03/03/1998 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 3/3/98 estimated additional $60,000 in revenues for the course. Fees have not been increased in about two years. The committee recommended approval of Ordinance 98-10 as amended. Mr. Miller, Chairperson of the Transportation Committee: 1) The committee met on February 11 and discussed the issue as to whether or not North Olmsted should be taking a position on the merger of the railways and how it might influence our city, particularly with regard to safety issues. Safety Director Jenkins was requested to contact the Police and Fire Chiefs and the Council of Governments for input. A preliminary response from the Fire Chief is being circulated to Council members. He replied basically on behalf of the Council of Governments as it may relate to the hazmat unit. When a response is received from the Police Chief, the committee will again discuss this issue. Mr. Limpert announced that the Tuesday, March 17, Council meeting has been moved by the majority of Council to Wednesday, March 18. A public hearing regarding Ordinance No. 97-120 will be held at 7 p.m. on March 18. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Jackie Chavez-Anderson, 5324 Berkshire Drive, asked that City Council consider changing the May 5, 1998 Council meeting in recognition of Cinco de Mayo, a holiday celebrated by the Mexican-American community. There are similarities between this holiday and St. Patrick's Day as neither is agovernment-mandated holiday and both holidays were transferred from their homelands to the United States and adopted to promote pride and recognition of one's cultural heritage. Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated with colored beer or a parade, but that does not make it a less important holiday, just an under-recognized one. It is her sincere belief that, when an elite organization such as City Council recognizes minority-based holidays, it promotes cultural diversity and cultural awareness within the community. Mr. O'Grady commented that Cinco de Mayo and Japan's Children's Day are both on his calendar for that day. He does celebrate Cinco de Mayo and enjoys the day. He does not believe that "green beer" is a requirement for St. Patrick's Day. That is something that Americans have promoted. In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is a religious holiday. Irish-Americans would prefer that it not be thought of as a secular holiday as a time to drink beer, have a party and a parade. With regard to Mrs. Anderson's comments on diversity, Council will have to look at Cinco de Mayo and the May 5 Council meeting. Joe Bouman, 23950 Gessner Road, who is Irish, does not believe that celebration of St. Patrick's Day should extend into the evening. On another matter, Mr. Bouman asked what the percentage increases for Springvale were. Mr. O'Grady replied that the increases are for non-residents only. It was necessary to raise the fees in order to cover the expenses of the golf course. Mr. Bouman asked to see a copy of the ordinance, and it was explained that all first reading ordinances are posted on the bulletin board at the entrance to Council Chambers. Mr. Bouman then asked what the plans were for the $67,000 that was to be used for Clague Park. Service Director Bohlmann replied that *~' there is approximately $114,000 appropriated for Clague Park. 'The base of the 6 ~.A.'+'faw.'M~x ...~ .............~-.~~.: .. J~XYR~ .,:..-.. .,<~Jrzpy~yat~(agy,+,eygy~5¢-. .. ; ~.-y... .-. f