CITY OF PICKERINGTON

SERVICE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2004

 

REGULAR MEETING

7:30 P.M.

 

1.         ROLL CALL.  Mr. Hackworth called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., with Mr. Parker, Mr. Hackworth, and Mr. O’Brien present.  No members were absent.  Others present were:  Bill Wright, Frank Wiseman, Lynda Yartin, Jerry Dailey, Bob Mapes, Ed Drobina, Matt Schneider, Vicki Bradley, Tim Bryant, Alan Crace, John Elder, Doug Mitchell, Mike Maurer, Doyle Hartman, and others.

 

2.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF February 19, 2004, Regular Meeting.  Mr. Parker moved to approve; Mr. O’Brien seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Parker abstaining, and Mr. Hackworth and Mr. O’Brien voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 2-0.

 

3.         PLANNING AND ZONING

 

A.        REPORTS:

 

                       (1)         BZA Report.  No report. 

 

                       (2)         Planning and Zoning Representative Report.  No report. 

 

Mr. Hackworth stated Mr. Hartman was present this evening to give an update on the storm water study on the Long Road/Bowen Road area, and if there were no objections he would move to that item at this time.  Mr. Hackworth clarified this study was being done on the western edge of Long Road, near the city limits.  Mr. Hartman stated that was correct and he would just give a brief update on the study this evening.  Mr. Hartman stated they have tried to identify the problems, and how they can be addressed.  He stated at this point they have the preliminary survey done and he hoped to have some ideas to present to this committee at the next meeting.  Mr. Wiseman stated Senator Hobson is aware of some funding through the Army Corps of Engineers, and we submitted an application today that would cover the initial engineering costs, and he hoped in the next round we would be able to get some construction costs covered.  Mr. Parker stated he would like to know if there is anything we can do to help quickly.  He stated Mr. Hartman had referred to a driveway that has an 18 inch pipe under it that should be at least 20 or 24 inches.  Mr. Parker stated it probably is not the city’s responsibility, but he questioned if that one fix would help solve the problem of the water being blocked there.  Mr. Hartman stated it may, he would have to look to see what was going on down stream, or if that would just back it up further downstream.  Mr. Parker asked Mr. Hartman if he could have that information by the next Service meeting and Mr. Hackworth clarified the next meeting will be on April 8th.   Mr. Hartman stated he would try and have the information at that time. 

 

B.         ACTION ITEMS: 

 

            (1)        Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance to amend Section 1292.05 and enact Section 1292.09 of the Pickerington Codified Ordinances to promulgate standards and regulations for portable signs in the Downtown Pickerington Village Area.  Mr. Mapes stated this came out of the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, and they have held two public hearings on this issue.  Mr. Mapes stated business owners in the downtown area have attended the hearings and provided input for the legislation.  Mrs. Yartin stated the committee had received a summary of this issue from Mr. Schultz in their packets, and a public hearing before Council is scheduled for April 6, 2004, at 7:20 P.M.  Mr. Mapes stated Mr. Schultz, the Planning and Zoning Director does recommend approval of these standards. Mr. Mapes stated if this moves forward as scheduled, it would not be effective until June.  He further stated the intent is to have some conformity in the sandwich board type signs in the old downtown area, and it would not have any effect outside the downtown area.  Mr. Hackworth clarified the businesses will be required to get a sign permit for their portable signs and the signs will have to be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Mr. Mapes further clarified the overall enforcement of the zoning code will allow enforcement of these standards if necessary.  Mr. Parker moved to approve and forward to Council; Mr. Hackworth seconded the motion.  Mr. Parker stated he understood all of the downtown businesses were notified of the public hearings and a number did attend and provide input.  Mr. Mapes stated Mr. Schultz plans to send the business owners a notice regarding Council’s public hearing with a draft copy of the ordinance.  Roll call was taken with Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Hackworth voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0. 

 

  4.       SERVICE DEPARTMENT

 

A.                 WATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE. 

 

                        (1)        Water services to Pearl Lane and Florence Drive (CIP# 98-01-002) – Mr. Drobina stated the agenda reflects the work will begin on April 4th by McDaniel’s.  He stated the work will begin on April 4th, however, the contract was awarded to Precise Boring.  Mr. Drobina stated all of the residents have been notified of when the project will start and that will be followed up when the project is complete letting them know when they can connect to the line.  Mr. Drobina stated it is scheduled to be a 60 day project.     

 

            (2)        Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Neptune Equipment company for purchase of water meters and radio frequency interface units during 2004.  Mr. Wiseman stated the initial change over to these meters is complete, but we are changing old meters and it is a continual cycle.  Mr. Mapes stated this is annual legislation, however, since the cost is more than $25,000 it requires council’s approval.  He stated the funds are already in the budget for this year.  Mr. Parker moved to approve and forward to Council; Mr. Hackworth seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Hackworth, Mr. O’Brien, and Mr. Parker voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0.  

 

B.         WASTEWATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE.  No report.   

   

C.        STREET MAINTENANCE. 

 

            (1)        Review and request for motion to approve Annual Street Repaving Project.  Mr. Drobina stated the Committee had received his recommendations for the annual street repaving project.  Mr. Mapes stated BJ’s flower shop gave the City an easement for running electricity, water, and other things to the corner lot where the gazebo is located, and in return the City said when we did the paving we would pave the parking lot behind the shop.  He stated it is an in-kind type of transfer for the easement they provided us.  Mr. Parker clarified the parking lot to be paved is not a public parking lot.  Mr. Drobina stated he would like to get this out for bids as soon as possible.  Mr. Parker moved to approve the annual street repaving recommendations; Mr. Hackworth seconded the motion.  Mr. O’Brien clarified Mr. Drobina was getting estimates to repair the entrance to Simsbury, and that was not included in the street repaving as it is a separate project.  Mr. Barletta stated on Diley Road, between the bridge over the creek and along the back side of Cherry Hill, the southbound lane is deteriorating.  He stated there are two very large potholes forming there. Mr. Drobina stated he would check that out.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Parker, Mr. Hackworth, and Mr. O’Brien voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0. 

 

D.        STORM WATER UTILITY MAINTENANCE. 

 

            (1)        Long Road/Bowen Road Stormwater Discussion.  Mr. Hackworth stated this was covered earlier in the meeting. 

 

E.         SCIP (Formerly Issue II Program) – Update. 

 

            (1)        Review and request for motion to approve draft resolution authorizing the City Manager to prepare and submit an application to participate in the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) (formerly Issue II) and to execute contracts as required.   Mr. Wiseman stated this was the required authorization to accompany our application for the Long Road and Diley Road intersection improvements project.  Mr. Wiseman stated we will request the School District to endorse this project as well.  Mr. Hackworth moved to approve and forward to Council; Mr. Parker seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Hackworth, and Mr. Parker voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0. 

           

 5.        ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CAPITAL PROJECTS

 

A.        WASTEWATER – R. D. ZANDE

 

                        (1)        Wastewater Plant Expansion (CIP# 02-03-005)

 

                        (A)       Review and request for motion to recommend award of contract for wastewater treatment plant expansion project.  Mr. Wiseman stated the bid opening was held on March 12th, and he had provided the Committee a recommendation from himself, with the supporting documentation from our engineer, to proceed to recommend the contract be awarded to Crace Construction Company.  Mr. Wiseman stated they had the lowest responsible bid with the alternate included.  He stated the alternate will be accepted pending approval by the EPA.  Mr. Wiseman stated the alternate is the deletion of the sand filter.  Mr. Wiseman further stated waiting for this approval will not hold up the process.  Mr. Hackworth moved to approve the recommendation and forward to Council; Mr. O’Brien seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Parker, Mr. Hackworth, and Mr. O’Brien voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0.

 

Mr. John Elder stated he was with PAE and Associates and he would request the record reflect a protest by PAE and Associates on the recommendation to award the wastewater treatment plant expansion project to Crace Construction.  He stated the lowest bid was from PAE and Associates on the base bid.

 

B.         TRANSPORTATION: 

 

                        (1)        Cycle Way/Freedom Way (CIP# 02-03-013) – Update.  Mr. Dailey stated he had nothing new to report. 

 

            (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 II – Update.  Mr. Dailey stated Council had approved award of this contract to McDaniel’s Construction Company, however, the contract has not been signed, and will not be signed, until some minor details and housekeeping items are taken care of. 

 

                                    1.         Review and discussion regarding “quick take” procedures.  Mr. Mapes stated he was present this evening to explain the process to the Committee.  He stated we do not have the right-of-way in some spots as yet, however, Mr. Wiseman is working with them to see if we can come to an agreement.  Mr. Mapes stated if we do not come to an agreement we will have to go through the eminent domain or “quick take” process.  Mr. Mapes stated we follow the Ohio Revised Code that provides where in a highway situation, you can put your money into the court, and start on your project.  He stated this process starts off with Council passing a Resolution of Necessity, and then the property owner is officially put on notice that we are going ahead with eminent domain.  After that time, Council will pass an ordinance authorizing the Law Director to file a petition or complaint with the Common Pleas Court saying we have had the property appraised, it is worth “x” amount of dollars, the money has been appropriated and authorized to be put into the Court’s fund.  He stated we then describe the property, explain what it is for, what type of interest we want, and in this case we are looking for a fee simple interest.  Mr. Mapes stated eventually if we are unable to reach some kind of agreement with the property owner, there would be a jury trial as to the amount of compensation.  Mr. Mapes stated given where we are with this project, if we need to pass the Resolution of Necessity, it will probably have to be done as an emergency in order to meet the time frames to keep the project moving forward.  Mr. Mapes stated he would be happy to answer any questions anyone might have on this process.  Mr. Mapes clarified this would involve the Shaffner and the Giltz properties. 

 

                        (B)       Diley Road/S.R. 256 Intersection Improvement Project, Phase III – Update.  Mr. Dailey stated this is the portion that will bring the new curve back in to the existing Diley Road.  He stated this Committee authorized the bidding of the project when we are ready, and he plans to be advertising it within the next two weeks.   

 

 (4)       Diley Road Improvements Project:

 

                        (A)       MORPC/ODOT Project (CIP#98-03-005 and 03-03-005)   Mr. Dailey stated the date for the public meeting has not been finalized, but they are trying to schedule it for April 15th at Peace United Methodist Church.  Mr. Dailey stated notices of the meeting will be sent to all of the property owners affected, and to everyone who has asked to be added to the list.    

 

                        (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 he had nothing to report this evening. 

 

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

 

                        (A)       Pickerington Health Care Access Road – Update.  Mr. Mapes stated he has been in contact with the doctor’s attorney and explained the overall plan, which is to limit access.  He stated this could be a benefit to the doctor as we do not plan to take any of his property, we will maintain the roadway down to his parking lot, and it will come off of his tax duplicate.  Mr. Mapes stated the attorney will be talking to the doctor and getting back with him. 

 

            (7)        I-70/S.R. 256 Joint Improvements Project with Reynoldsburg and ODOT – Update. 

 

                        (A)       Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance to provide preliminary consent for the ODOT (PID No. 75901) modification of S.R. 256, to authorize the City Manager to execute a State Controlled Closed Loop System Agreement, and the declaration of immediate necessity and emergency, as ODOT’s access to state funding will cease after this year, the City’s consent is necessary to bid and construct the project, and can only be timely accomplished by the emergency passage.    Mr. Hackworth stated the Committee had received two versions of this legislation and as MORPC has indicated the $150,000 was still available, the Committee will consider the draft ordinance marked as Version #2.  Mr. Wiseman stated the e-mail he received from MORPC asked that the City send a letter from the Manager or Council indicating concurrence with the project.  Mr. Wiseman stated if the Committee approved the legislation tonight for the next Council agenda, he would send that letter out tomorrow.  Mr. Hackworth stated he still does not like this proposal, however, the difference between this and what was proposed last year is that they are currently doing a study to widen I-70 to give us greater access into Columbus.  Mr. Wright stated he felt this was the same proposal as last year, nothing had actually changed.  Mr. Wiseman stated the Far East Freeway Study did begin about three weeks ago.  Mr. Hackworth stated even if we can move traffic through and get them on the freeway in the morning on a temporary basis, he did not have a problem with it.  He stated he felt our major problem was getting traffic onto the entrance ramp going westbound on I-70.  Mr. Wright stated he supported this project last year, and although it is a temporary fix, he supported it again now.  Mr. Parker clarified this plan still allows the left hand turn from S.R. 256 into the Turnberry shopping center.  Mr. Wright stated he felt it made sense to give control of the traffic signals to ODOT as it is best for them to control the access.  Mr. Wright further stated if this had been passed last year, the project would be almost completed by now.  He stated he was just trying to say that we were a year behind, and we need to move forward with this project and take care of the traffic coming in and going out of Pickerington.  Mr. Parker stated he felt it was a bad plan, he did not support it last year, and he could not support it now.  He stated he still felt three lanes going into two lanes right in front of Marcus Theater would create a bottleneck.  Mr. O’Brien moved to forward Version 2 of the draft ordinance to Council with a recommendation for approval; Mr. Hackworth seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Parker voting “Nay,” and Mr. Hackworth and Mr. O’Brien voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 2-1. 

 

            (8)        Traffic Signal Update.  Mr. Dailey stated the signals have been set on flash and they will continue to discuss other progression improvements and repairs.   

 

C.        WATER

 

            (1)        Additional. Water tower – Update.  Mr. Wiseman stated we are looking at the water model and Stilson is evaluating where a potential third water tower would be best located for future needs. 

 

D.        STORMWATER.

 

                        (1)        East Street Outfall (CIP# 01-04-003) – Engineering completed.  Mr. Wiseman stated the engineering has been completed for some time.  He stated the Committee may want to remove this item from the agenda and bring it back when we are ready to do the project.  Mr. Hackworth stated he concurred, and requested this item be removed from the agenda. 

 

6.         CHAIRMAN.   

 

A.        Review and discussion regarding Community First requested traffic study.  Mrs. Yartin stated she had provided copies of the Unified Action Plan for Traffic Congestion that was submitted to this Committe in June of 2003, in the committee packets.  Mr. Hackworth stated with the Far East Freeway Study beginning, perhaps members of their group may want to attend meetings on that issue.  He stated further there are several projects going on right now; the Diley Road project, the improvements at S.R. 256 and I-70, etc., and these will affect the traffic for the entire community.   Mr. Hackworth stated he would like this item to remain on the agenda at this time. 

 

B.         Review of Section 1(c) and (d) of Ordinance 2003-47 (Comprehensive Plan) – Update.  Mr. Hackworth stated five consultants were interviewed, however, they are not ready to make a recommendation as yet.   

 

C.        Review and request for motion to appoint Council Representative to the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Mr. Parker stated he would like to point out that he is the senior member on this committee, and if he is appointed the Planning and Zoning Representative he would be happy to serve, and he has served in that position in the past.  Mr. Hackworth stated with Mr. O’Brien being appointed to Service Committee replacing Mr. Wisniewski, it would be appropriate to reorganize at this time.  Mr. Hackworth moved to keep the Committee structure as it is with himself as Chairman, and Mr. Parker as Vice Chairman, and replace Mr. Wisniewski with Mr. O’Brien as Secretary, and to appoint Mr. O’Brien as Council’s Representative to the Planning and Zoning Commission; Mr. O’Brien seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Hackworth, and Mr. Parker voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0. 

 

7.         OTHER BUSINESS.  Mr. Wiseman stated he would like to address the correspondence he had forwarded from an individual regarding the building permit lottery.  He stated she had requested the lottery include just homes that can be built at this time.  Mr. Parker stated he felt this was a unique situation since this individual teaches in the school district and her children attend the schools, but we cannot collect city taxes.  Mr. Hackworth clarified under the existing legislation the lottery for the final 25 permits will be held on May 10th, and the legislation will expire on July 31st.  Mr. Mapes stated during the last lottery there were 107 applicants for the 25 permits.  Mr. Wiseman stated out of the 25 that were drawn for permits in the last lottery, about six cannot build yet because the improvements are not completed.  Mr. Mapes clarified that while our code states that you cannot construct a house until the road improvements, sewer, water, etc., have been put in, there is nothing that says you cannot put in for a permit prior to that.    Mr. Parker asked if the current legislation could be amended to state they must be buildable lots.  Mr. Mapes stated we would not necessarily have to amend the ordinance, but modify our existing policy in terms of building permits to state that you cannot ask for a building permit until the improvements are in.  He stated for the builder that would mean they would have to put their improvements in without knowing they would be able to build.   Mr. Mapes stated he would make any changes council directed him to make. 

 

Mr. Wiseman stated he had provided the committee with some information regarding delinquent utility accounts that he would like to have them review.  He stated he would like to have this as an agenda item for the next meeting. 

 

Mr. O’Brien clarified Mr. Wiseman was discussing the problems on East Street with the School Superintendent and the principal of the school.  Mr. O’Brien asked Mr. Wiseman to include in his discussions how the traffic is routed at the junior high school on Hill Road.  He stated the traffic problems are with how the traffic is routed in their parking lot.  Mr. Wiseman stated Chief Taylor has been looking at that and he will check to see what he has determined on that issue as well.  Mr. O’Brien further clarified the procedure to lower a speed limit would be to bring it forward to Safety Committee. 

 

8.         ADJOURNMENT.  There being nothing further, Mr. Hackworth moved to adjourn; Mr. Parker seconded the motion.  Mr. Hackworth, Mr. Parker, and Mr. O’Brien voted “Aye.”  Motion carried, 3-0.  The Service Committee adjourned at 9:10 P.M., March 18, 2004.

 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

 

 

 

________________________________

Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk