The President's Corner

This month I will conclude a series of columns that are meant to inform you about the committee structure of Parma City Council. Council committee meetings are very instrumental in the legislative process, as this is normally where most of the discussion about bills takes place. Thus, they serve a very educational function for members of the public, as well as providing them the opportunity for their voices to be heard by becoming actively involved. 

The Governmental Operations Committee is led by Chairman Brian Brochetti who represents the Seventh Ward. Newly elected Ward Nine Councilman Jeff Crossman serves as Vice Chairman. This is the committee that handles all matters relating to the Civil Service Commission, Civil Service, employees, officers and officials, all wage matters, compensation and conditions of city employment, creation of positions, the Parma Municipal Court, rates of public utilities, transportation, initiative and referendum petitions, insurance matters, redistricting, annexation, merger and consolidation, intergovernmental relations with any County, State or Federal Government agencies and the Rules of Council.  

Ward Five Councilman Allan Divis Chairs the Planning Committee of Council, while Ward Eight Councilman Scott Tuma serves as Vice Chair. This body discusses subjects relating to city planning, recommendations of the City Planning Commission, the Planning and Building Codes, amendments to the Zoning Map, the location of public buildings, the purchase of real property for public purposes and the maintenance and repair of public buildings and real properties. Much of the work regarding the redevelopment of the Shoppes at Parma (formerly Parmatown) have been and continue to be heard in this committee, for instance. 

It is the Appointment Scanning Committee, headed by Ward Three Councilman Mark Casselberry and Vice Chair Allan Divis that is charged with all matters relating to the approval or disapproval of appointments to the various boards and commissions serving the City of Parma. That is, this committee scans or reviews the Mayor’s nominees for appointment and decides whether or not they are qualified for their respective positions.

Finally, the Public Housing Committee is traditionally chaired by the Ward One representative on Council, therefore, Councilman Vito Dipierro does so. Ward Two Councilwoman Debbie Lime is the current Vice Chair. This committee deals with all matters relating to the Parma Public Housing Agency, its operations, employees, grants and maintenance, the Housing Choice Voucher Program, and low income housing within the City and County. 

It is my hope that you will consider attending at least one City Council Committee meeting in 2014. Our city leaders can truly benefit from the expertise that our nearly 90,000 residents possess. Committee meetings generally take place on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. and the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in these informative meetings, which take place at Parma City Hall in City Council Chambers. To enter Council Chambers, simply park behind City Hall and enter through the back doors. Meeting dates and times are posted on the City’s website at www.cityofparma-oh.gov or you may simply call the Council office for information at (440) 885-8091. Have a wonderful Easter Season!