Search the Site

Contact City Hall

440-442-2626

Popular Council Links

Popular Links

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}

CITY OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
November 12, 2007

 

 

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, Mrs. Donna Finney,

                                                            Mr. Ronald Kobunski, Mr. Sam Mercurio,

Mr. David Sasak, Mrs. Diane Snider,

Mr. Howard Sonenstein.

                                    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 October 22, 2007, and approve as written, seconded by Mrs. Snider.  All in favor, motion carried.  Minutes approved.

 

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Mr. Ballistrea thanked his supporters and family during his election campaign.  He thanked the residents for voting for him; he appreciated it.  He congratulated Mr. Kobunski and Mr. DiCicco on their election.  He also commended Mr. Sonenstein and Mrs. Teresi for running a clean campaign.

 

Mr. Ballistrea thanked Council for getting questions on the oil well issue.  He met with Fire Chief Forte who told him that he was comfortable with the safety issues regarding the proposal.  He also spoke with Mayor Ciccero about the numerous wells in Lyndhurst.  Mayor Ciccero informed him that only one of the wells did not live up to expectations and the gas company fulfilled its obligation by capping it and re-landscaping the area.  There were no safety issues.

 

Mr. Ballistrea stated that he was asked during campaigning by a couple residents about the City's stance on a proposed school levy.  He replied that the City could not take any action as to what the school district proposes. The City may endorse a levy or it may not.  He asked School Superintendent Dr. Price about wells on school property and the possible affects it might have on a proposed operating levy.  Dr. Price replied that the subject has already been discussed at the school board level.  The potential revenue from gas wells could possibly help to offset future levy millage determinations.

 

Mr. Kobunski thanked everyone who voted for him in the election and he will work hard to get the confidence of all residents.  He especially thanked his wife for her help.

 

Mr. Sasak congratulated Mr. Ballistrea and Mr. Kobunski and welcomed Mr. DiCicco to Council.  He offered his appreciation to Mr. Sonenstein for his years of service.

            Mr. Sasak passed around photos he took of gas wells in Lyndhurst and at Knollwood Cemeteries.  He read from an article in the Plain Dealer regarding the fact that many municipalities are getting into the gas well business.  Recreation Director Sean Ward did some research and found out that several municipalities have wells in their parks.

 

Mr. Sonenstein congratulated Mr. Ballistrea, Mr. Kobunski and Mr. DiCicco on their election to Council.  He stated that it was a pleasure serving the residents. 

 

Mrs. Snider stated that the Mayfield Wildcats hosted an event at the community center and really enjoyed the facility.

 

 

 

Mr. Mercurio extended his congratulations to all the winners of the election.

 

Mr. Kobunski stated that he visited all the wells in Lyndhurst with the Lyndhurst Service Director and spoke with a councilman who has a well in his backyard.  Again, there are no problems with these wells.  Fire Chief Forte also told him again that he sees no safety issues.  Mr. Kobunski feels the revenue received is worth it.

 

Mr. Sonenstein commented that the majority of the calls he received were against a well being put in the middle of the park.  He does not think the money is worth it.

 

Mrs. Snider stated she does not like the proposed location in the park and she received some calls from residents that are not for it being located there.

 

Mr. Sasak added that it seems the majority of the comments are about the placement of the well, not that they are against a well.

 

Mr. Sonenstein stated that a new proposal was sent to Council and he asked for it to be explained.  Mr. Ballistrea stated that would be addressed later by the Law Director during his comments.

 

Mrs. Finney mentioned that a young woman told her that the park should be a sanctuary for families and people.

 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

 

Mayor Costabile:  Mayfield Road Update:  When Phase 3 moved to SOM Center Road, it created more traffic tie-ups. In light of sound financial planning, the City was able to approve additional overtime to have a police presence in that area to help alleviate the backups.  The lanes are now reopened.  The contractor worked with the City and ODOT to help alleviate some of the problems that would have arisen due to some of the hospital driveways being closed, according to the original plans  Villa Serena and the hospital also worked together to allow traffic from Villa Serena onto hospital property for better traffic flow for the seniors.  The curb lane starting in front of Wal-Mart and going east to the border has been poured.  The contractor is working to open the rest of the road west of SOM Center Road before December 1, 2007, if possible.   Some detail work still needs to be done before that can happen, such as the striping of the lanes.

A traffic signal at Giesse and Ridgebury Boulevard will be installed.  This should help to increase traffic flow, especially during peak periods.

Some positive coverage was received from the media on the reopening of Mayfield Road during the winter months.

 

More information on the gas well was received from JR Resources Inc. and it was sent to all Council members.  Another proposal was received from another company and reviewed by the Law Director.  A possibility is that both companies may work together.  The Mayor suggested that the tabled resolution pertaining to the first proposal remain tabled until the November 26, 2007 meeting.

 

Public Sector Solutions is investigating grant money available from the County.  The Mayor thanked Mr. Tribby and Mr. Jamieson for getting the information together for this grant.

 

The Mayor's Community Council Outreach Committee held a fall leaf pickup on November 10, 2007.  18 residents who could not tackle this task were helped.  The group expects to continue its outreach service. It was well received by the residents.

 

The flu shot program serviced 450 people.  The event ran smoothly due to Human Services Coordinator Eileen Adornetti.

 

 

 

 

 

Storm Water Management is mandated for municipalities and City Engineer Thomas Hippley and his staff have worked hard on preparing the proper documents.  The ordinances pertaining to this matter are on the agenda this evening.

 

A $43,000 savings was received for the Workers Compensation premium for 2008.  Human Resources Director Joe Lubin was instrumental with regard to saving the City money in this regard. He should be commended for same.

 

Lander Elementary celebrated its 50th anniversary.   We are fortunate as a community to have such a fine school in our community.  It was a pleasure to visit with former teachers at this event.

 

Temple Israel had a dedication ceremony for it's recently completed expansion. Current Rabbi Matthew Eisenberg extended his thanks for the support of the City during this expansion.  The Mayor was honored to be a part of this ceremony and is happy to have the Temple as a neighbor in our community.

 

The Holiday Lighting Ceremony, co-sponsored by the Mayor's Community Council and the City, will be held on November 25, 2007 beginning at 6:00 P.M. at City Hall in the Fire Dept. bays.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  Refreshments will be served and there will be a special guest.

 

The Mayor wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Mrs. Snider inquired if a snow removal program for seniors is being reviewed.  Mayor Costabile replied that the issue has been addressed in the past and was not found to be feasible due to the large number of seniors in the City. Notwithstanding, the City always stands ready willing and able to assist those in need.

 

Mrs. Snider asked if Burger King is closing.  The Mayor stated that it will be renovated and will be closed during that time period.

 

Mrs. Finney commented that an older resident suggested that the City have a program to help residents change batteries in their smoke detectors and she wondered if it could be a part of the Mayor's outreach group.  The Mayor replied that the Fire Department currently works with residents on this matter, but it could be reviewed.

 

Director of Law Carr:  Mr. Carr stated that he also recommends, as does the Mayor, with keeping the gas well issue tabled.  A new proposal was just received from Ohio Valley Energy and he suggested a joint venture between the two companies could be pursued.  Discussion on this matter could be delayed until the issue is on the agenda.  Mr. Sonenstein questioned whether Council should vote on the tabled proposal, if a new one would be forthcoming.  Mr. Carr stated that any new proposals would need to be reviewed.  Council does not have all the information on any and all proposals it needs to make a decision.  Mayor Costabile added that the current proposal may be the one to be voted on, but no one knows at this point.  Voting is premature at this point and as such, the matter should be tabled.  Mr. Carr stated that Bass Energy made some disparaging comments about both companies at the Committee of the Whole meeting, which it later recanted and it withdrew from any business with the City.  Both Ohio Valley and JR Resources are good companies and he feels that all information needs to be in front of Council before a decision is made.

            Mrs. Finney asked if the location of the well could be moved in the new proposal.  Mr. Carr responded that was yet to be determined.  Again, Council needed to wait for all information to be proposed.  Mrs. Snider questioned whether this proposal would change.  Mr. Carr replied the question is not so much on the lease itself, but on the issue of allowing a gas well.  Mr. Sonenstein asked what the difference was on this proposal and a BZA request.  Mr. Carr explained that this is a vote on the conceptual issue of a gas well.  A BZA request is on a specific code.

 

Director of Finance Tribby:  No report.

 

 

 

 

 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:

 

Building Committee:  No report.

 

Finance and Audit Committee:  Mr. Mercurio reported on the meeting held October 31, 2007.  Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.  The Committee recommends acceptance of the new contract for TC3.

 

Legislative Committee:  No report.

 

Public Works and Services Committee:  No report.

 

Recreation and Parks Committee:  Mr. Sasak stated the Halloween Bash was a great success.

 

Safety and Transportation Committee:  No report.

 

Board of Zoning Appeals:  Mr. Kobunski stated there would be a meeting held November 13, 2007 with four items on the agenda.

 

Commission on Aging:  Mr. Ballistrea reported there was no meeting on November 6, 2007 due to Election Day.  The next meeting is December 2, 2007.

 

Planning Commission:  Mr. Sasak stated the meeting of November 5, 2007 was cancelled due to lack of an agenda.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

Geno Manfredi, 6292 Ridgebury Blvd., commented that it was Veterans Day and all Veterans should be remembered.  He congratulated the winners of the Council election and liked that there was no negative campaigning.

            Mr. Manfredi stated his opposition to the gas well issue.  There is no guarantee that there would be a hydraulic valve remote control turn off.  A wet well is better than a dry well.  Because home rule was taken away, cemeteries and parks are now being desecrated.  He wondered who was the geologist for the City and how trained the Fire Department is for a gas well leak.  He asked Council to reconsider this proposal.

 

Margaret Egensperger, 6369 Ashdale, stated that she called all Council members and thanked the residents who came this evening regarding the gas well.  This will be fought.  The comparison to other municipal parks is not right, because she believes that Mayfield Heights has a small park.  She does not think this proposal should be considered.  Because it is a small park, this proposal does not fit in it.  She further stated that she has not heard exactly what the City would be getting in allowing it.  There is no guarantee that the City would get anything if the well were not good.  The past two mayors have not allowed wells in the City. She stated that she believed she left the City in good financial standing and does not think the money is needed.  She believes the residents do not want the gas well.

            Mrs. Egensperger congratulated the people who were elected to Council.

 

Lucky Kramer, Orchard Heights Blvd., stated he just found out that Knollwood Cemetery has two gas wells.  He fought an antenna being installed in a cemetery and asked why the wells were allowed.  They should be ashamed, as the cemetery is sacred ground.  He has loved ones there and will be laid to rest there also.

 

Teresa Coffey, 1113 Eastwood, stated that her husband is retired and disabled.  Any tax relief would be appreciated.  However, many of her grandchildren play in the park.  She asked the Council members to look carefully at the safety issues and how much room the gas well would take up.

 

 

 

 

Anthony DiCicco, 6769 Stafford Drive, thanked people for voting for and supporting him.  He thanked his wife for all her help.  It will be exciting for him to work with great people at City Hall.  He looks forward to the challenge of representing the residents.

 

Jane Campbell, Public Sector Solutions, stated Ellen Evans has been working on the grant application.  Mayor Costabile had been asking them to explore resources for bringing economic growth to the City.  Because of the Mayfield Road construction, they explored if there was anything related to that.  Cuyahoga County has block grant money available for low and moderate income areas.  A portion of the City from Lander Road west to the City border was determined to be eligible.  There is a resolution on the agenda, which authorizes applying for this grant.  The City is requesting up to $100,000 for streetscape development.  The idea is to spend up to $80,000 on street beautification then work with businesses who are willing to expend some money to upgrade their properties to get some conformity for signs.  This would upgrade the look along Mayfield Road.  The program is flexible enough to allow the City to work with businesses.  20-25 communities are applying for this grant.  Usually 8-10 communities are funded.  This is also a learning process, which may help for future applications.

 

Delores Klafta, 1030 SOM Center Road, asked about the Block grant if owners refuse to do anything.  She referred specifically to the Mayland Shopping Center.  That owner has refused to cooperate with the City for years.  She also wondered about all the banks moving into the City.  Mayor Costabile replied that the City continues to open up the lines of communication with the business community that was not evident in the past.  As a result, owners, including that of Mayland, have been willing to discuss options to improve the City.   The City took proactive steps to improve a property where an old gas station had been left vacant.  This move will now allow development to ensue to improve the area.  The City will continue to take such measures to preserve our environment and maintain a positive way of life for all residents.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Ballistrea stated that due to the fact that the City Engineer and his staff were in the audience, he would like Council to consider moving the ordinances before the resolutions, so the storm water legislation could be addressed.

 

Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mrs. Finney, moved to deviate from the agenda to address the ordinances first.  All in favor, motion carried.

 

Assistant to the Law Director Bryan Carr took over for Law Director Carr and read the legislation titles.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-36:  "An Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for and on behalf of the City of Mayfield Heights with the District Board of Health of the County of Cuyahoga, State of Ohio."  Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only.  Mr. Sonenstein moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mrs. Snider.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Sonenstein, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, Finney, Ballistrea.   NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Mercurio moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Mr. Tribby stated the rates were the same as last year.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Snider, Finney, Sasak, Mercurio, Sonenstein, Kobunski, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-37:  "An Ordinance amending Section 933.05 of the City of Mayfield Heights Codified Ordinances pertaining to Uniform Standards." 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: Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Sonenstein, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Snider moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Mr. Ballistrea stated that the next five ordinances pertain to storm water management that the City is mandated to comply with the Ohio EPA.  It was discussed at a Public Works and Services Committee meeting.  Mr. Hippley and his office have put in a lot of work to prepare these documents.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, Finney, Sonenstein, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

 

 

 

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-38:  "An Ordinance enacting Chapter 941 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mayfield Heights, adopting rules pertaining to the control of construction site storm water runoff."  Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only.  Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Kobunski, Snider, Sonenstein, Mercurio, Finney, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Snider moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Finney, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Sonenstein, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-39:  "An Ordinance enacting Chapter 943 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mayfield Heights, adopting rules pertaining to post-construction storm water management."  Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only.  Mr. Kobunski moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Sonenstein, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, Finney, Ballistrea.   NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Kobunski moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Snider, Finney, Sasak, Mercurio, Sonenstein, Kobunski, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-40:  "An Ordinance enacting Chapter 945 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mayfield Heights, adopting rules pertaining to prohibiting illicit discharge into the City of Mayfield Heights' municipal separate storm sewer system."  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, Finney, Sonenstein, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Mercurio moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, Finney, Sonenstein, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-41:  "An Ordinance enacting Chapter 947 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mayfield Heights pertaining to the adoption of the City of Mayfield Heights Guidance for Projects. "  Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only.  Mr. Kobunski moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Sasak.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Kobunski, Snider, Sonenstein, Mercurio, Finney, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Mercurio moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Snider.  Mr. Thomas Hippley, City Engineer, stated that this document adds to whatever is not covered by the Uniform Standards.  He believes that this will be comprehensive.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Finney, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Sonenstein, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-42:  "An Ordinance authorizing the continuation of a Section 125 Premium Only Plan in accordance with Internal Revenue Service Regulations and declaring an emergency."  Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only.  Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Sonenstein.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Sonenstein, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, Finney, Ballistrea.   NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Kobunski moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was received from Mr. Tribby.  This allows for a pre-tax basis on health insurance premiums for employees.  There is no cost to the City.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Snider, Finney, Sasak, Mercurio, Sonenstein, Kobunski, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The ordinance is adopted.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Ballistrea, seconded by Mr. Mercurio, moved to keep tabled Resolution No. 2007-54, a Resolution approving and adopting an oil and gas lease agreement with JR Resources, Inc. for gas well drilling in the City of Mayfield Heights.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES: Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Sonenstein, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2007-55:  "A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with TC3 Operations, Inc. to provide senior transportation services."  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:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, Finney, Sonenstein, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Mr. Ballistrea stated minutes from the Finance and Audit Committee were sent to all members.  The monthly fee is higher, but is offset by the fact that the City will no longer pay for the fuel or maintenance.  Mayor Costabile added that the zone was extended to the County line.  The City is proud to be able to continue this service for the seniors.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Kobunski, Snider, Sonenstein, Mercurio, Finney, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2007-56:  "A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for a grant from the Cuyahoga County Department of Development and declaring an emergency."  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:  Finney, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Sonenstein, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Snider.  Mr. Ballistrea asked if the application actually entails what the City will use the money for.  Mayor Costabile replied that the County wants to see that the community comes together.  The Master Plan was important, as was the Mayor's Community Council's Beautification Committee to show different groups and forward thinking are involved in the effort for the betterment of the City.  The application is specific to an area and idea for improvements, but not overly specific as to actual use of the money to accomplish the goals.  Mr. Ballistrea asked if the money had to be utilized in a certain time.  Mr. Tribby stated that a fund is already set up from prior applications and the money would be segregated in that fund.  It usually does have to be used within a certain time.  Mr. Kobunski asked if the money would only be allocated for that area of the City.  Mr. Tribby said it is site specific.  Mr. Kobunski wondered if the owner of Mayland, Mr. Costanzo, would be cooperative to upgrading his property.  Mayor Costabile replied that since he took office, there have been a number of communications with that property owner, as well as others in the City and he feels progress is being made.  It may help, if the grant is received and property owners see other property owners making improvements.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Sonenstein, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, Finney, Ballistrea.   NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2007-57:  "A Resolution declaring the month of November as National Hospice Awareness Month in the City of Mayfield Heights, Ohio."  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, Finney, Sonenstein, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mr. Sasak moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio.  Mr. William Lewis, Visiting Nurse Association, stated that he is pleased that the City is recognizing the hospice programs.  These programs allow people to remain in their homes longer and gives comfort during a difficult period of their lives.  It not only provides medical care, but care for many other aspects of life for the most trying time in their lives.  He appreciates the recognition this legislation will generate for such a worthy program.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, Finney, Sonenstein, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2007-58:  "A Resolution authorizing the City of Mayfield Heights to enter into a contract with the City of Bedford Heights for the confinement of prisoners."  Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only.  Mr. Sasak moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Sonenstein.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Kobunski, Snider, Sonenstein, Mercurio, Finney, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  Mrs. Snider moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney.  Mr. Ballistrea stated there was a slight increase in the rate.  Mr. Tribby added that the City spends approximately $2000 per year on this cost.  This allows for an alternative location for prisoners who have to be kept in jail more than five days.  There are several other locations, which are also available.  Roll Call on motion as stated:  AYES:  Finney, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Sonenstein, Snider, Ballistrea.  NAYS:  None.  Motion carried.  The resolution is adopted.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mrs. Finney, moved to approve the quotation of Burton Scot Contractors for underground improvements for the installation of a traffic signal at Ridgebury and Giesse in the amount of $17,000.  Mr. Sasak inquired if this signal would be used year round and all day long.  Mayor Costabile replied that it would be an actuated signal, so it would be permanent.  It would greatly improve the traffic flow during peak periods according to the City's Traffic Engineer A temporary light was investigated, but the cost was prohibitive.  The Service Department did a lot of the preliminary work.  Mr. Ballistrea asked if it could be changed to flashing red or yellow if needed.  The Mayor said it could, but again it would be an actuated signal and the light would remain green for Ridgebury unless cars actuated it from the side streets.  Mr. Tribby mentioned that the equipment and company are ready to start the installation immediately.  Mr. Kobunski stated that he spoke with Howard Fibich in the Service Department who worked closely with the traffic engineer on this project.  All in favor, motion carried.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to authorize payment of $12,790.00 to Universal Oil, Inc. for gasoline for various departments.  Mr. Sasak commented that the priced of diesel seems to be about $1.00 more than the gasoline price and that there is not that much of a difference between the two types at the commercial pumps.  Mr. Tribby responded that many of the City vehicles require diesel.  All in favor, motion carried.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to authorize payment of $14,224.00 to Great Lakes Petroleum Company for gasoline for various departments.  All in favor, motion carried.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mrs. Snider reported that Lunch with Santa tickets are now on sale at City Hall.  She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There being no further business to come before Council, Mr. Ballistrea adjourned the meeting at 9:31 P.M.

 

Approved:                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Michael Ballistrea                                                    Lisa A. Benedetti, MMC

Council President                                                    Deputy Clerk of Council