HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-28-2003 Study SessionDublin City Council
Study Session
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Mr. Kranstuber called the Tuesday, October 28, 2003 work session of Dublin City
Council to order at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Dublin Municipal Building.
The topic was the Coffman Park Expansion Task Force recommendations for the
expansion of Coffman Park.
Roll Call
Council members present were: Vice Mayor Boring, Mr. Lecklider, Mr. Kranstuber,
Mr. Reiner, Ms. Salay and Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher. [Mayor McCash arrived later,
following Mayar's Court.]
Coffman Park Task Force members present were: Mr. Blosser, Mr. Cline, Mr.
Eastep, Dr. Bergdall, Ms. Neffenger. Mr. Yoder was absent.
Staff members present were: Ms. Brautigam, Mr. Ciarochi, Mr. Hammersmith, Mr.
Cambs.
Also present: Doyle Clear, Traffic Consultant
Mr. Kranstuber stated that he and Ms. Salay served as the Council representatives
on the Task Force. The Task Force held 14 public meetings at which public
testimony was received. In addition to the 40-60 individuals who shared testimony
during the Task Force meetings, another 40-50 a-mails and letters were received
regarding this topic. Consistent with the Study Session format, public testimony will
not be received tonight. A resolution and public hearing is scheduled for the
November 3rd Council meeting.
TASK FORCE REC~MMENDATIDNS:
Introduction
Mr. Blosser, Task Force Chair, stated that when the Task Force initially met they
reviewed the previous plans that have been developed for the Coffman Park and for
a new City Hall. They also clarified their mission and vision for the park. The
mission was to enhance the present park and make it a dynamic focal point for the
City of Dublin without negatively impacting any of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Their vision recognized that there would actually be two parks in one. The east side
is the municipal "active" campus area, and the west side is a linear, "passive"
neighborhood park. They asked for and received input from many sources
throughout the community. In addition to citizens, input has been considered from
community leaders, staff, traffic consultants, other commissions, Council, and past
Council members. With the City's Community Plan as the primary document far
guidance, the Task Farce members sifted through all the ideas and information and
compiled the best of those in the list of recommendations for the Coffman Park
expansion, which they present to Council tonight.
Study Session
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 2
Overview
Mr. Combs presented a video, featuring a brief history on the park expansion
concept, narrated by Ms. Clarke, Planning Director, interspersed with photos of the
park area.
Traffic Study
Ms. Salay stated that as the Task Force began their work on the expansion plan,
they soon realized that the traffic flow for the area was the key to a unified municipal
campus and central park. It would be essential to redirect Post Road to remove the
direct traffic flow from the center of the park. The entire Task Force was in
agreement that this direction would not be pursued, however, if it would have a
negative impact on Tara Hill Drive or other area neighborhoods. Perhaps this effort
would have the effect of actually speeding the resolution of the current traffic issues
in that area. Therefore, a couple of months after the Task Force had begun to
meet, they requested funding approval for a traffic study on the ramifications of
redirecting Post Road traffic around the central park. Council agreed.
Mr. Clear, Traffic Consultant, described the scope of the traffic study area: all of
Tara Hill, all of Emerald Parkway east to U.S. 33/SR 161, west to Avery-Muirfield.
In 1997, when they studied the area for the Community Plan, estimates were made
by staff fora 2020 land use condition and for a complete build-out on that roadway
system. Recently, staff reevaluated that area, and found that an additional 87,000
square feet of retail space was expected, primarily auto retail, which is very low
density. In addition, 430,000 square feet less industrial space, and 1.1 million
square feet less office space is anticipated than originally projected. The
Community Plan had projected very high density in the area along the highway
system. Because that level of density did not occur, the opportunity now exists to
re-evaluate the potential redirection of Post Road at its eastern end. This was not a
new idea; it was actually a return to the original plan for Post Road in the years
preceding the Community Plan.
The traffic study considered three possible roadway networks. With Alternative 1,
the existing network continues -- Post Road remains open, Perimeter Drive is
completed, Coffman Park Drive remains a driveway, and the new City Hall site is in
the western corner of the intersection of Post and Emerald Parkway. With
Alternative 2, a link of Post Road is removed from the Recreation Center driveway
to Emerald Parkway, and the City Hall site remains in the same location as with
Alternative 1. Post Road is turned dawn Commerce Parkway and into Perimeter.
With Alternative 3, Perimeter is connected to Post Road at Emerald Parkway.
Coffman Park Drive would be extended westward from Emerald Parkway where it
now turns at Coffman, to turn over the creek before tying into Post Road. The City
Hall site would move more to the west, closer to Commerce Parkway. Where
Perimeter ties into Emerald Parkway, a T intersection is suggested at the City Hall
access point. The Task Force also requested that the alternatives be evaluated
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Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 3
for the following: {1 } to minimize through traffic on Post Road; {2} to prevent the
shift of traffic to parallel residential streets; {3} continuation of good access for
existing and future developments in the Perimeter area. There is a significant
amount of empty space in the study area, sa the study had to assume that all the
space was developed and good access ensured; {4) it was necessary to ensure
good traffic flow on Emerald Parkway; {5} protect the character of Post Road; {6}
maintain good traffic operations on Avery-Muirfield Drive, the primary arterial
through the area; {7) minimize traffic impact on existing Coffman Park Drive; {8)
allow existing Coffman Park to be expanded to the south and to create a prominent
site for a future municipal building. Ranking on the basis of all the criteria,
Alternative 2 was the preferred choice.
The Task Force then requested further refinements. On the eastern end there were
some issues regarding whether the land on the east side of Commerce Parkway
was public or private. On the western side, there were issues on how to take care
of the traffic an Post Raad. When the Perimeter area fully develops, there will be
an increase in traffic volumes on Post Road. If Post Road is not re-directed, it will
see a significant increase; if it is redirected, there will still be some increase. The
citizens attending the meetings indicated they would accept the increase in volume,
but asked that the Task Force look at options to manage the traffic, in particular, to
decrease the speed of that traffic. The Task Farce looked at several alternatives to
manage the traffic and the residents chose one of the suggested alternatives for the
western side of the park. The Task Force also gave direction as to how to handle
the park access on the eastern side. With that direction, the traffic consultants
developed some roadway plans.
On the western side, the plan calls for a roundabout or traffic circle at the
intersection of Post Road and Metatec. Continuing west on Post Road, provide
additional traffic calming. The residents expressed preference for a large median in
the center of the road. They recommend that the intersection of Post Road and
Avery-Muirfield Drive be improved to provide left turn lanes on all approaches and
the installation of a complete traffic signal. Moving south on Avery-Muirfield, there
is a need for a southbound right turn lane, and improvements are needed on
Perimeter Drive to give dual left-turns off both approaches and a complete traffic
signal. Moving south on Avery-Muirfield, there is a need for a southbound right turn
lane, and improvements are necessary on Perimeter Drive to provide dual left turns
off both approaches. This area needs significant improvement. They have
requested a southbound left turn lane from Avery-Muirfield Drive to Post Road. If
that left turn were not to be implemented, many more improvements at the
intersection ofAvery-Muirfield and Perimeter would be needed -dual southbound,
left-turn lanes and widening of Perimeter, and particularly a widening of Perimeter
to six lanes between Wilcox Road and Metatec. This is primarily to accommodate
the build-out of the area east ofAvery-Muirfield Drive and south of Post Road.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 4
On the eastern end, it is suggested that Post Road be redirected south along
Commerce Parkway. Commerce Parkway would be widened and improved to
provide three lanes. Minor adjustments would be needed on the section of
Perimeter Drive at Commerce Parkway, and slight modifications would be
necessary on western Commerce Parkway. The remainder of the roadway system
would remain as it is. This enables the western leg to be removed from the
intersection of Post Road and Emerald Parkway. This would relieve the traffic
congestion along the section of Emerald Parkway between Coffman Road on the
north and the intersection at Post Road. This is possible because through
movements would no longer be made across the intersection. The new bridge is
five lanes in width. Dual left turn lanes would be made on Emerald Parkway to
move east onto Post Road. This would eliminate the through movement, which
would significantly improve the intersection. This would also help accommodate the
Cardinal Health expansion in that zone.
Park Plan
Introduction:
Mr. Kranstuber stated that it became obvious by the second meeting of the Task
Force that the traffic study was essential. The park is situated in the heart of the
City. It seemed desirable not to have Post Road run directly through the park, if a
traffic study indicated that redirection would not be problematic. When the results
of the traffic study indicated that redirecting the road would have negligible impact
on Tara Hill Road, and in fact, would make improvements to the traffic flow on
Emerald Parkway, then the Task Force had an opportunity accomplish more with
the park plan. It also became apparent that for practical purposes, there would be
two parks . The existing Coffman Park would be the western side of the park,
enhanced with the development of the new properties that have been acquired.
The eastern side of the park will be the municipal campus and the active programs
of the park. Staff members offered invaluable ideas, and direction for programming
and discussion of this side of the park drew much public participation. The final
park plan includes many of those ideas.
He indicated that memos had been forwarded to Council, which discussed the cost
of the park. However, there is no immediate cost. In essence, a "road map" has
been created, which can be followed over a period of time. The only immediate
cost is already in the capital budget, for the additional acquisition of land. Future
councils will "fill in the blanks" at whatever pace they desire. There is nothing
extraordinarily expensive about the proposed plan, quite the contrary. Mr. Combs'
initial description of this area was that of a big, flat soybean field. Rather than
spending $1 million to develop the site, the easiest, fastest and least expensive way
to achieve an impact is with development of the landscape and a water feature.
Having a plan that has been adopted is valuable -- it gives certainty to the
neighbors in the area and allows the City to develop the necessary infrastructure.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 5
Mr. Combs described the design process. Staff was given the task of visualizing
the different ideas that were approved by the Task Force in their meetings. As the
work progressed, the concept plan was revised several times. The first criterion for
the initial design of the park plan was to identify a site for the new City Hall.
Secondly, what would create the focal impact and the sense of place for the heart
of Dublin? Once the City Hall site was identified and the necessary parking
considered, it was obvious that there was not an extensive area of land that could
be programmed for park uses. To add any park components, it would be necessary
to expand west to Commerce Parkway. In drafting a concept plan, it was found that
such an expansion of the park area would allow some creativity to the site plan.
Instead of segmented pieces of open space, a central hub would be created for the
open space system of Coffman Park. After the Task Force decided to go with the
expanded plan, staff divided the park into two sections and looked at various
placements of the park elements identified by the Task Force. By realigning Post
Road into Commerce Parkway, a larger park space is created, one contiguous
open space flowing from north to south -anchored by the Justice Center on the
south, City Hall on the east, and Recreation Center to the north. This allows City
Hall to be placed at a prime focal point at a major intersection and provides an
expansive view of the new City Hall from the bridge over S.R. 161.
East Campus -Active:
• Outdoor, lighted mini sports complex adjacent to the Justice Center, further
removed from the neighborhood vicinity and close to police oversight;
• Pond amenity - a focal feature to visually link the park segments that are
separated by Perimeter Loop. A water feature on each side of the park
would appear as one continuous body of water. Both sides would be visually
linked by the use of a stonewall and lighting treatment. On the south side,
would be a naturalized fishpond; on the north, a sail pond would
accommodate small sailboats or paddle boats. The northernmost end of the
pond would include a children's water play area, and adjacent to that, a
special needs playground.
• The future municipal building, creating an architectural as well as civic
statement at the terminus of Post and Emerald Parkway. This would be the
physical focus of the entire City, so would be made as prominent as
possible. Outdoor gardens and plaza spaces would include outdoor dining,
and other programmable areas would emphasize the visual statement as
well as provide pedestrian linkage to the adjacent picnic grounds.
• Preservation of historic elements. The Task Force suggested preservation
of the barn and outbuildings of the existing Thomas farm. The barn could be
used as a boathouse -- a focal point near the proposed pond.
• A Nature Center would be located in the house on the Nyrop property, which
is located adjacent to the Recreation Center parking lat. The outbuildings
would also be used for indoor activities along with the outdoor classroom
potential of this site, which is bordered by the stream.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 6
The Task Force suggests placement of the Irish Festival further south in the
municipal campus, nearer to the Justice Center, which would eliminate the festival
impact on the adjacent neighborhoods and provide a better use of the open space.
Parking would be at various locations to limit the amount of pavement needed in the
park.
West Campus -Passive:
This side of the park emphasizes the scenic, environmental aspects of Indian Run.
It reaches from the east campus to the Recreation Center an the north, to Red
Trabue Nature Center in the west, and eventually to the Glacier Ridge Metro Park
in the northwest. The intent is to provide a variety of scenic mini eco-systems or
spaces along Indian Run, as well as to work off the existing path systems. The
Task Force also suggests that the existing Community Relations building be
eliminated, due to its proximity to residential uses. The site would be used as
additional park space. The area could benefit from reforestation or other added
vegetation. The existing crossing would continue to be used as part of the
pedestrian network throughout the park.
Further west, additional amenities such as wildflower meadows would be
incorporated. Issues such as reforestation, erosion control along the banks of
Indian Run, and establishment of wetland areas will be addressed. Pedestrian
linkages will be created and enhanced, as well as environmental buffers and
different types of spaces to provide a sequence of visual amenities. The overall
character of Post Road would be enhanced by the use of architectural features,
such as stonewalls and bridges, guardrail treatments and landscape treatments. All
this culminates in the overall "big picture" of Coffman Park.
In summary, the major objectives of the Coffman Park Plan are to create a civic
campus, a central hub of open space that links to the overall greenway system,
enhancing the scenic qualities of the park system, but in particular, an identity for
Dublin. An attempt has been made to lay the groundwork for something special in
the future.
Mr. Blosser invited discussion.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that the concept design for the park is wonderful She
inquired about the recommended left-turn lane. Mr. Clear has recommended that
the left turn not be constructed until the realignment of Post Road is complete. Is
there anything, however, that would prohibit the left turn and realignment being
scheduled ahead of the park implementation?
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Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 7
Mr. Clear responded that all the pieces of the roadway system are very closely
related. The southbound left turn lane and the redirection would have to be
completed concurrently in order to protect Post Road. However, at the same time,
the Perimeter improvements would have to be done sa that it could handle the
through traffic to the west. If not, the traffic congestion at Avery-Muirfield will
worsen.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if, from an Engineering standpoint, there would be a
sequence in those three improvements, or could they actually be done at the same
time? Wouldn't they be phased in?
Mr. Hammersmith stated that more analysis would be required from an operational
standpoint. The three steps would not occur simultaneously, but they would be
closely linked.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher stated that the infrastructure improvements could be "Phase
A" of the Coffman Park Project. This would accomplish traffic flowing in the
intended manner before the other park improvements are begun.
Mr. Hammersmith stated that the roadway network improvements should be
completed prior to other park improvements. Traffic impact studies indicate that the
improvements to Avery-Muirfield/Perimeter and Avery-Muirfield/Post are needed,
regardless of the schedule for the park.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher inquired if the areas on the Coffman Park Plan that are
designated "open" are privately owned.
Mr. Combs stated that there are three parcels on the plan that were not included in
the park plan - Kinman, Cline and Costello. The Task Force asked that the plan
include only those parcels that are City-owned.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher inquired what Mr. Cline and Dr. Bergdall's (wife of Mr.
Costello} feelings were concerning living in a park.
Dr. Bergdall responded that they, as well as the other neighborhood residents,
believe that the western half of the park presently functions very well as a passive
neighborhood park, and it should remain relatively unchanged. Having a passive
park around her does not create any concerns.
Mr. Cline agreed. He stated that the western side of Coffman Park is already a very
successful linear park, stretching from the Recreation Center to Red Trabue Nature
Preserve. It is the premier, Tartan-type amenity in the City of Dublin, perhaps in the
State of Ohio. It is very heavily used, particularly the section extending to Avery
Road. The homes along the park provide security for that park. The residential
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Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 8
proximity makes the park more usable. The human presence makes it less
isolated, and single individuals and children are safer in the park than they would be
otherwise.
Mrs. Boring inquired what planning has been made for parking. The park has been
expanded 300%, and will be emphasized as the heart of Dublin, but where will the
public park when they come to use the park?
Ms. Salay stated that the Task Force looked at the parking issue in a number of
ways in a number of areas:
1. There was a large amount of unused parking at the Red Trabue Nature
Preserve. That space is envisioned as a parking place for school vans/busses or
for those using the linear park for a long walk or jog.
2. There is ample parking in the western parking lots of the Rec Center, which
would provide ready access to the bike/pedestrian trail and to the Nature Center
that will be located on the Nyrop property.
3. There are also unused parking areas along Coffman Drive that are seldom
used, except by high school students during the day. On the weekends, it is
unused.
4. There is the parking lot at the present municipal building, which will one day
be used for a purpose other than City Hall.
5. The proposed parking pods for the future City Hall will provide adequate
parking for City Hall and the eastern, active side of the park. There is more parking
planned for the Sports Complex near the Justice Center.
6. On the western side of the park, a couple of the earlier drafts of the plan had
proposed parking areas. There was significant response from the neighborhood on
that issue. When Indian Run Meadows, Hemingway and Dublinshire were built, the
park was dedicated as their neighborhood park. That park is well loved in its
present state, and the Task Force did not want or need to add much to it. It is a
linear park - a connection between Red Trabue and the eastern portion of the
campus. Adding additional parking at this point in time would be counter-
productive to the goal of keeping this as a passive park.
7. There are a couple of areas close to the traffic circle, where parking could be
added in the future. if there is a demonstrated need.
Mr. Eastep stated that the new City Hall parking lot would be used by staff primarily
during workdays, but would be available to the residents during evenings and
weekends.
Mrs. Boring suggested that when the present municipal building is vacated,
additional programming for senior citizen groups could be located there.
Mr. Reiner inquired if the redirection of Post Road would result in increased traffic
problems further south.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 9
Mr. Clear responded that the intersection at Commerce and Perimeter would need
improvement. Presently, Perimeter narrows from afive-lane cross-section to a
three-lane cross-section at that paint. It will be necessary to widen a section of the
west leg of Perimeter to provide two through lanes at that point. A traffic signal will
also be necessary. The long-term volume of traffic on Post Road is anticipated to
be slightly greater than the present level of traffic. However, the through traffic will
be eliminated, as well as traffic making a right turn from Post to Avery-Muirfield or
coming down Avery-Muirfield to Tara Hill to Coffman.
Mr. Reiner inquired what the cost estimate for the traffic improvements would be.
Staff estimated the cost at $4 million.
Mr. Kranstuber stated that it would be necessary to spend that amount on the
infrastructure improvements in any case -- even if the park were not built.
Mr. Reiner inquired about the amount of land that would be replaced with the
proposed lakes.
Mr. Combs stated that the new lake would be four to five times the size of the lake
in Indian Run Meadows.
Mr. Lecklider inquired if the traffic study projects a net reduction of traffic on Tara
Hill Road.
Mr. Clear stated the study recognizes the redistricting of the schools that will result
in a shift in the traffic that will use Tara Hill in the a.m. and p.m. school peak hours.
During the evening traditional peak hour, the increase in cars using Tara Hill when
Post Road is redirected is expected to increase by approximately 25 cars. In the
meantime, however, traffic calming procedures will be in place on Tara Hill. It is
likely that the redistricting and the traffic calming measures will offset any increase
caused by the redirection of Post Road.
Mayor McCash inquired if studies indicate that traffic calming will reduce speed, will
it also reduce the volume of traffic? Tara Hill has issues related to neighborhood
and cut-through traffic.
Mr. Clear stated that their estimate is that a vehicle will continue on a road that does
not require a reduction in speed, looking at the end product of total travel time.
Mayor McCash inquired if the traffic light at Post Road and Avery-Muirfield will
remain -presently there is a temporary traffic signal in place.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 10
Mr. Clear stated that the suggestion is that improvements would be made along
Avery-Muirfield, including: right turn lanes, improvements to Perimeter, improve the
present signalization, installation of a permanent traffic signal at the aforementioned
location, and providing left turn lanes on the west-east and north legs. There is
already one on the south leg. That improvement would facilitate the traffic
movement to Metatec and CheckFree.
Mayor McCash inquired if the southbound left turn lane on Post Road is expected to
take some of the east-west traffic off Tara Hill
Mr. Clear affirmed that is the expectation.
Mr. Cline commended Mr. Combs for the quality of his work provided for the City,
both technically and artistically.
Mr. Lecklider thanked the Council representatives and citizen volunteers who
devoted a large amount of time to work on this Task Force.
Mr. Kranstuber inquired what amount of presentation would be needed at the
Council meeting for the public hearing of the resolution accepting this plan.
Mayor McCash responded that his understanding was that a lengthy presentation
would not be necessary at the Council meeting. That is the purpose of tonight's
meeting. Public comment will be heard on the issue at the Council meeting.
Mr. Eastep stated that, as Mr. Kranstuber alluded, a large percentage of the cost
estimate is for traffic improvements that are necessary and will occur, regardless of
the park plans. In addition, the present municipal building must be replaced as it
no longer meets the space and service demands. He suggested that the traffic
improvements and municipal building be programmed in the five-year CIP. The
remaining park amenities could be programmed later - in a five to ten year plan.
He noted that development of Coffman Park would provide a higher quality of life for
the City, which will enable the City to be more competitive in attracting businesses
to Dublin. That, in turn, will generate more tax dollars for the City.
Mayor McCash agreed. The actual park development could be looked at
separately. The City consistently pursues park development. He observed that
most of the items on the list of recommendations are issues that have been
identified as necessary projects. The recommendations that are new total
approximately $760,000.
Mrs. Boring noted that the cost of land acquisition was not included in the estimate.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 11
Ms. Salay stated that the land acquisition would have the additional benefit of
removing that land from the Coffman commercial market. Therefore, the associated
traffic generation will not occur. What could be intensive office use would be
beautiful greenspace.
Mrs. Boring stated that removing land from commercial use would result in lost tax
dollars for the City. Realistically, the plan should reflect the cost of the land.
Mr. Kranstuber noted that there are two things to remember: {1 }this is not
"Cardinal Health" type of development being removed from commercial
development. The land use is secondary office. {2) If the land were to be
developed commercially, the area would lose its attractiveness. The roads would
not work on any level, unless the City was to purchase some of the businesses and
add additional lanes to Perimeter.
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher emphasized that Council will be voting on the park plan, not
on the estimated financial package or the actual implementation of the plan. The
implementation will take place later, based upon actual figures, not estimates.
Mayor McCash noted that this plan would actually become the community plan for
this area. He noted that if the road network does not exist to support the
commercial density, it would be wiser to move that density to another location that
would support it. Putting office use in this area would hurt the neighborhood more
than the park development.
Mr. Eastep stated that most of the people present tonight have been involved with
the community for many years and have seen four or five Coffman Park plans. He
encouraged Council that if they adopt this plan, they should then aggressively
schedule and implement the infrastructure and City Hall components while an
overlap remains on City Council. Otherwise, a completely new Council will want to
start over with a new plan.
Ms. Salay expressed agreement and noted that the new City Hall has been
scheduled on the 5-year CIP this year. She thanked all the Task Force members
and staff members for their contributions to this study and expressed special thanks
to Mr. Combs for the hours of labor he spent developing the visual plans to reflect
the Task Force guidance. The Historical Society president also attended two
meetings and provided historical information pertinent to the site and City. She
thanked the residents who have attended and contributed to the Task Force
meetings during the past 18 months and invited them to attend the November 3~d
Council meeting. At that time, public comment will be taken before the vote occurs.
Mr. Kranstuber moved to adjourn to executive session for the discussion of a legal
matter.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Page 12
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mayor McCash, yes;
Ms. Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes.
Mayor McCash stated that the meeting would not be reconvened except for the
purpose of formally adjourning.
The meeting was reconvened and formally adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Clerk of Council