11/21/2000 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Minutes of 11/21/2000 Director Bohlmann and animal warden Kirt Ward; Great Northern Mall Manager Mark Bressler. Agenda items were as follows: • Ordinance 2000-154, which was introduced by Councilman Gareau, amends General Offenses Codes 505.04 "Abandoning Animals," 505.06 "Poisoning Animals," and 505.07 "Cruelty to Animals" so as to make violations of each a first degree misdemeanor. In effect, this ordinance elevates the classifications of crime against animals to the level of a first degree misdemeanor. Some crimes, such as killing an animal, are already first degree misdemeanors and did not need to be covered by this ordinance. First degree misdemeanors such as those listed in Ordinance 2000-154 allow, at the discretion of the court, a sentence of up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The committee unanimously recommended approval. • Ordinance 97-66 would enact Section 763 of the Codified Ordinances of North Olmsted entitled ".Video Surveillance." This ordinance was introduced by former Mayor Ed Boyle in 1997 and was held in committee. Mr. Nashar requested that this ordinance be reconsidered, and it was brought back for discussion in the Safety Committee. Mr. Nashar commented that there have been instances of where video surveillance of an area has allowed for criminals to be caught and crimes to be solved. Mr. Bressler of Great Northern Mall remarked that the mall already has a proficient security force in place and a good record of interaction with the North Olmsted Police Department in instances where police assistance was requested. He went on to site the good security record at Great Northern Mall. Regarding video surveillance, Mr. Bressler questioned whether liability issues might come into play with these cameras and he questioned the cost of such systems. The chair questioned the cost of such systems, especially relating to the ordinance requirement fora 24 hour manned surveillance. Mr. Limpert raised the issue of "big brother" and questioned the value of such systems in general. Other members of Council discussed crimes which would be witnessed with such systems such as car theft and assault and offered the possibility of a grandfather clause where an existing retail parking area would not require the system until such time as 50% or more of their exterior was renovated. This requirement for video surveillance would apply only to large retail parking areas, those with more than 500 parking spaces. The chair recommended that this ordinance be held in committee pending response from the Safety Director to three questions: 1) The opinion and position of the North Olmsted Police Department with regard to video surveillance equipment; 2) The best estimate of the cost of these systems to owners of the Great Northern Mall; 3) The North Olmsted Police Department record of criminal activity at the Great Northern Mall and other large retail parking areas in the city relating to crimes which could be deterred by these cameras, crimes such as car theft, assault, kidnapping and vandalism. The committee unanimously recommended holding this ordinance in committee pending additional input from the Safety Department. • A request for a new C1, C2 liquor license for the CVS Pharmacy at 27713 Lorain Road. A C 1 license allows beer only in original sealed containers for carryout until 1 a.m. A C2 license allows wine and pre-packaged mixed drinks in sealed containers for carryout only until 1 a.m. This license was unanimously recommended for approval by the committee. Mr. O'Grady moved that Council approve the C1, C2 6