SERVICE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

REGULAR MEETING

7:30 P.M.

1. ROLL CALL. Mr. Fix called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., with Mr. Fix, Mr. Blair, and Mr. Barletta present. No members were absent. Others present were: Bill Vance, Lynda Yartin, Ed Drobina, Greg Bachman, Susan Crotty, Mayor O’Brien, Brian Sauer, Cristie Hammond, Joe Henderson, Chet Hopper, Phil Hartmann, Jim Ebright, Doug Matty, Aaron Underhill, Ladd Dilgard, and others.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF November 17, 2010, Regular Meeting. Mr. Blair moved to approve; Mr. Barletta seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, and Mr. Fix voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 3-0.

3. COMMUNITY COMMENTS: No comments.

4. DEVELOPMENT:

A. Review and discussion regarding Ordinance 2010-19, “An Ordinance approving the Rezoning and Final Development Plan for the approximate 16.06 acre Ebright/Homestead Parcels. Mr. Vance stated a priority has been to work with the Homestead developers in relation to the soccer complex proposal to negotiate infrastructure situations involving water, sewer, and the extension of roads, payment of impact fees, etc. He stated at this point in time it is his understanding that staff is on the same page with what is being proposed by the developers and their proposal includes no TIFs. He stated the biggest issue negotiated was the access to the proposed soccer complex and it will be a private road that will eventually become a public road with the City taking responsibility as well as ownership and, therefore, it would be developed in accordance with the City’s road specifications. He stated the City agrees with the first phase water and sewer being connected to County infrastructure in order not to extend City infrastructure at a cost of $189,000, and phases two and three in the future will be made available to City infrastructure at the developer’s expense. Mr. Vance further stated connection to the adjacent property to the west, with a public street in the future at the developer’s expense was also negotiated. Mr. Vance stated the City is going to, if necessary, help facilitate negotiations to acquire some right-of-way, in relation to the first phase road which will eventually become a public street, with the adjacent property owner. Mr. Vance stated the City Manager has no professional exceptions to what has been negotiated and our City Engineer and Development Director are present if there are any questions. Mr. Aaron Underhill stated he is present representing the developer and he would like to compliment Mr. Vance as he has been instrumental in getting to this point and he hoped this can move quickly so they can get started this construction season. Mr. Sauer questioned the language in the development agreement in paragraph 1(b) “and related permitted” uses and asked if that could be defined for him. Mr. Vance stated technically it would be anything that the zoning classification allowed. Mr. Sauer stated he just wanted to make sure that whatever went in there was professional offices. Mr. Underhill stated the way this had to be written was they had to pick a zoning district and it was meant to mean whatever was permitted in that zoning district. Mr. Sauer stated he would like to make that a littler clearer. Mr. Fix stated this ordinance has had two readings at Council and Mr. Underhill stated they had stopped the process because they had the Development Agreement issues and they had wanted to get those ironed out. Mr. Underhill stated his intent tonight was to get both the agreement and the zoning back to Council so they could be dealt with on the same night. Mr. Hartmann stated that was exactly what we wanted to do, have it all together, and he would provide an ordinance for Council to approve the Development Agreement. Mr. Blair moved to approve and forward the Ordinance to Council; Mr. Barletta seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Blair, Mr. Fix, and Mr. Barletta voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 3-0.

Mr. Blair moved to forward the Development Agreement to Council with the appropriate legislation; Mr. Barletta seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Barletta, Mr. Fix, and Mr. Blair voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 3-0.

Mr. Fix stated if there were no objections, he would take Item 8.C.(3) at this time as Mr. Dilgard is present this evening to discuss this issue. There were no objections by Committee members.

Mr. Dilgard stated he runs the Columbus Sandwich Company and he had asked Mr. Fix for his assistance in eliminating the “No left turn” into the CreekBend Center complex where his restaurant is located. Mr. Dilgard stated he is requesting this because it inhibits access to his business and for a business of his type that is tough to overcome. Mr. Dilgard stated he has been in business there for over two years and he is doing fairly well, but the access issue makes it very difficult to do business there. He stated other businesses there have also expressed their concern on this. Mr. Dilgard stated further that prohibiting a left turn into their parking lot does not do anything for safety as there is plenty of visibility. Mr. Sauer clarified Mr. Dilgard was requesting the ability to make a left turn into the center only as a left turn leaving the center was not necessary. Mr. Fix stated Mr. Dilgard had indicated to him that people do make a left turn there anyway and Mr. Dilgard stated that was correct, it is very common. Mr. Bachman stated with regard to left turns on S.R. 256, he is opposed to unsignalized left turns out of driveways because that would be crossing five lanes of traffic. He stated he is also opposed to left turns in where you are crossing two lanes of traffic although there is not the same safety hazard as turning out. Mr. Bachman stated there are still safety problems with left turns in at unsignalized intersections and he had provided the Committee members with the Federal Highway brochure on medians that shows the benefits of raised medians. Mr. Bachman stated further we are doing the ODOT S.R. 256 safety study, safety project, and as part of that ODOT will be doing a crash analysis along there and at this point he felt it would be premature to allow left turns where we have not allowed them until the analysis is done later this year. Mr. Bachman stated further one of the proposals in the traffic study is to put grass medians in the center where we can and this is one of the locations we were looking at putting in a median because we have already been prohibiting left turns in and out. Mr. Bachman stated also the Access Management Plan the City has adopted does not show that as full access, but as a right-in/right-out and you would be changing the Access Management Plan. Mr. Fix inquired if we were consistent in not allowing left turns southbound S.R. 256 from S.R. 204 to Refugee, and Mr. Bachman stated he understood that we have not tried to close the ones that have been there for a long time, but for anything new we have tried consistently to not allow left turns in and out. Mr. Fix clarified there is no left turn signage at this particular location. Mr. Fix inquired if Mr. Bachman would be prepared at the next meeting with information on how many left turns from S.R. 256 are prohibited, how many are allowed. He stated he was not saying he thought it was a good idea to allow these turns, but he could see why a business owner would be frustrated if it were not allowed in front of his business but was allowed in front of the next guy’s business. He stated that seemed inconsistent and unfair. Mr. Fix continued he would at least like to know how many turns were prohibited and how many were allowed. Mr. Blair inquired if we were requiring new developments to put in the pork chops and Mr. Bachman stated if we allowed anything at all, we did require that. Mr. Blair further inquired if we have any that allow the left turn in with a pork chop and Mr. Bachman stated we do, that is a half pork chop. Mr. Blair stated when Mr. Bachman is getting the information requested by Mr. Fix would he also get the information on how many pork chops we have because if you start doing it for one you will have to start doing it for everyone. Mr. Barletta stated that traffic condition existed before the business located there and he did not feel we needed to compromise on safety. Mr. Sauer stated once the medians are put in, it would seem to visually notify you there is a turn if there is a break in that median. Mr. Fix stated before any final action is taken on this, he would like to have the information brought back to the next Committee meeting.

A. Development Director’s Report. Ms Crotty stated she had provided a written report and she would like to point out that “Breakfast with the Mayor” is scheduled for Thursday, January 27, 2011, from 7:30 to 8:30 A.M. Ms Crotty stated this will be held in Council Chambers with coffee and doughnuts, however, the location may be changed as the year progresses. She stated this provides an opportunity for business leaders in the community to come in and meet with the Mayor, City Manager, etc. Ms Crotty stated this is part of our outreach efforts to businesses.

(1) Annexation

a. Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance to accept an annexation of 47.146+/- acres in Violet Township, Fairfield County, to the City of Pickerington, and to establish a Pickerington Zoning Classification for such property. Ms Crotty stated the action from Fairfield County Commissioners occurred in December and the 60-day waiting period will end February 4^th. Ms Crotty stated in order to keep the process moving legislation is being presented for Committee action this evening because pursuant to the agreement we do have to accept the annexation and set the zoning. Ms Crotty stated if the Committee approves the draft legislation this evening it will be put on the agenda for the February 15^th Council meeting. Ms Crotty further stated she would request Council consider waiving the three readings since it is our intent to hand deliver the legislation when it is effective to the Department of Development because this annexation does affect the CRA of which Skilken is a part and they are ready to move forward. Mr. Blair moved to approve and forward to Council; Mr. Barletta seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Fix, Mr. Blair, and Mr. Barletta voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 3-0.

(2) Development Process – Update. Ms Crotty stated Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a work session to discuss the Commission’s responsibilities and processes.

(3) Economic Development Marketing Plan – Update. Ms Crotty stated the web site is looking pretty good and she will send a link to all of Council when it is ready. She stated there are some minor corrections to be made yet.

(4) Business Retention Project – Update. Ms Crotty stated has a meeting scheduled with Ohio BR&E Initiative next week.

(5) Long Range Economic Development Plan – Update. Ms Crotty stated she had no update this evening.

(6) Implementation of the Diley Road Corridor Plan – Update. Ms Crotty stated she had no update this evening.

C. Review of 2011 Goals and Objectives for Development Department. Ms Crotty stated she had provided a list of goals for the Committee’s review.

5. PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT: Ms Crotty stated she had provided a written report and she would point out that in addition to the work session mentioned earlier, the Planning and Zoning Commission regular meeting has been rescheduled for January 25^th after the work session. Ms Crotty stated the regular meeting scheduled for January 11^th was cancelled due to inclement weather. Ms Crotty stated further a public meeting is scheduled for January 27^th to talk about the Main Street Program and Mr. Siegler of Heritage Ohio will be giving a presentation.

A. Planning and Zoning Representative Report (Mr. Blair) Mr. Blair stated he has met with Ms Crotty and Mr. Henderson in order to get up to speed on the Planning and Zoning Commission and while he knows there will be a learning curve he is trying to learn as much as possible.

B. ACTION ITEMS:

(1) Refugee Road Study – Update. Ms Crotty stated she is exploring cost effective options to complete this study. Mr. Fix stated if there was a way to get this done cost effectively, quickly, and if it would be of benefit to staff, he would like to have that presented at the next Finance Committee meeting.

C. Review of 2011 Goals and Objectives for Planning and Zoning Department. Ms Crotty stated she had provided a list of goals for this department.

6. BUILDING DEPARTMENT.

A. Building Department/Chief Building Official’s Report. Mr. Hopper stated he would like to point out that we permitted 63 new homes for 2010, and we have a good start so far this year.

(1) Review and request for motion to approve continuing professional service contracts for Building Department. Mr. Hopper stated he had requested proposals for contracting building services such as inspections, plan review, a back-up building official, and code enforcement inspections. Mr. Hopper stated he had received three proposals and he would request the ability to contract with all three so he will have the ability to provide all necessary services. Mr. Vance stated the RFP process was done in close coordination with the law director’s office he was requesting authorization to negotiate these agreements, and once the agreements are put together he will propose permission to execute those agreements, and the costs identified in the proposals may be further reduced. Mr. Blair moved to authorize the City Manager to negotiate professional services contracts; Mr. Barletta seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, and Mr. Fix voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 3-0.

B. Review of 2011 Goals and Objectives for Building Department. Mr. Fix clarified that Mr. Hopper’s goal is to provide inspection services on a 24-hour, 7-day basis, should it be necessary.

7. SERVICE DEPARTMENT

A. Service Manager’s Report. Mr. Drobina stated he had provided a written report and he would answer any questions. Mr. Drobina stated staff has been working on the odor problem on Diley Road and a carbon filter has been installed in the manhole. Mr. Barletta inquired if there were any engineering deficiencies that would cause these odors and Mr. Bachman stated this is doing just what it is supposed to do. Mr. Bachman stated this is the furthest air release from the pumping station so it gets most of the odor generated for about a mile downstream. Mr. Bachman stated they are looking into some other options to reduce this odor. Mr. Barletta inquired how we were doing on road salt and Mr. Drobina stated he has purchased more so far this winter than we normally have in the past.

B. WASTEWATER

(1) TDS – Update. There was no update this evening.

C. WATER. No report.

D. Review of 2011 Goals and Objectives for Service Department. Mayor O’Brien clarified that painting of fire hydrants is a City responsibility and that might be a good volunteer project. Mr. Barletta stated there had been an Eagle Scout project in Summerfield to paint fire hydrants and that might be something we could look into.

8. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

A. Engineer’s Report. Mr. Bachman stated he had provided a written report and would be happy to answer any questions.

B. ACTION ITEMS:

(1) Water Master Plan and Sewer Master Plan - Update. Mr. Bachman stated the consultant will have a draft of the Water Master Plan yet this month for review and hopefully we will finish the Water Master Plan next month. Mr. Fix clarified the new water tower is scheduled to come on line July 15^th. Mr. Bachman stated the draft Sewer Master Plan should be ready in the next couple of months as well. Mayor O’Brien ascertained we hoped to work on a Storm Water Master Plan this year. Mr. Bachman stated he and Ms VanCleave will be working on this as they have determined to do it in-house.

(2) S.R. 256 Safety Improvement Project - Update. Mr. Bachman stated ODOT staff level at the District is very interested in the project and actually would like to take the lead on it, and that is a very good sign. Mr. Bachman stated he is hoping to get the application in during the August time period. Mr. Barletta clarified that once we put in the application, it should be just a few months before we hear anything.

(3) Discussion regarding partially collapsed storm sewer on S.R. 256. Mr. Bachman stated he had hoped to have all the cost estimates this evening, however, he did not have all of them as yet. Mr. Bachman stated he did get an estimate from a contractor who would dig up the ten-foot section and that estimate was $150,000. Mr. Bachman stated he was still hoping we could make this repair by using the liner so we did not have to dig or close any traffic lanes on S.R. 256.

C. TRANSPORTATION

(1) Review and discussion regarding ODOT controlled traffic signals. Mr. Bachman stated ODOT is doing the study on the signals north of our system and tying into our system on S.R. 256 all the way up into Reynoldsburg. Mayor O’Brien inquired who would be in control of the ACS system and Mr. Bachman stated that would have to be negotiated with ODOT. Mayor O’Brien stated he would advocate that we take a very firm stand because we have been let down by them and he felt as soon as the study is complete we should take back control of the signals south of the interstate and make them work better than they do. Mayor O’Brien stated it is a constant source of frustration on a Saturday to try and get on the interstate. Mr. Bachman stated he is keeping a spreadsheet with the back-ups and he is submitting that to ODOT periodically.

(2) School Speed Zone Study – Update. Mr. Bachman stated he had no update this evening.

(3) Review and discussion regarding left turns along S.R. 256. Mr. Fix stated this was dealt with earlier in the meeting.

(4) Discussion regarding MORPC $500,000 grant for Center/Milnor/Meadows intersection improvements. Mr. Bachman stated he had an aerial map of Alternate A and Alternate B, with one separating the roads into two separate intersections and one would cul de sac Meadows Boulevard that he would provide the Committee at the next meeting. Mr. Bachman stated there were advantages and disadvantages to both of these options. Mr. Fix stated this could be discussed further at the next meeting.

C. Review of 2011 Goals and Objectives for Engineering Department. Mr. Fix clarified there were no questions regarding the goals and objectives submitted.

9. CHAIRMAN.

A. Update on Postage Drive maintenance and long-term ownership. Mr. Vance stated we are negotiating with Kohl’s on some additional access to the south so the process continues.

10. OTHER BUSINESS:

A. Update on proposed solar panel project at the water treatment plant. Mr. Vance stated he is working with the law director to come up with a proposal that represents every angle of the City’s best interest and we have just finished the first draft. Mr. Vance stated that will be submitted to Tipping Point Energy for their review and we will go from there.

B. Review and discussion regarding water storage tank maintenance contract. Mr. Vance stated he would like to have this continued on the agenda for the next meeting. Mr. Fix stated this would remain on the agenda.

Mr. Fix stated everyone is aware of the possibility that the EPA may change course with regard to their requirements and the reverse-osmosis project. Mr. Fix stated he is not advocating that we change course at this time. Mr. Hartmann stated the EPA action is still hanging over us and if that went away that would be some savings to the City. Mr. Barletta stated residents have told him that the life of a hot water tank in his neighborhood is five years or less and he questioned if there was something in the water that causes this. He stated he wondered if that was common in subdivisions other than his and Mayor O’Brien stated it was. Mr. Barletta stated he wondered if the reverse-osmosis might take out some of the chemicals that may be aiding that.

Mr. Fix stated the law director had included two additional pieces of legislation in the Committee packet for review.

An ordinance appropriating a roadway easement of 0.0358 net acres, more or less, from Steven D. Ellis, said acreage located on the south side terminus of Town Square Drive, just east of Hill Road North, within the City of Pickerington, County of Fairfield, State of Ohio. Mr. Barletta moved to approve and forward to Council; Mr. Blair seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Fix, Mr. Blair, and Mr. Barletta voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 3-0.

A resolution of intent to appropriate a roadway easement of 0.0358 net acres, more or less, from Steven D. Ellis, said acreage located on the south side terminus of Town Square Drive, just east of Hill Road North, within the City of Pickerington, County of Fairfield, State of Ohio. Mr. Blair moved to approve and forward to Council; Mr. Barletta seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Fix, Mr. Blair, and Mr. Barletta voting “Yes.” Motion passed, 3-0.

11. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mr. Blair moved to adjourn; Mr. Fix seconded the motion. Mr. Barletta, Mr. Blair, and Mr. Fix voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 3-0. The Service Committee adjourned at 9:05 P.M., January 19, 2011.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

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Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk