Description

NORTHWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Date

May 12, 2011

Location

Council Chambers 

DISCLAIMER - The following proceedings from the Regular City Council Meeting of May 12, 2011 have been submitted in draft form and have not been officially approved by City Council.  Corrections to the proceedings will be approved at the next Regular City Council Meeting.  Should you need more information, please contact Clerk of Council Lynn Goertz at 419-690-1621 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Time

Heading

Record of Proceedings

7:30:56 PM

Call to Order:

The regular meeting of the Northwood City Council was called to order by Mayor Mark A. Stoner on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Northwood Municipal Building.

7:30:59 PM

Pledge:

The Pledge of Allegiance was then given.

7:31:00 PM

Roll Call:

The roll was called by the Clerk of Council and those in attendance were:  Mayor Stoner; Council Members Kozina, Edwards, Myers, Barton, Gallaher and Schimmel; City Attorney Ballenger, City Administrator Recker and Clerk of Council Goertz.  Those absent were:  Councilwoman Hughes and City Engineer Kuhn

7:33:14 PM

Motion to excuse:

A motion and second were made by Council members Myers and Edwards to excuse Councilwoman Hughes and City Engineer Kuhn from the regular meeting of May 12, 2011.  Council Vote:  All present in favor.  Motion passed.

7:33:17 PM

Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting of April 28, 2011:

A motion and second were made by Council members Schimmel and Edwards to approve the minutes as submitted for the regular Council meeting held on April 28, 2011.  Council Vote:  5 yes votes/1 abstention (Kozina)  Motion passed.

7:33:19 PM

Public Comment re:  Current Legislation on Meeting Agenda:

There was no public comment.

7:33:21 PM

Communications:

Mayor Stoner reported on an upcoming Maumee Bay Golf Outing on July 21, 2011:  Information will be distributed to Council concerning participation in this outing.

7:33:24 PM

Committee Reports:

Council members gave the following committee reports:

7:34:12 PM

Economic Development:

Councilman Gallaher reported on the Economic Development committee meeting held on May 5, 2011:

7:34:18 PM

- Update from Planning & Zoning oordinator Kimberly Grames

7:34:31 PM

- Jam Tire expansion plans and CRA Agreement  Note:  Jamland is in compliance with their CRA Agreement.

7:34:40 PM

- Norplas Industries expansion

7:34:45 PM

- List of businesses that Mayor has called on - courtesy visits.

7:34:56 PM

- JEDZ with City of Toledo being reviewed by City Attorney.

7:35:18 PM

- Mayoral Advisory Committee:

7:35:32 PM

Business people that will be called on from time to time for advice - committee by the Mayor - no action of Council needed - just informational.

7:36:00 PM

Next Econ. Dev. Meeting – As Needed:

The next Economic Development meeting will be held as needed.

7:36:04 PM

Environmental/Solid Waste

No report.

7:36:11 PM

Finance:

Councilman Myers reported on the Finance meeting held prior to this evening’s meeting (May 12) at 6:30 p.m.:

- Contractor Registration and fees

7:36:19 PM

Finance committee recommends a lower contractor registration fee than proposed in the pending legislation (Ord. 2011-14) to a fee of $30.00 across the board and $15.00 for renewal.  The legislation would require an amendment.

7:36:36 PM

- Healthcare insurance for city employees was reviewed and a proposal is recommended as follows:

7:36:47 PM

Paramount Proposal:  A total of 8% under the proposal by  Medical Mutual.  Paramount will provide the same coverage and the city will pay $39,000 to keep employees where they are at with their current health premium contributions. 

7:42:11 PM

Finance Recommendations as follows:

7:42:14 PM

Paramount Health Care Employee Coverage:

1.  Recommendation of the Finance committee to Council to approve legislation authorizing the City Administrator to sign a Paramount Health Care Coverage Application for employee coverage from June 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012.

7:42:16 PM

Council Action:  Motion/Vote:

A motion and second were made by Council members Myers and Edwards to concur with the Finance committee’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  4 yes votes/2 no votes (Kozina and Schimmel).  Motion passed.

7:42:17 PM

2. Paramount Health Care Legislation Authorization:

2.  Recommendation of the Finance committee to Council to approve legislation authorizing the City Administrator to sign a Master Application with Paramount Health Insurance for Employee health care coverage for the period from June 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012 and establishing Employee premium contributions as an emergency. 

7:42:18 PM

Council Action:

Motion/Vote:

A motion and second were made by Council members Myers and Edwards to concur with the Finance committee’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  5 yes votes/1 no vote (Schimmel) Motion passed.

7:42:18 PM

3.  Authorization for Fund Allocation Legislation:

3.  Recommendation of the Finance committee to Council to authorize the City Attorney to prepare legislation for allocation of funds 70/20/10 distribution to provide 10% funds back to Capital Improvements. 

7:42:20 PM

Council Action:

Motion/Vote:

A motion and second were made by Council members Myers and Edwards to concur with the Finance committee’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

7:42:24 PM

Safety:

No report.

7:42:25 PM

Service:

No report.

7:42:27 PM

Utilities:

No report.

7:42:31 PM

Tabled Legislation:

Tabled legislation was read aloud by number and title only by the Clerk of Council as follows: 

7:42:33 PM

Ordinance 2011-8:

Ordinance 2011-8 requiring registration of certain contractors and tradesmen performing work in the City of Northwood, Wood County, Ohio, and establishing fees, and declaring an emergency.

Council action to date:  Tabled by motion of Council on April 28, 2011, reviewed by Committee of the Whole on May 5, 2011 and referred to the Economic Development committee meeting agenda for review on May 12, 2011.  Note:  The Clerk of Council advised a motion of Council is required to bring back the tabled legislation to Council’s table for consideration.

7:45:18 PM

Council Action:

Motion/Vote:

A motion and second were made by Council members Kozina and Barton to bring back Ordinance 2011-8 to Council’s table for consideration.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

7:45:36 PM

Council Discussion re:  Ordinance 2011-8:

7:45:38 PM

Councilman Gallaher stated that if the underlying issue is to get income taxes to be paid by contractors, then this legislation does nothing to insure that and is more of a hindrance to local contractors.  Councilman Gallaher stated he could foresee that the registration process could cause city employees a minimum of one day of work in trying to obtain the necessary information prior to registering a contractor and this does not make any sense.  Councilman Gallaher stated that if there is an issue with income tax collection then deal with that issue.  Councilman Gallaher concluded his comments by stating that the city would be adding another hurdle to contractors and what they are required to do within the City of Northwood; this does not seem business friendly.  If the city had laws on the books for income tax collections that are not strong enough, then these must be addressed. 

7:48:16 PM

Councilman Schimmel stated that in a few months from now, some city employees will be taxed by the burden of additional work and a fee of $15.00 or $30.00 will not cover another employee.   

7:49:02 PM

City Administrator Recker advised the Mayor and Council members that he had met with both Donna in the Income Tax office and Kimberly in the Zoning office concerning the registration process.  City Administrator Recker pointed out that the work involved would be a team effort; a mailing, article in newspaper, website notice and beyond that, the responsibilities in registering contractors would involve Better Business and Auditor information checks and issuance of registration cards –a 30 minute process which should not be a demanding process. 

City Administrator Recker explained that the benefits go beyond tax purposes.  The contractor registration process insures proper licenses are kept and maintained; a snapshot check on companies on whether they have proper insurance, outstanding claims through the auditor's office and would indicate whether they are reliable contractors.  This process will be a way of monitoring.   City Administrator Recker pointed out one other factor; this establishes a benchmark.  A registration list is maintained that a company can be proud to be on and useful for referral.  Those contractors outside the city can also be added to this list which is kept in good faith.  It becomes a standard by which home owners can make a decision on who to hire. Mayor Stoner added that he spoke with both Donna in the city’s Income Tax office as well as a business manager at Local 50 who encourages this.  Mayor Stoner concluded the discussion by stating that during his courtesy visits with various businesses in the city, it has not been said that the city is unfriendly towards businesses. 

7:56:41 PM

Council Action Motions/Votes for Ordinance 2011-8:

Ordinance 2011-8 adopted (non-emergency) and effective 30 days:

June 10, 2011

A motion and second were made by Council members Myers and Barton to adopt the emergency clause for Ordinance 2011-8.  Council Vote:  2 yes votes (Myers and Barton) and 4 no votes (Kozina, Edwards, Gallaher and Schimmel) 

Motion failed.

A motion and second were made by Council members Myers and Barton to adopt Ordinance 2011-8. 

Council Vote:  3 yes votes (Myers, Barton and Kozina) and 3 no votes (Edwards, Gallaher and Schimmel)

Note:  The Clerk of Council advised of a tie vote for the adoption of Ordinance 2011-8. 

Mayor Stoner was called upon to vote to break the tie and the Mayor voted yes (in favor) of the adoption of Ordinance 2011-8.

Council action for May 12, 2011:  Ordinance 2011-8 adopted (non-emergency) and effective 30 days from date of passage; June 10, 2011.

7:56:59 PM

Pending Legislation:

All pending legislation was read aloud by number and title only, by the Clerk of Council as follows:

7:57:01 PM

Ordinance 2011-14:

Second reading of Ordinance 2011-14 on May 12, 2011

Ordinance 2011-14 amending Chapter 208 of the Northwood Codified Ordinances, titled General Fee Schedule and establishing fees within the Business & Taxation Code for Contractor Registration.

Council action to date:  First reading held by Council on April 28, 2011, reviewed by Committee of the Whole on May 5, 2011 and referred to the Economic Development committee meeting agenda for May 12, 2011.

After brief discussion, a second reading was requested.

Council action for May 12, 2011:  Second reading of Ordinance 2011-14.

7:59:15 PM

Ordinance 2011-16:

Second reading of Ordinance 2011-16 on May 12, 2011

Ordinance 2011-16 providing for the compensation of personnel of the City of Northwood, Ohio, and declaring an emergency. 

Council action to date:  First reading held on April 28, 2011 and reviewed by Committee of the Whole on May 5, 2011. 

Mayor and Council held a brief discussion concerning the pay recommended for the position of Deputy Fire Chief.  A second reading was requested.

Council action for May 12, 2011:  Second reading of Ordinance 2011-16.

8:00:22 PM

Pending Legislation concluded.

8:01:55 PM

New Legislation:

All new legislation was read aloud by number and title only, by the Clerk of Council as follows:

8:01:56 PM

Ordinance 2011-17:

Council Action – Motions/Votes for Ordinance 2011-17:

Ordinance 2011-17 adopted as an emergency; effective May 12, 2011:

Ordinance 2011-17 authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Community Reinvestment Area Agreement with Jamland L.L.C., and declaring an emergency. 

City Administrator Recker advised the Mayor and Council that this legislation and agreement had been reviewed by Finance as well as Economic Development.  Finalized funding agreements have been entered into with both schools (Rossford and Northwood).  Councilman Gallaher asked if a first reading of the legislation would hold things up.  City Administrator Recker recommended emergency action so as to assist Jamland in starting their construction.  The proposed building addition will be reviewed by the Northwood Planning Commission at their regular meeting of May 23, 2011.  Jamland has been given the green light by the school agreements. 

A motion and second were made by Council members Gallaher and Edwards to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance 2011-17.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion and second were made by Council members Gallaher and Edwards to adopt the emergency clause for Ordinance 2011-17.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion and second were made by Council members Gallaher and Edwards to adopt Ordinance 2011-17.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

Council action for May 12, 2011:  Ordinance 2011-17 adopted as an emergency measure and effective immediately upon passage; May 12, 2011.

8:02:20 PM

Ordinance 2011-18:  Council Action:  Motions/Votes:

Ordinance 2011-18 authorizing the City Administrator to enter into a contract with Paramount Health Insurance for Employee Health Coverage, and declaring an emergency.

A motion and second were made by Council members Schimmel and Barton to suspend the three reading rule for Ordinance 2011-18.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion and second were made by Council members Schimmel and Barton to adopt the emergency clause for Ordinance 2011-18.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion and second were made by Council members Schimmel and Barton to adopt Ordinance 2011-18. 

Council Vote:  4 yes votes (Barton, Edwards, Myers and Gallaher) and 2 no votes (Schimmel and Kozina) Motion passed.

Council action for May 12, 2011:  Ordinance 2011-18 adopted as an emergency measure and effective immediately upon passage; May 12, 2011.

8:09:23 PM

Resolution 2011-1:

Resolution 2011-1 authorizing the City Administrator of the City of Northwood to prepare and submit an application to participate in the Fiscal Year 2011 Community Development Block Grant Program and to execute contracts as required.

8:09:31 PM

CDBG Application Submittal Date is

June 10, 2011:

Note:  City Administrator requested emergency passage by Council due to a deadline of June 10, 2011 for application submittal.

8:11:20 PM

Council Action:

Motions/Votes for Resolution 2011-1:

A motion and second were made by Council members Barton and Myers to suspend the three reading rule for

Resolution 2011-1.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion and second were made by Council members Barton and Myers to adopt the emergency clause for

Resolution 2011-1.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion and second were made by Council members Barton and Myers to adopt Resolution 2011-1. 

Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

Council action for May 12, 2011:  Resolution 2011-1 adopted as an emergency and effective immediately upon passage; May 12, 2011.

Legislation concluded.

8:11:23 PM

Mayor's Report:

Mayor Stoner gave the following report: 

8:11:25 PM

Income tax Collections:

Income tax collections for year-to-date April 30, 2011 were $1,445,970; an increase of $278,584 or 23.9% from year-to-date April 30, 2010.  This total is equivalent to what was collected in year 2008 and lower than what was collected in year 2007.  April 2011 year –to-date general fund revenues were $1,817,578 and expenditures were $1,360,855 leaving a general fund balance of $880,969.  We will continue to monitor revenues and expenditures on a month-to-month basis.

8:11:32 PM

Northwood Court Receipts for April 2011:

Northwood Court receipted for the month of April 2011:

Fines = $3,490.00; Forfeitures = $6,887.00 and Misc. Costs = $8,653.00 for a total of $19,030.00

8:11:43 PM

Proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, 2011

Mayor Stoner stated he had signed a Proclamation that he put before Council which designates May 15^th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls; May 15^th – May 21^st as National Police Week.  This proclamation has been posted on the city’s website and displayed in the front lobby of the municipal building.

8:12:47 PM

City Administrator's Report:

City Administrator Recker submitted a written report to the Mayor and Council dated May 12, 2011 and made the following recommendation:

8:13:36 PM

Recommendation to Council:

Waiver of Banner Fees for VFW Sponsored Veterans Appreciation Day Event:

Council Action:

Motion/Vote:

1.  Recommendation to approve a waiver of permit fees for two banners advertising the Veterans Appreciation Day Event sponsored by the Northwood VFW.  The dollar amount of the fees to be waived is $40.00.

A motion and second were made by Council members Barton and Edwards to concur with the City Administrator’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  4 yes votes/2 abstentions (Gallaher and Myers) Motion passed.

8:13:42 PM

List of Proposed Expenditures Over $10,000:

There were no expenditures over $10,000 for Council’s approval at this time.

8:13:44 PM

City Clerk:

No report.

8:15:05 PM

City Attorney:

City Attorney Ballenger advised the Mayor and Council that he would have review Council action taken this evening concerning the adoption of Ordinance 2011-8 and would file a written report to Council. 

8:15:37 PM

New Business:

Councilman Myers reported that a Memorial Day tribute/event would be held in front of the Freedom is Not Free Memorial at the Municipal Building Memorial Day, May 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon following at the Northwood VFW Post. 

8:15:47 PM

Old Business:

Councilman Gallaher reported that he would be forming a committee for Charter review and will be sharing meeting information with the Clerk of Council. 

8:16:18 PM

Persons Appearing

Before the Mayor and Council:

No one appeared to speak before Mayor and Council.

8:16:22 PM

Adjournment:

There being no further business before Council, and all being in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

8:16:25 PM

Attest:

Lynn E. Goertz, Clerk of Council

8:16:28 PM

Approved:

Mark A. Stoner, Mayor