Documented by Lee Lundblad
City of Aurora
City Council – Committee of the Whole
City Council – Regular Council Meeting
Monday, Aug. 14, 2023
6:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
Aurora City Hall
Council Chambers
130 S. Chillicothe Rd.
Aurora, OH 44202
In attendance
Committee of the Whole
Regular Council Meeting
- Brad Duguay, Ward 1
- Dennis Kovach, Ward 2
- Reva Barner, Ward 3 – Absent
- George Horvat, Ward 4, Council President
- Sarah Grdina Gilmore, Ward 5
- Harold Hatridge, Ward 6
- John Kudley, Jr., At Large
- Peter French, At Large
- Scott Wolf, At Large
- Marie Lawrie, Clerk of Council
- Ann Womer Benjamin, Mayor
- Dean DePiero, Law Director
- Harry Stark, Director of Public Services
- Laura Holman, Director of Parks and Recreation
- Tim Clymer, Finance Director
- Lt. Lumpkins, Aurora Fire Department
Documenter Summary
Committee of the Whole
The committee worked quickly through its agenda of reviewing new business items and agreeing to pass all to the regular council meeting being held at 7 p.m.
Documenter Notes
Committee of the Whole
The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. with Clerk of Council Marie Lawrie completing a roll call. All were present except Council Member Reva Barner.
A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the July 17 meeting. Motion approved via roll call.
Finance Director’s Report
Finance Director Tim Clymer reported the following items to council:
- Aurora’s fund balances remain in a healthy position
- $40,754.120 unencumbered in all funds
- $20,011.105 unencumbered in the General Fund
- The 2022 financial audit has been released by the Auditor of State’s office with an unmodified (i.e. “clean”) opinion! The final report is available on the auditor’s website.
- General Fund revenue collections through July are at 80.8% of budgeted revenues with 58.3% of the year completed.
- Income tax collections are currently at 83.4% of budgeted revenue, and collections are $1,231,970 above the same point last year. This can be attributed to an increase in withholding taxes and net-profit tax payments from companies in Aurora.
- General fund expenditures through July are at 58.5% of budgeted.
There were no questions or comments for Clymer. The council moved and seconded a motion to accept the Finance Director’s Report. Item passed unanimously with an “aye” vote.
New Business Items
- (a) Employees Generally
- Requesting to hire a Service Tech II, a part-time Firefighter/Paramedic, and to promote a part-time Firefighter/EMT to a part-time Firefighter/Paramedic since the person in this position attained the appropriate certification. Motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded.
- (b) Appointment of Joel Snider to the Earned Income Tax Board of Review
- Mayor Womer Benjamin is recommending Joel Snider to the Earned Income Tax Board of Review. Snider’s vast background in finance and banking makes him an excellent choice for this position. Motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded.
- (c) Amendment of the Civil Service Rules
- Mayor explained to the board that these are amendments mainly to correct grammar and punctuation save two larger items: All references to the schools were removed since this is not the place for school issues, and Extra Credit was added to the points rubric for the employee evaluations. The fire chief asked for this inclusion. Motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded.
- (d) Unpaid Water & Sewer Invoices to the County Auditor
- Clymer indicated this was a regular item regarding annual unpaid water and sewer invoices. Motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded. Motion approved with a unanimous “aye” vote.
- (e) Contract with Environmental Design Group for Ohio EMA/FEMA grant
- Motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded. Motion approved with a unanimous “aye” vote.
- (f) Contract with Agri-Sludge, Inc. for sludge removal at both WWTP’s
- Director of Public Services Harry Stark explained this is a contract to perform routine sludge removal at $100,000/year for the next three years. Motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded.
- (g) Contract with Nerone and Sons, Inc. for equalization basin drain valves
- Stark explained this item is a revision to a contract previously not accepted. This contract will replace the basin drain valves at the water treatment plant. Motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded.
- (h) CRA #1 area tax abatement for J and M Holdings, LLC, 200 Francis D. Kenneth Dr.
- The owners of J and M Holdings were present to address council. A motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded.
- (i) Tax rebate incentive to Advanced Innovative Manufacturing (AIM)
- Motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded.
- (j) Contract with Wertz Geotechnical Engineering for private development inspections
- Stark explained to council this was a $20,000 contract for customary inspections. Motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded.
- (k) Dedication of water main and sanitary sewer on East Pioneer Trail
- Motion to forward to regular city council meeting was made and seconded.
A motion was made and seconded for adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
Documenter Notes
Regular City Council Meeting
Meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Council President George Horvat. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all, followed by roll call by Clerk of Council Marie Lawrie. All were present except Council Member Reva Barner.
Horvat asked if there were any reconsiderations of prior actions. Seeing none, he asked for a motion to approve. Motion was made, seconded and passed.
Horvat requested a motion to approve the minutes of the July 17 meeting. Motion was made, seconded and approved via roll call.
Executive Session
Council moved into executive session to discuss the Acquisition of Real Property and Imminent Litigation. Immediately after the executive session, council returned to chambers and the meeting was called to order again.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin called the following items to the attention of council:
- Final Food Truck took place Wednesday, Aug. 23 at Kiwanis-Moore Park.
- Final concert of the Summer Concert Series took place Aug. 24 at Veterans Memorial Park.
- The 20th Annual Classic Car Show will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 at Sunny Lake Park. Registration will be at noon, and awards will be presented at 3 p.m.
- The Annual Fall Festival and Business Showcase will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Sunny Lake Park.
- Last Shred Day for the year is from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Aurora Service Center.
Womer Benjamin finished her briefing with a rundown of the activities she has completed since the last council meeting:
- Met with members of council to discuss the 2024 budget.
- Attended the first annual Splash Bash at the Splash Pad.
- Attended a Safety Town graduation with Aurora Police Chief Brian Byard.
- Attended a block party at The Landing in Walden.
- Swore in new Assistant Fire Chief Shaun Lutz on July 31.
- Attended National Night Out and Truck & Tractor Night on Aug. 1. The mayor extended kudos to all involved in planning this event.
- Met with Solon Mayor Edward Kraus regarding his efforts to acquire the railroad right-of-way from Solon to Aurora from Northfolk Southern for purposes of a hike and bike trail.
- Taped August Community Focus Report.
- Presented a proclamation to Aurora resident and World War II veteran Albert Grimm in honor of his 100th birthday.
There were no questions for the mayor.
Law Director’s Report
Law Director Dean DePiero provided a written report to council on current litigation.
There were no questions for the law director.
Council President’s Report
Horvat asked council to support a motion to amend the meeting agenda by adding ordinances 2023-115 through 2023-124 as discussed earlier by the Committee of the Whole as well as ordinance 2023-125, which was discussed during council’s executive session. A motion was made and seconded to move these pieces of legislation to the regular council meeting. All approved by signaling “aye.”
Citizens’ Comments – Legislation
Owners of Advanced Innovative Manufacturing (AIM) addressed council.
Over the last few years, AIM has been deciding whether or not to stay in Aurora. Streetsboro, Mantua and even the state of Tennessee were all vying for the company to move to their areas. AIM worked closely with Aurora’s director of economic development and has now made the decision to stay in Aurora. The company is purchasing a building that is in great disrepair. AIM is committed to improving the site and investing in the building to assist with its goal of continuing to grow its business. When the company first began, most of its workers were earning $11-12/ hr, and now many workers at AIM are earning $100k/year with a high school education. The company is committed to creating technological jobs and investing in high-end equipment. With these phases of improvement and great investment of money, AIM would be very grateful for some assistance on taxes. To give council an idea of the dollar amount, in 2021 payroll taxes paid to Aurora were $2.3 million. In 2022 taxes paid were $3.2 million, and this year’s payroll taxes are projected to be $4.6 million. The owners are excited to grow their business, provide solid jobs for people and to invest in Aurora as a whole.
Council Remarks – Legislation
None.
Legislation
Ord. 2023-104 (from Mayor, Kudley & Wolf)
Third Reading: An ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement of sale and transfer with ICP Geauga Lake LLC, substantially in the form attached hereto, for the purchase of approximately 40 acres of land and approximately 53.63 acres of a body of water known as Geauga Lake and accepting an easement around the lake known as the “Lake Loop” for the purchase price of $4,500,000.00 plus applicable acquisition-related, due diligence and closing costs not to exceed $140,000.00, further authorizing the mayor to enter into and execute all applicable agreements, easements and other documents in connection with the purchase of the property, appropriating $1,341,525.37 from the General Fund (01) and appropriating $1,289,347.01 from the Local Coronavirus Relief Fund (23). This item will be postponed until the next council meeting.
Ord. 2023-112 (from Committee of the Whole)
Second Reading: An ordinance granting a tax abatement to Sunshine Squared LLC for a 50%, 15-year abatement of real property taxes in accordance with the provisions of the city’s Community Reinvestment Area known as CRA II and declaring an emergency in order to secure financing and proceed with the development. A motion to suspend the rules was made, seconded and approved by an “aye” vote. A motion was made and seconded to adopt. Motion approved via roll call.
Ord. 2023-113 (from Planning Commission)
First Reading: An ordinance granting exceptions for Aurora Codified Ordinances 1109.04, 1109.05, 1113.02, and 1116.06, to Walden Co. Ltd., located southwest of the intersection of South Bissell Road and West Pioneer Trail in a PD (Planned Development) district. This item will move on to second reading.
Ord. 2023-114 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: An ordinance approving the Revised Development Plan for Walden Co. Ltd., located southwest of the intersection of South Bissell Road and West Pioneer Trail, in a PD (Planned Development) district. This item will move on to second reading.
Ord. 2023-115 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: See comments from Committee of the Whole. Motion made and seconded to suspend the rules; accepted via an “aye” vote. Motion was made and seconded to accept; ordinance approved via unanimous roll call vote.
Res. 2023-116 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: A resolution confirming the mayor’s appointment of Joel Snider to the Earned Income Tax Board of Review to a term ending Dec. 31, 2023. See comments from the Committee of the Whole. Motion made and seconded to suspend the rules; accepted via an “aye” vote. Motion was made and seconded to accept; ordinance adopted via unanimous roll call vote.
Ord. 2023-117 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: Ordinance adopting the Civil Service Rules as amended. See comments from the Committee of the Whole. Motion made and seconded to suspend the rules; accepted via an “aye” vote. Motion was made and seconded to accept; ordinance adopted via unanimous roll call vote.
Ord. 2023-118 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: An ordinance assessing the cost of unpaid water and sewer bills from property owners and declaring an emergency to meet an impending deadline. See comments from the Committee of the Whole. Motion made and seconded to suspend the rules; accepted via an “aye” vote. Motion was made and seconded to accept; ordinance adopted via unanimous roll call vote.
Ord. 2023-119 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: Ordinance accepting a proposal for the mayor to enter into a contract with Environmental Design Group for Ohio EMA/FEMA grant in the amount of $131,485, taking necessary funds from the Capital Improvement Fund (22) and declaring an emergency to meet impending deadlines. Motion made and seconded to suspend the rules; accepted via an “aye” vote. Motion was made and seconded to accept; ordinance adopted via unanimous roll call vote.
Ord. 2023-120 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: Ordinance accepting the proposal of Agri-Sludge, Inc. not to exceed $100,000 for calendar year 2023 for the removal of sludge at the Westerly Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), taking the necessary funds from Super Fund (72) and declaring an emergency to avoid disruption of service. Motion made and seconded to suspend the rules; accepted via an “aye” vote. Motion was made and seconded to accept; ordinance adopted via unanimous roll call vote.
Ord. 2023-121 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: Ordinance selecting the bid and awarding the contract to Nerone and Sons, Inc. in the amount of $79,281.44 for the replacement of basin drain values at the Westerly Wastewater Treatment Plant and declaring an emergency. Motion made and seconded to suspend the rules; accepted via an “aye” vote. Motion was made and seconded to accept; ordinance adopted via unanimous roll call vote.
Ord. 2023-122 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: An ordinance to create a capacity to J & M Holdings for a 100%, 15-year real property tax abatement for their up to $3 million investment. This will move on to second reading.
Ord. 2023-123 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: An ordinance to extend an income tax rebate to Advanced Innovative Manufacturing (AIM) in the amount of 25% for three years for newly added payroll commencing with paid taxes in 2024. AIM will add a minimum of $1 million in new payroll dollars over the next three-year period. This will move on to second reading.
Ord. 2023-124 (from Committee of the Whole)
First Reading: An ordinance to authorize the mayor to enter into a contract with Wertz Geotechnical Engineering in the amount of $120,000 for construction services, taking the necessary funds from fund (80). This will move on to second reading.
Ord. 2023-125 (from Executive Session)
First Reading: An ordinance authorizing a payment in the amount of $285,000 to Katz Construction Inc. as final payment and to settle all potential claims for the 2020 East Pioneer Trail Water Line Replacement Project. Further, requesting to declare an emergency to close out this project. Motion made and seconded to suspend the rules; accepted via an “aye” vote. Motion was made and seconded to accept; ordinance adopted via unanimous roll call vote.
Citizens’ Comments – General
None.
Council Member & Committee Remarks
Sarah Grdina Gilmore noted that the first day of school would be held Aug. 15 and called everyone’s attention to the parking situation at the school. She asks all to take care to follow all signs and park only in approved spaces. Every year, she receives calls from residents reporting drivers who are not following protocol. She reiterated, above all, our citizens’ safety is our main concern.
John Kudley, Jr. announced that he is the ticket manager for the athletic department. He is asking all to read the website carefully when purchasing tickets. Tickets purchased on the same day of the event are higher than buying early.
Motion was made to adjourn, which was seconded and passed via roll call at 7:52 p.m.
