09/01/1998 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 9/1/98 Gareau replied that you never commit yourself at a "Whereas" clause. We already are _a.r committed to this project as are the voters of the city. We have reached an agreement with the county and the state and are on course. The "Whereas" clause does not do anything other than what we have already committed ourselves to do. Mr. Miller asked the Mayor if his long-range planning will allow for the funding of this project. Mayor Musial replied "absolutely." Steve Calmer, 4429 Root Road, spoke at a previous Council meeting in opposition to Ordinance 98-88. He distributed his objections to Council and the administration. Several people suggested that he put his suggestions in writing, and he has done so. Because the legislation is on third reading tonight, he realizes the suggestions will not be incorporated at this time. However, he hopes that they can be included at a later date. Mr. Miller said he had been one of the people who suggested that Mr. Calmer put his suggestions in writing, and he feels the legislation can be amended if needed at a future time. He has discussed this with the sponsor, Mr. O'Grady, and Mr. McKay, the chairperson of the committee that discussed the legislation. Mr. O'Grady said he definitely felt this was a "work in progress" and that the committee could amend the Codified Ordinances if they feel it appropriate to do so. Joe Bouman, 23950 Lessner Road, is concerned about the cost of the Crocker-Stearns extension. He asked when the money would have to be appropriated. Finance Director Copfer said it would be appropriated whenever we are asked to "sign on the dotted line." You do not appropriate a borrowing until the borrowing has occurred. It was agreed this would not take place unti12001. Mr. Bouman said that the Mayor had said in his talk on the 150th day of his term that the city was only able to pay off $200,000 of our debt this year. And that by the year 2001, if we cut our budget by 7 or 8 percent, we would only reduce our debt to $62 million from the current $64 million. Mr. Bouman is concerned that the city will not be able to live up to its obligation, possibly as much as $1.5 million, on the Crocker-Stearns extension if the debt is at that level. He said the city is seriously in debt and believes that no matter how wonderful the project, we have to watch how much we have in our wallet. Another financial item he wanted to address is the contract with Robert Krynak to provide traffic signal repair. He is concerned because the cost is going from $25,000 last year to $29,000 this year for 1,000 hours of work. Mr. Bouman believes the city should look at alternatives. Lastly, Mr. Bouman wished to speak about Ordinance 98-88, the "weeds." He and his wife decided to join many of their neighbors this year and plant weeds in their front yard. They were initially upset about the weed gardens on Lessner Road, but are now are very proud of them--the plants and flowering weeds are very attractive. Now he feels like he is a law breaker. Mayor Musial said that he felt the $1.5 million estimate for the North Olmsted share of Crocker-Stearns was a tad high. He feels our share will be less than a million dollars. The Mayor asked Mr. Bohlmann to confirm that part of the 10% that North Olmsted has to pay will be paid by Westlake. Mr. Bohlmann agreed. Regarding the debt, the Mayor agreed our debt is high, but we have had a lot of major improvements that had to be `A undertaken with regards to the sewers and the infrastructure in general. With Council's ~. 8 ,...., ~ ....,:......, r:. ,, .. ,.~....,.~~.,.~., ~.... , . ._ .