MEETING NOTES FEBRUARY 6, 2024
Willoughby City Council Meeting Summary
• February 6, 2024 •
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/
Committee Meetings:
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING:
Committee: Ken Kary, Dan Anderson, Dan Garry
*The purpose of the Environmental Planning Committee Meeting is to review the following: EAS #15-10-23(a)
Rezoning of 7.72 acres of real property located at 38751 Hodgson Road and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 2780520000040 from Airport District (A) to Residential One-Family 80 (R80).
Here are my notes from the meeting which I chaired:
STORMWATER NOTES FROM MR. TIM LANNON, CITY ENGINEER
• Any future development of this area must include Storm-water Retention per code.
• This is all because the current system was not designed to handle this type of development.
• Engineering shared that High wall plumbing w/grinder pumps for basement or slab construction be used
• THERE IS A Need to extend the sewer from the existing stub at Lost Nation to the new site.
• The applicant will Follow the code for storm-water detention
• WE DISCUSSED THE POSSIBILITY, IN THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, OF WORKING WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE GOLF COURSE TO SEE IF THERE COULD BE A MUTUAL AGREEMENT AS TO HOW THE STORMWATER COULD BE ROUTED TO BENEFIT THE GOLF COURSE IN THEIR IRRIGATION!!!!
WETLANDS:
For the record, all sites 1/10th acre or more must prove compliance with state and federal wetlands and stream regulations.
A WETLANDS WALKTHRU IS ADVISABLE EARLY ON
AND
A WETLANDS STUDY WILL BE REQUIRED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
TRAFFIC
TRAFFIC Will impact the existing problem on Hodgson-Lost Nation Road, where a traffic signal was warranted for this location. WE ARE ALL CERTAINLY AWARE OF THIS.
The Developer has agreed to provide funds to city for a future traffic solution based on amount of homes constructed. This will be determined when Mr. Conti comes back with his PLANS. As we did with Fairway Glenn, we will determine a dollar amount based on the number of homes built and the appropriate contribution to said TRAFFIC SOLUTION, BE IT A SIGNAL OR A POSSIBLE “ROUNDABOUT”.
Sidewalks will be required across the entire frontage of Hodgson Road and internally if the Design Plans submitted call for them.
FIRE DEPT AND POLICE COMMENTS:
There were no concerns cited other than that they do not want to see vehicles backing out onto Hodgson Road, so driveways should have turnarounds unless “rear access” garages are constructed.
NOISE WATER AND AIR POLLUTION:
No Concerns
During the Construction phase of this development, no construction or private vehicles will be parked on the Private Streets of the Housing Development across the street.
AVENEL COURT
ENGLISH TURN
CONGRESSIONAL LANE
IMPACT ON THE SCHOOLS
No major impact on the number of homes planned.
HAZARDOUS WASTE MATERIALS
None
SAFETY !!!!!!!
We had a very productive conversation during the Planning Commission Meeting, and this EAS based on safety,
And we were very pleased to see Mr. Conte realize some of the safety concerns with a development such as this right next to the GOLF COURSE.
THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE ALL VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT FAIRWAY GLENN DID WITH THEIR HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION DOCUMENTS TO CREATE A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOLF COURSE..
Mr. Conte agreed to place a fence to show a physical separation from the Golf Course to the properties.
He also agreed to have the Home-Owners Association Documents to include verbiage whereby the Golf Course will not be responsible for damage to homes by Golf Activity.
WE DISCUSSED THE POSSIBILITY OF THE RESIDENTS SIGNING WAIVERS, AS DID THOSE HOMEOWERS IN FAIRWAY GLENN..
TIMELINE
Begin Spring 2024 complete in two yrs 2026???
the BUILDER
We asked whether Mr. Conte would be the builder, as he mentioned to the Planning Commission. This was the only point that did not have clarity. The representative stated that Mr. Conte may or may not be the builder. This will be re-addressed when Mr. Conti returns to the Planning Commission with his plans.
AGENDA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 6, 2024
PUBLIC HEARING
(Recessed from 1/16/24 Council meeting) Rezoning Hodgson Road (see attached legal notice)
PUBLIC HEARING:
Clerk Novak read the legal notice for the public hearing that was recessed at the January 16, 2024 Council meeting for the proposed rezoning on Hodgson Road (see attached).
Those Speaking in Favor –
Michael Ross, 4735 Wood Street, Willoughby, Ohio – Mr. Ross stated he is the agent for the applicant for the rezoning request. He believes the homes will be a wonderful addition to the City. There has been a lot of thought and discussion that has gone into the current application.
Those Speaking in Opposition – No one spoke.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
Regular Council Meeting of January 16, 2024
STANDING AND REGULAR COMMITTEE REPORTS
No major reports
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence
PUBLIC PORTION
No one spoke
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-146 - Tabled Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance agreeing to change portions of the boundary of the City of Willoughby with the Village of Waite Hill, and superseding Ordinance No. 2023-6.
This ordinance will remain tabled. Law Director Lucas stated a meeting should be scheduled between the City Engineer, the Lake County Tax Map representative and the Lake County Auditor’s Office.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-12 - Tabled Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution approving EAS #15-10-23(a) for the rezoning of 7.72 acres of real property located at 38751 Hodgson Road and further identified as Permanent Parcel No. 2780520000040 from Airport District (A) to Residential One-Family 80 (R80).
This resolution will be removed from the table and voted on this evening.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-13 - Tabled Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance amending the Zone Map of the City of Willoughby, Ohio to reclassify
7.72 acres of certain real property located at 38751 Hodgson Road (Permanent Parcel No. 2780520000040) from Airport District (A) to Residential One-Family 80 (R80).
This ordinance will be removed from the table and voted on this evening
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-16 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution declaring the official intent and reasonable expectation of the City of Willoughby, on behalf of the State of Ohio, to reimburse its WPCC Capital Replacement Fund for the CG22AA/CG23AA, WPCC Water Main Replacement, with the proceeds of tax-exempt debt of the State of Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated an e-mail was sent out by Finance Director Hoffman regarding Resolution Nos. 2024-16, 17 and 18. Ms. Hoffman stated that anytime the City asked OPWC to reimburse the City instead of contractors, the City has to do a resolution of intent.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-17 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution declaring the official intent and reasonable expectation of the City of Willoughby, on behalf of the State of Ohio, to reimburse its WPCC Capital Replacement Fund for the CG56AA/CG57 AA, WPCC Belt Filter Press Replacement, with the proceeds of tax exempt debt of the State of Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-18 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution declaring the official intent and reasonable expectation of the City of Willoughby, on behalf of the State of Ohio, to reimburse its Road and Bridge Levy Fund for the CG60AA, Reeves, Gale, Abbots Mill, et al Concrete Slab Replacement, with proceeds of tax exempt debt of the State of Ohio, and declaring an emergency.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-19 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement to accept a Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) 2024 Energized Community Grant in the amount of $59,658.00, and declaring an emergency.
Ms. Hoffman stated the amount received has gone down a little from previous years but theCity is fortunate to receive the money. It was as high as $90,000 at one time. Service DirectorPalmisano stated he would like to use the funds for air conditioning at one of the fire stations and continued LED lighting conversions.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-20 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance amending Chapter 1335 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio, titled, "Permit and Inspection Fees"; specifically, Section 1335.02, titled, "Application andPlan Review Fees".
Chief Building & Zoning Inspector Puskas stated this increases the construction deposit amount. Mr. Puskas stated this relates to storm water runoff when the City Engineer has to go out and reinspect or plan resubmission costing over $500. The increase to $1,000 will cover these additional services. Mr. Puskas stated this does not raise the fee but rather the deposit.
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-21 Motion carried 7 to 0
An ordinance amending Tables of Special Ordinances of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Willoughby, Ohio; specifically, establishing Table K - Environmental Covenants.
Mr. Carr stated there have been a few pieces of legislation recently that mentioned environmental covenants. Mr. Lucas stated the City is doing environmental work that has been in part a nexus with required environmental convents with third parties. He stated there should be a separate table for these environmental convents as opposed to using the table for easements.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-22 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with CJ Excavating & Construction, LLC for the implementation of the 2024 Voluntary Concrete Sidewalk Repair & ReplacementProgram with additional City option for one (1) year renewal for 2025, and declaring anemergency.
Mr. Palmisano stated this contractor has been very efficient; for the first time in years the point of sale violations have been corrected in a timely manner.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-23 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract agreement with Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc. necessary to the Floodplain Restoration and Recreational TrailImprovements, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated Ms. Keller’s memo on this resolution indicated that this is for the Chagrin River Watershed Partners to do project management for the H2Ohio Project. Ms. Keller stated theywill also help the City with the bid packet and selection of whoever the contract is awarded to.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-24 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to distribute requests for qualifications for the engineering and design phase of the Chagrin River Floodplain and Riparian Restoration Project, and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Carr stated the Chagrin River Watershed Partners will assist with the bid specs and chosen provider. This project will use H2Ohio grant money.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-25 Motion carried 7 to 0
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to distribute requests for qualifications for development of concept, engineering and design plans for the Osborne Park Wetlands and Coastal Habitat Enhancement Planning Project, and declaring an emergency.
Ms. Keller stated this project uses grant money from the Coastal Management Assistance Grant (CMAG) grant from 2022 covering everything on top of the hill back to Lakeshore Blvd; it doesn’t include any of the revetment work.
PENDING LITIGATION STATUTORY REQUIREMENT:
Council review and approval of findings and conclusions of fact per rezoning denial of October 17, 2023.
Mr. Lucas distributed the findings and there should be a motion to approve the findings that will be submitted as part of the record to the court for the pending ligation. Council will need to sign the findings form tonight.
NOTE:
For accuracy, this section has been copied from the council meeting minutes
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Fiala stated that the nine members of the Charter Review Commission have all agreed to serve. The next step will be for the Commission to hold their organizational meeting. All Charter Review Commission meetings will be public and they will be posted on the website.
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Service Director Palmisano – Mr. Palmisano thanked Council for the passage of Resolution 2024-22.Regarding the NOPEC grant, he stated another possible use for the money would be for lighting at Osborne pool.
Police Chief Schultz – Chief Schultz stated the department recently received a nice compliment from Crossroads Health. Three and half years ago Crossroads Health expanded their services into thecommunity with regard to mental health and public safety. They partnered with law enforcement agencieswith Willoughby as one of the first to join the partnership which include crises intervention training andcreating a team. They recently recognized the Willoughby Police Department in their newsletter noting the departments commitment as a community partner in the community crises intervention team program. Chief Schultz also recognized two dispatchers, Michelle Spehar and Kiersten Jaggie for their dedication,work and loyalty that they provide to the department, the community and the City.
Chief Building and Zoning Inspector Puskas – Mr. Puskas thanked Council for the passage of Ordinance No. 2024-20 noting the increase in the deposit will greatly affect the Building Department as well as Engineering.
Parks & Recreation Director Keller – Ms. Keller thanked Council for the passage of Resolution Nos. 2024-23 through 25.
Finance Director Hoffman – Ms. Hoffman thanked Council for the passage of Resolution Nos. 2024-16, 17, 18 and 19.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mr. Kary – No report. Mr. Carr thanked Mr. Kary for his work on the Planning Commission with regards to the Hodgson Road development.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMENTS BY COUNCILMAN KARY
I will ask to refrain from comments in this issue due to the fact that I am working simultaneously on stacks of paperwork for not only City Council but Planning Commission as well.
I would like to mention that I would like to hold a Ward 2 Resident Meeting between now and the Spring. More on this at a later date.
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/