CITY OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

December 8, 2008

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. Sam Mercurio,

                                                  Mr. David Sasak.

                              ABSENT:      Mrs. Diane Snider.

Also present were Mayor Gregory Costabile, Mr. Leonard Carr, Mr. Robert Tribby and Miss Lisa Benedetti.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Mr. Sasak moved to suspend reading of the Council minutes of November 24, 2008, and approve as written, seconded by Mr. Kobunski.  All in favor, motion carried.  Minutes approved.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mr. Ballistrea announced that former Mayor Margaret Egensperger's daughter, Cathy, passed away.  On behalf of the City Council, he expressed sympathy to her and the family.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

Mayor Costabile:  Mayfield Road Update:  The winter reprieve started December 1, 2008.  The City allowed a change order to permit this.  There are now two lanes on the exit ramps.  Minor work will continue throughout the winter.  The regular work will begin again in late March, early April with a completion date in 2009.

The Mayor met with the LNE group, as well as the Service and Recreation Directors, to discuss possible new grant opportunities for the coming year.

The State Capital Bill grant of $100,000 should be available in April 2009 for the renovations to the community center.  He continues to meet with City administrators to discuss how to use the money wisely.

As of December 1, 2008, only two cities in Ohio, Columbus and Westlake, have the U-Verse PEG channels available to residents.  There are many issues regarding the matter.  The City is anticipating entering into a contract to digitize the recording of these meetings and that will them make them accessible for these channels.  The whole project will upgrade the recording and viewing process on cable for residents.

The Mayor continues to talk with RTA and Hillcrest Hospital to try to get the bus stop back at Hillcrest Hospital.  Discussions continue and it is hoped that it will be resolved soon.

Work has been started on the 2009 road program, so that the City can go out for bids earlier in an effort to get better costs.

The Mayor stated Mrs. Snider attended the Hillcrest Council of Councils meeting December 6, 2008.  A representative from the Cuyahoga County Library system was present and spoke on a possible expansion for the Mayfield Regional Library.  The new officers for the Hillcrest Council of Councils are trying to revitalize the group.  The Mayor endorses this effort as keeping the lines of communication open helps everyone in the region.

The Mayor thanked everyone who attended the holiday lighting ceremony, which was sponsored by the City and the Mayor's Community Council.  He also thanked those who attended the second annual craft fair.  Tickets are still available for the Breakfast with Santa on December 13, 2008.

The Mayor wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year.

Mr. DiCicco asked about the barrel placement on Mayfield Road at Golden Gate.  He wondered if it would be staying that way.  He saw people on the wrong side of the barrels.  Mayor Costabile replied that the City would take a look at that area.  By changing the sequence of the signal lights by Golden Gate, it allows for fewer backups on the exit ramps.  Mr. DiCicco believes the people were turning left out of Golden Gate.

Director of Law Carr:  No report.

Director of Finance Tribby:  No report.

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Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mrs. Finney, moved to deviate from the agenda to address Resolution No. 2008-79.  All in favor, motion carried.

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-79:  "A Resolution commending Frank (Hank) Jiannetti for his service to the City of Mayfield Heights."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Kobunski.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Finney, Mercurio, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. DiCicco moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES: DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mayor Costabile read the resolution in its entirety and presented it to Mr. Jiannetti.  Also presented was a plaque for his years of service.  Mr. Jiannetti thanked everyone who has helped him over the years.  The resolution is adopted.

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REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:

Building Committee:  Mr. Sasak reported that a meeting was held December 3, 2008.  The Building Department asked for verbiage to clean up some of the rental property section regarding payment of the annual rental license.  Also discussed was allowing gas stations to post gas prices.  Both items needed additional information before a decision could be made, so another meeting would be scheduled in January.

Finance and Audit Committee:  Mr. Mercurio stated there are two items on the agenda.  Mr. Tribby sent a memo explaining each one.

Legislative Committee:  No report.

Public Works and Services Committee:  No report.

Recreation and Parks Committee:  No report.

Safety and Transportation Committee:  No report.

Board of Zoning Appeals:  Mr. Kobunski stated there are two items on the agenda for the December 13, 2008 meeting.

Commission on Aging:  Mr. Ballistrea reported on the meeting held December 2, 2008. Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.  The schedule for the 2009 programs and events has been set. The next meeting is scheduled for January 6, 2009.

Planning Commission:   Mr. Sasak reported on the meeting held December 1, 2008.  Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.  He stated that Burger King is now open and thinks the new building is very attractive.

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SPECIAL PRESENTATION:  Amy Brennen, Executive Director for the Chagrin River Watershed Partners (CRWP) gave a presentation on conservation and development areas within the City and the Balanced Growth Program.  Rachel from this office presented it to the Planning Commission last week.

She explained that the CRWP was formed in 1996 to support the efforts of many communities to protect their natural resources, preserve the scenic and environment qualities of the watershed and minimize flooding and erosion as communities grew.  There are 36 member communities.  Their efforts are coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps and Ohio EPA to ensure consistency between local regulations and state/federal permitting.  The primary focus is on what the communities need.  They also work with individual landowners.

The Chagrin River Watershed Balanced Growth Plan was developed at the direction of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, which is made up of the directors of six state departments.  The plan is to identify priority areas for conservation and development though local government consensus. The plan is being funded by the State as a pilot program.  Through this pilot project they will work with member government to develop the Chagrin River Balanced Growth Plan and advance the implementation of best local land use practices.  By identifying what the member communities' priorities are, the state can better lend help through one of the departments whether it is technical or by funding.  It can also serve for coordinating projects between communities and the state, thus using available funds in a more efficient manner.

A map of the whole watershed area was prepared and was displayed showing the priority conservation and development areas incorporating natural resources within the Chagrin River Watershed boundaries. It is then broken out by community.

CRWP requests that the City pass a resolution endorsing the priority conservation and development designations in the Chagrin River Watershed Balanced Growth Plan, as shown on the map.  They would like the communities to incorporate these into their development plans.  Eleven municipalities so far have endorsed this plan.  The state needs the endorsement of 75% of the land area in the watershed, which means almost 100% endorsement for all the communities.  Currently there is between 24% to 32% of the communities on board.

A map was displayed showing priority conservation and development areas within the City.  The areas were designated based on the existing commercial area and existing open land in the City.  The map was revised after discussions with the Mayor and after the Planning Commission meeting, because of some changes since the map was drawn. 

Mr. Kobunski asked if this group works with the Euclid Creek Watershed group.  Ms. Brennen replied that they do.  About five communities overlap the two watersheds.  Mr. Kobunski asked about budgets.  Ms. Brennan stated that the budgets are separate.  CRWP is set up as a non-profit structure. Euclid Creek works through a government office.  Mr. Ballistrea asked what Mayfield Heights' contribution is to the Chagrin River Watershed versus Euclid Creek.  Ms. Brennen did not have those figures at hand. Mayor Costabile mentioned that Ms. Brennan might want to point out the dues structure, as it is on a sliding scale and Mayfield Heights being further from the mouth, pays less.  Ms. Brennan stated that Mayfield Heights has 7% of the population and 1% of the land area under the Chagrin River Watershed.  The dues structure is ranked by present tax value and position of the community on the river.  Dues account for about 30% of the annual operating budget.  The group applies for grant money as well.

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PUBLIC COMMENT:  None.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2008-80:  "A Resolution on National Drunk and Impaired Driving Prevention Month."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mr. Kobunski moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES: Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Kobunski.  Mayor Costabile explained that Police Chief Joseph Donnelly requested this be on the agenda.  Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, every 30 minutes someone dies in a car crash.  The Mayor suggested that people try to plan ahead to designate a driver when they will be drinking.  Friends never let friends drive drunk.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-81:  "A Resolution supporting the Chagrin River Watershed Balanced Growth Plan in cooperation with the Ohio Lake Erie Commission's Balanced Growth Program."  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:  Kobunski, Finney, Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Mr. Ballistrea stated that the copies of the Planning Commission minutes that were sent to everyone, as well as the presentation this evening, explained the program.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-82:  "A Resolution authorizing the Director of Public Safety to enter into an agreement with the Village of Gates Mills for the furnishing of mutual fire protection for both municipalities for the year 2009 and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mr. Kobunski moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Sasak.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Finney, Mercurio, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Sasak moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney. This is an annual action needed.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:   DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-83:  "A Resolution authorizing the Director of Finance to transfer funds in accordance with amounts listed in Ordinance Nos. 2008-7, 2008-15 and 2008-21."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mrs. Finney moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES: Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Sasak moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Kobunski. Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was received from Mr. Tribby.  Mr. Tribby commented that many of the transfers involved are between the general fund and special revenue funds.  Mr. Sasak asked if the deficits in the three recreation funds are after ticket sales.  Mr. Tribby responded that the totals are an accumulation over several years.  Mr. Ballistrea mentioned that it is the recommendation of the State Auditors to do this.  Mr. Tribby explained that the recreation funds would be changing from Trust Agency accounts to Special Revenue funds.  Mr. Kobunski mentioned that those budgets would be increasing, so the funds will not show a deficit.  Mr. Tribby stated that is correct.  Each fund will get an appropriation and a general fund subsidy, if necessary, to show balanced funds. Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

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ORDINANCE NO. 2008-21:  "An Ordinance amending Ordinance Nos. 2008-7 and 2008-15, the appropriation expenditures of the City of Mayfield Heights, State of Ohio, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, specifically the transfer and supplemental appropriation of funds in various accounts and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only.  Mr. Mercurio moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Kobunski.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Kobunski, Finney, Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. DiCicco moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Kobunski.  Mr. Ballistrea explained that this approves the final appropriations before the year end.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

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Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to cancel the regularly scheduled Council meeting of December 22, 2008.  All in favor, motion carried.

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NEW BUSINESS; COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL:

Mr. Ballistrea wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and any other holiday that may be celebrated.

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There being no further business to come before Council, Mr. Ballistrea adjourned the meeting at 8:30 P.M.

Approved:                                                       Respectfully submitted,

Michael Ballistrea                                            Lisa A. Benedetti, MMC

Council President                                            Deputy Clerk of Council