The following resolutions and topics were read and voted on if necessary:
- 53 acres in Northfield Center were added to the JEDD – passed by Macedonia – now needs to be passed by Northfield Center
- The position of Service Department Supervisor was created
- Compensation schedule for non-union city employees was not voted upon but the 2nd and 3rd readings were waived (Emergency Ordinance). NO. 86 -201*
- Property from the former Bedford Anodizing business is now part of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
- A Technology Advancement Fund has been established to update technology in the city offices.
See the agenda for the meeting here.
Mayor’s Report
- The “blue envelope” residents received in the mail was the legal notice required explaining that the fee for the water maintenance expansion fund ($20.84) will now be included in the tax bills. This move saves the city money and time because the finance department will not have to invoice and mail to over 5,000 residents. The fee has not changed since 1964.
- The congestion on Highland Rd. was discussed. The Mayor and others have been working to resolve this issue. Funding needs to be secured – the turning lanes alone will cost $2 million. Resolution may take up to 2 years.
- The Pavement Condition Rating System was explained. The Oct. 2019 report states that the city streets rank at 86.9, up 13.7% from 2015 (state routes are not included). $11.3 million was spent on the roads since 2015, 21.7 miles were repaired. The next roads to be fixed are Broadmoor, Highland Rd., Chinaberry Circle, Navajo Trail and N. Melody.
Committee reports were given before the meeting was adjourned.
Editor’s Notes –
- *ORD. NO. 86 -201 details the proposed salary increase for the current Mayor, to begin on Dec. 1, 2019. It should be noted that the public was not notified before the meeting that the increase was forthcoming and no Council member or the Mayor discussed the intent of the ordinance during the Council meeting when it was passed. The increase is 38% of the current salary. Voting for the ordinance were Council incumbents Mr. Ventura (sponsor), Mr. Bilkie, Ms. Brandt, and Mr. Barker. Ms. Tulley was the sole vote against the measure.
- ** Kevin Bilkie was not present on the dais because of the censure previously put on him. The censure was for “gross misconduct”, which was not explained. See related article here.
