City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, February 14, 2022 6:30 PM Council Chambers City Council Mayor Lance Westcamp Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett & Jack Rupp City Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2022 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, Bob Dowler - Director of Transportation, Ruthanne Sargus Ross - Clerk of Council Trevor Swackhamer - Director of Information Technology Richard Cunningham - Customer Service Coordinator at the Recreation Center 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 Cam Lindsay led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. Roll Call Present: 6 - Shawn M. Cleary, Edward Dildine, Jean Ann Hilbert, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett, and Jack Rupp V. Approval of Minutes - January 24, 2022 The January 24, 2022 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #018-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: City Council Meeting Minutes 1.24.2022.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Cam Lindsay Cam Lindsay of Groveport addressed Council to thank them for their support in the Buckeye Quarter Midget Racing Association’s 2021 season. The individual support from the Mayor, Council Members, and other City staff enabled Cam to travel to Michigan and Indiana to race, where he won three championships. Cam Lindsay presented a plaque City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2022 in appreciation, stating their support means a lot to him. B. Richard Cunningham Administrator BJ King introduced Rich Cunningham, Customer Service Coordinator, to Mayor Westcamp and City Council. Rich has been with the City since February 1, 2022, and brings background experience in customer service, enthusiasm, and new ideas. He is a great addition to the City staff. Mr. Cunningham was thrilled to be invited to attend tonight's meeting to meet everyone. His mind is spinning a bit, but he is learning a lot. The staff is wonderful. The members and residents have been terrific as they get to know each other. Rich is known as the "new" Jeff for fun. He is excited to be a part of the community and see where the Recreation Center and the team can progress to be an asset to the Groveport community. He thanked the Mayor and City Council for the opportunity to serve Groveport residents. C. Trevor Swackhamer Administrator BJ King introduced Trevor Swackhamer, Director of Information Technology. Trevor had a long first day touring all the facilities, noting inventory of all the servers and computers, and meeting staff. Trevor remarked people aren't usually happy to see an IT person. Still, people said they were glad he was here everywhere he went. Trevor will be another great addition to the City's staff. Trevor addressed the Mayor and Council to say how happy he was to be here. Trevor is a graduate of Ohio University with a Bachelor's Degree in Information and Telecommunication Systems. He served with the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office for about 3 ½ years and feels fortunate to land a position with the City of Groveport and honored to be the City's Director of Information Technology. Over the next few weeks and months he will assess the City's current network infrastructure to see where the City can make improvements. The City is in the twenty-first century with respect to technology and security. Council Member Cleary asked Mr. Swackhamer, based on what he saw looking at technology, where Groveport was today. Mr. Swackhamer responded not too bad. Groveport is better than what he has seen in other places. But there is room for improvement. VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings Ord. 2021-067 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2022 RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE 2022 ANNUAL STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Sponsors: Cleary Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2021-067. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Res. 2021-006 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE A MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HUNTINGTON PUBLIC CAPITAL CORPORATION Sponsors: Hougland Clerk of Council Ross read by title Resolution No. 2021-006. 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, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp B. 2nd Readings Ord. 2022-001 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 17-060 (ADOPTED 12-18-2017) WHICH ESTABLISHED THE GOLF COURSE RECOVERY FUND Sponsors: Lockett Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-001. Ord. 2022-002 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 12-045 (ADOPTED 9-10-2012) AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO REMOVE TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES/SIGNS NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF GROVEPORT ROAD AND SALTZGABER ROAD IN THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Dildine Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-002. C. 1st Readings Ord. 2022-004 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO PURCHASE TWO (2) 2019 STARCRAFT ALLSTAR SHUTTLE BUSES FOR City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2022 THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING PURSUANT TO GROVEPORT CITY CHARTER SECTION 9.02(B) AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hutson Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date. The purchase of these vans is essential to the continuation of effective service for the GREAT Program. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-004. A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, 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, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Administrator BJ King stated that at the last City Council meeting Council passed legislation to purchase two 2022 vehicles. When Bob Dowler, Director of Transportation, went to place the order for those vehicles, the manufacturer informed him that the City would have to put down a $30,000 deposit. Groveport could anticipate receiving the buses in late 2023 or early 2024. Mr. Dowler looked into other options to replace the City's two six-and-a-half-year-old vehicles. The staff has concerns about increasing maintenance costs to keep them operational. Mr. Dowler found two 2019, never titled, never owned vehicles. However, Mr. Dowler learned today that someone had purchased one of those vehicles. The City can try to wait for the two shuttle buses that will be ready in late 2023 early 2024. Still, there are maintenance considerations to go with that option. Another option is to authorize the purchase of the one available 2019 vehicle, which would help out the GREAT Program tremendously. Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to amend the Ordinance title to purchase one (1) 2019 Starcraft Allstar shuttle bus for the transportation program. Everything else in the title stays the same. In Section 1, the Administrator is hereby authorized to purchase one (1) 2019 Starcraft Allstar Shuttle bus. Everything else in Section one will remain the same. A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Rupp, to amend the Ordinance title to purchase one (1) 2019 Starcraft Allstar shuttle bus for the transportation program and in Section 1, the Administrator is hereby authorized to purchase one (1) 2019 Starcraft Allstar Shuttle bus. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Rupp, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2022 vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Ord. 2022-005 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE A RIGHT OF WAY AND EASEMENT INSTRUMENT WITH SOUTH CENTRAL POWER ON ROHR ROAD, PARCEL NUMBER 180-000613 Sponsors: Rupp Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-004. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp had nothing to report. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator BJ King referred back to the two new employees introduced to Council tonight. Council got a look at Rich Cunningham's enthusiasm and personality as he was talking. Both will go a long way with front desk employees and create a welcoming atmosphere. City staff took in a lot today with all of Trevor Swackhamer's ideas, which is a good move forward. Mr. King appreciates the Council's support in creating the Director of Information Technology position; it will pay dividends. Mr. King gave kudos to the Town Hall staff on the Valentine's Dance. Lisa Zurbriggen mentioned people were bringing in their pictures and how much fun they had at the Sweetheart Dance. Councilman Dildine asked if the City would still be putting the $30,000 deposit down on the two 2022 Starcraft Starlight buses so the City wouldn't get pushed further back in line. Mr. Dowler wouldn't recommend purchasing the two 2022 shuttle buses because the Transportation Department always has one shuttle bus on the road and sometimes two or three. Putting the new 2019 vehicle in the primary spot will buy the City the time needed to wait out this market. Mr. Dildine suggested that Mr. Dowler keep his eye on the market. Finance Director Jason Carr remarked that in 2019 the City applied for a Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) grant for a van. That vehicle is on the backlog as well. If that van does come to fruition, City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2022 it will probably be in 2023 as well. The City did pay its local share for that van in 2019. Mr. Dowler's last check with MORPC didn't get a definitive answer as to when that vehicle would be available, but it could be in 2023. Councilman Jack Rupp asked if the ridership numbers could change between now and 2023. Would the shuttles the Transportation Department is looking at now be sufficient? Councilman Cleary added to Mr. Rupp's question that the loss of Obetz has the City's mileage dropped. Mr. Dowler responded mileage would drop slightly, but it's too early to see how much now. The more significant issue is the time the vehicles are in service. As for the ridership numbers changing significantly or at all, it is hard to say with the buildings on the current routes. The number of riders may change if the businesses in those buildings would change. A lot is going on with MORPC and COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority). The department tries to stay abreast of all those things. The number of riders could look different in two years; whether it will be more or less, Mr. Dowler does not know. Mr. Cleary asked if the GREAT Program would ever include the service to Pontius Road at Hayes Road. The program would service Area "C." When handling an increased volume in riders, what Groveport and the micro-transit world is experiencing, smaller, faster, and lighter is better. It may require more vehicles, but operating those vehicles would be less costly. #019-2022 Admin Report to Council Attachments: Admin Report to Council February 14 2022.pdf C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Casey Adams advised that one of the employees off last week has returned to work and hit the ground running. As Council is aware, the Groveport Municipal Golf Course was broken into last Monday morning and then the Birch Tavern two days later. Thanks to the third shift and their observations, the Department made two apprehensions. Our Court liaison will take the matter to a grand jury. The suspects were from the west side of Columbus with no roots in Groveport. Detective Gilbert informed the Chief that he went to Harrisburg and found two individuals who broke into cars in the north business district along State Route 317 north of Bixby Road. The suspects admitted to taking credit cards and other stuff out of cars by breaking out the windows. The two were driving through and had no roots in Groveport. Patrolman Jason Huston started with Groveport on February 3. Officer City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2022 Huston is excited to be with the Groveport Police Department and will be present for a swearing-in on February 28, 2022. Administrator King, Brian Strayer, and Chief Adams will meet with the Elmont addition. Last week, they had a meeting with Motorola Solutions about installing cameras in the Elmont Place neighborhood. Ford Motor Company informed Chief Adams that it takes 32 to 40 weeks to take possession of a car once the City places an order. Ford shut down its line for two weeks. The lines will reopen but Ford anticipates two or three additional shutdowns throughout the year. That time frame does not include installing equipment. The Chief provided Council information on other vehicle options. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Going through the budget process, Finance Director Jason Carr and Chief Adams have talked about vehicles. Mr. Carr appreciates Chief Adams' effort to put together a benchmark for a vehicle replacement program. The Chief established that using an engine's miles and the vehicle's condition will help identify at what mileage the City needs to start replacing vehicles. Mr. Carr thanked Chief Adams. These standards will be helpful from a budget standpoint for background and support for what staff will ask from Council for future purchases. E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Law Director Kevin Shannon had nothing further to report. F. Development Director - Jeff Green Development Director Jeff Green reported that construction on the 1847 Main Project is just a few days behind even with the weather. The biggest issue right now is the roofing. As of last week, there’s still about an inch of ice on the roof. The elevators are on site and waiting for the electrical service installation in both buildings. Once the electrical service is in, workers will install, activate and test the elevators. There were some scheduling issues with AEP setting the transformers. Inside the buildings, work moves along with the conduit installation for tenant buildouts. Mr. Green anticipates that both buildings will be ready to turn over to the tenants by mid-April. The Wert’s Grove building is slightly behind the Rarey’s Port building. City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2022 G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Jack Rupp Council Member Rupp wanted everyone to know that House Bill 51 passed the Ohio Senate and the House of Representatives. There is an emergency provision in the bill. Once the Governor signs the bill, it will go into effect immediately. HB 51 extends the authority of local governments to hold virtual meetings until June 30, 2022. Administrator BJ King stated that the City did virtual participation in 2020 and is already outfitted with cameras and TV monitors to conduct virtual meetings. IT Director Trevor Swackhamer has already looked at the technical equipment at Ruthanne’s desk. He has ideas on how to utilize the cameras and other equipment. If the Governor signs the bill tomorrow, the City can participate in virtual meetings. Mayor Westcamp asked about bringing the Department Heads back to participate virtually in the Committee of the Whole meetings as they did in 2020. Mr. King is satisfied with just having the reports from each department. If there is an item on the agenda concerning a specific department, then that Director can participate in the meeting. Mr. Rupp asked for an update on the City contacting Groveport Youth Athletic Association. Mr. King commented he is meeting with the President of the Association, Ashlee Journey, on February 22, 2022. H. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Clerk of Council Ruthanne Sargus Ross had nothing to report. I. Standing Committees None. IX. Other Business 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) (1) to discuss the employment of a public employee or official, and (2) To consider the purchase of property for public purposes, or for the sale of property at competitive bidding, to include all members of Council, the Mayor, himself, the Administrator, and the Finance Director/ Assistant Administrator. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to go into Executive Session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G) (1) to discuss the employment of a public employee or official, and (2) To consider the purchase of property for public purposes, or for the sale of property at competitive bidding at 7:20 p.m., to include all members of Council, City of Groveport Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes February 14, 2022 the Mayor, the Law Director, the Administrator, and the Finance Director/ Assistant Administrator. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to come out of Executive Session at 8:54 p.m. with no action taken. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to approve the decision of a factfinder as it relates to the sergeants' bargaining agreement with the police benevolent association. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to approve the decision of a factfinder as it relates to the sergeants' bargaining agreement with the Police Benevolent Association. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp X. Adjournment A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to adjourn at 8:56 p.m. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp __________________________________________ 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