Committee of the Whole

City of Groveport 655 Blacklick St. Groveport, OH 43125 614.830.2052 www.groveport.org . Meeting Minutes Monday, May 15, 2023 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 May 15, 2023 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, Bob Dowler - Director of Transportation, Lisa Zurbriggen - Senior Services Manager, Mindy Kay - Acting 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 The March 20, 2023 City Council Minutes stand approved as submitted. #074-2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes 3.20.2023 Attachments: COTW Minutes 3.20.2023.pdf VI. Business of Guests A. Flock Security & Det. Josh Gilbert Detective Josh Gilbert greeted Council and stated that he is asking for approval to install ten Flock Safety security cameras. He said that what the Police Department is trying to do with these cameras is build a perimeter around the city so that there’s no way to enter our city without having a photo taken of your vehicle. These are not operating 24/7 cameras that we have to fast forward and rewind and try to figure out various things of that manner. These are constantly taking photos based City of Groveport Page 1 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 off of motion. The algorithm set within the program allows us to search within the photos within any time frame and specific information. For example, if we have a suspect who drives a red Ford F150 we can search all of our cameras between any times we want for only red Ford F150s. This gives us an up-close photo of every vehicle. He went on to say that If we would have had these in place during past crimes and shootings, it would have cut our time down tremendously. As we know, time can save lives. He added that these cameras are solar powered, we don’t need to hardwire them into anything. We would mount them on the same black poles that we use around the perimeter of the City. Flock Safety would handle the installation. They would be about ten to fifteen feet in the air so we don’t feel like anyone would tamper with them. The cameras also hold thirty days’ worth of data. He then said the thing he likes about it is that Flock Safety owns them. We are renting them and the nice thing is that if something happens to them we don’t have to try to fix them. We are not paying for storage, so we can extract data every thirty days if need be. Otherwise, the data just goes away. He added another great feature is that Patrol Officers can log into the camera system from their computers in their cruisers and the system will alert them within ten seconds if various things cross that camera’s path. A few examples would be, a stolen vehicle enters our City, a sex offender is around the school, or an Amber Alert. He said that we get several burglaries at the Golf Course a year. If we put a camera there it would alert our third shift patrol officers within ten seconds if any car pulls into the golf course entrance after hours. He then mentioned a recent drive by shooting involving a stolen car. He said we can be more proactive to where our officers will immediately get that alert that a stolen vehicle broke the perimeter of our City. We will immediately have a picture and start heading toward that vehicle. Just the presence of an officer alone could prevent those types of shootings. He went on to say that the cameras themselves are very small. They are not for facial recognition, they are for reading license plates. One of the main things behind these photos is the database. Places like Grove City, Grandview, Ohio State, and Fairfield County all have these cameras so if we search something specific the database will pull data from all of these places not just Groveport. We can create a hot list for certain vehicles deemed problematic, and officers will immediately be alerted when the camera is passed. One proposed location for a camera is on South Hamilton at Williams Rd. The camera will be located right on the side of the road. It’ll be a small 28-pound device with a solar panel on top, taking pictures. There will be a sign there that says what it is and who operates it. There is no expectation of privacy. It will be the same as you entering a parking lot and looking at somebody’s license plate. The officer would then need additional circumstances to run the tag to find the information behind it. We think all ten proposed locations set a good perimeter around the City City of Groveport Page 2 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 and we are working with ODOT in preparations. He said that one thing the Police department started about two years ago was their own seizure form. We’ve held assets on cases that we’ve worked until the judge has awarded them to us and we’ve been saving our own money in the detective bureau as it comes in. Luckily, right now we’re fortunate enough to be able to pay that $33,700 directly out of that fund to get us started. That would be ten cameras at $3,000 each for that first year. The $700 would be for buying the poles and for installation. Replacement costs for any camera that is damaged and completely destroyed is about $800.00. If we can’t catch the person who destroys the camera and are unable to have their insurance cover it, we do incur that cost. He then reiterated that several communities in the area use these cameras and added that in Delaware County alone they anticipate several hundred of these cameras being installed in the near future. Council Member Lockett asked if the information is stored for thirty days, would anybody have freedom of information and have access to the data? Detective Gilbert said that only law enforcement has access to the information, not the general public. To his knowledge it is not public record. Amy Cornell, Community Affairs Manager with Flock Safety confirmed that detective Gilbert is correct and that none of the information will be stored. It is in the cloud and goes away after thirty days and will not be used unless it’s tied to a crime. She then spoke about the vehicle fingerprint. She said they refer to the license plate as the vehicle fingerprint and that will be sent to law enforcement if it’s tied to a crime. No other personal information is sent to law enforcement. Council Member Rupp inquired about the connectivity to the iPad and if it was cellular based. Mrs. Cornell said that it is indeed cellular based and that Flock has a deployment team that comes in to identify who the best carrier is and ensure that you’re going to get the best service. Mr. Rupp then asked what our annual recurring cost would be. Detective Gilbert replied $3,000 per camera and that they are putting in $30,000 for the 2024 Police Department budget. Mr. Rupp asked if the cellular component is included in that fee, to which Mrs. Cornell said yes. Detective Gilbert went on to say that a really neat component of this system is that if a witness is not completely sure about the full description of a car but say that it was blue had a bumper sticker, we can have the system show only cars with bumper stickers. Mr. Locket asked if the other communities have these cameras only stationed on the perimeter or if they are stationed internally as well. Detective Gilbert said that other communities do have them stationed internally. A lot of them are going up at local businesses like Kroger or major areas. Our initial goal with the budget is to just get the perimeter so we can get a photo of anyone entering or exiting our City. Police Chief Adams added that the community at Elmont is also installing Flock cameras. Detective Gilbert then said that at the HOA meeting they said they are buying the cameras but just want the police department to have access and monitor them. City of Groveport Page 3 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 Council Member Hilbert asked that if anyone wanted to get one, the Police Department would have access to it. Detective Gilbert said yes and if any place like Kroger or a warehouse could buy these cameras and grant access to the Police Department. The High School has been talking about putting one at their entrance. They have other products that go along with the cameras like the ability to detect gun shots and other various things. He said that this is our initial proposal to get them out there and see some success. Council Member Hutson asked what the difference is between these cameras and the ones that we already have that move around the City. Detective Gilbert said the ones that we have are great to put in various locations and that the Flock cameras are going to be in a fixed location. If we start to get burglaries in an area we can easily move our camera trailer over there, and we can take it to the High School footballs games and other events. With those cameras we have to fast forward, rewind, and really sit there and go through a lot of data. The Flock cameras would be easier in that aspect because we can search by the image. Council Member Rupp asked if there is a legal policy or policies we should have in effect for these cameras. Detective Gilbert stated that we have a draft LPR policy for the City which is pretty standard. It basically states that we can’t share or compromise anybody’s information. Administrator King asked Detective Gilbert to provide Law Director Kevin Shannon a copy of the policy to review. Mr. King then confirmed with Detective Gilbert that for this two-year term, the first year is being paid by investigative funds, and we hope to recoup additional funds for the second year and if not, it will be funded within the Police Department budget. Detective Gilbert then stated that we have a few tow trucks that are getting ready to be auctioned which would help. Mr. King then inquired if we would have access to other communities’ databases. Detective Gilbert said yes and gave an example of if he searches a license plate, as long as those communities are sharing data you will be able to see anywhere that person went within those communities. From an investigator’s standpoint this will save a lot of man hours of trying to figure out where these people are and the ability to establish a pattern. Mr. King said he is impressed with how much time this will cut with just reviewing camera footage alone. Detective Gilbert agreed and said they just caught a suspect the other day but with the Flock camera system we could have caught him a lot faster. Council Member Cleary asked with the Ohio weather being as extreme as it can be, would that have an impact on these units? Detective Gilbert answered that to his knowledge as long as the cameras are facing south they would be fine. Mrs. Cornell said that they are built in a way that can withstand many different climates, however if something does happen to one of the cameras Flock will send someone out within 72 hours. If a camera goes down Flock will be notified. Detective Gilbert had spoken with other communities who use the Flock cameras and they all said that they have City of Groveport Page 4 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 less than three percent downtime as Flock advertised. Chief Adams said that at the Chief Association meetings the Sheriffs are really pushing these cameras. They are especially pushing a lot of them on the west side of Columbus right now. Council Member Dildine inquired if once we get these up and running and are satisfied with them, will we provide the local HOAs with information about them. Chief Adams said that is certainly something they could discuss at HOA meetings. Mr. King said the HOA could fund the purchase and share the data so that we have access to them. He applauded the Police Department for taking these steps because with this, we’re seeing who’s coming and going, it cuts down the response time, and will help the Police Department work more efficiently. He said at this cost it does not require Council approval but thinks everyone is on board and it would be a great thing for the City to do. Council Member Hilbert asked law Director Shannon if action is to be taken on it. Mr. Shannon said no because of the amount involved, it falls within the parameters that the Administrator can enter into a contract. Furthermore, once we get into the following years to the extent that they’re doing it as a budgeted amount, Council will see it when they go to approve the budget. Nothing is required as far as Council action at this time. Mrs. Hilbert then reiterated to Mr. Shannon the security policy that detective Gilbert had drafted. To which Detective Gilbert confirmed he would supply to Mr. Shannon. Mr. Shannon added that Detective Gilbert has already provided him with a draft contract to work in conjunction with ODOT as it relates to the cameras being placed. That contract has been finalized in anticipation for this presentation tonight. We should be able to finish up the policy and any future contracts before the installation of the cameras. Mr. Cleary wanted to know the caliber of quality these cameras are. Detective Gilbert said what sold him and other agencies on them is that you can find a 4K camera, but they’re not a camera company. The technology and the database that comes with the Flock is high quality and nobody has the types of algorithms they use. He said from everything he’s seen, the cameras are very clear and you can definitely tell distinguishing marks, even at night time. Mr. Cleary then asked if we will get new cameras once the two-year contract is up and we decide to renew. Flock VP of Policy and Communications Josh Thomas said that as long as you are under contract with Flock then equipment will be replaced and we would always have the latest and greatest hardware. If at the end of the contract the cameras are still operational they do not need to be replaced. Chief Adams stated that if anyone wanted to see what the cameras look like in action they could go to St Rt 256 right by the Target and Olive Garden. He said there’s one sitting right there and you can drive by it and not even realize it. It’s not an eyesore or noticeable at all. #101-2023 Camera Proposal for City Council City of Groveport Page 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 Attachments: Camera Proposal for City Council.pdf B. Madison Township Fire Chief Robinson VII. New Business VIII. Unfinished Business IX. Ordinances and Resolutions A. 3rd Readings B. 2nd Readings Ord. 2023-015 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2022-036 ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF GROVEPORT’S POLICE DEPARTMENT STRENGTH OF STAFF. Sponsors: Rupp Administrator King stated that previously Council had passed an ordinance that established the level of staffing for the Police Department in 2022. We brought that to Council for consideration based on retirements and the need to bring new people on board. At the time we thought the final number would be 24 but in actuality the final number of staffing will be 25. In order to be consistent and accurate we are asking for approval to set it at 25 not 24. A motion was made by Council Member Rupp, 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 Ord. 2023-016 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART FIFTEEN - FIRE PREVENTION CODE OF THE CITY OF GROVEPORT CODIFIED ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 1519, FIREWORKS Sponsors: Lockett Attachments: Ord. 2023-016 Exhibit A Amended.pdf Administrator King informed Council that the proposed amended dates for allowing the setting off of fireworks are July third, fourth, and fifth, which align with the State’s statute. It eliminates all the other dates previously proposed. City of Groveport Page 6 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 Local citizen Greg Keller then approached the podium and reminded Council that he’s spoken on this issue before and gave numerous facts that would preclude the City from adopting this ordinance, either in whole or in part. He said the State statute allows for what he believes are called personal fireworks but, in his opinion, they’re closer to commercial grade. He then stated he has had a lot of experience with these types of fireworks in his past but has not used any fireworks in the past few years. One of the reasons why is safety. He explained that he’d experienced a firework exploding while it was being lit and said he shutters to think what would happen if that occurred in a private residence. He reminded Council of the Columbus Bluejackets player who was killed in Michigan by a wayward mortar round. He said mortar rounds are the absolute most dangerous because those tubes can easily move and fire along the ground instead of up in the air. He went on to say that some of his points of concern are veterans with PTSD or any other citizen who is sensitive to loud noises, young children, pets who do not react well to the noise, and the fact that we are in an urban setting. He shared a story that took place on an evening at home a few months ago. He said all of a sudden there was a loud explosion followed by continuous explosions. One of the residents in his neighborhood was letting off the commercial grade fireworks. Multiple calls were made and police units were dispatched. He stated that this demonstrates to us that the folks in the community would not be served by having permission to use these commercial grade fireworks. The senior living facility on Green Street was in close proximation to the event and many residents were jolted by it. He added that his dogs needed to be medicated but the medication takes a while to take effect, so it was a little too late for that. He said the last time he spoke to Council he thought maybe it would be fine to allow fireworks on the third, fourth and fifth because people are going to do it anyway, but personal experience has proven that these fireworks have no place on any day. He concluded by citing the current societal environment that we live in. Flags are at half staff practically permanently, mainly because of gun violence. Gun violence is the number one killer of children and juveniles in this country. It has taken over all other causes of death. It is the number one hazard relative to domestic violence. He said people are taking the law into their own hands and he is not predicting anything but wants to alert everyone of the distinct possibility that if this is allowed, people are going to take exception to the use of these fireworks in close proximity to their neighbors, causing personal conflict. Americans being who we are, will settle our personal conflicts with the biggest common denominator we can get our hands on, and today that is firearms. We’ve seen numerous examples of that over the last few weeks. He concluded by stating that given how the voting on this ordinance went last time, he is City of Groveport Page 7 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 shocked that any individual on Council would vote yes. Council Member Hilbert stated that some of the residents who live on Main Street are very concerned about the potential actions of some of their neighbors. They are worried about what would happen if they are in possession of fireworks while under the influence. They also have dogs and are concerned because they do not react well to the noise. She said her stance is still the same, and that we have people who are licensed to set off fireworks at the Fourth of July event and feels very comfortable with that. Council Member Hutson then asked to confirm that these amended dates line up with the State statute, to which Administrator King replied that they do. If we do not change anything we will continue with our current prohibition but if we do change it to the third fourth and fifth we will be consistent with current State statute. Council member Cleary stated that he’s worked the past twenty-two straight Fourth of July’s. He said that no matter what we pass or fail or look the other way on, it is an impossible task for the force. Hopefully there still are good people out there who follow what the ordinances say. There’s a good amount of people who will still, unfortunately, set them off. Mayor Westcamp spoke in regards to the recent incident Mr. Keller referred to in his neighborhood. He said he could see the incident from his house. The police stopped by his house and at that point they had a violation ready. The officer told him the they warned the person setting off the fireworks that if he lights them again he will issue a citation. He said we had enough police officers able to respond that day and they are willing to do their job. He told Mr. Keller they did have a bit of trouble with his neighbor but thinks they have the situation under control now on the fireworks situation. Council Member Lockett made a motion for the ordinance to be amended to July Fourth only because he thinks that is a reasonable compromise. Council Member Dildine asked specifically if the amendment should be for July Fourth or on the day the City holds its July Fourth festivities. He added that we normally don’t celebrate on the Fourth, depending on what day of the week it falls on. Mr. Lockett suggested we amend the language to say that fireworks are allowed on July Fourth, or the day of the City’s Fourth of July celebration. This way it is still a reasonable compromise to allow fireworks to be set off for one day only. Law Director Shannon stated for clarity that Mr. Lockett’s motion would be a recommendation for approval of the ordinance with the stated amendment. Mr. Lockett confirmed. Mr. Shannon informed Council that the amended language will be presented at the next Council meeting for approval and then the ordinance can be adopted as amended. City of Groveport Page 8 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 A motion was made by Council Member Lockett, seconded by Council Member Dildine, to recommend approval with amendment to the City Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Dildine,Hutson,Lockett, and Rupp No: 2- Cleary, and Hilbert Ord. 2023-018 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE POSITION OF PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AT THE SENIOR CENTER, ACCEPTING THE POSITION DESCRIPTION AND PAY GRADE. Sponsors: Hilbert Attachments: Ord. 2023-018 Exhibit A.pdf Administrator King reported that this ordinance is being presented to Council based on recent events at the Senior center. We have two part time employees working fifteen to twenty hours per week right now. One of these employees is also leaving. Not to downplay the positions but they do not offer a whole lot of other administrative support. As the Senior Center has become more and more busy and successful it seems that it’s time to create a part time Administrative Assistant to provide that support to Bob Dowler and Lisa Zurbriggen, so we can continue to expand on our programs and make them bigger and better. Council Member Hilbert asked if there would be enough work for an Administrative Assistant. Director of Transportation Bob Dowler stated that the other assistant who is staying would go from ten hours to five. So, all the rest of the hours can apply to the new person. The pay rate will also be different. A motion was made by Council Member Cleary, seconded by Council Member Hutson, to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Cleary,Dildine,Hilbert,Hutson,Lockett, and Rupp Ord. 2023-019 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH THE GROVEPORT HERITAGE AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY (GHPS) Sponsors: Cleary Administrator King said that this ordinance relates to the presentation that Carla Cramer made to us at a previous Council meeting to erect historical signs throughout the City at certain locations. This is the step we need to take in order to allow those either in right-of-way or on City property. City of Groveport Page 9 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 Council Member Hilbert commented that she thinks it’s great to have an organization that wants to step up and do something for the community. Council agreed. 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 shared highlights from the April 2023 Financial Report. Income Tax is six percent higher than that of April 2022 and the General Fund is $5.2 million higher. We’ve collected ninety-six percent of our budget for interest revenue based on changing the duration of our investments to a shorter term. Recreation and Golf Course operating receipts are $44,000 and $58,000 higher than this time last year. Two items which can be considered a negative are our Storm Water Fund balance, which is lower by $47,000, and our Sewer Fund is lower by approximately $131,000. The concern for the Sewer Fund is that the expenses that we have are out pacing our receipts. Last year we quit allocating salaries to the Sewer Fund in October to try to maintain a fund balance by the end of the year. He said he thinks we may have to start doing that sooner than October in 2023 and will keep Council aware of the activities of those two funds. Council Member Hilbert asked if we have any revenue coming in from the Sewer Fund. Mr. Carr said we do and the costs that are increasing are what the City of Columbus is charging us for our quarterly payments. That’s where the expenses are higher than what they were last year. Council Member Dildine asked if any rate increase that we do has to be approved by Columbus. Mr. Carr said they do not. We have a water plan and our City Council will pass the rates for water. He added that for sewer we adjust our rates based on what the City of Columbus does but those rates have not come before this Council for approval. It’s been a long while. Council Member Rupp inquired how much of a notice we get from the City of Columbus when they adjust those rates. Mr. Carr replied that City Engineer Steve Farst will attend the meeting that’s held usually in October or November by the City of Columbus. He will then provide that information to the Utilities Department and we will adjust the rates for the first full billing cycle of our calendar year. He added that we have enough of a notification, it just comes down to whether or not that increase is going to suffice for what our needs are. He then said that as we get into this we can provide other options as well. There have been some things that we’ve done that are a little bit different than what we’ve done in the City of Groveport Page 10 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 past, specifically how we allocate Public Work’s salaries to the different utility funds. Our biggest fixed cost is what we pay the City of Columbus for their sewer charge and clean river charge. Mr. Rupp then asked if we pay a commercial rate for sewage, to which Mr. Carr said yes. Council Member Dildine said it’s nice that our income tax numbers are up. He asked Mr. Carr if he sees the City continuing to trend up, seeing as how we were so low because of Covid. He further asked now that we’re out of Covid, are we going to hit a plateau at any time? Mr. Carr stated that he gets a report from the Regional Income Tax Agency on a monthly basis which speaks to top withholding payments, net profits and so forth. We can start to see trends on where some of our larger taxpayers may or may not have fluctuations. He then said that he would expect to see it plateau. He thought it was going to be for the month of May but our payment exceeded the amount that he expected. He thinks through May our increase compared to prior will probably be down to two percent, so flat with last year. When it starts to hit the withholding side, that’s telling us there are fewer employees paying income tax at the warehouses. So, when we start to see that at a significant level, then that’s where we will have to talk about it but we are not there yet. Mr. Rupp asked if we will see an increase in the fall potentially because of increase in seasonal employment in the warehouses. Mr. Carr stated that we generally do. That increase may or may not be a level of significance just based on the general economy. Administrator King said the safe thing is all in what we do prior to the fall increase because we know that plateau in consistency is going to be during regular business months. Anything we get in addition is great. Mr. Carr added that is something he tries to do as part of the mid-year report he gives to Council every year. He tries to give some kind of idea whether it’s right or wrong. He’ll speak to the Regional Income Tax Agency to get a general idea of how it will impact Groveport from a tax collection standpoint, a net profit standpoint, and other things of that nature. That’s the general thought behind trying to do that forecast. Mr. Dildine said he knows it’s a hard question to answer because we don’t fully know or understand what’s going to happen even though we’re two years out of the pandemic. Mr. Carr replied that he doesn’t think the $20 hourly rates at the warehouses is going to increase, so now we’re truly talking about how many people they are employing and how aggressively they are going to be hiring because rates are not going to change. #099-2023 Financial Report Attachments: Financial Report.pdf XI. Other Business City of Groveport Page 11 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 XII. Reports A. Mayor - Lance Westcamp Mayor Westcamp thanked Police Chief Adams, Administrator King, and Law Director Shannon for signing up to volunteer for career day at Groveport Elementary. They spoke about City government with the fourth and fifth graders. The Mayor said it’s good to give back to the community, especially at the schools. He said Madison Township had a Police car there that the students got to sit in as well. B. Administrator - BJ King Administrator King reported that on June 8th our new Recreation Center equipment will be delivered and set up. Our guys at the Facilities Department will be helping with set up and if need be the company will come back and finish or make any adjustments as needed on the 9th. He then spoke in regards to last Monday’s meeting where he was asked about leaks at the pool. He said they found one waterline leak and it is right in the middle of the entryway hallway. Tomorrow morning at 8:00am work will begin to pinpoint exactly where it is. There will be some necessary concrete tear up but the work will all be done for the pool’s opening day on Memorial Day. C. Director of Law - Kevin Shannon D. Director of Finance - Jason Carr E. Chief of Police - Casey Adams Chief Adams informed Council that last Friday night he attended a very sobering event at Groveport Madison Christian Church for the Judy Malinowski Law. Mrs. Malinowski was set on fire back in 2015 following a domestic violence incident in Gahanna. Her mother put together a movie. He said it was gut wrenching watching what that young lady went through. He reflected back on Kendall Collins, the young lady who was shot at our Rec Center. That shooting took place five weeks after the attack on Judy Malinowski. There were nearly two hundred people in the audience. He said domestic violence is a very serious topic, especially with what we see on the news. He went on to say that Officer Ernie Bell is being recognized at the Columbus Clippers game this week. City of Groveport Page 12 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 #098-2023 PD Council Report Attachments: PD Council Report.pdf F. Economic Development Director - Jeff Green Development Director Jeff Green reported that there is a new business opening in the Groveport Plaza. There will be a grand opening event this Friday. The company is Fastest Labs and they are part of a franchise that do blood testing and things of that nature. It is located right next to the Subway by Kroger. #100-2023 EDEV Council Report Attachments: EDEV Council Report.pdf G. Public Services Director - Brian Strayer #102-2023 PS Council Report Attachments: PS Council Report.pdf H. Chief Building Official - Stephen Moore #103-2023 B&Z Council Report Attachments: B&Z Council Report.pdf I. Director of Golf - Tom Walker #104-2023 GOLF Council Report Attachments: GOLF Council Report.pdf J. Recreation Director - Seth Bowers #105-2023 REC Council Report Attachments: REC Council Report.pdf K. Community Affairs Director - Jessica Wyke L. City Engineer - Steve Farst City of Groveport Page 13 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 #106-2023 ENG Council Report Attachments: ENG Council Report.pdf M. Director of Transportation / Senior Services - Bob Dowler #107-2023 DOT Council Report Attachments: DOT Council Report.pdf N. Personnel Director / Human Resources - Joyce Myers #108-2023 HR Council Report Attachments: HR Council Report.pdf O. Director of Information Technology - Trevor Swackhamer P. Clerk of Council - Mindy Kay Q. Council Members - Jean Ann Hilbert, Ed Dildine, Shawn Cleary, Becky Hutson, Scott Lockett and Jack Rupp Council Member Rupp spoke on the events of the May 10th school board meeting. The $6.68 million renewal levy will be converted to a continuing levy, meaning it will be a permanent levy for November. The school will realize some revenue from new builds. The schools also entered into a contract with Stone Security for training and weapons detection equipment. Five of them will go to the high school and one will go to the new Cruiser Excel Campus. The school had a number of presentations and recognitions, one from the Columbus Public Library and one on Creational Foundation which will support teachers and supply them with things they’d generally purchase themselves. They also recognized the cheerleaders. The schools District Safety Committee reported at the meeting as well. They’ve reviewed processes and procedures over discipline and did make some recommendations. He said they looked at the type of messaging that was being sent to students and parents based on different events and he thinks they’ll have some recommendations possibly on that. The Student Advisory Committee meets tomorrow to discuss peer support amongst students and relationships between students and teachers. City of Groveport Page 14 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 XIII. Adjournment Council Member made a motion, seconded by Council Member , to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. All in favor stated AYE, None Opposed. Motion passed. __________________________________________ Jean Ann Hilbert, President Pro Tem __________________________________________ Mindy Kay 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 15