11-10-2011 Committee of Whole & Council Print

Description

NORTHWOOD COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

Date

November 10, 2011

Location

Council Chambers

DISCLAIMER - The following proceedings from the Committee of the Whole Meeting of November 10, 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 Committee of the Whole Meeting. 

Time

Heading

Record of Proceedings

7:05:50 PM

Call to Order:

The Committee of the Whole meeting of the Northwood City Council was called to order by President of Council Edward Schimmel on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 7:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Northwood Municipal Building.

7:05:53 PM

Roll Call:

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

 

Note:  City Engineer Kuhn was absent.

7:05:59 PM

Approval of Agenda for 11/10/11:

A motion and second were made by Council Members Barton and Gallaher to approve the agenda as submitted for the Committee of the Whole meeting of November 10, 2011.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

7:06:04 PM

Pending Legislation:

President Schimmel read aloud by number and title only pending legislation as follows:

7:06:06 PM

Ordinance 2011-31:

Ordinance 2011-31 amending Ordinance No. 2010-13, providing for the salaries and compensations of the Mayor and Elected Officials of the City of Northwood, Ohio.  Council action to date:  Second reading held on October 27, 2011.

 

There was no discussion.

7:06:09 PM

New Legislation:

There was no new legislation.

7:06:12 PM

Referral Items:

1. Fire Department EMS Staffing Proposals:

7:06:32 PM

 

Chief Joel Whitmore appeared before the Mayor and Council to present and take questions concerning his EMS Staffing Proposal.  The proposal was previously distributed to the Mayor and Council for review and discussion this evening.  Chief Whitmore stated he hoped that everyone had the opportunity to review the proposal.  Chief Whitmore stated he encouraged Council’s consideration of Proposal No. 4 which he believed would provide for the best patient care for the citizens.  This proposal will decrease response times to roughly 4 to 5 minutes with no more than 8 minutes.  Chief Whitmore advised Council that the current medical director strongly endorses this plan and the response times. This program allows for other tasks to be done by the Fire Department personnel and provides better advanced care to citizens.  Chief Whitmore also advised that this program would also lead to some operational savings and these savings were outlined by the Chief.   

7:09:59 PM

Discussion:

Councilman Myers stated he would be concerned with guaranteeing a certain response time.  Chief Whitmore stated the times he has listed would be an average and this would be the time to get a squad or squads to the scene

7:10:50 PM

 

Councilman Gallaher addressed Chief Whitmore with the question of what is the average response time for each station currently.  Chief Whitmore confirmed 13 minutes for Station No. 2 and 8 minutes for District No. 1.  Councilman Gallaher asked what the average response time was prior to budget cuts made to the Fire Department.  Chief Whitmore stated he would research this data and report back on response times prior to any budget cuts.

Councilman Gallaher stated that if the response times have been 10 minutes since beginning of the year why has nothing been done and asked for this information from the Chief as well.   

7:13:39 PM

 

Chief Whitmore confirmed that there are currently 17 active personnel at District No. 2 and 22 active personnel at District No. 1.  Councilman Gallaher stated that he believed much of the issue with ALS is a direct response to the Mix incident.  Councilman Gallaher stated that this information has probably been reviewed in house, but has anyone thought about getting a third party or someone from the Fire Chief's Association to take a look at the situation?  Councilman Gallaher stated that it was not that he did not value others opinions, but his fear is that there may be issues to deal with other than the ALS system.  Councilman Gallaher stated that personnel actually responding to the scene are in the middle of the activity; a lot happens before and after.  Councilman Gallaher asked if we could get professionals or volunteers to review this situation and give an opinion.  

7:16:48 PM

 

Chief Whitmore stated that there have been some operational changes to address some problem areas.  Councilman Gallaher stated he was appreciative of all the pieces of the puzzle and would like to make sure they are all in place.  It is a great deal of money coming from the city’s budget and we need to look at what we are getting for this money.

Chief Whitmore stated he did not believe it was that big of an expense when you are dealing with people’s lives.    

7:18:49 PM

 

Councilman Barton inquired about what the manpower was prior to budget cuts?  Councilman Myers asked where this program would be based. 

7:19:16 PM

 

Chief Whitmore stated this was yet to be determined, but would probably base the program out of District No. 2 since this is where there are staffing issues and it is the busiest district.   

7:20:21 PM

 

Councilman Kozina wanted Council to confirm for Chief Whitmore when he could expect a decision from Council concerning the ALS proposals.   

7:20:48 PM

 

Council Members Barton and Hughes stated they are agreeable with the recommendations from Chief Whitmore.

7:21:40 PM

 

Mayor Stoner encouraged Council to move ahead with the budgetary process and let Finance Director Schroyer know by the next Council meeting on November 17th so that three (3) readings can be taken on the budget legislation before the end of the year.   

7:22:32 PM

 

City Administrator Recker stated that there have been concrete questions or comments this evening which will need researched.  City Administrator Recker also addressed the decrease in response times within the 24/7 EMS Staffing Proposal; overall the response times will improve with this program.  City Administrator Recker stated that staff needs Council’s guidance in this matter and asked Council to assist staff so they can in turn help Council with any questions or concerns regarding the EMS Staffing Proposal recommended.   

7:25:33 PM

 

Councilman Edwards asked how the city would finance this program if finances fail in the future and the city goes back to what was happening two years ago?  Councilman Edwards also asked what is the fire department budget of 2012 compared to 2011.  Toby Schroyer, Finance Director, who attended the meeting did not speak at the podium or near or microphone, so his responses are inaudible.   Councilman Edwards stated he wanted more time to review the finance report provided.  Dean also wants more time to review the finance report.

7:27:49 PM

 

Chief Whitmore stated that some personnel issues costs cannot be forecasted, but not all that is budgeted will be spent.  Chief Whitmore stated that he would be making a commitment by doing the two 12 hour shifts - manning with additional people may be able to cover his shifts in the future; it does not need to be a permanent thing.  Councilman Gallaher stated that his might raise costs in the budget since we are already paying Chief Whitmore and would still be hiring other personnel.  Chief Whitmore confirmed that they are still hiring from outside the city. 

7:30:51 PM

Police Department:

Police Staffing:  Police Chief Tom Cairl attended the meeting and addressed the Mayor and Council to request approval of bringing back one additional patrol officer.  Information on police staffing needs was provided to Council prior to the meeting for review.  Chief Cairl stated that they need fourteen (14) officers on the road and currently there are thirteen (13).  Chief asked for one officer that was laid off to be brought back.  Chief Cairl also reported that by replacing the Captain’s position vacancy, a vacancy would be opened for Sergeant and when someone is promoted for this vacancy, there is a vacancy for a patrolman.  There will still be one unfilled position.  Chief Cairl stated that they are currently down four (4) people and there is still one vacancy to fill.  The new budget would allow for another officer to be hired. 

7:35:58 PM

 

Chief Cairl stated he was currently handling both the duties of the Captain and Administrative Secretary.  Councilman Gallaher stated that if they do not replace the Captain’s position, we would be gaining an additional officer and this would possibly help with overtime.  Chief Cairl confirmed that this may be the case. 

7:37:35 PM

 

Chief Cairl stated he would need a part-time secretary as well as someone to handle Civil Service Commission duties.  He has been trying to multi-task as much as possible and he confirmed that both he and the position of Captain are working officers.  Chief Cairl stated he cannot be in all places and do all of these tasks. 

7:42:48 PM

Discussion:

A lengthy discussion of staffing needs was held among Council members.   

7:45:54 PM

 

Councilwoman Hughes urged Council to approve the ALS Program and to approve bringing back patrolman for the road; the city needs to move forward.   

7:46:59 PM

 

In response to Council’s inquiry, Chief Cairl explained that at one time there was an Administrative Sergeant’s position then a Captain’s position was created which is a non-union position.   

7:48:32 PM

 

City Administrator Recker explained the need for a non-union (independent) captain position; must have someone who can perform in an internal investigative process if needed which is very critical.   City Administrator Recker stated that an Administrative Sergeant’s position may not be a money saver, but just the opposite. 

7:50:20 PM

 

City Administrator Recker stated that the buffer as to where the city was in 2010 is shrinking and asked Council to be very cautious in hiring personnel in the future.  City Administrator Recker recommended that Council approve the Chief’s recommendation on the appointment of Det. Sgt. Jeff Zahradnik for the position of Captain and budget for additional personnel in the future.  The highest revenues were in 2007 and the city is no where near this. 

7:53:53 PM

 

Councilman Schimmel suggested holding a Finance meeting before the next Council meeting.  Finance Director Schroyer stated he could not account for every option discussed or suggested during this evening’s meeting.  The question of funding for another officer needs to be addressed.   

7:57:24 PM

 

Randy Kozina expressed some frustration with hearing some Council members not supporting an ALS Program for more manpower in the Fire Department which the Fire Chief has requested, but being concerned with more manpower in the Police Department which is not being requested by the Police Chief at this time. 

7:58:01 PM

 

City Administrator Recker addressed this concern and acknowledged that there are two different issues before Council with many options to consider. 

7:58:31 PM

 

Councilman Barton stated he would support both Chiefs on their recommendations. 

7:58:47 PM

Reports:

Reports given as follows:

7:58:53 PM

Mayor:

No report.

7:58:54 PM

City Administrator:

No report.

7:58:58 PM

City Attorney:

No report.

7:59:03 PM

City Engineer:

No report.

7:59:06 PM

City Clerk:

No report.

7:59:13 PM

Committees:

Economic Dev.:

Councilman Gallaher stated he would like to have an Economic Development meeting in the near future and would check with City Administrator before scheduling one.

7:59:29 PM

Adjourned.

There being no further business before the Committee of the Whole and all being in favor, the meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

7:59:33 PM

Attest:

Lynn E. Goertz, Clerk of Council

7:59:35 PM

Approved:

Edward Schimmel, President of Council

 

 

 

Description

 

NORTHWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Date

November 10, 2011

 

Location:  Council Chambers

DISCLAIMER The following proceedings from the Regular City Council Meeting of November 10, 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

 

 

Record of Proceedings

8:10:40 PM

Regular City Council Meeting of November 10, 2011:

 

 

Call to order:

Record of Proceedings for the Northwood City Council Regular Meeting of November 10, 2011

 

The regular City Council meeting of the City of Northwood was called to order by Mayor Mark A. Stoner on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 8:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Northwood Municipal Building.

8:10:44 PM

Pledge of Allegiance:

The Pledge of Allegiance was then given.

8:12:39 PM

Roll Call:


Approval of Minutes from Regular Council meeting of 10/27/11:

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

 

A motion and second were made by Council Members Kozina and Edwards to approve the minutes from the regular City Council meeting held on October 27, 2011 as submitted.

Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

8:12:48 PM

United Way Campaign for 2011

Ms. Diane Kornowa a loaned executive for the United Way appeared before the Mayor and Council to present information about the 2011 United Way Campaign.  Ms. Kornowa covered topics such as education, income and health and the various programs available through agencies funded by the United Way which can help in these areas in both Wood and Lucas Counties.  Ms. Kornowa noted the Healthy Now Program in Wood County in which the United Way works with the Health Department.  Ms. Kornowa concluded her presentation by reminding everyone how important volunteering is and also noted the on-going 2-1-1 program for assistance through United Way agencies. 

8:20:47 PM

Public comment re:  current legislation (pending or new)

No public comment.

8:20:49 PM

Communications:

No communications.

8:20:51 PM

Economic Development:

No report.

8:20:52 PM

Environmental/Solid Waste: 

No report.

8:20:54 PM

Finance:

The next Finance meeting will be Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room.

8:21:33 PM

Recreation Board:

Councilwoman Hughes reported that the next Recreation Board meeting would be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the conference room. 

8:21:40 PM

 

Ball Registration information provided – first registration date scheduled for Sunday November 13th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Josie Reinhart Community Center.

8:21:51 PM

Safety:

Councilman Kozina confirmed a Safety meeting for Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in conjunction with a Finance meeting in the conference room. 

8:22:04 PM

Utilities:

No report.

8:22:08 PM

Meetings Scheduled:

Mayor Stoner reminded Council and staff of the meetings as scheduled which are listed on the current meeting agenda.  The next regular Council meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2011 preceded by a joint Safety and Finance meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room.

8:25:25 PM

Pending Legislation:

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

8:25:27 PM

Ordinance 2011-31:

Ordinance 2011-31 amending Ordinance No. 2010-13, providing for the salaries and compensations of the Mayor and Elected Officials of the City of Northwood, Ohio.  Council action to date:  Second reading held on October 27, 2011.

 

A motion and second were made by Council Members Hughes and Barton to adopt Ordinance 2011-31. 

Council Vote:  3 yes votes (Hughes, Barton and Myers) and 4 no votes (Kozina, Edwards, Gallaher and Schimmel)

 

Note:  Prior to voting, Councilman Gallaher stated he could not vote in favor of any increase in compensation while concerned with other budget expenditures at this time.

 

Note:  No new legislation.

 

Legislation concluded.

8:25:34 PM

Mayor's Report:

Mayor Stoner gave the following report:

8:25:39 PM

Northwood Court Receipts:

Northwood Court Receipts for the month of October 2011:

 

Fines = $3,083.00; Forfeitures = $3,196.00 and Costs = $3,650.00 for a total of $9,929.00.

8:25:45 PM

City Administrator:

City Administrator Recker gave the following report:

8:25:54 PM

 

1.  Received notification of a liquor license transfer application to the Ohio Division of Liquor Control from NCS Holdings LLC to Marathon Station (R & M One Inc.) 4101 Woodville Road, Northwood, Ohio.  Upon review, Chief Cairl did not see the need to request a hearing on this matter. 

8:26:45 PM

 

2.  City Administrator Recker advised Mayor and Council that he was recently elected (unofficially) as a new member of the Council for the Village of Whitehouse, Ohio and stated he can appreciate what elected officials go through during elections. 

8:27:19 PM

City Attorney:

City Attorney Ballenger reported on foreclosure notice from Wood County concerning property on Gardner Ave., Northwood, Ohio.  A motion was requested of Council to authorize proceeding with city ownership of the property.

8:28:18 PM

Motion /Vote:

A motion and second were made by Council Members Gallaher and Kozina to concur with the City Attorney’s recommendation.  Council Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed.

8:28:19 PM

City Engineer

No report.

8:28:38 PM

Executive Session:

A motion was made by Councilman Gallaher to hold an executive session of Council for the purpose of possible acquisition of property with all members of Council, Mayor, City Administrator and City Attorney to attend. 

Second by Councilman Kozina.  Vote:  All in favor.  Motion passed. 

8:29:29 PM

Left for Executive session

Those attending the executive session of City Council left the Council Chambers at 8:29 p.m. to meet in the Conference Room.

8:38:59 PM

Called to Order

The regular meeting of the Northwood City Council was called back to order by Mayor Stoner at 8:38 p.m.

8:39:04 PM

Roll Call:

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

8:39:35 PM

No action taken

Mayor Stoner confirmed an executive session had been held for the purpose of the possible acquisition of property and no action was taken.

8:39:38 PM

Persons Appearing:

No one appeared before the Mayor and Council.

8:40:07 PM

Adjournment:

There being no further business before Council, and all being in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

8:40:10 PM

Attest:

Lynn E. Goertz, Clerk of Council

8:40:11 PM

Approved:

Mark A. Stoner, Mayor

 

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