Meeting Notes June 9, 2020
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• June 9, 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
This Council Meeting took place as a continuation of our ZOOM MEETINGS. The council meeting was preceded by a meeting of the Environmental Planning Committee. The content and results of that meeting are shared below.
Environmental Planning Committee to discuss:
#EAS 6-4-20
The proposed project is for the rezoning of the property located at 5363 SOM Center Rd. from an R-100 to an R-60 zone district. The major subdivision will consist of 47 lots with fencing between existing residences behind SL 28-32. Submitted by Greg Sommers, The Sommers Real Estate Group.
Mr. Kary said for the record, the Planning Commission voted to approve EAS #6-4-20. Mr. Kary asked Mr. Sommers to share a description of the location, scope, and character of the proposed development.
Mr. Sommers said the Sommers Groups is proposing a 47 lot residential community along the Rt. 91 corridor at 5363 SOM Center Road. He said they have put a lot of thought into the design working with the City's administration to reduce the density. There are approximately 1.7 acres of open space. Traffic counts have been submitted to the City. They feel it's a good plan and they have addressed all the issues regarding the EAS. Regarding the timeline, he said the Indiana bat rule will come into play. He said it will be post-October when they can clear trees.
Chief Ungar had no issues with the development. Mr. Kary said he created a list of questions for the City Engineer based on the letters received from the residents who are opposing the development. Mr. Kary posed the following questions:
1. Will both the waste and storm sewers handle this development?
Answer: Yes. The rezoning does increase demand on the sanitary system but not the storm system because of the retention requirements on the project. The sanitary system can handle the increased demand and in fact, the system could have handled an R-50 development.
2. Are you aware of the water run-off in Ridge Acres?
Answer: Yes, they are aware of the issues and the rezoning and the development will have no impact on that.
3. Are you aware of the water run-off problems in the Aspenwood area?
Answer: Yes, the rezoning and development will have no impact on that development.
4. Will the water problems in Ridge Acres and Aspenwood be acerbated with this development proceeding?
Answer: No.
5. Will City services be affected i.e., Police, Fire, etc.
Answer: Regarding the service; there may be a few more feet of pavement and utilities for the Service Department to maintain but it's not significant.
6. Do you see problems with the electrical demand in this area?
Answer: They are not familiar with the electrical system in the area. Frequent outages are usually not caused by increased demand but rather infrastructure, maintenance, reliability problems, age of the infrastructure, and the weather.
7. Will there be a drastic negative effect on traffic?
Answer: No. The small increase in peak hour traffic does not meet the standard for any additional studies.
Mr. Kary said he also asked if the development would decrease property values in the area. The City Engineer stated he wasn't qualified to answer that question. He said the only recommendation coming from Planning Commission was from the WPCC who asked the City Engineer to verify the sewer capacity for increased flow.
Mr. Kary said he called the school superintendent and asked if the development would put a burden on Edison Elementary. He stated that enrollment is down and he would welcome new students
The Environmental Planning Committee recommended approval of EAS #6-4-20 to Council with no requirements.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 9, 2020
APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Regular Council Meeting of May 12, 2020
ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS- appointments made by the Mayor (confirmed by Council)
Board and Commission Members
Mayor Fiala appointed Mike Merhar to the Planning Commission
Mike Maniche to the Zoning Board of Appeals
Cesare Frabotta to the Shade Tree Commission.
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development Committee, Ms. McNeill - Reported she is scheduling a meeting with Economic Development Director Thielman regarding some updates throughout the City prior to discussion with Council.
Environmental Planning Committee, Mr. Kary - Reported the committee met this evening to discuss the EAS for 5363 SOM Center Road.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
***PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing to be held tonight on the proposed Zone Map amendments (see attached).
Those Speaking in Favor - No one spoke.
Those Speaking in Opposition - No one spoke.
2.
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing to be held tonight on the proposed rezoning at 5363 SOM Center Road (see attached). Council President Carr said because the public hearing was being conducted via Zoom, the City gave the option to have feedback received in writing and read into the record. He noted that the public hearing is not a discussion and there will be a time limit of three minutes.
Those Speaking in Favor
Mr. Greg Sommers - Mr. Sommers said he worked with the administration and strongly considered the neighbors’ comments and feels he has come up with the best development plan that is reasonable and will be an asset to the City. He looks forward to moving forward with their proposal.
Those Speaking in Opposition –
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Jim Bizjak, 35345 Aspenwood Lane, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit A).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Keith and Tammy Johannes, 5316 Karen Isle Drive, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit B).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Sandy Nero, 35150 Aspenwood Lane, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit C).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Jeffrey & Eileen Staats, 35175 Aspenwood Lane, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit D).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Frank & Kim Burke, 5401 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit E).
Council President Carr read into record a letter received from Patricia Batich, 35240 Aspenwood Lane, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit F).
Council President Carr read into record a letter received via e-mail from Emer McNamara, 38262 Cheltenham Drive, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit G).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Ron & Judi Messner, 35380 Aspenwood Lane, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit H).
Council President Carr read into record a letter received from David & Elaine Farrington, 35280 Aspenwood Lane, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit I).
Council President Carr read into record a letter received via e-mail received from Dan &Betsy Prelee, 35400 Aspenwood Lane, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit J).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Nancy Hance, 5322 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit K).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Fred & Diane Fink, 5390 Karen Isle Drive, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit L).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Richard & Pat Schneider, 350268 South Turtle Trail, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit M).
Council President Carr read into record a letter received via e-mail from William Hance, 5322 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit N).
Council President Carr read into record a letter received via e-mail from George & Darlene Calore, 5419 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby (Exhibit 0).
Council President Carr read into record a letter received via e-mail from Edward Langa, 5380 Karen Isle Drive, Willoughby (Exhibit P).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Jeannine Anderson-Spain and Michael Rosciszewski, 34935 Aspenwood Lane, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit Q).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Bob Terlizzi, 35100 Aspenwood Drive, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit R).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Jack & Natalie Bowser, 34325 Willow Creek, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit S).
Council President Carr read into record an e-mail received from Tom and Victoria Insley, 34355 Willow Creek, Willoughby, Ohio (Exhibit T}.
Dave Black, 34975 Aspenwood Lane - Mr. Black said he is in opposition of the proposal. He said he learned this week that Hartshire was developed as an R-100 development. He said looking at the current plan, you see a lot of frontages that are less than 60', however, at the Planning Commission it was noted that most of the lots are R-80. He said Council has heard so many negatives and asked Council to vote in favor of the residents. The property could be developed as an R-100. He asked the developer go back and take a look at R-80. He said once it's rezoned R-60, there's no going back.
Lori Claire Petrick Flower, 1344 Brooks Drive - Ms. Flower read her letter into record (Exhibit U).
Debra & Thomas Petrick, 35145 Aspenwood Lane - Ms. Petrick read her letter into record (Exhibit V).
Alyssa Dalpiaz, 5315 SOM Center Rd. - Ms. Dalphiaz said she and her husband moved to Willoughby five years ago to the Chagrin Riverwalk Apartments and fell in love with Willoughby and decided to make Willoughby their permanent home and grow their family here. She said they shop and dine local and voted yes on the school levy and are committed to doing their part to support a thriving community which is why they've attended public hearings regarding the property since they moved to their home three years ago. She is disappointed to be at another rezoning hearing for the property and disheartened that despite years of residents' concerns including those at the last Planning Commission meeting, she is here again facing another proposal for the property. Residents have asked for one thing; that the property remains R-100 yet they have not seen a plan that reflects that. She said her genuine and sincere question is why? She said one sentiment mentioned at the Planning Commission meeting was the improvement of the plan over time. She said she doesn't underestimate Mr. Sommer's genuine efforts or the time it took to get to this point. However, suggesting that residents should be content with a plan because it's better than where we started is skewed. Nearly 80 homes on 16 acres should never have been the starting point. She said as someone who cares about the City and its future, she respectively asked Council to reject the current plan and ask Mr. Sommers for one plan that reflects R-100 zoning. This plan is easy to accept because of all the time and labor that has been put in getting there but that would be an injustice to the City. She said City can do better.
Laura Gibson, 35055 Aspenwood Lane - Ms. Gibson read her letter into record (Exhibit W).
Paul Petrick, 250 Chathman Way, Apt. 761, Mayfield Hts., Ohio - Mr. Petrick read his letter into record. (ExhibitX).
Chris Black, 5455 SOM Center Road - Mr. Black thanked the Mayor and Council for listening to the constituents. He asked that based on the principals of the country that Council listens to the constituents. He said there hasn't been one resident who is in favor of the rezoning.
Patricia Terlizzi, 35100 Aspenwood Lane - She said she strongly opposes the rezoning of the Millsteinproperty from R-100 to R-60 echoing all the reasons her neighbors have already stated so brilliantly.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-52 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #5-3-20 for construction of a Golf Training Facility located at 39438 Kirtland Road (Kirtland Country Club).
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.
Councilman Kary said all concerns were addressed by the Planning Commission when it was reviewed including noise because it's located in a residential area. The Planning Commission was concerned about outside lighting specifically during the evening to track the flight of golf balls. The country club assured the Planning Commission there would be no outside lighting and the sound level would be casual conversation between the instructor and the student.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-53 Motion carried 6 to 1
A resolution approving EAS #6-4-20 for the rezoning of 16.059 acres of real property located at 5363 SOM Center Road and further identified as Permanent Parcel Nos. 27A007A000140, 27A007A000080, and 27A007A000090 from Residential One-Family 100 (R-100) to Residential One-Family 60 (R-60).
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.
Many questions were posed to the City Engineer to assure that the major concerns of those residents opposed to this EAS were addressed. A burden on the infrastructure, traffic, flooding, were all discussed and would not be an issue according to the city engineer.
Ms. McNeill said she wanted to clarify a few things based on comments made during the public hearing. Regarding Waldamere being a very desirable street, she said a few doors down from her house there is a total of 5' between two houses. She said a business could have gone onto the property in question and said she feels she is doing what's best for the residents noting the development will be very desirable with high-end homes. She said she appreciated all the comments and said some statements were not factual. She said residents had the option to purchase the property.
Mr. Carr pointed out that there was a discussion during the legislative caucus centered on documentation and research by Council and the administration. He said the proposed 47 homes the developer is putting in is actually one house less than the number of homes that could be for an R-80 development. It's an R-60 development due to the layout of the land; it will be identical in layout and density as Aspenwood.
Mr. Carr said this EAS was discussed earlier in the evening. Councilman Tomaselli asked when the EAS comes back and there isn't any issues with storm water run-off, is that because of the natural area or because of infrastructure the Sommers Group will be putting in to protect Aspenwood and Ridge Acres. City Engineer Lannon said that relates to the storm water ordinances that require retention to modern standards. So what comes into the property is the controlling factor on what goes out. Regardless of what the development is, the storm water requirements would cover it with the infrastructure they build. Mr. Kary said the Sommers Group is coming before the Planning Commission this week; storm water will be looked at intensely. Mr. Tomaselli voiced his concern that a resident could blame The Sommers Group for water in their back yard even though it may not be the result of the development. Mr. Carr mentioned a spot problem at the end of Aspenwood which is part of the storm water master plan for improvements. One of the items is a line to Sky Top to alleviate the problem at the end of Aspenwood which affects three or four homeowners. There was a conversation with Vista Springs and City Engineer Sayles about diverting the water a shorter distance and into the development property's detention basins instead of running a new line across Sky Top and down through Ridge Acres. He asked if Mr. Sommers would be open to having a similar conversation with City Engineer Lannon. Mr. Sommers said absolutely and said the topography is favorable for doing that.
Mayor Fiala said the rezoning of the property will be to R-60 and the rezoning cannot be contingent on the development plan, therefore, he suggested doing the same thing for this rezoning that was done for the townhome development on Rt. 91. The City couldn't request it, but asked if Mr. Sommers would be agreeable to having the same language for the Millstein property. Mr. Sommers said they would be agreeable to that and said they are comfortable committing to it and will build what they are presenting. Mr. Carr clarified they would not build more than the proposed 47 homes.
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-54 Motion carried 6 to 1
An ordinance amending the Zone Map of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, to reclassify 16.059 acres of certain real property located at 5363 SOM Center Road (Permanent Parcel Nos. 27A007A000080, 27A007A000140 AND 27A007A000090) from Residential One-Family 100 (R-100) to Residential One-Family 60 (R-60).
The ordinance to rezone property, 5363 SOM, for the development of 47 homes.
Mr. Kary said he wanted to let the residents know that if the Ordinance passes, he promises that the Planning commission will handle the matter with the greatest amount of detail and assure residents that the City will provide the best development on the property.
Councilman Woodin asked Mr. Sommers about a permit from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) stating there were wetlands on the property. Mr. Sommers said he has a Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) in hand from the Army Corp. of Engineers and will submit to the City under all applicable federal, state and local laws. He said part of the modified development plan was to minimize impact to wetlands and they will be following all proper protocol to get that done. Mr. Sommers said the property actually moves away from Aspenwood and Ridge Acres and they are willing to work with the City Engineer to tackle any of the neighboring storm water concerns.
Mr. Carr gave a background on the property stating the property has been wooded for a long time and sits on the east side of Rt. 91 just south of the Edison School entrance. It is currently zoned R-100 and a few years back there was a proposal for a conditional use as a senior living development with a lot of concern from the residents i.e., storm water. The project was ultimately denied with residents wanting a residential development. The current residential project started a few months back as an R-50 proposal with 71 lots, reduced to 56 based on input from City administration, Council and residents with the density too tight. The proposal was reduced again as an R-50. Mr. Carr said he suggested to the Sommers Group that R-50 would be difficult and that R-80 would be ideal but with an R-60 there would be a good chance to move forward. The proposal in front of Council is R-60 with 47 homes.
During the Planning Commission's public hearing regarding the rezoning, there were a lot of questions asked regarding lot sizes and correspondence that didn't make its way to the Commission. Mr. Carr said in his ten years on Council, he hasn't seen a single issue in front of Council that had as much preparation and background in the hands of Council members as this one. Council made sure all Planning Commission meeting minutes as well as all correspondencesubmitted was distributed. Council encouraged public input in advance of the meeting. Mr. Carr said information was received showing the average lot size being 11,000 square feet which is 92% of an R-80 lot with 30% of the homes exceeding R-80 zoning. There were still some questions about the maximum building sizes and answers were provided on that as well. Mr. Sommers was asked to give some more detail on his proposed project.
Greg Sommers from the Sommers Group said he appreciates the opportunity to present his project. He said a lot of time was spent working with the City administration and listening to the input from residents that ultimately took the project from a 71 lot proposal down to 47 lots. The Sommers Group was diligent in coming up with a plan that everyone could live with and is comfortable with it in terms of density, making an attractive development that would attract people to Willoughby and alleviating the concerns of the neighbors. Since the original plan, Sommers increased the overall lot sizes and all front and rear setbacks and increased additional open space to 1.766 acres. A walking trail was added that will connect the school property to the adjoining communities which will be a valuable asset. Fencing was also added behind existing residences behind sub lots #28 through #32 which is near the cul-de-sac on Aspenwood. The plan includes curved streets and parameter buffering, staggered set backs on the houses and an extensive landscaping plan was submitted. He said they felt they really went above and beyond to come up with a plan that will be an asset to Willoughby. Starting advertised price point of the homes will be in the mid-350's; this would not deflate the surrounding home values.
Councilman Anderson asked if another plan will be submitted if there are wetland issues. Mr. Sommers said they have a PJD (Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination) plan that has been accepted from the Army Corp of Engineers and the open space and community design is already taken into consideration.
Councilwoman McNeill said she had been concerned if it was going to be a private community. She said the lot sizes are nice and very well planned out; she said it looks like a beautiful high-end development.
Councilman Garry commented that he had done the math and came up with an average of 74' frontage for each lot. Mr. Sommers said part of the redesign work was working with the builders and trying to accommodate a nice product. He said density is less important; the builders would rather have nicer quality lots that will accommodate larger house plans for what people are looking to build. Mr. Carr mentioned a memo sent to Council earlier in the day from Economic Development Director Tom Thielman. In the memo, Mr. Thielman states that the proposed housing development requires rezoning consistent with the comprehensive plans policy of modifying residential zoning to increase design flexibility and range of housing types. Demographic trends and residential growth potential shows that this style of development is desirable in today's market and that the administration has no objection to the zoning change. Mayor Fiala said the development is well thought out and believes it will be well executed.
Councilman Woodin asked what gas company will be used for the new development. Mr. Sommers answeredDominion.
Mr. Carr reminded the public that if it were to remain R-100 that it could be a permitted use not only as senior living development but also a cemetery, a golf course, farming property, a private country club or a private boarding school.
Ms. McNeill said she wanted to educate the residents who had commented about the City making money from the development; she said the City doesn't make much money from residents and would be better off making money from income tax from a business. The schools receive most of the money from property taxes.
Mr. Tomaselli thanked Mr. Sommers for working with the City and the residents and making adjustments to the development plan based on feedback.
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-55 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance amending the Zone Map of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, to reclassify fourteen (14) parcels of certain real property located with the City of Willoughby.
This ordinance was the final step necessary to amend the Zone Map after several years of work.
Mr. Kary said these changes are to correct a few errors that were made on the zoning map updates.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-56 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Kirtland, Ohio necessary to provide dispatch services for the Kirtland Police and Fire Departments by the City of Willoughby, the furnishing of dispatch services equipment, and operating procedures relating to Kirtland Dispatch Services, and declaring an emergency.
Resolution No. 2020-56 memorializes the negotiated Memorandum of Understanding whereby Willoughby's Dispatch Center will dispatch Kirtland Police Department and Fire Department calls, on a twenty-four (24) hour basis, to authorized personnel of the City of Kirtland's Safety Forces for a period of five (5) years. Kirtland will pay the City a total of $600,000 for this Dispatch Service in installment payments through the course of the five (5) year term.
Law Director Lucas said the City of Kirtland and the City of Willoughby have agreed to a joint safety forces venture.Kirtland no longer wishes to have a dispatch center and Willoughby agreed to provide the services. There is a provision within the document that enables Kirtland to transfer dispatch equipment over to Willoughby at which point in time there will be some improvements. Willoughby will then use this equipment to provide the services. Kirtland will be on an installment payment schedule and at the end of the five-year term; the City will have received $600,000.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-57 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to renew the Cooperation Agreement with the Board of Lake County Commissioners to participate in the Urban Entitlement Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, and declaring an emergency.
The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a renewal Agreement with the Board of Lake County Commissioners from the first day of the 2021 program year through and including the last day of the 2023 program year. Said Agreement shall authorize the County to undertake essential Community Development and Housing Assistance Plans and projects eligible under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.
Mayor Fiala said this is the third piece of legislation required that will allow the City to apply for and receive CDBG grants.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-58 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Association of Firefighters, Local 2291, AFL-CIO necessary to the settlement of ACLS Paramedic Disputes and to establish the prospective application of tuition reimbursement as set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding between the International Association of Firefighters, Local 2291, AFL-CIO, and the City of Willoughby, Ohio.
Law Director Lucas said there was a significant dispute dating back to 1988 in terms of how to apply payment for a certified paramedic in the stipend the City gives them on whether it should be given to them at the end of the term of one year or the beginning of the term of one year. Due to the current pay structure, there were several grievances on the interpretation.
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-59 – FIRST 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.
Mr. Carr said the Sommers Group brought this concept to the City. He said this would allow the City to keep local property tax as well as the portion that goes to the county and designate an investment corridor. In the master plan, SOM Center has known needs for road safety i.e., sidewalks and infrastructure for storm water capacity down the road. The thought was to do it first for the townhomes and possibly for the Sommers project. This would be a funding source and monies allocated for local infrastructure projects.
Mr. Lucas said the actual legislation is still a work in progress; there are several designated areas that need to be fine-tuned including a fact sensitive public improvement plan and notices that need to be completed. This legislation is on for a first reading and will continue to improve for the second and possibly a third reading. He reviewed with Council the procedure needed to be followed this evening for a first reading which is unusual for the City. If the legislation is ready at the next meeting (second reading) it can be voted on at that time.
Motion made and seconded declaring the first reading of Ordinance No. 2020-59
Motion carried 7 to 0
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-60
A resolution approving the application for a new awning over the garage style windows and man door as submitted by Seamus Coyne, as owner, for Nora’s Public House and authorizing the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness, and declaring an emergency.
Motion made and seconded to table Resolution No. 2020-60 with the request this matter be sent back to the Design Review Board for resolution. If there is no resolution with the Design Review Board, it will be scheduled with Council within two weeks.
Motion carried 6 to 0
PUBLIC PORTION:
Greg Patt, 38005 Brown Avenue - Mr. Patt said he spent an hour on the new website and said it was a nice design and looks great.
Dan Prelee - Mr. Prelee said he was disappointed with the leadership surrounding the decision on the rezoning matter voted on this evening.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Regarding the small demonstration that took place this evening, he said the Police and Fire Departments did an excellent job working with the demonstrators and managing the event. Mr. Carr asked if the next Council meeting could be held at City Hall. Mayor Fiala said yes; he is hoping to open City Hall to the public within the next few weeks.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
City Engineer Lannon –
Reported the new Erie Street project is moving along; storm sewer is in with only a few surprises with actual roadway replacement work starting tomorrow. Handicap ramps on Lakeshore Blvd. will begin in a few weeks. A meeting will take place with residents when the restrictions are lifted for the Ward Creek enhancements. He will be working on obtaining easements for the storm outfall projects from residents.
Police Chief Schultz –
Regarding the agreement for Kirtland dispatch, Chief Schultz thanked the Mayor, Diane Bosley, and Chief Ungar for their work on it. He said the dispatch center offers a great service to our community and wanted to provide the same service to Kirtland. The workload will not be burdensome to our employees. The services provided currently to Kirtland are very similar to Willoughby. The City's ability to acquire Kirtland's hardware and software for 911 calls is a big benefit as the City's 911 system didn't have a maintenance agreement.
Regarding today's climate regarding policing and use of force, he said the City was updated on the happenings in Cleveland and was working with other Chiefs in Lake County and making plans to assist Cleveland as well as preparing for anything that could take place in Lake County. He said there were rumors of riots and protests here in Willoughby. He said he and the Mayor met with business owners in Willoughby to reassure them they would be protected as well as the City itself. Those rumors proved to be false.
Chief Schultz outlined the strategic plan for the Police Department. The first is the prevention of crime. The second is to provide the most effective police services for the community; one way of doing that is to build trust with residents and businesses and improving community policing efforts by making officers and staff more accessible to the community. The department continually updates and reviews policies and procedures so the best guidelines are available for the department on how to operate. The department looks to continually strengthen the community partnerships with the local schools, downtown organizations, chamber of commerce and local organizations, civic and church groups. The department also continues to train personnel and keep them up to date on laws, procedures, tactics, and services. It's the department's belief that well-trained officers and staff can provide the most effective services to the community. Education and training help give the staff the best tools to make the best decisions and also working on strengthening our infrastructure within the department. Currently, the department has a strong and effective use of force policies. All of the officers are well trained and policies are either at the state level or in some cases even stricter. He said every time an officer uses force for an arrest for a crime; an incident report and use of force report are required. Those reports are reviewed by the supervisor and also the administration. A force deemed inappropriate will be handled with the correct course of discipline. There haven't been any complaints of excessive force in the City and this is directly attributed to the proper training and education and effective policies in place. A few years ago, there was an incident in the Lowe's parking lot that involved deadly force; the department brought the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in to review the case. The BCI determined the officer's use of force was appropriate. The county prosecutor also reviews these types of cases as well. Chief Shultz said he appreciates the support from the Mayor, City Council, and the residents and businesses.
Chief Schultz said the planned protest took place tonight in downtown Willoughby. The department was able to communicate with the people involved in the protest prior to and was able to provide guidelines that were appropriate so they had a safe environment.
He said 20 people attended and protested peacefully with no issues. Councilman Garry asked how defunding of police departments would impact our department. Chief Schultz said things will not improve if you take away training and education. Councilman Woodin said he appreciates Chief Schultz and all the officers of Willoughby.
Building Inspector Keller –
Regarding Courthouse Square, a notice was sent this week letting them know they are a public nuisance. He has asked them for a timeline when the project will be completed and he plans on holding them account table to that timeline.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker –
Regarding the opening of pools, Ms. Banker said she sent Council the guidelines from the state. She said playgrounds and parks will be reopened beginning tomorrow but don't have guidelines yet. Playgrounds will be deep cleaned and signs will be posted asking patrons to bring wipes and hand sanitizer. Both markets restarted this past week and both were successful. A determination also needs to be made regarding fireworks in the City. As a group, a decision will be made on Thursday with all communities in Lake County. Willoughby is considering fireworks during the rib burn off at the end of September. Regarding pools, a memo was sent out showing the expenses of about $175,000 to operate one pool as well as three different scenarios for revenue. Mr. Carr said there are so many variables to consider. Mr. Anderson said he felt the City should hold off this year. There was a discussion regarding the golf course and lost revenue. Mayor Fiala said the administration would make a determination but wanted to hear if Council had any comments and or recommendations. He feels that regardless of the decision, there will be push back from the residents.
Finance Director Bosley –
Regarding the bond sale last week, she reported there were five bidders with a total net interest of 1.986% over 25 years. The bond agency held the City at an AA rating. She said the City won't really know the impact until August for income tax. Mr. Carr asked how people working from home may impact the income tax. She said she believes it will remain with the City. Mr. Carr asked if there is any discussion on fiscal stimulus money at the local level. Ms. Bosley said that Ohio Senate Bill 310 has passed and she has registered the City to be part of the county's portion of what the state will send. She said it sounds like they will allocate $350 million to start. The rules for keeping the money is the same as FEMA and costs must be related to costs the City hasn't anticipated in the budget. If the City gets an allocation and can't prove the City needed it; the City will have to give it back. Council will have to pass legislation at the next meeting stating the City understands the rules and will only use the money for the proper purpose.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No major reports
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
I want to report that movement is taking place with the work that will be done on Ward Creek regarding serious storm-water issues. This plan has been in the works for years, and we now have a proposed plan of action to alleviate severe flooding in the North Bay area. Many of us have recently seen the installation of the ADA crosswalk ramps being installed on Lakeshore Blvd. These are going in PRIOR to the State Project to resurface LakeShore later this fall. The final phase of Fairway Glenn is happening as of this summary. Homes are nearing completion. Soon a Board of Directors will be determined, Fencing going up, and the long-awaited sidewalk on Hodgson Road will be installed. From the calls and conversations I have had, the residents in this new development are quite happy with their new homes in Ward 2.
WELCOME TO ALL!!!
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