Ashford, Copeland, Sarantou absent when Agenda Review began, 9 present, Sarantou and Copeland arrived after it began.
The first item was the water rate increase – see more information here –
Tom Crothers said every four years the DPU comes before City Council to gain their support for the funding needed for the DPU. The water rates, sanitary sewer rates and storm water rates will go up 9.9% each year for four years for water and storm and 13.4% for sanitary sewer. He said these are higher increases than they are used to seeing, he said former administrations have not provided this department with the rate increases that were needed to properly maintain the water delivery system, the sanitary sewer system and storm water. He is sorry to say the replacement funds and the improvement funds which have had robust balances when catastrophic failures happened like on Front Street several years ago, which they then had money to fix, today he said if they were faced with a failure like that they’d have to move money from the funds as a loan procedure. He said these increases would allow them to rebuild the funds for catastrophic failures.
Webb recommended each one of the three ordinances be taken before the Committee of the Whole to be scheduled at a later time.
Collins said the robust balances, what funds did they go into. Crothers said the replacement fund and the improvement fund were the two main funds. He wanted an audit of each one of those funds so they could see the fiscal circumstances of the funds. Crothers said he would give them a historical performance. Collins asked wasn’t the Front Street sewer failure covered by insurance? It was stated yes about a third or little more. Collins said he remembered it was over a million. Collins also asked if we are insuring ourselves to the extent we should be if we only collected one million out of a three million dollar claim. It was stated they paid for the failed system but they did additional work that had not failed but that was felt to be needed, that they did why they had the hole open.
Crothers said he thought that policy had a significant deductible. He also referenced an insurance claim on Douglas Road. Collins brought up the insurance issue since he had raised questions when Council approved the insurance provider.
(Basically, the Front Street issue was covered by insurance, at least most of the failure aspect, so it’s not accurate to state that the City needed to pay $3 million up front)
Crothers said they would be talking with community and the media about this. Collins asked if there were any citizen review participation. George Robinson said they presented to four members of the CPAC group that’s a part of the Toledo Waterways Initiative. Collins asked for the minutes of those meetings, so Council can review their thoughts. Crothers said they would provide minutes from the CPAC group.
Webb wanted to know how much the increase would be on the average water bill. Crothers said they would provide that information.
Craig said that would be nice to know, his off the cuff math that looks like a 46% increase over four years. He felt we needed to have public meetings in the evening, he understands on the sewer side why it’s needed, but there are going to be tough questions from the public. Crothers said they will do whatever is appropriate, they have a good story to tell, it’s not a good story, he said if they would have had proper rate increases in the past they would not need such large ones. He said most people take the wonderful resource we have here for granted. He felt the Committee of the Whole was before the public, but if they wanted an additional meeting they would be glad to do it.
Waniewski wanted to know the average water use, it’s 3,000 cubic feet per quarter. Crothers referenced the senior discount program. He said they were only billed a minimum of 1,000 a quarter (which is not what the city website states, it states it’s a 25% discount.) Evidently under the new program it would be a minimum of 1,000 a quarter.
Sarantou wanted handouts when the citizens approved the previous water rate increases, he thinks there is going to be some confusion. Crothers said he is confident that when they see the handouts that everyone will be very well served by what they see.
Sarantou said why the majority supported FM Global is because of their history with them. He said it was a well vetted discussion back then on that.
Ludeman detailed calculated averages of the different size households and what the increases will be per quarter and for each year of the four years. Ludeman said he’d be paying about $81.00 a year more at the end of the four years. He also wanted comparable rates for other cities, Detroit, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Crothers said they already have that information as well as several other cities. There will also be a power point presentation.
The Committee of the Whole on the 3 pieces of legislation on Nov. 22 at 4:00 p.m.
Authorizing the expenditure of $10,865 from the Water Operating Fund to provide payment to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) for the City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities’ membership dues for 2010-2011; and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The American Water Works Association is an international not-for-profit and educational society which advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full “spectrum” of stakeholders from throughout the water processing and distribution community. This ordinance authorizes payment to AWWA for the 2010-2011 membership dues for the city’s Department of Public Utilities. Adequate funds are provided in the 2010 Operating Budget for this purpose.
They’ve belonged for 30 years. SEP was asked for – Webb gave SEP
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into Price Determining Contracts for geotechnical testing services and related engineering services; and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The City of Toledo is in need of testing and related engineering services for numerous construction contracts it administers, with the Division of Engineering Services and the Toledo Waterways Initiative being two of the primary users of these services. Since numerous divisions utilize the same types of tests for their respective projects, the City has found it beneficial to have Price Determining Contracts established that contain schedules of prices for commonly utilized testing and engineering services. Funding for these services are contained in the various, individual, operating and project budgets authorized by Council, and while singularly they represent a small portion of the projects’ costs, collectively they are sizeable enough that competitively bidding contracts for these services is desirable. This ordinance authorizes solicitation of formal proposals and entering into price determining contracts for geotechnical and related engineering services from companies meeting the City’s geotechnical testing qualifications.
Steel asked for amounts from 2009 and 2010 as far as what was spent by referral. Webb gave SEP
Authorizing the appropriation and expenditure of $200,000 from the unappropriated balance of the Water Improvement Fund for the construction of waterlines in various locations in the City for the purpose of connecting mains that do not loop within the City’s water distribution system; authorizing the Mayor and Commissioner of Purchases and Supplies to prepare plans and specifications, acquire rights-of-way and easements, and enter into contracts for said project in an amount not to exceed $200,000; and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
This project will consist of the installation of approximately 1000 linear feet of 8” Ductile Iron Pipe at various locations in the City of Toledo. The purpose is to connect watermains that do not loop within the City’s water distribution system. Funds for this program have been set aside for this project as part of the 2010 Water Improvement Budget. It is the intent of this ordinance to appropriate $200,000 from the Water Improvement Fund into the Division of Engineering Services’ and the Division of Water Distribution’s 2010 Loop Closures accounts and to expend that same amount in total for this purpose. This work is necessary to maintain safe, reliable water service that will meet existing and future growth.
SEP was given
Authorizing the Mayor to accept, deposit and appropriate loan proceeds of up to $3,890,000; authorizing the expenditure of these loan proceeds on the Stockroom/Maintenance Garage Renovation Project; appropriating $45,000 from the Sanitary Sewer Replacement Fund for the payment of loan administration fees, testing and miscellaneous project related expenses; authorizing various adjustments and transfers of expenses to comply with the loan agreements; authorizing a dedicated source for repayment of the loan; authorizing the Mayor to execute all necessary documentation for the loan, and for all contracts related to construction, professional services, contingencies, capitalized interest, testing and miscellaneous project related expenses; and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The administration has learned that the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund might not always provide the most favorable interest rates for Consent Decree projects. These rates change from time to time and City wishes to be able to secure the most advantageous rate package as it becomes available. The administration intends to obtain interest rate loan quotes and execute the loan with whichever loaning entity presents the most favorable rate and terms. This ordinance authorizes the Mayor to accept and deposit up to $3,890,000 in loan funds from whichever entity has the most advantageous rate package on or about the time of loan award. It further authorizes the Mayor to enter into agreements for this loan and to conduct the appropriate budget adjustments and transfers of expenses associated with the loan. It also appropriates $45,000 to pay the loan application fee; testing and miscellaneous project related expenses and dedicates a source of repayment. It authorizes the Mayor to enter into contracts, purchase orders and agreements for construction, professional services, contingencies, capitalized interest, testing and miscellaneous project related expenses necessary for the Stockroom/Maintenance Garage Renovation project. This project is required to be constructed to provide available land to construct the new Grit Facility that is required under the Consent Decree.
Martinez said they approved funding for the site plan and wanted an update where they are at. The plans are complete, preliminary design, at present there is nothing holding it back. There are two phases and the historical review is not on the stock room. Ludeman asked about the loan application fee, he wants a breakdown of the misc expenses.
Sarantou wanted to go back to item 5 to add what was spent in 2009 (that was asked for) Sarantou also wanted to know where the vendors were located. Webb said we can’t move forward without the geo-testing so she doesn’t agree with Steel on the ability to get contracts before hand. Steel said he understands its more of a retainer, but his on going concern is they don’t abdicate their oversight. Webb gave them SEP.
Authorizing appropriation and expenditure of $387,360 from the unappropriated balance of the 2010 Sanitary Sewer Replacement Fund and $1,549,440 from the unappropriated balance of the 2010 Storm Water Replacement Fund for the purchase of replacement vehicles and equipment for the Division of Sewer and Drainage Services; authorizing the Mayor and Commissioner of Purchases and Supplies to enter into and execute the necessary contracts and agreements to purchase this equipment through the State Term Schedule Contracts with the State of Ohio; and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
In order to continue to provide proper sewer and drainage services to the citizens of the City of Toledo by maintaining the sanitary and storm sewers in good and operable condition, staying in compliance with the Consent Decree and avoiding costly fines, it is necessary to keep the vehicle fleet and related equipment used by sewer cleaning and construction crews in safe and operable condition. A through review of SDS’s existing vehicles and equipment indicates that many pieces of equipment shown on the attached schedule have far exceeded their useful life and must now be replaced as soon as possible. This ordinance authorizes the purchase of various vehicles and equipment to replace this worn, inoperable and, in some cases, dangerous equipment. Funding for this purchase has been approved in the Department of Public Utilities Capital Outlay Budget.
It was stated the vehicles are not usable. They plan to spend $2 million on new vehicles. Steel asked about the priority levels and why all of them are being asked for. It was stated they have a desperate need for all of them but she was told to prioritize. Crothers said this is a truncated schedule there are other lower priorities, this is what they had budgeted. There will be additional needs and the rate increase will allow them to do that in the future. He said there are many, many more vehicles that are in states of decomposition. Steel said quoting as needs not wants as Collins said, he gets wear and tear on equipment, he doesn’t understand the foreman vehicles need to be replaced right now, he wants to know how old they are, how many miles they have, etc. Crothers said they would provide them that and pictures. Steel also said they are pre-authorizing it, he wanted to know how they would not utilize the state contract. There were a few vehicles that were highly specialized pieces of equipment that are not on the state contract list. Steel wanted to know what the foreman vehciles are – they are looking at Libertys and Escapes. They are tempering buying local versus the best deal. Steel said the Liberty generates money for Toledo, he also said there are GMC’s that have transmissions made here in Toledo. It’s why he has a problem with pre-authorizing contracts.
The Mayor said they are in dire need of this equipment, he told Crothers to line up the vehicles and Council would see why they needed to be replaced. They are trying to get caught up on things that have not been covered. He said it’s a morale issue with the employees, they feel no one cares about them since they are driving around in vehicles they feel are unsafe. Bell said he talked to the employees 30 days ago, they are trying to meet things they should have done months ago.
Sarantou wanted to know if they were going to use local vendors, he wanted them to let them know if it went out of the city. He wanted to know if they ever found the backhoe that was stolen. It has not yet been found.
Craig wanted the maintenance schedules for these vehicles, if they are spending $15-20,000 to year it’s much cheaper to buy new. It will be provided via referral. Craig wanted to know about the deep digs, we contract most of those out, it was stated it would be cheaper if we could have our own equipment.
Waniewski said he would give tours of his Galant with over 200,000 miles on it. Crothers said that would be in the middle of their fleet as far as serviceability. Waniewski asked if this money was in the bank or if it was contingent on 1, 2 and 3 it was stated it was in the bank. Webb asked for their time frame, Webb gave them SEP.
Authorizing the Mayor to consent to necessary easements relating to fiber cable connection at Toledo Express Airport; and declaring an emergency.
Summary & Background:
The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority has requested services at the Toledo Express Airport which requires the installation of a fiber cable connection by Buckeye Cablevision. The installation will require the grant of a right-of-way easement. The easement will not interfere with airport operations or with existing or future development at the airport.
This ordinance authorizes the Mayor to consent to a “Right-of-Way Easement” to assist in the installation and maintenance of fiber cable connection. A copy the requested easements are attached as Exhibit A.
SEP was asked for by Adam Loukx – Collins gave SEP
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into a real property Lease Agreement with The Olander Park System, an Ohio Park District for the property located at 30 Meadow Lane & 5367 Carlingfort Drive; making certain findings with respect thereto; and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
This Ordinance is for approval to enter into a Lease Agreement with The Olander Park System (TOPS) for the leasing of city owned property known at Waterbury Wet Woods (WWW) located in Sylvania Township at 30 Meadow Lane along with an adjacent access lot located in the City of Toledo at 5367 Carlingfort. The Waterbury Family donated this property to the City with the stipulation it be preserved for nature and educational purposes only. TOPS has the personnel and expertise to restore the WWW into a pristine Oak savanna and to provide for public nature programs at the site.
The lease provides for annual rents of $10 for an initial term of 15 years with option for 3 automatic renewals of 5 years each. TOPS will be responsible for any and all expenses related to this site during the term of the lease.
They can’t sell it, there is a reverter clause that the City can not sell it, we have to maintain it as a wetland. Wanieski wanted to know where they came up with the dollar amount. It was stated it would save the City money, Denny Garvin said it was 4 and a quarter acres in Sylvania Township, it’s not in Toledo. It was willed to Toledo, it was hoped it would be restored then managed as an Oak savanna, they are not outfitted to do it, they’d love to do it, it’s a rare eco-type. Then Olander was not established, now it is and Olander can manage it. Waniewski asked if Olander was going to charge for it. The director of Olander said they do not intend to charge for this, he said they do charge for Fossil park, but with their nature education program there is no charge. Ludeman said he was not aware it was there, he thinks it’s a neat project. The access point is a residential neighborhood, the city has not maintained the frontage for some time the neighbors have. Ludeman gave SEP. They’ve done a previous Oak savanna behind Southview, the goal is to have the trees but also restore the natural wildflowers. Steel asked how access for Toledo area residents would be maintained, there is no parking, there will be no parking it will be a neighborhood park.
Sarantou lives 18 houses from this property, he said he thought he smelled a Hershey bar in there but couldn’t get it to it because it was so overgrown. He was told that this is wetlands and it could not be changed. A neighborhood meeting will be held. Ludeman said he’d be happy to arrange for a field trip and then have lunch at Sarantou’s house. Sarantou said maybe dinner but then his wife would make him sleep in the guest room.
Authorizing the Mayor to execute needed instruments for the sale and conveyance of eleven (11) parcels of real estate to United North Corporation, an Ohio Non-Profit Corporation; and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The City operates a Land Reutilization Program pursuant to Section 187.19(a) of the Toledo Municipal Code which authorizes the City to accept nonproductive land and dispose of same pursuant to Chapter 5722 of the Ohio Revised Code. The Department of Development oversees the review and processing of the program and presently holds title to property that United North Corporation (UNC) wishes to acquire. Ten of the eleven requested parcels were pulled from the most recent Lucas County Auditor’s Forfeited Land Sale at the request of UNC and the 11th lot at 1441 N. Huron is adjacent to a vacant lot that UNC already has title to at 1443 N. Huron. Lots will be used for future scattered site housing development.
Sale price for the properties is $150 per parcel for a total of $1,650. UNC will assume all future maintenance and tax expenses and participate in profit sharing should the undeveloped lots be sold prior to construction. Additionally, this Ordinance will be subject to a 12-month window for transfer or the authorizations will expire making the property available for sale by the City to others.
Martinez gave SEP
Authorizing the Mayor to execute needed instruments for the sale and conveyance of three (3) parcels of real estate located on Indiana Avenue to Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority, a body corporate and politic; and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The City operates a Land Reutilization Program pursuant to Section 187.19(a) of the Toledo Municipal Code which authorizes the City to accept nonproductive land and dispose of same pursuant to Chapter 5722 of the Ohio Revised Code. The Department of Development oversees the review and processing of the program and presently holds title to property that Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA) wishes to acquire. The 3 parcels they wish to acquire are located at 355, 357 & 361 Indiana Avenue. These vacant parcels will be used as part of the redevelopment of the Brand Whitlock and Albertus Brown Homes.
Sale price for the properties is $150 per parcel for a total of $450. LMHA will assume all future maintenance and tax expenses and participate in profit sharing should the undeveloped lots be sold prior to construction. Additionally, this Ordinance will be subject to a 12-month window for transfer or the authorizations will expire making the property available for sale by the City to others.
Webb wanted to know the status of the project, they are applying to HUD to demolish the 400 Brand Whitlock/Brown, it takes 6 months for approval then they will begin relocating residents, that will take 12 months, it will be $40 to $50 million dollars when it’s done. Webb thought it would be prudent if sketches were sent to Council so they could be apprised of this large and exciting project. It was stated that they had planned to do that, bring power point, pictures. Matthew Sutter LMHA was who spoke. Copeland asked if they were demolishing all of them, it was stated yes, he said good.
Martinez said SEP Sutter said they interviewed an architect today. Martinez said Spring would be good for a hearing.
Authorizing the Mayor to execute needed instruments for the sale and conveyance of certain city-owned real estate located 1346 Girard in CoOperative Addition, Toledo, Ohio to Roger & Lynette Gibson; and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The City operates a Land Reutilization Program pursuant to Section 187.19(a) of the Toledo Municipal Code which authorizes the City to accept nonproductive land and dispose of same pursuant to Chapter 5722 of the Ohio Revised Code. Roger & Lynette Gibson seek to acquire 1346 Girard Avenue from the Land Reutilization Program for lot expansion. The parcel will be combined with the properties on either side of this lot that the Gibson’s already own. The sale price for the parcel is One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00).
Martinez said SEP
Authorizing the Mayor to execute needed instruments for the sale and conveyance of certain city-owned real estate located at 614 Tecumseh in LENK’S ADDITION in the City of Toledo to Emmanuel Apostolic Tabernacle, Inc., an Ohio Non-Profit Corporation; and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The City operates a Land Reutilization Program pursuant to Section 187.19(a) of the Toledo Municipal Code which authorizes the City to accept nonproductive land and dispose of same pursuant to Chapter 5722 of the Ohio Revised Code. Emmanuel Apostolic Tabernacle, Inc., wishes to acquire the City-owned vacant lot 614 Tecumseh. Emmanuel Apostolic owns the improved parcels to the east on City Park. Negotiated sale price for this property is One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00). Parcel combine is a requirement of sale and purchaser will be solely responsible for any costs or expenses associated with satisfying any requirements under the Toledo Municipal Code, including any and all permits for the eventual redevelopment of this property.
Martinez said SEP
Second Reading – this needs Three Readings – the hearing date is December 8th:
Repealing Toledo Municipal Code Section 135.03; Enacting a new Section 135.03; Enacting a new Toledo Municipal Code Chapter 140 (“Department of Inspection”); and declaring an emergency.
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The Administration seeks to reorganize the existing Department of Neighborhoods by creating a new Department of Inspection. The unique nature of the mission of the Current Divisions of Inspection and Code Enforcement is such that a separate administrative Department would improve overall efficiency.
Collins asked for a financial impact statement, the current costs and the cost differentials. Deputy Mayor said they would have that to him before the hearing.
A new ordinance was not on the agenda but will be presented to Council at their next meeting as an emergency ordinance – designating Woodstock from Dorr St. to Nebraska Avenue as Jim Jackson Way. Brown said Jimmy Jackson would be better since most people won’t know him as Jim.
Renew lease for Coalition for Quality Education at Zablocki Community Center, 5 years, $500/year
McNamara by way of referral the leases and the space at the Zablocki Community Center, he also had questions as to why it was being subsidized below market rate. Steel said they recruit and train parent partners at many of the schools and have on going support activities for parents. Steel said they are well respected within the school system. Brown said they wanted to address this before the lease expires in December.
Collins wanted an employee status report, on all new employees hired by the Bell administration with the exception of police, fire and classified employees that are members of bargaining units. He wants names, position, date of hire, job description and salary for transitioned employees from the previous administration he’d like the same information. he also wants to know what budget line those individuals can be found within.
Steel wanted to know about the yard waste issue with the County canceling the service. He wanted to know what will be done about Christmas trees since the City does not pick them up and the County no longer has a drop off site. Herwat said that’s a part of the larger discussion they are having with the County and they will be presenting a plan for Council. Herwat said he will make sure that information will be provided.
Sarantou urged the scheduling of budget hearings to begin.
The Toledo Symphony gave a presentation to Council. President and CEO of Toledo Symphony Kathleen Carroll spoke. They are going to perform at Carnegie Hall in May, 65 were among those considered, only 7 were selected – this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. They are gong to hold a pre-concert performance here in April, Carroll said this could be an opportunity to be a beacon of positive light for all of the community. They need the City to partner with them and to support them, they are determined to show the world what Toledo already knows, we have a great orchestra and community support of the arts.
They are seeking $10,000 from the City.
Waniewski wanted the cost of the total trip, $250,000 – 80 musicians will perform on stage, and there is a theatrical component, they leave on Friday, perform on Saturday and leave on Sunday. They have tickets for sale for $25.00 they think many Toledo area residents will travel there. The University of Toledo is hosting alums in NY for this event, Waniewski asked how much they have so far, she said they have $220,000 some of the funding came from a grant of $20,000 and a number of businesses. The Mud Hens are one of the organizations that joined them. Steel said he and his family would be there at Carnegie Hall. He said anything we can do to support the incredible work of the Symphony.
Collins said if we can afford $300,000 in extra insurance payments because we like them, he said Council should give the Symphony for the $30,000 they need. Bell said he can’t beat Collins, he supports the Symphony. He said we are turning this around and we are doing it together, he thinks this is very crucial when the China delegation came they performed a small concert for them, Bell intends to go to NY to see them perform as well. Carroll thanked them. Copeland said they are very proud of them and he’s sure they will all support them. Martinez said he’s been looking for an excuse to go back to New York again, he and his girlfriend will attend.
