CITY OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

September 13, 2010

 

 

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. Joe 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 Acting Deputy Clerk of Council Renee Augustine.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

 

Mr. Kobunski moved to suspend reading of the Special Council minutes of July 12, 2010, and approve as written, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.

 

Mrs. Finney moved to suspend reading of the Special Council minutes of August 9, 2010, and approve as written, seconded by Mr. DiCicco. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.

 

Council President Michael Ballistrea invited Hillcrest 100 President Eric Bergsman to make a special presentation to the Mayfield Heights Police Department K9 Unit. Mr. Bergsman said that a fundraiser was held on July 31, 2010, at Gates Mills Club. The proceeds of that fundraiser benefited the Mayfield Heights Police Department K9 Unit. He presented to Patrolman Mytrosevich and K9 Jewel and Patrolman Mele and K9 Duke a check in the amount of $700 and two pieces of specialized training equipment that included a travel crate and a sniff box. Mr. Bergsman extended appreciation to these two officers, Police Chief Donnelly, Fire Chief Forte, Fire Captain Grano and Fire Captain Elliott for their support of the Hillcrest 100 and extended an invitation for those who are not members to join their organization. Information is available at www.hillcrest100.org.

 

Council President Ballistrea recognized former Council Members James Teresi, Gayle Teresi, and Howard Sonenstein who were seated in the audience as well as City Engineer Dave McCallops, Assistant to the Law Director Bryan Carr, and retired Human Services Director Eileen Adornetti Kobunski.

 

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mrs. Finney distributed a parcel map and a landowner list relating to the oil well at 6505 Ridgebury Boulevard. She asked that Mayor Costabile disclose the amount of money he received in accordance with the personal lease he and his wife executed along with his neighbors. In the event that he continues to refuse to disclose same, she is requesting the Council President to determine if an investigation should ensue and whether an outside legal counsel should be retained by the City. Mrs. Finney provided her statement to be made a part of the permanent record.

 

Mayor Costabile responded by expressing his disappointment in the Council President for losing control of the meeting and for failing to enforce the Code provision that requires all participants to act in an ethical and professional manner devoid of personal attacks on others, the very provision that he reads before every public portion of the Council meetings. Ms. Finney’s “statement” is illogical, immature, and amounts to nothing less than juvenile attacks. He is disappointed in Mrs. Finney, as there is a lot going on in the city and it is interesting that after all her years on council she never gives a report on her committees, never offers a new idea to improve the City, but only resorts to juvenile measures for her own personal agenda.   He was pleased that she provided

a list and map of the property owners involved. This should bring awareness to the fact that each and every one was handled legally and in accordance with the law. Mayor Costabile stated that he makes certain that his actions are ethical and within the bounds of the law. He does not have a fraud conviction on his record. Mrs. Finney, on the other hand, does indeed have a fraud conviction on her record from the Ohio Ethics Commission for committing campaign fraud by lying to the public to get elected. His record stands, so that when questions are asked, answers are given. The agreement entered into is legal and in accordance with the law. As can be seen from the list of neighbors, a number of people were involved and this is common when dealing with an issue of this nature. Maybe at some point before Mrs. Finney’s term is done, she can address city issues as opposed to her own personal issues.

 

Mr. Ballistrea said he does not want to get into any further personal disputes at the meeting. He said if Mrs. Finney wants to pursue anything further she should address it with him after the meeting or some other time. He advised the Mayor that normally he brings up that statement at the public portion and not during correspondence and announcements.

 

Mr. Ballistrea announced that he received correspondence from the Northeast Ohio City Council Association announcing their next meeting on Thursday, September 16 at Parma City Hall. The registration deadline is today. Registration at the event begins at 5:30 p.m., refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. The topic of discussion is the new county government and how it will affect our city.

 

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:

 

Mayor Costabile: Mayor Costabile reported that it was a fun filled summer with a myriad of events and programs for residents of all ages. Special appreciation was extended to Recreation Director Sean Ward, the Recreation Department Staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission.

 

The promotion of two members of the Fire Department this morning was a proud moment for the city. All of the potential candidates are assets to that department. Congratulations were extended to Michael Goodwin who was promoted to the rank of Captain and to Mark Palumbo who was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

 

Mayor Costabile said that he alluded to the grant from the Ohio EPA at the last meeting. The city received a $231,000 grant that requires no matching funds. There were 172 applicants for the grant and only 32 of those were awarded funds. Of those 32, only 13 were located in Cuyahoga County. A meeting was held today to choose the location on city hall property where a rain garden, bio swales and permeable pavement will be placed. The project will begin in March of 2011 and anticipated completion is May of 2011. A public meeting will be held in October to make a presentation and to disclose how the funds will be utilized. The City of Mayfield Heights is a proud leader in the area of environmental consciousness and storm water management.

 

The community center improvement project is nearly complete. The kitchen floor, cabinets, and countertops will be installed soon. New paint, wall sconces, carpet, and audio equipment enhance the building. Furniture for the lobby has been ordered and will arrive soon. The new audio equipment will allow for the sound system to be heard in all rooms and the lobby, which will work well during large gatherings. Updated rules and regulations for the use of the community center are being considered for presentation to City Council. The updates focus on making the center more useful for all residents.

 

The fall edition of the City Focus was sent to the printer today. It will be in mailboxes at the end of September. It contains a wealth of information for residents including information on the Mayor’s Community Council (MCC) Pancake Breakfast on October 17 and the Fall Leaf Pick Up in November that is co-sponsored by MCC and the city.

 

The IT overhaul is complete. The new server is operational and replaced the antiquated server just as it crashed. The email issues reported by Council Members should have been resolved as of mid August. The focus now is on the website. It will be updated and made more user friendly.

 

 

Mayor Costabile reported that he recently attended a SB165 Rules Committee meeting as one of only nine appointees across the entire State of Ohio. Other appointees include Mayor Anderson from Willoughby representing the Northeast Ohio Mayors and Managers Association, and representatives of NEOGAP, Farm Bureau, Township and Villages, and the drilling industry. SB165 amended Ohio Revised Code Section 1509 regarding gas and oil wells. The Rules Committee will assist the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in the application of the law. The goal is to present the rules to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.

 

Mayor Costabile said he was invited to speak before the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors for an update on our housing stock. They are pleased with the drastic improvements in our Building Department. They understand that Point of Sale Inspections do provide for the health, safety and welfare of our residents. The City of Mayfield Heights has 5,000 owner occupied homes, 4,700 apartment suites, and 450 rental homes. The licensing of rental homes has been upgraded so that the City is better equipped to inspect to make certain health, safety, and welfare issues are being complied with in an orderly fashion. Residents are asked to contact the Building Department if they suspect a home is a rental unit to ensure that the dwelling is on the rental inspection list and that building codes are being followed.

 

The League of Women Voters sent a memorandum announcing County District 6 Candidates Forums. The Council Candidate Forum will be held on September 21 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Solon High School. The County Executive Forum will be held on October 17 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Shaker Heights Middle School. The announcement will be placed on Channel 20 and AM1700.

 

A number of meetings have been held with developers interested in our corporate parks.

 

A $12,700 grant was received from the Attorney General’s Office for the DARE/SRO programs.

 

The Mayfield Heights Fire Department raised approximately $13,700 for MDA on Labor Day weekend.

 

Mrs. Snider said she has received complaints about the lack of curbs in some areas of the city and asked if those can be addressed in next year’s road program. Mayor Costabile said the Engineer maintains notes about upcoming rehabilitation projects. The list will be reviewed and prioritized prior to the next road program

 

Mrs. Finney asked Mayor Costabile to repeat the dates of the candidates’ forums. Mayor Costabile again provided the dates.

 

Mr. Kobunski asked if the rain garden has to do with tax discounts related to run off from roofs, drives, and parking lots. Mayor Costabile said the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District collects fees for sanitary sewers under a 1977 order granting that authority. Now they want to collect fees for storm water management issues. Our project will be undertaken to control our own storm water run off and continue with a more green approach. This could assist in decreasing taxes in the future, but that is unknown at this time. Mr. Kobunski asked if the Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association (CCMCMA) has any information on this matter. Mayor Costabile said that CCMCMA has no information at this time. Our city will be able to present our project as a model to assist other cities in this green approach. Mr. Kobunski said the Euclid Creek Committee discussed this matter with respect to rain barrels on private property. Mayor Costabile said that the Euclid Creek Watershed Committee and the Chagrin River Watershed Committee have worked with our city on these matters. Mayor Costabile extended appreciation to URS for putting together a great package that was instrumental in our receipt of this grant.

 

Director of Law Carr: No report.

 

Director of Finance Tribby: No report.

  

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:

 

Building Committee: Mr. Kobunski said the committee has not met, but there has been some discussion regarding the gas station at Gates Mills circle. Mr. Ballistrea said there will be further discussion to inform the public.

 

Finance and Audit Committee: No report.

 

Legislative Committee: No report.

 

Public Works and Services Committee: Mrs. Snider reported that the committee has not met, but that Service Director Andrew Fornaro said that public works matters are running smoothly.

 

Recreation and Parks Committee: Mr. DiCicco reported that he did not attend the last meeting of the committee. He echoes Mayor Costabile’s commendation of the Recreation Department and the Parks and Recreation Committee for the success of Community Unity Days. The next event is the Halloween party on October 30. Mrs. Snider asked what time the event will be held. Mr. DiCicco said it will be held during the day and specific times and further information is available on the website.

 

Safety and Transportation Committee: Mrs. Finney said the committee should meet to review the EMS bills or request a report from the Fire Chief. Mr. Mercurio said collections totaled approximately $90,000 during a review at the last Finance Committee meeting. (In the “New Business” Section, below, Mr. Mercurio corrected his statement to confirm the actual amount collected is $270,000 and NOT $90,000.) Mr. Ballistrea said a meeting is not necessary and a report can be obtained from the Fire Chief.

 

Board of Zoning Appeals: Mr. DiCicco reported that the next meeting will be held tomorrow evening and there are five items on the agenda.

 

Commission on Aging: Mr. Ballistrea reported that the commission met on September 7, 2010. Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record. Interim Human Services Director Stacey O’Brien who is the Executive Director of Tri City Consortium on Aging sits on the commission. She is in the hiring process for a full-time employee to serve our city in the Human Services Coordinator position. She works three to four hours per day from city hall and returns phone calls everyday. A report from Ms. O’Brien indicated that requests for transportation have increased significantly since Hillcrest Hospital discontinued a large portion of their transportation service. Tri City newsletters are available at several locations in our city. Tri City offers a volunteer service to assist seniors with odd jobs. Those interested should contact Tri City. The Commission on Aging’s lecture series continues in October with a presentation on Hearing Disabilities, and with topics in November and December on Nutrition and Power of Attorney and DNR respectively. The Out to Lunch Bunch had an attendance of 120 people for a free lunch at Costco and 80 people for a discounted lunch at Arrabiatta’s. The next lunch will be held at Hurricane Wings and Grille. Appreciation was extended to the businesses involved in this program.

 

Planning Commission: No report.

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PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

Sandra Bohus, 6617 Kingswood, said that she wants to do cement work at her house, but is concerned about chip sealing that may leave black cinders on the new cement. She wonders if that work is scheduled for 2011. Mayor Costabile explained that the Engineer and Service Director survey all city streets and prioritize the work needed on each of those streets. Some of the streets require full rehabilitation and others require maintenance techniques. Last year a clear coat product was used in a sample area on West Miner to determine if the chip seal could be covered to prevent the cinders. The clear coat provided a finished look to the roadway and the rest of the street received the application this year. The Engineer and Service Director will survey the roads and provide a prioritized list by year end for City Council’s review so that bids can be advertised by the end of the first quarter of 2011.

 

Linda Price, 32261 Cedar Road, attended the meeting with several neighbors to request the review of Codified Ordinance 517.06 regarding the number of dogs allowed to be kept in residential dwellings. The current ordinance was adopted on May 13, 1957. She said that ordinance did not take into account that some residents in the city have one to two acre lots. She would like a committee to review the ordinance and make adjustments to the number of dogs allowed based on lot size. Mr. Ballistrea said he will take the matter under advisement and determine if it should be sent to committee. Mayor Costabile said similar requests have been made by residents in other areas of the city. A meeting should be held to review the matter, although it is ultimately City Council’s choice. The Animal Warden should be invited to attend the meeting if a meeting is held.

 

Tonia Worley, 2130 Marshfield Road, expressed concerns about a neighbor who has turned the matter of dog complaints into a difficult situation. She moved to the city four years ago. The police have been to her house more than five times due to complaints from this neighbor about her dogs barking. She said her dogs bark, as dogs will in certain situations, but they do not create a nuisance and are taken in as soon as they begin. She has taken many measures to placate this neighbor including purchasing bark collars for the dogs. The real issue for the residents in the area is the constant complaints made by this one neighbor. She feels that she is being harassed because she owns dogs. She thanked Animal Warden Kevin Pietropinto for his professional and compassionate handling of the matter even when he advised her that she had to find other homes for two of her dogs. She thanked Mrs. Finney, Mr. DiCicco, and Mr. Ballistrea for responding to her email. Mr. Ballistrea said if he sees fit, the matter will be reviewed.

 

Ben Stocum, 1420 Iroquois Avenue, said that he heard about the Community Unity Days alcohol issue. He was at the bocce courts with his wife during the event. It appeared to him that those attending the event were drinking and some much more than others. He has no opinion on what is right or wrong. His perspective as a young couple with no children is that they would like to enjoy a beer at Community Unity Days. Mr. Ballistrea said this matter will be addressed further.

 

Tony Discenza, 10237 Cutts Road in Chardon, spoke on behalf of Waste Management. He gave a presentation five years ago when the bids were reviewed. He wanted to introduce himself and offer to answer any questions that the city may have regarding waste collection contracts or specifications. He prepares the bids for his company. The market has changed and this year’s bids will be very competitive. He travels to many cities with his job and said that Mayfield Heights residents should be proud of the impressive services offered. Mr. Discenza distributed his business cards to the Members of Council.

 

John Huffnagel, 6399 Gates Mills Boulevard, expressed his concern about a neighbor who continues to register complaints about his dogs. He said his dogs bark occasionally, as dogs will in certain situations, but not in a manner that creates a nuisance. He believes this neighbor wastes the time of police officers who have to continually investigate these complaints when they routinely indicate that the dogs were not barking upon their arrival.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2010-54: “A Resolution commending Eileen Adornetti Kobunski upon her retirement from the City of Mayfield Heights, Ohio.” Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. Ballistrea asked Mrs. Kobunski to come forward. Mayor Costabile read the resolution in its entirety. Mrs. Snider moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Sasak. 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. 2010-55: “A Resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor.” 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: Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea.

NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mr. DiCicco moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney. Mr. Ballistrea stated that Council received a memorandum from Mr. Tribby. This resolution must be passed in order for the city to receive tax dollars. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Snider, DiCicco, Finney, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2010-56: “A Resolution authorizing a change order for the Bocce Court Pavilion Construction (Classical Construction).” Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mr. DiCicco 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. Mr. Ballistrea stated that Council received a memorandum from Mr. Tribby. Council already approved $1,500 for vinyl siding and $190 in the change order that was a clerical error. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: DiCicco, Mercurio, Sasak, Kobunski, Finney, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2010-57: “A Resolution authorizing change orders for landscaping improvements – I-271/Mayfield Road Interchange (Brookside Lawn Services).” Mr. Carr read the resolution 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 Mr. Mercurio. Mr. Ballistrea stated that an itemized list of the change orders was received by Council. He asked Mr. McCallops to clarify items 2, 3 and 4. The total cost is greater than $8,600. Some changes seem to overlap. Mr. McCallops said when the drawings were submitted to the Cleveland Water Department all materials for the meter were included. Cleveland Water then added two additional valves totaling $714. Issues 3 and 4 pertain to irrigation sleeves. As part of the Mayfield Road project, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) required that we indicate where the sleeves were to be installed. The sleeves were not installed as indicated and did not extend to the end point as indicated. A considerable amount of time was spent attempting to locate the sleeves. Once located, they had to be extended as indicated. There have been a number of conversations with ODOT and they do not seem willing to cover this cost. The contractor who worked for the city must be paid. Mr. Ballistrea confirmed that the cost is associated with finding and extending the sleeves. Mr. McCallops said that is correct and it took almost one week to locate the sleeves. Mr. Ballistrea asked why the city has incurred the cost. Mr. McCallops said the city’s contractor, Brookside, did the work and the city has a contractual obligation to pay them. Mr. Ballistrea asked if the city has any legal recourse. Mr. Carr asked Mr. McCallops to contact him to discuss this matter. At first blush, it seems as though the requirements were laid out in the specifications. He asked who it was that did not follow the specifications. Mr. McCallops said that Allega did not extend the sleeves as indicated and that ODOT did not require them to extend them as indicated. Mr. Ballistrea would like an analysis of the cost and any recourse the city may have. Mrs. Finney questioned item 6 that pertains to stain being unpredictable in color and texture. If a sample was provided, it should be their responsibility. Mr. McCallops said they could not find a stain that matched the color of the wall. The stain is made in different runs and in different locations so it did not match. Mayor Costabile said it was necessary to find a stain that matched. With regard to the sleeves, Brookside should be paid as they were under contract with us. A cost benefit analysis must be considered to determine how much it will cost to fight the change order versus the actual cost of paying the change order. Mr. Ballistrea agreed saying it was not the fault of the contractor. Mr. Kobunski said it is difficult to see the stain because of the debris in that area. Mayor Costabile said a number of compliments have been received about the landscape in the median and infields. A maintenance plan is necessary to maintain that area in good condition. City Council approved the design plan and we administered the plan that was approved. Mrs. Finney has received complaints about the sprinkler system spraying passing vehicles. Mr. McCallops said there is an issue when the wind blows the water. Mayor Costabile said it is necessary to irrigate the area to maintain the landscape in good condition. The timing has been changed so that watering is done early when there is less traffic. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Kobunski, Ballistrea. NAYS: Finney. Vote 6-1. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2010-58: “A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to issue a purchase order to TAC Computer for the purchase of computer equipment for the Police Department.” Mr. Carr read the resolution 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. Mr. DiCicco moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney. Mr. Ballistrea said that City Council received a memorandum from Mr. Tribby and a copy of a memorandum from Chief Donnelly to Mr. Tribby. Mr. Tribby said $8,600 will be paid by the city and the balance will be paid with funds from confiscated property and funds. 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. 2010-16: “An Ordinance establishing a special purpose flood damage reduction.”(Second reading) Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only. Mr. Kobunski moved to place on second reading, seconded by Mrs. Snider. Mr. Ballistrea asked for a refresher on what this pertains to. Mayor Costabile said they are mandates that come to all municipalities. It will be discussed in greater detail at the public hearing. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Kobunski, Snider, Finney, Mercurio, DiCicco, Sasak, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is placed on second reading.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2010-17: “An Ordinance establishing the Ohio EPA SWIF Grant Fund within the Chart of Accounts of the city of Mayfield Heights.” Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only. Mr. DiCicco 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 Mrs. Snider. Mr. Ballistrea said City Council received a memorandum from Mr. Tribby. Mr. Tribby said the Ohio Revised Code requires City Council’s approval to set up this fund. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Finney, Mercurio, Snider, Kobunski, Sasak, DiCicco, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The ordinance is adopted.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2010-18: “An Ordinance amending Ordinance Nos. 2010-5, 2010-9 and 2010-13 the appropriation expenditures of the City of Mayfield Heights, State of Ohio, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010.” Mr. Carr read the ordinance by title only. Mrs. Snider moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. Kobunski. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Snider, DiCicco, Sasak, Mercurio, Finney, Kobunski, Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mr. DiCicco moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Mr. Ballistrea said City Council received a memorandum from Mr. Tribby explaining the reason for the appropriation and increase in funds. He asked what the quote was for the computer upgrade that was previously approved. Mr. Tribby said it was approximately $52,000. Mr. Ballistrea said that Mayor Costabile had mentioned that there would be some supplemental appropriations and asked if this is what was anticipated. Mayor Costabile said the breakdown provided by the firm was forwarded to the Finance Department. It broke down the necessary operations in phases. This is separate from the management contract. Mr. Ballistrea asked if this server is in addition to the original server. Mayor Costabile explained that it is a replacement and that we were dealing with an archaic server that could not handle our needs. To get all systems centrally located and operating more efficiently was very helpful and much needed. We have document back up locally and out of state in case of emergency. We are well protected and much more confident. Mrs. Finney thought the contract that was signed for the consortium was for $55,000 through December and asked why there is a need for additional funds. She asked if the Human Resources position funds have been put back into the General Fund until a new Director is hired. Mr. Tribby explained that this appropriation amendment has nothing to do with the Human Resource position. The $55,000 for the computer equipment is providing after the fact for the actual upgrade in the computer system. When the original budget was put together in March, this expense was not on the horizon. This is a matter of providing a supplemental appropriation. The total general administration amount covered the authority to sign the contract. This is making the supplemental appropriation to cover at the end of the year this expenditure and anything else originally budgeted. Mrs. Finney asked about the $22,600 for Human Services. She thought we were just paying the costs until December. Mr. Tribby said the change in cost categories reduces the salary and fringe benefits resulting from Ms.

 

Adornetti’s retirement, so those are negative numbers and need to provide for the contract with Tri City that is $55,000 so the net increase is $21,000. Mrs. Finney asked again if the Human Resources funds are back in the General Fund until a Director is hired. Mr. Tribby explained that this ordinance has nothing to do with Human Resources. The city is saving money now on the salary and benefits in the short term while a new Human Resource Director is being sought. Mrs. Finney asked why the Mayor cannot use the $6,550 for education and training. Mr. Tribby said the $5,500 covers the Cleveland Leadership partnership. Mrs. Finney asked why this would not be taken out of what already has been appropriated for the Mayor. Mr. Tribby said there has not been any appropriation for training and education. Mr. Ballistrea explained that the $6,500 is the Mayor’s budget. Mrs. Finney stated she now understands. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Sasak, Kobunski, DiCicco, Mercurio, Snider, Ballistrea. NAYS: Finney. Motion carried. Vote is 6-1. The ordinance is adopted.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mr. DiCicco, moved to authorize payment of $13,653.43 to Great Lakes Petroleum Company for diesel fuel for various departments. All in favor, motion carried.

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Mrs. Snider, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to authorize payment of $12,800.00 to Universal Oil, Inc. for gasoline for various departments. All in favor, motion carried.

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NEW BUSINESS; COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL:

 

Mr. Mercurio corrected his earlier statement indicating that EMS collections totaled $270,000.

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There being no further business to come before Council, Mr. Ballistrea adjourned the meeting at 9:05 P.M.

 

Approved:                                                                 Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Michael Ballistrea                                                   Renee C. Augustine

Council President                                                   Acting Deputy Clerk of Council