MEETING NOTES OCTOBER 19, 2021
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• October 19, 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/
PUBLIC HEARING - 7:10 p.m.
Proposed Zoning Map Amendment
LEGAL NOTICE
Pursuant to Chapter 1115.03(f) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio notice is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held by the Council on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 7:10 p.m. (remote access through Zoom) in the Municipal Building, One Public Square, Willoughby, Ohio.
Said hearing is for a rezoning application initiated by George Davis of GD3 Ventures, 9124 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060 for the rezoning of PPN #27-A-031-0- 00-017-0 and the partial rezoning of PPN #27-A-031-0-00-002-0, #27-A-031-0-00-016-0, and #27-A-031-0-00-018-0 from and-100 zone district to an R-80 zone district.
This is property owned by Andrews Osborne School that would be sold to Mr. Davis who plans to build homes.
Persons affected may appear at said hearing and may speak for or against the proposal either in person or by an attorney.
Those Speaking in Favor
No one spoke.
Those Speaking in Opposition
Martin Smoley, 38800 Johnnycake Ridge, Willoughby - Mr. Smoley said he was against the change from R-100 toR-80. He said all the homes across the street are R-100. He said he is concerned with the traffic flow indicating that one street will come out directly in front of his house. He said the homes in that area have septic systems. He said there is no information about the sewers; if the sewers are going to be gravity sewers or if they will have to be pumped across the street. He said he is concerned if the houses are too close together, a fire could destroy many of them.
Connie Frazza, 38796 Johnnycake Ridge, Willoughby - Ms. Frazza said she was against the rezoning. She said she has lived in her home for 50 years and enjoys the peace and quiet. She said there could be more accidents with the increase in traffic.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
October 19, 2021
ABSENT
Councilman Anderson
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of October 5, 2021
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk Novak read a request from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a new D5I liquor license for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., dba Cracker Barrel Store 525, 6055 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby, OH 44094. Cracker Barrel will be serving alcohol nationwide. There were no objections.
Regarding the public hearing scheduled for this evening, Council President Carr said typically public hearings are held in conjunction with legislation in front of the Council (in this case a rezone). However, the applicant has asked that the application be tabled, but the public hearing is still on the record. Mr. Carr informed the public they will be given an opportunity to speak tonight at the public hearing. The public hearing will be recessed and will be back on the agenda in two weeks. Law Director Lucas said the notice went out in a timely manner; therefore, the public will be able to speak tonight on the rezoning from R-100 to R-80 and also have the opportunity to speak again at the next meeting.
PUBLIC PORTION
Greg Patt, 38005 Brown Avenue, Willoughby - Mr. Patt said there were a lot of discussions when he was on the Planning Commission and in the years since about rezoning from larger zone districts to smaller ones. He said it's really not a matter if the property is an R-100 or R- 80 in terms of the number of homes but rather the visual spaces between the homes. He said the houses on Park Avenue are zoned R-60 with a driveway next to each house which separates each house. He said there is a housing development off Lost Nation Road in which the houses all have front-loading garages and those houses can be a minimum of 10 to 15 feet apart. He suggested in the future looking at developments where the load of the garage in the back of the houses makes the front yards and porches smaller.
Nick Ciarniello, Treasurer for Willoughby Eastlake School District - Mr. Ciarniello said the upcoming levy on the ballot is a 10-year emergency levy which would generate $8,750,000 per year which is 9% of the district's budget which encompasses 80% for personnel and 20% for lights, insurance, etc. It is a renewal levy so there will be no increase in taxes. He said there is a virtual meeting next Monday and an in-person meeting at the Performing Arts Center at North HighSchool at 7:00 p.m. next Tuesday.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-93 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution approving Change Order No. 1 in the 2021 Pavement Repair Program with Burton Scot Contractors, LLC.
This is like a 30-day extension of the program due to weather.
It is a contractor’s request.
No increase in cost.
City Engineer Lannon said this resolution is for a routine change order requiring Council approval. Mr. Tomaselli asked if he anticipated any changes in the dollar amounts based on the change in the schedule. Mr. Lannon said no.
Mr. Carr asked about the road work on Rt. 84. Mr. Palmisano said that the Ohio Department of Transportation(ODOT) has given the contractor an extension.
Regarding the road repair program, Mr. Woodin voiced concern about the contractor running over on the extension given. Mr. Lannon said there would be liquidated damages; the contractor needs to finish before the end of the year.
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-94 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance levying assessments for the improvement of all streets within the City of Willoughby, Ohio, by supplying said streets with electric street lighting, and declaring an emergency.
Ordinance 2021-94 is addressed to complete the Street lighting assessment process.
For 2022 the 1mil assessed will result in approximately $701,000 in revenue less the 3% County collection fee.
This covers a three-year period.
Finance Director Bosley said after this ordinance is passed, the City will forward the county the list of parcels to be assessed. She said one parcel owner did mail a check-in for $683 for their assessment.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-95 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution amending Resolution No. 2021-21 to provide for current expenses and other expenditures of theCity of Willoughby, Ohio, during the period ending December 31, 2021, and declaring an emergency.
Ordinance 2021-95 is to amend appropriations in Enterprise funds.
In Fund 6011 - the WPCC fund Wages & Benefits( PT wages) will be reduced by $20,000 and the same amount will be added to Other for additional Capital costs.
In Fund 6030 Golf Course, we are increasing Services and Supplies by $75,000 to cover the increased expenses incurred with higher play and activity.
We are adding $6000 to Other to allow for a Capital purchase.
At the same time, we are amending Revenue on the Certificate sent to the County by $110,000.
The Golf Couse is having one of their BEST YEARS for play and food service.
Regarding the golf course, Ms. Bosley said revenue is about $200,000 higher compared to last year at this time. Appropriations were currently exceeding on a few lines items. Ms. Banker said COVID has been a good thing for the golf course. Changes have been made at the golf course and people are coming back more to golf. She said at the end of September 2020, revenue for golf fees was $316,000 compared to $381,000 this year. Other improvements will be done to the course to accommodate the uptick.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-96 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Revels Turf and Tractor, LLC through Sourcewell is necessary to finalize upcoming lease pricing for John Deere Company equipment to be used and leased for Lost Nation Municipal Golf Course in the spring of 2022.
Resolution 2021-96 for the Leasing of equipment for Lost Nation Golf Course. The course will be replacing/adding the following with John Deere equipment:
New Current
Two 2022 Greens mowers Two 2005 Toro Tee/Approach – will be used for back-ups if needed
Two 2022 Fairway mowers 2002 JD Mower System/2008 Fairway Mower
One 2022 Aerator New piece of equipment – used to aerate the course
One 2022 Pro Gator New piece of equipment – additional heavy-duty utility vehicle
One 2022 Turf Collection System New piece of equipment – an accessory for sweeping, aerating, etc.
At the end of the lease, there is an option to purchase each piece for $1/piece; some will be purchased, and some will be turned in and the course will start a new lease.
The team has been working hard to make improvements to the course and this equipment will help us sustain what we have completed and allow us to reach our maintenance goals, not to mention the time saved without having to do so much upkeep on the older pieces.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-97 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Direct Energy Business to furnish natural gas and related services for the City of Willoughby's public buildings for a period of four (4) years, effective December 1, 2021.
Gas prices are out of control.
Mr. Gorka said he was able to lock in a price of $3.68 for this contract
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala said he will be wrapping up the code update for Boards and Commissions soon. He reported that the former Citizens Bank building has been sold to the library. They intend to move their offices from Eastlake into the former bank building. He believes they will work with the City on keeping the green space in front of the building (they have the option to sell it). Mr. Carr asked if there was any discussion about opening up some of the parking in the back to the public. MayorFiala said the back property could be sold and made into condos or apartments. He suggested communicating with them about keeping it a public parking lot with the City offering to help maintain it. Mr. Tomaselli asked about putting parking meters there to create a revenue stream. Mayor Fiala said he hasn't had a conversation with the library about the parking lot yet.
Mr. Carr asked about the outcome of the request from Ms. Kiss to install a high tunnel. Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Keller said it was resolved; the City issued a temporary certificate of occupancy. If it becomes a problem, she agreed to remove it.
Mr. Carr asked about the status of the public art piece at the Citizens Bank building. Mayor Fiala said the piers are up and the sculptural piece is in fabrication; it will be in on November 11th. A ribbon-cutting will be scheduled once complete.
Mr. Tomaselli asked if the City used the lawn of the former Citizens Bank building for programs. Parks and Recreation Director Banker said drive-in movies were done on the lawn there. She said those would continue because previously the City had partnered with the bank and library.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas - No report. Mr. Tomaselli asked if the City has heard anything from the Sundman's regarding the sidewalk easement. Mr. Lucas said he would check into it. Mr. Carr asked about the Residential Income District(RID) legislation for the Sommers property on Rt.91. Mr. Lucas said the City received consent from the school board but is waiting until the November 2nd meeting because the Lake County Commissioners have 30 days to weigh in. Mr. Woodin mentioned he received a Republic Waste survey call.
Service Director Palmisano - Mr. Palmisano said the Service department is finishing up all the crack sealing and concrete and asphalt work. The leaf pick-up will begin next week.
City Engineer Lannon - Regarding the road program, there will be some repair work tomorrow on Maplegrove with resurfacing of repaired streets next week. Regarding the storm outfall project, three of the four sites are substantially complete; the remaining one is east of Tops Industrial Park. He said the contractor is waiting on a concrete pipe. He said the contractor working on the Lakeshore Boulevard culvert on the City's side of Two Town Ditch is waiting on a 4 ft. diameter steel pipe that won't be available for 16 to 18 weeks.
Police Chief Schultz - Chief Schultz reported that a number of vehicles were stolen as well as items stolen from vehicles. He said he had reported to Council last Thursday that two arrests had been made. He said on Thursday morning, an officer saw three vehicles that appeared suspicious coming from Tamarac Boulevard. He learned one vehicle was stolen and the other two had just been stolen. He attempted to stop the vehicles but they fled. For the safety of the officer and the public, the pursuit stopped at that time. He said earlier that morning, detectives located one of two vehicles stolen in Cleveland. He said the vehicle was occupied by two teenagers who were arrested. One of the teenagers did have a weapon but did not reach for it. Since that time, detectives and officers have been working to recover the other stolen vehicles. He believes the two suspects arrested last week are connected to other stolen vehicles. Chief Schultz wanted to give thanks to the officers, detectives, and dispatchers involved. He said the second annual Lake County Trunk or Treat will take place on Sunday, October 24th from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Lake County Captains Stadium parking lot; all are welcome to stop by. He said the Fire Department will be joining this year.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - Reported 65 people attended the clam bake which was moved inside at the golf course due to the weather. Ms. Banker thanked Council for the passage of the golf course equipment resolution.
Finance Director Bosley - Reported a Health Care Committee meeting was held last Friday. Health insurance renewals have been received with an increase of 9.7%. She said putting the increase in perspective; the City had no increases for three years, one year at 2.74%, and then no increase. She said there are some members of the OGBCConsortium that have double-digit increases. There is an increase of 5% for dental insurance, but that premium remains lower than the premium with the prior vendor.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Kary - Mr. Kary thanked Ms. Banker, Brian McCoy, and Mike Brasdovich for their hard work on the recent clam bake; he said he is in full support of these types of activities at the golf course. He congratulated the City, the Heart of Willoughby and the Willoughby Arts Collaborative, and the Downtown Willoughby Organization for the public art mural that went up at the library.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The purpose of the Executive Session is in accordance with ORC 121.22(G)2 to consider the purchase and sale of property.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Please take the time to VOTE YES for the following Renewals for Willoughby
ISSUE
Willoughby City
0.9 Mill Renewal Levy - current expenses - 5 years - commencing tax year 2021, first due in 2022 THIS IS FOR GENERAL OPERATIONS IN THE CITY
ISSUE
2 Mills Renewal Levy - general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges - 5 years - commencing the tax year 2021, first due in 2022
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/