CITY OF PICKERINGTON

SERVICE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2006

 

REGULAR MEETING

7:30 P.M.

 

1.         ROLL CALL.  Mr. Hackworth called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., with Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Hackworth, and Mrs. Riggs present.  No members were absent.  Others present were:  Judy Gilleland, Brian Wisniewski, Lynda Yartin, Lance Schultz, Ed Drobina, Jennifer Frommer, Jerry Dailey, Jerry Good, Sean Casey, Frank Weaver, and others.

 

2.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF December 8, 2005, Regular Meeting.  Mrs. Hammond moved to approve; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Hackworth, and Mrs. Hammond voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0. 

 

3.         COMMUNITY COMMENTS:  There were no community comments. 

 

4.         PLANNING AND ZONING

 

A.        REPORTS:

 

                       (1)         BZA Report.  Mr. Schultz stated there was one variance request approved in December for a deck and there are no agenda items for January.   

 

            (2)        Planning and Zoning Representative Report (Mrs. Hammond) Mrs. Hammond stated Planning and Zoning met on Tuesday and they approved the final plat for Ashton Crossing and did a great deal of work on the Fifth Third Bank application.  Mr. Schultz stated the site plan/building materials and lighting were approved, and the landscaping portion was tabled.     

 

B.                 ACTION ITEMS: 

 

            (1)        Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance approving the rezoning at 194 West Church Street from R-4 (Residential District) to P-O (Planned Suburban Office).  Mr. Schultz stated in December the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the rezoning request with the condition that the only uses allowed at that location are office uses.  Mr. Schultz stated all adjacent neighbors and everyone on the block were notified of the public hearing at Planning and Zoning Commission on December 13th.  Mr. Schultz stated the public hearing in front of Council is scheduled for January 17, 2006, at 7:15 P.M.  Mr. Hackworth moved to approve the rezoning request and forward to Council with Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Hackworth, Mrs. Hammond, and Mrs. Riggs voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0.  

 

C.        ACCESS MANAGEMENT PLAN:  Mr. Hackworth stated he would like to schedule a work session to discuss this issue.  The Committee determined they would like to schedule a work session to discussion the Access Management Plan for February 9, 2006, at 6:30 P.M.

 

5.         SERVICE DEPARTMENT

 

A.        REPORTS:

 

            (1)        Utility Fees Review Committee Representative Report (Mr. Hackworth).  Mr. Hackworth stated the Utility Fees Review Committee did not meet in December due to the holidays; however, they are scheduled to meet on January 23, 2006.   

 

B.         ACTION ITEMS: 

 

            (1)        Review and discussion regarding funding request for renovation of water tower in the old downtown.  Ms Gilleland stated she had provided information to the Committee and she had invited Mr. Good to the meeting this evening.  Mr. Good stated he was present this evening to see if there was interest by the City in providing funding for the renovation of the water tower in the old downtown.  Mr. Good stated some years ago the City had approached his family to discuss the City taking over the water tower, fixing it up, structurally securing it, and putting a City logo on it, however, nothing was ever decided.  Mr. Good stated from his standpoint he feels something needs to happen sometime this year as it has deteriorated.  He stated he was present this evening to see what the City’s interest is now so they can move forward.  Ms Gilleland stated she had done some research and the water tower served the creamery operations and was not part of the city’s system.  Mr. Good stated his father had told him that in the late 1960’s, for a five or ten-year period, the city used the water tower as a back up for the city’s system.  Ms Gilleland stated she was not able to find any information on that.  Ms Gilleland stated the City does not have any funds set aside for participating in this project, however, she had offered our support if the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association would like to conduct a private fundraising effort.  Ms Gilleland stated her concern right now was about the aesthetics and safety of the water tower, and everyone concurs that something needs to be done.  Ms Gilleland stated several businesses in the old downtown have provided letters stating expressing their interest in the renovation project, however, she did not know if they were interested in participating financially.  Mrs. Hammond stated there are grants available for historic structures and questioned if there were grants out there for water towers.  Ms Frommer stated most water funds were not for historic preservation purposes that she was aware of, however, OHPO may have something to say about that.  Mr. Hackworth questioned if the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association would be interested in doing research to see if there were any grant funds available.  Mr. Good stated he wanted to get the City’s idea of the merit of restoring the structure and then he would go to the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association.  Mrs. Riggs stated perhaps the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association would be able to do the research to see if there were any grant funds that could be applied for.  Mr. Good stated he would certainly take that suggestion to the Board members to see what they would say.  Ms Frommer stated most grant agencies require that if they were going to, for example, give the City grant funds, it would need to be owned by the City.  Mr. Wisniewski stated he felt this was a project the City would be interested in doing, but the funding for it just simply is not there.  Ms Gilleland inquired what the cost would be to raze the structure and Mr. Good stated he was not sure.  Mrs. Riggs clarified that the downtown businesses have not been broached regarding putting funds toward this project.  Mr. Hackworth further stated perhaps some of the larger businesses in town could be approached regarding sponsoring this project.  Mr. Good stated he would speak to the Business Association and see if they could do some research regarding grants and if the businesses were willing to commit funds to this project and let this Committee know what he found out.  Mr. Hackworth stated he would like to have this remain on the agenda for the next meeting so Mr. Good could report his findings to the Committee. 

 

            (2)        Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance amending Chapters 1048 and 1058 of the City of Pickerington Codified Ordinances establishing capacity charges for the water and sanitary sewer systems.   Mr. Hackworth stated this came out of the Utility Fees Review Committee for a five percent increase in addition to the annual three percent increase that was effective on January 1, 2006.  He stated this increase would put the capacity fee for a regular ¾ inch line for sewer at $4,130.51, and for a regular ¾ inch line for water at $3,271.68.  Mr. Hackworth stated this was a one-time increase to try and get us caught up with the surrounding communities, and we will still be slightly lower than other communities.  Mr. Hackworth moved to approve and forward to Council; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Hackworth, Mrs. Riggs, and Mrs. Hammond voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0. 

 

            (3)        Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance authorizing agreement with W.E. Stilson Consulting Group, LLC, for Well No. 7.  Mr. Drobina stated this well was originally planned in the later part of the project as a change order when the plant was expanded, however, it was decided to take it out and do it at a future date.  He stated this well would be at the Diley Road wellfield.   Mr. Wisniewski ascertained the need to go forward at this point in time was due to the City’s growth and the amount of water we used last year.  Mr. Drobina stated we would need another well to keep up with demand, and if the hospital goes in to the south we will need it for that.  Mr. Wisniewski stated he does not have a vote on this Committee, but he would request this be delayed until Council has a chance to discuss our process for awarding contracts.  He stated this is a big dollar contract, and he did not see why Stilson would not be the most qualified.  Mr. Dailey stated Beling Consultants originally designed the plant and Stilson designed the upgrade in 2001-2002.  Mr. Wisniewski clarified Requests for Qualifications were not sent out on this project.  Ms Frommer stated the entire project should take four to six months from start to finish.  Mr. Hackworth stated he would like to have this continued on the agenda until the next meeting. 

 

            (4)        Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and receive a perpetual nonexclusive permanent easement donated by CME Federal Credit Union (Windmiller/Refugee traffic signal).  Mr. Hackworth stated this easement is necessary for the construction and placement of poles at the intersection of Refugee and Windmiller and this easement as well as the next two on the agenda were donated by the respective entities.  Mr. Hackworth stated there was no city funds involved, and would just authorize the City Manager to accept the easement deeds.  Mr. Hackworth moved to approve and forward to Council; Mrs. Hammond seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Hackworth, and Mrs. Hammond voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0. 

 

            (5)        Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and receive a perpetual nonexclusive permanent easement donated by Hill Road Plaza, LLC (Windmiller/Refugee traffic signal).  Mr. Hackworth moved to approve and forward to Council; Mrs. Hammond seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Hackworth, and Mrs. Hammond voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0.

 

            (6)        Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and receive a perpetual nonexclusive permanent easement donated by SMBC Leasing and Financing (formerly known as Suitomo Bank Leasing & Finance Inc.) (Windmiller/Refugee traffic signal).  Mr. Hackworth moved to approve and forward to Council; Mrs. Hammond seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Hackworth, and Mrs. Hammond voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0.

 

C.        WATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE.  Mr. Drobina stated we were going to try and do our billing with the new system this month.  He stated further he is preparing to go out for bids on the Anita/Willard waterline replacement and the emergency water connection with Fairfield County. He stated these were both CIP projects and were included in the budget. 

 

D.        WASTEWATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE.  No Report. 

 

E.         STREET MAINTENANCE.  No Report.    

 

F.         STORM WATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE.  No Report. 

 

G.        TREE COMMISSION.  Update.  Mr. Drobina stated the Tree Commission met on January 11th, and Mr. Goodrich was elected Chairman and Ms Carter was elected Vice Chair.   

 

6.         ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CAPITAL PROJECTS

 

A.        WASTEWATER

 

            (1)        Wastewater Plant Expansion - Update.  Ms Frommer stated she was providing a timeline that was in her file with regard to the wastewater treatment plant schedule.  She stated this schedule was prepared on March 31, 2004.  She stated the green items were items that were complete; the red items were items that were being concentrated on at that time; and, blue would be what you would categorize as critical path items to the project.  She stated a letter she had written to Frank Wiseman, Acting City Manager, regarding the value-engineering workshop was also included.  She stated she was providing this for informational purposes only. 

           

            (2)        D-Line Interceptor Sewer Phase IIIB – Update.  Mr. Drobina stated this project is ahead of schedule and they plan to start boring under the railroad tracks week after next.  He stated we should still meet the February 24th completion date. 

 

B.         TRANSPORTATION: 

 

            (1)        Courtright Drive. 

 

                        a.         Courtright Drive Extension Project, Phase III  – Update.  Ms Gilleland stated she had no update on this issue this evening.   

 

(2)        Diley Road Improvements Project:

 

                        a.         MORPC/ODOT Project – Update.  Ms Frommer stated a progress meeting was held yesterday and you will start to see easements coming in for this project.  Ms Frommer stated MORPC has awarded the project additional funds in the right-of-way category.   

                                    b.         Noise Barriers – Update.  Ms Gilleland stated she had no update on this issue. 

 

            (3)        Cover/Ebright Connector

 

                        a.         Pickerington Health Care Access Road – Update.  Ms Gilleland stated we have an offer out to the property owner and we are still waiting to hear back from his attorney. 

      

            (4)        Traffic Signal Update.  Mr. Hackworth stated this was dealt with at the work session held earlier this evening. 

 

C.        WATER: 

 

            (1)        Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Floyd Browne Group for professional engineering services regarding the water treatment clearwell and softener addition project.  Mr. Wisniewski stated he felt this fell into the same category he was going to speak with the City Manager about regarding the awarding of contracts, etc.  Mr. Hackworth stated he would like to have this continued on the agenda for the next meeting. 

 

            (2)        Review and discussion regarding Ebright Reimbursement.  Mr. Hackworth stated during the 2001 preannexation agreements, a promise was made to Mr. Ebright that in exchange for annexing his four lots to the City, he was promised four water taps and four sewer taps.  He continued that Mr. Ebright has now made the connection to the County water system and they charged him $3,200.60 for the water tap plus a line charge of $3,500.  He stated Mr. Ebright had thought the City would reimburse him for the entire amount of $6,700.60 for each tap and that would total $13,520.  Mr. Hackworth stated Ms Gilleland has already paid the tap fees of $6,401.20.  Mr. Hackworth stated he would suggest the City pay Mr. Ebright for the four water taps now, and have him sign a release, on those taps.  Ms Gilleland stated this would be for water only and we would still owe him for the four sewer taps should he ever tap into the sewer system.  Mr. Hackworth stated there is an opinion from our law director that we agreed to pay only the tap fees, not the line charge.  Mr. Hackworth moved to authorize the City Manager to pay the two remaining water tap fees to Mr. Ebright with the condition that he sign a release that all of the water taps have been paid; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Hackworth, Mrs. Riggs, and Mrs. Hammond voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0. 

 

D.        STORMWATER.  No Report. 

 

7.         CHAIRMAN.    Mr. Hackworth stated he had nothing to bring forward.  

 

8.         OTHER BUSINESS. 

 

A.        Review and discussion of Supplemental Water Agreement with Canal Winchester.  Ms Gilleland stated she spoke with the Mayor of Canal Winchester and they would like the City to consider an additional six months on our original agreement.  She stated our original agreement is for 12 months.  Ms Gilleland stated if this Committee desired, she would have the Canal Winchester Mayor and their water person to come to the Committee’s meeting next month and speak to the Committee regarding this request.  Mr. Hackworth requested Ms Gilleland invite the Canal Winchester personnel to the February Service Committee meeting.

 

Mr. Hackworth stated the Committee had also received draft ordinances regarding easements for the D-Line Phase III sanitary sewer project, and there will be another draft ordinance accepting the donation of one additional easement.  Ms Gilleland stated these ordinances will allow her to accept and record the easements.  Mrs. Riggs moved to approve these draft ordinances and the ordinance accepting the donated easement and forward them to Council at their first meeting in February; Mr. Hackworth seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Hackworth, and Mrs. Hammond voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0.     

 

Ms Gilleland stated she would just like to let the Committee know that we would be re-advertising the staff engineer position, and we would like to get it filled as soon as possible. 

 

9.         ADJOURNMENT.  There being nothing further, Mr. Hackworth moved to adjourn; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion.  Mr. Hackworth, Mrs. Riggs, and Mrs. Hammond voted “Aye.”  Motion carried, 3-0.  The Service Committee adjourned at 9:00 P.M., January 12, 2006.

 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

 

 

________________________________

Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk