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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-16 Council Work Session MinutesDublin City Council Work Session Monday, October 17, 2016 Minutes of Meeting Mayor Peterson called the Monday, October 17, 2016 Work Session of Dublin City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. at Dublin City Hall. Members present were: Mr. Keenan, Mr. Lecklider, Vice Mayor Reiner, Ms. Amorose Groomes, Mayor Peterson, and Ms. Alutto. Ms. Salay arrived at 6:10 p.m. Staff members present: Mr. McDaniel, Ms. Goss, Ms. Gilger, Mr. Papsidero, Mr. Hartmann, Mr. Earman, Ms. Husak, Ms. Ray, Ms. Puranik, Mr. Plouck, Ms. Richison, Ms. Mumma, Ms. LeRoy, and Ms. Burness. Mr. McDaniel offered introductory comment. He stated that there are many studies underway by the Planning Division and by Ohio University. These studies will help to set the conditions for the future. West Innovation District — update Ms. Gilger began her presentation by illustrating the public engagement opportunities throughout the process. A public forum was held at the OU Campus. The conversations were very positive and bikepath access and connectivity were among the major topics of discussion. Many residents of the Ballantrae neighborhood were in attendance to voice their concern with traffic on Shier Rings Road. Since then, an online survey has been available on the City's website. The online survey shows: • 214 responses to date; • 41 neighborhoods were represented; • 81% of responders are Dublin residents; • 50% work in Dublin; and • 78% are positive about a walkable environment. Additionally, responders commented in large number regarding bikepath connections. Land use was viewed positively and there was mixed support for residential. Traffic congestion was again a concern with specific attention being brought toward the Cosgray Road widening and protecting Ballantrae. When asked about desired uses along OU's main street concept, the responders listed uses such as: free parking, on -street parking, free Wi-Fi, trees, restaurants, and even a high school. Responses toward the Kaufman residential neighborhood were 50-50 in support. Responders were pleased with connectivity, but concerned with traffic and density. Ms. Gilger introduced Jay Smith, Principal with O'Brien Atkins, to provide Council with an update on the Master Plan recommendations. Mr. Smith, O'Brien Atkins stated that there has been a move away from the urban model of office research parks in the suburbs. There have been physical changes in this area, including OU coming to Dublin, Columbus State partnering, and the continued growth of the hospital. There are 1,000 acres of land that offers the opportunity to partner with outlying areas. The site Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, October 17, 2016 Page 2 of 10 is buildable and well -drained. Mr. Smith noted that nothing will be successful without the underpinnings of support. How to walk and bike to places drives the planning process to meet the expectations of the millennial workers. Mr. Smith stated that the uses that will be inside of OU will be available elsewhere in the Innovation District. This is a positive to have overlapping uses. Mr. Smith referenced the past benchmarking trip to North Carolina and emphasized that not all spaces need to be big and grand as the Research Park. Smaller, agile and nimble spaces work well for start-up companies and entrepreneurs. To explore concept, they began with a center or heart and then grew outward. A concept diagram was established. Considerations during this process were: having a walking condition, be connected to uses that already exist, future residential, health care districts and even a possible connection across US33. These considerations led to a process to examine the land, the tracts and existing parameters. Closer examination of this concept brings possibly two or three story buildings right next to the Main Street of OU, a stem school, and parking structures to accommodate density and business centers. The Research and Development component recognizes the possibility of research labs and offices, testing and analytical labs and connectivity to the hospital across US33. The Academic Campus District takes into consideration OU and Columbus State Community College plans and promotes academic space and campus amenities. However, he believes it should not be limited to being strictly an academic district but could be so much more with hotel/conference space as well as multi -generational housing. The Academic Innovation District is the location where the private sector and academia come together. This may also be an opportunity to partner with key regional neighbors such as Honda. A mixed-use environment promotes spaces that are active all the time, not just between business hours. Recreation is also an important part of the live, work, play concept. The best way to activate an area is for people to live in the area as well — not just work there. This will also be compatible with the Ballantrae development nearby. Mr. Smith requested input from Council about the land uses Mr. Reiner appreciated the traffic planning by localizing interests. Perhaps the next generation will have only one car and use bicycles for transportation. His concern with this well thought out plan is filling in the spaces with appropriate manufacturing and Research and Development. He appreciates the updates since the 2007 Community Plan. Ms. Salay inquired about the connections over and under US33. She is concerned about the congestion at the Avery-Muirfield area, with all of the shopping offered in that area, and does not want to overburden Shier Rings. She is very supportive of the greenways connected throughout the City, including Darree Fields. Mr. Reiner invited Dr. Hoadley, Superintendent, Dublin City Schools (in the audience), to provide input on the STEM school plan as shown in the concept design. Dr. Hoadley stated that he applauds the City for looking far forward into the future. They are aware that the District will grow by an additional 3,000 students and looks forward to continuing to explore these partnership opportunities like OU and the City of Dublin. What they saw in North Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, October 17, 2016 Page 3 of 10 Carolina is very much what they want to provide for the students in Dublin, Ohio. Ms. Salay asked if the Hilliard School District was involved in this process. Geographically, this may be located in part in the Hilliard District. She is not certain how a joint venture would work, but someone in Ballantrae had mentioned a high school and this is in the Hilliard District. Mr. Smith responded that they thought of a STEM school as being part of this innovation hub. It would be a perfect fit and a vital ingredient to draw distinction to this District overall. Mr. Lecklider stated he would like to see accommodations/allowance for solar. He also stated that this past summer, he met with Kaufman representatives regarding their conceptual proposal for development. It was intriguing on a conceptual level. He welcomed the Kaufman representatives as a new developer to Dublin. In terms of the iteration he viewed, he was pleased with the price points as compared to the square footage of their units. What he reviewed was very linear and he does not support this. Perhaps that is how they were able to keep the costs down. It is his understanding that a similar type of development is being proposed for New Albany. He believes the City should review what New Albany is demanding from this developer and how the proposal compares to what is being proposed for Dublin. He doesn't want to see a "cookie cutter" product in Dublin. It needs to have its own special character, etc. He also is aware that what he viewed may appeal to many others, but not to him individually. He does want something sustainable long term — not a tired product in 20 years. Mr. Reiner added that he liked having the Research and Development uses along the freeway. Mr. Smith agreed that image appeal affected its placement and connectivity to the hospital was logical. Mayor Peterson asked about student housing. Mr. Smith responded that there will be a small portion at the southern end of campus that may appeal to more graduate level, career minded students. Mr. Lecklider stated that Ms. Salay suggested a pedestrian bridge over I270. He agrees that a vehicular connection across US33 and bikepath is important. Mr. Smith stated that this plan shows a positioning for our future. There is Intel behind every aspect of it: • Hydrology, working with the water paths; • Social Systems, collision points that bring together those of all ages and backgrounds; • Vegetation; • Open spaces; • "Future proofing" such as shuttles, electric cars, etc.; • Bike systems; and • Connections (pedestrians, bikes, cars, trails, etc.) are key. Mr. Smith introduced his colleague, Stephen Harris who will talk about the character of the district -- Live, Work and Play, which also includes Create, Inspire and Transform: • Live: Emerging workforce of the young, career minded individual. • Work: Business maturities, older businesses with start-up companies meshing together. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, October 17, 2016 Page 4 of 10 • Play: Core Lifestyle in a place to relax and recreate. • Create: Envisioning a district where there is academia, innovation, interdisciplinary learning. • Inspire: what drives the youth to create? • Transform: a district where academic institutions and businesses all work together. Mr. Harris, O'Brien Atkins reviewed what the phases might look like for implementation of the Master Plan. The metrics, or economic impact, would be a $1.3 billion investment at build -out. Jobs and wages reflect an estimated 11,000 jobs and $802 million in added wages. With a two percent income tax in Dublin, $16 million would be added to the tax base at full build -out. Mr. Smith summarized that a lot of material has been covered tonight. He offered to respond to questions and input about what needs to be refined. Before moving into zoning code and a plan amendment process, what needs attention and what is working well? Mr. Reiner stated that Dublin has always be restrictive about high density development. He asked if there was a way to forestall this rush of high density housing. Mr. Smith stated that everything that is represented is proportional response to how those spaces would be developed. Ms. Amorose Groomes clarified that Mr. Reiner was referring more to sequencing of the projects. Mr. Smith stated that the recommendation is positioning the land by way of its zoning code and permitted uses. The phasing piece is a plan or template to rely upon. Mayor Peterson inquired about the City's contribution for capital. Mr. Smith stated that the issue of infrastructure costs have not been addressed yet, but as he stated earlier, it is very important that the infrastructure be done right. Mr. Keenan asked if the two to three story buildings were sufficient or would they be under pressure for more height, based on his experience. Mr. Smith stated that for an innovation district, two to three story with the upper level possibly being loft living is the right scale. Ms. Gilger stated that in regard to the infrastructure, phasing could be done similar to the Emerald Parkway phasing. Ms. Salay inquired about the concerns that were heard about traffic and density. She asked Mr. Papsidero how he planned to respond to the concerns of the public so the community could be supportive. Mr. Papsidero stated that the next step is to do a Community Plan update to amend the current Plan and a rezoning. Those will be on a parallel track while scheduling additional public workshops and open houses to encourage engagement with the residents who have concerns. Ms. Gilger stated that the public engagement opportunities to date have been largely Ballantrae residents. She felt they were supportive in general. Overcrowding at the schools was still a concern and it is unclear if everyone really understands where the boundary lines are between Dublin Schools and Hilliard Schools. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, October 17, 2016 Page 5 of 10 Ms. Salay acknowledged that Dublin should not overcrowd Hilliard Schools either. She stated that the issues of traffic, infrastructure, timing, interactions, etc. all need to be fleshed out. Ms. Alutto asked if the businesses would be able to tap into Dublin's fiber initiative. She also asked about what types of advanced alternative and sustainable manufacturing are being envisioned. Ms. Gilger stated that Command Alkon is there now and they are a clean tech facility. She stated that technology is changing so quickly and the City will be selective about the type of manufacturing that goes into that area. Ms. Salay stated her excitement about the plan Ms. Alutto asked how the creative people at the DEC can connect with the innovative people in this district since they are not adjacent to each other. Ms. Gilger stated that a good portion of the start-ups in the DEC are service start-ups that are in need of office space. What Dublin does not have is the "maker" spaces. Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that in North Carolina, many of the maker spaces were in traditional buildings. There may be opportunities for use of some of the vacant buildings in the area. Ms. Gilger stated that the 50 -year vision is that some of the buildings in the West Innovation District could convert well to those type of spaces. Ms. Amorose Groomes added that the challenge for Mr. Papsidero is going to be when writing the Code for this area, demand that it needs to be convertible space that allows for changing times. Mr. Papsidero agreed and stated that the City standards are important, yet the City also must support creativity in the built environment. In response to Mr. Lecklider, Mr. Smith stated that 6,000 acres comprise the Research Triangle Park and it is the suburban office park model. Mr. Lecklider asked how to estimate the absorption of the Research and Development District. Ms. Gilger stated that the City has lots of office space, but the West Innovation District allows for more industrial flex -type space. There is a demand for this space. Mr. McDaniel stated that Dublin has been losing projects to neighboring communities because the market does not exist in Dublin for this product. Ms. Goss added that OU is looking for industry partnerships, healthcare research and smart mobility. Mr. McDaniel added that it is an exciting time to have all of these initiatives coming together at the same time. Ohio University Master Plan — update Ms. Goss introduced Ms. Shauna Bolin, Ohio University Space Planning Representative, and invited her to come forward for the OU Master Plan update. Ms. Bolin, Ohio University stated that OU has been working on a 100 -acre portion of land for the academic component of the West Innovation District. The university community is much like a City in how it offers amenities to its students to work, live, learn, and play. The University, like the Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, October 17, 2016 Page 6 of 10 City, has to be proactive and innovative in the way they teach and provide educational opportunities. Ms. Bolin asked Council what they would like to see in the campus portion of the West Innovation District. Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that she believes in keeping with OU standards of high quality, well planned, all-encompassing, user friendly and adaptable to education models of the future. Mr. Lecklider noted that he likes that it is integrated with the rest of the West Innovation District and beyond. Mr. Keenan commented that he believes everyone is excited about OU and their presence. Mr. Reiner stated he is excited by an innovative campus where students want to go to learn. Ms. Salay is excited about the partnership aspect and what it brings to the community. She stated that an early goal setting conversation centered on a complete community and how a university presence would positively impact Dublin's businesses, schools and residents. Ms. Bolin shared with Council a presentation illustrating the OU Dublin Framework Plan. She described how the plan began with the vision of public interaction, integrated partners, academic presence, connected and walkable, and great streets and public spaces. The conceptual sketches brought forward the notion of having a main street with a central spine running through the campus to have that vibrant location for engagement. This main street concept provides a place for the active uses to congregate in the middle but also be dispersed throughout the campus. Ms. Bolin stated that she will share details on the following: streets, architecture, open space and connections and mixed use environment. • Streets The vision for streets includes complete streets, not just through streets but a way to present a safe environment for students and transit that may come through. Planners envision a series of streets: o Main Street - the connecting thread throughout campus. Main Street would consist of active uses on first floor spaces, public interaction and promote vibrant activity. o The boulevard would assist with the West Innovation District connections. o Secondary streets are smaller streets within the denser portions of the campus. o Eiterman Road may be rerouted to accommodate the framework plan and parking added to support the uses in that area. o Drivable walks are the last type of street in the district, which could serve as access for emergency vehicles or be strictly for pedestrian use. • Architecture Ms. Bolin recalled that Council had mentioned "edgy architecture" when this was discussed previously. Existing glass fronts set a tone for the campus. Ms. Bolin stated that they want to compliment the district with architecture that is contemporary and matches the standards set by the City. o Building character suggests a variety of scale and building forms. Canopies can be used to provide visual interest. o Building frontage creates a public realm and provides visual entrance and interest. o Integrated parking is another required element to have the kind of density set out in the framework plan. o Parcels provide flexibility for businesses to come in and pick the site that works best for them. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, October 17, 2016 Page 7 of 10 • Open Space and Connections o Gateways represent an entrance into the campus. o Sustainable landscaping is represented as a living lab in OU learning spaces. o Formal green spaces are represented with signature buildings on either side. o Visibility and views are important in connecting spaces. o Pathways and crossings connect the district. • Mixed -Use Environment This district provides the opportunity to compliment with external partners, vibrant activities that support uses, small shops, maker spaces, and small portions of residential. Ms. Bolin summarized that they want to establish a vibrant community, complement the City of Dublin's existing presence and their future vision, enable a mixed-use environment, create connections, and accommodate a variety of initiatives supporting their strategic plan but also providing flexible spaces for tomorrow's education delivery. Their next steps are to return in November to PZC for their Plan review, and in December to Council. They will be working with the West Innovation District plan updates for final approvals next year, and from their Board of Trustees as well. Mr. Lecklider complimented Ms. Bolin on the overall master plan, specifically the main street concept. This is very appealing and he hopes for success with that. What appeals to him is that what they are trying to achieve is not institutional. Ms. Gilger stated that the presentations tonight are the final recommendations from O'Brien Atkins and final draft Master Plan for Ohio University. The next steps would be to amend the Community Plan and tweaking the zoning text to ensure it matches. For the new areas outlined by Mr. Smith, currently, the zoning is all Innovation Districts 1 through 5, so some of this zoning language needs to be changed. After tonight, the public process will begin for the Planning Commission. This will likely be back before Council in about six months. Mayor Peterson expressed his appreciation to Ms. Bolin for her presentation. OU's continuing expanding presence is one of the most exciting developments in Dublin. Council looks forward to this. Mr. McDaniel thanked Council for this opportunity to provide an update and receive guidance. Next, Mr. Papsidero will provide a brief update on the transit topic. Transit Study — Status Report Mr. Papsidero reported that the mobility study is about to begin. The first phase is a four-month effort that will provide significant public engagement. The total process will take about fourteen months. In response to Mr. Keenan's question regarding COTA and the internal Dublin transportation options, Mr. Papsidero stated that there will be a capital investment plan proposed as well. Mr. Keenan stated that he is looking forward to this study and seeing how it can be integrated into the other projects. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, October 17, 2016 Page 8 of 10 Independence Day - 2017 Entertainment Ms. LeRoy explained the booking process for the Independence Day entertainment. As the City's budget for this entertainment increased, so did the complexity of the booking process. The City hosts approximately 14,000 residents in the stadium and an additional 10,000-15,000 in the areas surrounding the stadium each year for Independence Day. The average cost for the artist the last four years is $141,250. The average event total cost is $520,000 including the parade. The average revenue is $106,000. The average cost to the City including the parade is approximately $415,000. Ms. LeRoy introduced Breden Buckley, the talent buyer responsible for securing artists for the event. Mr. Buckley came forward to describe the booking process. He stated that there are six entities that are involved with an artist: the artist; the manager who makes the decisions on tours; the agent who does the routing of the tour; the promoter; the venue; and the consumer. Determining price of the artist is a negotiation with the agent. Typically, the artist's main concern is that the event will be done right for their fans. Dublin has established a reputation that it will be done right at this event. Mr. Keenan asked whether or not Mr. Buckley believes that country acts would appeal to Dublin. Mr. Buckley stated that it depends upon what demographic the City is trying to appeal to. Country is one of the most popular music genres currently. Mr. Keenan believes there is interest by Dublin residents in country music. Ms. Amorose Groomes inquired Mr. Buckley's opinion about good acts for Dublin to consider. Mr. Buckley responded that as the genres and the ages of artists are mixed, it will appeal to different people. Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that Joan Jett, for example, was a hard core rocker and although very talented, wasn't perhaps ideal for the Dublin 4th of July event for some attendees. Mr. Reiner stated that he has had requests for Tom Jones. Mr. Buckley stated that rather than asking, "What do people want?" it may be better to ask, "Who are we trying to attract?" Mayor Peterson asked if the attendance fluctuates based on the band or if the attendance is the same and feedback is received whether it was favorably received or not. Ms. LeRoy stated that the only time the attendance was affected was with Earth, Wind and Fire. Attendance increased because this group is usually not booked in a free concert setting. Mr. Buckley stated that some artists would not be interested in this type of venue. The artists that are considered are those who have expressed interest in this type of show. Mayor Peterson asked what the budget was for 2016 entertainment for July 4th. Ms. LeRoy stated that it was $150,000. Mr. Buckley explained that a lot of booking possibilities depend upon routing. If an entity is the first City booked for a tour, the entity will likely pay more than booking them after they are booked for another venue close by. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, October 17, 2016 Page 9 of 10 Mr. Keenan inquired what other cities are doing. Mr. Buckley stated that other cities are also doing these events, which is why it is sometimes challenging to book entertainment for July 4th. Mr. Lecklider inquired about the size of the other cities doing these events. Mr. Buckley stated that the size of the cities is comparable to Dublin. Mr. Reiner inquired about the routing and whether or not agents share routing information. Mr. Buckley stated that the agents may or may not be forthcoming about the artist's routing schedule, depending on what offers are circulating around them. Mr. Keenan noted that he finds this information about the process to be very helpful. Ms. Amorose Groomes asked when an artist is typically confirmed for the July 4th event. Ms. LeRoy stated that typically, this is in the spring, but sometimes as early as January. Mr. McDaniel stated that he believes the budget should remain at $150,000 for 2017. His goal tonight was to share information about the booking process. Ms. Salay cautioned the City about selecting a country music artist. Some crossover music would be fine, but moving too far toward country may not appeal to some. Mr. Keenan suggested doing a community survey to obtain the residents' input on the concerts. Council members were asked to give their top five choices to Mr. McDaniel by Monday, October 24. Gathering of the Dublins 2017 Mr. McDaniel stated that there is a unique opportunity as the 30' anniversary of the Dublin Irish Festival approaches, to invite the Ambassador of Ireland, the Consul General of Ireland, the Lord Mayor and the City Manager of Dublin, Ireland and then extend the invitation to the other Dublins of the United States to come to Dublin, Ohio for a "Gathering of the Dublins." This is an event that would need to be on calendars as soon as possible. A "Gathering of Dublins" took place in Dublin, Ireland several years ago and Dublin's Mayor participated. Mr. Lecklider, (Mayor at that time) added that, given the timeframe, plans should begin as soon as possible, if Council supports the concept. He attended the Gathering of Dublins in Ireland in March of 2013 and received an invitation the previous summer. Dublin, Ireland paid for food and lodging for three days for all the attendees. If Council supports doing this, Council really needs to be committed to making this a good experience for the attendees. The hospitality extended in Dublin, Ireland was amazing and the Lord Mayor was involved in nearly all of the activities. Two of the Lord Mayor's staff were with the group at all times, and it was a tremendous experience. He asked that all of Council commit to the weekend for hosting duties, if Council supports having the Gathering. Ms. Amorose Groomes inquired if Dublin, Ireland paid for the airfare costs for the attendees. Mr. Lecklider stated that they did not — his transportation was paid by our City. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, October 17, 2016 Page 10 of 10 Mr. McDaniel reviewed the potential costs of meals and transportation that would be involved in hosting this gathering. The City would pay for the transportation costs for the Lord Mayor and one other designee, perhaps the City Manager. Ms. Richison noted that cost would be approximately $8,000. The largest expense would be the total lodging and meals for the other attendees. Meals are estimated at $12,000 for three days if all attend. The City would plan several events that would include meals with Council and other guests. Perhaps a location close to the Festival, or offsite, on Friday evening for a reception and dinner. The other meals would consist of three days of breakfast, lunch and dinner with a farewell dinner on Sunday night after the Festival finale. A variety of options are available. Mr. McDaniel stated that they are estimating the expenses on the high side, assuming everyone invited would attend. Mr. Reiner asked if the flights will be business class. Ms. Richison responded that they envision the Lord Mayor and guest and City Manager and a guest would total $8,000 for business class tickets. Mr. Reiner added that sometimes airlines such as Aer Lingus will provide a discount for this type of purpose. Ms. Amorose Groomes inquired about the hope for return on investment, and perhaps that is simply goodwill. Mr. McDaniel responded that goodwill is the significant portion. This dovetails well with the 30' anniversary of the Dublin Irish Festival. The Consul General of Ireland who visited Dublin was well received. There could be a cultural exchange and an economic development aspect as well, similar to what has taken place with the Japanese. The Consul General of Ireland also would like to set up a Friendship City relationship with one of the communities around Dublin, Ireland that is similar to our size City. The Friendship Association is reviewing this. Mr. Reiner stated that it may grow attendance for the Dublin Irish Festival with the news that dignitaries from Ireland are attending. Mr. Lecklider pointed out that the Dublin, Ireland Lord Mayor serves only one year at a time. He is not certain whether their term is a calendar year or not, and whether they know in advance who the succeeding Lord Mayor will be. Mr. Lecklider spoke positively about his experience at the dinners when he was abroad at a similar gathering in Ireland. One was very formal — a state dinner at The Mansion House — with representatives from the government. The others were at restaurants and were also relatively formal as well. The lunches were also an orchestrated affair. Mayor Peterson summarized that there is Council support for hosting a Gathering of Dublins in 2017. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Clerk of Council