SPECIAL JOINT WORK SESSION WITH THE VILLAGE OF RICHFIELD
MAY 6, 2004

The Richfield Township Trustee joint work session with the Village was called to order at 5.05pm on May 6, 2004.

Roll call: Trustees present: Shano Cica-Mraz, David Wyatt, and Laurie Gilmore
Township Administrator: Linda Bowmer took minutes in the absence of Clerk Laurie Pinney. Also present was Attorney John Slagter.

Village members present: Mayor Mike Lyons, Law Director Chuck Riehl and Village Council members Barbara Lanford, Bobbi Beshara, and George Strongosky

Ms Mraz opened the session with a general discussion of what a JEDD District is and the process necessary to establish a JEDD. Attorney John Slagter outlined in more detail Section 715.72-81, the section of the ORC statue detailing the kind of JEDD which is most applicable in this situation. The JEDD would be a cooperative venture between Cleveland, Richfield Village and Richfield Township with benefits to all involved. Important points, which will need to be negotiated, include:

Zoning
Utilities – water and sewer
Income Tax
Real & Personal Property Tax
Police and Fire Services
Roads Services
Annexation and Merger Provisions

Chuck Riehl, Village Law Director, gave some background of JEDDs in Ohio; the first in Ohio being set up by the state legislature for economic expansion outside Toledo. Expanding on what Mr. Slagter had said, Mr. Riehl made the following 3 points:

1. The JEDD is territory specific
2. The JEDD is contractual as far as providing services
3. There are no electors in the JEDD area

Seven properties are involved within the JEDD area namely:

JJJ Properties CEI
Fedex Ground Valley Forge Motel
Wills Trucking Calera Builders
Marathon Oil

There are approximately 120 acres of undeveloped land, but it doesn’t take unanimous voluntary participation of the included property owners to form a JEDD, just the majority of landowners. JEDDs are traditionally long term – usually from 50-100 years. Summit County is preliminarily reviewing the sewer and road engineering and JJJ Properties will pay for all extension of utilities and roads, including engineering.

One important difference from discussions of a JEDD several years ago is that Cleveland will be a party, asking for 33 1/3% of the income tax for extension of Cleveland Water. Discussions were held about the possibility of paying for the police, fire, utility and road maintenance from income tax proceeds and utility charges off the top

Ms. Mraz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6.30pm, seconded by Mr. Wyatt; Ms. Mraz – Yes, Ms. Gilmore – Yes, Mr. Wyatt – Yes; motion carried unanimously.

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Last updated: 02/25/2006