City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, December 19, 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 December 19, 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, Jason Carr - Director of Finance, Casey Adams - Chief of Police, 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 State Representative Richard Brown 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 - November 28, 2022 The November 28, 2022 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #285-2022 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: City Council Meeting Minutes 11.28.2022.pdf A. Swearing-In of New Police Officers Law Director Kevin Shannon swore in new Police Officers, James Reed and Freeman Nixon. Congratulations and the introduction of family members followed after Mr. Shannon administered the oath. VI. Proclamation Council Member Shawn Cleary acknowledged Firefighter John Jones (retired) for all he had done for Madison Township and his involvement with FireFighters 4 Kids. State Representative Richard Brown read a proclamation recognizing John Jones and presented it to Mr. Jones. City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 Mayor Lance Westcamp read a proclamation from the City of Groveport acknowledging the accomplishments of John Jones and presented it to Mr. Jones. John Jones gave a history of the FireFighters 4 Kids Program. The program was started in 1977 by retired Columbus Firefighter Mike Mullins. The program relies on volunteers, Central Ohio communities, and businesses. Since the program's inception, around 240,000 to 260,000 families have benefitted. FireFighters 4 Kids provides donated toys to children ages newborn to 12. Children with special needs are also eligible to receive toys. Madison Township had 32 families signed up in 2022. Mr. Jones would like to have the Groveport Municipal Building as a signup location to encourage families in Groveport to take advantage of the program. The Sears building in the old Westland Mall served as the organization's storage warehouse. To date, 2,726 families with 6,784 children are on the list to participate. Mr. Cleary acknowledged Scott Bumgardner, President of the Elmont Place HOA, for donating toys from the Elmont Place Subdivision residents. #288-2022 Recognition Proclamation Attachments: Proclamation.pdf VII. Business of Guests None. VIII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings Ord. 2022-046 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE AS TO THE PERMITTED USES IN THE ESTABLISHED ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 0 HENDRON ROAD, PARCEL NO. 185-000917, CURRENTLY ZONED SUBURBAN OFFICE (SO), KARL HOALST, APPLICANT. Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Ord.2022-046 Exhibit A.pdf Ord.2022-046 Exhibit B.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that staff had requested Council to consider making a motion to amend this Ordinance. In Section 1 City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 after the word Ordinance all the verbiage would be redacted and the following language would be inserted "provided that the following condition set forth by the Planning & Zoning Commission is satisfied: 1. No outdoor kennels or boarding of animals are permitted." Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-046. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to amend Section 1 after the word Ordinance all the verbiage would be redacted and the following language would be inserted "provided that the following condition set forth by the Planning & Zoning Commission is satisfied: 1. No outdoor kennels or boarding of animals are permitted." . The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt as amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp B. 2nd Readings Ord. 2022-048 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE 2023 ANNUAL STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Sponsors: Hutson Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-048. Ord. 2022-049 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE GOLF COURSE DRIVEWAY PROJECT Sponsors: Lockett Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-049. C. 1st Readings Ord. 2022-050 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART ONE - ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, CHAPTER 143, EMPLOYEES GENERALLY OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO Sponsors: Hilbert City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 Attachments: Ord. 2022-050 Exhibit A 143.05 Holidays.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-050. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2022-051 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COMPANY OR FIRM THAT SUBMITS THE MOST BENEFICIAL AND/OR ACCEPTABLE PROPOSAL TO THE CITY FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES AT THE FOLLOWING CITY FACILITIES: MUNICIPAL BUILDING, TOWN HALL, RECREATION CENTER, POLICE DEPARTMENT, GOLF COURSE CLUB HOUSE, CROOKED ALLEY KIDSPACE, PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY, AND THE PUBLIC SPACES IN THE RAREY'S PORT AND WERT'S GROVE BUILDINGS AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Rupp Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that staff had requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-051. A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, 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 A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Ord. 2022-052 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ISSUE REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE MOST DESIRABLE COMPANY OR FIRM, TO ENGINEER, DESIGN, AND ESTIMATE CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE SECOND FLOOR MUNICIPAL SPACE IN THE RAREY'S PORT AND WERT'S GROVE BUILDINGS Sponsors: Dildine Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-052. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2022-053 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 PURCHASE A JACOBSEN HR600, 11 FT WIDE AREA ROTARY MOWER AND A JACOBSEN ECLIPSE 360 TRIPLEX GREENS MOWER FOR THE GOLF MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE STATE OF OHIO COOPERATIVE PURCHASE PLAN THEREBY WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING PURSUANT TO GROVEPORT CITY CHARTER SECTION 9.02(B) Sponsors: Cleary Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-053. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2022-054 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2021-051 (ADOPTED 11/08/2021), THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2022 AND FURTHER AMENDING ORDINANCE 2022-009 (ADOPTED 02/28/2022) AND ORDINANCE 2022-033 (ADOPTED 09/15/2022) WHICH AMENDED THE SAME Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: 2022 Budget_EXHIBIT A 22-054.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that staff had requested that Council consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings. As an appropriations Ordinance, it would go into effect immediately if it were to pass tonight. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-054. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to suspend the rules as to the three readings. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Ord. 2022-055 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT TO TRANSFER FINAL CASH FUND BALANCES BETWEEN FUNDS OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Hutson Attachments: 2022_Budget_Transfers In_Out_Final Amendment.pdf Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that staff had requested that Council consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings. City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-055. A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to suspend the rules as to the three readings. 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 Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Ord. 2022-056 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO PURCHASE A VENTRAC TRACTOR AND SNOW EQUIPMENT FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT UNDER THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE PLAN THEREBY WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING PURSUANT TO GROVEPORT CITY CHARTER SECTION 9.02(B) Sponsors: Rupp Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-056. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ord. 2022-057 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH THE HOMEOWNER"S ASSOCIATION (HOA) OF THE ELMONT PLACE SUBDIVISION AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Cleary Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date so the security cameras can be in place as soon as possible. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-057. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, 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, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Ord. 2022-058 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CITY OF COLUMBUS COOPERATIVE PURCHASE PLAN AND PURCHASE A FORD F250 UTILITY TRUCK, City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 INCLUDING ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT THEREBY WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING PURSUANT TO GROVEPORT CITY CHARTER SECTION 9.02(B) AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Dildine Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-058. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, 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, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Ord. 2022-059 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO PURCHASE THREE (3) POLICE VEHICLES, INCLUDING ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER A COOPERATIVE PURCHASE PLAN THEREBY WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING PURSUANT TO GROVEPORT CITY CHARTER SECTION 9.02(B) Sponsors: Hilbert Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-059. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole. IX. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp recommended the appointment of Ed Dildine and Shawn Cleary to serve on the Volunteer Peace Officers' Dependents Fund Board. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to appoint Ed Dildine and Shawn Cleary to serve on the Volunteer Peace Officers' Dependents Fund Board. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 Mayor Lance Westcamp recommended the appointment of Angie Cramer to serve another term on the Cemetery Committee. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to appoint Angie Cramer to serve on the Cemetery Committee. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Mayor Lance Westcamp recommended the reappointment of James Chilton to serve on the Personnel Board of Review. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to reappoint James Chilton to serve on the Personnel Board of Review. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Mayor Lance Westcamp recommended to reappoint Pat Pickett to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to reappoint Pat Pickett to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Mayor Lance Westcamp recommended to reappoint Becky Hutson to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to reappoint Becky Hutson to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Mayor Lance Westcamp recommended the appointment of BJ King as Chairperson, himself as Mayor, Kevin Shannon as Law Director, Jason Carr as Finance Director, Jean Ann Hilbert as Council Representative, and the Clerk of Council to serve on the Records Commission. City of Groveport Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to appoint BJ King as Chairperson, Lance Westcamp as Mayor, Kevin Shannon as Law Director, Jason Carr as Finance Director, Jean Ann Hilbert as Council Representative, and the Clerk of Council to serve on the Records Commission. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Mayor Lance Westcamp recommended the appointment of Ed Dildine as Council Representative to serve on the Trees & Decorations Committee. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to appoint Ed Dildine as Council Representative to serve on the Trees & Decorations Committee. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Mayor Lance Westcamp recommended the appointment of John Detty, Mike Sisco and Dawn Bellamy to serve on the Trees & Decorations Committee. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to appoint John Detty, Mike Sisco and Dawn Bellamy to serve on the Trees & Decorations Committee. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Mayor Westcamp wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He looks forward to working with everyone in 2023. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator BJ King remarked it had been a busy 2022 with many positive accomplishments. He appreciates all the work the City Council and the Mayor have done and their support of City staff and all the hard work they have done. He looks forward to a tremendous 2023. Mr. King wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. #286-2022 Admin Report to Council Attachments: Admin Report to Council December 19.pdf City of Groveport Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Casey Adams displayed one of the three intersection cameras purchased through the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program. A camera is at the corner of Front and Main Street. Officers can look at the recorded video and audio on the cameras. The Department is excited to use the feedback from the cameras, not only for crime reduction or looking for suspects but also for auto accidents. Placing a camera at SR 317 and Groveport Road and another at SR 317 and Old Hamilton Road will be instrumental in investigating traffic crashes at these high-volume vehicle accident intersections. Chief Adams anticipates applying for fund money to purchase more cameras in 2023. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch will have administrative rights to the cameras giving access to the cameras and monitoring traffic on SR 317 during events like the air show. The Police Department would use the trailer for high-traffic City events like the 4th of July, Apple Butter Day, and Friday night football. Chief Adams looks forward to bringing on the three new hires to start their training and get them out on the streets. Chief Adams introduced two officers to Council tonight; the third officer will begin employment in January. The Chief wished everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and hopes to have a less eventful 2023 for the Police department. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Jason Carr, Finance Director, stated the transfers from the City’s General Fund to the Recreation & Aquatic Fund are $950,000 less than budgeted for 2022 and $1,000,000 less than budgeted for the Golf Course Fund. In a conference call with Mr. Carr, Administrator King, and Moody’s Investors Service, one of the questions asked was how much money the City of Groveport subsidized other Departments. Mr. Carr noted this because when a more conservative Recreation & Aquatic Fund and Golf Course Fund budget is approved on the expense side, it helps the City increase General Fund reserves. It also makes the City more attractive to investors through Moody’s Investors Service. If the City has to issue long-term debt, it may lower interest costs in comparison to poorer debt ratings. As part of a change in budget practices, hopefully, when the Administration speaks to Council in 2023, we can give good news on a potential debt rating upgrade. These are some highlights of having a positive year. #289-2022 Finance_Director_Report City of Groveport Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 Attachments: Finance_Director_Report_12_19_2022.pdf E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Law Director Kevin Shannon advised Council that the City received notice from the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control, about the D5 permit for Best of Italy, Inc. Unless Council directs Mr. Shannon otherwise, he will check the box indicating the City does not wish to have any hearing on issuing this permit. Mr. Shannon wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 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 Rupp attended the School District Board meeting that included presentations from students of Anthony Murphy’s, Lead the Way Program at Groveport Madison High School. The students were selected to look at the issues at the High School. Four presentations covered discipline, safety, improving teacher diversity in the school, and diversity itself. Students collected data through all-inclusive interviews and surveys. They interviewed high-performance students and students facing challenges, as well as some students making poor decisions while at school. Students presented solutions, particularly with discipline. The subject matter included more stringent rules and the timeliness of dealing with disruptive behavior. Mr. Rupp feels these students can have a major part in answering the issues at the High School. Mr. Rupp understands that Job and Family Services funds the program. Mr. Rupp wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New Year. Council Member Lockett wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Council Member Hutson wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Council Member Cleary recognized Scott Bumgardner and the Elmont Place HOA for the toy donations and for involving their community with the Christmas light judging. He appreciates Mr. Bumgardner coming to the Council meetings. City of Groveport Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 Council Member Dildine wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He reminded everyone to check on their neighbors during the expected minus-degree wind chill weather. 2022 was another great year, and he looks forward to 2023. Council Member Hilbert wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. She thanked the Public Works crews ahead of time because they would be clearing the roads. Mrs. Hilbert thanked Clerk of Council Ruthanne Ross for her 25 years of service. H. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Mayor Westcamp asked for a motion to approve the City Council 2023 Meeting Schedule. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to approve the 2023 City Council Meeting Schedule as submitted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp #287-2022 2023 Meeting Schedule Attachments: 2023 Meeting Schedule.pdf Clerk of Council Ruthanne Ross wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Due to her retirement in 2023, this will be her last Christmas. She thanked everyone and wanted them to know how much she appreciated each of them. I. Standing Committees None. X. Other Business None. City of Groveport Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2022 XI. Adjournment A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adjourn at 7:37 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 13