Village of Boston Heights: Council Meeting March-2004

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the Village of Boston Heights OH.

VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS

45 E. Boston Mills Road
Hudson, OH 44236

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - March 10, 2004 - 8:00 P.M.

AGENDA

[and Editor's Notes on Council Meeting]

ROLL CALL

All council members were present, as were:
Mayor Ray McFall, Clerk-Treasurer Carol Zeman, Engineer Steve Schreiber & Solicitor Russ Pry.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Amended to add Resolution M-2004, and approved. Later amended again to add Resolution N-2004. See below.

MINUTES PRESENTED FOR CHANGE, CORRECTION OR ADOPTION

Amended to correct some minor typos, then approved.

CORRESPONDENCE

Clerk-Treasurer Carol Zeman passed along this information from Police Chief Joe Varga:
The village has received a grant from Project ChildSafe to distribute 300 gun safety locks. Village residents can obtain a gun lock free from the Boston Heights Village Hall (M-F 8AM-4PM).

Village Engineer Steve Schreiber reported the following:

Mr. Schreiber met with representatives of ODOT District 4, and Summit County, concerning the Akron-Cleveland Road bridge project. At that time, the Village requested that the project be deferred to Fiscal Year 2007. At the meeting, David White, a planning engineer for Summit County, suggested that the village might be eligible for a grant for its portion of the project cost; this would require FY 2006 construction, however. Summit County Engineer will be completing plans for the bridge overhaul; these are about 60% complete now. The Village would be acting as the Local Public Authority for the project; see Resolution 11-2004, below. Mr. Schreiber added that a later communication from the county indicated that the "grant" might instead be a 0%-interest loan.
The Ohio EPA has informed the Village that there was no record of the various septic systems installed at the Village Hall complex, including that of the Fire Station. Mr. Schreiber was sending another letter of explanation.
The plans for the Colesbrooke road repair project were nearly complete; and he expected to have the bid packages ready by Monday (15 March 2004). See Resolution 7-2004, below.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

Mr. Nick Kostandaras, sometime candidate for County Council, applauded Village Engineer Steve Schreiber for his assistance with recent hearings on the proposed inspection program for home septic systems. Mr. Kostandaras had spoken in opposition to the Summit County Health Department plan to impose a $35 annual fee for each home septic installation.

Mrs. Marge Donley thanked all who helped with, and voted for, the village income tax increase proposed on the March 2004 ballot. This issue failed at the polls.

Mr. William Hinkle asked whether the Village was aware of any plans Oriana House might have for their property at 6052 Olde Eight and Rt. 303 (Parcel #1300468). No one had any information, but Village Solicitor Russ Pry promised to ask Mr. James Lawrence, CEO of Oriana House, about the matter.

Mr. Tom Finley, representing Omni Realty in lieu of Greg Baka, asked about the status of Omni's request for a change to the village Zoning Code. Omni is proposing a Sheetz gas station for the corner of Hines Hill Road and Rt. 8; this would conflict with the 5000ft. spacing requirement between service stations. Mr. Finley was advised to wait for Old Business.

ORDINANCE E-2004

[Approved as Ordinance 5-2004]

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PERMANENT ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS FOR THE YEAR 2004 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

RESOLUTION G-2004

[Approved as Resolution 7-2004]

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CLERK-TREASURER OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR ROAD WORK ON COLESBROOKE DRIVE FROM ELBOW TO CUL-DE-SAC AND ON NORBURY FROM WALTERS ROAD TO COLESBROOKE DRIVE.

RESOLUTION H-2004

[Approved as Resolution 8-2004]

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF MACEDONIA FOR THE PROVISION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.

RESOLUTION I-2004

[Referred to Finance Committee]

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF MACEDONIA FOR THE PROVISION OF RADIO DISPATCH SERVICES.

RESOLUTION J-2004

[Approved as Resolution 9-2004]

A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND RATIFYING THE CONTRACT WITH THE SUMMIT COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE.

RESOLUTION K-2004

[Approved as Resolution 10-2004]

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH ORIANA HOUSE, INC., FOR THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS SERVICES.

RESOLUTION L-2004

[Approved as Resolution 11-2004]

A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING STEVE SCHREIBER OF ADACHE CIUNI LYNN ASSOCIATES, INC., CONSULTING ENGINEER AS THE LOCAL PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE AKRON-CLEVELAND BRIDGE PROJECT.

RESOLUTION M-2004

[Approved as Resolution 12-2004]

[This item was added to amended Agenda]

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TEN SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS UNITS (SCBA'S), TEN SPARE BOTTLES AND ONE RAPID INTERVENTION TEAM UNIT.

Clerk-Treasurer Zeman opened the single bid received, from Howell Rescue Systems. After some challenging mathematical manipulations, it was determined that this bid was for $39,251. With the assurance of Fire Chief Jim Robinson that the bid met specifications, it was accepted.

RESOLUTION N-2004

[Approved as Resolution 13-2004]

[This item was added to amended Agenda]

A RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE PORTIONS OF BOSTON HEIGHTS THAT LIE WITHIN THE HUDSON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Councilor Mike Cheung explained that a planned revision to the comprehensive plan for the adjacent City of Hudson included a proposal to align the boundaries of the Hudson City School District with those of the city. A large portion of the Village of Boston Heights is in the Hudson school district, and has been for decades. Dr. Cheung noted that Hudson was concerned about its inability to regulate residential growth outside its borders, yet within the school district. He noted in passing, however, that Boston Heights already had a lower density requirement than Hudson, and that its new homes tended to have a higher value. This Resolution 13-2004 asks the Hudson City Council to remove this proposal and instead enter into discussions with the Village on its concerns with residential development.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilor Mike Cheung reported on the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meeting of 3 March 2004. The next meeting will be on 7 April 2004.

The Planning Commission had conditionally approved an insurance office, subject to the Village Engineer's approval of the site plan. Village Engineer Schreiber reported that he had received some information, but that the applicant had been informed that the plans were not acceptable.
The Planning Commission had recommended a change to the Zoning Code: from 5000ft. to 500ft. spacing between service stations. However, Dr. Cheung mentioned that the proposed Sheetz site and the existing Boston Heights Marathon might be closer than 500ft. Also, see Old Business below, where Solicitor Pry says this must all be done over correctly.
The Planning Commission had considered modifications to the village's sign regulations; Deputy Solicitor Ed Muse was directed to look into it.

Council President Bill Goncy stated that he had reviewed the village's bank reconciliation for November 2003, and the Mayor's Court reconciliations through January 2004.
Mr. Goncy also reported on a number of meetings he had attended:

AMATS CICS meeting: Phase I of the Route 8 upgrade project (North Phase) is funded and on track for 2006.
County Storm Water Management meeting: Boston Heights is part of the county compact on storm water management. This is year 1 of 5 in the county regional plan. The village will be working on a report on its year-one activities for inclusion in the county report.
Route 8 Marginal Road meeting: Mr. Goncy, along with Councilor Janet Miller and Road Superintendent Jim Robinson, met with County Engineer Greg Bachman to discuss a possible marginal road from Hines Hill north to Twinsburg Road, and perhaps beyond to Highland Road. Mr. Bachman presented a conceptual map of that road. Mr. Goncy reported that he had informed Mr. Bachman that the village had no money for such a road. He mentioned that the county's Port Authority might somehow be involved in financing this road, but added that the Authority was not currently advocating a major league soccer stadium rumored for Boston Heights.
Mr. Goncy also noted, as an aside, that Omni Realty had approached the county Port Authority, which might provide some sort of financial assistance for that company's projects if the village supported it.
Summit County Health Department would be once again spraying for mosquitos within the village, as needed.

No member of Council made the usual report on review of the Village's expenditures or financial statements. (!)

OLD BUSINESS

Mr. Tom Finley, representing Omni Realty in lieu of Greg Baka, reiterated his company's request for a change to village Zoning Code that would permit a Sheetz gas station at the corner of Hines Hill Road and Route 8. Currently, Zoning Code 1159.04(1)(A) requires a 5000 foot spacing between service stations. As noted above, the Planning Commission had recommended a change to 500 foot spacing. Dr. Cheung reported the possibility of the proposed Sheetz site being closer than 500 feet to the existing Marathon station (i.e. 481 feet between parcel boundaries). In any case, Solicitor Russ Pry pointed out that this matter had been published on the Planning Commission agenda, and was not a matter suitable for consideration as "new business". Dr. Cheung stated that the Planning Commission would revisit the matter, in due form. Mr. Pry also asked Mr. Finley to have Omni send a letter formally requesting the zoning change, so that the Planning Commission would have a basis for action.

Mayor Ray McFall reported a discussion with Greg Baka of Omni Realty, wherein Mr. Baka stated that if the village would not create zoning for cluster homes, Omni's proposed cross-Turnpike project would likely be "completely off".
The Mayor also reported that Mr. Baka was noncommittal about Omni's plans for demolition of the derelict hotel, at the proposed Sheetz site. The Mayor stated that he felt the village should therefore condemn the hotel. There was a flurry of agreement among members of Council. Solicitor Pry said that he would set up a meeting with the Building Inspector to determine the basis and procedure for that process.

NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURN

[Signed...]
CAROL ZEMAN, Clerk-Treasurer

Some documents are Public Domain Information from the Village of Boston Heights OH or other public entities.
Other materials Copyright 2001-2004 W.J.Hinkle and BostonHeights.Org
Boston Heights Overlook and BostonHeights.Org are not affiliated with the Village of Boston Heights OH.

ORDINANCE E-2004 [Approved as Ordinance 5-2004]	AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PERMANENT ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS FOR THE YEAR 2004 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
RESOLUTION G-2004 [Approved as Resolution 7-2004]	A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CLERK-TREASURER OF THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR ROAD WORK ON COLESBROOKE DRIVE FROM ELBOW TO CUL-DE-SAC AND ON NORBURY FROM WALTERS ROAD TO COLESBROOKE DRIVE.
RESOLUTION H-2004 [Approved as Resolution 8-2004]	A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF MACEDONIA FOR THE PROVISION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.
RESOLUTION I-2004 [Referred to Finance Committee]	A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF MACEDONIA FOR THE PROVISION OF RADIO DISPATCH SERVICES.
RESOLUTION J-2004 [Approved as Resolution 9-2004]	A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND RATIFYING THE CONTRACT WITH THE SUMMIT COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE.
RESOLUTION K-2004 [Approved as Resolution 10-2004]	A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF BOSTON HEIGHTS TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH ORIANA HOUSE, INC., FOR THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS SERVICES.
RESOLUTION L-2004 [Approved as Resolution 11-2004]	A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING STEVE SCHREIBER OF ADACHE CIUNI LYNN ASSOCIATES, INC., CONSULTING ENGINEER AS THE LOCAL PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE AKRON-CLEVELAND BRIDGE PROJECT.
RESOLUTION M-2004 [Approved as Resolution 12-2004] [This item was added to amended Agenda]	A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TEN SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS UNITS (SCBA'S), TEN SPARE BOTTLES AND ONE RAPID INTERVENTION TEAM UNIT. Clerk-Treasurer Zeman opened the single bid received, from Howell Rescue Systems. After some challenging mathematical manipulations, it was determined that this bid was for $39,251. With the assurance of Fire Chief Jim Robinson that the bid met specifications, it was accepted.
RESOLUTION N-2004 [Approved as Resolution 13-2004] [This item was added to amended Agenda]	A RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE PORTIONS OF BOSTON HEIGHTS THAT LIE WITHIN THE HUDSON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Councilor Mike Cheung explained that a planned revision to the comprehensive plan for the adjacent City of Hudson included a proposal to align the boundaries of the Hudson City School District with those of the city. A large portion of the Village of Boston Heights is in the Hudson school district, and has been for decades. Dr. Cheung noted that Hudson was concerned about its inability to regulate residential growth outside its borders, yet within the school district. He noted in passing, however, that Boston Heights already had a lower density requirement than Hudson, and that its new homes tended to have a higher value. This Resolution 13-2004 asks the Hudson City Council to remove this proposal and instead enter into discussions with the Village on its concerns with residential development.