City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, September 13, 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 September 13, 2021 I. Call to Order by President Pro-Tem Jean Ann Hilbert at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Lance Westcamp was not present. Staff Present: BJ King - Administrator, Kevin Shannon - Law Director, Jason Carr - Director of Finance, Casey Adams - Chief of Police, Jeff Green - Development Director, Ruthanne Sargus Ross - Clerk of Council Guests Present: The Guest Book is on file with the Clerk of Council. II. Moment of Silence President Pro-Tem Hilbert asked everyone to join her in a moment of silence. III. Pledge of Allegiance Chief Adams 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 - August 23, 2021 The August 23, 2021 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #232-2021 City Council Meeting Minutes 8.23.2021 Attachments: City Council Meeting Minutes 8.23.2021.pdf VI. Proclamation After reading the 2021 Constitution Week Proclamation, Mrs. Hilbert presented the proclamation to Patricia Badgerow, a representative of the Elizabeth Sherman Reese Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Mrs. Badgerow thanked City Council for taking the time to read the Constitution Week Proclamation. The Elizabeth Sherman Reese Chapter of DAR promotes patriotism and reiterates the ethics of the U.S. Constitution. #233-2021 Constitution Week Proclamation City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes September 13, 2021 Attachments: Constitution Week Proclamation 2021.pdf VII. Business of Guests None. VIII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings None B. 2nd Readings None C. 1st Readings Ord. 2021-045 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART THREE - TRAFFIC CODE, TITLE NINE - PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES, CHAPTER 371 - PEDESTRIANS, SECTION 371.06 (B)(2) USE OF HIGHWAY FOR SOLICITING; RIDING ON OUTSIDE OF VEHICLES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: Ord. 2021-045 Exhibit A Chapter 371.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that staff requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date. Each year City Council would pass an ordinance allowing the Madison Township Fire Department to collect donations for Muscular Dystrophy at various intersections within the City. Charity Newsies, and now the Ohio Special Olympics, also come before Council every year to collect donations. The Groveport Codified Ordinances state an ordinance of the Council can grant permission for charitable contributions. The City's Charter states City Council can act by ordinance, resolution, or motion. This amendment would enable Council to grant those permissions with an oral motion closer to the date of the event rather than legislation that would go through three readings. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-045. A motion was made City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes September 13, 2021 by Council Member Lockett, 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, Hilbert, Hougland, 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, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett Ord. 2021-046 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART ONE - ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, TITLE FIVE- ADMINISTRATIVE, CHAPTER 137 -BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES, SECTION 137.02 - RULES AND REGULATIONS AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Cleary Attachments: Ord. 2021-046 Exhibit A Chapter 137.pdf Council Member Cleary referred to the attached Cemetery Rules and Regulations depicting the fundamental changes but noted item 19. All burials must include the installation of a burial vault. The City received a request for someone to be buried without a vault. The Cemetery Committee advises that Groveport does not address the matter in its codified ordinances. It is legal in the State of Ohio. Under Standing Committees, Mr. Cleary will report on the Cemetery Committee's budget requests and layout planning of Section 6. Council Member Hougland commented on the Perpetual Care Fund not being clear on what the percentages reference. Mr. Hougland thinks that future amendments of this chapter stating what the percentages pertain to would clarify the line item for the general public. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-046. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Lockett, 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 Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hougland, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett Ord. 2021-047 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART NINE, PART NINE - STREETS, UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE, TITLE ONE- STREET AND SIDEWA:K AREA, CHAPTER 911 - TREES AND SHRUBS OF THE City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes September 13, 2021 CODIFIED ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Hougland Attachments: Ord. 2021-047 Exhibit A Chapter 911.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-047. This ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Res. 2021-003 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Res. 2021-003 2022 Tax Levy attachment.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that staff requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date based upon the deadline date set forth by the Franklin County Auditor each October. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Resolution No. 2021-003. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, 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, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett IX. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Westcamp was not present at tonight's meeting. Mrs. Hilbert thanked Council Member Dildine for all he did to make the 911 ceremony a memorable program at Motts Military Museum. The Council appreciates all the hours he commits to the event and everything Mr. Dildine has done for this community. She thanked him for reminding everyone what a horrific day that was in a poignant way. The speakers were superb. B. Administrator - BJ King City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes September 13, 2021 Administrator King requested that Council consider making a motion related to the Council's adoption by emergency measure Ordinance 2021-045 to approve the collection of donations by the Groveport Special Olympics. The Groveport Special Olympics wants to hold its Cash Drop on Saturday, October 16, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at the intersections of Main Street at Kroger, Main Street at Hendron Road, and Main Street at College Street. Administration will remind the group to wear safety vests while in traffic. Getting the word out beforehand about the organization and the donations would give the group some credibility and verify the City's approval. On the safety side of the matter, publicizing the event will provide the community a heads up to be watching out for individuals approaching moving traffic. The City has no objections to the organization posting signs at the named intersections during the hours of the event. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to approve the Groveport Special Olympics' request to hold its Cash Drop on Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at the intersections of Main Street at Kroger, Main Street at Hendron Road, and Main Street at College Street. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett #234-2021 Admin report to Council Attachments: Admin report to Council September 13 2021.pdf C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Casey Adams announced that Law Director Kevin Shannon swore in the second of the three new officers hired by the Department. Mr. Shannon will swear in the third new hire on Thursday. An official swearing-in before Council will take place on September 27, 2021. These three officers will help stabilize the shortages the Department has experienced on some of the shifts. With their years of experience, it will not take long to train the new hires, and they bring the Department back to full staff. The new sergeants will have in-service training tomorrow with supervisor staff and Law Director Shannon. Chief Adams thanked Council Member Dildine for Saturday's event. The Department's honor guard looks forward to participating in this annual event. Mr. Dildine thanked the officers who participated in the ceremony. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes September 13, 2021 Finance Director Jason Carr noted that Resolution 2021-003 certifies the inside mils, the estimated real estate tax collections the City will receive. The inside mils has not changed in several years. Groveport's actual collections in 2021 were $418,221. After Franklin County did an update of valuations, the projected collection is $540,272 for calendar year 2022. E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Law Director Shannon had nothing to report. F. Development Director - Jeff Green Development Director Jeff Green was not present. G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and John Hougland Council Member Dildine thanked Mrs. Hilbert for her kind words. He thanked the Council Members for being at Saturday’s event and all the support the City staff gave; Administrator King, the road crew, Chief Adams, and the Police Department. The speakers left this afternoon after a busy couple of days. One speaker, Captain Boyle, commented that Groveport is a beautiful town. They are delighted to be a part of this event and thankful for all the support they get from this community is second to none. Mr. Dildine advises everyone to be vigilant of what has been going on around Groveport with the threats given to schools, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. Stay aware of the situation and keep up on the information. Canal Winchester had 18 businesses that had a bomb threat or a threat of a robbery at the same time. Today it was the schools. The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Federal Joint Terrorism Task Force, investigations determined that the suspect is out of state near the west coast. Stay alert. Pay attention to your surroundings. Council Member Hutson mentioned the Warren Motts’ Home and Garden Show was another excellent plug for Groveport. H. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Clerk of Council Ross had nothing to report. I. Standing Committees City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes September 13, 2021 Cemetery Committee Council Member Cleary reported that the Cemetery Committee is requesting funds in the 2022 budget to layout Section 6 at the Groveport Cemetery. The Committee will review the idea of a natural burial area in the new section. The Committee plans to have the main roadway leading back into the cemetery widened and repaved by the end of this year. Trees & Decorations Committee Council Member Dildine reported that the Trees & Decorations Committee approved the 2022 budget. The legislation was presented to Council for first reading tonight about trees and shrubs throughout the City. The ordinance will cover all the urban forestry in Groveport in one shot to make the procedure consistent. Apple Butter Day, as of now, is a go as scheduled. There are around 60 vendors, so social distancing is more sustainable with tents more spread out. Hand sanitizer stations and masks will be available. Everything is ready to go. The Haunted Park event is later in October, but as of today, it also is a go. The Girls Scout approached the Committee about a merit badge program. The Committee will purchase one bench, and the Girl Scouts will raise money to donate three more benches throughout the City. John Detty will look into where the benches are needed most. X. Other Business 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) (4) Preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment. To include all members of Council, the Administrator, the Finance Director and himself. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to go into Executive Session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G) (4) Preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment at 7:00 p.m. To include all members of Council, the Administrator, the Finance Director and the Law Director. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hougland, Hutson and Lockett City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes September 13, 2021 Let the record show that Council and staff came out of executive session at 7:15 p.m. with no action taken. XI. Adjournment Council Member Cleary made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hougland to adjourn at 7:15 p.m. All in favor stated AYE, None Opposed. Motion passed. __________________________________________ Jean Ann Hilbert, President Pro-Tem __________________________________________ 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 8