CITY OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS

MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING

HELD: MAY 22, 2007

President of Council Murphy presiding.

PRESENT:      Mayor Coleman; Councilmen Austin, Dolciato, Hargate, Legan, Mills, Murphy, Pilla; Temporary Clerk of Council Olson; Service Director Evans; Finance Director Ianiro; Building Commissioner Stouffer; Police Lieutenant Visoky; City Engineer Blackley; Law Director Paluf.

ACTION ON MINUTES:   The reading of the Minutes of a Council Meeting held May 8, 2007 was dispensed with.  Mr. Pilla moved to accept the Minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Mills.  Ayes all; motion carried.

DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:

Fire Chief’s Report:  No report.

Mr. Pilla stated that Council is in receipt of the annual report from the Fire Department.  Mrs. Murphy urged Council members to review the report.

Police Chief’s Report:  No report.

In response to Mr. Legan’s inquiry as to the process for obtaining a block party permit, Lieutenant Visoky replied that residents should contact the Police Department.  If it is determined that all residents on a block agree to the party, the police will block off the street at both ends; however, it is unlikely that a thru street would be blocked off.

Service Director’s Report:  Service Director Evans reported as follows:

●          Brush collection running smoothly with over 220 stops.

●          The Wilson Mills Road Resurfacing Project commenced Monday, May 14, 2007.  Resurfacing has begun between Lander and Brainard roads and will continue for eight weeks at which time the first course of asphalt will be applied.  The final course of asphalt will be applied in the fall, 2007.  Striping will be done at each phase of the project.

●          Mr. Evans contacted The Illuminating Company per the request of Mayor Coleman regarding the poor condition of lights on Davidson Drive.  He reported that The Illuminating Company has agreed to replace or repair and paint their poles within the Williamsburg subdivision as needed.

●          The new 5-ton dump truck has arrived after a 51 week delivery period.

●          A group of employees from Philips Medical Systems in Highland Heights volunteered their time and materials and planted flowers and baskets around the City Hall complex in recognition of Earth Day.  Both Mr. Evans and Mrs. Murphy expressed their gratitude to these folks for beautifying the grounds.

●          Traffic signs in disrepair are being identified and replaced.  Mrs. Murphy remarked on how the signs and poles that have already been replaced have improved the area.

In response to Mrs. Murphy’s inquiry as to the status of the Highland Road pedestrian pathway project, Mr. Evans replied that he may have a report for the next Council meeting.

In response to Mr. Austin’s inquiry as to whether the city will acquire any asphalt grindings from the Wilson Mills Road project, Mr. Evans replied that the city will accept 250 yards.  Mr. Austin suggested that the grindings be used on the pathway between the City Park and Bishop Road.  Mr. Evans replied that this matter should be addressed as a group to determine if improving the pathway might result in a need for lighting for security reasons should pedestrian traffic increase.  Both Messrs. Austin and Evans agreed that this would be a good time to obtain the additional grindings.

Mrs. Murphy requested that Mr. Evans inspect the tree lawn at 5532 Kenbridge for a tree that may be posing a traffic hazard.

Building Commissioner’s Report:  Building Commissioner Stouffer reported that the number of violation notices issued by the Building Department within the last six weeks (34 notices) as compared to the same six week period last year (13 notices) has tripled.  Mr. Stouffer attributed this increase to the fact that more residents are reporting problems.  He stated that George Wilson handles the majority of complaints.

In response to Mrs. Murphy’s concern regarding the high grass at Arabica, Mr. Stouffer replied that he has already issued a violation notice.

Mr. Mills reported that there are many vehicles being parked overnight on Fridays and Saturdays at Catalano’s.  Mr. Stouffer replied that overnight parking in a commercial area requires a permit from the Mayor’s office, otherwise the police are authorized to issue a citation.

City Engineer’s Report:  City Engineer Blackley reported as follows:

●          The Colony-Eastlawn Sanitary Relief Sewer Project is moving along well.  It was the intention of the contractor to complete their work on Wilson Mills Road tomorrow; however, this may be delayed until the week-end due to the discovery of an old sanitary sewer that needs repair.  Work on Colony Drive will begin after Memorial Day.

●          Grading and retention basin work is continuing at the City Park and the majority of storm sewer work is completed.  The parking lot is expected to be paved next week.  The project may be ahead of schedule and contractors have been advised that Phase 2 will not begin prior to July 16, 2007.

Mr. Mills requested that Mr. Blackley explain the reason for changing the traffic signal operation at the Highland and Bishop Road intersection.  Mr. Blackley replied that a subconsultant performed an operations analysis of the intersection and recommended that the signal operation be converted from 4-phase to 2-phase for a trial period of 30 days to eliminate the left turn arrows to achieve more efficient movement and less delay thru the intersection.  The subconsultant will prepare a final analysis of the study at which time Mr. Blackley will apprise Council.  Mr. Blackley hopes to have the report for the next Council meeting.  Mrs. Murphy stated that she has received numerous objections to the traffic signal change.  Mr. Blackley stated that a benefit of the signal operation change is a potential cost-savings to the city because left-turn lanes can be shorter.  He said that safety is paramount to the final decision.

Finance Director’s Report:  Finance Director Ianiro reported as follows:

●          Mr. Ianiro distributed to Council members a two-page synopsis from the Cuyahoga County Community Lending Factbook prepared by the Housing Research & Advocacy Center which is a compilation of data on Highland Heights from the year 2005 on population, housing, mortgage lending, and purchase and refinance lenders.  This is the first time he has seen this publication and wanted to share it with Council.

●          The City has entered its annual agreement for the workers’ comp group rating program thru the Ohio Association of Public Treasurers.  The City paid a high premium two years ago due to its workers’ comp claims; last year the City entered the pool at a 37% savings level; and this year the City entered the pool at a 54% savings.  The City’s premium is currently $160K and he anticipates an approximate savings of $25K off next year’s premium.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Legislative & Finance Committee:  Mr. Legan reported L&F approved expenditure from the Service Department incurred for work in crosswalks and expenditure from the Fire Department for the purchase of an intercom system to allow firefighters to communicate with each other.  Both items were significantly under budget.

Drainage Committee:  Mr. Mills reported that the committee discussed drainage issues for the Columbo residence at 5528 Highland Road, the McCracken residence at 336 Miner Road, and the Busher residence at 5986 Castlehill.  Mr. Mills asked Council to add to the agenda for the next Committee of the Whole meeting the issue regarding County maintenance of the storm sewer system.

Mrs. Murphy requested that Mr. Evans attend the meeting and provide data on the cost to homeowners.  Mr. Mills replied that he has this information and will submit it to the Clerk for distribution to the Council members.

Planning and Zoning Commission:  Mr. Pilla reported that P&Z granted home builder approval to Otero Signature Homes, LLC in Aberdeen Area “H”.  He reported that the former First Merit Bank building at 6255 Wilson Mills Road has been sold and will be converted to a hair salon.  He said that the new owner will make $400K in improvements to the building.  The salon will have 35-40 employees.  He said that a Public Hearing is scheduled for variances to sideyard setback requirements and that Fire Department approval is required.  Mayor Coleman replied that he discussed the matter with Chief Bencin who will make a decision prior to the next P&Z meeting.

Commission on Aging:  Mrs. Murphy reported that Hillcrest Hospital sponsored the City’s 9^th annual health fair that was held on May 9, 2007 at the Highland Heights Community Center.  Over 125 residents attended the fair that featured 21 booths and 40 representatives from the health industry.  Mrs. Murphy expressed her appreciation and thanks to Mary Velotta, our City Hall receptionist, for all her efforts in helping to coordinate this event.

Council President Report:  No report.

Mayfield Area Recreation Council (MARC):  No report.

Safety & Service Committee:  No report.

Park and Recreation Commission:  Mr. Austin reported that Phase 1 of the City Park renovation project is going well.  Baseball season is in full swing.  Repair of lights on fields 6 and 7 is under consideration.  Installation of a light on the new playground is under consideration to illuminate the area during late night baseball games thru the summer months.

Law Director’s Report:  No report.

Mayor’s Report:  Mayor Coleman reported that the annual Veterans Memorial celebration will be held on Monday, May 28, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.  The Mayor has collaborated with the Mayfield High School social studies department and established a senior search project where high school seniors will evaluate the Cleveland Economic Development Grant and the water line replacement offer by the City of Cleveland as it pertains to the City of Highland Heights.  The high school seniors may be contacting Council members via email for their opinions.

MEETING OPENED TO THE PUBLIC:      No one spoke.

NEW BUSINESS:

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 19-2007:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 19-2007 which description is:  “A Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor to make a payment in the amount of Three Hundred Seven Thousand One Hundred Forty Four Dollars and Fifty Six Cents ($307,144.56) to Cuyahoga County for its portion of the Wilson Mills Road Improvement and declaring an emergency.”  Mr. Austin moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Mills.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Austin moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 20-2007:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 20-2007 which description is:  “A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Snacks and Stuff, Inc. to provide food and beverage concession services at the Municipal Pool and Park for the summer of 2007 and declaring an emergency.”  Mr. Hargate moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Austin.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Hargate moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Mills.  Ayes all; motion carried.

FIRST READING OF RESOLUTION 21-2007:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 21-2007 which description is:  “A Resolution declaring the necessity of providing for the payment of street lighting and the improvement or installation of additional street lighting by special assessment of all parcels benefited, and declaring an emergency.”

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 22-2007:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 22-2007 which description is:  “A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to make application to the office of the Attorney General for Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Funds, and declaring an emergency.”  Mr. Pilla moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Dolciato.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Legan moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Mills.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 23-2007:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 23-2007 which description is:  “A Resolution in support of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program for the 2007-2008 School Year.”   Mr. Mills moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Hargate.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Hargate moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 24-2007:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 24-2007 which description is:  “A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Mike Bass Ford for the purchase of a 2007 three quarter Ton F-250 4 x 4 Pickup Truck pursuant to the Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Act in the amount of Nineteen Thousand Two Hundred Sixty Five Dollars and Ninety Nine Cents ($19,265.99) and declaring an emergency.”  Mr. Hargate moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Austin.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Hargate moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Austin.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 25-2007:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 25-2007 which description is:  “A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Concord Road Equipment Mfg., Inc. for the purchase of a Four Ton Trailer Mounted Asphalt Hauler pursuant to the Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Act in the amount of Seventeen Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Three Dollars and Ninety Six Cents (17,653.96) and declaring an emergency.” Mr. Dolciato moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Mills.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Austin moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Hargate.  Ayes all; motion carried.

MOTION TO ADJOURN INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION:  A motion was made by Mr. Pilla to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss labor negotiations in accordance with Section 4.05 of the Charter of the City of Highland Heights and Section 121.22(g) of the Ohio Revised Code; seconded by Mr. Austin.  Roll call on the motion:  Ayes all; motion carried.  Council adjourned at 8:35 p.m. and reconvened at 8:47 p.m.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 26-2007:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 26-2007 which description is:  “A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Northern Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, establishing the terms and conditions for employment of those employees in the bargaining unit covered by the agreements, and declaring an emergency.” (Exhibit A-Patrolmen) (Exhibit B-Sergeants) Mr. Mills moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Pilla moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Mills.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 27-2007:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 27-2007 which description is:  “A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Northern Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, establishing the terms and conditions for employment of those employees in the bargaining unit covered by the agreements, and declaring an emergency.” (Exhibit A- Dispatchers) Mr. Mills moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Mills moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Ayes all; motion carried.

 ADJOURNMENT:  A motion was made by Mr. Mills and seconded by Mr. Austin to adjourn the meeting.  Said meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

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Temporary Clerk of Council

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President of Council