City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, December 16, 2024 6:30 PM Council Chambers City Council City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 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, Casey Adams - Chief of Police, Mike Poirier - Chief Building Official, Steve Farst - City Engineer, 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 November 25, 2024 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #246-2024 November 25, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: 2024.11.25 City Council Meeting Minutes.pdf VI. Business of Guests VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings 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 City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 ORDINANCES OF GROVEPORT, OHIO. Sponsors: Rupp Attachments: Ord. 2024-051 Exhibit A.pdf A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Ord. 2024-052 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART THREE - TRAFFIC CODE, TITLE FIVE - VEHICLES, CHAPTER 333 - OVI; WILLFUL MISCONDUCT; SPEED OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: Ord. 2024-052 Exhibit A.pdf Mrs. Hilbert asked for more details about this Ordinance. Law Director Shannon explained that this Ordinance covers a very small section of the roadway on Hayes road, to be consistent with what the county is doing from Pontius road all the way to Lithopolis. City Engineer Farst added that a speed study had been done and concluded that it is appropriate to lower the speed limit 50mph. Mrs. Hilbert commented that the same had been done to Groveport road. Mr. Farst then informed Council that the county commissioners had passed a resolution and are moving forward with the speed limit change. Mrs. Hilbert confirmed with Mr. Farst that we are only responsible for a small portion of Hayes road. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, 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. 2024-053 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE PORT ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PHASE 2 PROJECT Sponsors: Cleary This Ordinance was read by title Ord. 2024-054 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE STATE ROUTE 317 AT FIREHOUSE LANE PHASE 2 STREET IMPROVEMENT Sponsors: Hutson This Ordinance was read by title Ord. 2024-055 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR THE DIRECTORS BLVD. STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT Sponsors: Dildine This Ordinance was read by title Ord. 2024-056 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT BIDS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 2025 STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Sponsors: Hilbert This Ordinance was read by title C. 1st Readings Ord. 2024-058 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-014 (ADOPTED 2/26/2024), THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024 Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: Ord. 2024-058 Exhibit A.pdf A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, 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 Lockett, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Ord. 2024-059 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-015 (ADOPTED City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 2/26/2024), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF CASH FUND BALANCES Sponsors: Hutson Attachments: Ord. 2024-059 Exhibit A.pdf A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, 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: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Ord. 2024-060 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO INSTALL FOUR-WAY STOP SIGN TRAFFIC CONTROL AT THE INTERSECTION OF EBRIGHT ROAD AND BIXBY ROAD, AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Cleary Mr. Cleary conveyed the importance of using social media to spread awareness about the traffic signal change at this intersection and to urge the public to slow down and use caution while driving. He said this is a much needed change and hopes all motorists adjust well to it. Mr. Rupp asked Chief Adams if a four way stop could potentially help improve traffic flow on both Ebright and Bixby. Chief Adams spoke to how backed up each road can get, so a four way stop keeping traffic constantly flowing should have a positive effect. He said unfortunately it can't stop all traffic accidents but he is hopeful that they will significantly decrease, and that the neighboring residents are thrilled for the traffic signal change. Mrs. Hilbert noted the positive effect the four way stop had at Shannon and Brice, as well as the three way stop on Hill Road by Meijer. She said you don't see people get too upset, as they're just glad to get through. Mr. Cleary agreed and said a four way stop here is much more feasible than a roundabout as well. Mr. King said he has already signed a quote for message boards to be put out in advance to notify motorists of the upcoming signal change. 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 Dildine, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Ord. 2024-061 City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE AS TO THE PERMITTED USES IN THE ESTABLISHED ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4685 HOMER OHIO LANE, PARCEL NO. 185-001424, CURRENTLY ZONED PLANNED INDUSTRIAL PARK (PIP), NEXGREEN, APPLICANT Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Ord. 2024-061 Exhibit A.pdf This Ordinance was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission Ord. 2024-062 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE AS TO THE PERMITTED USES IN THE ESTABLISHED ZONING DISTRICT AND AN AREA VARIANCE FOR THE EAST BUFFER YARD FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6031 GROVEPORT ROAD, PARCEL NO. 185-000916, CURRENTLY ZONED COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC), AUTOZONE DEVELOPMENT, LLC, APPLICANT. Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2024-062 Exhibit A.pdf Ord. 2024-062 Exhibit B.pdf Ord. 2024-062 Exhibit C.pdf Ord. 2024-062 Exhibit D.pdf This Ordinance was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission Ord. 2024-063 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH EMH&T FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE WIRT ROAD REALIGNMENT AND MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT REDESIGN PROJECT, WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING PURSUANT TO GROVEPORT CITY CHARTER SECTIONS 9.02(B), 7.03 AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Rupp A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, 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 Rupp, 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 5 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Westcamp stated it's that time of year to conduct reappointments for our boards and commissions. He first recommended Mr. Cleary and Mr. Dildine to the Volunteer Peace Officers' Dependents Fund Board. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to appoint Mr. Cleary and Mr. Dildine to the Volunteer Peace Officers' Dependents Fund Board. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Mayor Westcamp recommended Scott Clinger to the Board of Zoning Appeals. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to appoint Scott Clinger to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Mayor Westcamp recommended Pat Pickett to the Board of Zoning Appeals. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Rupp, to appoint Pat Pickett to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Mayor Westcamp recommended Mr. Cleary to the Cemetery Committee. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to appoint Mr. Cleary to the Cemetery Committee. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Mayor Westcamp recommended Jeff Fasone to the Personnel Board of Review. City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to appoint Jeff Fasone to the Personnel Board of Review. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Mayor Westcamp recommended Mrs. Hutson for the Planning & Zoning Commission A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to appoint Mrs. Hutson to the Planning & Zoning Commission. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Mayor Westcamp recommended himself, Mr. King, Mr. Shannon, Mr. Carr, Mrs. Hilbert, and Ms. Kay for another term on the Records Commission A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to appoint Mayor Westcamp, Mr. King, Mr. Shannon, Mr. Carr, Mrs. Hilbert, and Ms. Kay for another term on the Records Commission. . The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Mayor Westcamp recommended Bruce Smith for the Trees and Decorations Committee. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to appoint Bruce Smith to the Trees & Decorations Committee. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Mayor Westcamp reported that there is still one vacancy on the Trees and Decorations Committee, as Leah Keller has resigned. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator King commented on how great the Mayor's annual holiday luncheon was on Friday and expressed how greatly he is looking forward to 2025. He announced that, thanks to the great work done by Walt Wagner, that we have received a $35,000 grant from SWACO to replace City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 the trash cans along Main street and in the parks, and to add recycling bins as well. Mr. Cleary stated that the project at the Rec Center has been going on for a long time and asked if we could have the contractor provide an update.Mr. King said more panels will be arriving in January and that unfortunately, the equipment will have to stay where it is for now. It's taking a lot longer than anticipated due to problems with old construction that were uncovered. He said once it is finally done it will all be done right, and agreed to make sure an update gets posted to the public. Mr. Cleary then inquired if Hilly Alley is slated for construction updates. Mr. Farst confirmed that he and Mr. Strayer had met with our consultant to obtain estimates on paving replacements. Mr. Cleary mentioned the bricks at Veterans Park, and how even though they were installed in 2004, they're starting to severely erode. He said he is going to meet Mr. Strayer there to assess the damage and suggested we go back and engrave the bricks again. C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Adams reported that the Police Department is fully staffed and ready for the Christmas holiday, and provided an update on grant funding for camera trailers. Council and staff moved onto talk about school safety in light of the recent school shooting in Wisconsin and the recent outbreak in fights at the high school. Chief Adams explained that we have been partnering with the school and Madison Township PD to handle situations as they occur, and that charges are being filed depending on the nature of the fights. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr #250-2024 Finance Director Report 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 Each Council Member wished everyone a happy holiday and thanked City of Groveport Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 Mayor Westcamp for providing a wonderful luncheon for everyone on Friday. Mr. King congratulated Mayor Westcamp, who was presented with an honorary badge from Madison Township Fire Department at the luncheon. Mayor Westcamp expressed what a great honor it is and spoke proudly about the Fire Department. H. Clerk of Council - Mindy Kay A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to approve the 2025 meeting Schedule. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary #251-2024 2025 Meeting Schedule Attachments: 2025 Meeting Schedule.pdf I. Standing Committees IX. Other Business X. Adjournment Council Member Cleary made a motion, seconded by Council Member Dildine to adjourn at 7: 11 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 9