CITY OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING
HELD: FEBRUARY 9, 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 January 26, 2010 was dispensed with. Mr. Legan moved to accept the Minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
The reading of the Minutes of a Special Meeting held February 2, 2010 was dispensed with. Mrs. Murphy moved to accept the Minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Mastrangelo. Ayes all; motion carried.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
Fire Chief's Report: Chief Turner reported:
· During January the Fire Department responded to a total of 118 calls,
· They assisted in delivery of a baby boy two weeks ago,
· The department responded to a residential fire on Turnberry. Thanks to the alarm system in the house and quick action the fire was contained to the origin.
· Beginning January 1st of this year, they began using the new EMS reporting software. It is an interface software system that is complying with state regulations. This system has been very well received and was provided free by Hillcrest Hospital.
· Chief Turner recommended approval this evening of Agenda Item No. 2. This is payment to Cleveland Water for the use of the fire hydrants in the city. It is a normal fee, a little bit higher than last year but typically it is paid in January.
Police Chief's Report: Chief Cook reported:
· For the month of January, the Police Department responded to 813 calls for service. They handled 16 motor vehicle accidents with 6 involving personal injuries. Also they responded to 59 residential alarms. Seventeen prisoners were held in their jail for a total of 610 hours.
· Agenda Item No. 5 can receive first reading this evening because they have not received the contract as yet from the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.
Council President advised a proposed ordinance regulating text messaging on cell phones would be set for discussion in the first committee of the whole in March. Chief Cook suggested Prosecutor Taylor be present for the discussion. Also he advised some drafts of legislation have been forwarded to the Law Director.
Service Director's Report: Service Director Evans reported:
· Council is requested to add a motion to the agenda this evening authorizing the City Engineer to seek informal proposals for repair to the water main at the Municipal Complex.
· The Service Department will be experimenting with a new deicing product manufactured by Cargill the City’s supplier. The product is called, “Clear Lane”, and it has a green dye to recognize the difference in it from regular road salt. Clear lane is a product that is road salt and they add magnesium chloride to it. The project is about 25% more expensive than regular road salt; however the advantages will hopefully outweigh the cost. They are supposed to be able to use 25 to 40% less material on the roads for treating and it will work to minus 10 degrees where road salt generally stops becoming effective between 5 and 10 degrees above. It has a rust inhibitor in it which reduces corrosion by 67%. So they are hoping for a reduction in the use of salt which would reduce the increased cost of the product but also a reduction in exposure to the environment by the salt. Also they are hoping to get more time out of it. Their crews are stretched pretty significantly during heavy storms. They spend a lot of time treating main roads and then working in the neighborhoods and will get partly through a neighborhood and then have to treat the main roads again. The Clear Lane product should last longer and it will also leave a residue on the pavement that can treat the next snow fall. They are going to do some experimenting probably mostly on Wilson Mills where they will treat one side with road salt and the other side with the “Clear Lane” product to find out if it is everything that it is cracked up to be. A lot of communities in northeast Ohio are starting to use it.
Building Commissioner's Report: No report.
City Engineer's Report: Assistant City Engineer Mader reported the EPA Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF) Grants are due this week. One grant is for the front entrance to City Hall and the other grant is to improve the parking area on the east side of City Hall. The grants would be filed as two separate projects. Mr. Mader advised 2 million dollars in grant money is available for all of Cuyahoga County and there is a maximum of $300,000 per grant.
Mayor Coleman and members of Council agreed to submit two applications.
Law Director Paluf recommended a motion be added to the agenda authorizing the City Engineer to apply for the grants.
Finance Director's Report: Finance Director Ianiro reported
· January reconciliations were distributed today. Contact Mr. Ianiro with any questions.
· The County has advised that the Tax Incentive Review Council Meeting is scheduled for March 25th at 11:00 a.m. and the incentives they will review are those regarding Community Reinvestment Areas, Enterprise Zones and Tax Incremental Financing.
In response to Council President Mills’ inquiry Mr. Ianiro advised email addresses have been set up for the Recreation Director, Law Director, Prosecutor and City Engineer. The clerk was asked to provide this information to the webmaster.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Safety & Service Committee: Mr. Legan reported that Safety & Service Committee met last Tuesday February 2nd with Service Director Evans, Fire Chief Turner and Police Chief Cook to discuss capital requests for 2010.
· The Service department is looking for two trucks; one is a 5 ton cab and chassis, to replace a 1994 vehicle. The chassis is currently rotted out and is in very poor condition. The other is a 1 ton cab & chassis truck to replace a 1993 vehicle. The chassis on that is rotted out as well and it also is in very poor condition. They are going to salvage the boxes of both of the trucks to save a little bit of money.
· The Fire Department is requesting a pickup truck, a chace vehicle so they could return people back to work and get them back in the field faster. A gear order for half the department, the gear is currently 10 years old. Last time around they used a grant to get it. A cardiac monitor for the second response car and then a big one is the rescue squad which is currently a 1997. Chief Turner has suggested putting an order in in the fall and having delivery made in the spring so they can help manage the cost a little better.
· The police department is requesting 3 squad cars, some communication equipment, highlighted by a land server, a replacement and upgrade and some mobile data computers.
Mayfield Area Recreation Council (MARC): Miss Stickan reported their first meeting was held on February 5th. They approved the budget from 2009 and the 2010 proposed budget. Also they elected officers and discussed the programs. The floor hockey program has been a great success. They had to close down grades 3 thru 5th because there was so much interest. They are looking to expand the high school program as well. They have a new program a cheer leading program which they had for the first time for 3rd thru 7th grade girls. That has been a hit as well. In general the winter programs do not see the numbers that they saw with the fall programs but they are looking forward to launching spring programs, including a flag football program that they will try to push particularly in Highland Heights. They are close to getting a certain amount of kids to have a league. They need a certain amount of kids to have a league for the flag football program so they are close to that number and want to make sure they can go forward with it. They held a trip to New York in conjunction with Mayfield Village Park & Rec. Department. That was a great success as well. The next meeting is scheduled for March 4th.
Park and Recreation Commission: Mrs. Murphy advised Park & Recreation will meet on Thursday, February 18th.at 7:00 p.m.
Drainage Committee: No report.
Legislative & Finance Committee: Mr. Lombardo reported they met at 6:30 p.m. this evening to review the 2010 budget for the Service Department. They ended up covering the capital budget and the operating budget and they will meet on February 16 at 7:00 p.m. to cover the infrastructure part of the budget. They also discussed the Highland Road Water Line pre-engineering program at $13,000. They did OK to keep that in the budget so they can go ahead and get that work done. Regarding Agenda Item No. 4, is a resolution authorizing James Zupka Inc. to convert the City’s books to generally accepted accounting practices format, in the amount of $13,750. Mr. Lombardo recommended that resolution be approved this evening so they can continue working on those books.
Hillcrest Council of Councils: Mr. Hargate reported the next meeting will be Saturday, February 27th at 9:00 a.m. at Lander Haven Executive Caterers. The program will be the Hillcrest Fire Department’s partnering between the Hillcrest Fire Departments. The speaker is our Fire Chief Bill Turner. Mr. Hargate encouraged everyone to attend that meeting. He advised that meeting is open to all elected and appointed officials.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Mr. Mastrangelo reported at a meeting held February 8, 2010 the following action occurred:
· Kerry M. Klotzman, Suite 31, Alpha Park. Motion to approve operation of a Dog Day Camp and Overnight Camp in a PCM District. A Variance to Performance Standards; Enclosure also received approval. The like and similar use, after much discussion and going through the code and the criteria as to how to evaluate it was passed with a 3 to 2 vote. The variance is to permit outdoor activity in a fenced in area. That was also approved; contingent upon making sure they resolved all issues with the Building Commissioner and Plan Examiner. There was an issue with the Fire Department in terms of access.
· James Zemanek, 781 Kennelwood Drive. Variance to rear yard setback requirements
Application was reviewed and set for public hearing at the next meeting
Commission on Aging: Mr. Mills reported a meeting was held Monday, February 8th.
· The Tax Assistance Program dates of February 4th, 11th 18th and 25th are booked. They are now taking appointments for March and April.
· Eva Hashiguchi and Emil Lucarelli volunteered to be representatives to the Ways and Means Committee of the Tri-City.
· There is a senior safety program for free grab bars, hand rails and transition strips, contact Mary Velotta for more information.
· No program or lunch site on Monday because of President’s Day.
Law Director's Report: Law Director Paluf asked Council to add to the agenda of the Executive Session discussion of personnel matters.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Coleman reported under Agenda Item No. 1, he is pleased to appoint this evening, Mr. Dale Grabfelder for Building Commissioner and hopes that Council acts favorably on that appointment. Everyone has had an opportunity to meet him. Mayor Coleman advised he received several applications for this position and interviewed several candidates. Mr. Grabfelder’s qualifications stand out above the rest. He has been building commissioner for Geauga County the past 18 years and a building inspector in Mayfield Heights and in the City of Lyndhurst. Mr. Grabfelder is a certified building official, certified building inspector and a certified electrical inspector so he has all his credentials. Mayor Coleman further advised Mr. Grabfelder has unique skills in that he has been a part time employee for Chief Cook in our police department which has given him invaluable experience getting to know residents and the business community and he is also certified in CPR. Mayor Coleman asked that Agenda Item No. 6 be approved this evening so Mr. Grabfelder can start tomorrow.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Council President reported
Council Members are asked to communicate with him as soon as possible the subject for their articles for the Newsletter that will be coming out in March.
Mr. Mills reported he attended the Sunshine Law Training Class held at Lakeland Community College that Ms. Buchak and Mrs. Murphy both attended for Council in prior years. He stated he was surprised as to how much information was in that class and encouraged Council members to attend the next time a class is scheduled. Each attendee received a CD of the yellow book on Sunshine Laws which is an easy reference guide. He will share it with anyone who would like to look at it. Mr. Mills stated it was an outstanding class and he will probably take it again because they covered so much in such little time.
ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA:
1. Motion authorizing the City Engineer to seek informal bids for repairs to the water main at the Municipal Complex.
Mr. Lombardo moved to add the above item to the agenda; seconded by Mr. Legan. Ayes all; motion carried.
2. Motion authorizing the City Engineer to apply for two Ohio EPA Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF) Grants for water purification, one for parking lot improvements and the other for the City Hall plaza.
Mr. Lombardo moved to add the above item; seconded by Mrs. Murphy. Ayes all; motion carried.
2. Motion to add to the agenda of the Executive Session, personnel matters and employee compensation.
A motion was made by Mr. Hargate to add the above item to the agenda; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
MEETING OPENED TO THE PUBLIC: No one spoke.
NEW BUSINESS:
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT: Building Commissioner. Dale R. Grabfelder.
A motion was made by Miss Stickan to confirm the appointment of Dale R. Grabfelder as Building Commissioner; seconded by Mr. Hargate. Ayes all; motion carried. Mr. Grabfelder was then sworn in by Mayor Coleman.
MOTION AUTHORIZING CITY ENGINEER TO SEEK INFORMAL PROPOSALS FOR REPAIRS TO WATER MAIN AT MUNICIPAL COMPLEX: A motion was made by Mr. Mastrangelo authorizing the City Engineer to seek informal proposals for repairs to the water main at the Municipal complex, using Alternate 2; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
MOTION AUTHORIZING CITY ENGINEER TO APPLY FOR TWO EPA GRANTS FOR WATER PURIFICATION: A motion was made by Mrs. Murphy authorizing the City Engineer to prepare applications to apply for two Ohio EPA Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF) Grants one for parking lot improvements and the other for the City Hall Plaza for water purification; seconded by Mr. Mastrangelo. Ayes all; motion carried.
MOTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO THE CITY OF CLEVELAND DIVISION OF WATER: A motion was made by Mrs. Murphy authorizing payment to the City of Cleveland Division of Water in the amount of $18,294.58, which is an annual charge for water based on the number of hydrants; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
MOTION AUTHORIZING CITY ENGINER TO PREPARE HIGHLAND ROAD WATER LINE REPLACEMENT STUDY: A motion was made by Mr. Hargate authorizing the City Engineer to prepare a Highland Road Water Line Replacement Study at a cost not to exceed $13,000; seconded by Mrs. Murphy. Ayes all; motion carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 5-2010: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 5-2010 which description is: “A Resolution authorizing James G. Zupka, Inc. to assist the City in preparation of its basic financial statements (GPFS) in accordance with GASB Statement 34 and all other GASB Statements for the Calendar Years 2009, 2010, and 2011 and declaring an emergency.” Mr. Lombardo moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mrs. Murphy. Ayes all; motion carried. Mr. Hargate moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
FIRST READING PROPOSED RESOLUTION 6-2010: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 6-2010 which description is: “A Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor to renew the inter-agency contract with the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court to continue a Community Diversion Program for first time juvenile offenders, and declaring an emergency.”
ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE 1-2010: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 1-2010 which description is: “An Ordinance establishing compensation for the Building Commissioner of the City of Highland Heights, Ohio, commencing February 10, 2010, repealing all Ordinances inconsistent herewith and declaring an emergency.” Mr. Lombardo moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Mastrangelo. Ayes all; motion carried. Mr. Hargate moved to enact; seconded by Mr. Legan. Ayes all; motion carried.
SECOND READING PROPOSED ORDINANCE 27-2009: Council listened to the Second Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 27-2009 which description is: “An Ordinance amending Sections 921.01, 921.02 and 921.05 of Chapter 921 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Highland Heights pertaining to the Community Park and repealing all legislation inconsistent herewith.”
SECOND READING PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2-2010: Council listened to the Second Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 2-2010 which description is: “A Resolution establishing the terms, conditions and compensation for the Law Director’s services and declaring an emergency.”
SECOND READING PROPOSED RESOLUTION 3-2010: Council listened to the Second Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 3-2010 which description is: “A Resolution establishing compensation and other terms of employment for the Police Prosecutor and declaring an emergency.”
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 2/16/10 AT 8:00 P.M.
1. Old Church Building
2. 2010 Sidewalk Program
3. Home Days
MOTION TO ADJOURN INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Mr. Lombardo to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, employee compensation 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. Legan. Roll call on the motion: Ayes all; motion carried. Council adjourned at 8:44 p.m. and reconvened at 9:15 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Mrs. Murphy and seconded by Mr. Mastrangelo to adjourn the meeting. Said meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
Clerk of Council
President of Council