PICKERINGTON CITY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2010

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

7:30 P.M.

 

 

1.         ROLL CALL, INVOCATION, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Council for the City of Pickerington met for a regular session Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at City Hall.  Mayor O’Brien called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.  Roll call was taken as follows:  Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Sanders, Mr. Sauer, and Mayor O’Brien were present.  Mr. Fix and Mr. Wisniewski were absent as they were on vacation.  Others present were: Bill Vance, Chief Mike Taylor, Lynda Yartin, Phil Hartmann, Chris Schornack, Linda Fersch, Ed Drobina, Greg Bachman, Susan Crotty, Lance Schultz, Chet Hopper, Gary Weltlich, Tory Kramer, Ted Hackworth, Nate Ellis, Carol Carter, Jan Anderson, Don Pillitteri, Carrie Woody, Joan Neigzelt, Sandy Nestor, Emery Aubrey, Carolyn Adams, Alexa Liebert, Pastor Tim Kuenzli, and others.  Pastor Kuenzli delivered the invocation. 

 

2.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 6, 2010, REGULAR MEETING.  Mrs. Sanders moved to approve; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Barletta abstaining, and Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Blair, Mr. Sauer, and Mrs. Sanders voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 4-0. 

 

3.         COMMUNITY COMMENTS. 

 

A.        Carolyn Adams stated she is the President of the Friends of Violet Township Dog Park which is a non-profit organization that was formed for the purpose of raising money to help build the dog park.  Ms Adams stated the park is to be developed at the intersection of Stemen and Pickerington Road on the land adjacent to the new Violet Township Service Building.  She stated that land belongs to the Township but it lies within the Pickerington city limits and she would like to thank Council for changing the zoning to accommodate the dog park and this will be the first public dog park in Fairfield County.  Ms Adams stated the Township has provided the land and half of the development costs and the Friends are raising the other half.  She continued that the latest estimate of the cost of constructing the park is approximately $84,000 and though it sounds like a lot of money there will be quite a few amenities with the park.  Ms Adams stated it is approximately two acres that will be fenced, and there will be an additional small dog area fenced off within the park, the entrance will be from the Service building parking lot with a bridge over the creek and a paved path leading for a distance into the park.  She continued the park will be completely handicapped accessible and there will be running water and benches and trees.  Ms Adams stated the Friends are very close of reaching their goal of $42,000 to $45,000; the total earned at this time is $38,540 which includes grants and donations from individuals, businesses, professionals, groups, and organizations within the city or very close to the city limits.  Ms Adams stated they believe the city will benefit greatly from having a dog park and, therefore, she was asking that Council seriously consider making a donation to the Friends of Violet Township Dog Park.  Ms Adams stated she would suggest the city consider donating several thousand dollars, at least $5,000, and she hoped to hear from them soon.  Mr. Vance clarified that Violet Township was donating the land and one-half of the cost of construction or $42,000 to $45,000.  Mr. Vance stated that was an extremely generous donation and he would like to point out the all city residents are also residents of the Township so city residents are contributing already.  He stated then, Ms Adams was requesting a supplemental contribution from the city.  Ms Adams stated that was correct. 

B.         Carrie Woody, Lancaster Public Transit.  Ms Woody stated she just wanted to give Council a brief update on ridership with this program.  Ms Woody stated the service began on January 4, 2010, and in that first month they had 67 rides.  She stated the number of rides has increased each month with 234 rides in June, and a total of 964 rides just within the City of Pickerington since January.  She stated the total number of rides in Pickerington and Violet Township is 1,428.  Ms Woody stated she would have a third quarter report and a year-end report so Council will know the ridership.  Ms Woody stated the riders they have seen range from nine years old on up as they have children that go to sporting activities after school, children going to daycare, older children that attend OU Pickerington, and senior citizens going to medical appointments, grocery shopping, etc.  Ms Woody stated she would be happy to answer any questions. 

 

4.         COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS.  There were no comments.       

 

5.         APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA.  Mayor O’Brien stated there were three consent agenda items this evening.  Ordinance 2010-42, an ordinance to approve the editing and inclusion of certain ordinances as parts of the various component codes of the codified ordinances; to provide for the adoption of new matter in the updated and revised codified ordinances; to repeal ordinances and resolutions in conflict therewith; Resolution 2010-07R, a resolution approving the admission of the Village of Groveport, the Village of Granville, and the City of Worthington as new members to the CORMA self-insurance pool; and Resolution 2010-08R, a resolution authorizing the participation in the National League of Cities (NLC) prescription discount card program.  Mrs. Sanders moved to adopt; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Sanders, and Mr. Sauer voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

6.         APPROVAL OF AGENDA.  Mrs. Sanders moved to approve; Mr. Blair seconded motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Barletta, Mr. Sauer, Mr. Blair, Mrs. Hammond, and Mrs. Sanders voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

7.         REPORTS:   

 

A.        MAYOR.  Mayor O’Brien stated two Special Council meetings had been scheduled for Wednesday, July 21st, and Thursday, July 22nd, in order to complete the legislation for the Charter changes and it appears they will not be needed.  Mayor O’Brien stated these two meetings were, therefore, cancelled. 

 

B.         LAW DIRECTOR.  Mr. Hartmann stated for clarification on the replacement Charter ordinance on tonight’s agenda, pursuant to the current Charter the Charter Review Board was put together and their recommendations are required to go to Council merely for approval to put on the ballot.  He stated the goal is for a Council to do their administerial process and get this to the Board of Elections by August 4th.  He stated that is why it is contains the emergency language, the Charter Review Board requested it go to the November ballot and it must be filed with the Board of Elections by the August 4th date. 

 

C.        FINANCE DIRECTOR.  Mr. Schornack stated he would be meeting with Mr. Vance in early August and he hoped to have a budget timeline for Council to approve around mid-August.   

 

            D.         SERVICE MANAGER.  Mr. Drobina stated trash containers and benches have been installed at the disc golf course and the EPA will be here Thursday to do a quick walk-through of the expansion.  He stated they hoped to have water flowing through the new part of the plant this week, but it might be next week before that is done.  Mr. Drobina stated we do have three youths working through the Community Action Program. 

 

E.         CITY ENGINEER.  Mr. Bachman stated Town Square Drive is now open and last week the traffic count showed about 500 vehicles a day were using that road.  He stated Columbus Street has about 5,000 vehicles per day and he expected the use of Town Square Drive to increase as people got used to it being open.  Mr. Bachman stated the concrete for the foundation of the elevated water tank was poured last week and they will have another pour this week.  He stated steel for the tank is not expected until September.  Mr. Bachman stated further a preconstruction meeting was held for another phase of Fox Glen this past week and that contains 91 units.  Mr. Bachman stated at the invitation of ODOT he had participated in a bike education tour to take a look at what is good and sometimes some mistakes that have been made in bike lanes, trails, etc.  He stated the ride took place in Hilliard and there was a lot of good discussion on this issue. 

 

F.         CITY MANAGER.  Mr. Vance stated at the last Finance Committee meeting he was directed to send correspondence to the Township indicating the City’s willingness to work with the Township on regional development issues and it is his understanding that that correspondence was well received.  He stated he has had very positive meetings with the Township Administrator, Bill Yaple, and he understood an agreement with the Township was to be discussed later in the meeting. 

 

            G.        FINANCE COMMITTEE.  Mrs. Sanders stated Finance met on July 7th and they received a briefing from Brett Scioto of Governing Dynamics on their work on some of the issues addressed at the retreat last year.  She stated we are looking at scheduling a one-day retreat to review the strategic plan and make the appropriate updates with our newer council members and Mr. Vance.  She stated Finance had also discussed in detail the participation of the City with the NLC Discount Card Program that was approved on the Consent Agenda this evening.  She stated this program will allow our residents to receive a discount on some prescriptions that are not covered by insurance.        

 

            H.        RULES COMMITTEE.  Mr. Blair stated Rules met on July 7th, and he had no report this evening. 

 

8.         PROCEDURAL READINGS: 

 

            A.        ORDINANCE 2010-39, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2010 APPROPRIATION, ORDINANCE 2009-91,” First Reading, Finance Committee.  Mrs. Sanders moved to adopt; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Blair abstaining, and Mr. Barletta, Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Sanders, and Mr. Sauer voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 4-0. 

 

            B.         ORDINANCE 2010-40, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1276.10 ACCESSORY AND CONDITIONAL USES, CHAPTER 1286.15, DAY CARE REGULATIONS, AND APPENDIX I:  TABLE 1, PERMITTED USES (P), ACCESSORY USES (A), AND CONDITIONAL USES (C) REGULATIONS,” First Reading, Service Committee.  Mr. Sauer moved to adopt; Mr. Blair seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Sanders, Mr. Barletta, Mr. Sauer, and Mr. Blair voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

            C.        ORDINANCE 2010-41, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1292.09 OLDE DOWNTOWN PICKERINGTON VILLAGE AREA PORTABLE (SANDWICH BOARD) SIGN REGULATIONS,” First Reading, Service Committee.  Mr. Sauer moved to adopt; Mr. Blair seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, and Mr. Sauer voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

*D.      ORDINANCE 2010-42, “AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE EDITING AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE VARIOUS COMPONENT CODES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADOPTION OF NEW MATTER IN THE UPDATED AND REVISED CODIFIED ORDINANCES; TO REPEAL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT THEREWITH,” First Reading, Rules Committee.  Mrs. Sanders moved to adopt; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Sanders, and Mr. Sauer voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0.  (CONSENT AGENDA ITEM)

 

            E.         ORDINANCE 2010-43, “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORATE OF A REPLACEMENT CHARTER FOR THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PICKERINGTON, ON NOVEMBER 9, 2010, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY,” First Reading, Council.  Mrs. Sanders moved to adopt; Mr. Blair seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Sanders, Mr. Barletta, Mr. Sauer, and Mr. Blair voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

*F.       RESOLUTION 2010-07R, “A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ADMISSION OF THE VILLAGE OF GROVEPORT, THE VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE, AND THE CITY OF WORTHINGTON AS NEW MEMBERS TO THE CORMA SELF-INSURANCE POOL,” First Reading, Finance Committee.  Mrs. Sanders moved to adopt; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Sanders, and Mr. Sauer voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0.  (CONSENT AGENDA ITEM)

 

*G.      RESOLUTION 2010-08R, “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES (NLC) PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT CARD PROGRAM,” First Reading, Finance Committee.  Mrs. Sanders moved to adopt; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Sanders, and Mr. Sauer voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0.  (CONSENT AGENDA ITEM)

 

            H.        ORDINANCE 2010-35, “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS REGARDING UTILITY RATES,” Second Reading, Service Committee.  Mr. Sauer moved to adopt; Mr. Blair seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Sanders, Mr. Sauer, Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, and Mrs. Hammond voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

            I.          ORDINANCE 2010-36, “AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A PROFESSIONAL OFFICE USER DEVELOPMENT POLICY,” Second Reading, Service Committee.  Mr. Sauer moved to adopt; Mr. Blair seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Blair, Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Barletta, and Mr. Sauer voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

9.         LEGISLATIVE READINGS:

 

            A.        ORDINANCE 2010-19, “AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE REZONING AND FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE APPROXIMATE 16.06 ACRE EBRIGHT/HOMESTEAD PARCELS FROM R-4 (RESIDENTIAL) TO PC-3 (PLANNED COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT) FOR A 4 SEASONS SPORTS COMPLEX, OFFICE AND RETAIL DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 1010 AND 1040 REFUGEE ROAD,” Third Reading, Service Committee.  (TABLED, 05/18/10)

 

            B.        ORDINANCE 2010-31, “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $87,500 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 CONSTRUCTING STREET AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STATE ROUTE 256/STONECREEK DRIVE AREA,” Third Reading, Finance Committee.  Mrs. Sanders moved to adopt; Mr. Sauer seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Sauer, Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Barletta, and Mr. Blair voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

            C.        ORDINANCE 2010-32, “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $25,000 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 CONSTRUCTING STREET IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CYCLE WAY AREA,” Third Reading, Finance Committee.  Mrs. Sanders moved to adopt; Mr. Blair seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Sanders, Mr. Blair, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Sauer, and Mr. Barletta voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

            D.        ORDINANCE 2010-33, “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $371,000 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 CONSTRUCTING (I) STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON HILL ROAD AND BLACKLICK-EASTERN ROAD, INCLUDING WIDENING STREETS, CONSTRUCTING SIDEWALKS, CURBS AND GUTTERS AND INSTALLING TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, AND (II) STREET IMPROVEMENTS KNOWN AS THE HILL ROAD CONNECTOR, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTING STREETS, SIDEWALKS, CURBS AND GUTTERS,” Third Reading, Finance Committee.  Mrs. Sanders moved to adopt; Mr. Blair seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Sauer, Mr. Blair, Mr. Barletta, Mrs. Hammond, and Mrs. Sanders voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

            E.         ORDINANCE 2010-34, “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $1,775,000 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 CONSTRUCTING STREET IMPROVEMENTS IN THE WINDMILLER/DILEY AREAS, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTING WIDENING AND TURN LANE IMPROVEMENTS FOR STATE ROUTE 256 TO ESTABLISH AN EXIT POINT FOR THE REALIGNMENT OF DILEY,” Third Reading, Finance Committee.  Mrs. Sanders moved to adopt; Mr. Blair seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Sanders, Mr. Blair, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Sauer, and Mr. Barletta voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 5-0. 

 

10.       DISCUSSION.  Mayor O’Brien stated he would open the discussion on the Annexation Agreement Mr. Sauer had distributed this evening.  Mr. Vance stated the City Manager has reviewed the proposed agreement and he felt it was headed in the right direction and he would endorse Council supporting regionalism as it has to do with responsible development efforts.  He stated this is the first step in the direction that has been given to the City Manager as we continue to coordinate with the Township in relation to a bigger picture of joint planning agreement that would set up the framework for continuing positive discussions on development issues and applications as we move into the future.  Mr. Sauer stated he felt this was a step in the direction we need to go and he endorsed this wholeheartedly.  Mr. Barletta stated he is also very interested in working with the Township to help our area grow as we can grow better together than we can separately.  Mrs. Sanders stated she agreed with everyone’s comments and she would like to thank Ms Crotty and Ms Davis of the Township and Mr. Vance for working on this agreement and putting it together.  She stated she felt it was a step in the right direction.  Mr. Blair stated he liked the agreement as well.  Mr. Sauer stated he would like to ensure this agreement is in place before any ruling is made by the County Commissioners on the Eichhorn annexation.  Mr. Hartmann stated it was his understanding that the earliest the annexation would go before the County Commissioners is July 27th, however, he has not heard that is the actual date and it could be delayed until August.  Mr. Hartmann stated when he is notified of the actual date he will forward a notification to Council.  Mr. Vance stated it is his understanding that the Township has issues with the annexation application itself with regard to the signatures on the application.  Mr. Vance stated, however, the legal representatives for the applicants did coordinate with the Township and did provide a document indicating a Power of Attorney and hopefully that satisfied all their questions in that regard. 

 

11.       REFERRAL TO COMMITTEE.  Mayor O’Brien stated he would like to refer the Annexation Agreement to Service Committee for discussion at their next meeting.   

 

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

 

13.       MOTIONS:  There were no motions. 

 

14.       ADJOURNMENT.  There being nothing further, Mrs. Sanders moved to adjourn; Mr. Blair seconded the motion.  Mr. Barletta, Mrs. Hammond, Mr. Sauer, Mr. Blair, and Mrs. Sanders voted “Aye.”  Motion carried, 5-0.  The meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M., July 20, 2010. 

 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: 

 

 

_______________________________

Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_______________________________

Mitch O’Brien, Mayor