CITY OF
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The regular meeting of Council was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Council President
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mr.
Mr. Joe Mercurio, Mr. Nino Monaco, Mrs. Diane Snider.
ABSENT: None.
Also present were Mayor Gregory Costabile, Law Director Leonard Carr, Director of Finance/Clerk of Council
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
The representatives of the Hillcrest 100 presented a gift of $2,500.00 to Patrolman Thomas Szep, Canine Officer Joseph Mytrosevich and Police Dog Jewel, members of the SPAN Bomb Squad thanking the officers and the Fire Department for their efforts.
Mr. Mercurio moved to suspend reading of the Council minutes of June 27, 2011, and approve as written, seconded by Mr. DiCicco. Mr. Monaco was not yet a council member, so he abstained. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.
Mr. Kobunski moved to suspend reading of the Council minutes of July 20, 2011, and approve as written, seconded by Mrs. Finney. Mr. Monaco was not yet a council member, so he abstained. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.
Mr. DiCicco moved to suspend reading of the Council minutes of July 25, 2011, and approve as written, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Mr. Monaco was not yet a council member, so he abstained. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.
Mrs. Snider moved to suspend reading of the Council minutes of August 1, 2011, and approve as written, seconded by Mr. Kobunski. All in favor, motion carried. Minutes approved.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Ballistrea referenced the announcement for the Hillcrest Council of Council meeting on September 24, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. The discussion will be on the Reverse 911. He asked everyone to mark their calendars.
Mrs. Finney commented that the Service and Recreation departments did a great job with the clean-up of the park for the last day of Unity Days.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS:
The City website is now complete in keeping with open lines of communication. The Mayor suggested making the website their homepage and that will make it simple to stay up to date on current events. He also commented that it is a great source for businesses to get the City’s information. Also Code Red (reverse 911), which was cost prohibitive in 2006 and labor intensive, is now available using a new internet based company. A test message was sent out in mid-August. Approximately 8,600 calls were sent out. Residents need to submit their information so that the City will be able to send critical messages by way of phone messaging. The procedure is to click on Code Red on the website and follow the instructions. The City will then receive the essential information. If residents do not have internet access they can contact City Hall at 440-442-2626 ext. 407.
Mayor Costabile announced enhancements to the retail district; Golden Gate Shopping Center parking renovations and Mayland with the construction for Sonic to begin in October. DiBellas Subs will also be moving across the street from Eastgate Shopping Center.
The City will once again contract with the County for funds to assist businesses in storefront renovations. The City will contact the establishments to see if they are looking to make improvements.
The construction work on the tennis courts is complete. The striping, nets, new removable poles, which can also be used for volley ball nets, will complete the project.
A group of Mayors met with the County Executive regarding the proposed new rates by the Northeast Ohio Sewer District, and how they handle their storm water management and sanitary management.
The City is prepared to move forward with the Energy Conservation and Capital Improvement plan at City Hall. Mayor Costabile asked Mr. Ballistrea to advise the Chairman of the Finance Committee to set up a meeting to present to the committee the updated information regarding the County grant of $436,900.00 and working with HB300 program.
Mr. DiCicco asked if residents can check to see if they are included in the Code Red program. Mayor Costabile said the residents can go on the website and resubmit their information. He said either they will be successful or they will be prompted that the information has already been submitted.
Mrs. Finney asked if the Mayor again plans to coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce to coordinate a candidate’s forum. The Mayor said he did not previously coordinate the forum, but he believes the Chamber is looking into a candidate night again.
Mr. Monaco asked for an update on the Mayfield Road project, and if residents were notified of recent construction. Mayor Costabile said the construction was approved by Council and the recent construction is part of that program. He said an email was sent to all of Council, and the work was being done during evening hours so as not to cause too much inconvenience. The project is a moving project so the construction will not be staying in one area for any length of time.
Mr. Monaco also asked about the elimination of the flu shot program. Mayor Costabile said there is no longer a need in the community for the program and Tri City Consortium on Aging determined there no longer is a benefit for residents since there is ample supply elsewhere. Mr. Ballistrea noted that the first run of supply is at the local pharmacies. Mrs. Finney commented that the pharmacies now take Medicare and insurances for flu shots.
Director of Law Carr: No report.
Director of Finance Tribby: The State Auditor’s office released their results of the City’s recent audit; no citations. The audit is available on the State’s website, www.auditor.state.oh.us.org, select search for audits and the City of Mayfield Heights to review.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS:
Mr. Ballistrea welcomed Mr. Monaco who will serve as Councilman, replacing Mr. Sasak, term ending December 31, 2011.
Mr. Kobunski moved to hold an executive session at the conclusion of the Council meeting to discuss imminent court action and/or litigation, seconded by Mr. Monaco. Roll Call on motion: AYES: Mrs. Snider, Mr. DiCicco, Mr. Monaco, Mr. Mercurio, Mrs. Finney, Mr. Kobunski, Mr. Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried.
Building Committee: No report.
Finance and Audit Committee: An energy and conservation committee meeting will be scheduled. Mr. Mercurio stated there are two items on the agenda; the tax advance for the property taxes and the acceptance of the tax amounts and rates.
Legislative Committee: No report.
Public Works and Services Committee: No report.
Recreation and Parks Committee: Mr. DiCicco reported that the clam bake will take place at the Community Center on October 22, 2011 and the Halloween party on October 29, 2011. All the information can be found on the City’s website.
Safety and Transportation Committee: No report.
Board of Zoning Appeals: Mr. DiCicco said one item is on the agenda, and a meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2011. Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.
Commission on Aging: A meeting was held on September 6, 2011. The Tri-City Senior News was published and circulated. The next meeting is Tuesday, October 1, 2011 at 5 P.M. Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.
Planning Commission: There was one special meeting during the summer. Copies of the minutes of the meeting were mailed to all members and are a part of the permanent record.
Mr. Ballistrea commented that Mr. Sasak’s committee assignments were disbursed among the other six Council members prior to Mr. Monaco’s appointment. Mr. Ballistrea will once again look at the committees and there may be reassignments.
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PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
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RESOLUTION NO. 2011-44: “A Resolution confirming the action of the Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Mayfield Heights in denying to Yogurt Treats, LLC, on behalf of Menchie’s, a request for a variance to install a pink, green and white identification sign at 1288 SOM Center Road.†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: Mr. Monaco, Mr. Kobunski, Mr. DiCicco, Mrs. Finney, Mr. Mercurio, Mrs. Snider, Mr. Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mrs. Snider moved for adoption, seconded by Mrs. Finney. Mr. Ballistrea said the Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously denied the request. Mr. DiCicco stated the colors were out of context. The Mayor said the applicant has submitted a new color scheme, which was approved late this afternoon by himself and the Building Director Tom Jamieson. The colors are now red and white and in accordance with the City’s building code. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Mr. Mercurio, Mr. Monaco, Mr. Kobunski, Mrs. Snider, Mr. DiCiccco, Mrs. Finney, Mr. Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-45: “A Resolution requesting the County Fiscal Officer’s Office to advance real property taxes from the proceeds of tax levies pursuant to Section 321.34, Ohio Revised Code.†Mr. Carr read the resolution by title only. Mrs. Snider moved for suspension of the rules, seconded by Mr. DiCicco. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Mr. Kobunski, Mrs. Snider, Mrs. Finney, Mr. Mercurio, Mr. DiCicco, Mr.Monaco, Mr. Ballistrea NAYS: None. Motion carried. Mr. Kobunski moved for adoption, seconded by Mr. Mercurio. Roll Call on motion as stated. AYES: Mr. DiCicco, Mr. Mercurio, Mr. Monaco, Mr. Kobunski Mrs. Finney, Mrs. Snider, Mr. Balistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-46: “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 Fiscal Officer.†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: Mrs. Finney, Mr. Mercurio, Mrs. Snider, Mr. Kobunski, Mr. Monaco, Mr. DiCicco, Mr. Ballistrea. Nays: None. Motion carried. Mr. Tribby said it is still the same 10 mills with the allocation being different. Roll Call on motion as stated: AYES: Mrs. Snider, Mr.DiCicco, Mr. Monaco, Mr. Mercurio, Mrs. Finney, Mr. Kobunski, Mr. Ballistrea. NAYS: None. Motion carried. The resolution is adopted.
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Mr. Mercurio, seconded by Mr. DiCicco, moved to authorize payment of $18,535.80 to Great Lakes Petroleum Company for diesel fuel for various departments. Mr. Ballistrea stated that two invoices make up the total amount. All in favor, motion carried.
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Mrs. Snider, seconded by Mr. Kobunski, moved to authorize payment of $16,150.00 to Universal Oil, Inc. for gasoline for various departments. Mr. Ballistrea stated that this is for non-diesel gasoline. All in favor, motion carried.
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There being no further business to come before Council, Mr. Ballistrea recessed the meeting at 8:15 P.M. Council went into Executive Session at 8:16 P.M. and reconvened at 8:45 PM. There being no further business to come before Council the meeting was adjourned at 8:46 P.M.
Approved: Respectfully submitted,
Council President Assistant Finance Clerk