City Council

200 South Hamilton Road City of Gahanna Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes City Council Brian Metzbower, President Stephen A. Renner, Vice President Karen J. Angelou Brian D. Larick Jamie Leeseberg Nancy R. McGregor Michael Schnetzer Krystal Gonchar, Deputy Clerk of Council Council may caucus at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2019 7:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers A. CALL TO ORDER - Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, May 6, 2019, in Council Chambers of City Hall, 200 S. Hamilton Road, Gahanna, Ohio. President of Council, Brian Metzbower, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Vice President of Council, Stephen Renner, delivered an invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Agenda for this meeting was published on May 2, 2019. * Larrick arrived at 7:45 p.m. Present 7 - Karen J. Angelou, Jamie Leeseberg, Stephen A. Renner, Michael Schnetzer, Brian D. Larick, Brian Metzbower, and Nancy R. McGregor B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: None. C. HEARING OF VISITORS. Tom Liszkay, 457 Tresham Rd.; a resident and 25 year member of the Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee; recalled the time when former Mayor McGregor put him on the committee after Liszkay filed a complaint, and has been a member of the committee ever since; stated that he is here tonight to talk about the Hannah Park trail connector; it takes a long time to get even one foot of trail in; please don't squander this opportunity to connect; this is a short piece of trail, we should use it and maintain it; said he is unsure what happened between the city and MI Homes and Jefferson Twp.; that he understands people take hard positions; there’s a saying that in order to move forward, the situation has changed underground; the only people hurt by fencing off the trail are families and kids; Jefferson Twp. has been good to us; we have done service projects together; there is no dividing line between us; said he is City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 anxious to see what happens. Travis Sperk, 2640 Clemton Park E.; here to speak on the Hannah park path; 2 weeks ago MI Homes was ordered to remove gravel from a 30 yard path connecting the park to Jefferson Twp.; Weldon community members are looking for a safe path that does not require traveling on unsafe roads like Clark State; MI Homes and Gahanna had an agreement in principal to pay Gahanna for access and will maintain the path; details were provided by MI Homes; these kids share a public school; we utilize the park for soccer and t-ball; kids go to parks and we pay for pool memberships; seems like a sudden abrupt change that will divide the communities that share a border; asked what negotiations were presented by MI Homes; and are there continued negotiations; what is Council’s opposition to the path; what can Weldon members do to assist with the resolution of the matter. Metzbower said those are good questions and he will answer after all comments were made by the public. Sarah Martin-Fuller, 2553 Clemton Park E.; said there is a concern about having a safe access; we welcome Gahanna residents into the nature reserves in Jefferson twp.; your city logo says “where currents connect”; we will go to the park anyway, so we can have more traffic or instead, a safe path; the ask is to work with MI Homes for a resolution to keep the path. Metzbower said there is a lot of information that gets out there and then goes in various directions; there was no formal agreement in place; the City did see that the gravel was put in by MI without an agreement; there was a lack of communication. Renner said there has never been a public discussion about this; still has no clear understanding about how this happened; we did have some email exchanges; but it never showed up on an agenda; when issue 29 failed, that became our sole focus; is not an excuse but that is the reality; we found out recently that there was some new activity, and the fence was being constructed; he did have a conversation today with the VP of MI Homes; although there was discussion in the past, he said they would be willing to discuss the terms again; the $150,000 is still on the table; maintenance of the path will be taken care of by MI forever; part of the governmental process is that these things need to be on an agenda; will have this on the next Committee of the Whole agenda so that we can properly discuss this; will City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 call on the City Attorney for assistance in getting the agreement; he has already asked MI Homes if he could publicly announce this tonight and had the go ahead; welcomes everyone to come and talk about this. Angelou said this has been difficult for us to understand because we knew nothing about it; we can't make our voices heard or hear your voices when we know nothing; when the property was being annexed, there were some things being considered but when the annexation stopped, those things went away, the item was no longer on our table; this has been disruptive to all of us; wanting friendships between our communities; Jefferson Township is our friend; when they wanted to join MORPC, we went out there and collaborated; we were asked to do a JEDZ to collect monies for JEDZ, and Larick spent weeks working on that; when it came down to it, they didn't want to do this; all the work and time spent was for nothing; we do want to be good neighbors but we also must take the position of taking care of our residents first; that was a $10 million dollar park so $150,000 is not a lot to share; the park is 10 years old and we will need to start upgrading things, which costs money; we want our trails connected; communication is of the upmost importance; no one wants to fight with Jefferson Twp. and no one wants you all to have wrong information; we are here tonight to say that we did not know about this; glad Renner is adding this to the next Committee meeting. Leeseberg said the way Council found out was back in July 2018, when the Mayor asked Council in an email, asking us to consider this; on July 19, Kneeland said he was looking into work without permission, on July 23rd of 2018, he said he would ask the Parks Director to fix it; there were many conversations about it prior, through Parks Department employees; we did not vote on or discuss this and the path was already in the ground when it came to us. Renner took photos back then; it’s hard to negotiate when someone has already torn down trees and laid ground; MI has trespassed on our property; there was nothing done officially; to go back further; found out from a March 21st email from the Director of Planning & Development, that he told MI Homes that the Mayor was fine getting a $150,000 check, so there’s a disconnect; the blame should fall on Administration. Mayor said these deals came about during the annexation process; we need the money or we wouldn't need issue 12; when the email was sent to Council last year, he asked what their appetite was; we don't need to go through the email responses talking about their appetite; took it upon Director of Planning & Development to work out the deal in order to get it City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 to Council; the developer took it upon themselves; we have other things to work on too; when we got their attention and they agreed to restore the trail, it was winter and we had to wait for better weather; emails tell a snippet of the story; we were trying to get additional revenue to take care of our parks. McGregor said her recollection was the same as Leeseberg’s; someone saw it in June and we got approached in July; it made us angry that they took down trees and took down a fence; we are charged with looking out for our residents; we are not angry with Jefferson Twp., we are angry with MI for infringing on us; we went through months of discussions with them and then MI pulled out; we are angry for what they did. Metzbower said this is something that has caused upcoming discussions; we want to find a path forward; this is something that as Nancy pointed out, there is a third person in this equation and it is easy to pit public bodies against one another but this is on MI homes; they could have been more responsible and we could have avoided controversies like this; feels a duty to be good stewards with surrounding communities but we must also protect ourselves in a proper way; optimistic that we can find a win-win. - Mayoral Proclamation for National Small Business Week and National Police Week Mayor presented a proclamation for National Police Week and had Safety Director Thomas, Chief Spence, Deputy Chief Lawless, Sgt. Choung, Officer Stewart, Officer Griffis, and Officer Turner in attendance to receive the proclamation on behalf of the Police Department. Mayor also presented a proclamation for National Small Business Week. D. INTRODUCTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE: Vice President Renner introduced the items under Section D. Ordinances - To Be Introduced and Assigned to Committee: ORD-0036-2019 TO AMEND PART ONE-ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, TITLE FIVE- ADMINISTRATIVE, CHAPTER 147- BOARD OF ZONING AND BUILDING APPEALS, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 OF GAHANNA. This item was introduced. ORD-0037-2019 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION- Sale of assets. This item was introduced. ORD-0038-2019 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION- Insurance Claim Proceeds. This item was introduced. ORD-0039-2019 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION- Water Meter Proceeds. This item was introduced. ORD-0040-2019 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION- TIF Funds; Johnstown Road & North Triangle. This item was introduced. ORD-0041-2019 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH REDTREE INVESTMENT ADVISORS FOR INVESTMENT ADVISOR SERVICES. This item was introduced. E. CONSENT AGENDA: Minutes - To Approve: 2019-0062 Council Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting on April 15, Committee of the Whole Meeting and Special Meeting on April 22, 2019. These minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. Ordinances on Second Reading: ORD-0034-2019 TO AMEND THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION RULES & REGULATIONS AS RECOMMENDED TO CITY COUNCIL ON APRIL 3, 2019; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0035-2019 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH STRAWSER PAVING FOR THE 2019 STREET PROGRAM, ST-1064. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 Pass the Consent Agenda A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Leeseberg, to Pass the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Angelou, Leeseberg, Renner, Schnetzer, Larick, Metzbower and McGregor End of the Consent Agenda F. PUBLIC HEARINGS: ORD-0036-2019 TO AMEND PART ONE-ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, TITLE FIVE- ADMINISTRATIVE, CHAPTER 147- BOARD OF ZONING AND BUILDING APPEALS, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. Metzbower opened the Public Hearing at 7:38 p.m. Tim Pack, 1019 Ridge Crest; Vice Chair of BZBA; standing in for Chair; is here to talk about some proposed code changes to Ch. 147 that deals with intricacies of the BZBA; one issue deals with interested parties and how they can intervene; is here to answer any questions; stated he has been on BZBA for 18 years; we have had appeals that dealt with fencing and cell towers and multi-million dollar projects; we deal with our city code and state codes; this change would not prohibit someone to come to our Board and voice their opinion; public comment is the first item on our agendas; there is no limit to the amount of speakers; there are times when we overturn decisions of Planning Commission; BZBA spends many hours researching the records, transcripts, laws; we have the luxury to go into greater depths than Planning Commission has the luxury to do; this is more the legal side of things; again, assures Council that in no way shape or form does this limit the public’s ability to speak; we are to afford justice and avoid unreasonable hardship. There were no other comments from the public. Pack said we have dealt with the language for many years; would suggest that if any council member is uncomfortable with this, we can deal with it at a later time; this is an adjustment that keeps us in parallel with other municipalities and their BZAs; it prevents long appeal processes. City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 Metzbower said we are looking into changing the process for internal variances to the code. Ewald asked if this is going back to Committee. Metzbower confirmed. Ewald said that the updated code language would get sent to them prior to that. McGregor said we are looking at changing the code so that we can eliminate a delay in process by not notifying contiguous property owners for internal variance requests; asked Pack for his thoughts. Pack said in 18 years there have only been 3-4 appeals of that nature; maybe be more specific than inside/outside of home because we have had appeals from residents who were covered by ADA which trumps some other laws; we all spend a lot of time on researching those laws. Ewald said we follow Ohio Building Code which may make us unable to be more restrictive. McGregor said she was referring to the process of notifying people, not the variance itself. Pack said even a wheelchair ramp can have an effect on residents for various reasons, and we must be careful with that. Pack said any variances approved by our city becomes a part of the record; that stays with the house and covers the city and homeowner when they go to sell the property. Metzbower closed the Public Hearing at 7:51 p.m. G. COMMITTEE UPDATES None. H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: None. Clerk Council I. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES: None. City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 J. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES: None. K. RESOLUTIONS/MOTION RESOLUTIONS: MR-0015-2019 THAT COUNCIL HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE D2, D3, D3A, AND D6 LIQUOR PERMIT, A NEW PERMIT, FOR STADIUM BAR LLC, DBA STADIUM SPORTS BAR; 101 MILL STREET, SUITE B105, GAHANNA, OHIO, 43230. A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Schnetzer, that the Motion Resolution be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Angelou, Leeseberg, Renner, Schnetzer, Larick, Metzbower and McGregor L. REPRESENTATIVES: Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Larick No report. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou Angelou said that Thursday is a Regular Meeting; last Thursday she attended the New American Forum; at the Columbus Museum of Art, where they discussed the 2018 annual report; it was sponsored by the Franklin County Commissioners; Brown and her husband as well as Beryl Piccolantonio, our School Board President were present; we had discussions dealing with new Americans; it was very meaningful; will leave materials in Council Office for review; Wednesday is a legislative breakfast at the State House to thank supporters of the Transportation Bill. Government Liaison - Metzbower Metzbower said he wanted to note the ongoing conversation with Jefferson Twp. on the trail; more to come. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Schnetzer Schnetzer provided the following update: CVB Initiatives: City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 Worked with publisher to make final revisions to the 2019-2020 Official Gahanna Visitors Guide, Created artwork and editorial content for a four-page advertorial promotion of Gahanna for the April edition of CityScene (paid for by Visit Gahanna), Participated in interview with Ohio Magazine for upcoming events and happenings in Gahanna, generating free promotion for city, Hosted and led Certified Tourism Ambassador class at Nostalgia Brewing on April 25, welcoming 22 new CTAs, Organized 3rd annual Herb’n Restaurant Week (happening NOW - May 5-11), including securing participants and developing promotional materials, Planning for “Herbal Cocktail Trail 3.0,” securing participants and identifying cocktails, creating new giveaway items (t-shirts) and securing promotion, Issued official press release for “Herb Week” in Gahanna (As a result, will be featured on Good Day Columbus this Thursday morning, generating promotion for Gahanna and several local businesses), Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival recognized by Midwest Living magazine as one of the “Top Events in the Midwest” (April issue) Weekly initiatives: Developed and published weekly e-newsletter, sharing information about upcoming promotions and events with more than 250 area businesses and residents (This week’s edition of Visit Gahanna’s “Weekly Happenings”, Developed pre-scheduled postings on Visit Gahanna’s multiple social media platforms to market local businesses, events, attractions and promotions, Herb Center Initiatives, Worked with Herb Center staff to expand class offerings to appeal to wider based audience, Developed marketing plan and materials for promotion of expanded programming and workshops at Center, Began efforts to renovate gift shop at the Center to expand product and create a retail presence in the Creekside District, Worked with City of Gahanna in recent COSI Science Fest by hosting and promoting two separate events (one at the Ohio Herb Center and another at Noble Cut Distillery), highlighting science while also drawing awareness to local Gahanna businesses, Created new website for the Ohio Herb Center, ohioherbcenter.org, which now provides opportunity for direct class signups Event Initiatives: Herb Day and Creekside Blues & Jazz Fest, On March 28, Executive Director L. Jadwin attended and led meeting of the Ohio Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau with 40+ CVB Directors from around the state, held in Granville, OH City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 M. OFFICIAL REPORTS: Mayor Mayor said he met with Tiberi; Rob Priestas will be departing the City soon; lastly, please say a prayer for issue 12 tomorrow. City Attorney Ewald asked everyone to please remember to go vote tomorrow; ask family and friends to participate; these mid-term elections typically have lower turnout; said there are members of Jefferson Twp. here tonight; have had discussions with the Trustees; appreciates the topic of the path to Hannah Park coming up tonight. N. COUNCIL COMMENT Leeseberg asked people to please go vote. Angelou said after the first period of the Blue Jackets games, the score is 0-0; go Jackets! Metzbower said a goal was overturned. Angelou said she went to the opening of the Edge; the Grotes have done wonderful things for the community and surrounding communities; it is wonderful to see someone who has a vision of love, succeeding; Grote has been making pizzas for 56 years in addition to other things; his vision of agape is truly amazing; said some Council Members will be meeting up with high school students this week; meeting with students at Goshen Lane Elementary next week. Larick apologized for being late this evening. Angelou thanked students for attending; were many in attendance. McGregor thanked her granddaughter, Sophia, student from Middle School East, for coming; she had a shadowing day for school; she also came to a Committee of the Whole meetings; wanted to mention about City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 Mr. Liszkay; he had a problem and brought a solution to the mayor; explained that the light at Havens Corners turning left was very long; went out with his computer and a stop watch and came in with a sheet of data; presented it to Carl Wetherhold; said for people attending mass at St. Matthew Parrish; got the light changed; thanked him. Renner said go vote. Metzbower thanked members of the police force; we don't thank them enough; said to go vote; people around the world risk their lives to go vote. O. EXECUTIVE SESSION- to go into Executive Session under authority of Section 5.40(d) to prepare for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment. A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Schnetzer, to go into Executive Session under authority of Section 5.40(d) to prepare for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment; and to go into Executive Session under authority of Section 5.40(a) to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official, or the investigation of charges or complaints against a public employee, official, licensee, or regulated individual, unless the public employee, official, licensee, or regulated individual requests a public hearing. Council rose to Executive Session at 8:05 p.m. Council rose to report from Executive Session at 9:05 p.m. with no action taken. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Angelou, Leeseberg, Renner, Schnetzer, Larick, Metzbower and McGregor P. ADJOURNMENT At 9:05 p.m. City of Gahanna Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 6, 2019 City of Gahanna Page 12