City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, September 9, 2024 6:30 PM Council Chambers City Council City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2024 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, Michael Loges - Development Director, 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 Absent: 1 - Shawn Cleary Present: 5 - Edward Dildine, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett, Jack Rupp, and Jean Ann Hilbert A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Rupp, to excuse Council Member Cleary from tonight's meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert V. Approval of Minutes The August 26, 2024 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #169-2024 2024.08.26 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: 2024.08.26 City Council Meeting Minutes.pdf VI. Business of Guests VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2024 Ord. 2024-034 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT GRANTS FROM STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCES FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, VIDEO EQUIPMENT, TRAILER MONITORING EQUIPMENT, GENERATOR, SOLAR PANELS, AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE ANY AGREEMENTS NECESSARY TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDING (PROJECT SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS GRANT# 2022-PS-PSD-459). Sponsors: Hilbert Chief Adams reported that we still haven’t received the grant in total yet but once that takes place we will go ahead and order the new trailer. Mr. Rupp asked how many times we’ve been successful with this grant. Chief Adams explained that we’ve been successful three times and they like the originality of our plan to keep the trailer mobile instead of just sticking it at a park or Kroger. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert Ord. 2024-035 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH BENJAMIN JAMES KING TO SERVE AS CITY ADMINISTRATOR Sponsors: Rupp Attachments: Ord. 2024-035 Exhibit A revised.pdf Law Director Shannon stated that based on discussions, there is a request for a motion to amend to reflect the most current Exhibit A before we go for a final vote. A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to amend Exhibit A. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert Ord. 2024-036 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH JASON CARR TO SERVE AS CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER/DIRECTOR OF FINANCE FOR THE CITY City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2024 OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: Ord. 2024-036 Exhibit A revised.pdf Law Director Shannon requested a motion to amend to reflect the most current Exhibit A. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to amend Exhibit A. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert B. 2nd Readings Ord. 2024-037 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART NINE - STREETS, UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Cleary Attachments: Ord. 2024-037 Exhibit A.pdf This Ordinance was read by title Ord. 2024-038 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING BILLING RATES FOR WATER, SEWER, CLEAN RIVER AND STORMWATER UTILITIES Sponsors: Hutson This Ordinance was read by title Ord. 2024-039 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COLUMBUS SEWER MAINTENANCE FUND Sponsors: Dildine This Ordinance was read by title ++Ord. 2024-040 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 15-083 AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COLUMBUS WATER MAINTENANCE FUND Sponsors: Hilbert City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2024 This Ordinance was read by title C. 1st Readings Ord. 2024-042 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 2005-090 AUTHORIZING A CASH BENEFIT FOR EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE HEALTH INSURANCE AND CHOOSE NOT TO RECEIVE SAID COVERAGE Sponsors: Lockett This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole Ord. 2024-043 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A MODIFICATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR PARCEL NUMBERS 185-002871, 185-002872, 185-002873, 185-002874, 185-002875, AND 185-002876, LOCATED ON CROW AVENUE IN THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Cleary Attachments: Ord. 2024-043 Exhibit A.pdf This Ordinance was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission Res. 2024-006 A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 2024 GROVEPORT TAX INCENTIVE REVIEW COUNCIL (TIRC) REGARDING THE CONTINUATION, MODIFICATION, OR CANCELLATION OF ALL PROPERTY TAX INCENTIVES BASED ON THE EVALUATION OF REPORTING YEAR 2023; AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hutson Attachments: Res. 2024-006 Exhibit A.pdf A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, 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: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert Res. 2024-007 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2024 DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Res. 2025-007 Exhibit A.pdf Law Director Shannon requested a motion to pass as emergency language as to meet the deadline for filing. 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: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Westcamp spoke briefly about the dry weather and burn ban. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator King reminded Council and staff about FidsFest this Saturday 9-12 at Groveport Park. He added that we are in the middle of budget prep, that he is looking forward to presenting it to Council on the first meeting in October, and that our new IT Director will be starting on the 26th. C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Adams added to the dry grass discussion by reporting that we’ve already had to put out a couple grass fires. He said the Police Department is looking forward to participating in the upcoming fall events like KidsFest this Saturday. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Carr thanked Council for their support in approving the contracts and expressed how grateful he is to work for the City of Groveport. He announced that RITA has issued 2,025 non-filer letters for those who may have neglected to file an income tax return for calendar City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2024 year 2023 and said to direct any questions to him. He then mentioned the two addendums to the utility report he had emailed out to Council for next week's Committee of the Whole meeting. he encouraged Council to reach out with any questions. Mr. Carr and Council briefly discussed information about the RITA letter going our on social media to keep residents aware. #170-2024 2024 Groveport Rate Study, Addendum#1, & Addendum#2 Attachments: 2024 Groveport Rate Study, Addendum#1, & Addendum#2.pdf E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon F. Development Director - Michael Loges Development Director Loges spoke on the topic of City of Columbus water and sewer rates. He said the City of Columbus utilizes SWAB, the Sewer and Water Advisory Board. They meet four times a year and make recommendations to Columbus City Council for their rates. He said he and City Engineer Farst are attending their next meeting on Wednesday. He then gave some highlights from his monthly report that will be submitted at the Committee of the Whole meeting, including possible real estate sales in downtown Groveport. G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Jack Rupp Mr. Dildine reported that the burn ban is not so much for Franklin County, but for the south of us in Pickaway and Fairfield. He said if the weather doesn’t ease up he could definitely see it expanding. He added that we’ve already seen grass fires from cigarettes and urged all to be careful and cognizant working outside and while grilling. He turned his attention toward the upcoming 9/11 Ceremony at Mott’s Military Museum and told everyone about a watch to be presented to Mr. Mott’s that is made of materials from the World Trade Center. Mr. Motts also has an exhibit at the Museum containing several artifacts from 9/11 that will be unveiled after the Ceremony. H. Clerk of Council - Mindy Kay I. Standing Committees Mr. Dildine gave updates on military banners, tree inventory, vendor issues with ordering tree plaques, Apple Butter Day planning, and Haunted Park event planning discussed in the previously held Trees & City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2024 Decorations Committee meeting. IX. Other Business Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council consider going into executive session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Sections 121.22(G) (1), 121.22(G)(2) and 121.22(G)(3) at 7:03 p.m. to discuss land acquisition, and pending and/or imminent litigation and invited the Mayor, Council, Administrator, Finance Director and himself. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to go into Executive Session at 6:57pm. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to come out of Executive Session at 7:35pm. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp and Hilbert X. Adjournment Council Member Hutson made a motion, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. All in favor stated AYE, None Opposed. Motion passed. __________________________________________ Edward Dildne, President Pro Tem __________________________________________ 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 7