Committee of the Whole

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, June 20, 2022 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 & Jack Rupp Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 I. Call to Order Committee Chair Hilbert called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Staff Present: BJ King - Administrator, Kevin Shannon - Law Director, Jason Carr - Finance Director, Jeff Green - Development Director, Casey Adams - Chief of Police, Ruthanne Sargus Ross - Clerk of Council 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 Chief Adams led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. Roll Call Present: 6 - Cleary,Dildine,Hilbert,Hutson,Lockett, and Rupp V. Approval of Minutes - April 18, 2022 The April 18, 2022 Committee of the Whole Minutes stand approved as submitted. #109-2022 COTW Minutes Attachments: COTW Minutes 4.18.2022.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Madison Township Fire Chief Robinson Madison Township Fire Chief Robinson reported that last Wednesday, June 15, the Department participated in an extensive exercise held at Rickenbacker. Every three years, Rickenbacker runs a large-scale rescue training. Madison Township Fire Department served as the EMS, and the base fire department served as the responding fire department. Madison Township EMS crews triaged over 140 patients that were either bussed to Mount Carmel East Hospital or put in bays. City of Groveport Page 1 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 OSU Hospital opted out of the event because that was the day of the power outages, and Administration didn't want to take a bunch of fake patients with no electric service. The Department got to airlift one mannequin dummy allowing Air Evac to participate in the mass rescue event. Everything went well, and it was good timing for the event with the upcoming air show next year. Chief Robinson formally invited the Mayor, Council, and everyone to Station 183 on Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m. Madison Township will be dedicating Station 183 to retired Firefighter and former Trustee Edward "Ed" Dildine, father of Councilman Edward G. Dildine, to honor his years of service and dedication to the township. Mr. Dildine served the Madison Township Fire Department for 30+ years, was elected to the Madison Township Board of Trustees, and was a Trustee when Madison Township expanded the Department's service capabilities by building Station 183. The station will be named the Edward B. Dildine Fire Station 183. Councilman Edward G. Dildine reminded everyone of the need for caution during hot weather. There were over 1,000 dispatch calls on Tuesday, June 14, and almost 900 on Wednesday. When it gets this hot, problems start to compound, and we need to remember to check on family, neighbors, and friends. Power outages throughout the community make it especially hard on nursing homes and the elderly. #110-2022 MTFD Monthly Report. Attachments: MTFD Monthly Report.pdf VII. New Business None. VIII. Unfinished Business None. IX. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings None B. 2nd Readings City of Groveport Page 2 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 Ord. 2022-024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GROVEPORT MADISON SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PROVIDE A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY Sponsors: Rupp Attachments: Ord. 2022-024 Exhibit A.pdf Administrator King explained that this legislation is a renewal to continue the services provided through our school resource officer with Groveport Madison Local Schools. Mr. Rupp asked for verification that the SRO was just for Groveport Madison High School. Mr. King commented that the agreement is just for the High School. Mr. Rupp wanted to know if it would consider having an officer in the other schools in the City. Chief Adams plans to reallocate staffing by creating a patrol liaison to handle court liaison duties. The liaison will also go to different schools within the City to cover the elementary, middle, and charter schools, Eastland Career Center, and Madison Christian Schools during the work day. Officers are required to be certified as school resource officers. Groveport Madison Local Schools contracts the same agreement as Groveport with Madison Township Police. Madison Township's SRO leaves the High School for at least half of the school day. Groveport's SRO does not leave the High School. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-024. A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary,Dildine,Hilbert,Hutson,Lockett, and Rupp Ord. 2022-025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART FIFTEEN - FIRE PREVENTION CODE OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT CODIFIED ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 1519, FIREWORKS Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2022-025 Exhibit A amended.pdf Administrator King stated that this Ordinance would amend the City's current code prohibiting fireworks. It is not the full adoption of the new State code. This amendment would allow fireworks per the State's House Bill 172, but July 4 would be the only date consumer-grade fireworks could set off. HB 172 goes into effect on July 1, 2022. The Administrator plans to request emergency passage of this Ordinance at the regular City Council meeting on June 27, 2022. City of Groveport Page 3 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 Council Member Lockett is against this Ordinance. He mentioned that Chief Adams would have to change how he looks at things, from catching the bad guys doing the fireworks illegally to making sure consumers are safely using the fireworks. The language in this amendment would put the officers back into playing racquetball whenever someone hears fireworks. Council is not sure if this will create any problems yet. If the language intends to make the community safer or quieter, he applauds the effort, but this Ordinance will have no effect. Mr. Lockett sees no reason to take out the other holidays; he would prefer to stay with the new State law. He would allow people to set off the consumer-grade fireworks and ensure they do them safely. The City can address it as a problem if it is a problem. He is not in favor of it. Law Director Kevin Shannon clarified that the attachment exhibit of this Ordinance is verbatim of the proposed fire code in House Bill 172. The only change that the City has made is that July 4 is the only day that would be allowed. If the red font in the attachment for Council's review is stricken, it is an easy fix if Council wants to include all the days as originally set in HB 172. That is the only proposed change to the State law that goes into effect on July 1, 2022. Mayor Westcamp commented that the public must know they can only discharge fireworks on private property. Using consumer-grade fireworks in Groveport parks would be prohibited. Council Member Dildine remarked that HB 172 addresses that issue. "Any person authorized under this section to possess 1.4G fireworks in this state may discharge, ignite, or explode those fireworks on private property, with authorization from the property owner, on the following days each year:" Mr. Dildine agrees with Mr. Lockett that the State law should be left as written. The City can address the matter if it becomes a problem. The problem is that the smaller communities don't have the resources to inform their citizens that all days except July 4 are prohibited. The main news channels will report all the days listed in HB 172. Council Member Rupp stated that if one looks around Franklin County, one will see many agencies taking the position not to follow the State law. They will either amend HB 172 or disallow it. With what he has seen in the past with injuries associated with fireworks, Mr. Rupp is not in favor of amending the attached exhibit. The City has taken the day fireworks are typically discharged and deems it okay on that day. Mr. Rupp is not in favor of adding ten more days of the year to permit the use of fireworks. Mr. Dildine believes people will discharge fireworks no matter the law. HB 172 gives the public ten additional days a year to have fireworks, hopefully discouraging random displays. City of Groveport Page 4 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 Mr. Shannon advised that the City has to amend the fire code either way. Council has to take some action next Monday. If the code in exhibit A of Ordinance 2022-025 gets voted down, then a motion to amend the exhibit to include all the days in HB 172 must be made so Groveport can comply with the state fire code. City Council has to do something to enact the fire code. Mr. Dildine noted that agencies could promote fireworks safety when fireworks are legal. Agencies don't provide safety instructions for things that are illegal. Council Member Hilbert agrees with Mr. Rupp in that she does not want to risk serious injury by allowing fireworks on eleven days a year. She agrees that people will do it on other days, too, but this will give the police some weight in enforcing violations. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-025. A motion was made by Council Member Hilbert, seconded by Council Member Rupp, to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion to recommend approval failed by the following vote: Yes: 2- Hilbert, and Rupp No: 4- Cleary,Dildine,Hutson, and Lockett Ord. 2022-026 AN ORDINANCE DEFINING AND ESTABLISHING MEMBERS OF THE CLASSIFIED AND UNCLASSIFIED SERVICE FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT Sponsors: Dildine Administrator King stated that this Ordinance is to update the City’s list of classified and unclassified employees. Classified positions have the right of appeal before the Personnel Board of Review for discipline or termination. Candidates must go through a scoring process and be approved on an eligibility list by the Personnel Board of Review. Unclassified positions are the directors, those in management, and appointed positions, i.e., Clerk of Council and Mayor’s Court Clerk. Part-time and seasonal employees are unclassified. Next week Administration will ask to amend this legislation to include managers at the Recreation Center and the Public Works superintendents. Clerk of Council Ross read by title Ordinance No. 2022-026. A motion was made by Council Member Dildine, seconded by Council Member Cleary, to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary,Dildine,Hilbert,Hutson,Lockett, and Rupp Res. 2022-001 City of Groveport Page 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2023 Sponsors: Cleary Attachments: Res. 2022-001 Exhibit A.pdf Finance Director Jason Carr stated that this is a requirement by the Franklin County Auditor’s Office due by July 1. The legislation summarizes estimates for revenues, expenditures, and the projected fund balance for the calendar year 2023. It also includes an estimate for 2024. Administration will ask for emergency passage on Monday to meet the July 1, 2022 deadline. Mr. Shannon will research the Charter provision that allows this legislation to be passed after one reading and go into effect immediately upon passage. Mr. Shannon will let Council know before the close of tonight's meeting. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary,Dildine,Hilbert,Hutson,Lockett, and Rupp X. Financial Report Finance Director Jason Carr reported that the City had collected approximately 50% of its income tax budget for the year, which is ahead of schedule. Collections are 14% higher than last year. The City secured a lease through Huntington National Bank for a transit bus for $64,000 for the Senior Transportation Program. Each year, the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) will refund Groveport expenses paid based on collections. May reflects the $356,515 refund for the 2021 tax collection expense. The collection of auto license fees into the Street Fund and State Highway Fund is below projections, with only 18% collected to date. The City looks good financially through May, with the Street Fund being an item that may need revisited mid-year. Mr. Cleary asked with the Federal Government raising the primary credit rate if there is anything that hurts or helps the City. Mr. Carr responded that the City would move $5 million out of its STAR Ohio account, which is currently at .9%, and invest it in higher-yielding securities to capture the higher interest rates. Groveport doesn’t have any variable debt, we only have fixed debt, but the bond anticipation notes for the golf course and the street fund roll over next year, and the City will probably see higher interest rates. Mr. Rupp asked Mr. Carr to remind him of the spike in expenditures in March of 2022. Mr. Carr explained that in February and March, the City paid the school sharing incentive payment, and the City made City of Groveport Page 6 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 economic development-related incentives payments to companies who have met specific criteria. #111-2022 Financial Report Attachments: Financial Report.pdf XI. Other Business None. XII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Lance Westcamp thanked Fire Chief Derek Robinson and Fire Marshall Scott Hite for being a big part of the City’s 4th of July Committee. Both had significant input, and everything they do for this City is appreciated. Chief Adams and all the members of the Committee are going full bore; everything is ready. It ought to be a great day. The Mayor is still waiting to hear from the School District about transporting people back to their vehicles. Mr. King does have a backup plan. The event has 10-12 food vendors, entertainment, and four performers with some local talent. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator King had nothing further to report. #112-2022 Admin Report to Council Attachments: Admin Report to Council June 20 2022.pdf C. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon Law Director Kevin Shannon advised Council that under 4.07 Effective Date of Legislation of Groveport Charter, (A) The following ordinances or resolutions shall take effect upon passage unless a later time is specified therein: (1) Appropriation of money. This includes notes/bonds and tax budget resolution (2) An annual tax levy for current expenses. D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr City of Groveport Page 7 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 Finance Director Carr had nothing further to report. E. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Casey Adams reported that Lieutenant Short has a firm date of the second week of July to run scenarios at the High School with officers on active shooter training. The Department is also looking for ways the SRO can help the School District, like making sure doors are secure during the day. Officer Boso will work with the School District to make recommendations; like ensuring exterior doors are secured daily and students are not propping them open. Chief Adams talked to Madison Township Chief York about officers periodically checking the exterior doors to ensure they are locked. The Department plans to be proactive by taking precautions at the schools. The Department had its yearly qualifications for firearms and had a guest join in the exercises. The range officers wanted Kevin Shannon to come out to the range to see what it takes for an officer to qualify with his firearm(s). Mr. Shannon appreciated Sergeant Guiler and Detective Daltons for their fantastic instruction. Mr. Shannon watched Captain Blevins qualify for the last time, as the Captain will be retiring. During these exercises, Mr. Shannon felt lucky to witness the officers' responsibility, care, seriousness, and professionalism. He was delighted that the officers invited him and thrilled to watch them do what they do so well. Chief Adams added that the Franklin County Commissioners would consider Resolution No. 0467-22. The resolution will allow entrance for the City of Groveport, Obetz, and Madison Township into the Matrix reporting system as requested by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. Franklin County will pick up the costs of maintenance and licensing until 2028. The only expense for Groveport is a one-time entrance fee of $13,700. Initially, the County gave an estimate of $15,000 to $85,000 to convert the Department's current system files to the Matrix system. The City would no longer pay annual licensing fees to CMI. Groveport Police budget about $16,000 annually to CMI in reporting services. If the Commissioners pass the resolution, the Department will be getting contracts to Law Director Shannon and Administrator King. Mr. Rupp inquired if the Chief plans any training on rescue task force operations with the fire department. Chief Adams replied that the fire department's rescue operations training is part of the officers' active shooting training. Law Director Kevin Shannon will conduct training on July 1, 2022, for the Police Department. The course covers instructions so the officers can swear in charges, criminal complaints or affidavits, and witness City of Groveport Page 8 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 statements without being a notary. The officers do not have to be a notary as long as they have training conducted by Mr. Shannon. #113-2022 PD Council Report Attachments: PD Council Report.pdf F. Development Director - Jeff Green Development Director Jeff Green reported that the engineer drawings for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC mechanical went to the contractors today for pricing. The entire package is in quality assurance for review; then, the contractors will submit the drawings for permits. Little Italy is waiting for the engineer drawings for the LID systems. Wasserstrom delayed getting the plans in due to an unforeseen power outage. As soon as the City gets the pricing and decides on a contractor for Little Italy, hopefully, it will be the same contractor for Delaney’s Diner; you can expect to see activity on both sites. Mrs. Hilbert asked when the City could expect to see construction start in the two buildings. Mr. Green commented by mid-July. Kulture Kitchen wants more than the City could provide. They want the space turnkey, with Groveport providing all the equipment. The cost estimate for the smaller space would be over $600,000. Mr. Green is not dismissing Kulture Kitchen out of hand, but he does have concerns. #114-2022 DEV Council Report Attachments: DEV Council Report.pdf G. Public Service Director - Brian Strayer #115-2022 PW Council Report Attachments: PW Council Report.pdf H. Chief Building Official - Stephen Moore #116-2022 B&Z Council Report Attachments: B&Z Council Report.pdf I. Director of Golf - Tom Walker City of Groveport Page 9 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 #117-2022 GOLF Council Report Attachments: GOLF Council Report.pdf J. Community Affairs Director - Jessica Wyke #118-2022 CA Council Report Attachments: CA Council Report.pdf K. City Engineer - Steve Farst #120-2022 ENG Council Report Attachments: ENG Council Report.pdf L. Director of Transportation - Bob Dowler #119-2022 DOT Council Report Attachments: DOT Council Report.pdf M. Personnel Director - Joyce Myers N. Director of Information Technology - Trevor Swackhamer #121-2022 IT Council Report Attachments: IT Council Report.pdf O. Clerk of Council - Ruthanne Sargus Ross Clerk of Council Ruthanne Sargus Ross had nothing further to report. P. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Jack Rupp Council Member Jack Rupp likes the agenda with all the directors’ reports. Mrs. Hilbert noted that the directors would submit monthly reports to the Committee of the Whole. Council Member Shawn Cleary reported that a resident had offered paperwork to the Cemetery Committee related to providing burials to veterans at no cost. The veteran would have to meet specific criteria to City of Groveport Page 10 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 20, 2022 get a plot for free. Council Member Ed Dildine mentioned that he took Madison Township Retired Battalion Chief, his wife, and three boys through Motts Military Museum. Mr. Dildine was pleasantly surprised at the foot traffic on a Thursday at 1:00 in the afternoon. XIII. Adjournment Council Member Cleary made a motion, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to adjourn at 6:17 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