Meeting Notes September 21, 2021
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• September 21, 2021 •
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
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/
COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
Committee: Ken Kary, Dan Anderson, Dan Garry
*The purpose of the Environmental Planning Committee meeting is to review:
EAS #5-7-21
Proposed aircraft hangar to be constructed at the Lake County Executive Airport at 1717 Lost Nation Road.
This plan is for the creation of a new hangar to be located at the north end of the airport (near Jet Center Drive), ON LOST NATION ROAD. There will be a detention pond in front of the hangar between the building and Lost Nation Road. NOTE: There will be extensive landscaping required based on our city ordinances. It will not just be a hangar with a pond in front of it. I have been working with the city, the Lake Development Authority, and the Airport to improve the “face” of the Airport on Lost Nation Road. The plan is for more landscaping, new Airport Signage, and just overall visual improvements along Lost Nation Road. Keep Posted!!!
EAS #9-8-21
Proposed major subdivision (9 homes) @ 38032 Brown Avenue
There were no concerns with environmental items and this plan. There was discussion shared to address any storm-water run-off to any of the surrounding properties.
POLICE DEPARTMENT SWEARING-IN & AWARDS
Promotions:
1. Matt Tartaglia – Assistant Chief
2. Phil Smith – Captain
3. George Lessick – Lieutenant
4. Ken Jordan – Lieutenant
5. Chris Scozzie – Sergeant
Newly Hired Officers:
1. Casey Kraft – March 24, 2020
2. Ryan Gregorin - March 24, 2020
3. Matt Woisnet – August 17, 2020
4. William Bernakis – December 7, 2020
5. Victoria Godfrey – June 21, 2021
6. Taylor Zana – July 4, 2021
Awards
Officer of the Year 2019 – Patrolman Jason Pitt
Jason Gresko Special Officer of the Year 2019 – Patrolman Dennis Corbett
Civilian Employee of the Year 2019 – Chris Borstnik and Sue Schilling are both maybes
Officer of the Year 2020 – Detective Charles Krejsa
Civilian Employee of the Year 2020 – Bryan Griffith
A very “powerful” Awards Ceremony for the Police Department and the City
ORGANIZATlONAL BUSINESS
Public Art Committee
Council President Carr said a memo was sent out by the Mayor with five suggested names for the Public Art Committee. Mayor Fiala said John Tigue was the most vocal opponent of the public art code which is precisely why he should serve on the board. The Willoughby Arts Collaborative and the Fine Arts Association have two seats automatically on the committee. He said the committee needs to meet and decide how they will function administratively.
Mayor Fiala appointed John Tigue, Jerry Ranally, Patrick McLaughlin, Yvonne Delgado Thomas, and Josh Werling to the Public Art Committee.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
September 21, 2021
ABSENT: Councilwoman, McNeill
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of September 7, 2021
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Clean City Commission, Mr. Garry - Reported the annual shred event was successful with the shredding of 14,000 pounds of paper shredded on-site. The river clean-up event was successful as well.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Susan Kiss, 4263 Murray Avenue - Ms. Kiss said she would like to grow salad greens all year round but needs a high tunnel to do that. She is applying for a USDA grant to add the high tunnel to her garden. She said the conservation measure would allow her to grow salad greens all year round but in order to proceed; she needs a permit from the City. She said her application and appeal to install a high tunnel have been denied by the City. She is trying to find out how she can obtain permission from the City to install it. Ms. Kiss explained the difference between a greenhouse and a high tunnel stating a greenhouse is a building with heat and a high tunnel is supported by metal supports that stay in the ground and is covered with plastic. Mayor Fiala said neither the Mayor nor Council has the authority to overturn a decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals. He expressed concern about what the structure would look like after a few years if the plastic over the structure gets damaged; he suggested building a greenhouse. Ms. Kiss said adding a greenhouse in her yard is not possible. She said the plastic on the high tunnel can last about four to five years. She said removing it is just a matter of removing the hoops because it's not a permanent structure. Mr. Keller suggested submitting more information regarding high tunnels with her resubmittal.
Debbie Jenne, 4271 Murray Avenue - Ms. Jenne said she lives next door to Ms. Kiss and she and her husband support her efforts to install a high tunnel. She said there seems to be a lack of understanding of what Ms. Kiss is trying to do. She asked if she were to put up a tent in her backyard; would she need a permit. She said the plastic on the high tunnel is removed in the summer and the metal pieces can come down. The grant she is applying for will enable her to put food on her table.
Douglas Jenne, 4271 Murray Avenue - Mr. Jenne said he wanted to stress what Ms. Kiss is asking for is a tent and will be taken down in the summer.
Brent Woerner, 39385 King Edward Court - Mr. Woener asked what the status of the paving was on Rt. 84. Service Director Palmisano said they have until October 15th to finish. The contractor said they would be rolling (pavement) by the end of the week, but he believes it will most likely be the following week. The contractor is working on adjustments for catch basins and curbing.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-87 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #5-7-21 for construction of an airport hangar located at 1717 Lost Nation Road (Lake County Executive Airport).
That the application submitted by Barry Deming, President of Deming Enterprises, Inc., and as representative of the Lake County Port Authority (Lost Nation Airport) for construction of an airport hangar located at 1717 Lost Nation Road (Lake County Executive Airport) is approved, and the Council hereby determines that, 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.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-88 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a one-month extension of the current agreement with the City's retail natural gas supplier for the purchase of natural gas and related services for the City of Willoughby's public buildings, effective November 1, 2021.
The City of Willoughby is currently under contract with Direct Energy LLC for the purchase of natural gas and related services for the City of Willoughby's public buildings, which is scheduled to expire October 31, 2021; and the City desires to extend the current Agreement one month with an expiration date of November 30, 2021, for purposes of this Resolution only a proposed fixed price not to exceed $7.00/City-Gate Dekatherm (DTH) for the one-month term will be reviewed and accepted.
This resolution allows for an extension of the current contract.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-89 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with James Estes, Police Facility Design Group, PA in the amount of $39,420 plus reimbursable expenses to provide architectural services necessary for the space needs programming and concept design of a new Willoughby Police Station located in Willoughby, Ohio.
Mr. Carr said memos from Chief Schultz and Mayor Fiala were sent out regarding this resolution. He said his concern was how a building can be designed if a site location hasn't been determined. He was informed that part of the engagement is to help select a location in which the architect will look at. Mr. Carr said the City is focused on property currently owned near the fire station and pool. Mayor Fiala said the goal is to have a site, a budget, a program, and a schematic design which will help facilitate a discussion on how the City will finance the new station. Chief Schultz said Mr. Estes will be meeting with each department within the Police Department to determine their needs as well as spacing needs and possible site locations. Chief Schultz is hoping to have a plan by next spring or early summer. Councilman Anderson said he has been asked by residents why a new police station is needed and recommended getting those answers sooner than later. Mayor Fiala suggested having a few open houses at the Police Station for residents. Councilman Woodin asked what "reimbursable expenses" were. Chief Schultz said those expenses would be for anything that wasn't planned or scheduled for. Some travel expenses are built into the agreement.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-90 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #9-8-21 for construction of a subdivision consisting of nine (9) single-family homes to be located at 38032 Brown Avenue (Browning School Property).
The application submitted by Dal D. Jaffray, Managing Partner for construction of a subdivision consisting of nine (9) single-family homes to be located at 38032 Brown Avenue (Browning School Property) is approved, and the Council hereby determines that, 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.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala said there will be a public engagement meeting at Osborne Park next Tuesday, September 28th at 5:30 p.m. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Lost Nation Golf Course.
Economic Development Director Thielman said the City has engaged with the Smith Group for the design of an erosion control project for the Osborne Park shoreline and amenities for the area. A planning meeting will be next Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. under the pavilion. The deadline to submit for the amphitheater and Chagrin River trail requests for qualifications (RFQ's) was September 3rd; the City received six submittals. The RFQs were reviewed and the top three choices were interviewed last Friday with the selection this week for the design team. The top three choices were the Smith Group, MS Consultants, and the DLR Group. Mr. Thielman said legislation for the Residential Incentive District (RID) will be before Council at the next meeting which will be similar to the townhomes at Rt. 91. This RID will be for the Sommers-Pulte home project. This will allow the City to collect some of the increase in real property tax dollars on the development and put them into a special fund for Rt. 91 infrastructure. Regarding the City-owned shoreline properties; Mr. Thielman will be sending Council an updated spreadsheet with the parcel valuations based on the needed erosion controls and information from builders and other factors. Mr. Thielman said four builders were contacted.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Service Director Palmisano - No report. Mr. Woodin asked if there were any consequences if the contractor working on Rt. 84 doesn't meet the October 15th deadline. Mr. Palmisano said he didn't think the contractor would go over the deadline.
Fire Chief Ungar - Chief Ungar thanked those who attended the 9/11 memorial last weekend as well as Chief Schultz, Judean Banker, and the Service Department for providing everything that was needed for the event.
Police Chief Schultz - Chief Schultz thanked Council for the passage of Resolution No. 2021-89. He thanked Service Director Palmisano for his assistance in installing the Flock Safety system throughout the City. He thanked Council for allowing the swear-ins of new hires, promotions, and awards this evening. He said recognition is very important to the officers and their families. Mr. Carr asked if the Flock Safety system free trial is over. Chief Schultz said it is over; the system has worked extremely well for the department and the City. He said the system has helped with preventing crimes and investigations. There are a total of ten cameras currently with many neighboring communities also participating, creating a good network. Mr. Woodin asked if Mayfield was using Blue Line Solutions. Chief Schultz said Mayfield Village was using a different company to specifically reduce the speeding violations on Interstate 271.
Finance Director Bosley - Regarding the discussion earlier about the ODOT project on Rt. 84, she said the City is not involved with payments. The City had to pay 20% upfront a year ago. When the contract is settled, it will be determined if more or less money is needed. She said she can ask about damages if it gets to that point.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Woodin - No report. Mr. Woodin said on October 3rd at 1:00 p.m. there will be a dedication at the Willoughby Memorial Gardens for the Eagle Scout who built the memorial at the garden.
Mr. Carr - Mr. Carr said he and Councilman Anderson will be absent from the next meeting. It is critical that the rest of the Council attend the meeting
EXECUTIVE SESSION Council adjourned to executive session.
The purpose of the Executive Session is in accordance with ORC 121.22(G)3 to discuss imminent litigation.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
On September 28th, the Mayor held a Community Information Meeting @ Osborne Park to share the “Re-Imagination” of our great asset to the north, Osborne Park. Through a grant, we have hired the internationally acclaimed Smith Group who specializes in projects like this. At the very first meeting for the public, we had an opportunity to hear from two of their top designers—one a Landscape Designer and the second a specialist in Coastal Design. Stay posted for information and a chance for you to contribute your thoughts and ideas to the city regarding this project. When the opportunity arises, I will share the city’s website address so you can view pictures, read comments, and add your own input.
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
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/