MEETING NOTES JANUARY 16, 2024
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• January 16, 2024 •
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
The purpose of the Environmental Planning Committee Meeting is to review the following:
EAS #15-10-23(a)
Rezoning of 7.72 acres of real property located at 38751 Hodgson Road and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 27B0520000040 from Airport District (A) to Residential One-Family 80 (R80).
Mr. Kary stated that the applicant (Mr. Conti) is not able to make the meeting this evening. Mr. Kary explained that the project originally started off with 40 plus multi-family duplexes. However, the applicant is now requesting R80 zoning with 12 homes. He had previously requested R50 and R60. The development plans have not been submitted but Mr. Kary stated the City will be looking at turnaround driveways and rear loading garages. If the property remains zoned Airport district it could become a host of different establishments that wouldn’t be appropriate for that area. Mr. Kary tabled the discussion on this EAS and it will be discussed further at the next Environmental Planning Committee meeting in February.
EAS #3-1-24
Construction of an aircraft hangar located at 1745 Lost Nation Road (Lost Nation Airport JTV Hangar).
Mr. Deming stated they are proposing to build a private use hangar for storage along with office space. Mr. Kary stated Planning Commission approved this EAS with a few notations. Mr. Kary stated he saw the plans for the hangar which will include office space with two stories in some areas and a lot of landscaping. Regarding storm water, there is a storm water basin on Lost Nation Road that will handle storm water runoff. The wetlands have been addressed at the site; credits have been purchased. No concerns from the Police or Fire Departments. No noise, water or air pollution concerns. No impact on the schools and no hazardous waste. Regarding the timeline, Mr. Deming stated they will break ground in April or May and be done by the new year. Mr. Deming confirmed for Mr. Carr that a hangar was not being demolished to put up the new hangar.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee is recommending to Council the passage of EAS #3-1-24.
EAS #4-1-24
Renovation of the existing building located at 4057 Erie Street (Tricky Tortoise Brewing Co.).
Mr. Ehasz stated they are working very hard cleaning up the building; the building has been empty for about 3 ½ years. There are a lot of plumbing repairs as the water was never turned off. A lot of beer was left in the tanks which requires lots of cleaning. They are painting, doing clean up, landscaping; the new lettering has been installed on the outside of the building. He stated the fencing on the outside of the production area was approved by the City. He anticipates having a restricted volume St. Patrick’s day party. Mr. Kary stated that if the EAS statement is approved by Council a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) will be issued. The CUP was defined by the Planning Commission for hours of operation, etc. Regarding stormwater, the City Engineer needs to ensure that the sewer lines are separated and not blocked. Mr. Ehasz stated dye pack tests on the sewer system to prove it doesn’t enter the storm drain have been done, however, there is a crushed line so the plumbers are working to resolve that problem. He was informed that this test was done monthly prior to the closing and nothing has been replumbed in any way. He feels confident there won’t be any issues. He stated there was some sort of sewage problem when the former business closed. The business will have their own parking spaces. There were no concerns from the Police and Fire Departments. It was noted that the interior and exterior occupancy loads are to code. Any outdoor music needs to be at conversation level. The CUP will expire in one year and it will be reviewed at that time. There is no impact on the schools, no hazardous waste. Mr. Ehasz would like to get the final building permit as soon as possible. There was discussion regarding the valet parking. It was suggested that the valet car park be moved back to the front of the building and not at the entrance of the parking lot. Mr. Ehasz is meeting with the valet company and Sol to work out parking issues.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee is recommending to Council the passage of EAS #4-1-24.
The Environmental Planning Committee adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 16, 2024
ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS
Board and Commission Members
Mayor Fiala reappointed Jeffrey Mitchell to the Civil Service Commission.
PUBLIC HEARING - 7:10 p.m.
Rezoning Hodgson Road from Airport Property to R-80 Single Family Housing
Nobody spoke during the public hearing.
Those Speaking in Opposition- Mr. Carr read into record an e-mail from Paul Mats, 38702 Avenel Court, Willoughby, Ohio
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS (Confirmed by Council}
Board and Commission Members
Civil Service Commission ....................................Jeffrey Mitchell (Reappointment)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of January 2, 2024
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing to be held tonight for the proposed rezoning on Hodgson Road (see attached). Mr. Carr stated the applicant has asked that legislation regarding thepublic hearing be tabled. Anyone wishing to speak tonight on this issue can do that, but the public hearing will be recessed and it will be reopened at the next Council meeting.
PUBLIC PORTION
No one spoke
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-146 -Tabled
An ordinance agreeing to change portions of the boundary of the City of Willoughby with theVillage of Waite Hill, and superseding Ordinance No. 2023-6.
Law Director Lucas stated he talked to the Lake County Prosecutors Office; they suggested that the representative from CT Consultants, the tax map representative and auditors representative should have a meeting to work out the details on some of the issues i.e., having a property line in the middle of the Chagrin River. He requested this legislation remain tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-10 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance accepting a permanent sanitary sewer easement from Camino Construction, Inc. necessary to the Meadowlands Basin Outlet Improvements.
Mr. Lannon stated an old problem was discovered with this project. There was a 60’ easement in Eastlake across the Camino parcel from 1965 and the sanitary sewer that was built at that time veered off that easement. This easement cleans up that issue.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-11 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Nerone & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $560,000 for implementation of the WPCC Belt Filter Press Replacement Project, anddeclaring an emergency.
Mr. Lannon stated most of the costs for this project are primarily for equipment. He stated the City has a $200,000 grant and a $150,000 loan for the project; the belt press desperately needs to be replaced.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-12 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #15-10-23(a) for the rezoning of 7.72 acres of real propertylocated at 38751 Hodgson Road and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 2780520000040 from Airport District (A) to Residential One-Family 80 (R80).
This resolution will be tabled.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-13 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance amending the Zone Map of the City of Willoughby, Ohio to reclassify 7.72 acres of certain real property located at 38751 Hodgson Road (Permanent Parcel No. 27B0520000040) from Airport District (A) to Residential One-Family 80 (R80).
This resolution will be tabled.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-14 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #3-1-24 for construction of an aircraft hangar located at 1745 LostNation Road (Lost Nation Airport JTV Hangar).
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-15 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #4-1-24 for renovation of the existing building located at 4057 ErieStreet (Tricky Tortoise Brewing Co.).
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
No report. Mayor Fiala stated that the City lost a great friend in the passing of Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley. He stated his leadership will be missed in Eastlake and in Lake County.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas - Mr. Lucas stated that he administered the oath of office to Councilman Mike Merhar.
Service Director Palmisano - Regarding the in-house biosolids transportation costs sheet thatJack Gorka had distributed this evening, Mr. Palmisano stated Mr. Gorka has done a good jobputting together the costs for the personnel and the equipment purchased. He stated a used tractor and a brand new trailer were purchased originally for $210,000; even with this purchase the City has saved over $106,000. This does not include the purchase of the new tractor; that cost won't be determined until the City sells the current tractor. The savings for 2023 was
$248,000.Regarding the ongoing conversion to LED lighting in the City, Mr. Palmisano stated that the lights that have been converted have reduced costs by $600 a month. Mr. Palmisano stated that the EV charging stations are up and running and residents are using them. The stations are located near the Willoughby Methodist Church; there are two pedestals and four chargers and the charge to use them is $1.40 an hour. The City can monitor when the charging stations are used and how much they have been used. The plugs provided is the most common one and is a level two charger. Cars cannot be left overnight for charging. Mr. Anderson confirmed that Waste Management is not picking up yard waste; it will restart in April. Christmas trees will be picked up until the end of January.
Police Chief Schultz - Chief Schultz reported on an incident that took place over the weekend regarding a stolen vehicle in which the Flock Safety cameras where utilized. He commended Patrol Officers Jonathan Mehm, Kyle Bucher and Ryan Pate for their efforts for apprehending the individuals who stole the vehicle.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No major reports
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
I have taken a few calls regarding the city’s plans to not open the Euclid Ave. City Pool for 2024. Here is some information that will hopefully explain the reasons for this decision.
The primary reasons for this closure include:
1. Safety Concerns: Our top priority is the safety of everyone who utilizes our pool facilities.
Recent pool inspections have highlighted areas that require immediate attention to meet the highest safety standards. Closing the pool will allow us to address these concerns.
2. Operational Costs/Needed Repairs: The Euclid Ave. pool was built in 1965 and wear and tear on the pool infrastructure have become evident. To maintain a high-quality facility, essential repairs and upgrades are required. It became evident that we can no longer keep the pool open in a cost-effective manner.
3. Future Opportunities. During the closure, a Comprehensive Aquatic Master Plan will be developed to analyze the best use for the current space as well as considering the
possibility of expanding the recreational footprint.
We understand the inconvenience this closure may cause and will keep you informed of the progress. In the meantime, we encourage you to enjoy similar amenities at the Osborne Park Pool, including zero-depth entry with play features, swim lessons and swim team.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Parks & Recreation Director Judean Keller at jbanker@willoughbyohio.com or 440.953.7954.
We appreciate your patience and continued support as we work towards creating an even better and safer pool experience.
1. The pool has deteriorated tremendously and the number one reason for closing is for the safety of the users. The pool was built in 1965, it is 59 years old. In 2001 the walls were replaced with stainless steel, but the floor and mechanics were not.
2. The main repair that is needed is to replace the cement on the bottom of the pool, we have been band-aiding it for the past 10 years. This past summer, we lost approximately 3,000 gallons of water a day.
The cost to repair is approximately $400,000 with an additional $750,000 in the next couple of years (roof, parking lot, sand filter replacement).
3. Due to the age of the facility, many features are failing.
Issue Repair
Major Leak Install a pool liner after the cement is fixed
Heater issues Replace the heater due to age and efficiency
Chemical controllers Replace the controllers due to age
Sand Filters end of life Replace the filters and sand
4. How will my child get to the pool – Parks & Recreation will offer a pool bus that will pick children up at designated stops. Look for the schedule in April. This service will be free for anyone. Add the age of unaccompanied.
5. Gate admission is increasing to $15, but passes are staying at the same price
Early Bird
After May 3
Resident
$43
$55
Resident Senior
$28
$41
Non-Resident
$135
$135
10 admission card
$80
$120
NEW for 2024 – a separate passholder-only admission line!
2024 Pool Information will be available in mid-March and mailed to past pass holders.
6. Will the pool be open in 2025? Unlikely. A Comprehensive Aquatic Master Plan will be developed to analyze the best use for the current space as well as consider the possibility of expanding the recreational footprint.
I hope this helps to explain this decision
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/