City Council

City of Gahanna 200 South Hamilton Road Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes Monday, November 18, 2013 7:00 PM City Hall City Council Stephen A. Renner, President of Council Ryan P. Jolley, Vice President of Council Brian D. Larick Karen J. Angelou Beryl D. Anderson Brandon Wright Thomas R. Kneeland Isobel L. Sherwood, MMC, Clerk of Council City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 A. CALL TO ORDER - Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, November 18, 2013, in Council Chambers of City Hall, 200 South Hamilton Road, Gahanna, Ohio. President of Council Stephen A. Renner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Vice President of Council Jolley delivered an Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Wright. Agenda for this meeting was published on November 15, 2013. Present 7 - President Stephen A. Renner, Ryan P. Jolley, Brian D. Larick, Karen J. Angelou, Beryl D. Anderson, Brandon Wright, and Thomas R. Kneeland * Council Member Larick arrived at 7:04 p.m. B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: None. C. HEARING OF VISITORS. Claire Yoder said the Board of Education met last Thursday night; Windy McKenna appointed to function as board member representative at Eastland Fairfield; graduation is May 24 at the Schottenstein Center; December 16 Rep. Gonzales will be attending "Coffee with the Superintendent" to answer any questions; new program called Building Leaders Today for a Successful Tomorrow; she hopes to get funding from grant; explained the Preferred Path Way program; using blended learning courses; purpose is to increase the amount of digital courses offered and improve student achievement in technology in a constructive way; more opportunity to individualize education for students and focus on their needs individually to be more successful. Jeannie Hoffman, 708 Waybaugh Drive, Gahanna, said that this is the first time she has been officially involved in the election for Gahanna ; she was the campaign coordinator for Restore Gahanna; it was an eye opening experience; pushed way beyond her comfort zone; overwhelming experience; residents love Gahanna; voiced her disdain regarding the letter to the editor written by a Council Member, at-large, who represents the entire community in which he referred to the opposition as ilk and the Mayor saying she believes the citizens lost; not words anyone should hear by elected officials; she does not want to live in a negative Gahanna where negative comments and literature are acceptable; Jolley clarified that the editors of the newspaper City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 referred to the opposition as ilk, not him. Alicia Holloway, 962 Bryn Mawr Drive, Gahanna, said she wanted to educate herself on City government and needs of the community; Vice President of Council mailed a post card of a candidate that was based on lies; disappointed that he used tactic of this nature to defeat someone; Jolley did it the weekend before the election with no time for the opposing candidate to respond; initial count the candidate lost by 29 votes; read the City's vision statement; the campaign tactics used by Jolley should be condemned; Wright responded that her comments were election-based and the City needs to move forward; he said it was a political race and there will always be a winner and a loser; he asked Holloway how she plans to push more positive efforts in Gahanna; she responded by asking elected officials to hold their peers to higher standards. Dr. Melissa E. Clarke, author of Excuse Me Doctor! I've Got What?, delighted to be present, she wrote her book on taking ownership of your health and making sure health care reform works for you; journey to reclaim health; journey feels like they are dropped with no way out; need specific expertise and education to do that effectively ; helps with level playing field regarding doctor, insurance, etc.; had warm welcome from Gahanna; spoke at several areas and stated everyone is hungry for health information; people have a potential to get health insurance now and can get a level playing field with guidance and extra assistance, which her book offers; thanked for opportunity to be in Gahanna. D. INTRODUCTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE: Ordinances - To Be Introduced and Assigned to Committee: ORD-0141-2013 DECLARING THE IMPROVEMENT TO CERTAIN PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY’S CENTRAL PARK AREA TO BE A PUBLIC PURPOSE AND EXEMPT FROM TAXATION; REQUIRING THE OWNERS OF THOSE PARCELS TO MAKE SERVICE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES; PROVIDING FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE APPLICABLE PORTION OF THOSE SERVICE PAYMENTS TO THE GAHANNA-JEFFERSON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE EASTLAND-FAIRFIELD CAREER & TECHNICAL SCHOOLS; ESTABLISHING A TAX INCREMENT EQUIVALENT FUND AND PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION AND DEPOSIT OF SERVICE PAYMENTS INTO THAT FUND; SPECIFYING THE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS DIRECTLY BENEFITING THE PARCELS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0142-2013 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH BILL WALKER FOR CLEANING OF THE GAHANNA GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE FOR THE PERIOD OF FEBRUARY 1, 2014 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2015. This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0143-2013 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO STEELWORKERS HEALTH AND WELFARE FUND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT; AS PROVIDED FOR IN ORD-0034-2011, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE NEGOTIATED LABOR AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STEEL, PAPER & FORESTRY, RUBBER, MANUFACTURING, ENERGY, ALLIED INDUSTRIAL AND SERVICE WORKERS INTERNATIONAL; TO BE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2014; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0144-2013 TO EXTEND THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS; TO AMEND ORD-0205-2011. This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0145-2013 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF COLUMBUS FOR WATER QUALITY LAB TESTING. This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0146-2013 TO AUTHORIZE REPAYMENT TO FRANKLIN COUNTY FOR FUNDS NOT EXPENDED ON THE CLARK STATE RESURFACING AND TO SUPPLEMENTALLY APPROPRIATE $8,582 FOR SAID REPAYMENT This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0147-2013 TO AMEND CHAPTER 929, WATER CONNECTIONS AND RATES, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0148-2013 TO AMEND CHAPTER 921, SANITARY SEWER CONNECTIONS AND RENTAL RATES, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0150-2013 TO VACATE A SLOPE EASEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 701 TECHCENTER DRIVE, A PORTION OF LOT 3 OF TECH CENTER COMMONS City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0152-2013 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE ELLEN LEPERA TRUST, 496 EAST JOHNSTOWN ROAD, FOR REQUIRED SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT FOR IMPROVEMENT NO. SA 1013; LARRY LANE SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION. This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0153-2013 TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT TO THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE CITY'S PORTION OF THE PROJECT FOR FRA 317-18.00 PID NUMBER 80811; ALSO KNOWN AS THE HAMILTON ROAD/GRANVILLE STREET INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT NO. 883; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. This Ordinance was Introduced. Statutory Resolutions Requiring Two Readings: SR-0001-2013 TO DECLARE THE NECESSITY AND INTENT TO APPROPRIATE CERTAIN REAL ESTATE, OWNED BY THE ELLEN LEPERA TRUST, 496 EAST JOHNSTOWN ROAD FOR LARRY LANE SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION; IMPROVEMENT NO. SA 1013. This Statutory Resolution was Introduced. E. CONSENT AGENDA: Minutes - To Approve: 2013-0039 To approve the following sets of minutes: 1) November 4, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes 2) November 6, 2013 Special Meeting Minutes These Minutes were Approved and Filed on the Consent Agenda. Ordinance: Introduce, Waive Second Reading , Adopt: ORD-0149-2013 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - Law Enforcement Trust Fund This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. Ordinances on Second Reading: ORD-0136-2013 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR HEALTH City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0137-2013 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GAHANNA AND ASEBROOK & CO. ARCHITECTS, LLC, FOR PLAN REVIEW SERVICES FOR 2014. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0138-2013 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GAHANNA AND MEACHAM & APEL ARCHITECTS, INC., FOR PLAN REVIEW SERVICES FOR 2014 This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0139-2013 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GAHANNA AND WILLIAM E. CONROY, II FOR ELECTRICAL INSPECTION SERVICES. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. Motion Resolution: MR-0037-2013 Motion Resolution to confirm the Mayor's appointments to the Community Improvement Corporation of Ron Wolfinger as Trustee to fill a vacant term expiring December 31, 2015, and Matt Ference and Doug Maddy as Trustees for a three year term commencing January 1, 2014, and expiring December 31, 2016. This Motion Resolution was Approved on the Consent Agenda. Approval of the Consent Agenda A motion was made by Jolley, seconded by Anderson, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- President Renner, Jolley, Larick, Angelou, Anderson, Wright and Kneeland End of the Consent Agenda F. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. G. STANDING COMMITTEES: City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 Committee of the Whole - Jolley: No report Finance, Service & Safety - Larick: No report Development & Parks - Wright: No report H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: Clerk: No report Council Angelou reminded everyone that the Power of One - State of Ohio tribute to Rosa Parks is on December 5 at COSI at 6:00 p.m. I. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES: None. J. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES: ORD-0151-2013 TO AMEND CHAPTER 105, WARDS AND BOUNDARIES, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. Wright said boundaries of our wards are not balanced within the population to follow what is outlined in the Charter and this legislation will balance the wards. Kneeland indicated this is the right move and brings everything back within balance for each ward; one ward has 1,400 voters more than another ward. Angelou said she sees no reason why they can't wait two more weeks and no immediate need to push this through without discussion at a committee; Angelou said it can still be done by end of year if discussion is held at the next committee meeting. Jolley said that it has been discussed at committees in the past. Kneeland and Anderson are in support of waiting two weeks to pass the Ordinance. Wright said this has been thoroughly flushed out and there is no need to wait for two more weeks; Wright said the Charter is very clear and City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 wants this moved with haste to balance the wards. Jolley recalled that there were in depth discussions on this issue at a prior date. Renner concurred, but cannot recall dates the matter was discussed. Ewald indicated at the request of Councilman Wright he contacted the Board of Elections and this needs to be done by January 1st in order for it to go into effect for 2014. Angelou stressed that waiting two weeks to discuss it further will not hinder that time-line and sees no reason to pass as an emergency. Anderson recalls discussing this issue, but would like further discussion and sees no reason to pass it tonight. Kneeland said he doesn't see a problem waiting two weeks, may have to revisit the ward boundaries every two years if things get out of balance again. Wright asked Ewald if timing is an issue if not passed tonight; Ewald responded that the Board of Elections will be meeting in December to finalize things by the end of the year if the Ordinance passes on December 2 with emergency passing, which requires six votes, it will take effect in January. Wright added that the residents have waited long enough to balance the wards correctly and that the Board of Elections determined that this needs to be done; said this matter has been discussed, thoroughly flushed out and does not believe the City should wait two more weeks to get this process started and will disenfranchise residents even more if this is prolonged until 2017 and he wants fairness and bounds set within the wards per the Charter. Larick pointed out that this Ordinance is a change in the effective date , not changing the already approved boundaries and simply changing the effective date from 2017 to 2014, which would thereby minimize any confusion to the electorate as the City moves forward on who is representing what physical space. Angelou said she takes exception to the word disenfranchisement. A motion was made by Larick, seconded by Wright, that this Ordinance be Introduced, Second Reading Waived. The motion failed by the following vote: Yes: 5- President Renner, Jolley, Larick, Wright and Kneeland No: 2- Angelou and Anderson City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 This Ordinance was Introduced to the Committee of the Whole. K. MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS: RES-0017-2013 TO HONOR AND COMMEND DR. MELISSA E. CLARKE FOR HER HARD WORK AND DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITY A motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Kneeland, that this Resolution be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- President Renner, Jolley, Larick, Angelou, Anderson, Wright and Kneeland Anderson presented the Resolution to Dr. Melissa E. Clarke for her hard work and dedication to the City of Gahanna. Dr. Clarke said she was honored to receive the resolution and thanked Council for recognizing her efforts. L. REPRESENTATIVES: Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Larick/Renner Larick said next meeting for CIC is tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou Angelou said two meetings last Thursday; one regarding Sub HB5; luncheon will be on April 17 at the Hilton; MORPC discussed streamlining needs in the organization; guest spoke on access Ohio in 2040; guide of information and support for transportation decision-making within ODOT; it's listed on the website accessohio2040.com to find out more information; Metropolitan Educational Council spoke regarding interesting option to save money; cooperative purchasing group for government; $500 fee a year to belong to the group; can save on insurance, health and wellness alliance and other services; would like to take a look at program for discounts; has information for anyone interested; passed a resolution authorizing the Director to procure and enter into an agreement for consulting services to conduct a regional growth impact analysis and to receive local funds which is a $500,000 study to better understand the region's projected growth/development; MORPC partnered with 2020 and ULI to retain a firm to provide tools in this process; good information to have for the community; Sub HB5 was discussed; MORPC taking a very strong view against the passage noting several concerns; Dublin has been taking a lead and other communities have City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 also been in opposition with Mayors adopting resolutions not in favor; believes this increase will not impact Gahanna as much as in other communities, but will impact the city on funding and revenue; hopes to address all areas in terms of losses; the attempt is to get everyone to call senators and report the amount of loss; it is an individual decision of each City to move forward with how it will impact them and if they are in opposition. Bd. of Education, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools - Jolley Wright said that Middle School East started a program called East Buds in which it teams up a child with disabilities, with other children who do not have disabilities; it mends the relationship between the two and groups them coming together for a good cause and helps to prevent bullying; the school board purchased new school bus for special needs children; recognized student achievement at last meeting; Middle School South is going to Washington DC in April next year; hopes federal budget cuts doesn't affect trip. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Jolley Jolley said met last Thursday and discussed organization; discussed the city contract and in light of city's financial situation will take a look at the particulars and amount of support they can provide for future events. M. OFFICIAL REPORTS: Mayor: Not present City Attorney Ewald said condolences to Poland family on the passing of Chaplain Joe Poland. N. COUNCIL COMMENT: Angelou read the definition of disenfranchise, stating nobody has been deprived of the right to vote; supportive of East Bud program; has been privileged to work with disabled students; she appreciates Councilman Wright's positive comments on the program; election is over and it is time to get to work; expects to move in a positive manner within our financial structure. Kneeland congratulated Dr. Clarke on her book; schools have done outsourcing and we can learn throughout the budget process to save City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 in several areas; remember GRIN; they are in desperate need of financial help; remember to reach out to the families in need around the holidays. Wright said when you look at the current ward boundaries, cracking and packing comes to mind; you can pack a district with a whole bunch of voters or crack a district getting voters in a certain area to make sure that one party will win over the other; part of the redistricting process is to balance the wards and it is not fair to leave the boundaries where they are currently; his passion is to fix this problem and abide by the Charter; definitely need to focus on budget and realize we are in competition with other communities and keep our focus to advance; want a better place to live; supports team Gahanna and wants to push forward. Anderson said she is not running this year and commended Dr. Clarke on her book; reminded everyone to take care of your health and get knowledge to deal with insurance companies; knowing how to deal with them can save everyone money; said Holiday Lights tree lighting was a success and a lot of people came out to support the community; several churches are helping families around the holidays with food, clothing drives, and other items that can be donated. Larick thanked patrons for attending the council meeting; feel free to ask any questions or concerns; nice to see new faces at the meetings. Jolley said that he doesn't normally discuss matters that are not related to city business, but wanted to clarify remarks made by the speakers at tonight's meeting; they are entitled to their own opinion, but not entitled to their own facts; he stands by everything he wrote or distributed; didn't state anything during this year's campaign that wasn't the truth; the residents have a right to know who they are voting for and their character; to accuse him of being a self-serving politician is unfortunate; he said the residents chose who they thought was best for the community; the speakers can feel free to contact him at anytime; he loves Gahanna and what's best for the community. Renner said he appreciates all the passionate discussions; remember to be positive role models and be respectful of each other's views during discussions; thanked Dr. Clarke for her services and the helpful information in her book. O. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion by Larick, seconded by Jolley, to go into Executive Session under authority of Section 5.40(a) of the Council Rules of Procedure to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of a public employee, official, licensee or regulated individual City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 unless such public employee, official, licensee or regulated individual requests a public hearing. Yes: 7- President Renner, Jolley, Larick, Angelou, Anderson, Wright and Kneeland Council rose to Executive Session at 8:04 p.m. Council rose to report from Executive Session at 8:18 p.m. with all members returning to the dais. P. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Larick. Kimberly McWilliams, CMC Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2013. Stephen A. Renner President City of Gahanna Page 11