City of Woodlawn Park

September 2009 Council Meeting Minutes

             The Woodlawn Park City Council met on September 21, 2009, at Woodlawn Park City Hall. Present were Mayor Tim Robertson, Attorney Matt Carey, Chief Jim Carter,  Council Members,  Scott Horn, Sherry Hyde, George Langford, Christian Seidt, Greg Claypool, and Doug Watson, Treasurer Charlie Veeneman and City Clerk Chana Elswick.  

The meeting began at 7:30 pm. 

Mayor Tim Robertson asked if any guests would like to approach the Council.  There were no guests to approach the Council. 

The council reviewed the minutes for the August 17, 2009 Council Meeting.  Scott Horn stated there was a correction to the minutes.  He stated to change the section regarding the parking lot under Streets and Signs to read: The City is not in agreement with that, but would like a circular drive. Sherry made a motion to accept the minutes. Greg seconded the motion.  All voted aye and the minutes were approved. 

Charlie Veeneman gave the Treasurer’s report.   He stated it had been a big month for collections with $70,000.00 in property taxes collected.  He stated 15 were not yet paid.  He stated the budget may be short if these are paid by the end of the month.  He projected the insurance tax will be over budget.  The trash collection will be on budget. He stated the Auditor has the 2008 records and will have the 2009 records by the end of the week. He plans to have the auditor attend the October meeting and give the report for both years.  Tim asked about FEMA reimbursement.  Charlie stated $1,435.50 was the amount received to date.  He stated Jessica Jones told him to expect the balance of $9,000.00 for the ice storm within 30 days.  He attended a meeting last month about FEMA.  He discussed how FEMA funds are listed in the report.  Greg and Charlie had a discussion regarding the set up of the balance sheet for the report.  Greg requested all reports be on a cash basis.  Charlie stated he will do that after the 2009 audit is completed.  George made a motion to accept the report.  Doug seconded the motion. All voted aye and the report was approved.

Charlie stated he had received a letter from John Yarmuth and FEMA has accepted the expenses for the Ike storm.  The City should receive 75% of reimbursement for the Ike storm.  Tim thanked Charlie for his effort on the ice and Ike storm reimbursement.

Charlie stated there are 15 property taxes due for the current year.  There are 3 delinquent for 2008-09 and 1 delinquent for 2007-08.  A lien has been filed for the one owing 2007-08 and 2008-09.  He suggested filing a lien on the other two for 2008-09.  Tim stated to file the lien.  Charlie gave Matt the information to file a lien.  Total taxes due for the current year are $6,000.00-$7,000.00 and over $2,000.00 for the previous years.  He stated Mary O’Neill, at 816 Stivers, had asked for an abatement of the late fee of $86.34.  He received the payment 09/05/09 for the discounted amount and she was only 5 days late in paying.  He had asked her to attend the meeting, but she was not able to attend.  Council discussed waiving the late fee.  George asked to table the discussion until the next meeting.  Greg stated he did not want to set a precedence and she could make payments on the late fee.  Charlie will email her and ask her to attend the next meeting.  There is one rental fee for Mrs. Hernandez still delinquent.  Bill Ritz and Charlie discussed collection options.  

Chana Elswick gave the Clerk’s report.  There were 899 hits to the homepage in August and 2980 to the discussion area in August.  She had completed a form regarding new construction in the City for the Census. 

Chief Jim Carter gave the police report for August. There were 1 citation, 23 warnings, 5 house watches, 2 motorist assist, 118 miscellaneous runs and expenses of $119.60.  There had been a Block Watch meeting with 6 in attendance.  He will try to set up a field trip.  He stated there had been complaints of magazine solicitors in Starthmoor and the 8^th Division had had 100 more thefts from autos than last year.  He stated Lt. Heaton was finished with his training.  He has requested firearms training.  Sherry asked for Lt. Heaton’s cell phone number – 439-6694. 

Bill Ritz discussed the parking ordinance.  He state there is a fine of $25.00 per day and when the balance reaches $1,450.00 the claim goes to small claims court.  Matt stated a lien cannot be filed on the property for parking violations.  A lien can be filed on maintenance and taxes.  He stated that you can get a judgment lien after you win in small claims court.  Chris asked if there were any outstanding parking violations. Bill stated there are two.  Scott asked if the City could tow cars.  Bill and Greg discussed fines and violations.

 Council Focus

Fences and Building Permits   Doug Watson stated he had no permit requests for the month, 

Emergency  Preparedness  George Langford stated that Ken Fleming was having a Town Hall Meeting on 09/24/09 at the Church of Christ on Brownsboro Road.  He stated there was a question on the website about flooding.  He stated water was 3 feet deep on Wingate at Walser.  He stated he will call MSD. 

Communication   Sherry Hyde stated she had nothing to report.  Tim stated the newsletter will be sent in the latter part of October.

 Public Relations  Tim stated there are no events planned.  There will be no fall City wide yard sale.

 Streets and Signs   Scott Horn stated there had been no City Hall meeting yet.  He is waiting for the State to do the parking lot.  Tim passed out pictures from Eagle signs. They have done signs for Richlawn.  Tim stated there needs to be a committee meeting. Scott talked with Terry Silverton of Signorama about doing a sign and how close the road is to City Hall and if a sign can be placed there.  He has talked with Safetico.  No parking signs are missing from the City.  There are 12 in the City now.  He discussed fixing signs and how many the City needs.  Scott suggested placing them mid-block.  Susan Deegan had suggested at the Block Watch meeting to place a no outlet sign at Green Meadow Circle and Walser.  Scott suggested a no solicitation sign at each entrance.  He stated the Cattleya sign was missing and Bill Ritz found it.

Scott stated the top of the pipe on Kinloch had caved in.  Tim stated funds were budgeted to fix this and asked Scott to check with Flynn Brothers about their estimate. 

 Grounds  Greg Claypool stated there was a comment on the website about MSD not cleaning.  George stated that sod had been laid and the basin was cleared by MSD.  Tim stated he had not been able to schedule a meeting.

 Welcome  Christian Seidt handed out a list of homes for rent or for sale.  He has a contact sheet that he is leaving with a packet, if he cannot meet with the residents.  He suggested a subscription service to track property ownership changes.  He stated he had sent out an email to Council about this.  Tim suggested a subscription to the Courier Journal instead of a $420.00 service.  Greg stated the Daily Record lists all transfers.  Chris will look into other options. 

 New Business 

Eagle Signs:  This was already discussed in the meeting.

Garage Ordinance:  Matt gave the first reading of the garage/carport ordinance.  There was a discussion regarding the wording of the ordinance  and the finishes and gutters on garages and carports.  Matt reread the ordinance with changes.  Council agreed with the changes.  There will be a second reading at the next meeting.

 Old Business  

City Hall Usage Agreement: Greg stated he is going to add parking rules.   

Westport Road Church of Christ:  Tim stated he had received a response to his letter.  The Church is in agreement about Kinloch usage and acknowledges Ambridge is not an access, but a berm cannot be used because of drainage issues.  Greg stated he wants the lock changed on the gate when Westport Road is opened.  He would like to City to hold the key.  He stated a resident has issues with the gate opening into his yard.

 Doug made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Greg seconded the motion.  All voted aye and the meeting was adjourned at 9:07pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Chana R. Elswick

City Clerk