MEETING NOTES JANUARY 18, 2022
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• January 18, 2022 •
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/
ABSENT: Councilman Ken Kary
COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
Environmental Planning Committee:
EAS #11-9-21
The proposed project is for the demolition of the existing building and construction of a multi-tenant strip center located at 36001 Euclid Avenue (USA Management Strip Center Development).
EAS #14-12-21
The proposed project is for the demolition of the existing building and construction of a retail grocery market located at 37100 Euclid Avenue (Aldi).
EAS #16-12-21
The proposed project is for interior and exterior renovations to the existing building located at 38886 MentorAvenue (Brightview).
Finance Committee:
Discussion of Sewer Rates.
SEWER RATES
Chairman Tomaselli said up until 2018 there had been an increase in sewer rates every three years. Since that time, the rates have not changed. At some point after discussions, there will be a rate increase. Ms. Bosley sent out information to Council prior to the committee meeting this evening.
Using the information Ms. Bosley distributed, Mr. Tomaselli said the rates from 2008 until 2018 ranged from $2.45 to $3.65 per 100 cu ft. The annual average household usage is 125 cu ft. He said one of the proposed increases is .75 cents this year which would take the rate from $3.65 to $4.40. He said even at $4.40, that rate is well below the state average and neighboring communities. Referencing the sewer volumes provided by Ms. Bosley, Mr. Tomaselli said sewer usage fluctuates so revenues fluctuate. He said there are more people using water today than in 2018, but the trend still has usage going down i.e., people are conserving by purchasing newer toilets and newer hot water tanks. Mr. Merhar asked what affects our need for revenue; is it the number of connections or usage. Mr. Tomaselli said it's based on usage and even though there are new developments, it hasn't significantly increased the usage. Mr. Carr said there is also an aging infrastructure that needs to be considered. Regarding the 2021 consumption, Ms. Bosley said there was an increase of 100 residential customers as an average and the revenue on the residential side went up $2,000 for the year. She said in 2020 and 2021 there has been a small increase in usage but that could be due to people staying at home more. This did not impact the revenue side substantially. Ms. Bosley said residential customers make up 88% of customers but produce only about 40% of the revenue. Again referencing the handout, Mr. Tomaselli said the annual sewer debt is trending upward and will continue to go up toward 2024 because there are known projects that are coming up. He said the City doesn't know what projects there are past 2024. Ms. Bosley said in 2020, the downtown sanitary sewer came off which was $98,000 a year in debt payments. In 2022, Highland-Maple-Wood, Center Wood, and VanGorderwill come off which amounts to $130,000 a year in debt payments. In 2019, the addition of the Quentin Basin project added $264,000 a year in debt payments; the Capacity Enhancement project will add in $381,000 of debt and the equalization Basin project could add $390,000 of debt payments unless grant money is received.
Mr. Anderson asked if the WPCC is all caught up on projects mandated by the EPA. Mr. Lannon said the EPA issues permits at the WPCC in five-year terms with the last big project being Lakeshore East Basin. He said no one knows what the next five-year permit will look like for sure but feels the WPCC is well-positioned. Ms. Bosley said there are items on the capital list brought for discussion at the plant which is a never-ending list. Ms. Bosley said there is also the sanitary sewer side to consider; in 2021 a purchase order was written for a $450,000 piece of equipment for the sewer department that hasn't been received. There are other pieces of equipment and other kinds of capital needs besides the EPA projects for both departments. The study done takes into account a lot of known items and projections of when they'll take place. Mr. Tomaselli said the last two pages of the information distributed to show the impact of each of the proposed increases to bring in revenue. Ms. Bosley said just like the general fund, the City desires to have a minimum of a three-month carryover balance in the sewer fund. If an increase was done four years ago, the City might be in the position to do .15 cent increases. She said the rate study was done in 2018 and it was updated multiple times through July 2021 with the intention to get it in front of Council. If increases of .15 cents are d_Qne eventually totally .75 cents that would only take the City to 2023 with a 3-month carryover. She said three years at .25 cents is a little higher, but you never achieve a 3-month carryover. That means within the next couple of years, you will need more than .75 cents; possibly a dollar. If the City moves forward with the .75 cents now, the carryover goal is achieved by 2024 and keeps it until 2030. She said this is all based on assumptions and estimates. Due to the timeframe, she said it is the administration's recommendation that an increase be made similar to what was done in the past. Ms. Bosleypointed out that every time the City borrows money from Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) or Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC), the City commits to having enough revenue to cover debt for the 20 year period. The City needs to show there will be sewer rate increases as needed to make sure there is enough revenue.
Mr. Carr said besides the .75 cent increase, the needle doesn't seem to move much. He suggested looking at a projection that would include a .40 cent increase now and another .40 cent increase in three years. Discussion ensued regarding different options on raising the sewer rates. The subject of offering a senior rate was discussed. Mr. Merhar asked why the City doesn't have it set up to have a yearly increase with a nominal amount to avoid getting stuck behind the eight ball and reassess in ten years. Mr. Woodin said that was discussed in the past; that would mean residents would have a yearly increase. The committee agreed to meet again prior to the next Council meeting to review different options. Ms. Bosley pointed out that the last real increase in sewer rates was in 2014; in 2018 the increase was to the admin portion.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 18, 2022
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of January 4, 2022
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk Novak read a request from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a new C1 license for Ohio Springs, Inc. dba Sheetz 731, 4145 SR 306, Willoughby, Ohio. There were no objections.
PUBLIC PORTION
No one spoke
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-115 – Tabled Motion carried 6-0
A resolution approving EAS #11-9-21 for demolition of the existing building and construction of a multi-tenant strip center located at 36001 Euclid Avenue (USA Management Strip Center Development).
Mr. Carr said this was discussed earlier this evening; it needs to be removed from the table.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-4 Motion carried 6-0
A resolution of support for the East Branch Chagrin River Restoration H2Ohio Project is partially located in the City of Willoughby, Ohio.
Law Director Lucas said this project will involve work along the stream bank on the Chagrin River. A grant will be used in a later phase of the project to consolidate some lots with several conservancies to establish an environmentally friendly area. This is the first step and there will be contracts coming in the future as recited in real broad brushed terms in the resolution itself. Mr. Carr said he would like to see a press release about this project to give the public information. Mayor Fiala said he will put together a memo outlining the program for Council's use.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-5 Motion carried 6-0
A resolution requesting the Lake County Auditor to make advance payments of taxes to the City of Willoughby, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
Ms. Bosley said this is an annual requirement in order to request an advance and also name who is authorized to make the request.
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-6 Motion carried 6-0
An ordinance authorizing the acceptance by the City of Willoughby of a gift of real property located on Lost Nation Road, Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio, and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 27B-044-A-00-018-0. Mayor Fiala said this piece of property is on the Chagrin River and is part of the puzzle that will be the Chagrin River Trail. Mr. Lucas said there is another property owner who owns a piece of property right next to this one who is proceeding with a donation.
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-7 Motion carried 6-0
An ordinance accepting the final plat for Chagrin Mill Farm Subdivision and declaring an emergency.
City Engineer Lannon said 99% of the improvements are done and they are ready to start selling lots and building.
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-8 Motion carried 6-0
An ordinance authorizing the acceptance of the Sidewalk Construction Escrow Account Agreement between the City of Willoughby and Sommers Development Company, LLC for chagrin Mill Farm Subdivision, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Lannon said this is a required agreement that the developer guarantees that the sidewalks will be constructed by the homebuilder.
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-9 Motion carried 6-0
An ordinance authorizing Amendment No. 2 to Ordinance No. 2021-19, the Manning & Payroll Ordinance, relative to Water Pollution Control Center Division, and declaring an emergency.
WPCC Superintendent Jack Gorka said an Industrial Field Technician was hired last fall and he has taken over the responsibilities that the Industrial Associate was doing prior. The IndustrialAssociate has now retired and the office responsibilities are now redistributed back to the divisions she was supporting. He said he wanted to put the structure back to the way it was originally with an Office Associate II and Ill. The Industrial Associate was a pay grade higher so this will save the city money.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-10 Motion carried 6-0
A resolution honoring Willoughby-Eastlake Water Pollution Control Center Employee William(Bill) Farroni and commending him for his 41 years of dedicated service to the City of Willoughby.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-11 Motion carried 6-0
A resolution honoring Willoughby-Eastlake Water Pollution Control Center Employee Harry Irle and commending him for his 36 years of dedicated service to the City of Willoughby.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-12 Motion carried 6-0
A resolution honoring Willoughby-Eastlake Water Pollution Control Center Employee Dianna Passwaiter and commending her for her 34 years of dedicated service to the City of Willoughby.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-13 Motion carried 6-0
A resolution approving EAS #14-12-21 for demolition of the existing building and construction of a retail grocery market located at 37100 Euclid Avenue (Aldi).
This EAS was discussed at the Environmental Planning Committee meeting earlier this evening.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-14 Motion carried 6-0
A resolution approving EAS #16-12-21 for interior and exterior renovations to the existing building located at 38886 Mentor Avenue (Brightview).
This EAS was discussed at the Environmental Planning Committee meeting earlier this evening.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala thanked Council for allowing the City to accept the property along the river on Lost Nation Road. He said all bargaining units will be commencing negotiations; he will be asking for an executive session at the next meeting to provide an update.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Law Director Lucas - No report. Mr. Carr said he asked Law Director Lucas if there was a more formal way to request to the state for virtual meeting approval.
Police Chief Schultz - Chief Schultz reported three suspects have been identified in a number of high-end thefts in Lake and Cuyahoga counties. Mr. Anderson asked if the department had a Flock camera that could be mounted to a car to identify stolen vehicles. Chief Schultz said not at this time; he said the department did have a License plate recognition (LPR) System on one of the cruisers, but it didn't prove to be very helpful. Mr. Garry asked about the status of Operation Safe Stay. Chief Schultz said the operation is still ongoing with the help of some federal grant money. Chief Schultz said there has been a bit of a downturn in the occupancy at some of the hotels which have helped.
Finance Director Bosley - Ms. Bosley thanked Council for the discussion and input regarding sewer rates.
Service Director Palmisano - Regarding the recent storm, Mr. Palmisano said crews were called out on Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. He said crews are still out on the road and it will take the entire week to get caught up. He said the focus was to clear primary roads and then secondary roads. He reported there were issues plowing cul-de-sacs due to the volume and weight of the snow; he said the lighter trucks were unable to push the snow and they are now moving the snow using loaders. He said crews will try to get to the sidewalks. Mr. Anderson asked when the downtown sidewalks will be cleared. Mr. Palmisano said he would like those cleared by the weekend. Mr. Tomaselli voiced concerns about a large pile of snow on Carl Court where kids are building forts noting he was concerned for the safety of the kids.
Parks & Recreation Director Banker - Regarding the fireworks survey, Ms. Banker asked if anyone had any questions. Mayor Fiala said that Mayor Morley and Mayor Regovich have offered for the City to join them for the fireworks at Classic Park on the 4th of July. Mr. Carr
said his vote would be for the 4th of July; Mr. Garry said he preferred August; Mr. Anderson said he preferredAugust; Mr. Woodin said he liked the 4th of July at Osborne Park; Mr. Tomaselli said he didn't have a preference and Mr. Merhar said he preferred the 4th of July.
Even though I was absent from this council meeting, I shared my comments on the Fireworks by stating in a letter to the Parks and Recreation Director I preferred the 4th of July.
Mr. Tomaselli suggested using the back part of Andrews Osborne's property. Ms. Banker noted that the location may not be a safe place to set off fireworks. Ms. Banker said there will be more discussions with the administration on the matter. Mr. Carr suggested having the Parks & Rec committee meeting regarding Osborne Park on a non-council meeting night.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No major reports
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
Hometown Heroes Banner Program
I really would like to share a program Willoughby has been doing for years.
City of Willoughby Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a walkable tribute created to recognize and honor Willoughby residents and their immediate family members (spouse, parent, legal guardian, grandparent, child, or siblings) who are serving, who have served or given their lives in service to our country in the United States Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard).
Each banner will honor a specific Willoughby service person and will include their name, era served, photo, and banner sponsor. Banners will be displayed on street lamps in Downtown Willoughby or on Lakeshore Blvd., from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.
To sponsor a banner, download the registration form or call the Parks and Recreation Department, 440-953-4200, to have one emailed or mailed to you. Once completed, return the application to the Parks and Recreation Department (1 Public Square, Willoughby, OH 44094), along with a sponsorship check in the amount of $125 ($65 to reuse an existing banner) – payable to The City of Willoughby and a high resolution, 5″ X 7″ or larger, portrait-style photo of the service person. All hardcopy photos will be returned. Digital photos in jpeg or png of 600 dpi resolution can be emailed to jbanker@willoughbyohio.com. Registration is January 10th through April 1st or until all spots are filled – limited spaces available, please don’t delay your registration.
The City of Willoughby is not responsible for replacing banners that are stolen, damaged, or destroyed due to vandalism or any acts of nature including high winds.
City Snow Removal
The City has a curb to curb snow removal policy. Dangerous hills, curves, and bridges are monitored and treated as necessary throughout an event. All public streets within Willoughby receive snow removal service according to the following priorities:
Streets
Priority 1: Main roads, hills, secondary streets, police and fire departments
Priority 2: Residential streets and cul-de-sacs (after residential streets are done)
Priority 3: Cemeteries; city parking lots; Euclid Ave., Erie Street, Vine Street, Mentor Ave., Lost Nation, and Lake Shore sidewalks
Not Treated by City of Willoughby: Private residential streets, condos, and apartments
Residential Sidewalks
Residents are required to keep their sidewalks free of snow, ice, debris, and obstructions. Sidewalks are to be cleared of snow within 24 hours of the snow event or they are subject to fines. Depositing snow or ice on any public sidewalk, street, bike path, road, or highway is not permitted.
Residents can assist in the snow plowing process:
Do not shovel or plow snow into City streets
Do not shovel or plow snow into driveway aprons
Remove snow from in front of mailboxes and fire hydrants
Keep distance from the snowplows
Remove parked cars from the street
Do not attempt to pass a snowplow
Snow Emergency: A snow parking ban is effective when there is 2” or more.
Stay Safe this Winter
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
https://willoughbyohio.com/city-council/