Meeting Notes June 8, 2021

Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary

• June 8, 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/

Absent: Councilman Woodin

SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING:

Committee: John Tomaselli, Katie McNeill, Dan Anderson

*The purpose of the Safety Committee meeting is to discuss Blue Line Solutions.

Mr. Switick from Blue Line Solutions thanked the Safety Committee for allowing their presentation this evening. He said he approached Chief Schultz in January 2021 regarding Blue Line Solution's school zone speed enforcement program which led to the company conducting school zone speed studies in Willoughby. He said Ohio legislation allows for automated speed zone enforcement both inside and outside of school zones.

This has proven to be a “hot” topic for the council and as you will see, legislation for this program was “placed on the table” for future research of data and language changes that need to be made. I will be presenting more information on this as it moves through the process. Currently, I have taken a stand to not support the program at this time. For those who know me, I do a great deal of “homework” on all issues in front of the Council before making my final decisions. With this appearing so quickly to Council, I am in a wait-and-see mode with many questions. I will keep you posted on this topic.

AGENDA

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

June 8, 2021

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-

Regular Council Meeting of May 18, 2021

STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS

Safety Committee, Mr. Tomaselli -Reported there was a meeting this evening to discuss Blue Line Solutions and automated traffic cameras in school zones. More on this a bit later….

Shade Tree Commission, Ms. McNeill - Reported the Garden Club was formed and a donation of up to $1,500 was received. The legislation will be needed to disband the Shade Tree Commission; the Clean City Commission will be altered to define it as an association.

CORRESPONDENCE

No correspondence

PUBLIC PORTION

Aaron Roseum, 4241 River Street, Willoughby - Mr. Roseum wanted to raise the Council's awareness of the traffic issue on River Street during the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. Cars are parking on both sides of the street even though there are "no parking" signs posted. He said the street has become one way and dangerous during this time. Mr. Palmisano said he will check the signage.

Mary Feathers, 886 Bellevue Drive, Willoughby - Ms. Feathers stated a tree came down in a recent storm and needed clarification on who owns the tree. Mr. Palmisano said he was unaware of the downed tree, but will find out if the City owns the tree.

Karen Tercek, President, Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce - Ms. Tercek stated there are over 500 businesses that are part of the chamber many of which are in Willoughby. Some members were lost during the past year due to COVID; however, new businesses are emerging and joining. Workforce development is a big challenge for most businesses. She said the three chambers of commerce in Lake County are hosting a county-wide job fair possibly at Mentor High School. All high schools in the county have committed to participate; this will give high school students an opportunity to see what jobs are available if they are not going to college. Ms. Tercek said this will be the tenth year the chamber is hosting the Think Manufacturing Student Expo (approximately 44 manufacturers will participate) which will take place at Eastlake North High School. All high schools in the county are committed to the event and will bus their students to the event. The Chamber is looking forward to the Artsfest and thanked the City for their support.

Jerry Ranally, 37832 Park Avenue, Willoughby - Mr. Ranally asked a few questions about legislation on the agenda this evening.

Greg Patt, 38005 Brown Avenue, Willoughby (via Zoom) - As the manager of the farmer's market, Mr. Patt would like to work with the City to resolve the parking issue on Saturday mornings. He suggested marking the parking spaces that are available including Clark Avenue.

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-46 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply to the Lake County Office of Planning and Community Development for a Community Development Block Grant for the fiscal year 2021, and declaring an emergency.

The Lake County Office of Planning and Community Development provides annual grants through the Community Development Block Grant Program for the purpose of developing viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment along with expanding economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate incomes.

Council President Carr said this resolution is passed every year as part of the block grant application process.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-47 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution recognizing the responsibility of the City of Willoughby to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing, and declaring an emergency.

It is an important goal of our government to eliminate housing discrimination and assure the right of every citizen to buy, rent, and sell housing without regard to race, color, sex, religion, familial status, national origin, or disability.

Mr. Carr said this resolution is a requirement for the community block grant (above).

CORRECTION MADE

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-48          

Motion made and seconded to table Resolution No. 2021-48.

A resolution declaring it necessary to improve the streets and public thoroughfares of the City of

Willoughby, Ohio, within the term designated herein, by supplying said streets and public thoroughfares with street lighting, and declaring an emergency.

Assessments shall be levied for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, payable with the general taxes and collected against all real property so assessed; provided that the owner of any property may, at their option, pay any of said assessments in cash within thirty (30) days after adoption of the Assessing Resolution.

The remainder of the entire cost of said improvement shall be paid from the City's General Fund.

Finance Director Bosley said this resolution should be tabled this evening because as she stated in an e-mail, the City does not have the updated property values from the county. Once this resolution is passed, the City is obligated to do legal notices and notify property owners. The county is waiting for the state to certify the property valuations. The process for the street lighting assessments will remain the same with two pieces of legislation.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-49 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution authorizing an expenditure in an amount not to exceed $38,772 for the purchase of one (1) 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD Special Service Vehicle through the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program; a said vehicle for use by the Willoughby Fire Department, and declaring an emergency.

Chief Ungar said Ganley Chevrolet is the state bid dealer for this purchase. Vehicles are limited right now and this is the only vehicle of this type left. The capital request was for $45,000; the remainder of the money will go towards the emergency lighting and radios, etc.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-50 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Pipeline License Agreement for use and access with Norfolk Southern Railway Company for Pipeline Facilities necessary to the Meadowlands Basin Outlet Improvements Project, and declaring an emergency.

The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a Pipeline License Agreement for use and access with Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Three Commercial Place, Norfolk, Virginia 23510 in the amount of $47,000 for pipeline facilities necessary to the Meadowlands Basin Outlet Improvements Project; said amount to be expended from the Storm Water Capital Fund.

Resolutions 2021-50 & 51 – Railroad Agreements required to install 72-inch bored casing pipes for larger storm sewer for the Meadowlands basin outlet.

Service Director Palmisano said this agreement will allow the City to bore underneath the railroad to access Meadowlands to Nason Basin (two sets of tracks). Mr. Carr noted this agreement is much more expensive than the other agreement (Resolution No. 2021-51). Law Director Lucas said this agreement has a 20-year duration after the access is provided for a carryover on maintenance, etc. Resolution No. 2021-51 is for an agreement costing $21,000 which terminates upon the completion of the project.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-51 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Facility Encroachment Agreement with CSX Transportation, Inc. for a Pipeline Facility necessary to the Meadowlands Basin Outlet Improvement Project, and declaring an emergency.

Resolutions 2021-50 & 51 – Railroad Agreements required to install 72-inch bored casing pipes for larger storm sewer for the Meadowlands basin outlet.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-52 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution authorizing an expenditure of $107,862.04 for the purchase of three (3) 2021 Dodge Durango SUVs from Montrose Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for use by the Willoughby Police Department, and declaring an emergency.

Chief Schultz said this purchase (and the next purchase in Resolution No. 2021-52) will fit the needs outlined in the capital discussion. There will be other fitting costs associated with the vehicles. Two vehicles will be unmarked and one will be a marked cruiser.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-53 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution authorizing an expenditure of $77,800 for the purchase of two (2) 2021 Ford F150 Police Responders from Classic Ford of Mentor for use by the Willoughby Police Department, and declaring an emergency.

Chief Schultz said the F150's have a crew cab giving more space in the back to transport prisoners. One will be marked and one will be unmarked. In the past, the department has utilized a 2007 pickup; these vehicles make transporting evidence and equipment easier.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-54 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Nerone & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $352,396 for implementation of the Storm Outfall Repairs Project, and declaring an emergency. The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Nerone & Sons, Inc., 19501 S. Miles Rd., Suite 1, Warrensville Hts., OH 44128 in the amount of $352,396 for implementation of the Storm Sewer Outfall Repairs Project, in accordance with the specifications and bid submitted; said amount to be expended from the Storm Water Capital Fund.

Resolution 2021-54 – Contract with Nerone & Sons for the Storm Outfall Repairs Project.

This project includes repairs and improvements at 4 locations. Bids better than expected!!!!!

City Engineer Lannon said this project has been in the making for a long time but needed easements and should be completed by the end of the year.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-55 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Burton Scot Contractors, LLC in the amount of $758,475.10 for implementation of the 2021 Pavement Repair Program, and declaring an emergency.

The contractor and bid amount are better than expected.

Service Director Palmisano said there were several competitors on the bid, but Burton Scot came in much lower. Mr. Carr asked if other streets can be done since the bid was low. Service Director Palmisano said some of the extra money will be spent on the Rt.84 improvements such as curbing and catch basins. The paving on Lakeshore Boulevard has just begun; some of the money may be needed for that project. Mr. Lannon said a street may be added later and would come before Council for approval.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-56 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution approving Change Order No. 4 in the WPCC Capacity Enhancement Project with Great Lakes Construction Co., and declaring an emergency.

That Change Order No. 4, increasing the contract amount in the WPCC Capacity Enhancement Project with The Great Lakes Construction Co., a copy of which is attached hereto, is hereby approved in accordance with the recommendation of the City Engineer, and to that extent, said Contract is amended; such expenditure to be made from the WPCC Replacement Fund.

Mr. Lannon said this change order covers an increase on some substantial items. The project will be substantially complete in two weeks.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-57 Motion carried 6 to 0

A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with SmithGroup in an amount not to exceed $50,000 to provide an Improvement Plan for Osborne Park.

Parks &Recreation Director Banker said two firms had been vetted for the improvement plan; the City decided to go with Smith-Group because they have a track record for securing funds for projects. They are experts in urban design planning and waterfront development. They are currently working with Euclid on their waterfront project and starting one at Geneva State Lodge. Regarding the committee for this project (and the amphitheater committee), all of the Council should be involved. The City should have a timeline for the project by the end of the year.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-58

Motion made and seconded to table Resolution No. 2021-58.

A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an Automated Speed Enforcement System Agreement with Blue Line Solutions, LLC necessary to a Traffic Law Photo-Monitoring Program and establishing Civil Penalties for Automated Speed Violations.

City Council has determined that a significant speeding problem exists in the City that threatens the safety of its constituents, specifically our children, and the integrity of the City's neighborhoods (school zones in particular).

Mr. Carr said this resolution will be tabled because more information is needed. He said the data presented didn't match the data in the resolution. Financial information needs to be presented as well.

NOTE:

For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes

MAYORS REPORT

The Mayor thanked PJ Turosky for getting Council chambers ready over the past year as well as Vicki Grinstead, Shana Boyd, and Alisa Novak. Mayor Fiala will be requesting an executive session at the next meeting regarding Republic Waste. An executive session to discuss Building A (the former Tech Center) is also requested. He said two proposals for the building have been received. He would like to have an Economic Development Committee Meeting prior to the next Council meeting, and then go into an executive session to discuss the project. Council President Carr suggested having an executive session prior to the July Council meeting.

DIRECTOR’S REPORTS

Service Director Palmisano - No report. Councilwomen McNeill complimented the paving contractor on Rt. 84 which was done by Chagrin Valley Paving. The contractor has until September 30th to complete the project.

Fire Chief Ungar - Thanked Council for the passage of the department's resolution. Chief Ungar complimented the Service Department crews that helped with the storm clean-up a few weeks ago.

Police Chief Schultz - Chief Schultz thanked Council for the passage of Resolution Nos. 2021-52 and 2021-53. Regarding the parking issue on Saturday mornings during the farmers market, he will let his officers know about the issue and give it some extra attention. He will also get the word out via social media. Chief Schultz gave an update on recent carjackings in the City.

Building Inspector Keller - No report. Regarding Courthouse Square, Councilwoman McNeill asked if the stickers can be removed from the windows and landscaping completed. Mr. Keller said they have been working on landscaping recently.

Parks & Recreation Director Banker - Reported the pool opened last weekend. A lifeguard class was given last week with 20 attendees with about half coming to work in the City; about 40 lifeguards have been hired which is promising. She said the goal is to have the Euclid Avenue pool open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with shortened hours. Summers camps are going smoothly and events have started. Regarding fireworks, they will be shot off at the tennis courts this year. She said 760 pool passes have been sold this year as opposed to 1,800 in previous years. This past weekend $9,500 was collected at the gate. This past Sunday, the pool closed at 2:00 p.m. because capacity had been met. At that point, when two people leave, two can be admitted. She said if you purchase a pool pass, you can gain entry at noon; if you are paying at the gate, you gain entry at 1:00 p.m. This gives pool pass holders priority. Councilman Anderson asked if there will be a special needs family night this year. Ms. Banker said there won't be a pool party, but some type of event will take place.

Finance Director Bosley - Reported the audit is close to being completed; she doesn't expect any issues.

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mr. Kary - No report. Announced he and his wife became grandparents today!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Anderson - Reported he will be having a ward meeting on June 29th at the senior center at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Anderson suggested Council take a field trip to look at lakefronts in other communities.

ADJOURNMENT

COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY

As you can all see, Mrs. Kary and I became grandparents with the birth of a granddaughter, Lila. Other than that news, which is obviously BIG NEWS FOR US. I have no special comments to make at this time.

Remember, City Council Meetings are now in person at City Hall. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO ATTEND A MEETING IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO IN THE PAST. There is, as you see in my summaries, an opportunity for you to address both Council and the Administration. This is your chance to be heard. For, as a member of Council, I always look forward to the Public Portion of the meeting.

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER

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/