MEETING NOTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• September 19, 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:
SERVICE COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: Dan Anderson, Dan Garry, John Tomaselli
Topic: 2023 Traffic Study of Lost Nation Road
City Engineer Tim Lannon presented an extensive traffic Study for Lost Nation Road from Reeves to LakeShore.
We can share a few highlights:
Tamarac operates at a high Level of Service [LOS] of A, with the left turn out of Tamarac at a LOS “C”. But, left turners are only 3%/9% [AM/PM] of the eastbound traffic. The 10-year projection is not any worse.
Hodgson intersection is warranted for a signal, as we know. It is currently a LOS of D/E. Of critical interest, the 10-year projection is for delays to increase by ~400% , dropping the LOS to F-/F-. So it is bad, and interestingly, hits a tipping point and gets much worse.
This study was conducted to analyze Lost Nation Road's current and future configuration and capacity. This study includes the projection of traffic volumes to the opening year (2023) and the future design year (2033). Traffic signal and turn lane warrant analyses were performed at seven intersections on Lost Nation Road. Capacity analyses were also performed at each intersection.
Summary of the primary intersection of concern:
Lost Nation Road and Hodgson Road/Willoughby Parkway
The traffic signal warrant analysis shows the intersection to be warranted for the installation of a traffic signal. A skillfully designed roundabout would enhance the aesthetics of the area by providing a gateway to the surrounding amenities, reduce delays, and increase safety at the same time. The vastly improved capacity gained by a roundabout installation would last for many years longer than either signalization option. The green space gained by a roundabout will also allow for decorative landscaping to enhance the aesthetics of the surrounding area. Either option will improve the LOS of the intersection.
Before everyone jumps in and criticizes these suggestions, I need to share that we are aware of the issue at hand. This intersection of Lost Nation and Hodgson needs a solution. No decisions have been made, BUT I AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF COUNCIL ARE ON BOARD FOR A SOLUTION.
For me, as the Councilman, there are a few options that have been discussed since the start of my time serving the Council. Some are better than others. I depend greatly on the voice of my constituents, my fellow Council Members, and, of course, the City Engineering Office. On top of that, I need to be “realistic” with FUNDING.
Here are the options:
• Do nothing
• Work to get funding and install a traffic signal that is compliant with the Airport and its FAA directives
• Re-route Hodgson Road to Willoughby Parkway
• Install a “RoundAbout”
The entire goal is to provide for
• Safety
• Traffic Control
• Ease of use
This study completes my goals as your Councilman on this issue about 50%.
I have the data necessary to move forward with a solution.
I now need to take this data and look at possible solutions, possible property acquisition, and funding. This will certainly take a bit of work and time.
If you want to communicate on this topic, please call or write to me.
As I have done, I am willing to listen!!!
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
September 19, 2023
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of September 5, 2023
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No Major Reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Salvatore La Courte, 2240 North Bay Drive, Willoughby – Mr. La Courte stated he was before Council to discuss some activity taking place on North Bay Drive. He stated there have been several break ins and car thefts in the area and last week a car was stolen out of his neighbors garage. He stated he wasn’t looking for any answers tonight, but feels the problem is growing due to Lost Nation Road being an easy on and easy off road. He asked the City to think creatively to resolve the problem.
Jerry Ranally, 37832 Park Avenue, Willoughby – Mr. Ranally thanked Council for confirming his appointment to the Civil Service Commission. He stated Eric Barbe left the Commission but did a super job over the years. He is looking forward to serving the City.
Neil Sharp, 39425 King Edward Court, Willoughby – Mr. Sharp stated he is concerned with the new policy related to trapping animals from 5 traps to 2 traps. He stated where he lives is an area where many animals are near the wall that runs along the freeway. He believes that having only two traps leaves the residents in this area overrun with animals. He asked the City to revisit the policy regarding the number of traps. He stated he feels Ken Smith should be recognized for his years of service to the City. He stated removing the snow fences near Ridgewood Greens was a mistake as the snow piles up on Rt. 84. He stated the ancillary road near Ridgewood Greens needs to be closed off.
Aaron Rose, 4241 River Street, Willoughby – Mr. Rose suggested the City build a pedestrian bridge over Mentor Avenue from the courthouse to the other side. He also suggested having a loading zone for ride share apps such as Uber and Lyft.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-113 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission, authorizing the necessary tax levies, certifying same to the Lake County Auditor.
Resolution 2023-113 is done annually to approve the rates and amounts of our tax levies provided by the County from the submission of our 2024 tax budget.
Finance Director Hoffman stated the safety tax levy was added and the general bond was removed for the Fire Stations that have been paid off.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-114 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, Local 1657, and Ohio Council 8 (AFSCME) necessary to modify Article 33 Wages effective March 24, 2024, and amending Article 20 Sick Leave between the City of Willoughby, Ohio and AFSCME.
Resolution 2023-114 authorizes a Memorandum of Understanding with the AFSCME union. The first change relates to the wage schedule for 2024 to change from 2% to 2.5% for uniformity across the union contracts. The second addresses employees transferring from a non-bargaining position to a bargaining position and the requirement to complete 5 years of continuous full-time service as a union member to be eligible for AFSCME's sick payout upon retirement.
Law Director Lucas stated this resolution is a clean up of the original agreement to provide clarity to the wages and sick leave accumulation and pay out. There was an issue with a non-bargaining member going into the bargaining unit and the transition of that.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-115 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution amending the meeting schedule of the Council of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, for the month of November, 2023.
Mr. Carr stated this resolution will move the Council meeting to the second Tuesday of November so there isn’t a meeting on election day.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-116 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to grant permission to SmithGroup to act as the City's advisors for permitting purposes for the Osborne Park Re-Imagined Project.
Mr. Carr stated this resolution is a result from the committee meeting regarding the Osborne Park project.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-117 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution congratulating the Willoughby Stingers Swim Team on winning the Suburban League Swim Championship.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-118 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution honoring, commending, and thanking Eric Barbe for his 26 years of service to the City of Willoughby.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala read a letter from Eric Barbe in it’s entirety. (See attached Exhibit A). Mayor Fiala stated that Eric Barbe committed a lot of his time to the City.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas – Law Director Lucas stated he has known Eric Barbe a long time and he is the kind of person who makes you proud to know him and makes you want to be a better person that serves your community.
Service Director Palmisano – No report. Regarding the water line repairs being conducted by the county, Mr. Anderson asked when they will be back to finish the work. Mr. Palmisano replied they are due back to finish the work, but he had heard the county was having staffing issues. Mr. Carr reminded Mr. Palmisano regarding the removal of dead trees.
City Engineer Lannon – Regarding storm water, Mr. Lannon mentioned Council take a tour of various projects sometime this fall. He stated the Meadowlands project is wrapping up and is functional. The project went well, however, there will be a change order due to a street that was torn up. He believes the overall cost will be under the original amount. He stated they will do some post construction monitoring for some time. Preliminary work is being done on River Street in anticipation of the slope stabilization project.
Police Chief Schultz – Chief Schultz stated it was an honor and privilege to work with Eric Barbe for several years; he served the Civil Service Commission professionally. He stated he was looking forward to working with Jerry Ranally. He reported his department participated in the Miracle League this past weekend at the Captain’s stadium; thirteen Police Officers and one retired Police Officer participated. Regarding the comments made by Mr. La Courte earlier this evening, he stated he appreciates his concerns and there have been many conversations regarding the issue. He stated he has a great staff and will continue to work hard to resolve the issues. Mr. Tomaselli asked about the department searching for unregistered vehicles. Chief Schultz replied that the program started up again this summer which entails looking for unlicensed and or inoperable vehicles and giving notices to the owners to take care of or remove the problem.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – No report. Mr. Carr asked about the Chagrin River rerouting project. Ms. Keller said all work should be completed by the first week in January.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Kary – Due to a recent interaction with the Willoughby Fire Department, Mr. Kary stated the City should be very proud of the department and the work they do.
Mr. Tomaselli – No report. Regarding the recent Downtown Willoughby 5K, he said Craig Rowe has put the race on for the past 11 years and this year was his last. The race will continue but he wanted to recognize Craig Rowe for his efforts for the last 11 years.
Mr. Garry – Mr. Garry thanked the Mayor and Police Department for supporting the Miracle League.
Mr. Anderson – No report. Reminded Council about the joint meeting with the Planning Commission on Thursday. Mayor Fiala will send out an agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
I want to share again what I stated at the beginning of this summary. If you have any comments regarding Lost Nation Road and the problems we have with traffic, feel free to communicate those to me. It's better in writing than a phone call. I have taken it upon myself to work with Council and the Administration to solve OUR concerns. Thank You
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/