Village of Boston Heights: Council Meeting April-2006

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This is a publication of Boston Heights Overlook.
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the Village of Boston Heights OH.

VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS

45 E. Boston Mills Road
Hudson, OH 44236

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - April 12, 2006 - 8:00 P.M.

AGENDA

[and Editor's Notes on Council Meeting.
Please note that these are not official minutes of the Council meeting.
Please contact the Village Hall to obtain a copy of the official minutes.]

[Note: Unless otherwise indicated, Council generally votes to "suspend the rules" and dispense with the three readings of each ordinance otherwise required by ORC 731.17. Beginning this month, it seems that "suspending the rules" will also be considered for resolutions, due to the Solicitor's interpretation of a state law.]

ROLL CALL

Council members present: Bill Goncy (President Pro Tempore), Mike Cheung, Teri Slane, Jim Hudson, Janet Miller, and Paul Palumbo.
Also present: Mayor Ray McFall, Clerk-Treasurer Carol Zeman, Deputy Solicitor Jason Dodson, and Engineer Steve Schreiber.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MINUTES PRESENTED FOR CHANGE, CORRECTION OR ADOPTION

Minutes of the March 2006 special meeting were corrected and approved. There was no regular meeting in March due to lack of a quorum.

CORRESPONDENCE

Mayor Ray McFall announced several upcoming Village events: 13 May 9AM, Park Cleanup; 20 May, Firefighter's Steak Dinner; 27 May, Boston Heights Day at the Akron Zoo (ticket details to follow); 29 May 9AM, Memorial Day services at Fairview Cemetery.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

Phil McLean, of the Richfield Fire Department, rose to pay tribute to former Fire Chief Dick Donley's years of service in firefighting and EMS training. He explained that Mr. Donley had continued his energetic committment to these activies even after his retirement in 1998, after 51 years of service. After citing his many accomplishments and contributions, Captain McLean presented Mr. Donley with a certificate of appreciation, to a round of applause.

Tina Merletti, of the Summit County Executive's office, explained the new countywide Emergency Telephone Notification System, aka "Reverse 911". The system can call up to 50,000 county households per hour, and will announce "Reverse Alert" to distinguish its calls from those of telemarketers. The system is intended to warn limited areas of problems such as chemical spills, water boil alerts, Amber Alerts, and the like. It is not intended to replace the use of emergency weather radios, however. The system will be made available (at a cost) to local municipalities for their own warning alerts. Ms. Merletti pointed out that only "listed" phone numbers are currently called by the system; the county may at some point provide for registration of unlisted numbers but there is currently no way to do this.

Jim Kurtz introduced himself as the prospective buyer of the former Ben Matthews estate, a 45 acre spread near the south end and to the west of Olde Eight Road. He intends to retain the existing home, and develop perhaps 10 additional homes on 3-7 acre sites. He said he was looking forward to working with the Village as the project unfolds.

Bill Hinkle, of Boston Mills Road, asked the Mayor when the County would begin handling the Village's building inspections. Mayor McFall was not sure, but noted that the County Council had recently passed its enabling legislation for this service. (Note: The county has agreed to enforce its own Part 13 building codes, except for signs; it will retain 80% of the fees for this service, and return 20% to the Village. Note also County Ordinance 2005-119 amending and updating those codes, and 2005-154 changing the fees.)

LEGISLATION

ORDINANCE I-2006

[Adopted as Ord. 9-2006]

AN ORDINANCE REGARDING COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

This appears to be a comprehensive statement of the pay grades and scales for non-elected employees of the Village, all at hourly rates except as noted. These rates go into effect from the pay period beginning 10 April 2006. Some highlights:

There are three pay levels: 1=first year; 2=2nd year; 3=3rd year and on, only with approval of the Mayor and department head, based on performance. However, Council may resolve to start an employee at level 2.

Overtime requires the approval of the Mayor (or, if the Mayor is absent, the Council President Pro Tempore).

Police Department rates: Full time officer= $17.15, 18.04, 18.73; Sergeant= $19.39, 20.10, 20.76; Chief= $24.91, 25.68, 26.44. Jailer= $8.24 with a minimum of 2 hours. Auxiliary officers= $10.00, 10.50, 11.00. Various rules allow for payment of court time and training time.

Police Department rates: Full time officer= $17.15, 18.04, 18.73; Sergeant= $19.39, 20.10, 20.76; Chief= $24.91, 25.68, 26.44. Jailer= $8.24 with a minimum of 2 hours. Auxiliary officers= $10.00, 10.50, 11.00. Auxiliary officers working special assignment or task force assignment shall receive $25.00 /hr. Various rules allow for payment of court time and training time.

Fire Department rates: Chief= 408.45/mo; Assistant Chief= $291.75/mo; Engineer= $291.75/mo; Captain= $233.40/mo; Lieutenant= $204.23/mo. Other than officers, firefighters receive $12.73 for drill and truck duty, $12.73 for HazMat Training, $15.92 for fire inspection, $10.61 for response, $9.55 for special projects, $9.58 for First Responders (all rounded up to the next hour).

Office workers: Part-time Office Clerk = $10.93; Assistant to the Clerk-Treasurer = $10.93.

Zoning Inspector: $250.00/mo plus $10.00/hr court time.

Road Department: General Maintenance Supervisor= $20.10, 20.76, 21.52; truck driver/laborer= $14.04, 14.69. 15.52; Casual laborer= $8.76, 9.26; part time truck driver/laborer= $11.15.; part-time mechanic= $11.25, 11.57 not to exceed 40 hours per pay period (of 2 weeks).

Municipal Pool: Pool Manager= $12.00; Senior Lifeguard/Asst. Manager= $9.50; Lifeguard= $8.50.

ORDINANCE J-2005

[Referred back to PC]

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 1181 ET SEQ. ENTITLED "RIPARIAN SETBACK."

Councilor Mike Cheung moved that the ordinance be referred back to the Planning Commission for consideration of the comments received at the Public Hearing just before this meeting. The referral was approved unanimously.

ORDINANCE K-2006

[NOT adopted]

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 1183 ET SEQ. ENTITLED "PROCEDURES FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREAS" AND A NEW CHAPTER 1185 ET SEQ. ENTITLED "PDA DISTRICT USES, CRITERIA, STANDARDS, AND REGULATIONS."

There was a Public Hearing on this proposed addition of PDAs to the Zoning Code, just before this meeting.
Councilor Mike Cheung lauded developer Sam Petros for his efforts to find a compromise development plan, but nonetheless moved that Council concur with the recommendation of the Planning Commission and not approve this proposed zoning amendment. The denial of this amendment was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION U-2006

[Adopted as Resolution 21-2006]

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CLERK TREASURER TO FILE ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS AN APPLICATION TO THE SUMMIT/AKRON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (THE "AUTHORITY") FOR COMMUNITY RECYCLING ACCESS GRANT.

The resolution states that this grant is "to support projects that would sustain and increase recycling activities within Summit County" and assist the Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority in meeting its approved Solid Waste Management Plan. No particular projects were specified in the resolution, so it's not yet clear what the grant is for.

RESOLUTION V-2006

[Adopted as Resolution 22-2006]

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2006

Councilor Mike Cheung stated that he had, in fact, reviewed these statements.

RESOLUTION W-2006

[Adopted as Resolution 23-2006]

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF HUDSON FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE "INTER CONNECT" OF THREE TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

The lights referred to in this ordinance are along a short stretch of State Route 303 (W. Streetsboro Rd.). The existing traffic signals are at Akron-Cleveland Road and the Route 8 ramps, and at Terex Road. ODOT will be erecting a new signal between these two, at the Route 8 northbound off-ramp and the south end of Chittenden Road . The signals will be synchronized to avoid traffic backups.

RESOLUTION X-2006

[Adopted as Resolution 24-2006]

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF TWO SUMMER/SEASONAL LABORERS FOR THE VILLAGE STREET DEPARTMENT.

Councilor Bill Goncy voted against "suspending the rules" and against this resolution. All other members of Council voted for it.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilor Mike Cheung deferred to Councilor Jim Hudson for a report on the Planning Commission & Board of Zoning Appeals meeting of 5 April 2006. The next PC/BZA meeting will be Wednesday, 3 May 2006, 7PM at the Village Hall.

Council President (Pro Tempore) Bill Goncy reported on a variety of fronts:

He had reviewed the January 2006 Mayor's Court reconciliation (back in February). No mention of the March reconciliation, however.
He had attended a fire department coordination meeting in Macedonia, along with Mayor McFall and Fire Chief Robinson. A concensus had been reached to not pursue a fire district, but discussions will continue on the possibility of formally coordinating with neighboring fire departments in Northern Summit County.
He had attended a Park Board meeting, and reported good attendance at the Children's Easter Party last week.
No meeting of the Marginal Road Stakeholders was held, as the wetlands survey for the Highland Road area is not yet complete.
He had met with the Superintendent of Hudson City Schools, Maryann Wolowiec, along with some Boston Township trustees, in an effort to improve communication between the Hudson Schools and its constituent communities. They hope to continue meeting quarterly.

Mayor Ray McFall reported on a discussion with Mayor Victor Milani of Northfield Village. He said that Mayor Milani was doubtful that Northfield would pursue the proposed regional cooperation between fire departments. However, Northfield Village would remain in the discussions at least until it was time to spend some money on the effort. (Both Mayor McFall and Fire Chief Robinson have expressed reluctance to participate in any fire district or regionalization program.)

Village Engineer Steve Schreiber reported that six bids have been received for the labor component of the planned septic system for the Village Hall complex. He would evaluate the bids and report at the next Finance Committee meeting.

Councilor Jim Hudson relayed a report of the Road Department's usual doings in the way of village facility maintenance. He reported the Road Committee's preliminary discussions of the road levy, which is likely to be up for renewal this year. He also reported on an additional Road Committee meeting last month, where topics included crack sealing, mailbox construction standards, ditching outsourcing, and a road maintenance inventory. Engineer Steve Schreiber asked that Council members prioritize the road maintenance list.

Councilor Janet Miller reported on a meeting of the Cemetery Trustees, including a walk through Fairview Cemetery with Sexton Jim Robinson to evaluate maintenance needs. She reported that a Wolcott family headstone had been returned to the cemetery and would be re-placed. There is some consideration being given to paving at least part of the cemetery driveway, gating the arched entryway, and erecting a fence near the police station to ward off parked cars.

OLD BUSINESS

Engineer Steve Schreiber reported that the State of Ohio (ODOT) was beginning its property acquisition for the Route 8 upgrade project. He suggested that owners be cautious when evaluating any purchase offer from the state.

NEW BUSINESS

Clerk-Treasurer Carol Zeman reported that former Councilor Annette Miller had dropped by and reported that she is doing just fine.

ADJOURN

Some documents are Public Domain Information from the Village of Boston Heights OH or other public entities.
Other materials Copyright 2001-2006 W.J.Hinkle and Boston Heights Overlook
Boston Heights Overlook and BostonHeights.Org are not affiliated with the Village of Boston Heights OH.

ORDINANCE I-2006 [Adopted as Ord. 9-2006]	AN ORDINANCE REGARDING COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. This appears to be a comprehensive statement of the pay grades and scales for non-elected employees of the Village, all at hourly rates except as noted. These rates go into effect from the pay period beginning 10 April 2006. Some highlights: There are three pay levels: 1=first year; 2=2nd year; 3=3rd year and on, only with approval of the Mayor and department head, based on performance. However, Council may resolve to start an employee at level 2. Overtime requires the approval of the Mayor (or, if the Mayor is absent, the Council President Pro Tempore). Police Department rates: Full time officer= $17.15, 18.04, 18.73; Sergeant= $19.39, 20.10, 20.76; Chief= $24.91, 25.68, 26.44. Jailer= $8.24 with a minimum of 2 hours. Auxiliary officers= $10.00, 10.50, 11.00. Various rules allow for payment of court time and training time. Police Department rates: Full time officer= $17.15, 18.04, 18.73; Sergeant= $19.39, 20.10, 20.76; Chief= $24.91, 25.68, 26.44. Jailer= $8.24 with a minimum of 2 hours. Auxiliary officers= $10.00, 10.50, 11.00. Auxiliary officers working special assignment or task force assignment shall receive $25.00 /hr. Various rules allow for payment of court time and training time. Fire Department rates: Chief= 408.45/mo; Assistant Chief= $291.75/mo; Engineer= $291.75/mo; Captain= $233.40/mo; Lieutenant= $204.23/mo. Other than officers, firefighters receive $12.73 for drill and truck duty, $12.73 for HazMat Training, $15.92 for fire inspection, $10.61 for response, $9.55 for special projects, $9.58 for First Responders (all rounded up to the next hour). Office workers: Part-time Office Clerk = $10.93; Assistant to the Clerk-Treasurer = $10.93. Zoning Inspector: $250.00/mo plus $10.00/hr court time. Road Department: General Maintenance Supervisor= $20.10, 20.76, 21.52; truck driver/laborer= $14.04, 14.69. 15.52; Casual laborer= $8.76, 9.26; part time truck driver/laborer= $11.15.; part-time mechanic= $11.25, 11.57 not to exceed 40 hours per pay period (of 2 weeks). Municipal Pool: Pool Manager= $12.00; Senior Lifeguard/Asst. Manager= $9.50; Lifeguard= $8.50.
ORDINANCE J-2005 [Referred back to PC]	AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 1181 ET SEQ. ENTITLED "RIPARIAN SETBACK." Councilor Mike Cheung moved that the ordinance be referred back to the Planning Commission for consideration of the comments received at the Public Hearing just before this meeting. The referral was approved unanimously.
ORDINANCE K-2006 [NOT adopted]	AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 1183 ET SEQ. ENTITLED "PROCEDURES FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREAS" AND A NEW CHAPTER 1185 ET SEQ. ENTITLED "PDA DISTRICT USES, CRITERIA, STANDARDS, AND REGULATIONS." There was a Public Hearing on this proposed addition of PDAs to the Zoning Code, just before this meeting. Councilor Mike Cheung lauded developer Sam Petros for his efforts to find a compromise development plan, but nonetheless moved that Council concur with the recommendation of the Planning Commission and not approve this proposed zoning amendment. The denial of this amendment was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION U-2006 [Adopted as Resolution 21-2006]	A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CLERK TREASURER TO FILE ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS AN APPLICATION TO THE SUMMIT/AKRON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (THE "AUTHORITY") FOR COMMUNITY RECYCLING ACCESS GRANT. The resolution states that this grant is "to support projects that would sustain and increase recycling activities within Summit County" and assist the Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority in meeting its approved Solid Waste Management Plan. No particular projects were specified in the resolution, so it's not yet clear what the grant is for.
RESOLUTION V-2006 [Adopted as Resolution 22-2006]	A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2006 Councilor Mike Cheung stated that he had, in fact, reviewed these statements.
RESOLUTION W-2006 [Adopted as Resolution 23-2006]	A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF HUDSON FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE "INTER CONNECT" OF THREE TRAFFIC LIGHTS. The lights referred to in this ordinance are along a short stretch of State Route 303 (W. Streetsboro Rd.). The existing traffic signals are at Akron-Cleveland Road and the Route 8 ramps, and at Terex Road. ODOT will be erecting a new signal between these two, at the Route 8 northbound off-ramp and the south end of Chittenden Road . The signals will be synchronized to avoid traffic backups.
RESOLUTION X-2006 [Adopted as Resolution 24-2006]	A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF TWO SUMMER/SEASONAL LABORERS FOR THE VILLAGE STREET DEPARTMENT. Councilor Bill Goncy voted against "suspending the rules" and against this resolution. All other members of Council voted for it.