Meeting Notes August 11, 2020
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• August 11, 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
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
August 11, 2020
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: McNeill, Tomaselli, Anderson, Carr, Garry, Kary
Absent: Councilman Woodin
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of July 14, 2020
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No significant reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
No one spoke.
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 remains on second reading.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-69 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution approving Change Order No. 1 in the ADA Ramp Replacement Project with RMH Concrete & Foundations, Inc., and declaring an emergency.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
Ramp Replacement [SR-283 and SR-84] Change Order #1 + $45,155.50.
This amount includes $30,780.50 for drainage improvements at 8 intersections to drain significant ponding along Lakeshore Boulevard that pre-date the project.
Second, $14,375.00 for audible pedestrian signal equipment at the 5 crosswalks around the SR-84 & SR-91 intersection.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-70 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution approving Change Order No. 1 in the WPCC Capacity Enhancement Project with Great Lakes Construction Co., and declaring an emergency.
WPCC Capacity Enhancement Project Change Order #1 +$48,305.81. the following explanations match the line items in the document:
1. Modify MJ restrained joint fittings to meet AIS – The restrained joint fittings specified are not produced domestically meeting the AIS requirements for the specified sizes of ductile iron pipe. The type of restraint was changed to meet the standard. $3,992.80
2. Add requested check valve accessories – Options were added that enhance the ease of maintenance of the check valves and potentially lengthen the service life. $3,128.00
3. Change yard hydrant to match pipe size – The yard hydrant was changed from 1” to 2” to match the size of the existing yard piping. $1,347.80
4. Utility conflict with power to effluent meter – The power and communication lines to the effluent flow meter were not in the location shown on the plan. Temporary wiring had to be installed to keep the meter functional during the excavation and construction of the new pumping station. $7,539.76
5. Non-perform FC 1 and 2 Feedwells & EDI – The Ohio EPA requested that, as part of the project, new feed wells and energy dissipation baffles be installed in all 3 final clarifiers. During field measurements and inspection by the manufacturer of the feed wells, it was determined that for clarifiers 1 and 2 the entire rake and hanger mechanism would have to be replaced to accommodate the work. The existing mechanisms are in very good condition and do not need to be replaced. Therefore the feed well and EDI work will be non-performed for those 2 clarifiers. The Ohio EPA is aware of the change. $-50,600.90
6. Replace Primary Clarifier Nos. 1 and 2 Bridges – The original contract included water-blasting and painting of the steel bridges in primary settling tanks 1 and 2. However, once the detailed inspection of the bridges was completed, significant deterioration of the bridges was discovered. Although there is not an immediate safety concern is was determined that the rehabilitation of the bridges will not solve the problem so the replacement of the bridges is desired. (Photos attached). $79,793.32
7. Modify disconnect switches – The disconnect switches for the 10 new pieces of equipment are being changed from non-fusible to fusible for enhanced protection of the new equipment and for safety. $3,105.03
Mr. Lannon said this is basically housekeeping taking place six months into the project and a result of contractor submittal reviews with upgrades to some items. There were two large pluses and minuses.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-71 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a 2019 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Award through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and declaring an emergency.
The Fire Department received a FEMA grant for health and wellness for a total of $48,490. These funds will be used to update our physical fitness equipment at both fire stations, along with sending some select personnel to peer fitness training so that they can evaluate and recommend exercise programs for our firefighters.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-72 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply to the Ohio EPA (OEPA) through the Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program (WRRSP) for the purpose of acquiring financial assistance for the Chagrin River and East Branch Corridor Restoration and Preservation Project, and declaring an emergency.
Mayor Fiala said this is the second time the City has applied for this grant for work along the Chagrin River near Daniels Park. It's the area along Rt. 84; the work would include erosion work, correction of stream activity, and removal of a low head dam near the former water plant. This year's application was broken into three pieces; one is the removal of the low head dam, one for the restoration of the Chagrin River next to Rt. 84 and one for the restoration of Chagrin River closer to Waite Hill. The application was broken down into three options.
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-73 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance amending Chapter 745 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, “Solicitors and Canvassers”; specifically, Section 745.06, titled, “Permit Required”, and declaring an emergency.
Law Director Lucas said there was a fee derived from the cost of the background check and administrative registration costs. This was a set dollar amount but it didn't take into consideration that an entity may have 15 to 20 people applying, all of whom would need a background check. This Ordinance provides for an entity charge of $25.00 and a fee of $25.00 for each individual under that entity in order to process their background check.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala said that with the apparent leveling off of income tax, the City will be hiring some full-time employees. He said the Service Department is shorthanded; a replacement for Steven Tyler who recently retired will be replaced. The City will call back a person in the Service Department who was hired just before the shutdown and hire a new IT person and a Patrol Officer. Mayor Fiala said the City has been approached by three different developers over the last week about different sites within the City. Tom Thielman may come back in September to give an update. Regarding Riverside Commons, the Mayor said with the help of the Lake County Port Authority, the City will work with Calabreze to market the property.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
City Engineer Lannon - Reported the Erie Street paving wrapped up last week with a final walkthrough with ODOT noting some grass restoration, etc. to take care of. Permanent signs will go up tomorrow. The concrete slab replacement on Lost Nation Road and Airport Parkway is out to bid; it was a late start due to a delay in state funding. The work may have to be completed next year to attract enough contractors.
Fire Chief Ungar - Chief Ungar thanked Council for the passage of his department's resolution this evening. He reported the department received another grant through the Cleveland Willoughby Elks on Mentor Avenue. The department partnered with other police and fire departments along the Vine Street corridor. A $2,000 grant was received for the purchase of bicycle helmets. Children found riding a bicycle without a helmet are awarded a helmet and children found riding a bicycle with a helmet will receive coupons to a local establishment as a reward. Chief Ungar said that flood sensors will be going into the Chagrin River and retention basins at the end of August or early September
Police Chief Schultz - Regarding the transition with the Kirtland dispatch, he said he anticipates the transition will take place on Tuesday, August 18th. He thanked Assistant Police Chief Sevel, Assistant Fire Chief Mlaker, Communications Supervisor Matteo, and all the dispatchers for their work and diligence completing the project to ensure a successful investment. Chief Schultz thanked Councilwoman McNeill for stopping by last week to show her support for the staff. Chief Schultz informed Council about two recent lifesaving incidents within the department. Patrol Officers Greig and Sciarrino were able to revive an unresponsive male at the Day's Inn. He had no pulse and was administered numerous doses or Narcan and after using a bag-mask resuscitator, he was revived. Another incident involving a 15-month-old infant took place the day before. Patrol Officers Crowley and Neath were in the area and responded to the scene. They immediately began life-saving procedures ultimately saving his life. He thanked Chief Ungar for his kind words and commendation on these lifesaving efforts.
Chief Schultz said within the last two weeks, a program has begun involving cleaning up some of the motels in Willoughby. He said over the last five years, the department averaged between 400 and 580 calls for service at four of the five hotels in the City. In the next few months, the department will be working diligently to clean up these hotels. This will make the City safer for the residents and people coming to visit.
Building Inspector Keller - No report. Regarding the property on Shankland owned by the Willoughby-Eastlake School System, Councilman Anderson asked if the gas well on the property would have to be capped if a building(s) are put on the property. Mr. Keller did a search of the ordinance today and didn't see anything that required a separation; he said he didn't think it was a producing well. Chief Ungar said that gas well was discussed last week with the Fire Prevention Bureau and he believes it would require a certain amount of buffering and space around the well itself. He believes it can be developed as residential property.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - No report. Councilman Tomaselli asked if baseball fields are off-limits after the regular season ends. Ms. Banker said that originally was true but permission was given to Chris O'Brian to run a fall league. He has requested the use of the fields at Gilson.
Finance Director Bosley - No report. Regarding the money received for COVID expenses, she said the department is still reviewing the guidelines on what it can be used for. She has been talking to other cities in the county and running ideas by each other. Mr. Carr asked if the money can be used for technology in Council chamber to allow a meeting format with the public to have remote access. Mayor Fiala said that was discussed prior to COVID and believes the equipment purchased will be installed in the next few weeks. Ms. Bosley said that equipment does fit into the category that will be covered by the COVID money. She said some of the safety glass that has been ordered is taking longer to get it in and installed.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Kary - Mr. Kary reported he has been working with City Engineer Lannon and the Golf Course Manager to install a sidewalk on Hodgson Road near the Fairway Glen Development.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The purpose of the Executive Session is in accordance with ORC 121.22(G) 1 – to consider the compensation of a public employee or official.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
TRAFFIC NOTICE
Rt. 84 will be closed from St. John's Bluff to River St./Ridge Rd. beginning Monday, August 24th from 8 am - 6 pm to remove debris from the river. Project to last for approximately three days (8/24 - 8/26). Detours will be posted.
JOIN US for Willoughby's City Championship Golf Tournament!
When: August 30, 2020 Time: Tee times start at 11 am
Fee: $60 per person
Includes:
*18-hole greens fee
* Cart rental
* Hot dog lunch at the turn
* Small basket of range balls before play
* Prizes for First and Second place in each division
Register by: August 21st
Divisions:
Men's
Women's
Senior Men (over 55)
Senior Women (over 55)
Junior Boys (under 18)
Junior Girls (under 18)
Sign up at the clubhouse as an individual or group. Contact Brian McCoy at 440.953.4280 or bmccoy@willoughbyohio.com with questions.
LAST CALL for artists to participate in this year's VIRTUAL ArtsFest
August 28th - 30th. Visit https://willoughbyartsfest.com/apply/ to apply, or email info@wwlcchamber.com for more information.
SUMMER DTW OUTDOOR MARKET
Summer staples at the DTW outdoor market! Every Saturday from 8-12. What did you find at the market today? +=
Homestead House Bed and Breakfast in DTW
is a TripAdvisor 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award Winner! Congratulations
Learn more about Homestead House here: https://homesteadhousebb.com/.
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