Council Meeting Minutes - January 14, 2015

The Regular Council Meeting of the Village of Moreland Hills was called to order by Mayor Renda at 7:00PM.

PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis

Also Present: Margaret Cannon, Law Director, Jeff Filarski, Village Engineer, Prashant Shah, Treasurer, Kevin Wyant, Police Chief, Ron Sochinsky, Service Department, Sherri Arrietta, Clerk of Council


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman to approve the minutes of the Organizational Council Meeting of January 5, 2015.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


At this time, Mayor Renda asked Council if they would agree to change the agenda and go straight to the first four ordinances, since the majority of the audience is here to see the police officers be sworn in. Council agreed.

ORDINANCE 2015-01 – Introduced by Mr. Buczek
AN ORDINANCE CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR OF THE VILLAGE OF MORELAND HILLS OF TODD DIETZEL AS EXECUTIVE LIEUTENANT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Mr. Buczek stated that out of the three (3) candidates who interviewed for this position, Todd Dietzel came out on top. He congratulated him on his appointment as Executive Lieutenant.

Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Fritz to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2015-01.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman for passage of Ordinance 2015-01. Mr. Fritz stated that he has known Mr. Dietzel for many years and he believes that he is a great guy and a great asset to the department. He stated that he is thrilled that Mr. Dietzel will be the next Executive Lieutenant. Mr. Dietzel thanked the Mayor and Council.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


ORDINANCE 2015-02 – Introduced by Mr. Buczek
AN ORDINANCE CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR OF THE VILLAGE OF MORELAND HILLS OF MIKE PINIZZOTTO AS SERGEANT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Chief Wyant stated that five (5) officers went through the difficult process of taking the sergeant’s exam and all five (5) passed the written test. After the assessment portion, Mike Pinizzotto came out on top and he stated that he is well deserving of this supervisory role and is an asset to the department.

Mr. Buczek congratulated Mr. Pinizzotto.

Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Ms. Sturgis to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2015-02.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman for passage of Ordinance 2015-02.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


At this time, Mayor Renda swore in Mike Pinizzotto as Sergeant. Sergeant Pinizzotto introduced the members of his family that were present at the meeting. He thanked Mayor, Council, Chief Wyant, and Assistant Safety Director Canter for the opportunity and he stated that he is looking forward to his new role here.

ORDINANCE 2015-03 – Introduced by Mr. Buczek
AN ORDINANCE CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR OF THE VILLAGE OF MORELAND HILLS OF NICHOLAS SIDOR AS A FULL TIME PATROL OFFICER, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Chief Wyant stated that Mr. Sidor is an excellent candidate for this position and comes to the Village with a lot of experience. He stated that he is looking forward to Mr. Sidor sharing his knowledge with the Moreland Hills Police Department.

Mr. Buczek welcomed Mr. Sidor to Moreland Hills.

Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Stanard to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2015-03.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Stanard for passage of Ordinance 2015-03.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


At this time, Mayor Renda swore in Nicholas Sidor as patrol officer. Nicholas Sidor introduced the members of his family and friends that were present at the meeting. Mayor Renda congratulated Mr. Sidor. Mr. Sidor thanked everyone.

ORDINANCE 2015-04 – Introduced by Mr. Buczek
AN ORDINANCE REAPPOINTING DALE CANTER AS ASSISTANT SAFETY DIRECTOR AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Stanard to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2015-04.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Stanard for passage of Ordinance 2015-04.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


At this time, Mayor Renda stated that they will resume to the original order of the agenda.


Reports from the Mayor & Other Municipal Officials

Finance
Mr. Shah reported that the Finance Department has finished closing out 2014 and is currently working on the 2015 budget. He stated that the budget should be complete by next month, possibly in time for the Committee of the Whole Meeting. The audit will begin in mid-February which will be for the years 2013 and 2014.


Service
Mr. Sochinsky, Service Department employee, attended the meeting on behalf of Mr. DeWater. He stated that painting in the town hall has started this week and will consist of the restrooms, hallway, Mayor’s admin office, as well as the areas in the Finance office. The project is expected to be complete by next week. At the Greentree Treatment Plant, blowers are being serviced with electrical repairs. The Kaeser Blower from Quail Hollow Treatment Plant is being relocated to the Greentree Plant to replace an inoperable Roots blower.

Major cleanup has started at Hogs Back Hill Cemetery which consists of: pulling out the rusted and broken chain link fence that surrounds it, removing the stump grindings left from the tree removal project and adding top soil to level out the depressions throughout the cemetery, and the removal of small saplings along the drive into the cemetery for a more bold and serene view and to protect vehicles pulling in and out. Pricing will be obtained to replace the chain link fence that was removed and replace it with a two-rail, split-rail fence.

Electrical will be scheduled with a contractor within a couple weeks at Veterans Gateway Park to install a meter base; the contractor will be required to register with the Building Department.

The Service Department will begin marking priority trees for removal for this year’s Hazardous Tree Removal Program, in order to prompt the bidding process.

Mr. Sochinsky stated that Mr. DeWater is working on the year end vehicle and equipment report along with the 2015 budget request, which will be provided to the Mayor and Treasurer.

Several Service Department employees are taking training courses: Tony Schoenbeck and Rick Misterka will be going to an electrical troubleshooting class as well as one for licensure for collection systems through the Ohio EPA. Mr. Sochinsky stated that he is scheduled to take two different OSHA 30-hour programs through the BWC for both industrial and construction certification. He stated that he has already completed all available BWC online programs for safety awareness and injured worker investigation, as well as furthering his knowledge with Federal Highway Association (FHWA) online courses. Mr. Sochinsky stated that he is continuing with ODOT’s LTAP training programs from areas of leadership and job bidding analysis through load securement and temporary traffic control.

On January 2, 2015, a home being built on Falls Creek flooded and with the Mayor’s approval, Maverick Restoration was called to clean the mess within that home. Control and Associates were called to diagnose the problem. A heater within the electrical panel at the Falls Creek Station went bad and shorted out the control circuit which shut down the pumps from operating. A new heater was installed and the auto-dialer was serviced. Mr. DeWater has asked the Village Engineer to upgrade the telemetry system and bring it up to date with the much newer Smith and Loveless run stations.

Contractors are currently quoting the following projects: Flooring replacement for Town Hall, replacement of rotted window openings in the Police Station and in the basement of Town Hall, and shutter replacement for Town Hall.

Mr. Sochinsky gave an update on the Community Building Project: the brick window and tower are complete, all drywall along the interior windows have been installed, the entranceway is almost complete, minor electrical work has to be finished before devices and lighting can be installed, window and door trim is projected to be completed next week, the painter was on site to evaluate material needs and will be coming up with an estimated completion date, the lift wiring is complete, however, the painter must finish painting the lift’s shaft before the lift can be installed.

Mr. Fritz asked about whether there was some sort of warning light to indicate when the auto dialer is not working. Mr. Filarski stated that most stations do have high level warning lights but he is unsure whether that station has one or not. He stated that along with the work that is being done on that panel with the new heater, they are separating that out of the control circuit, so if there is another issue, there will not be a total shut down. The builder has also installed a back-flow preventer on the house on Falls Creek.

Mayor Renda stated that Mr. Sochinsky gave a great report and thanked him.


Appointments and Confirmations
Mayor Renda stated that Melanie Corcoran, who was on Planning Commission for a year, has decided that it was not what she wanted and since she is considering moving out of the Village, she had decided to resign at the end of the year (2014) so that someone could take over at the beginning of this year. She stated that in the fall, she attended the Charter Review Commission Meetings. In listening to everyone give their presentations, she saw John Pogatschnik on the Commission and was very impressed by him. Mayor Renda asked Mr. Pogatschnik to tell Council a little bit about himself. Mr. Pogatschnik stated that he has lived in Moreland Hills for six years and he works for Avery Dennison in Mentor. He stated that he and his wife have a daughter, who will be a year in February.

Mr. Stanard made a motion seconded by Mr. Fritz to confirm the appointment of John Pogatschnik to the Planning Commission to fill Ms. Corcoran’s un-expired term of six years, which will expire December 31, 2019. Mr. Stanard stated that he believes that Mr. Pogatschnik has the perfect caliber of skills needed for the Planning Commission. He stated that he listens well and is sharp to pick up on the heart of the matter.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


At this time, Mayor Renda swore in John Pogatschnik as a resident member of the Planning Commission.


REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Planning Commission:
Mr. Fritz reported that the Planning Commission did not meet in December; therefore he does not have a report.

Facilities and Roads & Safety: Mr. Richman stated that the Facilities Committee and the Roads & Safety Committee did not meet in December either. He reported that at the Organizational meeting, the Council Members were assigned to the Committees as follows: Mr. Sherck will Chair the Facilities Committee and Ms. Sturgis will serve on that Committee as well; Mr. Buczek will Chair the Roads & Safety Committee and he (Mr. Richman) will serve on that committee too.


ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

ORDINANCE 2015-05 – Introduced by Mr. Richman
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 WITH ROBINSON PIPE SERVICES, INC. FOR THE 2013 SEWER REHABILITATION PROGRAM AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Mr. Richman stated this is a decrease amount of $12,520.47 which will close out the 2013 program.

Mr. Richman made a motion seconded by Ms. Sturgis to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2015-05.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Richman made a motion seconded by Ms. Sturgis for passage of Ordinance 2015-05.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


ORDINANCE 2015-06 – Introduced by Mayor Renda
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TREASURER TO REIMBURSE THE VILLAGE OF CHAGRIN FALLS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF FIRE HYDRANTS AND RELATED WORK IN THE SKYLINE DRIVE NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE VILLAGE OF MORELAND HILLS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Mayor Renda stated that this did not go through Committee but at some point, Ben Himes with the Village of Chagrin Falls let her know that he was looking into this issue. She stated that she suggested that he do the testing and get in touch with Mr. Filarski to let him know the results. Mayor Renda stated that later he let Mr. Filarski know that a couple of the hydrants would need to be replaced. She stated that Mr. Filarski did not notify her or Mr. Shah because when Cleveland Water replaces fire hydrants, there is no charge to the Village; therefore this came as a bit of a surprise at the end of the year. Mayor Renda stated that Chagrin Falls was gracious enough to say that we could wait and pay them this year. She stated that they did send us, through Mr. Filarski, more hydrants that will need to be replaced in this area. This will come out of Mr. Filarski’s budget as well as the ones needing to be replaced in 2015. Mayor Renda stated that it was a safety issue but it was an odd procedure for us because it did not go through Committee but going forward we can make sure it is done properly.

Mr. Stanard made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2015-06.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Stanard made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman for passage of Ordinance 2015-06.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


ORDINANCE 2015-07 – Introduced by Mr. Stanard
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1301 OF THE BUILDING CODE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Mr. Stanard stated that the Building Department became a Certified Residential Building Department and in doing so, we have to apply and enforce the Residential Code of Ohio without exception. He stated that this will bring us in line with the State Building Code, which will remove most of the existing information from Chapter 1301.

Mr. Stanard made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2015-07.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Stanard made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek for passage of Ordinance 2015-07.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


ORDINANCE 2015-08 – Introduced by Mr. Fritz
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A MUNICIPAL AGENCY AGREEMENT WITH THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY LAND REUTILIZATION CORPORATION AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Mr. Fritz stated that he was going to defer to Mrs. Cannon for the explanation. Mrs. Cannon stated that 2 ½ years ago Council passed legislation authorizing an agency agreement with the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation. The County was making an effort to provide funding and resources to aide in the demolition process. They have updated the agreement and requested that the Village pass legislation to approve the amended agreement. She stated that the goals of this program, particularly on the demolition side, remain the same.

Mr. Fritz made a motion seconded by Mr. Stanard to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2015-08.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Fritz made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek for passage of Ordinance 2015-08. Mr. Stanard asked what the differences are between the original agreement and the amended one. Mrs. Cannon stated that the differences are not substantial; they have basically re-worked it. She stated that as Council may recall, when it was initially adopted, since the agreement really focused on the demolition of the worst structures, it was anticipated that the Village would not use it much. The Village may, unfortunately, need to use it this year.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


RESOLUTION 2015-09 – Introduced by Mr. Richman
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VILLAGE’S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COUNCIL TO PROTECT OHIO’S COMMUNITIES AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Mr. Richman stated that a number of municipalities, Moreland Hills being one of them, formed a group called “Council to Protect Ohio’s Communities” to advocate against state cuts in funding, particularly the Ohio state tax. Unfortunately, the State of Ohio did away with the estate tax and therefore the Council to Protect Ohio’s Communities will be dissolved and each municipality has to formerly withdrawal.

Mr. Richman made a motion seconded by Mr. Stanard to suspend the rules for Resolution 2015-09.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Mr. Richman made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek for passage of Resolution 2015-09.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


ORDINANCE 2015-10 – Introduced by Mayor Renda
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PAY THE VILLAGE’S DUES FOR THE 2015 AND 2016 TO THE CHAGRIN VALLEY DISPATCH COUNCIL AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

Mayor Renda stated that the County had promised the Dispatch COG (in writing) this summer that they were going to give them $350,000, but they have decided to go in a different direction. As President of the Dispatch COG, she stated that last week, she went to the County Executive Subcommittee which would give those funds for the dispatch center to represent the COG in this matter. Mayor Renda stated that they not only did not learn why they were not receiving those funds, but also that the decision was already made prior to the meeting. She stated that after the meeting, she asked Mrs. Cannon and Mr. Shah if the Village could legally give the CVD COG a loan, just to get them through the period before Euclid is officially on board. Mayor Renda deferred to Mrs. Cannon for further explanation. Mrs. Cannon stated that the issue in terms of treating money from the Village to the Chagrin Valley Dispatch as a loan is not a problem on the Village’s end; the Dispatch Center does not have the authority to incur debt. She stated that they decided that if the Village were to pay their annual dues for 2015 and 2016 in advance, it would be a way to help the CVD get through this transitional period. Mr. Shah stated that it would be no different than paying annual dues for memberships in advance, which we do, except we will just be paying two years in advance. He stated that as far as our finances are concerned, there is no concern. Mayor Renda stated that she was comfortable in asking because her feeling is that the members’ dues will continue to go down when the dispatch center is 100% occupied. Therefore, whatever interest that the Village could have made on this money, will be more than made up for when the rates go down.

Ms. Sturgis made a motion seconded by Mr. Buczek to suspend the rules for Ordinance 2015-10.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Ms. Sturgis made a motion seconded by Mr. Fritz for passage of Ordinance 2015-10. Mr. Stanard asked if any other communities that belong to the CVD offered to help too. Mayor Renda stated that she did not go back to the Dispatch COG and ask that. She stated that at first she was thinking of it being a loan from the Village and she believes that the accounting is simpler in terms of dues to have it come from just one community. Mr. Richman asked if a recalculation could cause any increase is the dues owed. Mayor Renda stated that it should not, but if there were to be an increase, it would not come until 2017. Mrs. Cannon stated that dues are paid and then the CVD reconciles based on actual call volume, which transpires regardless of this pre-payment issue. She stated that her understanding is that those reconciliations are a relatively small amount. Mayor Renda stated that as new members join, those reconciliations will continue to get smaller since it is based on a percentage of the entire group. Mr. Richman asked if there was any chance that the CVD would not exist in 2016. Mayor Renda stated that there is no possibility of that. She stated that we have legal documents stating how much each community has paid in, so if it were to ever be dissolved, they would go through the exact opposite process of everyone getting their money back. Mr. Buczek asked when Euclid will be joining the CVD. Mayor Renda stated that they will be joining March 1st and by April 1st they will be fully integrated.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


ORDINANCE 2015-11 – Introduced by Ms. Sturgis
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A DONATION FROM COUNCILMAN TED BUCZEK TO BE USED FOR THE BENEFIT OF FOREST RIDGE PRESERVE.

Ms. Sturgis stated that Mr. Buczek has been a resident of the Village for over forty (40) years and has served on Council for several terms. This ordinance commemorates his recent wedding that took place in the Village that he loves and has cherished so much with a donation to be used on Forest Ridge Preserve. Ms. Sturgis offered her congratulations to Mr. Buczek.

Ms. Sturgis made a motion seconded by Mr. Fritz for passage of Ordinance 2015-11. Mayor Renda thanked Mr. Buczek for his generosity and Council members congratulated him.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


Miscellaneous:
Mr. Fritz stated that he wanted to add some information regarding Ordinance 2015-07. He stated that there will also be a cost change to residential permits; a 1% operational tax is required to be added on all residential permits which is a state tax.

Mr. Richman asked Council members for a date that they can have their annual Fire Department appreciation dinner. He spoke with Chief Zugan who was happy and appreciative that they will be doing this again. It was determined that the Council members would check their calendars and get back to Mr. Richman on their availability.

Mayor Renda stated that she has signed up for the Race for the Cure and will be part of a chili cook off on Thursday, January 22 at Orange High School. She invited Council to come out and support her and the Race for the Cure. There will also be a chili cook off at the Chagrin Falls armory two weeks from now and she encouraged Council to support that as well.

Mr. Sherck informed every one of the upcoming NOCCA Annual Dinner Meeting on February 19, which will be held at the Double Tree on Rockside Road. This year’s speaker is Jim Rokakis. Registration is at 5:30 and the program begins at 6:30. He stated that he will email Council the information.

Mr. Buczek made a motion seconded by Mr. Richman to adjourn the Regular Council Meeting.

ROLL CALL:
AYES: Mr. Buczek, Mr. Fritz, Mr. Richman, Mr. Sherck, Mr. Stanard, Ms. Sturgis
NAYS: NONE
MOTION CARRIED


The meeting was adjourned at 8:15p.m.

Attest:
Sherri Arrietta, Clerk of Council
Steve Richman, Council President