Meeting Notes May 18,2021
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• May 18, 2021 •
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
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/
Prior to the Council Meeting, these committee meetings took place
*Finance Committee Meeting:
John Tomaselli, Dan Garry, Ken Kary
The purpose of the Finance and Audit Committee is to discuss Capital.
Department Capital Item expenses discussed.
2021 CAPITAL REQUESTS
Chairman Tomaselli said 2021 capital budgets will be discussed this evening. A spreadsheet was sent out from Finance Director Bosley outlining the requests.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Tomaselli asked Chief Schultz to review his request for five vehicles. Chief Schultz said his request for five vehicles is not a wish list but a real need. He said his patrol officers put a lot of mileage on vehicles and do their best to get every dollar spent on the vehicles. Extended manufacturer warranties are purchased giving the vehicles complete service by the manufacturer for 5 years or 125,000 miles. With this request, two of the vehicles would be police cruisers; one would replace one of the two supervisor vehicles that are both close to 100,000 miles. The other three vehicles would be for the detective bureau. In the past, the detective bureau vehicles are recycled; however, each detective bureau vehicle has over 100,000 miles. There are four vehicles assigned to the detective bureau and two undercover narcotics vehicles which were obtained through forfeited cases over the years. One is a 2010 Lincoln which is a good vehicle for training and SWAT team use. The other narcotics vehicle is a 2007 Chevy Suburban which is good to use for transporting evidence items. The four vehicles in the bureau include three 2010 Chevy Tahoe's all with over 100,000 miles and the fourth is a 2011 Jeep Patriot that was obtained through a forfeited case. He said the safety and health of his staff are always on his mind and it is invaluable to know they can get from point A to point B safely. This is especially important when his detectives are asked to go into unsafe places while working on narcotics cases or working with the US Marshalls Task Force. Mr. Tomaselli clarified that one of the new vehicles earmarked would be for the Safety Director (Mayor). Due to the safety concerns of the detectives, he suggested that the new unit for the Safety Director remain in the detective bureau. It was suggested that the plan outlined by Chief Schultz could be accomplished by purchasing four vehicles and the current vehicle used by the Safety Director could be given to the detective bureau. Ultimately it was decided that five new vehicles will be purchased for the Police Department and they will determine where those vehicles are assigned to.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Tomaselli said Economic Development Director Tom Thielman wasn't in attendance tonight to discuss his capital requests. Regarding the Fa9ade Improvement Program, he asked if the City continues to fund the account and if the program has been utilized. Councilman Kary said those funds have been utilized by business owners in the north end on Lakeshore Boulevard and feel it's important to keep this money available. Councilman Woodinagreed and also asked that the criteria be reviewed. He said apartments in the north end are in need of updating and modifications but they cannot apply for the grant. Mayor Fiala said the parameters don't include using the money for apartments which should be looked at. Ms. McNeill commented that those apartment buildings should be doing updating on their own noting the income made from the rentals should be used.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Regarding the fuel island, the money requested would be the third and final phase of EPA compliance work. This work has been put off several times; the work started in 2012 and 2013 and the costs have gone up. This last phase of work would include double wall supply lines to the fuel pumps and an upgrade to the island. New pumps and dispensers are also needed. The EPA has also requested a canopy. Several options to purchase fuel elsewhere have been reviewed but none are practical. The fueling stations also monitor all the fuel usage. Mr. Palmisano said last month there were over 600 transactions a month which is split up between every department that uses fuel. He said every vehicle and every department is tracked. Phase I included pump replacement, but they are not holding up. If this project moves forward, the pumping system would be changed from the dispenser to the fuel tanks themselves(new dispensers). Councilman Anderson asked what the repercussions would be if we didn't replace the canopy. Mr.Palmisano said Lake County Stormwater is recommending the canopy (in conjunction with the EPA). Councilman Garry asked if the gas pumps would last longer if they were covered. Finance Director Bosley mentioned that the City is saving 40 to 50 cents per gallon when it's purchased in bulk. The City uses approximately 100,000 gallons per year. Ms. McNeill asked to review the cost of the canopy and see if it's feasible. Mr. Palmisano said Lake County Stormwater is concerned that stormwater could hit spilled fuel and run into a catch basin. He believes there is a benefit to having weather protection over the pumps.
Mr. Anderson asked about the price of the salt truck. Mr. Palmisano said two prices were given for two different trucks. Both prices include a plow which is an extra $6,000. He said he can go for a short time without a plow; however, the department uses a system making every plow interchangeable. He said the chassis alone is $90,000. Mr. Tomaselli asked if there is a risk of not being able to source the truck within the calendar year. Mr. Palmisano is hoping to receive the truck by November or December; however, the last two purchases were received in January. Mr. Kary asked what the old truck could be sold for. Mr. Palmisano said more money is made by selling trucks online versus the auction. Previously the trucks were being sold for $5,000 to $10,000 by auction versus $15,000 to $20,000 online. Mr. Woodin asked if Mr. Palmisano still maintained a spreadsheet on all the service vehicles. Mr.Palmisano said it is maintained; however, it was extended from a 10 to 15-year replacement plan because of the cost of the vehicles. He said they are choosing which vehicles to replace at the 10 to 15-year range and heavy equipment such as loaders and backhoes are kept longer. Mr. Woodin requested the spreadsheet prior to the next capital discussion.
PARKS & RECREATION
Ms. Banker said the tennis courts are owned partially by the school system and the City. The athletic director indicated they only need 6 courts so the City will convert one more court into two pickleball courts. She applied for a CDBG grant; if she receives the grant money, she will not use the $10,000 requested. She has $20,000 in capital for park equipment; the additional $10,000 would make it $30,000. Regarding the Osborne Park Erosion plan, she said two companies have been interviewed and she is ready to select one.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Ungar said he would like to replace a 2010 Ford Explorer that has become very unreliable. The last few purchased were law enforcement-type vehicles because they are heavy duty; not very many options but are more durable. He said the $45,000 includes the upfitting with radios and lights. The second request is for hydraulic rescue tools; some of the tools were purchased in 1998. The newer tools have a higher spreading and cutting capacity that can be used with the higher strength steel that is being used in cars and machinery. He said some tools were purchased last year out of the operating budget. Chief Ungar said the $50,000 would include the power unit, hydraulic hoses, a set of cutters, a set of spreaders, rams (to push the dashboard away from a victim). There are eight components to a set of tools total which are housed on the pumper trucks.
NOPEC GRANT
Ms. Bosley said this is the remaining grant amount that Mr. Palmisano will use; possibly for street lighting.
ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL
Ms. Bosley said no new money was given to this fund; this is the same money for the last couple of years. She said the Mayor has $24,000 that can be given to anyone that asks. COUNCILMAN KARY RAISED HIS HAND IMMEDIATELY!!!!!
COMPUTER CAPITAL
Ms. Bosley said the Finance Department computers and printers will be replaced. Additional computer replacements will also be done according to the list kept by Beth Pinkney. The City was fortunate last year to purchase upgrades such as servers using COVID money.
*Service Committee Meeting
Chris Woodin, Dan Anderson, John Tomaselli
The purpose of the Service Committee is to discuss the 2021 Road Repair Program.
2021 ROAD REPAIR PROGRAM
Regarding the list previously distributed, City Engineer Lannon said the highlighted streets shown will be part of this year's road program. They include Comanche Trail, Parkway Boulevard, Pelton Road, Elmwood Avenue, Union Street, Wood Road, Wood Street, Wright Street, and Maplegrove Road. Mr. Lannon said typically road ratings are conducted each year but the current list was done after the road program in 2019. Ratings are conducted using aGIS system to rate between 5 to 10 categories on a scale from 1 to 10. However, it is good to look at specific sections of a road in addition to the rating. The road repair program got off schedule last year due to the ODOT projects. Both projects (Rt. 84 and Lakeshore Blvd.) were funded and paid for last year. Mr. Woodin asked what the fund balance will be after this year's road program. Finance Director Bosley said she will have to look that information up; she believes it will be over a million. Councilman Anderson said Windsor Street has had four or five water main breaks this year and asked if the county can put some money towards the repaving. Mr. Lannon said he can contact the county about it; he said that street is most likely on the county's watch list because it's had so many breaks. Mr. Carr asked that a pothole on Maplegrove near Gullybrook be looked at.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 18, 2021
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of May 4, 2021
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
Shade Tree Commission, Ms. McNeill - Reported she was working with Mayor Fiala to disband the Shade Tree Commission merging it with Clean City. She will have funds to start a garden club that should be completed by June.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
No one spoke
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-43 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance accepting temporary and permanent easements necessary to the Storm Outfall Repair Project.
SECTION 1. That the following Temporary Construction Easements necessary to the Storm Outfall Repair Project and currently on file with the Law Department, are hereby accepted by the City of Willoughby from:
Terrance L. and Lisa A. Richards (PP #27-A-001-A-00-007-0); Lorrie A.and William C. Scott (PP #27-A-001-A-00-008-0); Keith A. Kickel (PP#27-A-001-A-00-009-0);
Thomas H. Gerbic, Trustee (PP #27-A-002-A-00-013-0); and LakeHospital System Inc. (PP #27-A-015-0-00-015-0)
SECTION 2. That the following Permanent Easements for Storm Sewer Purposes necessary to the Storm Outfall Repair Project and currently on file with the Law Department, are hereby accepted by the City of Willoughby from:
Terrance L. and Lisa A. Richards (PP #27-A-001-A-00-007-0); Lorrie. and William C. Scott (PP #27-A-001-A-00-008-0); Thomas H.Gerbic, Trustee (PP #27-A-002-A-00-013-0); and Eric D. and Lisa A.Barbe (PP #27-A-002-B-00-008-0)
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-44 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and to advertise for bids for the 2021 Pavement Repair Program, and declaring an emergency.
The 2021 Pavement Repair Program is ready for bidding. The list below is pulled from the attached Pavement Condition Rating worksheet. Although Maplegrove was initially further down the list it was found to have significant rutting and due to the high traffic count was moved up. We had intended to include Orchard but the county is planning a water main replacement this year.
STREET
FROM
TO
COMANCHE TR.
MOHEGAN
END
PARKWAY BLVD.
LOST NATION
ASH
PELTON RD.
LOST NATION
LANDFILL BLDG.
ELMWOOD AVE.
LSB
WESTWOOD
UNION ST.
RIVER ST.
END
WOOD RD.
LOST NATION
END
WOOD ST.
South
HASTINGS
WRIGHT ST.
EUCLID
CENTER
MAPLEGROVE RD.
RT. 84
CORP.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-45 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution establishing a Special Revenue Fund titled Public Art Fund, Fund No. 2700.
This resolution establishes the source of funds collected and distributed for the implementation of the Public Art Committee. Remember these funds collected come from a
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Reported that two committees will be formed; one for the lakefront design and one for the amphitheater. He said the ward councilman will be included on the committees but will be asking for suggestions for other committee members. Regarding the lakefront committee, he suggested including all of the Council on the committee. Mayor Fiala said design sketches, budgets, and schedules will hopefully be ready by late summer for both projects.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
City Engineer Lannon - No report. Mr. Carr asked what the City can do to fix the curbs on Rt. 84 noting they are in bad shape. Service Director Palmisano said some curb work will be added to the paving project, but the City cannot afford to do all of it. He said the City is capable of doing asphalt curbing. A curb list has been created and the City is working with ODOT on what will be completed. Going forward, the City would like concrete curbs due to their longevity. He reminded Council the Service Department's summer help is severely understaffed; therefore, other services such as asphalt repairs, crack sealing, ditch work and cemetery work will be impacted. Mr. Woodin asked about the staffing levels in the Service department. Mr. Palmisano said he will have one opening in June, but is staffed completely except for summer help. There was discussion regarding the automatic speed signs located in the City; several were repaired recently and will be back up this week. Mr. Palmisano said the speed sign in Ridge Acres was relocated. He said the audible pedestrian signals for the crosswalks on Rt. 84 will be going in after the paving is done.
Service Director Palmisano - Reported the paving on Rt. 84 is on schedule. He received a notice from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) that paving on Lakeshore Boulevard will begin on June 1st conditions permitting. Flowers are due in tomorrow; hanging baskets will go up and flowers will be planted. He has enough summer help to do the watering.
Fire Chief Ungar - Reported the department finished up the last vaccination clinic this past Saturday at Lakeland Community College. He said the department was fortunate to help out with the recent clinics and was very proud of his personnel. He said overtime incurred due to the clinics will be reimbursed.
Police Chief Schultz - Reported there were several violent incidents that occurred over the weekend in the City. They were isolated but tied to continuing problems outside the county. He said his department and other agencies have worked to solve the crimes with several suspects identified and arrested.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - No report. Ms. Banker gave an update on pool personnel. Mr. Anderson asked if the City could outsource lifeguards. Ms. Banker said she would look into it.
Finance Director Bosley - Regarding a question asked by Mr. Woodin during the Service Committee meeting, Ms. Bosley said about $1.3 million was budgeted for Road and Bridge, however, there could be additional expenses due to the Rt. 84 project. Basically, there will be $1 million in that fund after this year's road program. Regarding the capital discussion, Ms. Bosley said the big-ticket items will be before Council prior to purchasing. Mr. Carr noted if the renewal levy fails, there will be no additional money for the fund.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Ms. McNeill - Ms. McNeill asked if City Hall is open. Mayor Fiala said City Hall has been open for the last few weeks. He said as of June 2nd, restrictions are lifted and City Hall is back open for business. Mayor Fiala said people who have not been vaccinated will be encouraged to wear a mask. If you have been vaccinated, you will not be required to wear a mask.
Mr. Carr - Reported the June council meeting will be in person at City Hall. Details will follow on special precautions
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Repaving of Lakeshore Blvd.
This project is now underway and is expected to take from 8-10 weeks based on ODOT.
In-person public meetings to resume @ CITY HALL
City Council will resume in-person meetings at City Hall on June 8th. Masks are not required; however, the CDC and The Ohio Department of Health recommend those who are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated continue to wear a mask. Social distancing will be in place for those attending the meeting in person. For those wishing to listen, watch and participate remotely, please join us via Zoom or call in.
https://zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 893 5475 9931
Listen only: call 1.312.626.6799 or 1.929.205.6099
Boards and Commissions meetings will resume in person the week of June 14th.
Vacant Property at the corner of Lost Nation Road and Hodgson Road.
This land has been purchased from the developer of Fairway Glenn by the County. It will be owned by the County and remain undeveloped. The Master Plan of the Airport (created by the County) plans to EXPLORE a possible reconfiguration of Hodgson Road to exit onto Lost Nation Road, to the south of the current location. This would align it with a traffic signal near the Fire Station. This plan relocates the road and intersection out of the flight path of runway # 5-23 for safety.
The Master Plan for the Lake County Executive Airport (the former Lost Nation Airport) is available online.
https://lcport.org/lake-county-executive-airport
2021 Summer Concerts
We are excited to announce that the Willoughby Summer Concert Series in Downtown Willoughby is on for 2021! Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music in the park!
CONCERT SCHEDULE
July 8 – Pieces of Eight
July 15 – Country Redford
July 22 – Bennie Jackson’s Masterpiece
July 29 – Chardon Polka Band
Aug 5 – Abbey Rodeo
Aug 12 – Blue Evolution
Aug 19 – Stone Pony
Aug 26 – The Diamond Project
NEW in 2021, there are two scheduled concerts at Osborne Park!
June 30th | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – The Diamond Project
Sept 1st | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Boaterhead
2021 Pool Season
The Osborne Park Pool will open for recreational swimming beginning Saturday, May 29th. The Euclid Avenue Pool will be used for swim lessons, swim teams, and as a training site for lifeguards. At the end of June, the Parks and Recreational Department will reassess and if additional lifeguards have been secured, the Euclid Avenue Pool could open by late June for recreational swimming.
Click here for information on pool passes, swim lessons, and COVID protocols. For specific questions, please contact Parks and Recreation at 440.953.4200.
Willoughby Outdoor Markets
We are excited that the two Willoughby markets will be back this summer! Guidelines are in place to ensure the health and safety of the vendors and patrons. Please visit their Facebook pages for more details. See you there!
DTW Outdoor Market
Where: City Hall Parking Lot
When: Saturdays, May through October
Time: 8 am – 12 pm
Hosted by: The Heart of Willoughby Association
Osborne Park Market and Flea
Where: Osborne Park
When: Wednesdays, June 3rd through September
Time: 4 pm – 8 pm
Hosted by: Willoughby Lakefront Business Association
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