10/02/2007 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Minutes of 10/2/2007 Mayor O'Grady said, if the city had done as Mr. Bouffard wanted and increased rates earlier in smaller amounts, citizens would be paying far more now than they would be otherwise. Currently, North Olmsted WWTP customers are paying below rates that other municipalities pay to be in the Regional Sewer District. As we go over these next four years with the rate increase, our rates will be even father below them. Not only are we already ahead of the Regional Sewer District, our increases are less than theirs. On another issue, Mr. Bouffard commented on the increases in health care costs in the private sector and wondered about the cost of a basic family plan for city employees and their contribution. Finance Director Copfer said the cost of a basic medial plan and drug card is about $1,415 per month; employees pay $54 a month. Mr. Bouffard felt the cost was high, and the employee contribution was ridiculously low. Mrs. Copfer noted this issue is part of the bargaining contract, and she could not discuss changes which are being presented. We have had double digit increases in our health care plan consecutively and have tried to stave that off through a health care committee, and now we're doing it through negotiations. Mayor O'Grady said there has to be some equity between what the taxpayers in the City of North Olmsted experience versus what their tax dollars pay for their employees. He cannot talk about negotiations, but he understands what Mr. Bouffard is saying and he agrees wholeheartedly. 5) Charles Dial came forward again and said Mrs. Meredith had brought to his attention the verbatim transcript of what Mr. Orlowski said two weeks ago: "I received ten calls. I went back and checked my own log on this, and out of these ten calls, I had one call that was in favor of this." Mrs. Meredith asked him to read a letter she received from Councilman Orlowski: "Dear Mrs. Meredith: Thank you for your public records request. I am unable to provide you with a written copy of my mental list as none exists. I have spoken with a number of individuals personally and in telephone conversations. They have expressed their opinions to me on this subject matter (Walters Dentistry) and many other issues. I believe I owe the residents a fiduciary duty regarding this matter and any other concern of theirs which they have expressed to me. Yes, I am disappointed that individuals who are or will be the most directly impacted do not wish to attend city meetings, but this may well be a reason why: They would prefer to remain anonymous and allow the Ward IV Councilman, who was elected to represent them, to do so. Thank you for your communication. Sincerely, Lawrence Orlowski" He believes there are contradictions as to what the story is and would encourage members of Council and the Law Director to decide what actions, if any, might be appropriate to take in this matter. LEGISLATION Ordinance No. 2006-179 introduced by Councilman Gareau was given its second reading. An ordinance amending Section 521.09 of Chapter 521 (Health, Safety and Sanitation) of the General Offenses Code, entitled "Noxious or Offensive Odors," in order to deem as a nuisance condition emissions into the atmosphere from any air contaminant source or control equipment that cause outdoor air to become unreasonably odorous, and declaring an emergency, as amended. 13