CITY OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
January 14, 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,

                                                            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. Mercurio moved to suspend reading of the Council minutes of December 10, 2007, and approve as written, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  All in favor, except Mr. DiCicco who abstained as he was not yet on Council, motion carried.  Minutes approved.

 

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Mr. Ballistrea welcomed the Mayfield High School students and Mr. DiCicco to his first Council meeting.  He also thanked the administration, the City workers and Council for a fruitful 2007.

 

Mr. Ballistrea congratulated Mr. Sasak on his election as Council President Pro Tem and Planning Commission representative and to Mrs. Snider on her election to the Mayfield Union Cemetery Board.

 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

 

Mayor Costabile:  The Mayor stated that the Mayor's Community Council was in attendance to show support for Council.  This group is made up of interested residents who want to help make the City a better place to live and work.

 

Mayfield Road Update:  The three lanes in front of Wal-Mart have been shifted from the north side to the south side and are now open.  There are still some barrels for transition purposes of traffic to the construction zones.  Work is still being done on the north side east of SOM Center Road.  Since the winter reprieve of the construction barrels, some businesses have said that business has improved, which is good.  The City will still work to help alleviate the burdens of construction.  The Mayor continues to meet with the project engineer to review the progress.

 

The Mayor will be meeting with the County Engineer regarding the resurfacing of Ridgebury Blvd., which is currently scheduled for 2009.  He will try to get the County to minimize the impact with the Mayfield Road project being done at the same time and feels confidant that we can meet this goal.

 

The City's AM radio station, 1700 is now on the air. Another great source of information for the residents, business community and visitors to Mayfield Heights. It should be received within the City's borders and slightly beyond.  The City will be trying to educate residents and businesses about this station.  It is noted in the latest City Focus that is currently being mailed. 

 

There is a survey in the City Focus, which the City would like people to fill out.  The information will be used to determine directions the City might take to improve things.  The survey can also be taken online.

 

The Fire Department received a grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation in the amount of $9516.00.  Lt. Bruce Elliott and Human Resource Director Joe Lubin were instrumental in obtaining this grant.  It will be used to help purchase an electric lift cot, which should help to alleviate the strain on the firefighters' backs when lifting patients and thus reducing injuries.

 

Captain Longano worked with the Cleveland Water Department to get water hydrants fixed.  All hydrants are now in good order.

 

The new jail video system has been installed in the Police Department.  The new car videos will be installed soon.

 

At the last Council meeting, Council approved the installation of a gas well.  After that meeting there was an incident in Bainbridge with gas well drilling.  Even though that situation does not seem to pertain to Mayfield Heights, the City is looking into it carefully before bringing a proposal for gas well drilling to Council.

 

The Community Business Alliance is holding its second annual Groundhog Day event.  The funds raised benefit the school district. It is scheduled for February 1, 2008 at 6:00 A.M. at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven.  The Mayor will be giving a State of the City report along with the Mayors of Gates Mills, Highland Hts, and Mayfield Village.

 

The Mayor continues to have positive discussions with the owner of the Mayland Shopping Center and hopes to have some development plans for that area.

 

Notification was received from the LNE Group who worked very diligently with area federal representatives, especially Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, that President Bush signed into law, as part of a bill, that the City would get a $492,000 federal grant to be applied to the Mayfield Road project.  It is a grant from the federal government, which means that the City will not owe anything back on that money.  The Mayor is very pleased with this historic news.

 

Director of Law Carr:  Mr. Carr stated that he has been working on getting information from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on the gas well incident the Mayor mentioned.  There is conflicting information, as the whole story is not yet known.  It does not seem that the same thing could happen here due to different geological areas.  The Mayor has emphasized that safety is first before revenue.  There is a representative from Green Energy here this evening who will comment on the incident.

 

Mr. Carr is working on the issue of abstentions by Council members pertaining to Hillcrest Hospital issues.  There may be some change to alleviate the problem of not being able to suspend the rules for legislation pertaining to the hospital.

 

Director of Finance Tribby:  No report.

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:

 

Building Committee:  No report.

 

Finance and Audit Committee:  Mr. Mercurio stated there were a couple of items on the agenda.

 

Legislative Committee:  No report.

 

Public Works and Services Committee:  No report.

 

Recreation and Parks Committee:  Mr. Sasak stated the last meeting was cancelled.

 

Safety and Transportation Committee:  No report.

 

Board of Zoning Appeals:  Mr. Kobunski stated the January 15, 2008 meeting was cancelled.

 

Commission on Aging:  No report.

 

Planning Commission:  Mr. Sasak reported on the meeting held January 7, 2008.  Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.  There is one item on tonight's agenda.

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PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

Mr. Yarbourgh, Seagull Development Corporation, stated that at the present time the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is still investigating the phenomenon in Bainbridge, but there is nothing at this time to report.  They did say that the fact that Mayfield Heights does not have well water is an improvement over the situation in Bainbridge.  In Bainbridge the residents have well water.  Mr. Ballistrea asked if Seagull was involved with this incident at all.  Mr. Yarbourgh replied that they had nothing at all to do with this project.  It seems to have been a freak accident.  There are no known facts at this point.  He has been involved with over 15,000 gas wells and there has not been an accident since 1961.

 

Geno Manfredi, 6292 Ridgebury Blvd., would like to ask Mr. Yarbourgh if he is against a hydraulic shut off valve in the Fire Department.  Mr. Manfredi believes that it is very important and should be part of any City proposal.  He has also heard that there may be electric wires in the proposed area and wondered if the City was aware of that possibility.  He also wondered if the City was willing to pay for the training for the Fire Department for this type of matter.  He has read that it has taken a gas company up to an hour to respond to a call to turn off a well.  Mr. Manfredi continued that HB278 requires all adjacent property owners to be notified and wondered if that has been done.  He read from other sections of the bill about specific items that he has not heard discussed.  Several surrounding municipalities have declared a moratorium on proceeding with these wells.  He cautioned the City to carefully think about this matter.

Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mrs. Snider moved to extend Mr. Manfredi's time.  All in favor, motion carried.

Mr. Manfredi then commented on Ordinance No. 2008-1 regarding the rezoning of property by Burger King from residential to commercial.  He remembers that Council did not want to extend commercial zoning further behind the properties on Mayfield Road into the residential zoning.

Mr. Ballistrea noted that the Mayor had stated that the City was very carefully reviewing the gas well incident and that all precautions would be taken.  Also the HB provisions will be complied with if and when the City moves forward with a gas well.

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Mr. Ballistrea passed the meeting over to Council President Pro Tem Sasak, as he would be abstaining on the next matter.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2007-60:  "A Resolution confirming the action of the Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Mayfield Heights in granting approval for the expansion of the North Campus parking lot into the westerly adjacent Parcel B, (PP 862-29-015), for the location known as 6777 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, Ohio."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mrs. Finney moved to place the resolution on second reading, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Finney, Mercurio, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco.   NAYS:  None.  Mrs. Snider and Mr. Ballistrea abstained as they work for the hospital.  Vote 5-0.  Motion carried.  The resolution is placed on second reading.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2007-61:  "A Resolution confirming the action of the Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Mayfield Heights in granting approval to allow for combined parking on all three campuses for the calculation of required parking in conjunction with the proposed Hillcrest Hospital expansion project for the locations known as North Campus, 6777 Mayfield Road; and Hillcrest Medical Buildings, 6801-6803 Mayfield Road; and Hillcrest Hospital, 6780 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, Ohio."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mr. Kobunski moved to place the

 

resolution on second reading, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES: DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski.  NAYS:  None Mrs. Snider and Mr. Ballistrea abstained as they work for the hospital.  Vote 5-0.  Motion carried.  The resolution is placed on second reading.

 

The gavel was passed back to Council President Ballistrea.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-1:  "A Resolution accepting a quotation for medical and prescription group health insurance (Aetna Health Inc.)."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mr. Mercurio 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. Mercurio moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. DiCicco.  Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was received from Mr. Tribby and Mr. Lubin explaining this matter and the next two items on the agenda.  Mr. Sasak commented that this was a 13% increase and asked what a typical increase would be.  Mr. Tribby replied that he was not sure, but believes it could be from 10-12%.  When the City switched providers last year, they agreed to a no more than 15% increase for this year.  Mr. Lubin worked with the broker to reduce that percentage.  Mayor Costabile stated that based upon discussions with HR Director Lubin and the City's insurance representatives, the increase would have been 30% or higher from the previous years.  We are very fortunate that we agreed to a two year term with our current provider with the increase condition.  Mr. Sasak asked if the City gets reports on the experience of the City employees.  Mayor Costabile said yes.  Mr. Lubin is trying to get employees to be more aware of health issues.  He is holding an employee health fair January 29, 2008 to help make people more aware and to be proactive and the City has established a Health Committee comprised of employees from the City's various departments.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-2:  "A Resolution accepting a quotation for vision insurance (Ameritas Group)."  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:  Kobunski, Snider, Finney,  Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Mercurio moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-3:  "A Resolution accepting a quotation for dental insurance (Assurant Employee Benefits)."   Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mr. DiCicco moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Kobunski.  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.  The resolution is adopted.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-4:  "A Resolution designating January, 2008 as "National Mentoring Month." 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,  Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. DiCicco moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Margaret Mitchell, 3601 Cedarbrook, University Heights, is the CEO of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cleveland.  She stated that they served 1000 children in 2007 and expect a 19% increase for 2008.  This is the largest one to one mentoring group in the country.  They are focusing on school mentoring.  Mentoring can be linked to improvements in graduation rates, school scores and just improvements in general.  Mr. Ballistrea thanked Ms. Mitchell for coming. Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, DiCicco, Finney,  Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

 

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-5:  "A Resolution accepting a proposal of TAC Computer Inc. to act as the City's computer consultant for the Police Department for a twelve month period commencing February 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009." Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. DiCicco moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Kobunski.  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 Mrs. Finney.  Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was received from Mr. Tribby.  This is a minimal increase.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2008-6:  "A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to amend the software licensing agreement with the Regional Income Tax Agency (R.I.T.A.) for monthly support services."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mr. Mercurio 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 Mrs. Snider.  Mr. Ballistrea stated Mr. Tribby sent a memo on this matter also.  Mr. Tribby explained about the incremental increases in the costs.  As this department has to remain separately funded from the main tax purpose of the agency, it has to be self sufficient.  It provides computer support services for the City's financial programs.  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. 2007-46:  "An Ordinance amending Ordinance Nos. 2007-23, 2007-33, 2007-34 and 2007-44, the appropriation expenditures of the City of Mayfield Heights, State of Ohio, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007, specifically the transfer of funds in various accounts, and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Carr read the ordinance 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. DiCicco moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Sasak.  Mr. Tribby explained that this was basically an end of the year transfer between funds.  No additional money was allocated.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, DiCicco, Finney,  Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2008-1:  "An Ordinance amending the zone map of the City of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, so as to rezone Permanent Parcel Number 862-01-055 (1467 Worton Boulevard), from its current U-1(1) (Single Family House Subdistrict) to U-4 (Local Retail/Wholesale District)."  Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only.  Mr. Mercurio moved to place the ordinance on first reading, seconded by Mrs. Snider.  Mrs. Finney commented that she does not believe in encroaching on residential zoning.  Burger King has operated at that location for many years without the additional property.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Kobunski, Snider, Finney,  Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is placed on first reading.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2008-2:  "An Ordinance requesting certification from the Ohio Board of Building Standards to enforce medical gas installations within the City of Mayfield Heights, Ohio."  Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only.  Mrs. Finney moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Sasak moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Kobunski.  Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was sent from Building Director Tom Jamieson explaining that Building Inspector Tim Tesar is now certified for medical gas inspections, the Building Department can now request certification from the state to conduct these inspections.  Mr. Ballistrea commended Mr. Tesar.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea.   NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

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Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mr. Sasak, moved to advertise for bids for uniform and laundry service for various departments.  All in favor, motion carried.

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Mrs. Snider, seconded by Mrs. Finney, moved to confirm the decision of the Planning Commission approving a final site plan for a 1,313 sq. ft. addition to the existing equipment/office structures at The Woodhawk Club, 200 Quail Roost.  Mr. Ballistrea stated that this was granted preliminary approval.  Mr. Sasak explained that there were no changes and the Planning Commission granted it unanimously.  All in favor, motion carried.

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

 

Approved:                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Michael Ballistrea                                                    Lisa A. Benedetti, MMC

Council President                                                    Deputy Clerk of Council