Committee of the Whole

200 South Hamilton Road City of Gahanna Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes Committee of the Whole Nancy R. McGregor, Chair Brian D. Larick Karen J. Angelou Merisa Bowers Jamie Leeseberg Stephen A. Renner Michael Schnetzer Krystal Gonchar, MPA, Clerk of Council Monday, August 9, 2021 7:00 PM Council Chambers A. CALL TO ORDER Vice President of Council Nancy McGregor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. B. ITEM FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE & ENGINEERING: 1. RES-0029-2021 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT A FORMAL APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED, FOR FUNDING THE CLAYCRAFT WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL FUND FOR THE GRANT, IF AWARDED. Director of Public Service & Engineering Grant Crawford read from the attached Report to Council. McGregor asked Crawford what caused the line to fail. Crawford stated that there were a number of factors including the line was aged, corroded, an old railroad crossing that added stress . McGregor asked how old it was. Crawford stated that it was installed in 1968. Larick asked about the camera inspections that are done throughout the year; is that just for sanitary; asked how does it translate into the overall program. Crawford stated that the camera is for sewer lines only; they are following the breaks and issues. Recommendation: Consent Agenda on 8/16/2021. C. ITEM FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY: 1. ORD-0050-2021 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT AMENDMENTS TO TRAFFIC CODE City of Gahanna Page 1 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes August 9, 2021 SECTIONS OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA; TO PROVIDE FOR PENALTIES; TO PROVIDE FOR CODIFICATION; TO PROVIDE FOR SEVERABILITY; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. City Attorney Ray Mularski stated that the City has not undergone a review for several years now; tonight they have brought forward the 300 sections and next will be the 500s; is a lengthy review process to codify ordinances; the codifiers review and ensure that it matches Ohio Revised Code; then City Attorney reviews to see if they agree with changes; this is not perfect and does not fix everything but puts us in line with Ohio Revised Code; does add definition for electric bikes; enhanced penalties for distracted driving; seatbelts remain to be a secondary offense; adds personal delivery device; did not deny any recommended changes. Bowers asked about 4511.991, for distracted driving; if distracted driving is being reevaluated on a regular basis at the state level, if and when additional legislation is passed by them, how can we ensure that our code is updated to match. Mularski stated that if she becomes aware, inform him, and if he becomes aware, then it will be presented to Council again; keep in mind the enhanced penalties are still up to the judge; unless a specific fine. Bowers asked if our officers are enforcing them and trained under ORC. Chief Spence said they elevate offense; but generally charged via ORC section and sent to court; this allows us to write it at the local level; distracted driving in general is difficult to enforce; there are a number of things that must be observed and proven and there are exceptions in the law; “disregard for safety” in ORC is easier to apply and has less loopholes, so it is generally a better enforcement mechanism. Bowers stated that 331.34 “failure to control” summarizes that; that is an M1 and could be enforced. Spence confirmed. Recommended for Introduction/First Reading on 8/16/2021; Consent Agenda on 9/7/2021. D. COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEM: 1. Ward Boundaries McGregor stated that this item was included as a standing item for us to remember to discuss this once the Census Data is released. Bowers asked if it could be generally discussed since Mularski would be out for several weeks; wants to outline process; Census data is set to be released on 8/12/2021; needs evaluated but no requirement to make changes; asked if there will be a subcommittee set up. Mularski stated City of Gahanna Page 2 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes August 9, 2021 that when looking at the statute, it says wards are balanced as to present population and voter registration data from the Franklin County Board of Elections; believe that it is not limited to the Census. McGregor asked what kind of statistics would be provided that would impact this. Angelou stated that she was part of this process twice in the past; they tried to come up with an equal balance between wards; some changes were large; the Board Of Elections does not like when neighborhoods are split up into separate wards; it’s time to do this again; usually the Clerk of Council is part of the process; last time they also determined that wards would not be moved for sitting ward council members; is a unique process and is difficult to come to perfection. Mularski stated that the reason there is a census and data from Board Of Elections so that they can balance population and voters; not everyone in the population can vote; want to make the lines as simple as possible; also to plan for future growth. Larick stated that he recalls generally looking at the data in 2017, but there was not enough difference to warrant a change; there are certain rules that must be followed; we can look at the requirements and estimates and come back with an outline for the next Committee of the Whole. Schnetzer stated that he recalls what Larick stated, that there may not have been formal action, but recalls the general discussion; asked if this is something that needs reviewed every four years, or should the timeframe be extended. E. ADJOURNMENT At 7:23 p.m. City of Gahanna Page 3