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 20, 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 20, 2019, in Council Chambers of City Hall, 200 S. Hamilton Road, Gahanna, Ohio. President of Council, Brian Metzbower, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Guest Chaplain Pastor Philip Bassham delivered an invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Agenda for this meeting was published on May 17, 2019. Present 6 - Karen J. Angelou, Jamie Leeseberg, Michael Schnetzer, Brian D. Larick, Brian Metzbower, and Nancy R. McGregor Absent 1 - Stephen A. Renner B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: None. C. HEARING OF VISITORS. Tom Liszkay, 457 Tresham Road; stated that he is here again tonight to speak on the connector path between MI Homes and Hannah Park; was very controversial the way it happened; wanted to add that it would be a good idea to see exactly, the status of what the trail looks like on the Jefferson Twp. side; is it owned by MI Homes, Jefferson Twp., or the homeowners; please ensure that it is public right of way; we would like to access the park, as Gahanna residents; would also like to discuss that as part of Issue 12 passing, I made donations and had a sign up in the yard; spoke with neighbors about how this works; regarding the lawsuit, understands that it is settled and is glad it is over; 2-3 years ago he received a post card for the class action lawsuit and opted out because he did not want to give those attorneys money; in the last few weeks we have heard the drum of war coming from our Nation's capital; we have two headstones up at the St. Matthew Paris, one of our sons died in Iraq City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019 and one in Afghanistan; one was a marine and one was an army soldier; hopes that we don't have to add any more headstones; please contact our national representatives. Robert Poe, 499 Daventry Lane; spoke to this subject with some Council members earlier, but wanted to bring it to the attention of all of Council; would like to convert our playgrounds into natural play areas, like Woodside Green; now that issue 12 has passed; would be a good time to reiterate that proposal; would like to see that whenever a new playground is being proposed or would see major changes; would a cost/benefit analysis be done to see if it would be better to convert to natural play area; would include feedback from the public; feels they offer key benefits that regular playgrounds don't, including sustainability, education, and cost savings; in terms of sustainability, natural play areas would show how serious Gahanna is about being a sustainable city for 2050 and would enhance the natural beauty of the city; would be wonderful for kids to have the ability to be curious and also be able to explore the natural landscape; a meadow maze would be great feature, with native pollinating plants; would enhance ideas for pollination and bio-diversity and the environment; would cost less overall compared to expensive playground equipment and the use of volunteers like girl scouts helping at Woodside Green. Brenda Hoffman, 279 Highmeadow Drive; gave a shout out to Chief Spence; has been helpful to herself and neighbors; Kroger's new manager instituted a 4:30 am delivery schedule which has disturbed the neighborhood; Chief was able to stop it; have been thanked by her neighbors in the effort and wanted to send that back to the Chief; have since been told by our legal counsel that we are reviewing the noise code of Upper Arlington and really appreciates this effort; feels we need code because at this point, it is all on the owner and tenant to deal with this; the trucks cannot silence their safety alert beeping and that is not covered by our code; the second issue for discussion is MI Homes; was sent a copy of the letter that went to a resident that a Parks & Rec. employee witnessed a handshake between the City and MI to build that path; we did help in putting up stakes for the survey; at no time does someone go onto someone else's property and get a ticket that's ad hoc; ad hoc is being thrown around; we do not want ad hoc entry; it is trespassing and it should be charged as such; we have a number of sexual predators in this city; would love to send kids on their bikes to the parks; was trying to remember a time when her kids were allowed to ride their bikes alone; can remember a time long ago when it was safe for kids to ride alone, but feels that time is past us; is concerned about kids being in parks City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019 without supervision due to injuries, predators; looked at a map of the City; 285 Hyle Ave. seems to be the center; in the search for that address, 10 sexual predators within 2 miles came up; this is not a great idea to encourage a situation that may cause a worse situation; we put time and effort in trying to negotiate with MI Homes; they won't build a playground unit on their property, why does the burden fall on us residents; lastly, would like the mayoral candidates to review the land use plan, asked that we put it off until after the election; has a problem with apartments going up where Stoneridge is. Theresa Thrash, 245 Maybank Court; lived there for 30+ years; have paid income tax and real estate tax; have not had children to take advantage of those amenities; have an issue with paying for playgrounds for other people's children, especially when they are not Gahanna residents; would like ongoing yearly payments; the burden of maintaining equipment and grounds will lay solely on us residents; this is something that needs to be settled by all those who live in Gahanna, not a select few. D. INTRODUCTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE: Schnetzer introduced the items under Section D. Ordinances - To Be Introduced and Assigned to Committee: ORD-0042-2019 TO AMEND PART ELEVEN, PLANNING AND ZONING CODE, CHAPTERS: 1105, 1108, 1131, 1133, 1153, 1169, 1177, 1181, AND 1193, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. This item was introduced. ORD-0047-2019 TO AMEND PART ELEVEN, PLANNING AND ZONING CODE, CHAPTER 1165 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. This item was introduced. ORD-0045-2019 TO AMEND CHAPTER 945- WEEDS AND GRASS, OF TITLE FIVE- OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA. This item was introduced. ORD-0043-2019 TO AUTHORIZE A COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA AGREEMENT (CRA) WITH SUBURBAN STEEL SUPPLY CO. LLC, FOR A TAX ABATEMENT FOR A TWELVE YEAR PERIOD; FOR ONE HUNDRED PERCENT PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT ON THE INCREASED City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019 VALUE OF THE PROPERTY; FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1900 DEFFENBAUGH COURT; PARCEL ID NO. 025-013006; PART OF COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA #1. This item was introduced. E. CONSENT AGENDA: Minutes - To Approve: 2019-0074 Meeting Minutes for Approval. These minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. Ordinance: Introduce, Waive Second Reading, Adopt as Emergency: ORD-0044-2019 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, CAPITAL CITY LODGE #9; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. Ordinances on Second Reading: ORD-0037-2019 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION- Sale of assets. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0038-2019 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION- Insurance Claim Proceeds. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0039-2019 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION- Water Meter Proceeds. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0040-2019 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION- TIF Funds; Johnstown Road & North Triangle. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0041-2019 TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH REDTREE INVESTMENT ADVISORS FOR INVESTMENT ADVISOR SERVICES. This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019 Motion Resolutions: MR-0016-2019 THAT COUNCIL HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE NEW D1 LIQUOR PERMIT FOR PACELINE PARTNERS LLC DBA MOD PIZZA; 333 SOUTH HAMILTON ROAD AND PATIO, GAHANNA, OHIO 43230. This Motion Resolution was Approved on the Consent Agenda. Pass the Consent Agenda A motion was made by Leeseberg, seconded by Schnetzer, to Pass the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Angelou, Leeseberg, Schnetzer, Larick, Metzbower and McGregor Absent: 1- Renner End of the Consent Agenda F. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. G. COMMITTEE UPDATES: None. H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: Clerk- None. Council- None. I. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES: 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. A motion was made by Leeseberg, seconded by Angelou, that the Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Angelou, Leeseberg, Schnetzer, Larick, Metzbower and McGregor Absent: 1- Renner J. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES: None. City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019 K. RESOLUTIONS/MOTION RESOLUTIONS: MR-0017-2019 A MOTION RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE JUNE 1, 2019 DATE FOR DEFUNDING THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION, FORESTRY FOREMAN, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER POSITIONS TO JULY 1, 2019 AND TO TRANSFER APPROPRIATIONS ACCORDINGLY. Schnetzer said regarding the defunding, as discussed in the Committee meeting, there have been 22 positions vacated and that is unprecedented; those vacancies save $380,000; the cost of this request for an additional one month is $35,000; based off budget discussions, those cuts were for administrative expenses; services to residents can be saved; based off the numbers here, the cost savings is being made up by other positions being vacated; this is a need at this point; is in favor of the request to postpone the defunding. Larick asked about the positions that were vacated, are those being backfilled. Vollmer said some are and some are not; majority of those 22 positions are part time parks team members; seasonal workers were hired for the summer; after the season is over, will determine which positions need back filled. Larick asked for perspective of scope; what percentage is part time; also asked what is driving the fundamental need for the request. Bury said we plan to bring forward a supplemental appropriation based off new money coming in; need to get a plan in place and will come back with a full ask; this gives us time to prepare that projection. Larick asked when the process started. Bury said today. Larick asked if the overall topic will go to Committee next week. Bury said hoping for the first Committee in June. Vollmer said the number Bury mentioned did not include positions that would be backfilled; there are 12 from the Parks and Rec Department from the 22 mentioned, 11 part time and 1 full time. Leeseberg said the 3 from the Herb Center are not coming back. Metzbower said part of this request to postpone is so we can have these numbers and answers; that’s the whole goal for postponement so that they can double check the numbers. Vollmer said the part-time dispatcher was brought back to full time to cover one vacancy and the other dispatch rescinded her resignation. Metzbower said we made a commitment when putting issue 12 on the May ballot; in full support of administration having adequate time to look through this; this does not commit us to more funding but keeps discussions open. Angelou said she would like to fund some things that are missing; the money is going to be coming in and we have dedicated items in which to fund; hopes these can be refunded and one more month will allow for City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019 more discussion; Jan. 1 will bring a new Mayor; many of our directors work at the will of the Mayor; hopes to bring some of these people back; never had so many people leave in such a short amount of time; thanked GRIT for making this happen. A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Angelou, that the Motion Resolution be Approved. The motion failed by the following vote: Yes: 3- Angelou, Schnetzer and Metzbower No: 3- Leeseberg, Larick and McGregor Absent: 1- Renner L. REPRESENTATIVES: Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Larick Larick said that CIC will meet on 5/21 at 7:30 a.m., here at City Hall. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou Angelou provided the Clerk with the agenda and other items from the last MORPC meeting, which included details of the meeting; they are celebrating Bike Month; Yay Bikes organized a ride; salary and fringe benefits study was done; accepting nominations for Summit on Sustainability awards; passed resolution for Smart Streets Policy; Insight 2050 Corridor Concept was completed; visit the MORPC YouTube Channel; 2019 Internship program will be kicking off. Government Liaison - Metzbower No report. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Schnetzer No report. M. OFFICIAL REPORTS: Mayor Mayor said with the overwhelming majority of folks who voted in favor of issue 12, finds it disingenuous for those who voted against the Motion Resolution tonight to extend the deadline in order to get more City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019 information; failing this does not just effect those 3 titles listed in the title of the Motion Resolution; this effects many people; there are other positions that are not coming back either; this is a serious situation for us; we will keep the community safe, but there will likely be programs that suffer since we don’t have the people to operate them. City Attorney Ewald said that we will have an extern from Capital Law; he is a 4th year student; will be working on the noise ordinance; thanked Capital, their program, and the quality students they provide. N. COUNCIL COMMENT Metzbower said he is disappointed in the failed vote that just occurred; there was a true lack of debate and discussion; would like to ask his colleagues who voted no, why they felt it was the wrong thing to support; would request open comment. Leeseberg said part of his vote tonight was due to the lack of information that was presented; there was a plan in place should issue 12 not pass, so why not a plan for if it did pass; concerned that the information was not available and felt he was being asked at the last minute. Angelou said she was disappointed last Monday when MI Homes was not able to attend the meeting; they are coming next Tuesday to speak to the situation with the path to Hannah Park; there are at least 30 children in the homes that have been built, using the park; this has nothing to do with Jefferson Twp.; MI has built thousands of homes, for them to not know that a handshake is not a contract, and for them to not know that Council must approve this, is not possible; looking forward to next Tuesday. Larick said regarding his vote, he recognizes the quality of people we have; recognizes the effort that they all put in; postponing would get us to July 1; asked tonight when the discussion started and the response was just today; believes there was a lack of action. McGregor said in January, we passed the budget for 2019, money from levy will come in August; not sure how much it will be; feels there is not enough information to extend it; there as an ask for blanket permission to move money and that didn’t sit well with me; maybe we can get some more information this week. City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019 Schnetzer said he was out over the weekend taking advantage of the weather; the golf course was busy, the parks were busy; was a lovely sight to see everyone enjoying their community; that is the backdrop for issue 12 funding. Metzbower said tonight’s Council Comment has been unorthodox but it is such an important vote; the faith of the public was bestowed on us; believes firmly that we are a public body and should have full deliberations; disappointed that colleagues would say there was not enough information even though the intent was to have the time to get that information. O. EXECUTIVE SESSION- 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; and 5.40(c) to confer with the City Attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action; and 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 Leeseberg, seconded by Schnetzer, 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; and 5.40(c) to confer with the City Attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action; and 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. Council rose to report to Executive Session at 7:55 p.m. Council rose to report City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2019 from Executive Session at 9:16 p.m. with no action taken. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Angelou, Leeseberg, Schnetzer, Larick, Metzbower and McGregor Absent: 1- Renner P. ADJOURNMENT At 9:16 p.m. City of Gahanna Page 10