Here is the video for the last Council meeting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT3GhBjk6Pk

I have been told that the videos from now on will be broadcast live at this URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBBgBDh11jKNhKtA1NIOZZA

In the Work session, we discussed:

  • How to change the fine structure for leaving trash cans and other refuse out on non-trash days. We determined that as of now, the number of repeat offenders is very low and would not overwhelm the court system.
  • Continued to discuss the sign ordinance. We are still waiting on feedback from the Building Commissioner. He has reviewed sign ordinances from other cities and will be sharing those findings with us.
  • We had a signage audit done last year, and now that we have some grant money, we will be looking at what recommendations from that audit we will be starting with.

In the Regular session, we voted on:

  • Rezoning the Meadowbrook area. The City had a consulting firm look at best use of the area and it was determined that the areas there should be rezoned in the following ways:
    • Rezoning B-3 at Northfield & Rockside to M-U (tabled until after the Planning Commission reviews it)
    • Rezoning R-3 at 22800 Rockside, 22737-69 Rockside & 300 Bartlett to R-4
      (tabled until after the Planning Commission reviews it)
  • Replacing Chapter 1939 entitled “B-3” with Chapter 1939 entitled “M-U” (tabled until after the Planning Commission reviews it)   
  • Entering into a contract with RKS Management Company  to clean the Police Department. There was some questions last time as to why the Police Department needed a separate cleaning contract and why the City does not use the cleaning staff for City Hall for this. The reason for hiring outside is that it costs less to hire this company that it would to hire 2 part-time staff to do that job. In addition, this company provides its own cleaning supplies, where if we hired people, we would have to pay for those supplies. (passed)
  • Making the Recreation Rebate Program an official part of the ordinances. While the Recreation Rebate Program, which allows Bedford residents to get a $50 rebate when they get a membership to the Bedford Heights Recreation Center, has been around for quite some time, it appears that it was never an official part of the Codified Ordinances. This will add it officially to that. (passed)
  • Several resolutions and ordinances pertaining to improving the lighting in the City. It appears that this is basically just approving that some of the tax dollars that are already being collected can be used for this purpose. (1st reading)
  • Approving the 2019 Tax Budget – This is a requirement of the State of Ohio. Basically we are stating how we plan on using the tax money collected in 2019 for the 2020 fiscal year. (1st reading)
  • Requesting that the County Auditor release funds from the tax levy to the City. This is a formality required by the State. Basically, we are asking them to give us what is ours and they will give us 75% of taxes they have collected already. (passed)
  • Approving to pay for the ordinances changes that we have made to the Codified Ordinances to be updated in both the print and online versions. This is done about every 6 months and must be done by a company that is authorized by the State to do so. (passed)
  • Approving that part of the tax money collected goes towards paying for garbage collection (passed 6-1)
  • Approving a contract with Barbicas Construction and the funds to pay that contract so that this company can handle the Street Improvement Project for the City in the upcoming months. (passed)
  • Approving payment to GPD Group for administration and inspection of the Street Improvement Program. (passed)
  • Approving a new piece of equipment for the Fire Department, specifically a new cot for the ambulance. A significant part of the cost of this will be covered by a grant.The grant is from thee Bureau of Workman’s Compensation and we can apply for it every 3 years. This piece of equipment will help to reduce the number of Workman’s Compensation filings the fire department has by eliminating a major source of injuries. (passed)
  • Approving the plans for a WOW Telecommunications Utility Cabinet. This is for hook up to a fiber optic cable. WOW said that this hub would make it more likely that WOW will move into the area in the near future to be a new option for cable and internet. (approved)
  • Motion to re-appoint Helen Briggs to the Planning Commission. (approved)

In the Reports:

  • Sidewalk program will allow residents to piggyback on the price the City gets. If your sidewalk is not chosen to be repaired by the City and you would like to pay for your sidewalk to be done, you can have your sidewalk added to the list the City contractor will be working off of by paying the price that the City gets, which should be less than the average person can get as they are buying in bulk, so to speak.
  • May 18th – Shred Day – 9am – 12pm
  • Meadowbrook – Title Bureau opening soon. BMV is already open.
  • St. Eugene’s is for sale. The city is working with them to find suitable buyers.
  • Fire dept ISO is now 2 and was improved from 3. Having an ISO of 2 puts us in the top 4% of fire departments in Ohio. And ISO rating of 2 also means that you can get an additional break on your home insurance. Call your insurance agent to let them know that this has changed in your city and you should be able to get an additional discount.
  • Civil Service is working on a police Sergeant promotion
  • Meals on Wheels needs 5 more volunteers to keep up with current demand. It takes an hour a day, a few days a week.
  • Southeast Library
    • They will be serving lunch this summer for children under 18.
    • Summer reading program is starting so get registered for that to win rewards. Both children and adults can register.
    • Summer camps, registration starts May 8th. Camps fill up fast. Camps are free.
    • Adult education programs this summer as well.