PICKERINGTON CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, 100
LOCKVILLE ROAD
TUESDAY, MARCH 4,
2003
PUBLIC HEARING
7:20 P.M.
OPEN DISCUSSION
REGARDING PROPOSED REZONING OF 78 W. COLUMBUS STREET FROM R-4 (RESIDENTIAL) TO
C-2 (CENTRAL BUSINESS/MIXED USE) FOR THE DESIGN TEAM
Mayor Postage opened the public hearing at 7:20 P.M., with the following council members present: Mayor Postage, Ms. Riggs, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Maxey. Others present were: Joyce Bushman, Lynda Yartin, Linda Fersch, Bob Mapes, Chief Taylor, Frank Davis, Jodi Davis, Kathy Lucas, and others.
Mayor Postage asked if there were any comments from the public, either for or against, the proposed amendments. There were no comments.
Mr. Frank Davis stated he is the owner and operator of “The Design Team” and he has been in business for 25 years. He stated he was hoping to have this property rezoned from residential to commercial in order to locate his business there. Mr. Davis stated he was raised in Pickerington, graduated from Pickerington High School, and is raising his children here. Mr. Davis stated he would welcome the opportunity to complete his career in the town he grew up in.
Mr. Maxey stated this rezoning was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commisison unanimously after concerns surrounding parking on Columbus Street were addressed. He stated Mr. Davis had agreed that all employees of the business would park in the rear of the property. Mr. Maxey stated Service Committee had also unanimously approved the rezoning request with that condition and had forwarded it to Council.
Mayor Postage ascertained there were no further comments on this issue, and declared the public hearing closed at 7:25 P.M., March 4, 2003.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
_____________________________
Lynda D. Yartin, Municipal Clerk
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Louis V. Postage, Mayor
PICKERINGTON CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY,
MARCH 4, 2003
CITY HALL, 100 LOCKVILLE ROAD
REGULAR
MEETING AGENDA
7:30
P.M.
1. ROLL CALL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, AND INVOCATION. Council for the City of Pickerington met for a regular session Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at City Hall. Mayor Postage called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. Roll call was taken as follows: Mr. Maxey, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Parker, Ms. Riggs, Mr. Sabatino, and Mayor Postage were present. No members were absent. Others present were: Joyce Bushman, Lynda Yartin, Bob Mapes, Linda Fersch, Jerry Dailey, Chief Mike Taylor, Susan Crotty, Jeff Kraus, Steve Carr, Susan Sheikh, Molly Schwartz, Lance Schultz, Lenny Lewis, Dorothy Steiger, Mike Maurer, Jennifer Wray, Kathy Lucas, Dave Houston, Rhonda Angel, Chris Angel, Pastor Phil Manson, Bruce Rigelman, Frank Davis, Jodi Davis, Betty Fridley, Lisa Reade, Pat Shaver, Sara Rose, Betty Lynch, Tim Rini, Bill Fannin, William Lane, Dennis Schwallie, Tim Bryant, Gail Oakes, Dan Oakes, Carolyn Safranek, James Huffman, Jack Hoagland, Mike Donley, John Dolske, John Alzner, Stephanie Brobst, Darrell Glover, Eric Schottenstein, B. J. Peterson, Ted Hackworth, Brian Wisniewski, Jason Heitmeyer, Tracy Heitmeyer, Tom Hart, Dennis Boruszewski, Marilyn Brown, Rick Shaeffer, Robert Posey, Bruce Rookstool, Jack Graham, Amy Stang, Sue Cook, Margaret Whiteman, Steve Reade, Jeanette Boruszeuski, Michael Armstrong, George Hallenbrook, Marie Morse, and others. Pastor Manson delivered the invocation.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 18, 2003, REGULAR
MEETING. Mr. Fox moved to approve;
Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Roll
call was taken with Mr. Sabatino and Ms Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Parker, Mr.
Maxey, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA.
Mr. Wright moved to approve; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino and Ms
Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Fox, Mr. Parker, and Mr.
Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed,
5-0.
4. COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
A. Dorothy Steiger, 44 Fanchers Street. Mrs. Steiger stated in the memory of John Fuller she would like to present two Bibles to the City, one for the Police Department and one for City Hall.
Mrs. Steiger stated her husband’s family settled in this area, and that land supported six generations. She stated she was the seventh generation and although she does not own the property any more, she does have a trust fund from it that provides an income for her every month. Mrs. Steiger stated when she first came to Pickerington there were no utilities to allow for growth and she felt you should plan ahead and not shut the door on growth. Mrs. Steiger stated home ownership has always been an American dream and it is also central to the health of our economy and with it brings stability. She stated home ownership also increases savings, as equity in our home increases it becomes easier to finance other items such as automobiles or a college education. Mrs. Steiger stated it was important that we do not close the door on home ownership as it is the American way of life and as far as our schools, we should turn our thoughts to the positive instead of the negative. Mrs. Steiger continued no one is against good schools, and when it is time for the third high school it will be there. Think positive.
B. Dennis Schwallie, 8955 Easton Drive. Mr. Schwallie stated he was present this evening to address ordinance numbers 2003-19 and 2003-20 that are on the agenda tonight. He stated these were renewals of water and street notes. He stated these are not new borrowings, but strictly renewal. Mr. Schwallie stated he would answer any questions anyone might have.
C. James Huffman, 13075 Tollgate Road. Mr. Huffman stated he simply wanted to state that communities grow, they have to grow. He stated when he first moved here in 1967 there were three houses on his road, and now there are many. Mr. Huffman stated he believed in this town there is room for everyone, there has to be a formula, however, you cannot stop progress.
D. Mayor Postage stated Mrs. Yartin had received a letter from Karen Russell that she had requested be read into the record. Mrs. Yartin read a letter from Karen Russell, 7148 Pickerington Road, and it is Attachment 1 to these minutes.
E. Jack Hoagland, 380 Sheryl Drive. Mr. Hoagland stated he is a licensed real estate agent, however, he is not selling at this time. Mr. Hoagland stated he believed a moratorium is a great idea and that he did not believe it would close the door to people moving in. Mr. Hoagland stated it was his opinion a moratorium would make his house worth more when it came time to sell and not less. Mr. Hoagland stated when he went to Pickerington Elementary this week to enroll his son in kindergarten the principal informed everyone that based on the number of people who were present, and knowing they can only place 100 kindergartners in that school, they would have to go to a lottery. He stated that meant they would draw names to see who went to that school and the remainder would be faced with being bussed to another school. He stated he felt a moratorium was a great idea, and it would be only for a year, not forever.
F. Mike Donley, 9149 Winston Road. Mr. Donley stated he is a local builder in the community and he grew up in Pickerington, graduated from Pickerington, and currently lives here. Mr. Donley stated he has built several homes in the community and this is a great place to live. Mr. Donley stated he did not feel a moratorium was a positive for the community in general. He stated there were growth issues that needed to be addressed, however, he did not feel a moratorium was the answer.
G. Mr. John Dolske, 11820 Streamside Drive. Mr. Dolske stated the issue at hand is the survival of the school system. He stated if the City of Pickerington keeps growing the way they are, there are over 4,000 houses that are platted which would mean somewhere in the area of 6,000 students. He stated this would mean an extra $50 million of costs that all of us who are residents here would have to pay. He continued if you do not understand the numbers and monies going on here, you need to get informed and not listen to the spin that is coming out. He stated the City of Pickerington has an excellent public relations department, the school district has an excellent public relations department, and you need to get out and ask questions of people who have been independently looking into this stuff. He stated this is not a moratorium, it is called a growth management plan and is only for one year. He stated the number 100 was derived because that was based on the historical number of houses that were built in Pickerington and not the tremendous growth that is taking place. He stated in the first two months of this year 70 or so have already been approved, and at that rate they will end up with over 400 houses this year. He stated he did not believe this is a problem that the township has done, but something that annexations and the encouragement with incentives that were given to builders, that has caused the explosion of houses. Mr. Dolske stated he felt it needed to be put on hold for a period of time so that everyone in this community can gather their breath and determine what their course is and what we want this community to look like. He stated this would not completely stop the building, just bring it down to some level that is manageable. He stated the chances are this issue really needs to be settled after next fall’s elections.
H. John Alzner, 8575 Refugee Road. Mr. Alzner stated he is a lifetime resident of Pickerington and is the second generation to have his business here. He stated he does not feel the lottery system recommended is a good idea because of the way that the builders are able to get their permits. He stated if the builders cannot get their permits, he will not have the opportunity to work for those builders, and that would affect the way he ran his business.
I. Stephanie Brobst, 7020 Blacklick Eastern Rd. Ms. Brobst stated here initial comments were directed toward a letter written by Mr. Metzger of the Columbus Board of Realtors. She stated in that letter reference was made to a vocal minority, not all of whom reside within the city. She stated she would agree this is a vocal group, and she would agree that they do not all live within the City. She stated she took exception to his classifying the opposition as a minority as last November 72 percent of the City of Pickerington residents approved Issue 17, and that is not a minority. She stated she and her husband both work in Pickerington and pay the income tax, they own a home in Violet Township, and they pay taxes. She continued they shop in Pickerington, her children attend Pickerington schools, and her motives were her family’s checkbook, her children’s education, and the community at large. Ms. Brobst stated she had no financial gain here, but she wondered if Mr. Metzger could say that. She stated she would like to see council this evening act swiftly and decisively in voting for the first reading for the growth management ordinance as it is imperative that these steps be taken and that they be taken now. Ms. Brobst stated we have a critical school levy coming up and she did not believe it would pass if this growth management is not put into effect. She stated slowing growth in this community must also be addressed by the Township Trustees and if you live in the City of Pickerington, you also live in the Township. She stated the residents have a right and an obligation to ensure that the Trustees do what they want. Ms. Brobst stated that means the same crowd that is here tonight needs to show up at the Trustee’s meeting tomorrow night and give them the same message you are giving this Council tonight. She stated the Trustees have options available even though they cannot do a moratorium.
J. Eric Schottenstein, 4016 Townsfair Way. Mr. Schottenstein stated he was with Joshua Homes and he has been building the past five years in the Pickerington area. He stated there is clearly a problem with how funds flow to our schools. He stated from a builders standpoint he did not see how it was possible to create a solution by cutting out building. He stated he would like to demystify the big bad builder, as his business is himself, his wife, and his children. He stated he works closely with every buyer and personalizes each home. He stated he does not build houses and have them sit there, he builds for someone. He stated people do not buy houses in quantities, they do not plan always when they will have a baby or someone passes away. Mr. Schottenstein stated life changes cause real estate changes. He stated the solution being sought is not just in the building community, it is in the whole financial model that governs the funds that flow to the schools. He stated this is about responsible growth, but you don’t do that by throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
K. Debbie Fridley, 8158 Allen Road. Ms. Fridley stated she has two children in the Pickerington Schools. She stated what she is hearing tonight is greed and not concern for the children’s education. She stated she has heard people talking tonight about how many workers it takes to build a house, and how their families will be affected with a cut in pay. She questioned if those workers paid the school taxes, did their children’s education get impacted by cuts? She questioned if some people forgot how important their children’s education was. She stated our schools and teachers have worked a long time to have our schools worked so high and give the children a great education. She stated many of the people here tonight are only concerned with the money they will make from our community. She stated the cuts in the schools have already started happening. She stated she is not opposed to growth, but she is only requesting a controlled growth to let the schools catch up. She stated this controlled growth needs to start with a building moratorium, as without this the upcoming levy has little chance of passing. She stated she would like to see council vote tonight for the growth management plan ordinance that was forwarded from Service Committee. She further stated she is in favor of the Community Authority and we have a wonderful school system and we want to keep it that way.
L. Bill Fannin, 424 Beecher Road, Gahanna. Mr. Fannin stated he is president of William Fannin Builders. He stated he has been working in this community for 25 years, his is a small family owned company who build 10 to 12 houses a year. Mr. Fannin stated he had discussed the Parade of Homes with city officials and he felt that he could get it at Shawnee Crossing, and everyone thought it would be a great idea. Mr. Fannin stated Shawnee Crossing was selected for the Parade of Homes this year and builders purchased lots for the Parade. He stated he feels this will be a very positive event for this community, and he knew growth brought challenges and he felt people expected their elected officials to address those challenges. Mr. Fannin stated the developers and Mayor Postage have been discussing the creation of a Community Authority to provide money to the schools and he felt this was a very positive step. Mr. Fannin stated he would like to encourage council to vote no on this ordinance tonight.
M. B.J. Peterson, 2566 Hill Road. Ms. Peterson stated she is a real estate broker and she believes this is the first time a Parade of Homes has been challenged. Ms. Peterson stated she cared about this community and she wanted the Parade of Homes to be here as she felt that would be a benefit for the community.
N. Ted Hackworth, 531 Courtland Lane. Mr. Hackworth stated he would like to welcome the two new council members and he would like to encourage council to pass the growth management ordinance. He stated he has heard anyone speaking about their businesses, but he has not heard anyone offer any solutions about the economic problems. Mr. Hackworth stated the city’s debt has doubled in the past year and he felt a moratorium would give us a chance to study the issues and make some good decisions of where we are going to go. Mr. Hackworth stated he would like to hear from each councilman what their positions are when it came up for a vote tonight so perhaps compromises can be reached.
O. Brian Wisniewski, 659 Theron Drive. Mr. Wisniewski stated 136 children was the unofficial count of one day of kindergarten sign up at Pickerington Elementary School. He stated he has a 30 percent chance of his first child in the school system being bussed to another location, breaking up the wonderful community that supposedly exists here. Mr. Wisniewski stated he has paid taxes into the school district for 14 years and he is not to thrilled about having to send his child to another school when one is within walking distance. Mr. Wisniewski stated he felt one of the main selling points of Pickerington, from all of the signs he sees around put up by builders, are that their homes are in Pickerington Schools. Mr. Wisniewski stated if the schools go to pot it won’t matter if you build 5,000 homes a year, 200 or 100, because people will not want to live in this community if we do not have a continual strong school system. Mr. Wisniewski stated he agreed the upcoming levy may not pass if something is not done, and this is not shutting the doors, it is merely a growth plan. Mr. Wisniewski stated further that something must be done as we are coming up on the spring building season.
P. Jason Heitmeyer, 987 Inverness Glen. Mr. Heitmeyer stated he went through his entire school career in Pickerington and he has one child in the school system now and two more who will enter the schools in the next few years. Mr. Heitmeyer stated the plan before you tonight boils down to two subjects, infrastructure and schools. Mr. Heitmeyer stated this plan will have a negative impact. Mr. Heitmeyer stated everyone remembers when S.R. 256 was two lanes, and everyone complained because it was bumper to bumper. He stated when the road was widened, everyone complained because everyone was going to fast. Mr. Heitmeyer stated growth came in, businesses developed, and congestion happened again. Mr. Heitmeyer stated it was a cycle, it was a part of growth that you come to expect. Mr. Heitmeyer stated the negative economical impact that you will get out of this legislation placed before you will be far greater than anything we would experience sitting in a traffic jam. He stated it will stop thousands of workers who come into the city to work and pay taxes into the city, it will hurt the businesses they patronize. Mr. Heitmeyer stated you plan as you go, if the people who want a moratorium would put their efforts into planning with regional planning then maybe this would happen in a more timely and efficient manner. Mr. Heitmeyer stated there is no question the schools are crowded, they have been crowded for a long time. He stated you don’t just stop houses in order to bring in businesses. He stated businesses would not move here if there was no growth in the community, it just would not happen. Mr. Heitmeyer stated the Community Authority is about supporting the schools and that is what is trying to be put together. He stated the intention is there will be a higher millage for the new developments coming in and that will help directly fund the schools. He stated he is proud to be a part of this community.
Q. Caroline Safranek, 559 Cherry Hill Drive. Ms. Safranek stated she would question what the businesses did when we built only 90 homes a year, did they suffer? She stated there was a gradual growth, but last year was absolutely ridiculous and it has put a strain on the schools. She stated she also went to register her youngest child at Pickerington Elementary for kindergarten and she also heard that her child may have to be put in a lottery and bussed to another school. She stated that her other children go to Pickerington Elementary and she wants them to be at the same school. Ms. Safranek stated we really need to slow down and take a long hard look at the whole picture. Ms. Safranek stated she was just asking for speedy passage of this legislation and she felt this was an emergency situation and she would even request this be passed by emergency. Ms. Safranek stated if you let this issue die you will kill our schools.
R. Tom Hart, 5898 Cleveland Ave., Columbus. Mr. Hart stated he worked for the Building Industry Association of Ohio. Mr. Hart stated as they can see from the witnesses tonight members of his industry are a part of the fabric of this community. He stated they live here, they employ people here, they pay taxes and contribute to the local economy. He stated their contributions to this community as residents and builders is real, is actual, and can be measured. He stated you have heard testimony from many people on both sides, you have heard emotion and anger, and that has it’s place. He stated it is now time to look at the ordinance and what it actually says and what it will do. He continued it will limit housing access to both existing residents who want to move up in the community and those who want to make the community their new home. It will hurt the home value and appreciation rate of residents who live in unfinished subdivisions that would be frozen in time; it will immediately degrade the city’s economic belt during a war and a slow economic recovery by eliminating $55 million in local economic values. He stated it will drive at least 1,000 workers from Pickerington who come here every day to work on housing, who pay income tax, who buy lunch, gas, and materials. He stated it will reduce the resources that are available to this community to actually address growth challenges. It will reduce commercial and residential development, income and property tax deductions. He stated it will hurt the Pickerington housing market at a time when it is beginning to offer significant move up housing opportunities to its residents. Mr. Hart stated it will cause the city to spend more tax resources on legal fees to defend the problematic section of the moratorium, it will block creative solutions such as the new Community Development Authority proposed by Mayor Postage to the building industry to help schools with new growth. Mr. Hart stated it will tag the city with an anti-growth reputation. Mr. Hart stated this legislation does not provide any solutions that will actually solve growth challenges, it will not stop the majority of new students from entering the Pickerington school system as 68 percent of the students live outside the city. He stated it will not solve the school funding or facilities planning challenges and it will not build one new road. Mr. Hart stated further it will not protect the rights, and in some cases, the retirement income of long time Pickerington residents who want to sell their land at fair market value without market disruption. Mr. Hart stated it will not do anything to attract new commercial or industrial growth to the city. Mr. Hart continued this ordinance says there will be a quarterly lottery system for 100 houses, 25 a quarter, and home buyers are not going to wait for a quarterly lottery system to decide if they will buy a home here or not. He stated this is not a slow growth ordinance, it is a real moratorium and it will divide people into two classes; those who are allowed to live here and those who will not be. Mr. Hart stated it is delusional to believe that the residential real estate market will simply resume it’s healthy appreciation as this city gains a reputation for being anti-growth. Mr. Hart stated it is unrealistic and naïve to think the city will continue to attract commercial growth and development with the imposition of a moratorium as commerce depends on growth. Mr. Hart stated the question to the council members is if the alleged benefit of enacting this moratorium is worth the risk of its impact. He stated to be very clear about the risks, he was talking about the risk to the most important long term investment in family assets for most people in this country, is the value of their homes. He stated the moratorium will split existing neighborhoods right down the middle by disrupting property values. Mr. Hart stated he had provided written testimony that outlines which subdivisions in this community will be stopped and where houses will not go and vacant lots will be for one year that is Attachment 2 to these minutes.
S. Dennis Boruszewski, 542 Warwick Lane. Mr. Boruszewski stated he is a resident of the city, and more importantly a resident of the greater Pickerington community. He stated this community is largely made up of people in the area that comprises our school system. Mr. Boruszewski stated tonight this council will each have the opportunity to show residents how they feel about the issue of rampant growth within our borders. He stated he does not believe in shutting the gates of Pickerington to new residents, and no one he has spoken to thinks we can or should stop people from moving in as we live in a very desirable place. Mr. Boruszewski stated we simply need to control the rate of growth to a level which our community can reasonably absorb. He stated he has heard the argument that if the other communities within our school district do not implement a growth plan, the housing will simply go there. He stated the Columbus portion of our school district is already built out and they are not the current problem. He stated the Township Trustees have and will be getting just as much attention as this council, as the problem is in our community and the time to act is now. Mr. Boruszewski stated he has heard that some of our city officials think that the growth plan advocates are a vocal minority, or zealots. He stated that a vocal minority did not vote in such an overwhelming percentage to eliminate free water and sewer taps, to limit council’s power to pass emergency legislation, and to limit the number of houses per acre. He continued there are many distinguished guests present tonight, guests that do not necessarily live within our community, but do have a personal financial stake in how you vote tonight. He asked council to remember these guests do not necessarily have to live with the dire consequences of overcrowding in our schools and inadequate infrastructure, and these guests do not elect you to office, the voting citizens of Pickerington did.
T. Rick Shaeffer, 9770 Lynfield Place. Mr. Shaeffer stated he has heard a lot of eloquent speakers tonight. Mr. Shaeffer stated he has lived in Pickerington for 26 years and the city has gone through many changes. He stated there have been difficult times but he felt we were always resilient. Mr. Shaeffer stated over the past few years he has noticed a change in thinking here, some of the same people who were welcomed here have decided to pull the welcome sign from Pickerington. He stated he has raised his children here and it is now their turn to buy and build a new home here, which is the way he wants it. Mr. Shaeffer stated that may not be possible if the newcomers have their way. Mr. Shaeffer stated we were all afforded a very special opportunity to move here years ago, and he felt that now he has sacrificed so other people can come here, and it is now his children’s turn. Mr. Shaeffer stated in driving here tonight he looked at the various businesses and wondered if we would tell them they can work here but they can’t buy a new home here.
U. Robert Posey, Jr., 7636 Silversprings Street. Mr. Posey stated he owns a couple of local businesses here. He stated about a year ago the City came and asked him to relocate his business here and he did that. He stated his work is primarily with new construction and he likes to keep his work near to his shop and now it seems you want to take that away. He stated people have spoken on how this would affect the workers that work on the new homes. He stated if this moratorium goes though, the way it would affect the people who work for him would mean 25 percent of his workforce would no longer have a job. He stated he has made a commitment to his employees and a lot of his employees live in the City, pay the taxes, and send their kids to Pickerington schools. Mr. Posey stated he would ask, with the current state of the economy, that you consider some other solution to the school problem. Mr. Posey stated we all know there is a problem with the school system and the funding, but there should be some other solution than to say you would only build 25 houses per quarter as that would directly affect a lot of people.
V. Jack Graham, 8100 Duff Parkway. Mr. Graham stated had moved his business to Canal Pointe because of the growth in the area. Mr. Graham stated they do a lot of work for major builders, for first-time home buyer, and the last time home buyer. Mr. Graham stated he strongly opposed the moratorium, he felt a growth plan was a good idea, but he did not feel the moratorium was the way to go. Mr. Graham stated Pickerington is not the only community facing these problems in the schools, it is happening everywhere. He stated stopping the growth that supports your community is not the answer. Mr. Graham stated the builders are not the bad guys, they employ people like your husbands, wives, and kids. He stated he has a $750,000 mortgage on his building and he moved out here because of the growth, and now you are looking at saying you don’t want growth. He stated if you stop building even for just one year, it was his opinion that you would never recover.
W. Bruce Rigelman, 12768 Ardine Court. Mr. Rigelman stated in looking around the room that he is not sure that people have really thought about the consequences of some of the actions that have been taken by this council in the past few years. Mr. Rigelman stated his calculations showed we were looking at 600 houses in the school district in the coming year and maybe more. He stated council has approved enough subdivisions to keep housing going at that rate for the next decade. Mr. Rigelman if the builders can sell a house, they will build it. He stated if 6,000 houses were added in 10 years, and each house brings another child and a half to our schools, that is 9,000 kids in ten years. He stated that is more than double the size of our school district and housing 9,000 kids would require building 10 schools in 10 years. Mr. Rigelman stated assuming that the average cost of a house in our district is $180,000 and the average salary is $80,000, if we collect just $1,890 in operating millage and $800 in income tax, you can see the problem. He stated we have high tax rates already and if you include the income tax, the millage equivalent of the income tax, we tax our people for schools at the rate of 44 mills which is high. He stated the Ohio Department of Education recognizes that by assigning us a higher than average tax rating. Mr. Rigelman stated assuming this spring’s levy passes, that would bring us to 52 mills, which is really high, and with 15 additional bond mills on top of that we would be at 67. Mr. Rigelman stated if you tried to imagine the operating millage and you would be at 70 or 80 mills. Mr. Rigelman stated our only alternative is to seize control of our future now and carefully manage and control the rate and density of our growth in a deliberate effort to build the kind of community we want.
X. Amy Stang, 7640 Laurelwood Drive. Ms. Stang stated she felt that planning as you go along is how you get the problem of clogged roads and overcrowded schools. She stated she felt slowing down the growth did not mean no new homes, no new buyers, there are plenty of homes available in all price ranges. She stated the voters had overwhelmingly approved limiting density to houses per acre and they had also said no to a school levy that would have built two new elementary schools and provided needed operating funds. She stated the clear message was that residents want residential growth to slow down. She stated she believed that any council member who could not support the message from the voters should step down. She stated it is time to change. The developers and realtors use the Pickerington schools as a major selling point, however, what was once an excellent school system no longer is. She questioned how it could be excellent when children are taught in trailers, extra curricular activities, foreign language, and gifted programs have been cut. She stated this major asset that helped attract buyers and sell homes has fallen prey to greed and poor planning and she urged council to vote yes for this moratorium or growth plan and to consider extending it for more than just one year. She stated it is time to slow down residential growth.
Y. Sue Cook, 1149 Michigan, Columbus. Ms. Cook stated she is present speaking for her family. She stated she graduated from Pickerington high school, her father graduated from Pickerington high school, and her grandparents graduated from Pickerington high school. She stated she is partial owner of 98 acres situated on Hill Road that her great-great grandfather purchased in 1840, and has stayed in the family until the death of her grandmother. She stated her great-great-great-great-great grandfather acquired 80 acres here in 1815 and named this town Jacksonville. She stated they later named it after him, his name was Abraham Pickering, thus Pickerington. Ms. Cook stated much to their dismay the land that has been in their family for over 160 years must be sold due to circumstances not under their control. She stated they were held up on selling the property while it was being decided on limiting the number of houses per acre, and that caused a great deal of stress and potential harm to their family situation. She stated now there is the proposed moratorium. She stated you are asking landowners like herself to sit on large portions of land, to pay taxes, and not allow them to do anything with the property. She stated there are others out there in the same situation she is in, or will be. She stated you will have families that have land, cannot pay the taxes, and will not be able to sell the land. She stated she has watched Pickerington grow from a village with vast farmlands to a thriving city. She stated she is proud of what her descendents started here and she is proud of what Pickerington is today, she understood Pickerington was going though growing pains, but she did not want families to be hurt by telling them they cannot sell their land if they need to. She stated there are other solutions to these problems.
Z. Lisa Reade, 10416 Wright Road. Ms. Reade stated residents of the city and the township are here today for two reasons, concern for their children and concern for the community. She stated she had heard that only 32 percent of the children in the Pickerington Local School District are from the City of Pickerington, and while that may be a factual number, the real number is that almost 100 percent of the children in the city attend Pickerington schools as well as a very high percentage of township children. She stated the actions of this council impact those children and the environment in which they learn. She stated building permits was an unknown number when she asked last week, and the fact is you have issued almost triple the number of building permits compared to this time a year ago, 70 versus 25. She stated this is anything but slowing down the growth citizens have been asking for. She stated knowing that the township also needs to slow growth she asked them for the same information and to date they have issued 37 permits, one fewer than the same time last year. She stated she would ask if this council was responding to the desire of its voters or trying to circumvent them. Ms. Reade stated citizens in this community have identified the need for slow, controlled growth. Ms. Reade stated Mr. Hart had issued a list of 11 points in opposition to the Pickerington New Homes Moratorium, that was used to give the realtors the talking points they are using at tonight’s meeting. She stated if the BIA had openly engaged the residents of Pickerington to find common ground, different solutions might have been reached. She stated instead a secretive agenda is being pushed at any cost. Ms. Reade stated some of the best groups she has been a part of have had dynamic, sometimes diametrically opposed personalities, who have worked together to create an innovative solution that neither would have found alone and she questioned why this was not tried. Ms. Reade stated people are here tonight to watch council make a decision and she would like council to show them what kind of role models they will be.
AA. Margaret Whitman, 10015 Northridge Street. Ms. Whitman stated she has heard a lot tonight from builders and concerned citizens regarding the growth management plan. She stated she agreed this plan was a positive thing for this community, and she has lived here her entire life. She stated she firmly believed that unless this plan passes, the school levy will not pass. She stated this community is about the education of our kids, and that is why home builders want to build here. Because it is a great place to build your kids. Ms. Whitman stated she felt this was about education in the community.
BB. Steve Reade, 10416 Wright Road. Mr. Reade stated he has two children that attend Pickerington Elementary and that is his major connection to what goes on in the city. He stated this is a very special place and if we do not keep that in front of our eyes at all times it will become not a very special place. Mr. Reade stated both sides make a convincing argument and if you weren’t in the middle it might be difficult to see what is the truth. Mr. Reade stated if we step back for a second and looked at the motivations he felt it was clear what those motivations are. He stated there are individuals who are potentially long term Pickerington residents that are concerned about their ability to live here, they have fixed incomes; there are a lot of parents that are concerned about their kids; and, he felt there were general residents that are concerned about the traffic, congestion, and potential for crime as we grow uncontrolled. He stated there were also a lot of commercial interests here as well. He stated the first three groups he had mentioned were motivated by taking care of the people that live here and the commercial interests were concerned about money. He stated the majority of the folks that are here are concerned about our children. Mr. Reade stated understanding the motivations brings clarity to what we are facing here. He further stated from a business standpoint it offends him when he hears businesses telling us what we have to do to support them so they can continue to be a viable business. He stated they are a business, they need to be looking at what we want, we are not here to serve them, they are here to conform to being what we want. Mr. Reade stated he did not know at what point through this whole discussion we allowed us to change the talking points and make it an issue that says the people that live here are less important than the people that don’t live here. He stated we want to grow, but the people that live here are more important the people that don’t live here and we don’t know. Mr. Reade stated we have an obligation to the people that live here and not the ones motivated by money. Mr. Reade further stated let us not forget the issue here is the schools, and the schools define the community.
CC. Jeanette Boruszeuski, 542 Warwick Lane. Ms. Boruszewski stated she works for the schools and she would like council to please slow the growth. She stated if we do not slow the growth the elementary schools will go to split sessions. Ms. Boruszewski stated further by the sounds of the builders they plan on building a lot of houses and our children will suffer and when split sessions happen you will not be able to sell new or existing houses. She further stated we have had people donate land to build schools and she has not heard any of these builders say they will build us a school or that they are ready to fork up their time, building materials, and resources to build us a school. She stated we need council to step in for us and slow it down.
DD. Michael Armstrong, 538 Warwick Lane. Mr. Armstrong stated he would like to remind council of their duties as elected officials. He stated they were elected by the people to manage the city for the people. He stated the people spoke to council about the residential development practices of the city in November very clearly. He stated tonight, once again, the people were speaking to them and asking them to slow residential development. He stated development will occur and Pickerington will continue to grow. He stated residential developers and realtors in the area want to continue making profits in this expanding community, but the people have spoken. It is time slow the residential development in this community and he asked council to act as the community has requested.
EE. Sara Rose, 10355 Allen Road. Ms. Rose stated she was here to speak for two reasons, first to call for accuracy and honesty in all discussions related to this ordinance, and second, to ask for council members to keep foremost in their hearts and minds when they vote what this ordinance is really about and how best to achieve the goals of maintaining and even improving the quality of life of current and future residents of Pickerington. She stated on the issue of accuracy, this ordinance would limit the number of new homes built within subdivisions to 100 over a 12 month period. She stated this ordinance would not limit the number of new homes built outside the subdivisions, it would not stop all current and future new home construction, and it will not restrict the buying and selling of existing homes. She stated this ordinance will give the residents and the city officials a breather, a short period of 12 months, to step back and try to come to a consensus of how to permit or perhaps encourage growth, but in an orderly and controlled fashion that will benefit all interests; the residents, the business owners, and the developers and realtors. She continued there are pros and cons in the ordinance. She stated it was her fervent hope that we could have an honest and intelligent debate free of half truths, innuendos, and accusations in order to do what is best for our community. She said she has not heard anyone ever say that no more homes should ever be built in Pickerington. Ms. Rose continued that Mr. Hart had asked everyone to look at the language of the ordinance. She stated she had done that and nothing of what he said was in the ordinance. Ms. Rose stated Pickerington is undergoing growth at a break neck speed, houses are being built faster than roads can be built to accommodate the increased traffic load. She stated children are being enrolled in our schools faster than we can build schools. She stated the end result of this growth will be a dramatic and drastic drop in the quality of life for all residents of Pickerington, both current and future. She stated it is this diminished quality of life that was her second issue of concern. She stated as one of the facilitators of Community First she has been hearing from many members of the community about what residents value about living here. She stated the overwhelming majority seem to focus on the quality of education, better traffic flow and infrastructure, and an increased commercial tax base to help pay for the increase in services needed. Ms. Rose stated she contended that every resident of Pickerington supported these goals. She stated she further contended that every resident who supported these goals also accepted controlled and thoughtful growth. Ms. Rose stated she asked all the elected officials to remember the residents when they vote on this ordinance this evening, because they will remember them and how they either represented or failed to represent them on this critical issue. She stated our schools simply cannot keep up with uncontrolled growth, S.R. 256 and other roads were not designed to handle today’s traffic load or the increased traffic load that will result if you reject this ordinance. She further stated businesses are good and they are needed as they help support the growth of our schools and the improvements to the infrastructure, however, if all available land is turned into housing developments you cut off growth and all of the benefits that come from increased business influx. She stated she knows you sometimes have to look at the overall long term picture and ask what is best for the majority of people concerned. Ms. Rose stated growth is not bad, we can benefit from growth, but uncontrolled growth is bad. Ms. Rose stated the problem is that uncontrolled growth has threatened to destroy the very qualities of life that all of us have worked so hard to achieve. She stated these things were happening because of the lack of foresight, the lack of planning, and the lack of responsible regulation on the growth of homes in Pickerington. She stated she hoped you would vote in favor of this ordinance as it is the right thing to do and she believed it was what is best for Pickerington, both the residents and the business owners. She stated as a final comment she has yet to hear a constructive idea other than the moratorium as to what could help with the current situation.
FF. Gail Oakes, 7815 Jefferson Drive. Ms. Oakes stated she is a business owner in the City of Pickerington and she pays city income tax. She stated there has been a lot of talk about the progress of the schools and all the trailers that we have. She stated she would like to point out that this council has not approved one trailer park, they aren’t even allowed in Pickerington, yet there seems to be nothing wrong with the schools having to use trailers. She stated she urged council to support the ordinance enacting a growth management plan. Ms. Oakes stated she has lived here since 1981 and she has seen a progressive increase in population and homes. She stated this is very welcome, but within the last several years we have seen an explosion in these areas. Ms. Oakes stated she believed if we continued to grow at this rate we will do more harm than good to our community. She stated our schools are bursting at the seams and the school district is out of money and making severe cuts to balance the budget. She stated this is hurting the kids and will touch everything the school supports, academic education, participation in the fine arts, and team building through the athletic programs. Ms. Oakes stated our infrastructure is suffering as it is becoming to difficult to get in and out of town. Ms. Oakes stated she supported a very well planned and controlled sustained growth in the community and she felt it could be accomplished with the growth management plan. Ms. Oakes asked council to consider the short and long term effects of their actions, to be leaders in our community and take a public stand on controlled growth. Ms. Oakes asked council to please pass this ordinance.
GG. Dave Huston, 710 Andrea Lane. Mr. Huston stated he does not have children in the schools, but he has a grandchild who will be entering school next year. He stated his concern was not only where he would go to school, but how he would get there. Mr. Huston stated if you drive down Diley Road right now you have to drive in the center of the road to avoid six and seven inch holes that are in the road. He stated his real concern is that if that road is not taken care of, we will see a bus in an accident there. Mr. Huston stated this is a sad situation and there is no reason the city can’t see the problem. He stated he felt a hazardous road ahead sign should be put up on that road. He stated we are spending all this money to beautify the downtown for the Parade of Homes, and that was what that was all about.
HH. Tracy Heitmeyer, 987 Inverness Glen. Ms. Heitmeyer stated she has a daughter going to school in a portable classroom and if that is the worst thing that happens to her, so be it. She stated she has no problem with her daughter’s education, but she felt the problem with this ordinance is that a lottery system will not work. She stated you cannot custom build a home for someone on a lottery system. Ms. Heitmeyer stated this ordinance just does not work.
Mayor Postage stated he is working on the Community Authority right now. He stated it will solve some of the problems, but not all of them. Mayor Postage stated they are looking at a plan that will create somewhere between $35 to $40 million, and the developers are willing to come on board on it. Mayor Postage stated the Community Authority will work only in the City, this council cannot control what happens in the Township. Mayor Postage stated what they do in the Community Authority is only for the City of Pickerington, the money will not leave the city. He stated he hoped everyone went to the Township and told them the same things they were saying here tonight. Mayor Postage stated this council does listen and they have heard some issues tonight. Mayor Postage stated he would like to get some of the people from the building industry, people like Lisa Reade, and set up some meetings to have dialogue so we might be able to come up with more ideas on what to do. Mayor Postage stated he has met with ODOT and developers, and they are working on a plan that hopefully will unfold between now and November, to restripe, repave, and widen S.R. 256 from Marcus Theater to StoneCreek up in Reynoldsburg. He stated he hoped that would relieve some of the problems in the 256 area.
Mayor Postage stated he would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Ms. Heidi Riggs and Mr. Michael Sabatino to council.
5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Postage stated there were no items on the consent agenda this evening.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. SERVICE. Mr. Parker stated Service Committee had met, however, the minutes have not been distributed. Mr. Parker stated the growth management ordinance did come out of Committee and it did come out as a working document. He stated there are some things that need to be changed to make it right. Mr. Parker further stated this would be discussed at the appropriate time on the agenda.
B. FINANCE. Mr. Wright stated he would be glad to answer any questions from the Finance Committee meeting.
7. REPORTS:
A. MAYOR. Mayor Postage stated he would meet again next week on the S.R. 256 widening and it appears all entities are committed to working on this project. Mayor Postage further stated the meeting with the Township Trustees occurred last week and they will continue to meet to discuss issues that affect both the City and Township. Mayor Postage stated he would also like to declare March as the Mental Retardation Development Disabilities Awareness Month in the City of Pickerington and he would forward a proclamation to the Fairfield County office. Mayor Postage also stated he and Mrs. Fersch had attended a District Advisory Board meeting for the Fairfield County Health Department. Mayor Postage stated further the Monthly Mayor’s Court Report had been distributed.
B. LAW DIRECTOR. Mr. Mapes stated he had nothing to report, but would answer any questions.
C. FINANCE DIRECTOR. Mrs. Fersch stated she had nothing to report this evening, and would answer any questions.
D. MANAGER. Mrs. Bushman stated her report had been distributed. Mrs. Bushman stated had also attended the meeting with the Mayor on the improvements to S.R. 256 and the preliminary engineering has been completed. She stated she would like to comment Mayor Postage, Mr. Wright, and Mr. Parker for putting this together with Reynoldsburg and working with ODOT and the developer. Mrs. Bushman stated this was a good cooperative effort and should upgrade the area to what is called a B rating by ODOT. Mrs. Bushman stated she had also attended the Chamber luncheon and Marion Ritano was the recipient of the Athena Award.
8. PROCEDURAL READINGS:
A. ORDINANCE 2003-17, “AN ORDINANCE
ENACTING A GROWTH MANAGWMENT PLAN ON THE ISSUING OF HOUSING PERMITS FOR SINGLE
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR,” First Reading,
Shaver. Mr. Shaver moved to adopt;
Mr. Parker seconded the motion. Mr.
Shaver stated this ordinance has been around for awhile. Mr. Shaver stated we have a crisis in our
school system, we have a school system that will, if it does not pass the next
levy, go without sports and extra activities.
He stated that may happen even if the levy passes. Mr. Shaver stated our schools are at capacity
and we may run out of operating funds.
Mr. Shaver stated this is more important to the members of this
community than the profits of the builders.
Mr. Shaver stated further despite the fact that there has been an
overwhelming majority of citizens asking for controlled growth, we have taken
very little if any steps on doing anything about it. Mr. Shaver stated last year was a record year
for this city with 385 single family building permits being issued. He stated at this time last year we had
issued 25 residential unit permits, and at this time this year it is up to 70. Mr. Shaver stated if you do the math, we are
projecting out at over 1,000 houses in the City of Pickerington alone and that
is a disaster. He stated that does not
include the Township. Mr. Shaver stated
if we had begun developing a Community Authority five years ago, we might not
be in this mess. Mr. Shaver stated he
hopes in the next two weeks there are some meaningful discussions about
Community Authority and other issues. He
stated he would give the builders no illusions, because a Community Authority
is not quid pro quo for unrestrained growth, there would be limits on the
growth. Mr. Shaver stated he has agreed
to allow this ordinance to be tabled tonight.
He stated builders will then have a chance to step forward, community
members will have a chance to step forward, but he has been promised that if
there cannot be an agreement reached, in two weeks this statute, as worded,
goes back up for a vote. Mr. Shaver
stated a Community Authority will not solve the schools problems, the money
will be collected to slowly, it can only be used for physical structures, and
won’t do anything to help the schools operating expenses, and some may be
diverted to roads. He stated that will
not help our crisis in the short term.
Mr. Parker stated he had spoken to Mr. Shaver on this issue and this was
talked about at Service Committee. Mr.
Parker stated he did feel it was important to take some action prior to the
vote on the school levy. Mr. Parker
stated if this is voted on this evening, it could run the risk of ruining the
Community Authority. Mr. Parker stated
he would like to address this issue on two fronts, both the Community Authority
and limiting housing. He stated he felt
there was room in this ordinance to do both of those things. Mr. Parker stated someone had used the word
zealot earlier, and he would like to clear the air on that. He stated earlier this year he had been
quoted as called individuals “anti-Pickerington zealots.” He stated the reason he had used that term
was because this is the task force that needs to go before the Township so we
can truly do some restricted growth in the whole area. Mr. Parker stated the City is going to do
something and it is true that in 1995 there were 80 homes built in the
City. He stated the City had a moratorium
in place at that time. Mr. Parker
further stated in 1995 there were 148 homes built in the Township area, and 212
homes built in the Columbus area. He
stated his point was we need to look at the school district as a whole. Mr. Parker stated this was brought forward
from Service Committee as a working document and he would like to see the best
possible legislation come out of this. Mr.
Parker moved to Table; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Maxey, Mr. Fox,
Mr. Wright, Ms. Riggs, Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Shaver, and Mr. Parker voting
“Yea.” Motion passed, 7-0. (TABLE)
B. ORDINANCE 2003-18, “AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE REZONING OF 78 WEST COLUMBUS STREET (KERN PROPERTY) FROM R-4 (RESIDENTIAL) TO C-2 (CENTRAL BUSINESS/MIXED USE),” First Reading, Maxey. Mr. Maxey moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Roll call was taken Ms. Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
C. ORDINANCE 2003-19, “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $1,075,000 OF NOTES BY THE CITY OF PICKERINGTON, OHIO, IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF RENEWING NOTES PREVIOUSLY ISSUED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING PART OF THE COST OF ACQUIRING AND CONSTRUCTING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATER SUPPLY AND WATERWORKS SYSTEM OF THE CITY,” First Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Mr. Wright stated as Mr. Schwallie had indicated, this is a renewal of existing notes. Roll call was taken with Ms. Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Parker, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Wright voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
D. ORDINANCE 2003-20, “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $1,010,000 OF REVENUE NOTES BY THE CITY OF PICKERINGTON, OHIO, FOR THE PURPOSE OF RENEWING REVENUE NOTES ISSUED TO PAY PART OF THE COST OF STREET IMPROVEMENTS,” First Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Maxey seconded the motion. Mr. Wright stated this is also a renewal. Roll call was taken with Ms. Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Maxey, Mr. Parker, Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
E. ORDINANCE 2003-21, “AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE 2003 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 2002-142,” First Reading,
Parker. Mr. Parker moved to adopt;
Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Mr.
Parker stated this dealt with the purchase of road salt and to move the utility
line at Cycle Way. Roll call was taken
with Mr. Sabatino and Ms. Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Shaver, Mr. Wright, Mr.
Fox, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.”
Motion passed, 5-0.
F. ORDINANCE 2003-22, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2003 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 2002-142,” First Reading, Fox. Mr. Fox moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Mr. Fox stated the reasons for the appropriations were spelled out and he would answer any questions. Roll call was taken with Ms. Riggs, Mr. Shaver, and Mr. Sabatino abstaining, and Mr. Parke, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Wright voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 4-0.
G. ORDINANCE 2003-23, “AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF LAND TO EXPAND THE CITY’S WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY,” First Reading, Parker. Mr. Parker moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Mr. Parker stated this was budgeted for and was recommended by Finance. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino and Ms. Riggs abstaining, Mr. Shaver voting “Nay,” and Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 4-1.
H. ORDINANCE 2003-15, “AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH HARTMAN ENGINEERING FOR THE JANICE LANE, LONG ROAD, AND DILEY ROAD STORMWATER STUDY,” Second Reading, Parker. Mr. Parker moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Ms. Riggs and Mr. Sabatino abstaining, and Mr. Shaver, Mr. Wright, Mr. Fox, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
I. ORDINANCE 2003-16, “AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE BID OF CLARK LAWN AND HOME SERVICES, LLC, FOR THE CITY’S SPRING TREE PLANTING,” Second Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Mr. Wright stated this was the ordinance that would allow us to plant trees. Mr. Wright clarified this is a pass through fund, the developers have already paid into the Urban Forestry Fund, and it is not tied to any future development. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino and Ms. Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Fox voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
9. LEGISLATIVE READINGS:
A. ORDINANCE 2003-04, “AN ORDINANCE TO UPDATE THE CITY’S BUILDING AND HOUSING CODE AS SET FORTH IN CHAPTERS 1420 TO 1430 OF THE PICKERINGTON CODIFIED ORDINANCES,” Third Reading, Parker. Mr. Parker moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino and Ms. Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Fox, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Wright, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
B. ORDINANCE 2003-05, “AN ORDINANCE RELATIVE TO REVISIONS IN STANDARDS FOR MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENTS,” Third Reading, Maxey. Mr. Maxey moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Ms. Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Fox, Mr. Wright, Mr. Sabatino, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
C. ORDINANCE 2003-06, “AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH NEPTUNE EQUIPMENT COMPANY,” Third Reading, Parker. Mr. Parker moved to adopt; Mr. Maxey seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Ms Riggs and Mr. Sabatino abstaining, and Mr. Shaver, Mr. Fox, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Wright voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
D. ORDINANCE 2003-07, “AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH McDANIEL’S CONSTRUCTION FOR THE COLUMBUS STREET AND CENTER STREET STREETSCAPE PROJECT,” Third Reading, Parker. Mr. Parker moved to adopt; Mr. Maxey seconded the motion. Mr. Parker stated the downtown streetscape started in the early 1990s, this is the final phase. Mrs. Bushman also stated this project provides sidewalks and curbs and gutters in the old village. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino and Ms. Riggs abstaining, Mr. Shaver voting “Nay,” and Mr. Fox, Mr. Wright, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 4-1.
E. ORDINANCE 2003-08, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2003 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 2002-142,” Third Reading, Parker. Mr. Parker moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Ms Riggs and Mr. Sabatino abstaining, and Mr. Fox, Mr. Wright, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
F. ORDINANCE 2003-09, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2003 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 2002-142,” Third Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino and Ms Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Shaver, Mr. Fox, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Wright voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
G. ORDINANCE 2003-10, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2003 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 2002-142,” Third Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Ms Riggs and Mr. Sabatino abstaining, and Mr. Fox, Mr. Wright, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
H. ORDINANCE 2003-11, “AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT OF THE CITY’S EMPLOYEE RELATIONS MANUAL RELATIVE TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL D. TAYLOR AS THE CHIEF OF POLICE,” Third Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Maxey seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Ms Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Shaver, Mr. Fox, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Parker, Mr. Sabatino, and Mr. Wright voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 6-0.
I. ORDINANCE 2003-12, “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2002-143 (EMPLOYEE PAY PLAN AND AUTHORIZED STRENGTH),” Third Reading, Parker. Mr. Parker moved to adopt; Mr. Maxey seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Ms Riggs and Mr. Sabatino abstaining, and Mr. Shaver, Mr. Parker, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Wright, and Mr. Fox voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
J. ORDINANCE 2003-13, “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO UTILIZE THE AUDITOR OF STATE TO AUDIT THE CITY OF PICKERINGTON FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2002 TO DECEMBER 31, 2002,” Third Reading, Parker. Mr. Parker moved to adopt; Mr. Wright seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Mr. Sabatino and Ms Riggs abstaining, and Mr. Fox, Mr. Shaver, Mr. Wright, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Maxey voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
K. ORDINANCE 2003-14, “AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH COGENT SYSTEMS FOR THE LIVESCAN FINGERPRINT SYSTEM,” Third Reading, Wright. Mr. Wright moved to adopt; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Roll call was taken with Ms Riggs and Mr. Sabatino abstaining, and Mr. Fox, Mr. Wright, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Shaver voting “Yea.” Motion passed, 5-0.
10. MOTIONS: There were no motions.
11. OTHER BUSINESS: No other business was brought forward.
12. ADJOURNMENT. There being nothing further, Mr. Maxey moved to adjourn; Mr. Fox seconded the motion. Mr. Maxey, Mr. Fox, Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Ms Riggs, Mr. Sabatino and Mr. Parker voted “Aye.” Motion carried, 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 P.M., March 4, 2003.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
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ATTEST:
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