CITY OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 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, Law Director Leonard Carr, Director of Finance/Clerk of Council Robert Tribby and Deputy Clerk of Council Lisa Benedetti.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Mr. DiCicco moved to suspend reading of the Committee of the Whole minutes of November 23, 2009, and approve as written, seconded by Mr. Kobunski. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.
Mrs. Snider moved to suspend reading of the Council minutes of November 23, 2009, and approve as written, seconded by Mrs. Finney. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Ballistrea stated that as this is Mr. Mercurio's last Council meeting, on behalf of Council Mr. Ballistrea expressed sincere thanks to Mr. Mercurio for his commitment to the City. He started in 1998 and has been on Council for 12 years. He had a deep concern for the welfare of the community. Mr. Ballistrea stated he is honored to have served with Mr. Mercurio.
Mr. Mercurio stated it has been an honor and privilege to have served and represented the residents and to have worked with the other elected officials. He thanked his family for all the people who have supported him. He also thanked the department heads, law director and employees. Again, it has been a privilege to have served.
Mr. Ballistrea reminded newly elected members to be sworn in before the organizational meeting in January, which may be just prior to the first meeting on January 11, 2010, but the Mayor will schedule it.
Mr. Ballistrea extended happy holiday wishes to everyone.
Mr. Kobunski commented that there was a dedication for the rain garden at the school district administration building. It was very nice. There should be more gardens being created in the City and he thanked everyone involved.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS:
Mayor Costabile: The Mayor suggested that an alternate date from the first regularly scheduled Council meeting could be set for the organizational meeting in order to allow the Council President to make committee appointments prior to the first meeting. A possibility might be January 4, 2010, if there is no Planning Commission meeting.
The Holiday Lighting Ceremony was well attended on November 30, 2010, sponsored by the City and the Mayors Community Council. It is a nice way to start the holiday season. The children made cards, which were then delivered to Meals-on-Wheels clients.
The Mayor spoke at the Hillcrest Hospital Celebration of Life and Lights. It is another nice event for the season.
The Mayfield Business and Education Alliance Committee, of which the Mayor is a Trustee, was created to bring the business community together to help the school district. It is pursuing other ways to continue to support the school district. It has initiated many beneficial events and has awarded over $34,000 to the teachers for various projects to enhance learning. It is responsible for Ground Hog Day, the science and technology showcase and other events. If anyone is interested, they can contact his office or the school board.
The Mayor attended a recent meeting of the Mayors and Managers Association. This group will be taking an active role in the transition of the county reform with the passage of Issue 6.
2010 is a Census year. Federal funds will be allocated based on census data, so it is important for everyone to complete the forms. A representative may be brought to a council meeting to explain the forms. There will also be many temporary jobs being offered through the Census Bureau with good hourly rates.
The community center renovation is moving forward. It was built in 1977 and has served the community well. However, improvements were needed and the City applied and received a $100,000 grant for this project. Architect Richard Beck will present the plans later this evening. The kitchen will be renovated and added on to, there will be an ADA compliant bathroom made and the archway for the entrance will be changed, to name some of the major improvements. A contract will be awarded in January and the project completed in March with disruption to the groups kept to a minimum.
An H1N1 flu vaccine program was held on December 13 through the MIPOD group. Over 2500 people were vaccinated. There were a lot of volunteers helping with the program. This was a good drill for the MIPOD group and the Mayor congratulated them for its success.
The Mayor also extended heartfelt thanks to Mr. Mercurio for serving on Council. He exemplifies a great council member.
The Mayor also wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year.
Director of Law Carr: No report.
Director of Finance Tribby: No report.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:
Building Committee: Mr. Sasak stated a meeting would be scheduled regarding temporary structures (enclosed outdoor patios).
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: Mr. Kobunski reported the Service Department is ready for the winter weather. They request that people help the Department maintain the roads by staying off them when the snow comes.
Recreation and Parks Committee: Mrs. Snider reported that the Santa Lunch was held December 12. It was a great time. The next meeting has been cancelled. Mr. Ballistrea added that the lunch really was a wonderful event.
Safety and Transportation Committee: Mrs. Finney stated there are two items on the agenda, EMS fees and rental properties. A meeting was held December 11, 2009. Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.
Board of Zoning Appeals: Mr. Kobunski stated a meeting would be held December 15, 2009.
Commission on Aging: Mr. Ballistrea reported on the meeting held December 1, 2009. Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record. The new dance schedule is being finalized. AARP tax appointments will start being taken in mid-January.
Planning Commission: Mr. Sasak reported on the meeting of December 7, 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:
Richard Beck, architect for the community center renovations, displayed the proposed renovations to the kitchen and bathrooms. There will be an addition to the kitchen with a reconfiguration of the equipment, as well as additional equipment added. An American with Disabilities Act compliant bathroom, along with a janitor's closet, will be made using part of current Room A and a new canopy will be installed as well over the entrance. Both this and the kitchen will have new hip roofs to blend in with the old roof.
Michael Herpe, ThenDesign Architecture, spoke about the proposed project at Lander Road school. There will be six classrooms added. There is currently 46,000 sq. ft. and this addition will give an additional 7,000 sq. ft. The back parking lot will be reconfigured to allow for fire equipment to circulate easier. There will be a separate eating space for the students now and a new entrance area also for greater security.
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RESOLUTION NO. 2009-62: "A Resolution authorizing the Director of Finance to transfer funds in accordance with amounts listed in Ordinance No. 2009-30." 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: Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mr. DiCicco moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Sasak. Mr. Ballistrea stated the amounts to be transferred are specified and he asked about the two block grant fund transfer. Mr. Tribby replied that one is the return of an advance received and one is for the unused portion of the original transfer from the General Fund to the Block Grant Fund. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-63: "A Resolution authorizing the Director of Public Safety to enter into an agreement with the Village of Gates Mills for the furnishing of mutual fire protection for both municipalities for the year 2010 and declaring an emergency." Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. DiCicco 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. Mr. Ballistrea commented that this was an annual contract. Mr. Tribby added that the charges were increased by 5%. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-64: "A Resolution authorizing the Mayor of the City of Mayfield Heights, Ohio to enter into and execute a contract with Great Lakes Billing Associates and declaring an emergency." Mr. Carr read the resolution 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 this contract was recommended by the Safety Committee. He specified that residents would not pay for EMS services, they would not receive a bill. Instead, payment will come from insurance company. This was recommended by the committee. Mr. Sasak reiterated that residents will not be charged for EMS services and it seems that Mayfield Heights is one of the last communities to initiate this program. Mrs. Finney added that the contract could be changed or cancelled at any time. Mr. Carr clarified there is a 30 day cancellation notice and both these issues were discussed in detail at the committee meetings. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.
Mr. Sasak, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to remove from the table and place on the agenda Resolution No. 2009-39. All in favor, motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-39: "A Resolution confirming the action of the Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Mayfield Heights in denying to Tony D'Agostino, on behalf of Scrambler Marie's, a request for a 24 square foot variance to place a 30 square foot secondary sign on the north side of the building, for the location known as 1394 SOM Center Road." Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. Ballistrea read the withdrawal request via email from the applicant, Mr. D'Agostino and it is part of the record. Other options are being investigated. The resolution was withdrawn.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2009-30: "An Ordinance amending Ordinance Nos. 2009-6, 2009-20 and 2009-28 the appropriation expenditures of the City of Mayfield Heights, State of Ohio, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009, specifically the transfer and supplemental appropriation of funds in various accounts, and declaring an emergency." Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only. Mr. Mercurio 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. Mr. Kobunski moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. DiCicco. Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was received from Mr. Tribby. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 2009-31: "An Ordinance making appropriation for current expenditures of the City of Mayfield Heights, State of Ohio, during the period of January 1, 2010, to and including March 31, 2010." 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, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mr. Sasak moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Kobunski. Mr. Ballistrea stated a memo was sent from Mr. Tribby. This allows the City to continue to operate in the new year until the budget is adopted. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 2009-32: "An Ordinance enacting Section 141.07 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mayfield Heights, Ohio providing for fees and charges for emergency medical services." 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: Kobunski, Snider, Finney, Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mrs. Snider moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Mr. Ballistrea explained that this allows for the establishment of the EMS fees. Mr. Carr added that this ordinance is a companion piece to Resolution No. 2009-64. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 2009-33: "An Ordinance amending Section 1341.06, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mayfield Heights, Ohio pertaining to rental properties." 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. Mrs. Finney moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Snider. Mr. Ballistrea stated this was discussed in the Safety and Transportation Committee meetings and recommended to Council. It allows the City to void a rental permit if a renter repeatedly violates sections that are itemized in the ordinance. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is adopted.
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Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mrs. Finney, moved to confirm the decision of the Planning Commission approving the preliminary site plan for a 113 sq. ft. dining room addition and a 7,010 sq. ft. classroom addition at Lander Elementary School, 1714 Lander Road. Mr. Ballistrea stated the architect spoke earlier and the Planning Commission minutes were sent to all members. Mr. Sasak added that this is a preliminary approval only. Some minor changes for the emergency vehicles may be made for the final approval. All in favor, motion carried.
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Mr. Kobunski, seconded by Mr. Sasak, moved to confirm the decision of the Planning Commission approving the preliminary/final site plan for a 400 sq. ft. kitchen addition at the Ross C. DeJohn Community Center, 6306 Marsol Road. Mr. Ballistrea stated both the Mayor and the architect, Mr. Beck, for this project spoke. Mr. Mercurio asked if any thought had been given to enlarging the men's restroom. Mayor Costabile explained that the City tried to keep within the budget for this project and focused on items that needed to be done, such as being in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act. With the construction of the new restroom, there is no room to expand the existing restroom, but the ADA one should help for someone who needs more room. Mr. Kobunski asked if the air conditioning problem was being addressed. Mayor Costabile said there really were not any problems. One unit needs to be replaced. As part of the energy audit that has been completed, an upgrade to the HVAC and lighting fixtures was part of it. The City is waiting to apply for funds through the county. The applications have been delayed being sent out. He believes the City should wait to apply for funds due to the amount of the capital improvement dollars needed. He also feels that the City is ahead in the paperwork needed for the applications. Mr. Ballistrea asked if the new kitchen roof is a new hip roof or will it tie in. Mr. Beck replied that there would be a new hip roof that would be tied in to the old one. Mayor Costabile added that the Architectural Board of Review approved these plans too. All in favor, motion carried.
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Mr. Sasak, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to prepare specifications and advertise for bids for improvements at the Ross C. DeJohn Community Center. All in favor, motion carried.
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Mrs. Finney, seconded by Mr. Mercurio, moved to cancel the regularly scheduled Council meeting of December 28, 2009. All in favor, motion carried.
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NEW BUSINESS; COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL:
Mrs. Snider thanked Mr. Mercurio and stated she enjoyed working with him.
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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