CITY OF PICKERINGTON

                                             SAFETY COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

                                               CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD

                                                        MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2004

                                                                      7:30 P.M.

 

                                                 REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

 

1.         ROLL CALL.  Mrs. Riggs called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. with Mr. Sabatino, and Mrs. Riggs present (Mr. Wisniewski arrived at 7:33 P.M.). No members were absent.  Others present were:  Frank Wiseman, Lynda Yartin, Chief Mike Taylor, Steve Carr, Ed Drobina, Bill Fannin, Jr., and others. 

 

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

 

Mrs. Riggs stated Mr. Fannin was present this evening to address the Committee.  Mr. Fannin stated his company, William Fannin Builders, developed the Parade of Homes site last year at Shawnee Crossing, and he was present this evening to discuss a seven plus acre park and reserve on the site and he would like to know what he had to do to get it dedicated to the City.  Mr. Fannin stated when they were developing the Parade city officials requested this be dedicated as a city park.  Mr. Fannin stated he did not know it actually needed to be deeded to the City and with the change in the administration he is trying to follow up on this.  He stated further it is now his understanding that the city does not want the park.  Mr. Fannin stated he keeps getting calls from individuals who live along the reserve area questioning how this property is going to be maintained and he does not have an answer for them.  Mr. Fannin stated he has had some conversations with the law director, who was under the impression the parcel had already been dedicated to the city.  Mr. Fannin stated what he was looking for is some clarity on what direction he should take regarding this parcel.  Mr. Wiseman stated the City had considered preserving the old home that was located on that property, however, after inspecting the structure it was found not to be structurally sound and could not be preserved and the City did demolish the house.  Mr. Wiseman stated there was some discussion about the park, but the access point between two houses was not platted, so there is no access except from S.R. 256 and that changed the character of the parcel.  Mr. Fannin stated the house did become an eyesore because it was dilapidated.  Mr. Wiseman clarified the City did demolish the house, but it was with the owner’s knowledge.  Mr. Carr stated when he originally saw the plans, there was access from the cul de sac into the parcel, however, that is no longer there.  Mr. Fannin stated they want to be good neighbors, and if it is necessary to sit down and come up with some options, that is what he would like to do.  Mr. Wisniewski stated the Committee did not have information on this issue he would like to have the opportunity to go and look at the site to see what can be done.  Mr. Wisniewski stated further he would like to see what happened to the access off the court into this parcel before making any decisions on this issue.  Mr. Wisniewski stated he would like to have the Planning and Zoning Director research this issue and provide the information to this Committee.  Mr. Wisniewski stated Mr. Fannin would be notified when the next Safety Committee meeting would be since the next regular meeting will be rescheduled due to the July 4th holiday. 

 

3.         DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

 

A.        Parks and Recreation.

 

(1)        Director’s Report. 

 

                              a.         Parks Master Plan Survey - Update.  Mr. Carr stated he would have a report on the park facilities inventory for the next meeting.       

 

                              b.         Skate Park Project – Update.  Mr. Carr stated he has scheduled the work to have the asphalt walkway and a fence offset installed at the park. 

 

                                    c.         Handicap Garden – Update.  Mr. Carr stated the NatureWorks program is on hold and they do not anticipate approval until after the fall election. 

 

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

                                                1.         NatureWorks Grant Project (Sycamore Park Dam Repair) – Update.   Mr. Carr stated we the repair plan was approved by the State and we are looking to begin that work after August 15th.  He stated the movies in the park and summer concerts would be complete at that time.    

 

                                                2.         Land & Water Conservation Fund Project (Sycamore Park Renovation) – Update.  Mr. Carr stated we received the official notification that this grant was not approved. 

 

                                          3.         Clean Ohio Conservation Grant Project – DeWolfe Property) – Update.  Mr. Carr stated the City is waiting for a response to the City’s offer to purchase.    Mr. Wisniewski clarified Mrs. DeWolfe has until June 30th to accept the offer.  Mr. Carr stated the deadline to complete the sales transaction is October 15th, and then we would have one year to complete the improvements. 

 

                                     e.        Sycamore Park Tennis Court Repair Project – Update.   Mr. Carr stated he is still trying to coordinate a visit to the facilities that have installed the new surface to evaluate it. 

 

            B.         Community Outreach:

 

                        (1)        Violet Festival Board Report.  Mr. Carr stated the preparations are progressing and the Violet Festival is less than two months away.       

 

(2)               Olde Pickerington Village Business Association Report. 

                                    a.         Review and discussion regarding OPVBA request to close the Columbus Street/Center Street intersection during the Rib Fest.  Mr. Wiseman stated Chief Taylor had received a request to close the intersection overnight for the Rib Fest.  He stated due to safety concerns, he and the Chief would like to have the intersection open overnight.  Mr. Wiseman stated the OPVBA is reluctant to move things off the roadway overnight and have not been in favor of any of the options that were offered.  Mr. Sabatino stated if the vendors were located only on Columbus Street, then Center Street could remain open for the entire event.  Chief Taylor stated the OPVBA had been informed last year that due to safety issues he would not support closing the intersection this year, and they were still reluctant to make any other arrangements.  Chief Taylor stated if Center Street were left open it would leave an avenue of travel for the fire department.  Mrs. Riggs ascertained the Rib Fest closed for the night at 11:00 P.M., and the OPVBA is reluctant to have the vendors move off the roadway overnight.  Mr. Wisniewski stated closing both streets during the day is not an issue, it is just leaving it closed overnight.  Mr. Wisniewski stated he would like to authorize Chief Taylor to work with the OPVBA to determine which of the two streets they would like to have closed overnight, because for safety reasons he did not feel this Committee would support having both of them closed for that long a time.  Mr. Wisniewski moved to authorize Chief Taylor to approve the closure of either Columbus Street or Center Street overnight during the Rib Fest event; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion.  Mr. Wiseman stated he and Chief Taylor would work with the OPVBA to come up with a compromise that was agreeable to them.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Sabatino voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0. 

 

                        (3)        Fourth of July Report.  Mr. Carr stated he had nothing to report this evening.    

 

            C.        Building Operations:

                        (1)        Installation of new doors and new alarm system at City Hall – Update.  Mr. Wiseman stated we are still looking for some prices, and we are looking at the idea of going with the thumbprint system.  He stated by next Safety Committee he hoped to have those costs available. 

 

            D.        Service Department:  No. Report. 

 

            E.     Code Enforcement:

 

                    (1)     Nuisance Abatement Board.

 

                             a.    Nuisance Abatement procedures regarding sign at 18 E. Columbus Street – Update.  Mrs. Yartin stated Planning and Zoning Commission had approved the amount of signage allowed on this building contingent upon the aluminum frame being removed before the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on June 8th.  She stated the frame has been removed.  Mr. Wisniewski requested this item be removed from the agenda. 

 

4.         POLICE:   

 

            A.        Chief’s Report.  Chief Taylor stated his report had been distributed and he would answer any questions.     

 

             B.        Review and request for motion to approve draft resolution authorizing the police department to apply for the 2005-2006 school year Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Law Enforcement Grants Program.  Mr. Wiseman stated we are required to send a certified Resolution with the DARE Grant application.  Mr. Wisniewski moved to approve and forward to Council; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Wisniewski voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0.

 

5.         CHAIRMAN.  

 

            A.    Review and discussion regarding safety issues on East Street.  Mr. Wiseman stated he met with the Superintendent and the Principal of Heritage, and they had suggested East Street be made one way between Borland and Ashton and he requested Chief Taylor review that suggestion.  Mr. Wiseman  there is right-of-way on Lakeview and the City could put some gravel or stone in to create a parking lot that would accommodate 12-16 vehicles and would provide parking space for some of their teachers.  He stated the school was going to look at the south end of the building to see if they can rework that parking lot to accommodate more vehicles.   

 

            B.         Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance amending the Traffic Control Map to raise speed limits on portions of Long Road and East Columbus Street.  Mr. Wisniewski stated Mr. O’Brien had asked Chief Taylor to review this issue and clarified that the Chief did not have a problem with the speed limit being increased in these areas.  Mr. Wiseman stated he thought the speed limit change should be made at the crest of the hill going east on East Columbus Street, and Chief Taylor stated he agreed with Mr. Wiseman.  Mr. Wisniewski moved to approve and forward to Council with the location of the speed limit change as suggested by Mr. Wiseman; Mr. Sabatino seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mr. Sabatino voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0. 

 

6.         OTHER BUSINESS. 

 

            A.        Review and discussion regarding entering into an agreement between the City of Pickerington and the Fairfield County Board of Mental Retardation and Development Disabilities (FairCats) for Pickerington Paratransit Service.  Mr. Wiseman stated this is an agreement we would enter into for FairCats to do the paperwork for our van.  He stated they already do something similar to our program and they know the proper state controls and paperwork that is required.  Mr. Wiseman stated the agreement seems very fair for both the City and FairCats.  Mr. Wisniewski moved to approve entering into the agreement; Mr. Sabatino seconded the motion.  Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Wisniewski voting “Yea.”  Motion passed, 3-0.  

 

            B.         Review and discussion regarding animal control procedures.  Mr. Wiseman stated this issue was raised at the last Council meeting and he had provided the City’s policy for the Committee to review.  Mr. Wiseman stated we have received a proposal from one company to provide these services to the city by contract.  He stated we are going to get proposals from other companies as well.  Mr. Wisniewski stated he would like to know the cost of training one of our employees to handle animal situations, what type of equipment we would need, etc.  He stated when getting proposals he would like to know emergency costs, how long it would take to have someone respond, and things of that nature.  Mrs. Riggs clarified we do provide the names of these firms to residents, but the city does not pay for the service if someone calls them for an animal on private property.  Mr. Wiseman stated he will have more information by the next meeting. 

 

            C.        Review and request for motion to approve Violet Festival request for banner across East Columbus Street in the Olde Village area.  Mrs. Yartin stated this item was put on the agenda as the Violet Festival Board had anticipated making this request, however, they have not notified us as yet if they are going to make the request. 

 

            D.        Review and discussion regarding variances granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals.   Mr. Sabatino stated he had requested this be put on tonight’s agenda.  He stated recently the Board of Zoning Appeals granted a request for a 2,000 square foot garage and there was already an existing 400 square foot garage on the property.  He stated his concern was distinguishing between granting a variance and creating new policy.  He stated his opinion was that a variance would be within some sort of a tolerance of the norm.  He stated the maximum garage space permitted in an R-4 district is 720 square feet, and if you combine what they approved with the existing garage, it is more than three times what is allowed.  Mr. Wisniewski stated he felt this was an issue that should be considered by the Rules Committee.  Mrs. Riggs stated as Chairman of Rules Committee she would request this be put on the agenda for the July Rules Committee meeting. 

 

            E.         Review and request for a motion to approve draft ordinance to rename the Olde Village Gazebo Park.  Mr. Wisniewski stated there would be no action on this item and requested it be removed from the agenda. 

 

Mr. Sabatino stated a Ms Whaley had come to Safety Committee last year about a speeding problem on Long Road between the entrance to Colony Park and the Long and Diley Road intersection.  He stated Ms Whaley had contacted him and stated the problem has not improved and Safety Committee had indicated they would look at the problem again.  Chief Taylor stated he has looked at this area and increased enforcement.  Mr. Sabatino stated he would ask Ms Whaley to keep track and see if the problem occurs at specific times and if so, then the police can monitor the area more closely during those times. 

 

Mr. Sabatino stated he had also received comments from a resident that the left turn arrow is not activated on the signal at Courtright and S.R. 256.  Mr. Wiseman stated that was correct, and that is based on the engineer’s study that traffic does not warrant that turn arrow.  He stated it was the engineer’s opinion that activating that arrow could actually slow traffic on S.R. 256.  Mr. Wiseman stated a traffic signal study will be presented at the Service Committee and he would provide that report to Safety Committee as well. 

 

Mr. Wisniewski stated he would like to discuss possibly moving the Safety Committee meeting to the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 P.M.  Mrs. Yartin stated the administrative code stated that regularly scheduled committee meetings cannot be scheduled on the same day as council.  Mrs. Riggs ascertained it would require an amendment to the administrative code and could be considered by Rules Committee.  Mrs. Yartin stated she would refer this issue to the law director and he could provide the draft legislation for the Rules Committee to review.  Mrs. Riggs further stated there are times when Council schedules public hearings prior to the meeting and that might impede Safety Committee if there was a long agenda. 

 

Mr. Wisniewski stated due to the Fourth of July holiday Safety Committee needs to be rescheduled for July.  After discussion by the Committee members it was determined that Safety Committee would not meet in July and the next Safety Committee meeting will be August 2, 2004. 

 

7.         ADJOURNMENT.  There being nothing further, Mr. Wisniewski moved to adjourn; Mrs. Riggs seconded the motion.  Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Wisniewski voted “Aye.”  Motion carried, 3-0.  The Safety Committee meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M., June 7, 2004. 

 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

 

 

________________________________

Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk