City Council Council Minutes 04/14/2008 - Council Meeting Minutes Menu
| 04/14/2008 - Council Meeting Minutes |
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CITY OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS
COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
The regular meeting of Council was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Council President Michael Ballistrea.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mr. Michael Ballistrea, Mr. Anthony DiCicco, Mrs. Donna Finney, Mr. Ronald Kobunski, Mr. David Sasak, Mrs. Diane Snider. ABSENT: Mr. Sam Mercurio.
Also present were Mayor Gregory Costabile, Mr. Leonard Carr, Mr. Robert Tribby and Miss Lisa Benedetti.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Mr. Kobunski moved to suspend reading of the Council minutes of March 24, 2008, and approve as written, seconded by Mr. Sasak. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Ballistrea thanked the Parks and Recreation Committee for a successful Pancake Breakfast. There was a good crowd and it was well planned.
Mr. Ballistrea stated a letter was received from the Mayfield Township Historical Society asking the City for continued financial support. Mayor Costabile explained that an annual contribution is made.
Mr. Ballistrea mentioned that there would be a new recreation event, a Taste of Italy dinner in May.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS:
Mayor Costabile: Mayfield Road Update: The State has approved the City's request for acceleration of the project. With the $450,000 grant money the City obtained for this project, the workweek will now be extended. Businesses with only one entrance on Mayfield Road will be allowed to get a temporary driveway on a side street if it is possible to put one in. As the park activities resume, due to the heavier traffic on Marsol, the City will again install signage cautioning motorists about pedestrians around the park.
There was an article in the Plain Dealer today about the financial difficulties some municipalities are facing. Because the City has been pro-active with economic development, including the hiring of a consultant, it has helped the City to maintain financial stability.
A Community
Block Grant application was submitted to the County for landscaping and
business store front improvements
HB 521 was introduced and pertains to the organization of local governments. The Cuyahoga Mayors and Managers Association will be watching this legislation closely.
The Mayor met with State Representative Matt Dolan and lobbied for capital improvement money. The Mayor commented that it was always good to keep in contact with the representatives to keep the lines of communication open.
An audit for energy savings was conducted for City buildings. A report was received and the Mayor asked for a Finance and Audit Committee meeting to review the report and the suggested plans to improve energy efficiency.
A meeting was held with various departments to discuss ways to improve the information on the City's AM radio station (AM 1700). Residents are encouraged to tune in to find out what is going on in the City.
On a good note, the Police Department reported that calls are down from 2006.
Mrs. Finney asked for clarification on what signage would be done on Marsol Road for the summer season. Mayor Costabile replied that the caution signs used last year would be used, as the Mayor previously stated. Further, at the start of the season, there may be more police officers stationed in the area. The City will continue to try to keep on top of the extra traffic for all the roads.
Mrs. Finney reported that State Representative Josh Mandel has completed his Iraq tour of duty and should be coming home soon.
Director of Law Carr: The Global World of Peace has filed a Notice of Appeal as expected.
Director of Finance Tribby: No report.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:
Building Committee: No report.
Finance and Audit Committee: No report.
Legislative Committee: No report.
Public Works and Services Committee: Mr. Kobunski stated the chipper truck is out. Residents are asked to put branches on the treelawn for chipping, only on their respective trash pick up dates.
Recreation and Parks Committee: Mrs. Snider reported that over 600 people attended the Pancake Breakfast. She thanked everyone who came and who helped. The salary ordinance for summer staff wages is on the agenda this evening. The first annual Taste of Italy event will be held May 31, 2008. Tickets are on sale. Mayor Costabile added that this is an event to bring the community together for a common goal and to establish new friendships among residents. The money will go to Parks and Recreation events. Mr. Kobunski mentioned that the Service Department is also working on the ball field fencing. Mayor Costabile stated there is good collaboration with the City and the baseball leagues. The fields are being renovated and there should be a big improvement. He recently met with the boys league representatives and will be meeting with all ball field representatives to continue to discuss ways by which to improve the parks and the various baseball/softball leagues. Mrs. Snider stated that the Parks and Recreation Committee is looking for volunteers for Community Days. Anyone interested should contact the department.
Safety and Transportation Committee: No report.
Board of Zoning Appeals: Mr. Kobunski stated there is a meeting on April 15, 2008.
Commission on Aging: Mr. Ballistrea reported on the meeting held April 1, 2008. Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.
Planning Commission: Mr. Sasak reported on the meeting held April 7, 2008. Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record. Mrs. Finney asked if anyone had yet been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Al Kay. Mr. Sasak said not yet. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rory McLean, President of the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland spoke about the disorder. It affects communication, which affects behavior. The range is from mild to severe. The prevalence is 1/150 children and it has gone up 2300% in 11 years. The average costs for a school district is $5000-7000 per child. It is over $35,000 for autistic children. For autistic adults the cost in a group home is $75,000-150,000. This affects us all. The Society is an advocacy group started in the 1970's. The website is www.asgc.org and has links to other sites for information. Mayor Costabile asked if there is any research as to why there is this high increase. Mr. McLean replied that it is widely believed, but there are no specifics, that there is a genetic trait triggered by environment. Mayor Costabile asked if the schools are equipped for this matter. Mr. McLean stated that the earlier the diagnosis the better they are able to help the child. There seems to be more education at the elementary level than at higher levels. The Mayor asked him to send information to the City so it could be posted. Mrs. Snider asked at what age a diagnosis is made. Mr. McLean replied that the average is 2 1/2 years, as that is when it becomes noticeable. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC COMMENT: None. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RESOLUTION NO. 2008-21: "A Resolution proclaiming April 2008 as "Autism Awareness Month"." Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. DiCicco. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Finney, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. DiCicco. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-22: "A Resolution authorizing charging cable/video service providers that have obtained a video service authorization or renewal pursuant to the authority of the State of Ohio, a video service provider fee in the amount of three percent (3%) of gross revenues, and authorizing the Finance Director to deliver notice of this resolution to video service providers within ten (10) days of receiving notice of the provider's intent to offer service in the City of Mayfield Heights, and declaring an emergency." Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mrs. Finney. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mr. Sasak moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. DiCicco. Mr. Carr explained that this is a result of AT & T coming into the cable business. This was the final document for the process. There is no additional cost to the homeowner. Mayor Costabile commented that with this new service, there has been a question as to when the PEG channels would be available. The representatives have indicated that it is in the process and should be in the near future. The Mayor has sent a letter to the agent to move the matter along and expects to have a meeting scheduled soon. Mr. Ballistrea asked if we know what kind of revenue this fee would bring in. Mr. Tribby stated it is too early to tell. The City has received about $1600 so far. It is revenue based. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ORDINANCE NO. 2008-8: "An Ordinance amending the zone map of the City of Mayfield Heights, Ohio so as to rezone Permanent Parcel No. 862-22-005 (1085 SOM Center Road) from its current U-1(2) Single Family House Subdistrict 2 to U-2 A(1); Planned Unit Development District." Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only. Mr. Kobunski moved to place the ordinance on second reading, seconded by Mrs. Snider. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Kobunski, Snider, Finney, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is placed on second reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-9: "An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2006-17, 2006-41 and 2007-26 providing for the organization of certain administrative departments and fixing the salaries and bonds of certain officers and employees therein (Recreation Department summer positions only)." Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only. Mrs. Snider moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. DiCicco. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Mr. Sasak abstained as his son works for the Recreation Department in the summer. Vote 5-0. Motion failed, as six votes are needed to suspend the rules. Mr. Kobunski moved to place the ordinance on first reading, seconded by Mr. DiCicco. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Finney, Snider, Kobunski, DiCicco, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Mr. Sasak abstained for the reason stated above. Vote 5-0. Motion carried. The ordinance is placed on first reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-10: "An Ordinance amending Chapter 135, Section 135.05 Fee of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mayfield Heights, pertaining to fee for returned checks." Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only. Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. DiCicco. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Sasak. Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was received from Mr. Tribby. Mr. Tribby stated that while the City does not get a lot of returned checks, this should discourage people from issuing bad checks. Further the increase will help cover administrative expenses incurred following the receipt of a check with insufficient funds. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is adopted. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Sasak, seconded by Mrs. Finney, moved to confirm the decision of the Planning Commission approving the preliminary site plan for a new 1600 sq. ft. outdoor seating addition for The Boneyard Restaurant, 5900 Mayfield Road. Mr. Ballistrea stated that the Planning Commission meeting minutes state that a board on board fence would surround the patio, but the plans show a lattice fence. Mr. Sasak explained that the board on board supercedes the lattice style. This type would give more security to the area. Mr. Ballistrea commented that Council had made it clear to Panini's when it submitted plans for an outdoor patio about its concern about alcohol getting out to the parking lot. He wondered about security here. Mr. Sasak stated that security officers would be on site during weekends and staff would be at the doors during the week. All in favor, motion carried. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs. Finney, seconded by Mr. DiCicco, moved to authorize payment of $14,580.83 to Universal Oil, Inc. for gasoline for various departments. All in favor, motion carried. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There being no further business to come before Council, Mr. Ballistrea adjourned the meeting at 8:20 P.M.
Approved: Respectfully submitted,
Michael Ballistrea Lisa A. Benedetti, MMC Council President Deputy Clerk of Council
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