CITY OF PICKERINGTON

SAFETY COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

MONDAY, MAY 2, 2005

7:30 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

1. ROLL CALL. Mr. Wisniewski called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mr. Sabatino present. No members were absent. Others present were: Judy Gilleland, Lynda Yartin, Chief Mike Taylor, Steve Carr, John Gallagher, Lance Schultz, George Parsley, Keith Smith, Carol Carter, Julie Goodrich, Tony Barletta, Terry Walburn, Mike Kraft, Sharon Kraft, Bob Noddin, Charles Workman, and others.

2. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF March 7, 2005, Regular Meeting. Mrs. Riggs moved to approve; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino abstaining, and Mr. Wisniewski and Mrs. Riggs voting "Yea." Motion passed, 2-0.

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF April 4, 2005, Regular Meeting. Mrs. Riggs moved to approve; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Sabatino voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 3-0.

Mr. Wisniewski stated the Property Maintenance Task Force members were present this evening to address any questions the Committee may have with their recommendations. He stated if there were no objections, he would move to that item on the agenda at this time. There were no objections.

Mr. Schultz stated the Task Force prepared recommendations on both on and off street parking requirements that have been forwarded to the Committee for review. Mr. Schultz clarified the off street parking requirements are mainly in the zoning code, and the on street parking requirements are mainly in the traffic code, so there is an overlap between codes. He clarified the 1290 section is the zoning code, and the 452 section is the traffic code. Mr. Schultz stated with regard to the proposed recommendations in the 1290 section, the proposal is to restrict the size of vehicles parked off street. He stated we have received complaints about semi-trucks and this is one of the ways to help restrict the parking. Mrs. Riggs inquired if semi’s could be parked in driveways, and Mr. Schultz stated off street would include the driveway. He stated these same size limitations are proposed for section 452.13. Mr. Wisniewski clarified that all of the bolded areas in the draft were additions to the code. Mr. Schultz stated the recommendations of the Task Force dealt with “For Sale” signs on vehicles in residential areas; abandoned motor vehicles; trailers, such as utility trailers; and, clarifies that all off street parking areas must be paved. He further stated in the 452 section they have clarified that no parking is allowed within 30 feet of an intersection; and, again, the size restriction for height and length of vehicles. Mrs. Riggs stated she felt that semi trucks should be specifically addressed and Mr. Schultz stated he could include that as an example of what is not allowed. Ms Gilleland stated currently the Chief of Police can grant a permit for off street parking of a semi-truck and she did not see that included. Mr. Schultz stated that is correct and the recommendation is to continue to allow the Chief to grant exceptions and permit semi-truck parking off street, on private property. Mrs. Riggs clarified that when an application for this permit is received, he visits the property to see if it would cause any traffic problems and how close it is to the neighbor’s homes. Chief Taylor stated he has only approved one permit and that individual has a paved driveway for the truck and is on a corner lot. Chief Taylor stated if he gets more requests for permits he will have to develop a written criteria. Ms Gilleland stated she felt this was a tough issue, and it is hard to tell one person yes and another no, however, it is more appropriate on some lots than others. Mr. Wisniewski clarified a motor home would be allowed if the area where it was parked was paved as the code stands today. Mr. Schultz stated it must be parked out of the set back and in most of the newer subdivisions, the lots are not large enough that it could be parked out of the set back. Ms Gilleland stated with regard to the off street parking areas for RVs, trailers, boats, etc., we do currently require those areas to be paved. Mr. Wisniewski inquired what the penalties for violations of these sections would be and Mr. Schultz stated the zoning violations would go to Mayor’s Court and have the typical fine. Mr. Sabatino inquired what that might be and Mr. Schultz stated he was not sure what the amount was for the range of fines were. Mr. Sabatino further clarified that violators were notified by mail and if they did not correct it, then a 15-day notice is sent. If the situation is still not corrected it would then go to Mayor’s Court. Mr. Sabatino inquired if the resident can move this to the Municipal Court if they do not want to go to Mayor’s Court, and Ms Gilleland stated she would check on the procedures for that. Mr. Wisniewski stated he would like to have the modifications discussed this evening included, as well as, the penalties. Mr. Schultz stated he would bring draft legislation back to Committee at the next meeting.

Mr. Schultz stated the next item from the Task Force is the draft legislation dealing with home occupations. Mr. Schultz stated the modifications requested by this Committee have been included along with the exception for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance not being required for a home occupation or office that is operated solely by members who reside in the dwelling unit and generates no additional traffic. Ms Gilleland stated with the offices that have no additional traffic and no employees are currently required to get a Certificate of Zoning Compliance. She stated there is no indication to the general public that there is an office, so this exception was made for those cases. Mr. Sabatino stated he did not understand the need to know if there was an office. Ms Gilleland stated it is good to have home occupations registered so information can be given to the Tax Department, and also if there is a complaint we can check the Certificate of Compliance and examine the activities versus what they have indicated will take place. Mr. Sabatino stated he felt we were going over and above what we need to do, and this was imposing regulations on a lot of people for the problems of a few. Mr. Wisniewski stated he did not understand what Mr. Sabatino’s concern was as this would allow us the recourse to deal with the few. Mr. Wisniewski stated this legislation would exempt 99 percent of the businesses that are run out of a home, this would deal only with offices that generate traffic, have people coming to the home, and that type of thing. Mr. Sabatino stated he did not feel the ordinance was clear on what it was asking and perhaps it would be more easily understood if you state what is required rather than doing a vague exception. He stated he felt the legislation should clearly spell out what requires the Certificate of Zoning Compliance rather than putting in a vague exception. Mr. Wisniewski stated he did not understand how Mr. Sabatino thought this was vague as currently everyone who has a home business should have a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, and this spells out that if you are not generating additional traffic and it is not some type of retail business then there is no need for the Certificate of Zoning Compliance. Ms Gilleland stated this is a very common requirement for most cities. Ms Gilleland stated she would work with Mr. Sabatino to further clarify the ordinance and she would bring a new draft to Committee next month.

Mr. Wisniewski stated he would return to the agenda at this time. ]

3. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

A. Parks and Recreation.

(1) Director’s Report. Mr. Carr stated he had provided a written report and he would answer any questions anyone might have.

a. Parks Master Plan – Update. Mr. Carr stated the short listed firms for the Parks Master Plan were interviewed and the Parks Board recommended negotiations be started with the firm of Edsall and Associates. Mr. Carr stated he hoped to have a contract for Safety to review next month to forward to Council so we can have a signed contract in place the first part of August.

1. Joint Parks District – Update. Mr. Carr stated Mr. Yeaple of the Township indicated the Township’s committee to study the viability of forming a joint park district with the City should be up and running in about 60 days.

b. Handicap Garden – Update. No Report.

c. ODNR/NatureWorks Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Projects. Mr. Carr stated he had nothing new to report.

d. Sycamore Park Tennis Court Repair Project – Update. Mr. Carr stated he still hoped to have this out for bid this spring.

e. Violet Festival Board – Update. Mrs. Riggs ascertained the Township has not approached Mr. Carr regarding helping with the funding of the Violet Festival. Mr. Carr stated the Township has contributed the last two years on the cost of the fireworks and the Board will be making that request to the Township again this year.

B. Building Operations: No Report.

C. Service Department:

(1) Traffic Engineer

a. Review of recommended speed limit on Hill Road South. Mr. Gallagher stated he is still working with the County on this issue.

b. S.R. 256/I-70 Signage – Update. Mr. Gallagher stated as of now, almost everything has been completed by the State except northbound signs that direct people for the correct lane to get onto the I-70 westbound ramps. He stated there has been some concerns about the northbound left-turn lane not having enough time, and ODOT has stated they have made some additional tweaks and would like to get some feedback if anyone has anything. Mr. Gallagher stated ODOT was aware of a recent problem with the westbound right-turn arrow not coming on, and they have fixed that problem. Mr. Wisniewski stated he felt there would be overhead signs coming into Pickerington, just past the 204 intersection, notifying drivers the left lane would turn into a left-turn only into Marcus. Mr. Gallagher stated the final recommendation was that we start with additional pavement markings because of the relatively high cost of putting in overhead signs. Mrs. Riggs stated the problem is that the pavement markings are past the point where you should be getting into the other lane and she felt this was a safety issue. Chief Taylor stated they are seeing an issue there with people trying to merge into the right lane. Ms Gilleland stated there is currently no overhead wire and you hate to put up that structure for one sign, so you try to look at other alternatives before you get into that. She stated we can take another look at that. Mrs. Riggs stated she did not recall the Committee waiving the overhead signage and she felt that was a very important sign. Mr. Sabatino stated another problem with relying solely on pavement markings is the four months of the year where snow is a factor and the pavement is covered with snow. He stated he concurred with Mrs. Riggs that we need to do something other than just pavement markings. Ms Gilleland stated again that she would take another look at this.

D. Code Enforcement: Update.

(1) Review and discussion of proposed revisions to codified ordinances for On-Street and Off-Street parking. Mr. Wisniewski stated this was done earlier in the meeting.

(2) Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance amending Pickerington Codified Ordinances Section 1276.17 entitled “Home Occupations” Mr. Wisniewski stated this had also been dealt with earlier in the meeting.

4. POLICE:

A. Chief’s Report. Chief Taylor stated his report has been distributed and he would answer any questions. Chief Taylor stated in reference to the two vehicles that have been offered to be donated to the Department, he would like some guidance from the Committee on what his next step is. He stated he was contacted by the owner of Honda East and he is pleased with our community service and the DARE program, and he would like to donate two vehicles for use for our community service work and the DARE program. He stated the dealership would pay the lease and pay to stripe the cars to our liking, and in return he asks for a small advertisement on the window. Chief Taylor stated we have done this in the past and he has spoken with the law director who indicated there appears to be no reason that we cannot accept these vehicles. Mrs. Riggs stated she would like to have something in writing from the law director that we would not have a problem. Mr. Wisniewski stated he did not see a problem if the law director provides the opinion. Ms Gilleland stated she would find out what was needed and the Committee members stated they did not have any objection to holding a special meeting if necessary to approve accepting the vehicles.

B. Emergency Preparedness/Disaster Plan: Update. Chief Taylor stated the disaster plan updates have been completed and the generator has been installed to expand the space operated by the generator. He stated the department is also in the process of purchasing mobile radios with the Township and the County. Mr. Wisniewski stated this item could be removed from the agenda.

C. Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance enacting Section 660.17 regulating the storage of liquefied petroleum gasses requiring vehicle impact protection. Mr. Wisniewski stated the Committee had received a revised draft ordinance including the recommendations made by this Committee at the last meeting detailing the types of barriers and providing for a period of time for businesses to come into compliance. Mr. Sabatino stated he felt this would provide protection in situations where we have the storage of these propane containers where there is a chance of an accident with a vehicle. Mr. Kraft inquired if there has been an incident where that rack has not provided substantial protection, and Mr. Sabatino stated it had not occurred in Pickerington. Mr. Kraft further clarified that the Police Department has been working with the Fire Department when having this legislation drafted. Mr. Wisniewski clarified this legislation requires more than the Ohio Code currently requires, and this would be additional protection. Mrs. Riggs questioned if we could have the legislation require the cage or the barriers depending on the location of the tanks. Mrs. Riggs stated she would like more information before the Committee acts on this legislation, such as if any other cities have legislation above and beyond the state requirements since we have so few businesses that have the propane tanks, and she didn’t know if this was a big problem. Mr. Sabatino stated it is not a big problem unless we have an incident. Mrs. Riggs stated she would also like some information from the Ohio Propane Association as well as any other surrounding communities. Mr. Wisniewski stated he would continue this on the agenda until the next meeting.

5. CHAIRMAN. Mr. Wisniewski stated he had nothing to bring forward this evening.

6. OTHER BUSINESS.

Mrs. Sharon Kraft stated at the last Planning and Zoning Commission meeting there was discussion about razing a building at 80 W. Church Street. She stated the neighbors on Church Street do have some issues and were advised to bring those issues to this Committee. Mrs. Kraft stated they have brought these issues to the attention of various people in the City and at the Police Department. Mrs. Kraft stated since the Old Village Market opened at 80 W. Church Street they have had problems with skateboarders and kids hanging around the empty building. She stated they have escalated beyond belief since the other business opened in this building. Mrs. Kraft stated they have problems with skateboarders, bicycles, kids yelling and cursing, car doors slamming, and parking issues. Mrs. Kraft stated since the pizza business opened and they have a game room the problems have been worse. She stated the customers park in the restricted residential parking or they will stop in the traffic lane and go in to pick up an order. Mrs. Kraft stated the weather is not warm enough to have windows open in the homes, but with the windows and doors closed, the TV on, she can still hear the employee’s stereo. Mrs. Kraft stated they have tried to work with the owner and it has not worked. She continued they would like to have the street in front of that business marked as “No parking.” Mrs. Kraft stated they have permit parking for the residents on the street, and people ignore that and park anyway. Mrs. Kraft stated there is a parking lot at the end of the building, but people do not use it. Mr. Kraft stated the neighbors do not want a teen hangout across the street from their homes. Mr. Noddin stated he also lives across the street from this business and provided a video for the Committee and the Chief to view showing a lot of the violations that are occurring. Mrs. Kraft and Mr. Noddin also provided photographs for the Committee to review. Mr. Kraft stated they cannot even sit on their front porches anymore and this goes on till 11:00 P.M. and midnight. He stated again they did not ask for a kid’s hangout across the street. Mr. Wisniewski clarified the residential side of the street is permit parking only. Chief Taylor stated he would address this problem, and he will make an impact on this situation. Chief Taylor stated they have done enforcement action on Church Street, however, he will make it a point to make an impact and the residents will see a difference. Mrs. Riggs inquired if we could post the other side of the street as “No Parking.” Ms Gilleland stated we could post the one side of the street as “No Parking” and the other side as permit parking for the residents. Mr. Wisniewski stated if we do post that as no parking then it will provide another enforcement tool for the police. Mr. Wisniewski moved to amend the Traffic Control Map to provide “No Parking” in front of 80 W. Church Street; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Sabatino voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 3-0.

7. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mrs. Riggs moved to adjourn; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion. Mr. Sabatino, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Wisniewski voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 3-0. The Safety Committee meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M., May 2, 2005.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

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Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk