08/20/1996 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Minutes of 8/20/96 . kitchen expansion can be incorporated into this Phase III renovation--Phase I being the <~ renovations to the driving range which were begun last year and Phase II being the parking lot improvements. Mr. Dolansky has prepared a number of professional signs alerting patrons to the changes that are taking place. The cost estimates for the three phases are not yet available, but it is hoped that all three will be completed by approximately mid-1998. Hopefully, the following projects can be completed in the remaining time of the seven-year plan: expansion of the clubhouse probably resulting in a near total renovation of the present clubhouse pro shop and porch; an expansion of the lake which would provide larger water retention and possibly lead into an irrigation system. Other renovations which may extend the plan to ten years include renovation of the downstairs party room, detail renovation of the ballroom and general repairs and maintenance. Springvale Golf Course and Ballroom is progressing very well: it is profitable; it is enjoyable. At a future meeting, the Safety Director and Recreation Commissioner will present cost projections on the renovation projects and information on past and projected revenues. Law Director Gareau: 1) As Mayor Boyle stated, the Cablevision negotiations have been going on for quite a long time, probably four years. 2) The NOMBL arbitration concerning the employee who was criminally charged and then asked the city to pay for his legal defense has been resolved in the city's favor. This was an important issue because the union felt the city should be required to pay for the defense of employees who receive citations for such things as speeding or reckless driving. The city's position was that it is only obligated to defend in civil matters when the employee was acting within the scope of his/her employment. The issue was arbitrated by former Judge Day, and it is a binding arbitration. 3) The arbitration concerning the direct deposit was found in the city's favor. 4) The Hughes case has been partially settled. This case involved a police officer who sued the city on two fronts, one of which was on the issue of public records. The officer was investigated on certain lifestyle allegations during his probationary period. The records were subsequently destroyed. A motion for summary judgment was filed in the federal district court on the issue of absolute immunity for the city and qualified immunity for the police officers that had conducted the investigation. Because we lost on the issue of qualified immunity for the individual officers, an interlocutory appeal was taken to the Sixth Circuit. The Sixth Circuit has overruled the lower court and dismissed the case. So, that portion of the case is no longer pending against the City of North Olmsted and the officers that were put in jeopardy as well as the city treasury. The issue dealing with the public records was won by the city, was then appealed to the Court of Appeals, went back to the lower court and is now back in the Court of Appeals. 5) There is an issue pending before SERB regarding certification of the bargaining unit as to whether or not we can have two confidential secretaries in the Police Department. 6) A lawsuit alleging improper inspection has been filed against the city and some contractors. The plaintiff's attorney was informed that, if the city was not dismissed from the case, a frivolous conduct suit would be filed. We have been informed within the last week that the city will be dropped from the case, and we are waiting for this to occur. 3