City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, December 16, 2019 6:30 PM Council Chambers City Council Mayor Lance Westcamp Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett & Chad Grashel City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 I. Call to Order by Mayor Westcamp at 6:30 p.m. Staff Present: Jeff Green - Acting Administrator, Kevin Shannon - Law Director, Jason Carr - Director of Finance, Ralph Portier - Chief of Police, Kyle Lund - Recreation Director Guests Present: The Guest Book is on file with the Clerk of Council. II. Moment of Silence The Mayor asked everyone to join him in a moment of silence. III. Pledge of Allegiance Chief Portier led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. Roll Call Present: 6 - Shawn M. Cleary, Edward Dildine, Chad T. Grashel, Jean Ann Hilbert, Becky Hutson, and Scott Lockett V. Approval of Minutes - November 25, 2019 Approved as submitted. #314-2019 City Council Minutes 11.25.19 Attachments: City Council Minutes 11.25.19.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Robert Henry Robert Henry, 119 College Street, addressed Council on the matter of traffic in the area of Grove Road (Street) and College Street. Traffic has picked up tremendously in the area with much of it being nonresidents. Vehicles come off of SR317 and speed down Old Hamilton Road and go airborne over the railroad tracks. In September, a vehicle went airborne off the tracks and then the driver over corrected taking out a speed limit sign. The vehicle ended up hitting the Henrys’ porch. The porch has concrete steps that are about 10 feet across and three steps high. The vehicle hit the steps with such force that it moved those steps by 4 inches on impact spinning the car around. One person from the City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 apartment complex must think Grove Road is their own personal parking spot. People have to go around the vehicle and end up going through his yard. Unloading groceries or such is one thing, but one vehicle is parked there for extended periods of time. Mr. Henry is concerned that the speeding has increased in the area so much that it could be dangerous for the residents and school-aged children cutting back to the school, who walk along College Street. After discussing the matter, it was decided to have the police department monitor the area and City staff will look into several possible avenues to correct the issue. VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings ORD. 19-052 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HUNTINGTON PUBLIC CAPITAL CORPORATION TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) POLICE CRUISERS, INCLUDING ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Sponsors: Grashel Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-052. A motion was made by Council Member Grashel, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-053 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HUNTINGTON PUBLIC CAPITAL CORPORATION TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF A PICK-UP TRUCK FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT Sponsors: Hilbert Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-053. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-054 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HUNTINGTON PUBLIC CAPITAL CORPORATION TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF A SCAG MOWER City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT Sponsors: Hutson Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-054. A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-055 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HUNTINGTON PUBLIC CAPITAL CORPORATION TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF A TRUCK FOR THE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT Sponsors: Lockett Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-055. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-056 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HUNTINGTON PUBLIC CAPITAL CORPORATION TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF A TRACTOR FOR THE GOLF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT AT THE LINKS AT GROVEPORT Sponsors: Cleary Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-056. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-057 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HUNTINGTON PUBLIC CAPITAL CORPORATION TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF A MOWER FOR THE GOLF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT AT THE LINKS AT GROVEPORT Sponsors: Hilbert Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-057. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 ORD. 19-058 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE STATE ROUTE 317 AND MAIN STREET INTERSECTION SAFETY PROJECT Sponsors: Dildine Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-058. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-059 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE OLD HAMILTON ROAD RESURFACING PROJECT, PHASE 1 Sponsors: Grashel Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-059. A motion was made by Council Member Grashel, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-060 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE OLD HAMILTON ROAD RESURFACING PROJECT, PHASE 2 Sponsors: Hutson Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-060. A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-061 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE WEST BIXBY ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECT, PHASE 2 Sponsors: Lockett Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-061. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-062 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE SOUTH HAMILTON ROAD AT HIGGINS BOULEVARD PROJECT, PHASE 1 Sponsors: Cleary Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-062. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-063 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE SOUTH HAMILTON ROAD AT HIGGINS BOULEVARD PROJECT, PHASE 2 Sponsors: Dildine Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-063. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-064 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE ADA IMPROVEMENTS AT MAIN STREET AND COLLEGE STREET PROJECT Sponsors: Grashel Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-064. A motion was made by Council Member Grashel, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-065 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE CURB RAMP UPGRADES ON MAIN STREET PROJECT Sponsors: Hilbert City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-065. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-066 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE ANNUAL STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Sponsors: Hutson Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-066. A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-067 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE AQUATICS ALTERNATE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT Sponsors: Lockett Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-067. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-068 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ISSUE REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE MOST DESIRABLE COMPANY OR FIRM, TO ENGINEER, DESIGN, AND ESTIMATE CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE ELEVATED WATER TANK PROJECT Sponsors: Dildine Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-068. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-069 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE PUMP STATION STANDY-BY GENERATOR PROJECT Sponsors: Cleary Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-069. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-070 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ADD THE POSITION OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER I IN THE PARKS DEPARTMENT Sponsors: Grashel Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-070. A motion was made by Council Member Grashel, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-071 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE FILTRATION ROOM VENTILATION SYSTEM AT THE RECREATION CENTER Sponsors: Hilbert Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-071. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-072 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO ALL CONTRACTS WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR ELEVATOR REPLACEMENT PARTS AT TOWN HALL Sponsors: Hutson Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-072. A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett B. 2nd Readings City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 ORD. 19-073 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2004-082 THEREBY RENAMING THE LINKS AT GROVEPORT TO THE GROVEPORT MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE Sponsors: Lockett Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-073. C. 1st Readings ORD. 19-074 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PAY GRADE FOR THE LIFEGUARD CLASSIFICATION IN THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Dildine Law Director Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date.The timeline is critical to have this legislation in place at the beginning of the year so that the Recreation Department can deal with retention and recruiting issues. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 19-074. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett Currently the City hires lifeguards in at $9.23 an hour. This Ordinance will take that up to $9.50 an hour. The average of other water parks in the area is $9.82 an hour. Recreation Director Kyle Lund is to keep Council updated/informed with the response he gets through the winter. Mr. Lund named other area water parks' hiring rate: Dublin - $10.00, Grove City - $12.00, Upper Arlington - $10.00, Westerville - $10.23 and the YMCA, though not considered a water park, is upwards to $10.00 with many incentives. The Department is actively recruiting now going up to the area high schools on lunch hours. Staff had a great meeting with the principal at the high school regarding the possibility of adding lifeguard certification as a Physical Education credit. Currently, there are only a few Groveport youths who lifeguard for the City. As for the incentives, other communities adding incentives are already at $10.00 an hour, where Groveport is just trying to get to $10.00 an hour. Another factor is the competition out there vying for the same young people. Wendy’s, Kroger, Target and Subway are hiring at $11.00 an hour. Not trying to demean any businesses, but comparing someone who says City of Groveport Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 “Do you want fries with that" with a kid who has a 32- hour certification to possibly save someone’s life, needs some sound consideration. Council Member Grashel added this is a safety sensitive type of position where a lifeguard is the first responder on site. The position of lifeguard is often compared to positions like cashiers, food and beverage positions and the like. Mr. Grashel noted there is a psychological and physical aspect to the position of lifeguards as well. He asked if Mr. Lund felt that the $9.50 an hour was a good number. Mr. Lund would feel more comfortable with $10.00 an hour. After an entailed discussion on employee retention versus new hires, the ripple effect of moving positions to higher pay grades and other items to take into consideration, Council moved to amend the Ordinance to change the pay grade of grade 1 to grade 3 in Section 1. Mr. Shannon clarified that this Ordinance only applies to the lifeguard classification. If Council wants to address the Head Lifeguard position, that matter would need separate legislation or this Ordinance needs amended all the way through. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to amend this Ordinance in Section 1 to reflect "from grade 1 to grade 3". The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-075 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 18-046 (ADOPTED 11/13/2018), THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2019 AND FURTHER AMENDING ORDINANCE 19-016 (ADOPTED 4/8/2019) AND ORDINANCE 19-032 (ADOPTED 7/22/2019), WHICH AMENDED THE SAME Sponsors: Cleary Attachments: ORD. 19-075 Exhibit A.pdf Law Director Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings as this is an appropriations ordinance and will go into effect after one reading. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to suspend the rules as to the three readings. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett City of Groveport Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-076 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 18-046 AND AUTHORIZING THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT TO TRANSFER FINAL CASH FUND BALANCES FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO VARIOUS OPERATING, CAPITAL PROJECTS AND SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Grashel Attachments: ORD. 19-076 Exhibit A.pdf Law Director Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings as this is also an appropriations ordinance and will go into effect after one reading. A motion was made by Council Member Grashel, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to suspend the rules as to the three readings. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett A motion was made by Council Member Grashel, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-077 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE POSITION OF PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR, ACCEPTING THE POSITION DESCRIPTION AND ESTABLISHING THE PAY GRADE, AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: ORD. 19-077 Exhibit A.pdf Law Director Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date so this position can be in effect in light of the upcoming retirement of the current Public Works Superintendent. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett City of Groveport Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett ORD. 19-078 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE SANITARY PUMP STATIONS STAND-BY GENERATORS PROJECT Sponsors: Hutson This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. ORD. 19-079 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE MID-OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE COLUMBUS URBANIZED AREA FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) FUNDING FROM THE ENHANCED MOBILITY FOR OLDER ADULTS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM (SECTION 5310), AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE ANY AGREEMENTS NECESSARY TO RECEIVE SAID GRANT FUNDING, AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Lockett A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp thanked Mary Tedrow for all of her years of service on the Groveport Madison Schools Board of Education. Mayor Westcamp, along with some of the Council Members, attended a reception for Mrs. Tedrow held at the Administrative Offices of the Groveport Madison School District. Mary Tedrow has been a big part of City of Groveport Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 the community, along with her husband. Last week, the Mayor, along with Council Member Lockett, Council Member Hilbert, and Sue Wadley, interviewed six (6) candidates, who rose to the top out of 35 applicants, for the position of City Administrator. Mayor Westcamp chose to move forward with one candidate whom he asked to meet him and Jeff Green for dinner the next evening. Mayor Westcamp chose the current City Administrator for the City of Pataskala, Benjamin King. Mr. King has 12 years of experience with the City of Pataskala. Mayor Westcamp talked to Mr. King today offering him the position with a starting salary at mid-point on the pay scale. Mr. King is excited to be coming to the City of Groveport. His time will carry over to the City, and he has some vacation time planned, so the City knows he is going to have 4 weeks of vacation. Mr. King has a contract with the City of Pataskala stipulating a 30 day notice before leaving employment. All agreed to a starting date of February 3, 2020. Mayor Westcamp feels Benjamin King is the best fit for the City of Groveport. Council Member Lockett agreed that Benjamin King was at the top of the list. He has a lot of experience and a personality that will fit well with the folks in Groveport. Mr. Lockett was pleased with Mr. King’s interview and the decision to choose him. Council Member Hilbert agreed with Mr. Lockett and there was no doubt that Mr. King was at the forefront of those interviewed. He has experience with a similar budget and has a lot of knowledge to come in and hit the ground running. The Mayor is excited to bring Benjamin King aboard and with Council’s approval, he wants to go by the nickname BJ. Mayor Westcamp asked for a motion from Council to approve the appointment of Benjamin King as the next City Administrator. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to approve the appointment of Benjamin King as the next City Administrator. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett B. Acting Administrator - Jeff Green Acting Administrator Jeff Green distributed a memo to Council outlining the results of the committee meeting for the OPWC. Most was good news. The only less positive news was regarding the West Bixby Road Project-Phase 2. The City was awarded $374,486 in grant funds and $1,129,472 in a low interest loan which leaves the City with a shortfall of $347,166. The OPWC has advised Groveport that if any local government's projects are closed out before the June deadlines, and municipalities who received these funds turnover any unused City of Groveport Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 funds, that Groveport will be offered what money is available. City Engineer Steve Farst is confident there is a good chance this will happen. The Hamilton Road at Higgins Boulevard / Directors Boulevard Project - Phase 2 was 100% grant funded. The applications by the Franklin County Engineer and Madison Township for improvements to Saltzgaber Road, Toy Road, Swisher Road and intersection of Groveport Road at Saltzgaber Road was the highest ranked application on the LTIP program. Groveport has committed $98,000 for the portion of Toy Road within the City of Groveport even though this is not Groveport’s project. C. Chief of Police - Ralph Portier Chief Ralph Portier thanked the Mayor and Council for all their support. The Chief will be in and out of the office and acknowledged the great job Captain Kurt Blevins has been doing in his absence. Captain Blevins will be attending Council meetings when the Chief is unavailable. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and thanked everyone again. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Jason Carr provided Council with the finance report for November 2019. He noted that income tax collections are in line with budget estimates and the City’s collection is consistent with the prior year. Total fund balances are approximately $1.3 higher than last year with the General Fund and Debt Service Fund seeing the biggest increases. The City’s investment portfolio is still above the City’s benchmark at STAR Ohio. #315-2019 Financial Report Attachments: Groveport_Financial_Report_November_2019.pdf E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Nothing further to report. G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Chad Grashel Council Members Grashel, Lockett, Hutson and Dildine wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Council Member Dildine added the Township’s local union has adopted three (3) families this year. One family has been chosen in each of the three City of Groveport Page 13 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 communities the Madison Township Fire Department serves; one in Groveport, one in Canal Winchester and one in the unincorporated area of Madison Township. Two families are picked by Groveport Madison Human Needs and one by Canal Winchester Human Needs. Council Member Hilbert wished Council, staff and the community a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Council Member Cleary saw a City road crew out this morning and he hopes they won’t need to go out for the rest of the year. He wished everyone a happy holiday and thanked them for the support they have given him. H. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Clerk of Council Ruthanne Ross had submitted the 2020 City Council meeting schedule and requested Council to consider a motion to approve the schedule as submitted. #316-2019 2020 MEETING SCHEDULE Attachments: 2020 MEETING SCHEDULE.pdf A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to approve the 2020 City Council Meeting Schedule as submitted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett I. Standing Committees Council Member Cleary commented on pictures of the cemetery posted on Facebook by Jim Beidler. IX. Other Business None. X. Adjournment Council Member Cleary made a motion, seconded by Council Member Dildine to adjourn at 7:44 p.m. All in favor stated AYE, None Opposed. Motion passed. __________________________________________ Lance Westcamp, Mayor __________________________________________ Ruthanne Sargus Ross, CMC Clerk of Council City of Groveport Page 14 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2019 PLEASE NOTE: THESE MINUTES ARE NOT VERBATIM. A RECORDING OF THE MEETING IS AVAILABLE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. City of Groveport Page 15