Fund titled, Local Coronavirus Relief Fund, Fund No. 2620.
2020-61 and 2020-62 establish the Special revenue fund for accepting the Federal Cares funds sent from the State to the County and now available for us to use.
PPE, disinfecting and other Safety-glass (Sneeze guard) protection are clearly reimbursable.
Public safety employee payroll expenses that are substantially dedicated to mitigating and responding to the COVID health emergency are allowable.
Employees who have been diverted to a substantially different use than what was budgeted and are performing COVID required functions are reimbursable.
Unemployment and some paid sick and paid family and medical leave is also reimbursable.
Technology and remote work costs are reimbursable.
THIS FUND is where the monies will sit until used. We will receive between 1-1.5 million dollars that must be utilized in a very specific scope of categories.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-63 Vote 7-0 passed
A resolution adopting the Tax Budget of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2021; submitting same to the Lake County Auditor.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-64 Vote 7-0 passed
A resolution amending Resolution No. 2020-29 to provide for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, during the period ending December 31, 2020.
2020-64 is an amendment to appropriations to include the new Local Coronavirus Relief fund.
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-65 Vote 7-0 passed
An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and requesting the cooperation of the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation to resurface Lakeshore Boulevard (SR-283) from the west corporation limit to the east corporation limit in the City of Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio.
This is the most disturbing pieces of legislation passed this evening since it puts off the REPAVING of Lakeshore Blvd. until April 2021. This was a decision made by O.D.O.T. on their schedule.
City Engineer Lannon said ODOT generated legislation signing off on the 80/20 funds and posted the project schedule with a bid date of December with an expected start
.
date of April 1st Mr. Kary asked if the project is scheduled for 2021. Mr. Lannon said yes, it will be completed next spring. Mr. Kary said he was under the impression it was slated for this fall. Mayor Fiala said ODOT pushed the schedule back. Mr. Lannon said he asked for an explanation for the delay, but hadn't heard back yet.
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-66 Vote 7-0 passed
An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and requesting the cooperation of the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation to resurface SR-84 from SR-91 to the east corporation limit in the City of Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio.
Mr. Lannon said this project has an October bid date with construction starting April 1st.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-67 Vote 7-0 passed
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Communication System and Services Agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. necessary, in part, for the transfer of the City of Kirtland’s rights, title and interest in its CallWorks Call Station PSAP to the City of Willoughby.
This merger between Willoughby and Kirtland will provide major improvements to the current system in operation. The transition will take place in full around September 1 2020.
Mayor Fiala said the City has already been assisting with Kirtland's dispatching since some of their dispatchers are already gone. This resolution triggers the equipment upgrades and the extension of the service contract. Chief Schultz said our dispatchers are trained and ready to provide service to Kirtland. At one time, the City tried to update the 911 equipment through Motorola and received a pretty high estimate. He said Kirtland's agreement with Motorola was about two and a half years old and the City worked out an agreement with Motorola to extend it to a full 10 year agreement at a greatly reduced price. Councilman Anderson asked if there was a contingency plan if for some reason both systems would go down. Chief Schultz said even if both systems went out, the city of Eastlake would handle our 911 calls and central dispatch handles mobile calls to 911. It was clarified that when someone uses their cell phone to call 911 and it gets routed to central dispatch, the first question asked is the address of their emergency. That call would then be routed to Willoughby dispatch.
ADDENDUM
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-68 Vote 7-0 passed
An ordinance amending Chapter 745 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Solicitors and Canvassers".
This is obviously an amendment to our current ordinances on Soliciting and Canvassing.
This will provide some major improvements to the “old” ordinance.
NOTE:
If you wish, you may stop at City Hall to acquire a sticker to place on your front door or window to inform solicitors that you do not wish to see them stop at your residence. This sticker, if not followed would put them in violation of our cities laws.
Mr. Tomaselli asked if the process for the background check is handled in person. Ms. Banker said the new process will include a paper application and a computer will be available so the applicant can complete the background check at that time. Once results are received, they can pick up their badge or it can be mailed. Mr. Anderson asked that a current list of solicitors be posted on the website. Ms. Banker said the badge will be a bright yellow; a picture of the badge will also be posted on the website so residents are familiar with it. Mr. Tomaselli voiced concerns about the collection of personal background information from an applicant. Ms. Banker said the applicant's name, DOB and maybe the last four of the applicants social security number will be housed with the Human Resources Department.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala thanked Judean Banker for her work on the solicitors resolution as well as Darryl Keller, Chief Schultz and Shana Boyd; it gives a little safety and security to the residents. He said he was happy to see Lure opening back up with its original owner.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
City Engineer Lannon - Reported the concrete work for the ADA sidewalk project on Rt. 283 and Rt. 84 wascompleted today. The Erie Street construction is going well; paving could take place within the next two weeks. Mr. Lannon said there was a meeting with residents and Councilman Kary regarding Ward Creek; the project is back on track. He added that the City denied a contractors claim of change in conditions at the WPCC. Negotiations will take place regarding that claim.
Regarding the ADA ramp replacements on Rt. 84, Councilman Anderson asked if ODOT said the ramps had to be replaced or if the City determined which ramps had to be replaced because a lot of the ramps appear to be in good condition. Mr. Lannon said there are evolving standards by ODOT that the City needs to adhere to. Mr. Anderson asked if there will be a lane closure during the paving of Rt. 84 on the hills going down to Daniels Park. Mr. Lannon said curb work is involved as well so it will need to be one lane at times with flaggers potentially.
Fire Chief Ungar - Chief Ungar gave an update on the COVID cases in the City statin that between July 1st and July 8th there was a total of 18 cases in the City and from July gt until today there were 3. Ages ranged from 18 to 45 with mostly mild symptoms. He said the department is well stocked with personal protective equipment. Construction will start next week for the diesel exhaust system that was acquired through a grant. Regarding the merger with the city of Kirtland's dispatch, he said it is a very big improvement for both cities.
Police Chief Schultz - Chief Schultz thanked Council for the approval of Resolution No. 2020-67 for the dispatch center. He said the merger is an investment in the dispatch center and also moves the dispatch center into a more regional dispatch center for Lake County. He said August is when everything will be switched over to the new system and preparations have been ongoing. Chief Schultz thanked Mayor Fiala and Council President Carr for their support and visits to the department staff.
Chief Schultz reported on a few incidents that took place recently in the City. He said there was an incident at CVS last month with a male causing a disturbance. This person was distrustful of the police, but officers were able to get him out of the store and into a rescue squad. He complimented Lt. Tim Gamiere for his efforts in getting him into a rescue squad.
He said the police department also responded to a fight at Osborne Park this past weekend. Numerous chaotic 911 calls were received with both police and fire responding. Officers separated the two individuals who were involved in the fight and were able to restore order and conduct an investigation. False information regarding the incident started to spread on Facebook; the accurate story was posted on the department’s Facebook page on Monday. He said the patrol officers and firefighters handled the incident with professionalism and treated the injured person involved. He said during both incidents, there were people videotaping the officers with some people yelling obscenities which were a distraction to those people who needed help. He said within the last few months, the department has begun an initiative for training and education to change the culture. Councilman Woodin suggested installing video cameras at Osborne Park.
Building Inspector Keller - No report. Mr. Carr asked what the school district is doing with the old barns that need to be painted. Mr. Keller said they painted one building they plan on keeping and the large barn on Ridge will be demolished along with some other buildings.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - No report. Mr. Woodin asked if there was a flag up in Todd Field this year. She said it was broken and is being replaced.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No significant comments
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Just a few comments directed explicitly toward Ward 2 residents.
I have been working a great deal with the City Engineer (Tim Lannon) and residents on North Bay and Kyle Cove to move forward with the completion of the Ward Creek Storm-water Management program.
This project has been in place before I was elected to my current council position. I remember campaigning on two Storm-water Management projects for Ward 2 (Two Town Ditch and Ward Creek). These residents have been plagued with major flooding due to flow issues with this major artery of water traveling from Mentor to Eastlake. This water flows from the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor thru Willoughby to the Chagrin River in Eastlake. The project will involve significant changes to the Ward Creek area around North Bay to alleviate the issues faced by these residents every rainfall.
Second I have been working with the Fairway Glenn Development to assure that all the items put in place for the Developer by the Planning Commission are addressed. Two of the most important are the continuation of the white fence, which is located on Lost Nation Road to continue along hole # 1 of the Golf Course to prevent golfers from entering the property of those homeowners at this location.
Along with that, I have been working on getting the long-awaited SIDEWALK to be installed on Hodgson Road, traveling from Lost Nation Road to a connection point at Willoughby Crossings.
This is currently at the stage where the Developer, the Grounds Superintendent for the Golf Course and the City Engineer are working out the logistics of its installation. When this sidewalk is complete, it will provide approximately a two-mile walking path for the residents in the area. The best part of this is the avoidance of residents having to walk and navigate Hodgson Road without a sidewalk!
In closing, the summer so far has been quite busy fulfilling my duties as a Council Member and a member of the cities Planning Commission. I will continue to keep posting these Council Meeting updates as well as putting out as frequently as possible my Newsletters.
Have a great finish to the Summer,
Respectfully,
Ken Kary
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