City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, July 12, 2021 6:30 PM Council Chambers City Council Mayor Lance Westcamp Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett & John Hougland City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 I. Call to Order by Mayor Lance Westcamp at 6:30 p.m. Staff Present: BJ King - Administrator, Kevin Shannon - Law Director, Kurt Blevins - Police Captain, 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 Captain Blevins led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. Roll Call Present: 6 - Shawn M. Cleary, Edward Dildine, Jean Ann Hilbert, John Hougland, Becky Hutson, and Scott Lockett V. Approval of Minutes - June 28, 2021 & July 2, 2021 The June 28, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes stand approved as submitted. The July 2, 2021 Special City Council Meeting Minutes stand approved as submitted. #177-2021 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: City Council Meeting Minutes 6.28.2021.pdf City Council Special Meeting Minutes 7.2.2021.pdf VI. Business of Guests Guest speakers were deferred to the agenda item on line number 20: Ordinance 2021-032. VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings Ord. 2021-025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART NINE - STREETS, UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE, TITLE FIVE - OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES, City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 CHAPTER 941 PARKS, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2021-025 Chapter 941 Park Rules 2021.pdf Administrator BJ King noted the changes to 941.03 Park Rules are the no nailing, stapling or tacking of any kind on shelter houses or tables and prohibiting bounce houses, inflatables and such from City parks unless there is a City sponsored event. Council Member Lockett thinks in the future that Administration needs to take a look at the rules. He is sure a lot of these rules are not being enforced. He doesn’t want the City’s police department to be put into the position where they will have to enforce the rules. He doesn’t want it to turn into a “when the City enforces the rules and when it doesn’t” situation. All the items listed in 941.03 are listed as rules not guidelines and violators could be guilty of a misdemeanor offense. Law Director Kevin Shannon stated that there are some items that are park rules that are also criminal offenses; like an open container of alcohol in a City park. However, there are the other rules where the City is not going to cite someone for a criminal violation unless they continue to remain at the park, violate a rule and they won’t leave. They could be charged with criminal trespassing. Mr. Shannon and Mr. King will look at the rules and bring the matter back before Council to discuss at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-025. 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, Hilbert, Hougland, 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. 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, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 B. 2nd Readings Ord. 2021-022 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP AS TO APPROXIMATELY 47.429 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, OF THE FOLLOWING TRACT OF LAND, LOCATED SOUTHEAST SIDE OF HAYES ROAD AND PONTIUS ROAD, PARCEL NUMBERS 180-005409 AND 180-005408 OWNED BY, SUNSHINE & SMOOCH, LLC AND JCD PICKAWAY FARM LLC FROM RURAL (R) TO PLANNED INDUSTRIAL PARK (PIP) Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: Ord. 2021-022 Exhibit A Rezoning.pdf Ord. 2021-022 Exhibit B Final Dev Plan.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that now that this Ordinance has had its second reading, staff requested that the third reading be postponed until August 9, 2021 to be placed with all the other legislation pertaining to this project. The public hearing for this matter is scheduled for August 9, 2021 as well. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-022. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to postpone the public hearing and third reading of this Ordinance to a date certain, that being August 9, 2021. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett Ord. 2021-023 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR HAYES ROAD, CA INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS, LLC, APPLICANT, PARCEL NUMBERS 180-005408 AND 180-005409 Sponsors: Cleary Attachments: Ord. 2021-023 Exhibit A Final Plat.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that now that this Ordinance has had its second reading, staff requested that the third reading be postponed until August 9, 2021 to be placed with all the other legislation pertaining to this project. The public hearing for this matter is scheduled for August 9, 2021 as well. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-023. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to postpone the public hearing and third reading of this Ordinance to a date certain, that being August 9, 2021. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett C. 1st Readings Ord. 2021-029 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, ACCEPTING THE POSITION DESCRIPTION AND ESTABLISHING THE PAY GRADE Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Ord. 2021-029 Exhibit A.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-029. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2021-030 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PAY GRADE FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CLASSIFICATION IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES CLERK CLASSIFICATION IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Sponsors: Hilbert Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-030. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2021-031 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION & SENIOR SERVICES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, ACCEPTING THE POSITION DESCRIPTION AND ESTABLISHING THE PAY GRADE, AND REMOVING THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION IN THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, FURTHERMORE, CREATING THE POSITION OF ENGINEERING COORDINATOR IN THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AND REMOVING THE POSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Sponsors: Hutson Attachments: Ord. 2021-031 DOT+SS Exhibit A.pdf Ord. 2021-031 EC Exhibit B.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-031. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2021-032 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2019-002 (ADOPTED 2/11/19) AND ORDINANCE NO. 2013-009 (ADOPTED 3/25/13, WHICH City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 2005-020 ADOPTED 2/28/05 ) ESTABLISHING MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR THE OUTDOOR AQUATIC CENTER, AND RELATED PROVISIONS AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hougland Attachments: Ord. 2021-032 Exhibit A.pdf Mr. King noted Administration is requesting emergency passage of this legislation tonight. On July 2, 2021 at the City Council special meeting, Council took immediate action to limit access to the outdoor Aquatic Center to season pass holders, whether they were residents or non-residents. This legislation is the next step for admission to the outdoor pool. This allows residents or non-residents season pass holders to still come into the pool but also allows resident daily membership passes upon obtaining a Recreation Department ID. Recreation Center IDs can be acquired at the Recreation Center free of charge to residents. These three categories can purchase a daily pass for up to 5 guests as long as they have their Recreation Center ID with them for entrance to the outdoor pool. Recreation Center ID are free to residents and $2 for non-residents. This next step is to identify patrons coming and going from the pool so those causing issues can be held accountable. Today started the installation of the cameras at the Aquatic Center. This addresses those who just want to come for the day and those who previously purchased the 10 pack daily passes; as long as they get the ID they can still use those day passes. Everyone has to have the ID to gain entrance to the Aquatic Center outdoor pool. This holds everyone accountable; City staff will know who is in the Aquatic Center, resident and non-resident season pass holders for whomever they bring in as a guest, as well as, the resident day pass holders. Law Director Kevin Shannon advised linking IDs to a resident or non-resident enables the City to identify and locate a guest who misbehaves in anyway. If the information proves unreliable, the City can go to the R or NR pass holder to identify the person. If the pass holder does not cooperate there could be potential sanctions against their membership. Again, this makes everyone accountable. Everyone who enters the outdoor pool has to have a Recreation Center ID whether you are a resident, non-resident, pass membership holder or a guest. The number of guests to accompany a pass holder is limited to no more than five. Jodi Hoel - 297 Walnut Street Mrs. Hoel was looking for some clarification on some of the items on the new fee schedule.  To gain entrance to the outdoor pool, one has to be a resident season pass holder, a non-resident season pass holder or a resident daily pass holder.  Patrons who purchased day passes have a few choices. Residents can obtain a Recreation Center ID for free and use the day passes. Non-residents who have day passes can gain entrance through an annual or daily pass holder once they obtain the ID for a $2 fee. If they don’t fall under any of those classifications, the City will provide a City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 refund. Mrs. Hoel commented that the days following the implementation of Council’s emergency action in regard to who was to have access to the Outdoor Aquatic Center, she talked to a lot of the residents and/or season pass holders. The folks at the pool were thrilled with there being less people present. Some days there weren’t many people there and some days it was very busy after 2 pm. Mrs. Hoel relayed that the lifeguards, even though they claimed to be bored, didn’t seem to be paying any attention to what was going on at the pool. She observed that jeans and water wings, which are not allowed to be worn, were being worn in the pool. She sees water wings worn in the pool every day that she is there, kids running around with no one paying attention, rarely heard a whistle being blown and the kids were running wild. Rules were not being enforced. The rules need to be enforced whether the pool is busy or not. She can appreciate that this has not been an easy time for City Council and she wants Council to understand that the citizens here tonight and those going to the pool do appreciate what Council did declaring that emergency action and took the matter seriously. She appreciates Council for everything they do for the residents and making sure they understand that rules need to be followed. People need to respect authority and be held accountable for their actions. She has seen the lifeguards being disrespected or ignored when they blew a whistle or asked someone to stop running or to leave. The people need to be held responsible; she wants to see that responsibility upheld. Mayor Westcamp directed Mr. Lund to take notes on the issues Mrs. Hoel raised. Ann Raver - 4919 Founders Drive Ann Raver stated that she read the minutes from the meeting when Council took emergency action on incidents taking place at the outdoor pool and she agrees with what Council had to do. Not everyone is going to be happy. She thinks the right thing to do is to make the pool available to everyone. This pool was not created (built) for just residents. Non-residents are just down the street and across the pool and around the corner is Madison Township. With the areas around Groveport being treated as part of our community, everyone is going to want to attend the pool. And the City needs to try to not eliminate too many people just because they may be coming from somewhere else with a different license plate. She would rather see Groveport focus on the safety of what the lifeguards are doing; they shouldn’t have to deal with the young people. She thinks the 14 and under requiring a parent will help whether the parents are watching their kids or not. The pool has always been crowded; kids have always acted up. Ms. Raver’s biggest complaint is that the music is too loud. She wants the focus to stay on what Council is doing, making people accountable for who they bring in and if there is an issue take care of it immediately. If the issue progresses, she suggested clearing the pool so everyone knows what’s going on. Other suggestions where to make the sign outside the entrance a little bigger to list what actions a patron will be removed for from the Aquatic Center. She would like everyone to be able to enjoy the outdoor pool because it is one of the greatest things here in Groveport along with the Recreation Center and the Senior Center. Cheryl Raver Irving - 349 Tallman Street Cheryl Raver Irving thanked Council for their careful considerations. She supports the amendment ordinance. She believes it comes down to City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 understanding that Groveport is a diverse community. Groveport might have kids from Madison Township, grandchildren or whoever coming to visit the outdoor pool and we want to give them opportunity to enjoy the pool. She agrees with the idea that it (the Aquatic Center Membership Fees) is a fluid idea (document), so if there is a problem, City Council can come back to the matter and work on making the rules for day passes better. As a retired teacher, whenever she had to make a call to a parent or teacher you cooperate and work together to resolve a problem or help make things better. The rules need to be very clear and everyone needs to be held accountable. Ms. Irving appreciates all that Council has done and that they are able to make adjustments. The Recreation Center will track members’ guests through the ID system. She thanked Council for their time. Council took the suggestion from the lifeguards in regard to the minimum age one can be at the outdoor pool without a parent. The lifeguards relayed that the age of 14 would work. If anyone wants access to the pool they have to have a Groveport Recreation Center ID, no matter their age. Those who acquired a family seasonal pass already have the IDs but now everyone is required to have the ID. Council Member Dildine asked Law Director Shannon what can be done to give the Administrator authority to make changes to the fluid document in between City Council meetings. Mr. Shannon advised that Council can add a clause to the document to establish that authority. Mayor Westcamp commented that most of those present tonight were at the July 2nd meeting and one thing this Council does is it follows up on matters. And as the Mayor had told everyone, there would be something presented at this meeting. The IDs for non-pass holders will show as resident ID only once scanned at the entrance desk at the Aquatic Center. The ID alone does not give one admission to the pool. Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to amend the RULES REGARDING DAY PASSES. Mr. Shannon offered the following amendments to Ordinance Number 2021-032, on Exhibit “A”. RULES REGARDING DAY PASSES: 1. Group Outings are not permitted. Group outings are defined as organized groups consisting of 6 or more persons. And adding a Number 8. The Director of Recreation, with approval of the Administrator, shall have the authority to change classifications, definitions, rules & policies as needed. As to Number 8, Mr. King remarked that no temporary measure would be implemented without talking to Council and the Mayor. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-032. A motion was made by Council Member Hougland, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to amend Ordinance No. 2021-032, on Exhibit “A”. RULES REGARDING DAY PASSES: 1. Group Outings are not permitted. Group outings are defined as organized groups consisting of 6 or more persons. 8. The Director of Recreation, with approval of the Administrator, shall have the authority to change classifications, definitions, rules & policies as needed. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 date. A motion was made by Council Member Hougland, 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, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett A motion was made by Council Member Hougland, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp reported that he and Council have been busy since the last time they met. The 4th of July event the City had was wonderful and from there they participated in the Ohio Flags of Honor Ceremony at Madison Christian Church. The event was very moving and emotional, it was unbelievable. As the Mayor had relayed when he addressed the group, he knew this Council had approved the money the City of Groveport sent to have the Ohio Flags of Honor event in the City of Groveport. Then at the evening events with all the people in Groveport, there was only one incident, if that. Attendance at the entertainment was the most the Mayor has seen and the whole evening was fantastic. It was another great time in the City. The Mayor commented that for those who attended the closing service at the Groveport Presbyterian Church, it was a moving event. It was sad for the City and the members. The Church had been established in Groveport for the last 168 years. The City is looking forward to another Third Thursday. Hopefully, it will go as well as the last one. The count is at 50 vendors and six food trucks. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator BJ King commented that the 4th of July happenings were the first real events he got to participate in since starting with the City of Groveport 18 months ago. It was fun to be together for the parade and just to see what the City did on the 4th of July. It all came together well, everyone was ready for it and he really enjoyed being a part of it all. Third Thursday is set for this week and Mr. King looks for another great event. The Mayor mentioned that the fireworks were great. City of Groveport Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Adams was not present. Captain Blevins reiterated the good job everyone did for the 4th of July. He made special recognition for Lieutenant Josh Short for his work on the 4th of July events and the pool; Lt. Short takes the matter very seriously. Captain Blevins is very proud of Detective Josh Gilbert’s work as well. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Jason Carr was not present. #178-2021 Finance_Director_Report Attachments: Finance_Director_Report_07_12_2021.pdf E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Nothing further to report. F. Development Director - Jeff Green Economic Development Director Jeff Green was not present. Administrator King announced the groundbreaking for the Rarey's Port building is set for Tuesday, July 27 at 10:00 a.m. Mr. King also advised that at the next Committee of the Whole meeting Jeff Green will report on the legislation to amend a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA). It involves the property CA Ventures is annexing into the City of Groveport and looking to rezone which is not currently in a CRA. It abuts an existing CRA. There is property in an existing CRA that overlaps a residential subdivision. The City is able to take the acreage out of the CRA subdivision and reapply the same acreage to the newly annexed property in that existing CRA. CA Ventures will reimburse the City for the survey. G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and John Hougland Mr. Hougland lightheartedly announced that his wife would like to thank everyone for having the 4th of July parade and fireworks in honor of her 81st birthday, which was the only reason why he was not on the City’s float. Council Member Lockett reported that the Senior Center had its re-opening on Saturday morning, July 10th and what a lively bunch they are at the Center. Mr. Lockett and Council Member Shawn Cleary went to the re-opening as they were starting the City of Groveport Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 chair volleyball event. Mrs. Hutson noted all the positive comments received about the pool and the 4th of July. Mr. Cleary stated that one of the unique things about the Presbyterian Church is the cross that was made out of the old original pipe organ. It was a very moving service. Mr. Dildine thanked everyone on their work on the outdoor pool matters. It is nice to see that Council and City staff can come together and look at things to remedy a situation. All the work and preparations for the pool and the 4th of July shows the community is ready for some sort of normalcy. The Trees & Decorations Committee held a meeting today and it is ready to go full force ahead. Mrs. Hilbert thanked the residents for attending the meeting; their information and participation in Council meetings is very important. Kudos to all the Departments for a great 4th of July. She thanked everyone for their prayers for her husband, Larry, who is still in the hospital but came through surgery well. H. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Nothing further to report. I. Standing Committees Trees & Decorations Committee Council Member Dildine reported that the Trees & Decorations Committee met before tonight’s meeting and everything is in line for Apple Butter Day. It will go on at 100% normal. The Haunted Park event is scheduled to go forward with its activities with some minor issues that the Law Department is addressing. IX. Other Business None. City of Groveport Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2021 X. Adjournment A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adjourn at 7:42 p.m. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hougland, 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 11