City Council

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, February 24, 2025 6:30 PM Council Chambers City Council City Council Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 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, Public Services Director - Brian Strayer, Recreation Director - Seth Bower, 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 Present: 7 - Edward Dildine, Edward Dildine, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett, Jack Rupp, Jean Ann Hilbert, and Shawn Cleary V. Approval of Minutes The February 10, 2024 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #030-2025 February 10, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Attachments: 2025.02.10 City Council Meeting Minutes.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Warren Motts - Motts Military Museum Warren Motts greeted Council and gave an overview of the year's events at Motts Military Museum. B. SWACO Community Waste Reduction Grant Award SWACO Executive Director Joe Lombardi, Director of Communications Hanna Greer, and Director of Human Resources Theresa Feldmeier were in attendance. Mr. Lombardi presented the City with a ceremonial check of $35,000 from SWACO's Community Waste Reduction Grant City of Groveport Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 program to support the City's efforts to install permanent recycling containers along the downtown streets and in the parks. He said that SWACO has awarded over $250,000 to twelve organizations in central Ohio. Public Services Director Strayer further explained that this grant money is going to be used to replace all of the trash cans on main street with dual trash and recycling bins. He thanked SWACO for their partnership. VII. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings B. 2nd Readings 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 read by title Ord. 2025-002 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR THE RECREATION CENTER THEREBY AMENDING THE FEE SCHEDULE SET FORTH IN ORDINANCE NO. 2019-018 Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2025-002 Exhibit A.pdf This Ordinance was read by title Ord. 2025-003 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART ONE - ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, CHAPTER 143, EMPLOYEES GENERALLY OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO City of Groveport Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 Sponsors: Cleary Attachments: Ord. 2025-003 Exhibit A.pdf This Ordinance was read by title C. 1st Readings Res. 2025-001 A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE NATURE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO ± 295.86 ACRES LOCATED IN MADISON TOWNSHIP ON PARCEL NUMBERS 180-000212, 180-000326, 180-000329, 180-000437, 180-000959, AND 180-001486, UPON ANNEXATION OF SAID TRACT TO THE CITY OF GROVEPORT (EBRIGHT INVESTMENT CO., LLC PETITIONER) Sponsors: Hutson Law Director Shannon stated this type of legislation is set out in our charter, wherein if it is successfully passing it will go into effect immediately. The charter was amended that way because of timeline restrictions and the need to act quickly for service resolutions. A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, 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 Dildine, seconded by Council Member Lockett, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Ord. 2025-004 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE LIEUTENANTS OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT WHO ARE MEMBERS THE OHIO POLICE BENEVOLENCE ASSOCIATION (OPBA), AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Lockett Mr. Shannon requested cCouncil's consideration in amending this ordinance to state "the Ohio Police Benevolence Association (OPBA)" instead of "the Fraternal Order of Police. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to amend. 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 City of Groveport Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 Hutson, 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 Hutson, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary Ord. 2025-005 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART ONE - ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, CHAPTER 143, EMPLOYEES GENERALLY OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO Sponsors: Rupp Attachments: Ord. 2025-005 Exhibit A.pdf Mr. Shannon requested Council's consideration in amending this ordinance in regards to section 143.23 (b)(2) to reflect a change from 1,250 hours to 2,080 hours. A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to amend. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary This Ordinance was referred to the Committee of the Whole Ord. 2025-006 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-0045 (ADOPTED 11/12/2024), THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF GROVEPORT, OHIO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2024 Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: Ord. 2025-006 Exhibit A.pdf 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: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary #031-2025 2025 Budget Memo Attachments: 2025 Budget Memo.pdf Ord. 2025-007 City of Groveport Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2024-059 (ADOPTED 12/16/2024), AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF CASH FUND BALANCES Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2025-007 Exhibit A.pdf A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, 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- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary 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 Ord. 2025-008 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH RHS HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS INC. PURSUANT TO SECTION 718.15 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE; AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Cleary Mr. Rupp said some people might think this incentive is an abatement and that its a good opportunity for us to make it clear that this business is going to pay property taxes, they're not getting another abatement, and that the City is offering an incentive with income tax. Administrator King gave kudos to Development Director Loges for his efforts in attracting a company that was looking for additional sites in Ohio, which is also bringing in additional jobs. He said we need to offer incentives to stay competitive, and that we will certainly benefit from the income tax we collect from employees. Mr. Rupp said it is also important to note that property tax dollars will go to the Fire Department, the library, and our schools. Mr. Loges said there are generally a lot of misconceptions about incentives and expressed the importance of getting the message out and making sure we are being good stewards of public funds. Mr. Rupp added that some residents are warehouse weary and commended Michael in making sure the warehouses we already have stay full so we do not have to build new ones. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, 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 Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to adopt. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Groveport Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary VIII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Westcamp reminded all about the upcoming First Responders luncheon and spoke about the grand opening of the new coffee shop on Main Street. B. Administrator - BJ King Mr. King expressed his excitement for the First Responders luncheon and the ribbon cutting at The Main Ground on Saturday. He reported that he will be at the OCMA conference Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. C. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Adams spoke about a social media threat incident and commended the officers involved for their quick response and apprehension of the suspect. Mr. King recognized Chief Adams for a job well done on this case and for how greatly he represented Groveport on the news. Mayor Westcamp shared the same sentiment. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Finance Director Carr thanked Council for the passage of the financial ordinances this evening and gave a quick overview of the budget memo. Council and staff spoke briefly about the budget memo as well as the proposed rate changes for the Rec Center. E. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon F. Development Director - Michael Loges Development Director Loges spoke about the grand opening of The Main Ground and his hopes for all of Council to be able to attend. He then shared details on the upcoming Wirt Road construction project and stated that he and Mr. Farst will be meeting with the neighboring business to discuss the project and ways to alleviate potential impact on their businesses. he then said he is working with Chief Adams to meet with local businesses in light of the tragic events at New Albany's KDC Warehouse to provide resources for safety and active shooter training. City of Groveport Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 G. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Jack Rupp Mr. Lockett thanked Mr. Loges for all his efforts, stating it is a breath of fresh air and to keep up the good work. H. Clerk of Council - Mindy Kay I. Standing Committees Mr. Cleary gave an update on the purchase of benches for the Cemetery, as well as a trench box that will help tremendously with keeping the walls of newly dug graves structurally sound prior to burial. He added that he and Mr. Strayer will soon be surveying the bricks for quality control at Veterans Park. IX. Other Business Law Director Kevin Shannon requested Council to consider making a motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G) to discuss the employment of a public employee, to discuss eminent litigation, and to discuss economic development, to include all members of Council, the Mayor, himself, the Administrator, Finance Director, and the Development Director for the second part of executive session. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to go into Executive Session at 7:45pm. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to come out of Executive Session at 8:39pm. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Dildine, Hutson, Lockett, Rupp, Hilbert and Cleary City of Groveport Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes February 24, 2025 X. Adjournment Council Member Rupp made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hutson to adjourn at 8:39 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 8