12/15/2009 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 12-15-2009 did not exist previously that would limit the city. Discussions are going on within the city to determine whether or not it's in the best interest of our citizens to move forward. At this time, no decision has been made. Mr. Peters said for two years the federal government is offering to pay for in full salary and benefits for up to five firefighter positions -the same five firefighter positions that were laid off as of January 1 ~`. Mayor O'Grady said it was the stated purse of this Administration that the SAFER grant would be used to retain firefighters that are currently on duty, not to bring in new ones. The SAFER grant doesn't currently allow the city to use those dollars to retain. Mr. Peters said so the layoffs were not about money; they were about the size of the department. Mayor O'Grady said he won't address thou distortions. Mr. Peters said he doesn't want to make a distortion out of it. He asked Mayor O' C3rady to give the future Administration the ability to accept that grant. Mayor O'Grady said it was within Mr. Peters' power to ensure those layoffs that occurred az the end of last year never happened. Mayor O'Grady asked Mr. Peters to look at the current international fiscal situation and understand that cities are trying to get by and they're struggling and they need concessions. They need concessions from their employees because that's the largest percentage of costs to taxpayers. Mr. Peters said he will forward an E-mail to Council as a way to send letters of support in favor of the grant if it is applied for. Concessions are part of keeping the current firefighters here. The grant can bring the other firefighters back and improve service and safety levels. Mike Platko, 4049 Dryden Drive said he wants to reinforce what Ms. Evans says. His daughter is also on the high school swimming(diving team. He has had similar problems with the Recreation Center, particularly with Mr. DiSalvo and also with Mr. Dailey. Back in September he E-mailed asking for repairs and if repairs were done on the diving board. On November 28a' at the first meet, he got a call from the coach who was looking for a nut and bolt and wrench to fix the diving board that he was told was going to be repaired. He hopes the incoming Administration looks hard at the Recreation Department. It was embarrassing at the alumni meet. The lights were off. The ticket booth was dark. There was the attendant sitting on the side with the lights off sleeping in the chair like a homeless person. It was an embarrassment for North Olmsted. He thinks somebody ought to look into it and see what's going on because something isn't right. Mayor O'Grady said he appreciates Mr. Platko's comments and requested the E-mails he referenced. He told Mr. Platko that the next time it happens, elevate it to the Mayor's office. Council President Kennedy asked Mr. Platko to forward the E-mails to him and Mayor O'Grady. Terry Groden, 25211 Chase Drive personally thanked Mayor O'Grady and Law Director Dubelko for their service to the City of North Olmsted, and he wished them all the best in their future endeavors. He looks forward to the interviews for Gareau's vacant seat. He recommended Pat Kelly for the vacancy. He wished Kennedy, Gareau, and Limpert all the best as they move into their different positions next year. He looks forward to continuing to work with them and everybody, especially in his new position starting in 2010. 11