Fitness Trail Redux

To be sure, this is a busy time.  So let’s review the proposed Fitness Trail and we can get on to other topics.  Here is some clarification since the initial feeler was put out.  A resident committee member came up with the idea.  A visit was made to the Dwyer Center to get input.  The images were then created to offer a clearer understanding. More input will be gathered from the Dwyer Center folks and people that use the walking trail now that the images are available.

I believe this will be reviewed again in January. Any thoughts or questions, please contact Clete directly at cmiller@wmf-inc.com

Comment Reminder

You can comment without signing in by clicking on No Comments or Comments below the posts.

Proposed Cahoon Park Exercise Trail

On Monday a proposal for a Cahoon Park Exercise Trail was reviewed.  Three 22' square exercise stations spaced around the existing walking track. Each station would have one sign describing the type of exercises that station was designed for. The stations are constructed out of recycled plastic, with a total cost about $20,000 to be raised through sponsors who will be thanked on the signs.

One idea is for these fitness stations to provide fitness activity for people that use the walking trail and that aren’t on sports teams.  These images were rendered to give people a better idea of what it would look like.  The stations are spread out so as not to impede lake views.

This is in the planning stages and Councilman Clete Miller would appreciate feedback, input, questions, etc. He can be reached by email:  cmiller@wmf-inc.com

"It isn't the money, it is the idea"

I have been attending meetings more frequently and see the time and effort put in by Council. I must admit, I have a new respect for them.  Their raises are well earned, the work is evident. We do need to chip away at seemingly small amounts of money spent because it does tend to escalate.

                                                     

At Monday’s meeting it was discussed that Mr. Ebert's base rate is $175/hr; paralegal work is billed at $100/hr.  Because Mr. Ebert spends more than 30 hours a week, the City may have to offer him health care.  Add to that an employee of his law firm spends 4 hours a week as an HR consultant for Bay Village, an arrangement that will eventually be formalized.                                                                                           

Is it fair for the residents to scrutinize this situation?   An issue taken in stride or as a matter of fact by Council confounds the citizens.  Sometimes there is difficulty believing there is no alternative. As Councilman Tadych said in a June meeting when Council raises were discussed, ‘it isn’t the money it is the idea’. In some cases it is both.

Council Meeting 12/9/13

Many issues were discussed last night: too many to cover in one post.  So, for today:

The budget is still being fine-tuned and closing in on expenses.  Revenue still needs discussion and public input is essential. Fees, property taxes, income taxes will be scrutinized.  Be prepared, there is no avoiding an increase in one or more of these areas.  The next meeting is this Friday 12/13 at 4.The budget will be done monthly until revenue concerns receive public input.  If you cannot attend and have ideas, concerns or recommendations, contact your council person.

Rezoning Ward 2

At the Planning Commission meeting tonight, an agenda item for Chapter 1158 B of the Codified Ordinance was removed due to the election results.  This is in regards to the rezoning of the Cahoon properties, which was voted down last month.

  

Questions concerning the comments Gary Ebert made in the Westlife in November were asked.  The commission assured everyone that for this issue to be placed on the ballot again it has to go through Council.  That is procedure.  Speaking of procedure, it came to our attention tonight that when the condo issue was originally presented, the Planning Commission was not made aware of it.  They are the committee this should have gone to first.

Questions abound, one being why was this re-zoning of Ward 2 being fast tracked?  Why would someone bypass the very Commission designed for the specific purpose of review of such issues?

Ward 2, be diligent.  It was pronounced a dead issue.  I look for its’ resurrection.

Monday Dec 2, 2013

7:30 in the Conference Room
http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/media/183645/2013_regular_meeting_agenda_12-2.pdf

Thanksgiving

The differing passionate visions residents have for Bay Village and that we can disagree is more a sign of harmony than it appears. It maybe the one thing we have in common. We all love where we live and want the best for our children, friends and neighbors. Everyone is essential, has a role and a place in the community. We all add to our town. For this I am thankful. Have a splendid Thanksgiving.

15 Days

http://westlife.northcoastnow.com/brickman-wants-to-revive-bay-luxury-apartment-project/

15 Days

15 days ago a precinct in Ward 2 that would be most directly impacted by proposed luxury apartments voted down the project.  15 days ago.

15 days is all it took for Bay Village Law Director Gary Ebert to say in today’s Westlife “the conditions are there for a development project to move forward, if people want it to.”  I find this so absurd I am almost at a loss for words. Almost.

The people spoke a mere 15 days ago– check the election results. For your convenience, let me sum it up:  THE PEOPLE DO NOT WANT IT – that is my understanding of a no vote.

So go ahead, one more person tell me to move on, to get over it, to let go.  I almost wiped the slate clean during Monday’s Council meeting.  I was ready for a fresh start.  Then take today, 15 days after election and first I see the Asst. Service Director article (with my concerns listed below) then I read this. Yes, my eyes hurt.

So when anyone wants to know why over 2,500 people want this administration gone, I submit arrogance of office is at the top of that list.

New Assistant Service Director hired for Bay Village

Some things stand out to me in the below linked article regarding this hiring:

North Olmsted: Public Safety and Service                                                                                   Bay Village: Service

North Olmsted: population: 32,354                                                                                        

Bay Village: 15,484

        

North Olmsted salary: $82,000                                                                                             Bay Village salary:  $87,000

         

Half the job responsibilities in a city with less than half of the population comes with a $5,000 pay raise. 

                                                                                                                                        http://www.cleveland.com/northolmsted/index.ssf/2013/11/north_olmsted_safety_and_servi_1.html#incart_river                                                                                  

Council Meeting 11/18/13

The atmosphere at Bay’s first Council meeting since the election was decidedly congenial last night compared to the events surrounding Toronto’s Council meeting.  That is a joke folks – there is thankfully zero comparison to that ignominious conduct.

Our meeting included a surprise regarding the need for a change with an electric code, the swearing in of our new Police Chief, and the Mayor saying now that the election is over it is time to put the derisiveness behind us.

I could say sure, I will if you will or okay, you first.  But that’s derisive then isn’t it?  Instead I will go forward with an open mind and take it one issue, one meeting at a time.  Join me.

Financial Forefront

At times like this I want city government to be more entrepreneurial and less political.  We have to reimagine tough economic times.  Reinvent ourselves and our resources.

One area I’ve always wondered about is Claque Parkway Plaza. There appears to be potential in and around those 4 storefronts.  Is there a way to maintain the existing businesses and attract a developer, a new industry?  Has this area reached its potential?

Has Bay Village reached out to towns of similar sizes and economic status and with particulars that mirror ours?

Has Bay Village pursued more innovative programs for our shared community spaces?

A major step would be to eliminate the border between public and government. City wide town hall meetings would be a great arena to exchange ideas.  There are no bad ideas or questions when brainstorming ….an idea fair, if you will.   Town hall meetings being more informal than a council setting may bring people and knowledge out.  We will never know if we don’t try. Engage youth and young adults in community decision making.  Sponsor a youth conference to envision a debt free future.

We could also transform the city website, using a corporate model for resident service and take it to the next level so questions and feedback can be submitted.  Since our society communicates differently today with increased technology, this may enable the ability to respond in an effective fashion.  Additionally many that would not offer input or ask a question in public may do so in this type of forum.

To truly scrutinize where to cut expenses we would need access to the paper trail, the actual receipts and bills instead of just the financial summary for the month.  Only then can residents offer support and decipher waste.

 

As one example; I cannot see the breakdown from these statements who has a city funded vehicle, the cost of the leases,  fuel,  maintenance, and  insurance.  It may be a minimal amount yet removing that perk would make a difference and send the right message.  Could more of the police force be on bicycles on warm days - conserving fuel while sending a positive message?

Here’s what not to do – from what I’ve read about cities that have suffered tough times, do not borrow money.

The Oct. 16^th blog entry “Bay Village Issues” and comments also reflect on this problem.  Under “Village Issues” from Oct. 15^th, among other ideas Scott suggests since we have the waterways and the lake we build hydro-electric power generation.  He also suggests renting the gun range.  He agrees that a think tank for the purpose of generating income is an idea whose time has come. 

It is upon us now

In case you missed it on other sites - This is the Bay Village Five Year Forecast. It has been pointed out that in the end we will be running a $3.9 million deficit.

Will everyone start to pay attention now? And not just pay attention, contribute questions, feedback, diligence and a presence to Council and the Mayor. How do we reach the people that defend all that transpires? We need to let them know they can still like who and what they want but this requires their participation as well. It's not about choosing sides anymore. It's about dealing with what is in front of all of us.  It could get better or it could get worse.

http://www.thevillagernewspaper.com/wordpress/2013/11/13/bay-village-five-year-forecast/

(to clarify - this is for the schools)

A Week Ago Today

Overheard in the last week – "The election is over – move on! It’s done! No more politics! Stop the political jargon! Enough til next election!"

It is when you vote that your efforts begin, not end. This would be true no matter who was elected. We can stay involved throughout the next 4 years or wait until a few months before the election to acquaint ourselves with issues. It generally doesn’t work to come in at the end of a 4 year project and be well versed. In your crash course, you will have to overlook most of the material.  You will focus on the outcome when the process may be more telling. The tendency is to look solely for what supports your agenda. You miss the subtlety and the momentum of what is being said and done. You draw conclusions without the last 4 years of background knowledge. It would be overwhelming to catch up; it is a chore, so why not just stay with it? Don’t wait that long to remove the blinders.

I commented how absolutely stunned I am that people ask for proof, then refuse to look at it.  Proof of why I and others feel the way we feel.  Proof of why I say the things I say and why we may have voted differently than they.  There’s rarely discussion because I surmise most didn’t read what was put in front of them.  It’s a small town, one day an issue will affect them, a loved one, their property or neighborhood, and then they will know what all the fuss is about.  They will have proof to call their own. Until then,  if someone is just curious or truly concerned, ask, don’t bait. Don’t cut and run - it robs us both.

An individual questioned if it is so bad where is the federal investigation.  Is that where the bar is now before one sees value in creating change?   Why wait until the water is over your head when you are already in up to your neck? 

Someone offered that we remove the personalities and focus on the problem.  While I agree, often times you cannot separate the two.  And if you have been following along you understand why.

“The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those that speak it.”  George Orwell

Finance Committee Meeting

To draw your attention to the Finance Committee meeting of October 28, 2013, I’ll start at the end of the report with some council members expressing concern about the budget preparation for 2014.

Other issues:  Police Department overtime is a long standing issue.  It seems the question is hire or keep staff on OT.

Accrued benefits - larger than anticipated in part due to retirement and several retired then rehired individuals, commonly referred to as double dippers. (Defined as someone who draws two incomes from the government - usually by combining a salary and a pension.)

Health insurance costs are an escalating issue.

The Department 114 Law is YTD over budget by $19,834,  as is Dept.322 Composting, by $6,800 in salaries.

The biggest issue remains the Bradley/Naigle Road Intersection Project.   A shortfall of $108, 000 due to the facts that the Director of Public Services did not know there was a 7% match for the grant. This should have been closed out by the end of 2012, then after July 1, 2013 (payments start 6 months after completion).  This project along with the tennis courts should have been tracked from inception.  The new City Hall tennis courts now have deep standing water puddles.  Another lawsuit?

Wouldn’t or shouldn’t the paperwork for the above mentioned grant have passed through several hands for reading, understanding, processing and approval then follow up?  How could everyone have missed that?

There is a comment made by the Finance Director regarding “the absence of a Service Director” as it applies to the 2014 Budget process.  This is a pivotal position as this person supervises the service department, parks and recreation maintenance, and is the interface between the city and the SAFEBUILT organization.  This person has the biggest equipment and personnel budget in the city. (Leaf, snow plowing, sewers, maintaining the parks, building maintenance, street patching, painting, etc).

http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/media/180520/2013_finance_minutes_10-28.pdf

http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/media/180899/october_2013.pdf

"What is so terrible in Bay Village"

Someone asked “What is so terrible in Bay Village that you would want to see a different Mayor. Please explain that to me.”

There is nothing terrible about Bay Village.  The neighbors are caring.  The schools create a wonderful atmosphere for the children.  It is quiet yet in a great location to major attractions. We can walk to the lake and through wonderful parks. It is a pretty town with little crime. These amenities have nothing to do with the Mayor. 

Does a mayor have to possess people skills? No.  Does a mayor have to be likeable?  No.  Does a mayor have to be respectful and forth coming? Yes.  When a system is in place and procedures are chronically disregarded with no explanation, I begin to doubt and mistrust the person put in charge of the system. If there are reasons to deviate from the laws, they are not shared with the citizens that raise concern; therefore I suspect hidden agenda.  The system is in place so that we are not governed by the whims of any one individual. Charter, ordinances, voting processes are instituted for a reason. A mayor should lead by enforcing procedure, not circumventing it.

 

Ever been told to attend a council meeting so the public can give input only to find out that a deal has already been sealed?  I have, several times.  Ever been to a council meeting to discuss an issue on the agenda only to have the mayor refuse to have that discussion?  I have, several times.  Ever been to a council meeting only to have the mayor engrossed in her ipad and sporting scores? I have. Ever been told one day a committee will be formed;  then attend a council meeting the next day to learn about the process of  participation only to be told the committee has already been chosen by the mayor with no public or council input? I have. This announcement was not just news to the audience; it was the first time council had learned this as well.   Ever looked at all the committees the mayor puts together to find bankers, developers, realtors and close friends as members of these committees? I have.   Ever been told, ask your questions I will get you answers.  I have, so I asked, I never received answers.  Ever witnessed a majority of voters in Bay Village overwhelmingly reject issues only for the mayor to state publicly that the citizens didn't know what they were doing?  An overwhelming majority of us have.  Regionalization was one issue.  Putting forth an effort to undo the primary process was another.

I respect that these issues may not be of importance to everyone but they do affect everyone sooner or later.

For more discussions on this issue refer to:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/538603919551392/ and for  more thorough topics and comments keep reading through this blog.  Also you can go back a few months on the Secret Bay Village fb page. 

"So vote for the opponent because why?"

He is not self-serving in nature. He does not have a personal or political agenda. He is of good character. He embodies the basic values required of the position of a small town mayor. He is knowledgeable re city employees and a working structure that is already in place. The operations of the city will be maintained.  He will be on top of finances because he has no choice in this matter. It is required by the state to balance the budget. He will follow procedures. He can be trusted to show his work. He will explain himself if questioned. There is no reason to believe he cannot do the job.    

Our existing Mayor is a good example of why Mr. Mace will succeed. She became involved in city politics with a background in retail and worked and studied and figured it out with the assistance of people and rules already in place. He is someone with the capability and drive to do the same. He is an active listener. He will foster partnerships in a professional manner. He will adapt to situations at hand. He has only 1 focus and investment, Bay Village. The people will hold him accountable and he will respond to that. He will work to bring people together not apart. I believe a good leader sees that our vision is more powerful than my vision. 

With the current administration, when you put all the seemingly little things together, the behaviors, the attitudes, the reports, documents, council meeting minute notes (several of which are linked here and or on the facebook page) I feel the need for a change. 

Definition of a city

"A city must be a place where groups of women and men are seeking and developing the highest things they know." ~ Margaret Mead

What type am I?

Of the Mayor’s quoted comments on this blog, the one I find especially telling is in response to an email she received. The sender stated her dissatisfaction with a recent decision and said ‘AM so glad i didn't buy that bay v. house 5 yrs. ago, your city once had a good rep..’To wit the Mayoral response: “Bay is glad too. You are not our type.” I didn’t know Bay had a ‘type’ and I would enjoy hearing her define exactly what she means by that.

Bay Village Financial Audit

The subject of finances has returned.  It was discussed on another site in September and commented on recently here.  I will review for those that missed the discussions.

Pages 78 and 79 of the city's most recent financial report show material weaknesses*/noncompliance.  It was obvious that some had not read the report, just chose to defend it and questioned the meaning of such findings. The feeling was it could mean that a CPA or a bank teller made mistakes.  The mistakes then compounded by the fact that no one caught them.

The truth is in the report which clearly states this was intentional: "Client Response: It is my understanding per the former Director of Finance that the transfers were discussed and approved within the budgeting process in Finance Committee but however was not included in an appropriation ordinance for council approval."

As a red flag,  the findings in this report caused the state to go back and audit the previous year.

Some even commented -  so what this is common.  It may be common if they were mistakes, but this was done with knowledge of action. Some experts would argue this is systemic. It raises questions regarding intention and ethics.  The questions it raised for me were - why wasn't it presented to council as is required? On what authority was the decision made to bypass council? What were the concerns in getting an authorization from council?  What were the ramifications if council had not approved these illegal moves? Has it caused other problems?

*A significant deficiency in internal controls that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected.  When one or more internal controls, put in place to prevent significant financial statement irregularities, is considered to be ineffective.

http://www.auditor.state.oh.us/auditsearch/Reports/2013/City_of_Bay_Village_12-Cuyahoga.pdf

"Bay Village Mayor Slanders Image Builders"

This came in as a comment but it deserves to stand alone also:

http://mcenteemedia.blogspot.com/2009/03/bay-village-mayor-slanders-image.html?showComment=1383178970357#c8343165959490671800

Charter Review - Question 3

Question 3.)  What is routine in the Mayor’s absence?

A Charter Review Committee member suggested the clause that states the 'President of Council shall become the acting Mayor in the absence of the Mayor' be changed to the Law Director since that has become the routine.

I am unsure what is meant by ‘routine’.  It is not routine in our surrounding communities. Avon, Avon Lake, Westlake, Rocky River, North Olmsted and Fairview Park all designate President of Council as the first order of succession. Since the President of Council in Bay “can elect not to serve as Mayor during a temporary absence, the Mayor shall designate a director.” Is the President of Council electing to not serve and the Law Director serving?  Maybe this is what ‘the routine’ refers to. The statement is unexplained in the notes. And yet, I can't find out who is serving unless I call to ask because...

In the end, it remains to “give the Mayor discretion to appoint a line of succession in the event of absence. . ” Further discussion was centered on the possibility of having that information posted and available to the public. It was determined that the Mayor’s Assistant would direct any inquiries from the public to the Acting Mayor, in the event of the Mayor’s absence. Based on this statement, it does not sound to me like it will be posted.  We have to ask. I have to ask, why?

http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/media/100149/minutes_3-19-12.pdf

Facebook

Don't forget the Facebook page, bvbehindthescenes https://www.facebook.com/groups/538603919551392/

Charter Review - Question 2

Question 2.) Is it self-serving? Is it to limit the participation and challenge of Mayoral candidates? Was this an appropriate time to introduce the idea given the chronic discussion and outsourcing or downsizing due to budget cuts? Is it groundwork for the direction the Mayor wants to go in?

3-19-12 Charter Review meeting opens the door to forms of government. A City Charter allows flexibility to choose novel types of government structures. Mayor Sutherland notes that there are City Managers in and around the state. My research shows there are 4 City Managers in Cuyahoga County out of 57 cities. None from our neighboring west shore communities. The Mayor and Mr. Cruse who both know City Mangers state that they will invite them to come in and speak to the commission.

This administration has steadfastly stated its positive results and accomplishments under the current Mayor and Council form of government. Yet the feedback in the room seems interested, positive regarding this idea.

4-2-12 meeting, the Mayor gives a Power Point presentation defining a City Manager form of government. Including:

“City Managers are compensated on a contractual basis. The average length of stay is five years. It is very competitive and the urban/suburban compensation ranges from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, plus benefits. In some of the very rural communities it is more likely that it will be in the $75,000 to $100,000 range"

In the end, the current form of government was not changed. For now. I have more questions.

http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/media/100149/minutes_4-2-12.pdf

The Mayor and the First Amendment Lawsuit

Many residents of Bay Village may not know that the second highest court in the country (the U.S. Court of Appeals, which sits under the Supreme Court) held that Mayor Sutherland may well have violated the First Amendment in suspending a fire fighter who publicly criticized her in a council meeting.  Here are two online summaries of the case -- summary 1 and summary 2 -- and the actual opinion is posted in its entirety here. 

In this case, decided in 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals held unanimously that the fire fighter’s claim against Mayor Sutherland deserved to go to trial.  Specifically, the firefighter made a strong legal case that his fundamental right to free speech was violated when she suspended him after he raised criticisms about whether the public’s safety was being adequately protected by the City after the tragic drowning of a young boy off the Bay Village coast.  After the Court of Appeals sent the case back for a full trial on this First Amendment violation in 2011, Mayor Sutherland settled the case.  (It isn’t clear how much Sutherland paid to settle, nor whether the money came from tax coffers…..  This isn’t to suggest this litigation was supported by residents’ dollars – the information just isn’t available to illuminate these questions).

Our nation’s Bill of Rights makes it clear that government officials cannot penalize employees who, in their capacity as citizens, raise questions or voice criticisms against the government.  If this kind of retaliation were allowed, then those who work for the government as civil servants would be turning over their right to speak freely as citizens; exactly the kind of tyranny that our founding fathers and revolutionary heroes worked so hard to fight against.   What is even worse, if mayors and other government officials can threaten employees with the loss of their jobs every time they raise questions about their leadership in their capacity as citizens, then government officials could bully employees into silence and control the information that reaches the public.

I suspect that few Mayors in the country have this kind of negative line on their political resumes – a unanimous opinion from the U.S. Court of Appeals holding they may have violated the U.S. Constitution in their treatment of City employees.  At the very least, Bay Village residents should know about this important First Amendment case in deciding how to cast their votes next week. 

Charter Review - Question 1

In 2012 the Charter of Bay Village was reviewed for updates, amendments, revisions. The commission appointed by the Mayor, reviews the entire Charter and is assigned specific sections for revision and new sections for inclusion. The Mayor states because of the changing environment in the city, “it is important for the city to have the flexibility to set up the administration as it sees fit.” The Mayor stated that this particular Charter Review Commission has the opportunity to transform the charter into a great, flexible document. The model charter provided by the Mayor contains that ability for flexibility.

Question 1.) Wouldn’t the concept of flexibility go against the point of having an established legal document such as our City Charter? We need to keep up with change and movement but isn’t Charter Review the time and place to update and set new norms in motion? Why the need for such flexibility? The flexibility reference comes up many times in these meetings. Keep in mind this statement – “for the city to have the flexibility to set up the administration as it sees fit.” I believe this comment lays the groundwork for Question 2.

http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/media/100149/minutes_3-9-12.pdf

Kennel and Animal Control Officer

Hot topic!  – Animal Control Officer & Kennel 

The current administration has said that the city doesn't get many animal related calls.  A most recent public records request for the Animal Call Sheets reveals that there were 55 calls made.  There are times when it is over 100 a month. Do you really want the police force to continue handling these situations?   The City needs to lead in finding a solution, making it a priority, instead of tossing hands up and repeating how they tried.  Often times I notice when people say something negative about the current Mayor, her supporters will comment ‘oh just admit it’s personal’.  In all fairness, this is a case when the Mayor needs to admit it’s personal.  She has lost sight of the importance in this issue because of her feelings about the people involved in the kennel. 

You can hear the audio of a meeting between the Mayor and Friends of the Kennel and read more on their site:  http://friendsofbayvillagekennel.com/

City Operational Review

Our city meets a lot of basic requirements and gets routine issues right.  Interesting to me, the issues some citizens lament, our city employees also lament. The following is taken from Review of the Operations of Bay Village.   Prepared by the Center for Public Management, College of Urban Affairs.

“While some aspects of the city communications program are commendable, some employees feel disconnected, uninformed, and underappreciated. This sentiment applies to their relationships with their immediate supervisors, the administration, and council. This has contributed to a decline in morale and in some departments and may result in lower productivity.”

“Several employees expressed that communication does not flow sufficiently between employees and administration, and that they do not feel they receive enough information about what is happening in the city. Some indicate decisions are made that affect their jobs and these decisions are not communicated directly to them or the department.  When they do find out, the information came from residents or personnel from another department. In addition, some employees feel that directors, the administration, and/or council do not have an adequate understanding (and in some cases appreciation for the work done) of their jobs or departments. This has resulted in decisions in which jobs have been eliminated or people have retired and elements of those positions have not been assigned to others or those in the department are unsure who is responsible for handling those duties.”

“Several employees indicated that it would be helpful to have an impartial human resources staff member to provide guidance on staff-staff or staff-management conflicts and other human resources issues.”  (Under consideration is the hiring of an associate from our Law Director’s firm)

“The majority of job descriptions reviewed were inconsistent in content and format, with some missing important elements. “

New council members do not receive an orientation.

On the topic of Bay’s high percentage of emergency meetings.  “Bay Village has a high percentage of emergency measures, thus suggesting that all decisions were of an emergency nature – by definition necessary for “the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health or safety.”  It is not a good practice to routinely sidestep spirit of provisions in the charter or codified ordinances, nor  is it a good practice to routinely conduct council business using emergency measures.

Refer to the report for detailed information:

http://urban.csuohio.edu/publications/center/center_for_public_management/BVOpReviewFinalReport031912.pdf

"Has he done a good job?"

Again for those of you that don't 'do' Facebook - to keep you in the loop.  I posted the same "Law Director" topic on Facebook.  Someone asked "Has he done a good job?"  My response was:

I feel the answer to that question is subjective. Maybe he meets job requirements by answering legal questions for the City and defending Bay’s lawsuits, in addition to oversight of legislation and code preparation.  Maybe his defense of lawsuits saves us money – maybe it doesn’t, how would we know if the Law Department isn’t submitting an annual report to Council as it is supposed to?  Again, if someone knows where I can find those reports through the years, I want to see them.  What are his performance reviews like?  Is he even subjected to performance reviews, and who reviews him? Is that public record?  If there are no reviews, why?  We have 3 part time people in our Law Department.  Another good question is can the Law Department be reconfigured and/or can someone else do the job as well or better for less?  The town does not have the opportunity to make that decision since this is an appointed position.

Law Director

Since someone else brought up the subject of the Bay Village Law Director here is what I know.  Most of which can be found in City Council Meeting Minutes. 

• 1982 Prior to a position in politics in Bay, the future Law Director tried to break the Cahoon will in order to build a Marina in Cahoon Park.  This venture would include boat docks, restaurants, shops and a causeway. 
• 1986 Ebert becomes a Councilman then is appointed City Law Director and switches from Democrat to Republican; Mayor Sutherland did the same after she became Mayor.  Flashback to the 70’s when Mayor Cowles told an employee that becoming a Republican was a requirement.   This appears to be true. I have to ask: Why?
• 1992 The City tried to break the Cahoon will.  The City took it to court where the suit lasted until 1995.
• 2004 The Mayor hired Kent State Urban Design to plan a shopping area to connect Bay Square with Dover Junction.  The proprietors of the existing shops found out much later that such a plan was being drafted.
• I believe these issues, especially the Cahoon Will, will resurface. I see a recurring theme.  Can anyone else read between the lines?
• Another individual reported a 6 figure salary for the part-time Law Director.  The ordinance for compensation reads  “In addition said Law Director or his law firm shall receive additional compensation at an hourly rate as shall be approved by the Mayor  upon statements duly rendered for services..”  Hourly rate in addition to a salary.  What is the hourly rate?
• The Law Department should be issuing an annual report to City Council.  I've been unable to see that report but if someone can produce it, I'd like to read it. 
• Why isn't the Law Director an elected position?  How was the decision to place it on the ballot blocked?  Were City funds spent to keep it off the ballot?
• It has been proposed that the City hire an HR Consultant.  The person under consideration is the Human Resources Manager for the City of Westlake and an associate at the Law Firm of Seeley, Savidge, Ebert & Gourash.                                                                                                                    

Mayor 101

• Remind yourself often it takes a village.
• Discuss public issues in a public forum.
• Remember the citizens pay your salary. Speak to them and listen to them with the same respect you would any employer.
• When your opinion or agenda is opposed, this is an opportunity to discuss and learn and counsel, not a reason to suspend or fire.
• When attending council meetings, give the speakers and audience your full attention.  Put the ipad, laptop or other electronic gadgets away.  Not everyone is interested in sports, if they were they would be attending or home watching the game.
• You can’t have an open door policy with a closed mind. Open door policy is moot when decisions are already made.
• If you see a van in front of your house in the wee hours, or any hours, get a plate number, call the police.   If you do not do that you put yourself, your family, and your neighborhood at risk.  If no one is identified, captured, arrested, and charged, you are not in a position to name individuals you thought might have been involved.                                                                 http://www.cleveland.com/bayvillage/index.ssf/2013/09/bay_village_mayor_deborah_suth_12.html

Bay Village Issues

My answer to the question: What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Bay Village these days? Finances. Bay Village is not alone when it comes to pressing issues of finances.    It is easy to make cuts. The difficulty is to maintain, increase and generate revenue.   This is most pressing and therefore cannot be separated from other issues.

Lack of vision for our citizen base of all income levels.  Lack of nurturing the sustainable middle class neighborhoods.  Elitism when organizing committees. We aren't flush with commercial revenues so we are more vulnerable and need to be more entrepreneurial and less political.

Has the city explored creative options to generate income? 

Adopt a road, City sidewalk sale, better utilization of community gym.

Focus groups to lure and fill business gaps.  Focus groups to brainstorm anything.  Our students would be excellent resources for ideas because they think outside of the box.

What about forming a small cooperative movie theater in the empty lot on Wolf since we can’t go to the pool on Sundays, rainy days or year round.  Or if the underground work is there, attracting another small gas station?

Make Bay Days better.  It gets thinner and pricier every year.  How can the city make more money from this event?

Stop with the large cost studies. Do your own homework.  Go after more grants, more volunteerism.

Attract new businesses with minimizing risk to existing businesses.  Generate more support  and awareness for existing businesses and local groups. Why isn't the Village Foundation better supported?   How many residents know it exists and its mission?  I took an impromptu survey of only 10 people I knew in Bay.  8 had no idea – why is that? 

Can the town have a fundraiser for itself?

Is the city paperless for employee time sheets and pay stubs?  How about offering interested employees unpaid days off?  3 to 5 a year?

Can the Mayor pass on a raise?

Have service vendors been approached for discounts?

For many reasons our residents are not involved or concerned. 

A derisive attitude from the Mayor.  Disregard for public opinion and the voting process.  Of which I find highly insulting.

http://www.cleveland.com/bayvillage/index.ssf/2012/11/bay_village_mayor_deborah_suth_3.html
In November 2012 the city voted against regionalization.  Sutherland stated she would go forward anyway and added: “ Sutherland said she did not interpret the defeat of the ballot issues as a rejection by voters of the concept of regionalizing city services. Instead, she expressed her belief that voters were confused by the ballot language.” “Unless the voters actually took the time to thoroughly read the material that was provided to them via the city publications, I think it was very confusing.” When voters are confused by an issue, normally they vote against it, she said.

Blog Participation

You can participate by responding in the comments section or by signing into bvbehindthescenes.blogspot.com  with the user name bvbehindthescenes@gmail.com.  Password: bvpolitics. You will then be able to start a new post/topic.  You can also view discussions and/or join the bvbehindthescenes  group on Facebook.https://www.facebook.com/groups/538603919551392/

Village Issues

Miscreant2013October 15, 2013 at 7:35 AM

Interesting thought. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Bay Village these days?

Welcome

Citizens of Bay Village, Ohio are interested in learning about the workings of our city government.  Let us utilize this page to share experiences and examples of what we feel is working in our town and what is not and the reasons why.  Informed decisions are vital to our wonderful life in Bay.