PICKERINGTON CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY,
JUNE 17, 2003
CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD
REGULAR
MEETING AGENDA
7:30
P.M.
1. ROLL CALL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, AND INVOCATION. Council for the City of Pickerington met for a regular session Tuesday, June 17, 2003, at City Hall. Mayor Postage called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. Roll call was taken as follows: Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Sabatino, Mrs. Riggs, and Mayor Postage were present. Mr. Parker was absent. Others present were: Joyce Bushman, Lynda Yartin, Linda Fersch, Commander Mike Taylor, Bob Mapes, Jeff Kraus, Mike Maurer, Jennifer Wray, Rick Palsgrove, Kirk Richards, Pastor Dave Shugert, Dave Huston, Tony Barletta, Lisa Reade, Steve Reade, Gail Oakes, Dan Oakes, Wes Monhollen, George Hallenbrook, Lisa Ball, Clarence Ball, Jack Bowman, Linda Fasnaugh, Bob Ramsdell, Malcolm Porter, Robert Farrell, Pat Wills, Ralph Wills, Ted Hackworth, Katelyn Sattler, Brian Wisniewski, and others. Pastor Shugert delivered the invocation.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 3, 2003, REGULAR MEETING. Mr. Sabatino moved to approve; Mr. Maxey seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, Mr. Shaver, and Mrs. Riggs voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA. Mr. Sabatino moved to approve; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Fox, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
Mayor Postage read a proclamation declaring June 20, 2003, as National Small Cities and Towns Day in the City of Pickerington, Ohio. Mayor Postage stated he had also presented a proclamation to the Rebekah Lodge earlier in the week in honor of their 100 years of service in the community. He stated June 24th will be Rebekah Lodge Day in the City of Pickerington.
4. COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
A. Ms Katelyn Sattler, 7774 Tokatee Drive. Ms Sattler stated she wanted to speak about residential development. She stated people move to Pickerington for the schools, and she felt this Council will be remembered as the Council who financially ruined the school district with unrestrained growth. She stated people who live in the area have demanded repeatedly that residential growth be slowed down and commercial development increased. Further, this year the City has already issued 325 housing permits, which is a record number for this part of the year. She continued it is not to late to turn things around as this Council will have the opportunity to vote for a housing moratorium and pass it by emergency and she hoped they did this. She stated they will have the opportunity to show the community that they are protecting or destroying Pickerington’s number one asset, the schools.
B. Mr. Tony Barletta, 671 Montmorency Drive. Mr. Barletta stated he would like to thank Council for clearing up a few doubts he has had about our local government. He stated many Americans feel that money and special interests have corrupted our government in Washington, D.C., as it seems the things Congress and the President do benefit those interests more than the majority of the citizens. He stated he believed it was human nature to have a greater trust in those closest to you, and he would like to think our local government would respect the will of the people. He stated it is disappointing to him that the ideals this country was founded on, government by the people and for the people, have been corrupted down to its roots in our own City Council. He stated the school district suffers the most while the developers use it to sell more homes. He stated he was asking this Council to remember who they represent, and if it is not the majority of the citizens of Pickerington, then they don’t belong in this office. Mr. Barletta stated the residents want slower growth.
C. Lisa Reade, 10416 Wright Road. Ms Reade stated she was present this evening because of her children and the schools they will spend the next 10 to 12 years in. She stated it is her strong belief that it is the schools that do, and will continue to, define the landscape within our community. She stated she has been actively involved with educational and growth issues in the community, and she recently carried a petition that is designed to facilitate management of the growth issues. She stated the support of growth control has continued to grow and she was present to communicate to Council the will that exists in this community for a new direction on how growth is managed in the future and she asked Council to reflect this will in their actions tonight.
D. Mr. Steve Reade, 10416 Wright Road. Mr. Reade stated over the past few months he has spent quite a bit of time getting involved with the growth issue. He stated as he has become involved several things have become clear to him. Mr. Reade stated he felt it was important to realize that we are all Violet Township residents, we all live in the Township and have an interest in what happens in the Township, and we are all a part of the Pickerington Local School District. Mr. Reade continued that the schools do define this community and there is an overwhelming desire in the community to control and manage growth. He stated it has also become clear to him that the Pickerington City Council, the Violet Township Trustees, and the School Board do not work very well together. He stated it seemed they all felt they had their own responsibilities and do not feel like they can affect the things the others may be involved in, and to some degree, he would agree with that. He stated this community needs to become a highly effective organization by working together. Mr. Reade stated we all have common goals and we need to come together to make those things work. He stated he felt this community needs leadership, and he was looking for this Council to step up, take the leadership role, take the initiative and get the growth situation under control, and then the other entities will follow suit. He stated someone has to take the first step, and he hoped this Council would support the growth legislation and show the leadership we have to provide to make this community move forward in the future.
E. Mr. William Fannin, 424 Beecher Road. Mr. Fannin stated he was present this evening to compliment the City, the administration, and the special duty officers who have been working the Parade of Homes. He stated by the time the Parade is over, they will have had approximately 35,000 people visit and there have been very positive comments about the 21 builders who have built there. He stated everything from the public has been positive and he wanted to thank everyone for their cooperation, especially the special duty officers.
5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: There were no Consent Agenda items.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. RULES COMMITTEE. Mr. Maxey stated Rules met on June 2nd, and the minutes had been distributed. Mr. Maxey stated he would be happy to answer any questions.
B. SAFETY COMMITTEE. Mr. Fox stated Safety Committee also met June 2nd and there were several items from that meeting on tonight’s agenda. Mr. Fox stated the minutes had been distributed and he would answer any questions.
7. REPORTS:
A. MAYOR. Mayor Postage stated he had attended the Chamber Golf outing and it was a very nice function. He stated he had also attended a function with State Auditor Bette Montgomery and had the opportunity to speak with her about several issues.
B. LAW DIRECTOR. Mr. Mapes stated he had nothing to report, but would answer any questions.
C. FINANCE DIRECTOR. Mrs. Fersch stated she had nothing to report, but would answer any questions.
D. MANAGER. Mrs. Bushman stated her report had been distributed, and she would like to note that we have been designated as a Voter Registration Card site so if the public would like to pick up voter registration cards they can do so at the front desk. She stated she had also attended a Columbus meeting with municipal leaders from central Ohio and on the agenda was the putting together of a coalition to review the potential closing of DCSC, which provides several jobs in the central Ohio area. She continued we were continuing to work with the Township and property owners on the potential for a Joint Economic Development District in the Allen Road area.
8. PROCEDURAL READINGS:
A. ORDINANCE 2003-54, “AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL OF SERVICE SUPPLY, LTD. INC., FOR MODULAR SKATE PARK EQUIPMENT,” First Reading, Fox. Mr. Fox moved to adopt; Mr. Sabatino seconded the motion. Mr. Fox stated we have been looking at creating a skate park for some time and the space has been designated in Sycamore Park. He stated this contract was to purchase equipment for the skate park. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Wright voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
B. ORDINANCE 2003-55, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2003-33 (AN ORDINANCE TO ENACT STANDARDS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF TREES AND WOODED AREAS),” First Reading, Sabatino. Mr. Sabatino moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Mr. Sabatino stated this amended the original ordinance by making the responsible party the City Manager as opposed to the Planning and Zoning Director. Roll call was taken with Mr. Shaver abstaining, and Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
C. ORDINANCD 2003-56, “AN ORDINANCE TO ENACT CHAPTER 822 OF THE PICKERINGTON CODIFIED ORDINANCES TO REGULATE MASSAGE SERVICES,” First Reading, Sabatino. Mr. Sabatino moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Mr. Sabatino stated this ordinance placed regulations and restrictions in dealing with the issue of massage services. Roll call was taken with Mr. Maxey, Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
D. ORDINANCE 2003-57, “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 278.02 OF THE PICKERINGTON CODIFIED ORDINANCES RELATIVE TO THE INCREASE OF MEMBERSHIP FOR THE TREE COMMISSION,” First Reading, Fox. Mr. Fox moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Mr. Fox stated the Tree Commission had requested Safety Committee review increasing the number of the Tree Commission from three to five. He stated this ordinance provided for the addition of one member and a Council Representative from Safety Committee as a voting member, which would bring the membership to five. He stated further Safety Committee felt having a Council representative would provide more continuity with Council. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Wright voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
E. ORDINANCE 2003-58, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2003-47, RELATIVE TO A GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN, TO SET A DIFFERENT EFFECTIVE DATE AND THE DECLARATION OF IMMEDIATE NECESSITY AND EMERGENCY IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE STOCKPILING OF BUILDING PERMITS IN THE PEIROD PRIOR TO THE CURRENT EFFECTIVE DATE OF AUGHST 1, 2003, WHICH STOCKPILING WILL IMPEDE THE OPERATION OF THE MORATORIUM WHEN IT BECOMES EFFECTIVE AND WILL THREATEN THE PROPERTY VALUE OF CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY,” First Reading, Shaver. Mr. Shaver moved for a council manic waiver of Committee action; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion. Mr. Shaver stated he was requesting the waiver due to the number of housing permits that have been issued and are pending to be issued. Mr. Shaver stated as of this date 334 permits have been issued, and there are 258 applications that have been submitted and not yet approved. He stated rather than submitting this to Service Committee and having to wait until the next Council meeting, he was requesting Council waive the requirement for committee action. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino voting “Nay,” and Mr. Shaver, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion failed, 5-1.
F. ORDINANCE 2003-59, “AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SHELLY COMPANY FOR THE 2003 ANNUAL STREET IMPROVEMENT/REPAVING PROJECT,” First Reading, Maxey. Mr. Maxey moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Mr. Maxey stated this was the annual street improvement project. Roll call was taken with Mr. Maxey, Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
G. ORDINANCE 2003-60, “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR PLANNING OF A SEWER PROJECT BETWEEN TEHCITY OF PICKERINGTON AND THE OHIO WATER DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY,” First Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Mr. Wright stated this is the first of a three part series of legislation that deals with the purchasing of Hickory Lakes and the creation of a park district with that land. Mr. Shaver stated this is a project that will cost the City $3.3 million, albeit through a very beneficent loan program. He stated it is also a project that the City Manager has been looking at for quite some time and yet a lot of the documents that were studies by different organizations and contracts were never given to council members or the public. He stated ultimately he might not object to the project, but he felt that in a project of this magnitude it should be presented for public hearing and public discussion before proceeding to sending it to council for passage. He stated there may be ramifications on water, sewer, and growth in the area. He stated he would ask for a public hearing to be set so there could be a presentation by some of the participants so it can be explained to the public what this project is about and why it is going on. Mr. Wright stated this project was identified by the Ohio EPA for a water resource restoration program, and it was through that identification that they approached the City and said they had a loan program that would help preserve this property. Mr. Wright stated there was an option on the property based on the favorable initiation from the EPA and this is a process that will take the remainder of this year. Mr. Wright stated he understood Mr. Shaver’s position and Mrs. Riggs stated she agreed as she would like to know more about the project. Roll call was taken with Mr. Shaver abstaining, Mrs. Riggs voting “Nay,” and Mr. Maxey, Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Wright voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 4-1.
H. ORDINANCE 2003-61, “AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF HICKORY LAKES AND ADJACENT BUCCILLA ACREAGE,” First Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Sabatino seconded the motion. Mr. Wright stated this is the actual purchase agreement for the property. Mr. Wright stated this is a great project and is one that if the City does not do it, this land will be sold to the highest bidder and it will be houses. Mr. Shaver stated he did not know if that was the case and that is one reason he would like a public hearing. Mr. Shaver stated some reports refer to this as wetlands, in which case it could not be built on anyway. Mr. Shaver stated he had not seen an appraisal on this property and he would like to see that before he could vote on this contract. Mrs. Riggs ascertained the City has had an interest in this property for the past few years, and she felt she did not have enough information to vote on the contract. Mayor Postage clarified this project has been in Finance Committee and there was a presentation at that Committee. Mr. Wright stated the discussion on the project would have been in the minutes of the individual committees where it was discussed and it was council’s duty to read the committee meeting minutes. Mr. Shaver stated he felt there was a duty to distribute a report that the city paid $15,000 for to all the council members. Mr. Wright stated he would request that all council members receive all documentation regarding this project. Mr. Shaver stated he felt this should be tabled until and a public hearing set so the project can be explained to the public. Mr. Shaver moved to Table; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea,” and Mr. Maxey, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Sabatino voting “Nay.” Motion failed 4-2. Mr. Maxey stated he would request the Finance Committee chairman arrange for a public forum to go over this project for the benefit of council as well as the public. Mr. Wright stated he would ensure that was done. Mr. Maxey stated he did not see a problem with the first reading this evening, and he would like to have that public forum occur in the very near future. Roll call was taken on the first reading with Mr. Shaver and Mrs. Riggs voting “Nay,” and Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 4-2.
I. RESOLUTION 2003-14R, “A RESOLUTION PROVIDING ASSURANCE TO THE OHIO WATER DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF A SOURCE OF LOCAL FUNDS FOR PLANNING IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF PICKERINGTON,” First Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Mr. Wright stated this is the third piece of legislation that does guarantee local funds for repayment. Mr. Wright stated there would be a planning loan that would look at everything before the actual purchase, and in order to get the loan funds from the EPA we need to guarantee that we can make payment on the preliminary loan if we do not go through with the project. Mr. Shaver clarified the preliminary loan would be $800,000. Roll call was taken with Mr. Shaver and Mrs. Riggs voting “Nay,” and Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 4-2.
J. ORDINANCE 2003-49, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2003 APPROPRIATION, ORDINANCE 2002-142,” Second Reading, Parker. Mr. Maxey moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Fox, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
K. ORDINANCE 2003-50, “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PAY SOUTH CENTRAL POWER COMPANY FOR THE RELOCATION, UNDERGROUND, OF OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL SERVICE LINES FOR THE DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECT AND DECLARING AN IMMEDIATE NECESSITY AND EMERGENCY IN THAT THE PROJECT CANNOT PROCEED AS SCHEDULED WITHOUT THE RELOCATION OF THE ELECTRICAL UTILITIES,” Second Reading, Parker. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Maxey seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Fox voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
L. ORDINANCE 2003-51, “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $1,605,000 OF NOTES BY THE CITY OF PICKERINGTON, OHIO, IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF RENEWING NOTES PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING PART OF THE COST OF STREET IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING IMPROVING COURTRIGHT AND DILEY ROADS, REALIGNING EAST STREET AND WIDENING STREETS, CONSTRUCTING SIDEWALKS, CURBS AND GUTTERS ON REFUGEE AND HILL ROADS,” Second Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Shaver, Mr. Maxey, Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Fox, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Wright voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
M. ORDINANCE 2003-52, “AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH STILSON CONSULTING GROUP, LLC, FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE DILEY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS (CIP NUMBERS 03-03-016 AND 04-03-012),” Second Reading, Maxey. Mr. Maxey moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Fox, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
N. ORDINANCE 2003-53, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2003 APPROPRIATION, ORDINANCE 2002-142,” Second Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Maxey seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Fox voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
9. LEGISLATIVE READINGS:
A. ORDINANCE 2003-42, “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $3,500,000 OF BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING PART OF THE COST OF REFUNDING THE CITY’S WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 1994, DATED AS OF APRIL 1, 1994, AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 1995, DATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 1995, AND MATTERS RELATED TO SUCH BONDS,” Third Reading, Parker. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Fox, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Wright, Mr. Maxey, and Mr. Sabatino voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
B. ORDINANCE 2003-43, “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE PICKERINGTON LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR EXTRAORDINARY POLICE SERVICES,” Third Reading, Sabatino. Mr. Sabatino moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Shaver, Mr. Fox, Mr. Maxey, Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Wright voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
C. ORDINANCE 2003-44, “AN ORDINANCE DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH FAIRFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR JAIL SERVICES,” Third Reading, Sabatino. Mr. Sabatino moved to adopt; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Fox, Mr. Wright, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Sabatino, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
D. ORDINANCE 2003-45, “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $625,000 OF REVENUE NOTES BY THE CITY OF PICKERINGTON, OHIO, FOR THE PURPOSE OF RENEWING REVENUE NOTES PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING PART OF THE COST OF STREET IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CYCLE WAY AREA OF THE CITY,” Third Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Fox, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Wright, Mr. Maxey, and Mr. Sabatino voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
10. MOTIONS: Mr. Wright moved to schedule a public hearing for July 1, 2003, at 7:00 P.M., for the purpose of the Hickory Lakes project; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Mr. Wright stated he would ensure all documentation was provided to council members prior to the hearing. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Fox, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
11. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Shaver stated it would appear that the City has about 35 acres in the Centex area that we are not doing anything with presently. He questioned if we could explore the possibility of letting the PYSA use the land for a period of time. Mr. Mapes stated Mr. Shaver was referring to the passive park land that runs behind the Stonebridge subdivision. Mr. Mapes stated when that easement was granted there were assurances that it would only be a passive park and there would be nothing there that would disturb the residents of Stonebridge. He stated there are restrictions, even to swings, and it is basically a drainage area. Mr. Mapes stated we would have to look at the plat and other related documents. Mr. Mapes further stated we should check the Parks Master Plan to see what is planned for there. Mr. Shaver stated he felt we should investigate this.
12. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mr. Maxey moved to adjourn; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Fox, Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Maxey voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M., June 17, 2003.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
__________________________________
ATTEST:
___________________________________