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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/14/1983 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 207 Minutes of VILLAGE OF DUBLIN natio I . .gri~1CS Meeting National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ,,"~ Held February 14, 1983 19 The Special meeting of Council to discuss the Capital Improvements Program was called to order by Mayor Lewis at 7:30 P.M. with the following members present: Amorose, Chambers, Headlee, Lewis, Maurer, Thornton. Also present was Mr. Sheldon, Village Manager, Mr. Smith, Law Director, Mrs. Trissel, Finance Direc- tor, Mr. Strutner, Assistant Village Manager, and Mr. Wolfe, Village Engineer. Mayor Lewis welcomed the Council candidates who are being considered to fill the vacancy of Mr. D'Alonzo's seat. He introduced them as follows: Becky Saylor, Jerre Creske, Jeff Rich, Dan Sutphen, Rick Richards, Jim Abbott. Mayor Lewis passed out a memorandum on the 1983 Capital Improvement Program and read it in its entirety with his recommendations of action to be taken at this meeting (attached). Mrs. Headlee asked Mrs. Trissel to explain what money and millage is available for various projects. Mrs. Trissel explained the table of estimated income and expenditures from 1983-1987 and the millage that has been committed. She said the highest total committed millage is in Union County at a rate of 5.1396. She said after retaining 1 mill for the school district, there is a total of 3.8604 millage and it is recommended that 2 mills be held as a re- serve. Considering these reserves, she said the Village has approximately 1.8604 mills available at this time. She added that as property evaulation goes up due to added industry and additional new homes, the millage necessary to collect decreases. Mrs. Maurer asked about Avery Park improvements and when we would know if Fed- eral and State funding would be available to us. Mr. Strutner said he could expect an answer near the end of the year. Mrs. Maurer said she is reluctant to wait that long before further development of Avery Park. Mr. Walker, in charge of soccer in Dublin, spoke in support of Phase I of Avery Park because of the urgent need for better/additional soccer fields in Dublin. He added the schools will be using the land now used for soccer fields within the next few years. There was some discussion of voted and unvoted bonds and Mrs. Trissel stressed that voted issues do not always mean an increase in property taxes. I Mayor Lewis spoke of the proposed plans for a swimming pool and community cente~ on 14 acres next to Coffman Park. He said it is possible these facilities I could be built, managed, and operated by a non-profit corporation. Further, if Council would agree to lease the land to a corporation and to utilize tax increment financing, it is possible the facility could be built at no expense to the Village. Mr. Smith said this type of financing has been accomplished by other municipal- ities. He said it could be done by using a bond issue but the Village would not be the guarantor. The bond/bonds would be guaranteed by businesses. He said this method would not affect the millage and would not threaten a raise in property taxes. He said a great deal of work needs to be done before presenting this to Council for its consideration. Mr. Thornton then moved to give the authority to the Village Manager, Law Direc tor and the Mayor to proceed with the conceptual project to build a major athletic/community center on municipal property - to be built, managed, and operated by a not-for-profit corporation. Mr. Chambers objected to the discussion of details because "broad issues" have not yet been considered. He said he would like more time to review Mayor Lewis' memorandum before acting on any plans. 209 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of VILLAGE OF DUBLIN I 9 ICS Meeting National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ~ Held February 14, 1983 19 Page Two Mrs. Maurer said she felt a balanced Capital Improvements Program was voted on and approved last year which included road and park improvements. She said I at this time she is not willing to agree to boulevard Frantz Road from 161 to Rings Road if the work at Avery Park will be delayed. She said she would also like more time to consider Mayor Lewis' proposal. She said she thought more study should be done on the possible use of the Middle School building for Village offices and she would like to receive more information from the admin- istration concerning the use of funds from the gasoline tax to widen 161 from Corbins Mill to Sawmill Road. Mayor Lewis said he felt the road improvement issue is a priority at this time because of the needs of present and future businesses in Dublin. Also, he said when the gasoline tax becomes effective in March, road construction costs will most likely be increased. After further discussion, Mr. Thornton withdrew his motion. Mayor Lewis adjourned the meeting at 9:15 P.M. ~f/l ~fiH4/ Cl erk 0 f ncil MEMORANDUM To: Dublin Municipal Council Date: February 14, 1983 From: James E. Lewis, Mayor Subject: 1983 Capital Improvements During 1982 Dublin has completed most of the projects identified in the 5-year Capital Improvements Program revised in 1980 as a continuing proposal from 1978. These projects benefit the entire Community and are recognized improvements by the electorate as well as by those citizens working and paying taxes in Dublin but who are not residents. I think the members of Council and the employees of the Village can take pride in having accomplished these projects without any increase in taxes. It is proposed that we continue this course by adopting the following as a list of projects to be completed or initiated in 1983, recognizing some projects such as the bridge cannot be completed within this year. Utilities It is not anticipated that any major expense will be required in 1983 in this category. With the completion of the new water tower, a major sewer to the west, water lines to the west and south, a new pumping station, and improvements in the sewer pumping station, further expansions are not anticipated in the short term. Parks Scioto Park has been completed and is not only very functional but attractive as well. Dublin has a superior parks system with additional land for future development. The efforts to acquire additional riverbank land on the east side are proceeding well. Expansive development of Avery Park is being designed and con- sidered by our Parks and Recreation Committee, and a recommenda- tion regarding priorities should be forthcoming from that Committee shortly. The funding for that additional development in Avery Park is under investigation by the Assistant Manager, John Strutner. He is seeking Federal and State funds on a sharing basis along the same lines that Columbus recently received $1.6 million for a major new park development. It behooves us to wait for these developments before committing additional new money for that purpose this year. - 2 - Municipal Building Extensive studies have been completed by the Committee of Council considering the viability of utilizing the Middle School for municipal functions. This old but sturdily built landmark is to be abandoned by the Dublin School District. The Dublin Board of Education has made the decision that it is more economical and functional for their future requirements to invest in new facilities rather than to renovate the Middle School. Our architectural consultants concur with that opinion. Considering the requirements for a new roof, removal and rebuild- ing of major walls, replacing the boilers and upgrading the old heating system, bringing the electrical system up to code, air conditioning, installing elevators, plus addressing the questions of parking, police emergencies, grounds maintenance, insurance, and excessive utilities costs, it is my opinion and the opinion of our architects that this project would be substantially more expensive than expanding our existing building. Not only would we split municipal functions, but also we would still have an old building. It is proposed we abandon this proposal with thanks to the Committee and proceed with the expansion of our existing Municipal Building. Dublin Arts Council This group is making substantial progress in considering a permanent commitment, in the form of a proposal, by the Community and Council toward cultural development within the Village. The planning for the IIConcert in the Parkll by the Columbus Symphony is well under way with increasing enthusiasm. In addition, plans are under way to ensure the creation of an auditorium-theater for Dublin. The Dublin School Board, in presenting a bond issue last November, committed a portion of those funds to the installation of an auditorium in the high school suitable for Community use, e.g. by the Dublin Abbey Players as well as other functions. This intent was resta ted on Friday, February 11, 1983. The ad hoc Arts Council will be working with the school administration and interested groups in the Village to advise on the design and con- struction of this much needed facility. Streets, Highways, and Bridges The land developers south of Rings Road are already under contract with the Village to construct two lanes of the Frantz Road exten- sion to Tuttle Road. They are committed to undertake this work this spring, 1983. The Village Manager has been authorized to proceed with soliciting bids for the design of the new bridge and approaches on U.S. 33-161. He is working with Mr. E. Karrer as this project proceeds. Appli- cations for revenue sharing to pay the cost of this project have been submitted to MORPC, Franklin County District 6 ODOT FHA ' '" - 3 - and DOT. The contract for the new Hayden Run Bridge has been let. This bridge is on schedule and should be completed by late 1984. It is proposed that the Dublin bridge be ready to go to contract immediately thereafter. An additional project should get under way immediately. We had previously proposed that 161 be widened from Corbins Mill to Sawmill as a part of the bridge project. This was delineated as two separate projects for lack of funds. It is recommended that these two phases be resubmitted as new projects to receive funds from the 5i/gallon gasoline tax and be handled as separate projects. With some effort we may be successful in getting the schedules to coincide with the bridge--about 1985. The engineering design package for widening Frantz Road from 161 to Rings Road has been completed. This is a natural extension of the improved intersection completed in 1982. It is recommended that this project go out for bid immediately with the intention of completing it in 1983. Highway contracts are still receiving very favorable costs--but not for much longer if the general economy continues to improve and particularly as the new gasoline tax begins to impact on highway contractors in 1984. Further, Anatec, a subsidiary of Anaconda Minerals Corporation, is planning to move in 100 employees on Blazer Parkway this spring with expansion to 400 as their facilities are completed, adding to the traffic burden in this area. This new addition will add to our income tax receipts as well. Swimming Pools, Athletic Facilities, and Community Center We are proposing to build a new athletic facility on the 14 acres of land contiguous to Coffman Park. This facility, not yet designed, is contemplated to include an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor pool, both meeting olympic standards. The principal building will include courts for racquetball, handball, volley- ball, basketball, and gymnastics. Exercise equipment and an indoor running track are to be included. A lounge for eating, refreshments, and relaxing will provide an informal social and casual meeting area. If this project proceeds, it is intended that suggestions will be solicited from all the organizations in Dublin regarding their meeting requirements, number of people, frequency and dates of meetings (with or without refreshments or meals) in order to design maximum utilization, flexibility, and accommodation. It is intended that this facility will be built, managed, and operated by a non-profit corporation. If the Council is willing to lease the property to that corporation and is willing to con- sider an ordinance to utilize tax increment financing, there is some confidence this facility will be built at no cost to the municipality. Financial obligations and guarantees for loans and operating expenses will be provided by local businesses. Such a venture is somewhat unique, but it is a fantastic oppor- tunity for Dublin. It is proposed that the authority to proceed - 4 - with the organizational details, drafting of agreements and contracts, concepts of design, and protocol for financial obligations be given to the Law Director, Village Manager, and your Mayor. We already have the agreement of Jim Pickett to serve as chairman of the Businessmen's Committee. If we move with dispatch, we can get this project well under way yet this spring. - - - - . . . In summary, this proposal addresses all the major facets of Capital Improvements for Dublin for 1983. The entire program can move forward with the resources at hand. No tax increase will be required. Keep in mind, however, that there is some give-and-take inherent in the package. For example, it will be somewhat difficult to encourage the major businesses in town to make further commitments in the way of financial contribu- tions or guarantees if we do not move forward on those projects that not only improve the working environment for their existing staffs but also improve the attractiveness of the business area in order for both them and Dublin to attract new business organi- zations. Recommended action at this meeting: A motion 1. to proceed with the expansion of the Municipal Building, giving the Village Manager the authority to retain an architect for final design. 2. to give the Manager the authority to proceed with soliciting bids for the Frantz Road--161 to Rings Road-- project with the intent of going to contract in April 1983. 3. to give the authority to the Manager, the Law Director, and the Mayor to proceed with the conceptual project to build a major athletic/community center on municipal property--to be built, managed, and operated by a not-for-profit corporation.