MEETING NOTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• September 6, 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/
COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
No meetings
EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING prior to Council Meeting
*The purpose of the Special Council Meeting/Executive Session is in accordance with ORC 121.22(G)2 to consider the sale or purchase of the property.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
September 6, 2022
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of August 9, 2022 and Special Council Meeting of August 16, 2022
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk Novak read a request from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a stock transfer for Blackwater Willoughby LLC, dba Westels Alibi, 4084 Erie Street, 1st Floor, Basement and Patio, Willoughby, Ohio. There were no objections.
PUBLIC PORTION
Brent Woerner, 39385 King Edward Court, Willoughby - Mr. Woerner wanted to know the status of the sidewalk installation between Polo Park and King Edward Court that was to be installed by the Ridgewood Greens developer. City Engineer Lannon said the City is holding back money until that work and some other work are completed by the developer. Mr. Lannon said the City could potentially do the work.
Jerry Ranally, 37832 Park Avenue, Willoughby - Mr. Ranally asked questions regarding Resolution No. 2022-108 regarding the stormwater retrofit. Mr. Lannon explained this resolution is the result of the consent decree from the federal government; the City is to reestablish the original drainage patterns from south to north. The City is responsible for this work, which will be about $400,000. The City has access to the Riverside Commons roads as part of the consent decree, but there is pending litigation with the property owner. Mr. Ranally asked about the status of the amphitheater. Mayor Fiala said the City should be receiving three design concepts with another public engagement after those are received. Mr. Ranally indicated the grass at the former Browning School site is high and should be cut.
Joe Wrayno, 4368 River Street, Willoughby - Mr. Wrayno expressed concern that he was cited for unlicensed vehicles on his property.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-108 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and to advertise for bids for the Riverside Commons and Apollo Parkway Stormwater Retrofit and declaring an emergency.
City Engineer Lannon said this resolution is the result of the consent decree for Riverside Commons. The City will spend about $400,000 on stormwater retrofit that will reinvent the path of stormwater to cross the roadways without actually removing the roads. He said, basically, the City will build siphons under both roads to collect water to let it go under the roads and reinstate the natural drainage path.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-109 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a five (5) year lease-purchase agreement with Deere Credit, Inc. in the amount of $25,719.16 for one John Deere ProGator through Sourcewell for the Lost Nation Golf Course and declaring an emergency.
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-110 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance certifying to the Auditor of Lake County certain unpaid bills owing to the City of Willoughby, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
Collection of monies owed to the city.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-111 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution amending Resolution No. 2022-37 to provide for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, during the period ending December 31, 2022, and declaring an emergency.
Ms. Bosley said the golf course's appropriations increased by $64,000. She said they had had another busy season which means they are buying more, spending more, and bringing in more revenue. She said the golf course is asking for $64,000, but $85,000 is going on the revenue side. The golf course is anticipated to cover all its expenses for the year.
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-112 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and requesting the cooperation of the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation to repair the slope failure on the west side of SR 306 Chillicothe Road in the city of Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio and declaring an emergency.
It has been determined that it is in the best interest and safety of the residents of the City of Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio, to repair the slope failure on the west side of SR 306 Chillicothe Road in the City of Willoughby.
The State shall assume and bear one hundred percent (100%) of all of the costs of the improvement.
The City agrees to pay one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of those features requested by the City, which are determined by the State and Federal Highway Administration to be unnecessary for the Project.
City Engineer Lannon said the slope failure is south of Kirtland Road, where there is a 1,000 ft. section of Rt. 306, that is half in Willoughby and half in Kirtland. He said the City wasn't aware of the slope failure until ODOT asked for permission to fix it. He said the project would be paid by ODOT one hundred percent.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-113 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an amendment to the Real Property Donation Agreement between Western Reserve Land Conservancy and the City of Willoughby to extend the contractual deadline until September 30, 2022, and declaring an emergency.
The Real Property Donation Agreement for the donation of property to the City of Willoughby from Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC) necessary for the H2Ohio Project
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-114-Amended 9/6/2022 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance providing for the Manning Levels and Compensation of Elected and Appointed Officials and Salaried and Non-Union Employees of the City of Willoughby, Ohio; repealing any and all other ordinances or parts thereof which may be inconsistent herewith or which maybe redundant hereto; and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Lucas said this ordinance should be tabled because it is somewhat intertwined with the compensation levels in the AFSME contract. The AFSME contract was supposed to be on the agenda this evening but is currently being reviewed by the union attorney. It makes sense to table this item until both pieces of legislation are on the agenda.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-115 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to request proposals from qualified engineering/consulting firms to provide comprehensive conceptual plans and construction cost estimates for the Chagrin River Floodplain Restoration and Trail Connection Project and declaring an emergency.
Economic Development Director Thielman said this resolution is in response to the City being on the House of Representatives fiscal year 2023 federal appropriations list. The City is expected to receive $2,323,000 for the Andrews Osborne Academy land that will be part of the Chagrin River Trail. The City received $300,000 in state capital money. He said the City needs to be ready to spend the money next year, and in order to spend it, the City will need plans and drawings to go forward with the project. Part of the project is the acquisition of the property, and part of it is to create holding ponds that will help filter the water discharged from St. John's Bluff and the other development into the Chagrin River. He said this project is considered a clean water project.
ADDENDUM
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-116 Motion carried 7 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.
Mr. Lucas said the declaration of necessity was passed last year for a three-year period for 2021, 2022, and 2023. Since then, the auditor's new tax valuations came out, which generally were higher. The result was some modifications to the original assessments that the Finance Directorsubmits to the auditor's office. Ms. Bosley said the new mill is .9 instead of 1 mill, so some people may actually see a drop in their assessment.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
No Report
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas- Regarding the PowerPoint presentation given by Councilman Tomaselli at the last council meeting (truck traffic), Mr. Lucas said legislation was drafted for review, but additional information was received from the Police Chief and the Mayor. The legislation will on the agenda for the next Council meeting.
City Engineer Lannon - No report. Regarding Ward Creek, Mr. Kary asked about additional items that need to be completed. Mr. Lannon said the City has not closed out the contract, and he needs to check on the progress of the remaining work.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller - Ms. Keller said the final Sunset Concert is tomorrow night at Osborne Park. This Saturday is the Doggie Swim, and this Sunday is Food Truck Sunday. She is looking for a few more businesses to participate in the Trick or Treat Trail; she currently has about 15 businesses participating.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Garry- Mr. Garry said 11,000 pounds of paper were collected at the recent shredding event, which is about 5.5 tons of paper (about 500 cars in 3 hours). Over the 12 years, the shredding event has taken place, 120,892 pounds of paper have been shredded.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
It has been a busy, busy summer for the City. We were fortunate to offer several great concerts Downtown and at Osborne Park. I truly hope many of you had a chance to take part. As we move into the Fall, we are still addressing several significant projects.
The Erosion @ Osborne Park, as well as plans to re-develop the Park as the “true gem” it is for our great City. Just ask those who attended the concerts. They were fabulous as far as the entertainment and amazing as far as the atmosphere of the Park itself.
There has been movement forward on the re-development of the old Union High School. The developers involved are now seeking the appropriate tax credits to take on its “re-birth” as a living space Downtown.
The new Aldi’s is moving along at the corner of Shankland and Euclid Avenue.
There is currently a re-development of the old Burgers and Beer Restaurant in DTW. The developers are doing a complete gut and rebuild of this location. Dante Boccuzzi, a very well-known chef, has started constructing a country bar and restaurant. Dukes and Boots is expected to open in a few months. There will be a new four-season patio in the rear.
There has been a bit of a buzz regarding the vacant properties on Lost Nation Road, across from the Airport. I, personally, am watching these closely to help make sure whatever happens in those locations are not only compliant with the current zoning but also see that the plans meet the needs of our residents. I will keep you posted regarding any projects that come in front of the Planning Commission.
Watch my Facebook posts when I announce our next Ward 2 Meeting. I will likely schedule this for Late Fall at the city's Golf Course.
This facility has proven to be a great place to gather and discuss Ward 2 issues.
Take care, keep in touch
Ken
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/