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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/15/2003 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Held 20 Mayor McCash called the Regular Meeting of Dublin City Council of Monday, September 15, 2003 to order at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Dublin Municipal Building. Ms. Salay lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Council members present were: Mayor McCash, Vice Mayor Boring, Ms. Chinnici- Zuercher, Mr. Kranstuber, Mr. Lecklider and Ms. Salay. Mr. Reiner arrived at 7:10 p.m. Staff members present were: Ms. Brautigaum, Ms. Grigsby, Mr. Smith, Mr. Ciarochi, Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Harding, Mr. Gunderman, Ms. Hoyle, Ms. Heal, Mr. Hahn, Mr. Hammersmith, Ms. Puskarcik and Ms. Willis. Approval of Minutes of September 2, 2003 Regular Meeting Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher moved approval. Ms. Salay seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mayor McCash, yes. Correspondence The Clerk reported that Notices to Legislative Authority were included in the packet regarding a new 05 permit for Hongyu Tang at 50 W. Bridge Street and a new 051 for Tumbleweed Restaurants at 6555 Dublin Center Drive. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher noted that the 50 W. Bridge location is directly across from the church and close to the school. She recommended that an objection be filed based upon the location of the site. Council had taken similar action in recent months regarding a liquor permit for a gas station in the same general area. Brief discussion followed about the process for filing objections and the notification of the schools. Mr. Lecklider suggested that this effort be coordinated with the Dublin Schools, as they would share the same concerns about the liquor permit issuance for a location close to the school. Mr. Smith responded that he would discuss this with the Dublin Schools if Council decides to file an objection. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher moved to request a hearing regarding the issuance of a new 05 permit at 50 W. Bridge Street on the basis of location. Mrs. Boring seconded the motion. Mr. Kranstuber asked what specific business is planned for this location. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that she recalls that a restaurant is to be located on this site. Mr. Lecklider again asked about the possibility of coordinating this objection effort with the Schools. Mayor McCash suggested that the City could notify the Schools that the City is requesting a hearing and the Schools could then choose to take action if they desire. Mr. Kranstuber stated that without knowing what type of business this will be, he does not have the information needed as a basis for requesting a hearing. Vote on the motion: Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Reiner, no; Mr. Kranstuber, no. Mayor McCash asked that the Law Director send a copy of the letter requesting a hearing to the School Board as well. There was no objection to the issuance of the 051 permit for Tumbleweed Restaurants. CITIZEN COMMENTS Bob Kieffer. 5285 River Forest Road. Treasurer of the River Forest Civic Association addressed Council, urging them to approve the proposed bike tunnel to serve their neighborhood. There have been several communications from their association over the past few months with staff and Council. The issues are safety and access. The crossing of SR 745 to access the bikepath is dangerous, in view of the speed of traffic and poor visibility. The other issue is that their subdivision is essentially landlocked and their residents must cross SR 745 to access the bikepaths. He provided a copy of excerpts of minutes of their Association back to 1982 that demonstrate their desire to have connections to the bikepath system. They are hopeful that Council will approve the tunnel as soon as practicable. Mr. Lecklider asked if the neighborhood residents who signed the petition were aware of the costs of such a tunnel. He has spoken personally with some of the neighbors who RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 2 Held 20 indicate they were supportive of the concept, but the substantial costs were a surprise to them. Mr. Kieffer agreed that everyone was surprised with the costs of the project, but tunnels have been constructed in other locations. Mr. Kranstuber asked about the process for these requests. Ms. Brautigam stated that staff would provide Council with an update regarding all of the pedestrian tunnels that are needed or desired throughout the City. Pending further staff level review, this report is planned for presentation to Council on October 6. This will help Council to prioritize the timing of funding for tunnels. Mr. Kranstuber suggested to Mr. Kieffer that he obtain a copy of the staff report on October 2 from the Clerk. Mr. Kieffer emphasized that their group is focused on the safety issues related to the tunnel requested at their location. Ms. Brautigam clarified that in the staff CIP presentation, the River Forest tunnel was proposed for funding. Council then directed that staff bring a list of all tunnels needed throughout the City so that prioritization could be made by Council. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher emphasized that in all of the discussions, safety is the number one consideration for prioritization. Because of the high cost of tunnels, however, funding allocation on an annual basis is limited. Mayor McCash pointed out that the Muirfield bikepath system is private and connection to their system, as suggested in the Association minutes, would not have been a possibility for this neighborhood. This item will be discussed on October 6. Barb Altenburq, 340 Stonewall Court noted that her home backs up to undeveloped public parkland at Waterford and Monterey Drive. She commended Mr. McDaniel for his positive response to her concerns noted about the woods at the August 18 Council meeting. She noted that the wooded area is choked with invasive plant growth, especially bush honeysuckle and garlic mustard, and is being used as a dumping ground for residents' trash. In Mr. McDaniel's letter, he acknowledged that the invasive plants constitute a potential hazard to sub story natural growth, but that his staff resources alone cannot accomplish their removal. She wishes to continue volunteering her efforts in this regard. She is meeting with City Forester Paula Chope on Thursday to tour the woods and make her aware of the numerous trees that need to be topped to 14 feet so that they will be available for wildlife habitation, but not serve as a danger to visitors to the woods. She continues to remove trash to ensure safety for the children and in the hope that native plants can be enjoyed again in the spring. She does not see removing trash as a violation, as it is human yard waste and household items - not part of the natural ecology of the park. She then read a letter in support of her efforts, from a professional arborist - Trees by Louise. She thanked Council for their time and noted that she recently observed a praying mantis and hummingbirds in her yard. She invited everyone to visit the area to observe the situation. Sandra Wilson Smith, 319 Old Sprinq Court stated that her comments are made in response to a letter she received from Dean Henderson, City landscape inspector. She noted that the first she was aware that the area behind her property belonged to the City was upon receipt of this letter. Several years ago, she contacted the City to report that a large historical tree was dying and was told that the tree should be taken down, but it was not on public property and the City would not remove the tree. The tree was 15 feet from her property line. Since that time, she has kept the small area free from trash, fallen limbs, mustard garlic and honeysuckle. As a result, the area has a number of native plants thriving - plants which could not compete with the invasive plants. Wildlife has also enjoyed the clear area. The letter mentioned encroachment into the park, but on the north side, the park is encroaching upon private property due to a lack of care. It is encouraged mosquitoes. Perhaps the solution is some control of growth, cleaning out trash and planting some native Ohio trees. She thanked Council for their attention, and noted her efforts were intended to help beautify the area. Michael Blake, 348 Stonewall Court stated that he attended the August 18 meeting where the issues of debris in Ms. Altenburg's yard and parkland maintenance were discussed. He was led to believe at the meeting that the City would address the issues, that Ms. Altenburg would be told not to continue her removal of plants and debris in the park area, that she was cited for this activity, and that she would be given a deadline for removal of debris in her yard. He spoke with the City's Code Enforcement officer Greg Jones today RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 3 Held 20 and the deadline is now passed. The neighbors on his street are in support of the City's efforts to control this activity. The neighbors called the Police over the weekend, as Ms. Altenburg was again removing plant growth in the City parkland. She told the officer that she is a member of the Green Team and has authorization for this activity. She told the officer to write the ticket, that she would not stop, and Officer Foltz witnessed her taking debris from the parkland to dump on her property. This property is adjacent to his property. Why can't the City stop this activity? Recommending her for the Green Team was a mistake, as she has taken it as approval and license to do whatever she wants in the park area. She does not have the support of the neighborhood. This is the antithesis of the stewardship that Ms. Altenburg cited in her comments. He is asking for guidance on this. The neighbors called the Police over the weekend, as they wanted to create a written record of this issue. Another neighbor had an open house related to their property sale, and having the Police on site that day was a detriment to marketing a home. Ms. Brautigam stated that the Police were called to the Altenburg property on Sunday and Ms. Altenburg responded to the Police that she was a member of the Green Team and had permission to do the clean up. In view of this assertion, the officer chose not to write a citation. Ms. Altenburg is not a member of the Green Team at this time. She can certainly apply for such a position in 2004. Mr. McDaniel spoke with the City Code Enforcement officer today, and Ms. Altenburg was cited today for this activity. The court process does take time. Staff is pursuing this, and if Ms. Altenburg continues to engage in this activity, legal staff will be involved and an injunction may be filed. Staff plans to try to resolve the situation with the citation into Mayor's Court at this time. John Wells, 324 Stonewall Court stated that he has lived for 25 years in a residence two doors down from the Altenburg residence, and from the outset, the woods was designated as a bird sanctuary and woodlands not to be developed. He also attended the meeting on August 18 and spoke to Council. He has a stockade fence on his property and it appears that more plant growth has been cut down in the woodland area. The honeysuckle bush, whether invasive or not, has been hacked down and it is a mess. Absent the roots being removed, it will all grow back. Currently, it is unsightly behind his property. He wonders who will clean up the mess and what else will be removed in the process? No one has the right to do this, and if anything is to be done, it should be done by the City and/or by a large group with consensus on the actions. The only invasiveness in this whole matter is not the growth of the honeysuckle, but Ms. Altenburg herself. Wallace Maurer. 7451 Dublin Road noted that he planned to attend tonight to begin discussion of some of the issues that have accumulated during the time he has focused on the Kindra firing. A few days ago, he brought a report in for distribution to City Council and to 15 City management staff. His criteria for selection was that this group was present during the sessions in which he spoke before Council. He noted that on Saturday, he was working in the yard and a passerby on the bikeway offered to help him with removal of a tree branch. Surprisingly, this person turned out to be one of the candidates for City Council who had read about the issue of Kindra's firing as contained in the Council minutes. He emphasized that neither he nor the candidate had met previously. The candidate asked for a copy of Mr. Maurer's report, but Mr. Maurer chose not to provide this to him because he was not certain that the recipients at the City had yet received the report. He did promise to provide a copy to the candidate on Monday. As noted in the preface to his report, Mr. Maurer commented that whenever he publishes something, he gives it to the most "hard-headed, involved, engaged opponents to it or skeptics about it" so that they can "kill" it if they can do so. He had promised Council that he would provide a copy of the report to them so that they could react to the report prior to its publication. The report was ready on September 10, ten days prior to the time it was provided to Council, but a printer problem prevented him from distributing it. He is now waiting for a response, expecting everything Council can muster against his arguments contained in the report. Mayor McCash commented that he has read the report, and it is now a public record and available to anyone who desires a copy. Personally, he believes that the issue is ancient history and he will not devote time to responding. Mr. Maurer noted that to save time in the future, he will e-mail any revisions to the documents to Council and staff. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 4 Held 20 Enrico Marqaroli. 6716 Dublin Road stated that they recently moved to Dublin to a property along the river with glass walls. They have read of the proposed plan for a bikepath along their side of the river. With the back of their house consisting of glass, a bikepath 30 feet away from their house across their yard is not desirable. He asked to be kept abreast of the bikepath/riverwalk project being developed. They are opposed to this portion of the riverwalk. They have approached numerous neighbors along the river on the route, and they are of the same opinion. He wants to be made aware of the next meetings in the process, as it will have a tremendous impact on the value of their property as well as their enjoyment of their property. The feasibility study included two options for location of the bikepath on the properties: one is along the river which would be covered with water when the river is high; and the second one would be very close to their family room. Ms. Brautigam stated that this project was discussed with Council in early spring. Staff was directed to work on some revisions to the project. She asked Mr. Gunderman to comment. Mr. Gunderman stated that staff had waited to receive some traffic information about the Old Dublin area, and this was a primary reason for delays. Regarding the area under discussion tonight, he met with Mr. Margaroli two weeks ago to inform him that the types of options suggested as alternatives would likely not work in this portion of the project. Some substantial changes will be needed from the type of completed/connected pathway that would run across his property. Staff will reconvene a larger public hearing with the residents of the area when the necessary changes to the plan are completed. Ms. Salay asked that all property owners and Council be notified about a meeting date when established. LEGISLATION SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCES ANNEXA nON Ordinance 100-03 Accepting the Annexation of 1.186 Acres from Concord Township, Delaware County to the City of Dublin. Ms. Brautigam noted that this relates to the annexation of the Bogey Inn building. There have been no changes since the last reading. Vote on the Ordinance: Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS Ordinance 101-03 Approving a Tax Credit and Economic Development Agreement with CompManagement, Inc, and Authorizing, Confirming and Ratifying the Execution of the Agreement. Ms. Brautigam stated that there have been no changes since the last reading. Mayor McCash invited public testimony. Wallace Maurer, 7451 Dublin Road noted that his question relates to 101-03 and 102-03. Is he correct in assuming that when a company requests a tax credit, that they must be sanctioned by entities at both the state and the city, that there are reviews done of the history of the company, including productivity, sustainability, working conditions, etc. to determine whether or not the tax credit should be given? Ms. Grigsby stated that these applications are reviewed by the Ohio Department of Development. Their review includes past history and business projections. The company makes commitments based on those projections that are then included in the agreement. The City also reviews these items, and City participation is required to secure the incentive from the State. The City's incentive is fairly minimal; the more significant portion is offered by the state. Mr. Maurer asked about statistics on the performance of companies in the past decade who have been provided with such incentives. Ms. Grigsby responded that there have been varying degrees of success. Aside from these two, there are eleven active agreements. Of these, over $2 million has been collected from the companies. If the companies do not perform in accordance with what they agreed to, the incentives are not given. Vote on the Ordinance: Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 5 Held 20 Ordinance 102-03 Approving a Tax Credit and Economic Development Agreement with Signature, Inc, and Authorizing, Confirming and Ratifying the Execution of the Agreement. Ms. Brautigam reported that there have no changes since the last reading. Mr. Maurer indicated that his previous comments covered both ordinances. Vote on the Ordinance: Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes. BID Ordinance 103-03 Accepting the Lowest and Best Bid for the Dublin Pool Storage Building Project. Ms. Brautigam noted that in response to questions from Council about the bid, staff followed up to confirm references and that their bid as submitted was accurate and can be accomplished. Mr. Kranstuber moved for emergency passage. Ms. Salay seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes. Vote on the Ordinance: Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes. VACA TION OF EASEMENT Ordinance 104-03 Vacating a Sanitary Sewer Easement in Lots 7 and 8 of Wilcox Place. Ms. Brautigam reported no changes in this item. Vote on the Ordinance: Mrs. Boring, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mayor McCash, yes. INTRODUCTION & FIRST READING - ORDINANCES TAX INCREMENT FINANCING Ordinance 105-03 Declaring Improvements to a Certain Parcel of Real Property To Be a Public Purpose, Describing the Public Infrastructure Improvements To Be Made To Benefit That Parcel, Requiring the Owner Thereof To Make Service Payments In Lieu of Taxes, Establishing a Municipal Public Improvement Tax Increment Equivalent Fund for the Deposit of Such Service Payments, and Authorizing the Execution of a Tax Increment Financing Agreement. (Irelan Place) Ms. Salay introduced the ordinance. Ms. Brautigam noted that this relates to the construction of a water main, although the contract language is written such that it could be expanded to include the needs that the City has with regard to the widening of Avery Road. Ms. Grigsby has met with representatives of the Hilliard and Dublin School districts regarding this non-school TIF. Hilliard Schools had not previously been involved with a City of Dublin TIF, and they were very satisfied with Ms. Grigsby's presentation and willing to work with the City. Staff recommends this as a positive arrangement for the property owner and for the City. There will be a second reading/public hearing at the October 6 Council meeting. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT Ordinance 106-03 Authorizing the Provision of Certain Incentives for Purposes of Encouraging the Expansion by Cardinal Health, Inc. of its Operations within the City and Authorizing the Execution of an Economic Development Agreement. Ms. Salay introduced the ordinance. Ms. Brautigam stated that Mr. Stevens and Ms. Grigsby have been working with representatives of Cardinal Health for several months on this agreement. Representatives of Cardinal Health are present tonight. Ms. Grigsby stated that this legislation comes as a result of discussion with Cardinal Health about the final incentive payment that was included in the 1999 economic development agreement as well as looking toward the future growth of Cardinal Health in Dublin. Regarding the final payment in the 1999 agreement, based upon Cardinal's continued growth and the fact that it makes more sense for them at this point to continue leasing some additional space in Dublin, staff felt it was appropriate to accelerate 50 percent of the payment within 45 days of execution of this agreement, with the final 50 percent paid out at the time originally established in the 1999 agreement - that is, upon substantial completion RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 6 Held 20 of the next 120,000 square foot building. The second component relates to the future growth of Cardinal Health. Cardinal has been aggressive in terms of pursuing acquisitions and may have opportunities to bring additional employees to Dublin. These annual incentive payments are therefore designed to encourage them to direct that future growth in Dublin. Once Cardinal reaches established target income tax withholdings as outlined in the agreement, anything over and above will be provided to them in the form of incentive payments. The intent is that when Cardinal has the opportunity to expand, they will expand in Dublin based upon the incentives offered to the company for bringing additional employees to Dublin. This can potentially provide a significant increase in the local income tax revenues and accelerate their need to begin construction on the next building, providing additional service payments from the existing TIF and allowing acceleration of the construction of Emerald Parkway east of Riverside Drive. Mr. Lecklider noted that the provisions indicate that these payments are to be made solely from non-tax revenues. He asked for further clarification. Ms. Grigsby responded that in all of the City's economic development agreements, any incentives are made from non-tax revenues. This relates to certain restrictions placed upon tax revenues. Non-tax revenues include such items as interest income, building permits, fines and forfeitures from courts. Language is included regarding carry forwards or balances not paid to cover a situation where in a given year, there are not sufficient non-tax revenues to fund the payments to Cardinal. At this time, such a situation is not anticipated, but this is a standard provision contained in economic development agreements for the City. Mr. Lecklider asked if staff is comfortable then with adding this obligation. Ms. Grigsby responded that the annual cap is a protection for the City as well. She does not anticipate any problems with available non-tax revenues, based upon the City's history. There will be a second reading/public hearing at the October 6 Council meeting. ZONING Ordinance 107-03 Establishing Dublin Zoning for 119 Parcels Comprising an Area of Approximately 69 Acres as Annexed from Franklin County and Washington Township between 1881 and 1960, North of Rings Road, South of West Bridge Street, East of Frantz Road, West of the Scioto River To: Dublin R-2, Limited Suburban Residential and R-4, Suburban Residential Districts. (Case No. 03-098Z - Inner Circle 1-270 Residential Old Dublin Area Rezoning) Mr. Kranstuber introduced the ordinance and moved referral to Planning & Zoning Commission. Mrs. Boring seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Chinnici- Zuercher, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Ms. Salay, yes. Ordinance 108-03 Rezoning 46 Parcels Comprising an Area of Approximately 411 Acres as Annexed from Washington Township between 1965 and 1969, Southeast of 1-270, West of Dublin Road, North of Rings Road, To: CC, Community Commercial, OLR, Office, Laboratory and Research, SO, Suburban Office and Institutional and U, Limited Industrial Districts. (Case No. 03-099Z - Inner Circle 1-270 Commercial Area Rezoning) Mr. Kranstuber introduced the ordinance and moved referral to Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Reiner seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes. Ordinance 109-03 Rezoning Parcels Comprising an Area of Approximately 136 Acres as Annexed from Franklin County and Washington Township between 1980 and 1999, Southeast of 1-270, West of the Scioto River, North of Hayden Run Road, To: Dublin R-1, Restricted Suburban Residential District. (Case No. 03-105Z- Inner Circle 1-270 Residential South Dublin Road Area Rezoning) Mr. Kranstuber introduced the ordinance and moved referral to Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Reiner seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Mrs. Boring, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 7 Held 20 Ordinance 110-03 Rezoning Approximately 9.97 Acres Located on the Northeast Corner of West Dublin-Granville Road (SR 161) and Shamrock Boulevard, From: R-1, Restricted Suburban Residential District, To: PCD, Planned Commerce District. (Case No. 03- 1 04Z- Warner/Belz/Vogel - West Dublin-Granville Road) Mr. Kranstuber introduced the ordinance and moved referral to Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Reiner seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mayor McCash, yes. BID Ordinance 111-03 An Ordinance to Accept the Lowest/Best Bid for the Public Water and Sanitary Sewer Improvement (City Pool at Woerner Temple Road), and Declaring an Emergency. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher introduced the ordinance. Mr. Hammersmith stated that this project would provide water and sanitary sewer service to the new municipal pool being built along the south side of Woerner-Temple Road. Attached to the document is the bid summary. Three bids were received, and staff is recommending award of the bid to the George J. Igel Co. They are currently doing work for the City in the storm sewer maintenance program and have performed well. They are familiar with the area, as they constructed Woerner-Temple Road and associated utilities in conjunction with the Ballantrae project. Staff is requesting passage by emergency in order to have the pool construction completed for opening on Memorial Day 2004. Mr. Lecklider asked from which development the water and sewer service for the Ballantrae development is provided - is it from Cramer's Crossing? Mr. Hammersmith responded that it is provided through Cramer's Crossing and also from a water main connection along Shier Rings Road at Eiterman. Mr. Lecklider asked if this large expense was discussed previously. Mr. Hammersmith responded that when the utility analysis was done for Ballantrae, they did not necessarily need this connection to serve their development. With the pace of that project in partnership with Edwards Land Company, not knowing what was to occur on the south side of Woerner-Temple, the utilities were not extended as part of that project. Mayor McCash asked where the water is supplied for the public art and fountain in the parkland near Ballantrae. Mr. Hammersmith stated that there is water service extended from the traffic circle to that area. Mr. Lecklider asked if there is a less expensive way to bring water service to the pool. Mr. Hammersmith stated that there is not, and the pool requires sanitary sewer service for the back flushing operation. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher commented that Council has frequently discussed the need to have all of the costs identified for a project when it is reviewed by Council. This is a very substantial cost to the City that was never discussed at the Council level, to her recollection. She asked that when projects are brought forth to Council, even if firm costs are not known, that these types of items be pointed out as additional costs of the project to the City. Given the cost of these improvements, perhaps some of the pool features would have been modified in order to stay within the budget designated. Mayor McCash agreed. Mr. Kranstuber moved to dispense with the public hearing and treat this as emergency legislation. Mr. Reiner seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Ms. Salay, yes. Vote on the Ordinance: Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Ms. Salay, yes. INTRODUCTION/PUBLIC HEARING - RESOLUTIONS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 8 Held 20 BUDGET COMMISSION Resolution 37-03 Accepting the Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission and Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying Them to the County Auditor. Ms. Salay introduced the resolution. Ms. Brautigam stated that this is an ORC requirement which is done annually. Mrs. Boring asked for clarification about the inside millage issue which was raised by Council previously. Ms. Grigsby stated that under state law, each taxing district is allowed up to 10 mills of inside millage. If the City chose not to use it, other jurisdictions would have the opportunity to submit requests for the additional millage available. Mrs. Boring summarized that Council has chosen to allocate a portion of the inside millage for parkland acquisition, versus reducing the inside millage which would only enable another entity to use it. Reducing the inside millage would not necessarily result in any savings to the taxpayer. Ms. Grigsby confirmed this. Vote on the Resolution: Mrs. Boring, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes. OTHER . Fee waiver for City services - Dublin Arts Council Ms. Brautigam stated that this item comes to Council as a result of some miscommunication among staff, the Arts Council, and City Council. Staff has been working with the Arts Council on the upcoming Arts & Music Festival, and in the process became aware that letters requesting fee waivers for City services in conjunction with the Festival and the Sundays at Scioto concerts had not been received. After informing Ms. Rosenthal of this situation, she faxed a copy of a March letter sent to Council requesting the fee waivers. Apparently, staff had not received this and it was not in the file. In any event, the DAC is requesting a waiver of the fees. Council has waived these fees in past years. The City Manager has the authority to waive the rental fees for the Showmobile, as outlined in the memo. In the future, if Council desires to uniformly waive these fees, it could be made a matter of policy so that it would not have to be considered each year. Mrs. Boring noted that in the memo, staff recommends that this matter be referred to the Finance Committee for review on October 6. Could it instead be handled tonight? Ms. Brautigam stated that the waivers for 2003 should be handled tonight, but the policy for the future could be referred to the Finance Committee Mrs. Boring moved to waive the fees for City services related to the Sundays at Scioto concerts and the Arts & Music Festival for 2003. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes. Mrs. Boring moved to refer to the Finance Committee the development of a policy for future fee waivers for the Dublin Arts Council. Mr. Kranstuber seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes. . Tara Hill Traffic Calming Study - Stage 1 Mr. Hammersmith noted that tonight's presentation focuses on the results of Stage 1 of the Tara Hill traffic calming study. Mr. Kranstuber asked if there was notification given to the Post Road residents. Mr. Hammersmith responded that no special notification was made to the residents, other than the advertised agenda. The focus tonight is to provide this information to Council - the Post Road residents heard this presentation at the Coffman Park Expansion Task Force meeting. Mr. Kranstuber stated that only a portion of the study was presented, as the Task Force wanted only to consider the impact that the Post Road realignment would have on Tara Hill traffic. He would prefer to have all of the interested parties present to hear the report versus scheduling an additional night for presentation. Ms. Brautigam clarified that this is actually the third presentation of this information - it was first made to the Tara Hill residents, and then to the Coffman Park Expansion Task Force, and now tonight. There have been many opportunities to hear this information. The focus tonight is on Tara Hill and the impact that traffic calming devices would have on RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 9 Held 20 Tara Hill and adjacent streets. The focus tonight is not on the realignment of Post Road and its impact on Tara Hill. Mr. Kranstuber commented that at a minimum, for future presentations, he would prefer a civic association president notification or a door hanger placed on all residents of Tara Hill. They have a keen interest in all of this information. Ms. Brautigam reiterated that at the time of the capital budget hearings, questions arose about the Tara Hill study and staff did not want to move forward until Council had a presentation on the Stage 1 findings. Mr. Hammersmith noted that the study came about as a result of a traffic-calming petition presented to Council on October 7, 2002. Staff then recommended a comprehensive study of the Tara Hill area. The study is broken down into three stages: (1) collection of data, analysis and determination of whether traffic calming is warranted on Tara Hill; (2) based upon that determination, and in this case traffic calming is certainly warranted, Stage 2 would commence which would identify the type of devices and evaluation of the devices; and (3) Stage 3 which is the creation of a plan which would be brought forward to City Council for adoption, implementation and programming. He introduced the R.D. Zande team members and noted that this presentation was given to the Tara Hill stakeholders and to the Coffman Park Expansion Task Force. The presentation is divided into two portions: Stage 1 report and suggested traffic calming devices. The second portion can be deferred, if Council desires. Staff would like direction on how to proceed in follow-up to the presentation. Dave Samuelson, R.D. Zande stated that a year ago, the residents presented a petition to Council and work was begun in January/February of 2003. The first step was a meeting with the residents regarding the project, the process and to learn of any concerns. He noted that the study area is bounded by Brand Road on the north, Coffman Road on the east, Post Road to the South, and Avery-Muirfield to the west. The affected area includes residents with driveways on Tara Hill or those who live on cul-de-sacs which feed onto Tara Hill. In other words, if a resident has a driveway which feeds onto Adventure, they would live in the study area, but not the affected area. He reported the following: . The City's traffic calming policy criteria for a collector street includes: 2,000 vehicles per day; 85th percentile speed of 25 mph; and 20 percent threshold for cut-through volumes. For this particular study, it also considered factors of accidents, school traffic as it relates to Dublin-Jerome High School and the proposed realignment of Post Road. . The range of volumes recorded ranged from 3,500 to 4,600 vehicles per day, which was rounded to 4,100 average vehicles per day. Near Avery-Muirfield, the volumes were 4,400 per day; near Coffman, 4,600 per day; in the middle, 3,500 to 3,600 per day. They also looked at volumes by direction. It was significant that in each direction, the volumes were 2,000 per day which meet or exceed the traffic calming criteria. The volumes are slightly higher eastbound, which may relate to the lack of a southbound left turn at Avery-Muirfield/Post Road intersection. . In the affected area, there are 220 homes. That alone generates about 2,200 trips per day. Even with traffic calming, they expect the volumes on Tara Hill to remain above that threshold limit, and the volumes do meet the criteria for traffic calming. . As part of the study, they also looked at peak hour traffic, particularly as it relates to warrants for stop signs or signals and for capacity - in other words, whether there is a need for a right or left turn lane anywhere. The peak hour volumes on Tara Hill in general ranged from 300 to 700, varying from time of day and by location. . The findings were that the all-way stop signs on Tara Hill do not meet the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Design criteria. That does not mean that they would be automatically removed, but that under the policy, they may be subject to removal. All intersections operate at satisfactory conditions - there is not a need for widening the roadway. . In terms of traffic speeds, they looked at the 85th percentile and at the average. Average was much easier to work with versus the 85th percentile. However, the overall trends were the same between 85th and the average. Most of the locations were above 30 mph; a few were lower near the stop signs. A location near Fallen Timbers was highest, almost 35 mph for an 85th percentile speed. . They also reviewed speeds by direction. By direction, the value is 36 mph for defining the 85th percentile speed. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 10 Held 20 . They believe that the higher speeds may be a factor in the number of injury accidents, but also that the speeds do meet the criteria for implementation of traffic calming measures. . Regarding accidents, the normal procedure is to review three years of data. This data was provided by the Police division. For the Tara Hill portion of the study area, there were 38 total accidents in that time period. Most occurred on dry pavement in good weather, and most were rear-end or angle type collisions. There were some unique characteristics: most occurred in mid to late afternoon when school releases into the evening rush hour. Twenty percent occurred in the month of May and were not tied to any particular special event. More significantly, there was a high percentage of young drivers involved - 40 percent of all accidents in this study area versus 17 percent in the state of Ohio. Of the accidents that occurred in the mid to late afternoon period, half involved young drivers. When there was an accident involving a young driver, they were usually cited as being at fault. . The severity ratio - number of injury accidents over total accidents - was 0.37 - 37 percent involved some type of injury compared to the citywide average of 21 percent. This ratio is indicative of speeding, and many involved inexperienced drivers. . They do expect traffic calming to reduce travel speeds, which in turn will reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes. In fact, safety and speed were the two overriding criteria for the recommendation of traffic calming. . In regard to cut-through traffic, they reviewed three time periods: the morning which includes school and commuter rush hour traffic; mid-afternoon when school releases; and late afternoon when commuter traffic is returning home. For the study purposes, they considered a through trip as being motorists who travel from the Avery-Muirfield/Tara Hill intersection through the Coffman/Tara Hill intersection or vice-versa. The criteria for the City is 20 percent, and the range recorded is 14 to 22 percent. The range relates to the variation in volumes that occur along Tara Hill Drive. . There were some unique patterns for through traffic each hour. Most of the through trips in the a.m. and school p.m. peak hours appear oriented to the high school. Most through trips oriented to Tara Hill west of Muirfield Drive. No school- related through trips were assumed between 5 and 6 p.m. The highest percentages of through trips occur during the school p.m. peak hour. The opening of Dublin-Jerome High School will result in a slight drop in cut-through volume, and the potential Post Road realignment will bring a slight increase in cut-through volume. With the opening of the new high school, they expect to reduce the 80 trips in the school a.m. and p.m. peak hours by 54 trips. He explained that 90 percent of this volume was related to the school, and in reviewing the redistricting, three fourths of this would be redirected to Dublin-Jerome. Mrs. Boring noted that at a volume of 4,100 vehicles per day, the cut-through traffic seems insignificant. How will the total volume issue be addressed? Mr. Samuelson stated that in considering the threshold for the daily volume of 2,000, the number is already double that. So anything above 20 percent cut through is actually double the cut-through traffic expected under the criteria threshold levels. Even with traffic calming, they would expect the volume to remain above the threshold of 2,000 vehicles per day. He clarified that 54 is an hourly volume, not a daily volume. So in two hours, 108 trips will be reduced. With the Post Road proposed realignment, 35 trips will be added. There will still be a net reduction in through volume with the opening of the third high school. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher summarized that so far, the study seems to confirm some previous reports that the vast majority of users of Tara Hill live within the boundaries of the study area. Mr. Samuelson continued: . Regarding findings for through traffic, they expect a net decrease in the a.m. and the school p.m. peak hours and a net increase in the late afternoon. In the late p.m. peak, they expect the cut-through percentage to be 21.5 percent. The criteria for traffic calming are therefore satisfied in terms of cut-through traffic. He the reviewed the questions raised by the stakeholders of Tara Hill at the February meeting: RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 11 Held 20 . Were motorist speeds higher after the late p.m. peak hours, e.g., people rushing children to and from special events at the school? They reviewed three locations, finding that speeds do increase as volumes are reduced. With a net reduction in through traffic related to the opening of Jerome High School, there could be higher speeds with lower volumes. But traffic calming measures would reduce speeds throughout the day. . Another question was if there is a protocol where traffic-calming measures are automatically implemented? Per discussions with the City and review of documentation, the policy in place is a guideline the City uses; engineering judgment is a key aspect of that policy. There is flexibility in the policy to allow for unique conditions. . Are students using Roscommon as a through route? They did conduct a license plate survey for Stage 2 which was submitted with the Stage 2 report. The data does indicate a high percentage of school traffic of relatively low volumes on Roscommon but a relatively high percentage of through trips. However, this also implies for Tara Hill and other streets in the study area that there are numerous travel paths for people to use in the study area. Mr. Samuelson summarized that for Stage 1, the volumes exceed the policy criteria threshold. The 85th percentile exceeds the speed. The severity ratio of accidents is well above citywide averages. Cut-through volumes are above the 20 percent threshold. They do recommend that traffic calming be initiated and that Stage 2 be initiated. He noted that last May, when this was presented, the stakeholders asked that they send out a survey to residents on the affected area of Tara Hill to garner their input and ideas on traffic calming. The survey was completed and is part of their Stage 2 report. They are in the process of developing alternatives for traffic calming and subsequently will be evaluating the entire study area. They would then summarize and present their results at the conclusion. Brian Haggerty is present to discuss the various traffic calming devices available. Mr. Reiner noted that the majority of traffic accidents occurred at the intersections of Tara Hill with Coffman and with Avery-Muirfield. What measures could be taken to decrease these numbers? Mr. Samuelson responded that the fact that young drivers are frequently involved in these accidents points to the need for education. The higher frequency of accidents occurs in the month of May which may relate to inexperienced drivers and spring weather. The capacity analysis and warrant analysis indicate that there is nothing in terms of roadway geometrics or design that would mitigate these. Mr. Reiner asked if studies have been done regarding the impact on Tara Hill of reopening the left hand turn lane from southbound Avery-Muirfield to eastbound Post Road. Mr. Samuelson stated that in terms of through traffic, they took the data done for the Coffman Park Expansion study. It showed that with the left turn allowed onto Post, but with Post Road realigned, there would be some traffic shifting to Tara Hill. They estimate about 10 more cars traveling through on Tara Hill in the morning peak, and in the late p.m. peak a net increase in through traffic related to the realignment of Post Road. Mr. Hammersmith stated that the Coffman Park traffic study recommends that the southbound left turn movement ultimately be allowed at Post Road and Avery-Muirfield. Mr. Kranstuber asked about the traffic counts on reoriented Post Road with the left turn lane opened. Mr. Hammersmith stated that he does not have that information with him tonight. Mr. Kranstuber asked what happens in terms of the functioning of the Emerald/Post intersection with the reorientation of Post Road? Mr. Hammersmith responded that there are some significant improvements at the intersection with the elimination of the west leg of Post, particularly in terms of the back up of morning traffic on Emerald turning left onto Post Road. It gives the ability to provide dual left turns. Mayor McCash noted that in terms of improving the safety at Tara Hill/Coffman and Tara Hill/Avery-Muirfield intersections, are roundabouts a possibility? Mr. Hammersmith responded that they have performed better in terms of safety than signalization, particularly in areas with a lot of turning movements. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 12 Held 20 Mr. Reiner asked if there would be adequate space to build roundabouts in these locations. Mr. Hammersmith stated that this would require some further investigation. ~ Mr. Kranstuber stated that in terms of speeding, the higher speeds are tracked in the middle of the day, indicating that the speeding is not by students but by adults. Mr. Samuelson agreed, adding that traffic calming would likely address this. Mr. Kranstuber added that some residents are more concerned with volume than with speed. It depends on where a resident lives along the street. Mayor McCash added that the volume is related to the neighborhood, however, and those living on a collector street would expect to have this volume. How do the statistics on accidents at the intersections compare to other areas of Dublin? Mr. Samuelson stated that this study did not include those kind of comparisons. Mr. Reiner asked if accidents other than those at the intersections with Coffman and Avery-Muirfield are generally located at stop signs. Mr. Samuelson responded that this is correct. These included rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents. Mr. Lecklider asked about the three-way stop signs and why they are not warranted on a street with a volume of 4,100 vehicles per day. Mr. Hammersmith stated that this is because the volume of traffic entering from Adventure and Shady Nelms is not high enough. There is a requirement in terms of volume over a multi-hour period in order to meet the warrant thresholds. Mr. Kranstuber stated that in the Coffman Park meetings, a resident from Hemingway .-. indicated that he was skeptical of some of the solutions proposed and wanted to be kept involved. A discussion took place and staff was asked to broaden the notification because of this concern. Some residents of Tara Hill may be satisfied with the solutions, but those directly off of the collector may not be. The neighborhood was designed to have Tara Hill Drive function as a collector street. He urged staff to keep the broader group advised of the discussions. Mrs. Boring stated that these items would be considered in the Stage 2 report. Mr. Hammersmith confirmed this. Mr. Kranstuber stated that he has some reservations about discussion of reducing volumes, as the traffic will likely move to other alternative routes. He would instead focus on reducing speeds. Mayor McCash noted that reducing volume does not make sense if the street was designed to serve the neighborhood as a collector for a certain number of vehicle trips per day. Whether or not the City's traffic calming threshold at 2,000 trips per day is adequate for all neighborhoods is the question. Ms. Salay stated that in the southwest traffic calming effort, the task force grew to accommodate a large number of neighborhoods and the effort was to push through traffic onto the perimeter roads. Perhaps in this situation, it is not attainable. Mr. Kranstuber stated that in this case, it may serve to redirect traffic to a scenic road such as Brand, or to Dublinshire, or another neighborhood street. On the other hand, he does support the reorientation of Post Road, as it would make the Emerald and Post Road .. intersection operate more efficiently. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that it is too early to know of the true impact of the third high school, although estimates can be made. Mr. Hammersmith responded that the assumptions are based on the school district maps for the students who will attend Dublin-Jerome High School. Mr. Kranstuber asked about the next step procedurally - will there be a public hearing before Council? Mr. Hammersmith responded that if Council wants to review traffic calming devices, that can be done now or later. In particular, staff has a concern with the dispersion of the RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 13 Held 20 reduced cut-through traffic, estimated at 800 vehicles per day, and its impact on the study area. Stage 2 of R.D. Zande's study will identify and make assumptions about those vehicles, but does not necessarily identify mitigation of those impacts. Secondarily, because the study area consists of 2,200 households, community leadership needs to be identified within that area to obtain some consensus - not only for the traffic calming devices on Tara Hill but also in terms of the residual effects on the adjoining streets and the costs and process for determining and mitigating that residual effect. There is also a need to establish a procedure and process that everyone in the study area is comfortable with. Staff is requesting guidance on these two issues: (1) expansion of the scope of services for R.D. Zande to identify some mitigation measures for those adjoining streets; and (2) obtain guidance from Council on the establishment of a task force or citizens group to provide some leadership in the area. Discussion followed about the number of active associations in the area. Mr. Hammersmith stated that the stakeholders group previously convened includes some Tara Hill residents and civic association representatives from various neighborhoods. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that this could be the core group, and some could be added to serve as a task force. Mr. Hammersmith stated that staff wanted guidance about the composition of a task force, and if Council members would want to serve as well. Mr. Kranstuber asked if specific locations and types of traffic calming devices have already been identified by staff for review by a task force. Mr. Hammersmith responded that Stage 2 is in process at this time and they have some preliminary layouts. Staff is not prepared to present those at this time. Mr. Kranstuber asked about the possibility of a broader-based task force of neighborhoods up to Brand Road. Mr. Hammersmith stated that the goals of the task force would be to help staff: (1) identify acceptable traffic calming devices for Tara Hill, understanding the process for the implementation of those devices, the residual effects of those devices on adjoining street and what might be the mitigation on the adjoining streets; and (2) achieve some consensus of the study area to avoid having an outcry for removal of the devices in the near future. Mayor McCash stated that the installation of speed humps on Tara Hill will likely bring out those from Sells Mill and Dublinshire, as traffic could move to those streets to avoid Tara Hill. Mr. Reiner noted that in terms of relocating existing traffic problems from Tara Hill into other neighborhoods, Post Road has wide-open vistas with huge setbacks and low density - how important is Post Road to the overall solution? It appears to be the only higher speed, low-density east-west route in the area. In the overall solution, isn't that the street where the most through east-west traffic from the arterials should logically be directed? Mr. Hammersmith responded that it is part of the equation but he does not believe it is the ultimate solution. Based on the character of the roadway and the neighborhood concerns of those adjoining that roadway, he believes that part of the solution is not only traffic calming within the area but how to best utilize the surrounding roadways, i.e., Brand, Coffman, Avery-Muirfield. A good example is the Coffman/Brand intersection where there is difficulty in making certain turn movements. The perimeter routes must be made attractive and convenient enough to persuade motorists to use them. Based on the character of Post Road, Perimeter Drive is a better alternate route. Mayor McCash stated that Perimeter was built to serve as an east-west connector out to 33/161. He is not certain where the traffic heading west on Tara Hill goes once it is routed through Avery-Muirfield. Does it go north, south or straight? Are they cutting through Tara Hill to head north when they could turn left at Coffman and Brand? If so, the Brand/Coffman intersection could be signalized and perhaps Brand Road should be widened. Mr. Hammersmith stated that this was not studied. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 14 Held 20 Mr. Samuelson stated that the selection of Avery Road or Coffman Road is sometimes dependent upon freeway traffic and which exit they select. Mr. Lecklider stated that the homeowners associations within this area are active and have average participation. Perhaps Mr. Kranstuber, Mayor McCash, Ms. Salay and he could identify some appropriate representatives from the area and work with staff to propose some suggested participants. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher noted that she supports having a task force with representation from the entire study area. The value of the southwest effort was not only the participation in the solution, but also the education that took place regarding government funding and programming of projects. This helps to ensure residents' support for the decisions of funding and the prioritization of such projects for the City within the capital budget. Ms. Brautigam stated that staff would encourage having a member or two of Council serve on the task force, along with representatives of the neighborhoods. Mayor McCash stated that it would be modeled after the southwest traffic task force. Mr. Kranstuber noted that with the establishment of a task force, Council is agreeing that they concur with the need for some traffic calming. The next step is to determine where and how. While he supports the desire to respond to the Tara Hill residents' concerns, on the other hand, the volume is 4,100 per day and how much reduction in volume is really possible, even if all cut-through traffic is eliminated? How many people will be upset with slowing down the traffic versus those that will be pleased with this effort? Mr. Hammersmith stated that in terms of volumes, it may be possible to reduce the '" volume to 3,200 per day by eliminating cut-through traffic. In terms of the speeds, this is a larger safety concern of the stakeholders. Mayor McCash added that beginning in October, the traffic enforcement unit will be implemented to address speeding and traffic issues in the City. Mr. Lecklider agreed with Mr. Hammersmith that speed is the primary concern, not volume. Council would likely agree that for some streets, such as Tara Hill or Tullymore driveway cuts should not have been permitted in view of the number of homes accessing the roadway. A part of this process is also to address future planning practices in the City. He is not a proponent of speed humps and is hoping for more imaginative approaches to reduce the speeds. Mrs. Boring stated that she agrees with the focus on speed reduction. However, she would encourage the task force to consider the opinions of the safety personnel in regard to traffic calming. Some of the other options may be more attractive to the neighborhood and may slow the traffic. The future design of streets is another important consideration. Mr. Kranstuber asked how the Post Road decision will be made in terms of process? Will it be scheduled on a separate night by Council for a separate decision? Ms. Brautigam responded affirmatively, noting that the Post Road decisions will be made based on the full understanding of what is known about Tara Hill. The Coffman Park Expansion Task Force is planning to come to Council in late October to present their recommendations for the eastern and western portions of Coffman Park. That information will include their recommendation with regard to Post Road. Council needs to hear their recommendations and have discussion among themselves about whether or not more information is needed from staff. This meeting will be held in study session format. Mr. Reiner commented that after reviewing the traffic patterns in the report, it could be concluded that the reason Perimeter is not utilized is because of the fact that it lies out of the zone of activity for people. It does take motorists out of their way versus the more direct Post Road route. Mr. Hammersmith stated that this is partially true, in addition to the limitations of the Post/Avery-Muirfield intersection. Mr. Reiner stated that he is also concerned with the back up of the left hand turn at Perimeter. Is there a way to re-engineer the Post Road intersection at Avery-Muirfield to take some of that left hand turn movement and avoid overburdening Perimeter? RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 15 Held 20 Mr. Hammersmith stated that this is part of the recommendation of the Coffman Park traffic study - not only improvements at Avery-Muirfield/Post intersection, but also improvements on Perimeter Drive and the Perimeter/Avery-Muirfield intersection. There has been a longstanding plan to make improvements in the future at those intersections. Mr. Kranstuber stated that he recalls from Mr. Clear's traffic study that if the area were built out per the Community Plan with hotels, etc., that the level of service on Perimeter would fall to "F." The beauty of the plan is not only in preserving greenspace in Coffman Park, but the fact that Perimeter would continue to operate. He also believes that once the left hand turn lane is opened up at Avery-Muirfield, Post Road will carry more traffic than it does currently. Ms. Salay stated that it would be helpful for Council to view the totality of the Post Road realignment and the fact that it moves the traffic from the Cardinal Health expansion and improves the traffic function for the entire corridor. Post Road would carry more traffic after realignment than it does today. Mrs. Boring asked if anyone is concerned about the financial impacts of this discussion. A resident proposed a bike tunnel tonight and Council responded with concerns about the costs. She is uncomfortable discussing these plans in a vacuum without the financial information when others are requesting basic services. Mayor McCash stated that Council must first determine what they want to do and then consider the operating and capital budget implications. Ms. Salay added that the Cardinal Health expansion will impact not only the financials of the City but also the traffic volumes in the corridor. It is important to balance these considerations. Preliminary budget numbers are available for many of these items, and improvements will need to be made regardless of what happens with Tara Hill or Coffman Park. Mrs. Boring noted that what she has heard from Cardinal Health is that they want the eastern side of Emerald Parkway built in order to access the Sawmill 1-270 area. It is a balancing act of needs/desires and available funding. She has read in the newspapers that the cost of the proposed Coffman Park improvements is astronomical. There are other needs in the community. Mr. Reiner suggested that perhaps the improvements could be phased in, first implementing the left hand turn onto Post Road. Mr. Kranstuber agreed that the costs were estimated at $15 million, not including City Hall. The important thing, however, is to have a plan for the future acquisitions and the road. Mr. Lecklider stated that he had understood tonight's focus as the Tara Hill traffic calming study. Costs were estimated in the report for the various traffic calming measures for the Tara Hill area. Some were in the range of $3,00 to $10-15,000. The other costs noted are related to the recommendations of the Coffman Park Expansion Task Force yet to be reviewed by Council. Mayor McCash asked for Council's input on either establishing a task force, similar to that done in the southwest or continuing discussion tonight regarding some portions of the study? Mr. Hammersmith responded that if Council prefers, staff will contact some individuals regarding their level of interest in serving on the task force. Staff is also interested in participation by one or two Council Members, and community leaders in the neighborhoods. They are open to suggestions. Mr. Reiner encouraged that professional staff give strong direction to guide the group. Mr. Kranstuber suggested that the initial structure should be a fairly large group - 7 residents and 2 Council Members. Ms. Brautigam suggested that if Council concurs with establishing a task force, staff will return at the next meeting with a proposed resolution that creates the task force, outlines RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 16 Held 20 its tasks indicates the kind of members on the task force - a framework which would , include 9 members, 2 of whom would be Council Members. In the meantime, if Council has suggestions for members, staff can contact those persons to see if they are interested. It was the consensus of Council that staff prepare the resolution establishing the task force. Mr. Lecklider and Ms. Salay indicated they are interested in serving. Ms. Brautigam stated that the report also includes a request that Council authorize expansion of the scope of services to look at ways in which to mitigate the impacts to other areas, such as Sells Mill, Dublinshire. She will include that in the task force assignments, with Council's approval. Council expressed their concurrence. STAFF COMMENTS Council Discussion . Economic Development Strategy Update Ms. Grigsby reported that as part of the update, the consultants and staff are convening meetings with interested parties. A date proposed for a roundtable meeting with Council, a meeting which will require approximately 90 minutes, is suggested for sometime in October. In response to Mrs. Boring, Ms. Brautigam stated that the pedestrian tunnel report is scheduled for October 6, and the Coffman Park Expansion Task Force report is scheduled for an October study session. Following brief discussion, it was the consensus of Council to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 20 for this roundtable session and to delay the start of the regular Council meeting until 7:30 p.m. Mr. Kranstuber stated that he has a conflict and cannot arrive until 7 p.m. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher noted that there is a new tenant in the Dublin Village Center, the Real Deal store, with fluorescent signs on the store. She asked that Code Enforcement check on this item. Ms. Salay suggested that the Service Department staff members who work on the weekends be empowered to remove illegal signage - especially in view of the election season. Ms. Brautigam stated that they are empowered to do this, and the Council candidates were informed about the City's sign regulations. . Historic Dublin Business Signage During Construction Project Ms. Grigsby stated that this issue came up last week in regard to closure of traffic lanes on South High Street in conjunction with the sewer project. A determination was made that it was preferable to keep two-way traffic operational and to prohibit on street parking. In response to the loss of the on street parking, staff added signage regarding the availability of public parking. The merchants have requested a banner to identify the ongoing construction and the fact that the businesses are open. Staff has met and proposes a banner at the northwest corner of Bridge and High to indicate that the businesses are open during the construction. If Council does not object, staff will install this banner as proposed. This was determined to be the best location for the signage. The merchants concurred. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE Mr. Lecklider congratulated Ms. Brautigam and staff on the ICMA award in the civic involvement category. The City was also nominated in several other categories. It was very nice recognition. Ms. Salay: 1. Echoed the congratulations to staff for the ICMA award. 2. Noted regarding the Council roundtable update that she was surprised that steps are not being taken to mitigate the flooding problems on Emerald Parkway in the southwest, and that the solution may be 5 to 10 years away. To have a major roadway not usable during a heavy rainstorm is a concern. Mr. Hammersmith stated that the City's policy has been that this type of project is the responsibility of the developer of the land. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting --- DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 17 Held 20 Ms. Salay asked if the City has the ability to undertake a project and to then require developer reimbursement at a later date when the land is developed. Mr. Hammersmith responded that this is worthy of investigation, but he does not have a definitive answer. 3. Asked about the status of the crumbling stone along the retaining wall at Hayden Run Road. She brought this up several months ago. Mr. Hammersmith stated that Engineering staff has been working with the Service Department on a program. The next step is to schedule a neighborhood meeting about the plan of action. It will likely be done as an independent project via a contractor. 4. Complimented staff for the historic district stormwater project. There have been no complaints and the residents and merchants appreciate the weekly updates being delivered to them. 5. Asked about the status of the Council Chamber remodeling. She assumed this would be completed during the summer. At a recent Planning Commission meeting, a number of residents were not able to view the presentation. She asked about timing for completion of the remodeling. Ms. Brautigam responded that Mr. McDaniel is working on this project, but she is not certain of the timetable for completion. Her office relocation to the first floor is also part of the project, so she is interested in seeing its completion as soon as possible. She will report back to Council on the status. 6. Noted concern about the condition of the property at the Golf Club of Dublin, with dead and dying landscaping, a weed patch for a parking lot, etc. She asked for copies of ongoing correspondence between the City and the developer. It reflects poorly on the City and on Council. It has been a huge disappointment and she no longer has patience with the lack of a cart barn, the parking lot, etc. She would like to know about the plans to resolve this situation. 7. Pointed out in a related matter that she has concerns about follow-up by Code Enforcement. She understands that Mr. Jones checks on complaints, but many residents have indicated to her that they do not hear back in follow-up to their complaints. Could Mr. Jones report his findings to someone on staff who could then relay that information to the resident who made the complaint? In this way, the residents are kept in the loop about the status of a complaint filed. Ms. Brautigam agreed that it is important to follow-up on the outcome of investigation of complaints. This is a customer service issue and it will be addressed. 8. Noted in regard to the Waterford Village greenspace being maintained voluntarily by the resident who spoke tonight that she would like strong action taken by staff. She hears about this matter on a regular basis from neighbors who are very upset about the condition of the parkland. Mrs. Borinq: 1. Echoed congratulations to Ms. Brautigam regarding the civic association involvement award to be presented at ICMA. Many of these items are not new concepts, but Ms. Brautigam has generated a new "spark" in the civic association involvement efforts. 2. Asked in regard to the new ruralism/conservation subdivision design concepts, what is the status of the resolution to be considered by Planning & Zoning Commission? Mr. Gunderman stated that his understanding was that a separate meeting was to be held in September to address administrative items. That administrative meeting, however, has since been cancelled. Staff is drafting a resolution, and is reviewing the upcoming agendas for an appropriate time to schedule this item. Some members of the Commission had also requested information about locations in Ohio where these types of projects have been done. Mrs. Boring stated that the intent of this resolution is to ensure Council's endorsement before further work is done on the concepts, and it is taking too long. It is important to bring this to Council to ensure their buy-in. She urged staff to place this on an agenda at the earliest date possible. Mr. Kranstuber suggested that this could instead be done by motion of Council. Mr. Reiner agreed. Mrs. Boring stated that P&Z is concerned that Council will not be willing to accept the smaller lot sizes in the new ruralism concepts as advocated by Randall Arendt. However, if Council prefers to endorse by motion tonight having P&Z do this work, that is fine, too. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 18 Held 20 Mayor McCash stated that conservation subdivision design and new ruralism are two separate concepts. Conservation subdivision design is development on 60 percent of the land with, in essence, the same densities. This was considered by Council previously, but at the end of the process, 75-80 foot lots were supported and it was not compatible with this design concept. New ruralism is somewhat different. What exactly is P&Z working on at this time? Mr. Gunderman responded that these terms have been used generally interchangeably. There has not been discussion of holding to larger lot sizes as part of this discussion. Mr. Kranstuber commented that these are merely a set of guidelines to be developed for an area where the concepts could be applied. It would not be used in all situations. Mr. Gunderman agreed, noting that the resolution could include language that the concepts would generally be used in locations that are still sizable and planned for residential development at two units per acre in the current Community Plan. Mrs. Boring stated that her understanding is that the most compelling factor would be a piece of land with natural resources to be preserved in conjunction with its development. Mr. Kranstuber noted that the assumption is that the density would not be higher or lower with these concepts. Mrs. Boring stated that P&Z is operating under the assumption that the density would remain the same. The benefit to the developer would be less costs for infrastructure. But Mayor McCash has cited the reason for P&Z's hesitation. When this was brought to Council previously, Council was not willing to reduce the size of lots and so the concepts would not work. Mayor McCash stated that he would prefer reviewing some written parameters or a basic framework versus a general question of whether or not Council supports new ruralism or conservation subdivision design concepts. The answer to the general question may be one matter, but supporting the resolution as drafted could be entirely different. Ms. Brautigam agreed that the details are important when it comes to a question of the ultimate approval of a particular subdivision. What she believes Planning Commission is trying to communicate is that they have a full agenda, but that they want to pursue the concept of new ruralism. But they know that, inevitably, it will result in lots that are smaller than what the City is accustomed to. It will result in larger areas of conserved land, but smaller lots on which to place homes. They know that, based on history in Dublin, Council is generally not supportive of small lots. So the question is whether Council wants P&Z to pursue conservation subdivision design and new ruralism, knowing that it will inevitably result in bringing a recommendation to Council that allows for smaller lots. If the answer is "yes, " they will proceed with the work. But if the answer is "no," an entirely different task is ahead of them. Mr. Reiner stated that new ruralism will create a multitude of new kinds of housing - downscaled housing for singles, housing for empty nesters and for teachers. The goal is to devise a new type of zoning that will offer new types of housing to the community, and yet is aesthetically attractive, meeting the desire of the community plan for rural feel and low traffic. Mayor McCash stated that what Mr. Reiner is describing are different types of multi-family housing. Currently, the Community Plan calls for multi-family housing at 4-5 units per acre. The question P&Z is asking is: If land is developed under this standard, is it possible to maintain this level of density on 60 percent of the land? To have the views and amenities, will they require 80-foot lots or will they be permitted to have 50-foot lots? Will this be accepted as part of the ordinance or not? Previously, when this came before Council, Council indicated that they wanted 70 or 90-foot lots, or a certain percentage would have to be 90, with some at 80 and 60 feet. Mr. Kranstuber commented that, obviously, Mr. Reiner is willing to accept the smaller lot sizes. But knowing that this technique is simply a tool to be used when appropriate, and in view of the desire to provide some alternative types of housing, he could consider this. The market would obviously have to support these types of housing. He is assuming that the ordinance would have to include waiving other provisions of the Code in conjunction with this type of development. Obviously, it would not be possible to have multi-family housing at 5 units per acre in this type of development - perhaps within the cluster itself, RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK INC FORM NO 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 19 Held 20 the density would be 22 units per acre. It would essentially constitute a City-sponsored PUD. Mayor McCash stated that the key is in balancing these items. With too many restrictions, the concepts will not work. Mrs. Boring added that large setbacks between the houses are obviously not workable under this concept. Mr. Reiner noted that in forested areas in the City, this concept would work well - clustering homes in portions of a site. Perhaps other "fingers" of land could connect to the Metro Parks, providing access to the park. These are new concepts to be explored which would offer something to developers other than the tract housing subdivisions currently offered. Mayor McCash stated that a couple of such proposals were submitted previously, but were not supported due to the densities. Mr. Kranstuber stated that the question is whether to draft a motion tonight or allow staff to prepare a resolution to be brought back. Mr. Reiner suggested that Council consider a motion to indicate their support or non- support of the concepts. Mr. Lecklider responded that he can support the concepts in general, but he wants to reserve the right for further input when the details are provided to Council. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher suggested that a motion be considered. Mayor McCash stated that his understanding is that the question is whether or not Council can support new ruralism in view of the smaller lots which will result. Mrs. Boring asked Ms. Brautigam for suggestions in framing a motion. Ms. Brautigam summarized that Planning Commission is seeking from Council a motion indicating that Council supports the Commission's consideration of new ruralism and that Council is open to proposals which meet the criteria of preserving open space and enhancing creativity and diversity in housing stock. Mrs. Boring added a provision - "with the understanding that the City regulations regarding side yard setbacks, minimum lot sizes, minimum frontages, etc. will have to be varied to accommodate this type of design." Mrs. Boring so moved. Mr. Kranstuber seconded the motion. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher added that Council is voting on a conceptual issue at this time, with the expectation that guidelines will be brought back to Council for further discussion. Mrs. Boring stated that this is her understanding as well. Mr. Kranstuber stated that Council recognizes the amount of work required from P&Z and staff to further define these concepts for Dublin, and therefore the Commission wants assurance of Council's willingness to be open to the concepts. Mr. Gunderman commented that staff and Planning Commission assumed that if the resolution were approved, that they would then incorporate the policy and direction into the revisions to the subdivision regulations as opposed to taking these items up separately. The Task Force has reconvened now, and can consider these items. Mrs. Boring disagreed, noting that Planning Commission desires another "tool" at this time because of the volume of new development applications being submitted. She does not believe they are willing to wait until next winter for these. They will approve the guidelines and then submit them to Council for adoption, per the established process. Mr. Reiner noted that he supports expediting this effort due to the volume of development activity. Whether it should be reviewed at the Development Code Revision Task Force as well is another issue. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK, INC, FORM NO. 10148 September 15, 2003 Page 20 Held 20 Vote on the motion: Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Ms. Salay, yes. Mr. Reiner: 1. Congratulated Ms. Brautigam on the ICMA award 2. Thanked staff for their follow-up on the Brand Road property clean up. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher: 1. Reported that the Japanese artist Eitetsu Hayashi will visit Dublin on November 13-14 for meetings, and the DAC has an interest in having a reception for Council, staff, board and commission members and the DAC Board during that time period. This would provide an opportunity to meet the artist and give formal recognition to the program. Following brief discussion, it was the consensus of Council to request that the reception be held on Thursday, November 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 2. Noted that Monday, October 13 is Columbus Day and asked about the plans for a study session on that day. Ms. Brautigam stated that it is not a City holiday, but the Coffman Park Expansion Task Force had hoped to be at the study session on October 13. Due to some scheduling conflicts, they have requested that the study session for the Coffman Park Expansion Task Force be rescheduled for Monday, October 27, if Council is available. Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher noted a potential conflict with October 27. Ms. Salay also has a conflict on October 27 and suggested November 10. Mayor McCash noted a conflict with November 10. The consensus of Council was to schedule the study session on Wednesday, October 29 at 7 p.m. 1\1'" Mr. Kranstuber commented in regard to the list of potential entertainers for the Independence Day celebration in 2004 that he would suggest: (1) Earth, Wind and Fire; (2) Cool and the Gang; (3) Rick Springfield; or (4) AI Green. Mayor McCash moved to adjourn to executive session at 10:20 p.m. for discussion of land acquisition, legal and personnel matters. He noted that the meeting would be reconvened only to formally adjourn. Mr. Kranstuber seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mayor McCash, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes. nvened and formally adjourned at 11 :20 p.m. ~.~~ Clerk of Council