Council Meeting Minutes - November 3, 2010

The Council Meeting of the Village of Moreland Hills was called to order by Mayor Susan Renda at 7:00 p.m.

PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Mr. Richman, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek and Mrs. Cooper.

ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Susan Renda, Law Director Margaret Cannon, Village Engineer Jeff Filarski, Building Commissioner Greg Potts, Service Department Director Ted DeWater, Police Chief Tom Flauto and Clerk of Council Pro-tem, Julie Miller.


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman to approve the Council meeting minutes of October 13, 2010.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


REPORT FROM THE MAYOR

Mayor Renda congratulated everyone on the amazing passage of Issue 88. The passage was due to a lot of hard work, letters, etc. giving everyone a good understanding of the issue.

The Mayor also wanted to inform Council of the passing away of longtime Councilman Wayne Erdelak. Mr. Erdelak was a good, thoughtful Councilman, who was a “Mentor from a distance” to Mayor Renda. The Mayor will let Mrs. Erdelak know that Council expresses their sympathy.


APPOINTMENTS AND CONFIRMATIONS

Mayor Renda stated that the appointment of Julie Miller to Clerk of Council would be introduced by Ordinance.


REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Service Committee
Mr. Stanard reported that the Service Committee met on October 25th, 2010. Business discussed was routine. Two emails were sent out today—One concerning the policy for the obstruction of right-of-way and one including changes made to the drainage policy.

The Service Department is getting prepared for plowing snow.

The pavement repair program is underway and is anticipated to be complete by the Thanksgiving Holiday. There has been a second request for inspection from the Chagrin Falls safety forces concerning the spiral curve on Chagrin Boulevard near the wall replacement. The issue of the area on Chagrin Boulevard being especially slick has been raised and Mr. Filarski has investigated and it will be milled (diamond grooved) to increase traction. Mr. Stanard proposed that there be further discussion concerning this issue with the Mayor and the Finance Director.

The 2010 tree program is beginning to be underway and the Service Department will be developing a map and beginning some of the work, but will be working with a contractor for some of the tree removal.

Mr. Stanard introduced two motions, the first being a motion to allow the Mayor to sell, dispose or recycle obsolete equipment that the Village no longer has a viable use for. This may include old cell phones, computer equipment, a 1995 International truck and other miscellaneous items. Law Director Margaret Cannon asked if a list could be compiled and presented and Mr. Stanard agreed that a list could be furnished or the items could be reported individually.

Mr. Stanard made a motion, seconded by Mr. Wortzman to allow the Mayor to sell, dispose or recycle obsolete equipment.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper and Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


Mr. Stanard introduced the second motion which would allow the Mayor to negotiate with Teleco for replacement of a phone system package to include system upgrade and hardware. The Village phone equipment is 20 years old and hardware is no longer available for service calls. Only used parts are available and there are no guarantees that the parts are readily available.

Mrs. Cooper asked if there was a particular reason for using Teleco and if we should compare. Mayor Renda answered that the Village has been using them for the past 20 years and has been satisfied with their service. They don’t sell just one type of phone or service; they use a variety of services and products.

Mr. Stanard made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek to allow the Mayor to enter into negotiations with Teleco.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried


Mrs. Cooper had a question for Mr. Stanard concerning Riverstone Drive; she states that there is an area where Cleveland Water did some repairs a couple of years ago, and now it seems to be cracking on one side, possibly from water damage. It was agreed that this will be checked out.

Mrs. Cooper also had a question about the obstructions and right-of-way. She wanted to know if it included snow-plowing stakes. Mr. Stanard answered that it did not because those are temporary and not fixed structures. She also wanted to know if the measurements were 24 inches or the 12 inches. The 24 inch requirement on the outside was cut in half for the inside. The answer from Mayor Renda was that it was within 12 inches. The boulders were placed in the areas that were not a safety issue and were placed strategically to keep landscapers from parking on the cul-de-sacs.

Mr. Richman asked about brick and concrete mailboxes and the obstructions and right-of-way. Mr. Stanard answered that they were permitted within the 24 inches. Mr. Richman also wanted to know if the temperature was going to affect the paving. Mr. Filarski answered that right now there is not an issue, but if it gets to be too cold it would not be done.

The next Service Department meeting will be held November 22nd, 2010 at 7:30 a.m.


Planning Commission
Mrs. Cooper noted that the Planning Commission met on October 25th at 5:00 p.m.

The Planning Commission minutes are included in the Council packet.

Mrs. Cooper brought up the issue of the rooster crowing on Greentree, which was brought up at the Planning Commission meeting of October 25, 2010. At that time it was decided that Assistant Law Director, Rebecca Schaltenbrand would check into ordinances in other villages within Ohio. Mrs. Cooper did do some checking and found that most cities do not allow roosters. The cities checked included Portland Oregon, Seattle Washington, Austin Texas, Telluride Colorado, and Ann Arbor Michigan. The comparison was handed out to all Council members. This will go to Planning in November and will be brought to Council at the next session. If anyone has any ideas or concerns they may contact Mrs. Cooper.

The next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for November 22nd at 5:00 pm.


Utilities
Mr. Buczek reported that the Utilities Commission met and there were very few items on the agenda as far as maintenance goes, which is a pleasure to see.

The Fircrest / Farwood water main work has been completed.

Mr. Filarski is ready to bid the pump station for the replacement of the waste water treatment plant and it should be forthcoming, probably in December or January.

The next meeting is November 22nd, 2010 at 8 a.m.


Building and Grounds Committee
Mr. Richman noted that the Buildings and Grounds Committee did not meet in October.

Mr. Greg Potts, Building Commissioner reported on the Service Department building—There have been a few milestones recently; the bricklayers and steel workers are finished and are gone from the jobsite. The only delay at this point is that there will not be garage doors until the end of November, but there will be plastic in lieu of doors until then to keep the heat in and the cold out. The electrical and the plumbing are being completed. Vehicle repair building is 95% complete. The paint for the interior of the main building will be started next week.

The next meeting for the Building and Grounds Committee will be November 24th, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.


Safety Committee
Ms. Sturgis reported that the Safety Committee met October 26th.

Ms. Sturgis reports that the speed monitor control box that was stolen was replaced. In addition, the Police Department has received two significant awards; an award in recognition of a fatality-free traffic safety record in 2009, (which has been awarded for the last ten years) and a 2010 Gold award for being a Leader in Community Traffic Safety. Congratulations to the Police Department on those accomplishments.

The Chagrin Falls dispatch is currently being evaluated for a stand-alone dispatch station because the police building levy did not pass.

There are two grants available at this time. The first grant is for a new Police cruiser. This grant is not to exceed $30,000.00 and is a 100% grant. The second grant is for the purchase of an all-terrain parks patrol unit. This is a 90% grant, with a 10% cost to the village.

Police are currently undergoing training in self-defense. They will be attending training two times in November with other municipalities/villages.

Mr. Richman donated 500 ribbons and pledge cards to Orange schools for support of a drug-free environment.

The next Safety Committee Meeting will be held November 23, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.


Finance Committee
Mr. Wortzman noted that the Finance Committee did not meet in October. Village finances continue to be healthy due to prudent handling.

There was a special meeting concerning health insurance plans (renewal for upcoming year). There is some deliberation concerning choices of health insurance plans, and the Finance Committee will keep everyone informed on this issue.


ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

*Ordinance 2010-11 was introduced by Mr. Wortzman. An ordinance for the payment of the bills in the month of November in the amount of $ 320,272.55 and declaring an emergency.

Mr. Wortzman reviewed the items and found that there was nothing unusual.

Mr. Wortzman made a motion seconded by Ms. Sturgis to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2010-11.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, and Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


Mr. Wortzman made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek for approval of Ordinance 2010-11.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper and Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


* Ordinance 2010-77 was introduced by Mayor Renda. An ordinance fixing compensation of various officers and employees of the Village of Moreland Hills and declaring an emergency.

Mayor Renda said that going to ranges was suggested by Treasurer, Prashant Shah, so that the issue would not have to be re-visited every time someone new is hired. Mr. Richman asked what the compensation ranges were based on and Mayor Renda answered that it was based on what they currently are, and what they could become.

Mr. Buczek made a motion, seconded by Mr. Stanard to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2010-77.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Richman
NAYS: None
Motion carried


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Ms. Sturgis for approval of Ordinance 2010-77.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


*Ordinance 2010-78 was introduced by Mayor Susan Renda. An Ordinance confirming the appointment by the Mayor of the Village of Moreland Hills of Julie Miller as Clerk of Council for a term of one year and declaring an emergency.

Mayor Renda has worked with Julie for a couple of weeks and has every confidence that this is the right person for the position.

Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2010-78.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper and Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


Mrs. Cooper made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman for passage of Ordinance 2010-78.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper and Mr. Richman
NAYS: None
Motion carried.

At this time Law Director Margaret Cannon swore in Julie Miller as Clerk of Council.


*Ordinance 2010-79 was introduced by Mayor Renda. The ordinance would authorize the Mayor to enter into a first amendment to the agreement between the Village and Schottenstein, Zox & Dunn Co. L.P.A. to provide for the engagement of a new Assistant Law Director, and declaring an emergency.

Law Director Margaret Cannon explained that Vesna Mijic-Barisic was no longer with the firm and that Rebecca Schaltenbrand was being recommended for the position of Assistant Law Director for the Village of Moreland Hills.

Mr. Richman made a motion seconded by Mr. Wortzman to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2010-79.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


Mr. Richman made a motion seconded by Mr. Wortzman for passage of Ordinance 2010-79.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


*Ordinance 2010-80 was introduced by Mr. Wortzman. An Ordinance providing additional appropriations transferring items already appropriated and declaring an emergency.

Mr. Wortzman explained that this is a monthly financial housekeeping event, and referred to Exhibit A.

Mr. Wortzman made a motion seconded by Mr. Stanard to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2010-80

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


Mr. Wortzman made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek for passage of Ordinance 2010-80.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


*Resolution 2010-81 was introduced by Mr. Wortzman. A Resolution requesting the County Auditor to make advances from the proceeds of real and personal property tax levies and special assessments during the Fiscal Year 2010 puruant to the Ohio Revised Code Section 321-34 and declaring an emergency.

Mr. Wortzman explained that this is an annual Resolution obtaining advances and facilitating cash disbursements to the Village.

Mr. Wortzman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Stanard to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2010-81.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


A motion was made by Mr. Buczek, seconded by Mr. Richman to pass Ordinance 2010-81.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion Carried


Miscellaneous Business

Mr. Wortzman asked Council if they could reduce the number of meetings for December, from 2 to 1. It was agreed upon by everyone present and the next Council Meeting will be held December 8th.

Mrs. Cooper made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek to go into Executive Session at 7:42 p.m.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Richman.
NAYS: None
Motion carried.


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman to enter into Regular Session and adjourn the Council Meeting at 8:07 p.m.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis, Mr. Wortzman, Mr. Buczek, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Richman.


Meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

ATTEST: 
Julie Miller Clerk of Council
Steve Richman President of Council