Meeting Notes April 20, 2021
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• April 20, 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/
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 20, 2021
Absent: Councilman Woodin
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of April 6, 2021
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
No one spoke
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-27 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of bonds in the maximum principal amount of $5,800,000, to pay the property owners' portion, in anticipation of the levy and collection of special assessments, of costs of improving the Riverside Commons Property identified and described in Resolution No. 2002-134, adopted July 9, 2002, by grading, draining, curbing, and paving, constructing sidewalks and driveway approaches, and constructing sanitary/storm sewers and water lines, and otherwise improving the same in the manner provided in the aforesaid Resolution No. 2002-134.
Legislation is on this agenda (2021-27) authorizing the sale of bonds for the Riverside Commons improvements. The bond issue will be for 15 years, the maximum maturity allowed.
Many of you know this is the property that has sat vacant for decades now. It was in litigation since 2002. The property is south of S.R. 2 and the entrance towards Painesville off Lost Nation Road. Hopefully, this will help with the ability to see this land start to be sold and developed.
Finance Director Bosley said the City needs a reasonable term to assess this with a 15-year limit. She said she has a rating call tomorrow with Moody's; they recently reaffirmed the City's AA2 rating. The City's financial advisor recommended them as they seem open to continuing with the current rating. She believes this is the best chance for a fairly low-interest rate. Councilman Carr asked about the timing. Ms. Bosley said they expect to sell on May 6th and close on May 19th because the note matures on May 215• A rating is expected by the end of the month.
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-28 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance accepting the Final Plat for Brookwood Crossing Phase 2 and declaring an emergency.
Mark Holz, the Managing Member of FLG Willoughby, LLC, has filed the Final Plat of Brookwood Crossing No. 2 ("Final Plat") with the Planning Commission of the City of Willoughby
These are fee-simple Town Homes being constructed on S.R. 91 on the west side across from Big Turtle 1.
Councilman Carr said this plat is for the remainder of the development. City Engineer Lannon said the plat is for 10 buildings that are individual lots. Mayor Fiala said Law Director Lucas has assured the City that there is language in the plat filings to ensure these lots are fee simple, individual-owned townhomes. He suggested making the approval of the plat conditioned upon the execution of the tax exemption form for the ResidentialIncentive District RID.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-29 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Director of Public Service to request informal proposals for the furnishing of natural gas and related services for the City of Willoughby's public buildings for a period of one (1) to three (3)years.
This resolution is pretty much self-explained.
Service Director Palmisano said this gives WPCC the ability to look for a fixed rate for the next few years. The gas contract is currently in its last term.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-30 Motion carried 6 to 0
A resolution amending the meeting schedule of Council for the months of June, July, and August 2021.
Council returns to their “summer” schedule for 2021.
June 8th
July 13th
August 10th
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-31 Motion carried 6 to 0
An ordinance replacing Chapter 1322 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Flood Damage Prevention", its entirety.
Here is just the “beginning” of the changes to the floodplain management regulations required by FEMA.
1322.01 GENERAL PROVISIONS
(a) Findings of Fact.
The City of Willoughby has special flood hazard areas that are subject to periodic inundation which may result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base. Additionally, structures that are inadequately elevated, floodproofed, or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to flood loss. In order to minimize the threat of such damages and to achieve the purposes hereinafter set forth, these regulations are adopted.
(b) Statement of Purpose.
It is the purpose of these regulations to promote public health, safety, and general welfare, and to:
(1) Protect human life and health;
(2) Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
(3) Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
(4). Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
(5) Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone, and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard;
(6) Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the proper use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to protect property and minimize future flood blight areas;
(7) Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions;
(8) Minimize the impact of development on adjacent properties within and near flood-prone areas;
(9) Ensure that the flood storage and conveyance functions of the floodplain are maintained;
(10) Minimize the impact of development on the natural, beneficial values of the floodplain;
(11) Prevent floodplain uses that are either hazardous or environmentally incompatible; and
(12) Meet community participation requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
(c) Methods of Reducing Flood Loss.
In order to accomplish its purposes, these regulations include methods and provisions for:
(1) Restricting or prohibiting uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water hazards, or which result in damaging increases in flood heights or velocities;
(2) Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities, which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
(3) Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel flood waters;
(4). Controlling filling, grading, dredging, excavating, and other development which may increase flood damage; and,
(5) Preventing or regulating the construction of flood barriers, which will unnaturally divert flood, waters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas.
(d) Lands to Which These Regulations Apply.
These regulations shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the City of Willoughby as identified in this ordinance, including any additional areas of special flood hazard annexed by the City of Willoughby.
As Flood Plain Manager, Building and Zoning Inspector Keller said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updated their maps adding the Lake Erie shoreline to the mapping. The purpose of replacing this section is to make sure the City is in full compliance with FEMA regulations; it doesn't change anything for the insurance and enables homeowners to get the insurance if they live in a flood plain area. CouncilmanTomaselli asked if this redetermination of a flood plain impacts residents or a municipality only. Mr. Keller said it could impact residents if they are going to build along the shoreline. He said none of the other areas along the riverfront have changed.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala said there have been two recent resignations on the Shade Tree Commission. He said he and Councilwoman McNeill have been discussing how to reshape the Commission with the possibility of merging the Commission with the Clean City Association. He said in order to be a Tree City USA, the City may need to have a Shade Tree Commission that is active. Councilwoman McNeill would like to start a Garden Club to address areas in the City previously attended to by volunteers.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas - Regarding an independent issue with the City's contract with Republic Waste, Mr. Lucas said he will be sending Council an e-mail tomorrow regarding this issue
Service Director Palmisano - Reported the paving project on Rt. 84 is moving along well; the weather has delayed the project a little but is still on schedule.
City Engineer Lannon - Regarding the Chagrin Mill Farm project, the site contractor will be starting preliminary work prior to utilities, etc. They will be working there until mid-July with paving and rear yard drains.
Police Chief Schultz - Reported that last week was National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. He said he is very proud of the outstanding job our dispatchers do every day; providing great service to both Willoughby and Kirtland. He said last year they worked shorthanded and also learned to service a new city while maintaining consistent great service. They adapted through a pandemic, trained on a new Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) system, a new phone system, and continued to seek new training opportunities. The dispatchers remain the lifeline of the City's safety forces and are the true first responders. He said two new dispatchers were recently hired and will be starting in the next few weeks. He thanked his dispatchers for their commitment, enthusiasm, and loyalty to the communities and is proud of their service.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker – Ms. Banker reported she received 23 lifeguard applications and 3 seasonal employment applications; 8 to 10 are normally hired for the summer. The Service Department also has 3 applications; they normally hire 14 for the summer. She spoke with several coaches from Willoughby South High School to let them know the City is looking to hire if they know any seniors looking for work. Mr. Carr offered to send a flyer out to residents. She said pool parties have been eliminated for the summer due to short staffing. Mr. Carr asked about the parade. Ms. Banker said no guidelines have come out; she has been in contact with the health department and they are leery about answering questions because they don't have any guidelines. Mr. Carr asked about the senior center. She said the original opening date was June 1 but that has changed to June 15th. She said only 10 people can participate in an indoor activity. Cleaning has to take place after every activity.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Kary - Mr. Kary said he will be running for Ward 2 this coming fall. He recognized the outstanding work of our dispatchers. He said he is hoping to have a ward meeting in late fall.
Mr. Tomaselli - No report. Regarding ward meetings, he is hoping to have a hybrid ward meeting to give residents an opportunity to speak.
Mr. Anderson - Reported this past Saturday he participated in "Pick It Up Willoughby" organized by Bar Athletics, Heart of Willoughby, and the Willoughby Arts Collaborative with help from the City. He said 60 people collected over 30 bags of litter in and around the downtown area.
Ms. McNeill - Ms. McNeill said there has been a big change in the communication from Police and Fire since she began as a Councilwoman and thanked the Chiefs for taking the time to put together e-mails to Council.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
I would like to share that Council will be returning to Council Chambers soon. When that happens there are plans for City Council Meetings to be broadcast live on YouTube. This will be great for residents that want to observe the Council and stay informed of the operations of the city. I also want to share that the WARD 2 MEETINGS that I hold, usually two times per calendar year, will more than likely start LATE FALL OR EARLY WINTER 2022.
As summer approaches, I am looking forward to the “FIRST” summer Concert for Willoughby, taking place @ OSBORNE PARK!!!!!!!
An early evening concert in that location should be a great attraction to the area. More on this SOON.
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/