Meeting Notes January 19, 2021
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• January 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/
This Council Meeting started out with the approval of the E.A.S. for a new industry moving into our great city. Prestan Products is purchasing a property in Ward 2 on the corner of Lost Nation Road and Aquarius Parkway. They manufacture and supply CPR training manikins, AED trainers, and CPR/AED training supplies and accessories. This is a 49,685 square foot facility. WELCOME TO WILLOUGHBY
•PLEASE CHECK OUT THE LAST PAGES FOR SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION•
*The purpose of the Environmental Planning Committee meeting is to review:
EAS #10-11-20
For the construction of a manufacturing facility located at Lost Nation Road and Aquarius Parkway (Prestan Products).
Mr. Traggiai said Prestan Products manufactures CPR dummies that are shipped all over the world. They would like to build a 49,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility where they will assemble the mannequins. The facility will include a little over 9,000 sq. ft. of office space in the southeast corner of the facility. The facility itself will be located on the northwest corner of Lost Nation Road and Aquarius Parkway. Mr. Kary said the Planning Commission wanted to share a few items after they reviewed and passed this EAS last week. There was a request that Prestan Products address any issues regarding air or noise pollution in a timely manner due to their close proximately to Tamarac Apartments; Prestan Products agreed to meet that requirement. There was also concern regarding the location of the service driveway. After some discussion, it was determined the driveway would be allowed with the understanding that Prestan Products will discuss the service driveway and location if the company pursues future plans to expand its operations at the site. Mr. Kary said the Planning Commission approved the location of the service driveway "as submitted". Mr. Kary asked what the timeline of the project was. Mr. Traggiai said the goal is to receive permits within 30 days and start construction as soon as the weather permits (March). Councilman Anderson asked if Prestan Products received approval from the airport. Mr. Traggiai said they were approved for the height which was 31 ft., 6 in. He said the completion date for the project is November 2021.
EAS #13-11-20
For the construction of a self-service fuel center located at 4145 S.R. 306 (Sheetz).
The proposed project is for a Development Plan/EAS of the former Days Inn property located at 4145 S.R. 306 in a G-B zone district. Sheetz, Inc. will construct a 6,077 sq. ft. store with a single-wing canopy structure over 7 fueling stations, a drive-thru food service to be an accessory to the store and a self-automated carwash.
Mr. Rinker said that Sheetz anticipates adding 36 jobs with this facility; half full-time and half part-time. He said the reduction in the impervious surface for the proposed site of 4 ½ acres is pretty significant. Mr. Rinker said additional information was provided to Mr. Lannon regarding the traffic specifically the access from Rt. 306 for southbound traffic that was discussed by the Planning Commission. Mr. Kary said the Planning Commission approved the EAS last week but is contingent upon the City Engineer reviewing traffic data. This data was previously recorded and is relevant more so than the traffic study submitted by the applicant that was skewed by summer reads when Lakeland Community College was not in full force and also the impact of COVID.
Mayor Fiala said he listened to the Planning Commission meeting last week, and while he applauds Sheetz for their sustainable efforts on the site, he said Lakeland Community College expressed some serious reservations about traffic. While additional information was received today, he said he would like to see the data and hear directly from TMS. Mr.Lannon said the primary concern is that traffic counts were done properly using historic records for Rt. 306, but were sub-par counts because they were done pre COVID and done in August when Lakeland Community College was not in session. He said he needed more time to review the report that was submitted to him late today. In light of the new data submitted today, Mr. Kary said he is recommending placing EAS #13-11-20 on the table until Mr. Lannon has a chance to review the data. Mr. Rinker asked what the procedure was going forward. Mr. Kary said the EAS could be on the agenda next week at Planning Commission giving Mr. Lannon time to review the information. If the traffic is not an issue, it will come back to Council for approval. Mr. Rinker requested advance notice if TMS is needed to participate in any discussions.
Councilman Carr asked if the traffic study took into consideration the turn from the southbound lane which was discussed a lot at the Planning Commission meeting last week. Mr. Lannon said there was a recommendation on the initial report to extend the current turn lane into the Days Inn; the driveway is in the same place now for the proposed Sheetz removing 100 fl. of the concrete island to extend the turn lane based on the study. It is something that will be looked at with the revised information presented. Councilman Tomaselli asked what the scope of work is for the Rt. 306 bridge replacement and if it's being considered when making any recommendations to Sheetz. Mr. Lannon said part of the bridgework involves adding sidewalks to both sides of the bridge; he did not see any change to the lanes in the scope of work.
Mr. Tomaselli asked if sidewalks were being installed in front of the Sheetz. Mr. Kary said he hoped that Sheetz was listening and taking that into consideration.
Mr. Kary said the committee is recommending that EAS #13-11-20 be tabled.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 19, 2021
ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS
Motion made and seconded to appoint council members to the following board:
Volunteer Firefighters' Dependents Fund Board - Bob Carr and Chris Woodin
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of January 5, 2021
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports delivered
CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk Novak read a request from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a transfer from Nation Gas Station LLC, dba Lost Nation Sunoco, 1065 Lost Nation Road, Willoughby, OH 44094 to Faya LLC, dba Lost Nation Sunoco, 1065 Lost Nation Road, Willoughby, OH 44094. There were no objections.
PUBLIC PORTION
Mike Mayher, Executive Vice President, and Treasurer, Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland - Mr. Mayher said he was also speaking on behalf of Lake Health where he has been a long-time trustee. He said Lakeland Community College and Lake Health are both concerned about the traffic analysis that was provided by Sheetz in order to obtain approval for the construction of Sheetz. He noted that both Lakeland and Lake Health look forward to having Sheetz as neighbors; however, they would like a true representation of the level of traffic so safety improvements can be made. He said one traffic analysis was done this summer during COVID when all learning was remote and the other was done in August 2017 which was 10 days prior to the beginning of fall classes. He requested the vote be tabled until the traffic study is reviewed. Councilman Carr said this resolution was discussed earlier and will be tabled.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-5 Motion Carried 6-0 Kary abstained
An ordinance authorizing Amendment No. 2 to Ordinance No. 2020-32, the Manning & Payroll Ordinance, relative to Golf Course Division, and Salaried, Non-Elected Personnel, and declaring an emergency.
Section 3.3 of Exhibit A-1 of Ordinance No. 2020-32, the Manning & Payroll Ordinance; establishing the manning levels for the Golf Course Division, is hereby amended to eliminate the job classifications of Manager/Superintendent and Golf Course/Club House Manager, and to establish the job classification of Golf Course Manager with an authorized manning level of one (1), and to establish the job classification of Golf Course Superintendent with an authorized manning level of one (1).
SECTION 2. That Exhibit B-3 of Ordinance No. 2020-32, the Manning & Payroll Ordinance establishing the compensation levels for Salaried, Non-Elected Personnel is hereby amended to eliminate the job classifications of Golf Course Clubhouse Manager, Grade 8, Assistant Golf Course Manager, Grade 13, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, Grade 13, and Golf Course Manager/Superintendent, Grade 15, and to establish the job classifications of Assistant Golf Course Manager, Grade 8 with a wage range of $1,562.40 - $2,226.40 bi weekly, Asst. Golf Course Superintendent, Grade 8, with a wage range of $1,562.40 –
$2,226.40 bi-weekly, Golf Course Superintendent, Grade 13, with a wage range of $2,089.60- $3,147.20 bi-weekly, and Golf Course Manager, Grade 14, with a wage range of $2,189.60 -$3,336.00 bi-weekly; said compensation levels substantially in the form attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference as though fully rewritten herein.
Councilman Carr said a memo from Ms. Banker on this resolution indicated a management structure change. Ms. Banker said previously there were three employees inside the building and one employee on the outside. This shifts it to two employees inside the building and two on the outside.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-6 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution authorizing the Director of Finance to implement payment for the City of Willoughby’s share of the purchase of property located in the City of Eastlake necessary to the installation of the Lakeshore Boulevard East Equalization Basin Project, and declaring an emergency.
As part of the ongoing procedure of the Willoughby-Eastlake Water Pollution Control Center, the Cities of Willoughby and Eastlake ("Cities") have approved an improvement known as the Lakeshore Boulevard East Equalization Basin Project ("Project"); and both Cities have determined the necessity of the purchase of a lot known as Permanent Parcel No. 34-B-024-G00-003-0 located in the City of Eastlake for the installation of said Project, and the Cities have agreed that the total cost of $160,000.00 and fees for the purchase of the property is to be paid equally by the Cities.
City Engineer Lannon said the timing of this purchase is good as the property values in this neighborhood are going up. The original site was on the front lawn of the middle school so this is an improvement. The city of Eastlake made an offer a month ago and it was accepted, but reduced based on an appraisal. This property purchase avoids a lot of red tape later by not including it in an EPA loan. This property will be jointly owned. Mr. Lannon said this property will be used so that sanitary sewer overflow can be eliminated on East Island Drive down at river level.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-7 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution to honor and give recognition to Colette Ackroyd for forty-five (45) plus years of dedicated service to the City of Willoughby.
Colette Ackroyd began her service with the City of Willoughby in 1975 at the Willoughby Police Department; was then hired by the Willoughby Fire Department in 1994 with the Fire Prevention Bureau, and thereafter became the Fire Chief's Administrative Assistant in 2006.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-8 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution honoring Assistant Chief of Fire Scott Mlakar and commending him for his thirty-five (35) years of service to the City of Willoughby.
Scott Mlakar began his service with the Willoughby Fire Department as a part time firefighter in 1985; was appointed full-time firefighter/paramedic in 1992; promoted to Lieutenant in 1996; Captain in 2005; and then appointed Assistant Chief of Fire in 2018; and Assistant Chief Mlakar was an instructor and fire inspector, served on the original Lake County Hazardous Materials Team, the Lake County Technical Rescue Task Force and was the creator of the Lake County Unmanned Aircraft Systems ("UAS") Team; and Scott trained hundreds of first responders in Northeast Ohio in hazmat, technical rescue, and unmanned aircraft systems response.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-9 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution approving EAS #10-11-20 for the construction of a manufacturing facility located at Lost Nation Road and Aquarius Parkway (Prestan Products).
This EAS was discussed earlier at the Environmental Planning Committee meeting where it was recommended for passage.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-10 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution approving #13-11-20 for construction of a self-service fuel center located at 4145 S.R. 306 (Sheetz).
This EAS was discussed earlier this evening. It was suggested this EAS be tabled due to late information regarding a traffic study that was sent to City Engineer Lannon that needs to be reviewed.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala reported that more code updates are being worked on. These include the appeals process for the Design Review Board, landscaping inclusions that Planning Commission member, Jodi McQue, would like added, and the art code. As a result of recent discussions between the Mayor, Law Director Lucas, Darryl Keller, and Karen Brooks, there will be a shift in how codes are written. He said the more prescriptive the codes are written, the harder they are to enforce. This will ensure that the boards have more flexibility when it comes to landscaping, sidewalks, etc. He said he wants the Planning Commission to be able to dictate the size of trees and sidewalks with a code that supports that as part of the review process.
Councilman Anderson wanted the Mayor and Council to know that he had received a call from a resident who had reached out to Republic Waste regarding recycling. She was informed that if there was one pizza box in the recycling truck, the entire truckload of recyclables is thrown out. Mr. Anderson said he doesn't understand why residents are paying for recycling if this is the case. Mr. Carr said the City should request a facility visit similar to the one that was done a few years ago with Waste Management. Service Director Palmisano said he would reach out to Republic Waste. He said that he is aware that if a food container is not clean or a pizza box is found, all potential recyclables get thrown out.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas - Regarding the restructuring of the building and zoning codes and the interpretation of the codes, Mr. Lucas said he will work to resolve and streamline the codes, including the art code, that is found to be less user friendly.
Mr. Lucas said he received word that the partial consent decree on the federal litigation for Riverside Commons has been signed by the judge. The City is moving forward with the resulted remediation that the City is required to do within 120 days. He reminded Council that there is a pending cross-claim filed by the City against Mr. Osborne and a pending cross-claim filed by Mr. Osborne against the City which is still pending in the federal court action. He's not sure when any litigation will take place because Mr. Osborne has filed for bankruptcy.
Mr. Lucas said several members of the Council and the Law Director have received calls regarding political signs still being up. An amendment to the sign ordinance regarding political signs will be on the Planning Commission agenda next week.
Regarding the consent decree, Mr. Carr asked if Tom Thielman can get moving on the development of Riverside Commons. Mr. Lucas said there is still one lot that isn't owned by the Osbornes that needs to be dealt with. He said the Mayor has been very active in contacting this individual regarding this lot. He is hopeful this parcel can be brought into the equation and move forward with the development of the property. Mayor Fiala said that Tom Thielman will begin to "soft" promote the property.
Regarding the posting of political signs, Councilwoman McNeil! asked what the current time limit was on them. Mr. Lucas said durational limits on political signs were ruled unconstitutional, was inadvertently put back into the code during the 2020 update. He said the City is currently working on getting the clerical error rectified.
Service Director Palmisano - No report. Mr. Anderson asked if he or Mr. Lannon were aware there was some surveying done on River Road this past week possibly related to erosion issues. Mr. Palmisano said Mr. Lannon is involved in that work regarding the erosion; he believes it's related to the outfall from South Street going into the river. Mr. Tomaselli asked if a damaged electronic speed sign on Kirtland Road will be replaced. Mr. Palmisano said he was not aware there was an accident there, but said it will be replaced.
City Engineer Lannon - Regarding a funding source that Mr. Anderson had asked about for counties located in northwest Ohio, he said that the funding source is not available to Willoughby for erosion. He said a structural engineer was out on River Street last Wednesday to do some measurements to make sure the road isn't moving.
Fire Chief Ungar - Chief Ungar thanked Council for the two resolutions passed this evening. There was a total of over 80 years of service between the two retirees in the department. The department recently promoted a new Assistant Chief, Battalion Chief, and Lieutenant. A new firefighter is going through the pre-employment process and should start soon. He said he was happy to hear that Prestan Products is moving into Willoughby; their simulators are the preferred product to use in the industry.
Police Chief Schultz - Regarding the recent events in the country and in DC, Chief Schultz wanted to ensure the community that the City will be safe and doesn't feel there will be any issues tomorrow. He said due to some recent sun in the last week and a half, the department has had some success with the Flock Safety camera program. He said last week a stolen car was recovered and the suspect arrested in the Lowe's parking lot. He reported another incident when a stolen car with multiple occupants resulted in a pursuit that ended in Euclid. The flock cameras and officers have prevented a multitude of vehicle break-ins.
There has been an increase in vehicle break-ins throughout the City and Lake County. Through shared intelligence in Lake County, the department learned there have been a lot of young adults and juveniles who have been stealing cars in Lake and Cuyahoga counties and committing vehicle break-ins. He suggested that residents lock their vehicles and not leave valuables in them. He also suggested residents look into a home video surveillance system such as Ring or Nest. He said the department has a program called Operation S.C.R.A.M. (Surveillance Camera Registration and Mapping). This program provides law enforcement the locations of homes and businesses throughout the City that have surveillance cameras. The department has no access to the camera; it simply means you are willing to assist law enforcement with a crime. This program will be effective in solving and preventing crimes and will build partnerships with the community. Registration forms are available on the Police Department website as a PDF.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - Ms. Banker reported the senior center now has a relationship with the Cleveland Food Bank. Food distributions for seniors in need will be distributed on the fourth Thursday of every month. She is seeking volunteers from 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the senior center. This will help those seniors in need during the pandemic.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No major reports presented
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Best wishes to all those who follow my postings and I hope you all are staying safe. Let’s keep our eyes on the future and look forward to a more productive and active summer 2021!!!
•NOTE•
Mayor's Night "IN"
ONLINE EVENT
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021 AT 7 PM EST – 8:30 PM EST
Join Mayor Fiala
Meet (on Zoom) to talk, and share ideas! Planned initially to be hosted in various locations throughout the city, the Mayor's Night Out events will transition to Mayor's Night In events via Zoom until we can meet in person. These events provide an opportunity for Willoughby residents to have an open and candid discussion about topics relevant to them.
Click here to register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZYrd-GspjwvE9RX2JgWu5fn..
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/