Friday, October 30, 2015

MashUp from Recent Meetings


(10/17 FB post) I, like so many of you, have this thing called a day job. I do not always have the time to share my ponderings about the meetings I attend. We live in an era where there is this thing called a mashup – defined as “a mixture or fusion of disparate elements”. From various meetings beginning September 14th through October 12th, in no particular order, enjoy my mashup.

Microphone Project: (10/12) A review of the equipment fact sheet proposal by JAVS.

The entire system is controlled by a tablet or pc. The League of Women Voters is willing to add the cost of the tablet to the current equipment estimate of $17,957. If the city approves the proposal, the LOWV will meet to revise their budget and change the amount of the donation to include the tablet. Bravo!

The system can be extended to include video without a lot of additional equipment; it would require a software upgrade.

The Mayor stated (9/21) that the project would include wiring the conference room and having 2 microphones that would come in and out with the Clerk of Council. This proposal showed microphones would be mounted. Because of the privacy concerns of Mayor Sutherland, Paul Vincent is seeking more information. You can review the entire proposal here: http://www.cityofbayvillage.com/media/277853/2015_-_services__utilities_committee_minutes_10-12.pdf

Tale of Two Ordinances: Ordinance regarding Unsolicited Publications and an Ordinance regarding sidewalks to be cleared of snow and ice.

The Unsolicited Publications Ordinance came about as a result of a couple of complaints about snow blowers hitting phone books that had been tossed in the snow or covered by snow and the residents not knowing they were there. Westlake created a similar ordinance that was defeated.

Ordinance to have the sidewalks cleared if a resident failed to do so and the cost of such had been the topic of much discussion. A resident raised the concern that the current draft of this ordinance did not address corner lots. Once a resident shovels and the service snow plow truck piles back on, what is the fairness of requiring a resident to remove it? The fees, if the city had to remove snow after a resident had been warned were heavily debated.

The mayor, the law director and some members of council sited residential snow removal as a safety issue for children around the schools. It may be a safety issue for dog walkers and joggers, but I can tell you – living where I live, I know that when a flake falls, children are driven to school save for very few, if any walkers.

Both ordinances were removed at this time. Steve Lee stated he believed it beneficial to learn from our neighboring communities about programs that work rather than go forward with something people are not comfortable with.

Online Ordinance Codification: The Walter Drane Company has updated the city’s ordinances for 2015. Paul Vincent had proposed the city change to Municode. Mr. Ebert stated the city has used Walter Drane for a long time and would like them to have an opportunity to make a presentation.

Erosion of Glen Park Culverts: A resident spoke at two meetings about this concern on his property.
Service Department: Due to General Foreman Gordon Evans retirement, the new supervisor will be David Banjoff. Also, the sewer maintenance supervisor will receive an increase because he will be placed on call. Scott Thomas feels it is important to have 3 supervisors on call instead of 2. Tom Henderson thanked Mr. Thomas for the job descriptions included with ordinance.

The city is required by the state to begin taxing gaming winnings even though Bay Village is a charter city.

The Green Parking Lot Project began October 6th with hopes to be done in 4 to 6 weeks depending on weather.

Bay Days fireworks and rain date approval: The mayor has long been opposed to a rain date due to the coordination of staffing issues and overtime. If there is no rain date and the fireworks are cancelled due to weather, the fireworks company retains half the cost and the other half of the money goes to the fireworks fund for the next year.


Tis the season for budget and finance discussions…

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