11/18/2008 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 11/18/2008 Law Director Dubelko reported there were no changes in the status of any of the city's cases in court. Mayor O'Grady recognized new members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and presented them with a certificate in appreciation of their willingness to embrace the principles of preparedness and the volunteer spirit. Members receiving credentials and equipment were Susan Danito, Patrick Fatton, Patricia Lowery, Margaret McKenney, and Erin Smith. The new CERT members were recognized by all present. Finance Director Copfer: 1) On November 6, the finance directors of the Rocky River Court met. The Rocky River Court has successfully balanced their earlier predicted shortfall, primarily with staffing. It also appears the cities have stabilized their ticketing, especially the STOP funds, so that it's balanced out. The judges are championing the cause to enforce a state law that the Ohio Attorney General has written an opinion on that the county is to reimburse our court for the second bailiff. Because we have two judges, they should be paying for two bailiffs instead of one. They have found the law is inconsistently applied in our county and statewide. 2) The issue involving the Berea case of multiple charge and having multiple court fees associated with those charges for one case has been resolved. Rocky River Court did a study to determine how many of those affected the court. The court fee was raised $10 to cover those so that there is only one court cost for one case, not for each offense. 3) The court has begun a DUS, driving under suspension, diversion. program. By having the diversion program, police officers aze not required to attend a hearing, thus reducing overtime which is a help to the municipal budgets. About 360 of these cases have gone through the court. According to Police Chief Wozniak, Prosecutor Gordillo already plans for these situations so that the police officers do not have to attend hearings. He has already made it more efficient for our city. Law Director Dubelko said Mr. Gordillo was a leader in expanding the diversion program. 4) She met with the city negotiating team regarding proposals for the upcoming collective bargaining. 5) She has been asked to serve on the Senior Transportation Connection's (STC) Strategic Planning Committee. It's success is important to our seniors and disabled since we now have NOCOP being a part of that. We want to make sure it's a strong and good integrated program. STC received a grant from Cleveland State to have professionals help with the strategic planning process.. It was interesting to observe the difference in how the social workers and financial people went about discussing the mission statement. 6) During the past few weeks, at the Mayor's direction, she has spent a majority of her time with the Safety and H.R. directors to address the 2009 budget issues so a balanced budget can be presented to Council before the end of the year. Councilman Gazeau, chairperson of the Finance Committee: 1) The committee met on November 11, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. Present were Council President Kennedy; committee members Barker, Kearney and chairperson Gazeau; Council Members Jones, Orlowski, and Mahoney; the Law Director, Finance Director, Service Director, Safety Director, Human Resources Director, Planning Director and Community Life Services Director. Agenda items included the following: 3