COUNCIL MEETING NOTES APRIL 16, 2024
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• April 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 #2-1-24
Construction of a credit union with a drive-thru located at 37203 Euclid Avenue (Cardinal Community Credit Union).
Mr. Kary asked Mr. Szucs to give a brief description of the project. Mr. Szucs stated they are proposing building a credit union at the corner of Orchard Park and Shankland. He stated that traffic was a big issue; a traffic study was completed. He noted the traffic engineer was at the meeting this evening if anyone had any questions. Regarding stormwater, Mr. Kary stated there was a requirement of a sanitary storm sewer sample manhole required by the WPCC which the applicant agreed would be taken care of. He stated the property owner needs to have an easement agreement to accept the stormwater from Cardinal Credit Union. Regarding traffic, Mr. Kary stated the Planning Commission decided the best solution for the residents of the trailer park on Orchard Park and the traffic that stops on Euclid Avenue would be to have signage and street paint that would help alleviate the traffic from stopping in front of Orchard Park. The applicant has agreed to pay up to $4,000 for those costs. Mr. Kary stated that both Police and Fire had some issues with the egress onto Euclid Avenue from the credit union. Mr. Kary confirmed there would be a right turn only onto Euclid Avenue from the credit union and there would be signage and a barrier or berm of some type that is curved or raised to stop cars from cutting over and turning left. There were no noise, air or water pollution issues and no impact on the school system. No concerns for hazardous waste. The project will begin this spring and be completed by the end of 2024.
Mr. Kary stated the Planning Commission approved EAS #2-1-24 on March 28, 2024. There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee is recommending to Council the passage of EAS #2-1-24.
EAS #6-1-24
Construction of one hundred twenty-eight (128) townhomes consisting of thirty- one (31) fourplexes and two (2) duplexes, and a clubhouse located on Kirtland Road (Everett Woods).
Mr. Kary stated the City Engineer asked for a geotechnical engineering study. The code requires a 35’ setback from the streambanks and a 50’ setback from the streambanks for buildings and structures. Mr. Lannon confirmed that was correct. Mr. Lannon stated a streams and wetlands report was required. Mr. Sommers stated that high wall plumbing will be used in units that have basements. Mr. Kary asked Mr. Lannon to talk about surcharging. Mr. Lannon explained that the sewer under Rt. 90 is relatively flat. He stated that several years ago the City lined that sewer because they knew it would be under pressure at times; this was to make it watertight and act as a pressure system. He stated this development should be above any surcharge elevation, but they have asked the developer for a study to get an idea what the elevation would be. Mr. Kary stated there is a concern with the water pressure in that area. The City would like the county to come out and check that to make sure there is adequate water pressure for the consumers but also for the Fire Department in case of a fire. Mr. Kary stated there were two ingress and egress locations; one is the main entrance with the iron gates and the other is near the Rt. 90 bridge. The City wants to make sure there is complete line of sight; no landscaping or signage obstructing the view. There were no noise, water or air pollution noted. No impact on the school system, any students located in the development will go to Kirland schools. The developer would like to start the project in the fall or winter of 2024. The project will take approximately two and a half to three years to complete. Mr. Kary stated that the units will be rentals versus purchased units. Mr. Sommers explained there was a huge need for this type of housing in Lake County and there are no other developments like this one in Lake County in terms of quality. He stated that rent will range from $2,400 to $3,200 a month.
Mr. Kary stated the Planning Commission approved this EAS on April 11, 2024. Mr. Anderson asked if the project would be done in phases. Mr. Sommers stated it would be done in three phases. There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee is recommending to Council the passage of EAS #6-1-24. Mr. Carr asked Mr. Lannon if he saw any infrastructure improvements in that area. Mr. Lannon stated the sanitary for this development goes across the street to a pump station; pump stations are high maintenance. This pump station was rebuilt about 10 years ago when the new sewer went in so there’s nothing imminent there. He stated the sewer there is too flat and undersized but that would be a major undertaking to replace it because it’s under Rt. 90. Mr. Lannon did bring up drainage; he stated he has spent a lot of time at Melrose Farms after the fact dealing with relatively simple issues, however, it’s a subdivision blocking drainage. There have also been subdivisions that contribute to downstream drainage. This development ultimately affects drainage that goes under Rt. 90; this could cost millions of dollars to bore a new storm sewer. He stated one day it probably will be needed but he can’t put a timeline on it. Mr. Tomaselli asked if the City would consider continuing the 25 m.p.h. speed limit on Kirtland Road from the Rt. 90 bridge until Rt. 306.
EAS #7-2-24
Construction of two (2) outdoor dining terraces and a gas firepit for the existing building located at 37819 Euclid Avenue (Julia’s 1902).
Mr. Kary noted that there was a noise concern for the residents who live on Jordan, however, Mr. Kary stated it was agreed that the speakers would face away from Jordon and they would be no louder than 60 decibels. Mr. Kary stated the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) that was issued is for one year and will be reviewed and renegotiated at that time. He stated the closest patio to Jordan will have landscaping around it to drown out some of the noise and serve as a light barrier as well. Regarding stormwater, Mr. Lannon stated that low impact design standards should be used where practical. Mr. Kary stated there was no impact on traffic. The Police and Fire Departments had no concerns. No water or air pollution concerns were noted. The Planning Commission addressed the noise prior to the issuance of the CUP. There are no demands on the school system and no hazardous waste. He stated the project is just about complete with a June opening date.
There were no other comments or concerns. Mr. Kary stated the committee is recommending to Council the passage of EAS #7-2-24.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 16, 2024
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of April 2, 2024
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
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 the Village of Waite Hill, and superseding Ordinance No. 2023-6.
Law Director Lucas stated this ordinance will remain tabled.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-41 - Third Reading Motion carried 7-0
An ordinance amending Chapters 1103, 1141, and 1155 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Definitions", "Business Districts", and "Use Specific Regulations", respectively.
This ordinance will be put to vote this evening. This ordinance deals with Kava and Kratom products.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-42 - Third Reading Motion carried 7-0
An ordinance amending Chapters 1103, 1141, and 1155 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Definitions", "Business Districts", and "Use Specific Regulations", respectively.
This ordinance deals with vaping products. Since the last council meeting, Mr. Anderson stated he has been in two establishments that have vaping dispensaries (vaping machines) and he wants to know how those machines will be dealt with. Mr. Lucas stated that under the conditional use requirements, once the legislation goes into effect, the prohibition of dispensaries is included in one of the special conditions. However, the dispensaries that are in place currently are pre-existing. Mr. Lucas stated someone will have to bring it to the attention of the City and the City will have to act on it.
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-50 Motion carried 7-0
An ordinance accepting the final plat for Andrews Ridge Phase 2 Subdivision and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr asked if the Residential Improvement District (RID) legislation passed last month is inclusive of Phase 2 for Andrews Ridge. Mr. Lannon stated that was correct.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-51 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution authorizing the Director of Finance to transfer funds from the General Fund to various other funds, and declaring an emergency.
A memo was sent out by Finance Director Hoffman regarding the resolution.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-52 - First Reading
An ordinance declaring 100% of the improvements to certain parcels of real property to be a public purpose, describing the public improvements to be made to benefit those parcels, requiring the owners of the improvements thereon to make service payments in lieu of taxes, establishing a Willoughby Union Realty, LLC Municipal Public Improvement Tax Increment Equivalent Fund for the deposit of such service payments and related matters, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Anderson asked about the first reading and the legislation being an emergency as well. Ms. Lucas stated he would like three readings for the legislation, at the time of the third reading, he is asking it be passed as an emergency so it goes into effect immediately as opposed to 30 days. Mr. Carr asked if this would be 100% Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the first 10 years and 50% for 20 years after. Mr. Lucas stated the TIF is a companion to the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) that was previously passed which will run tentatively for 15 years at an optimal level and the TIF provisions would take effect after that for 15 years. Mr. Carr asked if the money goes to the county, then to the City and then to the developer. Mr. Lucas confirmed that was correct. A public hearing will take place on May 21st for the TIF.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-53 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution approving EAS #2-1-24 for construction of a credit union with drive thru located at 37203 Euclid Avenue (Cardinal Community Credit Union).
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-54 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution approving EAS #6-1-24 for the construction of one hundred twenty eight (128) townhomes consisting of thirty-one (31) fourplexes and two (2) duplexes, and a clubhouse located on Kirtland Road (Everett Woods).
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-55 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution approving EAS #7-2-24 for construction of two (2) outdoor dining terraces and a gas firepit for the existing building located at 37819 Euclid Avenue (Julia's 1902).
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-56 Motion carried 7-0
A resolution amending the meeting schedule of Council for the months of June, July, August, and September, 2024.
Mr. Carr stated the summer schedule has been extended into the month of September.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala thanked Judean Keller, the Police and Fire Departments, the Service Department and the Parks and Recreation Department for their efforts surrounding the solar eclipse. He stated Judean did a great job putting the day together with a great crowd.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
City Engineer Lannon – No report. Mr. Carr asked how the bidding was coming along for the SOM Center Road sidewalks. Mr. Lannon stated there is a resident who has concerns about a fence that is in the right-of-way so that has to be dealt with first.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – Ms. Keller stated there will be tree planting on Monday, April 22nd at Daniel’s Park from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for Earth Day
COUNCIL REPORTS
No major reports
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
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/
First, an announcement that I did not share but SHOULD is that we will be seeing EIGHT (8) new Pickle Ball Courts put in at Osborne Park.
I am waiting for the installation dates to be shared.
2024 Summer Concert Series
The City of Willoughby is excited to announce the 2024 Summer Concert Series in Downtown Willoughby and at Osborne Park!
OSBORNE PARK – Concerts are 6:30pm – 8:30pm on . Food Trucks and Beer/Wine tent will be open at 5:30pm | June 12th, July 10th, July 17th and August 14th.
DOWNTOWN WILLOUGHBY – Concerts are Thursdays from 7pm – 9pm | June 20th – August 15th (no concert July 4th)
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us for a summer of music!
Wednesday, June 12 Disco Inferno | Disco OSBORNE
Thursday, June 20 Abbey Rodeo | 60s/Beatles/Rockabilly and more! DTW
Thursday, June 27 Light of 2 Moons | Island sounds/ Folk / Blues / Rock DTW
Wednesday, July 10 Tricky Dick and the Cover Ups | Top 40 covers OSBORNE
Thursday, July 11 Take Me Back | Chicago / Three Dog Night DTW
Wednesday, July 17 Country Redford | Modern Country OSBORNE
Thursday, July 18 Chardon Polka Band | Polka DTW
Thursday, July 25 Easy Glistening | Yacht Rock DTW
Thursday, Aug 1 Dan McCoy and the Standing 8s | Rock DTW
Thursday, Aug 8 FM 77 | 70s DTW DTW
Thursday, Aug 14 Pieces of Eight | Classic Rock OSBORNE
Thursday, Aug 15 The Diamond Project | Neil Diamond Tribute DTW
Pool Passes On Sale Now
2024 Osborne Park Pool Passes* are on sale now! Passes can be purchased in the Parks and Recreation Department at City Hall or online.
How to Purchase Your Pool Pass Online:
1. Go to willoughbyohio.activityreg.com
2. Click the Login on the right hand side of the screen, either enter your username and password or create an account. Click the Home button on the left hand side of the screen.
3. Click on the box that says Pool Pass Memberships
4. Click Purchase Membership, select the family member, and click the green Select This membership button
5. READ and AGREE to the Terms & Conditions, then click add to cart.
6. If you need to purchase another pass, click continue shopping and repeat steps 4 & 5, otherwise proceed to cart and complete your transaction.
7. After your transaction is complete you will need to email your utility bill to residency@willoughbyohio.com
8. Once we receive your utility bill, your passes will be available for pick up at the Parks & Recreation office
until Thursday, May 23; any passes not picked up by May 23 will be available for pick up at the Osborne Pool front desk starting May 25.
9.Upload your photos to your account.
2024 Pool Pass pricing:
Willoughby residents $43 Early Bird / $55 after May 3
Willoughby resident seniors (ages 55+) $28 Early Bird / $41 after May 3
Value Cards are $80 for 10 admissions, a savings of $7/entry https://www.lakecountyohio.gov/lakeelections/Campaign-Finance-Reporting
Gate admission is $15 – CREDIT CARD ONLY – day passes may be purchased online or at the front gate.
*Euclid Ave Pool is closed this summer
Summer Job Opportunities
Spend your summer with us! The City of Willoughby is currently accepting seasonal employment applications for help in our Parks and Recreation and Service Departments. Click here to download the application or apply online through the link below. Please call 440.953.4200 for more information.
https://willoughbyohio.com/seasonal-job-application/