CITY OF PICKERINGTON

SAFETY COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2004

7:30 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

1. ROLL CALL. Mr. Wisniewski called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. with Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mrs. Riggs present. No members were absent. Others present were: Frank Wiseman, Lynda Yartin, Chief Mike Taylor, Steve Carr, Susan Crotty, Barbara DeWolfe, George Hadler, Mitch O’Brien, and others.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF December 1, 2003, Regular Meeting. Mr. Sabatino moved to approve; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski abstaining, and Mrs. Riggs and Mr. Sabatino voting "Yea." Motion passed, 2-0.

Mr. Wisniewski stated Mrs. Barbara DeWolfe and Mr. George Hadler were present and would like to address the Committee this evening regarding the purchase of Mrs. DeWolfe’s property. He stated if there were no objections he would allow them to proceed at this time.

Mr. George Hadler stated he was Mrs. DeWolfe’s representative in the sale of her property. He stated the property looks like it is pretty well surrounded by the city’s parks and he felt the property could be incorporated in the parks system with bike trails, etc. Mr. Hadler stated Mrs. DeWolfe had spoken to the school district regarding some problems she was having with the run off from the school going into the pond and killing all of the fish. He stated further she is experiencing problems with the noise from the school, such as the band practice, school events, and the parking lot that borders her property. Mr. Hadler stated he had met with Mrs. Bushman well over a year ago and she had stated the City would like to purchase the property for $500,000 based on an appraisal that had been done. Mr. Hadler stated he felt the appraisal was incorrect, and the value was much higher. He further stated when the high school was built on the property next door, this property was changed from a residential to an institutional site. Mr. Hadler stated Mrs. DeWolfe was asking $750,000 for the property and so he had proposed to Mrs. Bushman a fund raising package for naming rights of various sites on the property. Mr. Hadler stated one individual he contacted has expressed an interest in the naming rights of the house and barn, however, he did not want to put more energy into this project until he has a signed contract with the City. Mr. Hadler further stated he felt the fund raising project on the naming rights could be conducted by the City with much better results than if an individual would be doing it. Mr. Hadler continued the City did apply for and receive approval of the grant monies, and it was his understanding the purchase of the property must be complete by October. He stated he would like a fresh start to see if we can get a purchase contract negotiated. Mr. Sabatino questioned if Mr. Hadler was proposing this fresh start include obligating the City for the additional $250,000, and Mr. Hadler stated he saw it as a short term financing for the City because the money raised by the naming rights would make up that amount. Mrs. Riggs clarified it was Mr. Hadler’s understanding the school board had been contacted regarding the possibility of

purchasing the property and had stated they did not have the funds for this. Mr. Wiseman stated he would caution the committee that normally the discussion of purchasing property is conducted in an Executive Session. Mr. Wisniewski clarified that approximately $430,000 was approved in the grant, and there is a 25 percent match from the city that is approximately $144,000. He further clarified of that $144,000, approximately $62,000 would be in-kind contributions from city labor. Mr. Sabatino stated he has a concern about the City dealing with the naming rights, and he felt that issue, and the value attached to it, could be an obstacle. Mrs. Riggs questioned how many years it would take to develop this property for a park and the costs to actually do that. Mr. Carr stated the grant monies were largely for the purchase of the property, and there was some minor development included such as a small parking lot and some signage. He stated the renovation part of the project that would be covered by the grant was very small. Mrs. Riggs ascertained development of this property is not included in the budget other than the purchase. Mr. Sabatino clarified the grant did not require a purchase contract prior to filing the application. Mr. Carr stated from the time of the award of the grant, the City has one year to complete the purchase. He stated October 15, 2004, is the deadline to acquire the land. Mr. Sabatino stated this is a project initiated by the prior administration and now needs to be followed up on. He stated he would like to know when a purchase contract could be executed. Mr. Wiseman stated that was a subject for an executive session so Council could determine how they wish to handle the difference between the grant amount awarded and the purchase price Mrs. DeWolfe is asking. Mr. Sabatino stated it was his recollection that during a meeting discussing the naming rights project, the City had made it adamantly clear that we would not be obligated to underwrite the $250,000 if they were not successful in selling them. Mrs. Riggs clarified that if development of this property relied on Park Capital funds only, there are several competing projects. If General Fund monies were going to be used, that would be Council’s decision. Mr. Sabatino stated there were several competing projects for General Fund monies as well. Mrs. Riggs stated she would like to have the opportunity to speak to the law director on this issue, and Mr. Sabatino stated he agreed with Mrs. Riggs.  Mr. Sabatino stated he further thought this should be dealt with one way or another so Mrs. DeWolfe has an answer on what we will do. Mr. Wisniewski clarified the grant application was submitted using the valuation on the appraisal that had been done. Mrs. Riggs inquired if there were other grants available that we could apply for to make up the difference in price. Mr. Carr stated the grant applied for is a new funding source and we were successful. He stated there are other funding sources, such as the NatureWorks program, and we compete with other projects submitted for Fairfield County while other funding sources have a larger pool of money, but your project must compete with projects submitted state-wide. Mrs. Riggs stated she would like to have time to review this, however, she agreed with Mr. Sabatino that it must be brought to closure.

Mrs. DeWolfe stated she would like to make the committee aware that she feels her property is already being used as park land because people disregard the trespassing signs to walk to the school, or just to walk the trails. She stated she has contacted the police many times and has been told there is nothing they can do. Mrs. DeWolfe further stated she has had to leave her home at times because the noise is so incredible, and the parking lot is 40 feet from her door. She stated she was initially told this parking lot would be used only as an overflow lot, however, it is in constant use not only for parking cars, but for events like motorcycle rallies, school bus rodeos, basketball summer camp, etc. Mrs. DeWolfe stated she hoped this committee could help her. Mr. Wisniewski asked if the property purchased with the grant monies must be used as park land and Mr. Carr stated he thought that was correct, however, he would do some research to find out. The Committee asked Mr. Carr if he would provide this Committee anything relative to this project by the next meeting, such as drawings, cost estimates, what this property could be used for, etc. Mr. Carr stated he would have that included in the next Committee packet.

3. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

A. Parks and Recreation.

(1) Director’s Report. Mr. Carr stated he had provided a written report to the Committee and he would be happy to answer any questions.

a. Parks Master Plan Survey - Update. Mr. Carr stated he would have the survey results and analysis for the next meeting.

b. Skate Park Project – Update. Mr. Carr stated concrete slab has been poured and the fence erected with the correct fence fabric. He stated the equipment assembly, bench installation, and turf restoration will be completed in the spring.

c. Handicap Garden – Update. Mr. Carr stated R. D. Zande was the consultant on this project and they submitted drawings and preliminary cost estimates of approximately $175,000, and it was not included in the 2004 budget. Mr. Sabatino clarified the grant we applied for was for park renovations, but did not include the gardens. Mr. Carr stated at the time we submitted the grant application we had not received the information regarding cost estimates and scope of the project from the consultant. Mr. Sabatino inquired if we were including this project in any future grant applications, and Mr. Carr stated it was something we could consider. Mrs. Riggs ascertained this was a project some area residents brought to the city’s attention. Mr. Carr stated the grant proposal that was written includes several renovation projects in Sycamore Park and totals about $169,000. He stated this included expanding the parking lot, paving the trail around the current pond, a park fountain, a boardwalk, a fishing pier, playground equipment, and the renovation of some restrooms. Mr. Carr stated the boardwalk would be located on the north end of the pond so people in wheelchairs would have access to watch concerts, the Friday night movies, and also to fish off the other side. He further stated the paved path around the pond would also lend itself to handicapped accessibility, and some of the restrooms would be handicapped accessible. He stated the garden itself was not included in that project. He stated the $175,000 was the cost estimate just for the gardens, and we were getting a large amount of work done for the $169,000. Mr. Sabatino stated his question was how close to reality was $175,000 for any garden. Mr. Wisniewski clarified this cost included concrete work, irrigation, and the gardens. Mr. Carr stated the initial intent of the project was to provide some raised gardens where handicapped individuals could garden from a wheelchair. Mrs. Riggs stated her concern was that she wanted to deliver the expectation that we would have a handicapped garden, and Mr. Sabatino stated he agreed with Mrs. Riggs. Mr. Sabatino stated he did not see why we could not come up with something that would serve the purpose of what it is supposed to do at a cost much less than that $175,000. Mr. Carr stated if it was this Committee’s desire, he would be happy to write the next round of the NatureWorks grant, which is in the $40,000-$50,000 range, and scale this project down to something that is more participatory for handicapped residents. Mrs. Riggs stated she concurred with Mr. Sabatino that the goal was to accomplish something where the handicapped people would be able to garden, fish, and be able to use it. Mr. Sabatino stated he felt it was time to start bringing projects through to completion rather than starting new ones when we have some hanging. Mr. Carr stated the next NaureWorks grant application is due on February 1st and he already has authorization to apply for the grant. He stated a motion from this Committee to apply for funding for purposes of developing a handicap garden would probably be helpful in being successful in obtaining the grant. Mr. Sabatino moved to authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to submit an application for the NatureWorks grant to develop a handicap garden that would more likely be funded than the one currently proposed; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion. Mrs. Riggs stated she concurred with Mr. Sabatino that we need to complete some of these projects. Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Sabatino voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 3-0.

d. ODNR/NatureWorks Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Projects

1. NatureWorks Grant Project (Sycamore Park Dam Repair) – Update. Mr. Carr clarified this is an earthen dam that holds the water within the pond at Sycamore Park. Mr. Carr stated if we had a dam failure, it would flood the amphitheater. He further stated this will repair an erosion problem, we will not have a dam failure this spring, but if it goes unchecked we could have a problem. He stated the engineers have submitted a dam evaluation report to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and we are awaiting their approval of our plan to repair the dam. He stated as soon as we receive that approval we can commence with the project. Mr. Wisniewski clarified the city’s portion of this grant will come from Parks Capital and was included in the 2003 budget, but will need to be reappropriated this year.

2. Land & Water Conservation Fund Project (Sycamore Park Renovation) – Update. Mr. Wisniewski stated this had been discussed earlier in the meeting.

3. Clean Ohio Conservation Grant Project – DeWolfe Property) – Update. Mr. Wisniewski stated this issue had also been discussed earlier in the meeting.

(2) Selection of Council Representative to Parks & Recreation Board. Mrs. Riggs stated she has served as the Parks and Recreation representative for the past several months. She stated she did not feel Council needed a representative at those meetings because the Parks Director attends, and whatever comes out of that Committee comes to Safety Committee, and the Parks Director reports on that meeting to this Committee. Mr. Sabatino stated that is also the situation with the representative to the Tree Commission. Mr. Carr stated the Council representative is a voting member of both the Tree Commission and Parks Board. Mrs. Riggs stated even if she voted at the Parks Board meeting, she would have to vote again on the same issue at the Safety Committee. Mr. Sabatino stated an amendment to the Code would be necessary to delete these representatives. Mr. Wisniewski asked Mr. Carr his opinion on this issue. Mr. Carr stated he does not have a strong preference either way, there are communities in Central Ohio that have representatives on these boards and commissions, and there are communities who do not. Mrs. Riggs stated even if she provided input at the Parks Board meeting, it still has to come to Safety Committee. She stated she does not really have a report to give to this Committee and she does not give a report to Council. She stated it was her opinion that where we are today, we do not need this representative. Mr. Sabatino clarified that currently the Parks Board has five volunteer members and one council representative and Tree Commission has four volunteer members and one council representative, with both Council representatives being voting members. Mr. Wisniewski stated it might be more beneficial for these bodies to come and address Safety Committee when they feel there is a need for Council input. Mrs. Riggs stated if there was a need for a Council member on Parks Board, she did not have a problem with that, it was just from her attendance she did not see the necessity for it. Mrs. Riggs stated she would request the law director provide draft legislation for this committee to review at their next meeting that would delete the Council Representative to the Parks and Recreation Board and the Tree Commission. Mrs. Riggs stated until this issue was resolved, she would be happy to continue as the Parks and Recreation Board Representative and Mr. Sabatino stated he would also continue as the Tree Commission Representative if this Committee desired. Mr. Wisniewski moved to appoint Mrs. Riggs as Parks and Recreation Board Representative and to appoint Mr. Sabatino as Tree Commission representative until this issue is resolved; Mr. Sabatino seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Wisniewski voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 3-0.

(3) Parks & Recreation Board Council Representative Report – No Report.

B. Community Outreach:

(1) Violet Festival Board Report. No report.

(2) Olde Pickerington Village Business Association Report. No report.

(3) Paratransit Service

(a) Review and request for motion to approve Ridership Policy. Ms. Crotty stated she had provided the Committee with information on the van service that we have. She stated this Committee had approved a Ridership Policy when we received the grant for this van, knowing that we may have to make some adjustments when we knew what the actual needs were. Ms. Crotty stated we have found a couple of minor adjustments and that was what she had provided the Committee for review. She stated one issue was the hours of operation, and she was proposing to change the hours of operation from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 5:30 p.m, to 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with a one hour lunch break for the driver. She stated dependent upon the schedule for the day, that one hour break could be flexible. She stated the second issue was that we would provide a 15 percent discount on tickets that could be purchased in advance. She stated we have tried to make this service as affordable as possible, and the fares that we charge do not cover the costs and the service is heavily subsidized by the City. She further stated we have had requests from citizens outside the City to utilize the service and since we are members of FairCats, a coordinating agency for the County, we will provide service to those citizens if the van is available. She stated service to city residents does have first priority. Ms. Crotty stated citizens who live outside the city have asked if they could purchase the discount tickets, and she was proposing the discount tickets be available only for city residents. Mr. Wisniewski clarified the fare is the same whether you live inside or outside the City. Mr. Sabatino ascertained the fares collected go into the City’s General Fund, and we are averaging 5-6 riders per day. Ms. Crotty stated we have only been in operation for a couple of months and she was sure this was going to pick up. Mr. Wisniewski clarified the driver was not a city employee. Ms. Crotty stated this is a good example of a public/private partnership. She stated the Senior Center handles the scheduling, Echo Manor holds title to the van and helps with the administration, and the City provides the funds for the service. She stated Echo Manor invoices the city for the wages for the driver, insurance, maintenance costs, etc. She stated the van gets gasoline from the City pumps at the Service Department. Mr. Wisniewski moved to accept the amended Ridership Policy as presented to this Committee; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mr. Sabatino voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 3-0.

C. Building Operations: No report.

D. Streets:

(1) Tree Commission. No report.

(2) Fall Street Tree Planting – Update. Mr. Wiseman stated this project is complete and we are getting ready for the Spring Street Tree Planting project. He stated we are considering doing this project in-house this year and not bidding it out. He stated a stump remover has been included in this year’s budget and it can be used to dig the holes to plant the trees. Mr. Wisniewski stated there were some trees in the Windmiller Pond subdivision that have very large thorns and he thought they were a hazard. Mr. Wiseman stated he would check into that as he thought we used the locust trees that do not have thorns on them. Mr. Wisniewski stated the Fall Street Tree planting project can be removed from the agenda.

E. Code Enforcement:

(1) Nuisance Abatement Board.

a. Nuisance Abatement procedures regarding sign at 18 E. Columbus Street – Update. Mrs. Yartin stated Mr. Mapes had asked her to let the committee know he is still talking to Mr. McMillen and he hoped to have something for this Committee at the next meeting.

4. POLICE:

A. Chief’s Report. Chief Taylor stated his report had been distributed and he would answer any questions. Mr. Sabatino questioned if the City needs to be concerned about the new concealed weapons legislation. Chief Taylor stated the City should prepare some type of policy to issue to employees regarding carrying concealed weapons. Mr. Wiseman stated he and Chief Taylor would meet and prepare a policy for the City. Chief Taylor stated the new law does stipulate you cannot enter certain buildings with a weapon, and these buildings include government buildings, churches, daycare centers, etc. Mr. Sabatino stated he felt we should also consider that issue with regard to our public parks. Mr. Wiseman stated he would work with Mr. Mapes and Chief Taylor to review this entire issue.

5. CHAIRMAN.

A. Review and discussion regarding safety issues around detention ponds in the City. Mr. Sabatino stated he had requested this Committee review this issue. He stated his concern was not so much the detention ponds in parks, but the ones in subdivisions and along the roadways. He stated last year in another County a child drowned in one of these ponds and he would like to know what we can do to prevent something like that here. Mr. Wiseman stated if he understood it, Mr. Sabatino was looking for something that would be a physical deterrent rather than just signage. Mr. Wiseman stated he would request Mr. Carr work with Mr. Schultz, our Planning and Zoning Director, to research this issue and see what has been done in other places. Mr. Wiseman stated there is only so much that can be done, and there is some responsibility upon the parents as well.

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

7. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mrs. Riggs moved to adjourn; Mr. Sabatino seconded the motion. Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Wisniewski voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 3-0. The Safety Committee meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M., January 12, 2004.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

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Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk