CITY OF PICKERINGTON

SERVICE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2004

 

REGULAR MEETING

7:30 P.M.

 

1.         ROLL CALL.  Mr. Hackworth called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., with Mr. Hackworth, and Mr. Wisniewski present.  Mr. Parker was absent.  Others present were:  Frank Wiseman, Lynda Yartin, Lance Schultz, Jerry Dailey, Ed Drobina, Renae Hardy, Mitch O’Brien, Matt Schneider, Vicki Bradley, Tim Bryant, Chris Engle, Julie Gwinn, Cindy Brown, Aaron Grilliot, Tony Barletta, Jim Keaton, John Gallager, and others.

 

2.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF January 15, 2004, Regular Meeting.  Mr. Hackworth moved to approve; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski and Mr. Hackworth voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 2-0.

 

3.         PLANNING AND ZONING

 

A.        REPORTS:

 

                       (1)         BZA Report.  No report. 

 

                       (2)         Planning and Zoning Representative Report (Mr. Wisniewski).  Mr. Wisniewski stated at the last meeting the Commission had recommended approval of the rezoning of the property at 836 Refugee Road to PC-4 that is next on the agenda.  He stated he would answer any questions anyone might have. 

 

B.         ACTION ITEMS: 

 

            (1)        Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance to rezone the property known as 836 Refugee Road (Cat Tracks, Ltd; Hurt property) from C-3 (Community Commercial) to PC-4 (Planned Highway Commercial).  Mr. Schultz stated the applicant was requesting the rezoning to allow them to sell used cars.  He stated they were selling used cars and in December the City notified them they could not do that in the current zoning.  He stated at the last Planning and Zoning Commission meeting they recommended approval with the restrictions that the use be limited to the selling of leased vehicles and the provision of service/maintenance/detailing for such vehicles and other vehicles of the public, with the conditions that there be no more than 12 cars outside; no more than 6 cars inside; no outdoor speakers; no additional outside lighting; and the hours of operation be no later than 7:00 P.M., Monday through Saturday, and to be closed on Sundays.  Mr. Schultz stated a public hearing on this issue is scheduled for City Council on March 2, 2004.  Mr. Hackworth clarified any other use would have to be approved by the City.  Mr. Sabatino clarified the Planning and Zoning Commission had approved the conditional use in the PC-4 district. Mr. Hackworth moved to approve with the conditions set by the Planning and Zoning Commission and forward to Council; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Hackworth and Mr. Wisniewski voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 2-0. 

 

Mr. Hackworth stated Mr. Chris Engle and other individuals from ODOT were present this evening to address the I-70/S.R. 256 Joint Improvements Project.  Mr. Engle stated they were present this evening to ask the City of Pickerington to reconsider the S.R. 256 and I-70 interchange area project. He stated the project in general includes adding a through lane both northbound and southbound through the interchange by restripping the existing pavement and some new construction.  He stated this would improve traffic flow north and southbound on S.R. 256, as well as to and from the I-70 ramps.  He stated the entire section would be resurfaced as a part of this project.  Mr. Engle stated a signal would also be added at the eastbound I-70 to northbound S.R. 256 ramp and reconfiguring that intersection so traffic would stop at the signal instead of merging in with traffic.  Mr. Engle stated the other major part of this project would be to tie the signal at S.R. 256 and S.R. 204/Tussing Road to function with the other signals through the interchange rather than being tied in with the signals to the south.  He stated that would allow the signals through the interchange area to talk to each other and improve the progression of vehicles through the area.  Mr. Engle stated when this project was presented last year, there was concern about eliminating the access to the Turnberry Shopping Center on S.R. 256, relinquishing control of the signal at the S.R. 256/204 intersection and the maintenance of that signal, the removal of the left turn lane from southbound S.R. 256 onto eastbound S.R. 204, and the merge from three to two lanes in the Marcus Theater area.  Mr. Engle stated they had sent legislation to the City that they would maintain the signal, so if it is tied into ODOT’s system, they will take care of the maintenance.  Also, ODOT has no intention of coming in, doing the project, and then walking away from it.  He stated they want to work with the City until everyone is convinced the timing has been optimized, and he felt everyone had the same objective, moving traffic more efficiently.  Mr. Engle stated it is, however, essential that the signal be tied in to the signals through the interchange area.    Mr. Engle stated with regard to the Turnberry access, they are willing to leave the access as it is and hope that people will go to the light, make a left turn, and enter the shopping center at the traffic signal at the new access road.  Mr. Engle stated with regard to removal of the left turn lane, they have modeled the City’s future traffic and they feel a single left turn lane can handle that movement since the construction of the Taylor Road off ramp.  He continued that their traffic modeling does not indicate the merging in the Marcus Theater area will be a problem, and they are confident it will not be a major problem.  He stated they do not feel this is a long term fix for this area, something much bigger needs to be done, and they are looking into that right now.  Mr. Engle stated ODOT strongly believes that Pickerington would see a significant benefit from this project.  He stated they would like to move forward as quickly as possible as they would like to see this project completed during this construction season.  Mr. Engle stated they were asking that Pickerington reconsider the project and ODOT still stands willing to meet their original financial commitment and they have confirmed with the City of Reynoldsburg that they will still fund their share.  Mr. Engle stated ODOT is trying to continually reduce the number of accidents throughout the state, and this area has been identified state-wide as a high congestion and accident area.  He stated most of the accidents aren’t serious due to the congestion, but it is still a high accident area.  He stated ODOT’s goal is to work with the cities where these areas are identified and try to make them safer.  Mr. Wisniewski clarified all the traffic lights through the interchange will be tied into the same system.  Mr. Wiseman stated he would like to see if the individuals from ODOT would be willing to come back for a work session before all of Council so everyone could get their questions on this project answered.  Mr. Wisniewski stated he would like to make sure that if we had commercial development in the I-70/S.R. 256 area, these changes would be able to handle the traffic flow.  Mr. Engle stated they had modeled the traffic flow to include the year 2015, and that took into consideration future development in the area.  He stated given the improvements they were looking at, they did not foresee any problems in being able to handle the traffic.  Mr. Engle stated proposed legislation had been provided to the City that detailed the project and cost estimates, etc.  Mr. Hackworth stated he agreed with Mr. Wiseman and he would like to have a work session before Council so everyone would know what the project consisted of and could get any of their questions answered.  Mr. Wiseman stated if the Committee wished he would coordinate with ODOT and get a work session scheduled.  Mr. Hackworth stated that would be the direction of this Committee. 

 

Mr. Hackworth stated some residents from the Long Road area were present and requested Mr. Wiseman provide an update on the stormwater study.  Mr. Wiseman stated he has spoken with Mr. Hartman and his firm has begun surveying and preliminary work on the Long Road/Bowen Road stormwater study.  

 

Mr. Wiseman stated the Committee had been provided with the final copy of the Janice Lane/Long Road/Diley Road Stormwater Study.  Mr. Hackworth stated the final report provided the additional option the Committee had discussed at the last meeting.  Mr. Wiseman clarified this is a study that Council will adopt and it will become a part of our planning documents for use as projects are being proposed.  Mr. Hackworth moved to approve and forward to Council the legislation adopting the Janice Lane/Long Road/Diley Road Stormwater Study; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Hackworth and Mr. Wisniewski voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 2-0. 

 

Mr. Wiseman stated Issue II applications are due in April, and stormwater issues are something that are quite frequently funded with Issue II funding.  He stated the school has also requested sidewalks on Long Road and they are willing to partner with us in an application effort.  Mr. Wiseman stated he would like to put something together that would be a viable project for Issue II funding.  He stated he would like to bring a proposed project back to this Committee as soon as he has everything completed. 

 

  4.       SERVICE DEPARTMENT

 

A.                 WATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE. 

 

                        (1)        Water services to Pearl Lane and Florence Drive (CIP# 98-01-002) – Update.  Mr. Drobina stated there will be a pre-construction meeting with the contractor next Friday and he will have more information after that meeting.   

                         

B.         WASTEWATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE.  No report.   

   

C.        STREET MAINTENANCE.  Mr. Drobina stated we have used a little over 900 tons of salt so far this winter.  Mr. Wiseman stated he hoped to bring the annual street repaving project proposal to the next meeting. 

 

D.        STORM WATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE. 

 

            (1)        Janice Lane/Long Road/Diley Road Stormwater Study (CIP# 97-04-001) – Review.  Mr. Wiseman stated this was covered earlier in the meeting. 

 

            (2)        Long Road/Bowen Road Stormwater Discussion.  Mr. Wiseman stated this was also covered earlier in the meeting. 

           

 5.        ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CAPITAL PROJECTS

 

A.        WASTEWATER – R. D. ZANDE

 

            (1)        Wastewater Plant Expansion (CIP# 02-03-005) – Update.  Mr. Wiseman stated he would ask the Service Committee’s approval to re-bid the project.  He stated he has spoken to Mr. Wright and Mr. Parker and they understood the importance of keeping the project going and the re-bidding of the project needs to proceed.  He stated the ordinance is on Council, but he would like to go ahead and get the bidding process started.  Mr. Wiseman stated the authority to re-bid was included in the ordinance to rescind the authority to sign contracts on the project, however, Service Committee can give the authorization to start the process.  Mr. Hackworth moved to authorize the Acting City Manager to re-bid the wastewater treatment plant expansion project; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Hackworth and Mr. Wisniewski voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 2-0. 

 

B.         TRANSPORTATION: 

 

                        (1)        Cycle Way/Freedom Way (CIP# 02-03-013) – Update.  Mr. Dailey stated this project is on hold right now and they are looking at some construction beginning once the environmental permits are approved.      

 

            (2)        Courtright Road. 

 

                        (A)       Courtright Road Extension Project, Phase III (CIP#s 03-03-011 and 03-03-012) – Update.  Mr. Dailey stated he had no update at this time.       

 

            (3)        Diley Road Realignment:

 

                        (A)       Diley Road/256 Intersection Improvement Project, Phase III (CIP#98-03-005) – Update.  Mr. Dailey stated the legislation to award this contract passed it’s third reading at the last Council meeting and the ordinance will become effective on March 18th.   

 

                        (B)       Review and request for motion to authorize bidding of Diley Road/S.R. 256 Intersection Improvement Project, Phase III. Mr. Dailey stated they have a deadline to meet to establish the northern terminus.  He stated if that project is awarded before June, we will be assured of getting the funds this year from MORPC.  He stated they are in the process of getting the right-of-way, and if that is finalized the plans will be done and they will be ready to advertise the project.  Mr. Wiseman stated if the Committee authorizes the bidding tonight, they will be able to put the project out for bid once everything is complete.  Mr. Hackworth moved to authorize the bidding of the Diley Road/S.R. 256 Intersection Improvement Project, Phase III; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski and Mr. Hackworth voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 2-0. 

 

(4)        Diley Road Improvements Project:

 

                        (A)       MORPC/ODOT Project (CIP#98-03-005 and 03-03-005)   Mr. Dailey stated a progress meeting on this project is scheduled for March 3rd, and they are hoping to get a public meeting scheduled toward the end of March.   

 

                        (5)        Downtown Revitalization Project Phase III, IV, and V and West Columbus Street Public Parking Lot (CIP#s 02-06-001, 03-06-001, & 03-06-003) – Update.  Mr. Dailey stated they are waiting on the contractor to provide the schedule for completing this project and he was hopeful it would be complete by June 1st.   

 

            (6)        Cover/Ebright Connector (CIP#02-03-010)

 

                        (A)       Pickerington Health Care Access Road – Update.  Mr. Dailey stated the law director is working with the property owner to resolve the access issues.   

 

            (7)        I-70/S.R. 256 Joint Improvements Project with Reynoldsburg and ODOT – Update.  Mr. Hackworth stated this was covered earlier in the meeting.  . 

 

                        (A)       Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance to authorize the City Manager to execute a state controlled closed loop system agreement with ODOT for the traffic signals at Tussing Road, S.R. 204, and S.R. 256.   (TABLED, 07/10/03)   Mr. Hackworth moved to remove from the Table; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Hackworth and Mr. Wisniewski voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 2-0.  Mr. Hackworth clarified that a new agreement had been provided to the City and it was included in the improvement project discussed earlier in the meeting.  Mr. Hackworth stated this item can be removed from the agenda. 

 

C.        WATER

 

            (1)        Water Plant Expansion Project (CIP# 00-01-006) – Projected Completed.  Mr. Wiseman stated the project is complete.  Mr. Hackworth stated this item can be removed from the agenda.       

 

            (2)        Review and discussion regarding an additional water tower.  Mr. Wiseman stated when we had a waterline break on S.R. 256 by Berkley Cottages, we actually lost water pressure out as far as the police department.  He stated that showed the need for another water source to the west side.  Mr. Wiseman stated a study had been done a few years ago to see the best location and he would like to investigate this issue and bring something back to this Committee.  He stated he just wanted to make the Committee aware of the need to start looking into this. 

 

D.        STORMWATER.

 

                        (1)        East Street Outfall (CIP# 01-04-003) – Engineering completed.  Mr. Dailey stated he had no update on this issue. 

 

6.         CHAIRMAN.   

 

A.        Review and discussion regarding Community First requested traffic study.  Mr. Hackworth stated the City is working on updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.  He stated with the Diley Road widening project, and the S.R. 256/I-70 project being considered there were a lot of things going on right now.  Mr. Barletta stated Community First had proposed a traffic study be completed that involved all of the surrounding entities as well as the City.  He stated they still felt an impartial study, chaired by MORPC, with representatives from all the entities, would be the best way to determine optimal traffic flow.  He stated this would provide a plan, and could be used when development occurs as well.  Mr. Dailey stated he had spoken to Mr. Lawler at MORPC and they would be interested in Chairing this committee.  He stated when we are ready to do this, we would need to send a letter officially requesting it be initiated.  Mr. Barletta stated their plan called for the funding of the study to be shared by the municipalities involved, and they were thinking the study should be fairly involved.  Mr. Hackworth stated there is a survey being put together for the Land Use update, and traffic questions will be included in that.  Mr. Hackworth stated he would have this remain on the agenda.  He further stated, however, that until we complete the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update and the Township finishes the update of their plan, we will not know all of the issues that need to be addressed.  Mr. Hackworth asked Mr. Barletta if he could provide the Committee with a copy of their original proposal since most of the Service Committee members were not on the Committee when it was originally presented.    

 

B.         Review and discussion of Draft Community Authority.  Mr. Hackworth stated he would like this to remain on the agenda at this time.   

 

C.        Review of Section 1(c) and (d) of Ordinance 2003-47 (Comprehensive Plan) – Update.  Mr. Hackworth stated they will be interviewing six consultants who had submitted proposals to the City. 

 

D.        Review and discussion of traffic signal timing.  Mr. Dailey stated over the past few weeks they have been reviewing the traffic signals in the City.  He stated they have found some timing issues and some maintenance problems.  Mr. Hackworth ascertained the signal at Columbus and Hill Road goes on flash at 10:00 P.M.  Mr. Dailey stated Mr. John Gallagher was present this evening to answer questions on the traffic signal system.  Mr. Gallagher stated since the closed loop system was initially installed, there have been several signals added to the system and that has caused problems with the timing.  Mr. Dailey stated the signals from Diley Road and S.R. 256 up through the S.R. 256 and S.R. 204 intersection are included in the closed loop system. Mr. Hackworth stated he did not see why we could not have most of the signals set to flash during the hours of 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.  Mr. Wiseman stated the signals at Refugee Road and S.R. 204 should remain on their cycle, and Mr. Hackworth stated he agreed those signals should not be set to flash.   Mr. Dailey stated his firm does not determine the policy on the lights being set to flash, but will follow the instructions given them by the City.  Mr. Wiseman stated, based on this Committee’s discussion, he would request Mr. Dailey’s firm, as soon as possible, set the City’s traffic signals on flash from 10:00 P.M  to 6:00 A.M., with the exception of Refugee Road and the S.R. 256/S.R. 204 intersection.  Mr. Dailey stated they would get that done. 

 

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

 

8.         ADJOURNMENT.  There being nothing further, Mr. Wisniewski moved to adjourn; Mr. Hackworth seconded the motion.  Mr. Hackworth and Mr. Wisniewski voted “Aye.”  Motion carried, 2-0.  The Service Committee adjourned at 9:55 P.M., February 19, 2004.

 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

 

 

 

________________________________

Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk