NOT APPROVED
CITY OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING
HELD: JULY 10, 2007
President of Council Murphy presiding.
PRESENT: Mayor Coleman, Councilmen Austin, Dolciato, Hargate, Legan, Mills, Murphy, Pilla; Clerk of Council Buchak; Fire Chief Bencin; Police Chief Cook; Service Director Evans; Building Commissioner Stouffer; City Engineer Blackley; Finance Director Ianiro; Law Director Paluf.
ACTION ON MINUTES: The reading of the Minutes of a Council Meeting held June 26, 2007 was dispensed with. Mr. Pilla moved to accept the Minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Austin. Ayes all; motion carried.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
Fire Chief's Report: Fire Chief Bencin reported that, after discussion with the Mayor, they are going to start running a chase car for ambulance calls. This involves putting one paramedic in a car or the pickup truck whichever is available at the time and two people in the ambulance. Two paramedics would go to the hospital and the third person would be free to return for a second call. This will provide the availability for more people for a second call. They are using the fire prevention car and will have an outside light bar and markings put on it. Hopefully by the first of August this system should be running.
Police Chief's Report: Police Chief Cook reported he did meet this afternoon with representatives of Reverse 9-1-1 and will be forwarding some proposals to the Mayor probably within the next 45 days.
Mrs. Murphy requested a memo outlining the animal control program so that when residents call Council members will know how to advise them. Chief Cook will provide a memo regarding the program. He reported they started the program on July 1st and it seems to be moving along very well. Chief Cook suggested Council Members refer calls to the police department.
In response to Mr. Austin's inquiry regarding a school zone on Wilson Mills Road near the high school, Chief Cook advised he will check into that.
In response to Mr. Mills' question regarding less than desirables in the park, Chief Cook advised they have had some complaints in the park with juveniles on some minor issues. They have an auxiliary in the park and have been stationing an officer in the park. Also, they have been emphasizing traffic control on Woodside because a couple residents from Woodside were concerned with the traffic flow. They said the gate was not being closed at 9 p.m. A couple times the police had calls and were not able to get up there to close the gate exactly at 9 p.m. They have been keeping special attention on the park and since they had the increased enforcement have asked some juveniles to leave the park and have taken their names and told them if there is any trouble not to come back in.
Service Director's Report: Service Director Evans reported:
· Highland Road Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) Study -- The County Engineer's Office is doing a Highland Road Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) study. In a meeting this morning the County advised they will be going into the Williamsburg area possibly as soon as next week doing some smoke testing. They will notify all residents in the effected area by letter that smoke testing will begin in that area.
· Wilson Mills Resurfacing Program -- this morning a progress meeting was held with the county. The program is running actually a little ahead of schedule; the contractor expects to begin final paving either the second or third week in August. That will only leave some restoration and striping thereafter.
· Brainard Road Street Lighting Project -- all the poles are now up. The Illuminating Co. advised today that they have reinstalled all of the light fixtures on those poles. That job is now substantially completed.
· 2007 Street Striping Program -- This was discussed in the Committee of the Whole this evening. The City Engineer has provided a memo with his recommendation. It was requested that a resolution be added to the agenda for approval this evening so they can proceed with that contract.
· 2007 Miscellaneous Street Program -- Bid opening is scheduled for July 20th. They have made a modification to that program. Originally they planned on doing sidewalk work at City Hall and incorporating that all in one project. Mr. Evans and City Engineer Blackley decided the stamped concrete in front of City Hall will require more detailed engineering and specific work. They decided to pull it out of the general contract and send it out as an RFP because it is under bid limits. That will be coming as a separate request.
Mr. Mills asked if the new crosswalks with a backsplash on them on Wilson Mills Road will impede sidewalk clearing in the winter. Mr. Evans advised they have been brought up to compliance with ADA requirements. He will look at the issue of the higher curb.
Building Commissioner's Report: Building Commissioner Stouffer reported:
· May 27th was the deadline for residential building departments to be certified in Ohio. As of that date there were only seven municipalities that did not do that. About 450 municipalities are certified now. The City of Dublin has filed a lawsuit in Franklin County to fight the state on the home rule with residential building departments. Mr. Stouffer will keep Council advised.
· Highland Heights is certified as a commercial building department. The state collects 3% of all of the city's fees which is several thousand dollars a year so the state decided to give the city a thousand dollars worth of code books.
In response to Mrs. Murphy's inquiry, Mr. Stouffer advised he will be attending a special ADA conference this Thursday put on by the County commissioners at Hillcrest Hospital. The seminar covers the ADA as it applies to renovation and remodeling for commercial uses. Mrs. Murphy advised she did have an inquiry from a resident in Aberdeen about having more crosswalks across Aberdeen Boulevard to the asphalt walkway on the other side and that might pertain to the disabled. Mr. Stouffer advised that really isn't in the scope of what he does; he is limited to buildings and walkways and access to buildings.
Mr. Legan referred to a conversation at the last council meeting about reserving a picnic pavilion in the city park and suggested discussion in a future meeting.
Mr. Mills asked that Mr. Stouffer keep an eye on Wilson Mills and Millridge where there seems to be a perpetual lawnmower for sale on the front yard because he is getting calls about that. Mr. Mills also advised he received calls from a couple residents asking about Section 8 housing coming to Highland Heights and asked if that is just multi-tenant, apartment type housing or do people have houses that turn into Section 8. Mr. Stouffer advised he has no experience with that but he will find out.
City Engineer's Report: City Engineer Blackley reported on two projects:
· The Colony-Eastlawn Project is well under way. The contractor has finished with Colony. They will be doing an additional repair on Colony tomorrow and next week they will be moving on to Eastlawn. They are generally ahead of schedule. He expected the project to be finished by the end of August.
· The Park Project is also coming along quite well. Martin Enterprises has the pavement down in the parking lot area. After July 16th they will be switching operations to make that area open to the public and then moving to do the second phase of the work which will entail the handicapped drop off area and the other work in the main driveway of the park. That job is coming along quite well.
Mr. Austin asked if the entrance roadway has held up so far. Mr. Blackley advised there is one area needing repair and that is actually in an area that is already slated for replacement.
Mayor Coleman added that the residents are real excited about the new parking lot. He encouraged any council members who are in the park and talking with the residents to explain to them what is going to happen, that the original road is going to come out. He advised the residents really like what is going on there.
Finance Director's Report: Finance Director Ianiro reported this week the June monthly statements will be distributed. The income tax receipts are up 4% over the estimate. Also, at the Committee of the Whole Meeting next week he has been asked by Council President Murphy to provide a mid year review for Council.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Legislative & Finance Committee: Mr. Legan recapped the action taken in an L&F Meeting held two weeks ago and advised they are encouraging passage of Items 2, 3, 4, and 5 on the agenda tonight. Mr. Legan then scheduled an L&F meeting for July 17th at 7:00 p.m.
Drainage Committee: Mr. Mills recapped recent drainage considerations: 1) The committee is waiting to meet with Law Director Paluf for a legal opinion on 5528 Highland Road. 2) Another item is on Miner Road. They are waiting to hear back from the residents to see if they will allow an easement. 3) Mr. Pusateri, 5508 Renee, at this time has elected not to proceed with his project.
Mr. Mills reminded Mr. Stouffer that he was to check the gutter situation at 5484 Roy Road. He tentatively scheduled another meeting for July 24th at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Mills also advised at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on July 17th, Service Director Evans will have representatives from the County Engineer's office attend to discuss storm sewer maintenance.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Mr. Pilla reported the following action occurred at the meeting held July 9th:
· BVQ Builders, 360 Glasgow Drive, Aberdeen Area. Final home approval was given.
· Nick Monachino, 392 Kilbridge Drive, Approval was given for a proposed deck.
· Aberdeen Commons Assisted Living Development, 399 Bishop Road. Preliminary Site Plan Approval was given.
Mayfield Area Recreation Council (MARC): Mr. Dolciato reported a meeting was held last Thursday at Mayfield Village Pool. The Art Show will be running from September through October at the library. The tennis program is ongoing and has been very successful. Saturday, September 15th is the Kick, Pass and Punt competition. For the girl's basketball they will try something different this season, they will have the girls play in November and December instead of January, February and March. They will be done by the 20th of December and then the boys will start up the 12th of January. They will separate the two.
Safety & Service Committee: No report.
Park and Recreation Commission: Mr. Austin reported the park construction is doing well. They are excited about that and the green space that has been created. The Commission is hoping in the future to put a gazebo there in that area for concerts, etc. The baseball program is winding down. The tennis program is doing well. The swim meet will be at Mayfield Village. The Commission will discuss the permit to rent the pavilion in the park, the cost and the posting of a sign.
Mayor Coleman added that the procedure to rent the pavilion has been in place for years. They definitely will address this by posting signs.
Mr. Austin suggested a copy of the permit be given to the police department. Chief Cook added that it does state in the recreation rules that the permit is to be posted and it is easier to ask someone to vacate if the permit is posted.
Mayor Coleman elaborated on what Mr. Austin said about the five year plan and what they might put in the green area created by moving the road between the parking lot and the playground. He suggested council discuss this at a future meeting. The five year plan had the playground going in that area and now they have a space to add another attraction in the park. The original 5 year plan had a gazebo put up near the entrance of the park; however, moving of the entrance may be in question. He suggested this green area would be a fabulous place to put a gazebo attached to a pavilion or even a larger pavilion with sides that come down so the day camp could use it during inclement weather during the day rather than shipping the kids to Millridge like they do.
Commission on Aging: No report.
Law Director's Report: No report.
Council President Murphy reported the AT&T Video Conferencing Agreement will be on the agenda for the Committee of the Whole next week.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Coleman commented on the Party in the Park this year. He thanked Recreation Director Dave Ianiro and all the members of the Park & Recreation Commission for the work that they put into that day. He advised there was a moderate turnout which is exactly what they wanted. They didn't over advertise it because of the construction. Everybody seemed to be entertained and they were asking if the city was going to do this in the future. Mayor Coleman stated he would expect to do that at a minimum and then hopefully go back to our old Home Days format in the future. He will ask Dave Ianiro for an annual movie in the park or something like that and he will probably do it.
ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA:
Proposed Resolution declaring Pat Flowers, Inc. to be the lowest and best bidder for the striping of certain streets within the municipality, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with said bidder not to exceed the sum of Thirty One Thousand One Hundred Twenty Five Dollars and Forty Five Cents ($31,125.45), rejecting all other bids received and declaring an emergency.
A Motion was made by Mr. Mills to add the above item to the agenda; seconded by Mr. Hargate. Ayes all; motion carried.
MEETING OPENED TO THE PUBLIC: No one spoke.
NEW BUSINESS:
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 31-2007: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 31-2007 which description is: " A Resolution declaring Pat Flowers, Inc. to be the lowest and best bidder for the striping of certain streets within the municipality, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with said bidder not to exceed the sum of Thirty One Thousand One Hundred Twenty Five Dollars and Forty Five Cents ($31,125.45), rejecting all other bids received and declaring an emergency." Service Director Evans recommended suspension of the rules and adoption this evening in order for the striping to proceed in a timely fashion. Mr. Dolciato moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Hargate. Ayes all; motion carried. Mr. Hargate moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Dolciato. Ayes all; motion carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 32-2007: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 32-2007 which description is: "A Resolution retaining Brown, Flynn Communications, Ltd., to provide strategic marketing communications consultation and project management services to the City of Highland Heights in an amount not exceeding Forty Five Thousand Dollars ($45,000.00), and declaring an emergency." Mr. Austin moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Dolciato. Ayes all; motion carried. Mr. Austin moved to amend to increase the amount to Fifty Thousand Dollars; seconded by Mr. Legan. Ayes all; motion carried. Mr. Austin moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Legan.
Mr. Mills stated he wished to disclose that Margie Flynn is Treasurer of his political campaign. He has been advised to bring that up for disclose and to bring that up to the Law Director. Law Director Paluf stated if that fact doesn't impair his ability to be fair and impartial, then there should be no problem. Ayes all; motion carried.
ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE 6-2007: Council listened to the Third Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 6-2007 which description is: "An Ordinance authorizing transfers and declaring an emergency." Mr. Mills moved to enact; seconded by Mr. Pilla. Ayes all; motion carried.
ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE 7-2007: Council listened to the Third Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 7-2007 which description is: "An Ordinance adopting a Tax Budget for the City of Highland Heights for the Year 2008 and declaring an emergency." Mr. Legan moved to enact; seconded by Mr. Mills. Mr. Hargate noted that the tax millage has stayed at 4.0; there is no increase in property tax. Ayes all; motion carried.
ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE 8-2007: Council listened to the Third Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 8-2007 which description is: "An Ordinance authorizing participation in the Ohio Association of Public Treasurer's (OAPT) Workers Compensation Group Rating Program and declaring an emergency." Mr. Legan moved to enact; seconded by Mr. Austin. Ayes all; motion carried.
ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE 9-2007: Council listened to the Third Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 9-2007 which description is: "An Ordinance amending Section 111.1302 and enacting Section 111.13021 of Chapter 111 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Highland Heights pertaining to the imposition of the Municipal Income Tax, repealing all legislation inconsistent herewith, and declaring an emergency." Mr. Legan moved to enact; seconded by Mr. Mills. Ayes all; motion carried.
MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR 7/17/07:
Committee of the Whole -- Agenda:
1. County Maintenance of Storm Sewers
2. Second Quarter Financial Review
3. AT&T
Special Meeting
1. Rezoning issue
2. AT&T agreement
ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Mr. Mills and seconded by Mr. Pilla to adjourn the meeting. Said meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Clerk of Council President of Council