CITY OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

The regular meeting of Council was called to order at 7:40 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.

Mrs. Snider moved to suspend reading of the Council minutes of April 27, 2009, and approve as written, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  All in favor, motion carried.  Minutes approved.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

William Denihan, Executive Director, Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County spoke on Mental Health Month.  It has been celebrated since 1949 and there are still a lot of myths and stigma attached to this subject.  Mental health is a biological brain disorder.  One out of five people have mental health illness and may need treatment.  Everyone has it at some time or other.  There are about 280,000 citizens in Cuyahoga County with this problem.  He detailed 10 tools that can be used to help/control the matter:  Stay connected, stay positive, get physically active, help others, get enough sleep, create joy and satisfaction, eat well, take care of the spirit, deal better with hard times and get professional help.  The Mental Health agency is the safety net for people who may need help.  There is an array of areas for help such as employment, hospitalization, and housing.  The help line is 216-623-6888 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Suicides have increased in Ohio by three per day.  The agency has direct service for 36,000 county residents.  The county is currently consolidating the two agencies of Alcohol and Drug and Mental Health to save money and provide better service.  This will be done as of July 1, 2009.  Mr. Denihan stated this has been an extraordinary experience for him, because this problem hits everyone.  Mr. Ballistrea thanked Mr. Denihan for coming.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mr. Ballistrea stated that the Memorial Day Services would be held on May 25, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.  He hoped all of Council would be present and to let him know if they are not.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

Mayor Costabile:  The Mayor thanked Mr. Denihan for coming and stated that the City tries to highlight a subject of interest each month to educate the residents.

Mayfield Road Update: Representatives of the City looked at the Golden Gate/Mayfield Road intersection because of congestion there.  He thanked Mike Sweigert and Howard Fibich especially, as they changed the sequence.  There is now a left turn signal as well as the straight green at the same time heading east to help alleviate the back up of left turning cars.  This has not reduced the time for traffic getting the green light heading west.  Both the on and off ramps on the north side are closed and being worked on.  Traffic is being detoured to Wilson Mills and Brainard for people needing to get on the freeways; although left turns for the traffic heading west are allowed.

The Mayor attended an excellent seminar presented by well known author and government reform expert David Osborne pertaining to strategies to reinvent government to allow for a more efficient government in order to be able to still provide services.  This will be an ongoing discussion that the City will be involved in.

The latest issue of the City Focus should be arriving soon.  There is a lot of information in it and he thanked co-editors

Renee Augustine and Tammy Clines for their work.

The Mayor met with City Engineer Dave McCallops, Law Director Len Carr and representatives of NEORSD to continue discussion of storm water management.  They are expecting rates to come out in July 2010.  He is proud that due to proactive actions taken by the City in looking at our own storm water management, this should allow the City to be able to provide credit to residents in certain areas.

Congratulations go out to Len Carr for getting a court disposition for a $35,000 credit for previous payments made for temporary road easements the City made for the Mayfield Road project.

14 members of the Fire Department recently took promotional exams for lieutenant and captain.  The Mayor is happy that so many were willing to make the effort to improve themselves and the department and ultimately the City and wished them luck.

City Planner David Hartt, Len Carr and the Mayor met to follow up on the proposed mixed-use zoning.  Legislation will be finalized and should be going back to the Planning Commission for further review before a recommendation is made to Council.

Dave McCallops, City Engineer, did a lot of work on the 2009 road program and the table he prepared to assist council with its decision is excellent.  A motion to advertise for this is on tonight's agenda. The Mayor recommends approval by Council.

The Memorial Day ceremony will be held May 25, 2009 at the eastern parking lot of City Hall on Chelmsford.

The annual spring cleanup, co-sponsored by the City and the Mayor's Community Council, will be held May 16, 2009.  This assists residents who are not able to do the work themselves.  Anyone in need should contact the Mayor's office.

Senator Grendell will be joining the City for a public forum at the Mayfield Middle School auditorium on May 28, 2009 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. regarding gas well permits.  Invitations have gone out to state and school officials to be part of this forum.  It is open to the public and will address issues on this matter such as safety concerns.

The City, in conjunction with the Commission on Aging, will be holding its first ever shredding and recycling day on June 6, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Ross C. DeJohn Community Center. Various items will be recycled, such as phone books, computers and digital cameras, but no hazardous items. Shredding will be done on site.  This is for residents only, so a picture ID should be brought. 

Special congratulations go out to Public Sector Solutions, Building Director Tom Jamieson and Dave McCallops for securing a $100,000 block grant to be used for improvements along Mayfield Road from Lander Road west to the Lyndhurst border.

Mr. Sasak stated that two meetings ago there was an update on the new digital capabilities for the cable station.  He asked if there was anything for it to be accessed by U-Verse customers yet.  The Mayor replied that the City still needs to get a transmitter in place and he hopes it will be available soon.

Director of Law Carr:  No report.

Director of Finance Tribby:  No report.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:

Building Committee:  Mr. Sasak reported on the meeting held May 4, 2009.  There was no consensus on the subject, so it will be reviewed again.  Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.

Finance and Audit Committee:  Mr. Mercurio reported on the meeting held May 4, 2009.  Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.  Mr. Mercurio stated that the subject of reviewing the mayor's and council salaries has been made into a political issue by a council member.  It was not the intent to increase salaries this year.  The Finance Committee along with the Finance and Law Departments are reviewing the ordinance calling for a yearly review of those salaries that would be governed by a cost of living formula and would only be used if council chooses.  This would allow for the city to better budget for future years.  The Committee will meet again to review this matter.

          A meeting will be held May 14, 2009 to review the energy audit.

Legislative Committee:  No report.

Public Works and Services Committee:  Mr. Kobunski reported on the meeting held May 8, 2009.   Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.  The cost for the road program will be less than $1 million.

Recreation and Parks Committee:  Mrs. Snider stated the next meeting would be May 26, 2009.

Safety and Transportation Committee:  Mrs. Finney reported on the meeting held May 4, 2009.  Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.  She commented that if EMS fees were approved, this would generate $300,000 - $500,000 per year.  People without insurance would not be affected.

          Mr. Ballistrea stated that all members received copies of the two EMS proposals and he asked them to review and forward comments to the administration.  This will then come to Council.  Mr. Carr added that contracts for the two companies have been submitted and will be reviewed, so a recommendation can be made to Council.

Board of Zoning Appeals:  Mr. Kobunski stated there would be a meeting on May 12, 2009.

Commission on Aging:  Mr. Ballistrea reported on the meeting held May 5, 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 on the meeting held May 4, 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:  None.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2009-32:   "A Resolution proclaiming May, 2009 as "Mental Health Month."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mr. Kobunski moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. DiCicco.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

RESOLUTION NO. 2009-33:  "A Resolution accepting a certain bid for vehicles (Marshall Ford)."  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: Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Kobunski moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. DiCicco.  Mr.

Ballistrea stated a copy of the bid was sent to all members.  This would be for one vehicle each for the police and fire departments.  Mr. Tribby added that there would be a savings of almost $8000 per car by purchasing this smaller vehicle, resulting in a total savings of $16,000 plus the added savings of gas usage as the cars are more energy efficient.  Mayor Costabile commented that this continues the process the City started a few years ago to become more efficient in its use of vehicles.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

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ORDINANCE NO. 2009-17:  "An Ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of $3,300,000 Notes, in anticipation of the issuance of bonds, for the purpose of improving the municipal Complex by construction, equipping and furnishing a Fire Station, Constructing, renovating, equipping furnishing and improving Administrative and other offices and facilities, improving parking facilities and landscaping and making other site improvements, all together with the necessary appurtenances thereto, and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only.  Mr. Kobunski moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mrs. Snider.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Kobunski, Snider, Finney, Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was received from Mr. Tribby on both this ordinance and the next one.  He asked what the balance would be.  Mr. Tribby stated the total for both debts would be $4.1 million, $3.3 million for the municipal complex and $1.2 million for the judgement note.  The total started out at $10 million.  Mr. Kobunski asked if there would be any trouble securing the notes with the current economic conditions.  Mr. Tribby replied that he does not think so.  By starting early, the market can be tested and the City has a good bond rating.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

ORDINANCE NO. 2009-18:  "An Ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of $1,200,000 notes, in anticipation of the issuance of bonds, for the purpose of providing funds to pay a portion of the settlement of claims approved by the court as final judgment rendered against the City in an action for compensation in the Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, being Case No. 2003 ADV 75209 entitled City of Mayfield Heights, Ohio vs. Michael A. Shemo, and declaring an emergency."  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:  Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. DiCicco moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Snider.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mrs. Snider, moved to add Ordinance No. 2009-19 to the agenda.  All in favor, motion carried.

ORDINANCE NO. 2009-19:  "An Ordinance amending Ordinance Nos. 2006-17, 2006-41, 2007-26, 2008-9 and 2009-1 providing for the organization of certain administrative departments and fixing the salaries and bonds of certain officers and employees therein (Building Department - part time position only)."  Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only.  Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Kobunski.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES: Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Mayor Costabile stated that as he explained in his email to all members, this would allow the City flexibility in hiring particularly in the Building Department.  This would create a new position for a part-time building/housing inspector.  The current part-time building department position in the salary ordinance  does not fit the criteria for a building/housing inspector.  The hourly rate was determined by taking the salary for a similar position and changing it to hourly.  Sometimes the most suitable applicant may not want to work full time.  This would allow the best applicant to be considered.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

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Mr. Sasak, seconded by Mr. Mercurio, moved to confirm the decision of the Planning Commission granting preliminary approval to Sharona Properties to add a drive at 1413 Golden Gate Boulevard at the east end of the lot, which provides ingress and egress to the adjacent property contingent upon additional information being submitted before the final review, which shows that the surrounding property owners are aware of this change.  Mr. Ballistrea asked if there was any concern about Costco customers using this property as a cut through.  Mr. Sasak stated it did not come up.  There is currently only one ingress/egress shared with Baymont.  The owner had indicated that the Coscto property owner had agreed to this request.  A pine tree would be moved and relocated.  Mr. Ballistrea asked if there was any discussion for an egress only.  Mr. Sasak stated that the intent was for both directions.  Mayor Costabile added that both the Fire and Police Departments are looking at this proposal and would submit reports prior to the final approval process.  There also needs to be further determination of the owner of the roadway behind this property, along with letters of approval from adjacent property owners.  The applicant needs to pursue these matters.  Mr. Ballistrea stated that it also should be known if there are easements.  All in favor, except Mrs. Finney who does business with the owners.  Motion carried.

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Mrs. Sasak, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to approve the purchase from Best Truck Equipment, Inc. of a dump body, hydraulic system and snow plow for the new one ton cab and chassis in the amount of $15,990.  Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was received from Mr. Tribby.  All in favor, motion carried.

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Mr. DiCicco, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to advertise for the 2009 road program.  Mr. Ballistrea stated that the minutes of the Public Works meeting were distributed to all members. There was also detailed information from Mr. McCallops sent to all members.  Mr. Sasak stated that Mr. Fornaro had asked about a new way of doing the tar and chipping.  As this is always an issue with the residents, is it going to be done.  Mr. McCallops replied that this year there would be a limited amount of tar and chipping done.  The methodology will be explored and it may be used in the future if appropriate.  Mr. Kobunski clarified that there is a sealant used to prevent the chips from spreading all over.  Mr. McCallops confirmed that is the idea.  He wants to investigate the method further before recommending its use here.  Mr. Ballistrea asked for an explanation on what would be done on Ridgeview.  Mr. McCallops explained that new drainage would be installed and driveway culverts, which should help the water flow, which has been a problem on that street.  There will be some milling of the pavement, but more will actually be added to improve the strength of the street.  Mayor Costabile added that the City wanted to wait until the majority of Mayfield Road was done before addressing this street.  Quite a bit of roadwork will be done with 34 streets having some type of work done, especially the ones that need care.  Mr. Ballistrea thanked Mr. McCallops and his group for the work on this subject.  All in favor, motion carried.

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Mr. Sasak, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to cancel the regularly scheduled Council meeting of May 25, 2009.  All in favor, motion carried.

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NEW BUSINESS; COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL:

Mrs. Snider asked if special signage would be installed on Marsol Road again for the baseball season.  The Mayor replied that the phasing has changed on the Mayfield Road project, so he does not know if it is needed.  However, he will review this with the City Traffic Department to make a decision in the best interest of safety and welfare.

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There being no further business to come before Council, Mr. Ballistrea adjourned the meeting at 8:40 P.M.

Approved:                                                       Respectfully submitted,

Michael Ballistrea                                            Lisa A. Benedetti, MMC

Council President                                            Deputy Clerk of Council