| 02/09/2009 - Council Meeting Minutes |
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CITY OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES February 9, 2009
The regular meeting of Council was called to order at 7:35 P.M. by Council President Michael Ballistrea.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mr. Michael Ballistrea, Mr. Anthony DiCicco, Mrs. Donna Finney, Mr. Sam Mercurio, Mr. David Sasak, Mrs. Diane Snider. ABSENT: Mr. Ronald Kobunski.
Also present were Mayor Gregory Costabile, Mr. Leonard Carr, Mr. Robert Tribby and Miss Lisa Benedetti.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Mrs. Snider moved to suspend reading of the Council minutes of January 26, 2009, and approve as written, seconded by Mrs. Finney. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Dr. Marc Schrode, University Hospital, spoke on creating heart health in the communities. Officials need to identify those at risk, then target them. Heart disease affects women as well as men. It is the number one cause of death for both genders. The symptoms are different for women, so they were less likely to have the proper diagnosis. Because the medical community has better testing now, it is getting better to identify those at risk. More importantly, people have to make life style changes. Only three percent of the population engages in activities that can keep them healthy. These activities are: no smoking, exercising, eating healthy and maintaining the proper weight. These activities can cut the risk for heart disease by big percentages. Currently the U.S. population is 50-60% overweight. Certain areas are in better shape than others are, but those areas could get better, as the percentage has gone up in just a decade, so it is doable. A teamwork approach is needed with patients and their doctors. Mr. Ballistrea thanked Dr. Schrode for his comments.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Ballistrea stated a letter was received from Sgt. Anderson. The DARE graduation for the fifth graders is scheduled for March 5, 2009. The Mayor also sent a memo on this subject. Mr. Ballistrea encouraged all members to attend this event.
Mr. Ballistrea stated that the City's senior transportation service with TC3 is going through some changes. The City will continue to keep all apprized of any material developments.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS:
Mayor Costabile: The Mayor thanked Dr. Schrode for his presentation. The City is trying to educate its residents by communicating helpful information to them about important issues such as heart health.
The City will continue to be vigilant about providing senior transportation. As Mr. Ballistrea reported, there are changes coming up. If there are any questions, residents can call the Mayor's office or Human Services Director Eileen Adornetti.
The Groundhog Day Breakfast was a great event. It gives officials a chance to talk with business members. The Mayor was also able to present the Volunteer of the Year Award to David Paponetti. He congratulated him for all his efforts through the years.
The Mayor stated he was very happy to announce that the Mayfield School District and the City continue to work together in many ways. Resolution No. 2009-12 on the agenda pertains to the selling of the Oakville Park property to the City for $1.00. The City has been leasing and maintaining the property for many years for the betterment of the community. The Mayor thanked Dr. Price and the School Board members for negotiating this matter to its conclusion. It is a wonderful example of collaboration.
The discussions regarding the RTA bus stop at Hillcrest Hospital continues. There will hopefully be a resolution to the issue in the near future.
The Mayor will be meeting with the sewer district representative as well as the water department representative to get answers on the proposed increases.
The Mayor requested that the Finance Committee meet to review the energy audit prepared by Brewer Garrett.
Five new auxiliary officers were sworn in this evening. This brings the unit number up to 29 members. This unit is a volunteer group that assists the community in many ways to keep it safe.
The Crop N Craft event will be held on February 21, 2009 at the community center. It is sponsored by the City and the Mayor's Community Council.
The "A Taste of Italy" event will be held on February 28, 2009 and is a fundraiser for the Recreation Department, as well as a fun community event.
Director of Law Carr: No report.
Director of Finance Tribby: No report.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:
Building Committee: Mr. Sasak reported that the committee met today and referred two items to the Law Department for legislation. The two items are changeable signs and rental property penalty fees. Mr. Ballistrea referred to the committee the matter of reviewing patio enclosures.
Finance and Audit Committee: Mr. Mercurio stated a meeting would be scheduled for the review of the energy audit.
Legislative Committee: No report.
Public Works and Services Committee: No report.
Recreation and Parks Committee: Mrs. Snider reported on the meeting of January 27, 2009. Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record. She also mentioned the "A Taste of Italy" event and Lunch with the Bunny on February 4, 2009. Tickets are available for both events. There are four ordinances on the agenda pertaining to fees for recreation programs and summer staff wages.
Safety and Transportation Committee: No report.
Board of Zoning Appeals: Mr. Ballistrea stated the next meeting would be held February 10, 2009.
Commission on Aging: Mr. Ballistrea reported on the meeting held February 3, 2009. 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 the Planning Commission meeting of February 2, 2009 was cancelled due to lack of an agenda. The next meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2009. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC COMMENT:
Claire Posius, Euclid Creek Watershed Coordinator, spoke in support of Resolution No. 2009-10 for the Year of the River. She distributed information on the Cuyahoga River and watershed. This year celebrates the great strides taken in 40 years since the Cuyahoga River burned. Because of that event, many laws were implemented and the EPA was created. There has been a lot of improvement in water and air around the country.
Geno Manfredi, 6292 Ridgebury Blvd., spoke on Oakville Park. He thanked Dr. Price and the School Board for selling the property to the City. In 1994 a group of residents got together and raised money to get Totland installed at the park. He read the names of the people who were on the committee.
Larry Ottino, owner of Mayfield Heights Town Center, gave an update on the tenants there. The newest tenant will be Five Guys, Burgers and Fries Restaurant. He introduced the owners. Randhir Sethi stated that the company is family owned with 400 stores nationwide. He introduced his partner and the store manager. This will be the first east side location and he feels it is a great location in Mayfield Heights. They serve great burgers with no frozen food. It is home style food with from scratch ingredients like their fries made from fresh potatoes daily. The company is planning on opening approximately 30-40 stores in northeast Ohio and the Pittsburgh area. This store should be opening about the second week of March and the Mayor and Council will be invited. Mr. Ballistrea welcomed them to the City. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Ballistrea turned the meeting over to Council Pro Tem Sasak.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-1: "A Resolution confirming the action of the Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Mayfield Heights in granting to James M. Senick on behalf of Hillcrest Hospital, approval for a 123' x 8' temporary sign identifying the scope of the hospital's expansion project, to be placed in between the construction fence along the south side of Mayfield Road during construction." Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. Mercurio moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Snider. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Finney, Mercurio, Sasak, DiCicco. NAYS: None. Mrs. Snider and Mr. Ballistrea abstained as they work for the hospital. Vote 4-0. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.
Mr. Sasak turned the meeting back over to Council President Ballistrea.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-9: "A Resolution declaring February 10, 2009 the American Red Cross Give From the Heart 12th Annual Blood Drive at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven." Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mrs. Snider. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mr. Mercurio moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Sasak, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mayor Costabile read the resolution in its entirety and presented it to David Plate of the American Red Cross and Charles Klass and Harlan Diamond of Executive Caterers. Mr. Plate stated this is the 12th year here at Executive Caterers and is the biggest single day blood drive in Ohio. They may process over 1000 people, which would help over 2700 people. He thanked everyone for supporting this event. Mr. Diamond stated Executive Caterers is very proud to share in this event. He also stated that they have been trying to get both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospital to sponsor the event, so he asked for help from anyone who may have connections. Mr. Klass commented that he is also proud to be part of the event and of this community. Executive Caterers likes to be part of the community by hosting these types of events. He hoped to see everyone there. The resolution is adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-10: "A Resolution designating 2009 as "Year of the River." Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. DiCicco moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Mercurio, Sasak, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Snider. Mr. Ballistrea mentioned that Council heard from the Euclid Creek Watershed co-ordinate on this matter. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, Finney, Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mayor Costabile read a proclamation in its entirety and presented it to Ms. Posius. The resolution is adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-11: "A Resolution designating February 2009 as "American Heart Month." Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. Mercurio moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mrs. Snider. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Snider. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-12: "A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a transaction with the Board of Education of the Mayfield City School District, whereby the Board of Education will convey, and the City will receive, all of the individual subdivided real property (lots) that comprise "Oakville Park," located on Oakville Road, in the City of Mayfield Heights." 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: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mr. Sasak moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney. Mr. Ballistrea congratulated the Mayor, School Board, and all involved in this matter. The Mayor stated the City is continuing to look forward to maintaining the park. Mr. Ballistrea commented that now that this is City property, more improvements may be considered. Mr. Sasak also recognized the work done by the Oakville Park committee members and former mayor Margaret Egensperger. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Sasak, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ORDINANCE NO. 2009-1: "An Ordinance amending Ordinance Nos. 2006-17, 2006-41, 2007-26 and 2008-9 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. Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Mercurio, Sasak, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Snider. Mr. Ballistrea asked if this incorporates minimum wages now in place. Director of Recreation Sean Ward said it does. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, Finney, Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 2009-2: "An Ordinance establishing fees for various programs for the Mayfield Heights Recreation Department." Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only. Mrs. Snider moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Mr. Ballistrea asked about the fact that some programs had an increase and some had a decrease in fees. Mr. Ward explained that those programs that have decreased in price are provided by an outside company. The City asked them to reduce the fees due to the economy and they did so. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 2009-3: "An Ordinance amending the fees for the Summer Day Camp Program." Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only. Mr. DiCicco moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Sasak. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Sasak, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 2009-4: "An Ordinance amending Section 953.02 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mayfield Heights, pertaining to swimming pool fees." Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only. Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Mercurio, Sasak, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mr. DiCicco moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Sasak. Mr. Ballistrea commented that the rate increases are nominal. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, Finney, Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is adopted. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW BUSINESS; COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL:
Mr. Sasak stated that he attended the funeral service for Dr. Eisenstat, who was a doctor at Hillcrest Hospital for many years and had been retired. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There being no further business to come before Council, Mr. Ballistrea adjourned the meeting at 8:37 P.M.
Approved: Respectfully submitted, Michael Ballistrea Lisa A. Benedetti, MMC Council President Deputy Clerk of Council |