CITY OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING
HELD: JANUARY 12, 2010
President of Council Mills presiding.
PRESENT: Mayor Coleman; Councilmen Hargate, Legan, Lombardo, Mastrangelo, Mills, Murphy, Stickan; Clerk of Council Buchak; Fire Chief Turner; Police Chief Cook; Service Director Evans; Assistant City Engineer Mader; Finance Director Ianiro; Law Director Paluf.
ACTION ON MINUTES: The reading of the Minutes of a Council Meeting held December 8, 2009 was dispensed with. Mr. Legan moved to accept the Minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; abstain Mastrangelo; motion carried.
The reading of the Minutes of a Special Meeting held December 15, 2009 was dispensed with. Mr. Legan moved to accept the Minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Hargate. Ayes all; abstain Mastrangelo; motion carried.
The reading of the Minutes of a Special Meeting held January 5, 2010 was dispensed with. Mayor Coleman asked that he be permitted to review the tape of the meeting before approval of the minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting held January 5, 2010 was continued to the next meeting.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
Fire Chief's Report: Chief Turner reported:
· As the Police Chief reported back in December, an H1N1 Clinic was held December 13th at the Mayfield High School. Just over 2400 inoculations were given during the three and a half hour clinic. Everyone he spoke with had a good experience and over all it was a great success. Chief Turner thanked members of the Police Department and the Community Center for their participation in this event.
· Code Red our emergency notification system is doing a validation of the data base in our city basically to find out what are good numbers. They will be sending a pre-recorded message. Residents in that data base should receive a phone call and may receive more than one call in the process. Once that validation is complete a report will be received and the system will be updated.
In response to Mr. Mills’ inquiry regarding a glitch when a message was sent out over the holidays, Chief Turner advised there was a problem with a router and they have corrected that problem.
Police Chief's Report: Chief Cook reported:
· For the month of December the police responded to 843 calls for service and 78 residential alarms. They handled 14 motor vehicle accidents with 2 people being transported to the hospital. In the jail facility they held 20 prisoners for approximately 230 hours.
· For the Year of 2009, they responded to approximately 10,400 calls for service and responded to 662 residential alarms. They handled 145 motor vehicle accidents with 36 people injured and transported to the hospital. In the jail facility they held in excess of 200 prisoners for about 3500 hours.
· Chief Cook reported that he and Chief Turner worked together this week looking at the five year projection for some needed improvements for the safety forces. They forwarded that to Mayor Coleman this week.
In response to Mrs. Murphy’s inquiry regarding placement of deer crossing signs, Chief Cook reported that Lieutenant Visoky contacted the sign manufacturer and should be receiving prices for the signs. Then he will meet with the Service Director to maybe identify some locations.
Service Director's Report: Service Director Evans reported on snow storm activities: They had a terrific December but were less than 2 hours into the New Year before they began battling a storm that lasted pretty close to 12 days. There were a couple periods where they had a 5 or 6 hour break in the weather; other than that they were here from Sunday morning until Friday evening. Crews and equipment both held up pretty well. They did have some breakdowns with their equipment but nothing that they couldn’t manage. Salt usage and overage was significantly up. Salt deliveries are quite slow these days but they are starting to get more salt rolling in. Mr. Evans thanked the Mayor and Council for the salt dome they built before last winter and advised it has been a great benefit for them to have that added capacity. They have received a lot of good complements. Mr. Evans also stated he appreciated the residents’ patience with them during the storm. He thought over all the storm activities went well.
Mr. Evans further reported last week he sent a memo to the Mayor and Council looking at preliminary design for the replacement of the Highland Road Water Main. Mr. Evans asked that be set for discussion in the Committee of the Whole or a subcommittee so they can began discussion as soon as possible.
Council President Mills asked for more information as to what the study will include so they can keep an eye on the costs. Assistant City Engineer Mader advised the study is to determine the exact location and to come up with a cost of that new water main. Mr. Mills requested that information be outlined in a memo to Council.
In response to Mr. Mills’ inquiry regarding usage of salt, Service Director Evans reported the salt dome holds between 2700 and 3000 tons depending on how it is loaded. They probably expended about 1500 to 1700 tons of salt. They had about 1000 tons on hand today and they did get some deliveries late today. In a typical winter they will expend approximately 4200 tons of salt. Last year it was 3300 which was fortunate they bought more to fill the dome. The previous year 07-08 was up to 5800 tons. It does fluctuate quite a bit. I believe over the last 7 years it has averaged out to about 4200. Mr. Evans suggested that budget wise they are OK so far.
Mr. Mills advised he received emails and text messages about expanding the sidewalk snow removal program into the neighborhoods. This will be discussed in a committee of the whole meeting.
Mayor Coleman commented that plowing the sidewalks is a double edge sword. They get emails about wanting to expand the program and if they expand it they get emails from people upset because they then have to plow out their driveway.
Miss Stickan reported she had a specific inquiry as to Rose Boulevard and the residents were wondering if the program could be expanded to their street. She requested information on how streets were chosen.
Service Director Evans agreed with the Mayor on the streets they do plow and advised they get more calls from people that are unhappy with the service because as they come through they dump snow on either side of the sidewalk crossing the driveway. More people prefer they not plow their sidewalks than do. Mr. Evans added that of the streets that are done, approximately 15% of the sidewalks are focused on the streets where walkers walk to the two schools, St. Paschal’s and Millridge. This year, at the Mayor’s request, they added Highland Road. Mr. Evans advised he can provide a map of the streets they plow; he also advised the map was included in the Service Department Year End Report. He suggested further discussion in a committee of the whole meeting.
Mayor Coleman asked Service Director Evans to provide a memo regarding the policy on sidewalk plowing and to provide any recommendations he might have.
Building Commissioner's Report: No report.
City Engineer's Report: Assistant City Engineer Mader reported he received a final invoice for the 2009 Street Resurfacing and Concrete Repair Program. The final cost submitted by the contractor is actually under the original bid amount and that includes the portion of Esther Road that was replaced. A change order will not be required.
Finance Director's Report: Finance Director Ianiro reported:
· An invoice has been received from the Tri-City Consortium on Aging in the amount of $89,000. They are requesting payment of one-half of the annual amount and are holding the line at the 2009 commitment level.
· The year end financial reports will be out this weekend. Some finishing touches are being put on them. They are beginning to put together the 2010 budget.
In response to Mayor Coleman’s inquiry, Finance Director Ianiro reported they received $477,000 for the Highland Road Pathway Project, completing that project.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Park and Recreation Commission: No report.
Mayfield Area Recreation Council (MARC): No report.
Planning and Zoning Commission: No report.
Legislative & Finance Committee: No report.
Safety & Service Committee: No report.
Commission on Aging: No report.
Drainage Committee: No report.
Law Director's Report: Law Director reported he has been working with Building Inspector Wilson on a number of issues, such as a neighbor encroachment issue, a couple of like and similar issues at Alpha Park and a number of other issues. Also they were looking at a builder that is requesting a return of a deposit in Aberdeen with respect to a bankruptcy that has been filed.
In response to Mr. Lombardo’s inquiry regarding a liquor permit that was denied for a Hibachi restaurant at 783 Alpha Drive, Law Director Paluf reported they do not have a lease in place and that was the issue when they went to a hearing.
Council President Mills noted that Council received notice of a transfer of liquor permit for Biagio’s 5557 Wilson Mills Road and advised if there are no objections, the Clerk will return the notice so indicated. There were no objections from Council members.
Mrs. Murphy asked Law Director Paluf to look at the Building Department Ordinance, Chapter 129 for the Building Commissioner and Building Inspector, to see if that section should be updated. Mr. Paluf suggested discussion in an L&F Committee Meeting.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Coleman reported with regard to his appointments of three members of his administration:
For Prosecutor Dan Taylor: Mayor Coleman stated he has known Dan since 1996, Dan’s first year on Council. He thanked Mayor Hogg for appointing Dan to be City Prosecutor because he has done an outstanding job since then and Chief Cook, Law Director Paluf, the detectives and other officers on the force are happy with the work he does. Also Judge Mary Kaye Bozza has commented on his work, on how prepared and fair he is, and that he is an outstanding representative for the City of Highland Heights. So he asked Council to look favorably on that appointment.
Law Director Paluf. Mayor Coleman thanked former Mayor Virginia Swanson (present this evening) for appointing Mr. Paluf back in 1993. He advised Mr. Paluf has served under three administrations; has successfully argued before several court of appeals trials; has provided successful briefs to the Ohio Supreme Court and has represented every one of you in one matter or another. Mayor Coleman stated the way that Mr. Paluf represents the City is beyond compare and he is very proud to have him as Law Director. Hopefully Council will act favorably on that appointment.
Recreation Director David Ianiro. Mayor Coleman stated he met Dave during his first term on Council. Despite going to the same grade school, he never met Dave before and actually met him in a restaurant with a group of residents. Dave was also appointed by former Mayor Swanson. He headed the baseball program. Dave improved the program that they had in place that Deborah Ward (again appointed by Mayor Swanson) had started. Deborah Ward had turned the baseball program into something that went from lackluster to something that people were excited about. When Dave was appointed to that position, he brought it to a new level. Mayor Coleman stated Dave is one of the finest people he knows on this earth. When it was time to pick a Recreation Director in December of 2003 he approached Dave because they wanted the program enhanced with enthusiasm and excitement and to bring the people back to the park. Mayor Coleman stated he has thankfully had Dave as his Park & Recreation Director since 2004 and he hoped Council will look favorably on this appointment.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Council President Mills reported the 2010 Groundhog Day Forecast Breakfast is being held on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. Deadline to sign up is January 26th. He invited all Council members to attend and stated, hopefully the Groundhog will see his shadow and that will mean that much less of winter and snow.
ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA: No items were added.
MEETING OPENED TO THE PUBLIC:
The following individuals addressed Council in support of the reappointment of David Ianiro as Recreation Director:
Charles L. Kerr, III. 863 Millridge Road.
Carey Spear, 6253 Coldstream Road.
Anthony Valentino, 723 Sturbridge Drive, Chairman Park & Recreation Commission and Commission member for ten years. He suggested Council listen to the people here tonight, the explanation of the last events in terms of the budget and consider everything that was said. Mr. Valentino stated David Ianiro has been the lead in their efforts to make their programs better.
Dante Citraro, 935 Colony Drive.
Ted Wetzel, 6180 Hemingway Road, Mayfield Village,
Tim Wetzel, 6180 Hemingway, Mayfield Village.
Ray Caporale, 407 Lynden Drive.
Jay Kenosh, 5912 Blakley Drive.
Chris Biro, 29465 White Road, Willoughby Hills, OH, Councilman, City of Willoughby Hills.
Anthony Vocaire, Jr. 5340 Wilson Mills Road,
Therese Rogante, 592 Clinton Lane,
Jane Lawless, 5512 Turnberry, member Park & Recreation Commission.
Michael Hirsch, 446 West Glengary.
David Ianiro, 736 Franklin Boulevard, thanked everybody here on behalf of himself and his family.
Mr. Thomas A. Hughes, 957 Millridge Road, addressed the appointment of David Ianiro as the Recreation Director and noted he has not heard one negative word. He suggested there was miss-communications between the Recreation Director, Recreation Commission and perhaps Finance Director. Mr. Hughes asked council members to speak into their microphones so they can be heard. Mr. Hughes also commended Council for the purchase of the property out front, and commented that they should not spend $750,000 to renovate the building but rather that they tear the building down and increase parking for the Community Center. He suggested that a beautiful gazebo be built to enhance the entrance to the Municipal Complex.
Council President Mills commented that he has known David Ianiro through the many Halloween, Christmas and Easter parties that he has put on in the Community Center and for which he has done a fabulous job. Mr. Mills thanked everyone for coming and added that he didn’t think anyone sitting at this table or in the audience questioned the integrity of David Ianiro. Mr. Mills stated that he thought the only challenge that they ran into was communications and he thought that was fixed tonight.
NEW BUSINESS:
COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES: Council President Mills announced the following appointments:
Legislative & Finance Committee: Council Representatives Lombardo, Murphy, Stickan.
Safety & Service Committee: Council Representatives Hargate, Legan, Mastrangelo.
Drainage Committee: Council Representatives Legan, Lombardo, Murphy.
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: Council President Mills announced the following appointments.
Park & Recreation Commission: Councilwoman Murphy
It was moved by Miss Stickan to confirm the appointment of Cathy Murphy to the Park & Recreation Commission; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
Planning & Zoning Commission: Councilman Mastrangelo
It was moved by Mr. Lombardo to confirm the appointment of Robert J. Mastrangelo to the Planning and Zoning Commission; seconded by Miss Stickan. Ayes all; motion carried.
Mayfield Area Recreation Council (MARC): Councilwoman Stickan.
Commission on Aging: Councilman Mills
Home Days: Councilwoman Stickan
Mayfield Union Cemetery: Councilman Legan
Economic Development Committee Council President Mills
Hillcrest Council of Councils: Councilman Hargate.
Volunteer Firefighter Dependency Board. Councilmen Hargate and Legan
It was moved by Mr. Legan to confirm the above appointments; seconded by Miss Stickan. Ayes all; motion carried.
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS – ADMINISTRATION
Recreation Director David Ianiro, first appointed in 2004
Law Director Timothy G. Paluf, first appointed in 1993
Prosecutor Daniel W. Taylor, first appointed in 1996
Recreation Director: David Ianiro
Mr. Hargate moved to confirm the above appointments; seconded by Mr. Legan. Ayes all; motion carried.
Law Director: Timothy G. Paluf
Mr. Legan moved to confirm the above appointment; seconded by Miss Stickan. Ayes all; motion carried.
Prosecutor: Daniel W. Taylor
Mrs. Murphy moved to confirm the above appointment; seconded by Mr. Hargate. Ayes all; motion carried.
MAYOR'S RE-APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Mayor Coleman announced the following reappointments:
Architectural Review Board: Jim Wallis
Reappointment 2 year term expiring 12/31/2011
Ray Febo
Reappointment 2 year term expiring 12/31/2011
Mr. Legan moved to confirm the above appointments; seconded by Miss Stickan. Ayes all; motion carried.
Architectural Review Board Plan Examiner: William C. Nadeau
Reappointment 1 year term expiring 12/31/2010
Mr. Hargate moved to confirm the above appointment; seconded by Miss Stickan. Ayes all; motion carried.
Landscape Architect: Doug Nemeckay
Reappointment 1 year term expiring 12/31/2010
Mrs. Murphy moved to confirm the above appointment; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
Board of Building & Zoning Appeals: David Corrado
Reappointment 5 year term expiring 12/31/2014
Pam Hicks
Reappointment 5 year term expiring 12/31/2014
Miss Stickan confirmed the above appointments; seconded by Mrs. Murphy. Ayes all; motion carried.
Commission on Aging: Emil Lucarelli
Reappointment 2 year term expiring 12/31/2011
Mary Jane Kogan
Reappointment 2 year term expiring 12/31/2011
Rosemary Shannon
Reappointment 2 year term expiring 12/31/2011
Mr. Hargate moved to confirm the above appointments; seconded by Mrs. Murphy. Ayes all; motion carried.
Mayfield Area Recreation Council: Kathleen Sbrocco
Reappointment 1 year term expiring 12/31/2010
Mayfield Area Recreation Council Alternate: Andy McCartney.
Reappointment 1 year term expiring 12/31/2010
Mr. Hargate moved to confirm the above appointments; seconded by Miss Stickan. Ayes all; motion carried.
Park & Recreation Commission: Betty Kryszan
Reappointment 2 year term expiring 12/31/2011
Park & Recreation Commission: Jane Lawless
Reappointment 2 year term expiring 12/31/2011
Park & Recreation Commission: Rocco Dolciato 2 year term expiring 12/31/2011
Reappointment
Mr. Legan moved to confirm the above appointments; seconded by Mrs. Murphy. Ayes all; motion carried.
Planning & Zoning Commission: Sam Knezevic
Reappointment 4 year term expiring 12/31/2013
Mr. Lombardo moved to confirm the above appointment; seconded by Mr. Hargate. Ayes all; motion carried.
Records Commission: Annie Lott
Reappointment 2 year term expiring 12/31/2011
Records Commission: Angeline Carsey
Reappointment 2 year term expiring 12/31/2011
Mrs. Murphy moved to confirm the above appointments; seconded by Miss Stickan. Ayes all; motion carried.
Tax Incentive Review Board & CRA Council:
Tom Rudibaugh
Reappointment 3 year term expiring 12/31/2012
Mr. Legan moved to confirm the above appointment; seconded by Mrs. Murphy. Ayes all; motion carried.
Tax Review Board: Tom Rudibaugh
Reappointment 1 year expiring 12/31/2010
Charles Kerr
Reappointment 1 year expiring 12/31/2010
Mrs. Murphy moved to confirm the above appointment; seconded by Miss Stickan. Ayes all; motion carried.
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT: Mayor Coleman announced the following appointment:
Planning & Zoning Commission: Ann D’Amico Unexpired term of Bob Mastrangelo
Expiring 12/31/2011
Mr. Hargate moved to confirm the appointment of Ann D’Amico to fill the unexpired term of Robert J. Mastrangelo, expiring 12/31/2011; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
MOTION TO ADJOURN INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Mr. Lombardo 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 Mrs. Murphy. Roll call on the motion: Ayes all; motion carried. Council adjourned at 9:17 p.m. and reconvened at 9:45 p.m.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR 1/19/2010:
7:00 PM Legislative & Finance
7:15 PM Drainage Committee
7:20 PM Safety & Service Committee
7:30 PM Committee of the Whole
ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Mr. Lombardo and seconded by Miss Stickan to adjourn the meeting. Said meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
Clerk of Council
President of Council