Here are my notes from the Council Meeting on Monday, clarifying my belief we should wait on beginning the probationary period. Not a word for word but this is a fair look into how I'm thinking about it.
Going against the grain is hard :)
Cortney
--------------
No - Not Yet. Has nothing to do with Rick’s loyal service and his leadership within the Village
4 Reasons
1)We’re not ready
-We don’t have a job description. How will Tuesday morning be different than today?
-We haven’t had any Committee Meetings to learn about the pluses and minuses of this idea? I want to hear in a public forum from an Amberley Village, and a Mason
2)Process is lacking
-You decide on the What before you decide on the Who. Andy and Jeff both shared this concept with me back in Jan and it really resonated with me. However, we’ve mixed these two independent steps. This idea succeeds or fails around a person (a good person btw). But what happens when Rick gets an offer to be combined Chief in Milford for 25% more money? Then we’re stuck and will likely give back every dollar we’re saving.
-We’re not following the proven Decision Analysis process. Step 1 Identify the situation and understand objectives. Maybe permanent solution to leadership void. Cost savings. Improve morale. Etc. Step 2 Identify alternatives! How else can we accomplish said goals. We are not thinking big enough
3)Related, I have an alternative I believe is worth serious consideration: Eliminate Asst Fire Chief Position. Shouldn’t we vet out alternatives before concluding the 1st idea is the only or the best? Let me be clear up front, I’m taking Matt’s idea, but I am not declaring Matt is the guy. Dan chooses this, and if an outside guy was better, then so be it.
-savings same this year and potentially more money in the long term. I am willing to bet this job will be hard on Rick and he’ll come back to Council and ask for a strong Assistant Police Chief. I know I would. If this happens, we’ll unravel the economics
-protects the boundaries of departments setup in in the Code of Ord. I like the healthy tension of independent departments, in terms of fighting for budgets
-better for morale. This option was blessed as hard but doable by the Fire/EMS folks
Is this the best idea? I don’t know. But I believe it’s worth a little back and forth in Committee to talk about it. From where I’m sitting, Dan’s idea is good, Matt’s idea (with or without Matt) is great. And I will choose great every day of the week.
4)I want to get past this 2 year civil war. A clean break with an idea like Matt’s could get us there.
Again, this isn’t about Rick’s qualities as a leader and a loyal servant. Before moving forward, we should be ready with job descriptions, decide on the WHAT before the WHO & understand Alternatives including No Asst Fire Chief, and implement a solution that eases tensions. I think we should wait.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
request Fire/Police Job Description
I sent a note to the Mayor asking to see the nearly complete job description. I learned it was required for Fire Pension to kick in. No word yet - will share via the Blog asap.
Cortney
Cortney
Council recap 4/26
I attended last nights council. Lots of important issues discussed.
Fire/Police Chief
Lots of respected citizens spoke in favor of the Police Chief as Fire Chief. My detailed remarks will be posted separately, but I spoke on why I was voting no. Not ready, no process, better alternatives are avail, need a solution that quells the unrest. The vote passed 5-1. I congratulated Rick on his win after and tried to assure him my concerns were not re him. I am a fan and appreciate his leadership and service to the Village.
ICRC
This finally came to a vote and was successful. I can't wait to open up our room to everyone interested but not able to attend in person. This is a big step fwd - something many of us campaigned on. Way to go Andy for driving this.
2% Wage Band Increase
While uncomfortable with a big 2% number, I support the increase. A few reasons: inflation or CPI is up 2.2-2.5% so far this year. Employees are partners in this. While modest from their POV, I want them to see it as an investment in efficiency. We need their help to continue to root out waste.
Too much Emergency Voting
Brian Vianello brought this up. Very fair point. I will try to back up our calendar to reduce the need for this. Emergency can look like we're ramming something through, and I know that's what I thought when I sat in the Gallery. Thanks Brian for bringing this up.
Voting
I voted in the affirmative on everything w the exception of police fire chief. ICRC is a good thing. 2% increase maximum is a fair thing. Committee Reports and Ordinances were all in order.
Cortney
Fire/Police Chief
Lots of respected citizens spoke in favor of the Police Chief as Fire Chief. My detailed remarks will be posted separately, but I spoke on why I was voting no. Not ready, no process, better alternatives are avail, need a solution that quells the unrest. The vote passed 5-1. I congratulated Rick on his win after and tried to assure him my concerns were not re him. I am a fan and appreciate his leadership and service to the Village.
ICRC
This finally came to a vote and was successful. I can't wait to open up our room to everyone interested but not able to attend in person. This is a big step fwd - something many of us campaigned on. Way to go Andy for driving this.
2% Wage Band Increase
While uncomfortable with a big 2% number, I support the increase. A few reasons: inflation or CPI is up 2.2-2.5% so far this year. Employees are partners in this. While modest from their POV, I want them to see it as an investment in efficiency. We need their help to continue to root out waste.
Too much Emergency Voting
Brian Vianello brought this up. Very fair point. I will try to back up our calendar to reduce the need for this. Emergency can look like we're ramming something through, and I know that's what I thought when I sat in the Gallery. Thanks Brian for bringing this up.
Voting
I voted in the affirmative on everything w the exception of police fire chief. ICRC is a good thing. 2% increase maximum is a fair thing. Committee Reports and Ordinances were all in order.
Cortney
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
R&L Report
The Rules and Law Committee met on Feb 25, Mar 13, Apr 14 to discuss improvements to existing Property Maintenance Code enforcement. It was decided focus exclusively on code enforcement Language. The Committee reapplied portions of Mariemont's last update in 1997, the latest International Property Maintenance Code, as well as code examples from Kingsport TN (Nolen community) & and Shaker Heights (historic Ohio village).
We recommend Repealing Ordinance O-30-97, adopting the IPMC standard, and including a few additions and clarifications.
A big thank you to Dennis Malone for all his guidance and efforts throughout the process.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________Cortney Scheeser
________________________Joe Miller
________________________Dennis Wolter
-----------
copy of ordinance verbage:
Draft Language Proposed to Amend the Property Maintenance Code – 2006 Edition
21 April 2010
• Repeal Ordinance 0-30-97 (that adopted International Property Maintenance Code – 1993 Edition) and prepare replacement Ordinance (International Property Maintenance Code – 2009.
• PM - 107.2.4 Notices and Orders, which reads as follows: Include a correction order allowing a reasonable time to bring the dwelling unit or structure into compliance with the provisions of this code.
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
PM – 107.2.4 Notices and Orders: Include a correction order allowing 30 days for the property owner to respond to the correction order and establishment of a schedule of completion not to exceed 90 days from receipt of the correction order. In the event that climactic or financial conditions preclude completion within the 90-day time frame, the Building Official shall have the authority, at his/her discretion, to extend the deadline as may be required.
• PM- 111.2 Membership of Board (of Appeals) which reads as follows: The board of appeals shall consist of a minimum of three members who are qualified by experience and training to pass on mattress pertaining to property maintenance and who are not employees of the jurisdiction. The code official shall be ex-officio member but shall have no vote on any matter before the board. The board shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority, and shall service staggered and overlapping terms.
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
PM – 111.2 Membership of Board. The Board of Appeals shall be the Planning Commission of the Village of Mariemont.
• PM - 302.1 Sanitation. All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occupant shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition.
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
PM – 302.1 Sanitation. All exterior property shall be keep clear of trash, weeds, dead or diseased vegetation, grass in excess of 8 inches in height, animal feces, lawn equipment, rusted furniture and dilapidated toys. All fencing shall be maintained in good repair.
• PM - 302.3 Sidewalks and driveways. All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveway, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions.
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
PM – 302.3 Sidewalks and driveways. All sidewalks shall be maintained such that adjoining blocks or portions thereof whose edges differ vertically by more that five eighths of an inch shall be deemed suitable to be condemned and replaced with correctly aligned walk surfaces within 60 days of notification of the misalignment. The cost of such replacement shall be borne by the adjoiningt property owner unless a tree located in the Village right-of-way has caused the misalignment, in which case the Village shall bear the cost of replacement.
• PM - 304.7 Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstruction. Roof water shall bit be discharged in a manner that creates and public nuisance
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
PM - 304.7 Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstruction. All silt and vegetation growing in gutters shall be removed. Roof water shall not be discharged onto adjoining property but shall be conducted to street gutter or storm sewer.
• PM – 302.10 (New). No portion of any vegetation, hedge, landscaping or tree shall be allowed to overhang an adjacent property without the consent of the adjacent property owner. In the event the adjacent property owner does not give his/her consent, the material overhanging shall be removed at the vegetation owners expense within 30 days of notice of the violation. If the overhanging vegetation is deemed to create an immediate safety hazard, the Building Official shall have the authority to order such corrective measures as may seem appropriate and balanced and shall bill the vegetation owner with the cost of removal.
• PM – 302-11 (New). It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of a residential property, building or structure to utilize the premises of such residential property for the open storage of any abandoned motor vehicle, icebox, refrigerator, stove, glass, building material, building rubbish or similar items. It shall be the duty and responsibility of every such owner or occupant to keep the premises of such residential property clean and to remove from the premises all such abandoned item as listed in this section, including but not limited to weeds, dead trees, trash, garbage, etc upon notification of the building official.
We recommend Repealing Ordinance O-30-97, adopting the IPMC standard, and including a few additions and clarifications.
A big thank you to Dennis Malone for all his guidance and efforts throughout the process.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________Cortney Scheeser
________________________Joe Miller
________________________Dennis Wolter
-----------
copy of ordinance verbage:
Draft Language Proposed to Amend the Property Maintenance Code – 2006 Edition
21 April 2010
• Repeal Ordinance 0-30-97 (that adopted International Property Maintenance Code – 1993 Edition) and prepare replacement Ordinance (International Property Maintenance Code – 2009.
• PM - 107.2.4 Notices and Orders, which reads as follows: Include a correction order allowing a reasonable time to bring the dwelling unit or structure into compliance with the provisions of this code.
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
PM – 107.2.4 Notices and Orders: Include a correction order allowing 30 days for the property owner to respond to the correction order and establishment of a schedule of completion not to exceed 90 days from receipt of the correction order. In the event that climactic or financial conditions preclude completion within the 90-day time frame, the Building Official shall have the authority, at his/her discretion, to extend the deadline as may be required.
• PM- 111.2 Membership of Board (of Appeals) which reads as follows: The board of appeals shall consist of a minimum of three members who are qualified by experience and training to pass on mattress pertaining to property maintenance and who are not employees of the jurisdiction. The code official shall be ex-officio member but shall have no vote on any matter before the board. The board shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority, and shall service staggered and overlapping terms.
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
PM – 111.2 Membership of Board. The Board of Appeals shall be the Planning Commission of the Village of Mariemont.
• PM - 302.1 Sanitation. All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occupant shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition.
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
PM – 302.1 Sanitation. All exterior property shall be keep clear of trash, weeds, dead or diseased vegetation, grass in excess of 8 inches in height, animal feces, lawn equipment, rusted furniture and dilapidated toys. All fencing shall be maintained in good repair.
• PM - 302.3 Sidewalks and driveways. All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveway, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions.
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
PM – 302.3 Sidewalks and driveways. All sidewalks shall be maintained such that adjoining blocks or portions thereof whose edges differ vertically by more that five eighths of an inch shall be deemed suitable to be condemned and replaced with correctly aligned walk surfaces within 60 days of notification of the misalignment. The cost of such replacement shall be borne by the adjoiningt property owner unless a tree located in the Village right-of-way has caused the misalignment, in which case the Village shall bear the cost of replacement.
• PM - 304.7 Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstruction. Roof water shall bit be discharged in a manner that creates and public nuisance
Is hereby amended to read as follows:
PM - 304.7 Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstruction. All silt and vegetation growing in gutters shall be removed. Roof water shall not be discharged onto adjoining property but shall be conducted to street gutter or storm sewer.
• PM – 302.10 (New). No portion of any vegetation, hedge, landscaping or tree shall be allowed to overhang an adjacent property without the consent of the adjacent property owner. In the event the adjacent property owner does not give his/her consent, the material overhanging shall be removed at the vegetation owners expense within 30 days of notice of the violation. If the overhanging vegetation is deemed to create an immediate safety hazard, the Building Official shall have the authority to order such corrective measures as may seem appropriate and balanced and shall bill the vegetation owner with the cost of removal.
• PM – 302-11 (New). It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of a residential property, building or structure to utilize the premises of such residential property for the open storage of any abandoned motor vehicle, icebox, refrigerator, stove, glass, building material, building rubbish or similar items. It shall be the duty and responsibility of every such owner or occupant to keep the premises of such residential property clean and to remove from the premises all such abandoned item as listed in this section, including but not limited to weeds, dead trees, trash, garbage, etc upon notification of the building official.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Health and Rec Meeting 4/19/2010
I attended the H&R Mtg this evening. 2 items on the agenda
expanding pool use by other orgs during non swim hours - I'm more of an "include" vs an "exclude" kind of guy. I think a principles we ought to follow: encourage MM kids to remain in the Village more of the time, use underutilized assets, make a bit of money doing so. As long as the group is insured, can pay our rounded up cost of use fee, and can park within the lot, and be comprised of more than 1/2 MM Village kids, it feels like a win win. Also, we'll do this as a test in 2010. If it goes well, we can do more, if not, we'll discontinue.
pool repair
we agreed to repairs reco'd by Ed, but we'll stagger them across vendors and pre vs post season. Painting and pool surface pre, Pool deck post. Expansion of concrete and Playset tabled. We went Cheapest/Best approach, and I feel great about our choices.
Cortney
expanding pool use by other orgs during non swim hours - I'm more of an "include" vs an "exclude" kind of guy. I think a principles we ought to follow: encourage MM kids to remain in the Village more of the time, use underutilized assets, make a bit of money doing so. As long as the group is insured, can pay our rounded up cost of use fee, and can park within the lot, and be comprised of more than 1/2 MM Village kids, it feels like a win win. Also, we'll do this as a test in 2010. If it goes well, we can do more, if not, we'll discontinue.
pool repair
we agreed to repairs reco'd by Ed, but we'll stagger them across vendors and pre vs post season. Painting and pool surface pre, Pool deck post. Expansion of concrete and Playset tabled. We went Cheapest/Best approach, and I feel great about our choices.
Cortney
Public Works Mon 4/19/2010
I attended the Public Works meeting this evening. One item on the agenda: street paving. We approved lowest bid, as they have positive history with Village per Chris E and Dan (did work in 2002, 2004, 2005). Also, we'll use a bit of the savings vs what we budgeted (comes from Perm Improvement-like fund that comes from State of Ohio) to repair addl sidewalks. I like this because it advances something I'm very passionate about - pedestrianism!
Cortney
Cortney
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Rules and Law Minutes discussing Code Enforcement
Joe Miller, Dennis Malone, and a citizen met after Council approx 8:50PM Monday 4/12. We met for 15 minutes adjorning around 9:05 pm. Dennis W was absent.
We discussed 3 phases of the work for Code Enforcement: Finalize Rules, Enforcement, Help for Prop Owners.
Enforcement: we decided to leave it alone and not amend.
Help for Prop Owners: a worthy topic but to move this forward, we decided to leave on the table for now. We can take up this idea again at a future date.
Finalize Rules: we decided to take the draft shared by Dennis M. in Jan, and have Dennis M. add worthy components from both Kingsport TN and Shaker Heights OH. This will become our report and draft of our resolution.
Dennis will provide us the final reco, and we'll present this to Council.
Cortney
We discussed 3 phases of the work for Code Enforcement: Finalize Rules, Enforcement, Help for Prop Owners.
Enforcement: we decided to leave it alone and not amend.
Help for Prop Owners: a worthy topic but to move this forward, we decided to leave on the table for now. We can take up this idea again at a future date.
Finalize Rules: we decided to take the draft shared by Dennis M. in Jan, and have Dennis M. add worthy components from both Kingsport TN and Shaker Heights OH. This will become our report and draft of our resolution.
Dennis will provide us the final reco, and we'll present this to Council.
Cortney
Tree update
John S. informed me of the tree removal and replanting due to Ash Borer.
Center is cut, stumps to be ground and replanted with Sycamore-like Londonderry trees
Wooster is cut, stumps to be ground and replanted with Pioneer Elm. Work should be done by early May (Flying Pig)
Beech soon to be cut, stumps to be ground, and a variety of species planted.
Cortney
Center is cut, stumps to be ground and replanted with Sycamore-like Londonderry trees
Wooster is cut, stumps to be ground and replanted with Pioneer Elm. Work should be done by early May (Flying Pig)
Beech soon to be cut, stumps to be ground, and a variety of species planted.
Cortney
4/12 Council Meeting
I attended the 4/12 Council Meeting. Many things transpired:
-ICRC made a good presentation re recording meetings. We'll vote next time
-Mr. Spinnenweber will pay to upgrade new trees on Wooster from 3" to 4.5". A very generous gift.
-turn lane light at library approved! State of Ohio reversed their decision. This is a great development. The only downside is we have to pay.
-Rumpke promptly paid for repair to Patriot's Park. This shows me they're serious about our Business.
-We decided on Grass Cor as lawn service this year. We added a cancel clause in case of poor performance. This is a tough decision, but it will save an additional $6K or $7K vs Lawnscapers. I look forward to working with Lawn Scapers in the future.
-I made a motion to support the Schools. And after review by Ed Mctigue our Solicitor, it was deemed appropriate to be voted on. It was unanimously approved. This is a great show of support for our schools.
I voted in the affirmative on all issues. Lawn contract is a cost issue in my opinion (John S certified their ability to perform). Schools' future is intertwined with the Village's. I voted in favor of the Levy.
Cortney
-ICRC made a good presentation re recording meetings. We'll vote next time
-Mr. Spinnenweber will pay to upgrade new trees on Wooster from 3" to 4.5". A very generous gift.
-turn lane light at library approved! State of Ohio reversed their decision. This is a great development. The only downside is we have to pay.
-Rumpke promptly paid for repair to Patriot's Park. This shows me they're serious about our Business.
-We decided on Grass Cor as lawn service this year. We added a cancel clause in case of poor performance. This is a tough decision, but it will save an additional $6K or $7K vs Lawnscapers. I look forward to working with Lawn Scapers in the future.
-I made a motion to support the Schools. And after review by Ed Mctigue our Solicitor, it was deemed appropriate to be voted on. It was unanimously approved. This is a great show of support for our schools.
I voted in the affirmative on all issues. Lawn contract is a cost issue in my opinion (John S certified their ability to perform). Schools' future is intertwined with the Village's. I voted in favor of the Levy.
Cortney
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mariemont Council unanimously supports School Levy
I'm really pleased about last nights Vote of Support for Mariemont City Schools. I made a motion that said Village and Schools are inextricably linked, so it's appropriate to take on this topic. I made a motion and on the vote, it was 5-0 in the affirmative.
I think it's a great show of confidence for our great schools.
Cortney
I think it's a great show of confidence for our great schools.
Cortney
Saturday, April 10, 2010
MPF meeting to discuss my "Vision"
I met with MPF Leaders yesterday to share my vision for the Village. We talked about a lot, but here are some of my themes
Vision: We are the premier example of a Planned Community/New Urbanism in the US. Within this:
-Sustainability-aware of our environnmental impact and working to reduce it
-Health and Well Being-encourage and celebrate pedestrians and cyclists
-Architecture/History-celebrate and protect our unique journey through today
We also talked about the Historic District. I would say the District today is no longer an asset, rather a neutral. No question there are beautiful homes and streets. But in total, we are at a crossroads. Over the next 4 years, it will become a negative without aggressive corrective action. The MPF folks I met with mentioned a non profit 3CDC type development group that could buy, improve and sell properties. Without profit (or even break even) requirements, the tough decisions aren't quite as tough. For example, take a 6 family and make it a 4 family with modern amenities and more room, allowing for higher rents. Then sell it. Use proceeds to buy another! Council could use a portion of the Perm Improvement Fund to invest in this group. Further, Council could focus disprportionate investment in beautification.
I look fwd to MPF's Vision Plan and hope to use it as a roadmap for Council.
Cortney
Vision: We are the premier example of a Planned Community/New Urbanism in the US. Within this:
-Sustainability-aware of our environnmental impact and working to reduce it
-Health and Well Being-encourage and celebrate pedestrians and cyclists
-Architecture/History-celebrate and protect our unique journey through today
We also talked about the Historic District. I would say the District today is no longer an asset, rather a neutral. No question there are beautiful homes and streets. But in total, we are at a crossroads. Over the next 4 years, it will become a negative without aggressive corrective action. The MPF folks I met with mentioned a non profit 3CDC type development group that could buy, improve and sell properties. Without profit (or even break even) requirements, the tough decisions aren't quite as tough. For example, take a 6 family and make it a 4 family with modern amenities and more room, allowing for higher rents. Then sell it. Use proceeds to buy another! Council could use a portion of the Perm Improvement Fund to invest in this group. Further, Council could focus disprportionate investment in beautification.
I look fwd to MPF's Vision Plan and hope to use it as a roadmap for Council.
Cortney
Tree research
With the great loss of many of our huge Ash trees this week, we need to aggressively begin replanting. And not just a 1:1 for those lost. This is a time to review what we do vs what is sufficient to continue to provide our great tree canopy. For instance, we are Tree City, but we are NOT Sterling level Tree City. We ought to be a national model for tree planting. Only Cincinnati and Montgomery are at this level.
http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/sterling.cfm
I've reached out to a couple folks in the community to learn more about previous work done (Nolen's original work, early 1950's plan). I'll be bringing up this important topic during Committee.
Cortney
http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/sterling.cfm
I've reached out to a couple folks in the community to learn more about previous work done (Nolen's original work, early 1950's plan). I'll be bringing up this important topic during Committee.
Cortney
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