Beck Center bail-out: $45,000 city loan forgiven
The Lakewood City Council voted unanimously to approve Mayor Edward O. FitzGerald’s request to let the Beck Center for the Arts off of the hook for the remaining $45,000 they owed on a 14-year-old city loan that originally totaled $92,110.86.
FitzGerald first announced his intension to rip-up the loan contract in April after the Beck Center went public with their financial woes. FitzGerald also handed them $55,000 in federal stimulus money towards the purchase of an energy efficient HVAC system.
The mayor, who suffers from personal political narcissism and chronic self-congratulation, said at an earlier council meeting that he could have gotten a loan waiver through the Loan Approval Board, but decided to bring the issue before the Council.
The Council had very little public debate on the topic. They acceded to the mayor’s request to expedite the matter by issuing their approval after just one reading of the ordinance. Usually, three readings are required. FitzGerald said the Beck Center was conducting a year-end audit and needed an official ruling from the city.
The money the city is forfeiting originated from their low-interest community development block grant loan fund and will not affect the general fund.
New $25 administrative towing fee gouge
The police department could bring in as much as $65,000 in new revenue in 2010 on the backs of motorists who have had their cars towed by the city. The Council unanimously approved the addition of a $25 administrative towing fee to help recover the cost of labor that the department expends in processing tow releases.
President of the Public Safety Committee Thomas Bullock (Ward 2) said the fee is common in other cities. The amount is actually less, he said, than the $30 the city actually spends per tow in manpower hours. Bullock amended the final ordinance to give future rate adjustment authority to the director of public safety, who must notify the Council of any adjustments. The city has about 2,500 automobiles towed each year.
Structurally balanced 2010 city budget passed; 2010 water, sewer rates upped
Consistent with the approach that was discussed at the recent municipal budget hearing, the Council approved a structurally balanced budget for 2010. The police and human service department budgets will be reduced by a total of $250,000. $75,000 was dropped from a general-use economic development fund.
Cuts to city services will be minimal, and although there will be savings from planned attrition, the likelihood that some city employees will be laid-off is a definite possibility. Final approval was also issued to increase 2010 water and sewer rates by about 10% each.
Mayor FitzGerald took the opportunity to congratulate himself on shrinking the budget over the past couple of years so that the city is not now enduring the same level of fiscal crisis many other municipalities are experiencing. He said he’s talked with mayors from other cities who are concerned they won’t be able to make payroll in January.
Chase Ave. resident Colletta Graham complained about the high cost of water rates, especially when compared to those in Rocky River. FitzGerald said many Cleveland suburbs aren’t satisfied with the value and service provide by the Cleveland Water Department and are trying to figure out ways to opt out of the system. He added that Lakewood’s water bills will be soon be redesigned to provide a better graphical view and explanation of water and sewer costs.
Much anticipated expansion of historic preservation laws finalized
The Council unanimously approved expansion of the city’s zoning code to include preservation of the interior of historically significant structures. For instance, if a historically significant church is scheduled to be shuttered, this law would prohibit anyone from altering certain elements of the interior of the building.
“This is not a law targeted at any particular building in the community,” said Councilperson Brian Powers (At-Large) with a straight face. Powers, of course, knows lawyers representing the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland will disagree with his opinion when they move to disassemble St. James Church.
Councilperson Kevin Butler (Ward 1) said the expanded laws are primarily aimed at public spaces; private property rights are protected. “This is reflected in communities all over the country, from east-to-west,” he said, observing that similar laws exist elsewhere.
Council president Michael Dever hangs up his wool sweater
With lamb-in-waiting Monique Smith looking on from the audience, Councilperson Michael Dever (At-Large) conducted his final meeting as city council president. Dever, who works for the corruption-plagued county, announced earlier this year he would not seek reelection in order to spend more time with his family.
As far as Lakewood City Council members go, he wasn’t a complete embarrassment to the city. He did an admirable job of running city council meetings, conveyed a classy professionalism and treated citizens well – even the lunatics.
It would have been nice to see him use his seniority and popularity to challenge the sheep-like groupthink plaguing city government. The push to strong-arm residents into a mandatory recycling program may be his lasting legacy. Whatever the case, his absence will be felt when the Council reconvenes in January, and the inexperienced newcomer Smith occupies his seat.
City objects to liquor permit transfer for Richland Café
The Council voted to support the administration’s statutory objection to a liquor license transfer for Richland Café located at 14027 Madison Ave.
Chief Malley explained the objection is based on two things. First, one of the potential new owners of the bar has been convicted a couple of times for serving alcohol after hours. Second, and more strikingly, the current owner was found to have illegal slot machines in the bar. He was warned to remove them and did not. The police seized them and charged him with a gambling violation. The case is pending.
T-shirt company headquarters lured from Westlake with cash bribe
The Council formally adopted a Finance Committee recommendation to extend a $50,000 low-interest loan to University Tees, Inc, a t-shirt vendor.
The company will use the money to purchase a silkscreen machine and open a four-person office in the Lake Erie Screw building. University Tees will eventually move their Westlake company headquarters to the building, along with eight more workers, four of whom are Lakewood residents. The business will generate an estimated $7,000 in annual payroll tax for the city.
Miscellaneous
Chief Malley asked the Council to consider making bicycle licenses available at no cost. He believes the current $2 charge is a barrier preventing many people from registering their bikes. He thinks officers would be able to do more effective outreach, especially to juveniles, if the licenses were free. The matter was referred to the Public Safety Committee for discussion.
The Council approved a collective bargaining agreement with Local 1043 and Ohio Council 8, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The agreement covers many public works employees. FitzGerald congratulated his administration for reaching a deal in a fairly prompt manner. He said there will be another union agreement announced in January.
Councilperson Mary Louise Madigan (Ward 4) raised an issue about mayoral succession. The matter was referred to the Committee of the Whole for discussion.
The owners of Around the Corner Saloon and Café were given a resolution honoring their 35th anniversary. Ryan and Mickey Krivosh were present to accept the Council’s accolades. Councilperson Butler (Ward 1) said he rarely hears of any complaints of patron misbehavior at the bar. He said they are a good role model for all other West End bars. The owners of Rozi’s Wine House were supposed to be honored for their 75th anniversary. They weren’t present at the meeting, so the matter was deferred.
The Council approved an agreement permitting The West Side Community House to stash a couple of their employees in the Division of Youth building in order to operate a mental health program. It’s a one-year deal and will net the city $31,500.
Discussion of a liquor permit transfer for Route 6 from Bar 2 was deferred.
The council meeting lasted about one hour and 40 minutes. There were approximately 16 people in the audience when the meeting began, but only 8 people left when the meeting concluded. You can read the docket for yourself here (.PDF).
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