The Amherst news-times. (Amherst, Ohio), 1998-09-23 |
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<~> ■• o O osz i r~ 00 t-i m c tn o o 3 X 05 < I M cr m m (A r- M > o * M < O iwn merchants rally — Page 2 CROP walkers needed for Oct. 4 — Page 3 tvmherst News-Times /Vnhnrst, Ohio Rezoning proponents, opponents compromise Sides to return Nov. 10 with Rt. 58 ideas by QLEN MLLER City council members listen as Elyria attorney James Blazak argues why they should grant N. Leavitt Road residents' request for commercial rezoning. Council chambers were filled to capacity for the hearing. News-Times reporter Attorneys representing groups of Amherst residents who want or don't want 1,000 feet of N. Leavitt Road commercially rezoned are hoping to come up with a compromise acceptable to both sides. The conclusion they reach is expected to be announced Nov. 10, the date set for the second continuation of a public hearing on the rezoning. The agreement to work out a compromise ended a nearly hour- long hearing continued from late July and seemed to temporarily satisfy residents for and against the rezoning. About 70 to 80 proponents and opponents jammed city council chambers for the Sept. IS hearing presided over by council and John Dietrich, its buildings and lands committee chairman. The compromise negotiators will be Elyria attorney Garrett J. Murray, who is representing more than 100 Rock Creek Run residents who oppose the rezoning, and Elyria lawyer James Blazak, who represents N. Leavitt Road property owners who are seeking the change. The N. Leavitt Road residents claim their homes and property are best suited for future commercial use because of the traffic and continued business development between Cleveland Avenue and Rt. 2. Al issue is 14 lots that are about 290 feet deep and comprise a 1,000-foot long strip. The Leavitt Road residents contend their homes are being swallowed up by nearby commercial development Blazak said six of the 11 homes now on the strip are currently being leased because their owners can't sell them due to traffic and noise. Located behind their property is Rock Creek Run, where residents fear commercial development will bring more noise, traffic and trash blown into their adjacent back yards. Following the hearing, Blazak said the compromise may include an agreement on the type of businesses that can be located along the strip of land. CONTINUED on page 3 Anderson won't appeal; pledges cooperation by GLEN MILLER News-Times reporter Saying Ohio courts have provided a definitive answer, law director Alan Anderson no longer will pursue legal appeals on who has the right to name a bond counsel for the city. In making his announcement at a Sept. 14 city council meeting, Anderson said he intends to become a team player and work with council HiK£ins. Anderson said he will abide by the mayor's initiative to adopt more of a team effort, goal oriented cooperative approach to solving city problems with council. Turning to Higgins, Anderson said, "Mr. Mayor, I would like to advise you tonight I accept that challenge and hope to work with you more closely." His comments drew applause from council members and a positive response from Higgins. 'Thank very much Mr. Anderson, that's quite gracious of. you," fee replied. In speaking to council, Anderson said he initially filed a suit against council, Higgins and several other top administrators because of "two conflicting areas" in the Ohio Revised Code. In his suit, he claimed state law gave the law director, not city council, the right to name a legal bond counsel for the city. Council overruled Anderson in choosing the Cleveland legal firm of Squire, Sanders and Dempsey. lavquestion was the issuance of - - ■ Ronald Winiarski (center) with Allen Hospital paramedics Jason Ross (left) and John Porter. Fast-thinking paramedics credited for saving his life Paramedics John Porter and Jason Ross, of the Allen Memorial Emergency Medical (ambulance) Services, didn't know why they were summoned to the hospital on their day off. They were met by Larry James, director of emergency medical services, who introduced then to Ronald and Michelle Winiarski, of South Amherst. "My wife snd I wanted to meet you, and thank you for saving my life," Ronald Winiarski told the two ambulance crewmen. It was s hot muggy dsy on Saturday, Aug. 2, when Winiarski went to the home of his mother-in-law on S. Lake Street in South Amherst, to do some yard work. He suddenly felt s sharp pain in His back, felt it travel to his chest, snd he wss sweating profusely. He first sat on the from porch, but whsn the pain continued, he went to the lo sit ia s chair. "I couldn't catch my breath," he said. "I thought I better do something." When the symptoms didn't subside, Winiarski went into the house and asked his mother-in-law to call his wife. Michelle, a nurse, arrived in a few minutes and immediately saw the symptoms as Winiarski by on' the living room floor. She called 911. The South Amherst Fire Department was the first re- sponder to provide immediate help. Within minutes. Porter and Ross arrived in their Allen Memorial Hospital ambulance. Winiarski wss stabilized snd prepared for transport to the closest hospital. Community Health Partners. Just before leaving, he was attached to a Physio Control Lifepak 12 Monitor, the latest technology available, which would monitor his heart throughout the journey. With Ross driving snd be- gtfssiiaig fflfnyi wkh hospital *"- aaaSissssajBtBtaS} ■AaaataaV sslyw wtw the patient Just a mile before arrival at the hospital, the paramedic saw the monitor change dramatically. "Pull over," he immediately shouted to Ross. Winiarski had gone into complete cardiac arrest. Porter immediately prepared Winiarski with special pads, pulled defibrillator paddles from the Lifepak and "shocked" Winiarski's heart He began breathing again and his bean returned to a normal rate. Soon Winiarski was st the hospital emergency room. He imderwent surgery at Elyria Memorial Hospital "I'm living proof that these men did their job," Winiarski said "We really thank you." "The emergency room dnc- tors commended both of you," Michelle — who had followed the ambulance to the hospital — told John and "Think you for saving my more than $400,000 in bonds for the replacement and repairs to the roof and bell tower on the historical city hall. Anderson appealed to the Ninth District Court of Appeals after the Lorain County Common Pleas Court ruled in favor of council. Earlier this year, it upheld the county court's ruling. Anderson said the courts ruled the naming of a bond counsel usually belongs to the law director. City councils, however, can do it by ordinance tacausvvney ultimately are • 'Hi' mtmrm— the ones responsible for municipal financial affairs, he explained. The law director said his suit was the first of its kind in Ohio and answers a previously resolved conflict in Ohio law. "So, this conflict in the law has been answered and we can now opt to move on and work toward a common good," he added. Following the meeting, Anderson said he could have appealed the case to the Ohio Supreme Court but opted not to based on the court's ruling and his des&e lo coopera tively work with council and the Higgins administration. The mayor estimated total legal costs at $30,000 or more. He and council hired an Elyria law firm to represent them in the case. The bonding for repairs to the city hall roof from the gutters up also has been resolved. Earlier this summer, council hired a financial underwriting firm and, as part of it contract, asked it to oversee bonding $4.1 million in city electrical, water and other construction projects. The city hall roof is among the projects. City could realize profits from sale of unwanted lots The city could have an extra $143,000 in its coffers in the coming months if plans to sell of unused land proceed. Based on property appraisals, two and half acres of lake front land purchased for a possible water treatment more than a decade ago is valued at $125,000. The property is located near the Anchor Lodge Nursing Center on W. Erie Avenue. It's possible the city could receive more given the value of lake front property, espe cially on W. Erie Avenue, according to mayor John Higgins. At its Sept. 14 meeting, city council authorized Higgins to sell the Lorain land and less than an acre on Park Avenue appraised at $20,000. Located east of downtown, the land is occupied by an old water garage and storage area no longer being used by the city. Both pieces of property are among several parcels the city wants to sell in the coming months. The mayor said he isn't sure if the Lorain land is commercially or residentially zoned, but the Park Avenue property is in a residential area and a good site for a new home. Higgins said he expects to list the properties with local realtors pending a review of the appraisals. Other unused land owned by the city is expected to be sold in the future. Some of it was donated to the city by developers in lieu of payment of development fees. Township group to decide whether fire levy will work by QLEN MILLER Naws-Times reporter A citizen's group hss been formed to determine if the creation of an Amherst Township fire department is feasible or ill conceived by township trustees. The group wants lo determine if a 2 mill additional fire levy placed on the Nov. 3 ballot is sufficient to start and maintain adequate Are protection for businesses and residents. The results of the research will be distributed throughout the township to help people bttfomn better informed about the issue prior to casting their votes, according to trustee Abraham did not vote to place the 2 mill levy on the ballot Trustees Ron Leoni snd David Urig did. al- at. , , 1 »— *mtm S- —) ,-.--■* — -a -— a.m sL - taosan to us csowieoge, Atxanam said little or no research was done on the issue by eether. T save not sssa say ttoa as far as projected for scsssl ctsssssnast or Nois at ids was aleat,* he added. -I saa't ssVtvs dssy would do ids >a research, consultation and talking with the public about this." Neither has research been done on a possible fire department location, equipment needs or response times to various parts of the township, which is now served by the Amherst and South Amherst fire departments. Abraham contends the decision was made loo quickly, without public discussion and is "a knee-jerk reaction" to a new fire contract to be negotiated with Asnherst That con- tract expires Oct I; s comma with ths city of South Amherat will expire next year. According to city statistics. 29 of Aadwst H» Dqksrt- s calls warn to dm In addition to an existing 1 mill levy, the extra 2 mills will generate a total of $249,975 a year, barely enough to buy one new fire pumper, according to city officials. Amherst fire chief Ralph Zilch was on vacation and could not be reached for comment Leoni did not return calls from the News-Times. "I think we have vary food coverage now because we have fire service from both (Amherst sad South Amherst) now, so I questioa the wisdom of havrng only oas," Abraham slid, behave to ta —s_ll_rt steaaam sat a *%*%* - - * - - ■**- - _a* " MTTlTsf Ds*9 QsQsUQI mamas MsfQsty Ol i 10.5 percent of dm total costs, or $46344 aWeaawareja ^*ms SSsSsy MmSSaaamaf^ma "aPaj wtaaSaara ■•*aaaaamM mayor John Higgias has said dm "Sri- .»» township will he charted more __tV_T_ ssaaBBaaBBBBasv am, asaAaau ^Mtaaaaaaaaaaasa aVaaa. asssa^hiaataai aaaaassU ^asawaal ■ aastam UasajtSSW aam astaw a new com ■» so n n pay* ***ayk sua *» issawssa ^^-_a> __
Object Description
Title | The Amherst news-times. (Amherst, Ohio), 1998-09-23 |
Place |
Amherst (Ohio) Lorain County (Ohio) |
Date of Original | 23-SEP-1998 |
Searchable Date | 1998-09-23 |
Collection | Amherst News-Times |
Submitting Institution | Amherst Public Library |
Rights | Online access is provided for research purposes only. For rights and reproduction requests or more information, go to http://www.ohiohistory.org/images/information |
Type | Text |
Format | newspapers |
LCCN | sn84028333 |
Description
Title | The Amherst news-times. (Amherst, Ohio), 1998-09-23 |
Place |
Amherst (Ohio) Lorain County (Ohio) |
Date of Original | 23-SEP-1998 |
Searchable Date | 1998-09-23 |
Submitting Institution | Amherst Public Library |
Rights | Online access is provided for research purposes only. For rights and reproduction requests or more information, go to http://www.ohiohistory.org/images/information |
Full Text | <~> ■• o O osz i r~ 00 t-i m c tn o o 3 X 05 < I M cr m m (A r- M > o * M < O iwn merchants rally — Page 2 CROP walkers needed for Oct. 4 — Page 3 tvmherst News-Times /Vnhnrst, Ohio Rezoning proponents, opponents compromise Sides to return Nov. 10 with Rt. 58 ideas by QLEN MLLER City council members listen as Elyria attorney James Blazak argues why they should grant N. Leavitt Road residents' request for commercial rezoning. Council chambers were filled to capacity for the hearing. News-Times reporter Attorneys representing groups of Amherst residents who want or don't want 1,000 feet of N. Leavitt Road commercially rezoned are hoping to come up with a compromise acceptable to both sides. The conclusion they reach is expected to be announced Nov. 10, the date set for the second continuation of a public hearing on the rezoning. The agreement to work out a compromise ended a nearly hour- long hearing continued from late July and seemed to temporarily satisfy residents for and against the rezoning. About 70 to 80 proponents and opponents jammed city council chambers for the Sept. IS hearing presided over by council and John Dietrich, its buildings and lands committee chairman. The compromise negotiators will be Elyria attorney Garrett J. Murray, who is representing more than 100 Rock Creek Run residents who oppose the rezoning, and Elyria lawyer James Blazak, who represents N. Leavitt Road property owners who are seeking the change. The N. Leavitt Road residents claim their homes and property are best suited for future commercial use because of the traffic and continued business development between Cleveland Avenue and Rt. 2. Al issue is 14 lots that are about 290 feet deep and comprise a 1,000-foot long strip. The Leavitt Road residents contend their homes are being swallowed up by nearby commercial development Blazak said six of the 11 homes now on the strip are currently being leased because their owners can't sell them due to traffic and noise. Located behind their property is Rock Creek Run, where residents fear commercial development will bring more noise, traffic and trash blown into their adjacent back yards. Following the hearing, Blazak said the compromise may include an agreement on the type of businesses that can be located along the strip of land. CONTINUED on page 3 Anderson won't appeal; pledges cooperation by GLEN MILLER News-Times reporter Saying Ohio courts have provided a definitive answer, law director Alan Anderson no longer will pursue legal appeals on who has the right to name a bond counsel for the city. In making his announcement at a Sept. 14 city council meeting, Anderson said he intends to become a team player and work with council HiK£ins. Anderson said he will abide by the mayor's initiative to adopt more of a team effort, goal oriented cooperative approach to solving city problems with council. Turning to Higgins, Anderson said, "Mr. Mayor, I would like to advise you tonight I accept that challenge and hope to work with you more closely." His comments drew applause from council members and a positive response from Higgins. 'Thank very much Mr. Anderson, that's quite gracious of. you," fee replied. In speaking to council, Anderson said he initially filed a suit against council, Higgins and several other top administrators because of "two conflicting areas" in the Ohio Revised Code. In his suit, he claimed state law gave the law director, not city council, the right to name a legal bond counsel for the city. Council overruled Anderson in choosing the Cleveland legal firm of Squire, Sanders and Dempsey. lavquestion was the issuance of - - ■ Ronald Winiarski (center) with Allen Hospital paramedics Jason Ross (left) and John Porter. Fast-thinking paramedics credited for saving his life Paramedics John Porter and Jason Ross, of the Allen Memorial Emergency Medical (ambulance) Services, didn't know why they were summoned to the hospital on their day off. They were met by Larry James, director of emergency medical services, who introduced then to Ronald and Michelle Winiarski, of South Amherst. "My wife snd I wanted to meet you, and thank you for saving my life," Ronald Winiarski told the two ambulance crewmen. It was s hot muggy dsy on Saturday, Aug. 2, when Winiarski went to the home of his mother-in-law on S. Lake Street in South Amherst, to do some yard work. He suddenly felt s sharp pain in His back, felt it travel to his chest, snd he wss sweating profusely. He first sat on the from porch, but whsn the pain continued, he went to the lo sit ia s chair. "I couldn't catch my breath," he said. "I thought I better do something." When the symptoms didn't subside, Winiarski went into the house and asked his mother-in-law to call his wife. Michelle, a nurse, arrived in a few minutes and immediately saw the symptoms as Winiarski by on' the living room floor. She called 911. The South Amherst Fire Department was the first re- sponder to provide immediate help. Within minutes. Porter and Ross arrived in their Allen Memorial Hospital ambulance. Winiarski wss stabilized snd prepared for transport to the closest hospital. Community Health Partners. Just before leaving, he was attached to a Physio Control Lifepak 12 Monitor, the latest technology available, which would monitor his heart throughout the journey. With Ross driving snd be- gtfssiiaig fflfnyi wkh hospital *"- aaaSissssajBtBtaS} ■AaaataaV sslyw wtw the patient Just a mile before arrival at the hospital, the paramedic saw the monitor change dramatically. "Pull over," he immediately shouted to Ross. Winiarski had gone into complete cardiac arrest. Porter immediately prepared Winiarski with special pads, pulled defibrillator paddles from the Lifepak and "shocked" Winiarski's heart He began breathing again and his bean returned to a normal rate. Soon Winiarski was st the hospital emergency room. He imderwent surgery at Elyria Memorial Hospital "I'm living proof that these men did their job," Winiarski said "We really thank you." "The emergency room dnc- tors commended both of you," Michelle — who had followed the ambulance to the hospital — told John and "Think you for saving my more than $400,000 in bonds for the replacement and repairs to the roof and bell tower on the historical city hall. Anderson appealed to the Ninth District Court of Appeals after the Lorain County Common Pleas Court ruled in favor of council. Earlier this year, it upheld the county court's ruling. Anderson said the courts ruled the naming of a bond counsel usually belongs to the law director. City councils, however, can do it by ordinance tacausvvney ultimately are • 'Hi' mtmrm— the ones responsible for municipal financial affairs, he explained. The law director said his suit was the first of its kind in Ohio and answers a previously resolved conflict in Ohio law. "So, this conflict in the law has been answered and we can now opt to move on and work toward a common good," he added. Following the meeting, Anderson said he could have appealed the case to the Ohio Supreme Court but opted not to based on the court's ruling and his des&e lo coopera tively work with council and the Higgins administration. The mayor estimated total legal costs at $30,000 or more. He and council hired an Elyria law firm to represent them in the case. The bonding for repairs to the city hall roof from the gutters up also has been resolved. Earlier this summer, council hired a financial underwriting firm and, as part of it contract, asked it to oversee bonding $4.1 million in city electrical, water and other construction projects. The city hall roof is among the projects. City could realize profits from sale of unwanted lots The city could have an extra $143,000 in its coffers in the coming months if plans to sell of unused land proceed. Based on property appraisals, two and half acres of lake front land purchased for a possible water treatment more than a decade ago is valued at $125,000. The property is located near the Anchor Lodge Nursing Center on W. Erie Avenue. It's possible the city could receive more given the value of lake front property, espe cially on W. Erie Avenue, according to mayor John Higgins. At its Sept. 14 meeting, city council authorized Higgins to sell the Lorain land and less than an acre on Park Avenue appraised at $20,000. Located east of downtown, the land is occupied by an old water garage and storage area no longer being used by the city. Both pieces of property are among several parcels the city wants to sell in the coming months. The mayor said he isn't sure if the Lorain land is commercially or residentially zoned, but the Park Avenue property is in a residential area and a good site for a new home. Higgins said he expects to list the properties with local realtors pending a review of the appraisals. Other unused land owned by the city is expected to be sold in the future. Some of it was donated to the city by developers in lieu of payment of development fees. Township group to decide whether fire levy will work by QLEN MILLER Naws-Times reporter A citizen's group hss been formed to determine if the creation of an Amherst Township fire department is feasible or ill conceived by township trustees. The group wants lo determine if a 2 mill additional fire levy placed on the Nov. 3 ballot is sufficient to start and maintain adequate Are protection for businesses and residents. The results of the research will be distributed throughout the township to help people bttfomn better informed about the issue prior to casting their votes, according to trustee Abraham did not vote to place the 2 mill levy on the ballot Trustees Ron Leoni snd David Urig did. al- at. , , 1 »— *mtm S- —) ,-.--■* — -a -— a.m sL - taosan to us csowieoge, Atxanam said little or no research was done on the issue by eether. T save not sssa say ttoa as far as projected for scsssl ctsssssnast or Nois at ids was aleat,* he added. -I saa't ssVtvs dssy would do ids >a research, consultation and talking with the public about this." Neither has research been done on a possible fire department location, equipment needs or response times to various parts of the township, which is now served by the Amherst and South Amherst fire departments. Abraham contends the decision was made loo quickly, without public discussion and is "a knee-jerk reaction" to a new fire contract to be negotiated with Asnherst That con- tract expires Oct I; s comma with ths city of South Amherat will expire next year. According to city statistics. 29 of Aadwst H» Dqksrt- s calls warn to dm In addition to an existing 1 mill levy, the extra 2 mills will generate a total of $249,975 a year, barely enough to buy one new fire pumper, according to city officials. Amherst fire chief Ralph Zilch was on vacation and could not be reached for comment Leoni did not return calls from the News-Times. "I think we have vary food coverage now because we have fire service from both (Amherst sad South Amherst) now, so I questioa the wisdom of havrng only oas," Abraham slid, behave to ta —s_ll_rt steaaam sat a *%*%* - - * - - ■**- - _a* " MTTlTsf Ds*9 QsQsUQI mamas MsfQsty Ol i 10.5 percent of dm total costs, or $46344 aWeaawareja ^*ms SSsSsy MmSSaaamaf^ma "aPaj wtaaSaara ■•*aaaaamM mayor John Higgias has said dm "Sri- .»» township will he charted more __tV_T_ ssaaBBaaBBBBasv am, asaAaau ^Mtaaaaaaaaaaasa aVaaa. asssa^hiaataai aaaaassU ^asawaal ■ aastam UasajtSSW aam astaw a new com ■» so n n pay* ***ayk sua *» issawssa ^^-_a> __ |
Format | newspapers |
LCCN | sn84028333 |
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