Committee of the Whole

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, February 17, 2020 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 February 17, 2020 I. Call to Order by Committee Chair Hilbert at 5:30 p.m. Staff Present: BJ King - Administrator, Kevin Shannon - Law Director, Jason Carr - Director of Finance, Ralph Portier - Chief of Police, Superintendent, Stephen Moore - Chief Building Official, Tom Walker - Director of Golf, Kyle Lund - Recreation Center Director, Patty Storts - Community Affairs Director, Tom Byrne - Director of Parks & Facilities Management, Bob Dowler - Director of Transportation, Sue Wadley - Personnel Director Guests Present: The Guest Book is on file with the Clerk of Council. II. Moment of Silence Committee Chair Hilbert asked everyone to join her in a moment of silence. III. Pledge of Allegiance Ian McCaffery led the Pledge of Allegiance. Ian is Senior Patrol Leader for Boy Scout Troop 71 in Groveport which is the highest position a youth can have within a troop. IV. Roll Call Absent: 1 - Grashel Present: 5 - Cleary,Dildine,Hilbert,Hutson, and Lockett V. Approval of Minutes - January 21, 2020 Approved as submitted. #023-2020 COTW Minutes 1.21.2020 Attachments: COTW Minutes 1.21.2020.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Warren Motts - Motts Military Museum Warren Motts, Motts Military Museum, updated Council on news from the Museum. This past year some great Americans were lost who were very much a City of Groveport Page 1 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes February 17, 2020 part of our Museum one was, Don Jakeway, 96 yrs. old, member of the 82nd Airborne Division who had jumped into Normandy on D-Day, Holland and the Battle of the Bulge. Don was a member of the Motts Military Museum Advisor Board. Motts Military Museum welcomed three new board members; Dave Roth, Dana Street and Lori Motts Byrd. David Roth, a Certified Public Accountant, served on Motts Military Museum’s board at its inception in 1987 and formulated the newsletter “From the Trenches”. He has graciously agreed to come back on the Board after semi-retirement where we can benefit from his many talents. Dr. Dana Robinson-Street, was a Lt. in the United States Navy in Desert Storm. Since retiring from the Navy, Dana has devoted her post-military years to helping improve the lives of veterans. Lori Motts Byrd has been employed as the Executive Administrator by Motts Military Museum since 2016. She was named Assistant Director and placed on the Board of Directors in January of 2019. Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, Jr. was picked by Ohio’s Governor Mike DeWine as the new Adjutant General, Ohio National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, Columbus, Ohio and has also been appointed to the Museum’s Advisory board. With the passing of board member, Col. Ron Albers, who was Mr. Motts’ Aid-de-Camp, Anne Gillen was appointed to the position and serves on the Advisory Board. Anne Gillen is a 10 year volunteer at the Museum and has been involved in all facets of Museum operations both inside and outside. She has a very impressive military career of 22 yrs. as a Uh-1 helicopter mechanic/crew chief, a/c inspector, and maintenance officer, serving in Germany, Honduras and in a combat zone in El Salvador as a door gunner, and went on to Egypt for Operation Bright Star. She currently holds a full time job as a lead tech/aircraft mechanic at Netjets and is the number one volunteer at the Museum with 754 hours for the year 2019. 70 volunteers donated a total of 8364.75 hours to the museum in 2019. The Museum participated in numerous parades including the Columbus International Car Show in the Convention Center in Downtown Columbus. They requested that we be a part again this year. “Driving for Daisy”, the Motts Military Museum Car Show, was a huge success. 300 people attended to see the 92 vehicles displayed. Thanks to iHeartRadio, Boots and Randy for setting up the “Driving for Daisy” City of Groveport Page 2 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes February 17, 2020 Car Show on the Museum grounds, paying all the expenses and giving the Museum all the profits. Boots has scheduled this again this year on Sept. 13. The brick ceremony in August had a record 109 bricks dedicated and over 300 in attendance. The 911 Ceremony was a very moving ceremony on the Museum grounds with my friend Dominic Maggiore, NY EMS from the 911 attack as the guest speaker. Thank you to Madison Township Fire. The Vietnam War Dog Monument was completed September 27. 435 people attended, including four additional Vietnam Dog Team Handlers. The two featured speakers were: Sgt. Tom King US Air Force Sentry Dog Handler in Vietnam from 1970-1971 and Spc4 Ed Reeves U.S. Army Scout Dog Handler in Vietnam 1970-1971. Lori Motts Byrd raised the $113,436.77 to build the monument. Major General Harris, Adjutant General for the State of Ohio, surprised Warren Motts with the Ohio Commendation Medal “For Outstanding Service from 1 September 1987 to 1 September 2019 as founder and Director of Motts Military Museum in Groveport Ohio". Members “Ted” Mosure, Mike Pohorilla and Rick Isbell were inducted into The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Volunteer Barbara Barber’s husband John Barber was in inducted, posthumously, into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Motts Military Museum will be partnering with various museums and groups loaning artifacts and putting on exhibits to promote Motts Military Museum · The Jubilee Museum Columbus, OH · COSI · Ohio Historical Connection · Ohio State House Artifacts on loan at… · Lutheran Seminary Museum Gettysburg, PA · National Civil War Museum Harrisburg, Pa · National Veterans Memorial Museum Columbus, OH · Ernie Hall Aviation Museum, Warren, Ohio. New items donated to the Museum include The John Glenn car, a ¾ ton Army truck Korean War Vintage, a Vietnam outhouse made by Vietnam veterans, a Vietnam era jeep, and a 5th wheel trailer for hauling equipment. Corna Kokosing preconstruction engineers have completed the floor plans, elevations, and site plans for the 911 building. The additional City of Groveport Page 3 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes February 17, 2020 wings for AFT exhibit, conference room, Holocaust exhibit, and 911 building plans had to be updated for electrical and sewer lines, restrooms, HVAC and a walkway to the new buildings. Potential donors for this project have toured the Museum and staff is working on grants for funding. Projects: · POW Hut - restoring to original state · Concrete walkway to Higgins boat · C-47 airplane - installed tail section, wings, engines and props, working to complete the restoration · French WWI statue relocated to the Museum · Clearing brush away from the property fence lines · Landscaping installations and daily upkeep and mowing · Museum cleaning crew · Building maintenance · Vehicle maintenance · Outside artifact maintenance · Preparation for upcoming events B. Tina Dillman - Scouts using Nature Center Program Supplies Tina Dillman addressed Council on the matter of scouts using Nature Center Program supplies. Ms. Dillman has a BS degree in Environmental Science, Nature Conservation, 35 years of experience with scouts, 30+ years with children and family programs. She is Committee Chair for both Troop71 and Pack 71 in Groveport. In 2003, the Heritage Nature Center was established and partnered with Franklin County Metro Parks to provide successful nature and history programs. Ms. Dillman was employed with Groveport for 11 years at the Community Affairs Department as a Children’s Program Coordinator and later Program Coordinator. When Groveport Madison Schools had budget restrictions, Town Hall was opened up to students, scouts, and families to visit month long programs in partnership with Metro Parks, OSU Geology Department, Ohio Department of Mines and Mineral Resources, Ohio Division of Wildlife, Turtle Lady, The Reptile Man and other various expert guest programs. Ms. Dillman feels that there is no longer a collaboration between the scouts and the City to have a program, even though the scouts can rent/reserve the facilities free of charge as a non-profit. The scouts help the City with putting flags out on Memorial Day, Christmas programs, flag retirement programs and anything asked of them. Ms. Dillman stated the scouts do not have access to the Nature Center. She said the Nature Center was set up with supplies and materials needed to help scouts earn badges, ranks and awards that could also be used for children and youth programs. City of Groveport Page 4 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes February 17, 2020 Ms. Dillman knows the Nature Center still exists and she knows that it is not being used near to its capacity and the opportunities it would still offer to the scouts and youth of Groveport. She spoke to Metro Parks and they indicated that they bring their own things and meet at KidSpace. Ms. Dillman asked Council to consider allowing the scouts to have access to all the Nature Center items and if Council would consider donating all the items to the scouts outright. If the City is not going to use the items in the Nature Center, and she knows it is a lot of money because she still does programs and has to go to ODNR to pick up items, even though the Nature Center is near where she lives. She wants to be able to coordinate and offer the programs again to the scouts. If Council would donate the items outright to the scout troop at the local level, her being at the Counsel level in the District, she would insure that the items would get used by the packs for training and youth programs. Tina Dillman suggested two options for Council’s consideration: · That the City donate the items to her troops and she would set up a lending library for other troops to sign items out for programs and such. · That her troops have access to the Nature Center and she would take the items around for the training and programs. Mrs. Hilbert suggested that Ms. Dillman get with City Administrator BJ King and Mr. King will bring the matter back to Council. Tom Byrne confirmed that the items are still in the Nature Center. Patty Storts added that Metro Parks still utilizes the items and certain items were strictly donated to the Heritage Nature Center. VII. New Business None. VIII. Unfinished Business A. Commercial Truck Parking in Residential Districts Law Director Kevin Shannon advised that the subcommittee met and focused on the issue of parking the vehicles in question on private property. The consensus of the Committee was to not touch the traffic code because the police department's input was that the traffic code is working as far as the changes that were made in regard to the issues with these types of vehicles being parked in the streets. The committee looked at Section 1177.08 Limitations on Parking in Residential Zoning Districts; specifically subsection (a) (1) Commercial Vehicles. City of Groveport Page 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes February 17, 2020 Council was provided a copy of the proposed language of what Mr. Shannon believes was what the Truck Parking in Residential Areas Review Committee wanted done. 1177.08 (a)(1) would give the ability of a two-axle, six-tired pickup, panel or light truck, used strictly for commercial purposes, with a gross vehicle weight not to exceed 18,000 pounds shall be allowed per one (1) dwelling unit; said vehicle shall not be permitted on the front yard of any dwelling unit, and are only permitted on the dwelling unit’s paved driveway or on a paved surface on the side or rear yard. Changing 1177.08 (a)(1) necessitated a change to 1177.08 (a)(2), specifically removing the Trucks “having dual tires on one (1) or more axles, or”. Mr. Shannon commended the Committee for doing a good job addressing the matter at hand. As written now, Mr. Shannon believes it addresses Mr. Randy Maynard’s issue with respect to his vehicle being permitted to be parked in his home’s driveway. Mr. Dildine added that the Committee left the traffic code alone because it dealt with street parking only which is what the police department enforces. Therefore, the Committee focused only on the zoning code dealing with parking on private property. The Committee reviewed other communities’ codes and mirrored some of the submitted language. Notable changes to Groveport’s code was changing a two-axle, four-tired vehicles to six-tired vehicles and changing the gross vehicle weight (gvw) to 18,000 pounds. The Committee added that with the heavy gvw of 18,000, members want these vehicle parked on something more substantial and permanent than grass, gravel or dirt. Mr. Shannon and Chief Building Official Stephen Moore went over the language and both feel it is clear from an enforcement perspective as to what is to be permitted on private property in residential areas. Legislation will be introduced to Council with emergency language to allow Council to consider emergency passage, so the City can get this code updated on the books and all of the City’s enforcement personnel can take action immediately. Mr. Maynard interjected that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for commercial Class 5 medium-duty trucks is 19,500 pounds. He asked if Council would consider raising the gvw to 19,500. After further discussion on the matter the majority of Council Members agreed to change the gvw to 19,500 pounds. City of Groveport Page 6 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes February 17, 2020 IX. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings Ord. 2020-004 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE POSITION OF UTILITIES SUPERINTENDENT - WATER/SEWER, ACCEPTING THE POSITION DESCRIPTION AND ESTABLISHING THE PAY GRADE Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Utilities Superintendent 2020.pdf Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No.2020-004. The Committee of the Whole recommended approval. Yes: 5- Cleary,Dildine,Hilbert,Hutson, and Lockett B. 2nd Readings Ord. 2020-009 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO SOLICIT PROPOSALS AND TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR COLD BEVERAGES FOR CITY CONCESSIONS Sponsors: Dildine Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No.2020-009. The Committee of the Whole recommended approval. Yes: 5- Cleary,Dildine,Hilbert,Hutson, and Lockett X. Financial Report The Finance Report will be made available at the next City Council meeting. XI. Other Business None. XII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp thanked Council Member Lockett for inviting and getting him on the agenda for the Senior Center Board meetings. A very good group of people running the Senior Center. Deb City of Groveport Page 7 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes February 17, 2020 Scholl-Saulnier does a good job and Mr. Lockett brings a lot to the table for the senior citizens. The group is moving forward. Mr. Lockett, Administrator BJ King and the Mayor had the opportunity to be a part of Career Day at Middle School South last Friday on Veterans Day. Mr. King got to see a school that is in the City and the students. The speaker was a young man named Spencer Conrad, a Navy ROTC going to Ohio State. Spencer Conrad was topnotch and a very entertaining speaker. Groveport Madison Schools has formed a Safety Committee and asked Mayor Westcamp and City Council Representative Shawn Cleary to attend the first meeting. The District has a new Safety Leader, Paul Smathers. The Mayor will be serving on the committee along with Mr. Cleary and will report back to City Council. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator BJ King commented he has lived in the Columbus, Ohio area for a while now and heard of Motts Military Museum, but he was floored at what there was to see at the museum. The stories Mr. Motts told to go along with each artifact were tremendous and Mr. King has already told friends about Motts Military Museum and suggested they visit. Mr. King updated Council on the video upgrades to be done in the Council Chambers. Council can expect to see the upgrades completed in the next couple of months. Mr. King advised that HB 62, the transportation bill that was approved at the end of 2019, created an opportunity for Groveport. The City currently collects permissive funds from vehicle registrations but there is an opportunity for the City to collect an additional $5.00 per registration. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) did some estimates showing the City collecting just under $60,000 a year. The City would have to pass an ordinance that would go three readings; it cannot be passed by emergency measure per the house bill. The additional $5.00 fee is a little more flexible in what it can be used for but it cannot be used for any wages or benefits. It can be used for any infrastructure, roads, drainage, etc. #024-2020 Admin report to Council Feb. 17, 2020 Attachments: Admin report to Council February 17 2020.pdf C. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon City of Groveport Page 8 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes February 17, 2020 D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr Nothing further to report. #026-2020 FIN Council Report Attachments: FIN Council Report.pdf E. Chief of Police Ralph Portier Chief of Police Ralph Portier reported a correction to his report to reflect the actual number for the Sheriff’s Office dispatches was 233. The Police Department didn’t receive this number until Friday. The City pays $9.44 per dispatch for the service. #027-2020 PD Council Report Attachments: PD Council Report.pdf F. Asst. Admin. / Development Dir. - Jeff Green Not present. #028-2020 ED Council Report Attachments: ED Council Report.pdf G. Chief Building Official - Stephen Moore Nothing further to report. #029-2020 B&Z Council Report Attachments: B&Z Council Report.pdf H. Director of Golf - Tom Walker Nothing further to report. #030-2020 GOLF Council Report Attachments: GOLF Council Report.pdf I. Recreation Director - Kyle Lund City of Groveport Page 9 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes February 17, 2020 Recreation Director Kyle Lund commented The Connection will be available to Council by the next City Council meeting. #031-2020 REC Council Report Attachments: REC Council Report.pdf J. Community Affairs Director - Patty Storts Community Affairs Director Patty Storts reported on behalf of the Trees & Decorations Committee that the City has the 12 banners for this year ready to be sent off to the designers. The Committee is close to having the 12 banners for 2021 also. #032-2020 CA Council Report Attachments: CA Council Report.pdf K. Director of Parks & Facilities Management - Tom Byrne Nothing further to report. #033-2020 P&FM Council Report Attachments: P&FM Council Report.pdf L. City Engineer - Steve Farst Not present. #034-2020 ENG Council Report Attachments: ENG Council Report.pdf M. Director of Transportation - Bob Dowler Nothing further to report. #035-2020 DOT Council Report Attachments: DOT Council Report.pdf N. Personnel Director - Sue Wadley The Municipal Building has a new part-time receptionist. Sue Graham City of Groveport Page 10 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes February 17, 2020 started with the City on February 11, 2020 and works afternoons at the front desk. Mayor Westcamp has met Sue Graham a few times and thinks the City has done a great job hiring for the position. The Mayor has said for many years that one of the most important jobs in the Municipal Building is the front desk. #036-2020 HR Council Report Attachments: HR Council Report.pdf O. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Nothing to report. P. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Chad Grashel XIII. Adjournment Council Member Lockett made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to adjourn at 6:31 p.m. All in favor stated AYE, None Opposed. Motion passed. __________________________________________ Jean Ann Hilbert, 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 11