Aurora City Council Meeting
7 p.m. July 17, 2023
Aurora City Hall
Council Chambers
130 S. Chillicothe Rd.
- Brad Duguay, Ward 1
- Dennis Kovach, Ward 2
- Reva Barner, Ward 3
- 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
- Karen Pope, Dir. of Personnel/Chief of Staff
- Dean DePiero, Law Director
- Harry Stark, Director of Public Services
- Laura Holman, Director of Parks and Recreation
- Tim Clymer, Finance Director
- Matthew McBirney, Fire Chief
Committee of the Whole Summary
The meeting ended promptly after working through the agenda and deciding to pass all new business items to the regular council meeting at 7 p.m.
Committee of the Whole Notes
To begin the meeting, Clerk of Council Marie Lawrie completed a roll call. All members of the committee were present.
The committee then moved to the approval of the June 26 meeting minutes, which passed via roll call.
New Business
- (a) Employees Generally
- This ordinance was forwarded to council. It would approve the appointment of a new assistant fire chief, Shaun Lutz.
- (b) Contract with Ronyak Paving for roadway improvements on West Pioneer Trail
- This ordinance was forwarded to council. It would allow the service department to sign a contract with Ronyak Paving for improvements on West Pioneer Trail.
- (c) Resolution to install signage on South Bissell Road in honor of Manny Barenholtz
- This ordinance was forwarded to council. It would allow the service department to also enter into a contract with Northeast Ohio Trenching to replace the oldest water lines in the city at Maple Lane, Fox Hill Drive and state Route 43/Pioneer Trail.
- (d) CRA area tax abatement to Sunshine Squared, LLC, located at 239 E. Garfield Rd.
- This ordinance was forwarded to council. It authorizes the economic development office to apply for a grant to fund a CRA tax abatement to Sunshine Squared, LLC.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, which passed unanimously.
Regular City Council Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Council President George Horvat. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, roll call was taken by Clerk of Council Marie Lawrie; all were present.
Horvat asked council if there were any reconsiderations of a prior action; with none, he asked the motion to be approved. This motion was seconded and passed.
The council then moved on to the consideration of the minutes, which Lawrie asked if she could amend and was approved to do so by Horvat.
The motion for the approval of meeting minutes from the June 26 council meeting was seconded and passed as well. Council then proceeded to executive session to discuss the acquisition of property.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin started her report by thanking the parks and recreation department, service department and safety services for working hard to make this year’s 4th of July celebration a success.
She then went into talking about the Sutton/Hanes Building at 10 S. Chillicothe Rd., mentioning how the city recently received confirmation that the application for the James Converse/Hopson Hurd store’s Ohio Historical Marker has been accepted.
The mayor also mentioned that the city is accepting proposals to lease this historic building. For those interested in leasing, proposal information is listed on the Aurora official website or can be obtained by contacting the mayor’s office. The proposal deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11; questions should be directed to the law office.
Womer Benjamin also took this time to note upcoming events in the city, including National Night Out/Truck and Tractor Night from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, and the final Food Truck Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 9.
Womer Benjamin also mentioned the Summer Concert and Movie Series, featuring “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” at 9 p.m. Friday, July 28 and The Blue Leaf’s concert from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, with both events taking place at Veterans Memorial Park.
Lastly, the mayor spoke about swearing in three new firefighters and one new police officer.
Law Director’s Report
Law Director Dean DePiero provided a written report to council on current litigation. He also requested postponing a vote on ordinance 2023-104 as there are some final issues that need to be negotiated and amendments made to the ordinance itself.
Horvat asked if there were any questions for the law director, and there were none.
Council President’s Report
Horvat asked council to support a motion to amend the meeting agenda by adding ordinances 2023-109 through 2023-112 as discussed earlier at the Committee of the Whole.
A motion was made and seconded to move the legislation to the regular council meeting. All approved by signaling “aye.”
Citizens’ Comments – Legislation
Rebecca Waud, owner of Good Nature Therapy Services, spoke about her upcoming business venture in relation to how Sunshine Squared, LLC will benefit residents in Aurora. The business will provide occupational therapy and sensory gardens for children with disabilities from infancy to ages 12-13.
Jim Fisher also commented on legislation by thanking council for its recognition of Manny Barenholtz.
Council Remarks – Legislation
None.
Legislation
Ord. 2023-097 (From Planning Commission)
Third reading: An ordinance granting a Conditional Zoning Certificate to The Church in Aurora for Evergreen Preschool at 146 S. Chillicothe Rd. in the R-3 Residential District. This ordinance was adopted via roll call.
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 plus applicable acquisition-related, due diligence and closing costs not to exceed $140,000, 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). Voting on this ordinance was postponed due to still negotiating final agreements.
Ord. 2023-108 (From Committee of the Whole)
Second reading: An ordinance authorizing the Department of Economic Development to apply for a grant for a CRA #1 area tax abatement to MJ Property Group, LLC, at 1340 Page Rd. This ordinance was declared an emergency and was adopted via roll call.
Ord. 2023-109 (From Committee of the Whole)
First reading: An ordinance was adopted via roll call confirming the appointment of Shaun Lutz as Aurora’s new assistant fire chief; council applauded Shaun to congratulate him on his new position.
Ord. 2023-110 (From Committee of the Whole)
First reading: An ordinance authorizing the service department to enter into a contract with Ronyak Paving for roadway improvements on West Pioneer Trail; ordinance adopted via roll call.
Ord. 2023-111 (From Committee of the Whole)
First reading: An ordinance authorizing the resolution for signage on South Bissell Road in honor of Manny Barenholtz; ordinance adopted via roll call.
Ord. 2023-112 (From Committee of the Whole)
First reading: An ordinance authorizing the Department of Economic Development to apply for a grant for a CRA #2 area tax abatement to Sunshine Squared, LLC, at 239 E. Garfield Rd. This ordinance will go on to a second reading.
Citizens’ Comments – General
April Secura, president of Aurora’s League of Women Voters, spoke about how Issue 1 is being put on the ballot in a special election Aug. 8. She presented an argument against the amendment and encouraged council to vote against it in the upcoming election.
Council Member & Committee Remarks
Council Member Kudley took this time to acknowledge the Geauga Lake Improvement Association and how much its input is a key factor in moving forward with this purchase.
Motion was made to adjourn, which was seconded and passed via roll call at 7:45 p.m.
Transcript
The following transcript was generated by a transcription bot and is not 100% accurate. The Portager does not edit the AI-generated transcript. We understand the automatic transcript can be very inaccurate.
Unknown Speaker 0:00
Have you ever wondered the Peace Prize for
Speaker 1 0:07
States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all?
Unknown Speaker 0:24
President you’re
Speaker 2 0:36
here full house to reconsideration, primary motion or actions at the same time go to consideration last
Speaker 2 1:03
segment we have motion to the second please call the roll. Mr. President. As President,
Unknown Speaker 1:15
would you allow me to amend those minutes?
Unknown Speaker 1:17
Yes. Yes, sir. Mr. Branch Yes, this video
Unknown Speaker 1:28
is part. Yes.
Unknown Speaker 1:32
Mr. hatchers? Yes. Mr. Barnett. Yes. Yes, Mr. Cutting staying on the same
Speaker 2 1:41
page was meeting minutes are approved. Right we have an executive session to discuss the acquisition of property should not be
Speaker 2 1:54
moving second, to second session. Yes.
Speaker 3 2:07
Yes, a motion to go into Executive Session according to the Ohio Revised Code. So
Speaker 2 2:15
now we have to really do that yes, yes. Yes. Mr. Drain Yes. Mr. Cartridge? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I’m sure as usual
Unknown Speaker 2:48
Let’s get started go back and open the session.
Unknown Speaker 2:59
Yes, yes. Yes.
Speaker 2 3:03
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Report because one of our vendors
Speaker 4 3:15
Thank you very much, Mr. President. Council. So we had another great Fourth of July celebration and I want to say, a Parks and Rec Department, service department and safety forces and all the other staff who work so hard to make today a great success with respect to property we purchased earlier this year 10 South Shore coffee road which is the front chains building. The city recently received confirmation that the application for the chains Converse Oxenford stores, Ohio historical marker has been accepted. giant company has worked extensively on that application and it is competitive applications. So we were very fortunate to be selected. In addition, with respect to that building, the city is currently accepting proposals to lease this historic building. The request for proposal assist our website or can be obtained by contacting my office of the law director’s office. The deadline to submit an application is 4pm on August 11. Question shouldn’t be directed to the law department. We have we still have upcoming summary events including national lights out traffic traffic light which is August 1 from five to 8pm last more Park. We are still having food truck Wednesdays and last ones are scheduled for July 26 August 9 and August 23. From 11am to 2pm. On of course Wednesdays, you can continue to enjoy the summer concert movie series with the Super Mario Brothers movie on July 28 at 9pm and the blues concert on August 10. to scurry to 830 concerts and movies take place at Veterans Memorial Park. I also want to mention again that we have selected a new Assistant Fire Chief Sean lots who is with us this evening. And I want to thank the search committee that helped to re enter the process considering our councils represent George Foreman, Council Representative Scott Wolf, law director being the payroll personnel director and chief of staff Karen Co. Chief and her Bernie and Warren resident de myrtus, who interviewed finalists and made recommendations. I so appreciate their time and effort in this regard and I think we had a wonderful pool of candidates and it was a very hard choice. Since our last meeting, I squirted firefighters standing over that random hall with optional sheet shirts. And today the police officer Laurie Zellmer. And that was representatives of Portage Park and take my monthly community focused report and attended many after hours events which you can read about my report. Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 6:30
urgent questions for the bail bond versus more dangerous reservoir. This is part of the song Yeah, just
Speaker 3 6:38
wanted to add one thing I mentioned the marker and the size of the the broader community. Well, we’re a small city this is going to be our seventh martyred advantage. Other communities across the states will have to start in our parish so puts us in a real situation. Thank you very
Speaker 5 7:01
much. Said mr. president was president just briefly August 2023. While for regarding the sale of personal property, such as Lake purchase we continue to work through final issues. Final portion to the agreement, as you can imagine, it’s a really complex agreement with two counties and lots of acreage surveys. So we’ll be coming back here soon with some amendments. Nothing earth shattering but we want to make sure we have a good lockdown agreement that we can move forward so we’ll be back to the next hopefully sooner rather than later to the final passage.
Speaker 2 7:49
All right at this point, we saw this report from you compensate for the motion to the amendment meeting agenda. I added ordinances 23 through 23, which were discussed earlier the second movement we All those opposed, motion carries goes to the gentleman and just like to add a lightning graduate of Tim climber his staff. The city award has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association, Gino with a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting, our 2021 Report. This report is a testament of the work done by our department in the city is fighting to abide by best practices and to serve and good stewards of taxpayers dollars. I know we’d like to
Speaker 2 9:03
answer the questions. Seeing none, we’ll go on to our citizens comments. They want to push him to comment on anything as rights agenda. please approach the microphone. Give us your name address
Speaker 1 9:22
Mr. President, members of council how many are saying in our development director interrupter as I mentioned earlier Rabatt one who’s over there. He’s here to talk about the request for the CRA abatement and she’s going to do a little bit of a feel for nature therapy. It is very unique in the state of Ohio perhaps nationally initial thought to a little bit about Ukraine city in the world.
Speaker 6 10:01
name is Rebecca live 31135 Cannon road I am the owner of that nature therapy services. I know it’s a little confusing on the forms that I submitted because there’s limited under my other LLC but typically for medical practices we like to have two separate LLC to provide. Therapy Services is a business that provides occupational therapy and with this hopeful expansion speech language pathology and physical therapy for children with disabilities. Is major based. One of the reasons that I bought the property that we’re looking at is because there’s a lot of space and I’m hoping to put a clinic on the front and enlarge accessible outdoor space in the back of a fence around it so that I accessible to children who use mobility devices or children who may get overwhelmed and and run and you know, the best and the accessible privacy seems to them. One of the reasons that I’m so interested in nature based therapy is that children with disabilities tend to not have a lot of access to nature, nature is not inherently accessible. And studies show and it’s my belief that access to nature is a formative childhood experience. And so all children should have the access to be able to be outside digging dirt and playing water experience for hours and planting trees and things like that. So I pass around the different paths that I have the outdoor space, the building architect and then the interior package
Unknown Speaker 11:58
there’s one question
Speaker 7 12:01
Thank you. Thank you for sharing this with us tonight. What is the age group the demographics children, so What age are they looking at? And also nothing else is like this entity areas to see
Speaker 6 12:19
babies up to around 1213 years old. And yes, there. I really first of all have to say that I appreciate you all so much for working with me on this because there really isn’t anything there is no blueprint. So we haven’t figured out a lot of things along the way. But this is where you know, medical practices don’t get more of like holistic approach especially for children. So yes, we’re I’m hoping phase two early teenage and maybe potentially extending beyond there for our older children, but primarily based on
Speaker 7 13:04
I think that’s great. Obviously, we’re having a program as such to be integrated. They have excellent addition and I’m sure there’ll be many who don’t have children with disabilities.
Speaker 8 13:17
That’s
Speaker 2 13:32
just so good.
Speaker 9 13:40
The President and members of council My name is Jennifer Sherman three to one Cherry Ridge Drive and Aurora. I’m here I believe this ordinance on many barrels Yes. And we retreat very early. On that orders that appears on your agenda tonight. I’m rebates are way closer, or 600 aggressors. And we have been working within the HR way to do something to recognize based on what he has done for that community and restaurants. But I do want to thank the mayor and city council for their surroundings I don’t have the same history that people have when it comes to a board that sits in front of me but the key is one of the building blocks and I think recognizing the story is certainly honorable. Thank you.
Speaker 2 14:49
Anyone else? Okay, seeing no. Council agenda. Seeing none, we’ll move on. To our legislation, ordinance 2397 which is just planning commission agreement. It’s an ordinance granting a conditional zoning district for the church or whatever may increase. Okay at 146 off Chelan County Road in our three residential petition Administration Center, moved to the yeah
Speaker 10 15:31
yes, yes, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Speaker 2 15:45
To the story 2397 2023 reports from the mayor’s public support. It’s an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement of sale and transfer with ICP policy substantially corner caps here to approximately 40 acres of land approximately 53.63 acres of a body of water and accepting a nice known as late as a purchase price of $4.5 million plus capital acquisition related due diligence and closing costs now to receive $140,000. Further authorized barrier to entry, entry and exit, accept and execute applicable agreements, easements and other documents in connection with the purchase of the property appropriate 1.3 million 400 $341,545.37 In the General Fund, and the property is
Speaker 2 17:05
one $1,289,347.01 from the bulk of the Coronavirus and restrictions we have one that says
Speaker 10 17:19
yes, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Speaker 2 17:27
Yes. Yes. Yes. Or no ordinance? 2023. Is where it’s 2023. What are we committed for? Second reading an ordinance granting tax abatement to him to property for premium self storage 115 euros anything. Our real estate property taxes, provisions, procedures, community care and learn emergency order. Restrictions have moved in second. favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed.
Speaker 10 18:23
Yes, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Unknown Speaker 18:32
Yes. No.
Unknown Speaker 18:35
Okay. Okay. Yes.
Speaker 2 18:39
Is it better to move in satsang consecutive dot and it comes from public?
Unknown Speaker 18:50
Yes, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Unknown Speaker 18:59
Yes. Yes,
Unknown Speaker 19:01
it’s no
Speaker 2 19:03
borders, three ways. First Reading it’s an ordinance amending Chapter Four was gentlemen, to reflect changes in compensation in cash and workplace those newly listed on your desk therefore, having said that the compensation specified for approving such compensation that requires emergency restoration is so special in San Francisco almost most inherited that second that second. City
Speaker 10 19:53
Yes, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes,
Unknown Speaker 20:05
or Yes. 2020. Watson graduations. Thank you very much.
Speaker 2 20:29
I just wanted to go on record as saying the mayor. I was part of the search committee for the interview. And it was really, really a difficult choice. And I’m glad I didn’t have to make it. I’m glad to be
Unknown Speaker 20:48
congratulated, thank you very much.
Speaker 2 20:51
What it’s 23 110 as a whole as I first read. It’s an ordered selecting a bit of a morning of contract to prime Yeah. All the way through the West. Just to the rest are filled with 370 1470 cents as the best responsive and responsive. Jack of all is that a message that reflects broken British levee Governor 36 and declare an emergency in order to comply with restrictions after all this agency is supposed to obtain.
Speaker 4 21:49
Yes, yes. District again. YES. Yes.
Unknown Speaker 21:56
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Speaker 2 22:04
Yes, are important 23 110 is suspended. We are moving second. Anytime this we follow. suit on this board. Mr. French? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, Mr. Saying yes. When he was 23 Why the resolution was 2023 points. He made the whole reading. It’s a resolution recognizing manual errors, or spending contributions to the city more and further offline to the editor. And the variables way cited in place. All existing Street side locations on South Bristol between Pioneer Trail and our
Speaker 2 23:07
secondary spent office in favor say aye. All those opposed? Motion carries. And women sector adopting habits is the
Unknown Speaker 23:17
word. Yes.
Unknown Speaker 23:21
Yes. Yes. Yes. It’s different. Yes. This is the Yes. Yes, it’s terrible. Yes.
Speaker 2 23:36
Those will be in 2023. Mr. Fisher, thank you so much for being appreciated. 23 Wonderful. As that first reading, it’s an ordinance granting a tax abatement of sunshine square LLC for 50% of 15 year payment on real property taxes, in accordance with the provisions of the city’s community reinvestment in order to declare an emergency order to secure secure financing, proceed with this broad second reading. Right. This way it says common mission in general please step forward.
Unknown Speaker 24:40
Okay.
Speaker 4 25:02
Wow, okay. 0106 for the school. Not only am I the ACE, videographer or content, president of the League of Women Voters of Orange County they used to joining with many other organizations to vote no, I shouldn’t want to protect the same principle of one person, one vote, a bedrock of democracy. I was eight and a social election. And fewer than 10% of voters typically participate Ohioans will consider a single question on about our general assembly after applying most officers special elections due to expensive and low voter turnout plays a critically important amendments to the Constitution about specific specific specifically for that low voter turnout. signos leaders are trying to make it harder for voters to win the ruling November. Voter initiated establishment a right to abortion in Ohio. But 59% of unregistered Ohio voters will support constitutional amendment to make abortion a fundamental right. Passage of issue one will also affect all future constitutional amendments. Issue women in the jury will have 50% plus one and change to 60% and 95 of Iowans authorized bonds or public schools, colleges, hospitals and parks. They require everywhere a constitutional amendment. It has 56% to 4%. Now, in 2006 of Highlands County, minimum wages with annual wage increases. The vote required a constitutional amendment. It passed 56% to 4%. Not without seeing the majority rule and elections amending the constitution of Ohio to be less fair. The League of Women Voters of Ohio are rolling out on issue one, because it will take away the protections provided by the Ohio constitution that we’re that we have to make sure your family and friends are informed about taxpayer special elections and encourage them to show up and vote I voted no on issue one.
Unknown Speaker 27:43
Camera
Speaker 2 27:51
Okay, council members anyone wishing anything in general was struggling? Yes.
Speaker 3 27:59
I meant to mention during during Hearthstone legislation, and I wasn’t here when I first read it was given to the purchase of the property manager I believe. And secondly, it also provided residents that turned out in regards to that and I was able to watch that and just wanted to share the topic and the members of the Gianna Laker Improvement Association and anytime that I probably speak about it constantly for members of the administration that the long history of our organization and our rights are a key factor in moving forward with this purchase. And I can ensure that I’m sure at least from my part, and we know from other people’s parts that we will do whatever we can to work with them as protecting what we’re doing history as such, to have that peace of mind cracking down
Speaker 2 29:00
everywhere else. I’d seen the future moving sector German
Unknown Speaker 29:09
YES. YES. YES. YES. YES. YES. YES.
Unknown Speaker 29:20
Getting the German Thank you
