Committee of the Whole

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, September 16, 2019 5:30 PM Council Chambers Committee of the Whole Mayor Lance Westcamp Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett & Chad Grashel Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019 I. Call to Order by Committee Chair Cleary at 5:30 p.m. Staff Present: Marsha Hall - Administrator, Kevin Shannon - Law Director, Jason Carr - Director of Finance, Jeff Green - Asst. Admin. / Development Dir., Dennis Moore - Public Works Superintendent, Stephen Moore - Chief Building Official, Tom Walker - Director of Golf, Kyle Lund - Recreation Center Director, Tom Byrne - Director of Parks & Facilities Management, Steve Farst - Engineer, Bob Dowler - Director of Transportation, Ralph Portier - Chief of Police Guests Present: The Guest Book is on file with the Clerk of Council. II. Moment of Silence Committee Chair Cleary asked everyone to join him in a moment of silence. III. Pledge of Allegiance Interim Fire Chief Fasone led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. Roll Call Absent: 1 - Dildine Present: 5 - Cleary,Grashel,Hilbert,Hutson, and Lockett V. Approval of Minutes - August 19, 2019 Approved as submitted. #221-2019 COTW Minutes 8.19.19. Attachments: COTW Minutes 8.19.19.pdf VI. Business of Guests a. Madison Township Interim Fire Chief Fasone Madison Township Interim Fire Chief Fasone has been working with Groveport and City Engineer Steve Farst with letters of support for various construction projects. He thanked those who made the time and effort to attend the Madison Township Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at Motts Military Museum. He expressed his appreciation of the support of the City of Groveport. Chief Fasone's City of Groveport Page 1 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019 sister qualified for the State Special Olympics Golf Tournament in Cincinnati. #222-2019 MTFD Monthly Report Attachments: MTFD Monthly Report.pdf VII. New Business None. VIII. Unfinished Business None. IX. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings ORD. 19-043 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF GROVEPORT - PART THREE - TRAFFIC CODE, TITLE SEVEN, CHAPTER 351, SECTION 351.17, TRUCK PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: ORD. 19-043 Exhibit A.pdf Council Member Hilbert had requested that Law Director Kevin Shannon look into changing some language to better clarify commercial vehicle parking in residential areas. Mrs. Hilbert read from “Exhibit A” of Ordinance 19-043: “No commercial vehicle shall be parked in residential districts on any street or alley within the City limits between the hours of 7PM and 7AM. However, this section shall not apply to motor vehicles registered as commercial vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 10,000 pounds, limited to two axle construction and a limit of four wheels.” Mrs. Hilbert commented that this would take care of someone with a small business parking on their property. But they could not park on the street between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Mrs. Hilbert asked for input from the other Council members present. Council Member Lockett likes that a business owner with a small truck could park the truck in their driveway, but expressed concerns for the surrounding neighbors. Other concerns include but are not limited to: ØAdding more permit parking would just add another element to monitor for City code enforcement officers. City of Groveport Page 2 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019 ØA big box truck being parked in one’s own driveway could be okay for that resident but not necessarily okay with their neighbors. ØRegulating when a “commercial truck” is parked in a driveway and is inoperable for a long period of time? ØRegulating a business being operated from a private residence without proper authorization? ØResidential streets and driveways are not designed to handle the permanent parking of heavy trucks. Do we want neighborhood driveways to deteriorate w/o some sort of home owner responsibility to maintain? ØLarge box trucks can obstruct surrounding neighbors’ view and impede pulling out of their driveways. ØThis ordinance has been discussed by Council for months and months; depending on what side one is on, few have come to these meetings to express their concerns. ØOver regulating Groveport residential districts. ØComplaints when there is a City project taking place and the construction company has commercial vehicles parked on the streets. Groveport has a provision in its code dealing with inoperable vehicles on private property. A licensed, operable vehicle can sit on private property as long as it appears to be operable. Council Member Hutson asked if putting limitations on heights of vehicles has ever been considered. The maximum height of any vehicle in Ohio is 13’6”. The key factor is the weight of a vehicle. Council does have the power to factor in the aesthetics regarding commercial vehicles in residential areas. But Council is weighing aesthetics against the adverse impact of residents who may operate a small business who use heavy trucks. Council will not be making any recommendation at this time; but will take action by motion at the next regular City Council meeting. Chair Cleary read by title Ordinance No. 19.043. The Committee of the Whole made no recommendation. RES. 19-002 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND PLAN Sponsors: Hutson City Engineer Steve Farst went over the Five-Year Plan for 2020 - 2024 September 10, 2019 WORKSHEET -- Summary of Capital Projects (Streets, Water, Sewer, Storm, Parks). Mr. Farst focused on the projects showing a value in the 2020 column. The projects with reference numbers 37 to 42 show values that are an estimated portion of related street projects that might involve the storm collection system. Therefore, project names listed under Street System Improvements could also be listed under Stormwater System Collection. Projects 45 to 51 are using the Stormwater Fund to maintain the City’s collection system, open ditches, culverts, etc. Under Parks projects is the City of Groveport Page 3 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019 allowance the City allocates every year for miscellaneous neighborhood park improvements. Chair Cleary read by title Resolution No. 19.002. A motion was made by Council Member Hutson, seconded by Council Member Hilbert, to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Cleary,Grashel,Hilbert,Hutson, and Lockett #220-2019 CIP Street Program 2020 Attachments: 2020_Groveport_CIP_StreetMaintenanceGeneralCapital Summary__Vf_9_10_19_.pdf 2020_Groveport_CIP_Capital Summary__Vf_9_10_19_.pdf B. 2nd Readings RES. 19-003 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GROVEPORT TAX INCENTIVE REVIEW COUNCIL RELATING TO VARIOUS CITY OF GROVEPORT TAX INCENTIVES Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: 2019 TIRC Minutes.pdf Assistant Administrator / Development Director Jeff Green explained this is the meeting held every year at the Franklin County Commissioners office. Staff went over each of Groveport’s four active CRAs (Community Reinvestment Areas) and the TIRC (Tax Incentive Review Council) made the recommendation to approve all four. Chair Cleary read by title Resolution No. 19.003. A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Cleary,Grashel,Hilbert,Hutson, and Lockett X. Financial Report Finance Director Jason Carr added that looking back on the last three years for the month of August and August YTD (page 2 of submitted financial report), the fluctuation in the City’s income tax is attributed to the timing of net profit payments or estimated tax payments from net profits of some of the businesses in Groveport. Withholdings have remained relatively stable and consistent. The corporate tax extension deadline is September 15th. In years past, the City may have gotten an estimated tax payment in early August, sometimes in September, in City of Groveport Page 4 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019 varied amounts. That is basically what the fluctuation shown can be attributed to. The comparison of 2019 and 2018 shows the City down a little but nothing significant. #223-2019 Finance Report Attachments: Finance Report.pdf XI. Other Business XII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp reported on the busy time it has been in the City of Groveport. He thanked Interim Fire Chief Fasone and had wanted to publicly thank Council Member Ed Dildine for helping to get the 9/11 ceremony together. It was a great ceremony. The Mayor thanked Warren Motts for the great work he always does. Mayor Westcamp and Council Member Chad Grashel had the opportunity to address the Groveport Madison School Board thanking them for their involvement in the City’s 4th of July parade, especially Jeff Warner and his group. It was a great opportunity to showcase the Groveport Madison School students who participate in the parade. The Mayor also had the opportunity to thank Mary Tedrow for all her years of service to the community and the school board. Thursday, Mayor Westcamp and Tom Byrne, Director of Parks & Facilities Management, had the honor of riding the G.R.E.A.T. bus. They made a road trip to Newark to visit a lock on the Erie Canal in Newark. The City of Groveport will be working with the Village of Lockbourne on a trail to connect the two communities. Mayor Westcamp thanked Chief Portier for the success of Saturday’s Cram A Cruiser food drive. B. Administrator - Marsha Hall Administrator Marsha Hall updated Council on the curb painting project. She met with City Engineer Steve Farst and Public Works Superintendent Dennis Moore where they discussed an alternative to bring before Council. Steve Farst will provide that alternative at the appropriate time under his discussion. #224-2019 Adm Report to Council - Sept 16 City of Groveport Page 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019 Attachments: Adm Report to Council - Sept 16.pdf C. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Nothing further to report. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Nothing further to report. E. Chief of Police - Ralph Portier Chief Portier reported on the department's first Cram a Cruiser food drive event. The department anticipated one or two cruisers to be filled, but in reality, there were 25 boxes of food and over $300 collected and donated directly to the Greater Groveport Food Pantry. Mayor Westcamp, Council Members Jean Ann Hilbert and Shawn Cleary came out to support the drive. The residents were wonderful and some were not even residents but wanted to support the food pantry. Others let the Chief know that they had been homeless at a time and needed the food. This was their way of paying it forward. This project was the idea of Captain Kurt Blevins. #225-2019 PD Council Report Attachments: PD Council Report.pdf F. Asst. Admin. / Development Dir. - Jeff Green Assistant Administrator / Development Director Jeff Green reminded everyone about Thursday, September 19th, the City is hosting Groveport Night Out. There will be 38 vendors, a couple food trucks, an acoustic guitar player, and a five piece blues and jazz band will be set up by the Hansom Hog. Hansom Hog will be serving barbeque specials. Staff plans to get the word out that people need to use the crosswalks. #226-2019 ED Council Report Attachments: ED Council Report.pdf G. Public Works Superintendent - Dennis Moore Nothing further to report. City of Groveport Page 6 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019 #227-2019 PW Council Report Attachments: PW Council Report.pdf H. Chief Building Official - Stephen Moore Nothing further to report. #228-2019 B&Z Council Report Attachments: B&Z Council Report.pdf I. Director of Golf - Tom Walker Nothing further to report. #229-2019 GOLF Council Report Attachments: GOLF Council Report.pdf J. Recreation Director - Kyle Lund Recreation Director Kyle Lund reported that the City received the “Best Outdoor Municipal Pool” by Columbus Parent Magazine despite being down for 14 days. The department hired a new clerk. Annette Rundio started on September 5th and came from the City of Westerville Community Recreation Center. End of season figures/stats will be submitted to Council at the October Committee of the Whole meeting in the Recreation Center’s Council report. The report will show any impact the 14 day closure, low attendance and increased fees had on this year’s revenues. Mr. Lund included the number of police incidents in his hand distributed Council Report. #230-2019 The Connection Attachments: The Connection.pdf REC Council Report.pdf K. Community Affairs Director - Patty Storts Not present. #231-2019 CA Council Report City of Groveport Page 7 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019 Attachments: CA Council Report.pdf L. Director of Parks & Facilities Management - Tom Byrne Nothing further to report. #232-2019 P&FM Council Report Attachments: P&FM Council Report.pdf M. City Engineer - Steve Farst City Engineer Steve Farst updated Council on various projects. The East Bixby Road paving was substantially finished on Saturday. Construction crews are still working on shoulder work, driveways and stripe painting. The road will remain closed for the safety of the workers and should reopen by the end of September. The paving on Main Street will occur 9/13 through 9/18 and resurfacing paving will take place on Friday and Saturday, along with restriping and such. Council Member Cleary advised that there will be a tremendous football presence on Main Street on Saturday. Little League Football starts at 7:30 a.m. and runs until past 5:00 p.m. When the games overlap, the traffic will triple around the football field behind Middle School Central at 751 Main Street. Mr. Farst will pass along the information to the construction company. In regards to the curb painting to increase awareness of where parking is prohibited in the old parts of the City, Mr. Farst went over what the City’s code states on the matter. Chapter 351 looks at points of measurement. The code says no parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, within twenty feet of a crosswalk, and within thirty feet of a stop sign or other traffic control device. Mr. Farst had his intern go out and mark with a simple dot the areas to show a system of where the areas are located. It was hoped to present an exhibit to Council so they could see how these areas will change. People who are accustomed to using those parking spaces within those measures, even though it is illegal, could result in the City getting some complaints. Some people will be impacted by the painted curbs. During winter conditions, the curbs could be covered with snow and ice. Mr. Farst, Ms. Hall and Mr. Moore suggested an alternative to painting that would not be visible during snow and ice season and that would have to be constantly maintained. Another factor is there are streets that have no curbs. If Council wanted to pursue the matter, rather than painting the curbs, it was suggested to erect signs reading “No parking from here to corner”. After an extensive City of Groveport Page 8 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019 discussion on other possible solutions, Council wanted to give residents the opportunity to give their thoughts and concerns on the issue and will place the item on the next Committee of the Whole meeting agenda. #233-2019 ENG Council Report Attachments: ENG Council Report.pdf N. Director of Transportation - Bob Dowler Nothing further to report. #234-2019 DOT Council Report Attachments: DOT Council Report.pdf O. Personnel Director - Sue Wadley Not present. #235-2019 HR Council Report Attachments: HR Council Report.pdf P. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Nothing to report. Q. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Chad Grashel Council Member Cleary reminded everyone that there will be three public hearings on Monday, September 23rd. The first will start at 5:45 p.m. City of Groveport Page 9 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes September 16, 2019 XIII. Adjournment Council Member Hilbert made a motion, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adjourn at 6:36 p.m. All in favor stated AYE, None Opposed. Motion passed. __________________________________________ Shawn Cleary, President Pro Tem __________________________________________ Ruthanne Sargus Ross, CMC 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 10