working on resolution of support for School Levy

I have a resolution I'd like voted on by Council. Draft below. This issue is vital to the Village. The Schools really help define the Village. They are in need of a major upgrade, and while I don't like additional taxes, it's critical we support the Schools.

Procedurally, I'm being told the Mayor requests this go through Committee of the Whole first. I'm not sure about proper procedure, so I've reached out to Dennis W to get scheduled. Obviously time is of the essence, so I hope to get the prework done asap. Goal is a vote before election day.

Cortney


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RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE MARIEMONT CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMBINED BOND ISSUE AND OPERATING LEVY ON THE
MAY 2010 BALLOT AND TO DECLARE EMERGENCY.

WHEREAS, Mariemont Schools have consistently ranked among the best schools in the State of Ohio; and

WHEREAS, our award-winning schools are one of the main reasons our property values remain among the highest in Hamilton County; and

WHEREAS, it is a combination of those strong property values and our highly rated schools that the Village of Mariemont has been named as one of the top communities in State and in our Nation; and

WHEREAS, the Mariemont City School District needs the additional funds from the Bond Issue and the Operating Levy to continue to provide our children with excellent education in facilities that provide an environment that encourages learning and offers the tools our schools and our students need to continue to succeed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL
OF THE VILLAGE OF MARIEMONT, HAMILTON COUNTY,
OHIO, TWO-THIRDS OF THE MEMBERS ELECTED
THERETO CONCURRING:

SECTION I. This Council hereby supports the Mariemont City School District combined Bond Issue and Operating Levy and encourages residents in the Village of Mariemont to do the same.

SECTION II. That this Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare of the Village. The reason for the emergency is to make our support known prior to the May ballot.

Council Meeting recap 3/22

I attended Council on Monday 3/22. Many topics discussed and lots of healthy back and forth.

Turn Signal at Library. I pointed out that our light request was rejected. We need a light, as I believe strongly that a turn lane only is MORE dangerous that today (staring at an opposing car blocks line of sight). We should complete an audit of who WOULD turn there vs who actually turns there to show the State of real need. I'll send a note to MHS Principal to get his ideas on how to fairly measure.

Mowing. I made two procedural mistakes, and I'm sorry about this. I signed the Committee Report, even though I was opposed. I should have gotten additional verbage saying I was on record as a "no" and then signed that. 2nd: I incorrectly voted for the acceptance of Committee Report. When I changed my vote to No, a majority then oppposed, sending it back to Committee.

Tree Program. This item was removed from the Committee Reports section of the Agenda, however I've gotten feedback from a Citizen saying there is more work to do. More to come on this.

Cortney

Pub works committee mtg 3/25

I attended the pubic works mtg thurs to re-discuss mowing.

As prework, I talked to grass cor's madeira schools account. Grass cor met expectations. I also spoke w steve v. Of lawnscapers. This too was a productive conversation. I was especially interested in his cost savings opptys like tot lot mulch and delaying ash removal. He shared delaying irrigating til june during the meeting. I will followup on all w john s.

I again supported grass cor because of lowest cost (cheapest) and john s endorsement (best). There is risk in this - gc is an unknown. But I will lean fwd to save 8 percent.

I was surprised by the vote - 3-0 for gc. It will now go back to council for ratification. If it doesn't both companies offered to mow until ratification for their per cut cost.

Oustanding to dos: tips for next contract (earlier, split,etc), and confirming option b is our choice (per cut).

As an aside, this was a hard decision. Upsetting
The apple cart is stressful, but I beleve we made the lowest and best choice.

Cortney

Cortney Scheeser
Senior Analyst, Global Home Care & PGP
Phone: 513-983-0463
Mobile: 479-221-1752
Email, IM: scheeser.cm@pg.com

Please consider the Environment before printing this email

Mowing Bids learning - for next time (2012)

I've learned a lot during this process (outsourced grass cutting). Our contract and the process have room for improvement, and we can execute differently next time. Here are some thoughts.

Dennis W. shared with me his ideas, and they cover very nicely.
-------------------------------------------
1 Begin bidding process during the first week of January
2 Examine the possible benefits of a split contract
3 Have the maintenance superintendent prepare a performance report on existing contractor that would include:
overview of performance
problems and resolutions
extra work performed
suggestions for improvement
4 Put in place a six-month probationary period starting at the beginning of the grass cutting season
5 Have the maintenance superintendent prepare a pre-qualification report on all grass cutting bidders that would include:
brief company history
names of principals
references
background check by Mariemont Police Chief
brief summary of facilities and equipment
litigation history
quality assurance procedure
documentation of employees
-------------------------------------------

Next steps:
-Have Sue and John compile feedback throughout the season. Data is the key for renewal after year 1 and in year 2. Start 4/1/2010
-Have John recommend a map spelling out where a split contact could best happen (probably 2 areas). Reco by late 2011.
-Committee to recreated contract based on agreed to enhancements. Meet late 2011.


Cortney

Trees lost on Center

Just heard from a Citizen that all of the Center Street median trees were cut down yesterday. I have not yet viewed, but I believe they're the affected Ash trees. I will confirm with John S. today.

This is precisely the reason we need to be planting 300 trees per year. That median will be naked for 20 years because of our lack of planning.

It's already too late for the Village, in my opinion. We've waited too long. We must start aggressive replanting in 2010, and 2011, and 2012, etc.

Cortney

Attended zone chg public hearing monday 3/22

I attended public hearing to discuss mr spinnenwebers zone change of two 4 families next to mios from residential to business.

I continue to be concerned we're making a mockery of the process. 9 step process is supposed to protect the village, however we're rubber stamping something that has no form, no detail. Deed covenants/restrictions are good. If so, then let's scrap 9 steps and make covenants the process. Process is in place for a reason -use it or change it.

I believe strongly that we need a boundary between residential and commercial. I would like to see and will push for a brick wall all along the boundary, especially on the thorndike property frontage. District 4 takes one for the team for 100percent of the village development, and our quality of life matters and needs to be addressed. I will continue to rail against fast tracking major developments that chip away at district 4s look and feel. Development is a good thing, but fast fwding is dangerous.

Cinema worries took over the discussion and distracted us. This is a separate issue and shoulnt have been discussed-we ran out of time partly because of it. At the end of the day, the developer is replacing one half of the screens lost when bond hill and both kenwood theaters closed. The market should be able to absorb this. I would encourage those elected officials concerned to reach out to the owner directly.

Frank raeon shared a compelling presentation on how outdated our zoning is. We need to drastically revamp right away. I support his ideas and trust his experience. I support his suggestion to hold the rezone until revamping occurs. After all, there is no plan (yet) we're slowing down.

Cortney

Rules and Law Committee recap

Rules and Law Committee met 3/8 at 8:30PM after Council. Attending was Dennis M., Dennis W. and Joe. Citizens were present as well.

We reviewed Dennis Malone's recommendations for a new rule to replace existing, from 1997. It's more simple by design. Uses the 2009 IPMC (International Prop Maint Code) manual + a few specific overlays.

We decided on 3 pieces to complete.
Finalize Rules
Enforcement leave as is
Help for property owners

I reco'd reviewing Shaker Heights and Kingsport Tenn. Code for addl good verbage. Dennis M will review as I provide and will incorporate.

We'll leave enforcement alone for now.

Dennis W will talk to Kim re methods to get properties repaired.

We hope to have a final report for Council after our next Committee Meeting.


Cortney