City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, July 25, 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 25, 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, 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 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 Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to excuse Council Members Lockett and Rupp from tonight's meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 2- Lockett and Rupp Yes: 4- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert and Hutson V. Approval of Minutes - July 11, 2022 The July 11, 2022 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #147-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: City Council Meeting Minutes 7.11.2022.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Jeffrey Myers Jeffrey Myers, OD, 4089 Marlowa Drive, Groveport, having lived across the border of the City of Groveport since 1964, counted it a privilege to stand before the Mayor, Council, and City officials to share positive news about three of the City's police officers. The Sons of the American Revolution is a patriotic lineage society whose membership requires descent from a patriot ancestor of the American Revolution. Dr. Myers City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2022 has been a member since 1981 due to his parents' genealogical work. The Sons of the American Revolution enjoys the opportunity to recognize extraordinary actions by people, both civilian and uniformed, when able. In September 2021, Lieutenant Josh Short and Officer Kevin Chavez responded to a call for a man trapped under a riding lawn mower in a pond. Lieutenant Short and Officer Chavez entered the water and rescued the man from under the lawn mower. In January 2021, in response to an injury accident call where a vehicle went into Blacklick Creek, Officer Ripson entered the icy water in the predawn light to rescue the female driver. The heroic actions are to be recognized by the Benjamin Franklin Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution at its meeting on September 16, 2022. Lieutenant Short and Officer Chavez will receive the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Life-Saving Medal award, and Officer Ripson will receive the Sons of the American Revolution Heroism Medal, the highest recognition award for such action. When police officers so often receive bad press, Groveport is fortunate to have such heroic officers on its force and the community's team. It is a privilege to recognize these officers due to their actions. The Sons of the American Revolution are proud of these officers and congratulate them on their recognition. Dr. Myers was thankful for the opportunity to share the great news with Council. B. Rebecca Slisher Rebecca Slisher, 481 Main Street, has lived in Groveport for over 32 years. She loves Groveport. Ms. Slisher addressed the proposed changes in the fireworks law that the State of Ohio has enacted and City Council is considering tonight. After talking to some of her neighbors, she knows many share her views on banning fireworks in Groveport. She is pleased with the development's direction in the historic downtown area. Ms. Slisher thinks Groveport needs to follow the examples of other Central Ohio communities. Bexley, Columbus, Gahanna, Hilliard, Westerville, Washington Township, Dublin, Worthington, and Upper Arlington have banned fireworks within city limits. She asked that City Council do the same in Groveport. She read a quote from David Baugh, Assistant Chief of the Columbus Fire Prevention Bureau, "In the last two months alone, Columbus has seen two fires and one fireworks-related injury." David Baugh was talking about fireworks after Governor DeWine lifted the ban. Ms. Slisher's concern is about safety. Residents and businesses live in tight quarters in Groveport, and now there are more new structures. The City has new young folks moving in; she thinks because Groveport is City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2022 attracting new people to this area. She reasons that Groveport would want to pursue the lines that the cities she mentioned are doing to look out for the safety of others, including fires, injuries, and property damage. She would not be able to distinguish a firework discharge from a gunshot. Fireworks can rain down hot ash and debris on homes, potentially causing a fire. After reading some of the new State legislation, she understands people can discharge fireworks on private property. However, with Groveport structures being in close quarters, she is concerned about her 1835 year built old house. She has concerns about the safety of the historic Groveport with these potential fires and injuries. And again, she does not know if she is safe in Groveport because it's just fireworks or if she should be concerned because it was gunfire. Dublin Police Chief Justin Páez says it is more trouble than the department wants or needs to enforce the fireworks code. Hilliard City Manager Michelle Crandall said. "Each year, we hear that the noise of neighborhood fireworks causes anxiety and even panic among war veterans and residents' pets." The City of New Albany has lifted the ban in the City but notes on its website that "Although consumer fireworks are now permitted, the safest way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. It is best to leave the fireworks to the professionals." Ms. Slisher thanked Council for the opportunity to speak about her concerns. VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings Ord. 2022-025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART FIFTEEN - FIRE PREVENTION CODE OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT CODIFIED ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 1519, FIREWORKS Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2022-025 Exhibit A amended.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised Council that any consideration of ordinances tonight will need four positive votes to pass. No emergency action can take place tonight because there has to be a majority of five positive votes to suspend the rules. This Ordinance has the Declaration of an Emergency in its title, and the effective date clause also has the emergency language. If Council considers this legislation tonight, it would be appropriate to remove that language and replace it with the standard effective date clause language. Council could also postpone the matter to the next City Council meeting to have a full City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2022 complement of Council present, which brings back the potential ability to pass the legislation by emergency measure. Mrs. Hilbert wanted to take action on the matter tonight. If the Council votes on the issue tonight, Council should amend the Ordinance first to alleviate any confusion on future references. Mr. Cleary asked what the big hurry was on this item. The 4th of July is not tomorrow. He is aware Council has pondered on this decision for a while now, and there are some strong opinions on the matter. Mr. Cleary suggested removing the emergency clause on the Ordinance and suspending (postponing) action until the next regular Council meeting on August 8, 2022, which is only two weeks away. Mayor Westcamp noted that if Council postpones the matter, fireworks are still not permitted in Groveport. Mr. Shannon confirmed that the Mayor was correct. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-025. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to postpone to a date certain of August 8, 2022. The motion failed by the following vote: Excused: 2- Lockett and Rupp Yes: 3- Cleary, Dildine and Hutson No: 1- Hilbert Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to amend the title to remove the verbiage "AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY". In Section 3, all the current language would be stricken and the following language inserted "That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force at the earliest period allowed by law." That is the substance of the amendments. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to amend the title to remove the verbiage "AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY". In Section 3, all the current language would be stricken and the following language be inserted "That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force at the earliest period allowed by law." The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 2- Lockett and Rupp Yes: 4- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert and Hutson Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that this Ordinance failed, and the only way to address this issue is with new legislation. Mr. Shannon explained that this Ordinance failed because, per the City of Groveport's Charter, it requires four positive votes to pass legislation. The item did not receive four positive votes. Therefore, it is a failure. This failure means that the law, as it is on the books in the City of Groveport, is in full force and effect. At some later point, a member of the Council can introduce legislation attempting to adopt the new State City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2022 law again. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adopt as amended. The motion failed by the following vote: Excused: 2- Lockett and Rupp Yes: 3- Cleary, Dildine and Hutson No: 1- Hilbert B. 2nd Readings None C. 1st Readings Ord. 2022-028 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A ONEOHIO OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hutson Emergency action on this Ordinance can occur at the August 8, 2022, City Council Meeting. A separate fund in the City's accounting system requires the funds to go into that fund. The Finance Director can request a special fund be set up just for the settlement monies because there are limitations on how Groveport can spend that money. Mrs. Hilbert asked if the fund established years ago out of the house that had the marijuana in its basement still existed. Mr. King stated she was referring to the City's existing Drug Fund. Mr. Shannon added that because of the opioid settlement reached, the City has to set up this fund to earmark those funds in and out. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-028. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2022-029 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART NINE - STREETS, UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE, CHAPTER 929 - WATER REGULATIONS OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: Ord. 2022-029 Exhibit A.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-029. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2022 VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Westcamp asked Administrator King to follow up with IT Director Trevor Swackhamer on the issue Ms. Slisher ran into trying to email Council members. Mayor Westcamp reported that the 4th of July Committee is already making changes for next year’s 4th of July event. Overall the Mayor thought everything went fine, but there were some hiccups that the Committee is working on for next year. It’s a good Committee, and Jessica Wyke did a good job for her first year, but it will be better. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator King reported that the City received the salt bid from the State of Ohio. This past year the City paid $54.39 per ton. Groveport has ordered 300 tons at $61.92 per ton. The City is in good shape; the barn is full. Mr. King was expecting the price to be much higher. The City Administration had an initial discussion with the City’s health insurance broker. Staff asked for some information for the broker to get back to them. Mr. King knows there was some interest from Council members to sit in on those meetings. Mr. King will let Council know the date and time of the next meeting. BJ King and Finance Director Jason Carr worked on the financial mid-year forecast Council was sent last week. If there are any questions, just let Mr. King or Mr. Carr know. City Administration will use this mid-year forecast to establish the 2023 budget and capital improvements. #148-2022 Admin Report to Council Attachments: Admin Report to Council July 25 2022.pdf C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Casey Adams noted how proud he is of the officers receiving recognition in September from the Sons of the American Revolution. The timing could not be better with the Department dealing with the recent critical incident. The air show dates are now June 16 through June 18, 2023. Chief Adams has not heard anything yet, but Columbus and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office usually take the lead on this event. Hopefully, information will start following forth soon. City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2022 Chief Adams is exceptionally proud of his officers’ handling of the critical incident on July 11, 2022, while he was out of state. He channeled information to the Mayor, Law Director Shannon, and Administrator King. The Chief appreciated that Mr. King kept all the Council Members apprised of the situation. Chief Adams explained to the media that he was four states away. On the media front, Lieutenant Short picked up the ball and ran with it as the event commander overall. The Chief sat down with all the officers who participated and responded to the critical incident call individually and as a group. He wanted to know how the Department could improve. They had some great ideas, a lot of them about training. Some training was started a few weeks before the incident, and follow-up training with Madison Township Fire Department was already scheduled a month before July 11. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Jason Carr was on vacation. #149-2022 2022_Groveport_Mid-Year_Forecast Attachments: 2022_Groveport_Mid-Year_Forecast.pdf E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Law Director Kevin Shannon had nothing further 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 Jack Rupp Council Member Ed Dildine commented that all the incidents happening in and around the Groveport area, and how first responders handled them, demonstrates that our small City is experiencing some big city issues. It is nice to see the cooperation our Police Department has with surrounding agencies and the Fire Department. The Fire Department had a double fatality accident on US 33 yesterday, and Mr. Dildine was the first First Responder to arrive on the scene. It was one occasion to see how all the surrounding agencies' cooperation showed professionalism on a big accident scene. Mr. Dildine wanted to pass along kudos and thanks to the Groveport police officers. City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes July 25, 2022 H. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Clerk of Council Ruthanne Sargus Ross had nothing further to report. I. Standing Committees None. IX. Other Business None. X. Adjournment A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to adjourn at 7:04 p.m. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 2- Lockett and Rupp Yes: 4- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert and Hutson __________________________________________ 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