CITY
OF PICKERINGTON
FINANCE
COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD
THURSDAY,
JANUARY 20, 2005
REGULAR
MEETING
7:30
P.M.
1. ROLL CALL. Mrs. Riggs called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., with roll call as follows: Mr. Wisniewski, Mr. Hackworth, and Mrs. Riggs were present. Mr. Wright was absent. Others present were: Judy Gilleland, Lynda Yartin, Linda Fersch, Dennis Schwallie, Daryl Berry, and others.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF December 16, 2004, Regular Meeting. Mr. Hackworth moved to approve; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Hackworth voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 3-0.
3. FINANCE DIRECTOR:
Mrs. Riggs stated as Mr. Schwallie was running late and Mr. Berry is present, she would skip to item 3.C. regarding the sale of City-owned property, Lot 1, Windmiller Square Commercial Subdivision. Ms Gilleland stated at the last meeting she had requested the opportunity to review zoning issues. She stated Mr. Schultz had provided the zoning information to the Committee and this property is zoned C-3, which is community commercial, and that allows commercial and office uses. She stated residential land uses are not permitted in this district. Ms Gilleland stated the City received an appraisal of $88,900 on the property and we did request bids for the property. She stated we received two bids, one for $75,000 and one for $70,000. Ms Gilleland stated the City did accept the bid of $75,000, however, the individual was unable to receive financing and has withdrawn their bid. She continued the second bid of $70,000 from Mr. Berry is still firm. Ms Gilleland stated it is the Committee’s decision if they want to accept the second bid or if they would like to rebid the property. Mr. Hackworth clarified this was bid once before and no bids were received. Mr. Wisniewski ascertained that condos were not permitted in C-3 zoning.
Mr. Berry stated his company owns parcels number two, three, and four in this subdivision and the City’s parcel is lot one. He stated he has three parties interested in locating to this area and it would be his intention to develop all four parcels. Mr. Berry stated he would like to build a few office buildings that he would either sell or lease. Ms Gilleland clarified the architecture would be similar to the Credit Union currently located there. Mr. Hackworth stated it was his understanding that Lot 1 is the smallest of the four parcels, and Mr. Berry stated that was correct. Mr. Hackworth further clarified this property would not have direct access on Refugee Road, but would have access from a private road extended behind the Credit Union. Mr. Hackworth moved to approve the draft ordinance to accept the bid of $70,000 from BGM Development Corporation for the sale of Lot No. 1, Windmiller Square Commercial Subdivision, and to repeal Ordinance 2004-45; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Wisniewski, Mrs. Riggs, and Mr. Hackworth voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 3-0.
A. Presentation by Bob Cramer and Dennis Schwallie regarding Long Term Debt and 2005 Note Renewals. Mrs. Riggs stated she understood due to weather conditions, Mr. Cramer would not be present this evening. Mr. Schwallie stated he was present to address the current notes coming up as well as some additional borrowing that may be done later this year. Mr. Schwallie stated the thought was to combine the water and sewer improvement notes as the larger re-issue size would get a better interest rate. Mr. Schwallie stated he would recommend the re-issue for a one year period. He continued due to the fact that the street improvement notes are due March 10th, it would be necessary to pass the required legislation for the renewal and the consolidation so it would be effective by the first of March. Ms Gilleland stated we attempt to avoid having to do things at the last minute, however, because of the due dates on the notes, it could not be avoided on these issues. Ms Gilleland stated by consolidating these notes for one year, it will allow us the time to review our utility fee structure and then we will be in a very good position to restructure the notes. Mrs. Riggs stated she would like the opportunity to review the legislation and that was not ready for the Committee this evening. Mr. Schwallie stated he would prepare the legislation and forward it to Mrs. Yartin by the end of the week. Mrs. Riggs stated she would like to schedule a Special Finance Committee Meeting just prior to the next Council meeting so they would have an opportunity to ask any questions about the legislation. Mrs. Riggs stated if there were no objections, she would like to schedule a Special Finance Committee Meeting for February 1, 2005, at 7:15 P.M. Mrs. Riggs moved to approve the three note ordinances contingent upon Committee action at the special meeting; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mrs. Riggs, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mr. Hackworth voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 3-0.
B. Finance Director’s Report: Mrs. Fersch stated she had provided a written report to the Committee and she would be happy to answer any questions. Mrs. Fersch stated she had received a notice from the County Auditor regarding a tax exemption case. She stated this is very complicated and she has provided this information to our law director for review. Mrs. Fersch stated she understood a resolution would need to be passed by February 15th, giving consent to this exemption procedure. Mrs. Fersch stated she would keep the Committee informed on this issue and if any action is required by the City.
C. Review and request for motion to approve draft ordinance to authorize the City Manager to execute a deed to BGM Development Corporation for the sale of the City-owned real property known as Lot No. 1, Windmiller Square Commercial Subdivision and to repeal Ordinance 2004-45. Mrs. Riggs stated this had been dealt with earlier in the meeting.
Ms Gilleland stated she would have Mr. Cramer attend the next Finance Committee meeting, and if there were specific areas the Committee would like addressed in more detail we can do it at that time. Mrs. Riggs stated she would like to see the big picture so a plan can be laid out and Council will not be surprised when these notes come due, etc.
D. Review and discussion regarding funding for Miss Pickerington. Mrs. Riggs stated she felt at this point in time, the City not participate in providing funding. Mr. Wisniewski stated with the recent sewage back up problem, and other issues he agreed with Mrs. Riggs. Mrs. Riggs stated perhaps this can be considered next year. Mrs. Riggs asked Ms Gilleland to get in touch with Ms Yakes and let her know the Committee’s decision and that she should contact the City next year.
4. PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT:
A. Insurance Review Committee – Update. Ms Gilleland stated we have formed a Health Insurance Review Committee that is comprised of a mixture of administrative staff, department heads, and employees. She stated their charge is to look at our health insurance and get educated as to the complexities of health insurance. She stated they would then do some investigation and see if we want to change our plan or whatever.
Mr. Hackworth stated he had attended a meeting to discuss some of the issues with our Personnel Appeals Board with Mrs. Sheikh, Ms Gilleland, and representatives from Clemons, Nelson. He stated they are going to give us an evaluation of what they see in our Charter and in the Personnel Appeals Board Rules and Regulations, and provide some recommendations. He stated once that is received we will know more of what we need to do.
5. DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: Ms Crotty stated she had provided a written report to the Committee and she would be happy to answer any questions. Ms Crotty stated she had also provided a listing of current and potential commercial development projects and the status of current development or redevelopment.
6. CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Riggs stated the Committee had received a Time Line for the law director search in their packets. Ms Gilleland stated the interviews may be conducted by Finance Committee or they could appoint a subcommittee to do the interviewing. She stated a questionnaire would be distributed to all Council members and Mr. Plunkett will then draw up the profile, etc. Ms Gilleland stated she had also distributed a copy of Mr. Plunkett’s contract and a list of his functions. Mrs. Riggs stated she felt it was important for Mr. Plunkett to get information from the staff as well as Council as they are the ones who deal with the law director on a daily basis. Mrs. Riggs asked that the Law Director Update be included as a standing item on the Finance Committee agenda until we complete the process.
7. OTHER BUSINESS: Mrs. Riggs stated Mr. Wright has a conflict with Thursday evenings for the Finance Committee meeting, and has requested that we look at another evening to have the meeting. Mrs. Riggs stated she would like to have the Committee members think about it and see if another evening would work for them.
8. MOTIONS:
A. Motion for an Executive Session under Section 121.22(G)(1)(b), Matters involving an employee’s or public official’s employment, Section 121.22(G)(2), Purchase or sale of public property, Section 121.22(G)(3), Conference with law director regarding pending or imminent court action, and Section 121.22(G)(4), Matters involving bargaining sessions with public employees. Mrs. Riggs stated an executive session was not needed this evening.
9. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mr. Hackworth moved to adjourn; Mr. Wisniewski seconded the motion. Mr. Hackworth, Mr. Wisniewski, and Mrs. Riggs voted "Aye." Motion carried, 3-0. The Finance Committee adjourned at 9:10 P.M., January 20, 2005.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
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