03/05/2008 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 3/5/2008 Dennis Lambert: 25057 Carey Lane, said the snow removal on his street had been excellent, and it was done without using salt which he appreciated as the city saves money that way. Regarding the items discussed at the Committee-of--the Whole, he wholeheartedly suggests some of those changes to go into effect, especially with giving the President of Council the power to appoint committees. He noticed that the Safety Director had not been in attendance at the past two meetings and noted there is a rule requiring the attendance of the Service and Safety Directors at Council meetings. Mayor O'Grady answered that the Safety Director is a very responsible and dedicated professional. When she's not here, she's excused. She has a reason. Terry Groden, 25211 Chase Drive, noted that Resolution 2008-23 had been removed from the agenda this evening, but he wanted to make some comments. He shares the affinity for Ireland as some of his family members came from Ireland, but he is trying to understand the intent of this legislation. He is not sure if the city is trying to enforce these principles, some of which seem to him to be unenforceable or are we merely endorsing the application of these principles in Northern Ireland. If that is the case, he thinks there are more pressing issues the city should be dealing with and putting in front of our state reps. For example, legislation passed in Columbus like HB 66 will ultimately strip the North Olmsted School District of $4 million per year. He knows that legislation is designed to help business in Ohio. At same time, state legislators continue to do nothing to lessen the burden of public school funding from the backs of homeowners. Those homeowners are probably going to be asked to replace that $4 million per year. He asked if a resolution would be sent regarding the issue of school funding. School funding in the State of Ohio needs to be fixed. Think that's the message the city should be sending to the State. Mayor O'Grady agreed that school funding in Ohio is an absolute disaster. As a member of the Mayors' education roundtable, he and others are working on this issue. However, despite the importance of that issue, it doesn't mean that we shouldn't look to other issues as well. The conflict in Ireland is an economic conflict. It is a discussion about economic and social justice. The resolution is a statement of belief with which we will encourage the Ohio General Assembly to act in good faith to make sure we do protect the rights of those who may be discriminated against in the State of Ohio. If Mr. Groden has a specific proposal regarding school funding he would like to see made, please send it to the Mayor and he will see what can be put together. Councilman Ryan, chairperson of the committee, invited Mr. Groden to e-mail input on the legislation if he is not able to attend the meeting. LEGISLATION Ordinance No. 2008-20 introduced by Mayor O'Grady was given its third reading. An ordinance amending section 931.10 (Grade Deposits for Commercial Developments) of Chapter 931 of the North Olmsted Streets, Utilities and Public Services Code in order to increase engineering and inspection fees, and establish a new method for calculating grade deposit amounts, for commercial developments. Council Member Dailey Jones moved for adoption. The motion was seconded by Councilman Gareau and passed unanimously. Ordinance No. 2008-20 adopted. 7