06/05/2007 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 6/5/2007 was upheld with four yes votes, two no votes and one abstention. Mr. Limpert did not speak, and the meeting continued. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION 1) Dennis Lambert, 25057 Carey Lane, said the figures given by Mr. Ryan were interesting. He noted, when the entire power grid was out on the east coast of this country including Cleveland and Canada, most of Cleveland had no water except North Olmsted because of that water tower. So that stands as a very significant thing that should be looked at-it is a serious issue. Mr. Lambert spoke about the legislation which would require the city seal to be placed on city vehicles. He dismissed the idea that the city could not afford to do so and noted that the signs indicating who the Mayor is were changed quite rapidly when Mayor O'Grady took office. He feels the administration has to act responsibly and, if they don't, then it is the obligation of Council to be responsible. There's nothing wrong with identifying the city cars unless you have something to hide, unless there's something you don't want the citizens to see. There's no other reason for not passing that legislation. Mayor O'Grady commented that Mr. Lambert's accusation is not based on facts. The administration is not choosing to be deceptive, to hide or stop debate. His administration is open and honest. Councilman Tallon said the Council did not stop debate on an issue. Mr. Ryan has asked to form a committee at which time Mr. Limpert or anyone will be more than welcome to speak. Councilman Ryan agreed and said his purpose was to direct the discussion to a forum where there could be a long discussion and then bring the information back to Council. Mr. Limpert came forward and noted that the quick placement of the Mayor's signs were the work of the Service Department and the directive did not come from the Mayor's office. 2) Patricia Zeto, 5753 Elmhurst Road, spoke about the proposed cell tower on the fire station site. She is concerned about possible health issues as her son is recovering from a kidney condition. There are many young families in this neighborhood, and she feels the cell tower would be too close to a residential area. 3) Terry Groden, 25211 Chase Drive, spoke on the issue of serving alcohol in North Olmsted Park. He doesn't think it's a good idea for the city to condone or support any opportunity for children to be exposed to alcohol consumption on city property whether it's served responsibly or not. The more people see of a product, and the more o8en they see it, increases the likelihood that they will sample that product. There's nothing the city can do about alcohol legally served in homes, bars, restaurants and private properties; but he thinks the city should not provide another venue for minors to be exposed to a drug they are not ready to make an adult decision about. He read comments from Westlake Mayor Clough regarding underage drinking which noted that alcohol is the drug of choice for those under 21, and is far too easily obtained by young, creative minds. Teens and adults under 21 account for 75% of all traffic fatalities. Of those deaths, half are alcohol related. Alcohol also reduces inhibitions, resulting in suicides of already depressed teens, sexual activity, deaths from binge drinking and a host of other social ills. In light of all this information, he does not believe allowing alcohol to be served in a city park where minors are present and children come to play is a responsible 12