Meeting Notes May 12, 2020
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• May 12, 2020 •
Ken Kary • Councilman Ward 2
NOTE
These notes “are not” the official minutes for Willoughby City Council.
The views I express in these Council Meeting Summaries are my own and do not reflect any official view or position of the City of Willoughby.
The “official” Council Minutes are posted on the City of Willoughby Website
http://willoughbyohio.com/government/city-council
OUR SECOND, off-site meeting, using ZOOM as the platform. This procedure has helped immensely to continue our duties serving the city. Thanks to all those who have contributed to make this a reality and a success.
NOTE: If you choose to view or listen to our meetings, please visit the cities new website to get all the information needed.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 12, 2020
APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Regular Council Meeting of April 21, 2020
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Environmental Planning Committee, Mr. Kary- Reported that beginning this Thursday, May 14, the City will begin using the new protocol for handling Environmental Assessment Statements. The Planning Commission will review EAS's first and make a recommendation to Council who will review and vote on it.
Planning Commission Mr. Kary - Reported the Planning Commission will be getting back to business full time beginning this Thursday, May 14th. Please go to the website for details on how to attend the meeting.
Shade Tree Commission, Ms. McNeill - No report. Ms. McNeill asked when the Shade Tree Commission could meet again and about the replacement of Don Lewis. The Mayor said the commission could go ahead and meet when feasible and he will be searching for a replacement.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
Brent Woerner, American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center Street- Mr. Woerner asked what the status of Building A was (former high school). Mayor Fiala said the current developer has allowed the City to assist in securing a partner to continue with the project until June. If the City cannot locate an interested party, the City can either sell the property back to the school district or issue a new Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The City will start to assess a schedule for an RFQ.
Greg Patt, 38005 Brown Avenue - Mr. Patt simply wanted to test to see how the "raise your hand" icon worked through Zoom.
Patricia Terlizzi, 35100 Aspenwood Lane - Ms. Terlizzi asked Councilman Carr for an update on the Rt. 91 corridor. Mr. Carr said there are townhouses going in across the street from Big Turtle 1, a Sports Clip next to Starbucks in the former Sally's location. There is a proposed housing development on the Millstein property that is before the Planning Commission on Thursday. A Marc's location will go in the plaza with TJ Maxx in the former fitness location and Sheetz will replace Eat n Park.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-42
A resolution approving the editing and inclusion of certain ordinances as parts of the various component codes of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio.
That the following sections of the Traffic and General Offenses Codes, as amended, are hereby approved and adopted as amended or enacted so as to conform to enactments of the Ohio General Assembly.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-43
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply to the Lake County Office of Planning and Community Development for a Community Development Block Grant for the Fiscal Year 2020.
The Lake County Office of Planning and Community Development provides annual grants through the Community Development Block Grant Program for the purpose of developing viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment along with expanding economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate incomes. These monies have facilitated some of the Façade Improvements taking place in the North End of Willoughby, as well as in the Downtown Area. (at Witz End, JT’s Diner, etc).
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-44
A resolution recognizing the responsibility of the City of Willoughby to affirmatively further fair housing.
The City of Willoughby recognizes the broad duty to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing and directs the Mayor to ensure that the policies and practices adopted and in place are in compliance with applicable fair housing laws.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-45
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with RMH Concrete & Foundations, Inc. in the amount of $139,244 for implementation of the ADA Ramp Replacement Project.
Bids were received for the above-referenced project on May 7. The bids ranged from a low bid of $139,244.00 to a high bid of $217,940.00 as compared to the Opinion of Probable Construction Cost of $200,000.00.
The low bidder for this improvement is RMH Concrete & Foundations, Inc. of Collins, Ohio, whose bid has been reviewed and found to be in conformance with all contract requirements. Our city engineer stated that it is our opinion that they are experienced and qualified to perform the work within the contract. These ADA Ramps are on Lakeshore Blvd as well as SR 84. The ones on Lakeshore must be completed by September, so as to not impede the paving planned for Fall 2020.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-46
A resolution authorizing the Director of Finance to transfer funds from the general fund to various other funds.
2020-46 allows us to transfer up to the $2,800,000 from the General Fund to the various funds as outlined in the 2020 budget and detailed in the legislation.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-47
A resolution amending Resolution No. 2020-29 to provide for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of Willoughby, Ohio during the period ending December 31, 2020.
2020-47 changes our appropriations to add in the FEMA fund (2600) as we go through the process of requesting assistance for the Federal/state declared incident as a result of COVID 19.
It is very restrictive as to what we can request 75% reimbursement for.
This request is for$20,000.
The other appropriation change is to allow for personnel services in the Court's General Special Projects fund (2111) at their request to pay termination benefits from the fund. The increase is $12,000.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-48
A resolution honoring Patrolman David Scott and commending him for his 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Willoughby.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-49
A resolution honoring Detective Sergeant Derrick Stewart and commending him for his 26+ years of dedicated service to the City of Willoughby.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-50
A resolution honoring Chief of Police Jack Beckwith and commending him for his 28 years of dedicated service to the City of Willoughby.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-51
A resolution in commendation and appreciation of City Engineer Jim Sayles for 32 years of service to the City of Willoughby.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Reported the administration has been in contact with Congressman Joyce's office to request federal aid for lakefront erosion. The Congressman, along with representatives from other lakefront states sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi asking for federal aid. Given the pandemic, the City is not confident this is a priority.
The City has been in contact with lakefront property owners asking them to identify the scope and costs of erosion control work and to apply for temporary shoreline permits. Our Economic Development team will assist in this effort. This information is required to identify the funding sources for special assessments.
The City is seeing continued economic growth with four projects planned or underway along the SOM Center Road corridor with four new tenants in and near downtown and a renovation project in the Lakefront District. Witz End has utilized the facade improvement grant and Tom Thielman and Councilman Woodin worked with Lost Nation Convenient to obtain grant money for their fa9ade improvement.
Mr. Tomaselli asked why the City would be holding off on RFPs for the Union High School project since the current developer was having such an issue with funding and has been for months. He said that opening an RFP may actually light a fire under the current development team as well as showing good faith to the school board that some progress is being made. Mayor Fiala said that was indeed an option they would explore.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Service Director Bock - Mr. Tomaselli asked if the north end of Erie Street reconstruction was on schedule for mid-May. Mr. Bock reported it was scheduled to begin on June 1st.
Police Chief Schultz - Chief Schultz thanked Council for the three resolutions honoring the department's retirees and spoke briefly about each of their contributions to the department. Chief Schultz thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to represent the department and the City and is looking forward to working with everyone.
Building Inspector Keller - No report. Councilman Tomaselli asked if Mr. Keller could look into the illegal parking of a commercial vehicle in his ward; Mr. Keller will investigate. Regarding the opening of downtown businesses, Councilman Kary asked Mr. Keller if he could reach out to the owners of the property where Westel's is located and make sure their documents are in order prior to their May 15th opening.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - No report. Councilman Tomaselli asked about fireworks this summer. Ms. Banker said the City was waiting for further direction but said she didn't feel they would happen on July 4th but possibly another time. Regarding the opening of pools, Ms. Banker said Governor DeWine would be making an announcement on Thursday regarding pools, camps, and summer activities. She said training is a three-week process once a decision has been made regarding the pool opening. Pools may be open a little longer this summer as some fall sports at the high school level may be restricted.
Finance Director Bosley - Reported the Riverside note sold at a good rate considering the timing; 2% compared to 2.5% last year and a net interest of 1.33. She said she will be taking part in her first rating agency call ahead of selling the Senior Center bonds. Councilman Tomaselli asked about court terminations benefit being paid out of the general special project fund. Law Director Lucas said under the Ohio Revised Code and interpretive case law, the purpose of the Court's Special Projects Fund permits this termination benefit to be paid from that specific Fund. The Law Department will further request that the Court journalize the expenditure and its purpose.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Woodin - Mr. Woodin thanked Chief Beckwith for his leadership and dedication to the City. He thanked Jim Sayles for his years of service to the City and welcomed the new City Engineer, Mr. Lannon. He thanked the Mayor for his continued diligence in trying to resolve the lakefront erosion issues.
Mr. Kary - Reported that residents are anxiously awaiting the repaving of Lakeshore Blvd. Mr. Kary reminded City Engineer Sayles and Tim Lannon from CT Consultants that the residents of North Bay are awaiting the meeting to finalize the plans for the Ward Creek Stormwater project. He congratulated Patrolman Scott, Detective Stewart, Chief Beckwith, and City Engineer Jim Sayles.
Ms. McNeill - Ms. McNeill said that a tree had recently been dedicated to Don Lewis for his many years of service on the Shade Tree Commission. Ms. McNeill asked Mr. Keller if there were penalties if a construction project doesn't start or isn't finished in a timely manner. Mr. Keller said currently there is no penalty.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Willoughby Outdoor Markets
Outdoor markets are the signs of summer! The two Willoughby Outdoor Markets are preparing to open the first week of June. Guidelines are in place to ensure the health and safety of the vendors and patrons.
Osborne Park Market and Flea | WEDNESDAYS
Where: Osborne Park
When: Wednesdays, beginning June 3rd through September
Time: 4 pm – 8 pm
Hosted by: Willoughby Lakefront Business Association
DTW Outdoor Market | SATURDAYS
Where: City Hall Parking Lot
When: Saturdays, beginning June 6th through October
Time: 8 am – 12 pm
Hosted by: The Heart of Willoughby Association
2020 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS REVIEW
Erie Street Reconstruction
The City of Willoughby will be reconstructing Erie Street from the Norfolk and Southern rail crossing to the CSX rail crossing. This work will include storm sewer drainage work, paving replacement, new curbs, sidewalks, and aprons. Construction is tentatively scheduled from Mid-May through August.
Lost Nation Road Rehabilitation
Concrete pavement repairs on Lost Nation Road and Willoughby Parkway will begin in July and run through late September.
ADA Compliant Handicap Ramp Replacement Project
ADA compliant handicap ramps will be installed along Lake Shore Boulevard and State Route 84 as a requirement by the State of Ohio to coincide with the repaving of these two roadways. Work will begin sometime in late spring and continue through the construction season.
Lakeshore Boulevard Resurfacing
The resurfacing of Lake Shore Blvd. from the Western Corporation Line to the Eastern Corporation Line will begin in early fall and be completed by the end of the construction season in November.
364, E.365, and Harvard Road Storm Sewer Project
This project is currently underway and includes hydrant relocation as well as storm sewer construction work. Completion is scheduled for some time in the early summer.
Ward Creek Storm Sewer Project
This project calls for improvements along Ward Creek and is scheduled for early summer commencement with completion in January of 2021.
Storm Outfall Repair Project
This work will take place in various areas of the City this summer with actual locations to be updated prior to commencement.
NOTE
The views I express in these Council Meeting Summaries are my own and do not reflect any official view or position of the City of Willoughby. The “official” Council Minutes are posted on the
City of Willoughby Website
http://willoughbyohio.com/government/city-council