City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, June 24, 2024 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 June 24, 2024 I. Call to Order Mayor Lance Westcamp called the City Council meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Staff Present: BJ King - Administrator, Jason Carr - Director of Finance, Michael Loges - Economic Development Director, 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 - Edward Dildine, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett, Jack Rupp, Jean Ann Hilbert, and Shawn M. Cleary V. Approval of Minutes The June 10, 2024 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #127-2024 June 10, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: 2024.06.10 City Council Meeting Minutes.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Cheryl Raver-Irving Cheryl Raver-Irving gave kudos to Council Member Rupp for bringing forth the Navigate 360 program to help our schoolchildren. She then thanked Council and staff for knowing how to deal compassionately and patiently with the citizens of Groveport when it comes to allowing people to speak, having regular and attenable meetings, and providing clear and concise agendas. She went on to quote “It takes a lifetime to build a reputation and a minute to destroy it.” She then advised Council and staff to be careful for whom the gift of money through profit sharing is made. She said the City has the right to question where that money goes and how it will be used. City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes June 24, 2024 VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings B. 2nd Readings C. 1st Readings Ord. 2024-030 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A MODIFICATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 5630 SALTZGABER ROAD, PARCEL NUMBER 185-002996 Sponsors: Hutson Attachments: Ord. 2024-030 Exhibit A.pdf This Ordinance was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Westcamp reiterated the Fourth of July celebration schedule for the residents in attendance. He opened the floor for Chief Adams to explain the Police Department’s plan of action, including how many officers will be on patrol during certain time frames. Chief Adams went on to say that if an officer witnesses someone lighting a firework in their presence, they will take appropriate action, which can include the criminal charge of a misdemeanor of the first degree, six months in jail and a thousand dollar fine. Mrs. Hilbert expressed her concerns about how dry the weather has been and Chief Adams agreed it is a big concern. Administrator King went on to announce that our new Development Director Michael Loges will have the honor of announcing the parade procession. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator King continued the Fourth of July discussion by stating the Council Float is coming along nicely. He said we are using a new software this year that organizes the parade in real time, so if somebody doesn’t show up they can be deleted and Mr. Loges will have access to the most current list. He announced Groveport Day at Mott’s Military Museum is coming up August 17th for residents from 9:00am-5:00pm City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes June 24, 2024 and informed council that Nelson Track has been hired by AEP to clear the easement that runs east to west through the city and through he Hickory Grove and Elmont subdivisions. Mr. King and Council briefly discussed details of the easement clearing. C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Adams reported on the first of the heavy loads to come through the city. He said it traveled surprisingly quick up 317 with no complaints or major traffic backups. Mr. King added they probably won’t have to stay overnight again because they move at such a nice pace. Council commented on the size of the truck and how smoothly the route went, and stressed the importance of making sure the bolts on the light poles get replaced with new ones. Mrs. Hutson pointed out that the concrete at the roundabout has been crushed. Mayor Westcamp said that wasn’t from a heavy load, but from other semi-trucks coming through. Chief Adams stated it’s been like that for a while. Council continued to discuss the concrete at the roundabout and how it was put in by ODOT. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Carr informed Council that the City was recently approached by Civica CMI, our software provider for Mayors Court. He said they are going to be implementing a new software program and our current one will be phased out in August of next year. After discussions with Civica CMI, they quoted the new software at an implementation fee $55,000 and annual fee of $13,500. He explained that he and Mayors Court Clerk Rachel Ricker found another software with Baldwin Group that is very similar and services Obetz, Gahanna, and some other central Ohio Communities. Mrs. Ricker traveled to Gahanna to check the software out. The cost of implementation of the Baldwin Group software is $19,000 with an annual fee of only $2,200. Mr. Carr said with a savings of about $34,000, we will be going with Baldwin Group. E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon F. Development Director - Michael Loges Development Director Loges spoke about the success of last weekend’s air show and how he had attended a great meeting held by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority about development. He reported that the Pizzuti warehouse on 317 across from the high school is for lease under a new broker. Mrs. Hutson asked about the signs on the Travelers Insurance office on Main street. Mr. Loges said that building is being City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes June 24, 2024 looked into by a business but nothing is finalized yet. They would have to make applications to Planning and Zoning for a number of variances related to parking, signage, and a couple other things. He went on to explain that there is an application at 534 Main street that has something that needs to be addressed by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mrs. Hutson commented that they shouldn’t be putting signs up before they’re approved and that everyone’s been asking about it. Mr. Loges replied that the expected operator for that site has been especially difficult to work with and if the signs are up, they’re in violation. He then reported the site of the former animal clinic that relocated to Hendren road was listed on Friday. The owner is retaining the property for lease and the thought of having a dog groomer or doggie daycare had been suggested because the property is so well suited for those uses. G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Jack Rupp Mr. Cleary spoke about Officer Pack in light of her retirement and recognized her for her contributions to the Police Department and our City. Mr. Dildine commented how the temperature is supposed to be in the upper 90s over the July 3rd and 4th celebrations. He said we will be having special duty from the Madison Township Fire Department. Mrs. Hilbert inquired if we could hook up misting fans. Mr. King said we could definitely look into it. The Mayor and Council spoke briefly about the heat and making sure people are safe. They then spoke about special parking for businesses that will be open on the 3rd. Chief Adams, Mr. Loges and Mr. King all assured Council that there is a plan in place for those businesses. H. Clerk of Council - Mindy Kay I. Standing Committees IX. Other Business City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes June 24, 2024 X. Adjournment Council Member Cleary made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hilbert to adjourn at 7: 00 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 5