CITY OF MAYFIELD HEIGHTS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
July 20, 2011
The special meeting of Council was called to order at 4:10 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, 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.
The purpose of the meeting was to interview four of the candidates for the council vacancy created by the death of Councilman David Sasak. The unexpired term ends December 31, 2013. According to City Charter, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment until December 31, 2011, and an election will be held in November to fill the rest of the unexpired term.
Mr. Ballistrea stated that everyone was copied on his memo regarding the procedure for the interviews. Each interview would last approximately 20 minutes. Each council member and the mayor would ask the candidates questions.
There would be one more meeting for interviews of the last four of the eight candidates who applied for the vacancy. Council would go into executive session after the next meeting to review the applications and determine a candidate. The motion to elect a candidate would then be done in open session.
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4:13 P.M. - Jerry Rothenberg
Mrs. Finney stated that the City has a long standing sign ordinance and two variances were recently given pertaining to that ordinance. She asked what his reasoning was for voting for the variances.
Mr. Rothenberg stated that usually he is against a lot of signs. In this case Parker Hannifin needed additional signage outside the office park and the proposed sign was the perfect spot and it was aesthetically pleasing. Originally he was against the proposed sign for Golden Gate Shopping Center, but after listening to the presentation he felt that it would be identification information for people on Mayfield Road to see what was in the shopping center and it was very worthwhile.
Mr. Mercurio commented that Mr. Rothenberg’s resume shows him as a member of various community services, one being the Mayor’s Community Council. He asked for an example of what problems he helped to identify and resolve as was stated in his resume.
Mr. Rothenberg replied that there were fire hydrants that were out of order and he persevered in asking the Mayor to get them fixed. He also was instrumental in pursuing getting a Reverse 911 system in the City.
Mr. DiCicco asked what the City’s biggest challenges are.
Mr. Rothenberg stated that the City now has an image that is not as high as others. The standards of design are not as high. With his knowledge of federal and state codes, he would like to try to raise those standards and to keep properties maintained.
Mayor Costabile mentioned that he has been in the City 36 years. What are the City’s three greatest strengths and from his work with the City of Cleveland Planning Commission what does he bring to this City to help make our planning more consistent.
Mr. Rothenberg stated that City services were deplorable when he first moved here. Over the last several years City services are excellent. His neighbors think City Hall is run well and problems are addressed quickly.
From his position with the City of Cleveland Planning Commission, he has been chosen to head the Design Review Board for the entire Euclid Corridor. He has been critical of some of the designs in the City. He would like to be able to use his design abilities to make it better. He helped with the recent community center renovations and found some errors because of his knowledge of codes. He would do anything that came along.
Mr. Ballistrea stated that a recent newspaper article indicated the City may lose hundreds of thousands of dollars. What could he do to help offset this loss.
Mr. Rothenberg stated that this is something that every community in the state is facing. Cutting staff is not the answer as that means fewer services. He thought that perhaps working with the unions to maintain wages and rates might help. Some projects also would just not get done at this time.
Mr. Kobunski asked how important regionalism is to the future of the City and does he support it.
Mr. Rothenberg stated it is the future especially with the economic crunch. There are so many services that could be combined to save money.
Mrs. Snider asked if he had any personal interests or social interests that would hinder any decisions as a council member.
Mr. Rothenberg replied no. He is slowing down in his professional life and wants to give back to the City.
Mrs. Finney asked what is his opinion on serving alcohol specifically in the City park at City sponsored events.
Mr. Rothenberg stated he feels it could be done under proper circumstances. The City is responsible in handling events it sponsors.
Mr. Mercurio asked what is the one thing he wants Council to know.
Mr. Rothenberg replied that he can hit the ground running. He has been on many boards and committees and knows how things are run. He can do a great job and he follows through on any commitment.
Mr. DiCicco asked what the traits are for a council member.
Mr. Rothenberg replied honesty, dependability and communication with fellow members.
Mayor Costabile asked what set him apart from the other applicants.
Mr. Rothenberg stated that he is constantly involved in City matters. He has been on the BZA and the Mayor’s Community Council. He gets involved as much as he can. He did not know how involved the others are.
Mr. Ballistrea commented that knowing this is only a five month appointment, has he taken out petitions and will he run for council office.
Mr. Rothenberg replied that he has the packets. It depends on if he is appointed as to what office he runs for that he will file.
Mr. Kobunski asked what he believes the commitment is if he is appointed to Council and if he has any conflicts.
Mr. Rothenberg replied there were no conflicts. He would do whatever is required of him. He would be able to do a lot more as a council member than as a BZA member and would like to be more proactive of things that come up.
Mrs. Snider asked his opinion on gas wells.
Mr. Rothenberg stated he would rather not see any in the City. However, it is a fact of life. He does not know what could be done.
Mrs. Finney asked if he would run for the four year council seat if he is not appointed.
Mr. Rothenberg said yes.
Mr. Rothenberg was thanked for coming. (4:32 P.M.)
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4:37 P.M. - Susan Sabetta
Mrs. Snider asked what her vision was for the City and how she could help to achieve it.
Mrs. Sabetta replied that she likes the process so far. She lives on a cul-de-sac and it has kept her family here for 30 years and likes the warmth of the community and the natural resource keeps her family here. The last two years with dealing with the City with the gas well issues has showed her that the City is going forward and works with its residents. In her job of selling real estate she can speak as to why she is a resident here. It is a good quality city.
Mr. Kobunski asked if she was appointed what would be her primary goal.
Mrs. Sabetta stated there are several committees she could be on that she could be helpful and supportive. Her goal would be to continue on and run for an elected seat if she is appointed. Planning or zoning to help the residents would be another area. She could help with the media in awareness of showing that the City works with residents. She could make sure residents are aware of what is happening in the City.
Mr. Ballistrea asked her to define good city government and what would be her role as a council member.
Mrs. Sabetta replied safety awareness, accessibility and resolution of issues. She would be excited to work on a team of people and she would be responsive to residents.
Mayor Costabile asked her to explain why she should be appointed.
Mrs. Sabetta stated that with her real estate license she works with people and knows and understands contracts. She is capable. She can put her opinion to one side and listen to others. She is involved with safety, especially for children. She knows the mechanics of houses, she knows planning and zoning. She is an honest person and gets along with people. If she does not understand something, she educates herself and finds out who is responsible to resolve issues.
Mr. DiCicco asked if there was anything disappointing in the City.
Mrs. Sabetta replied that there are four generations of Sabettas living in the City. Everyone is happy to live here. After the experience with the gas well, it was well handled and no one in the City held her back from finding out about it.
Mr. Mercurio asked for a specific example of how she works well under pressure as she had stated in her application.
Mrs. Sabetta replied that working in real estate means she is always under pressure. She has to remain cool to work with both sides. And with the gas well incident she never lost her patience in dealing with the vendor or with city officials.
Mrs. Finney stated that she mentioned that her primary goal is running for election; there are two seats, two year or four year. Has she taken out petitions and does she plan on running whether she is appointed or not.
Mrs. Sabetta replied that she is planning on running either way, but she has not yet taken out the petitions.
Mrs. Snider asked how council members should handle the residents at Stone Creek with regards to the gas well issues there.
Mrs. Sabetta stated from what she has heard and seen on the Council meetings she feels it is being handled well. They did sign leases and she does not feel Seagull did not fulfill its side. It is a dangerous place for a well. Since they got money for it, they can use that money to provide buffers. They all knew where it was going as it was being installed. Council members have to continue to work with them, as they are residents, but they also have their association to help.
Mr. Kobunski asked how important regionalization is to the future of the City.
Mrs. Sabetta felt it was very important. She thought the City already works with other cities. It would be very helpful, especially with current money issues.
Mr. Ballistrea asked what programs or services does she see that the City may not have that she would like to see.
Mrs. Sabetta replied more child safety in the home. Her book addresses that matter. Many families do not know how to live in a home with children safely. Any safety item would be good.
Mayor Costabile stated that her presentation and resume depicts a person with a lot of drive. They have also seen that with the gas well issue. This is important, but he also feels a council member needs to be open minded and listen to others opinions. Can she point to a situation where she was pretty certain about a matter, but then she changed her mind after learning the facts.
Mrs. Sabetta replied that recently there was a walk out of people from the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors. She was surprised. She thought at first it was good way to make a point, but on hearing the reasons she felt it was a bad decision.
Mr. Mercurio asked what is the one thing that she wants council members to know.
Mrs. Sabetta stated she is a person who is guided through education and through people. She learns a lot through experience. Not many people would step beyond and above for other people. People on her street know more because of her after the gas well incident. She finds out a lot from the City and wants to be a part of council after that experience. She wants to be part of the team and she wants to help the residents.
Mrs. Snider stated she had lived here for 30 years. Had she volunteered for anything in that time.
Mrs. Sabetta replied that she has kept the island with the memorial to Officer Catalano maintained on her street. She worked two or three jobs and does care for her in-laws and has been involved with their events.
Mrs. Sabetta was thanked for coming. (5:00 P.M.)
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Gayle Teresi – 5:02 P.M.
Mayor Costabile asked that as a former council member, what improvements she has seen since that time.
Mrs. Teresi replied the beautification program along Mayfield Road is terrific and was very much needed. It gives the community more warmth with the store fronts. Also the sustainability with the new flower beds out front.
Mr. Ballistrea asked what new services she would like to see.
Mrs. Teresi replied that she thinks the City is well rounded in its offerings. It would have to be really special. Perhaps bring back the podiatry service for seniors at the community center.
Mr. Kobunski asked what she would do to get other council members to go along with her recommendations.
Mrs. Teresi stated she would have an open, honest discussion.
Mrs. Snider asked how she felt about serving alcohol in the city park during home days.
Mrs. Teresi felt that at events with children, it should be a dry event. However, she does not believe that parents would allow children to run rampant whether or not alcohol was served. She would prefer it to be a dry event.
Mrs. Finney asked if she planned on running for office whether she is appointed or not and which seat would she run for, the two or the four year term.
Mrs. Teresi replied that she has taken out petitions and would run, but has not yet determined which seat to run for.
Mr. Mercurio asked what special contributions would she like to do as a council member.
Mrs. Teresi would like to continue with the beautification of the City; with green sustainability. It is a big issue and is the future.
Mr. DiCicco asked what dramatic changes has she seen in the City that she had mentioned in her cover letter.
Mrs. Teresi replied there has been a change in the demographics and the big box stores. There are more visitors. She would like more security at the stores, with perhaps more police on bicycles so they would be more visible.
Mayor Costabile asked if there was anything in particular that has made her stronger.
Mrs. Teresi replied that her four year term on council really enlightened her as to what goes on in City government and what is said and done personally and publically.
Mr. Ballistrea asked if there are any services the City should not have.
Mrs. Teresi replied the ordinances should be enforced more. They were written for a reason. The programs the City has are terrific. She does not know if the City has as many seniors as it had before.
Mr. Kobunski asked how important is regionalism to the future of the City and would she support the City’s participation.
Mrs. Teresi replied that certain aspects are important, such as sharing a fire truck. She does not know if making one large region with Cleveland would be as efficient. She thinks more local regionalism would work better.
Mr. Kobunski commented that other communities are looking to eliminate staff positions by combining together.
Mrs. Teresi replied those are ones with very small populations, so it would make sense. With a larger population it depends on what.
Mrs. Snider asked about increasing the income tax.
Mrs. Teresi replied that she does not think it should be. The City has a lot of offices and retail. Many residents are tapped out and it could be a hardship.
Mr. Mercurio asked her to give an example of an ordinance that should be enforced more and how would she see that they are enforced.
Mrs. Teresi replied perhaps car sales signs at dealerships. There are vehicles in front of the dealers advertising the business. Some of the enforcement should be the Police Department, because they are on patrol all the time. They could at least notify the proper department of any potential violations that could then be followed up.
Mr. DiCicco asked what she has contributed to the City other than as an elected official for the one term.
Mrs. Teresi replied that she served well as a council member. She did her due diligence and tried to help residents.
Mr. DiCicco repeated other than as an elected official.
Mrs. Teresi stated she is a quiet homeowner.
Mrs. Teresi was thanked for coming. (5:20 P.M.)
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Ben Stocum – 5:30 P.M.
Mrs. Finney asked if he took out petitions and if he did would he run for the two or four year seat.
Mr. Stocum stated he has not. He has considered it, but has not yet made up his mind if he will. He wants to participate in the City in as many ways as he can.
Mrs. Finney asked that if he was appointed, would he run for the two year seat.
Mr. Stocum stated he is interested in helping the City and participating in the growth of the City. It would depend on the kind of experience he had if appointed, as he does not know if he is cut out for politics.
Mr. Mercurio asked him to give an example of a creative idea for the City and how he would implement it, as he had stated in his letter that he thought Council needed to be proactive and engaged.
Mr. Stocum replied that he is passionate about sports and has always played sports. He is starting a family and looking at what community to live in and Mayfield Heights is very attractive. He feels that a strong school district needs to have extra activities including sports. This also brings in money for the schools. There could be a connector between the school and the City’s recreational sports to build on them year after year as the kids get older. These programs help kids prepare for when they are in high school. Mentor has an excellent program doing this.
Mr. DiCicco asked what experiences, work or personal, would best translate to Council.
Mr. Stocum stated he runs a small company and there are five people with ownership rights. When decisions are being made, he listens and tries to understand others point of view. Sometimes one needs to put aside one’s own ego and ideas in order to take the best way as a team. Those skill sets should translate to a council environment.
Mayor Costabile asked if he would try to recruit someone for this seat, what should be the best match and what makes him the match.
Mr. Stocum stated he does not think he is the perfect match, but no one is. He is proud of many things he has done. He would bring a different perspective to Council as he is at a different place in life than other council members. Mayfield Heights is attractive to all age groups. He would like to step up the housing to allow for people to stay in the City as their needs change.
Mr. Ballistrea asked how he would go about in the business community to strengthen those relationships.
Mr. Stocum stated he has made personal relationships with chief officers and he could go to them to see what they are looking for and then find a solution. Strengthen the attractive points and address others. Find out what their needs are and what made them come to the City in the first place.
Mr. Kobunski asked him to name the two most pressing concerns of the City government.
Mr. Stocum stated that financing probably is, as a lot of funding has dried up. How do we continually increase real estate values in the City to keep Mayfield Heights an attractive place to live.
Mrs. Snider asked what board he is most qualified for.
Mr. Stocum replied that based on past experience, he is good with finances. Parks and Recreation is near and dear to his heart too.
Mrs. Finney asked what his opinion was on serving alcohol in the city park at city sponsored events.
Mr. Stocum stated he had commented on the issue to Council. He thought that it was ironic that alcohol was still being served with the big outcry from Council on the matter. It was clearly being served and since there was a rule, something should have been done.
Mrs. Finney asked if he thought the City should sell alcohol or have a beer tent.
Mr. Stocum stated he does not have enough information to have an opinion. He just wondered why if there was a rule it was not being enforced.
Mr. Mercurio asked what is one thing Council should know about him.
Mr. Stocum hopes they recognized that he is a good fit for Council and to represent the City and gives him an opportunity to serve.
Mayor Costabile asked about senior services that he sees that the City could address.
Mr. Stocum replied that Villa Serena seems to be self-contained and the people are happy. Maybe the Commission on Aging can find out what works with individual places like there that the City might institute or supplement.
Mr. Ballistrea stated that many municipalities are losing a lot of money; what would he do to offset the City’s loss.
Mr. Stocum replied that he would fill up the retail and commercial areas. He would lean on an economic development ideas from Council that have worked. He would find out why companies move and try to make our City attractive. Retail space here is okay, but it does not compare with Legacy Village and Crocker Park. The City should make our space more attractive and try to evolve, being proactive. He finds the City a very comfortable place to live.
Mr. Stocum was thanked for coming. (5:50 P.M.)
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Mr. Ballistrea stated the next special meeting would be held July 25, 2011 at 6:00 P.M. to interview the final four candidates.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:52 P.M.
Approved: Respectfully submitted,
Michael Ballistrea Lisa A. Benedetti, CMC
Council President Deputy Clerk of Council