CITY OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS

MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING

HELD: DECEMBER 9, 2008

President of Council Mills presiding.

PRESENT:      Mayor Coleman; Councilmen Anderson, Hargate, Legan, Lombardo, Mills, Murphy, Pilla; Clerk of Council Buchak; Fire Chief Turner; Police Chief Cook; Service Director Evans; City Engineer Blackley; Finance Director Ianiro; Law Director Paluf.

ACTION ON MINUTES:   The reading of the Minutes of a Council Meeting held November 25th was dispensed with.  Mr. Pilla moved to accept the Minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Anderson.  Ayes all; motion carried.

DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:

Fire Chief's Report:  Fire Chief Turner reported he met with the Safety & Service Committee this evening regarding a grant they received from the Federal Government for an air compressor.  Hopefully in the beginning of the year they can make that purchase.

Police Chief's Report:  Police Chief Cook reported as follows:

· The purchase or lease of the police and fire recording equipment was discussed with the Safety & Service Committee this evening.

· During the month of November, the Police Department handled 826 calls for service, 40 residential alarms and 12 motor vehicle accidents, 7 of them involving injuries. Thirty-two prisoners were held for approximately 710 hours.

· Sergeant Francis Kingzett attended the Police Executive Leadership College in Columbus and graduated with honors. 

In response to Mr. Mills' inquiry regarding a traffic light at the left entrance to the high school, Chief Cook advised that has been researched in conjunction with Mayfield Village.  He will review the report before commenting. 

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

· The leaf collection program is essentially complete.  This was one of the worst seasons.  Overtime is high; equipment breakdowns were high; it was a tough season.  Mr. Evans thanked the residents for being patient because some had to wait more than three weeks for their leaves to be collected.  Most were very understanding and they appreciate that.  Mr. Evans thanked Mayfield Village for lending equipment this week so they could finish the program. 

· Regarding the solid waste contract, Mr. Evans met with the Safety & Service Committee this evening for an update on that.  Last week the Mayfield Village Service Director and he met with Pat Holland, Executive Director of the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District and his staff.  They provided really good comments and feedback about the solid waste contract that is coming up. 

· The Service Yard Landscaping Project.  The trees and shrubs are planted.  There is some damage on the site from the contractor's crane.  They have repaired the fence.  That contract is essentially complete; there maybe touch up in the spring.

· Item No. 3 on the agenda is accepting an easement on Wilson Mills Road.  This is the first home in Highland Heights coming from Richmond Heights on Wilson Mills.  The purpose of this easement is to put the Highland Heights gateway sign in the front yard of the home there.  The new signs are too wide for the tree lawn.  The residents were kind enough to give the City an easement. 

Mrs. Murphy asked if the leaf collection was officially over.  Mr. Evans stated if they have the ability to respond they would; however, he recommended that residents bag the leaves from this point forward. 

In response to Mr. Mills' inquiry regarding the salt supply, Mr. Evans stated they have salt right now but they are trying to hoard it as much as possible because he thought purchasing it in the later months of the winter will be next to impossible.  Mr. Evans further advised all the salt in the eastern United States was depleted at the end of last winter and there were serious storms at the end of March.  He also advised that even though the price of salt went up -- it was $32 last year and it is near $40 this year -- the bid that the City has with ODOT is the lowest bid in the State of Ohio. 

Building Commissioner's Report:  No report.

City Engineer's Report:  City Engineer Blackley reported he distributed a copy of the preliminary ranking of the DOPWIC Committee's results of the request for Issue I Funding.  The Miner Road project just missed the cut off line; the final selection will take place on Thursday.  If a project dropped out then Highland Heights may be able to move up.  Mr. Blackley will report back to Council on the final results.  Also, if more money is put into this process, perhaps this project will be funded.

Mr. Blackley also reported that the mast arms are up for the traffic signals at the intersection of Highland and Bishop.  TraffTech, the company doing the work, is a subcontractor for TriMor. 

Finance Director's Report:  Finance Director Ianiro reported on agenda items that pertain to the Finance Department:

· Items 5 and 6 are transfer ordinances.  Item No. 5 is the mandatory transfer of $50,000 from the Park and Recreation Fund.  Item No. 6 is the quarterly transfers to the police and fire pension fund. 

· Item No. 7 is the year end appropriation ordinance that cleans up this year's appropriations.  The changes to the general fund are less than $40,000. 

· On the agenda for second reading is an ordinance requesting the County Auditor to advance taxes

· Also receiving second reading is the temporary budget for the first three months of 2009.

In response to Mr. Mills' inquiry regarding the health care contract, Mr. Ianiro reported there was a delay in getting applications in.  They are going to United Health Care.  He will keep Council apprised

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Park and Recreation Commission:   No report.

Mayfield Area Recreation Council (MARC):  Mr. Anderson reported the fall programs have one week left and then they will be closed for the year.  Basketball practices have started; the girls have 18 participants and the boys have 20.  They did well with the basketball program.  Mr. Anderson passed a Parks and Recreation brochure around for Council members to review.

Planning and Zoning Commission:  Mr. Pilla reported their meeting of December 8th was a very quick meeting.  The only item on the agenda was to reappoint Sue Olson as their Recording Clerk.   

Legislative & Finance Committee:   No report.

Safety & Service Committee:  Mr. Hargate reported in a meeting held this evening with several department heads they discussed the following:

· With the Service Director they discussed the Community Center repairs.  The recommendation of CT Consultants as discussed in the Committee of the Whole Meeting was to hire the Westropp Building Company; their base bid is $26,900. 

· They then discussed with Chief Cook the safety forces recording system that Council authorized at the last meeting and how to pay for it in 2009. 

· They discussed with the Fire Chief several grants.  One is the FEMA Grant that the Chief has received for the air compressor.  Bid specifications will be discussed early in 2009.  They also discussed a grant to cover the cost of a new radio system.  They will discuss that further in 2009. 

· Finally they discussed with the Service Director the refuse contract specifications.

Commission on Aging:  No report.

Drainage Committee:  No report.

Law Director's Report:   Law Director Paluf referred to Agenda Item No. 2 and requested that be passed this evening because the 5% generation discount is going to end on December 31st so they want to this to go to the Public Utilities Commission as soon as possible.

MAYOR'S REPORT:  Mayor Coleman reported this past week he met with Mayor Welo of South Euclid and Mayor Cicero of Lyndhurst, the Executive Council of the Tri City Consortium on Aging Council of Governments.  One item they discussed was the 2009 budget.  He was pleased to report that the City's share will be about $4,000 less than it was this year.  That is the first time in his tenure of City government that they have ever had a decrease. 

Mayor Coleman reported he was going to ask that some appointments be made this evening but he met with Mr. Mills who advised they would likely have a council meeting before the end of the year.  Mayor Coleman will submit to Council his committee appointments in the packet this weekend.  In the event they don't have a meeting, he would like to make one appointment this evening and that is to reappoint Bill Urban to the Planning & Zoning Commission because P&Z will meet before the first meeting in January.  Charles Kerr a member of the BB&ZA is also on the Tax Review Board and didn't think it appropriate that he serve on two committees.  There are two openings for the Tax Review Board because Mr. Carsey would no longer like to serve on that committee and there is an opportunity for someone to serve on the Board of Ethics.  Mayor Coleman advised he welcomed suggestions to fill the appointments.

Finally, Mayor Coleman reported he had the opportunity this past Monday to attend the Mayfield Football Banquet.  In his official capacity he issued a proclamation to a resident, Cody Hayes, a graduating senior from Mayfield who as Defensive Captain with the Mayfield Wildcats Varsity Football Team was chosen to 1st Team All State, Northeast Ohio Conference and District Defensive Player of the Year.  Also he won the 2008 Grid Iron Hero award which is an on-line voting award from the Plain Dealer for all players in Northeastern Ohio. 

Mr. Mills asked for an update on Wal-Mart.  Mayor Coleman stated the information that he knows is what probably everyone else knows.  Under the store finder, put in the city's zip code and it says Highland Heights -- store opening soon.  Several messages were left with their government relations people and executive staff and no reply has been received.  He talked with some of the area managers but they knew nothing about it.  Wal-Mart has not approached the City.  Mayor Coleman said the location was given as the NW corner of Alpha and Wilson Mills which he suspects is where Dicks and Kohl's are but he did not know for a fact because he has not spoken with them. 

Mr. Mills inquired about Home Days for next year; Mayor Coleman suggested putting that subject on the agenda after the first of the year. 

ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA:

Mayor's Appointment:  Planning & Zoning Commission.  William Urban

A motion was made by Mr. Pilla to add the above item to the agenda; seconded by Mr. Anderson.  Ayes all; motion carried.

MEETING OPENED TO THE PUBLIC:

Mr. Kerry Klotzman, President of Alpha Park Incorporated, located on Alpha Drive, stated he just celebrated 30 years with the company, total 41 years with part time.  He feels that Alpha Park has been part of the success that Highland Heights has enjoyed over time.  His purpose is to foster cooperation with the City and to find ways to enhance business development and growth so they can strengthen the economic base of the City.  Mr. Klotzman stated the first thing is to determine the point person that he would deal with in order to communicate the needs of the business community.  He stated they need to examine what revisions or upgrades to zoning might be needed to accommodate businesses that didn't exist ten, five or even two years ago.  Mr. Klotzman stated Alpha Park has approximately 130 businesses spanning every imaginable type of industry that is allowable under the zoning code.  He stated they need updated guidelines to streamline the process of bringing in cutting edge businesses and advised that businesses don't want to work with delays and complexities.  Mr. Klotzman stated if he can help them do their job, they can help him do his.  He thanked them for their consideration.  

NEW BUSINESS:

MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT. Planning & Zoning Commission.  William Urban.

A motion was made by Mr. Pilla to confirm the re-appointment of William Urban to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a four year term, expiring 12/31/2012; seconded by Mr. Anderson.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 61-2008:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 61-2008 which description is:  "A Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Westropp Building Co., Inc. to complete the immediate structural repair of the Community Center in an amount not to exceed Twenty Six Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($26,900.00), and declaring a true emergency pursuant to Article IX of the Charter".  Mr. Anderson moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Lombardo.  Mr. Hargate moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Lombardo.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 62-2008:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 62-2008 which description is:  "A Resolution urging the PUCO to order FirstEnergy to continue and/or extend the NOPEC Generation Discount and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Hargate moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mrs. Murphy.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Lombardo moved to adopt; seconded by Mrs. Murphy.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 63-2008:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 63-2008 which description is:  "A Resolution accepting an easement from Danielle Dolan, to construct, reconstruct, maintain and use a city identification sign and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Pilla moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Anderson.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Legan moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 64-2008:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 64-2008 which description is:  "A Resolution urging the State Legislature to enact a Silver Alert Program and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Anderson moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Aye all; motion carried.  Mr. Hargate moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE 25-2008:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 25-2008 which description is:  "An Ordinance authorizing transfers and declaring an emergency." (Park & Recreation Fund; Capital Improvement Fund).  Mr. Anderson moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Pilla moved to enact; seconded by Mr. Anderson.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE 26-2008:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 26-2008 which description is:  "An Ordinance authorizing transfers and declaring an emergency." (Police and Fire Pension Fund).  Mr. Hargate moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mrs. Murphy.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Hargate moved to enact; seconded by Mr. Lombardo.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE 27-2008:  Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 27-2008 which description is:  "An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 5-2008 so as to change the appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Highland Heights, Ohio, for the period commencing January 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008, repealing all ordinances inconsistent herewith, and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Anderson moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Hargate moved to enact; seconded by Mr. Lombardo.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 60-2008:  Council listened to the Second Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 60-2008 which description is:  "A Resolution requesting the Cuyahoga County Auditor to advance taxes from the proceeds of tax levies and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Anderson moved to suspend the Third Reading; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Aye all; motion carried.  Mr. Lombardo moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Pilla.  Ayes all; motion carried.

ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE 24-2008:  Council listened to the Second Reading of Proposed Ordinance 24-2008 which description is:  "An Ordinance appropriating funds for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Highland Heights, Ohio, for the period commencing January 1, 2009 and ending March 31, 2009, and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Anderson moved to suspend the Third Reading; seconded by Mr. Lombardo.  Ayes all; motion carried.  Mr. Hargate moved to enact; seconded by Mrs. Murphy.  Ayes all; motion carried.

MEETINGS:  No further meetings are scheduled for this year. If information is received regarding the health care contract, a meeting will be scheduled. 

ADJOURNMENT:   A motion was made by Mr. Anderson and seconded by Mr. Legan to adjourn the meeting.  Said meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Clerk of Council

President of Council