City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, January 23, 2023 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 January 23, 2023 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, Seth Bower - Recreation 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 Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Rupp, to excuse Council Member 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 - January 9, 2023 The January 9, 2023 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #019-2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: City Council Meeting Minutes 01.09.2023.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. William Kurey - 286 Walnut Street William Kurey, 286 Walnut Street, addressed Council about options for KidSpace other than tearing the building down. He suggested providing parking closer to the business by considering parking spaces on the old garage lot at the corner of Wirt Road and Main Street. Or to build a parking garage at that location. He wants to know why Council would even consider demolishing a building so heavily City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 2023 used by the people of Groveport. KidSpace is where people vote, and the American Red Cross holds blood drives; the building is in constant use. The place is more handicap accessible than City Hall. Mr. Kurey has yet to hear the number of parking spaces razing KidSpace will provide. He thinks the number of parking slots would be one of the first things the City Council would consider. There are also costs and benefits to the community when considering tearing the place down. Is the project worth the proposed cost of over $500,000? Mr. Kurey doesn't know the actual price, but he thinks it would be between $500,000 and $1,000,000. A serious look at the costs and benefits of shelling out $70,000 to put a new roof on KidSpace might be the best alternative. How far would the $500,000 go in financing a parking garage closer to the businesses on Main Street? He hasn't seen anything on the number of parking spots needed in the downtown area, the cost for each space, and whether KidSpace would provide that number of spaces. He said the City would pick up fewer parking spaces at that location. Mr. Kurey has waited through the whole discussion for someone to decide on the number of parking spaces and to do a more proper fiscal consideration of the alternatives. Administrator BJ King responded that on KidSpace, Council and Administration still need to have a lot of discussion on determining its fate. As Mr. Kurey mentioned, the funds to tear down KidSpace to make a parking lot are in the 2023 budget. That discussion took place for the sole purpose of the budget process. The City had to get money appropriated in 2023 to consider the project. Mr. Kurey's comments on the matter are undoubtedly timely. Council and City staff will discuss KidSpace in the next couple of weeks to determine how Council wants to proceed with the project. There is a lot to consider with the configuration of the whole area. The way the lot lines lay for KidSpace, the existing parking lots, the roads, etc. Therefore, a determination has yet to be made, first on the project's costs and secondly if there will be any razing of KidSpace. The area businesses say additional parking is needed. The City does not own the lot at Wirt Road and Main Street. The City will only do something with the KidSpace building once the City determines where Town Hall will accommodate the programs scheduled there. The City will not sacrifice any program or event that occurs at KidSpace. There are still many options to discuss to determine the direction the City wants to go with the project. Mr. King will provide Mr. Kurey with his business card and would be happy to discuss the matter further with Mr. Kurey. VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 2023 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 Attachments: Ord. 2022-050 Exhibit A 143.05 Holidays.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-050. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, 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. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Ord. 2022-053 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO 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. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 2023 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. A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, 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 Council Member Cleary commented that he had a Ford representative in his office today, and they advised that the company can't fulfill half their orders. The police vehicles are not going to be Ford. Chief Casey Adams remarked it wouldn't be Chevy vehicles either; they did two-year plans last year. Mr. Cleary suggested looking into vehicle availability. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-059. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp B. 2nd Readings None C. 1st Readings Ord. 2023-003 City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 2023 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE AS TO THE PERMITTED USES IN THE ESTABLISHED ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 540 BLACKLICK STREET, PARCEL NO. 185-000254, CURRENTLY ZONED RESIDENTIAL (R-6), ALEX MEDVEC, APPLICANT Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Ord. 2023-003 Exhibit A.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2023-003. This Ordinance was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Ord. 2023-004 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO PURCHASE FITNESS EQUIPMENT FOR THE RECREATON DEPARTMENT UNDER THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE PLAN THEREBY WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING PURSUANT TO GROVEPORT CITY CHARTER SECTION 9.02(B) Sponsors: Hutson Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to suspend the rules regarding the three readings to consider this legislation tonight. If this Ordinance successfully passes tonight, it goes into effect in 30 days. City staff is asking to suspend the readings so the City can take advantage of the pricing with the cooperative purchasing agreement the City is going through for this fitness equipment. 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: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Recreation Director Seth Bower thanked Council; the new equipment will help the Recreation Center's fitness department. The City did a fitness consultation last fall. Upon its recommendations and input from the Center's members, this legislation will replace the older equipment with the new. The City is waiting to see the credit it will receive on trade-in for the old equipment. The Department is replacing older exercise bikes, ellipticals, and other equipment. There will also be some new equipment added, like rope climbers, stair steppers, and such. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2023-003.A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 2023 Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Res. 2023-002 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ADMISSION OF THE CITIES OF HILLIARD AND GAHANNA AS MEMBERS IN CORMA SELF-INSURANCE POOL, INC., 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 based on the reason set forth in the Ordinance regarding including these cities. 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: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Finance Director Jason Carr added that the CORMA Board had aggressively tried to add members to the group. The more members in the group, the better it will drive down costs and make it more presentable to insurance companies. Hilliard and Gahanna had favorable claims when CORMA did a risk assessment. The emergency language is due to Hilliard's liability insurance policy expiration. The CORMA Board needs six of its nine members to pass legislation allowing the admission of Hilliard and Gahanna. If Council passes this Ordinance as emergency legislation, it would be a yes vote to add these two cities as members. Other cities in CORMA are Westerville, Upper Arlington, Pickerington, Dublin, Grove City, Powell, Groveport, Canal Winchester, and Grandview Heights. The City has yet to learn the effect of two additional members on Groveport's premiums. Mr. Carr believes the Board uses a formula that considers six to eight items. Mr. King commented that he and Mr. Carr have discussed looking at other insurance pools this year to obtain quotes to compare what is available. A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to adopt as emergency legislation. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 2023 VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp referred to the email from Development Director Jeff Green about the dates for visiting local warehouse businesses. The Mayor and Mr. King will be visiting Saddle Creek tomorrow. There are still openings for Council Members to fit into their schedules. Mr. King plans to go on every business visit. Mayor Westcamp could go in the event Mr. King was not able to attend. It is a great opportunity for Council to see what businesses are in Groveport. Mayor Westcamp recommended the appointment of Shane Cartmill to serve on the Trees & Decorations Committee to replace former member John Detty. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to appoint Shane Cartmill to serve on the Trees & Decorations Committee. The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator BJ King appreciates the Council's support of the Administration's implementation of the 2023 capital items. Directors and staff will appreciate the new and additional equipment at the Recreation Center. Mr. King announced that the flags were half-staff in the City of Groveport. Governor DeWine ordered that all United States and Ohio flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims of the mass shooting in California. The flags are to remain lowered through Thursday. #020-2023 Admin Report to Council Attachments: Admin Report to Council January 23.pdf C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Casey Adams echoed Administrator King's sentiments on the Council's support of the budgeted 2023 capital items. He appreciates all the equipment provided to the officers. Chief Adams updated Council on the safety meeting held last Wednesday at the Groveport Madison Board of Education building. City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 2023 The students presented the safety forum of parents, law enforcement, and High School staff members with a few ideas on what to do about the issues at Groveport Madison High School. Those present wanted to know the pros and cons, the costs, and any other matters with the proposed solutions. The students were very informative. The Chief asked the students directly what their worries were when they were in school. Their answers give law enforcement areas to concentrate on monitoring. The parents want to be sure that the information on any decided procedures gets out to the public. They want these ideas implemented with parents, informing them what will happen. The School District takes the matter of safety very seriously. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director referred to his submitted report that identified seven expenditures needing re-certified by City Council in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.41(D). There are four expenditures related to 2023 calendar year expenses. One related to the Recreation Center, money was encumbered at the end of 2022, but the total invoiced amount was higher than what was encumbered. The last expenditure for Eight-One Consulting relates to the Building & Zoning Department, was inadvertently overlooked. Mr. Carr requested that Council consider a motion to re-certify the expenditures identified in the Finance Director's report in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.41(D). Council Member Jack Rupp wanted more information on the additional amount on the water bill for the Recreation Center. Mr. Carr stated that the billing period was September 16, 2022 through December 15, 2022, on the quarterly bill. Recreation Director Seth Bower had the indoor pool drained and refilled within that three month period. Budgets are estimated on the previous year's budget and this item was estimated a little low. Council may see these re-certifications of expenditures from time to time; normally at the beginning of a new year. One challenge is that since it is at the end of the calendar year, departments can't request purchase orders until Finance closes the year. It is a system rotation but as 2023 goes on, these requests should be minimal. Mayor Westcamp thanked Jason Carr for spending his birthday with us today! A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to re-certify the expenditures identified in the Finance Director's report in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.41(D). The motion carried by the following vote: Excused: 1- Dildine Yes: 5- Cleary, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp City of Groveport Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 2023 #021-2023 Finance Director Report Attachments: Finance_Director_Report_01_23_2023.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 Jack Rupp thanked Rick Palsgrove for his article in the Groveport Messenger concerning the discussions on school safety. Mr. Rupp thought it was a good article for the community. Council Member Lockett had talked to Ms. Wolcott, owner of the Birch Tavern, about the Birch expanding its takeout service since COVID-19. Ms. Wolcott would like Council to consider designating a couple of parking spaces behind her back door for carryout parking only. Council is aware of the parking issues in the area on Friday or Saturday nights. Patrons have to walk a distance to pick up an order. Council Member Cleary congratulated the Groveport Madison cheerleaders on all their accomplishments. Council Member Hilbert assured Mr. Kurey that City Council has a lot of discussion on each ordinance during its Committee of the Whole meetings. H. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Clerk of Council Ruthanne Sargus Ross had nothing further to report. I. Standing Committees Council Member Shawn Cleary had a brief update with Clerk of Council Ruthanne Ross on the cemetery software. Mr. Cleary stated the electronic layout of the Groveport Cemetery is coming along nicely. IX. Other Business None. City of Groveport Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes January 23, 2023 X. Adjournment A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to adjourn at 7:01 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 10