HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-2023 Work Session MinutesDUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
AUGUST 21, 2023
Minutes
Mayor Fox called the Monday, August 21, 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, Mr. Ranc, Mr. Boggs, Chief Paez, Mr. Stiffler, Mr. Hammersmith, Ms.
Hoffman, Ms. Willis, Ms. Murray, Mr. Rayburn, Mr. Urbancsik, Mr. Hendershot, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Brown,
Mr. Earman, Ms. Wawszkiewicz, Ms. Blake, Ms. Goliver, Mr. Ament, Mr. Ashford.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Fox led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2024-2028 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)
Mr. Stiffler noted that a binder had been provided to Council Members containing a list of projects
and associated funding. He reviewed the schedule noting that this is the second work session. The
first reading on legislation will occur Monday, August 28, 2023 with second reading scheduled for
September 25, 2023. Between those meetings, there can be as many work sessions as necessary.
The CIP includes 147 funded projects with a total of $240,861,342 in total requested funding.
Mr. Stiffler shared a breakdown shown by year and division 2024 through 2028. The second year
appears to be an anomaly because it includes the bridge over I-270. Grant funding is expected to
help fund a project of that scale. Staff continues to prioritize maintenance. Maintenance in the CIP
is $98.8 million. This continues to keep assets at the high quality expected. New infrastructure is
totaled at $142.1 million.
Parks
Mr. Earman briefly reviewed the Parks CIP. He stated that the Amberleigh Park Kayak launch
renovation project has been moved up due to safety concerns. Renovations to the Ballentrae Splash
Pad in 2025 and 2026 will make the play surface safer and address mechanical issues to stay in line
with regulations for splash pads. Under Renovations/Improvements, Champions Park has been
moved out one year. Other items come from the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and will go
through the master planning process. Darree Fields athletic turf has been added to the master plan.
Hyland Glen Park was moved out one year to accommodate that development. City entryway signage
is moved out in a phased fashion beginning in 2025.
Mr. Earman provided more detail on some of the projects. The Amberleigh Park Kayak Launch
renovation is due to the fact that the kayak launch has had significant erosion. Staff wants to repair
and mitigate erosion and build back up the shoreline there to provide a safer drop into the water.
Shier Rings Park Shelter and Plaza renovations include funding for repairs to the shelter house and
re-landscaping for safety concerns. A complete design for the plaza is planned in 2024 with
construction in 2025.
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Ms. Amorose Groomes asked about consideration for relocating the shelter further from its current
location; perhaps on the other side of the pond. Mr. Earman stated that has not been considered.
It does accommodate businesses there. Ms. Amorose Grooms suggested that moving it might make
it a more peaceful environment. It could be problematic right on the intersection.
Mr. Earman referenced the Coffman Park Expansion of Pickleball courts. The specific locations have
yet to be determined. Construction will occur in 2025.
Mr. Reiner asked about the kayak launch and if any effort has been made to see if we can partner
with the City of Columbus using their launch at Glick Park. Mr. Earman stated that staff can research
that. Private companies have used those facilities. Mr. Reiner stated that there is a parking lot there
and a wide asphalt area.
Vice Mayor De Rosa asked how it is determined what goes in the Park and Recreation Master Plan
and what is accounted for with the CIP. Mr. Earman stated staff chose the projects about which they
had received the most feedback. The Riverside Crossing promenade was moved from CIP but will
be added to master planning process. There is funding available this year.
Vice Mayor De Rosa asked about the plan to repair the cover for the Coffman Park amphitheater.
Mr. Earman stated that as well as the performing arts center, staff can research a new structure as
part of the Coffman Park master plan.
Mr. Reiner stated that he became aware of a bandstand that could be acquired for a good price. It
could be helpful for Scioto Park. Mr. Earman stated that staff will explore that.
Ms. Kramb asked about how projects are listed. Mr. Earman stated that many items from the Parks
and Rec Master Plan can be covered in the operating budget.
Mr. Ranc explained that there are projects beginning now that are part of the Parks and Rec Master
Plan. Those funds are available now and will be encumbered now.
Mayor Fox asked if there is a way we can build new courts that can be striped for pickleball that
may be used for tennis. Mr. Earman stated that there are very few tennis courts that are not striped
for pickleball currently.
Facilities
In response to Vice Mayor De Rosa’s earlier question regarding the Coffman Park amphitheater, Mr.
Ashford confirmed that we have the cover in our possession; it just a matter of installation.
Mr. Ashford shared Facilities portion of the CIP noting that the focus will be on several sustainability
projects in keeping with Council’s goals. Already included in the budget were additional electric
vehicle (EV) charging stations to accommodate Dublin’s growing EV fleet. There is also a plan to
add solar panels on the carport over the charging stations to help offset the costs. Those will be
located in the rear of the service center. Ms. O'Callaghan complimented Mr. Ashford on his work
securing grant opportunities for charging stations.
Mr. Ashford continued by stating that most stations are intended for Level 2/overnight charging.
The focus of the electric fleet will be pickup trucks, SUVs and transit vehicles.
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Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she is delighted to see the inclusion of solar power. In conversation
with area partners, she has learned that they are looking to install EV stations throughout their
communities. She asked if that is part of work that Dublin is considering. Ms. Willis answered
affirmatively. We have undertaken a study of the EV need citywide in three scenarios (low, medium,
and high). That is in the Operating Budget and is currently underway. Ms. O'Callaghan stated that
Staff initiated that study early this year with the goal of tapping into federal grant opportunities. Ms.
Willis added that Dublin did apply for those federal funds with the region through MORPC this year.
Mayor Fox asked about fast charging stations within community. Ms. Willis stated that is something
we have contemplated and is included in the study. There is substantial cost difference between
level 2 and fast charging. Ms. O’Callaghan added that there is also substantial electrical work that
would need to be performed by AEP in advance of the installation of fast charging stations.
Mr. Ashford stated that another project proposed is to install solar panels on the roof to help offset
the cost of electricity used by that building. A complete analysis will still need to be conducted. Ms.
Kramb asked about bidding the project. Mr. Ashford stated that staff has not made a decision on a
company. We will be looking to issue a Request for Proposals to see who has the best plan for us.
Ms. O’Callaghan stated that Management Analyst Emily Goliver has done extensive research on that
and found multiple companies that have done work for other cities.
Mr. Earman explained that the DCRC improvements are in the Facilities section of the CIP. Council
directed staff to create a comprehensive holistic master plan for the DCRC to maximize existing
space, allow for additional programming, update appearance and furnishings, and consider potential
expansions. Master planning funds are already available through remaining American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA) funds from 2023. Years 2024-2026 will continue design and construction. Staff is looking
forward to taking this out to the community and getting as much community engagement as
possible.
Fleet
Mr. Ashford reviewed the projected fleet projects and stated that they are basically replacing
equipment as needed.
Police
Chief Paez stated that the 2024-2028 CIP for Police include 16 requests totaling $4,390,0000. The
largest project in the maintenance category is a proposed project to upgrade and replace tasers,
body cameras and cruiser cameras. In the new enhancements category, money is programmed for
backup communications center. That cost is offset by contributions from NRECC partners. We have
money programmed for the Delaware tactical unit equipment upgrades. There is money also
programmed to continue to purchase e-bikes. Two additional projects of note are speed safety
cameras and the scout crime prevention portable surveillance cameras. Those were used during the
Irish Festival this year.
Stormwater
Mr. Hammersmith highlighted stormwater projects. The annual storm structure maintenance (storm
inlets and manholes) will be level-spending from previous years. Annual stormwater maintenance
cost projections provide for inflationary increase. The waterway maintenance program does have an
increase for 2024 based on current projects. That amount then decreases in 2025 in order to
evaluate the costs. Earlington Park costs are based on a study done this year that determined the
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basin to be undersized. Pond aerator systems are for City-owned ponds to improve water quality.
The South Riverview Stormwater Improvements were moved to line up with a sanitary sewer
improvement on South Riverview Street.
Mr. Hammersmith stated that with the Waterways Maintenance Program — Year 2, the focus will be
south of Wyandotte Woods Boulevard on Tonti Creek. These are for maintenance of waterways to
correct erosion and bank stabilization. Earlington Park Drainage Basin Improvements is the project
that will raise the embankment to increase storage volume and provide for a new outlet pipe from
basin to North Fork Indian Run to provide more capacity. Part of that will require reconstruction of
the pedestrian trail that rings the basin. Design and construction is planned for 2024.
Ms. Amorose Groomes asked about the ponds at southeast corner of Brand and Muirfield. It looks
like they have been using bladder bags for sediment control. She asked if staff has heard feedback
regarding that process. It appears to be an efficient process but she would like to know how cost
effective and successful it is. Mr. Hammersmith stated it is both cost effective and successful. That
is the second time the technique has been used in the City. The bladders are laid on woodchips and
the water slowly leeches from the bladders. Staff worked with the condominium association at Lakes
of Dunmere on this project. It is a cost effective means versus mechanical dredging. It is also more
environmentally friendly to aquatic wildlife and the basin itself. Typically the bottom of the basin is
the focus. It is usually done based on a study done of the pond and silt load. Staff would like to get
some cost information but we do not have that presently. Ms. O’Callaghan stated that in the past,
the City has considered that tool but in those instances, the bladders would have been located
directly in residents’ backyards.
Ms. Alutto asked how long that process takes. Mr. Hammersmith answered six to nine months.
Mayor Fox shared her personal experience with the technique. The bladders leak water so if they
are not in an area that can absorb the water it can be messy. The silt can be turned into fill dirt.
Mr. Reiner referenced when the Community Development Committee reviewed waterway
maintenance. He asked if sufficient money is programmed to take care of those blockages. Mr.
Hammersmith stated that all debris removal comes out of the operating budget and is funded
separately. The CIP covers erosion control and bank stabilization.
Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that Council had intended to put some significant money toward
waterway maintenance and she wants to be sure that we are funding what we committed to fund.
Mr. Hammersmith stated we are funding the project areas previously committed to as determined
in the program initially.
Mr. Ranc stated that the operating budget is over $35,000 in blockage removal. Staff did quite a bit
of winter work internally and a contract will be going out to bid for work in the fall.
Ms. Kramb stated that she has received a lot of gratitude from residents on Hayden Run. The
Earlington project will also make residents very happy.
Mayor Fox stated that we have had issues with silt running downstream. As these waterways are
cleared, is there a way through landscaping that we can achieve some filtering of the silt. Mr.
Hammersmith stated that for water quality purposes within new basins, we have extended detention
times to allow impurities to deposit in the basin itself. For open waterways, the erosion that occurs
along the creek itself is always a problem. Cattails are a good option.
Mayor Fox stated that these basins are functional for capturing stormwater but they can also be
attractive landscape features. As we add and renovate basins, can we improve on the landscaping?
Mr. Hammersmith stated that typically comes out of the planning process. The interest in
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engineering is the function of the basin. Staff can carry that feedback forward to the planning
department.
Mr. Reiner stated that if you feel the need to expand the riparian corridor, let Council know so that
can be done as an ordinance. Mr. Hammersmith stated that staff will have a discussion with Public
Services Committee in October about the riparian corridor and that part of the maintenance program.
Technology
Mr. Brown stated that staff has done restructuring around areas that the Information Technology
(IT) Department funds. Much of it is considered maintenance. They have reviewed lifecycle
management, larger enterprise systems as well as hardware. There will always be a need for CIP
money for security. Some of those dollars will be shifting to the Operating Budget as we subscribe
to certain services. Staff will be looking at network microsegmentation and some things to protect
different clouds and software. Fiber Optic and Traffic Fiber Enhancements includes wrapping up
fiber integration and finalizing the loop in the West Innovation District. Staff is looking at the
document/content management system replacement (Laserfische) as well as Munis and the time-
keeping system. Within the Infrastructure and Operations group are some public Wi-fi and larger
lifecycle upgrades and maintenance.
Mayor Fox stated that when she tries to find something about the City, sometimes she cannot find
it. Mr. Brown sated that there are a lot of different tools and some of the old ways of tagging and
cataloging has had advancements. Staff will be looking at a different realm of vendors. This is a
point of emphasis for us.
Vice Mayor De Rosa asked about the fiber to the home project and Dublin’s contributions to that
network. Mr. Brown stated this is not fiber to the home in this. Ms. O’Callaghan stated that funding
was previously accounted for when that contract was approved. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that the
spending of that was in the last CIP. Mr. Stiffler stated that fiber to the home was $23 million in
debt appropriation approved in 2021. We have been working through that project. At the end of
2022, those funds expired. The City continued to negotiate and identify a solution. In the Quarter 2
Supplemental Appropriation, $7.1 was appropriated to execute that contract. Ms. O'Callaghan stated
that as we execute that contract, that will be recorded in the monthly CIP report. Vice Mayor De
Rosa suggested that Fiber to the Home be listed as a major project. It would be useful to see the
funding for larger projects.
Vice Mayor De Rosa asked about infrastructure for Wi-fi for Riverside Crossing Park. Mr. Earman
stated that we have Wi-fi at the park. There is a project coming up for enhancements to lawn space
that will expand that to the north. That project will be designed in 2025 with construction in 2026.
Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she is not sure that timing makes sense. Mr. Earman stated that
this came out of an intent to improve the park for events. Ms. O’Callaghan stated that Coffman Park
was prioritized due to the Irish Festival. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that she will keep pushing for
activation for that park and putting the infrastructure in place at Riverside Park that we have at
other parks.
Mr. Keeler stated that he is supportive of activating the park but it will take time. As of now, there
are very few people using a park that far north. This is a 5-year CIP and next year we will have a
new 5-year CIP. Vice Mayor De Rosa stated that those improvements are currently programmed for
2026 and she is asking for that to be considered sooner.
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Vice Mayor De Rosa asked about the increase in dollars for information security. Mr. Brown explained
that those items are a mix of physical systems/equipment and some network protection. Staff is also
considering data loss prevention.
Mayor Fox referenced Connected Dublin and asked about protecting citizens’ personal privacy. Mr.
Brown stated that it is not represented in the CIP but is always good to discuss. There are policies
staff is looking to implement including the use of connected systems and video analytics. There are
currently general guidelines that staff discusses internally and we are looking at developing those
further. Mayor Fox stated that people worry about “Big Brother” watching and collecting data and it
is important for people Know that we are respecting and protecting their data. Mr. Brown shared
one example: analytical computing can be done with “the edge” so the City never receives certain
types of videos. Staff will communicate that to City Council as it grows.
Transportation and Mobility
Mr. Taylor addressed the maintenance portion of bicycle and pedestrian projects. The annual shared-
use path maintenance are projects identified from the annual inspection. Those keep the condition
at or above 70. The annual sidewalk maintenance covers replacement and shaving on sidewalks
primarily based on requests. With regard to sidewalk brick and paver maintenance, staff is currently
engaging with consultants to identify best practices for maintenance.
Vice Mayor De Rosa requested striping for safety on some shared use paths around blind corners.
They are dangerous. She has seen many mishaps. She was down near Athens and noticed that they
do striping near dangerous corners and used markers to make cyclists aware of potential dangers.
There are best practices that she would like to see explored. Ms. Willis stated that they do have
shared use path striping guidelines but staff can look to add additional standards.
Ms. O’Callaghan stated that she has seen remnants of striping. It seemed to be dependent on who
installed it. It would be good to be consistent. Ms. Kramb was supportive of that.
Ms. Willis reviewed new enhancements/infrastructure for Mobility — Bicycles and Pedestrians. There
are five new projects proposed for funding including pedestrian crossing improvements, which have
been awarded $100,000 from Safe Routes to School grant program from the State of Ohio. This will
install a pedestrian hybrid beacon. The primary focus will be on Muirfield Drive at Sells Mill for those
students crossing to Scottish Corners. Future locations will include Hyland Croy at Tullymore and
Earlington at Brand Road based on community feedback. Another project proposed is a signature
trail study looking at a dedicated greenway from the Darree Fields area through Metro Center though
historic Dublin over to Sawmill Road. Another component included is a micro-transit service study.
This is going to build on the success of the Dublin Connector and look at what the City’s micro-
transit service should be in future. The study will consider fixed route versus on-demand service,
vehicle types, and how aggressively Dublin should pursue COTA versus operating our own services.
A fiscal analysis will be conducted. Mobility hubs are included in the 5-year CIP. Staff is proposing
in 2027 to design mobility hubs in three new locations (library, parking garage, and on Frantz Road).
Staff is taking time to evaluate how the first one at the DCRC operates, how useful it is and the
community’s response. The signature trail study will coordinate with the Metro Center Visioning
Study.
Mr. Hammersmith spoke about the Riverside Drive East Shared-Use Path Section 3. This will create
a continuous path from Bridge Park up to Wyandotte Woods Boulevard. This will be done to coincide
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with sanitary and water projects in the area. Design is underway presently and construction is
scheduled for 2027.
Ms. Amorose Groomes asked if the connectors will line up with the MORPC Central Ohio Greenways
Study. Ms. Willis answered affirmatively. Staff worked with MOPRC to study trails on the City’s
periphery so all are tied together. Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that there may be some grant money
available for those connections.
Ms. Amorose Groomes referenced transportation hubs and stated that it might be valuable to put
something in the CIP in the outmost years for a train stated. It is important to demonstrate our
commitment to rail. Ms. Alutto agreed. The project can be moved if necessary. She likes the idea
of showing our commitment. Ms. Kramb was supportive as well.
Mr. Reiner asked about COTA stop improvement. Ms. Willis stated that is looking at benches,
concrete pad, trash receptacle and prioritizing various locations. Mr. Reiner stated that he would like
to see that moved across Sawmill Road. Maybe they would like a bigger stop across Sawmill Road.
Ms. O'Callaghan asked for clarification on the rail discussion. Ms. Amorose Groomes proposed putting
money for design in 2027 and some money in 2028. She has no interest in derailing current projects
but would like to demonstrate early commitment. We could put grant receipts or other funding
measures. Ms. O'Callaghan stated that we have done that before. Mayor Fox agreed. This is a
placemaker for the City of Dublin. There are other mobility options that might be coming in the
future that may be incorporated in the last mile.
Vice Mayor De Rosa is supportive as well. With regard to the signature trail study, she asked if it is
too early to show residents design of the greenways. Ms. Willis stated that is what this work will do.
Mr. Taylor covered maintenance for bridges and culverts. The first three projects on the list are
identified with annual inspections. The US33 bridge maintenance over the Scioto River covers
Dublin’s costs associated with that ODOT project. That mainly covers a pedestrian separator along
that bridge as well as railing and lighting enhancements. Mayor Fox confirmed that will not change
the character of that bridge. Mr. Taylor stated that it will not. This will primarily be a deck and
underside arch maintenance. Staff is working with the Planning Department on those details.
Projects listed as separate bridge projects are not new but listed separately. Dublin Link maintenance
is the annual cost for lighting repairs and maintenance.
Mr. Keeler asked about deck sealing for the needle on the bridge. It would be a shame if any of that
eroded. Mr. Taylor stated that staff can look at sealing the pylon as well. Ms. O'Callaghan stated
that there is already some sealant on it for graffiti barrier.
Mr. Reiner stated that there was a past interest in lighting the 161 bridge but the facade needed so
much work. He asked if this bridge will be patched up and whether lighting could be added. Mr.
Taylor stated that the ODOT project will patch up the bridge, then with the money allocated in the
CIP, we could do some under bridge lighting if that is the desire of Council. Mr. Reiner stated that
he would like the arches lit so they reflect onto the water.
Ms. Willis stated that there are three projects proposed under New Enhancements/Infrastructure for
Bridges and Culverts. They are: Crossing Over I-270 Shier Rings Road to Metro Place, Eiterman Road
Culvert Replacement, and Tuller Road to Emerald Parkway over 270. The Tuller Road to Emerald
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Parkway crossing supports the Mount Carmel Hospital site development. IT will ease traffic
operations on Sawmill Road. Design is scheduled for 2024 and utility construction work for 2025
anticipating grants and other revenue sources.
Mr. Hammersmith stated that for the Eiterman Road Culvert over South Fork Indian Road project,
Dublin is working cooperatively with the Franklin County Engineer’s Office. Design is complete. They
are submitting an application to Ohio Public Works for funding. Dublin’s portion is up to $280,000.
This project will support the thoroughfare plan and any future pedestrian improvements along
Eiterman Road.
Mr. Reiner asked about the hospital bridge. Ms. Willis stated that this is a place-making bridge. It
will include more greenery across the structure to create a safe pedestrian user environment. It
might be reminiscent of Spring Street Bridge in downtown Columbus done the Dublin Way. Mayor
Fox loves how the bicyclists are separate from motor vehicles. Vice Mayor De Rosa asked what this
will connect to. Ms. Willis stated that it will connect to the shared use path on Emerald Parkway and
expand vulnerable roadway user pathway to Bridge Park.
Mr. Taylor presented Streets & Parking Maintenance. Annual guardrail and parking lot maintenance
as well as retaining wall, are all based on annual inspection of assets. Annual street maintenance
program are holding around $7 million to stay at or above a 75 rating. Staff is engaging with a
consultant on the Roadway Brick and Paver Maintenance project to find out best practices on
maintenance and repair. Street lighting and traffic control were brought into the program this year.
Ms. Amorose Groomes asked about the brick and paver maintenance. They are not holding up on
Riverside Drive and are degrading at a rapid rate. She suggested we try a different material because
the clay is not holding up. Mr. Taylor stated that will be part of the study. Ms. O'Callaghan stated
that Columbus has studied theirs and they have realigned their bricks to align with the wheel pattern
of traffic. Mr. Taylor stated that staff is hoping a lot of the worst is behind us with construction
traffic. Research shows that the turning radius of cars is the problem. We have the best material
that you can buy. Mr. Reiner stated that fired brick is the best option but the turning radius of the
cars is the problem.
Vice Mayor De Rosa asked why we continue to spend money to try to pave these intersections in a
way that is failing. She suggested a border perhaps. It does not look attractive now so she is
wondering why we are trying so hard to do that. Mr. Keeler stated it works in Europe and has for
1,000 years. It can be done. Ms. O’Callaghan stated that often traffic calming is another benefit.
Ms. Kramb asked about concrete in medians and where that addressed. Mr. Taylor stated that the
City is going through the process of replacing all of that. It will be replaced with bricks. Mr. Taylor
stated that it is covered in Street Maintenance.
Mayor Fox maintenance is important. She asked how Dublin is doing compared to an average
municipality. One third of the capital budget is maintenance. Mr. Taylor stated we spend significantly
more on maintenance than other cities our size. He thanked Council for spending the money on
that. The City of Cleveland street maintenance is $12 million per year. Anecdotally Dublin probably
spends two to three times more on maintenance. Ms. O’Callaghan stated that we have a very
sophisticated asset management program and programming is based on our goal to achieve those
ratings. Mayor Fox stated most people do not understand how much a city spends on maintenance.
It is an important point to make. Some cities do not have the ability to maintain at this level and
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appearance. Mr. Taylor stated that we do receive calls from other cities asking Dublin how we
maintain bike paths, culverts, etc.
Ms. Willis covered Streets and Parking CIP. This includes school zone flashing beacon and driver
feedback sign improvements as well as the speed management projects. She detailed the traffic
signal/electrical infrastructure maintenance program. This is a subset of the street maintenance
program. This addresses the aging traffic signal infrastructure. Many of the signals were constructed
20-25 years ago. The wiring is becoming brittle and difficult to maintain. We do not have the ability
to upgrade to current technology. This program will address those concerns. Intersections identified
for improvements have been aligned with the street maintenance program. The street lighting
improvements is building on the project currently underway and will replace all wiring in streetlights
along High Street and on Bridge Street. It will add dimming capabilities.
Mayor Fox asked about LED lighting levels. Ms. Willis stated that the current program does not
contemplate that but staff can research it. She explained the technical implications. Mayor Fox
expressed concern about the character of the lamps.
Ms. Willis stated that the Bright Road Corridor and Bright Road-Sawmill intersection improvements
project is currently under design. Construction is anticipated in 2024 to coordinate with the Mount
Carmel Health System opening. This project is part of infrastructure agreement with Mr. Carmel
hospital and does include some utility relocation. In support of the Mount Carmel Hospital, the new
roundabout under design at the Mount Carmel main entrance is slated for construction in 2024 in
conjunction with Bright Road improvements. They are hoping to package the projects.
Ms. Willis stated that the Rings Road and Cosgray intersection study with the Franklin County
Engineer’s Office is currently underway. It looks to address the congestion and safety concerns that
are currently present at the offset intersection of Rings Road East and Rings Road West with Cosgray
Road. Alternatives are currently under evaluation. Design is scheduled in 2024.
Ms. Willis stated that the Eiterman Road Relocation project supports a vibrant vision of a mixed-use
environment with pedestrian friendly amenities consistent with Dublin Ohio University vision. It does
support future development at the eastern end of the campus. It also satisfies the terms of the 2021
development agreement with Ohio University. Design is underway and construction is scheduled for
2024 to meet development agreement obligations.
Ms. Willis stated that the Riverview Village Public Infrastructure improvements project looks to
improve and provide much needed maintenance in the North Riverview Street, North Street, Black
Street area of Dublin. This project is pending approval of development agreement with COHatch.
Design is scheduled for 2024 and construction in 2025.
Ms. Willis shared the John Shields Parkway Extension — East of Village Parkway. This could be
constructed in conjunction with future development. No right of way costs are expected as developer
cooperation is expected.
Ms. Willis stated that this CIP includes an allocation for proposed school zone flashing beacons and
driver feedback signs project. This project works to centralize communications with all school
flashers and driver feedback signs. Currently, when school flashers need programmed, Dublin’s
electrical crew goes to each individual flasher and uploads programming to every single one. This
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will upgrade the manual clock-based school zone flashing beacons and driver feedback signs in
Dublin’s school zones for easier maintenance and programming. It will give us alerts when not
working and will allow the opportunity to turn flashers off for inclement weather days.
Ms. Willis shared the Speed Management Projects. In furtherance of recently approved speed
management program, this project provides for solutions like driver feedback signs, striping, words
on pavement or other lower-cost solutions. It could also support tactical urbanism project if
successful this year. This project would not cover more infrastructure intense solutions. Those would
need to be brought forward for consideration under CIP.
Mr. Hammersmith shared the South High Street Utility Burial - Phase 2. Design is being completed
this year. Construction is scheduled for 2024.
Ms. Kramb asked about work on North Riverview. Riverview Village has a narrow scope. North
Riverview rehabilitation is a few years out. Why are those not combined? She does not like having
a project named after a development that does not exist. She also wonders why we do not have
anything for Blacksmith Lane. Ms. Willis stated that this project does contemplate necessary
maintenance for Blacksmith Lane as well. The amount of upgrading possible given how narrow, is
quite limited. This project contemplates repaving and some off-street parking. Ms. O’Callaghan
stated that the addition of this project came late in the process. Staff is working on a development
agreement presented to Council next Monday (August 28, 2023). Staff was working to coordinate
this project. It can be refined before second reading.
Administration
Mr. Stiffler stated that he will focus on the enterprise funds.
Administration has similar categories to other budgets except for the water and sewer extension
projects. The water and sewer funding model is generally funded by debt. That is paid for by transfer
from capital improvements fund so it is funded though income tax. This is done so that water and
sewer rates are not impacted by those projects. Historically, Dublin’s debt policy has not considered
this transfer income tax because it is not the primary repayment source. When a payment was
deemed a small amount proportionally, it was less problematic. As extensions have increased, it
becomes more problematic to be excluded. Total request for 2024-2028 CIP is $3 million. That is
because we have removed the construction costs for all extension programs and moved the
preliminary design for all extension areas into 2024 to better get cost estimates. This is a funding
model that is sustainable and moves us forward. This program does not fund construction, continues
to keep placeholders, fund preliminary engineering and have discussion about this policy with actual
costs. Sewer and water rates this CIP are identical to those proposed in the last CIP. He noted that
we did received grant funding for waterline maintenance in 2024.
Ms. Kramb asked if we are still constructing sewer projects that were programmed for 2024. Mr.
Stiffler stated no, that was a $7.7 million project. Ms. Kramb stated that the people on Tonti Drive
have been told they were getting the extension next year. Mr. Stiffler stated that the City had
estimated it around $3 million and it is almost $8 million. That warrants additional time and
consideration. Ms. Kramb stated that we will have some upset residents. Mr. Reiner stated that we
reviewed that but he costs were outrageous. We have to continue providing services but provide
them in a rational financial basis. Mr. Stiffler stated that he appreciates there is not an easy solution
for this. If we better estimate, we will have higher confidence in costs. The cost per impacted
Council Work Session
August 21, 2023
Page 11 of 11
individual needs examined when considering a $7.7 income tax-based extension. Ms. Kramb stated
that those systems are failing. She asked if we could we help them in any way. Mr. Hammersmith
stated that the design is underway and we are looking to how to serve them. The overarching larger
project is just too cumbersome. We may be able to help them with a smaller system. Ms. Kramb
stated that she understands not serving Riverside Drive but we have to serve Tonti. Mr.
Hammersmith stated that the existing gravity sewer at Hard Road is too shallow. Staff will have a
discussion with Franklin County Public Health. Staff is not aware of any failing systems. Ms.
O'Callaghan stated that is good information to have. Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that the concern
is sooner rather than later there will not be safe drinking water for those residents. When those
wells go bad, it will happen at a singular time. Mr. Hammersmith stated that staff is searching for
data on domestic wells. We are actively working on that.
Mr. Stiffler stated that staff believes there is funding to accelerate this to get preliminary engineering
started this year rather than next calendar year in order to make the timelines work better.
Ms. Amorose Groomes stated that she would support getting engineering done sooner rather than
later. The engineering costs are not going to get less expensive. Ms. Alutto agreed. Vice Mayor De
Rosa agreed. She asked about the engineering estimates. Mr. Hammersmith stated that staff is
trying to better identify alignment and network to serve areas. Original cost estimates were
conceptual. It was just GIS mapping with no understanding of depth, bedrock, utility location, etc.
Riverside Drive has a high point and all that has affected the ability to put in a gravity sewer.
Mr. Stiffler concluded by stating the first hearing will be August 28, 2023.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
Yow Zbl Presidin jim - Mayor /
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Deputy Clerk of Council