CITY OF TWINSBURG, OHIO
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2007
Mr. Bill Furey President of
Council called this meeting to order at 8:00pm.
INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mr. Furey bestowed the Invocation. Council led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: B. Furey,
B. McDermott, S. Scaffide, G. Sorace, Mr. Hon and A. Romito
ABSENT: S. Murphy
ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Katherine A. Procop
David
Maistros, Law Director
Cynthia A. Kaderle, Clerk
of Council
PRESENTATION
OF RESOLUTIONS TO:
GLORIA
TERLOSKY – ON HER RETIREMENT
ROSALIE
HOLBROOK – ON HER RETIREMENT
Mayor
Procop gave a brief history of Gloria Terlosky’s history as Tax Administrator
within the City of Twinsburg, and read the resolution before presenting her
with it. The Mayor thanked Mrs.
Terlosky for her many years of service stating that she has performed her job
with excellence and pride, and has truly been an asset to the City.
Mayor
Procop gave a brief history of Rosalie Holbrook’s history as Chief Accountant
within the City of Twinsburg, and read the resolution before presenting her
with it. The Mayor thanked Mrs. Holbrook for many years of service stating that
both her and Mrs. Terlosky were the kind of employees anyone would be very
happy to have.
Council offered their congratulations to both retirees.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There being no additions or
corrections, the minutes of the Regular Council meeting of
February 20, 2007 and February 27, 2007 stand approved as written.
DEPARTMENT
HEAD REPORTS/COMMUNICATION (MAYOR’S REPORT)
Mayor
Procop spoke on the 3.6 earthquake stating that although there were no problems
or injuries associated with the event, it stands to prove why the City has an
Emergency Operation Center and have continuing ongoing training and drills with
the emergency operation center. The
Mayor further stated that the residents may rest assure that the city is doing
its best to keep the training updated and the safety forces prepared for such
an event.
Finance Department:
§
City Income Tax receipts as of February
28, 2007 totaled $2,574,958.00 compared
to
February 28,
2006, receipts in the amount of $2,618,638.00.
This reflects a decrease of 2% at the end of February.
Fire Department:
Police Department:
§
During the month of February, the
Twinsburg Police Department Communications Center generated 1,891 calls for
service among the Police and Fire Department, and Reminderville Police and
Fire. The Police Department issued 154
moving violations, of which 25 were for driving under suspension, and 7 were
for driving under the influence.
§
The first of the new Dodge Charger Police
Cruisers were out on Saturday, February 10, 2007. To date five of the chargers are in operation and the remaining
four will be ready by the end of May.
The Mayor also
recognized Patrolman Bob Hilton and Patrolman Tom Mason who worked diligently
with the equipment installer on the Dodge Charger Project. Patrolman Mason also worked closely with the
Graphics Company to create the graphic designs.
§
In February the Department began the
process of creating a Comprehensive Plan: Phase I consisted of surveying
departmental staff to solicit ideas for organizational goals, and Phase II will
consist of the formation of an Internal Comprehensive Plan Committee to compile
the ideas submitted by staff.
Building Department:
Engineering Department:
Service
Department:
§
Branch pick-ups will be begin on April 1, 2007
§
Seasonal Applications are available online on the city Web
site at http://www.mytwinsburg.com/
§
A new
process to insure that the meeting minutes are posted on the Web site in a
timely manner has been initiated.
§
In the continuing effort to promote recycling, the city is
expanding on the recycling programs and in doing so will undertake a Twinsburg
Universal Waste Handling Policy. Any items such as light bulbs, lamps,
batteries, pesticides, and mercury (found in thermostats), used by the city in
any of the departments will be taken to the Service Department for proper
disposal.
The Mayor
also encouraged the residents to take advantage of the recycling offers that
the City has. Plastic bags will be sent to residents to recycle their printer
cartridges, batteries, and in the future, sharps.
Gleneagles
Golf Course:
§
The driving range is open; the golf course is still set to
open in April.
§
They will be aggressively marketing and advertising through
many avenues such as the Solon and Twinsburg Town Planners, The Plain Dealer,
and Fitness Brochures. Residents are
encouraged to keep a look out for valuable coupons in those advertisements.
Parks and
Recreation:
§
In effort to establish the lawn at the athletic fields in
Liberty Park, a program has been established for regular fertilization. There will be four days in the coming season
when the fields will not be available; more information and dates will be
released in the coming weeks.
§
A new brochure was sent to the residents; it includes
information on the Water Park passes and Day Camp. The information can also be
accessed on the Web site at http://www.mytwinsburg.com/
§
The VSA; Very Special Arts of Ohio festival will be taking
place on Saturday, March 17, 2007, at the Activities Center from 1-4pm; admission
is free. Children and adults with
disabilities created the artwork.
§
Day Camp registration begins at 8:00AM on Saturday, March
24, 2007, at the Activities
Center.
§
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny will be on Saturday, March
31, 2007, at 8:30AM at the Activities Center.
The Bogsucker 5K run, the Candy Scramble and the Wet Egg Hunt will also
take place on that day.
§
The Mayor congratulated Stanley Stine for a job well done on
the Salamander and Frog Festival.
Announcements:
§
The Auction site is up and running; more information on how
to access and bid on the items will be coming.
§
With regard to Homeowner Association owned property, open
space and who pays tax on it, the Mayor advised that after some investigation,
Homeowner Associations could file for tax exemptions; all of the associations
in the City of Twinsburg have filed and are tax exempt.
§
Work is continuing on the storm water issues that the city
had in Glenwood Preserve, and Glenwood Acres; work is currently being done on
Stanley Lane. Council authorized 1.2
million dollar to help remedy the storm water problems. The Retention basin is being installed at
Adams Park.
There were
15 Ash trees, 14 Hawthorne (diseased), 1 Hickory (rotted through the trunk),
removed from Adams Park. Other
landscaping trees will be installed.
§
The Parks and Recreation Department will be promoting a new
program later in the year titled, Eat Dinner With Your Family Day. Monday, September 24, 2007 will be reserved
for this day, encouraging residents to eat dinner with their family. The City will cancel some of the programs
that they have planned around the dinner hour on that day as well. More information will follow in the coming
months.
§
Mavis Winkle Irish Pub is teaming with Jeff’s Ballpark Tour
to raise awareness and money for adolescent and young adult cancer. Mavis
Winkle in Twinsburg and Independence will be selling 2007 Mavis Winkle St.
Patrick’s Day T-Shirts, Monday, March 12, 2007 thru Saturday, March 17, 2007. 80 % of the proceeds will be donated to
Jeff’s Ball Park Tour.
§
The Cleveland Hiking Club sent a letter commending the City
of Twinsburg on having “such fine facilities.” The letter further stated that
the City is to be congratulated on maintaining and expanding the wetland areas
in the city boundaries. The Club has 1000 members, many of which are residents
of the City, and often uses the park facilities in the City of Twinsburg has a
hiking location.
§
Former Councilman John Rach has passed away. The Mayor gave her condolences to his family
stating that he was a wonderful councilperson and will be missed as a community
member.
The Mayor
also gave condolences to Dan Biada, Police Officer, and his family, for the
passing of his mother; and to Mr. Steve Murphy’s and his family in the passing
of Mr. Murphy’s brother.
§
Mayor Procop stated that in the past several years the City
of Twinsburg has sponsored the Sum Fun Day Camp for children with disabilities
by donating $3,000.00 and the use of a classroom in the Fitness Center. The request has come forward this year.
The
Twinsburg High School After Prom Committee has submitted their annual request
for the donation of $1,000.00. Mayor
Procop asked that Council take both request into consideration.
COMMITTEE AND/OR COMMISSION REPORTS:
B. McDermott
– Finance, Public Works
§
The Finance committee met with Bond Counselor Tom Trotter
and discussed Bonds and Charter Mileage. The committee also reviewed Capital
Improvement Board recommendations.
§
The Planning Commission met on March 5, 2007, and discussed
the lot split for the right of way for the property on Route 91, across from
Highland Rd. Title 3 was also discussed.
A. Romito
– Environmental Historic Preservation, Volunteer Firemen Depend Fund
§
EHPC met on Thursday, March 8, 2007. Stanley Stine was in attendance and talked
about the program with elementary students, and voiced his concern about the
disappearing honeybees. They also
discussed the old school house.
§
The exterior of the new Fire station is complete and work is
beginning on the interior.
G. Sorace
– Finance, Parks & Recreation, Fitness
§
The Parks and Recreation committee will meet on Wednesday,
March 21, 2007 at 7:00PM.
W. Hon – Finance,
Beautification, Safety, Fitness
§
The Beautification Commission met on March 1, 2007; the Commission
thanked Ray Diersing for his comments and suggestions with regards to Ohio
Edison and their Subcontractor ABC Tree.
A meeting was previously held with David Conner from Ohio Edison
regarding the tree-cutting program, and a meeting was also held with Aaron
Landscape, where their billing and nonpayment was discussed.
§
Regarding the cleanup work on the interconnect road, the end
of Route 91, does not appear that it is being done in a timely fashion.
§
Welcomed all residents to feel free to attend all Commission
meetings.
S. Scaffide – Treasury, Vol. Firemen
Depend Fund, Building & Zoning
Appeals, Fitness
§
The Board of Zoning Appeals will
meet on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 7:00PM.
B. Furey –
Planning Commission, Public Works, Golf Advisory
§
The Planning Commission will meet on Monday, March 19, 2007
at 7:00PM.
AUDIENCE
PARTICIPATION:
Eveth
Noland, 9057 Ravenna Rd:
Addressed Council regarding her
encounters with them in the past years ranging from 2005-2007. Also commented on City lawsuits and it’s
cost to the taxpayers.
Mark
Tscherne, 9842 Chamberlin Rd:
Mr.
Tscherne commented on the flooding issues, City lawsuits, Ordinance 47, and the
detention pond in Glenwood Preserves.
Donna Levaskevich, 1924 Westwood
Dr:
Mrs. Levaskevich questioned if Council
had driven through Glenwood Acres as she had requested in the previous meeting.
She also commented that through her research she has found that there is a lack
of adequate storm sewers to service the city, and is again requesting the Corps
of Engineers be called in before anymore homes are built. She further stated that it is unfair to
allow the administration to have the final response to any presentations made
to the elected officials.
Judy Huberty, 1903 Dooridge Dr:
Mrs. Huberty commended the Mayor
on the presentation that she recently gave to the seniors, stating that it was
very beneficial to the community and the seniors seemed pleased.
Mrs. Huberty also spoke on the
growth and development in the City of Twinsburg, stating that more concern
should be placed on the development of surrounding areas, Reminderville and
Twinsburg Township, as they’re development will have an affect on the schools
in the City of Twinsburg. In closing,
Mrs. Huberty stated that Council should take an active role in driving the
streets of the community.
Ray Diersing, 3500 Cannon Rd:
Mr. Diersing provided some
thoughts and suggestions for improving the sales of new memberships while
retaining the present memberships based on his observations of the Fitness
Center; he provided Council with a copy of his list. He recapped the current plan and payments, stating that perhaps
the City should allow seniors to pay the $180.00 annual membership by the
month, which would amount to $15.00 per month.
This would make the membership more attainable for the seniors.
Michelle Genos, 10194 Dayflower
Dr.
Mrs. Genos spoke on the detention
pond that is being put in Glenwood Preserves, and questioned why the taxpayers
are paying for it.
LEGISLATION
ORDINANCE 07-2007 – 2007 SALARY
ORDINANCE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY (Stands on second reading)
Read by C. Kaderle.
MOTION: TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND
PLACE ORDINANCE 07-2007 ON THIRD AND FINAL READING AND DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Moved by B. Furey, seconded by B.
McDermott.
Mr. McDermott stated that the reason
for the emergency is so that it can become effective immediately allowing the
employees to be paid up to date.
Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
MOTION: TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 07-2007 AS AN EMERGENCY
Moved by B. Furey, seconded by B.
McDermott.
Mr. McDermott stated that the
Finance Committee discussed this matter on February 20, 2007, and conditions
have been met and/or explained satisfactorily.
Mr. Hon questioned why the Tax
Administrator position was not deleted.
Mr. McDermott responded that there
is currently a Tax Administrator who has recently retired and because this goes
back to the beginning of the year, there must be a warrant or something similar
to pay that person.
Mr. Furey inquired about the Finance
Committee’s position on the IT Director’s position.
Mr. McDermott stated that the
employee currently in that position will move to another job title, and because
that employee has been receiving compensation under that title, the position
needs to remain.
Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
ORDINANCE 31-2007 – ANNUAL
APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2007 (Stands on second reading)
Read by C. Kaderle.
ORDINANCE 32-2007 – AGREEMENT WITH
ORIANA HOUSE (Stands on second reading)
Read by C. Kaderle.
MOTION: TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 32-2007
AS AN EMERGENCY
Moved by B. Furey, seconded by G.
Sorace.
Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
ORDINANCE 33-2007 – WATER SERVICE
AGREEMENT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY (Stands on first reading)
Read by C. Kaderle for the second
reading.
ORDINANCE 34-2007 – JOINT ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ZONE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY (Stands on first reading)
Read by C. Kaderle for the second
reading.
RESOLUTION 43-2007 – CONGRATULATING
GLORIA TERLOSKY
MOTION: TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 43-2007
Moved by B. Furey, seconded by W.
Hon.
Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
RESOLUTION 44-2007- CONGRATULATING
ROSALIE HOLBROOK
MOTION: TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 44-2007
Moved by B. Furey, seconded by W.
Hon.
Mr. Furey stated that the Mayor presented
both awards earlier that evening.
Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
ORDINANCE 45-2007 – RETAINING
KASTNER WESTMAN & WILKINS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Read by C. Kaderle.
MOTION: TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND
PLACE ORDINANCE 45-2007 ON THIRD AND FINAL READING, DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Moved by B. Furey, seconded by A.
Romito.
Mr. Hon inquired about the reason
for the emergency.
Mayor Procop responded that it was
due to pending invoice.
Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
MOTION: TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 45-2007
AS AN EMERGENCY
Moved by B. Furey, seconded by G.
Sorace.
Mr. McDermott confirmed that as
discussed, this is capped at $20,000.00.
Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
Upon roll call Ordinance 45-2007
unanimously passed as an emergency.
ORDINANCE 46-2007 – ESTABLISHING
FORM AND CHECKLISTS
Read by C. Kaderle for the first
reading.
ORDINANCE 47-2007 – CREATING SECTION
112 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES
Read by C. Kaderle for the first
reading.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS, NEW
BUSINESS, MISCELLANEOUS
Mayor Procop:
§
The Mayor addressed the comment referring to Legal Counsel
for the City of Twinsburg, stating that since she has been the Mayor of the
City of Twinsburg, all of the city’s cases have been represented by the City
Law Directors and/or the City Insurance Company. The only time outside counsel has been sought was for employment
issues. Recently
Mr.
Langdon was hired to represent the City of Twinsburg in the lawsuit against the
adult entertainment
establishment that the city was very successful in winning.
§
In regards to Glenwood Preserve, Mayor Procop stated that
when the development was constructed in the early 1990’s, it met the codes,
guidelines, regulations that existed at that time. Additionally at that time it
was built to a 5-year storm system, and has been since upgraded to a 10-year
storm system.
§
Mayor Procop mentioned that she attended a Roundtable
meeting that included a majority of representatives from the various city
organizations. She thanked Chairperson, Genevieve Spera, and commended all of
the members for being in attendance. The members were able to share information
valuable information and network.
B. McDermott:
Mr.
McDermott stated the Finance Committee would meet on March 22, 2007 at 7:00 to
finalize the Capital Improvement recommendations and the Budget. He stated that the committee is committed to
delivering a budget that will minimize the spending while maintaining the
services.
A. Romito:
Mr. Romito
thanked Mr. Diersing for his report. He
went onto state that he would like to see a walking program during the winter
months for seniors, charged at a flat fee.
G. Sorace:
Regarding
Outside Counsel, Mr. Sorace stated because the initial reported stated that it
could cost upwards of one million dollars, with no guarantee if winning, he did
not want to throw money away and wanted to meet to see what was going on before
he spent the money.
Mr. Hon:
§
Requested that attention from perhaps the Building
Department is given to the businesses in the Tinkers Plaza on Route 91; some of
the signage lights are lit and some are not. He stated that this would help the
establishments there and would look very nice.
Mr. Hon also encouraged the residents to take advantage of the services
of the businesses there.
§
Residents in the area of Sherwin and Terrance Drive are
concerned with the increased amount of speeders on their street. Mr. Hon urged residents who drive up and
down Sherwin, whether they live on that road or not, to please drive within the
limits that are posted. He stated that
he has and will continue to request that the Police Department post vehicles at
that those streets in addition to others.
§
Mr. Hon commended Joe Murphy, writer for the Bulletin
Newspaper and Lena Ina, writer for the Sun Newspapers for the articles that
they print in the newspaper stating that they are very timely and very
accurate. Mr. Hon also encouraged
residents to read their articles.
S.
Scaffide:
§
There will be a Glenwood Preserve Drainage meeting on
Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 6:30PM, at Twinsburg City Hall. Mr. Scaffide advised that they would be
discussing the projects that are being bid on; construction of the outlet sewer
behind Dayflower, Andover and Belmeadow; the detention pond and the open space
behind Forest Lake, Prim Rose and Belmeadow; and the detention pond at Adams
Park. Residents will be receiving a
letter of invite to the meeting.
§
Mr. Scaffide stated that a resident brought it to his
attention that Joyner’s Plaza now has an adult Arcade there, and the windows
are covered so he is unsure as to what it actually is. Mr. Maistros advised that the business owner
of the Adult Arcade was cited this week because it is not a permitted use in the
city of Twinsburg.
§
Mr. Scaffide stated that he has received an estimate and
some receipts from a resident for the flood reimbursements, and wanted to know
if it was still okay to submit them. Mr. Furey clarified for him that the list
that was open was for the people that were already on the list.
§
Mr. Scaffide addressed Mrs. Levaskevich concerns regarding
Glenwood Acres, assuring her that although slow, they are working on things and
doing what they can. He also stated
that the City did seek to have the Army Corp meet with them, but they have
stated that they will not attend a public meeting but would be willing to meet
with Council and the Administration.
B. Furey:
§
The Twinsburg Athletic Boosters are having a night at the
races on Saturday, March 17, 2007.
Tickets can be obtained from Bob Smoltz at 330-425-8666.
§
Mr. Furey responded to Mr. Tscherne’s inquiries, stating
that he is not certain of exactly
what Adams Park portion of the
flooding program was, but encompassing the entire city and doing the storm
water management plan for last year was about 2-million dollars. Mr. Furey also clarified that with the
current zoning at Corbett’s Farm, about 95 homes could be built there.
EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS:
MOTION: TO EXCUSE MR. MURPHY
Moved by B. Furey, seconded by McDermott. Upon roll call the motion passed
unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT:
This meeting unanimously adjourned at 9:50pm.
ATTEST:
__________________________________ ______________________________
Cynthia A. Kaderle Bill
Furey
Clerk of Council President
of Council
*Mr. McDermott requested the following exchange between
himself and Mayor Procop be entered into the minutes:
In reference to Mayor Procop’s statement of the City having
won the lawsuit against the night establishment, Mr. McDermott commented that
he was not aware that the City had won the lawsuit.
Mayor Procop responded that perhaps a better choice of words
would have been to state that the pressure applied to the establishment was
enough to prevent them from moving forward.
Mr. McDermott responded that he understands and that was the
legislation that was passed afterwards at the request of the legal services
that the City was provided. He went on
to resolutely state that he still thinks the City of Twinsburg loss that lawsuit.
Mayor Procop refuted Mr. McDermott’s comments stating that
perhaps the first round was lost but not the entire lawsuit.