03/29/1995 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Special Council Minutes of 3/29/95 LEGISLATION ~~ Ordinance No. 95-7 introduced by Mayor Boyle was given its third reading. An ordinance establishing a new and revised Chapter 1321 of the Codified Ordinances entitled "Permit and Inspection Fees" and declaring an emergency, as amended. Mr. Lind commented that this legislation had been discussed in the Finance Committee at great length, and the committee had recommended approval Mr. Musial said that he had asked the term "contract price" be changed to read "construction costs" in order to eliminate the land cost and the cost of any chattels. Also, he said that the issue of not applying the fee for satellite dishes to the newest 18 inch type would be addressed at a later time in separate legislation. Mr. Lind moved for adoption; second by Mr. McKay; motion passed unanimously. Ordinance No. 95-7 adopted. Ordinance No. 95-29 introduced by Mayor Boyle was given its third reading. An ordinance amending Section 915.04 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of North Olmsted to establish revised user charges to be levied and assessed upon each lot, parcel of land, building or premises having any sewer connection with the municipal sanitary sewage system, providing amounts to be charged for industrial waste surcharges pursuant to Chapter 915 of the Codified Ordinances and industrial pretreatment programs fees pursuant to Section 917.04 of the Codified Ordinances, repealing Ordmaace 94-120 and declaring an emergency, as amended. Mr. Lind explained that this legislation had been discussed at length in committee and the public forum He said we must pay our bills and clear up the deficit at the same time. If these new rates are not passed, our bonding ability will be jeopardized to the point where we will not be able to complete the flood abatement program or street construction program Interest costs will skyrocket, taking money away from other needed services. If we short-change the sewer plant, the EPA will take charge, fine us a considerable amount of money and set the rates for us--probably much higher than is proposed by this ordinance. He sees no other alternative at this time. The majority of the Finance Committee recommended approval. Mr. Lind moved for adoption; second by Mr. McKay. Mr. Musial asked and was granted an opportunity to speak on the legislation. He said that he did not have a problem with the rates going up--it looks like a reasonable increase. Iris problem revolves around the rates including the elimination of the sewer fund deficit which he feels should be addressed out of the general appropriations over a period of time. Roll call on the motion to adopt: Lind, yes; McKay, yes. Mr. McKay commented that the General Fund is in a deficit situation and it is impossinle to take money from it to pay for the sewer increase. Continue roll call: Musial, no. Mr. Musial made the following comments: 1. Ordinance 94-148 will bring in new revenues of approximately $100,000; 2. Prevention of the 4 1/2% pay increase from going into efrect will provide $75,000. Mr. McKay commented that would only provide $200,000 on an $800,000 deficit. Mr. Musial repliexi that it would be done over a period of two years, and Mr. Limpert commented that would amount to half of the deficit. Continue roll call: Miller. Mr. Miller asked and was granted permission to comment before his vote. Mr. Miller said that he had asked the professionals from Malcolm Pirnie, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey and National City Investments if all possible options had been considered and if there were alternatives to the sewer rate increase. He was told there were no alternatives and the failure to address this issue would most certainly damage the city bond rating. 4