You are here: Council Meeting Minutes - 091713

Council Meeting Minutes - September 17, 2013


The Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Renda.

PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
ABSENT: Mr. Wortzman

Also Present: Ted DeWater, Service Director; Police Chief Canter, Margaret Cannon, Law Director, Jeff Filarski, Village Engineer, Prashant Shah, Village Treasurer, Sherri Arrietta, Clerk of Council


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 14, 2013.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mrs. Cooper made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek to approve the minutes of the Special Council Meeting of August 28, 2013.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Reports from the Mayor & Other Municipal Officials

Police Department
Chief Canter reported that the Police Department has sworn in two new officers; one full-time and one part-time. He stated that he has discussed training dates with Mr. Incorvaia, Village Prosecutor, regarding updates on Bedford Court procedures. He is hopeful that this training will become a continuous thing. Chief Canter stated that he attended a Valley Enforcement Group meeting today and was pleased to learn that they have an Accident Investigation Unit. The unit has investigated eleven serious accidents this year, none of which were in Moreland Hills. Chief Canter reported that on Labor Day, there was a child drowning incident at a residence in Moreland Hills. He stated that Village officers responded quickly and performed CPR until the rescue squad arrived and took over. At this point, the child is still on a ventilator and although there is brain activity, it is believed that the child will sustain brain damage. Chief Canter pointed out how affected the officers were by this incident. They were offered counseling however they declined.


Engineering/Building
Mr. Filarski stated that Mr. Dave Strichko is now full time with MBIS. He stated that Mrs. Vickie Murfello, Building Assistant, has started training on the new software which keeps track of contractors, inspections, permits, etc.


Finance
Mr. Shah stated that the Village’s income tax revenues are 4.5% ahead of last year. He stated that interest revenues are picking up; last year interest rates were really down and so the Federal Government starting issuing agencies a higher interest rate. Mr. Shah stated that he and the Mayor have discussed an investment strategy and the length of time of said investments; the longer we go, the better the interest rate will be. He stated that in the appropriations ordinance tonight, there is an amount budgeted for the contract that the Village just entered into with MBIS.


Law Department
Mrs. Cannon stated that there is legislation on the agenda tonight accepting the report of the Assessment Equalization Board. She stated that there was one resident that was to be part of the assessment who objected to it. The Assessment Equalization Board met last Wednesday; Mr. Filarski and Mrs. Lane were in attendance. Unfortunately and certainly disrespectfully, the objector did not appear. The Board overruled the objection and therefore if Council accepts the report of the Assessment Equalization Board and authorizes the work to move forward as originally assessed, then that will enable the project to be finished this fall. Mr. Filarski stated that most of the work will be completed this fall; however, the chip sealing may have to wait until the spring due to the weather.


REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Roads & Safety Committee:
Mr. Buczek stated that Roads & Safety Committee met on August 26th. He stated that Mrs. Cooper suggested incorporating a bicycle path into the repaving project of Chagrin Blvd. which will be done next year. Mr. Buczek stated that he attended the Chagrin River Watershed Partners meeting and they discussed the Forest Ridge Stream Restoration project and had several pictures as well.


Planning Commission:
Mr. Fritz stated that the Planning Commission met on August 26th. He stated that he is very impressed with the Planning Commission Members. There have been some more complicated issues than normal coming before the Commission and while there have been several different points of view among the members, it results in the Board taking their time to ensure that every aspect of the issues are being addressed properly. Mr. Fritz stated that one of the more difficult items that came before the Commission was the proposal from Mr. Flesher to do several lots splits on Bentleyville Road. Mr. Flesher is proposing 5 sublots, 3 of which would be in Moreland Hills. This project is scaled back from his original submittal a few years ago; however, the lots splits did not conform to many of the Village requirements to be suitable lots. Mr. Fritz stated that Mr. Flesher will be coming back before the Planning Commission with what Mr. Flesher states are lots that do conform to the Village requirements. He stated that there is also an issue with the access drive to these lots should they be split; Chagrin Falls has a 12% grade requirement while Moreland Hills has a 10% requirement. Mr. Fritz stated that the Planning Commission will be very diligent in making sure that Moreland Hills’ residents are adequately represented with the requirements that he has for potentially developing that area. Mr. Fritz stated that Dr. & Mrs. Vogelbaum came before the board requesting a conditional use for the installation of solar panels. He stated that their proposal had panels on the front of their house that are visible from the street. The Planning Commission, as a whole, was not convinced that the Vogelbaums met the requirement that all additional surfaces on their house had been properly evaluated and thus could not prove that the desired location for their panels was the best option based on Village code requirements. Mr. Fritz stated that the Vogelbaums will come back before the board with proof that all surfaces have been evaluated in a proper manner and that they will not yield a considerable amount of increased energy. Mr. Fritz stated that there was also a proposal to build a new home on Chagrin River Road. He stated that they did infringe on the hillside, however Mr. Filarski gave his approval since the impact was deemed to be minimal.

Mayor Renda stated that she would like to reiterate what Mr. Fritz said about the Planning Commission. She stated that the members are very thoughtful and very dedicated to getting it right. Each member brings their point to the table but they respectfully agree or disagree and then come to consensus at the end of the meeting. Mrs. Cooper stated that she agrees and believes that Planning was at its’ best that night especially when it came to the consideration of the conditional use permit. Mayor Renda also commended Mrs. Cooper for being a big part of the Planning Commission and helping it to develop over the years. She stated that all of Mrs. Cooper’s input has been invaluable.


Facilities Committee:
Ms. Sturgis stated that Facilities met on August 26th. She stated that minutes have yet to be distributed however she will briefly report on the highlights of the meeting. The sale of the Hiram Trail properties was discussed. Ms. Sturgis stated that the SOM/Miles planting project was is to be a community project; therefore, volunteers will be needed. The Village Community Building Project cost is being looked into. She stated that Potts’ Pier dedication was discussed and there is legislation tonight for the construction. Ms. Sturgis stated that the Winterberry water main and Falls Creek pump station are in progress.

At this time, Mayor Renda asked Mr. Filarski to inform the members of volunteer opportunities. Mr. Filarski stated that the Forest Ridge Stream Restoration will need volunteer efforts to plant tree whips and to put protection around the trees. He stated this will be needed next weekend or the following weekend. Mayor Renda suggested having it after Greening the Hills on October 5th at 12:30.


ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Ordinance 2013-46 – Introduced by Mr. Buczek
an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with j.d. striping & service, inc. for the 2013 pavement striping program and declaring an emergency.

Mr. Buczek stated that this is the annual road re-striping program which was put together by Chief Canter.

Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2013-46.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman for passage of Ordinance 2013-46.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Ordinance 2013-47 – Introduced by Mr. Buczek
an ordinance authorizing the mayor to purchase a kobota subcompact tractor from coia implement sales, inc. through the state of ohio department of administrative services cooperative purchasing program; waiving competitive bidding, and declaring an emergency.

Mr. Buczek stated that this item has been budgeted for and Mr. DeWater has spoken about it in the past. Mr. DeWater stated that he has researched this for several years because the Service Department cannot take heavy equipment into Forest Ridge, so a lighter piece of equipment is needed. He stated that this tractor has a back hoe attachment, front end loader, and a mower deck on it so it can be utilized for many different types of jobs. It can also be used by the drainage crew on projects where a large backhoe cannot be used without causing damage. It was budgeted at $26,000 but the price is just over $22,000. Mr. Buczek stated that this type of equipment has been rented by the Service Department several times for projects.

Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mrs. Cooper to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2013-47.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman for passage of Ordinance 2013-47.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Resolution 2013–48 –Introduced by Ms. Sturgis
a resolution approving the report of the assessment equalization board on an objection concerning the estimated special assessments for the improvement of river mountain drive and mountain view drive by constructing roadway and drainage improvements and the necessary appurtenances thereto; and declaring an emergency.

Ms. Sturgis stated that in July a resolution was brought to Council for the dedication of River Mountain and Mountain View Drive. There was one objection to the assessment which is why the Assessment Equalization Board was formed. This resolution allows Council to review and approve the report of that Board.

Ms. Sturgis made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek to suspend the rules for Resolution 2013-48.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Ms. Sturgis made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman for passage of Resolution 2013-48.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Ordinance 2013-49 – Introduced by Ms. Sturgis
an ordinance determining to proceed with the improvement of river mountain drive and mountain view drive in the village of moreland hills by constructing roadway and drainage improvements and the necessary appurtenance thereto and declaring an emergency.

Ms. Sturgis stated that this ordinance will allow the Village to move forward with the improvements of River Mountain and Mountain View Drive.

Ms. Sturgis made a motion seconded by Mrs. Cooper to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2013-49.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Ms. Sturgis made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek for passage of Ordinance 2013-49.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Resolution 2013-50 – Introduced by Mr. Fritz a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county fiscal officer.

Mr. Fritz stated that this is an annual resolution that allows the Village to accept the rates as set by the Budget Commission for real property taxes within Moreland Hills.

Mr. Fritz made a motion seconded by Mrs. Cooper to suspend the rules for Resolution 2013-50.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Fritz made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek for passage of Resolution 2013-50.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Ordinance 2013-51 –Introduced by Mr. Fritz an ordinance providing additional appropriations, transferring items already appropriated and declaring an emergency.

Mr. Fritz stated that there are three transfers; $24,000 for the agreement with MBIS, $500.00 for additional capital from the Police Department, and $2,500 for additional capital pertaining to the Forest Ridge Preserve.

Mr. Fritz made a motion seconded by Mrs. Cooper to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2013-51.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Fritz made a motion seconded by Mrs. Cooper for passage of Ordinance 2013-51.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Ordinance 2013-52 – Introduced by Mayor Renda an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with tesar construction, inc. for the construction of “potts’ pier” in memory of building commissioner greg potts and declaring an emergency.

Mayor Renda stated that this idea to build a fishing dock in memory of Greg was an organic idea that grew out of the staff trying to comfort each other immediately after his passing. She stated that she thinks it will be the perfect way to honor him. Greg’s family is very excited about it as well. Mayor Renda stated that the dedication has been postponed until spring; however, it is very important that all of Greg’s family members can be there, especially his grandson, Griffin. This ordinance came about because Mr. Filarski’s firm has volunteered their engineering services for this project. They have written the specs and took it to bid and luckily it came in under the amount that required a public bidding process, however, it was above the Mayor’s spending authority. Mayor Renda stated that this project is coming together with the help of so many people and it is an amazing and gratifying process for her to watch.

Ms. Sturgis made a motion seconded by Mrs. Cooper to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2013-52.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Ms. Sturgis made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek for passage of Ordinance 2013-52.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Miscellaneous

Mr. Buczek stated that at the Chagrin River Watershed Partners meeting tonight they discussed the devastation that the July storm caused. He stated that he was impressed that in a matter of days, they had moved all of the trees that had come down. Mr. Buczek informed Council that there will be a 1% increase in their dues next year.

Mayor Renda reminded Council members that the Clambake is this Friday. Mrs. Cooper asked if there was anything that Council members could do to help. Mayor Renda suggested bringing a dessert. Mr. DeWater informed everyone that along with the normal 50/50 raffle, there will also be a raffle for a 50” TV; all the money received for the TV will go to Hiram House Camp to support a camper and half the money received from the 50/50 will go to the Wounded Warrior Project. He stated that the raffle is open to everyone and encouraged everyone to buy tickets.

Ms. Sturgis stated that Greening the Hills will be on Saturday October 5th and she encouraged everyone to attend.

Mr. Richman stated that there is a Northeast Ohio City Council Meeting/dinner on fighting blighted vacant and foreclosed properties in your community, at the Embassy Suites in Independence on Thursday. He stated that he has the sign up information if anyone is interested.

Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Fritz to adjourn the meeting.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


The meeting was adjourned at 7:45p.m.

Attest:
Sherri Arrietta, Clerk of Council 
Monica Sturgis, Council President



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