HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-2024 Council Retreat Minutes2024 DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL RETREAT (PART II)
APRIL 5, 2024 — 8:30 AM
DAVE THOMAS FOUNDATION FOR ADOPTION
4900 TUTTLE CROSSING BLVD.
Mayor Amorose Groomes called the Friday, April 5, 2024 Council Retreat — Part II to order at
8:55 a.m.
Members Present: Vice Mayor Alutto, Mayor Amorose Groomes, Ms. De Rosa, Ms. Fox, Mr.
Keeler, Ms. Kramb and Mr. Reiner.
Staff Present: Ms. O’Callaghan, Mr. Hartmann, Mr. Gracia, Mr. Stiffler, Ms. Rauch, Mr. Earman,
Mr. Will, Ms. Willis, Ms. Weisenauer, Ms. Blake.
Others Present: Chris Bigham, Baker Tilly, Matt Kallner, Kelly Keyes, and Abe Jacob, Kallner &
Associates.
Adjourn to Executive Session
Mayor Amorose Groomes moved to adjourn to executive session for the purposes of considering
the purchase of property for public purposes.
Vice Mayor Alutto seconded.
Vote on the motion: Mr. Keeler, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Ms. Fox, yes;
Ms. Kramb, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes.
The meeting reconvened into open session at 11:26 a.m.
Potential Performing Arts Center
Mr. Stiffler provided an overview of the pro forma for a potential performing arts center.
Discussion was held regarding the impact of daily operations on the operating budget and how
capital maintenance could potentially impact the Capital Improvements Program. Mr. Stiffler
also summarized the construction cost estimates and how that would impact the City’s Debt
Policy. He explained that the City’s Debt Policy is a proxy for the AAA rating that the City strives
for and has achieved. Ms. O'Callaghan explained that at the time the Feasibility Study was
done in November, the announcement had not been made about the new Columbus Symphony
performance center. She stated that she reached out to Duncan Webb to see how the recent
announcement would impact the study. He said the impact would be largely in fundraising. He
is not concerned about target audience and performances as this is a larger venue than he
studied for Dublin. Mr. Keeler shared a summary of discussions he has had recently regarding
the announced center.
Mr. Keeler recommended Council “back-burner” a performing arts center as the timing to
pursue it is not good. Consensus of Council was to not pursue this project at this time. It is an
aspirational goal that should resurface at a better time. It was also mentioned that Council’s
interest in a project such as this should be discussed with potential developers of Metro Center.
Council is supportive of someone taking this project and making it an enterprise. Council
members agreed that they will learn a great deal from watching this development in Columbus
unfold.
Ohio Legislative Environment
Mr. Kallner, Mr. Jacob and Ms. Keyes provided an overview of the current legislative agenda,
the priorities for Dublin and action plans. Mr. Kallner shared the challenges of the current
political landscape. Council consensus was to ask the City Manager to do an RFP (Request for
Proposals) for lobbyist services since it has not been done in number of years.
Council Planning Calendar
Council expressed an interest to realign goal setting with evaluations of Council’s employees.
Discussion was held regarding the best time to hold the annual retreat so staff could begin the
year with new goals in mind. Council consensus was to hold the annual goal-setting retreat in
November each year. This would allow the City Manager time to incorporate Council’s new
goals with the goals that are set for staff at the beginning of the year and would also align with
her staff evaluations.
Council consensus was to hold the evaluations for the City Manager and Clerk in February each
year.
Discussion was held about the amount of time that would pass between the 2024 retreat and
the November 2025 retreat. Council consensus was to hold a retreat in November of this year
(2024) as a check-in on goals. Council consensus was to allow the Clerk to begin preparations
for the retreat 6-8 months out each year (location and facilitator if needed).
Adult-Use of Recreational Marijuana
Mr. Hartmann provided an update regarding the recreational marijuana issue that went into
effect December 7, 2023. He stated some communities have felt pressured to take action in
the form of a moratorium until the State has adopted rules or any new legislation is actually
made into law. He provided options to Council. Council consensus was to direct legal staff to
bring forward legislation regarding adult use marijuana and also amending the definition of
“smoking” in Dublin’s Code to provide more clarity and ensure that vaping devices are included.
Council 2024 Goals
Staff provided updates on the status of 2023 Council goals as follows:
e Goal 1: Become the Most Connected Community in the U.S. Mr. Brown provided the
update that the construction of Altafiber’s network will take place in four phases with
Phase 1 beginning as anticipated in April 2024. It is anticipated that the first release of
services to customers will occur in the fourth quarter of 2024.
e Goal 2: Realize the Metro Center Revitalization Vision. Ms. Rauch stated that three
unique scenarios will be presented to Council at the May work session. These options
explore an alternate urban design framework based on feedback that has been received.
Council will select a preferred scenario, which will define a final project approach. The
project team will finalize the plan and present to Council in September 2024. Discussion
was held regarding public input sessions and stakeholder meetings.
e Goal 3: Strengthen the Stewardship and Vitality of our Historic Dublin Core. Ms.
Rauch provided an update on the work that has been done on this goal, including:
o Historic District Code and Guidelines — updated in 2021 and amended in 2023;
o Commercial facade program — Partnership with Dublin CIC;
o Historic Dublin Business Association — Supports business growth; and
o Staff Stewardship and Support — Monthly office hours and Economic
Development Administrator recently hired with focus on Historic District.
Staff recommended that this goal be considered completed.
e Goal 4: Develop Dublin’s “Destination of Choice” Next Generation Community Events.
Mr. Earman listed the work that has been done toward this goal. He provided an update
on the Holiday Market proposals (five have been received) and a selection committee
will meet to evaluate the responses. An RFP was issued for firms to develop an events
and management roadmap and four responses were received. The consultant that is
selected will look at all current events. Council requested that when costs are evaluated
that they are fully loaded costs (including staffing). Council consensus to vitalize
Riverside Crossing Park with smaller activity such as art, food trucks, etc.
Council consensus was that Goal #3 was completed. Discussion was held regarding adding
another goal. The City Manager suggested the following language:
Begin implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan with a focus on
cultivating an environment that embodies both recreation and economic vibrancy.
She stated she will provide draft language prior to Council approving their goals.
Mr. Reiner expressed a desire to add a fifth goal, which would work to keep Dublin green. He
explained that he would like to look at replacement trees, landscape maintenance and
adherence to policies regarding our greenways. Council consensus was that this topic may not
be a goal as the work would be ongoing, but to refer this topic to the Community Development
Committee for further work and discussion.
Vice Mayor Alutto moved to refer the discussion of greenways, what assessments have been
done and adherence of the greenways policies to the Community Development Committee.
Mr. Reiner seconded.
Vote on the motion: Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes; Vice
Mayor Alutto, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Ms. Kramb, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes.
Mayor Amorose Groomes thanked everyone for the time and discussion.
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 3:16 p.m. Le. A —
Presiding Officer — Mayor
A MOU:
Oferk of Gouncil