City Council - Regular Meeting

[applause] We're going to open our committee meetings tonight at 6 pm. We're going to start out with rules, ordinances, and ethics with Councilman Kelly. I'm going to open up rules, ordinance, and ethics at 5:59. I have nothing in my folder for tonight. I'm going to let the record show. I'm going to open up to uh my committee, I have nothing tonight. Council as a whole, nothing. Nothing today. Directors, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mr. Chairman, if I could uh seed five minutes to do a proclamation. Oh, I forgot. That would be to the chair, Kelly.

Yes. Thank you.

Uh this tonight we have a proclamation for our business of the month. Our business of the month for January is Pathways Financial Credit Union. Uh this is their second visit back to council chambers because at Christmas time they were a very generous sponsor of our shop with the cop. So, welcome back. Uh, but today as a special honor and I'm going to read the proclamation, uh, Pathways Financial Credit Union is being recognized this January 2026 by the city of Seven Hills as our business of the month. Whereas Pathways Financial Credit Union traces its roots to 1973 when one of its predecessor institutions was formed to serve employees of local utility company growing over the decades through organic expansion and strategic mergers. Whereas in 2012, three Ohio-based credit unions completed a historic three-way merger, one of the first in the state, officially adopting the name Pathway Financial Credit Union and is expanding its capacity to serve communities across Ohio. Whereas Pathways Financial Credit Union was founded on cooperative principle of people helping people with the mission centered on financial education, responsible lending, personalized service, and long-term member success. And whereas Pathways Financial Credit Union established its 7 Hills location as part of its expansion into Northeast Ohio, recognizing the city's strong residential base, civic engagement, and commitment to supporting local businesses that align with the credit union's values. Whereas Pathways Financial Credit Union serves more than 54,000 members with over 750 million in assets and has been recognized as a Forb's best instate credit union, a best in place to work by

Columbus Business First and one of Central Ohio's fastest growing credit unions while remaining actively involved in community partnerships, charitable initiatives, and financial literacy programs that benefit the residents of Seven Hills. Now therefore, I, Anthony Bassiata, mayor of 7 Hills, together with all city officials and the residents of Seven Hills, do hereby deem an honor and a pleasure to extend this proclamation designating Pathways Financial Credit Union as a Seven Hills Business of the Month for 2026. Congratulations. [applause] Um, would uh you make like to make a statement or anything to council? Sure. Good evening. Um on behalf of Pathways Financial Credit Union, we'd like to thank the mayor, the council, and the city of Seven Hills for this um this proclamation. We really appreciate it. I know we met some of you at the grand reopening um in early December. So, I appreciate you guys uh taking the time to come out and meet with us. Um again, thank you. We've had nothing but um great success working with the city of Seven Hills thus far. Um being able to support the cops and kids and do some other things for the for the community and we're looking forward to expanding that in 2026 and again with uh with your support along with us. I think we'll be able to uh make that happen. So again, thank you so much and uh drive safely.

Thank you. Thanks. Congratulations. [clears throat] [snorts] Thank you so much. Be safe out there. Thank you. [cough and clears throat] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I have one item for your committee, if I may go further.

Yes, sir. Um, uh, the administration and law department have been reviewing changing our ebike ordinance for some time. Um, a number of our neighbors have changed the code. uh Parmama Bay Village were our examples and I'd like to get the ball rolling maybe pass to your committee and then we'll have three readings so there's ample time for everybody to see we're talking about but the major changes are the motors can't be operated on walking trails. uh helmets for all class. Currently only class three requires a helmet but all classes would require and it would also require seating in the right away to people walking on bicycle paths, chair pipes and sidewalks as well as not using the electric motor. Those are kind of the highlights of some of the proposed changes. Let me add one more. um nighttime reflectors or lights for operation. It's common sense with safety of the individuals uh that use the ebikes at the heart of the matter. So, um if there's no questions, I'd like your committee to take action on this tonight to begin the legislative process.

Mr. Mayor, yes, we've already started on that. we started reviewing it and uh we're going to be we're moving ahead with that as well. Uh I'd like to ask your committee to make a move move today to place this on the next agenda and we uh with the full intent having three readings which will carry it out over the next two months for debate and dialogue and public feedback. Yes sir. So can I get them agenda. So, I'm going to make a move to put this on the next reading. I'll second the motion.

All All in favor? Kelly. I I Any opposed in the committee? I'm just helping out. I'm sorry. Okay, the eyes have it. Thank you, chairman. Uh, no further for your committee today. Thank you, Mayor. Council Chair, I have a comment. Uh, Mr. Mr. Mayor, this is much needed. I want to thank the law law department as well too. We uh Councilman Kelly and I have actually met on this and we're actually so I'm glad you brought it to our attention as well already, but it is much needed and our neighbors have adapted very well. So, thank you for bringing this up tonight,

Mr. Chair. Also, uh I think uh Councilman Martin was on this for a while, was he not? I [snorts] sent him some [clears throat] information from the the metrop parks that I received because they the state changed a bunch of the laws as well. So, um that's constantly changing because they keep changing the bikes themselves. That is accurate. Councilman uh Ohio Revised Code has changed because as the bikes evolved, uh but we have an ebike ordinance, right? So, we're not silent on it. And as a chartered city, we either adopt OC or um bring our own code up to um current measures. And that's what we're we're doing here.

And thank you. I mean, I think you brought this up almost a year ago, right? Uh but uh part of uh what we attempted to do was partner with the our neighbors for enforcement. it would be easier to enforce if all the neighbors in the southwest quadrant had similar or the exact same ordinance. So, it doesn't change um much. And uh that's where I think uh it landed and we'll be uh plenty of time for council and public feedback over um the next month and a half to two months. Perfect. Thank you for your the time, Chairman Kelly.

Thank you, Mayor. If I have nothing from anyone else, uh, I'm going to close out rules ordinance ethics at 609. Do I have a second? Elliott. Second. Kelly. Roll call. Elliott. Yes. Snitzky. Yes. Kelly, yes. Thank you, Councilman Kelly. We now [clears throat] go to parks and recreation with Councilman Morrow. Thank you, Mr. President. I'm going to open parks and wreck at 609. Um, I have nothing in my folder. Director Burger, do you want to talk about all the fun things we have going on?

Sure. Um, we completed the parks and recck staff um, management completed the mental health first aid certification last Friday. So, our building was closed to the public. And, um, I just wanted to congratulate the staff on doing a great job in that. And then the other thing is our tax season discount runs February 10th through April 15th. Best discount around. Um, Director Bird, do you want to talk about the upcoming construction at all or if you wanted to?

Sure. Um, so Councilman Mororrow reached out to um any of the residents that live near Cricut Pavilion and I like to use the term weather permitting this week as much as possible. But um once we can schedule safely schedule the delivery of the pavilion kit for Cricut Park, um we will be starting that um that build. So um thank you to engineer Gearson for his help as well.

Looking forward to that. that's going to add to our already um stellar parks. Um you know, just always worth mentioning. One of my fun facts is that we have six parks in the city and you know, most of our neighboring cities only have one or maybe two if they're lucky. So, uh we're lucky to have such um space for families to gather and people to uh you know, really get into the community and and utilize. So, really excited for that. Um, is uh anyone on or Council Mashinsky, do you have any questions?

I was going to quick uh put in here since you mentioned Cricut Park. Um, nice amenity in Ward 3, but I want to thank Jeff Bride. I got a email from a resident that said he couldn't get from Cricut Park to the rec center because there was so much snow on the walking path going under the under the power lines. And he took care of it. I'm sure he'll have to take care of it again after all this snow, but I wanted to thank him for doing that. Yeah, I don't think we have like four-wheelers with snow plows on them. But, uh, would be nice, but don't give them any ideas. No, I think I think the service department stretched thin enough as it is right now, especially with these. I learned what a snow squall is today.

Squall. Squall. No idea what that is. Just learned it. Um, any questions from council? Mayor Oh. Okay. Uh, with that being said, I'd like to close parks and wreck at 6:12 p.m. Oh, do I have a second? Elliot. Second. Roll call. Elliot. Yes. Oh. Oh, you're not I'm not on your committee, but that's okay. I can, you know, pinch it. That's I don't know why I singled Tom. Uh, borrow. Yes. We're out at 64. [clears throat] Thank you, Councilman Mororrow. We now go to planning, zoning, and econ economic development. Councilman Snitzky.

All right. Good evening everybody. Thank PZB and E is in at 612. Um have two things in the agenda for this committee tonight. There is a zoning variance which we will go through in miscellaneous. Uh and there's also a planning zoning or I'm sorry a lot split coming up. This is something we've been looking forward to for a long time. uh approval of a lot consolidation plat for the Meyer Store Limited Partnership. This plaque creates a consolidated parcel of the previous Burger King and Meyer properties. The new consolidated parcel contains 13 almost 14 acres [snorts] and conforms with the zoning requirements of the general business district. Uh Mr. Gerson, do you have any comments on this?

Uh no, you summarized pretty good, but we'd recommend approval at the next council meeting if council would like to approve that. And that's exactly like what I would like to do. I would like to make a motion to put it on the agenda for the next [clears throat] council meeting. Can I get a second? As an emergency. As an emergency. Yes, sir. Curios. Uh, roll call, please. Curiosis. Yes. Snitzky. Yes. And that's all [clears throat] Patrick want to say. No, I'm sorry. I'm looking at the wrong one. I got my wrong glasses. Stacy's not here. Okay. All right. Councilman Snitzky, can I say [clears throat] something real quick?

Uh, welcome tonight. Are you here for the zoning variance? Um, I don't know if I want you guys to stay the rest of the night. You're welcome. But with the weather the way it is and we don't [clears throat] do the uh vote for the zoning variance till the end of the meeting and we're going to have to go into executive session tonight. [clears throat] So Tom, why don't you um You want to do it right now? Well, we're not we can't vote right now, but why don't you read it and let see if anybody has any questions? If they want to leave, they can leave and I can call them tomorrow and let them know or if you guys want to make a presentation or whatever you want to say. All right. Okay. I don't want you guys to stay here longer than what you have to. I'm going to read what the variance is real quick. [clears throat] 315 Village Drive, Daniel and Pamela

use. Okay. The board voted whether or not to grant the applicant and property owners Daniel and Pamela use 315 Village Drive a 12-oot variance to construct a proposed 144 square foot four season room and 60 square foot patio addition as depicted on the submitted site plans to encroach 12 feet into the 25 footyard building setback line as established on the original final development plat and as depicted on the submitted drawings. It passed uh five yay zero nays by the zoning board. Um I can tell you that there were 60 letters sent out. Um and we had uh I believe three people come to the meeting and uh they were all for it. Um

that's three neighbors that three neighbors. Three neighbors. Three folks come to the meeting. Um, and that's really basically it. I don't have the minutes because Stacy has the minutes and she can't be here, but based upon a unanimous vote by the zoning board, that's pretty much so for me anyway, a shoe in. So, does anybody on the uh committee have any questions? No. Anybody on council? Do you have anything to say? You want to speak at all? It's your your your moment to shine if you wish. If nobody has any questions. Do you have any questions first? No.

No. All we want to do is put a four seasons room on the back of where our present patio is now. And somewhere in the building um when they built these back in 2000, there was something some kind of variance. It has nothing to do with the city is what I I think it was all due to the builder who built the place. So nobody knows anything about this variance and because there is nobody around that lives there anymore. So we are here to request that I have six grand little babies that I just need a little bit more room to house them on Christmas, you know, during the during the year because we always have some family fun. So and that's all I need cuz I really

What a blessing on them grandb babies. Pardon me. What a blessing. I know it is a blessing. Uh, it was unanimous by planning and there weren't any questions today and I'm sure everything will go smooth and be careful please. Okay. Like I said, you're welcome welcome to stay. If not, I can give you a call tomorrow and let you know what happened. Call us tomorrow. Okay, perfect. I just want to say thanks for all your help with this stuff. It was kind of a lot of hoops to jump through for for us. Yeah, we hope to streamline this process in the future. It wasn't too bad. And then uh uh just want you folks to know that a happy wife is a happy life. [laughter] Good advice. Give me a thumbs up. How many years? How many years?

43. I got you beat. 41. [laughter] HE'S GOT 43. WHERE IS YOUR MAN? Said 40. No, 43. We got you beat. Well, thank thank you for coming out in this Thank you for coming out in this weather tonight. I'll get a hold of you tomorrow. I thought you said what? Okay, Tom. Yeah. Glad my eyes aren't working, so I My eyes aren't working, so I can't hear. Thank you for the laugh. All right, that's it. Uh, for planning, zoning, and building, and economic development. Uh, can I get a second to get out of committee? Second. Roll call, please. Curiosis, yes. Snitzky, yes. We are out at 618.

Okay. Okay. Now, we're going to go to finance and economic development. And uh I'm going to move to go in executive session at 6:18 p.m. for personnel and economic development. Do I have a second? Castanzo second. Roll call. Castanzo. Yes. Mar. Yes. Curio. Yes. [clears throat]

Yeah. Do you have that letter? That's the $64,000 question. Every time I soft.

Oh, hold on. We don't have blend. [clears throat] Okay, we're reopen from exec at 6:39 p.m. and we're in finance. And the [clears throat] first thing I'm going to bring up is something we're going to add to the agenda tonight. It's about the issuance of notes. Uh [clears throat and snorts] Director uh Frank,

I can take it. Okay, there.

That's okay. Mr. President, that's fine. So, we on tonight's uh asking to get through your committee and approve on agenda night is uh an annual note renewal. Uh every year we we that we've had notes uh they roll over and we have to reissue uh the note and from previous borrowings uh combined. Uh the note that we're asking for is not to exceed $3,95,000. And this was a variety of projects over the last decade uh that we've been paying down. Now, the good news is we have the reserves that we could pay this off if need be. Uh but we've been monitoring every year uh the interest that we raise on our deposits is outweighing the interest we're paying on our liability. Now, that gap is narrowing. Uh most recently our deposits in aggregate are bringing in about 3.82 annually interest rate and we anticipate this borrowing to be about 3.5. So that's narrowing. Um what we are budgeting for uh because it's narrowing is the double up on our annual payment. So we're going to start aggressively paying this down unless uh our borrowing rate uh goes lower next year. But this is a an annual uh exercise that we do and it's completed and our bon uh analyst is with us tonight uh Matt Suzinski if we have any questions for him but uh I just wanted to give the high level um to get the ball rolling. Thank you, Mr. President. [clears throat]

Anybody have any questions? Okay, I'm going to move to put this on the agenda tonight as ordinance number six as an emergency and wave the 24-hour rule. Do I have a second? Castanzo. Second. Roll call. Castanzo. Yes. Maro. Yes. Curiosis. Yes. The next [clears throat] thing I have is uh another ordinance I'm going to we're going to add onto agenda if it passes through committee is ordinance number seven. Amend section 141.02. Mayor. Which ordinance? Mr. President 15 to 17.

Oh yeah. We're asking to restore our 2016 levels to our service department, which is 17. Um, members, anybody have any questions on this? Okay. [clears throat] I'm going to move to put this on the agenda now as an emergency and wave the 24-hour rule. Do I have a second? Second. Roll call. Maro. Yes. Castanzo. Yes. Curiosis. Yes. And then I have a couple things in my folder. The next is a uh a request. Uh, this is for diesel diesel fuel, a two-year contract. Director Brighta, you want to speak on this?

Yeah, this is just a formality to uh I extended our diesel contract um for the upcoming two years that we've been on. Um, just so you know, the diesel is priced off uh opus, which is a uh national pricing of for government agencies on diesel. So, it's just an extension Any [clears throat] questions on this? It's a two-year contract for $96,000, 284 a gallon. I'm [clears throat] going to put move to put this on the agenda for the next meeting as an emergency. Do I have a second? Castanzo second. Roll call. Castanzo. Yes. Mar. Yes.

Curiosis. Yes. And the last thing I have [clears throat] is a ordinance uh for emergency generator at Meyer gas station. Anybody? Director Moore want to speak on this?

I'll try to be brief, Mr. President. Okay. Uh this was one of a number of projects that were uh scuttled or ignored when uh I took the I took the office. Um I thought it was a pretty important project uh knowing that our uh service department and our emergency vehicles would have access to fuel in the event that power went down. Um it was a process trying to reinstate this. Uh most recently I got approval from uh Chief Salum on this. He gave the uh that revision there the uhou the thumbs up. Uh I've also forwarded it to Chief Meckllinburgg. Haven't gotten response back. I got a response back from service giving it the thumbs up. I think it's a uh an important project and uh I think uh you guys are going to do well pushing this thing over the goal line. It it it provides a huge safety net to the city and I think Pat can speak on that.

I I agree 100%. If they if we don't have fuel, we don't have vehicles. I mean, it's pretty pretty self-explanatory. We have to get this done ASAP. Anybody else have any questions or comments on this? No. Okay. I'm going to move to put this on the agenda for the next meeting as an emergency. Do I have a second? Second. Roll call. Mar. Yes. Canzo. Yes. Curiosity. Yes. And [clears throat] that's all I have for finance tonight. Unless anybody else has anything else. Mayor, you have anything? No. Nothing. Okay. I'm going to move to close finance finance out at 6:45 p.m. Do I have a second? Castanza second. Roll call. Castanzo. Yes. Mario. Yes.

Curios. Yes. [clears throat] We'll start our meeting momentarily. Yeah. Go get Oh, thank you. Oh, no. That was It's a blizzard. Yeah, that's what you wanted. Yeah. So,