MEETING NOTES FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2022

Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary

•  February 1, 2022  •

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/

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE 

EAS #15-12-21A

The rezoning of 49.38 acres of real property located on Johnnycake Ridge Road and further identified as PermanentParcel No. 27A0310000170 and portions of Permanent Parcel Nos. 27A0310000020, 27A0310000160, and27A0310000180 from Residential One­ Family 100 (R-100) to Residential One-Family 80 (R-80).

This EAS was voted on and passed by Council with minimal concerns.  More on this later in this summary.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE 

**The purpose of the Personnel Committee is to discuss Seasonal Employee Pay Rates.

 SEASONAL EMPLOYEE PAY RATES

Parks & Recreation Director Banker said she had e-mailed out to Council proposed pay increases for seasonal employees. She said the pay rates she is presenting arose from looking at other communities in Lake and Cuyahoga counties and also from the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association. Using lifeguard pay as an example, she said lifeguard pay ranged from $11.00 to $20.00 an hour. She chose $11.00 to be the base pay and depending on certifications needed, the pay would increase from there. She said some increases are higher than others. For example, the City must use substitute bus drivers at their rate of pay from Willoughby-Eastlake schools using their buses. She feels it is a fair rate because if they don't have the buses and drivers, summer camps wouldn't be possible. One change that was made in the Service Department and Parks & Rec. (including the golf course) was the addition of a Laborer 2 position in addition to a Laborer 1 in previous years. Due to insurance, Laborer 2 requires that a person have at least three years of driving experience. The Laborer 2 position is more valuable because those individuals can drive a City vehicle and go to their own job.

Mr. Anderson asked if the City has thought about reimbursing lifeguards for their recertification (approximately $275). Ms. Banker said they are looking into that and are working on doing a class for free. Other communities offer the class for free and the individual has to sign a contract stating they will work for the city for the summer. Mr. Merhar asked if the lifeguard wage was going to be competitive. Ms. Banker said you can make $17.00 at Taco Bell. She said the City is fortunate that they have a lot of loyal workers, but had a lot of employees who said if the City didn't raise the pay, they would go elsewhere. Wickliffe and Willowick are both offering minimum wage; a five-year lifeguard would make $10.55 compared to our starting rate at $11.00. Mentor had proposed $9.25 prior to the minimum wage pay increase in January but will be asking for $11.25 to start. Mayfield Hts. offers $10.75 to $11.00. Beachwood and Twinsburg offer more; Beachwood offers $16.00 and Twinsburg offers $12.00. Mr. Carr asked if the City is playing catch up from last year. She said public entities are probably all playing catch up. She said other places may pay more but there is no evening work and the City offers a fun work environment. Ms. Banker said she is fairly confident that the pay increase will help attract workers. Applications were sent out over Christmas for returning workers and are due by Valentine's Day. Willoughby South High School will hold a job fair at the end of February. Mr. Tomaselli asked if the pay increase will be enough of an incentive. She said they recently had a pool staff luncheon to bring everyone together. Other activities such as bowling are also offered. Willoughby swag will be offered if a friend is referred and hired. She said they are thinking about sending donuts or pizza once a week. Mr. Woodin asked if the projected payroll increase was calculated. Ms. Banker said it is about $55,000 for the pools and $25,000 or $27,000 for summer camps (this was using 2019 hours). Mr. Woodin asked if the increase will fit within her budget. Ms. Banker said several steps were taken to increase fees to cover the wage increases; pool passes and swim lessons will be raised by $5.00. She said she calculated the numbers using an average of 2019 and 2021 numbers. Mr. Garry asked if both pools will be open. Ms. Banker said both pools will be open but closed in the evening. Swim lessons will be offered in the evening and Saturday lessons at Osborne Park. She said pool parties have not been determined yet.

Regarding the Service Department, Mr. Anderson asked if the increase in wages will help. Service Director Palmisano said he does feel the increases will help. He said they attracted a handful of people by increasing the rates last year. Ms. Bosley said Ms. Banker is asking to increase wages but looking at increasing revenue as well. Ms. Banker asked if she could move forward with the outlined rates of pay presented. There were no objections.

The Personnel Committee meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

***The purpose of the Finance Committee is to discuss Sewer Rates.

SEWER RATES

Chairman Tomaselli said this is a continuation of a discussion regarding sewer rates from a few weeks ago. The previous discussion reviewed four rate options and three additional rate options this evening. He said the goal of the rate increase is to cover expenses with revenue and to maintain a carryover balance of three months.

Mr. Tomaselli said one of the proposals suggested by Mr. Carr was to look at a .40 cent increase now and another .40 cents in 2025 and 2028. The other suggested proposal from Mr. Merhar was a .75 cent increase now and .10 cents in 2027 and 2030. The additional proposal presented tonight is an increase of .50 cents now and .50 cents in 2025. The goal of the meeting tonight is to make a recommendation on which rate increase would be agreeable for legislation at the next meeting. Ms. Bosley said the rate increase of .75 cents now plus two .10 cent increases later would increase the rate to $4.60 in 2032; the .50 cents now and .50 cents later would increase the rate to $4.65  in 2025 and the .40 cents now and .40 cents later would result in a rate of $4.85  in 2032. It would take until 2031 for a 3-month carryover using the .40 cents now and .40 cents later option. She advised not going another eight years without an increase. She said the council can approve the .75 cent increase and build in a .10 cent increase which could be stated in the legislation. Legislation could be passed with multi-year increases. Mr. Carr asked if Ms. Bosley thought the increase of .75 cents is the correct increase. She said Council needs to consider the forthcoming debt increases. Mr. Carr said he wasn't sure he was comfortable including language with future increases, but he also doesn't want to ignore the rates for eight years. He said every three years rates should be reviewed (or earlier). Mr. Merhar suggested doing an increase of .5 cents every year. Ms. Bosley said the .75 cent increase will give the City a three-month carryover until 2030. Mayor Fiala suggested doing an annual review of the sewer rates. Following discussion, Mr. Tomaselli said it was agreed that legislation will be presented with a .75 cent increase and rates will be reviewed once a year.

The finance and Audit Committee meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.

AGENDA

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

February 1, 2022

PUBLIC HEARING-7:10 p.m.

Proposed Zoning Map Amendment

Rezoning of 49.38 acres of real property located on Johnnycake Ridge Road from R-100 to R-80

Said hearing is for a rezoning application initiated by George Davis of Pro-built Homes, 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 an R-100 zone district to an R-80 zone district.

Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing to be held tonight on the proposed zoning map amendment.

Those Speaking in Favor -

George Davis, 9124 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, Ohio - Mr. Davis stated he is the developer of the project. He said as a developer, he feels good about the development which is the catalyst of a project that will conserve 105 acres including a large portion along the banks of the Chagrin River. He is looking forward to working with the Planning Commission on the project. He said all builders in the development will be local.

Brett Rodstrom, 11341 Winding Brook Lane, Chesterland, Ohio (representing Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC)) - Mr. Rodstrom said the Western Reserve Land Conservancy has been working with the City, Andrews Osborne Academy, and the developer for many years. He said the WRLC feels the project is a great win for the conservation for theCity as well as the Chagrin River. He said WRLC is working through details of a larger plan of conservation that will include a partnership with Chagrin River Watershed Partners that will ultimately protect more than 200 acres along the Chagrin River including removal of the remnants of the Daniels Park dam, realignment of the east branch of the Chagrin River so it doesn't impact State Route 84 and provide an additional 105 acres of protected park space for the Cityconnecting Daniels Park to Todd Field. He said the cost of the project is close to

$4 million dollars with $2.2 million dollars already in place. He said he is excited about the project with the public access it will bring the City, but really for the conservation aspect and water quality of the Chagrin River.

Larry Goodman, 38588 Mentor Avenue, Willoughby (representing Andrews Osborne Academy (AOA)) -  With respect to the rezoning and the project, Mr. Goodman said he is very excited about the way the project brings the entire community into AOA's bottom line which is education. The project will create a land lab along the Chagrin River that will be a site for students throughout the county to learn about river conservation and forest progression. He said this also teaches the students at AOA that you can develop the property and conserve it at the same time. He said 50 acres will be developed and 102 acres will be conserved.

Kim Brewster Shefelton, Deputy Director, Chagrin River Watershed Partners (CRWP) - Ms. BrewsterShefelton said CRWP is a non-profit organization and the City has been a member of the organization for many years. She said CRWP has been working with the City, WRLC, and other local partners on the protection of sensitive riparian land within the Chagrin River corridor. She said CRWP supports the City's efforts to protect the flood plain and low lands areas; in particular, this will provide flooding erosion control and water quality benefits for the Chagrin River as well as Lake Erie. She said CRWP has been working with the City and WRLCand other partners on a Chagrin River to Lake Erie trail plan initiative which is supported by 26 local partners. The protection of the Chagrin River will preserve the land and open it up to public access. She said CRWP is excited to be working on the recently awarded H2Ohio project which will provide a lot of benefits to the ChagrinRiver.

Mayor Fiala - Mayor Fiala said this process started over two years ago with the first rezoning application. At that time, Dr. Goodman met with local residents including the St. John's Bluff Homeowners Association where he explained that the property would be sold regardless of how the Planning Commission or City Council votes simply because AOA needs the funds to create an annuity in order to fund an ongoing capital improvement program. He said the project went from a rezoning request to R-60 with 102 lots to a rezone request to R-80 with 91 lots, both of which were rejected. Recently with the collaboration between the developer, the City, CRWP, and WRLC, the developer is now requesting 54 lots which is almost half of the original request for rezoning. He said at the end of the day, there will be over 100 acres of land dedicated to conservation in perpetuity He said it is the opinion of theCity's administration that the rezoning is a small concession to gain a huge give back with 200 acres of conservedproperty along the Chagrin River. This collaboration will help conserve the single largest tract of land in thehistory of the City.

Those Speaking in Opposition - No one spoke.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES- 

Regular Council Meeting of January 18, 2022 

STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS

Environmental Planning Committee, Mr. Kary - Reported the committee met this evening to review EAS #15-12-21a.

Finance and Audit Committee, Mr. Tomaselli - Reported there was a committee meeting to discuss sewer rates. The outcome of the meeting will lead to legislation at the next meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE 

Clerk Novak read a request from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a Stock transfer for 4051 Erie Street, Inc. dba Nicklebys, 1st Floor and Basement, and Patio, 4051 Erie Street, Willoughby, Ohio 44094. There were no objections. Clerk Novak read a request from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a Trex from Local Sol LLC, dba Local Sol, 38257 Glenn Avenue & Patio, Willoughby, Ohio 44094 to SN & GN LLC, dba Local Sol 38257Glenn Avenue & Patio, Willoughby, Ohio 44094. There were no objections.

PUBLIC PORTION

Tom Drayer, 5340 Nan Linn Drive - Regarding the passing of Frank Murphy who was the corn hole league coordinator for many years, Mr. Drayer asked if the City would consider recognizing his achievements at a memorial to take place later this year. Mr. Drayer voiced concerns about the increase to join the senior center from $7.00 a year to $12.00 a year with an additional $3 per month to every member of the corn hole league. He asked the City to reconsider the increase and at the very least, cut out the $3 per month for the corn hole league.

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLUTION NO. 2022-15                                   Motion carried 7 to 0

A resolution approving EAS #15-12-21A for the rezoning of 49.38 acres of real property located on Johnnycake Ridge Road and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 27A0310000170 and portions of permanent Parcel Nos. 27A0310000020, 27A0310000160, and 27A0310000180 from Residential One­ Family100 (R-100) to Residential One-Family 80 (R-80).

Discussion: Council President Carr thanked the Mayor, CRWC, WRLC for their hard work. He said the project is a great opportunity to create conservation land along the river for generations to come.

Councilman Merhar said he was part of the Planning Commission who rejected the rezoning last year and indicated he is not a fan of rezoning in order to put more homes on a piece of property. He said there is a huge upside for the City but doesn't want rezoning to be a common occurrence.

ORDINANCE NO. 2022-16                                    Motion carried 7 to 0

An ordinance amending the Zone Map of the City of  Willoughby,  Ohio,  to reclassify 49.38 acres of real property located on Johnnycake Ridge Road (Permanent Parcel No. 27A0310000170 and portions of Permanent Parcel Nos. 27A0310000020, 27A0310000160, and 27A0310000180) from Residential One­Family 100 (R-100) to Residential One-Family 80 (R-80).

RESOLUTION NO. 2022-17                                   Motion carried 7 to 0

A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement to accept a Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) 2022 Energized Community Grant in the amount of $59,776.00 and declaring an emergency.

Mr. Carr asked what the grant money will be used for. Service Director Palmisano said he has a few ideas on how he will spend the money, but hadn't made any decisions yet. One idea was to use it on traffic signals downtown. He said there is a small carryover from last year that he would like to use on LED lighting. He said LED lighting has been installed on Apollo and Pelton Road only. He said there are another 300 lamps that need to be converted but there have been some supply issues. Mr. Palmisano said the money awarded is based on the number of NOPEC customers for electric and gas. Money received from the grant can only be used on certain items; traffic signals and traffic timing are now permitted items. Mr. Garry asked about the 300 lights that are left to be converted. Mr. Palmisano said when Lee Bock was here the City put together a list of lights to be converted to LED. The City chose commercial and industrial areas because other communities had issues with light reflection in residential areas. He said the areas remaining include Lost Nation Road, Rt. 91, and Euclid Avenue from Rt. 91 to Shankland.

RESOLUTION NO. 2022-18                                  Motion carried 7 to 0

A resolution supporting the Willoughby Lions Club in their submission of an application to State Farm for the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant, and declaring an emergency.

Ms. Banker said Lion John Tigue called her and asked if the City was interested in the grant. She said 4,000 applications will be accepted and out of the 4,000, 200 will be chosen. A phone voting system will determine the 100 who will receive a grant of $25,000. She said if received, the City would convert three tennis courts at Osborne Park to pickleball courts (the basketball court will remain). The three tennis courts would be converted to either 6 or 8 pickleball courts depending on how they are displayed. There would no longer be tennis courts at Osborne Park. Ms. Banker will inform Council when the voting begins. Mr. Anderson asked about lighting on the courts. Ms. Banker said it could be done but would be an additional expense.

NOTE:

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

MAYORS REPORT

Mayor Fiala thanked Council for their support with the passage of the rezoning. He said there were a lot of questions regarding the H2Ohio Grant. He said the City is in the final stages of completing the capital grant application; he would like to invite CRWP and WRLC to a Council meeting to make a presentation on the capital grant application, the H2Ohio project, and the Chagrin River trail. Mr. Carr suggested holding a special meeting to discuss the project and give a presentation that is open to the public.

Mr. Carr asked the Mayor to share information regarding the parking lot behind the library. Mayor Fiala said the library has purchased the former Citizens Bank building which includes the parking lot behind the building. The property is zoned such that it would permit multi­ family residential. The library asked if the City would have any objection if the front lawn area and the parking lot were sold. The City asked that neither piece be sold; the City believes the front lawn will make a nice adjunct park to Wes Point Park and the City would like to see the back parking lot be used as public parking. He said the City is meeting with the library to formalize details and in the meantime, the City offered to maintain the back parking lot including seal coating, striping, and snow removal. The parking lot was recently plowed but was done after all other City snowplowing was complete. He said the parking lot could also potentially provide parking for those who lost their parking due to downtown development. The Mayor said the library will be moving its offices into the former bank building with a formal agreement forthcoming.

DIRECTOR’S REPORTS

Law Director Lucas - Regarding the parking agreement with the library, Mr. Lucas said Council would ultimately approve by resolution a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the terms and conditions. Mr. Lucas said he has been advised that the money from the opioid settlements is being distributed to the counties for administration; he believes there will legislation on the agenda at the next meeting regarding the settlement money.

Finance Director Bosley - Ms. Bosley said there will be some upgrades to security firewalls shortly; some of the original COVID money has helped the City with e-mail upgrades and dual verification to get into the network. She said budget discussions need to take place at some point.

Service Director Palmisano - Mr. Palmisano said the Service Department is anticipating the incoming storm and are prepared. There was a discussion regarding establishing a safe crosswalk for the residents of Abbott's Manor who regularly walk across the street to Heinens. Mr. Garry thanked the Service Department for cleaning up the snow on the cul-de-sacs from the last snowstorm. Mr. Carr and Mr. Woodin thanked the Service Department for the snow clean-up. Mr. Tomaselli asked about additional clean-up on some cul-de-sacs.

City Engineer Lannon - No report. Mr. Woodin asked how the pipe installation on Lakeshore Blvd. was progressing. Mr. Lannon the project is going very well; the pipe has been installed.

Fire Chief Ungar - No report. Mr. Anderson asked if the Fire Department cleans around the fire hydrants or if they are asking residents to do it. Chief Ungar said he is not pushing residents to clean around the hydrants due to the heavy snow which is very dangerous. He said the department is getting to them as they can.

Parks & Recreation Director Banker - Ms. Banker thanked Council for the discussion regarding seasonal rates. Ms.Banker said fireworks will take place on July 4th at the shredder plant.

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mr. Kary - Mr. Kary thanked Mr. Merhar for his time serving on the Planning Commission. He said he and Mr. Merhar had rejected the rezoning for 100 homes. He said the project is very exciting for the City.

Mr. Tomaselli - Mr. Tomaselli said the land that will be protected is in Ward 3. He had told the developer originally he would never vote for the rezoning but was happy to see the collaboration and he believes it was the right thing to do.

ADJOURNMENT

COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY

All of this snow has us thinking of warmer weather!

Willoughby Parks and Recreation

are now taking pavilion reservations for your spring/summer events! Call 440.953.4200 or visit https://bit.ly/3rFlNQg to secure your date today!

(Must be Willoughby resident to reserve).

Introduction

LAKESHORE DISTRICT
FACADE IMPROVEMENT MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM

The City of Willoughby's lakeshore commercial area represents a valuable resource worth renovating and revitalizing. The Lakeshore District Facade Improvement Matching Grant Program is intended to promote reinvestment and restoration of commercial property facades within the eligible area. High importance will be given to projects that make a visual impact within the community (noticeable change in curb appeal). 

Program Guidelines 

Façade grants may be awarded which contribute up to fifty percent (50%) of the costs of a planned and approved (by City Administration) project, for a maximum grant not to exceed $10,000, or whichever is less. Applications are considered in the order they are received and subject to available funding. 

All work performed must comply with the City of Willoughby's building and zoning codes and with licensing and permitting requirements. Only property owners or tenants (with written permission from the property owner) are eligible to apply for the grant. 

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/