HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-19 Council MinutesRECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting
BARRETT BROTHERS - DAYTON, OHIO Form 6101
Held
CALL TO ORDER
September 9, 2019
Mr. Reiner, Acting Mayor called the Monday, September 9, 2019 Regular Meeting of
Dublin City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Dublin City Hall.
ROLL CALL
Present were Mr. Reiner, Ms. Alutto, Ms. De Rosa, Ms. Fox and Mr. Keenan.
Mayor Peterson and Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes were absent (excused).
Staff members present were Mr. McDaniel, Ms. Readier, Mr. Stiffler, Ms. Crandall, Ms.
Goss, Ms. O'Callaghan, Chief Paez, Mr. Earman, Mr. McCollough, Mr. Rogers, Ms. Gilger,
Ms. Puranik, Ms. Burness, Mr. Hammersmith and Mr. Plouck.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The former Grand Leprechauns who were present led the Pledge of Allegiance.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
• Wreaths Across America — former Grand Leprechauns
A.C. Strip, former Council member, former Grand Leprechaun and former resident of
Dublin noted that in 2013, his neighbor O.H. Koeplin introduced Dublin to the Wreaths
Across America program. This program honors veterans buried in graves in the
community. After a number of years. Mr. Piunno and former Mayor Rozanski assumed
responsibility for the program and renewed the project, raising the needed funds. Last
year, 371 wreaths were placed on Dublin veteran graves, with the help of Boy Scout
Troop 299. The Grand Leprechauns have now come forward to take ownership of this
program for future years. It will honor deceased veterans going back 250 years. There
are 1,650 communities across the country that maintain this Wreaths Across America
program. The date of the program this year is Saturday, December 14 and will be at the
Dublin Cemetery, with the Commander of the Ohio National Guard as speaker, Major
General Steve Markovich. He asked Council for a formal endorsement of the program.
The wreaths are $15 per gravesite for anyone who wants to contribute. He distributed a
photo taken by Don Piunno of a gravesite in Dublin that goes back 255 years.
O.H. Koeplin, 5701 Dublin Road, Delaware thanked the Grand Leprechauns for their
commitment. He noted that Mr. Strip was his previous neighbor of 23 years when he lived
in Dublin. He provided the history of the Wreaths Across America program, founded in
Maine, and of his involvement with Wreaths Across America. It was introduced to him by
the Director of Veterans Services for Franklin County who was seeking someone to
expand the program to Dublin. In 2013, he initiated the program in Dublin with the
support of the American Legion and several others. He is a first generation American from
his family and served in the Air Force for four years. He shared information about his
family's military service and his own service. Wreaths Across America is important to him
and should be to all Americans. He thanked Council for the opportunity to address them
tonight.
Mr. Reiner thanked him for his historical perspective. The appreciation that all of those
involved in Wreaths Across America show to service people is wonderful.
Mr. Reiner moved to endorse the Wreaths Across America program being undertaken by
the former Grand Leprechauns.
Mr. Keenan seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Mr. Keenan, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes;
Ms. Alutto, yes.
Mr. Keenan added that his cousin in the Westerville/Worthington area has been involved
in this program for several years and he looks forward to personally supporting this
program in Dublin, as well as corporately. He thanked them for bringing this to Council's
attention.
Mr. Reiner encouraged everyone to support this program and to attend on Saturday,
December 14.
• AEP Dublin West Innovation District Improvements Project Update — Joe
Demaree, Project Outreach Specialist
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Ms. O'Callaghan provided background on the project:
In early 2017, AEP contacted staff regarding the need to reinforce the electric system in
the Dublin area due to the age of the existing transmission infrastructure, the local load,
and a specific customer's planned ramp -up in the West Innovation District.
Dublin staff held a series of meetings with AEP's transmission representatives to obtain a
clear understanding of the need for the system upgrades and potential options to
increase reliability and capacity in Dublin before mid -2019, which was AEP's planned
schedule at that time in 2017.
AEP then investigated a range of options, including:
o Overhead circuits;
o Underground circuits;
o A combination thereof between the existing Dublin station — located on the
west side of Emerald Parkway south of Shier -Rings Road and the future
Amlin-Sumac station, proposed to be located near the customer in the
West Innovation District; and/or between the existing Dublin station and
i
the existing Sawmill station, located on the west side of Sawmill Parkway,
near Summit View Road.
In 2017, AEP was proposing a double circuit, 138 kV (kilo volt) transmission line with a
few variations of route alternatives. There were numerous factors involved, including the
fact that it was a double circuit at that time and the complexities associated with each of
the options under consideration.
AEP representatives presented to City Council at two meetings that summer of 2017,
before and after a public meeting held in July of 2017. Following those events in the
summer of 2017, AEP revisited the project and re-evaluated the need and options. They
continued coordination with the specific customer involved to determine their future
needs and schedule for their ramp -up.
Throughout 2018, staff checked in with AEP periodically, but there were not many
updates until December 2018. At that time, AEP indicated to the City that they had taken
a step back from the project, re-evaluated their plans and determined that a single circuit
138kV transmission line, rather than the previous double circuit planned, would be built
between the Dublin and the Amlin-Sumac stations.
AEP is now at a point in the project of reaching back out to the public for input on the
proposed route. Staff requested they provide an update to City Council in advance of
AEP's public meeting planned for Monday, September 23.
She introduced Joe Demaree, Project Outreach Specialist, AEP to provide an overview of
the proposed project and provide information about the public meeting AEP is hosting on
September 23.
Mr. Demaree began with an overview of the map around the West Innovation District.
Originally, routes were proposed for the WID area to support economic development.
Based on comments received from the community and the City, AEP re-evaluated and
determined the single circuit would provide enough support for the load. AEP also
proposed some adjustments to the routes shared at the open house in 2017. They have
sent letters of invitation to the community in the project area to an open house on
Monday, September 23 at the DCRC. They are hoping to obtain feedback from all the
residents and businesses in the project area about the development plans, whether they
have a preference, what the process will be, the construction process, the type of poles
to be used for the power line, etc. He has copies of the project fact sheet that is on the
AEP website, including the typical height recommended for the structures, appearance of
the structures and right-of-way width needed from private landowners. He shared a
picture of the power lines — a steel single -pole structure with a single circuit. One of the
routes proposed is the north side of Shier Rings continuing to the Cosgray Park area
where it heads north to the Amlin station. The other route is along the north side of Shier
Rings, but heads north at Eiterman Road. There is another adjustment just south of
Cosgray Park, where there was the potential of going on the south side of Shier -Rings.
Following the open house, AEP will take comments and will then meet with City staff to
review public input and City staff feedback. They need to file an application with the Ohio
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Power Siting Board for this power line, and the application is planned to be filed in
January of 2020. This is an accelerated application with a 90 -day review period. Following
that, AEP hopes to begin construction in fall of 2020 and complete construction in the
summer of 2021.
He wanted Council to have this high level overview before questions came from the
community. He offered to respond to any questions. Again, the public open house is
scheduled on Monday, September 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the DCRC. There will be no
formal presentation, but there will be easels with poster boards around the room to
explain the process. Another area of the room will have detailed maps for the project.
This will facilitate anyone attending to understand how their property will be impacted by
the project. Another table will be for comment cards to be filled out about the project.
Ms. Fox stated that because these will be above ground lines and have a visual impact,
could the type of transmission line installed in New Albany (she shared photo) be used? It
is more aesthetically pleasing. Is this a possibility?
Mr. Demaree responded that the conductors shown in the photo are spread out more —
widening the amount of right-of-way needed. The desire is to minimize the impact in
terms of right-of-way acquired, but he can request that the engineers review this
possibility. He is aware the single -pole structure is their preference, given this
environment.
Ms. Fox stated she appreciates the consideration.
Ms. De Rosa referenced the map. Are there options as to location being shown to those
attending the open house?
Mr. Demaree stated the goal is to get the transmission line from point A to point B,
shown as triangles on that map. One path needs to be selected. There are various
options that include routing up Eiterman as well as straight out Shier -Rings Road.
Ms. De Rosa noted there is a route option shown of alternate sides of Shier -Rings Road
near Cosgray, and she is aware of changes planned for Shier -Rings Road. Does that
impact what is determined as the preferable location?
Ms. O'Callaghan stated these discussions did take place, and staff asked that AEP explore
both sides of Shier -Rings in this location by the park.
Ms. De Rosa asked if AEP has a sense of how many residences versus commercial/rural
type properties are being impacted.
Mr. Demaree responded that the majority of this line is north of Shier -Rings, and there
are not many residences on the north side. There will be some visual impact as it is close
to the road, but it will all be in private easement.
Ms. Alutto asked the Clerk to provide the materials sent to Council when this matter was
last presented. This will be helpful.
Mr. Reiner thanked him for his presentation.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were no citizen comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
Hearing no request for removal of an item from the Consent Agenda, Mr. Reiner moved
approval of the actions for the two Consent Agenda items.
Ms. Fox seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Ms. Alutto, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes;
Mr. Reiner, yes.
• Minutes of August 26, 2019 Regular Meeting
• Notice to Legislative Authority of D5J liquor permit for Pearl Bridge Park LLC dba
The Pearl, 88 N. High Street, Dublin, OH 43017
SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING — ORDINANCES
Ordinance 43-19
Authorizing the Provision of Certain Incentives to Butler Animal Health Holding
Company, LLC to Induce it to Lease a Facility to Retain and Expand an Office
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and Its Affiliated Entities' Associated Operations and Workforce, All Within the
City; and Authorizing the Execution of an Economic Development Agreement.
Ms. Gilger stated there are no changes since the last hearing. This EDA involves the
retention of 228 jobs and the addition of 100 jobs. It is a nine-year, 20 percent
performance incentive on withholdings collected. She introduced Sean Henderson, CFO of
Covetrus North America.
Mr. Henderson thanked Council for their interest in and support of Covetrus. Covetrus is a
newly formed business from the spinoff of Henry Schein's Animal Health Business with a
company called, Vets First Choice. They are a leading animal health provider worldwide
and provide technology solutions, supplies, etc. to veterinarians around the globe. They
have 100,000 veterinarians worldwide and touch about 90 percent of the veterinarians in
the U.S. They have approximately 5,500 employees worldwide. As part of the merger,
and with the lease expiration coming up, Henry Schein Animal Health, formerly Butler,
had been in Dublin for many years — at the current location for 10 years and off of Tuttle
Crossing for the other years. They began reviewing various facility scenarios and are
currently working with the landlord to finalize due diligence on the facility at Metro Place.
They value the City of Dublin, Columbus202O and JobsOhio for their ongoing partnership.
He noted that Mr. Gracia and the Economic Development team have been great to work
with. He thanked Council for their consideration.
Ms. Alutto asked him what they love about having their business in Dublin, and is there
anything that the City could do better for their business.
Mr. Henderson responded that he serves on the Dublin Chamber Board and is impressed
with the sense of community. Dublin is a great town!
Ms. Alutto asked if there was one thing the City could do better, what would that be?
Mr. Henderson responded the City should continue to innovate. They like that Dublin is
forward thinking — in transportation, renovation and setting conditions for the future.
Ms. De Rosa asked if this is the headquarters for Covetrus.
Mr. Henderson responded that their corporate headquarters are in Portland, Maine. This
is the headquarters of the North American distribution business — the largest business
unit. Part of this project is to turn this into a shared services organization, where
accounting, IT and other administrative roles will be housed in this facility in Dublin.
Ms. De Rosa stated that it is wonderful they are choosing to expand in Dublin.
Mr. Reiner thanked them for their loyalty and their positive comments.
Vote on the Ordinance: Ms. Alutto, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Ms. Fox, yes;
Mr. Reiner, yes.
FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARING — ORDINANCES
Ordinance 44-19
Accepting the Annexation of 1.29+/- Acres from Jerome Township, Union
County to the City of Dublin. (Petitioner Darshan Shah; Sanjay Bhatt,
Attorney/Agent for Petitioner)
Ms. Alutto introduced the Ordinance.
Ms. Readler stated that Union County Commissioners approved this annexation petition
on May 21. Under the Ohio Revised Code, the Clerk of Council is required to hold the
transcript for a period of 60 days from the date of receipt. The ordinance is presented for
first reading at the next Regular Council meeting following that 60 -day period. The next
step in the process is for Council to accept or reject the annexation. If Council approves
the annexation, a boundary adjustment petition will be filed with the County
Commissioners in order to move the property from Jerome to Washington Township for
consistent fire and EMS services. The property is within the proposed annexation areas of
the Community Plan and is located in the exclusive Dublin expansion area as defined in
the water and sewer agreements with the City of Columbus. Staff therefore recommends
approval at the second reading.
There were no questions and no public testimony.
The second reading/public hearing is scheduled for the September 23 Council meeting.
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Ordinance 45-19
Adopting and Enacting a Supplement (S-46) to the Code of Ordinances for the
City of Dublin, Ohio,
Ms. Alutto introduced the Ordinance.
Ms. Readier stated that the City's codifier, American Legal Publishing, prepares Code
supplements twice per year to incorporate updated state and local legislation. This is
primarily a housekeeping measure. This supplement includes legislation adopted by
Council through June 30, 2019 and by the State through April 11, 2019. A redlined
version showing the changes as well as a summary of the state law changes have been
provided in the packet. Staff recommends approval of the Ordinance at the second
reading on September 23.
Ms. De Rosa stated the redlined version was somewhat difficult to decipher. She wanted
to review a couple of specific items, but found it difficult to understand what was being
changed.
Ms. Readier responded that the documents come directly from the codifier, and she
agreed it is somewhat difficult to understand. Staff has asked them to provide more detail
about the changes, and American Legal provided a chart summarizing the State law
changes incorporated in the Code supplement. This chart was provided in the packet.
American Legal indicated that there would be additional fees to prepare other summaries,
aside from what is typically provided to their clients.
Ms. De Rosa noted she is not suggesting additional work resulting in more cost. From
Council's perspective, perhaps a summary of the changes that have a major impact would
be useful. She will leave this to the discretion of staff in terms of housekeeping versus
substantive changes.
Ms. Readier noted that the Code supplements do not enact the changes — the supplement
is the compilation or codification of legislation that has been approved by Council or by
the State.
The second reading/public hearing is scheduled for the September 23 Council meeting.
Ordinance 46-19
Authorizing the Provision of Certain Incentives to Leading Edje LLC to Induce
it to Lease a Facility to Retain and Expand an Office and its Associated
Operations and Workforce, All Within the City; and Authorizing the Execution
of an Economic Development Agreement.
Ms. Alutto introduced the Ordinance.
Ms. Gilger stated that staff has been in discussions with Leading Edje regarding the
relocation of their corporate offices. This company is presently located in the future City
Hall building at 5555 Perimeter Drive. Staff is assisting them with identifying a new office
location. They are Dublin headquartered and an IT consulting firm that fits within the
City's targeted industry priority area. This project would retain the current 19 employees
and would add an additional 16. The agreement would require the company to sign a
seven-year lease in Dublin. Proposed tonight is a five-year, 18 percent performance
incentive for withholdings, capped at $90,000. There is also a retention and relocation
grant offered. She offered to respond to questions.
Ms. De Rosa asked when their current lease expires.
Ms. Gilger responded that the lease expires next year, but there are clauses included
about an earlier termination.
The second reading/public hearing is scheduled for the September 23 Council meeting.
INTRODUCTION/PUBLIC HEARING — RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 47-19
Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission
and Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying Them to the County
Auditor.
Ms. Alutto introduced the Resolution.
Mr. Stiffler stated that the City receives property tax revenue from all properties in the
City of Dublin. The City is required to allocate how these property taxes are distributed on
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an annual basis. As part of the adopted 2020-2024 CIP, the same allocation that has
been in place since the 2010-2014 was maintained, with 0.35 mills being distributed to
the Parkland Acquisition Fund and 1.4 mills to the Capital Improvement Tax Fund. In
addition to this inside millage, the City has voter approved property tax dedicated to
Safety Operations. This is permanent in nature and has been in place since 1981. The
effective millage is 0.18 mills for residential properties and 0.30 for commercial uses.
Staff is requesting approval of the Resolution, maintaining the current allocation as
approved in the 2020-2024 CIP. He offered to respond to questions.
Ms. De Rosa summarized this is somewhat of a housekeeping requirement for filing with
the counties.
Mr. Stiffler responded affirmatively, noting there is an October 1 filing deadline for the
counties to certify it.
Ms. De Rosa commented that as he has reported, the allocations have stayed consistent
for a period of time. She reviewed the current fund balance for Parkland Acquisition.
Would it be possible for staff to prepare a schedule regarding the additions to that
Parkland fund and the acquisitions out of that Parkland fund for the past few years? It
would be useful to have this context. There may be need to supplement the current
balance looking into next year. With the addition of the payment for Coffman Park, it
appears there is approximately $1.5 million in that Parkland Fund.
Mr. Stiffler stated that there is a $1.7 million fund balance, and the $200,000 payment for
Coffman Park will end this year. So there will be an increase in the fund balance on an
annual basis. Staff can review the past three to five years for Parkland acquisition, if that
is the request.
Ms. De Rosa responded that a list of the activity for the past five years would be helpful.
There have been conversations about the maintenance needs for the larger park system.
Perhaps some of that Parkland Acquisition Fund could be moved to operating funds for
parks maintenance. A five-year history for the Fund would be helpful in this conversation.
Ms. Fox noted she, too, would like to review how the City has spent Parkland Acquisition
monies. This would be helpful in the operating budget discussion and CIP project budget.
The question is how much more parkland does the City really need.
Vote on the Resolution: Mr. Keenan, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Mr. Reiner,
yes; Ms. AI utto, yes.
STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. McDaniel reported:
1. A memo from David Guion, DAC was included in the packet. Previously, a
$25,000 grant was awarded by Council to DAC for the 2019 multi -cultural
B.R.E.A.D. Festival. Given that event will not take place, the DAC would like to
use those grant monies for another purpose. He invited Mr. Guion forward to
provide details.
Mr. Guion stated that the DAC is embarking on an Art and Wellness Discovery series. At
this time, it consists of two events. The first is the celebration of the 25th anniversary of
the Field of Corn. They are working with the community on their programming and this
series is supported by Washington Township, Syntero, Dublin City Schools, Dublin Police,
Dublin Recreation Services, Dublin Human Resources, Cardinal Health, Dublin Bridges,
Ohio Dance and others. The second event is called, "Flow" and will take place at the DAC
in October and include wellness related activities that are both mental and spiritual.
Ms. De Rosa stated that the previous grant was for $25,000, and it appears this request
is for $15,000 of that. Is that correct?
Ms. Crandall clarified that the City services related to this series is $12-15,000, but the
DAC anticipates using the entire $25,000 grant.
Mr. Guion agreed, noting that the Police are part of every public event they undertake.
Ms. De Rosa stated it is an interesting proposal, and if funding is available to do so, it
would be useful to have measurement and assessment around this. It would be good to
have statistics around the effectiveness of this.
Mr. Guion responded that is already part of this — a full evaluation component from an
education standpoint. It informs programming for 2020.
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Ms. Fox commended the DAC for their re-evaluating how they approach public art. One of
the discussion items is incorporating people in order to have participation in active art.
This is a great step forward and a great use of the funds.
Ms. Alutto agreed.
Ms. Alutto moved to allow the grant of $25,000 to the DAC for the 2019 B.R.E.A.D.
Festival to be utilized instead for the Art & Wellness Discovery Series events in 2019.
Ms. Fox seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Ms. Alutto, yes; Mr„ Keenan, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Ms. Fox, yes;
Mr. Reiner, yes.
Mr. McDaniel continued:
2. Another item in the packet was a letter from Brittany Harris, National Church
Residences noting she could no longer serve on the Complete Count Committee
for the 2020 Census, and requesting that Kim Yoder, National Church Residences
Avondale be appointed as her alternate.
Ms. Alutto moved to approve Kim Yoder, National Church Residences Avondale to serve
on the Complete Count Committee in place of Brittany Harris.
Ms. De Rosa seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Ms. De Rosa, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes;
Ms. Alutto, yes.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Community Development Committee — Historic Dublin Fagade grant — 106 S. High
Street
Mr. Reiner, Chair, reported that the Committee reviewed and recommended approval of
this grant. ARB has now approved the project.
Ms. Alutto moved approval of a grant of $15,000 for this project.
Ms. De Rosa seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Ms. Alutto, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Ms. Fox, yes;
Mr. Reiner, yes.
• Public Services Committee — Mobile -Only Parking Management Pilot Program
recommendations
Ms. Alutto, Chair, asked Ms. Goss to share her presentation prior to Council's discussion.
Ms. Goss stated that the City initiated a parking management study in 2016 with the new
development occurring in the downtown area and the need to manage better the City's
parking inventory. This study has been led by the Division of Planning, with support from
the Public Works Department.
She shared a brief timeline regarding the project process to this point. As described in the
Council packet, the Public Services Committee has reviewed this proposal and she shared
the information discussed.
Bridge Park - East
There has been a collaborative planning effort with Crawford Hoying. The study area was
shown on the slide. It includes 66 parking spaces and 15 loading spaces for a total of 81
spaces in the pilot project.
Next steps include:
• Execute a contract with vendor;
• Collaborate with stakeholders;
• Establish public education and communication strategy;
• Establish branding and sign strategies;
• Establish schedule and completion date;
• Develop data dashboard and analytics;
• Measure effectiveness of the pilot project.
The pilot project is expected to last from 9 to 12 months.
Historic Dublin —West
There is more work to be done as the City embarks on any type of program for the
Historic District. The Public Services Committee has asked staff to work through some
steps to understand the needs of that particular area. Next steps include:
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• Develop a survey for Historic District property owners and businesses;
• Present to the Public Services Committee for their review, feedback and approval;
• Re-engage with those property owners and businesses to collect feedback;
• Present those results to the PSC for direction on the next steps regarding the
potential pilot program implementation in the Historic District.
For future consideration, there are a number of policy discussions that will need to occur.
The new parking structure resources and how they impact, and how the patrons of
businesses and visitors to the area utilize them. Long-term, there is need to understand
how to manage parking and parking enforcement. The data collected in the pilot projects
will help determine how to manage on -street and surface lot parking.
Pursuant to the recommendations of the Public Services Committee, staff requests City
Council authorization to:
• Proceed with the implementation of the Mobile -Only Parking Management System
Pilot program in Bridge Park — East.
• Engage ParkMobile as the technology partner for this pilot
She noted that representatives of ParkMobile are present this evening as well as staff to
respond to any questions.
Ms. Alutto asked if the survey and data results for both east and west sides will be
brought back to the Public Services Committee, when those are ready. She wants to
ensure that there is an opportunity to determine whether such a parking program is
needed at this time, based on the data received.
Ms. Goss responded that staff has discussed the length of the pilot program as being a
full calendar year to understand the weather elements that impact on -street versus
garage parking. That data will be brought back to the Committee to develop those long-
term strategies and decide how to move forward. The Committee would then make
recommendation to Council.
Ms. Alutto noted she wanted to confirm the review process, not so much the length of
the pilot. She had e-mailed some questions to staff today about talking with SHARE and
what needs there might be in terms of ride share. Will that be incorporated with the
feedback staff is collecting?
Ms. Goss responded affirmatively. Staff is looking at the holistic picture of mobility,
parking and parking management. Ms. Puranik has been an integral part of this effort
together with Public Works. They want to understand the whole picture, and how SHARE
is being used from the circulator established with the seniors as well as for the business
group for lunchtime shuttles. This will be considered together with the data from the
parking management study.
Mr. McDaniel clarified that, procedurally, the intent is to report data back on a periodic
basis to the Public Services Committee. If there is any direction that comes as a result of
that reporting, that recommendation would come from the Committee to the full Council.
Ms. De Rosa asked what specific data is this referencing.
Ms. Goss responded the data being collected is about usage. Through the ParkMobile
app, it can be determined how people are utilizing the on -street parking, once the paid
parking pilot is implemented in Bridge Park East. The data will be collected from those
using the app.
Mr. McDaniel added there is other information to be collected, relative to Historic Dublin
as well with the survey approach and discussion with the business owners in Historic
Dublin. Those results will need to be reported back to the Committee as well. If there is
suggested direction as a result of that, it would come back to Council.
Mr. Keenan stated that the data would include time of day, weekends, weather events
and how it impacts parking.
Ms. Goss added it is about the parking capacity available and its usage.
Ms. De Rosa asked if the City has parking utilization numbers for the garages.
Ms. Goss responded that the City does riot. That, too, is part of the project. The City lot
has not been open long, and this is a key piece. A baseline needs to be established.
Ms. De Rosa asked how that data will be collected as part of this study.
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Ms. Puranik responded that the pilot project is only for on -street parking. The goal is to
encourage quick turnover and push people to park in the garages for long-term parking.
Ms. De Rosa stated she hears frequently and consistently from people that one thing they
love about Bridge Park is the free parking. She read in the materials that one of the
concerns of the retailers/vendors/restauranteurs is to ensure there is availability of on -
street parking in front of their business. She understands that, but why can the City not
obtain some type of metrics through smart sensors or other device in the ground that
could measure time of day, movement, etc. without forcing a payment model on parking?
She is concerned about the unintended consequence — that some may assume paid
parking on the street means paid parking in the garage as well. Is there not a way to add
that element, given all of the Smart City initiatives?
Ms. Alutto stated that her understanding is that Crawford Hoying has done lots of
outreach to their residents and businesses in Bridge Park, and they don't share that
concern about paid parking. Their concern is that the on -street parking is not being used
as it should be used. This is a concern of both the residents and the businesses in Bridge
Park. Crawford Hoying believes that having paid on -street parking would encourage
people to use the free garages. People who want to pay that premium would still park in
front of a business. People who live and work there seem to support this plan.
Ms. De Rosa stated that she is hearing we can move some people to the garages, but
those who are willing to pay can park on the streets. If the concern is about frequent
turnover of the on -street parking, could that not be done with two-hour parking limits, or
with sensors? The same goal could be achieved in a way that does not violate the free
parking aspect of Bridge Park. She does not understand the economics of that.
Ms. Alutto responded that the issue for two-hour parking limitations is that the signage
necessary to implement that would be extensive and it would increase enforcement hours
needed. She recalls that Council did not proceed with parking meter installation when it
was proposed a few years ago because of the equipment and signage it would require
along the street.
Ms. Puranik noted that there is already time limited parking of two hours in place in this
area. It is not possible to enforce it as an app can do with technology. For ParkMobile,
they already have 15 million customers who have this app, so it is widely used, including
in Columbus. It is a great tool to test in this pilot project.
Ms. De Rosa asked why the pilot program would need to extend over a year.
Ms. Puranik responded this is so that the pilot can be tested in all seasons.
Ms. De Rosa asked about the cost of this pilot program.
Ms. Puranik responded ParkMobile is providing this pilot project at no cost, except for the
costs of the sign installation that instructs users to download the Dublin parking app. The
poles already in place will be utilized for this sign installation as much as possible.
Mr. McDaniel responded to the question about smart technology and Smart City
application. The City is leveraging a technology and a process that has been proven —
particularly suitable for the east side of the river with one owner — to encourage
movement for the on -street parking. For the west side of the river in Historic Dublin,
there is a great variety of parking — on -street, surface lots, private parking and the City
garage. Perhaps the pilot could be done on the HD side, once the survey process is
completed. Any number of smart technologies could be applied in the Historic District.
Sensors are a possibility, as well. All are part of the Smart City initiatives that will be
applied in this endeavor. More information will come as those technologies are more
available and ready to use.
Ms. Fox stated she has been a critic of the pilot program for 81 spaces. She does
appreciate that Crawford Hoying as the property owner is looking for curbside
management. She had hoped that part of the recommendation, as discussed at the
Committee, would be that curbside management would be looked at holistically — not just
collecting data on parking. She did not see this aspect referenced in any of the
objectives. Understanding curbside use was to be part of this pilot — there is not
handicapped nor drop-off parking at curbside presently. There is no definition of the
other curbside uses, aside from car parking.
Mr. McDaniel stated that it is the intent to do that.
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Ms. Fox responded that it was not included in the objectives. She wants it defined that
the desire is for a holistic understanding of how curbside management in Bridge Park East
was being handled. She knows data is to be collected, but she is not clear about what
kind of data we are seeking, the privacy of that data and who could use or sell that data.
The City does not have a data privacy policy in place that would give residents comfort.
Collecting parking data is benign, but opens the door for collecting all kinds of data as
Smart Cities will be doing. She is looking at this big picture.
Mr. McDaniel agreed with what she has said. If the designated parking spaces need to be
clarified, that can be done. He believes that is the intent, including handicapped and
drop-off spaces. Staff can make that change. Regarding data collection, he asked
ParkMobile representatives speak to this. The final item is security of that data and how it
is used. There is a larger discussion about municipal policy regarding security of data as
any Smart technology is deployed. He assured Council that staff is working closely with
regional agencies on this type of data policy. This is an ongoing effort. He added that
only two states in the U.S. are actively working the issue of data security — California and
Arkansas.
Dave Holler, ParkMobile stated that when a user signs up for the app, an e-mail and
password are required to register. The user must agree to ParkMobile's terms and
conditions. All that needs to be entered is a license plate and a payment method. This is
the data collected. As far as privacy or selling/sharing the data, ParkMobile has over 15
million users and growing. They work with cities across the country, including Columbus,
Atlanta, Houston, New York City, etc. Since they are consumer facing and their entire
business is parking payment transactions, they hold the user data very closely and do not
share the data or sell it to third parties. The consumers using their app are their entire
business. They are Level 1 PCI compliant and have cybersecurity policies in place. They
do understand the concern about the privacy of data, and they share the same concern.
Ms. Fox asked what data will be available — the time of parking, how often the car parks,
if the same car parks in that spot?
Mr. Holler responded it is mainly transactional data — the number of transactions per day
in a particular zone. Their entire system is zone based, so there may be a zone for each
block face in Bridge Park, for example. The data will indicate how many transactions and
what the revenue was each day/week/month — not how many times a vehicle parked, but
how many vehicles parked on that day, the length of stay, etc.
Ms. De Rosa asked if it is geolocated.
Mr. Holler responded that the app uses the GPS of the phone to show the nearest zone.
The end user can enter that zone number manually, based on the signs in Bridge Park.
Ms. De Rosa stated that if the City had that geolocating, this could be done for no charge,
correct?
Mr. Holler responded it is tied to the payments in the system.
Ms. De Rosa stated that if a user signed up, could no charge be levied? Is that an option
in this pilot?
Mr. Holler responded it is not, as they are only collecting that transaction data if someone
is paying for parking. They are not tracking if someone has the app.
Ms. Goss added that, at a minimum, there is a transaction fee involved.
Ms. De Rosa stated that the pilot is therefore funded by the transaction fee paid.
Ms. Goss responded that the transaction fee is paid by the consumer, not the City.
Ms. Alutto note that there is a fee for the parking and a transaction fee involved. If a
business wants to waive all or a portion of that dollar per hour parking charge, she
understands that ParkMobile can provide a validation or promo code to the Bridge Park
businesses who want to offset part of that charge for customers.
Ms. De Rosa asked if that is part of the study, too.
Ms. Goss responded that is an option that could be made available.
Ms. De Rosa is concerned with the public relations consequences of this parking fee. It
seems with all the technology available, there should be a way to do this in a different
way.
Mr. McDaniel noted this is a beta test — over a period of time — and cooperation is being
asked of the parking users. There are likely many residents who have used such a system
in other cities. Voucher codes can be made available. It should not be viewed as a
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punishment, but as a way to manage parking better, relying upon a company with
national experience in this field.
Ms. Alutto noted that she, too, had trepidation about this process. What gave her a level
of confidence in the discussions about the parking app is that staff will come back to
report at whatever time period Council desires. There is a stop gap in place if Council
believes the pilot did not work out as planned, and did not drive a behavior change in on -
street parking. This is a critical piece of the equation for her. She agrees that the
Committee discussed their desire for a holistic approach. If there is a motion and vote
tonight, she wants to ensure that such language is included so that all of Council is aware
this is a holistic approach in terms of handicapped parking and ride share, etc. This needs
to be specific in the text of the document in some manner.
Ms. Puranik stated that staff has initiated discussions with SHARE about their drop-off
locations. What she has heard is that the scale of Bridge Park is not large enough yet to
warrant drop-off locations. But they are willing to discuss what pick-up spots are more
problematic for them. Those engagements have begun with Lyft and Uber as well. They
are working to collaborate with all ride share companies.
Ms. Goss stated that language will be incorporated. Staff looks at the spaces and how
they are designated for loading zones, other handicapped spots, and that will continue to
be researched. The data will help to understand where those spaces need to be located.
Ms. Fox stated she understands that Crawford Hoying and Bridge Park want to manage
their curbs. Data will come back as a result of this pilot, but she wonders about the data
not described that might drive business away. The Short North initiated their parking
management project and the news coverage indicates that people choose not to come to
the area because of the time required to find parking using a parking app. There are only
81 spaces in the Bridge Park East area, and more signage will be required as well as
more time involved in parking at the curb. If the data is that important, what is also
important is determining whether or not this system will drive business away or become a
problem. The change to paid parking in Bridge Park could negatively impact this new
urban area. In addition, although not mentioned in this report, the Historic District has a
valet parking problem that needs to be addressed. More restaurants are coming online
and there are only four valet spaces along N. High Street, which backs up traffic headed
north. She values Smart City technology, but is struggling with this program.
Mr. Keenan does not understand the angst over the curbside parking on the east side. He
uses the parking garages regularly. On the west side of the river, he uses the parking
garages as well and has his ticket validated by the restaurant.
Ms. De Rosa stated that part of this is related to residents who understand the parking
options versus visitors coming for the first time and encountering paid parking on the
street. These visitors will not know the garages are free. If the on -street parking remains
full regardless, what value are we bringing to the businesses by a voucher system?
Ms. Alutto responded that part of the reason the on -street parking is full is because
people are parking there for a longer period of time and should be parking in the garage.
The idea is to drive the behavior change for those parking at curbside to park in the
garage and free up the curbside spaces.
Mr. Reiner stated there was similar issues with the City surface parking lot south of High
Street. Employees of businesses and workers were parking in spots all day, and the
restaurants complained parking was not available to their customers. That is what this
pilot program is all about — changing behavior.
Ms. Alutto added that, in any case, Council can choose not to implement the program
after the pilot is completed.
Ms. De Rosa stated that, for her, it does not feel cohesive enough in terms of the
objectives, the current capacity and what we will learn with only 81 spaces involved.
Ms. Goss responded that the objective is to incentivize the long-term parkers to use the
garage.
Ms. De Rosa stated that can be done with a two-hour parking limit curbside.
Ms. Goss responded limits are already in place.
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Mr. McDaniel stated that over many years, businesses have struggled with the lack of
turnover for parking spaces downtown. Currently, there are three-hour limits in place in
HD. The goal is to have turnover of the spaces. The businesses in HD continue to talk
about parking turnover. There are still issues of business employees parking all day in
spaces that should be available to patrons of businesses. There has been improvement
since the parking garage opened. It is a matter of enforcement physically, or applying
technology to see if the limits are enforceable in that manner. This is a pilot that applies
technology to achieve the same turnover that would require someone physically enforcing
the parking limitations. It has been discussed over years, and if Council wants to address
the parking turnover issue, this is the best approach, in staff's view. Initiating this in the
Bridge Park area that has one owner seems to be a good way to begin.
Mr. Keenan moved to authorize staff to proceed with the implementation of the Mobile -
Only Parking Management System pilot program in Bridge Park East and engage
ParkMobile as the technology partner for the pilot.
Ms. Alutto seconded the motion
Vote on the motion: Ms. Alutto, yes; Ms. De Rosa, no; Ms. Fox, no; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr.
Keenan, yes.
(Motion failed as it requires four votes for passage.)
Mr. McDaniel stated that staff will not move forward with this pilot program, given this
vote. He asked Council for direction on next steps.
Ms. De Rosa stated that she understands the need, but believes there is a big risk of
unintended consequences in this. For her, she would like staff to come back, discuss the
numbers, the communication plan about the free parking still available, information about
how vouchers could be provided — helping her to understand that there will not be an
unintended consequence from the pilot. This would provide a comfort level for her about
the City's overall strategy and plan. In the Smart technology world, she believes there is
ability to do this. Negative feedback has come from the Short North parking program
implementation, and she does not want to have that same negative feedback for Dublin.
She would like to see some of the holistic approach that Ms. Alutto has referenced
incorporated in the documents. She wants to see a more comprehensive way to do this.
She is not opposed to improving the curbside availability of parking, but believes this can
be done without removing a great advantage of free parking as now exists.
Ms. Alutto stated that it appears that, effectively, all of the information brought for the
Committee to review would need to be brought forward to Council. This would mean a
full Council presentation for everything brought to the Public Services Committee for
review and recommendation. This defeats the purpose of bringing it to the Committee for
review. The concept at the Committee level is for a thorough, in-depth review of a topic
so that such a deep discussion is not necessary at the Council meeting. Otherwise, what
will be needed are full Council work sessions for all topics. Perhaps that is the direction
Council wants to go, she is not certain. But if everything discussed at Committee level
needs to be brought to the full Council for the same in-depth discussion, there is no point
in having the Committee discussion. She, too, struggled with this topic, but felt
comfortable with the pilot, based on the Committee discussion. Staff has expressed their
willingness to include the additional holistic approach in the documents that Council
would be voting upon tonight. There were two very thorough discussions of this topic at
the Committee. However, if the Committee discussion is not adequate, there is no reason
to have that going forward. Does Council want to have further discussion at Council and
not at the Committee for this topic?
Ms. Fox responded that she does not have the minutes of the Committee meeting.
(Ms. Alutto responded that the minutes were in the packet.)
Ms. Fox stated she believes that the recommendations are missing the items Ms. De Rosa
has noted. What is really important is the holistic overview of how to manage the
curbside. She does not believe this is one of the primary objectives in the
recommendation, as directed by the Committee.
Ms. Alutto stated that, based on Council's request, staff has indicated they would add this
to the documents. In her view, this is not an issue at this point.
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Ms. Fox suggested that understanding the signage costs, having the documents brought
back that include a holistic approach to the curbside use as a main objective, and
including the valet parking issues in HD would make it more palatable to her.
Ms. Alutto stated that the initial signage will be provided by the company and the City will
install it.
Mr. Keenan asked if this item can be brought back to the next meeting where all Council
members are present for discussion.
Mr. McDaniel responded that if Council desires to do so, that is fine. As staff, he would
not initiate that, but will respond to Council's direction.
Ms. De Rosa added that the communication plan should be included as well as the
information about free parking and how vouchers would work.
Ms. Goss stated that it seems Council is requesting a comprehensive proposal at this time
and all of this is not completed.
Mr. McDaniel clarified that staff is looking to engage ParkMobile in order to leverage and
more fully develop the implementation. This pilot program is only one step toward that.
Mr. Reiner stated this is simply a research project needed to gather information.
Ms. De Rosa stated that it is possible to research more than one thing at the same time.
Mr. Reiner noted that all the comments are valid concerns. But this is an exploratory
adventure to find if the parking solution is viable. All of this was discussed at the
Committee meeting at great length. It is important to try this and get the results. The
Historic District is not part of this pilot program, based on the additional surveying to be
done. He does not know why additional discussion is needed; the pilot should simply
move forward.
Ms. De Rosa responded she wants to see the communication plan. She does not want to
start over, but believes there are important aspects to talk through before approving the
pilot program.
Ms. Alutto stated that the communication plan was presented to the Public Services
Committee and was discussed as reflected in the meeting minutes. She understands
there is a lot of material to read and perhaps everyone has not reviewed all of those
minutes and documents. Many of the items discussed tonight have been addressed with
staff's willingness to modify the text. Maybe it is a matter of requesting staff to include
the language modifications into the text as requested; pull out the communications plan
from the previous presentations and include as an attachment to the text; and then
review it again. Given it is a pilot, it is a worthwhile experiment and largely inexpensive to
the City. The one property owner wants this pilot. If there remains a strong desire to
completely remove the Historic District from the program after the outreach is completed
and brought back, then the HD comes out of the pilot.
Ms. Fox stated this is a better approach.
Mr. Reiner asked if staff has adequate direction and can bring this back for the next
Council meeting.
Ms. Goss responded affirmatively. The communications piece was part of the presentation
and can be forwarded. The language in the proposal can be amended to include the
curbside management piece; however, it might not be part of this particular parking
management program, as the scope is a little different. However, this can be done in
tandem in terms of monitoring how space is being used.
Mr. Keenan added that a few years ago, there were no parking garages and now there
are free parking facilities. There are a handful of parking spaces to be managed for
business access, but there are a great number of spaces in the parking garages — east
and west. This is not an onerous program, and there will continue to be a preponderance
of free parking.
Mr. Reiner suggested this item be rescheduled for September 23.
Mr. McDaniel clarified that staff will return with what has been proposed, adding the curb
usage item on the east side. The communications plan will be incorporated as well and
then all of this resubmitted to Council.
Ms. Alutto added that in the context of the pilot program, it should be mentioned
reviewing the valet parking on the west side in Historic Dublin.
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Ms. Goss clarified that the west side in Historic Dublin has been removed from the
proposal and the focus is on just Bridge Park East.
Mr. McDaniel clarified that the valet parking issue will be part of the west side Historic
Dublin process, which is not part of the east side contractual process under discussion.
Mr. Reiner invited any other Committee reports to be made.
Ms. Alutto, Public Services Committee reported the Committee held a budget workshop
on September 4, and the meeting was nearly four hours. The materials were provided the
day of the meeting and therefore the Committee has not yet formulated a
recommendation to all of Council regarding that portion of the operating budget. The
budget discussion will continue at the next Public Services Committee in order to provide
a recommendation to Council.
Ms. Fox, PZC representative reported:
1. She was not able to attend the September 5 meeting, where the zoning code
updates for Bridge Street and the Historic Dublin design guidelines and boundary
changes were reviewed. She asked staff about the possibility of videotaping some
of the PZC meetings because of the delay in receiving the minutes following the
meeting. She was not able to know the details of the meeting from Thursday
evening in order to report to Council tonight. If there is a possibility to consider
videotaping of meetings, that would be helpful.
Mr. McDaniel stated that there has been discussion about this in response to a previous
request. He has asked the Communications staff to provide the costs for that service.
Staff will provide information on this to Council.
Ms. Fox responded it also helps Council to be able to hear the discussions at PZC.
2. She also mentioned to PZC that a joint meeting date would be established for a
roundtable discussion of Council, PZC and ARB. This is something the boards and
commissions are looking to Council for — vision, policy and background for their
decision making. She would like -to have these meetings scheduled at least three
times per year.
Mr. Keenan, Finance Committee reported the Committee will meet on Wednesday,
September 11 at 6 p.m. to review their assigned portions of the proposed operating
budget for 2020.
Ms. De Rosa, COTA Board representative reported the annual meeting takes place on
October 3 and it will be the kick-off of the new Strategic Plan. She encouraged everyone
to attend.
Ms. De Rosa, NW 33 Corridor Group reported the group will meet next on Friday, October
11.
COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Ms. Fox noted that on September 5, she attended a meeting with members of the
Ballantrae homeowners group to discuss the design for Shier -Rings Road improvements.
There was concern expressed by the neighborhood at a previous public meeting about
the potential closing of Shier -Rings east/west. She complimented Ms. O'Callaghan, Ms.
Crandall and staff for the great conversation that occurred at the meeting, which was
held at the fire station on Hard Road. Staff listened, studied and came back to obtain the
neighborhood opinions. The residents commented it was the most collaborative and
respectful conversation they have had with the City and it was most appreciated. This is
an example of exemplary public service. The OSU project is very important and it is
critical that the residents feel good about it. The road proposal currently is that Shier -
Rings will be open east to west. Staff also addressed a dangerous intersection at Shier -
Rings and Eiterman, identified by the residents. A four-way stop will be installed as a
temporary safety measure. The consensus of the group was they would prefer a
roundabout at that intersection.
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Ms. De Rosa stated that the fifth or sixth North Pool public meeting occurred last week.
This has been a long process with many voices. There was applause at the end of that
meeting, and many residents feel very engaged in the process. She is aware of the work
..--.... this entails for staff, but it goes a long way with the community. Thanks to staff for their
work on this!
Mr. Reiner stated that:
1. He recently had the opportunity to walk across the pedestrian bridge, which is an
amazing engineering feat. It is a much longer walk than he anticipated and will be
an amazing experience for many people. It is truly a free standing piece of art.
The engineer in charge of the project was extremely complimentary of Ms.
O'Callaghan and City staff.
2. An artist was brought to town recently by the Dublin Arts Council and he
commented that the library is fantastic and sets the entire town apart. In
response to a comment about the project being quite controversial in some
segments of the community, the artist stated the library is fantastic and reflects a
very progressive city. This artist has installations across the U.S. and is highly
regarded in the arts world.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
11 (Acting Ma�or��residing Officer
Clerk of Council