CITY OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING
HELD: MAY 13, 2008
President of Council Mills presiding.
PRESENT: Mayor Coleman, Councilmen Anderson, Hargate, Legan, Lombardo, Mills, Murphy, Pilla; Clerk of Council Buchak; Interim Fire Chief Molnar; Police Chief Cook; Service Director Evans; Assistant Building Commissioner Austin; City Engineer Blackley; Law Director Paluf.
ACTION ON MINUTES: The reading of the Minutes of a Council Meeting held April 22, 2008 was dispensed with. Mr. Legan moved to accept the Minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Pilla. Ayes all; motion carried.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
Fire Chief's Report: Interim Fire Chief Molnar reported the painting contractor, JTM, Inc., started painting yesterday and should be finished in approximately two weeks.
Police Chief's Report: Chief Cook reported for the month of April the Police Department handled 820 calls for service; responded to 15 motor vehicles accidents, of which 3 involved injuries; responded to 40 residential alarms; and, held 21 prisoners for a total of 200 hours.
Chief Cook also reported a week ago the basement waterproofing was completed. Today they met with RWL Architects regarding jail renovations. Mr. Evans assisted with that. The Fire Department also has an issue with a wall. Chief Cook requested a meeting with the Safety & Service Committee to discuss the jail renovations.
In response to Mr. Mill's inquiry regarding the basement waterproofing, Chief Cook said he believes an excellent job was done.
Service Director's Report: Service Director Evans reported as follows:
§ The street sweeper has completed its first round of the city.
§ Brush collection is still under way. It is a very highly used, popular program. A lot of residents are happy about that program.
§ The Computer Round up program ended on April 30th. Ten full size pallets in five trucks were transferred to the recycling center for the County. That program was very successful.
§ The Household Hazardous Waste Roundup finished on May 3rd. Seven pallets full of paint and chemicals were transported for recycling.
§ Signs: The Service Department has been working on two programs, side by side. One program will be new entrance signs at the gateway to the city as well as new signs on the municipal complex.
§ The other program will be to introduce new street signs throughout the city. Mr. Evans asked Council to discuss both of these programs at a future Committee of the Whole Meeting. A display has been set up outside the Service Department with three different installations with a multitude of signs and brackets and posts. Mr. Evans asked for input from Council Members.
§ Tree planting at the I-271 Interchange. Mr. Evans has been working with Mayfield Village on this and ODOT is doing some tree planting. That project is under way and pretty much close to completion.
§ The Service Department has several items on the agenda this evening.
Building Commissioner's Report: Assistant Building Commissioner Austin thanked Thom Evans and the Service Department for assistance with the high grass and weed control. They had their first case where they had to rely on the service department to cut a lawn on Millridge. He points this out because now it becomes a burden on the service department to lose two men for x-amount of hours depending on the property.
Mr. Austin asked for discussion in a future committee of the Whole on the possibility of seeking bids from landscapers so, if a violation is written and the Service Department is busy, then a landscaper could be used.
Mr. Austin reported a lot of building is going on in the city right now. The Aberdeen Commons Assisted Living facility, 399 Bishop Road is going well. Key Bank is coming into Alpha Drive with a stand alone building on the property owned by Lance Osborne. Swagelok is increasing their hangar facility. The season of high grass and weeds happens at the same time as building. Those are issues that Inspector George Wilson and he are working on, between the inspections of the buildings, issuing citations and following up on those violations.
Council President Mills advised the landscaping can be discussed at the next committee of the whole.
Mayor Coleman recommended proceeding with this and stated, this would provide an alternative if the service department could not do the work. Mayor Coleman also suggested revision to the code so that perhaps the first notice to violators could run perpetually for the season or year.
Law Director Paluf advised he is working on a revision to the ordinance.
City Engineer's Report: City Engineer Blackley reported
§ The Park Lighting Project. Meetings have been held with representatives of CEI on several occasions since the last Council Meeting. The project is under way. The Finance Department has issued a purchase order for that work to be done. It is about $10,000 less than originally planned. They have the materials and it is staked out. Now that they have the purchase order they can start shortly.
§ Park Master Plan Phase I. Martin Enterprises is returning to do their punch list work in the park. They have worked out an agreement with the sign supplier and the signs should be here shortly.
§ The Highland Road Pedestrian Facility. Mr. Blackley has been trading emails with ODOT. He still expects that project to be bid in June.
§ Highland-Bishop Intersection Improvement. The detour plan was the subject of Council's last Committee of the Whole Meeting. Since then Service Director Evans wrote a very effective News Release that has gone out to the public. The road will be kept open to two way traffic at all times. Mr. Blackley met with Tri-Mor at the job yesterday. He also met with Mr. Ley to discuss drainage problems in his yard. Tri Mor will start the project within the next two weeks.
Mr. Hargate asked that City Engineer Blackley join the Mayor and Council in the Executive Session.
In response to Mr. Anderson's inquiry regarding sidewalks for the Colony-Eastlawn Sanitary Relief Sewer Project, Mr. Blackley stated he will have a report for the next Council Meeting.
Finance Director's Report: No report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Park and Recreation Commission: Mr. Anderson reported a meeting is scheduled for this Thursday. He asked Council to schedule discussion in a Committee of the Whole on the proposed pavilion.
Mayfield Area Recreation Council (MARC): Mr. Anderson reported MARC did meet. The final session of Floor Hockey happened on the 3rd. They did reach registration of 41 kids for flag football. Mayfield Schools will be doing quite a few projects during the summer this year such as windows, asphalt, doors, and lighting in all of the schools. The money was allocated before the levy failed. He talked with Recreation Director David Ianiro regarding Millridge will not be available for day camp use in case of rain.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Mr. Pilla reported the following action occurred in a meeting held May 11, 2008:
§ James Vargo, 369 Miner Road, Motion to Grant Variance to Driveway Requirements. A five foot variance was granted because of his driveway.
§ Harry Buffalo Restaurant, 5596 Highland Road (formerly Hackers Pub). Variance to Signage Requirements; Final Sign Approval. A variance of two feet was granted for two letters because the H and the B are much larger than the other letters in the sign. A similar variance was granted to Michael Christopher's. They will have only one sign on the Highland Road frontage. Total square footage of the sign is less than allowed.
§ Terry Allen, 6291 Maypine Farm Boulevard. Request for Conditional Use Permit to Operate a Home Day Care Center. A public hearing was scheduled for May 27th.
§ Knowledge Learning Corporation, 675 Miner Road. Request for Variances to Parking Requirements. A public hearing was scheduled for May 27th.
§ Edward Bencin, 462 Miner Road. Lot Split and Consolidation of P.P.’s 821-26-014 & 821-26-001. This is property between Miner Road and Lynden Drive. A public hearing was scheduled for June 9th.
§ Elaine Hogan, 293 East Edinburgh. After review of the request for a variance to the side yard setback requirements the applicant is to revise the request.
§ Sheri Lipton, 5348 Wilson Mills Road. Request for Variance to Driveway Requirements. A public hearing was scheduled for May 27th.
§ Thomas Ungrady, Jr., 588 Miner Road. Request for Variance to Accessory Building Requirements. The applicant did not appear.
§ Swagelok, 328 Bishop Road. Discussion of Proposed Expansion of Existing Airplane Hangar
§ Highland Electric, 5300 Avion Parkway. Request for Variance to Parking Setback Requirements. A public hearing was scheduled for May 27th. Highland Electric closed a division at a different location and brought forty seven employees to Highland Heights. They have a need for additional parking.
§ Key Bank, The Shoppes at Alpha Place. Review Request for Variances to Lot Requirements; Schedule Public Hearing
Mr. Pilla advised he brought all information from last evening's meeting if anyone wishes to review it. He also advised, because of the Memorial Day Holiday on May 26th and because there were so many items before the Commission, Planning & Zoning scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday, May 27th at 6:30 p.m. before the Council Meeting.
Legislative & Finance Committee: Mr. Lombardo scheduled a meeting for May 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Safety & Service Committee: No report.
Commission on Aging: Mr. Hargate reported a meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 19th at 9:00 a.m.
Drainage Committee: Mrs. Murphy reported a meeting was held this evening at 6:30 p.m. They conducted an on-site visit at 5999 Highland Road, the property of Bud Ley to review proposed drainage and re-grading plans for Mr. Ley's property that will be incorporated as part of the Highland-Bishop Intersection Improvement. Mr. Ley has requested that the city assist him in the cost of resurfacing asphalt for his parking lot and driveway area. Another possibility is to look at buying his land on the corner that the City needs for the easement for the project.
The Drainage Committee returned to City Hall at 7:00 p.m. and continued their meeting. They had a lengthy meeting attempting to address the McCracken- Kristosik drainage swale matter. Mr. Kristosik attended the meeting; they spent a lot of time talking with him and sharing with him the plans. Mr. Blackley is now going to look into another possible option to address a resolution of the drainage project.
Home Days Committee: Mr. Austin reported they have received permission from Giant Eagle to use the former Catalano property for staging the parade. They are working on a liquor license. That should be finalized by the end of the month. They have worked out the fireworks display and are waiting on Zanelli for the final proposal of the cost. It is moving along nicely.
Mayor Coleman inquired about a contact from the ride company. Mr. Austin advised the company, Great Lakes, has committed to providing the rides but has not signed the contract as yet.
Law Director's Report: No report. He will meet with Council in the Executive Session this evening.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Coleman reported on five items:
§ Mayor Coleman asked Council to consider legislation to hire a part time inspector for the Building Department to take care of yard maintenance and commercial vehicles violations. $15,000 was appropriated for this position; however, legislation is needed to authorize pay for this position. Council was asked to discuss this in the Committee of the Whole and to consider legislation in a Special Meeting.
§ Issue I (formerly Issue II) Funding. Mayor Coleman suggested applying for money for projects that they have discussed over the past several years.
§ The church property; A very comprehensive report has been received from the consultant. A dollar figure was provided of what in their opinion it would take tot totally refurbish the structure and they also gave a figure on what it would cost to build a structure of that same size. Chief Cook has been working with someone in the Police facility and they have offered to do a walk thru of the building. This would give an opportunity for a second opinion. After that he would like Council to review the report and come up with suggestions.
§ Last Thursday and Friday Mayor Coleman was in Washington for the 13th Congressional District Elected Officials Meeting. One of the most important things that happened he had an opportunity to sit down with a congressman and learned that the Federal Transportation Budget is up for review next year. It is a six year budget and it has to do with all the money that the Feds put into infrastructure across the county. This is where the City received the money for the pedestrian path. The Congressman is willing to talk with Council about any project the City might want Federal assistance for.
§ Regarding the park and a proposed pavilion, Mayor Coleman advised he was going to ask Park Director Dave Ianiro to give a pre-season report of the programs
Council President Mills scheduled discussion on the church property for the Committee of the Whole Meeting to be held on June 3rd.
Mr. Hargate asked if Council can discuss the proposed pay ordinance in the Executive Session. Law Director Paluf said yes.
Council President's Report: Council President Mills reported he attended the Senior Health Fair at the Community Center last Friday. He stated the fair was a huge success and he commended Mary Velotta for putting the health fair together.
ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA: No items were added.
MEETING OPENED TO THE PUBLIC:
Mr. Anthony Vocaire, 5340 Wilson Mills Road, complained about the property on the corner of Bishop and Wilson Mills. He stated it is an eyesore and asked what is going to be done about that property. He stated Giant Eagle owns the lot across the street; they cut the grass and it looks beautiful. He suggested paving or putting more gravel down.
Council President Mills advised the city is looking into it
Mrs. Bonnie Ungrady, 588 Miner Road, asked about a variance she applied for.
Council President Mills referred Mrs. Ungrady to the Planning & Zoning Commission and suggested she contact the Building Department for their schedule.
NEW BUSINESS:
MOTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH DJL MATERIAL & SUPPLY: A motion was made by Mr. Hargate authorizing a contract with DJL Material & Supply in the amount of $12,000 to furnish equipment and materials for the City's 2008 Crack Sealing Program; seconded by Mr. Anderson. Ayes all; motion carried.
MOTION AUTHORIZING CITY ENGINEER TO RPEPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATINS FOR THE 2008 STREET STRIPING PROJECT: A motion was made by Mr. Lombardo authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for the 2008 Street Striping Project and authorizing the Clerk to advertise for bids; seconded by Mr. Pilla. Ayes all; motion carried.
MOTION AUTHORIZING CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2008 STREET REPAIR PROGRAM: A motion was made by Mr. Pilla authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for the 2008 Street Repair Program and authorizing the Clerk to advertise for bids; seconded by Mr. Anderson. Ayes all; motion carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 24-2008: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 24-2008 which description is "A Resolution accepting an easement from Terry L. Scott, for constructing, reconstructing, maintaining, operating, repairing and using a storm sewer and declaring an emergency." City Engineer Blackley recommended approval this evening. Mr. Pilla moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Anderson. Ayes all; motion carried. Mr. Anderson moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
FIRST READING PROPOSED RESOLUTION 25-2008: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 25-2008 which description is: "A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Bobcat of Cleveland for the purchase of a Bobcat 5600 Turbo Toolcat, in an amount not to exceed $47,177.00 pursuant to the Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Act, and declaring an emergency." Council President Mills referred Proposed Resolution 25-2008 to the L&F Committee for review. Mr. Evans requested discussion also in the Committee of the Whole next week.
FIRST READING PROPOSED ORDINANCE 9-2008: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 9-2008 which description is: "An Ordinance amending Ordinance 1-2008 establishing compensation for certain employees of the City of Highland Heights, Ohio, commencing January 1, 2007, repealing all ordinances inconsistent therewith and declaring an emergency." Council President Mills referred Proposed Ordinance 9-2008 to the L&F Committee for review.
AGENDA FOR COMMITTEE OF WHOLE 5/20/08: Mr. Mills announced the following items for discussion in the Committee of the Whole:
1. Signs
2. Landscapers for building and service dept.
3. Park Pavilion
4. Part Time Inspector for Building Department
5. Issue I money
6. Recreation Director Pre Season Update
7. Proposed Resolution 25-2008 purchase of a bobcat
MOTION TO ADJOURN INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Mr. Anderson to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss imminent litigation and personnel matters 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. Pilla. Roll call on the motion: Ayes all; motion carried. Council adjourned at 8:40 p.m. and reconvened at 10:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Mr. Pilla and seconded by Mr. Lombardo to adjourn the meeting. Said meeting adjourned at 10:01 p.m.
Clerk of Council
President of Council