Committee of the Whole

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, March 15, 2021 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 March 15, 2021 I. Call to Order by Committee Vice-Chair Hutson at 5:33 p.m. Staff Present: BJ King - Administrator, Kevin Shannon - Law Director, Jason Carr - Director of Finance, Jeff Green - Assistant Administrator / Development Director, Kurt Blevins - Police Captain, Ruthanne Sargus Ross - Clerk of Council Staff Present via Zoom: Public Service Director - Brian Strayer, 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, Steve Farst - City Engineer, 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 Vice-Chair Hutson asked everyone to join her in a moment of silence. III. Pledge of Allegiance Captain Kurt Blevins led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. Roll Call Absent: 1 - Hilbert Present: 5 - Cleary,Dildine,Grashel,Hutson, and Lockett V. Approval of Minutes - January 19, 2021 The January 19, 2021 Minutes stand approved as submitted. #69-2021 COTW Minutes 1.19.2021 Attachments: COTW Minutes 1.19.2021.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Madison Township Fire Chief Robinson Madison Township Fire Chief Robinson introduced Assistant Fire Chief Chas Adams. Chas Adams came to Madison Township from Franklin City of Groveport Page 1 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes March 15, 2021 Township where he served for 18 years, finishing over there as the Assistant Fire Chief. Assistant Chief Adams started with Madison Township in June 2020 and runs the Operations Division of the Department. He handles the day to day training, equipment, personnel and other aspects of the Fire Department. Assistant Chief Adams is stationed at 181. Assistant Fire Chief Chas Adams thanked Mayor Westcamp and Council for greeting him tonight and he looks forward to getting to know everyone here. He came over to this area because he is excited and proud to be a part of such a close community with a lot of good things going on. Chief Robinson reported the Department will be starting up the blood pressure checks at the Groveport Recreation Center twice a month, starting on March 18th. He reminded everyone that this weekend is the time change and it’s a great time to check your home smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and remember to change the batteries. On March 6, the Madison Township Fire Department placed Engine 183 in-service at the Noe Bixby Road Station 183. Station 183 opened in 2018 with one ambulance and three personnel. Thanks to the SAFER Grant and an increase in part-time staffing, the Township was able to place this truck in-service to help reduce response times and better serve the northern part of the district. Hopefully, this will help the District to achieve that rating 2 it just missed with Insurance Services Office (ISO) last year. It also allowed for an additional advanced life support vehicle. #70-2021 MTFD Monthly Report Attachments: MTFD Monthly Report.pdf B. Warren Motts - Motts Military Museum Warren Motts, Motts Military Museum, thanked Council for allowing him to give an update on the museum. Motts Military Museum is proud to be in the City of Groveport and he appreciates the City for standing behind the museum over the years and the financial support which has allowed the Museum to expand. He thanked Mayor Westcamp and City Administrator BJ King and all the City staff, as well as all the Council Members, for the fabulous job being done in Groveport. He gets a lot of great compliments from the people who visit the Museum on the uniqueness of Groveport. He thanked Chief Ralph Portier and Groveport’s outstanding police officers. Mr. Motts gave accolades to the Madison Township Fire Department. This community has an awesome bunch of people; the Groveport Senior Transportation for getting Wanda Bussard to the museum who volunteers on Wednesdays and City of Groveport Page 2 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes March 15, 2021 has been at the Museum for 22 years; and Rick Palsgrove for keeping people informed and writing articles on the Museum. The Museum closed its doors on March 17, 2020 due to COVID-19. When it reopened on June 16, 2020 all of Governor DeWine’s guidelines on wearing masks and social distancing were implemented. In the past year, a tremendous amount of work was done behind the scenes; cleaning, reorganizing the artifacts and archives room, and installing an American Indian new exhibit. Volunteers have been working hard on outdoor projects. Volunteers completed restoring the outside of the POW Hut back to its original condition. The Hut held German and Italian prisoners of war during WWII at Camp Perry in Ohio. Mr. Motts is working with the Clinton County Historical Society to obtain pictures to restore the inside to its original condition. Volunteers continue to work on restoring the C-47 aircraft. The wings, engines, cowlings, flaps, tail rudder and elevator have been reassembled and with warmer weather the plan is to paint the aircraft. Warren Motts’ daughter, Lori, the Assistant Director of Motts Military Museum, has been a blessing doing wonderful things for the Museum. She got a grant from the State of Ohio to brick the entire Memorial Brick Garden. Mr. Motts’ friend, Don Jakeway, WWII combat veteran with the 82nd Airborne, passed away in December 2019. His family held a private funeral service and wants to hold a reception in Don’s honor at the Museum in August of this year. Mr. Motts received a call today from a Colonel in California, originally from Columbus, who has been in Iraq. The Colonel is being promoted to General and asked to have the ceremony in the Motts Military Museum. He will have the formal “pinning on“ ceremony of his General insignia in Los Angeles but wants to hold a ceremony in Ohio for his friends in this area. Videotaping the stories of the artifacts in the Museum has resumed with the video company they were working with before the pandemic interrupted taping last year. Once the project is completed, patrons will be able to scan a QR code with their phone at the display to play the recording of the video. His goal is to have a QR code at every display in the Museum. Motts Military Museum has been mentioned in many books and publications. The most recent being “111 Places in Columbus that You Must Not Miss ”, the ultimate insider's guide to Columbus featuring interesting and unusual places that are not found in traditional travel guides. The book will appeal to the 219 million people who visit Columbus, as well as the 2 million Central Ohioans who call Columbus home. The Museum acquired many historical vehicles this past year. A US Military M274, 4x4 Utility truck known as the “Mule” was donated. A 4-wheel gasoline-powered vehicle used for City of Groveport Page 3 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes March 15, 2021 carrying men, supplies and ammunition during the Vietnam War. With only 11,420 “Mules” produced, it is a rare find. Other vehicles included a 1968 Kaiser Jeep M725 Vietnam Military Ambulance, a Russian Jeep from the Cold War and a Korean era MASH Ambulance, all of which require some restoration when funds are available. A 2003 Yamaha Motorcycle was donated by Vietnam veteran, Leslie Green, who passed away from the effects of Agent Orange. Mr. Green, who was in the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, told his wife his last wish was to donate the motorcycle to the Museum. Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America from South Shore, Kentucky presented the Museum with a Vietnam outhouse. Bob Kendrick, ABC 6 anchorman, was presented the Emmy Award for the team involved in “ABC 6 Salute to Veterans”. Mr. Kendrick thanked Warren Motts for all the help putting together the program about the Motts Military Museum honoring veterans. Groveport’s Military Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a great way to honor Groveport’s own veterans. He was honored that his children, Wayne and Lori, applied for a banner honoring his service. Last year Net Jets had Motts Military Museum scheduled for an exhibit at their Fleet Week Celebration but due to the virus it was cancelled. Mr. Motts thanked Mayor Westcamp for having the Memorial Day Ceremony and asking him to be the keynote speaker for the livestreamed event. The Museum hosted the livestream video for Madison Township’s “A Tribute to 9/11” which was held at the Museum on September 11, 2020. The Groveport Veterans Day Ceremony went on as planned and went out to the public via livestream. Mr. Motts took the opportunity to honor veteran Lieutenant Mike Pohoriila, Navigator on a B-17 in WWII. Mr. Motts and the Museum participated in other communities special events. The 911 Expansion project is moving at a fast pace. The first exhibit will be on the 1947-49 American Freedom Train and the 1975-76 Bicentennial American Freedom Train. Warren Motts was the official photographer of the 1975-76 Bicentennial American Freedom Train having traveled with it for two years. Another exhibit will display the 240 Holocaust and concentration camp artifacts which an appraiser deemed “to be one of the most unique and rare collections of personally owned artifacts of their kind” and “that it is the second largest collection of Holocaust artifacts in the United States, sixth largest in the world”. Space will be made for a conference and multipurpose room for group meetings, ceremonies and special programs relating to military history. It will also be used for the Museum’s Christmas party. The final wing, the 911 Building, will house the largest collection of large-scale 9/11 and ground zero artifacts outside of New York City. The 7500 sq. ft. City of Groveport Page 4 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes March 15, 2021 building will house the 42’ fire truck, two police cars, a portion of the North Tower antenna, a piece of stairway and many more items dedicated in memory of first responders and the nearly 3000 lost lives of 9/11 attack. Mr. Motts has spoken to the Mayor and Mr. King about getting donations from Groveport area corporations. Mr. Motts closed with thanking the City of Groveport with all the help and support over the years.. VII. New Business None. VIII. Unfinished Business None. IX. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings None B. 2nd Readings None X. Financial Report Finance Director Jason Carr noted that the expenditures in the General Fund were $577,000 higher than at the same time last year. The Fund balance was lower. The increase in the City’s expenses from the General Fund is primarily driven to the timing of the school sharing payment. In 2020, the school share payment was in June, this year it was paid in February. #71-2021 Financial Report Attachments: Financial Report.pdf XI. Other Business None. XII. Reports City of Groveport Page 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes March 15, 2021 A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp had no business. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator BJ King informed Council that at the March 22nd City Council meeting, an ordinance to amend the codified ordinance as it relates to bid standards will be brought before Council for consideration. For the Bixby Road Reconstruction project, Franklin County plans to replace a large culvert under Bixby Road prior to the road being resurfaced. Franklin County has a requirement that contractors be ODOT pre-qualified as part of their bid review process. #72-2021 Admin report to Council Attachments: Admin report to Council March 15 2021.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 was not present. Captain Blevins really appreciates Warren Motts compliment of the Police Department. #73-2021 PD Council Report Attachments: PD Council Report.pdf F. Asst. Admin. / Development Dir. - Jeff Green Nothing further to report. #74-2021 ED Council Report Attachments: ED Council Report.pdf City of Groveport Page 6 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes March 15, 2021 G. Public Service Director - Brian Strayer Public Service Director Brian Strayer updated Council on the on-line auction. There is only one item left up for bid and the auction closes tonight at 7 p.m. As of now, all the other items have sold for over $24,000. Mr. Strayer referred to his submitted draft proposal for the residential brush removal program. The draft is to define the intent of program and clarify the limits and process for residents so they can dispose of fallen or trimmed tree limbs from their property. #75-2021 PW Council Report Attachments: PW Council Report.pdf Proposed - Brush Removal Program 2-15-2021 .pdf H. Chief Building Official - Stephen Moore Nothing further to report. #76-2021 B&Z Council Report Attachments: B&Z Council Report.pdf I. Director of Golf - Tom Walker Nothing further to report. #77-2021 GOLF Council Report Attachments: GOLF Council Report.pdf J. Recreation Director - Kyle Lund Nothing further to report. #78-2021 REC Council Report Attachments: REC Council Report.pdf K. Community Affairs Director - Patty Storts .Council Member Grashel mentioned that his friend, Glenn Lansdale, has written a children's book "Let’s Go Fishin’!: Charlie’s Big Catch". Mr. Lansdale gave Mr. Grashel several copies of the book and Mr. City of Groveport Page 7 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes March 15, 2021 Grashel thinks it would be great for KidSpace. #79-2021 CA Council Report Attachments: CA Council Report.pdf L. Director of Parks & Facilities Management - Tom Byrne Nothing further to report. #80-2021 P&FM Council Report Attachments: P&FM Council Report.pdf M. City Engineer - Steve Farst City Engineer Steve Farst commented on the great job Brian Strayer did reporting on the improvements on Bixby Road at Ebright Road. Mr. Farst is reaching out to the County Engineer on the Ebright Road signage to see what can be done to help improve the awareness of north and southbound drivers to the cross street. #81-2021 ENG Council Report Attachments: ENG Council Report.pdf N. Director of Transportation - Bob Dowler Nothing further to report. #82-2021 DOT Council Report Attachments: DOT Council Report.pdf O. Personnel Director - Sue Wadley Nothing further to report. #83-2021 HR Council Report Attachments: HR Council Report.pdf P. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Nothing further to report. City of Groveport Page 8 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes March 15, 2021 Q. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Chad Grashel Council Member Lockett noted that the Birch Tavern is starting on their outdoor patio. They will be putting down pavers in the lot where the tree stood with a 3’ fence around the area. The patio, scheduled to be completed by the end of April, is planned for seating 26 to 32 patrons. XIII. Adjournment A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Grashel, to adjourn at 6:17 p.m. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Cleary,Dildine,Grashel,Hutson, and Lockett __________________________________________ 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 9