Bryan J. Hoffman

The Planning and Zoning Committee discussed and recommended approval for Temporary Ordinance A-75 concerning the construction of an 11,952 square foot private gymnasium on Bailey Road. This approval was subject to several stipulations regarding facade material, screening of the rear parking lot, landscaping intensity, exterior lighting standards, mechanical equipment screening, stormwater management, and the construction of a new sidewalk. The committee also considered Temporary Ordinance A-76, which authorizes an option and ground lease agreement with Tower Co 2013 LLC for the construction of a new wireless communication facility (cell tower) to replace existing equipment on an obsolete water tower. This new tower location will be slightly relocated to avoid infrastructure complications, allowing for the eventual demolition of the water tank and continued service under existing agreements. The Finance Committee later convened to discuss Temporary Ordinance A-77, an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Silver Lake for the acquisition and operation of a consolidated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, which operates as a pass-through funding mechanism with Summit County, with the system projected to go live in November.

The council meeting commenced with a roll call, invocation by Mrs. Spinner, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes from the November 9th meeting were approved without additions or corrections. Communications included two emails: one opposing further development of Maramman Valley, and another from a resident requesting the relocation of a community food box due to liability and access concerns regarding vehicles parking in their driveway. New legislation introduced included an ordinance to add JP Morgan Chase Bank NA as a city depository, a resolution to request an advanced distribution of tax receipts from Summit County, and temporary ordinances for entering into contracts without competitive bidding for wellness program services (The Vitality Group LLC) and prescription drug plan administration (CVS Health/Caremark). Other ordinances authorized contracts for natural gas purchase, roadway improvements on C Trail, storm water improvements on Topaath Boulevard, and construction of underground power lines on Pineboat Brook Trail. Finally, a mutual aid agreement for mobile field force operational assistance was introduced. The meeting also included two public hearings (A72 and A86). Public hearing A72 concerned a zoning map amendment request by Petro's Development Group for parcel 37-00221 from MU1 (Rural Neighborhood Center) to R5 (Mixed Density Residential) to allow for a 49-unit townhome development. The Planning Commission recommended approval, citing consistency with local planning goals, although concerns regarding traffic impact were raised by a council member and discussed with the applicant.

The Planning & Zoning Committee discussed two legislative items for favorable recommendation to the Council. For Temp. Ord. A-14, related to 'The Residences at Fountain Point' townhome construction by Testa Enterprises, Inc., discussions focused on site plan stipulations, including building elevation compliance, fee payment, circulation drive modification, and landscaping requirements. Applicant representatives addressed resident concerns regarding dumpster placement, site access points, and parking reduction. For Temp. Ord. A-15, concerning the construction of seven new personal storage buildings by Komi GK, LLC, key discussion points involved facade design variations, detailed landscape plans, compliance for outside storage, and stormwater calculations. The committee granted favorable recommendations for both temporary ordinances.

The meeting included communications regarding a new liquor license application and the availability of the draft 2008 Water Pollution Control Loan Fund Program Management Plan from the Ohio EPA. New legislation introduced on first reading included ordinances for purchasing transmission system relays, licensing AT&T Ohio for telecommunications equipment, and authorizing a license for Polytuff Brands, Inc. regarding a sign installation. A resolution expressing support for Ohio House Bill 333, which regulates check cashing and payday lending businesses, was also introduced. During committee reports, an ordinance amending the General Development Code related to limiting payday lending stores was adopted. Ordinances related to enacting a section of the Codified Ordinances and purchasing relays for the transmission protection system were also adopted. The Council adopted the resolution supporting swift passage of House Bill 333. In miscellaneous business, the date of the regular Council meeting for December 26, 2007, was moved to December 27, 2007.

The Public Affairs Meeting focused on legislation regarding the regulation of check cashing and payday lending businesses. The council considered Temporary Resolution B-165, declaring support for and urging passage of Ohio House Bill 333. Discussion included the proposed regulations such as limiting borrowers to one loan at a time, prohibiting same-day refinancing, capping interest at 36% annually, and subjecting lending to Truth-in-Lending disclosures. A public comment was received from a payday lending business representative arguing against the bill, stating it would force them out of business and criticizing the complexity of the issue. The Committee recommended bringing out Temporary Ordinance B-653.