Friday, May 29, 2015

Sewer System Problems

“Sutherland said a capital improvements sewer fee for all customers may be the fairest way to deal with the problem. “Having everybody pay $25 to $50 instead of some residents having to pay $2,000 may be a more equitable solution.” ~ from the Westlife. The entire article here: http://westlife.northcoastnow.com/bay-mulling-possible-sewer-capital-work-fee/

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Council Raises

At the May 18th committee meeting, raises for council president and at-large members were discussed. When council members last received an increase council president and at-large members did not because raises cannot be given in the middle of a term.  When compared to salaries in other West Shore communities, Bay Council makes thousands less. Law Director Gary Ebert commented as a side note our council meets more often than other councils in surrounding communities.

Ward 3 Council Karen Leiske stated she recognized it is only about a 2% increase but she was opposed to council raises in the past and continues to be.

Beginning 2016, Lakewood Council members will receive $13,000. Rocky River is at $12,000 and president of council $13,500. Westlake President of Council $21,300.

I do not always agree with council, but, I do recognize the work they do and the knowledge they possess.  The increases listed above total $4,201 over the 2 to 4 year period for 7 people.


If the proposal is accepted the following will be in effect (page 5)




Saturday, May 23, 2015

Response to (Facebook) Recording Concerns

Hardwiring the conference room was never a condition of the gift. It was the way the vendor estimate was written and the Mayor had almost a year to renegotiate that point as well as any other problems she may have had. There has always been and still is flexibility and a willingness on council’s part to adapt. But, they have to know what the concerns are before they can do that.

Regardless of the Mayor’s feelings about the LWV many feel it was unprofessional to name names. As was stated, most are aware of the supporters and opponents. Singling them out was an unnecessary jeer.

The offer of funds for recording equipment was not a set up. Recording benefits all positions. Recordings will show no bias. The moments when the administration and council are heroes as well as the moments they are not will be captured. It is fair and long overdue.

Page 3, line 3 of the link shows monies for council microphones (outside funding). This document prepared by the Finance Director, signed by the Mayor shows their knowledge of the project and the time they had to react.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Who's on First?

Council wants to move off the discussion about recording equipment with the assertion it will happen and that should be the current focus. I am not easily moved. I enjoy sharing my experiences with you; I do not enjoy when someone comes along and makes it seem like an illusion.

I follow the process. I attend meetings. I research and reference meeting minutes and newspaper articles. Yesterday I had an email discussion with Renee Mahoney (Finance Director) re: recording equipment.

Mrs. Mahoney tells me she is the one that stopped the project from going through at this time.

For those that have been following, bear with us for a little background for those that have not. You will be glad you did.

May 4 Mr. Vincent announces the LWV donation of funds is to be presented. Mrs. Mahoney states the Mayor does not want microphones in the conference room. She agreed Council appropriates the funds “but I sign the purchase order and I answer to the Mayor.” Mrs. Mahoney further stated that “the Mayor’s thought is to have all the meetings in Council Chambers”.  These are the only points Mrs. Mahoney discusses at this meeting in the Mayor’s absence.

May 18 was the first mention of concern over only one vendor and a desire for due diligence. When I questioned the Mayor regarding the logic of the delay, Mrs. Mahoney was seated next to her. Mrs. Mahoney’s entire email explanation was not offered up that night, even though the opportunity was provided.  I do not dispute the reasons she wants to look at other options. In my email to her I told her the eleventh hour move made these intentions suspect. Even in yesterday’s May 19 cleveland.com article, the Mayor never states any concerns other than hard wiring the conference room and a desire to add video.

It seems like what caused the administration to suddenly step up was the realization that this was actually going to happen and they did not like the definitive terms of the donation. Their inaction to this point was due in part to the fact that they were “not aware that the LWV was truly going ahead with the donation”. And there you have it. Not aware. It was not a secret. I do not understand why they were not aware.  A promise of a monetary gift to the city and administration does not find it important enough to follow through and stay on top of the process to secure the desired outcome. The very idea appears to have been dismissed. No one at city hall takes time to prepare – until the check is made out. Have we missed out on other gestures because someone thought they already knew the outcome?

Yes, Renee, as you stated, you do answer to the Mayor. This is on her. Mrs. Mahoney’s intentions are pure, but with utmost respect to Mrs. Mahoney and her hard work and valid points, when we hear them after the fact - I call shenanigans.

I do believe the projects will eventually happen; no longer the point. It is but a glimpse into how things may or may not get done – no matter the project.

The question was raised about the Mayor’s relationship with the League of Women Voters. It is not a secret the Mayor does not have respect for the Bay Village Chapter.

Taken from Mayor Sutherland’s re-election Facebook page:  (she named names, I replaced them with Xx’s)

“Re-elect Mayor Debbie Sutherland: With members like Xxxx and Xxxxx Xxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxx, you just have to wonder what the heck has happened to the Bay LWV.

Re-elect Mayor Debbie Sutherland: The LWV no longer apperars [sic] non-partisan and objective. We have valued them for guidance and wisdom in the past, but the current group, Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx Xxxx, and Xxxxx Xxxxxx have undermined any confidence in the LWV due to their active participation in the mayoral campaign.”

One of the members singled out is on the Cleveland Board and recently has been named to the National League of Women Voters' Money in Politics Committee. Only 10 members are chosen from a national pool of scholars and legal experts. 

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Recording Equipment Delay

Stonewall: delay or block (a request, process, or person) by refusing to answer questions or by giving evasive replies, especially in politics.  I dare say I was stonewalled last night. I got evasive answers when I addressed the Mayor about why she waited until 2 weeks ago to express herself regarding recording equipment for Council Chambers and the conference room.  Her unanticipated concern for due diligence and additional estimates has done nothing but delay a project that is long overdue.  The Mayor should have stated her apprehension months ago at the inception of this project. She had over a year to ask questions and make suggestions and roll up her sleeves and help get the best equipment at the best price. She. Did. Not. With a donation for the equipment about to be presented, suddenly she has issues with the project.

I expressed concern a second time about the fact that she did not speak up sooner. She cited new elements in a letter from the League that she had not heard before. (A member of the League who attended every meeting where the equipment was discussed wanted the record to show that all these issues had in fact been deliberated, there were no new items for consideration and this is a matter of public record.)

Again addressing the Mayor, I followed with a “to be clear” if you have any other concerns you should let everyone know now. I did not want this process to hit another roadblock. She says until she gets into it, she has no other concerns.

She stated she is not against the project. She stated that the meetings are already recorded. Yes, we know. And we could come in and listen. Yes, we could. This misses the point of the issue.

Council President, Paul Koomar, keeping true to his diplomatic position, stated that this is where we are now. He assured us he will work on this as well through the summer as they all want this to happen.

Ironic that the very reason Council, the League of Women Voters and so many residents want clear audio or video of meetings may be the very reason the project was stonewalled. Transparency.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Walker Road Park Deer Culling

I attended a meeting held by the Walker Road Ad Hoc Committee on April 21st. The purpose of the meeting was to give an overview of the Avon Lake deer management program and seek partnership with Bay Village to cull in Walker Road Park.

Facts and figures and comments:

Avon Lake’s cull over 2 nights took 16 deer and resulted in 670 pounds of meat donated to Second Harvest.

Initially 30% of Avon Lake residents were in favor of culling. Now, 60 to 70% of residents in Avon Lake want something done.

Avon Lake deer carcass pickups through the years: 2011-32; 2012-48; 2013-89; 2014-105
The results of Avon Lake’s 3 helicopter surveys in 3 separate years showed an overpopulation of deer. Increasing in numbers, officials fear more deer human conflict. The concern of the committee is safety for residents.

The audience, comprised mostly of Bay residents commented.  One said she has never seen a deer in Bay or the park, while another resident from the same area sees as many as 15 a day make their bed in her yard 3 feet from her windows. The sentiment ranged in favor of culling, doing nothing at all, finding compassionate methods and other interesting suggestions.


The following statement was made at this meeting by Mr. Reitz (Avon Lake Public Service Director) and days later retracted by Mr. Reitz. Taken from the meeting minutes: “Mr. Reitz stated that the habitat in Avon Lake is going to change this year because Holly Hill Horse Farm on Krebs Road (30 acres) has been sold to a developer, which will increase the deer problem.” I and another resident posted the statement heard at the meeting. We immediately removed the posts when told this was a rumor. I learned of miscommunication and Mr. Reitz corrected himself “Holly Hill Horse Farm has not been sold.” To be clear; there was no creation of a falsehood on my part or by the other resident that posted information heard at the meeting. 

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Community Cable Access - WOW

Who knew?? Did you?? Bay has a community access channel. “The community cable access channel is only on WOW and it is channel 21. It is a scrolling slide show of events and other community information. It has a lot of information on Rec. Dept. offerings, Community Service events and civic organization activities. The same kind of information that goes out in the Mayor’s email blasts and is on the web site."

May 12, 2015 State of the City

How many attended the State of the City address for Bay last year and how many reservations for the May 12, 2015 State of the City? Out of curiosity, last week I emailed this question to the executive assistant at the West Shore Chamber of Commerce.

I am aware State of the City lunches are essentially Chamber of Commerce events. The Bay Village lunch includes city employees and the city pays for their reservation. Local business leaders attend along with few, if any residents.  It seems to be a somewhat select audience. Time allows for networking.  The Mayor presents the city in a positive light. It looks like a well done and beautiful delivery of Bay’s accomplishments with a promise of continued good things to come–as it should be. (links to Bay Village State of the City address below)

Venues and times of the year vary from city to city as there are no steadfast rules, but they are Chamber promoted events and the city’s best is highlighted. Some luncheons include council member presentations or panels of speakers and some take time for questions. However it is presented, it is positive for a group of people that are, for the most part, already positive about the city.

It should be good public relations. It may drive business leaders to locate in Bay. It’s politics.

As to my question of attendance… Upon receipt of my email I was asked to call to discuss. I did not want a discussion - just a number or two since I had no idea if we were talking 20, 40, or 200 attendees. But, hoping I might learn something, I called.  During a polite conversation about who I am, why I was asking and what my thoughts were, I was told twice this would have to be turned over to the Executive Director since they had never been asked this question before. I was told he would call me to discuss. He never called. Nonetheless, I learned this year’s event had approximately 70 in attendance. Thank you, you know who, for the count.

http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/media/208023/2014_state_of_the_city.pdf

http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/media/256835/2015_state_of_the_city.pdf




Friday, May 8, 2015

Is it Pro or is it Con?


“During the Sept. 29 council committee sessions, Koomar also supported the idea of having the council meetings broadcast. “It’s something I think we need to be doing,” he said.

Mayor Debbie Sutherland also supported the concept.  “I would be all for having the meetings broadcast and more available to people,” she said. “I would like us to review different proposals and find the best financial way to get this done.”

Taken from a Westlife article on October 10, 2014

Thursday, May 7, 2015

State of the City

Middle of the work week, middle of the work day. $20. That is your invitation to The State of the City address given by Mayor Sutherland. Held at Le Centre in Westlake on Tuesday May 12 at 11:30. Same as last year. My feelings? Same as last year. Who can attend these things? Why isn't it held in our city? The majority of people in Bay Village have commitments during these times.

I would like to attend but since I can not, I get my feel for the State of the City from the meetings I attend at City Hall.

Just in case you can attend: Reservations are required; call Sharon at 440-835-8787 or email sharon@westshorechamber.org






Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Gas Aggregation Passes

Vote for gas aggregation results: 
Yes 812 No 124

Approximately 11,000 registered voters in the city - fyi

EPA letter to the City re: sewers (updated)

Residents of the Bruce, Douglas and Russell Road district this one is for you. April 27th you asked that the letter the City received in 2009 from the EPA be posted on the front page of the City website. I could not find it, but hey, I still have a flip phone. At the May 4th meeting, Councilman Vincent, tech savvy himself, asked if the letter was on the website. He was told yes. He had to ask where because it was not on the front page and he could not find it elsewhere. It was 4 clicks away on the City services page under services.  It is currently on the front page of the city website. Here it is:
http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/media/255627/epa_letter_2015.pdf 

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Call or Write about Recordings (updated)

The Mayor was in attendance at the committee meeting of January 12, 2015 when this announcement was made: “Mr. Vincent advised that the League of Women Voters have approved a donation of funds to pay for recording equipment for the Bay Village City Council Chambers and conference room.” She said nothing that night and to my knowledge, said nothing in the weeks and months that followed. Instead, she made herself scarce last night and let someone else speak for her. (re post: To Record or Not to Record)

The Mayor has had ample opportunity to object to the recording equipment.  Audio equipment that provides residents, who are unable to attend meetings, the ability to listen online has been discussed since the last election – November 2013. There are of course many other advantages to having this technology. Thanks to Councilman Paul Vincent’s efforts and the League of Women Voters promise of a generous gift, their ideas and hard work were becoming reality.

In regards to last night’s comments, one now wonders - Could she take the money and then refuse to spend it in the intended manner?  Could she refuse the gift outright? Doing either of these would confirm the feeling that we the public do not deserve transparency; that the city does not want to find a way to inform all residents or allow us an easy way to be involved.

In fairness, there is the hope that the Mayor will do the right thing. If you are in favor of having the recording equipment in the conference room and Council Chambers, you can express your opinion or concerns by calling or emailing the Mayor’s office.

dsutherland@cityofbayvillage.com    (440)899-3416

(added info from earlier in the same meeting): "Mr. Alex Dade, representing the League of Women Voters, announced that the League has long been focused on making sure that the voters have the most complete and accurate information about what goes on in our government to help them make informed voting decisions. The League has earmarked $10,000 out of the Hirsh Education Fund to be given to City Council to help them provide a recording system for both the Council Chamber and the Committee Room. It will include an I-pad for the Clerk to control the recordings to play back and those recordings can be posted on the City’s website for the public to access. There are some hoops to be ironed out, but in a couple of months the project should be able to be started. Mr. Koomar expressed appreciation to Mr. Dade and the League of Women Voters."

Monday, May 4, 2015

To Record or Not to Record?

Someone does not want recording equipment installed in the conference room at City Hall. Why? At tonight’s 7:30 committee meeting, in the conference room by the way,  the announcement was made that next week the League of Women Voters will present Council with a check for $10,000 toward the purchase and installation of microphones and recording equipment.

Mayor Sutherland was absent tonight but Finance Director Renee Mahoney stated that the Mayor does not want the recording equipment in the conference room. This has been in the works for a long time and an agreement already in place. Meetings in the conference room are pivotal. They are open to the public and this is where much debate and explanation occurs. As a resident says -“It’s where the magic happens.” The statement that the Mayor did not want the recording equipment in that room caused heads to spin and people to jump out of their seats a bit.

Council appropriates the money, so it doesn’t even sound like it’s the Mayors call. A member of the League was there to set the record straight. The agreement is that the money is for the conference room AND Council Chambers. It is not one or the other. If the money is not used for equipment to be installed in both rooms, the agreement is void. After the meeting some wondered if that was the ultimate goal of the Mayor.

Ms. Mahoney was being challenged but she pointed out that she answers to the Mayor and the thought was to have all the meetings in Chambers. I’m sorry Ms. Mahoney had to be the messenger.

When questioned by the audience, Council President Paul Koomar said these are his meetings - which I took to mean that Council will abide by the agreement with The League of Women Voters and not by the whim of the Mayor.

4/27/15 Sewer Reconnection Meeting

Additional information taken from the draft of the 4/27 meeting. RE: Discussion CW money and District 11 sewer reconnection.

A resident “…asked Mayor Sutherland if the announcement she made earlier in the meeting regarding money from Cleveland Water Department was for water for the different cities. …asked if the City of Bay Village could have gone in for that to get something that is going to offset this possible $5,000 per house charge to correct the sewer connection.”

“Mayor Sutherland answered that we could have, however Council decided to table the issue.
Mr. Koomar addressed the Mayor stating that she is talking about sanitary lines versus water. Mr. Vincent added that the money spoken of has nothing to do with the sanitary disconnection issue. Mayor Sutherland replied that it does because it could be used to leverage the project. If we are going to be opening a trench we might as well replace the water lines.


Mr. Koomar addressed Director of Public Service Thomas stating that he may want to correct the Mayor that this is all on private property.”

April 2015 Notes

April 27

Upsetting news is hitting Bay residents week after week. At the end of last week the first round of residents that will be required to reconnect their sewers have received notices, with the promise of an official letter to follow.

The upset comes because the repair cost is the homeowner’s responsibility. We are talking thousands of dollars. As one resident writes “The city is mandating a time frame from the time you're notified to complete the repairs. I believe that time frame is 12 months. If not completed by then they plan on charging you $50 per month until it is corrected. Again, the city sat on this for years and did nothing. Why don't homeowners have years to correct the city's mistakes?”

Additionally, a resident that had his basement waterproofed about 6 years ago was told he was in compliance by one of our inspectors. He had the permits, used a reputable and qualified contractor and had the final inspection all for naught.

Other residents are expressing the frustration that they have called the city multiple times and were given days they would be visited but no one has come out to visit.

April 28

Petulant. I tried to come up with a different word to describe the behavior at last night’s meeting but this word lingers. The meeting brought several residents from the Bruce, Douglas, Russell area that received the letters regarding sewer upgrades. Prior to the audience session of the meeting, during the Mayor’s announcements, harboring resentment, she spoke “I know you think I forgot about this” and proceeded to report on the $14 million that Cleveland Water distributed to competing cities for replacement of small broken pipes.

The first audience member to speak took that to heart. Hearing that council unanimously turned down the agreement, and thereby the money that she felt could have helped their neighborhood, she questioned it. Well, that money couldn’t have and probably wouldn’t have helped them, but the Mayor saw an opportunity to get sentiment on her side and ran with it. It was a jaw dropping moment for those of us that knew the backstory. You have a room with many that are attending their first meeting and through no fault of their own do not know what to believe. Hearing this added something else for them to be frustrated about. The audience questioned why council would just “table the matter” as the Mayor put it. They did not realize what work had gone into it and that it was not a simple or easy matter. When council intervened over the Mayor’s distortion and turned to Scott Thomas (Service Director) for clarity and a better explanation of the situation – let’s just say – the Mayor is his boss and he too supplied some non-answers to the question at hand.

The feeling was left dangling over these residents that they missed out on money. I left the meeting and made a point to talk to the woman that still couldn’t understand why council did that. I wanted her and the other residents to realize it was not entirely the way the Mayor portrayed it. I did not have any meeting notes with me or this quote from a Plain Dealer article “…agreement (with Cleveland Water) would provide a way to swap out 100-year-old pipes along Sunset Drive for modern plumbing, and allow Bay Village to apply twice a year for more cash to replace other antiquated pipes. Cleveland Water sweetened the deal with $1.2 million for the Sunset pipes.”

As I was leaving, the Mayor also came outside and found the group and began talking with them. I had to chuckle to myself this morning – who are they going to listen to? Some woman they don’t even know or the Mayor that told them what they wanted to hear?

Last night’s behavior was uncalled for and displayed a lack of integrity. I don’t always agree with Council, but I will say they certainly did not deserve that manipulation.

If you live in the area of Russell, Douglas and Bruce, the ordinance to repair the sewer has not passed yet. You still have time to learn and be heard. If you don’t live in that area, it is beneficial for you to follow what is happening. You may be faced with this issue someday.

April 29

In light of the confusion about Improvement Target Areas and the dye testing and sewer reconnection, one suggestion has been to obtain a copy of your property file. These are kept at the Safebuilt office at City Hall. You do not have to make a public records request for this. You can show up, but if they are busy you will have to go back. It might be a good idea to call ahead. Should you request it ask for everything in it. If you want copies, they are at your expense.

One resident had stated that her house was dye tested and was told it was fine, but has since received a notice that she had to comply with the sewer reconnection. This is just one example of why it is important to know what is in your file.

April 29

A few notes from the audience session at the 4/27 meeting: Ordinance Chapter 916 – Foundation Drain Disconnection.

The main body of the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972. The City of Bay Village received a letter in 2009 from the EPA advising what needed to be done to come into compliance. A resident asked that this letter be posted on the City website. When residents asked why this had been sat on for years the Mayor stated they were working the improvements on the public right of ways according to EPA. She kept stating this was EPA mandated but did not ease the frustration for those that felt she waited too long to act on this for the residents behalf. They feel pressure to comply or be charged $50 a month if they don’t comply within a year of receiving notice. The fee will go into the City sewer fund. The Mayor said the money would go to help residents pay for compliance. I’m not sure how that would work. It was unclear if the EPA would fine the City.

Bay is under orders from the EPA to make significant progress in the Bruce-Russell-Douglas area by 2016.

The sewer improvement on private property was discussed at length during a Town Hall in November 2014.

One homeowner said they would prefer to see a letter from the EPA to the households.

The new ordinance would only apply to district 11. Different districts – different ordinances.

This ordinance calls for sump pumps to be installed. Several members of the audience expressed that sump pumps are a “horrible idea”.

Scott Thomas (Service Director) cited this work was recently done in Westlake and all went well.

Mr. Thomas said repairs should be in the vicinity of $1,500 to $2,000. While several in the audience expressed they had obtained estimates that were at least double and well over that amount. Their estimates did not even include sump pumps or re-landscaping. *There was also discussion about requiring residents to add a generator.

Some homeowners have only been in the house for a couple of years and felt that new homeowners should have been made aware of this when buying.

No, your home can not be grandfathered in.

A resident questioned if the City could get one plumber willing to give a discount to the group.

Several residents said they understood the need for compliance but wanted to continue the discussion as they have more questions and would like to have input.


Passing of 916 is currently on hold.

March 2015 Notes - Cleveland Water Agreement

March 13

The Cleveland Water Agreement discussion continued.  From Councilman Tom Henderson : "Council and the Mayor have been considering a proposal to transfer ownership of our water lines from Bay Village to Cleveland Water. It’s a complex issue, but my top concern is that Bay Village currently controls when the aging water lines under our streets are replaced. If we transfer ownership of our lines to Cleveland Water, they will decide when our water lines need to be replaced. Accepting this proposal would also limit our options regarding water suppliers in the future as the region’s water infrastructure evolves. What do you think?"

March 27

"We just think council made a huge mistake, and unfortunately the taxpayers are going to have pay for it," Sutherland said.

March 28

Starting page 5 - some of the months long discussions on the Cleveland Water Agreement are attached in the Council notes. The Mayor mentioned that this had been discussed for 5 months – but now since the newspapers got wind of it ‘for the sake of transparency’ they would not convene to executive session – which allows no audience, but will discuss in public. 5 months and suddenly it’s decided to be transparent?



January 2015 Notes

January 7

Planning Commission Meeting: There is a 3rd party reviewing Chapter 1158, attached resident housing. Paying this 3rd party was approved by Council. I asked what this company was going to do that the commissions could not do and how much we are paying for this. The company, LSL Planning, will be reviewing and filling in the blanks - such as green space and will work to assure the language is correct to be adopted. Exact figures could not be recalled but the price is around $1,500. It should be noted this company is a subsidiary of Safebuilt.

The Mayor walked us through the Planning Commission process she and several department heads revised this fall. It was stated no ordinances have to be changed or are affected by this new procedure, which is now official. Some still question that point.

The new Mayor’s Representative on the Planning Commission was introduced. Andrew Dzienny. He had been a member of the commission in the past. Karen Leiske nominated Mark Barbour for the position of Chairman for the Planning Commission. Mr. Dzienny nominated himself. After a 4 to 2 vote, Mr. Barbour will be Chair and Mr. Dzienny will be Vice Chair.

Plans for the 9 lots for new homes on Crestview Drive were approved.

Bay Diner will not be going into the Consignment Shop location. The owners have decided to move into the vacant old Napa Auto Parts store. Parking issues were cited as the reason.

January 15


5 area Mayors attended a meeting in Columbus with the ODNR Friday while Mayor Sutherland cited weather as the reason she did not attend. At the Jan. 5 committee meeting she did say she didn’t think the State’s position had changed. I will be interested to see what this spring brings in terms of deer population.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Out of Order

My apologies. I have neglected my blog. I confess, I post more information on the facebook link with the same name. I will now play catch up for you. I promise going forward that whatever I post on facebook, I will also post here on the same day. I do realize not all of you use facebook. If you do, there is more discussion there than on the posts here. 

So stay with me while I dredge up some old news.