Documenters: City of Aurora meeting for Jan. 23, 2023

Documented by Lee Lundblad

City of Aurora 

City Council – Committee of the Whole

City Council – Regular Council Meeting

Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

6:30 p.m.

Aurora City Hall

Council Chambers

130 S. Chillicothe Rd.

Aurora, OH 44202

In attendance

Committee of the Whole

  • 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
  • Ann Womer Benjamin, Mayor
  • Dean DePiero, Law Director

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 with the clerk of council completing a roll call. All were present.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the Jan. 9, 2023 meeting. The motion was seconded and passed.

New Business

  • Employees Generally 

A motion was made and seconded to move the issue to the regular council meeting; motion passed.

  • Annual Employees Generally 

Mayor Womer Benjamin explained to the committee that she and her staff have prepared the master salary schedule for non-union employees, which incorporates a 4% raise across the board. After this explanation, the committee made a motion and seconded to move this issue to the regular council meeting; motion passed.

  • Contract Amendment for Dean DePiero, Law Director

Womer Benjamin explained this was an amendment to the existing contract for the law director. It incorporates a raise of 2%, not the previously mentioned 4%, at the request of the current law director, Dean DePiero. The committee made a motion and seconded to move this issue to the regular council meeting; motion passed.

  • Contract Amendment for Holly Harris Bane, Director of Economic Development

Womer Benjamin explained this was an amendment to the existing contract for the director of economic development. The committee made a motion and seconded to move this issue to the regular council meeting; motion passed.

  • Purchase of 2022 Chevrolet Silverado MD Cab and Chassis from Ganley of Aurora

Womer Benjamin offered some background on this issue. She asked the committee to recall that it approved the purchase of four Ford trucks in December 2022. Once the purchase orders were created and processed, the committee was informed that the dealership could only provide one truck, not four. This most likely was due to supply-chain issues. The mayor instructed the service director to begin to search for different options. One truck was located and available at the Ganley dealership in Aurora, and it was $2,000 less after the government GM discount. Ganley will hold the truck, but time is of the essence and Aurora should act on this quickly. The committee made a motion and seconded to move this issue to the regular council meeting; motion passed.

  • Purchase of 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD from Ganley of Aurora

Womer Benjamin cited her explanation above. The committee made a motion and seconded to move this issue to the regular council meeting; motion passed.

  • Authorization for Public Deposits in Specific Banks for a Five-Year Period

DePiero explained to the committee that this was more of a housekeeping item that is seeking to establish connections with several area banks where Aurora may do business over the next five-year period. The committee made a motion and seconded to move this issue to the regular council meeting; motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded for adjournment, which passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.

In attendance

Regular City Council Meeting

  • 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
  • Ann Womer Benjamin, Mayor
  • Dean DePiero, Law Director

Documenter Notes

Regular City Council Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. The clerk of council called the roll, and everyone was present. 

Council President Horvat asked the council if there were any reconsiderations of prior actions. Seeing there were none, he asked for a motion to add an executive session later in the meeting. A motion was made, seconded and passed. A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Jan. 9, 2023 regular council meeting. The motion was seconded, and all answered, “Aye,” except for Grdina Gilmore, who abstained.

Mayor’s Report

Womer Benjamin began by telling the council that she appreciated its support through the 2023 budgeting process and looks forward to its continued support in passing the budget. She also discussed the recent glitch in the emergency siren system, specifically with the alarm at Maple Lane and state Route 43. The strong winds we experienced a while back blew open the door to the control box on the alarm, which caused it to go off. The alarm concerned many residents due to the inclement weather being experienced. Staff was dispatched to the site and corrected the issue; however, there was a backup battery in place which did its job, and the alarm continued to sound until about 2:15 a.m. She indicated an outside company has been engaged to service the system, and the safety forces team will work with the service department to create a plan so this issue does not happen again. Finally, Womer Benjamin met with a veteran from the VFW about a Vietnam War traveling wall that will be displayed in Aurora in summer 2023.

Womer Benjamin then stood and offered a proclamation for the winner of the annual Humanitarian Award from the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. Every year, this award goes to an outstanding citizen who is an agent of change and seeks to promote diversity and equal treatment. This year, Aurora resident Darryl McNair received this award, and Womer Benjamin thought a proclamation was in order. McNair, his wife and his mother-in-law were present to receive the proclamation. Pictures were taken, and a plaque was given to McNair. 

A motion was made for council to move into executive session to discuss the consideration of an acquisition of real estate property. The motion was seconded and passed, and council entered into executive session at 7:11 p.m.

The council reentered council chambers, and a motion was made to reconvene the regular council meeting. Motion was seconded and passed at 7:15 p.m.

Law Director’s Report

There were no questions for the law director.

Residents’ Comments on Legislation

2023-004: Resident asked if council was voting on this ordinance tonight. Answer: It is on second reading and won’t be voted on tonight.

Council Remarks

Horvat asked if any council member had remarks on any legislation. Brad Duguay (Ward 1) indicated he wanted to make sure Ordinance 2023-004 is fully discussed because it may cause issues, especially in his ward. He requested a meeting with the law director to discuss this proposed ordinance. Law Director DePiero responded that he has received a lot of comments on Ordinance 2023-004, and it is not his intention to rush this piece of legislation through council. He indicated he wants to be careful that this proposed ordinance does not create unintended consequences, and the need is there to get the language correct. He reassured Duguay and council that there would be plenty of discussion around the ordinance and any amendments.

Legislation

Ord. 2022-204 (from the Planning Commission)

Third Reading: An ordinance approving a Conditional Zoning Certificate to allow an outside extension of a permitted use for the property located at 239 E. Garfield Rd. in a C-1 Zoning District. Moved to adopt; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2022-204 was adopted.

Ord. 2022-221 (from the Committee of the Whole)

Third Reading: An ordinance approving and adopting the Annual Budget and Appropriations for calendar year 2023, as submitted by Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin, and appropriating the funds necessitated by the adoption of that budget. Moved to add an amendment, which was the attachment provided by the mayor; seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

John Kudley, Jr. offered his thanks to the mayor and her staff for all the work they put into the budget. He acknowledged that he usually has a lot of questions around the budget, and the mayor did a great job anticipating those questions and reaching out to him. He believes the budget really reflects a lot of consideration. Moved to adopt; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2022-221 was adopted.

Ord. 2023-004 (from the Committee of the Whole)

Second Reading: An ordinance amending Section 351.03 “Prohibited Standing or Parking Places” of Aurora’s codified ordinances to clarify parking restrictions on a residential lot under one (1) acre in size and declaring an emergency in order to implement the new codified section as soon as possible. Moved on to third reading.

Ord. 2023-008 (from the Committee of the Whole)

Second Reading: An ordinance accepting the proposal of, and authorizing the mayor to, enter into a contract with GPD Group in an amount not to exceed $50,000 to provide consulting services related to a recreation center feasibility study, taking the necessary funds from the Recreation Fund (78) and declaring an emergency in order to begin the work in early 2023. Motion made to suspend the rules; seconded; all responded, “Aye.” Motion made to accept amendment to the legislation (a fund change); seconded; roll was called; motion passed. Moved to adopt; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2022-221 was adopted as amended.

Ord. 2023-009 (from the Committee of the Whole)

Second Reading: An ordinance authorizing the annual renewal of the city’s Microsoft 365 subscription in an amount not to exceed $30,240, taking the necessary funds from the Capital Improvement Fund (60) and declaring an emergency, as the city uses Microsoft 365 for its main computer software programs. Moved on to third reading.

Ord. 2023-010 (from the Committee of the Whole)

First Reading: An ordinance accepting for dedication the roadway, and water and sanitary sewer lines located in the right-of-way for Beljon Lane, William Court and Scarlett Lane for Phases 2 and 3 of the Preserve at Beljon Farms subdivision. Moved on to second reading.

Ord. 2023-011 (from the Committee of the Whole)

First Reading: Employees generally to reflect changes in compensation. Motion to suspend rules; seconded; passed. Motion to adopt; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2023-011 was adopted.

Ord. 2023-012 (from the Committee of the Whole)

First Reading: Annual Employees Generally (see notes above in Committee of the Whole). Motion to suspend rules; seconded; passed. Motion to adopt; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2023-012 was adopted.

Ord. 2023-013 (from the Committee of the Whole)

First Reading: Contract Amendment for Dean DePiero, Law Director (see notes above in Committee of the Whole). Motion to suspend rules; seconded; passed. Motion to adopt; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2023-013 was adopted.

Ord. 2023-014 (from the Committee of the Whole)

First Reading: Contract Amendment for Holly Harris Bane, Director of Economic Development (see notes above in Committee of the Whole). Motion to suspend rules; seconded; passed. Motion to adopt; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2023-014 was adopted.

Ord. 2023-015 (from the Committee of the Whole)

First Reading: Purchase of 2022 Chevrolet Silverado MD Cab and Chassis from Ganley of Aurora (see notes above in Committee of the Whole). Motion to suspend rules; seconded; passed. Motion to adopt; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2023-015 was adopted.

Ord. 2023-016 (from the Committee of the Whole)

First Reading: Purchase of 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD from Ganley of Aurora (see notes above in Committee of the Whole). Motion to suspend rules; seconded; passed. Motion to adopt; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2023-016 was adopted.

Ord. 2023-017 (from the Committee of the Whole)

First Reading: Authorization for Public Deposits in Specific Banks for a five-year period (see notes above in Committee of the Whole). Motion to suspend rules; seconded; passed. Motion to adopt; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2023-017 was adopted.

Ord. 2023-018 (from the Committee of the Whole)

First Reading: Authorizing the Purchase Agreement for property owned by S. Sovenski at 1053 Aurora Rd. in the amount of $347,500. Womer Benjamin provided some background on this purchase. Two properties, located at the above address, sit next to Fire Station 2 on Route 43. Quite a few years ago, there was discussion that Aurora may need the properties for expansion, and the owners were made aware of the interest Aurora had in purchasing. The owner of the properties recently emailed the mayor with their intent to sell. Womer Benjamin reiterated to council that the acquisition of this property was not for immediate expansion but for future planning purposes. The property was appraised, and DePiero negotiated a good price. Horvat questioned how this purchase would be financed. DePiero indicated this will be a cash deal withdrawing from the appropriate fund (52). Motion to accept the amendment (change in fund); seconded; all responded, “Aye.” Motion to suspend the rules; seconded; all responded, “Aye.”

Horvat asked for any comments from the public on this ordinance. A resident asked for a repeat of the dollar amount of the sale and also inquired as to what currently sits on this property. Horvat responded, “Two buildings.” Motion to accept the ordinance; seconded; roll was called. Ordinance 2023-018 was adopted.

Residents’ Comments – General

Resident D. Rudy-Lack wanted to comment on new ordinance #004. She indicated there is some confusion regarding the timing of the light at Chatham Drive and Route 306. Cars are often stuck there (or so it seems), and if they turn right they activate the light on 306, which often results in a line of cars on Chatham. Horvat responded that some research has been done there and it isn’t really a long time to wait, perhaps a minute or so. Womer Benjamin said she is aware of it and will go back to the contractor; she will check on it. 

A resident inquired about the disability entrance to Town Hall and if something can be done to assist residents in knowing it is there. She suggested putting a sign as well as a bell at the entrance to indicate that someone will come to assist them. Council responded that this will be looked into.

Seeing no other comments, a motion was made for adjournment, seconded and accepted.

The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

Lee Lundblad
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