The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About01-17-2023 Work Session MinutesWORK SESSION JANUARY 17,2023 Mayor Fox called the Tuesday, January 17, 2023 work session to order at 6:00 p.m. Council members present: Ms. Alutto, Ms. Amorose Groomes, Vice Mayor De Rosa, Mayor Fox, Mr. Keeler, Ms. Kramb, and Mr. Reiner. Staff present: Ms. O'Callaghan, Ms. Readier, Mr. Ranc, Ms. Rauch, Mr. Earman, Ms. Gee, Ms. Steiner, Ms. Noble, Ms. Wigram, Chief Paez, Ms. Rigano, Mr. Anderson, Ms. Gishel, Mr. Ament, Mr. Stiffier, Mr. Rogers, Ms. Weisenauer, Ms. Goliver. Also present were: Leon Younger, President, Philip Parnin, Associate Principal, from PROS Consulting and Rick Fay and Aaron Domini from OHM Advisors. Mr. Keeler led the Pledge of Allegiance. Renewable Energy Equipment for Solar • Ifork-Session January 17, 2023 Page 2 of 9 ms trawls Is' January 17, 2023 Page 3 of 9 adhere to them. He liked the idea of color matching the materials to lessen the visual impact. He stated that ground -mounted equipment should have to be screened. In response to Mayor Fox, Mr. Reiner stated that he would like more clarity on the meaning of integrated design. Vice Mayor De Rosa asked how the "'front of the house" is determined. Is it where the mailbox is located? Ms. Noble reread the description as proposed and stated that on a corner lot, for example, there would be two front facades. Ms. Noble stated that the front is usually considered to be along the public right of way. Ms. Kramb suggested the following wording, "no panels on any roof surface that slopes toward a front property line." The term "Front property line" is defined in Code. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that if the goal is to not allow solar panels in the front of the house, then there needs to be clarity of where specifically that is. She needs additional clarity on what is front, what is front view and what is not front view? She stated she is also struggling with understanding why it is okay to see solar panels in someone's back yard, but not the front. If there are coverage limitations 4^41 i f.Mw still allow them to work. She asked which HOAs permit solar panels and which do not? She requested a map that shows which HOAs have restrictions and which do not. Ms. Rauch stated that a map can be provided to show. the HOAs and civic associations, but staff does not have what the restrictions are for each of the HOAs. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that there are areas of the City not covered by an HOA. Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that if our goal is to let people have solar panels, that is one conversation, but if our goal is to be green, then the conversation should be different. She would like Dublin to lead in how we think about being a green community. The built environment is extremely important. She advocated for using solar on black top and fiat rooftops. She stated that if green is what we want to be, then we need to do it the right way. She stated her belief that just being solar is friendly in this community was not the goal of Council. She would like to know if there is a better way to get the desired effectiveness and efficiency, If the answer is no, then she would feel better about allowing solar panels to be placed on several individual homes. She stated that without takinva more comm,,%rehensive look L "ir to be green. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she agreed, but there is a short term dilemma that needs resolved about solar panels and their use. Ms. Amorose Groomes stated she wasn't sure about what dilemma exists because people are already navigating the existing Code. She also noted that the survey questions only addressed solar panels and not being a green comunity. If people truly want to be green, then this needs to be approached from a holistic viewpoint. Mr. Keeler agreed with Vice Mayor De Rosa and Ms. Amorose Groomes. He stated that the return on investment (ROI) is not great on solar panels. If people would be willing to be a little more patient, technology will improve and costs will come down. Ms. Alutto agreed with Ms. Amorose Groomes' comments that larger questions need answered, but there is still a short-term issue that needs resolved regarding our Code. Do we leave the Code the way it is or amend it? In response to Mr. Keeler's comments, Ms. Alutto stated that ROI is something that each homeowner needs to evaluate for themselves. She still has questions about what constitutes the front of the home. She would like to make sure that whatever definition is used, that it can be applied to homes that are uniquely situated on their lots. She suggested putting solar technology on some of our own buildings to learn more about what is available. She asked Vice Mayor De Rosa if her questions regarding the roof coverage was relating to the size of the home. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she noticed on a recent trip to Colorado, she witnessed solar panel coverage on homes seemed to have less coverage. She stated she would like to know January 17 ' 2023 Page 4 of 9 -lit # 1.0 ana is currently looking at consultants that ma to assist. Ms. OCallaghan stated that she cannot say how long the study will take, but right now is the time to ensure that the scope of the study is what we want it to be. Ms. Kramb stated that we do have to look at the bigger picture. Mayor Fox asked staff to explain, as the Code is now, how it would work if someone wanted to put solar on their home. Ms. Noble stated that currently, solar panels are allowed on the side and back of the home. Mr. Reiner stated that it has to span the entire roof in order to make it look right. Ms. O'Callaghan stated that second reading was scheduled for February 13 and sought Council's feedback on whether that should remain as a second reading or if Council would like to table the Ordinance to get additional information. Mr. Reiner stated he is supportive of tabling the Ordinance. Vice Mayor De Rosa asked how many applications exist right now. Ms. Noble stated the number of permits the City has issued is 74 total. Vice Mayor De Rosa asked, how many do we have in cue? She suggested that we need to learn a bit along the way and we need to have clarity. She would like more information before having to entertain the thought of how restrictive it should be. Mayor Fox stated that it sounds like the consensus is that more information is needed. Ms. O'Callaghan confirmed that another work session would be scheduled for discussion. ......... • January 17, 2023 Page 5 of • lamt At1,T,IYWrS Trno We preSenL L0 assisic ine afalogue on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update. Mr. Earman outlined the presentation this evening as follows: • Project/Process Overview • Technical Analysis • Public Engagement • Key Focus Areas • Discussion This master plan has taken the approach to connect other studies occurring at this time, one of which is the 2035 Framework. Project1process Overview MultiaLQ,F,ublic forums and stakeholder and the statistically valid survey. Staff and consultants will present these findings and obtain direction from Council. A tremendous amount of work has been completed thus far, Next steps are to refine the plan and bring that forward to Council for consideration. Mr. Younger stated that there was a good effort on ublic en a m IMMMIMITAWIMM January 17, 2023 Page 6 of 9 programming, closing walkshed gaps and preventing communities from being underserved. Access to non -motorized •: transportation and park amenity and programming proximity to age groups can be considered for Inclusion. There was no bias observed based on diversity or income with regards to maintenance of or amenes in the parks. Several maps were displayed showing demographic information about the parts of the community served by those parks. Mr. Ranc added that the purpose of studying the DEI assessment was to look at it from a lot of different standpoints and ensure that there were no deficiencies. upon this consideration. Mr. Younger stated that they also `• level of service. The •. system serves 90% of the population within a 10 -minute walk. In order to serve everyone within a 10 -minute walk, would require an additional 9 acres in nei hborhood arks and an additional 26 acres in I it • January 17, 2023 Page 7 of 9 Mr. Younger shared the following Key Focus Areas: Park Land: Acquire and develop new parkland, and maximize the value of each park type currently in the system to reach the full recreation value associated with its design. They see the Rapid 5 program as a key program here. All-weather fields will help serve the community. Activation of and access to the river is a consideration. Mr. Ranc and staff is looking for Council's reaction to ideas presented. Recreation Facilities: Continue to be the leader in indoor and outdoor community-based facilities for people of all ages and interests. They recognize the need to update the current facility. An arts and cultural center, E -gaming, outdoor climbing apparatus are all things to consider. �48�- PVtJMTn&-PerCW to maximize the community's investment in its facilities and enhance their impact on the quality of life for Dublin residents. There is a combination of skill -set programs, cultural -based programs, and competition. FgEk�_�&Rec�reatio�no e�rattons�: Provide industry-leading and innovative services for parks and recreation operations to deliver an exciting and high-quality experience for Dublin residents. Wi-Fi in parks is something continually ask for. Different skateboarding and mountain bike experiences are ideas to include. The system without land is $105 million. That is a lot to maintain. That requires capital and operating dollars. EinAnging: •wn1 the funding options available to the Parks and Recreation Department to fund the community"s desire for a world-class parks and recreation system that meets or exceeds the community"s vision for Dublin. We are hoping to introduce different ways of financing at the next conversation. Mr. Earman closed the presentation by asking Council for feedback by posing the following questions: 1. What are Council's thoughts of the initial findings and data for the Master Plan? 2. Is Council supportive of the key focus areas to guide the creation of future parks and recreation projects and strategies? 3. What opportunities and challenges would Council recommend staff focus on while finalizing the proposed projects and strategies to address the community's parks and recreation needs? 4. Other considerations of City Council. Mayor Fox thanked those that came before that created such beautiful park system. Ms. Kramb noted that nowhere in the focus areas is the word "safety". We need to make sure what we have and what we add is safe. Washington Township could be included in the conversation. Mr. Younger stated that there was some conversation about incorporating safety into design principles. Ms. Alutto stated that she in particularly interested in the Financing Focus Area. There has been a lot of feedback in regards to aquatics lately. One of the biggest areas of need is one of the schools, which takes up a much larger geographic area, and not the City. She would be interested in what MON W?gw5"tt*V7,T- on financing in general that she would be interested in exploring. Vice Mayor De Rosa asked • more detail on the report and summary of findings statement that older parks are showing their age. Mr. Fay stated that some of the structures like picnic pavilions M:. #. mt January 17, 2023 Page 8 of 9 W,,ive s*i9tss tkzt,2re 2*f s'XiAgles tX.2t.?re oNAi;-ot*ff. Ytv c.-.5 sde tNtre is mainttnanct, happening to some of the structures but some just have ri�t been addressed yet. Pavement was another area that is breaking up. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she is excited about the new things but it is important to understand the maintenance efforts as well. She is supportive of encouraging Council to advance and do innovative things. She is grateful that comparisons were not just with neighbors. She asked if there is enough data to look at the survey by age, Mr. Younger stated that they can provide cross tabs. There are usually 12-15 cross tabs that people are interested in. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she is particularly interested in what the upcoming generation of users had to say, on cost per trail mile, field, etc. costs should be tied to efficiency and effectiveness. They can add the cost on a national level on these types of amenities. Mr. Younger stated to get a cost per user, it is typically on a specific user basis like a yoga class. Mr. Earman asked for clarification on cost per resident or user. Ms. Amorose Groomes referenced the Olympic -style kayaking and the number ot residents that would use that amenity, and stated that she would like to know the cost per resident on such an amenity. If we make wise choices in offerings, the need for cost recovery is less. Mr. Younger stated that pricing is broken down into levels and the benefit and cost can be directly related to the user. To make good decisions, we need good data. Mr. Keeler agreed that maintenance needs to be elevated. Waterway maintenance needs to be addressed. There is a good bit of synergy between the feasibility study done by Visit Dublin and this plan. Any items that can be achieved by looking seriously at that would accomplish a lot. It is interesting that the statistically valid survey shows a desire for an aquatic facility. He agrees with Ms. Alutto about working with the schools on that issue. Mr. Reiner stated that there is some low -hanging fruit. For instance, we have a quarry that wou be perfect for climbing as well as the east side wall on Bridge Street. Shawnee Hills is consided spending $15 million on addressing handicap needs. We also use the metro parks. He found th report very helpful in providing clarity. He asked if there is something exciting that could be broug into the community that would draw young people into the community. Mr. Younger stated th there are a lot of things. A really effective amphitheater that seats up to 4,000 is very powe 't Darree Fieldoppa s has the potential to be ne of the remier s orts complexes in the country. He st that the decision needs to be made as to whether this is being done for local people or local a regional. A lot of these could provide regional amenities that serve a larger audience. I , recommend R-I'VNIIN I rw M_ Design for safety also has to be in anything you do. Dublin has the space to have one of the b mountain biking park in the country. Boulder, CO created one like a ski resort and it draws peop from all over. Mr. Reiner stated that survey respondents don't always think of big, out -of -the -b ideas. Mayor Fox sought consensus on whether Council is supportive of the key focus areas in general. Consensus was yes, Council is supportive of the key focus areas. WIMMKINWRRIM"t January 17, 2023 Page ♦ of 9 Mayor Fox agreed on maintenance. She wants to be sure that wellness in recreation programmixig, covers any capabilities/abilities. It might be important to do a focus group with underserved communities like teens and special needs groups. She would like to narrow down priorities in each key focus area. Ms. Alutto agreed that there is • need for w#•1 equipment and programming. There was s. gym with such equipment that has closed leaving a gap. Mr. Earman stated that the City is currently in the process of licensing staff to provide the same programming that they provided. 't s: s * M,