Minutes March 12, 2018
CITY OF WINDY HILLS
Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
March 12, 2018
The Council and Officers of the City of Windy Hills met at the Sojourn Community Church, 2501 Rudy Lane, at 7:00 P.M. Mayor Ising called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL: The following were present:
MAYOR | COUNCIL MEMBERS | OTHER CITY OFFICIALS |
E. James Ising | Helen Davis (Absent) | Sandy Moore |
Kate Greer | Jim Hodge | |
Lou Phillips | Steve Teaford | |
Marianne Rademaker | ||
Mike Skelton | ||
Suzanne Spencer |
MINUTES:
Councilwoman Greer moved to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2018 Council meeting; seconded by Councilman Phillips and approved unanimously.
FINANCIAL REPORTS, APPROVAL OF BILLS:
The financial reports for February, 2018 were moved for approval by Councilman Skelton, and seconded by Councilwoman Rademaker and approved unanimously.
Councilwoman Spencer moved to approve the February bills, totaling $41,742.53 and was seconded by Councilman Skelton. The motion passed unanimously.
GRAYMOOR/DEVONDALE POLICE CHIEF THRONEBERRY: Chief Throneberry was not able to make the meeting.
RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS/CONCERNS: Resident, Jean Wade addressed the Council with concerns about the City not offering recycling for the residents at no cost.
Resident and previous Tree Board member, Marcia Myers addressed the Council also with her concerns regarding recycling for the City. She would like the City to support and promote recycling. She also requested that the City share more recycling information with the residents. She would like to set up a recycling information table at the Arbor Day Celebration. She also requested that a survey be sent out to the residents to see how much interest the residents would have in recycling.
Resident, Jodie Mudd also addressed the Council with recycling concerns. He had prepared and distributed a handout with information he had received from Waste Management. He stated there is a discrepancy between what people are being charged for recycling when they sign up currently and what they were being charged previously.
The Council addressed their concerns and told them they will contact Waste Management to investigate the discrepancy in the amount being charged for recycling and will discuss the issue at the next caucus meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance/Ordinances: In Councilwoman Davis’s absence, Mayor Ising read her report. Her report stated that she and the Code Enforcement Officer, Steve Teaford, had met with Chief Grady Throneberry with Graymoor/Devondale Police to discuss the parking situation in the City. She and Steve will prepare a parking information sheet that will be placed on the cars in violation . They have asked Graymoor/Devondale Police to immediately issue parking tickets with a minimum fine of $25 and if not paid within 10 days the fine will be increased to $50. They also are considering joining a multi-city appeals cooperative where the unpaid citations will be further handled.
Code Enforcement: Steve Teaford stated he has received the final Rental Registry form, stating there are 49 rentals in the City. He stated the property at Brownsboro and Indian Ridge is not a rental, but a blighted property, which the owners have ignored over $1,000 in Metro fines. Attorney Hodge stated that the City can start the process with the County Attorney’s office and eventually it will be handed over to them to handle.
Community Caring/Health & Fitness/Welcome to Windy Hills: Councilwoman Spencer reported that there are 2 new residents. She had nothing else to report.
Community Events/Newsletter/Tree Board: Councilwoman Greer reported that the latest newsletter is at the printer and should be delivered by the end of March. She also stated that the Tree Board had met and they had received a new Tree City designation banner. She reported that the Arbor Day celebration will include a game to indentify trees and plants and everyone will be receiving seeds. She included in the newsletter that the City will host a Yard Sale if there are 25 households participating.
Public Works: Councilman Phillips reported that Rudy the bear has been lighted and Landscape Lighting did a great job with lighting the bear in such a way as creating an image/shadow on the tree behind.
Police Liaison/Real Estate Signs: Councilwoman Rademaker read the report she had previously distributed. She stated that Graymoor/Devondale Police Department patrolled Windy Hills for 98.2 hours. 9.38 hours of radar time was spent on Ambridge, resulting in two citations and six warnings. Rudy Lane received 3.42 hours of radar time, resulting in one citation and four warnings. An additional citation was issued at Hubbards Lane and Coachgate. Three parking citations were issued on Windhurst, one on Clerkenwell and one on Ambridge. The following warnings were given: Bonfire 2, Highfield 2, Indian Ridge 2, Windsong Way 1, Antrim 1, and Clerkenwell 1. An illegally parked vehicle with license plates from a different vehicle was towed on Tottenham. The owner of this vehicle was arrested on Bonfire due to outstanding warrants. There were three burglaries in February; a garage on Highfield, a garden shed on Greenbriar and a garage on Windy Way. Police were on the lookout for open garage doors and issued crime prevention notices on Deerfield, Windhurst, and Ambridge. A suspicious person was reported on Falgate, a suspicious vehicle on Creighton Hill and suspicious activities on Deerfield. Police also assisted a motorist with a flat tire at Westport Rd and Ambridge, and an accident on Rudy Ln. Residences on Indian Ridge and Highfield were on house watch.
Windy Hills Green/City Beautification: Councilman Skelton reported that fresh mulch had been put down.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Ordinance No. 3, Series 2017/2018 – Providing Compensation of Elected Officials for the City: Councilman Phillips made a motion to read Ordinance No 3 into record and was seconded by Councilman Skelton. The motion passed unanimously. Attorney Hodge read the Ordinance into record, calling for an annual compensation of $12,000 per year for City Council members, which passed with a vote of 5 Ayes (one member was absent) as follows:
Helen Davis (Absent) | Kate Greer – Aye | Lou Phillips – Aye |
Marianne Rademaker – Aye | Mike Skelton – Aye | Suzanne Spencer – Aye |
Encroachment Resolution: Attorney Hodge reported that he and the Code Enforcement Officer will be meeting with a Metro Engineer. Councilman Phillips made a motion to Authorize the Mayor/City Clerk/Code Enforcement Office to sign the Encroachment Permits received. Councilwoman Greer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Telecommunications Franchise Issues (Charter, Google, AT&T): Attorney Hodge reported that JCLC is watching Metro’s progress and will receive recommendation after Metro’s decision.
NEW BUSINESS:
Contribution Request from Volunteers of America: Councilman Skelton made a motion to contribute $3,500 to Volunteers of America and was seconded by Councilwoman Greer. the motion passed unanimously.
Brightside Sponsorship Westport Road and Watterson: Councilwoman Rademaker made a motion to continue with the Brightside Sponsorship of the maintenance of our quadrant at Westport Road and Watterson. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Spencer and passed unanimously.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT: Attorney Hodge reported that he is monitoring the Metro suit regarding the local control of waste disposal. He stated it is in the State Court of Appeal. He said the League of Cities is involved, but we are not. Councilman Phillips inquired about the Ed Flint suit and he replied that it was being wrapped up since Mr. Flint has deceased.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Ising stated that JCLC is considering Metro’s recycling program and the objective is to have 90 % participation. He also stated that Brightside Cleanup will be on Saturday April 14 at 9:00 am at Stock Yards Bank parking lot. He also reported that he will be on vacation from March 23 through April 1. He shared that he had received a thank you from the Council for Jewish Women for the Family Court donation.
Comments/Questions to the Council as a Whole: Laura Trachtenberg addressed the Council with a suggestion that possibly the City could offer recycling once a month and that week only have trash pickup once a week.
Councilwoman Greer moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 P.M., seconded by Councilman Phillips and the motion passed unanimously.
_______ __________________ _______________________
E. James Ising, Mayor | Sandy Moore, City Clerk |
- Published in 2018 Council Meeting, 2018 Council Meetings Minutes
Minutes February 12, 2018
CITY OF WINDY HILLS
Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 2018
The Council and Officers of the City of Windy Hills met at the Sojourn Community Church, 2501 Rudy Lane, at 7:00 P.M. Mayor Ising called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL: The following were present:
MAYOR | COUNCIL MEMBERS | OTHER CITY OFFICIALS |
E. James Ising | Helen Davis | Sandy Moore |
Kate Greer | Jim Hodge | |
Lou Phillips | Steve Teaford | |
Marianne Rademaker | ||
Mike Skelton | ||
Suzanne Spencer |
MINUTES:
Councilwoman Greer moved to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2018 Council meeting; seconded by Councilman Phillips and approved unanimously.
FINANCIAL REPORTS, APPROVAL OF BILLS:
The financial reports for January, 2018 were moved for approval by Councilman Skelton, seconded by Councilwoman Davis and approved unanimously.
Councilwoman Davis moved to approve the January bills, totaling $37,809.20 and was seconded by Councilman Skelton. The motion passed unanimously.
RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS/CONCERNS: Resident, Charles Redmon addressed the Council to compliment the City, stating that they enjoy the loop. He added that he would like to see once a week trash pickup and add recycling instead of twice a week trash pickup. The Council explained to him the reasons for their decision of not paying for recycling due to the recycling center within the City limits on Hubbards Lane.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance/Ordinances: Councilwoman Davis reported that she is working with Code Enforcement Officer, Steve Teaford on the rental properties and overnight parking issues.
Code Enforcement: Steve Teaford stated he is working with Chief Throneberry on parking issues.
Community Caring/Health & Fitness/Welcome to Windy Hills: Councilwoman Spencer reported that there are 6 new residents. She also reported that she will have a Christmas decoration meeting to determine what they will need for next year. She had nothing to report for Health and Fitness and stated there is one new plaque on order.
Community Events/Newsletter/Tree Board: Councilwoman Greer stated that the next newsletter deadline is February 23. She stated the two trees received from Ecotech were planted at Rudy and Regency. She reported that the Arbor Day celebration will be April 15 with children activities being planned.
Public Works: Councilman Phillips reported that Rudy II, the bear, will be lighted soon.
Police Liaison/Real Estate Signs: Councilwoman Rademaker read the report she had previously distributed. She stated that Graymoor/Devondale Police Department patrolled Windy Hills for 112.0 hours. 11.0 hours were spent on radar which resulted with No citations or warnings on Rudy Lane. Ambridge received 8.22 hours of radar time resulting in four warnings. An additional warning was issued at Indian Ridge and Brownsboro Rd. Parking warnings were given on Indian Ridge and Brookview and a citation issued on Bonfire. The report included a note from Officer Steve Jesse stating that all parking complaints had been followed up on and that for now the overnight parking situation has been generally cleaned up. (The Council members disagreed that the overnight parking issues had been cleared up, citing different examples). Police assisted metro with a trouble run on Deerfied, checked on a suspicious person on Rudy Lane and checked on suspicious vehicles on Ambridge and Kitty Hawk. All suspicions were unfounded. There was also a false alarm about an injured person on Pin Oak. The police did two business checks at Brownsboro Center, traffic control on Rudy Lane and Windsong, and house watches on Indian Ridge, Highfield, Crossgate, and Regency. An open garage door was noted on Ambridge. A person on Regency requested assistance with a scam artist and there was drug activity reported on Old Stone Lane.
Windy Hills Green/City Beautification: No Report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Website Update: Councilman Skelton stated the Council reviewed the final changes to the new website and will forward the changes to the webmaster. He is hoping to have the new website up and running within the next week or two. The Council decided to stay with .com instead of .gov due to the cost of changing.
Encroachment Resolution: Attorney Hodge, stated that he is working on the revised terms for the Encroachment Resolution and will have it at the March meeting.
Telecommunication Franchise Issues (Charter, Google, AT&T): Mayor Ising stated that the Jefferson County League of Cities will host a special meeting to discuss Franchise issues.
NEW BUSINESS:
Pay for Council and Mayor beginning 2019: Councilman Phillips stated the Council needs to decide if there is a need/desire to pay the Council members. Councilwomen Greer and Spencer stated they are not in favor of the Council being paid. Councilwoman Rademaker made a motion to pay the Council members $300 per month for a total of $3,600 annually. The motion was seconded by Councilman Skelton. After much discussion, Councilman Philips called the question, seconded by Councilwoman Davis. The motion failed by a vote of two Ayes – Councilwoman Rademaker and Councilman Skelton and four Nays – Councilwoman Davis, Councilwoman Greer, Councilman Phillips, and Councilwoman Spencer. After more discussion, Councilwoman Davis suggested the Council members be paid $100 per month for a total of $1,200 annually. Councilwoman Spencer made a motion to have Attorney Hodge read into record the 1st reading of Ordinance No. 3, Series 2017-2018 pertaining to providing compensation for the Elected Officials for the City of Windy Hills. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Davis and passed with a vote of four Ayes – Councilwoman Davis, Councilwoman Greer, Councilman Phillips, and Councilwoman Spencer and two Nays – Councilwoman Rademaker and Councilman Skelton.
Contribution Request from Community Foundation ($5,000): Councilwoman Spencer made a motion for the City to contribute $2,000 to Light the Way Fund for financial assistance with setting up a Family Drug Treatment Court. The motion was seconded by Councilman Skelton. After much discussion, including a suggestion from Councilman Phillips to contribute $500 instead the motion passed with a vote of four Ayes – Councilwoman Davis, Councilwoman Greer, Councilman Skelton, and Councilwoman Spencer. There were two abstaining – Councilman Phillips and Councilwoman Rademaker.
Contribution Request from Senior Care Experts ($4,500): Councilman Skelton made a motion for the City to contribute $2,000 to Senior Care Experts and was seconded by Councilwoman Spencer. The motion passed unanimously.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT: No Report.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Ising reported receiving information regarding the Ohio River Sweep sponsored by MSD. It will be on June 16 from 9 to noon. He also stated he has prepared a packet of information for perspective Council members.
COMMents/Questions to the Council as a Whole: Kent Hall, an unopposed candidate running for Metro Council District 7 to replace Angela Leet, introduced himself to the Council and audience. He gave an overview of his qualifications.
Councilman Phillips moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 P.M., seconded by Councilwoman Greer and the motion passed unanimously.
_______ __________________ _______________________
E. James Ising, Mayor | Sandy Moore, City Clerk |
- Published in 2018 Council Meetings Minutes
Minutes January 8, 2018
CITY OF WINDY HILLS
Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
January 8, 2018
The Council and Officers of the City of Windy Hills met at the Sojourn Community Church, 2501 Rudy Lane, at 7:00 P.M. Mayor Ising called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL: The following were present:
MAYOR | COUNCIL MEMBERS | OTHER CITY OFFICIALS |
E. James Ising | Helen Davis | Sandy Moore |
Kate Greer | Jim Hodge | |
Lou Phillips | Steve Teaford | |
Marianne Rademaker (Absent) | ||
Mike Skelton | ||
Suzanne Spencer |
MINUTES:
Councilwoman Greer moved to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2017 Council meeting; seconded by Councilman Skelton and approved unanimously.
FINANCIAL REPORTS, APPROVAL OF BILLS:
The financial reports for December, 2017 were moved for approval by Councilwoman Davis, seconded by Councilman Phillips and approved unanimously.
Councilwoman Davis moved to approve the December bills, totaling $49,667.17 and was seconded by Councilwoman Rademaker. The motion passed unanimously.
Jane Emke and David Hawpt – Contribution Request for a new Family Court:
Jane Emke, David Hawpt and Mike Schultz addressed the Council with a request for a contribution from the City to help fund Family Drug Court, a 501C3 agency. Their goal is $561,000 and have raised $340,000 to date. The money will be used to pay the two staff members and transportation for clients. The Judges volunteer their time. The court attempts to keep the family together with intensive mediation and counseling.
RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS/CONCERNS: Resident, Laura Trachtenberg addressed the Council with a speeding concern on Rudy Lane, stating she was passed by someone doing 70 mph.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance/Ordinances: Councilwoman Davis stated the Rental Ordinance is working well and recognized Steve Teaford for all the hard work he has done to implement the Ordinance.
Code Enforcement: Steve Teaford stated the inspections on the rental properties would begin the following week, weather permitting.
Community Caring/Health & Fitness/Welcome to Windy Hills: Councilwoman Spencer reported that there are 6 new residents. She also reported that the Christmas decorations were taken down in a timely manner and there is a request for 1 new plaque.
Community Events/Newsletter/Tree Board: Councilwoman Greer stated that the next Tree Board Meeting would be on January 9. She reported that they had no response to their letter to the residents on Clerkenwell inviting them to add trees to their yards. She also reported that Ward Wilson has resigned from the Tree Board and they will need to replace him. She also stated she had finished the Tree City Designation Application .
Public Works: Councilman Phillips stated that the Ambridge/Rudy Lane intersection had been repainted. He also reported that he is working on which City street signs need to be replaced and brought up to code for reflectivity.
Police Liaison/Real Estate Signs: Councilwoman Rademaker read the report she had previously distributed. She stated that Graymoor/Devondale Police Department patrolled Windy Hills for 101.4 hours. 8.43 hours of radar time was spent on Ambridge, resulting in two warnings. Rudy Lane received 2.14 hours of radar time, resulting in one citation. Parking citations were issued on Bonfire, Indian Ridge, Clerkenwell and Foeburn. Warnings were given on Regency and Indian Ridge. Two residences were on house watch. Officers did a wellness check on Merrifield – no problems. A resident had security footage of a suspicious vehicle on Tottenham, which the police followed up with increased patrols.
Windy Hills Green/City Beautification: No Report. Councilman Skelton made a motion to approve Brownsboro Lawn Care’s proposal for Landscaping services in the City in the amount of $5,850. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Greer and approved unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Website Update: Councilman Skelton suggested that the Council attend one of two sets of meetings (so a quorum would not be an issue) to review any changes to be made to the new website. There will be a meeting on Thursday at noon with Councilman Skelton and Councilwomen Davis and Spencer along with Clerk Moore. The other Council members would meet on Friday at 10:00.
Encroachment Resolution: Councilman Phillips stated that the City’s Encroachment Resolution will be enforced for any project, including all the Fiber Optic installations.
NEW BUSINESS:
Telecommunications Franchise Issues & Meeting with AT&T on Fiber Project: Councilman Phillips made a motion to hire Linda Ain for $300 per hour to write the agreements with the telecommunication companies. Councilwoman Davis seconded the motion and was approved unanimously. A letter of engagement will be signed and forwarded to Ms. Ain. Attorney Hodge reported that AT&T has filed the Encroachment Permit. He will circulate to the Council and Linda Ain.
Leadership Succession Planning: Mayor Ising stated that he would like the Council to develop a plan for succession as 2018 will be an election year for all the Council and Mayor positions.
2018 Opportunities for Goals and Plans: The filing date for running for Council or Mayor positions is in August. Mayor Ising asked the Council to consider their 2018 goals and plans for the City. Councilman Skelton suggested that the Council consider passing an Ordinance to pay the Council members and increase the Mayor’s salary – maybe $300/month for Council members. The Ordinance will need the first reading in March.
Lighting for Rudy: Councilman Phillips made a motion to light Rudy for a cost up to $3,092. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Spencer. The motion passed with three “Ayes” ( Councilwomen Greer and Spencer and Councilman Phillips), there was one “Nay” (Councilman Skelton – prefers a flagpole) and 2 abstained (Councilwoman Rademaker and Councilwoman Davis). The Abstained votes go with the majority (Ayes).
Other: Councilman Skelton reported that sex offender has moved out of the Wexford Place Oxford House.
Councilman Phillips moved to ratify the erection of the No Parking signs from the sign to Westport Road. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Davis and passed unanimously.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT: Attorney Hodge reported that he is working on a response to the Robert Nast email.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Ising reported that the JCLC will be having a Special Meeting on January 29th to discuss Google Fiber issues. The meeting is for elected and appointed members.
Comments/Questions to the Council as a Whole: None.
Councilwoman Greer moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 P.M., seconded by Councilman Phillips and the motion passed unanimously.
_______ __________________ _______________________
E. James Ising, Mayor | Sandy Moore, City Clerk |
- Published in 2018 Council Meetings Minutes, CouncilMinutes
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