Glass City Jungle

At the beginning of agenda review the following were present, Szollosi, Waniewski, Ashford, Brown, Collins, Craig, McNamara and Sarantou. (As noted Webb and Copeland arrived)

Appropriation for engineering & planning by Tetra Tech of Municipal Solar Field, $110,000 Water Imp

Authorizing the appropriation and expenditure of an amount not to exceed $110,000 from the Water Improvement Fund for the purpose of planning and engineering a Municipal Solar Field; further authorizing and directing the Mayor and Commissioner of Purchases and Supplies to enter into an agreement with Tetra Tech, the low bidder, for the planning and engineering for a Municipal Solar Field; and declaring an emergency.

Ordinance 44-09 was approved to appropriate $65,000 for the purpose of planning and engineering a Municipal Solar Field; an additional $110,000 is needed to move forward with planning and engineering on the project. This ordinance authorizes additional funding to be appropriated from the Water Improvement Fund.

This is the first phase – this legislation was dubbed first reading. It will be 7 to 9 million dollars for the complete project when it is a megawatt solar field. The water treatment plant runs at 5 Megawatts 24/7 365 days a year so it would significantly reduce the cost of that facility. Collins requested the current costs for energy at the water treatment plant. Szollosi asked for a referral related to San Jose’s conversion of waste into fuel, he wanted research on if there are any parallels.

Appropriation for Basement Flood Remediation Grant Program, $300,000 Sewer Operating Fund – SEP

Ordinance 492-04 established the Basement Flood Remediation Grant Program to assist property owners in preventing basement flooding caused by sanitary sewer backups, and appropriated $100,000 to provide grants to property owners for this purpose. Ordinances 647-07, 476-08, 662-08, and 138-09 appropriated additional funds totaling $600,000 to the program. To date, approximately 486 grants totaling approximately $700,000 have been awarded. A backlog of applications (60) still exists and new applications continue to be submitted. The Department of Public Utilities continues to refine the policies and procedures for the administration of the program to benefit the maximum number of property owners and direct the funds to the greatest need. This ordinance provides $300,000 from the Sewer Operating Fund to continue the program through 2009.

Appropriation for operation/maintenance of Co-Generation Facilities at WWTP &Landfill,$802,503 Swr Committee of the Whole meeting was asked for by Ashford.

The construction of the 30 Million Dollar Co-Generation Facilities at the Bay View Wastewater Treatment Plant (Plant) and the Hoffman Road Landfill (Landfill) will be completed in the next couple of months. The Division of Water Reclamation has advertised for and received proposals for the operation and maintenance of the Co-Generation Facilities. Solar Turbines, the original equipment manufacturer, has provided the lowest and best proposal. Solar Turbines has the qualified, experienced and licensed staff to operate and maintain the Co-Generation Facilities. The 5-year contract with Solar Turbines will include the operation and maintenance of the Co-Generation Facilities at both the Plant and the Landfill, and the generation of electric power for the entire Plant, thus eliminating the need for utility power at a cost of 3 Million Dollars a year. The 5-year contract will also include a complete rebuild of the gas combustion turbine, which normally costs 1.5 Million Dollars. The total contract cost over five years will be $8,176,175, with $652,503 to be appropriated and authorized for expenditure this year. Related contracts, not to exceed $1,500,000 over five years, for items including chemicals, water treatment services, and emissions testing, are also necessary to facilitate full system operation. For this year, $150,000 will be appropriated and authorized for expenditure. Thus, a total of $802,503 will need to be appropriated and authorized for expenditure this year. This legislation authorizes a 5-year contract with Solar Turbines and other related contracts necessary for system operation.

The 5-year contract with Solar Turbines will include the operation and maintenance of the Co-Generation Facilities at both the Plant and the Landfill, and the generation of electric power for the entire Plant, thus eliminating the need for utility power at a savings of 3 Million Dollars a year.

McNamara asked if it had been looked at to see if it would be cheaper to put the energy generated on the grid, that is being looked at.

Appropriation for fully equipped Confined Space Entry(CSE)vehicle for Sewer& Drainage,$125,000Swr – SEP

In order to maintain the storm and sanitary sewer systems in good, operable condition and to provide services to the citizens of the City of Toledo, the Division of Sewer and Drainage Services utilizes a Confined Space Entry (CSE) Vehicle. This vehicle, and all related equipment, enables personnel to enter manholes safely and without incident. Typical pieces of equipment include but are not limited to: gas monitors, safety harnesses, electric blowers, tripods and winches. A review of the existing vehicle and equipment indicates that the useful life has been exceeded and replacement is appropriate.

Ashford requested a list of the balance remaining from the Sanitary Sewer Replacement Fund as a referral.

Accept PUCO grant for Hazardous Materials Training for Environmental Services, $18,750 – SEP

Resolution – Street Lighting – Templar Rd. from Grantwood Dr. to Eastbrook Dr. – SEP

Second reading item:

Appropriation for curbs, street sealing, ramps and new TPS infrastructure, $870,569 CIP no comments

Accept Ohio Peace Officer Training Comm. grant for Police continuing professional training, $74,520 SEP

Second reading items:

Continue lease at Owens C.C. for Toledo Police Academy, 14 of 20 years, $107,000 General Fund no comments

Purchase 7 vehicles from Sylvania for Police, $18,500 Property Room and equipment, $80,000 LETF

Only question was by Sarantou wanting to know what the vehicles would be used for, marked, unmarked and gang task force.

Resolution – Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) with Troy Township, Wood County, Ohio SEP

The City of Toledo, Troy Township, Wood County, Ohio and the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority have reached an agreement in principal to create a Joint Economic Development District located in Troy Township. The District will consist of 460 acres in the vicinity of State Route 420 and U.S. Route 20 adjacent to major highways, rail lines, and railroad yards. Under this agreement the City of Toledo will provide water and sewer service to the District property, and Troy Township will provide services for road maintenance, police and fire protection. The City 2.25% income tax will be collected from all employees in the Joint Economic Development District. The City will receive a fee of 2% of all revenue for collection of the income tax. The Agreement contains a make whole provision, which gives the City all of the income tax revenue collected from a business that relocates from the City to the Joint Economic Development District. The balance of the income tax collected will be split 40% to the City of Toledo and 60% to Troy Township.

Amend TMC Sec. 187.41 for billing late charges and collect delinquent payments owed to the City first reading

The city has entered into a contract with SAP for the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that will provide financial and procurement hosted software services. As a result of the greater capabilities of the new software, it is possible to update current billing procedures by adding late charges to unpaid delinquencies. This ordinance enacts a late charge equal to the charge for the late payment of city taxes in Toledo Municipal Code section 1905.11 that will become a part of the new financial system.

Collins expressed concern that we needed to make sure we were doing everything in house before anything delinquent is sent to a collection agency. Waniewski asked for clarification because he though it was related to taxes, this is not, this is for other monies owed to the City of Toledo. Sarantou asked for examples, Neighborhood Department for some of the money they are loaning out there is not a late fee process in place. Sarantou asked about uncashed checks from last year, it was stated that was no longer an issue.

Amendment of Development Agreement with Dillin Prop. for Marina District, convey property for $3.6M Economic Development meeting on Monday at 1:00 p.m.

A positive or a negative action from Council could have an impact on the OCFC special meeting on July 7, 2009. Szollosi stated Dillin was paying $62,000 an acre, Collins asked if an outside appraisal had been done on the land. None had been done. Collins said we have nothing to show for this and went through the history of how many times the plan for the Marina has changed. He said Dillin paying the City and the money then going back into the project was not really any benefit to the City. Craig wanted to know how much money the City has actually spent so far from tax dollars. He also asked how much generally a uncleaned brownfield goes for per acre, “you can’t give them away” was the answer. Collins had some additional issues to raise that will be discussed again on Monday. Sarantou wants a complete list of all of the money that has been spent.

Appropriation for General Park Improvements, $140,000 CIP Fund First reading

Playground equipment, benches, tables, etc. – this is less than has been asked for in years past.

Issue Notes – Solid Waste refuse trucks, 40 trucks, $12,200,000
Appropriation for 40 automated refuse trucks & rental of 2 during pilot program,$12,200,000 General

McNamara went through a description of the various ways other large cities handle their trash collection, one of those is a managed competition scenario, Allied has sent a proposal for 25% of Toledo, McNamara wanted to look at that because it could create larger savings immediately. Under the current plan the City would not start saving money until next year. Sarantou said that some people are under the impression that the City has to find jobs for the refuse workers, he asked again for clarification. Franklin said if we automate and keep it in house we would not have to find positions for City workers, only if we subcontract. Sarantou asked if the notes were five or ten years, Franklin said they were five years. Collins went through some hypothetical scenario if the other bargaining units wouldn’t accept the employees that would be let go, Collins felt we didn’t have any choices right now since we couldn’t phase in automation and attrition. Franklin said that would take years, if Local 7 agreed that wouldn’t be an issue. Collins said if they go to a managed competition they will have to find positions for the former trash workers. Franklin said 25% would be more manageable, Collins asked if there had been any discussion with the other unions, Franklin said that needed to be re-established, Collins wanted that looked at again before Friday. Webb wanted the time frame, Franklin said if they order by July they can still buy the 2009 trucks, the price goes up $50,000 per truck if it’s 2010. There is another possible vendor that has stated they’ll offer a lower price. Webb also stated that Allied has offered to hire some of the workers, she felt that they are being forced into a corner because of the time frame, she felt they made the right decision as far as refuse collection, that they haven’t vetted the concept of charging for the carts, the administration wants them to raise the trash fee, she wants the discussion of the carts, the fee and the managed versus city discussion happen. She doesn’t think they’ll be ready to vote on July 7th. Waniewski asked again about the number of employees, Franklin said they are not required to find jobs for 70 if it’s inhouse but they would try to find jobs for some. Sarantou said they need to make a decision, 89% of cities our size are doing it, there will be glitches but they are talking about a three million dollar savings. Webb is not advocating that we not move to automation, she said the decision to incorporated managed competition merits serious consideration and can’t be made in a couple of days. Collins said until we got the arbitration we really didn’t know the full line. He’s ready to vote because it’s the only one that makes sense.

Amend TMC Ch. 1307 to increase fees for Building Inspection, building/occupancy $5, others $10

This would create additional funding to bring back some of the laid off inspectors – McNamara – 16th at 8:00 a.m. Council hearing meeting. Webb asked what happens if the trust fund generates more than what is needed, McNamara said if that was to happen it would mean economic development was such that more inspectors would be needed. Webb and McNamara talked about creating an enterprise fund that would totally fund the Building Inspection Department it was agreed they would talk about that.

A special council meeting this July 2 and 9 a.m. for the collective bargaining agreement – Szollosi wanted the record to reflect that Webb and Copeland arrived after attendance was taken.

None of the zoning items had any discussion or any disagreement from the Zoning and Planning Committee.

Resolution – Withdraw objection to renewal of liquor permit at Club Rocks, 5038 Lewis Ave.

They are closing the bar and placing the license in safe keeping so the law department has asked for a withdrawl of the objection.

That was the end of the Council Meeting – the next part of the meeting was about the applications of those seeking the vacant term. Collins briefly went over what he had asked for as far as a resume and to attend so Council could examine them. Szollosi said he thought that was a fine idea as far as transparency, he was surprised only two people sought the seat, considering everyone who pulled petitions. If it was him, he would have been here. Ashford said if anyone believes in transparency it is him, however this is a different area of responsibility, he thinks they should be vetted by individual council members and it’s not a requirement. He thinks we are wasting tax payer time to interview anyone, if they want to apply and talk to anyone they want.

Ashford said that with all due respect this should have been in a public forum if they were going to do it this way, there are no citizens here so it’s one sided. Collins said it was reported in the news media this was something that would happen and it was in their packets. Collins said it was the citizens who elected us and asked us to speak for us. He said these deals were cut in back rooms in the past and these two presented their resumes and were willing to speak, he doesn’t think there is anything wrong with asking two people who want to be on this council questions. He doesn’t see the process is being provided with a disservice. Szollosi asked if we could just let Dr. Goldman and Dr. Steel get their message out and they can debate the finer points later.

Ashford said what he said the public did not get any type of an official announcement for the public to be involved in this vetting process, even though they were elected to represent them the public may have their own questions. Ashford said he’s never been in smoke filled backroom deal, he doesn’t know what type of politics Collins is talking about.

Dr. Goldman was the first one, he’s listened for years and most of the trouble is because the questions have not been framed properly. He referenced the Dillin deal he doesn’t think it was the downturn in the economy that the city has been in financial trouble for 25 years when the manufacturing companies left and we are still paying for that today. How we move forward is to know what our assets are and what we can bring on line that is the most profitable first. There is a history of poor stewardship, that most of the time people that come before the body and don’t have the answers, referrals are given and not answered. He also focused on the lack of real time financial numbers, that Schulz has sought for 12 years. He wants to be a part of the solution, for every unit of brownfield three go away, we’ve lost our farming capacity, all we have done is move contaminated dirt from one place to another. He said there are ways to put that land back into operation without harming other land. He believes he has solutions and he has the skills to get people to work together, he put together 13 universities, they get a million dollars in funding that has leveraged 100 million dollars for Ohio. That’s what he would like to do for Council.

Szollosi asked if he pulled petitions, Goldman said absolutely not, he does not believe this should be a political appointment that the person who gets this should only be there to work.

Then Dr. Steve Steel, he said he sees the need for this because whoever is picked will have to deal with the issues before Council. They all know who he is and he is a candidate for Council because he believes he has the skill set translate directly into service on Council. He knows the pressures of a budget, they had to make ten million in cuts. He felt in being a candidate, he makes the case that his previous service translates and he wants to show he can jump in and do the job. His first response was similar to Szollosi, that incumbency might not be an advantage, he’s running because he thinks he can serve and help step up and do some of the work, he’s ready to do in January if the citizens see fit and he’s ready to start Tuesday if they see fit. He could talk more about some of the other things he’s done like collaboration with UT, if they have any questions.

Szollosi said Goldman mentioned some of his ideas for job creation, he asked if Steel had any specifics. Steel said yeah, specific to jobs in the situation we are in it’s job retention as a baseline, stop the bleeding of jobs out of our region. He was just in a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce to streamline for start ups and to stay here and to grow. He referenced a website that New York City – Small Businesses Express – it gives a person any forms they need – we’ve been talking about a one stop shop forever, something like this could work.

Waniewski asked if he could keep answers to a minute, he asked about the Mayor’s reciprocity tax – Steel said he would be impacted by it, as he understood it someone like himself who pays BG taxes none of the dollars there go to Toledo and none of his earnings goes to Toledo, that seems unfair but he also feels in this economic time that would just give people incentive to move.

Waniewski wanted Goldman to answer it – Goldman said he is against it, the City seems to want to tax rather than to generate new income. You can not tax a shrinking population.

Ashford said what they learned from the two people they were not vetted by the public, it served no purpose. Next time his colleagues decide to do this he wants to make sure that it’s really a public process.

Apparently there was a third candidate, Stephen something that didn’t sign up to speak so he was not asked any questions. Nor was his name listed previously so I can’t add any additional information about him. The resume material was not included as a part of the Friday packet shared on the Council FTP server to be able to see if his resume was included.