Council Meeting Archives
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2005
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December 5, 2005, Council Meeting:
This Council Meeting was a record breaker for being the shortest…just under half an hour. Only one new piece of legislation was introduced. All other pieces of legislation remain in committee for further discussion.
Also, last evening, Sunday, December 4 was the annual dinner given to honor volunteers to the City. It was well attended and everyone enjoyed the evening. I’m happy to report that Ward 2 has an abundance of residents serving on various Boards and Commissions as well as the Women’s Club. Volunteers are a vital part to keeping the City running smoothly.
Just a reminder: there is a special box at the Compactor for recycling of telephone books. It is clearly marked. They will be recycled into tissue paper according to the Service Director.
The Committee of the Whole will meet next Monday, December 12 at 6 PM. The next Council meeting will be Dec 19 at 6:30 PM. All meetings are open to the public.
November 21, 2005, Council Meeting:
Residents of Ward 2’s Westwood Village made a generous gift to the City in the amount of $1000 to be used in the civic fund. Council recognized Westwood Village’s generosity last evening by passing a Resolution expressing the City’s appreciation. Westwood Village’s Homeowners Association President, Mr. Harry Schwab, was in attendance to accept the City’s Resolution. Mr. Schwab thanked members of Council and the Administration for the successful resolution of Westwood Village’s flooding problems and for a continuing good neighbor relationship.
The Mayor reported that the Planning Commission gave final approval to Welty Co for their construction of two buildings on Ridgewood Road. Budget planning is proceeding with a preliminary budget for 2006 and reconciliation budget for 2005. The Service department noted that this Monday, November 28 is the last bagged leaf pick-up day.
Besides the Westwood Village Resolution, several other pieces of legislation were passed. An Ordinance authorizing the appropriation of funds was passed after much debate. An amendment was offered to add language that would make it evident to the casual reader of the Ordinance what the funds will be used for. Since this is contrary to they way “things have always been done”, the amendment was defeated. In order to learn what the appropriation will be used for, documents requests will have to be made for Council Meeting and Committee of the Whole minutes to discern the purpose of the transfer. In your councilwoman’s opinion this a very convoluted and not a very “user friendly” way to make information available to the public. For your information, the Ordinance is to hire a consultant, D. B. Hartt, to help develop strategies/tactics to insure the sustained maintenance of residential property. This is a topic many Ward 2 residents have expressed a great deal of interest. Please contact me with your thoughts and ideas so I can offer input to the consultant.
Other Ordinances passed included the approving of the dedication plat for the new public street, Fairlawn Corporate Parkway. Also passed was Ordinance to accept Community Recycling Grant in the amount of $7307.00. This money will be used to provide the recycling bags at the compactor. An Ordinance passed to authorized the emergency repair of storm sewer line on Miller Rd. Lastly, the Ordinance to amend the Chapter 1284 “Off Street Parking” was passed. An Ordinance to change the zoning of the remaining land owned by the City along Ridgewood/Cleve-Mass from single family residential to B-4A, limited office park/research district had its first reading. A public hearing was scheduled for January 9, 2006 at 7 PM during the normal Council meeting.
The next Committee of the Whole will be at 6 PM, Monday, November 28 at City Hall. The next scheduled Council meeting is at 6:30 PM, Monday, December 5 at City Hall. As always, these meetings are open to the public.
November 7, 2005, Council Meeting:
A Resolution was passed honoring Veterans on Veteran’s Day…November 11…eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour. Ceremony will be held at the memorial at Ghent Rd. and W. Market St. The Resolution further designated the week of November 6 through November 12 as National Veterans Awareness Week.
Fire Chief Goodrich announced that the Fire Department had received a $63,000.00 Grant to purchase new gear. $59,000.00 comes from Federal funds. The Service Director announced that phone book recycling will begin in December and run through February at the Compactor. There will be a marked container for phone books.
A Public Hearing was held during this council meeting to discuss zoning change for 2660 W. Market Street…location of the Bob’s Big Boy Restaurant. A group of investors has bought the property and will raze the building and build a three-story general office/medical building. Residents will be happy to see the former building demolished since it has been in a steady state of decay for many years. The Ordinance to change the rezoning was passed.
Also, passed was a Resolution establishing dates for Council meetings in January and February since our normally scheduled dates fall on legal holidays. Ordinances passed include: authorizing the Mayor to enter into contract with Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Bath, Silver Lake, and the Summit County Sheriff’s office for the purpose of providing mutual assistance regarding accident investigation; and accepting a $1000 donation from Wal-Mart for the Fire/Rescue division to purchase equipment for disaster preparedness and relief, and extrication tools. A Resolution was passed thanking Wal-Mart for their donation. Ordinance passed to accept the dedication plat for the public street to be named Kumho Drive. This had formerly been a private drive.
Several pieces of legislation were held in committee to be discussed further at the next Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for Monday, November 14 at 6 PM at City Hall. The next Council meeting will be November 21 at 6:30 PM. As always, these meetings are open to the public.
October 17, 2005, Council Meeting:
The Mayor’s report at this evening’s meeting included announcing the establishment of an historical archival committee. Three residents have volunteered to collect and preserve the City’s historical documents and other important historical artifacts. Also, the Mayor has met with all the department heads in planning next years budget. Council will also begin meeting with department heads to discuss budgets starting with the next Committee of the Whole. Replacing the Bancroft Rd. pump station controls will begin by mid November. This is a job that is not weather driven since it is inside work. Two members of our Police force are going for ten days to Mississippi as part of the FEMA aid to the hurricane Katrina victims. Lastly, residents need to be aware of the latest scam…phone calls about not reporting for Jury duty during which the scammer wants personal information such as birth date and social security number. From the Law Director: negotiations will begin with the union representing the Fire Department employees for a new contract. The Police Chief noted that free gun locks are available at City Hall.
Ordinances passed this evening include the acceptance of a $1000 grant from Sam’s Club Foundation to be used by the Fire Department for new audiovisual equipment for personnel training. Also passed was an ordinance amending language in the law governing taxes on gambling earnings. The law does not change. This is a language change for clarification. Finally the rezoning of property for the expansion on Grace Church on Ghent Road was passed.
A Resolution passed thanking Sam’s Club Foundation for their donation to the City. Several other pieces of legislation were held for further discussion in the Committee of the Whole, which will meet next Monday, October 24 at 6 PM. The next Council meeting is November 7, at 6:30 PM at City Hall. There is also a Public Hearing at 7 PM concerning the rezoning of 2660 W. Market Street (the old Bob’s Big Boy).
October 3, 2005, Council Meeting:
The various Administration Reports included news from the Mayor that his meetings with the various department heads to plan next year’s budget is preceding on schedule. He also commented on the news that the Law Firm of Buckingham Doolittle will be locating in Fairlawn in the Embassy Parkway office park. The Law Director responded to my query about the bond for Rothrock Place, saying the bonding company has not been forthcoming with payment. They city may have to take legal action to get the funds. Meanwhile the residents on Rothrock Place are hoping the Service Department will do some temporary patching of the road. Hopefully this will enable them to make it safely through the winter until the city can properly repair their road next spring since the city was not able to get it done this fall. The Service Director said this would be added to their fall list. He also reminded everyone about the bagged leaf pick-up scheduled to start October 24 and run through November. The City Engineer was happy to report that the street replacement program came in $15,000 under budget this year and the repair work done along Shocholog creek came in under $37000.
Two Resolutions and one Ordinance were introduced at this meeting. The Resolution passed which is done annually to accept the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Fiscal Officer. The other Resolution was to adopt the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This is a mandated procedure from Homeland Security. On the upside, most of the requirements are already in place by our safety forces.
Ordinance passed to accept the labor contract with the Service Department retroactive to January 1, 2005. Ordinance passed authorizing various appropriations. Included in this ordinance was $30000 for a traffic study to include the undeveloped area in Fairlawn from I-77, Cleve-Mass Rd., Ridgewood, to the interchange at Miller Rd. This passed with one excused vote, one nay and the rest yea. Other Ordinances were held in committee for further discussion.
There will be no Committee of the Whole on October 10 since it is a legal holiday. The next Council Meeting will be October 17, at 6:30pm at City hall.
September 19, 2005, Council Meeting:
This evening’s Council meeting was a short meeting. The Mayor explained that the 2005 Street repair is virtually complete. He also said that he has received proposed 2006 budgets from each of the department heads. Starting in October, the various department heads will explain their budget proposals to Council. The Law director announced that a labor contract has been reached with the Service department personnel. We will review the contract at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. The Service department has been busy having the sanitary sewer lines inspected. Also, the bagged leaf program will start in mid October and run through the end of November. You should receive a flyer about the dates and times. Lastly, the fall/winter hours are in effect at the Compactor…from 7 AM to 7 PM.
Only one piece of legislation was passed: Ordinance authorizing appropriating money to pay for various civil service tests and a special training classes for some of our firefighters. Other Ordinances that were held to be discussed in committee meeting include: Appropriations for various needs including a long term traffic study of the city property to be developed along Ridgewood Rd and Cleve-Mass. Rd.; Supplementing or Amending the “Imposition of Tax” in the Codified Ordinances; Approving the dedication plat for Kumho Drive; Approving the dedication plat for new street, Fairlawn Corporate Parkway; Rezoning of 754 Ghent Rd with Public hearing set for October 3, 2005; Amending or supplementing Chapter 1284 of the City Ordinances on “Off Street Parking;” and Rezoning of 2660 W. Market Street (former Bob’s Big Boy) with Public hearing set for November 7, 2005.
Next Committee of the whole will be Monday, September 26 at 6 PM and the next Council meeting will be October 5 at 6:30 PM at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
August 15, 2005, Council Meeting:
The August Council meeting began with the various city department reports. The mayor noted that the city struck their gas price last Tuesday at $11.05 Mcf for the city aggregation program. It was already 90 cents higher this week. It will be a challenge for residents to get the lowest natural gas rates with such a volatile market. The mayor encouraged residents to get the best deal they can regardless of the city’s aggregation program. The law director noted the Cementek lawsuit against the city has gone to the Ohio Supreme court. This is likely to take years to settle. The parks director noted flyers would be sent to residents for the annual golf outing. Spots fill-up quickly, so respond soon. The service director noted the street repair program is nearing completion and is ahead of schedule. A resident from Rothrock Place questioned why their street had not been repaired as was promised last spring. The city is collecting on the bond that will partially cover the costs. It was learned that the city has yet to collect on that bond and nothing has been scheduled. It will be scheduled for next year. This was a most unsatisfactory turn of events for residents on Rothrock Place who have been caught in the middle of the legal problems of their builder and inaction by the city.
The Ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract to sell city property to Welty Building Company was discussed. This ordinance was discussed at the Committee of the Whole the previous Monday. Basically, Welty Builders proposes to buy 8.5 acres of city property off of Ridgewood Rd. for the purpose of building two buildings. One is 60,000 sq ft for their company and part to be leased out to a committed entity, but still leaving less than a third of the building open for another tenant. The other building will be 20,000 sq ft and will be totally occupied by an unnamed company that is committed to the purchase. Welty will build and sell this building to this company. This project will bring 87 new jobs to the city with an estimated payroll of over $7,000,000. The city is selling the property for $909,500.00, but will put in the street and water/sewer lines at our cost. It has been estimated this will cost over $800,000.00 leaving a net of just over $80,000.00. The memorandum of understanding has been signed and a $25,000.00 down payment has been given to the city. There will be a public hearing on September 6, 2005, at 7 PM since this involves a zoning change.
An ordinance was passed under suspension of rules to allow the finance department to make adjustments in various accounts. This generally involves moving funds from various holding accounts to active accounts, or reallocation of funds within certain accounts. This is a task that happens from time to time and what the administration calls “house keeping.” After some discussion to clarify the various transfers, the ordinance was passed.
Two other ordinances were discussed. One to amend or supplement the Planning and Zoning code was held for further action by the law department. An Ordinance to rezone property on Ghent Rd. for Grace Church was discussed. A public hearing was scheduled for October 3, 2005, at 7 PM.
The next Committee of the Whole will be Monday, August 29 at 6 PM and the next Council meeting will be Tuesday, Sept 6 at 6:30 PM at City Hall. All meetings are open to the public.
July 18, 2005, Council Meeting:
Even though it is summer…hot, humid and little rain…City government goes on. We are on our summer schedule…one meeting in July and only one meeting in August. The Mayor reminded everyone that Gas aggregation is looming on the horizon. The City will strike the gas price in August…. add that to the low fixed delivery charge from Direct Energy and we’ll know our Mcf costs for the next year. The aggregation program is an opt in program. You will be getting information in the mail in September to sign up. Usually a city aggregation program offers a lower price than you can get as an individual since the price is fixed for the entire year. Please be aware that programs you can get as an individual can be cheaper, but also be aware that often the price can change during the year and often there are expensive fees to change during the contract period if you are not happy with the program.
If you have not gone to Bicentennial Park on a Friday evening to hear the various musical groups play…go soon! There are not many concerts left. There is a new addition to the park…a 35 ton rock that was excavated from Fort Island during the street repair. The rock is a beautiful piece of granite brought to Fairlawn courtesy of the last ice age. Fairlawn really has a ROTH rock now!
Several pieces of legislation were passed. First was to accept the bid of Bertolini Trucking for the Schocalog Creek Improvement. This project will improve drainage from residents’ backyards that get flooded when the creek overflows and improve the downside outflows from under the bridges at Elgin and Trunko. Also passed was the appointing of McCoy for supervision of this project.
A Resolution passed authorizing the city engineer to prepare plans to get bids for construction of streets and storm sewer facilities on property owned by the city that is being considered for sale. Also passed was ordinance to allow for filing of application for funds for the DARE program.
A subject for discussion by council and attendees in the audience is the planned rezoning and sale of over 8 acres of city property along Ridgewood Road for two new office buildings. Welty Company wants to buy the land to build a new building for themselves and another for an unnamed tenant. Discussion ranged from the positive aspects of developing the city’s land to whether it should be leased instead of sold. A public hearing will be held September 6, 7 PM to discuss this issue.
A Committee of the Whole meeting was scheduled for August 8 at 7 PM and the next Council meeting will be August 15 at 6:30 PM at City Hall.
June 20, 2005, Council Meeting:
This evening’s meeting was unusual since no new legislation was introduced, but three pieces of legislation were passed. Also a public hearing was held to discuss the pending legislation to make changes in the Part Twelve of the Planning and Zoning Code. This piece of legislation will be held in committee for further discussion since there are several issues to resolve.
Legislation that was passed includes the adding of legislation to the Codified Ordinances that was passed in the past year and repealing Ordinances that are in conflict with the new Ordinances. This is an annual event to keep the City’s law book up-to-date. An ordinance passed to establish the seasonal wage schedule. Also passed was an Ordinance to make several administrative positions into classified positions…i.e. civil service. There was discussion questioning the need for this action. The employment status of these positions has not been an issue in the current administration or in past administrations. The ordinance passed by a vote of 5 to 2.
Under other business, the widening of I-77, planned for 2006, and the plans to replace the Brunsdorph bridge over I-77 were discussed. ODOT plans to widen the bridge roadbed and widen the sidewalks on both sides of the bridge to five feet. This is a substantial improvement over the current bridge and is included in the I-77 project with no additional cost to the city. The City is entertaining the idea of enhancements to this bridge to include a bike/hike path on the west side of the bridge instead of sidewalks. Making changes to the bridge plan at this late date in the planning can be done, but at a cost to the City. A definite cost has not been given, but an estimate was stated in the $300,000.00 range. The question becomes do we want the improved bridge designed by ODOT at no extra cost to the city or do we want the enhanced bridge that will cost the city several hundred of thousand dollars? A variety of other questions can be raised about this potential cost to the city…lack of JEDD revenue next year resulting in no street repair program vs. an enhanced bridge…lack of existing sidewalks to get to the bridge from either side…amount of time to develop commercial area that would make a demand for hike/bike paths. Call me if you would like to discuss this issue.
The summer concert series has started. Music begins at 7 PM Friday evenings. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs to Bicentennial Park to enjoy the evening.
The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be July 11 at 6 PM and the next Council Meeting will be July 18 at 6:30 PM. Both meetings are at City Hall.
June 6, 2005, Council Meeting:
This evening’s meeting was brief, but several resolutions and one ordinance were passed. Highlights of the various city officials reports included progress reports of the street repair program, announcing the start of Safety Town next week…a very successful and long lived program in our city, and the start of the summer Parks programs begins next week along with the Friday evening concerts at 7 PM in Bicentennial Park. The report from the Service department noted that 80% of the hazardous waste collected at the Service Center on May 14 is recyclable. One hundred-ten cars dropped off materials. The actual tonnage of items collected on the large item/beautification day May 21 has not been totaled yet. Again, this program is a useful and appreciated service.
A Resolution passed appointing members to the Real Property Maintenance Board. This board will meet on as need basis if any resident wishes to appeal a citation given concerning trees, grass, cars, etc. Members of the Board are Scott Jones, Gregg Cramer, Dayle Davis, Sharon Brustoski, and Jeremiah Freedman.
A Resolution passed authorizing the city engineer to go out for bids to complete and repair of Rothrock Place. The builder who has since gone bankrupt did not complete this street. The city will collect on a performance bond to help defray the costs as well as pursuing other channels to collect from the builder. Meanwhile, the city plans to get Rothrock Place into a safe and functioning street before winter.
Also, a Resolution passed to waive all fees for use of the Compactor for 2005-2006. There are many advantages to using the Compactor besides the fact it is free to residents. It is convenient with extended hours and open 7 days a week, plus it offers a safe way to dispose of trash. Your trash is in your possession until you place it into the compactor. This is a safeguard to identity theft…no unattended cans/bags sitting on the curb for a for-hire collector to pick it up. Also it is a way to stop dogs or raccoons from dining on leftovers in the trash (plus the bother of cleaning up the mess they leave behind).
An Ordinance was passed to amend the wage and salary plan. This plan essentially is a matrix of job description levels and pay levels that can be obtained within a job description. This salary plan is up-dated approximately every four years.
The Committee of the Whole will meet next Monday, May 13 at 6 PM. The next Council meeting is May 20 at 6:30 PM.
May 16, 2005, Council Meeting:
Highlights from the administration reports: From the Police, at 11 AM May 30 there will be a Memorial Service held in Bicentennial Park to honor those fallen in service; Mayor’s report included plans for offering compactor services to residents next year without a fee; the Parks department noted that this years fireworks display will be pryro-musical, the fireworks will begin around 10 PM after the bands play, and it was noted that Fairlawn’s parks were given high marks in the Beacon’s magazine in Sunday’s paper (this would be a good magazine to keep for future reference); and the Service department reported that over 100 cars brought items to the hazardous waste pick-up last Saturday. This Saturday, May 21, is the large item pick-up. Please have your items to the curb by 7 AM…or the night before.
Before the various committees of council could give their reports, a motion to reconsider an ordinance passed at the last council meeting was considered. This involved further discussion on the ordinance to lease property at the end of Erie to serve as a temporary road between the two dead-end streets of Erie and Fort Island Dr. This ordinance was passed under suspended rules and before all the supporting documents, especially the lease, had been given to council for a thorough discussion. Although the motion to reconsider did not pass, the discussion on points in the lease took place and the various points of view could be expressed. The City continues to wrestle between the need for repair and replacement of streets, the demands of flood control, and striking a fair balance in dealing with these needs.
Ordinances that were passed include the “noise” ordinance (especially motor vehicles), approval of the rules and regulations for the Flood Advisory Board, and approval of an ordinance authorizing various appropriations (replacement of totaled police cruiser and construction change orders). A Resolution passed authorizing the City Engineer to make plans and get estimates for erosion control improvements along Schocalog creek.
Several Ordinances were held for further discussion. These include the updating of the Codified Ordinances (i.e. including new Ordinances and deleted repealed Ordinances); an ordinance designating certain positions in the Classified Service; amendment updating the wage and salary plan; implementation of a part-time/seasonal wage schedule; updating chapter 606 by adding new section to allow “misdemeanor investigation/examination for witnesses”; and the amending of the Part Twelve, Planning and Zoning Code.
The next committee of the whole will be held next Monday, May 23, at 6:30 PM at City Hall. The next scheduled Council Meeting will be, June 6, at 6:30 PM at City Hall.
May 2, 2005, Council Meeting:
May 2 was Government Awareness Day in Fairlawn. Students from Copley-Fairlawn High School were selected to be the City officials for the day. Jessica Maxon was Mayor. This was a unique honor since her Grandfather was actually Mayor in the early years of Fairlawn. Joanna Bailey was Director of Finance, Jeff Naswadi was Chief of Police, Kristen Condrac was Chief of Fire, Erin Wyatt was Law Director, Yan Kirichenko was Building/Zoning/Utilities Commissioner, Lexi Stump was Parks and Recreation Director, Brittany Solomon was Tax Administrator, and Michelle Cooper was Clerk of Council. Sitting in for the Council Members were Brian Dillon for Ward 1, Caitie Mocarski for Ward 2, Nick Donadio for Ward 3, Max Lefkowitz for Ward 4, Jae Garrison for Ward 5, Shantice Morgan for Ward 6, and Esteban Gamboa for Council at Large and President of Council.
Our student counterparts ran the Council meeting…giving their various department and committee reports and, if their committee had pending legislation, went through the process of introduction of legislation and the voting process. Each participant was given a Certificate of Appreciation. Everyone enjoyed their day, both students and city officials.
After a short recess, the Council Meeting resumed to finish up the various items on the agenda. Two Ordinances were passed approving the labor contract between the full-time police and the police sergeants. These contracts are for three years and retroactive to January 1, 2005. An Ordinance passed to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Estate of Helen and Peter Boutsicaris to lease property for the construction of a temporary road during construction on Fort Island and Erie Dr. This lease is for three years. Lastly, an Ordinance passed to create “Real Property Maintenance Board.” This Board will replace the Forestry Board, the “Junk car” Board, and be in place for any future legislation that will require an appeals board for residents. A Resolution passed commending and congratulating John Sellars, Service Director, for his 30 years of service to the City. A Resolution proclaiming May 15 through May 21, 2005, as National Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Week was passed. A Resolution proclaiming May 15 through May 21, 2005 as National Police Week and May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day where flags will be flown at half staff in honor of fallen officers.
Legislation held in committees for further discussion included the “noise” ordinance. This deals with noise from motor vehicles and/or mechanized equipment with special interest of such noise coming from commercial property located close to residential areas. The Ordinance approving the Rules and Regulations for the Residential Flood Advisory Board was held. Lastly, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 606 by creating a section 606.30 titled “Misdemeanor Investigation/Examination of Witnesses” of the Fairlawn codified ordinances. All of these will be discussed at the next Committee of the Whole meeting to be held at 6 PM, May 9 at City Hall.
The next Council meeting will be May 16 at 6:30 PM at City Hall. As always, committee and Council meetings are open to the public.
April 18, 2005, Council Meeting:
The Council meeting was again well attended with residents mostly from Ward 5. Officials from the Administration gave their reports. The Mayor explained that Rosemont Country Club is reopening under new management. Owners of Rosemont were able to establish a multi-year contract with the new management. Also of interest to Ward 2 residents was the Service Director’s report: Large item pick-up day will be May 21 and hazardous waste disposal will be May 14 from 9 am to 1pm at the Service Center. An ID showing you are a Fairlawn resident will be required. Here is your chance to get rid of paints, solvents, oil, tires, batteries…and the other hazardous material that cannot be left at the compactor.
Council passed a Resolution naming the Beautification and Large item pick-up day after Bill Stalker, former Council member and President, who first began this program nineteen years ago. Council passed several ordinances: to approve the Rules, Regulation and Procedures of the Planning Commission; to amend the Ordinance on Junk Vehicles; and to supplement Ordinances of the City by creating a section on “Storage of Unlicensed Vehicles.” Please contact me if you would like more details on these last two Ordinances.
Several pieces of legislation were held for further discussion in the Committee of the Whole, which will meet next Monday, April 25 at 6 pm at City Hall. Items held for discussion include the “noise” ordinance, contracts for the full-time police and the police sergeants, and approval of the rules, regulations and procedures of the Flood Advisory Board. Applications will be available soon for residents who want financial assistance to put flood prevention devices in their home (i.e. sump pumps, check valves). The city will reimburse 50% the cost of installing these devices up to $2500.00.
The next council meeting will be May 2 at 6:30 pm.
April 5, 2005, Council Meeting:
Council meeting was well attended by residents from Ward 5. The Mayor and the various department heads gave their reports. Remarks of interest to our ward include the scheduling of the large item, Beautification Day, pick-up for May 21, and a reminder that by State law, Taxes are due April 15 for Fairlawn. This is a change from April 30 in previous years.
Two Resolutions were passed this evening: one for establishing a summer meeting schedule for Council; and one to recognize the week of April 10 as “Public Safety Communications Week.” This resolution honors the hardworking and vital dispatchers in Fairlawn.
A Public Hearing was also held to review the zoning change at 3340 W. Market St. The zoning change will allow a small kiosk in the lobby of this building for First Communications. The ordinance for this rezoning was voted on and passed.
Several pieces of legislation were held for further discussion: two pieces involving labor contracts with the full-time police and the police sergeants; amended rules for the Planning Commission; and two ordinances concerning the “Storage of Junk Vehicles” and the “Storage of Unlicensed Vehicles.” All of these will be discussed at the next Committee of the Whole, Monday April 11 at 6 pm.
The next Council meeting is April 18 at 6:30 pm.
March 21, 2005, Council Meeting:
Several pieces of necessary legislation were passed at this evening meeting. The most urgent was the Budget for 2005. By law, this has to be passed by the end of March. I will have a PDF copy of the budget on this web site for your information. Also two ordinances passed for the 2005 street repair program…one for the contractor Cioffi ($1,530,303.50) and one for supervision by McCoy ($105,000.00). Work will begin as soon as weather permits.
Also passed was ordinance amending Chapter 282 on Board of Audit Review to add a section that would allow personal property of the City to be donated to other political entities, which can make use of such property. Previously, such property was sold as scrap metal. An ordinance was passed which amended previous ordinance allowing the building of new office building on the former Peacock nursery property.
Several pieces of legislation were held in committees for further discussion…including: Loud noises from motor vehicles, Storage of junk motor vehicles, Storage of unlicensed vehicles, Changes in the rules and regulations of the Planning Commission, and Rezoning of portion of 3340 W. Market pending Public Hearing April 4.
The Service Department is going to have another container at the Compactor Center to collect tree branches, pieces and parts that were victims of this winter’s many storms.
The Committee of the Whole will meet Monday, March 28 at 6pm at City Hall. The next Council meeting is April 4 at 6:30pm.
March 7, 2005, Council Meeting:
This evening’s meeting began with a presentation about Stewart’s Caring Place. Located at 2955 W. Market St., Suite R, this is a facility to help individuals and families that have been touched by cancer. They offer a variety of support services and all of their services are free of charge. They are new to the area and quite unique in their approach to service. If you, or anyone you know, could use their services, contact them at 330-836-1772 or pick up one of their pamphlets at City Hall or contact me.
Ordinances passed this evening include one on nuisance trees and firewood and dangerous trees. The purpose of this ordinance is to address the issue of various tree diseases, which can spread through out the city. This past year, there were several incidents of Oak Wilt. When such diseases are discovered, it is important that the infected tree be treated and/or removed in a timely and safe manner. A companion ordinance to this was the establishment of a Tree Board. This Board will consist of three residents who serve on an as need basis for any resident who wants to appeal a ruling from the city concerning trees on their property. Also, an ordinance passed renewing the City’s annual contract with Oriana House.
A rezoning ordinance for the Villages at St. Edwards was passed. This will allow St. Edwards to begin their remodeling plans for the nursing home section of their complex and build connecting hallways between all buildings in the complex. Also an ordinance passed concerning the section on Temporary Signs in the Codified Ordinances of the city. The major change is dropping the $35 fee for temporary signs for commercial real estate. This fee had not been collected for many years (if ever) because the Building/Zoning Inspector had no method to enforce collection of the fee. The new ordinance has no fee, but there is a detailed online registration for signs that must be followed, new rules on how long a sign can remain on the property, and a $55 penalty if the new rules are not followed. There was some lively discussion on how the Building/Zoning inspector will collect this penalty when there was a question about the ability to collect the original $35 fee. The Law Director assured council members that there are changes being considered to address this problem. It is hoped that the Building/Zoning Inspector will have the power to cite those who do not follow the new rules. Commercial signs can only stay in place as long as there is actual property at the site available for lease/purchase. Signs must be taken down when such space is leased or sold. The temporary commercial real estate signs can no longer be the permanent fixtures they have been in the past.
Lastly an ordinance was passed to extend the deadline to May 31 for residents who want to file claims with the “Residential Flood Prevention Advisory Board”. This Board was created after the passage of an ordinance to encourage self-help for residents who have experience flooding since July 2003. The city will re-reimburse residents 50% up to $2500 for the installation of flood prevention devices such as sump pumps and back flow valves. An application must be made for these funds. This is the first year for the program and preferential consideration will be given to residents most affected by the flooding in the past two years. The Board will have a limited amount of funds to distribute each year. More information will follow on how to obtain an application and how the entire process will work.
Several pieces of legislation were held to be discussed further in the Committee of the Whole, which will meet at 6 pm, Monday, March 14 at City Hall.
February 21, 2005, Council Meeting:
The police department was center stage for this evening’s meeting. Richard Moneypenny was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and Officers Scott Robertson and Gregory Casanova were presented Resolutions honoring their exceptional service to the City. With families and fellow officers in attendance, it was a gratifying moment for Council and the City to honor these men on our safety force.
Council passed another Resolution to authorize the Mayor to file an application to the Summit/Akron solid waste management authority for a community recycling grant. If the City should receive this grant it would help defray some of the costs of the compacting center. An Ordinance was passed to accept the bid of Michaels Construction to do the North Revere Road storm water improvements project. This was passed under suspended rules to allow this project to begin as soon as possible. Several other ordinances were held for further discussion in committee…including 2005 Budget, Loud Noises Ordinance, 2005 Street Repair bid by Cioffi Construction and McCoy Associates to supervise the 2005 Street Repair, Ordinance for Nuisance Trees and the companion ordinance for a Tree Advisory Board, and to renew contract with Oriana House. Also held in the Planning committee are two ordinances concerning rezoning and two for amending previous ordinances.
The Parks department will have their spring newsletter in the mail within the next few days. Be sure to keep it handy since it will have all the spring and summer events listed. The Service department announced the new Police car would be on the streets by the end of the week. Several months ago, a Police car was totaled on I-77 when it was hit by a van. Of concern to residents of Ward 2 is the closing of Rosemont Country Club. The City is monitoring the situation closely and hopes the club will re-open this spring with current management or under new management. Not only is the golf course an asset to the City, it also offers a buffer to the commercial development along Market and Cleve-Mass. Rd. and is an important green space, which is vital to flood control.
These issues will be discussed at the next Committee of the Whole meeting, Monday, February 28 at 6 pm at City Hall. The next Council meeting will be March 7, at 6:30 pm.
February 7, 2005, Council Meeting:
This evenings meeting resulted in the passage of a Resolution confirming the appointment of members of the Residential Flood Prevention Advisory Board. This board of residents and business people from the area will administer the “self-help” program the City has established for residents who have experienced flooding since the July 2003 storms. Information will soon be available on how to apply for matching funds for the installation of flood preventive devices such as sump pumps and check valves. Also passed was an Ordinance authorizing an additional expenditure of money for consulting services for the study of the 800 MHz system and related issues.
Legislation was introduced for amending or supplementing Chapter 648 “Peace and Disturbances” by creating a new section titled “Loud Noises from a Motor Vehicle.” Also legislation was introduced add a new Chapter 678 titled “Nuisance Trees and Firewood and Dangerous Trees.” A companion ordinance was introduced to establish a City Forestry Board. With the discovery of several highly infectious diseases of trees in Fairlawn, it was decided that the city should to take a more active role in protecting the tree stock.
Also, legislation was introduced to extend City’s contract with Oriana House and legislation to amend the sign code. A public hearing is scheduled for March 7, for change in zoning by the Villages at St. Edwards.
The Committee of the Whole meets, Monday, February 14 at 6pm at City Hall.
January 24, 2005, Council Meeting:
This council meeting included the Mayor’s Annual Report on the City. He had delivered a formal address two weeks ago at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon. He summarized each of the city department’s activities for the year. Overall the city is in good condition. However, JEDD revenues continue to decline, which has a negative impact. If you would like to see the report, please contact me.
Several Ordinances were passed: First, to accept the contract between the city and the communications specialists of the city police department; next to approve the regulations and procedures of the Planning Commission (these changes were voted on the November ballot); next was the passage of special assessments for the residents on Shiawassee for improvements with the addition of sidewalks. Two ordinances amending parking laws: one to prohibit parking in fire lanes (cars will be towed), and to prohibit parking on busy streets such as Cleveland-Mass Rd. Lastly, an ordinance changing the zoning for additional building space for the Academy of Court Reporting was passed.
Other reports from city officials: City Engineer reported that all of the bids for work on improving the drainage in the Stratford/Revere Rd backyard project exceeded the engineers estimates by 10%. This work will go out for re-bid. Work on the storm sewer line in Westwood Village will begin as soon as weather allows. The Service Department reported that well over 600 tons of salt in combination with the calcium chloride have been used on our streets with the recent storms. Several comments from residents praising the efforts of our road crews were noted.
The Committee of the Whole will meet January 31, 2005 at 6 pm. The next Council meeting will be February 7, 6:30 pm.
January 3, 2005, Council Meeting:
The first council meeting of 2005 began with the selection of council officers. Jim Swartz was elected to his 13th consecutive term as council president and Jim Butler as vice president. The next order of business was to pass resolutions appointing and reappointing members to various commissions. Todd Stock was appointed to the Parks and Recreations Board, Robert Donatelli was reappointed to the Tax Review Board, Russell Sharnsky was appointed to the Planning Commission, Raymond Strickland was reappointed to the Environmental Services Commission, and William Wade was appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Congratulations to these gentlemen for volunteering their services to our city.
Two Ordinances were passed as emergency under suspended rules. These were to accept the bid of Michaels Construction to do the storm sewer work located in Westwood Village, and to accept McCoy and Associates for construction supervision of the Westwood Village project. A preconstrucion meeting will be held, Tuesday January 11, 9AM at the Service Center. Also passed, was Ordinance to establish a new contract with Summit County animal control.
Several ordinances were held in order for more discussion at the next Committee of the Whole, scheduled for Monday, January 10, 6pm at City Hall.