CITY OF PICKERINGTON

SAFETY COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2004

7:30 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

1. ROLL CALL. Mr. Wisniewski called the meeting to order at 7:40 P.M. with Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mrs. Riggs present. No members were absent. Others present were: Mitch O’Brien, Susan Crotty, Lynda Yartin, Chief Mike Taylor, Bob Mapes, Steve Carr, Ed Drobina, and others.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF February 2, 2004, Regular Meeting. Mr. Sabatino moved to approve; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mrs. Riggs voting "Yea." Motion passed, 3-0.

3. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

A. Parks and Recreation.

(1) Director’s Report.

a. Parks Master Plan Survey - Update. Mr. Carr stated the survey results summary was distributed to the Committee members, and this summarizes it by percentages of respondents. He stated he would like to note that in the various subdivisions they gathered information from, there was a response rate between 4.2 and 12.3 percent. He stated he did not receive any responses from Sheffield, the Villages at Sycamore Creek, Windmiller Ponds, and some of the condominium and apartment complexes. He stated he found it unlikely that there would be a zero response rate from those areas, and felt that somehow the survey did not get to them. Mr. Carr stated the survey went out with the City’s newsletter and he was not sure if they were just not included, if they weren’t delivered, or what. Mrs. Riggs stated she noted there was overwhelming support for a recreation center, and Mr. Carr stated that was correct, however, the survey did not ask how the residents would like to pay for that. Mr. Carr stated there was a comment sheet included with the survey, but he did not have any significant comments returned.

b. Skate Park Project – Update. Mr. Carr stated the assembly of the equipment is scheduled for March 29^th. He stated the concrete pad and the fence work are completed.

c. Handicap Garden – Update. Mr. Carr stated the total project cost is $22,000 and we did submit a grant for $11,000 toward the project. He stated we should hear if we were selected sometime around June or July.

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

1. NatureWorks Grant Project (Sycamore Park Dam Repair) – Update. Mr. Carr stated Stilson has been in contact with ODNR and we are still trying to get the repair plan approved. He stated we would like to start the project after August 15^th when the bulk of our summer activities in the park are completed.

2. Land & Water Conservation Fund Project (Sycamore Park Renovation) – Update. Mr. Carr stated he has been unofficially informed that this project will not be funded through the Land & Water Conservation Fund. He stated the grant administrator had indicated it was a good project and gave some suggestions to help it score more points should we resubmit it in the future. Mr. Wisniewski clarified the project included an asphalt path around the pond, handicap accessible improvements, a boardwalk, a fishing pier, restroom improvements, a fountain in the pond, and additional play equipment. Mr. Carr stated this was a 50-50 match grant and the total cost of the project was $169,000, so we had submitted the grant for $84,500.

3. Clean Ohio Conservation Grant Project – DeWolfe Property) – Update. Mr. Mapes stated he had met with Mr. Hadler and they were revising the proposed contract. He stated they would like an August 1^st closing, therefore, everything should be ready to submit to Council by June 1^st if not earlier. Mr. Sabatino clarified the purchase price is within the limit indicated by Council.

4. Sycamore Park Tennis Court Repair Project – Update. Mr. Carr stated he has received one cost estimate of $39,000 to repair the courts and he is getting another price for another contractor. He stated there is some new technology on repair of tennis courts and he will be looking at that to see if it is more cost effective in the long run. Mr. Carr stated this new process is guaranteed from cracks for 15 years and you cannot get that type of guarantee on asphalt. Mr. Carr stated he hoped to have something by the next Safety meeting. Mr. Wisniewski ascertained we did do some crack sealing approximately two to three years ago, however, some of the cracks are wider and longer now and there are additional cracks. He stated the contractor that provided the estimate stated he would not recommend a repair, but a resurfacing.

B. Community Outreach:

(1) Violet Festival Board Report. No report.

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

C. Building Operations: Ms Crotty stated the Committee had received a memo informing them that we are looking into upgrading the security system of the building and the replacement of the two main exterior doors to City Hall.

D. Service Department:

(1) Tree Commission. Mr. Drobina stated Safety Committee had some questions about the Hawthorn trees planted in the Windmiller subdivision. He stated Hawthorn trees are planted throughout the city. Mr. Wisniewski stated his concern was the low hanging branches because of the thorns on the trees, and he thought children riding bikes on the sidewalk could be injured. He stated he just wanted to make sure they were regulation trees for the city. Mr. Drobina stated these trees are on the approved tree list for Pickerington as well as other cities, however, there are different types of Hawthorns. Mr. Drobina stated the City Arborist tries not to plant many of the Washington Hawthorns because it has several thorns on it. Mr. Drobina stated he has not looked at the trees Mr. Wisniewski was referring to but he would do that. Mr. Wisniewski stated he would like to ensure that the branches are pruned so they cannot hurt the kids. Mr. Drobina stated it is the city’s responsibility to keep the trees in the tree lawns pruned and our Arborist would prefer to take care of this himself so the trees are not damaged. He stated if any Committee member was aware of trees that needed pruning, if they would let him know he would see it is taken care of. He stated it is difficult to know when there is a problem unless someone lets them know.

(2) Tree Commission Council Representative Report – (Mr. Sabatino) Mr. Sabatino stated this would be his last Tree Commission report, and the Tree Commission was still looking at expanding the tree lawns. He stated he had nothing further to report.

(3) Review and request for motion to authorize bidding of Refuse Collection Contract. Mr. Drobina stated the current contract expires at the end of September and we need to get started on going out for bids. He stated he would like to bid the contract in May so the process can be completed prior to the end of the current contract. Mr. Wisniewski moved to authorize bidding of the Refuse Collection Contract; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion. Mr. Sabatino clarified the contract is normally a three year contract. Mr. Mapes stated the last time we bid the contract, the issue that this Committee wrestled with was how to handle recycling, and that committee had a preference that the residents did not have to separate their recycling items. He stated the contractor we now have does recycling at their plant, and staff visited the plant to ensure that was being done. Mr. Mapes stated he would recommend bidding with the options of the contractor doing the recycling and the residents doing it themselves. Mr. Sabatino clarified the residents seemed to prefer to have the recycling done by the contractor. Mr. Mapes stated he just needed direction from this committee on what to put in the bid specifications. Mr. Sabatino stated he did not know of anyone calling to ask for separate recycling. Mr. Mapes stated it was his understanding then that this Committee felt the specifications prepared for the last bidding were sufficient. Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Sabatino voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 3-0.

Mr. Wisniewski stated he had been notified there was a condemned house in Willow Pond that was taken over with black mold and other damages. He questioned what recourse the City had on a house that was unfit. Mr. Mapes stated the Health Department was one avenue of dealing with it, and the other would be the Nuisance Abatement Board. Mr. Mapes stated if he could get the address he would do a title search and contact the owner to see what is being done on it. Ms Crotty stated she thought the Building Department had been contacted regarding this home, but she did not have the details on it. She stated she would have our Building Administrator get with Mr. Mapes to see what should be done.

E. Code Enforcement:

(1) Nuisance Abatement Board.

a. Nuisance Abatement procedures regarding sign at 18 E. Columbus Street – Update. Mr. Mapes stated he had spoken with Mr. McMillen today and he is willing to do another sign, but he is also saying another business has a sign with chains and he was told he could not do that. Mr. Mapes stated he had checked the sign Mr. McMillen referred to, and he was correct. Mr. Mapes stated he and Mr. Schultz, our Planning and Zoning Director, are meeting with Mr. McMillen this week, and they are going to start the Nuisance Abatement process. Mr. Sabatino stated he wanted to make sure Mr. McMillen understood the City is serious about pursuing this. Mr. Mapes stated he would have more information after meeting with Mr. McMillen.

Mrs. Riggs stated she had received a call from a business owner because they have received notices about not allowing outside lighting and yet some businesses have rope lights and Christmas lights. She stated she just wanted to make sure we are dealing with everyone fairly. Mr. Mapes stated Planning and Zoning Commission is reviewing the Code and they have started with portable signs in the old downtown area. He stated they have received calls on the lighting issue as well, and it is an issue they have stated they will review next.

4. POLICE:

A. Chief’s Report. Chief Taylor stated his report had been distributed and he would answer any questions. Chief Taylor stated his “soft” interview room is almost complete and he would invite the Committee members to visit and see it.

Mr. Sabatino stated the Committee had received a report regarding staffing, and it appears we should be considering adding additional officers. Mr. Wisniewski stated he concurred with Mr. Sabatino and he felt the first step would be to get a handle on the finances to see what we can do. Mr. Sabatino moved to recommend Finance Committee review increasing the staffing level for the Police Department up to three officers for this fiscal year subject to availability of funds; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Wisniewski voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 3-0.

Mr. Wisniewski clarified that Chief Taylor was in the process of hiring two officers at this time, and they are not new officers, but replacements.

Mr. Wisniewski stated he has received calls from residents complaining about speeding in various subdivisions. Chief Taylor stated with two officers working the road, it is very difficult to cover all areas, however, he would address this issue with the officers. Mr. Wisniewski also stated he has received calls regarding cars that are parked for an extended period of time. Chief Taylor stated when they know of a vehicle that has not been moved, they will mark the tires and check to see if it is moved. If not, they will address it at that time.

5. CHAIRMAN.

A. Review and discussion regarding safety issues around detention ponds in the City. Mr. Wisniewski stated the Committee received a report on this issue. He stated the City is responsible for two ponds – one at Willow Pond and one at 380 Diley Road, and the remaining are the responsibility of the Homeowner’s Associations. Mr. Wisniewski stated there is only so much the City can do, and the recommendation on this report is to change our code to require a slide slope grading on any new ponds. Mr. Sabatino stated he has been working with Mr. Schultz on this issue and he concurred that the slide slope would be the best thing we can do right now. He stated he still has concerns regarding the pond on Diley Road, however, he felt we should wait until the Diley Road widening project is complete before any decisions are made on that. Mr. Wisniewski stated this issue can be removed from the agenda and if necessary be added again once the Diley Road project is completed.

B. Review and discussion regarding safety issues on East Street. Ms Crotty stated Mr. Wiseman has been discussing this issue with the School Superintendent and the principal at Heritage. Mr. O’Brien stated he had spoken with the School Board President and she believes this is a City problem, and he is trying to convince her it is a joint problem. He stated the school has some acreage there that used to have portable buildings on it and it could be paved and used for staff parking. Mr. O’Brien stated he had also discussed the traffic problem at the junior high school, and that was not a problem with the roads, but with the traffic circulation on the school property. Mr. O’Brien stated he would like to see the City continue to pursue resolution of the East Street problem to improve the safety and the traffic flow. Mr. Wisniewski stated he would like this continued on the agenda.

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 8:30 P.M., March 1, 2004.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

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Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk