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Council Minutes of 03-16-2010 LEGISLATION Ordinance 2010-24 introduced by Mayor Kennedy was placed on second reading. An Ordinance to make appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures for the City of North Olmsted for the year ending December 31, 2010, as amended. Councilman Barker made a motion to suspend the rules as this has been reviewed in committee. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jones and passed unanimously. Councilman Barker moved for adoption. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Jones. Roll Call: Barker, yes with comment. 2010-24 the appropriations Ordinance for the year 2010 has been a work in progress since probably early last year. This budget is due to the very proactive approach of the previous administration as well as the Kennedy Administration and this Council and the very hard work of Finance Director Carrie Copfer along with all of the Directors who were mentioned through out my Finance report. Every person who works for the City of North Olmsted has contributed to the balancing of this budget. First legislation was presented and passed by Council last year to lower the Mayor's, Finance Director's and Ward Council by 5%. The Law Director's salary was lowered by 42%. This started the discussion with all employees in reducing costs. By not taking raises, giving up some benefits and taking some unpaid holidays and furlough days, costs were reduced by an average of 5% to 10% per employee. When added up it is $1.3 million savings in wages and benefits as well as a $1.1 million savings in the general fund as stated in the Mayor's report before Council on Saturday. Keeping in mind the loss of revenue, Ms. Copfer stated in Thursday's meeting of over a 1 million dollar reduction in the general fund and nearly 2 million dollars citywide. It was a sacrifice by all and it accomplished two things. Number one, we have a balanced budget for 2010 which is required by law and because of the sacrifices of all we saved jobs. All North Olmsted employees whether they be elected, appointed, bargaining or non bargaining sacrificed to get this accomplished and need to know that we are all thankful and appreciate what you have done. I would like to add that this year's budget process was one of the smoothest I have attended not only as a Councilman these past 4.5 years but the previous 6 years in attending as an involved resident. Many people will say when there isn't a lot of money there isn't much to argue about. I agree. Because of the economic collapse in October of 2008 we all learned a lesson. Be proactive as mentioned before, make the tough decisions, explain it honestly and openly and get it done. North Olmsted is ahead of the curve compared to our surrounding neighbors. They are facing some tough decisions today that we faced a while ago. I am proud to be part of this process and thank committee members Nicole Dailey Jones, Kevin Kearney and the rest of Council for their time spent in going over 2010-24. I also again want to thank Mayor Kennedy, Finance Director Copfer, and all of the Directors for all of there hard work and time in completing 2010-24, a balanced Budget without the loss of jobs. My vote is yes. Roll Call continued: Jones, yes; Brossard, yes; Kearney, yes; Williamson, yes; Orlowski, yes; Mahoney, yes. Ordinance 2010-24 adopted. Resolution 2010-27 introduced by Mayor Kennedy was given its second reading. A Resolution authorizing and directing the Director of Planning to make application on behalf of the City of North Olmsted for a Cuyahoga County 2010 Parks and Playground Grant; further authorizing the Mayor to accept the grant if awarded; and to execute a 11