City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, July 11, 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 July 11, 2022 I. Call to Order Mayor Lance Westcamp called the City Council meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Staff Present: BJ King - Administrator, Kevin Shannon - Law Director, Jeff Green - Development Director, Josh Short - Police Lieutenant, 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 Lieutenant Short 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 Ed Dildine from tonight's meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp V. Approval of Minutes - June 27, 2022 The June 27, 2022 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #130-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: City Council Meeting Minutes 6.27.2022.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Scott Bumgardner - Elmont Place Cameras Scott Bumgardner, 4782 Elmont Place, President of the Elmont Place HOA, addressed Council about installing cameras in the Elmont Place Subdivision. Mr. Bumgardner asked for the City's approval to install cameras the Association would purchase outright. The purpose is not to spy on people but to make the neighborhood safer. The cameras will record and identify offenders with active warrants and immediately City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes July 11, 2022 (reportedly within 15 seconds) alert the Groveport Police Department. The HOA is seeking the City Council's approval to place poles for the cameras in the City's right-of-way, either behind signs or between houses, so that the cameras can get a picture of the license plates. The cameras can also record a vehicle's speed. It will cost the HOA around $7,500 a year. The Association takes in money from the homeowners, and members feel this is an excellent way to spend some of that money. Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that the City may have some limitations in its ability to place cameras on traffic control devices. The City Council can consider a licensing agreement to allow the HOA to place cameras in the City's right-of-way. The Association will purchase the cameras from a company located in California but will have a local, Jeff Johnson, install the equipment. Council Member Cleary wanted to know the legalities of police officers responding when a camera takes pictures of license plates, and there is a hit. Mr. Shannon advised that all it does is enable the officers to be dispatched to the area and determine if they have reasonable grounds to contact the person. Another concern of Mr. Cleary's is whether it is legal for a private association to have that connection to an agency for running the license plates without a law enforcement jurisdiction. Mr. Shannon responded that it would depend on the HOA's actual agreement with the vendor regarding the cameras. They would have to set forth what authority they have that enables them to gain the connection referred to by Mr. Cleary. The key is that it can violate LEADS (Law Enforcement Automated Data System) which monitors law enforcement to say why the officer ran this license plate on the date and time and did they have a bonafide law enforcement reason for running the plate. The vendor the Association is seeking to enter into a contract with has to show they have the authority to have license plates run. It is like any other time that the police department receives communication on the nature of the person having warrants or whatever the situation may be; they have to demonstrate that they lawfully have access to that license plate information, which is public information. Council Member Rupp wanted to know if the City should do a public notification or post video surveillance signs in the area. Mr. Shannon believes that the HOA would be required since it is their property and cameras, and they have an obligation amongst their membership to notify them of the surveillance cameras. Also, at the entryways of Elmont Place, signage will be required with typical wording such as "Premises are monitored by electronic surveillance/cameras." The HOA would place one camera at the entrance at Old Hamilton Road, another at the entrance at Dorchester Street off Bixby Road, and the third between the Elmont Place development and the Hickory City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes July 11, 2022 Grove Subdivision. Chief Adams advised that many more vehicles will be coming through the subdivisions off Ebright Road in the future. VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings Ord. 2022-026 AN ORDINANCE DEFINING AND ESTABLISHING MEMBERS OF THE CLASSIFIED AND UNCLASSIFIED SERVICE FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Dildine Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to amend Section 1 the list of the members of the unclassified service to add Parks and Facilities Superintendent, Public Works Superintendent, Aquatics Manager, Sports & Fitness Manager, Customer Service Coordinator - Recreation, and Recreation Coordinator. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No.2022-026. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to amend Section 1, the list of the members of the unclassified service to add Parks and Facilities Superintendent, Public Works Superintendent, Aquatics Manager, Sports & Fitness Manager, Customer Service Coordinator - Recreation, and Recreation Coordinator. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to adopt as amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp B. 2nd Readings Ord. 2022-025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART FIFTEEN - FIRE PREVENTION CODE OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT CODIFIED ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 1519, FIREWORKS AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hilbert City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes July 11, 2022 Attachments: Ord. 2022-025 Exhibit A amended.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No.2022-025. C. 1st Readings Ord. 2022-027 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE POSITION OF PART-TIME ASSISTANT CLERK OF COUNCIL, ACCEPTING THE POSITION DESCRIPTION AND PAY GRADE THEREFORE AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2022-027 Exhibit A.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date for the reason set forth in the Ordinance. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No.2022-027. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, 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: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp reported that the 4th of July event went well overall; he thought it was a great day. The 4th of July Committee will have a follow-up meeting to address some of this year's hiccups. The Mayor is still amazed at the number of people who come to this great community for its fireworks. The fireworks display was good, except for the finale, or so some people told the Mayor. The entertainment was very good, and the vendors did well. The kids' blowup entertainment and the dump tank did well for as hot as it was on Monday. City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes July 11, 2022 Mayor Westcamp commended Lieutenant Short and his staff for handling the critical incident that morning in a Groveport warehouse. He thanked the Franklin County Sheriff's Department, Obetz Police, and the Columbus and Madison Township responding agencies. All involved did an excellent job. Lt. Short noted that he and the officers appreciate the never-ending support of the Mayor and this City Council. Officers are aware of that support which gives them a sense of pride in doing the job for the residents and this community. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator BJ King commended all the planning for the July 4th event. As mentioned, there were some hiccups, but it was nice to see a big parade, the entertainment, and all the other activities. The City has its first Farmers Market at the Heritage Park on Thursday. The event will include a bounce house, vendors, and a food truck. Mr. King commended Lieutenant Josh Short and his officers regarding their response to the warehouse incident. Lt. Short did a tremendous job on the news. Seeing the officers’ professionalism in such a critical incident was outstanding. Mr. King appreciated Lt. Short’s quick response to a call from him later in the day. Mr. King thanked him for what he did for the City. Administrator King reported that the cart paths project at the golf course has gone out for bid again. The engineer estimated $1.54 million; the City issued $1.6 million in debt for the cart paths and the maintenance facility. Both were early estimates when the City put together the budget for this project. The City has received two bids; the best one was at $1.376 million. Staff had a meeting with the company and will be going with them. That would leave a $224,000 balance on the $1.6 million, which is not enough to build the maintenance facility. Mr. King spoke with Golf Director Tom Walker and City Engineer Steve Farst about using that money to repave the driveway. Mr. King, with Council’s approval, would suggest holding onto the $224,000 and rolling it over into next year’s budget to repave the driveway to the golf course as part of the City’s Street Program to get that project done. It would be great to have a new maintenance facility, but providing the community and the restaurant with cart paths and a smooth driveway is something Mr. King would like to see done. Staff uses the existing buildings for storing equipment. Mr. King wants to see a new facility there; Administration will look at the item for the 2023 budget. Earlier this year, estimates for constructing a new maintenance facility were between $600,000 and $800,000. #133-2022 Admin Report to Council City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes July 11, 2022 Attachments: Admin Report to Council July 11 2022.pdf C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Lieutenant Josh Short was in attendance while Chief Adams was on vacation. Lt. Short reported that, despite social media comments, on July 4, 2022, there were no incidences where anyone called for the Police Department's services. The only incidents were a lost child, a couple of lost phones, and lost keys. As far as the supposed scrum down at the baseball field, if that was the case, none of the officers saw it, and no one reported it to the Groveport Police Department. The police officers haven't been called upon to do much of anything for the last two years, which is a blessing. With the incident that took place today, it was fantastic to have County detectives, a detective from ATF, and a detective from the FBI show up to ask how they could help. They didn't ask to take the situation over because the Groveport officers had it under control. The Lieutenant relayed that they could give him their cards, and if they were there, he would include them. However, Groveport officers would handle the situation on their own because the Groveport Police absolutely can. Lt. Short attended both of the First Thursday events, which went well. Both were well-attended and fun events. The number of incidences at the outdoor pool is significantly down compared to last year. All the changes and the work that Recreation Director Seth Bower has done at the Aquatic Center have been amazing. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Jason Carr was on vacation. E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Law Director Kevin Shannon conducted training on July 1, 2022, for the Police Department. The course covered instructions so the officers could swear out charges, administer oaths, criminal complaints or affidavits, or serve subpoenas. The training went well, with the third and first shift attending at 6 am and the second shift between 1:30 and 2 pm. Officers do not have to repeat this training with their continuing education, but training occurs when new police officers join the force. F. Development Director - Jeff Green Development Director Jeff Green reported that the first round of approvals came back for the Delaney Diner plans. The City could City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes July 11, 2022 issue a phased approval after some corrections, but there will be enough approval to get started on plumbing, electrical, and some mechanical systems. He meets with the contractor tomorrow, and some subcontractors will do their final walk-through. G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Jack Rupp Council Member Jack Rupp commented that it was his first time as a Councilperson to be in the parade, and he enjoyed it. The number of spectators was fantastic. Scott Lockett agreed that the 4th of July was a good event. Council Member Becky Hutson also agreed that the 4th of July went well. Mrs. Hutson added that as unfavorable as the social media venue can be, she doesn’t think any other community offers free decorations for kids’ bikes, free Friday lunches, and other free items. Mrs. Hutson doesn’t believe there is much more the City can do for the public. Council Member Jean Ann Hilbert mentioned the audit exit scheduled for Monday at 5:00 p.m. She didn’t think Mr. Carr would mind postponing that meeting. Mrs. Ross advised that Mr. Carr gave her an August date for that meeting. As such, Mrs. Hilbert asked if everyone was okay with canceling next week’s Committee of the Whole meeting. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to cancel the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for Monday, July 18, 2022. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp H. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross The Clerk of Council will distribute the Department's monthly reports to Council by close of business day on Friday, July 15, 2022. Administrator King announced Saturday's GYAA event at the Recreation Center. There would be a showing of the movie "The Sandlot." GYAA will grill hot dogs to give out with chips, drinks, and popcorn. GYAA is working with the Recreation staff to coordinate the event. The outdoor event is open to the public and is GYAA's final event. The movie will start around 8:30 p.m., and the Mayor wants Lt. Short to spread the word so there will be a police presence at the park. Clerk of Council Ruthanne Sargus Ross reported that she would be attending the annual OMCA conference in Huron, Ohio, from July 18 through July 21, 2022. City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes July 11, 2022 I. Standing Committees Cemetery Committee: Shawn Cleary reported that the Cemetery Committee met last week. Ruthanne Sargus Ross will be looking into cemetery records management software. The staff has been working to gather all the cemetery records at the Municipal Building. Carla Cramer offered to work with City staff to put all the documentation collected by a relative into a database. Mr. Cleary plans to attend the July Groveport Heritage & Preservation Society meeting to coordinate an open house at the Groveport Cemetery. The fence for the Hendren Cemetery is in, and crews will start the installation. IX. Other Business None. X. Adjournment A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adjourn at 7:12 p.m. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, 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 8