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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-29-21 Public Services Com MinutesDublin City Council Public Services Committee Monday, March 29, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. Virtual meeting Meeting Minutes Chair Jane Fox called the March 29, 2021 Public Services Committee meeting to order at 4:06 p.m. Present were: Ms. Fox and Vice Mayor De Rosa. Mr. Reiner was able to listen, but was not able to participate due to technical issues. Staff present: Chief Paez, Lt. Tabernik, Jay Somerville, Ms. Schoning, Mr. Plouck, Mr. Earman Approval of Minutes Ms. Fox moved to approve the minutes of the October 5, 2020 Public Services Committee meeting. Vice Mayor De Rosa seconded. Vote on the motion: Vice Mayor De Rosa, yes; Ms. Fox, yes. Police Division Update Chief Paez provided a presentation (Exhibit A). He reviewed the Mission Statement and Core Values of the Police Division and the 2021 goals, He provided statistics regarding traffic safety and theft offenses which were reduced in 2020. Lt. Tabernik shared an update with the Committee regarding the community outreach and engagement; the comprehensive wellness initiative and investigations highlights. He illustrated (Exhibit) how the department has partnered with Starfish Assignment and Welcome Warehouse to further the department's outreach programming and foster positive relationships in the community. He explained how the Police Department partners with various wellness agencies such as Syntero and Ohio State 'University to build awareness of the importance of mental health wellness. An update was given regarding combating human trafficking and other investigative highlights. Mr. Somerville provided an update regarding the Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC). He reviewed the highlights for NRECC for the year 2020 which included onboarding Worthington Police and Fire; renewing the Upper Arlington agreement,- and employee restructuring. He shared that the on-site assessment will be taking place for the CALEA Accreditation in November 2021, Chief Paez shared the preparations that the Police Department is making for the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA) that the City will be piloting in Public Services Committee March 29, 2021 Page 2 Bridge Park and Historic Dublin. There will be bike officers in the area and the Drone unit will be deployed to help observe. He commented on the steps being taken to keep pedestrian traffic safe. Chief Paez stated that the Drone Unit program began in March 2020. The department has 10 FAA license drone pilots on staff to assist with incidents such as, locating missing persons, visual support for high-risk operations; emergency responses; special events and mutual aid. Vice Mayor De Rosa thanked staff for the presentation. She asked Chief Paez to comment on any changes he has seen in the community or any issues facing the community. Chief Paez stated that in the aftermath of the pandemic, there are still issues being sorted out at an economic level, employment level, and crime and safety issue. He stated that having a focus on mental health and wellness throughout the pandemic, along with our partners, has helped our community be resilient. Vice Mayor De Rosa expressed appreciation for the department and their efforts regarding outreach. Ms. Fox asked if the Police Department is feeling anything from the community as to whether or not they feel safe. Chief Paez shared that he has had the opportunity to talk with community members about events that have not occurred in Dublin, but had an impact on our residents. He sees these conversations as opportunities to hear what the department can do to make our residents feel safe and supported. He thanked the City Manager and Council for their support. Ms. Fox stated that people have to feel comfortable where they live and this community feels very supportive of our Police department. In response to Ms. Fox's question regarding additional resources, Chief Paez stated that they feel tremendously blessed to be in such a supportive community. In response to Vice Mayor De Rosa's question, Chief Paez stated a Citizen Academy is planned for summer. Court Services Update Ms. Schoning provided an update on Court Services (Exhibit B). She highlighted the staff members that are part of the Court Services team and their key functions. She illustrated the caseload over the last four years. Traffic makes up the majority of the cases that come before Court Services. She shared a chart to illustrate the revenue from Court Services. She highlighted some performance measures such as the case closures and the reliability and integrity of the case files. Ms. Schoning provided an overview of the Records Management portion of Court Service's key functions. Vice Mayor De Rosa expressed appreciation for Ms. Schoning's report. She asked who Court Services partners with for community service hours. Ms. Schoning stated that they have partners that they work with to provide opportunities for service but that the offender is charged with finding their own community service because some are not Dublin residents. Public Services Committee March 29, 2021 Page 3 In response to Ms. Fox regarding how many cases Court Services averages in a week, Ms. Schoning stated that they average about 50 cases. Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update Mr. Earman shared a presentation regarding the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update (Exhibit C). He stated that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Master Plan) was created ten years ago. He stated that the development of the Parks and Recreation system has been a combination of sound planning, policy - formulated development directives and understanding our market and product. The Master Plan encompasses three key concepts: understanding the past, assessing the present and envisioning the future. He referred to the accreditation requirements of the National Recreation and Parks Association's Commission as another reason for the need to update the Master Plan. The current plan was adopted by City Council in 2010 and involved many community stakeholders, organizations, resident focus groups, City Council, an advisory commission and staff. The Master Plan includes 12 chapters. Mr. Earman stated that many of the chapters in the plan did not have a policy to go with it. He briefly highlighted a few key points in each chapter (Exhibit C). He also provided information regarding the implementation of the plan, which included a total of 96 action steps. Mr. Earman shared that 88 of the action steps have been completed, and 28 of them have been classified as ongoing. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the look ahead includes non-traditional operational plans for festivals, recreation centers, aquatic facilities, camp and programs. Operating plans have been limited, so revenue production must be re -imagined. There is also a stronger orientation toward health and social services. He described the technology impacts in the way of connectivity, downloadable content, virtual programming and other new non-traditional forms of recreation. E -Sports has become a world-wide phenomenon and will continue to grow. Regional partnerships is an opportunity to be explored. Mr. Earman shared how the process of the Master Plan update will proceed: Assess current inventories; • Engage the community; Conduct needs assessment of the past, present and future; and Develop an implementation plan. He stated that in addition to this Committee discussing the Master Plan update, the Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC) will be assisting with the update as well. Vice Mayor De Rosa asked about when the Master Plan was created 10 years ago, whether or not a ten year timeframe for review was anticipated and how long did it take to put this plan together initially. Mr. Earman stated the last project was intended to be a ten year look out. The original process took about 3 Y2 years to complete, but an update will not take as long. Vice Mayor De Rosa shared that this update is perfect timing as the City goes through the Dublin 2035 visioning. She asked how Mr. Earman will begin the review with CSAC. He stated that he is mindful of how much the pandemic changed things that would Public Services Committee March 29, 2021 Page 4 not have been anticipated in the year 2019. There are new needs that are being recognized and monitored. Everything that was, at one time considered leisure, is now a necessity for people. He would like to start small with CSAC, such as a shorter term plan as post -pandemic reality is revealed. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she was also thinking about the maintenance of what we already have versus providing something new that cannot be maintained. Mr. Earman stated that there could be items that are still relevant today in the plan especially regarding maintenance. Ms. Fox stated that this is one of the best plans that has been implemented by the City. She stated that the update should be updating what is no longer relevant and adding the items that are new and worth exploring. The plan is a foundational piece. She stated that the way this plan was laid out was very well done. She suggested having a consultant help staff work on the update so staff can continue to be creative rather than having to write the plan. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that the plan was helpful from a policy level as well. Mr. Earman stated that he would like to go through each chapter and policy with CSAC so he can hear feedback from them as residents. Ms. Fox stated that the other commissions should be involved as well due to their need to know and understand this plan. Ms. Fox stated that Dublin's park system has carried our community through a very difficult year. Mr. Earman asked if there were specific topics that the Committee felt was important to focus on in this update. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated the programming for Riverside Crossing Park brings a level of complexity and is short term. She would like to explore having places to work in the park as well as part of placemaking. Ms. Fox stated the connectivity piece is very important as is mobility in relationship to our parks. The topography is a topic she would like to hear CSAC talk about. Developmental pressures could threaten the beauty of the topography. Ms. Fox stated that two other important topics were in the maintenance chapter; they are promotion of sustainable practices and historic preservation. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she would like technology to be incorporated as it wasn't available ten years ago. Bridge Parapet Mr. Earman provided a series of renderings. Staff did reach out to the artist that was involved with the design of the 1270 bridge parapet and asked for their recommendations. Staff added some of the branding colors as options as well. The colors that were explored were: • Dublin Green (this is a Dublin branding color) • Alternate Dark Green • Brick Red • Dublin Gray (branding color); and • Artist Green (this is the artist recommendation). Public Services Committee March 29, 2021 Page 5 Ms. Fox asked if the color would continue to go on the sides or just on the overhead portion of the bridge? Mr. Earman stated that it would go on the overhead and the Celtic knot. Ms. Fox asked if the artist was consulted regarding an oil or something to put on the concrete that is not color but would still provide dimension. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she recalled that discussion and she didn't think it was feasible. She added that the size makes this difficult. Her preference was for the Gray of the options provided. Ms. Fox stated that paint just doesn't hold up in the elements very well. She agrees that dimension needs to be added, but is unsure of paint. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that the Clerk relayed Mr. Reiner's preferences. (Mr. Reiner was on the phone but had no ability to be heard). She stated his preferences were for the Dublin Green or the Artist Green. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she has concerns regarding maintenance. Ms. Fox stated that she likes the Artist Green or the Gray, but she would rather see an oil or stain versus paint. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that if there is longevity to the color then she would be fine with the Artist Green. Ms, Fox would like to see a sample of the paint on concrete and not pick the color from a computer monitor. Mr. Earman agreed. Ms. Fox stated that there are concrete stains versus paint. Mr. Earman stated that a tinted sealant is also possible and would protect it better. There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5:57 p.m. (C rk4ofounc"ilj