Committee of the Whole

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org Meeting Minutes Monday, September 15, 2014 6:30 PM Council Chambers Committee of the Whole Mayor Lance Westcamp Council Members - Ed Rarey, Jean Ann Hilbert, Donna Drury, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary & Becky Hutson Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 I. Call to Order by Committee Chair Dildine at 6:30 p.m. Staff Present: Marsha Hall - Administrator, Kevin Shannon - Law Director, Jeff Green - Director of Finance, Steve Farst - Engineer, Dennis Moore - Public Works Superintendent, Kyle Lund - Parks and Recreation Director, Tom Walker - Director of Golf, Tom Byrne - Director of Facilities Management, Ralph Portier - Chief of Police Guests Present: The Guest Book is on file with the Clerk of Council Not present: Stephen Moore - Chief Building Official, Patty Storts - Community Affairs Director II. Moment of Silence Committee Chair Dildine asked everyone to join him in a moment of silence. III. Pledge of Allegiance Chief Portier led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. Roll Call Present: 6 - Council Member Cleary, Council Member Dildine, Council Member Drury, Council Member Hilbert, Council Member Hutson, and Council Member Rarey V. Approval of Minutes - August 18, 2014 Approved as submitted. #200-2014 COTW Meeting Minutes 8-18-2014 Attachments: COTW Meeting Minutes 8-18-2014 VI. Business of Guests 1. Warren Motts Warren Motts of Motts Military Museum thanked Council for their time and for attending the 9/11 Ceremony on September 11th. He thanked Chief Portier for his Honor Guard’s performance at the event. They plan to hold the event annually; using the date of September 11th for the opening of the new 9/11 building. The evening of September 11 the American Freedom Train Reunion came into town and City of Groveport Page 1 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 Mr. Motts has been hosting them during their stay. Members come from all over the United States, including Engineer Ross Rowland, creator and founder of the American Freedom Train. Mr. Motts addressed Council on the water tower at the new water plant. He opened the idea of painting the water tower red, white and blue. He tells visitors to the area to use the water tower as a landmark to direct them to the museum. Mr. Motts provided Council with an illustration of a red, white and blue painted water tower to consider as a possibility for redoing the City’s tower. The new water plant project is set to start in the spring of 2015. Mr. Motts updated Council on the progress of the new 9/11 Building. The architect located in downtown Columbus is on the same wavelength as Mr. Motts. He holds weekly meetings and brought onboard a designer, whose has worked with Disney, free of costs to design the building. The placing of the vehicle and memorabilia inside the building is critical in how it looks and makes people feel when visiting for the first time. The State of Ohio trade unions have agreed to work this project free of charge. Mr. Motts is working with a group now for funding. The project architectural plans with all the mechanics need to be completed to estimate actual costs so Mr. Motts can present all the information to those looking to fund the project. Once funding is obtained they are ready to start. Mr. Motts suggested the architect use the flooring and marble walls from the World Trade Center in the new building’s foyer; so when one enters the building they will be standing on the World Trade Center’s marble floor looking at the fire truck. 2. Toy Road Traffic Issues Andy Lyles, 3590 Toy Road, addressed Council while Lori Lyles handed out photographs to the Mayor and Council depicting damage to property by warehouse employees and semi-truck traffic on Toy Road and Saltzgaber Road. Mr. Lyles stated he has lived at the corner of Toy Toad and Saltzgaber Road for almost 63 years and have seen the area go through horrendous changes. The traffic study conducted by Franklin County Engineer earlier this year was fatally flawed. The study did not take in account any traffic patterns from 11:00 p.m. through midnight or from 5:00 a.m. through 6:00 a.m. during the warehouse shift changes. Mr. Lyles has not had any discussions with the County Engineer but as he understands it the Engineer has taken the position he does not want to close any roads. If Council will review what has been submitted, it is clear the majority of the residents of Toy, Swisher and Saltzgaber Roads are asking that Toy Road be closed. Something needs to be done about the horrendous volume of traffic negotiating those three roads. The pictures show the damage to personal property of corner lots. Madison Township Administrator Susan Brobst was present at the meeting and Mr. Lyles appreciates all of Madison Township's efforts in trying to alleviate some problems. The Township has put up three guardrails at his corner and all three have been mutilated and mangled. The residents then resorted to lining their corners with rocks. With 53' box trailers and the advent of what's transpiring, the roads just can't take it. Mr. Lyles is submitting to all of Council to stand behind the residents before there is a fatality, or multiple fatalities, and that day is around the corner. Madison Township already supports the residents, and Obetz has been kind of lukewarm on the issue. The residents are asking that Council do something in support to alleviate part of the traffic problems. Mike Haley of 3544 Toy Road addressed Council regarding the warehouses surrounding his and neighboring houses. He understands progress in inevitable and City of Groveport Page 2 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 the revenue is needed, but it generates a lot of problems. His concerns include having to grade his yard every spring to fix the ruts the semi-trucks create during the winter months and picking up the trash coming over the fence at the Gap warehouse before he mows his lawn. Madison Township has done what they can to keep the road in tack. He remarks he does not know enough about the politics between the different entities but the situation is now at the point where he wants to sell his home and move from the community. At a meeting with the County Engineer, it was indicated they could not close Toy Road, but Saltzgaber Road was closed at Toy Road to build. Mr. Haley commented all the new developments taking place in the area has disrupted the way of living and enjoyment of their community. He thinks closing Toy Road would be the best scenario. He would appreciate anything the City of Groveport can contribute to resolving this matter. Jerri Childers of 5546 Swisher Road addressed Council on the sign at Swisher Road citing no left turns for trucks. The residents want a bigger, brighter sign that will draw more attention. She is not sure of the boundaries of each entity but knows Groveport is on one side of the road, she is in Madison Township, with Obetz boarding the area next. The speed limit has been raised to 45 mph and it is now hard to pass a car on the road. They would like to see speed bumps placed down Swisher Road; the community has a lot of small children in the area. The community supports Groveport and Obetz, but would like to see some help for that tiny community. Ms. Childers thanked Council and will appreciate any help Groveport can give to the community. Brian Schleppi of 5891 Saltzgaber Road in Madison Township addressed Council stating there is a problem with several potential solutions. Hearing of the possibility of extending Toy Road east to connect with Green Pointe Drive will make their situation worse in his estimation. He would like to look for a way to segregate commercial traffic from residential traffic. It is understood it involves the County Commissioners, the County Engineer's office, the City of Groveport, Madison Township and Obetz. Any cooperation or effort on the City’s part to come up with a solution with the situation at this point would be appreciated. In deference to the County Engineer's office and the traffic engineer, it was disappointing because the County put Newmetrics automated traffic monitoring devices on Saltzgaber and Toy Roads and was asked by Mr. Schleppi afterward why the residents weren't privy to that information. He was told that those devices weren't accurate. Inaccuracy with Newmetrics devices is just an issue of calibrating. The devices would have been ideal supplying a count of the traffic; vehicle classifications and calculating speeds, therefore providing a true record of what is going on 24/7. The County went to the trouble of putting those devices out but residents were never given the results. Administrator Marsha Hall referred to a memo she had submitted to Council putting together the background of the area, including three maps. The first map covers the area in question showing the corporation boundaries and the ownership of the roadways. Saltzgaber Road is a township road other than a small section at the intersection of Groveport Road and Saltzgaber Road. All of Swisher is a township road. Toy Road is a township road from Saltzgaber Road to Swisher Road, a Groveport road from Swisher Road to just east of Centerpointe Parkway and an Obetz road from that point moving west. The second map shows the curb cuts that are associated with Groveport. The western Opus development curb cut is one currently in existence and the eastern curb cut is currently being constructed for SK Foods development. Both curb cuts are for development within the City of Groveport but both dump out into the roadway that is in Obetz. The current SK Foods curb cut is to include signage prohibiting trucks leaving the development from turning right onto Toy Road. The third map is in response to the most recent letter received from Mr. and Mrs. Lyles regarding the possibility of working with Obetz to extend Toy Road over and around the old Stambaugh property and back around to connect at City of Groveport Page 3 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 the back of Green Pointe Road; which would move all of the traffic away from Toy Road as we see it now. There are two problems with that. First, the right-of-way for Green Pointe was vacated by the City in 2008. In May, Council approved an Ordinance for an Opus development expansion at the end of Green Pointe Drive which includes Green Pointe being cul-de-sacked and this development is in the property of the area of Green Pointe Drive that was vacated. This is an issue with working the Lyles’ scenario of extending Toy Road to Green Pointe Drive. Ms. Hall talked about the efforts the City has taken since being approached by Madison Township officials in 2012. She and other Groveport officials have attended meetings concerning the problems in the area. Topics discussed were signage, extending Toy Road to Green Pointe Drive and planning a study, if one can be funded through Representative Bishoff’s office. City Engineer Steve Farst suggested looking at what the specific problem is, then having the engineering firm come up with appropriate or alternative solutions. Ms. Hall stated at this time there is no planned roadway, nothing in the City’s five-year plan and no decisions made on the matter. Mr. Farst had suggested the City’s sign be larger. Council Member Hilbert commented the signage could only be placed on City property. Ms. Hall affirmed signage could only be placed for traffic on Groveport roads. Council Member Dildine commented at this point any road closures will be up to the County Engineer even though it has been conveyed closing Toy Road in not an option. He stated there has to be a collaboration between the City of Groveport, the Village of Obetz and Madison Township. Mr. Dildine asked Administration earlier in the week to contact Obetz and their businesses explaining the issues and ask that their trucks go out the other way. All entities have to come up with a solution that is viable for everyone. Mr. Lyles informed Council the residents have petitioned the County Commissioners’ Association on the issue, and copied the same to the County Engineer, as of yet they have not heard from either of them. Mr. Lyles implored Council to take a position on the petition tonight, which would do a lot in support of the residents’ efforts. Council Member Cleary asked Mr. Lyles for more information regarding the fatally flawed engineer’s report. Mr. Lyles responded Mr. Schleppi gave Council most of the information, but he added they only placed the devices in for two days.The County Engineer’s office conducted a manual count from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. missing the vast majority of traffic. Council Member Hilbert stated she supports their efforts, but can’t put any of Groveport’s tax dollars behind it. The City needs to pursue possible funding from Heather Bishoff’s office for the traffic study. Administrator Hall informed Council nothing has been presented to Representative Bishoff because more information is needed for the RFP and what the study will actually cost. Mrs. Hilbert suggested Administration let the residents know when something will be presented to Representative Bishoff. Mayor Westcamp asked if Mr. Lyles had been to Obetz and what was the Village’s answer on the issue. Lori Lyles addressed Council in response to the Mayor’s inquiry. Mrs. Lyles reported the Mayor of Obetz commented “semis come down my road all the time, you think I can just close my street” and that was where it ended. She did not get much support there at all. Mayor Westcamp stated Groveport will support the residents as much as possible but more information needs to be provided to Council. Council Member Dildine stated Council has already given Groveport’s Administrator the go ahead to start the RFP for the study and the next move is to get all the officials involved together to find solutions. Groveport will add more signage if needed, ask our police department to step up patrol at peak times and send letters to warehouses in the City to keep trucks off Toy Road. Mr. Dildine suggested taking pictures of anything pertinent to the issue. Mr. Lyles respectfully asked Council to take a position on their petition tonight. Council Member Rarey advised what the residents are going to see is what they are seeing at the present time. Groveport Council is very aware of the City of Groveport Page 4 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 problem and what exists in the area. The issue involves several other entities who need to do their part and money issues make others see things through a different set of eyes. Council has discussed the issue numerous times and has a great amount of empathy for the residents dealing with this situation. Mr. Cleary reiterated Council needs to address the trash coming from the Gap area; if Gap is not policing the area we can do something about that now. He appreciates everyone coming to address Council tonight. Chair Dildine thanked everyone for their comments and advised the audience they were free to go. Council Member Hutson made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to take a five minute recess at 7:25 p.m. to allow Fire Chief Bates to set up his presentation. All in favor stated AYE, None Opposed. Motion passed. Council Member Cleary made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to come out of recess at 7:42 p.m. All in favor stated AYE. None Opposed. Motion passed. 3. Madison Township Fire Chief Bates a. Monthly Update Madison Township Fire Chief Bates referred Council to the August Monthly Report and would answer any questions. #201-2014 MTFD August 2014 Monthly Report Attachments: MTFD August 2014 Monthly Report.pdf b. Fire Department Five-Year Plan Madison Township Fire Chief Bates presented a synopsis of the Five-Year Plan approved by Madison Township Trustees at their July 2014 meeting. The purpose of this plan is to provide guidance on an ongoing basis and assist in developing the goals and objectives of the Madison Township Fire Department. It is the intention to update this document as needed on an annual basis so that it reflects either the achievement of, or the failure to achieve identified goals and objectives. Topics covered in the Five-Year Plan: 10 YEAR TRENDS & STATISTICS: Charts referenced GENERAL ISSUES: Staffing Decrease in Department Receipts THE FUTURE: Deployment of Next-Gen 9-1-1 technology Emergence of Community Paramedicine with implementation of the ACA P-25 radio systems compliance Statutory changes related to patient treatment and care City of Groveport Page 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 PROJECTED CAPITAL PURCHASES 2014 2015 2016 Battalion 181 Medic 182 Engine 181 Life Pack 15 Life Pack 15 Life Pack 15 Ballistic Vests AED Hot Water Tanks IV Infusion Pumps Turnout Gear (10) Turnout Gear (10) EMS Toughbook EMS Toughbook Computer Work Stations Computer Work Station Telephone System Copiers P-25 Compliance 2017 2018 Chief 180 Medic 181 Opticom/S Hamilton Rd Opticom/CW Holmatro Tool Update Turnout Gear (10) Turnout Gear (10) RECOMMENDATIONS: 4 mil fire levy on 2015 Primary Ballot (additional $140 per $100k) Implement purchase recommendations identified Construct facility on Noe Bixby Road and staff with three person Medic Evaluation of transitioning to "cloud" base reporting software (2015) Maintain statutory compliance for treatment and transport of patients Transition to civilianized operation at FAO Transition to P-25 Radio and Next-Gen 9-1-1 systems Develop and implement long range Master Plan for the fire department VII. New Business None VIII. Unfinished Business None IX. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings RES. 14-011 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GROVEPORT TAX INCENTIVE REVIEW COUNCIL RELATING TO VARIOUS CITY OF GROVEPORT TAX INCENTIVES Sponsors: Dildine Attachments: TIRC Meeting Minutes 8-13-2014.pdf Finance Director Jeff Green explained to Council this Resolution is the annual report of the review with the county. The meeting minutes are attached. City of Groveport Page 6 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 The Chair read by title Resolution No. 14-011. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Drury, to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6 - Cleary, Dildine, Drury, Hilbert, Hutson and Rarey B. 2nd Readings ORD. 14-041 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO A WATER SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO Sponsors: Cleary Administrator Hall stated the City has not received the draft agreement from Columbus although it was promised to be ready by September 1st. The City will most likely have to extend the current contract. The Chair read by title Ordinance No. 14-041. No recommendation was made on this Ordinance at this time. RES. 14-012 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: RES. 14-012 2015 Tax Levy Attachment.pdf RES. 14-012 2015 Taxy Levy - Attchmnt 2.pdf Mr. Green advised this Resolution is a the follow-up to the tax budget, a standard formality done every year. The Chair read by title Resolution No. 14-012. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6 - Cleary, Dildine, Drury, Hilbert, Hutson and Rarey X. Financial Report Mr. Green apologized to Council for the Financial Report not being submitted with their packets. Last minutes details prevented it from City of Groveport Page 7 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 being ready when packets went out on Friday. #212-2014 Finance Report August 2014 Attachments: Finance Report August 2014.pdf Report was available at tonight's City Council meeting. XI. Other Business None #211-2014 Toy Road Traffic Issues Attachments: Toy Road Traffic Issues.pdf ToyRdArea.pdf Green Pointe Drive South.pdf XII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Nothing to report. B. Administrator - Marsha Hall Administrator Hall referenced her report to Council the residential tire collection the City will be doing in conjunction with SWACO and Madison Township in October. #202-2014 Adm Report to Council - Sept 15 Attachments: Adm Report to Council - Sept 15.pdf C. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Nothing further to report. D. Director of Finance - Jeff Green Nothing further to report. E. Chief of Police - Ralph Portier Nothing further to report. City of Groveport Page 8 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 #203-2014 PD August Council Report Attachments: PD August Council Report.pdf PD Letter.pdf F. Public Works Superintendent - Dennis Moore Chair Dildine inquired of Public Works Superintendent Dennis Moore regarding the leaf collection schedule for Founder's Bend. Mr. Moore responded the schedule has always been October 10 through December 10 of every year. Mr. Dildine responded that a resident expressed concern as last year there was a large span of time before the leaves were picked up a second time. Mr. Moore stated the leaf and brush pick-up program has grown very large; we start at one end of town and go to the end and then start over again. It could take 5 days or 10 days until his crew gets through it all. #204-2014 PW Council Report 9-10-2014 Attachments: PW Council Report 9-10-2014.pdf G. Chief Building Official - Stephen Moore Not present. #205-2014 B & Z September 2014 Attachments: B & Z September 2014.pdf B & Z 2014 Mowing.pdf H. Director of Golf - Tom Walker Director of Golf Tom Walker reminded everyone the Links at Groveport will be hosting a girls event on October 7th and anyone willing to volunteer will be greatly appreciated. Council Member Cleary advised Mr. Walker to put him on the list, he had volunteered two years ago. He substituted for the golf team of Madison Christian and received excellent comments on the condition of the City's golf course. Mr. Cleary thanked Mr. Walker and his staff for doing a great job. Mr. Walker advised Council Member Hilbert the time for volunteers to report is 8:30 a.m. #206-2014 Golf Report to Mayor and Council 9-10-14 Attachments: Golf Report to Mayor and Council 9-10-14.pdf City of Groveport Page 9 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 I. Parks & Recreation Director - Kyle Lund Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Lund referenced the hard copy of their newest publication "The Connection". Mr. Lund and Community Affairs Director Patty Storts put the publication together that will be going out monthly to everyone in both departments' databases; reaching over 5,000 people through these email blasts. #207-2014 Rec Center Oct 2014 Attachments: Rec Center Oct 2014.pdf J. Community Affairs Director - Patty Storts Not present. #208-2014 CA 9-12-2014 Attachments: CA 9-12-2014.pdf K. Director of Facilities Management - Tom Byrne Nothing further to report. #209-2014 FM 9-15-14 status Attachments: FM 9-15-14 status.pdf AEP July & August .pdf L. City Engineer - Steve Farst City Engineer Steve Farst reported the OPWC applications, due today, were turned in to the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission per Council's passage of Ordinances at the last City Council meeting. The City has applied for funding for the Hendron Road reconstruction and West Bixby Road reconstruction. The first Friday of December is the public meeting when OPWC will reveal the results of the scores; the second Friday they will vote. Groveport applied for over $2.4 million in an accommodation grant alone. The total cost for both projects is approximately $2.9 million. #210-2014 Engineers Council Report_9_10_14 Attachments: Engineers Council Report_9_10_14.pdf City of Groveport Page 10 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 15, 2014 M. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Nothing to report. N. Council Members - Ed Rarey, Jean Ann Hilbert, Donna Drury, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary and Becky Hutson Council Member Dildine expressed his appreciation to everyone who attended Motts Military Museum and the Township's effort for the 9/11 ceremony. Mr. Dildine attended a meeting involving a program the schools are looking into implementing. The program, "Pathways to Work", looks at the types of jobs available in this area to develop a curriculum which would allow a student to obtain a certificate and go to work. This City has a lot of different avenues for kids to learn how to work; the Police Department, Public Works and the golf course. This could be a fantastic program if done correctly and, with the City's help, kids can get from school to work and identify some problems of transportation, needs, and skills that are missing. In Groveport's job market; Council is aware the warehouses are having trouble getting workers. If the City is able to help in getting students the job skills they need, two problems get solved; kids get to work and warehouses fill job positions. This is a positive thing the school is trying to do and anything Groveport can do to help would be fantastic too. XIII. Adjournment Council Member Cleary made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hutson to adjourn at 8:23 p.m. All in favor stated AYE, None Opposed. Motion passed. __________________________________________ Edward G. Dildine, President Pro-Tem __________________________________________ Ruthanne Sargus Ross, 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 11