City Council

Office of the Clerk of Council City of Gahanna 200 South Hamilton Road Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes City Council Monday, November 5, 2012 7:00 PM City Hall Council May Meet in Caucus Beginning at 6:45 p.m. A. CALL TO ORDER - Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call: Gahanna City Council met in Regular Meeting on Monday, November 5, 2012, at Gahanna City Hall, in Council Chambers, 200 South Hamilton Road. President of Council Brian D. Larick called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Invocation was given by Vice President of Council Renner followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Samuel. Agenda for this meeting was published on November 2, 2012. Present 5 - Stephen A. Renner, Karen J. Angelou, David L. Samuel, Ryan P. Jolley, and Brandon Wright Absent 1 - Beryl Anderson B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: None. C. HEARING OF VISITORS: Chief Tim Taylor, Mifflin Township Fire Department, thanked Council for allowing him time to discuss EMS billing; has been about 6 years since anyone has been here regarding EMS; assure you that Mifflin Township tries to be a lean form of government; assure you that EMS is provided to community at no additional cost; do however request reimbursement from insurance companies; we never pursue collections on residents; do accept payment from insurance companies as payment in full for residents of the city; for non-residents, including people who work here but don't live here, we do a soft bill; send at 30, 60, and 90 day intervals; we don't take to collections; City of Columbus has started taking non-residents to collections to recoup those costs; with Mifflin Township we have offset by increasing our coverage of ambulance services; in June we added an additional medic unit; good impact on the amount of coverage we can provide; reduced our dependence on outside agencies; prior to June, 1 out of 10 runs was handled by other than Mifflin; down to 1 out of 20 non Mifflin medic runs; looking at adding a peak time medic during 2013; want to keep Columbus out as much as possible; sometimes we have to let Columbus in if there is an impact on response times. Angelou stated there are times when you go into Columbus; will you hard bill. Taylor stated they hope not to do that; trying to increase our coverage and adjust our run cards further; have agreements with other suburban agencies; there are times when Columbus is closer and more appropriate. Anderson entered the meeting at 7:07 p.m. In response to question, Taylor stated discussions have been held with Columbus and they won't budge from hard billing at this time; Columbus is the only agency that City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2012 does hard bill; have had discussions with other suburbs in our area. Samuel thanked Taylor for coming; stated he hopes this is the start of better communication; do have some questions; think public was not aware of this situation and people need to be reminded annually; had some things come up; how did whole EMS billing system get approved initially. Taylor stated it started in the early 1990s; was in place when I came to Mifflin. Samuel asked how many times did outside EMS companies transport patients even though Mifflin equipment were on the scene and why. Taylor stated we looked at the numbers and added a medic in June; has impacted that scenario quite a bit; we were 1 out of 10 now less than 1 out of 20 where transport is done by someone else; Columbus is only a fraction. Samuel stated the fire levy was to have more medics; why are they paying twice for a service; if insurance companies are paying, the rates will go up; will you purchase more equipment. Taylor stated reimbursement covers the rest of the services; taxes from levy pay for staffing; reimbursed for training, supplies, etc; provide service free of charge; transportation is not free; patient doesn't get transported by the ladder, rescue trucks are all staffed with paramedic firefighters. Samuel asked why don't bills say this will not go to collection. Taylor stated by law we can't say that. Samuel stated there are people in the Stygler area not calling because they don't want to pay the bill; is there a record of how much has been collected under the soft billing. Taylor stated about $800,000 a year is collected from EMS billing; pays consumables including training. Samuel asked why the department purchased a heavy rescue truck when there was a need for more medic vehicles; how much did it cost. Taylor stated it was purchased prior to his tenure as Chief but believe it was $750,000. Samuel stated that with that truck that wasn't really needed as it's used for big accidents on the freeway where you need something heavy, couldn't more medic vehicles have been purchased. Taylor stated that the heavy rescue vehicle runs on various types of calls; can't do transports but there are many times when it arrives ahead of medic and provides service; whether it was necessary or not, it is an asset to our department and the entire surrounding communities; believe it does provide a valuable service. Wright asked for clarification on law that says you can't advise that a bill is not payable; if I receive a bill and it has no indication that it won't go to collections I will pay it; feel it is a little deceitful that you can't put that on bills; think that needs changed even if we have to lobby at the Statehouse. Taylor stated it is 1751.01 of the ORC; residents of Gahanna do not get a bill, their insurance companies get a bill; residents only get an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from the insurance company; residents never receive a bill from Mifflin Township; insurance information is obtained from hospital system; only get about 50% of our reimbursements. Heather Bishoff, Gahanna Jefferson Board of Education, stated most fall sports have finished up; fall banquets this week; we have a big week; Thursday 11/8 is the first Superintendent Coffee at Bob Evans on Morrison Road from 7:30 am to 9:00 am; also Rusty Bucket in the Commons at Clark Hall is having their grand opening; exciting project; schools are in a 90+ year land lease; collect real estate taxes from the tenants leasing spaces; another way that Gahanna Jefferson has diversified revenue streams; continue to work for ways to diversify revenue streams; school board is Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Clark hall; next GLHS theatre event - Father of the Bride - begins Thursday and runs through the 10th at 7:30 pm; GLHS teacher - Fred Donelson and his students - were selected for a research project with NASA; will present at an astronomical event in 2014. Present 6 - Stephen A. Renner, Karen J. Angelou, David L. Samuel, Beryl Anderson, Ryan P. Jolley, and Brandon Wright City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2012 D. INTRODUCTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE: Ordinances - To Be Introduced and Assigned to Committee: Ordinances introduced, by title, by Jolley. ORD-0200-2012 TO AMEND CHAPTER 929, WATER CONNECTIONS AND RATES, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. ORD-0201-2012 TO AMEND CHAPTER 921, SANITARY SEWER CONNECTIONS AND RENTAL RATES, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. ORD-0202-2012 TO AMEND CODE SECTION 927.17, CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY AND ERU ASSIGNMENT AND RATE, OF CHAPTER 927, STORM SEWERS, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. ORD-0203-2012 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - Refuse Program Escrow ORD-0204-2012 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A GENERAL WARRANTY DEED FOR THE TRANSFER OF PROPERTY AT 960 BRICKLAWN AVENUE TO REKLAMATION, LLC; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY ORD-0205-2012 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - Council Minor Capital ORD-0206-2012 TO CREATE THE FULL TIME UNCLASSIFIED POSITION OF GIS TECHNICIAN IN THE TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT; TO ESTABLISH DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES; TO SET COMPENSATION; AND TO TRANSFER FUNDS. ORD-0207-2012 TO AMEND ORD-0002-2012, AS AMENDED BY ORD-0017-2012, WHICH PROVIDES RATES OF PAY AND BENEFITS FOR UNCLASSIFIED PERSONNEL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2012, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2012; IN ORDER TO ADD THE NEWLY CREATED POSITION OF GIS TECHNICIAN. ORD-0208-2012 TRANSFER OF FUNDS - Hunters Ridge Pool ORD-0209-2012 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO RENEW CONTRACT FOR AT&T ILEC LOCAL PRIVATE LINE SERVICE, T1 LINE, FOR THE SERVICE AND PARKS FACILITY, 152 OKLAHOMA AVENUE. ORD-0210-2012 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A TRANSFER EXEMPT City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2012 PERMIT APPLICATION TO AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR SMASHBURGER, 109 NORTH HAMILTON ROAD; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY E. CONSENT AGENDA: Minutes - To Approve: 2012-0040 This Matter was Approved and Filed on the Consent Agenda. Ordinance: Introduce, Waive Second Reading, Adopt as Emergency: ORD-0199-2012 TO AMEND CHAPTER 941, GARBAGE AND RUBBISH COLLECTION, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. This Matter was Introduced, Second Reading Waived, and Adopted as an Emergency on the Consent Agenda. Ordinances on Second Reading: ORD-0194-2012 TO AUTHORIZE THE RELEASE OF A MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT AND A CITY LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY URBAN REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND THE CITY OF GAHANNA; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A GENERAL WARRANTY DEED TO TRANSFER PROPERTY KNOWN AS 885 CLAYCRAFT ROAD (LOT 27 OF THE TIZ) TO PALINCO, INC. This Matter was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0195-2012 TO AMEND CODE SECTION 303.99, GENERAL TRAFFIC CODE PENALTIES, OF CHAPTER 303, ENFORCEMENT, IMPOUNDING AND PENALTY, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. This Matter was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0196-2012 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR HEALTH SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013. This Matter was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0197-2012 TO AMEND SECTION 927.24, ILLICIT DISCHARGE TO THE STORM SEWER SYSTEM, OF CHAPTER 927, STORM SEWERS, OF THE City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2012 CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. This Matter was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. Passed The Consent Agenda Yes: 7- Larick, Renner, Samuel, Angelou, Jolley, Anderson and Wright End of the Consent Agenda F. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. G. STANDING COMMITTEES: Committee of the Whole - Renner: No Report. Finance & Development - Samuel: Samuel stated HB601 has been introduced; Cheryl Grossman is a co-sponsor; had our attention brought to at OML conference last week; Anderson, Wright and myself attended; concerned about portions of the bill that could have devastating effect on municipalities regarding income tax collection; Council members, administration along with Finance Department are on top of this; stay tuned. Parks, Service & Safety - Anderson: Anderson stated she had nothing for her committee; very concerned with appropriations coming up and whole process; prioritization of how monies will be spent on capital; will be talking with administration further on their insights on this tax issue; look forward to upcoming meeting. H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: Clerk: No Report. Council: Anderson stated Council had received a letter from COTA regarding Rosa Parks Day event to be held November 29 at COSI; am particularly interested as a member of the Rosa Parks Legacy Team; invite you all to come out to this important event to share. I. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES: None. J. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES: None. City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2012 K. MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS: None. L. REPRESENTATIVES: Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Larick/Renner: Renner stated November meeting is on the 20th at 6:00 p.m. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou: Angelou stated meeting was Oct. 18; passed two resolutions; one to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the National Association of Regional Councils to support preparation of a Regional Energy Action Plan and the second to establish population estimates as a basis for 2013 annual participation fees to be assessed members; Gahanna is going up about $500 a year based on population; also some monthly updates; there is an atmosphere to reinstate some of the LGF; the LGF came about when income tax was introduced; looks promising for some increase to us; also looking good is reauthorization of E911 system; Governor Kasich seems to be supportive but it may have a sunset; ongoing conversations but small chance to pass in 2012; EcoSummit was very successful; 1600 participants from 76 countries that were here; definite challenge to the Chair and staff since Executive Director resigned; search committee is working; hope to have new director named soon. Bd. of Education, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools - Jolley Jolley stated Renner will be attending in November and I will take December. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Jolley: Jolley stated final meeting of this year is this Thursday, November 8; no update at this time on the director position. Central Ohio Transit Authority - Samuel: Samuel stated that High Street from Goodale to Fulton now has parking meters; COTA busses will be going around them during non-peak hours but rush hours are no parking during peak times; did ride the bus downtown last Friday; going in there were 15 passengers; drivers were very courteous; was a very clean bus; they get cleaned every night; in the evening left downtown at 4:45 p.m. and there were 20 passengers; can not do midday, only mornings and evenings; trips were around 40 minutes. M. OFFICIAL REPORTS: Mayor: Mayor stated we have been able to do some storm cost recovery from the June storm; had unexpected clean-up personnel expenses related to the long outage; City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2012 proud to report we were able to recuperate most of these expenses; claim to FEMA totaled just under $71,000; FEMA allowed just over $70,000; we were able to do this because of the great record keeping by our various responding departments and to a great effort by General Williams and Deputy Director of Finance Joann Bury; of the $70,000 allowed we will recover about 88% of the claim; will receive $52,513 from FEMA and $8,752 from the State of Ohio for a total of $61,265; thank you to General Willaims and Joann Bury for thier work, attention to detail and their dedication to our taxpayers. The Department of Development will host an open house pertaining to the Hamilton Road Corridor Plan on Thursday, November 15, here at City Hall from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; the plan will allow the City to develop policy and initiatives that will facilitate development and redevelopment along North and South Hamilton Road; community is invited to share their thoughts and opinions about the type of development that should happen along the corridor; finally, we are excited to kick off the Holiday Lights seaon this Saturday, November 10 at Creekside Plaza; will have the honor of lighting the tree and park at 6:00 p.m. with the winners of the Flip the Switch contest; thank you to this year's returning sponsor AEP Ohio; Winter Wonderland at Creekside has been hailed as one of top must-visit events by the Columbus Dispatch and this year is shaping up to be even better; for all the details visist www.VisitGahanna.com. City Attorney: No Report. N. COUNCIL COMMENT: Angelou stated there is a big election tomorrow; hope everyone will vote if you haven't done so already; wish 2 candidates in the room the best; glad to stop the phone calls. Wright stated am so excited I am not a candidate; it is a lot of stress; best of luck to two running; learned at OML about fracking and how much water is involved in that whole exploration; was amazed by the presentation; new thing to talk about is water resources; something we should all be aware of; unbelievable how much water they use; is in the millions of gallons per day range. Anderson stated she wanted to underscore go vote; sorry I was late as I misplaced car keys; OML conference provided a lot of opportunity to network and meet colleagues from around the state; lot of good information; one of the sessions was legal implications of social media; would like to discuss with Hoyt; also talked about HB601; have much more to report when I have my materials; as we have gone through this process of preparing to vote, sad that we might be in the position that Florida was in in 2000; if we get to that point hope they can remain optimistic; if you haven't voted, please do so. Jolley thank you for wishes; encourage you to go vote; most fundamental aspect of our government; incredibly important. Samuel stated he wanted to bring everyone's attention to SB271 as consumers may face higher telephone bills; brought to my attention by Consumers Counsel; they are concerned that basic telephone service may be cut; companies will be able to withdraw services to areas; if you only have basic service may have to switch to higher cost services; could jeopardize access to 911 services; may not work when power goes out; telephone companies will be allowed to pick and choose customers and remove PUCO discretion to determine what is in best interest of customers. Renner expressed well wishes to Jolley and Bishoff; please make sure you vote; vote for something, not against something; it is a right; like jury duty is a civic duty, City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2012 voting is a civic duty. Larick thanked Franey for work last week in anticipation of storm; luckily never came to pass here; would have been in a good position; at this point we have 2013 appropriations; posted tomorrow on website; dry reading but a great deal of information; take a look at it; if you have questions or thoughts please forward that information to us through any council addresses; also can go to budget@gahanna.gov; for any input from public; committee meeting on November 13 will be a verbal presentation; November 20 is a public forum for anyone who wants to speak regarding city finances; to conclude, wish Jolley and Bishoff good luck tomorrow; please go vote if you haven't already. O. ADJOURNMENT: 7:45 p.m. - Motion by Samuel. City of Gahanna Page 8