City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, June 14, 2021 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 June 14, 2021 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, Casey Adams - Chief of Police, Jeff Green - Development Director, Steve Farst - City Engineer, Ruthanne Sargus Ross - Clerk of Council 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 Adams led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. Roll Call A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to excuse Council Member Dildine from tonight's meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett V. Approval of Minutes - May 25, 2021 The May 25, 2021 Special City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #146-2021 City Council Special Meeting Minutes 5.25.2021 Attachments: City Council Special Meeting Minutes 5.25.2021.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Matt Heaggans and Letha Pugh, Owners - Preston's: A Burger Joint Development Director Jeff Green introduced Matt Heaggans and Aletha Pugh, owners of Preston’s: A Burger Joint which will be taking space in the new Wert’s Grove building at College Street and Main Street. Preston’s also offers Honey’s Chicken, fried chicken infused with honey. Next door to Preston’s will be MMELO, a confectionary with a bakery and café. Space in the Rarey’s Port building will be occupied by Delaney’s Diner. Groveport is City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 gaining some “top notched” businesses. B. Wayne White - 475 Elm Street Wayne White, 475 Elm Street, addressed Council with his concerns about the traffic that will be generated by these new buildings. The two businesses going into Wert's Grove building at College Street and Main Street could produce a lot of traffic on the Raver Alley by his house. He lives on the corner of Raver Alley and Elm Street. There is no way two cars in both directions could pass each other. They would have to go into his yard or a neighbor's yard to pass. He suggested Council consider making the alley one-way, it does not matter to him which way the traffic would flow. Chief Adams was directed to look into the matter. The City is already considering designating other roadways as one-way traffic flow. City Engineer Steve Farst commented that Raver Alley between Hickory and Main Street will be widened. The City will look into the matter, especially between Hickory and Elm Street. VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings None. B. 2nd Readings Ord. 2021-020 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART ONE - ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, CHAPTER 153, PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Ord. 2021-020 Exhibit A Chapter 153.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No.2021-020. Res. 2021-002 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2022 Sponsors: Grashel Attachments: Res. 2021-002 Exhibit A.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings. Under Groveport's Charter this resolution would go into effect immediately City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 upon passage. There is an early July filing deadline on this legislation. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Resolution No. 2021-002. 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: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett A motion was made by Council Member Grashel, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett C. 1st Readings Ord. 2021-024 AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING ONE-WAY TRAVEL ON CANAL STREET AND SHOEMAKER ALLEY BETWEEN WEST STREET AND COLLEGE STREET Sponsors: Dildine Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-024. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2021-025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART NINE - STREETS, UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE, TITLE FIVE - OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES, CHAPTER 941 PARKS, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2021-025 Chapter 941 Park Rules 2021.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-025. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2021-026 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GROVEPORT MADISON SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PROVIDE A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hutson Attachments: Ord. 2021-026 SRO 2021 Exhibit A.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-026. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 Ord. 2021-027 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO DECLARE A CONSTRUCTION ZONE ALONG GROVEPORT ROAD BETWEEN SWISHER ROAD AND GREENPOINTE DRIVE FOR THE DURATION OF THE "GROVEPORT ROAD CR7 & SALTZGABER ROAD T237 IMPROVEMENTS" PROJECT, AND TO TEMPORARILY REDUCE THE LEGAL SPEED LIMIT ON GROVEPORT ROAD TO 35 MILES PER HOUR AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Lockett 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 the effective date. Staff would like to get it done in light of the construction going on out there very soon. City Engineer Steve Farst added it is all about safety, for the drivers and the construction workers. It will also provide an opportunity to improve the thru traffic patterns during construction which is congested. The County plans to maintain the two-lane, two-way traffic flow if possible. The 35 mph speed limit will be posted in the area to advise drivers. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-027. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, 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: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, 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: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Grashel, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett Ord. 2021-028 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH CHRISTINA LEWIS (THE FLOWER BOUTIQUE / BARBER SHOP) Sponsors: Cleary Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-028. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. VIII. Reports City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp announced the Grand Marshal for the 4th of July Parade. This year there will be 6 Grand Marshals: Birch Tavern, Little Italy Pizza, Norm's Market, Groveport Dairy Queen, Ginger's Little Lamb and The Flower Boutique / Zarbaugh Barber Shop. These businesses survived the 2020 pandemic and have all been well established in the City of Groveport. All of them were very receptive of the idea of being a Grand Marshal. The City looks to have a big crowd this year and hopefully, the weather will be good on Saturday, July 3rd at 11:00 a.m. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator BJ King announced that the City’s next mosquito spray is scheduled for tomorrow evening. Mr. King is looking forward to this week’s Third Thursday event. It will be the first full event in Groveport that he will be participating in since starting with the City. He commented that the tenants, Matt and Aletha, as well as the other two of tenants, have been great to work with and it has been fun getting to know them. They have been patient with City staff through the process of developing the two new structures; these businesses are going to be great additions to the City of Groveport. Jeff Green has been doing a great job as the point of contact for the tenants and he continues to work on filling the remaining spaces. Mayor Westcamp agreed with Mr. King's thinking that these new businesses will not hurt Groveport's local businesses. The Birch Tavern and the Paddock Pub have a different clientele and both establishments are doing well. Council Member Lockett stopped by the outdoor pool on Sunday and asked Administrator King to relay to Recreation Director Kyle Lund what a great job his staff is doing at the pool. Especially, the performance of the lifeguards, the attendants at the admissions counter and the police presence. The two girls at the counter dealing with the people in the long lines waiting to gain entry to the pool, were cool, calm and collected the entire time even with the temperature close to 90°. The City possibly could open the lazy river. One lifeguard class has just finished with 7 potentially staying at Groveport and another class is due to finish in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully, some of those will stay and Groveport can open the lazy river which will increase the capacity at the outdoor pool. #149-2021 Admin report to Council City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 Attachments: Admin report to Council June 14 2021.pdf C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Casey Adams referred to the May 25th discussion with Michael Ream about the parking issue at 360 West Street. After monitoring the situation, Chief Adams noted there are anywhere between 8 and 14 vehicles between Canal Street and Kinsel Avenue along West Street. The Chief did not observe anyone parking directly in front of Mr. Ream’s mailbox. The vehicles parked in front of mailboxes were owned by those particular residents. Chief Adams did observe that a lot of the vehicles were the larger types: cargo vans, pick-up trucks and sports utility vehicles. He discussed his observations with Mr. Ream who understands where the City is on this matter. The Chief will be working with City Engineer Steve Farst on evaluating West Street. The Police Department will continue to monitor West Street but nothing out of the ordinary has been noted on West Street in regard to parking. Chief Adams met with Aquatic Center Manager, Seth Bower, to go over a plan to improve the working relationship and communications between the two departments. The Police Department has had a lot more interaction with the Aquatic Center this year than in any previous years. The Department has purchased two new cruisers; one is starting the install process this week but the other is waiting on a computer chip that was delayed by COVID-19. Chief Adams hopes to have the first one completed in time to lead the 4th of July parade. #151-2021 West Street Parking Attachments: West Street Parking Complaint 5252021.pdf D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Jason Carr advised that the City’s 2020 Financial Audit is complete. Mr. Carr is looking to schedule an exit audit meeting for 5:00 p.m. before the July 19th Committee of the Whole meeting. He has not received any written comments although he was told there are a few recommendations. #150-2021 Finance Director Report Attachments: Finance_Director_Report_06_14_2021.pdf E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 Law Director Kevin Shannon has nothing further to report. F. Development Director - Jeff Green Development Director Jeff Green expounded on the Third Thursday event on June 17th at Cruiser Park. There are about 40 vendors signed up, 5 or 6 food trucks and the live music has been lined up. The vendors will setup in the grass so the parking lot is available to the public. Mr. Green mentioned that MMELO, the confectionary shop, ships high-end chocolates all over the world. One feature of MMELO is its open kitchen where patrons can watch the chocolates being made on site. The banners depicting the two new buildings will be put in place about a week before the 4th of July. G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Chad Grashel Council Member Cleary commented on the good job that was done on the alleys around town. H. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Clerk of Council Ross had nothing to report. I. Standing Committees Council Member Cleary commented that the Memorial Day celebration went very well. The Cemetery Committee discussed at its last meeting that there are many people not following the cemetery rules and the matter needs to be addressed. He knows the cemetery can be a sensitive subject but the trees that are being planted on cemetery plots and hanging pots interfere with City crews mowing. Mr. Cleary will follow up on the matter with Mr. King, Mr. Shannon and Walt Wagner about notifying the people who are not following the Cemetery rules and regulations. The cemetery rules and regulations are posted in the Groveport Cemetery. IX. Other Business Council Member Grashel expressed his heartfelt regrets of having to vacate his seat on Groveport City Council. It has been an honor serving with this Council, Mayor Westcamp, the entire staff and the Police City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 Department. He hopes the community knows how fortunate it is to have all of them. This community has been so good to his family and he will always be grateful for that. Groveport will always be home but as everyone already knows he has an upcoming move outside the City of Groveport. Mr. Grashel offered his letter of resignation to Mayor Westcamp effective immediately. Mayor Westcamp commended Council for choosing Mr. Grashel. Every day that Chad Grashel sat on this Council, he proved himself to this community and he made it his home. Mr. Grashel has been involved in a lot of things with the Mayor and he is number one. The job he did, with his outside views not being from Groveport, he has a lot to bring to the table. He will be missed and can expect to hear from the Mayor. Council Member Lockett commented Chad Grashel has done a great job since he got here. Many people don’t really understand what Council does but Chad was a very quick study and picked up what was going on right away. He was a natural fit. Mr. Lockett thanked him and wished him luck. Council Member Hutson remarked that Council interviewed quite a few people for that seat that night who were long timers of Groveport and Cruisers making it a hard decision. However, Chad has done a great job and has been a great addition to this Council. Good luck in the future and she wished him well. Council Member Cleary noted the (4th of July) float disaster when Chad rode with Mr. Cleary in the car, Chad asked “is there anybody you don’t know?” Mr. Cleary responded “if you give them time they will know you”. After that it picked up pretty quick. Council Member Hilbert wished him well and noted that he has an exciting phase coming in his life. The community he is moving to will be blessed to have him, as the City has been blessed to have him serve the residents of Groveport. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to accept the resignation of Chad Grashel The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 4- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett Executive Session Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G) to discuss the replacement of Chad Grashel. To include all members of Council. City of Groveport Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes June 14, 2021 A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to go into Executive Session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G) to discuss the replacement of Chad Grashel at 7:16 p.m. To include all members of Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 4- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to come out of Executive Session at 7:36 p.m. with no action taken. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 4- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson and Lockett Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that Council intends, at this point in time with respect to the vacancy, to hold a special City Council meeting next Monday evening at 5:00 p.m. with the intent of it being over by 5:30 p.m. in time for the Committee of the Whole meeting for the purpose of conducting an interview of a candidate. Council may or may not take action at the special meeting. X. Adjournment A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to adjourn 7:38 p.m. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 4- Cleary, 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 9