CITY OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

March 9, 2009

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,

Mrs. Diane Snider.

                              ABSENT:      None.

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 February 23, 2009, and approve as written, seconded by Mr. Kobunski.  All in favor, except Mrs. Finney, who abstained as she was absent from the meeting, motion carried.  Minutes approved.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

Michelle Cici, R.N., CCRN, spoke about National Kidney month.  She stated that not many people know how their kidneys are functioning.  She commended the City on showcasing a health issue each month.  The kidneys do a lot more than people think for health.  People start losing kidney function at the age of 20.  Many over the counter medicines, such as Advil, need to be used with caution as they can damage kidneys.  The National Kidney Foundation is making a big push to get the word out.  26 million people have kidney problems and 20 million are at risk.  It is developing faster and faster.  There are five stages to the disease with stage five meaning dialysis is needed.  Kidney health can be controlled.  Symptoms may not show up until the later stages so the push is for people to know their kidney score, which can be done through blood tests.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:  None.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

Mayor Costabile:  It is almost time to start the Mayfield Road construction again.  There will be a meeting soon with ODOT.  A tentative starting date is the end of the month.

A special thanks goes out to Dave McCallops and the LNE group for the application sent into the state for the federal stimulus money.

Roads have been reviewed for the 2009 road program and the City should go out for bids soon.

The schematics of the community center improvement are complete.  The final plan will be submitted to Council. 

The budget is being finalized and a Finance Committee meeting will be scheduled to review it.

An administrative meeting was held regarding the Brewer-Garrett energy conservation audit.  That matter still needs to be reviewed by Council.

Adult computer classes started again and are going well.

This month's adult afternoon out event was expanded to two days due to the number of people who responded.

The Mayor thanked the Parks and Recreation Commission for all the work done on the Taste of Italy dinner event.  It was a fun evening and very well attended.

The Recreation Brochure should be mailed shortly to all residents.

The Building Department has collected approximately 90% of the annual fee for apartment rentals.  This program helps keep the apartment complexes safe.

The DARE graduation went well.  The Mayor congratulated Sgt. Dave Anderson for his work.

Civil Service rules were recently amended pertaining to the testing process.

The Cleveland Sight Center will be hosting seven week sessions at Villa Serena for people with low vision.  The first one starts March 26, 2009.  If anyone has any questions, the contact person at the City is Eileen Adornetti.

The grand opening for Five Guys, Burgers and Fries is March 19, 2009.

Director of Law Carr:  No report.

Director of Finance Tribby:  Mr. Tribby reported he is working on the budget.

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:  No report.

Recreation and Parks Committee:  Mrs. Snider reported the Taste of Italy event was fabulous with over 200 people in attendance.

Tickets are now on sale for:

Bunny Lunch - April 4, 2009

Pancake Breakfast - April 26, 2009

Safety and Transportation Committee:  No report.

Board of Zoning Appeals:  Mr. Kobunski reported there would be a meeting held March 10, 2009.  There is one item on the agenda.

Commission on Aging:  Mr. Ballistrea stated the March 3, 2009 meeting was cancelled.

Planning Commission:  Mr. Sasak reported on the meeting held March 2, 2009.  Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.

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PUBLIC COMMENT:

Mr. Carr asked to explain the problem for the Farkoshes.  Mrs. Farkosh has expressed concerns about security cameras located on a neighbor's house directed toward the Farkosh residence. This could be an invasion of privacy issue. There is also fire damage to a fence, which has not been repaired.  She had stated that she contacted the Building Department. This matter may be a private property issue. Their house is for sale and the realtors are concerned about the cameras. Mr. Carr did receive a call from a realtor stating these concerns and he asked that a letter be sent.  Mrs. Farkosh then handed a letter to Mr. Ballistrea from the realtor.

          Rhonda Farkosh, 1283 Sunset, stated they have lived in the house for 18 years.  She believes the cameras were installed due to water issues. There have always been water problems in the yards and they have tried to direct any water they may generate away from this house. She displayed pictures showing lack of maintenance and poorly done repairs to the houses on either side of theirs, which are rentals.  The repairs are very poor and look terrible.  This does not help to get potential buyers for their house.

          Gary Farkosh explained that the Building Department had required the front steps be repaired on the one neighbor's house, but it was only a cheap repair.  Another house had a window blocked in, which does not match the brickwork. All of this makes his house look bad. A common fence that was accidentally burned has not been repaired, even though the neighbor received money from his insurance company to get it fixed. The Building Department keeps stating it will check on the situation. The placement of the security camera is such that it can see into their house. All repairs done are very poorly done and it is scaring potential buyers for his house away.  They just want to sell the house and move out of the City.

          Mrs. Farkosh commented that she believes the rental properties in the City are bringing the City down.  The owners only care about the money and the renters do not care because it is not their house.  The security cameras are working cameras, not just fake ones.

          Mr. Carr suggested the Mayor contact the Building Department to follow up on this situation.  Mayor Costabile replied that with any request, an investigation would be done, so the Building Department would be apprised of the matter.  Mr. Ballistrea said he would forward a copy of the realtor's letter.  The Mayor added that in response to Mrs. Farkosh's remark about rental properties, he believes this situation is the exception to the rule.  The City takes active steps to address rental properties and also for vacant properties. There is a rental property license requirement.   This is in an effort to keep the City's properties well kept and viable.  He is sorry that they are going through this trouble and it will be followed up.  Mr. Ballistrea suggested that residents advise the Building Department of rentals that are not being kept up so the City can take action.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2009-18:  "A Resolution commending Rochelle (Shelly) Kristoff for her service with the City of Mayfield Heights."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mrs. Finney moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mrs. Snider.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Snider moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mayor Costabile read the resolution in its entirety and presented it to Shelly.  She was also presented with a plaque.  The resolution is adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. 2009-19:  "A Resolution proclaiming March, 2009 as "National Kidney Month."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mr. DiCicco moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Sasak.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES: Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Kobunski moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Snider. Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. 2009-20:  "A Resolution accepting the proposal of TAC Computer, Inc. to act as the City's computer consultant for the Police Department."  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:  Kobunski, Snider, Finney, Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Sasak moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. DiCicco.  Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was received from Mr. Tribby.  There was a slight increase in the rate.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. 2009-21:  "A Resolution authorizing an engineering services agreement with URS Corporation, for the purpose of providing the City of Mayfield Heights with necessary engineering services and declaring an emergency." Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mrs. Snider moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Kobunski moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Mr. Ballistrea stated a copy of the agreement and letter was sent to all members.  Mayor Costabile commented that Dave McCallops and URS stepped right in when Mr. Hippley retired and did not miss a beat.  The company has worked well with all the departments and he has nothing but praise for them.  The company can provide a wide range of services and has already done so as needed.  He asked Council to approve this agreement. Mr. Ballistrea thanked the company for doing a great job.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

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ORDINANCE NO. 2009-5:  "An Ordinance authorizing the Mayor of the City of Mayfield Heights to enter into a contract with Source Financial Group, LLC to provide investment products and services in conjunction with the City's Deferred Compensation Plan currently in place."  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: Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Mercurio moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was received from Mr. Tribby.  He asked if there were any associated costs to the City.  Mr. Tribby replied no.  Mr. Ballistrea commented that it was just another option for employees. Mr. Tribby said yes.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

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Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mrs. Snider, moved to confirm the decision of the Planning Commission approving identification signs for the Stone Creek Cluster Home Development, SOM Center Road and Stone Creek Drive.  Mr. Ballistrea stated this was an unanimous approval from the Planning Commission.  Mr. Sasak added that it was felt to be straightforward.  All in favor, motion carried.

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Mrs. Finney, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to advertise for bids for a one-ton cab and chassis for the Service Department.  Mr. Kobunski asked if this would be a replacement vehicle.  Mayor Costabile replied that yes it would be replacing a 1991 vehicle.  The City is starting to replace vehicles instead of putting so much money into repairs of older equipment.  By going out for bids now, the City can save about $8000-$9000.  Mr. Tribby added that this would be for a 2008 model, which is available.  The City would still need to purchase a plow and dump body to complete the vehicle.  All in favor, motion carried.

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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