City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, October 28, 2024 6:30 PM Council Chambers City Council City Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 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, 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 Cleary V. Approval of Minutes The October 14, 2024 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #210-2024 October 14, 2024 City Council Meeting MInutes Attachments: 2024.10.14 City Council Meeting Minutes.pdf VI. Business of Guests VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings Ord. 2024-044 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES WITH THE DISTRICT ADVISORY COUNCIL OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT Sponsors: Hilbert Mrs. Hilbert wanted to confirm that this ordinance is for the services we City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 give our residents. Administrator King said it’s for plumbing inspections, inspections that need to be made for health issues, and more. Without this, residents would not have the services Franklin County provides. Mr. Dildine added that this became a requirement when we became a City. Mr. Rupp stated that the City of Worthington contracts with the City of Columbus and asked if there would be a benefit in doing so. Mr. King said he wouldn’t suggest going that route. Mr. Dildine agreed, and said that when we became a City we shopped around and Franklin County was the best fit. Mr. Rupp then asked who gets the permit fees for the plumbing inspections, to which Mr. King replied the Building & Zoning Department runs a report every month and that those fees are passed along to Franklin County. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary B. 2nd Readings 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 read by title Ord. 2024-045 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2025 Sponsors: Rupp Attachments: Ord. 2024-045 Exhibit A.pdf This Ordinance was read by title City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 C. 1st Readings Ord. 2024-041 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF PARCEL NOS. 185-000489, 185-000266, A PORTION OF 185-000321 (EXCLUDING A 2.65 ± FEET WIDE STRIP), AND A PORTION OF 185-000046 LOCATED ON MAIN STREET IN THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Rupp Law Director Shannon requested that Council consider making a motion to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date, for we have a signed contract on the part of Dr. Land as a representative for Razzle LLC, the owner of the property. We received that contract last Thursday and are holding that contract in escrow, pending adoption of this Ordinance. A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to suspend the rules as to the three readings and the effective date. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Ord. 2024-047 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE PATROL OFFICERS AND DETECTIVES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT WHO ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, CAPITAL CITY LODGE # 9, AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Cleary 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- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Ord. 2024-049 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF GROVEPORT - PART THREE - TRAFFIC CODE, TITLE FIVE - VEHICLES, CHAPTER 333 OVI; WILLFUL MISCONDUCT; SPEED, SECTION 333.11 ELECTRONIC WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE USE PROHIBITED WHILE DRIVING Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Ord. 2024-049 Exhibit A.pdf Mr. Shannon requested that this Ordinance be referred to the Committee of the Whole, and that Council keep in mind that the overall statutory scheme, as it relates to penalty, has a remedial aspect to it. Meaning if you are a first-time offender and take a distracted driving course, you do not have to pay a fine. He explained that he did not change the level of offenses but he did change the amount that can be charged as a penalty in each category. Mr. Rupp inquired if the penalties are consistent with the Ohio Revised Code. Mr. Shannon stated that our penalties are higher. This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole Ord. 2024-050 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART NINE - STREETS, UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE, TITLE ONE - STREET AND SIDEWALK AREA, CHAPTER 911 TREES AND SHRUBS, SECTION 911.04 TREE MAINTENANCE OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2024-050 Exhibit A.pdf This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole Ord. 2024-051 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART ELEVEN - PLANNING AND ZONING CODE, TITLE SEVEN - SUPPLEMENTAL LAND USE REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 1176 LANDSCAPING REGULATIONS, SECTION 1176.04 TREE REPLACEMENT MITIGATION PLAN AND REDACTING TITLE NINE - SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 1191 PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBDIVISION APPROVAL, SECTION 1191.17 TREE FUND FEES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF GROVEPORT, OHIO. Sponsors: Rupp Attachments: Ord. 2024-051 Exhibit A.pdf City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 This Ordinance was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Westcamp announced with great sadness that former Council Member Mark Green has passed away. He spoke kind words about Mr. Green and gave condolences to his loved ones. He then spoke on a positive note about Saturday's Groveport-Canal Winchester football game and celebrated our win. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator King expressed his anticipation for the upcoming block party on Halloween night, and informed Council that several staff members are going to be taking advantage of computer software courses provided by TechCred Ohio. He and Mayor Westcamp then discussed the moving of the voting polls from KidSpace to the Rec Center. C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Adams thanked the Mayor and Council for their support in passing the FOP Ordinance. He then said the Police Department is prepared for Halloween and gave highlights from his recent seminar in Boston that focused on recruiting, cyber security, and electronic surveillance. Mr. Cleary expressed his concerns for election night and asked if the Police Department will be fully staffed. Chief Adams assured him the Captain Blevins has taken the reigns and has a solid game plan for that night. Council and staff briefly discussed how many polling stations there are and their locations before moving on to the Halloween Block party preparations. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Carr gave highlights from the Finance Report and addressed Council concerns that had been expressed at the Committee of the Whole meeting about transfers to various funds. Council and staff discussed subsidies, the City's operational cost increases, and potential rate increases at length. It was decided to readdress the subject and brainstorm ways of raising revenue in early 2025. #211-2024 Finance Director Report City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Attachments: Finance Director Report.pdf E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon F. Development Director - Michael Loges G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Jack Rupp Mr. Rupp announced that he has arranged for Mike Morbitzer to present a school project at the November Committee of the Whole meeting. Mr. Cleary shared the passing of Groveport resident, former member of the Madison Township Fire Department and Football Hall of Fame inductee George Thompson. The Mayor and Council shared their condolences. He then spoke about the upcoming winter holidays and his eagerness for Council's involvement in the Firefighters 4 Kids Toy Drive again this year. It was decided to gather all donations for the Madison Township Fire Department collect at the December 9th Committee of the Whole Meeting. Lastly, Mr. Cleary raised his concerns about the Bixby Road and Ebright Road intersection, as there has been another recent accident there. Council and Staff spoke at length about the recently conducted traffic study, as well as possible ways of taking action. Mr. King said this issue is being addressed as soon as possible, and informed Council that he is partnering with Madison Township Administrator Susan Brobst to find solutions, and that our Police Department has increased patrols on those roads. Chief Adams stated that the majority of the traffic is either coming off of 33 or are using Ebright road as a pass through to Pickerington. Mrs. Hlbert inquired about indoor Pickleball hours at the Rec Center. Mr. Lockett said that generally, there is open Pickleball Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning until about noon. There is a limited time from 12-2 on Saturdays in one gym, and there is limited space on Sunday from about 2-5. Mrs. Hilbert confirmed with Mr. Lockett that there is still plenty of open time for people to use the courts for basketball. She then raised the question of putting in handicap spaces in front of the businesses on Main Street. Administrator King said that is something we do certainly need and he looks forward to working on it. Mayor Westcamp questioned the parking situation on election day and it was decided that we would open up the parking spots at the Senior Center, as the Senior Center would not have any activities that day. City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 H. Clerk of Council - Mindy Kay I. Standing Committees IX. Other Business X. Adjournment Council Member Cleary made a motion, seconded by Council Member Dildine to adjourn at 7: 19 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 7