City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, October 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 October 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, Mindy Kay - 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 Present: 6 - Shawn M. Cleary, Edward Dildine, Jean Ann Hilbert, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett, and Jack Rupp V. Approval of Minutes The October 9, 2023 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #227-2023 October 9, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: 2023.10.09 City Council Meeting Minutes.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Swearing-In of Police Officer Chief Adams stated that we started the hiring process in July for two patrol officers and we were able to find one from the list at that time. He introduced Josh Dillard, who is a Groveport graduate from the class of ’06. It’s nice to have someone from our area who knows about Groveport and all of our festivals and events. He really stood out in our interviews when it comes to family, community, and everything we’re looking for in a Groveport Police Officer. He just graduated from the Eastland Adult Education Academy in may and has been working as a Reserve Police City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes October 23, 2023 Officer at Buckeye Lake. He made it known in his interviews that this is where he wanted to be. Chief Adams said we are very happy to have him here, and proceeded to introduce Officer Dillard’s family to Council. Law Director Kevin Shannon proceeded with the swearing-In ceremony. B. GMS Deputy Superintendent Smathers Deputy Superintendent Paul Smathers updated Council about safety in the schools. He said we just had our last football game, and as Council is aware, we had a heck of a time last year with football season and school safety. This year we did not. We started off with the Canal situation, but because of the things we had implemented last year along with our preparedness and collaboration, we were ready for that and for the rest of the season. We finished our season with a 31-0 win over Central Crossing and we are in the playoffs against Hilliard-Darby. He went on to speak about the school’s safety protocols and procedures that have been implemented, not only at football games but sat the school as well. We’ve added safety and security, social workers, school nurses, health safety monitors, and have a collaboration with Concord Health Services for mental health services and SEL (Social Emotional Learning). We’ve added the security zone at the football games, put up fence, and we have awnings over our Evolv systems so that you cannot enter our stadium without going through the Evolv system. He added that the main thing is that Chief Adams and Lieutenant Short were with us every step of the way. We have met during the week and with opposing football teams, their staff and their administration to make sure we crossed every T and dotted every I. We had zero incidents at our football games this year and it was one of the best seasons we’ve had in a long time. On top of that Chief Adams pout in a safety camera by the tennis courts and softball field and added extra lighting. He added special duty police officers during the games to help us. We also worked with first responders at Madison Township Fire Department. He said it couldn’t have gone this well without the partnership and collaboration we’ve had with the City, the Police department, and Lieutenant Short. Mr. Dildine stated he was proud of the collaboration with Canal Winchester after the incident to make sure they were safe too. The collaboration between two school districts, even as rivals, to make sure the kids are safe goes well above and beyond. Mr. Smathers said we were ready and told Council the school has an extensive plan for our athletic events, including the upcoming basketball season. He added that other schools in the area are asking us what we are doing, so we are talking and collaborating with them. Mrs. Hilbert asked if these safety measures have carried over into the school building itself. Mr. Smathers said with their extensive safety plan, the focus on making sure the kids are safe, secure, comfortable City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes October 23, 2023 and welcome has really made a difference in the culture of the school. Where you’ll see it the most is at the high school because that was where we were seeing most of the incidents. We’re not seeing those same incidents as much and not as volatile and frightening. We haven’t found anything, and nobody has brought anything to our school this year. Mr. Rupp asked how fast we’re getting people through the Evolv system in the mornings and what the cooperation is there. Mr. Smathers said we’ve got the extra security staff, hired classified staff to help us out, along with administrators and we can get the kids off the buses, through the doors and in their classes by the start of school. It took us a little bit of time to figure that out. The first couple weeks we just kept chipping away at that time-frame, and now they’re in their first period on time every day. Mrs. Hilbert commented that they’re not bringing anything because they know they can’t get it in. Mr. Smathers agreed and said once we helped the kids understand what causes the alert they stopped bringing it. He said Council is more than welcome to come in the morning to see the process. He added that the kids are greeted with a warm and friendly welcome by staff every morning and it’s really nice to see. Mr. Lockett inquired if Cruiser Accel is open now, to which Mr. Smathers said yes. He added that there is an Evolv system there as well. It’s up and running and doing very well. There are about one hundred and fifty kids there and we can have one hundred and eighty. Mr. Lockett asked if it was primarily programs like credit recovery. Mr. Smathers said there are some programs for credit recovery, attainment, and there are some kids who thrive in blended learning environments so we try to help them out. It’s more of an additional option for the kids, not just a credit recovery. Mr. Rupp asked Mr. Smathers to touch on the vestibule changes as well. Mr. Smathers explained the safer entry ways and visitor management system. He said we built vestibules at all of our schools except for the high school, which already had it. If you’re coming to visit or pick up your child, you buzz in and you scan your ID, which would be your state ID or drivers license, and it runs a check to make sure you’re ok and who you say you are. If this passed you are let in and if not, someone will come out to talk to you or you will be asked not to come in. This doesn’t happen often, but it makes sure people are who they say they are and our kids are safe within our building. If someone comes regularly or every day they can download the app so it remembers who you are and make the process quicker. You would still have to check in and show proof of ID. Even if a secretary knows who you are, you still have to run the check in procedure. This has been very well received with the parents and they are very happy with this system. Mr. Cleary applauded Mr. Smathers for coming out to the school crosswalk and said it was nice to see our own first graders from City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes October 23, 2023 Groveport reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on Channel 4 News. Mr. Smathers said the Pledge is something all of our Elementary schools are doing and that he has been observing the corner of Wirt, Front and Main. He has been watching how arrivals and dismissals are happening and there will be a meeting to discuss it. Mayor Westcamp asked the members of Council if they would like to make a motion to support the school levy. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to support the school levy. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings Ord. 2023-034 AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE ANNEXATION 1.94 ACRES, OF MORE OR LESS, PARCEL NUMBER 180-000921, LOCATED IN MADISON TOWNSHIP UPON ANNEXATION OF SAID TRACT TO THE CITY OF GROVEPORT (DAVID H. ARLINGTON AND DAWN A. ARLINGTON, PETITIONERS) Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Exhibit A.pdf Law Director Shannon said based upon the presentation we had last week, in his perspective there were a lot of things left up in the air as far as potential development agreements and what exactly they were going to do. He said that in conferring with Mr. King, he doesn’t know that he could tell Council that this is in proper position to move forward tonight as far as a vote. Mr. King agreed that it is not. Mr. Shannon suggested postponing to the next Council meeting. Mr. King added that the annexation could pass the deadline of one hundred twenty days, then the developer would have to start the process over. But at the same time, to have Council move forward with this, having a lot of unanswered questions about the development would not be proper in his opinion. He recommended taking no action tonight. Mr. Shannon agreed and said we need to get with the developer before the next meeting and find out exactly what their intentions are. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to postpone to the first meeting in November. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes October 23, 2023 Ord. 2023-037 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2023-028 ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF GROVEPORT’S POLICE DEPARTMENT STRENGTH OF STAFF. Sponsors: Dildine Mr. Shannon informed sponsor Mr. Dildine that staff is requesting he make a motion to postpone this ordinance indefinitely. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to postpone indefinitely. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Ord. 2023-039 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY'S COMPENSATION PLAN ESTABLISHED IN ORDINANCE 2012-010 (ADOPTED 5-9-2012) AND ORDINANCE 2017-002 (ADOPTED 1-23-2017), WHICH AMENDED THE SAME, THEREBY AMENDING THE CURRENT PAY SCALE FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Rupp Attachments: Ord. 2023-039 Exhibit A.pdf A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp B. 2nd Readings Ord. 2023-040 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024 Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2023-040 Exhibit A.pdf This Ordinance was read by title Ord. 2023-041 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE RECREATION CENTER CAPITAL ACCOUNT FUND AND RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 2019-047 (ADOPTED 11/12/2019) Sponsors: Lockett This Ordinance was read by title City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes October 23, 2023 C. 1st Readings Res. 2023-006 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2023/2024 FRANKLIN COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL NATURAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE Sponsors: Hilbert This Resolution was referred to the Committee of the Whole Ord. 2023-042 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE MID-OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE COLUMBUS URBANIZED AREA FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) FUNDING FROM THE ENHANCED MOBILITY FOR OLDER ADULTS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM (SECTION 5310), AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE ANY AGREEMENTS NECESSARY TO RECEIVE SAID GRANT FUNDING, AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hutson Mr. Shannon informed sponsor Mrs. Hutson that staff is requesting she make a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date based on the reason set forth in the ordinance as it relates to timelines that we’re under. Mr. King added that this is similar to another transportation grant that we do every year for the Senior Center. Moving forward, we will do this at the beginning of the year so that we don’t have to do it as an emergency. 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 Mr. Cleary asked if this just upgrades our current equipment. Mr. King stated this is an opportunity to upgrade our current equipment and we're still waiting on vehicles from two years ago. This puts us in line to continue to get funding for vehicles when they become available. Ord. 2023-043 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 15-007 (ADOPTED 02/23/2015), PART ONE - ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, TITLE NINE - TAXATION, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes October 23, 2023 GROVEPORT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 182 - INCOME TAX, AND FURTHER AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 16-049 (ADOPTED 11/28/2016), ORDINANCE NO.18-070 (ADOPTED 12/17/2018), ORDINANCE NO. 2020-037 (ADOPTED 11/9/2020), AND ORDINANCE NO. 2021-038 (ADOPTED 08/09/2021) WHICH AMENDED THE SAME Sponsors: Dildine This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole Ord. 2023-044 AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING AND DEDICATING AS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS THE WATER MAIN AND SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REDWOOD DEVELOPMENT ON HENDRON ROAD Sponsors: Cleary This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole Ord. 2023-045 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A MODIFICATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 325 MAIN STREET, PARCEL NUMBERS 185-003037 & 185-003038 Sponsors: Rupp Attachments: Ord. 2023-045 Exhibit A.pdf This Ordinance was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission Ord. 2023-046 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2023-028 ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF GROVEPORT’S POLICE DEPARTMENT STRENGTH OF STAFF BY CREATING AN ADDITIONAL SERGEANT POSITION AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: Ord. 2023-046 Exhibit A.pdf Mr. Shannon informed sponsor Mr. Lockett that staff is requesting she make a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date so that the Police department has the ability to move forward with the implementation of the additional Sergeant position. He said we also have in the body or the ordinance information that Council was requesting, as to a clearer picture and total numbers of staff including full-time officers, Sergeants, Patrolmen, etc. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, 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: City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes October 23, 2023 Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp Mr. Cleary wanted to make sure that this is an additional Sergeant position that is being promoted to from within the department, and we're not replacing the regular Detective. Chief Adams confirmed that we are promoting from within. VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Westcamp the Human Needs Banquet the other night was a great time and it made him realize besides Groveport Human needs, our local Food Pantry does so much for our community. They do a wonderful job and have great people on their board. He then informed Council of a vacancy on the Cemetery Committee and that he’d like to recommend John Detty. He said Mr. Detty is retired from the City of Groveport and is still involved in our great community. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to appoint John Detty to the Cemetery Committee. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator King expressed how glad he is to welcome Mr. Detty to the Cemetery Committee and gave kudos to how well the Haunted Park went last weekend. C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Adams thanked Council for creating the new Sergeants position. He said it is going to help with the department’s current and continued growth. He then spoke about Halloween coming up next Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00. Mrs. Wyke has a lot of vendors for Front Street and the camera trailer with the scene lights will be out to light up that area. He said the camera trailer was out during the Haunted Park and as he was monitoring it he noticed the line was quite substantial on Saturday night, going at least halfway or three-quarters of the way to the back of the parking lot. It was nice to see so many kids at the event. We are going to be posting the second officer’s position on November 1st and will leave that open for thirty days. Hopefully we get a little more interest than we did City of Groveport Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes October 23, 2023 the last time. The Mayor asked if he will be handing out hotdogs at this year’s trick-or-treat. He said Community Affairs will be giving out chicken fingers from Raising Cane’s. Mr. Cleary said Front Street does it right. It’s where everybody goes and they always have a lot to pass out. Mayor Westcamp agreed and said it’s a big plus that The Moose and the Fire Department get involved as well. He said The Moose is really involved with the community and last year they ran out of candy in about twenty-five minutes. They were amazed at how many kids we get. Mr. Dildine said it works out a lot better having everything on Front Street as opposed to when it used to be at the Municipal Building. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Carr asked Council for a motion to recertify two expenditures that are listed in his report. One is for the Horse-N-Round Fund for pony rides at Apple Butter Day in the amount of $3,655.80. The other is Core & Main LLP for the purchase of water meters for the Public Services Department in the amount of $4,141.80. He added that we will send out a letter to all residents notifying them of the new credit and debit card process through Paya. #228-2023 Finance Director Report Attachments: Finance Director Report.pdf A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Rupp, to approve the two expenditures. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary, Dildine, Hilbert, Hutson, Lockett and Rupp E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon F. Development Director G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Jack Rupp Mr. Rupp spoke about Groveport-Madison Human Needs and what an enjoyable experience it was. He said he’d like to see more people from the community there but it was a great and enlightening event. Mrs. Hutson said she enjoyed the event as well and the Human Needs Director Christine is a major key. City of Groveport Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes October 23, 2023 Mr. Cleary asked if there were funds allocated in the 2024 budget for a few vehicles. He told Council he was notified by Ford today that their gasoline engines will not be available until 2024. This puts us back on what we had on order. He said we should jump on any state bids as soon as possible. Mr. King agreed and said the 5310 is for vehicles and we’re still waiting. Mr. Cleary said if something becomes available to bring it to Council and we will move forward. The parts and labor shortage are definitely things we need to think about moving forward. Mrs. Hilbert stated that Christine is looking for someone who feels really called to take on the Adopt A Family part of their mission work at Human Needs. They can contact Human Needs and it would be a big help. Mr. Cleary mentioned the Firefighters For Kids program Council participated in last year and how he thinks that was a great thing to continue to do. Mayor Westcamp said we should start planning that now. H. Clerk of Council - Mindy Kay I. Standing Committees IX. Other Business X. Adjournment Council Member Hilbert made a motion, seconded by Council Member Cleary to adjourn at 7: 15 p.m. All in favor stated AYE, None Opposed. Motion passed. __________________________________________ Lance Westcamp, Mayor __________________________________________ Mindy Kay 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