MEETING NOTES APRIL 18, 2023
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• April 18, 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/
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 18, 2023
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of April 4, 2023
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
No one spoke
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-52 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and to advertise for bids for the 2023 Pavement Repair Program, including bids for Hayes Avenue and College Court Improvements.
Mr. Lannon stated he is still working on the street list. The work will be approximately $900,000 for the streets and $75,000 for Hayes Avenue and College Court. Hayes Avenue and College Court are located north of McKinley Center off of Lost Nation, and both are resurfacing projects.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-53 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and to advertise for bids for the 2023 Concrete Pavement Slab Replacement Project.
Mr. Lannon stated the list of streets for this project was defined last year when the City made an OPWC application. The City will do financing for $200,000 for a $400,000 project. Ms. Sievers asked when South Tioga would be paved. Mr. Lannon stated he would check on that. Mr. Tomaselli asked if this work includes repairing some of the joints that have been damaged over the years. He referenced where Galemeets Reeves Road. Mr. Lannon stated the policy is to do full slabs and not just cut a joint because cutting a joint would create two joints. If the joint is terrible, slabs on either side of the joint would be done. He indicated both Gale and Reeves are on the list. Mr. Kary expressed concerns about where the cut lines meet. He said the seams are terrible, especially where they meet. Mr. Lannon stated that it occurs during the freeze and thaw cycle. Mr. Palmisano stated joint repairs would be done on the bad areas; repairs are being done to prolong the life of the concrete. Report any of those types of issues to the Service Department.
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-54 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance amending Chapter 1501 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled "Fire Prevention Code".
Chief Ungar stated part of the problem is that there is no definitive code right now, and charging stations are being installed throughout the City. He indicated that Fire Captain Mike Kocab is part of a group of fire inspectors throughout the state and came up with a guide because the Ohio Fire Code doesn’t address electric charging stations. He indicated that charging stations have already been installed in the City, and no rhyme or reason exists. This code will establish rules and make the charging stations consistent. Mr. Carr asked if the city would go back and look at the installed charging stations. Chief Ungar said this code would help with installation going forward. Mr. Kary said this issue has come up before the Planning Commission, where until now, there have been no guidelines.
ADDENDUM
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-55 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the City of Willoughby to participate in the ODOT Road SaltContract awarded in 2023.
Mr. Palmisano said this is a requirement from the Ohio Department of Transportation to participate in the program. He stated he reduced the amount by 1,000 tons. Another 1,000 tons needs to be delivered before the end of this year.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Regarding opting out of NOPEC, Mayor Fiala stated he would forward an e-mail from the City’s relationship manager. Mr. Tomaselli commented that the paid parking in the Sol parking lot had caused some consternation. He acknowledges that the property owner can charge for parking. However, he believes there wasn’t communication with the business owners who use the parking lot for their primary parking. He expressed concern about people parking at Todd Field and then walking up the hill, which could be dangerous. Business owners who have leased parking spots may not be able to access those parking spots because of the valet service. Mr. Thielman will reach out to the property owner.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas – Mr. Lucas stated long-time City Councilman Chuck Cox passed away recently. Mr. Cox was a terrific representative for the City as a Councilman and Council President for many years and also served on the Planning Commission.
Service Director Palmisano – No report. Mr. Carr stated the asphalt curbing on Rt. 84 is in bad shape. Mr. Palmisano stated the repairs would be done over the summer.
City Engineer Lannon – Mr. Lannon reported that Dominion Gas would replace some lines at Vine Street and Clark extending up Vine Street (work is not in the City). There may be some work on Erie Street downtown later this year by Dominion. Mr. Carr asked about work on Euclid Avenue. Mr. Lannon stated that the Lake County Utilities Department is doing valve replacements and connections. He noted the City had requested NOACA to reconsider the pavement rating for all of US 20, noting that US 20 from Wickliffe as far east as SOM Center Road made Dave Joyce’s recommended funding list.
Fire Chief Ungar – Chief Ungar thanked Council for the passage of Ordinance 2023-54.
Police Chief Schultz – Chief Schultz stated last week was National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a week to celebrate dispatchers. He said he is truly blessed to have such hard workers in the dispatch center. He credited Assistant Chief Matt Tartaglia and Communications Supervisor Marlene Matteo for building a great team.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Carr –Mr. Carr reminded that Council meetings in May will be held on May 9th and May 23rd. May 2nd is election day.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
TUESDAY, MAY 2ND IS VOTING DAY
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO GET OUT AND VOTE
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/