CITY OF PICKERINGTON

SERVICE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2003

REGULAR MEETING

7:30 P.M.

1. ROLL CALL. Mr. Parker called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., with Mr. Parker, and Mr. Shaver present. Mr. Maxey was absent. Others present were Joyce Bushman, Frank Wiseman, Lynda Yartin, Ryan Briggs, Lavonne Sherald, Sean Jeter, Barney Kemper, and others.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF February 20, 2003, Regular Meeting. Mr. Parker moved to approve; Mr. Shaver seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Parker and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 2-0.

Mr. Parker stated Committee meetings are less formal than council meetings, and he understood Mr. Kemper wished to address the Committee on several issues. He stated if there were no objections he would depart from the agenda and allow Mr. Kemper to speak at this time. There were no objections.

Mr. Kemper stated he had come before this committee about two years ago and requested the installation of road reflectors at the Tussing Road and S.R. 256 intersection because in inclement weather it is extremely difficult to see the lane markings. Mr. Kemper stated in two years he has seen nothing happen and he was curious if the City were going to do anything to improve the safety in that area. Mr. Parker stated the City has identified a number of roads and we have been installing reflectors in some areas. He stated he was not sure if that intersection was within our jurisdiction, however, he felt we should be able to get ODOT to install them. Mr. Parker stated further Mayor Postage and Mrs. Bushman have been meeting with ODOT and Reynoldsburg regarding some improvements to S.R. 256 in that area. Mrs. Bushman stated the City is meeting with the other entities and the engineering has been completed to rework that area, and S.R. 256 will be completely repaved from approximately the WalMart entrance down to the Marcus Theater. She stated ODOT has committed $800,000 this year to the project and it should be completed in the October/November timeframe. Mr. Parker stated by December of this year when that project is done, he hoped this problem would be solved. Mr. Wiseman stated the City has spent approximately $10,000 per year for the last three years on raised pavement markers, however, that particular section has not been done.

Mr. Kemper stated his next issue was the number of times he has come close to being hit by drivers passing on the right at numerous intersections. He stated he has seen road signs in the area of the new Drug Mart advising people it is illegal to pass on the right, and he wondered if it were legal in other areas. Mrs. Bushman stated the signs were posted in that area as we were having a problem with that happening and if Mr. Kemper identified another section the signs could be posted there as well. Mr. Kemper stated the City, in the past, paved areas that gave people an opportunity to pass on the right at several intersections, and stated he felt the city should be installing more of the signs about passing on the right not being legal. Mr. Parker stated he felt this would fall under the category of a police and safety concern, and he would contact Mr. Fox, the Chairman of Safety, and ask him to address this issue.

Mr. Kemper stated his final item dealt with a situation on his property and storm water problems. He stated for 20 years he did not have a problem with water in his basement, however, since the city developed and altered the natural water flow he has had water seepage in his basement causing damage and destruction to his property. He stated he had worked with Mr. Wiseman and they discovered the drain tile had become clogged and that had been taken care of. He stated he had Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Dailey over to see the damage to his property. He stated he had done the destructive testing and discovered he had mold in the wall as a result of water, and he had to repair the basement and bedroom wall. Mr. Kemper stated the commercialization on the city’s property has resulted in a devaluation of his property by the County. Mr. Kemper stated he is also concerned on the ground water seepage issue. He stated as the city has taken value from him with no compensation or due process he would like to give the city the opportunity to take the rest of his property value and purchase his property. Mr. Parker stated he would like to meet with Mr. Mapes, Mrs. Bushman, Mr. Wiseman, and Mr. Kemper to review this. Mrs. Bushman stated she felt this should be evaluated in an Executive Session as this is the first the city has heard of this situation, and as Mr. Kemper has made a claim the city has damaged his property and done an illegal taking, she felt there were legal issues involved. Mr. Mapes stated he concurred with Mrs. Bushman. Mr. Kemper stated he agreed and that is why he came to this committee rather than to Council. Mr. Parker stated Mr. Kemper would be contacted once the city had a chance to look at this issue.

3. PLANNING AND ZONING

A. REPORTS:

(1) BZA Report. Mrs. Bushman stated Mr. Schultz was out of town and there was no agenda for this month.

(2) Planning and Zoning Representative Report (Mr. Maxey). Mrs. Bushman stated there were no agenda items for Service Committee from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

B. ACTION ITEMS

(1) Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance to rezone 28.548 acres of land located south of Refugee Road and north of Long Road (Woodward property) from AG to R4. (TABLED, 11/14/02)

(2) Review and request for motion to approve final development plan for a single-family development on approximately 79.912 acres located north of Long Road and south of the railroad tracks (formerly Lane property). (TABLED, 11/14/02)

4. SERVICE DEPARTMENT

A. WATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE.

Mr. Wiseman stated he had a couple of items to discuss this evening. Mr. Wiseman stated we do have an issue with our Longview Water Tower. He stated with the inclement weather, the high winds blew the hatch cover off the top and we do have two leaks in the bowl. He stated the water tower has been shut down and we do need to get in and repair that. Mr. Wiseman stated he has received an estimate of $55,000 for the repairs and he would request we move on this expeditiously and as an emergency as we would be in dire straits if we do not get the tower back in service by summer. He stated he would request this Committee forward it to Council as an emergency no bid situation. Mr. Wiseman stated there are only a couple of companies in the United States that do this work, and the company that built the tower is the one who gave him the estimate for repair. Mr. Mapes stated procedurally the Revised Code requires anything over $15,000 be bid. He stated there is an exception that whenever there is a real and present emergency to the City, if three-fourths of council vote and declare what that emergency is, the competitive bidding can be waived. Mr. Mapes stated this clearly fell into that category as going through the normal procedure would be very lengthy. Mr. Mapes stated it was council’s decision if they wanted to use the emergency procedure and waive the bidding process. Mr. Wiseman stated if the repairs are not made we will have difficulty keeping up this summer. Mr. Briggs stated further when a tower like that is out of service it provides valuable water pressure for fire flows, especially on that end of the system. Mr. Wiseman stated it will take at least two to three weeks for the repair to be completed once they start the work. Mr. Wiseman stated this is a 500,000 gallon tank, and it will have to be drained for them to get in and do the repair. Mr. Parker moved to authorize the contract with Pittsburgh Tank for repair of the Longview Water Tower as an emergency and waiving the bidding process; Mr. Shaver seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Shaver and Mr. Parker voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 2-0.

Mr. Wiseman stated he also had provided a draft ordinance to the committee this evening that would authorize the city to provide water service to properties on Pearl Lane and Florence Drive. Mr. Wiseman stated the latest poll shows 20 people in favor of water, and 7 opposed. Mr. Wiseman stated there have been four polls taken over the past 18 months, and the results have been fairly consistent with the majority of the people desiring the water service. Mr. Wiseman stated this ordinance does include a provision to waive the foot frontage fee if a resident elects to connect to the water line within six months of notice of the completion of the water line. Mr. Mapes further stated no resident will be forced to go onto city water, it is voluntary, however, if they wait more than six months they will be charged and they will have to pay the normal fees. Mr. Parker moved to approve the ordinance and forward to council; Mr. Shaver seconded the motion. Mr. Mapes stated he will use a short form mortgage and it will probably cost about $14.00 for the recording and $14.00 for the release when it is paid off. Mr. Parker clarified the water line will go in the right-of-way and we will not need any construction easements. Mr. Wiseman stated when this is passed by Council the intent is to have the plans available and have the residents come in so they can review the plans and the engineer can answer any of their questions. Roll call was taken with Mr. Parker and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 2-0.

B. WASTEWATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE.

(1) Review and discussion of fire sprinkler capacity fees. Mr. Wiseman stated Mr. Lewis is still waiting on some information from other communities.

C. STREET MAINTENANCE

(1) Review and request for motion to approve annual street repaving recommendations. Mr. Wiseman stated he had provided the Committee with a revised recommendation. He stated at the time he put this together he was not aware of the joint project being discussed in the 256 and I-70 area. He stated we may still want to do something to improve the base so he will leave that in his recommendation. He stated further the paving on Diley Road will buy us time until we actually do the widening and will help with the pot holes. Mrs. Bushman stated the asphalt plants do not open for another few weeks so we have been doing some patching with cold patch. She stated it does not have the adhesive quality that you can get with hot patch. Mr. Wiseman stated further the price of asphalt has gone up, however, he understands it may drop around May. Mr. Wiseman stated he would recommend putting off the bidding of this until May and that will put us into July and August for the paving and that is a good time to do it. Mrs. Bushman stated the repaving is already in the CIP, it is in the budget, and already appropriated. She stated this Committee only has to approve the streets recommended. Mr. Parker moved to approve the recommendations for the annual street repaving as presented; Mr. Shaver seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Parker and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 2-0.

(2) Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance to accept a deed of right-of-way for traffic signalization at Refugee Road and Fuller’s Way. Mr. Parker moved to approve and forward to Council; Mr. Shaver seconded the motion. Mr. Parker stated this was self-explanatory and it would allow the poles to be put in and not moved at a later time. Roll call was taken with Mr. Shaver and Mr. Parker voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 2-0.

D. STORM WATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE.

(1) Janice Lane/Long Road/Diley Road Stormwater Study – Update. Mr. Wiseman stated the engineering contract just passed the third reading at Council this week and is in the 30 day waiting period.

5. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CAPITAL PROJECTS

A. WASTEWATER – R. D. ZANDE

(1) Wastewater Plant Expansion (CIP# 02-03-005) – Update. Mr. Wiseman stated there was no update this evening.

B. TRANSPORTATION

(1) Cycle Way (CIP# 02-03-013) – Update. Mr. Briggs stated he was representing Mr. Dailey this month. He stated they are working with Ameritech on getting some of their lines relocated and he believed they were close to getting them moving on getting the lines relocated so this project can proceed.

(2) Courtright Road.

(A) Courtright Road Extension Project (CIP# 02-03-011) Mr. Briggs stated the contractor got about half-way through the project before the weather forced them to cease their activities. He stated now as the weather is getting better and the asphalt plants will be opening, they will recommence their activities shortly.

(3) Diley Road Improvements Project

(A) 256 Realignment Phase (CIP#98-03-005) Mr. Briggs stated they have worked a storm sewer plan that will be constructed ahead of the roadway widening to alleviate some storm water problems.

(B) MORPC/ODOT Project (CIP#98-03-005 and 03-03-005) Mr. Briggs stated this project is on schedule and the environmental has been submitted to ODOT for their review.

(4) Downtown Revitalization Project Phase III, IV, and V and West Columbus Street Public Parking Lot (CIP#s 02-06-001, 03-06-001, & 03-06-003) – Mr. Briggs stated they are currently obtaining temporary construction easements from all of the residents affected on the road and it has been going very well.

(5) Cover/Ebright Connector (CIP#02-03-010)

(A) Mt. Carmel Signal – Update. Mr. Briggs stated there is an Ameritech relocation on this project as well, and there is no reason this project cannot meet its scheduled completion date.

C. WATER

(1) Water Plant Expansion Project (CIP# 00-01-006) – Update. Mr. Wiseman stated the project is moving quite well and is on schedule.

D. WASTEWATER – No Report.

E. STORMWATER.

(1) East Street Outfall (CIP# 01-04-003) – Engineering completed. Mr. Wiseman stated the plans are complete, however, we do not have funding for the project at this time.

6. CHAIRMAN. Mr. Parker stated he had nothing to discuss this evening.

7. OTHER BUSINESS. No other business was brought forward.

8. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mr. Shaver moved to adjourn; Mr. Parker seconded the motion. Mr. Shaver and Mr. Parker voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 2-0. The Service Committee adjourned at 8:20 P.M., March 20, 2003.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

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Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk