University Heights seeks applicants for law director position

On Dec. 11, the City of University Heights posted the job of city law director as an open position on its website. Anthony Coyne, current law director, has held the position since Nov. 1, 2012.

The job posting states that applicants must be duly admitted to the practice of law in Ohio. It requires that applicants have experience in municipal law, with a preference for those also experienced in zoning and planning. The annual salary for the part-time position is $40,000–$50,000. A full position description can be found on the city’s website, www.universityheights.com.

Applications are due Monday, Jan. 12, at 4 p.m. Applicants should submit a resume to Kelly Thomas, Clerk of Council, City of University Heights, 2300 Warrensville Center Road, University Heights, 44118.

After the Oct. 20 University Heights City Council meeting, council questioned UH Mayor Susan Infeld’s tie-breaking vote to approve rezoning residential parcels on Cedar Road to commercial for the CSEO/Waterway Way & Wash.

At the Nov. 3 council meeting, Law Director Coyne reported that he had researched the code and found that, although the previous mayor [Beryl Rothschild] broke ties on at least three occasions, this was a violation of city code (220.12). Coyne took responsibility and suggested a new vote. He said that a tie vote is rare and suggested that litigation might even arise because of the situation.

Council members contended that the city code was clear in stating that the mayor cannot vote, and, therefore, the rezoning item had failed. After a heated discussion, council members ultimately moved on to the next agenda item, and the prior approval was considered failed.