MEETING NOTES NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• November 14, 2023 •
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:
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: Ken Kary, Dan Anderson, Dan Garry
ADDRESS E.A.S. 13-9-23
PARKING LOT EXPANSION @ 4659 HAMANN PARKWAY - SLABE MACHINE
Environmental Planning Committee, Mr. Kary – Reported the committee met earlier this evening to address and recommend to Council EAS #13-9-23.
FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: John Tomaselli, Dan Garry, Ken Kary
DISCUSSION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES BILLING RATES
Finance and Audit Committee, Mr. Tomaselli – Reported the committee met this evening to discuss EMS rates and mileage with legislation at the next meeting.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
November 14, 2023
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of October 17, 2023
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk Novak read two requests from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. The first request is for a new license (D5) for Carmen V LLC, dba Vital, 4041 Erie Street, Willoughby, Ohio, 44094. The second requestis for a new license (D5) for Phuong Tran, Inc. 5876 SOM Center Road, Willoughby, Ohio, 44094. Mr. Carrcommented that the increase in population in the City opened up two additional permits. It was noted thatthe license (Carmen V LLC) can be sold and could be used for a downtown establishment. There were noobjections
PUBLIC PORTION
Brent Woerner (via Zoom), 3935 King Edward Court, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Woerner asked what thestatus was for the development of the former high school by Liberty Development. Mayor Fiala stated that the development is moving forward; they recently submitted for informational purposes to the PlanningCommission. They have received historic tax credits and have applied for grants for asbestos remediation and demolition from the state. On behalf of the American Legion Post 214, Mr. Woerner stated that as part of Wreathes Across America, 100 wreathes will be delivered in December with 50 wreathes placed atthe Sharpe Avenue Cemetery and 50 at the Willoughby Memorial Gardens Cemetery. One week prior, flags will be placed as indicators to where the wreathes will be placed.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-125 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #13-9-23 for a parking lot expansion located at 4659 Hamann Parkway (Slabe Machine Company).
RESOLUTION NO._2023-126 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept the Coastal Management Assistance Grant (CMAG) through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) in an amount not to exceed $75,000, with a project match of $75,000, to implement the Osborne Park Wetlands and Coastal HabitatEnhancement Project
Mayor Fiala said this is new money and the $75,000 match will come from ARPA money that has been set aside.
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-127 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 ofTransportation to resurface Vine Street (SR-640) in the City of Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio
City Engineer Lannon stated the work includes a small asphalt section on Vine Street; about 200 feet of roadway. The City will pay 20%, which is less than $30,000.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-128 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Meister Media Worldwide, Inc. for the use of a City-owned commercial building located at 37733 Euclid Avenue
Mr. Carr stated a memo was sent out by Law Director Lucas indicating that the City is beginning the work on the building, however, Meister Media is still using the building.
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-129 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
An ordinance authorizing the transfer of 0.302 acres of City-owned real property located on Robin Drive in the City of Eastlake and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 34B021E000100, to the City of Eastlake without public bidding.
Law Director Lucas stated this parcel is located in Eastlake; this ordinance will place the parcel back into the boundary of Eastlake where it belongs.
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-130 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
An ordinance accepting two (2) permanent watermain easements from Yvonne Kirby
Law Director Lucas stated Council previously approved the Memorandum of Understanding with Eastlake; this is the final piece for the easements. Mr. Carr asked when the watermain will be installed. City Engineer Lannon stated in early 2024.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-131 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution accepting a total donation of $14,000 from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Willoughby, Aerie No. 2300, to be used to assist the Willoughby Police Department in the purchase of a canine.
Chief Schultz stated that the Willoughby Eagles has made two donations to the department for thefuture purchase of a new canine; one for $5,000 and another for
$9,000. He stated that canine officer Rex has about another year of service left. Mr. Carr asked about money from the levy for canines. Mayor Fiala stated that Chief Ungar graciously agreed to give the remaining funds from the safety levy to be put toward the canine fund. The cost for a new canine is about $16,000; the department has received money through several contests and should have the funding secured by next year for a new canine.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-132 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution approving Change Order No. 1 in the Willoughby Fire Stations No. 1 and No. 2 Roof Replacements with Master Renovations, Inc.,
Service Director Palmisano stated the change order was for an additional $8,100 for defects that were found after the old roofs were stripped off.
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-133 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
An ordinance amending Chapter 185 of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Willoughby, Ohio titled'"Municipal Income Tax", with an effective date of January, 2024.
Finance Director Hoffman stated the changes from this ordinance do not affect the City’s numbers and some of the changes were put into effect by RITA previously. The biggest change was regarding remote workers, which the City has benefited from.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-134 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution approving Change Order No. 1 in the Willoughby Osborne Park Coastal Improvements Project with SmithGroup
Mayor Fiala stated that one of the governing authorities has asked the City to do an archaeological survey at Osborne Park which is a reimbursable expense.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-135 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution making a third amendment to Resolution No. 2023-44 to provide for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, during the period ending December 31, 2023
Finance Director Hoffman stated adjustments were made to line items that were over budget or close to. The Golf Course was increased for wages ($15,000) and for cameras ($10,000); those funds will come from the general fund. There was an increase of $2,000 for Victims Assistance and $2,000 for the Bond Retirement Fund, both of which had no changes to the overall budget. The only real additions were to Recreation for programs atthe Senior Center and the Golf Course. Mr. Carr asked how the Golf Course was doing this year. Ms. Hoffman said $15,000 is the only money that is being transferred to them; there is a debt payment next month which they will be able to make.
RESOLUTION NO._2023-136 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution approving Change Order No. 1 in the 2023 Concrete Pavement Slab Replacement Project with T.C. Construction Co., Inc
Mr. Palmisano stated the change order is for an inlay concrete island with rumble strips in the middle so cars will know if they are not in their lane.
ADDENDUM:
RESOLUTION NO 2023-137 MOTION CARRIED 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Director of Finance to transfer funds from the General Fund to the Golf Course Fund
Mr. Carr stated this authorizes the transfer of funds for budget adjustments made in Resolution No. 2023-135.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala reported that it appears the City may receive an unsolicited grant from the Ohio Department ofNatural Resources (ODNR) of $111,600 for design services for the recently acquired Andrews Osborne property. He stated that the Chagrin River Watershed Partners developed the cost to complete the design drawings and it appears the City will receive the grant. He stated that this Saturday at noon is therededication of the Garrett Morgan stop light near the courthouse.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Service Director Palmisano – Mr. Palmisano thanked Council for the passage of Resolution Nos. 2023-132 and 136. He stated the Service Department is halfway through the leaf pick up season. The onlineauction is currently on going and will end this coming Saturday; links to the auction are available through the City website. Mr. Tomaselli inquired about a snow fence typically put up near King Edward Court andPolo Park. Mr. Palmisano stated a snow fence will most likely be put up on the Illuminating Company’s property across the street from King Edward Court (north side of Johnnycake Ridge Road). Mr. Kary inquired about a snow fence on Lost Nation Road near the airport on the west side. Mr. Palmisano stateda snow fence will be put up there as well.
Fire Chief Ungar – Chief Ungar thanked Council for the discussion on EMS billing rates.
Police Chief Schultz – Chief Schultz thanked Council for the passage of Resolution No. 2023-
131. He publicly thanked the Willoughby Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge 2300 for their support of the Willoughby Police Department and the canine program. He appreciates Ed Glass, Rocque Trem, Jerry Frye and Jeff Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell has been a longtime supporter of the department and the canineprogram. He stated this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the Stuff the Cruiser event at Marc’s. The department is also collecting new toys in the lobby for Toys for Tots. On Saturday, December 9th at noon is the Protect and Serve Tavern at the Great Lakes Mall; non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Mr.Tomaselli inquired about the live action cameras downtown. Chief Schultz stated that through Flock, the live action cameras have already been installed in downtown Willoughby.
Building Inspector Puskas – No report. Regarding retention ponds, Mr. Tomaselli asked if there are guidelines regarding the maintenance of retention ponds. Mr. Puskas stated he will need to review the current code. Mr. Kary stated that retention ponds come up a lot as a member of the PlanningCommission and directives are agreed to by the applicants regarding the maintenance of the ponds. He believes the codified ordinances should be updated to include the maintenance of retention ponds.
Finance Director Hoffman – Ms. Hoffman thanked Council for the passage of Ordinance No. 2023-133 and Resolution Nos. 2023-135 and 137.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Ms. Sievers – Ms. Sievers reported there was a Ward 1 meeting in November; she thanked Chief Ungar for allowing her to host the meeting at Fire station #2. She thanked the residents of Ward 1 for allowing her to continue to serve.
Mr. Carr – Mr. Carr congratulated the Andrews Osborne Academy boys soccer team who won the state championship representing 12 countries.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
As we move into December I want to first wish everyone a GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON and a HEALTY, POSITIVE start to the New Year!!! When January rolls around, and I once again am sworn in as one of our cities Council Members, I promise to serve my constituents, and all of Willoughby to the best of my ability. I also ask that YOU join me in helping to make both Ward 2 and Willoughby the BEST. YOUR efforts are best served when you call or write to me to share your ideas and concerns. Second to that is when, as many of you have, take the time to attend a City Council Meeting to address Council during the Public Session. In closing, I wish all the BEST to our WILLOUGHBY FAMILY. 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