City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, December 21, 2020 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 21, 2020 I. Call to Order by Mayor Lance Westcamp at 6:30 p.m. Staff Present: BJ King - Administrator, Kevin Shannon - Law Director, Jason Carr - Director of Finance, Ralph Portier - Chief of Police 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 Council Members Hilbert and Lockett participated in the meeting via Zoom. Present: 6 - Shawn M. Cleary, Edward Dildine, Chad T. Grashel, Jean Ann Hilbert, Becky Hutson, and Scott Lockett V. Approval of Minutes - November 23, 2020 Approved as submitted. #264-2020 City Council Minutes 11.23.2020 Attachments: City Council Minutes 11.23.2020.pdf VI. Business of Guests VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings Ord. 2020-040 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP AS TO APPROXIMATELY 8.391 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, OF THE FOLLOWING TRACT OF LAND, LOCATED NORTH OF GROVEPORT ROAD, PARCEL NUMBER 185-002772 OWNED BY, ROGER STUDLEY FROM RURAL (R) TO PLANNED HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (PR-18) Sponsors: Grashel City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 Attachments: Ord. 2020-040 Exhibit A.pdf Joe Thomas with Metro Development, 470 Olde Worthington Road, Suite 101, Westerville, Ohio 43082, provided additional information to Council for their consideration. At a previous meeting Mr. Thomas came before Council with plans for a 144 apartment community development located on Groveport Road. He brought additional information before Council tonight. He talked about extending the sewer on Groveport Road, upgrades to the roadway and the new opportunities that can be brought to the area. Council Member Dildine commented that he does not disagree that more affordable housing is needed in Groveport. He personally doesn’t like that style but does not think it is a fit for that particular area. Another issue Mr. Dildine has is that there is very little communication between the municipalities and developers on changes being made in their respective areas while nothing is being done to the areas in between. Groveport Road is already congested and additional traffic will only add to the problem. Mr. Dildine noted that it is common in other communities for these types of communities to end up looking run down in 20 years or so. Also, Metro Development has not addressed any roadway improvements in their proposal. Mr. Thomas countered that it is his understanding that his company is at the starting line with Groveport on this development and rezoning application. The next step would be to come before this Council for the approval of this applicant's details on buildings, landscaping and, as mentioned by Mr. Dildine, road infrastructure. If the City of Groveport would deem a turn lane is necessary because of the development’s traffic impact, it would indeed be the responsibility of the applicant. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-040. A motion was made by Council Member Grashel, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adopt. The motion failed by the following vote: Yes: 0 No: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett #240-2020 Ord. 2020-040 Staff Reports Attachments: Ord. 2020-040 Staff Reports.pdf Ord. 2020-041 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP AS TO APPROXIMATELY 0.69 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, OF THE FOLLOWING TRACT OF LAND, LOCATED WEST OF COLLEGE STREET, PARCEL NUMBERS 185-000224 AND 185-000200 OWNED BY THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, FROM COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC) TO SELECT COMMERCIAL PLANNED DISTRICT (SCPD) Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Ord. 2020-041 Exhibit A.pdf City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-041. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett #243-2020 Ord. 2020-041 Staff Reports Attachments: Ord. 2020-041 Staff Reports.pdf Ord. 2020-042 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A MODIFICATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 674-716 MAIN STREET, PARCEL NUMBER 185-002946 Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2020-042 Exhibit A.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-042. 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 #246-2020 Ord. 2020-042 Staff Report Attachments: Ord. 2020-042 Staff Report.pdf Ord. 2020-046 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HUNTINGTON PUBLIC CAPITAL CORPORATION TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) SCAG MOWERS FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT Sponsors: Dildine Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-046. 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. 2020-047 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: Hilbert City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-047. 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 Ord. 2020-048 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH AXON ENTERPRISE INC TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT TASERS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Sponsors: Hutson Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-048. 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. 2020-049 AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING AND DEDICATING AS A PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH HICKORY GROVE SECTION 3A Sponsors: Lockett Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-049. 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 Res. 2020-007 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE A MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HUNTINGTON PUBLIC CAPITAL CORPORATION Sponsors: Grashel Clerk of Council Ross read by title Resolution No. 2020-007. A motion was made by Council Member Grashel, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett Ord. 2020-042 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A MODIFICATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 674-716 MAIN STREET, PARCEL NUMBER 185-002946 Sponsors: Hilbert City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 Attachments: Ord. 2020-042 Exhibit A.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to reconsider Ordinance No. 2020-042 after the matter that this Ordinance came out of Planning & Zoning with recommendations to include conditions was brought to his attention. Law Director Kevin Shannon re-read by title Ordinance No. 2020-042. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to reconsider Ordinance No. 2020-042. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett Law Director Kevin Shannon advised the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval on the condition that the following amendment be included upon passage. In Section 1 add the condition "That the 2nd floor and west end of the building signage comply with the SCPD signage requirements.". Mr. Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to amend. A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to amend by adding in Section 1, the condition "That the 2nd floor and west end of the building signage comply with the SCPD signage requirements.". The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adopt as amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett B. 2nd Readings Ord. 2020-050 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR 5090 HENDRON ROAD, REDWOOD USA, LLC, APPLICANT, PARCEL NUMBERS 185-002762 AND 185-002763 Sponsors: Cleary Attachments: Ord. 2020-050 Exhibit A.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-050. #267-2020 Ord. 2020-050 Staff Reports Attachments: Ord. 2020-050 Staff Reports.pdf Ord. 2020-051 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE 2021 ANNUAL STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Sponsors: Grashel Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-051. Ord. 2020-052 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE ALLEY DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT Sponsors: Hilbert Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-052. Ord. 2020-053 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE ANNUAL FORCE MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT Sponsors: Hutson Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-053. C. 1st Readings Ord. 2020-054 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 480/490 MAIN STREET, BEN PUNTURI, APPLICANT, (PARCEL NUMBERS 185-000224 AND 185-000200) Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Ord. 2020-054 Exhibit A.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-054. This Ordinance was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Ord. 2020-055 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR 480/490 MAIN STREET, BEN PUNTURI, APPLICANT, PARCEL NUMBERS 185-000224 AND 185-000200 Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: Ord. 2020-055 Exhibit A.pdf City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-055. This Ordinance was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Ord. 2020-056 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 19-045 (ADOPTED 11/12/2019), THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2020 AND FURTHER AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2020-007 (ADOPTED 2/10/2020) AND ORDINANCE NO. 2020-030 (ADOPTED 7/27/2020), WHICH AMENDED THE SAME Sponsors: Cleary Attachments: 2020 Budget_EXHIBIT A 2020-056.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that staff has requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and voting on this item tonight. As this is an appropriations Ordinance, if Council votes now and the vote is favorable, it will go into effect tonight. Let the record show that Mrs. Hilbert was back online where everyone could see her. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-056. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Dildine, 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 Cleary, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett Ord. 2020-057 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2020-008 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: Dildine Attachments: 2020_Budget_Transfers In_Out_Final Amendment.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that staff has requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and voting on this item tonight. As this is an appropriations Ordinance, it will follow the process as the previous ordinance. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-057. A motion was made City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Grashel, 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 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. 2020-058 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 123.07, DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Grashel Attachments: Ord. 2020-058 123.07 Exhibit A.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-058. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2020-059 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE POSITION OF SENIOR SERVICES MANAGER, ACCEPTING THE POSITION DESCRIPTION AND ESTABLISHING THE PAY GRADE, FURTHERMORE, REMOVING THE POSITION OF TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR IN THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AND SENIOR CITIZENS COORDINATOR IN THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND ADDING THE POSITION OF SENIOR SERVICES MANAGER TO THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: Ord. 2020-059 Exhibit A.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that staff has requested that Council consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date so upon passage this position can be in place when our services reopen for our senior citizens. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2020-059. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Grashel, 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 Hutson, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett City of Groveport Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp welcomed Chief Portier back. The Mayor has been seeing the Chief since he has returned to work but he thinks it does this community and this Council good to see him back. Mayor Westcamp looks forward to working with the Chief in 2021. The Mayor wished everyone a safe and healthy holiday and urged everyone to get through 2020 and look forward with hope to 2021. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator BJ King wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. He looks forward to continuing the City's business and success in 2021. #268-2020 Admin report to Council December 21 2020 Attachments: Admin report to Council December 212020.pdf C. Chief of Police - Ralph Portier Chief Portier reported that the department hasn’t had the force out like in the past since the department has run into some trials and tribulations in regard to staffing, for quite a while. Now everything seems to be working well and the department is happy to see that Groveport isn’t getting the thefts as normally seen in the past. Facebook has had postings of an abduction of a child from Groveport but the department confirmed that there is no such report. He asks that if anyone hears of anything else on the matter to please contact the police department so the validity of the report can be checked into by officers. The Chief thanked the Mayor and Council for all their support throughout the year and their continued financial support of the department. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a great holiday season. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Jason Carr highlighted some items from his submitted report. When Council adopted the 2020 budget, the City had budgeted to be $4,000,000 transferred from the General Fund to various funds. The City was about 1.2 million dollars less than budgeted which is essentially cost saving measures and trying to watch expenses by the administration. Primarily the Recreation Fund was lower by about $500,000 which is tied to lower expenses within the City of Groveport Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 Senior Center and the Aquatic Center which offset the higher wages for the indoor swimming pool. The Golf course rebranding effort was a little lower by about $25,000. The City didn’t proceed with the maintenance barn which was in the original Capital budget for $250,000. Cart paths will be done but not until next year. Salaries and benefits were also lower which helped reduce the amount of that transfer. The City established a Termination Fund for current employees and employees who staff think will retire in the future. However, the 2021 budget did not provide funding for those future retirees in 2021. This is attributed to the projections when preparing the 2021 budget. The City is projected to break even based on what is known of retirements and what administration projects. However, the matter will need to be revisited to make sure the City has sufficient funds set aside when a budget amendment is brought back before Council in February 2021. Right now the City is looking at a shortfall that will need to be addressed just within the Termination Fund. The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is promoting that they have released a 5 billion dollar dividend payment to local governments. Groveport received its share today of $325,012 which will be shared amongst all the funds the City pays salaries. He wished everyone happy holidays. #269-2020 FIN Council Report Attachments: Finance_Director_Report_12_21_2020.pdf E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Law Director Kevin Shannon followed up on Chief Portier's report on the child abduction report. Groveport may have another custody/child abduction being claimed on Facebook as well. Officer Fairman and Sergeant Short have been investigating an interference with custody situation where the mother has been advised via court order that she no longer has custody of the child. Groveport has filed and has an active warrant for an interference with custody violation. There also is an active warrant from the Court of Commons Pleas for her failure to comply with that Court's order. Mr. Shannon and the officers have been working with the father, who had called before tonight's meeting, and indicated that he was going on social media. Mr. Shannon does not know if these two postings are related or not but just for confusion purposes if anyone also sees this on sites tonight, there is a case that has been filed that the City is on top of, as are Officer Fairman and Sergeant Short. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy City of Groveport Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 New Year. F. Asst. Admin. / Development Dir. - Jeff Green Mr. Green was not present. G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Chad Grashel Council Member Grashel commented that is was great to see Chief Portier at tonight’s meeting. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mrs. Hutson wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. She commented that we are very blessed to have the Chief back and able to carry on. Mr. Dildine wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He is looking forward to getting out of 2020 and forward to a good 2021. He is glad to see the Chief back as well and urges anyone to report anything they see out of the ordinary. He thinks Santa reading stories on Facebook went very well and hopes it will be continued next year. Mr. Cleary reiterated how good it is to have the Chief back but asked that everyone not forget about Finance Director Jason Carr and Administrator BJ King. The transition in Administration has really opened a lot of eyes. He looks forward to working with them in 2021 and thinks the City is very lucky to have these two on staff. Mrs. Hilbert wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year which can only go up from here. Mr. Lockett wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He appreciates being able to attend the Council meetings virtually and everyone’s efforts getting through this tough year. He looks for the City to have a good year next year. Mr. Cleary noted that the City of Groveport lost a great lifelong resident, Mrs. Rarey. Jacquelyn “Anne” Rarey, widow of former Councilman Ed Rarey, passed away on December 15, 2020. Anne Rarey was involved in everything Groveport. He asked that everyone keep her family in their thoughts for this will be a tough holiday season for them. Mrs. Rarey and her husband did a lot for the City of Groveport. H. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Clerk of Council Ruthanne Sargus Ross asked Council to consider making a motion to approve her submitted 2021 City Council Meeting Schedule. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to approve the 2021 City Council Meeting Schedule as submitted. The City of Groveport Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett #266-2020 2021 MEETING SCHEDULE Attachments: 2021 MEETING SCHEDULE.pdf I. Standing Committees Mayor Lance Westcamp recommended to Council the appointment of Becky Hutson to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a one year term. Mayor Lance Westcamp commended BJ King and Jason Carr for having weathered the storm. Both had come into Groveport at a bad time but not only do the two of them have the approval of this Council but they have the approval of this community as well. It means a lot to those who have been in Groveport for most of their lives or all of their lives. Mayor Westcamp personally thanked them. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to appoint. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett IX. Other Business None. X. Adjournment A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adjourn at 7:24 p.m. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett __________________________________________ Lance Westcamp, Mayor __________________________________________ Ruthanne Sargus Ross, CMC Clerk of Council 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 12 City Council Meeting Minutes December 21, 2020 City of Groveport Page 13