03/30/1999 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH OLMSTED MARCH 30, 1999 Present: Council President Saringer, Council Members Gareau, Kasler, McKay, Miller, Nashar, O'Grady, Limpert (arrived at 7:07 p.m.) Also Present: Mayor Musial, Finance Director Copfer, Clerk of Council Seman Council President Saringer called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in Council Chambers, 5200 Dover Center Road, North Olmsted, Ohio. LEGISLATION Ordinance No. 99-35 introduced by Mayor Musial was given its second reading as amended. An ordinance to make appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures for the City of North Olmsted for the year ending December 31, 1999 as amended. Mr. O'Grady moved for suspension of the rule requiring three readings; second by Mr. McKay; motion passed unanimously. Mr. O'Grady moved for adoption; second by Mr. McKay. Roll call: O'Grady, yes, with comment that he wished to raise concerns with regard to Council's action on the Recreation Fund account. Within minutes of beginning review of the Rec Center's proposed appropriations, Council found $20,000 in questionable purchases, which included $13,000 for the replacement of computers at the facility. This, however, does not include six computers that are being purchased for approximately another $10,000. The Rec Center was not asked to go back and review their numbers, but the $20,000 plus another $10,000 was put aside to be used for repair of a pool which the Rec Center did not request but rather Council decided was needed. Council also debated what the Rec Center priorities should be when they realized there was a danger of falling bricks off of the side of the building. This is crossing the line where Council is doing the administration's job while ignoring its own legislative and policy responsibilities. In his opinion, by providing funds for a project to be named later, Council is not living up to its responsibility of guarding the public's checkbook and making the same mistakes that have been made in the past that have led the city to be in the situation of having a large amount of debt. Mr. McKay commented that he does not see this as irresponsibility. It is the responsibility of the Rec Commission and the Rec Commissioner to prioritize their needs. He is sure that, if there is falling brick from the building, that will be taken care of before carpets are purchased. If that is not done, then perhaps the administration should look at the leadership. Mr. O'Grady noted that he is not questioning whether the projects need to be done, but is questioning the role of Council in debating the priorities. .~