Helen Dunlap

The committee discussed the planned February bid for the receiving vault at the cemetery, which requires reconstruction due to unsafe conditions, funded partially by a state grant. The vault historically stored bodies during winter and currently stores gardening equipment. New business included a discussion regarding Ordinance 20-30 concerning the Tomaro Properties, which involves clarifying right-of-ways by having property owners deed land back to the city to ensure proper road and right-of-way recording.

The meeting included a caucus session where the President announced that committees were adjourned until the new year and summarized that all items except Ordinance 23-144 would be voted on. During the regular session, the Council adopted a Consent Agenda which included authorizing the Mayor and Wastewater Superintendent to apply for a Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant and acknowledging a liquor control permit request. The President of Council announced the acceptance of a resignation and the appointment of an Interim Acting Director of Legislative Services, followed by a motion to hold an Executive Session. Ordinances considered included amendments to codified ordinances regarding Council training, prohibition of cannabis operations, sanitary sewer charges, municipal income taxes, appropriations for the 2024 fiscal year, and authorization for purchasing easements for sanitary force main sewers from various entities. Resolutions were adopted accepting recommendations from the Tax Incentive Review Council regarding Community Reinvestment Act Agreements and an Enterprise Zone Agreement. An ordinance was adopted amending employee insurance benefits. Several ordinances were adopted to accept perpetual utility easements. Finally, an ordinance was adopted authorizing the Mayor to sign a commitment letter for matching funds with the Ohio Department of Development for the Wastewater Infrastructure 2024/2025 Grant Program. The Council then moved into and adjourned from an Executive Session.

Key discussions included the ongoing testing and procurement process for Police Dash & Body Cameras, with the goal of having a financing recommendation by the end of the year. Regarding the deer hunting program, it was noted that 85 permits have been issued with 57 deer harvested to date, primarily in Ward 1. A request was made to present data on deer/auto accidents at the next meeting. Additionally, the committee was informed about the upcoming National Drug Take Back program scheduled for November 26th.

The council meeting included a caucus session where discussion centered on Ordinances 21-80 and 21-81 regarding proposed amendments to the City Charter concerning the Charter Review Commission and elections, specifically the removal of the runoff election in favor of a primary election. During the regular session, the Mayor reported that the Service Department finalized preparing the snow plows. Several ordinances were considered and adopted on emergency measures, including amendments to the General Fee Schedule (Ordinance 21-68), acceptance of a bid for asphalt (Ordinance 21-71), establishment of a Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Ordinance 21-72), amendments to the Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2021 (Ordinance 21-73), authorization to enter grant agreements for Electric Vehicle Charging Ports (Ordinance 21-74), agreements with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District for stream stabilization (Ordinance 21-75), granting storm water easements (Ordinance 21-76), and the razing of city-owned property at 12704 Ridge Road (Ordinance 21-77). Ordinances 21-78 and 21-79 related to public meetings and council rules were also addressed, with 21-79 adopted. Ordinances 21-80 and 21-81 were placed on second reading. Miscellaneous business included an announcement regarding the start date for the new Assistant Clerk of Council.

The agenda outlines procedures for a Caucus Council Meeting and a Regular Order of Business. Key items include the approval of a Consent Agenda, which contains the minutes of the December 7, 2021 meeting, and various legislative considerations. Third reading items involve an ordinance amending public meeting minutes requirements and an ordinance making appropriations for fiscal year 2022. Second reading items cover an agreement with Senior Transportation Connection and amendments to the Planning and Zoning Code regarding business districts and subdivision improvements. First reading consideration includes resolutions acknowledging the community service of Lynn Brinkman, Debra Burrows, and David Loeding, alongside several ordinances concerning agreements for auditing motor vehicle records, depository agreements with Fifth Third Bank, appropriation amendments for FY 2021, accepting funding for York Road (CR-67) rehabilitation, entering an agreement with ODOT for York Road (CR-46) resurfacing, authorizing additional funding for Ridge Road resurfacing, and amending employee benefit and compensation schedules for non-union employees.