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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/07/2007RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS May 7, 2007 Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher called the Monday, May 7, 2007 Regular Meeting of Dublin City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Dublin Municipal Building. Present were: Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, Vice Mayor Lecklider, Mrs. Boring, Mr. Keenan, Mr. Reiner, Ms. Salay and Mr. McCash. Staff members present were: Ms. Brautigam, Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Smith, Chief Epperson, Mr. Harding, Ms. Ott, Ms. Gilger, Ms. Crandall, Mr. Tyler, Ms. Hoyle, Mr. Hahn, Mr. Hammersmith, Ms. Puskarcik and Mr. Burns. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Scouts from Troop 299 led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Regular Meeting of April 23, 2007 Vice Mayor Lecklider moved approval of the minutes of April 23. Ms. Salay seconded the motion. Mrs. Boring noted a correction to page 14, fifth paragraph, where it should state, "but to direct staff where to locate a particular bridge at this particular moment is not appropriate for Council." Vote on the minutes as corrected: Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mr. McCash, abstain; Ms. Salay, yes; Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes. CORRESPONDENCE The Clerk reported there was no correspondence requiring Council action. MOTION The Mayor announced that prior to moving forward with the agenda, she will propose a motion for consideration. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher moved that, upon direction from the Law Director's office, the item listed under "Other" as "Discussion of Water and Sewer Policies" be tabled indefinitely. The basis for the motion lies in the fact that three property owners have initiated litigation with the City directed at the City's policy on water and sewer services. It is the Law Director's recommendation that no further public discussion occur on this matter while the litigation is pending. Mr. Reiner seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Mr. McCash, yes; Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes. CITIZEN COMMENTS Wallace Maurer, 7451 Dublin Road stated that those present may be familiar with the Thomas Jefferson Center and their protection of freedom of expression. Since 1992, the group has annually published a collection of "Jefferson Muzzles." The quickest and most direct definition he can provide within Council's and his experience is the "muzzling" which occurred in October of 2006, when Council "muzzled" him so that he could not again speak on a particular topic. Last year, 13 "Muzzles" were published by the Jefferson Center and he noted that one occurred in a city one tenth the size of Dublin in Washington state. Their website indicates, "The City of Yelm has an elected Mayor/Council form of government whose powers are to be utilized for the good of the community and its residents, to provide for the health, safety and general welfare of the citizenry. The City Council is the policy making and law making body of the City. The City Council's collective policy and lawmaking powers are put into action at the Council meetings, with the opportunity provided for citizens to be heard." In Yelm, a corporation requested permission to build in the City and it created tremendous protest. A number of people protested at many meetings of Council until finally, the City stopped them from doing so. It stopped them by means of a statement issued by the City Attorney, which they cited as their justification. That statement was, "It is the Council's meeting and they can decide what they want to hear and what they're tired of hearing." There was a comment made by the City Attorney that the main motivation of the City was topic fatigue. Mr. Maurer then read the Jefferson Center's conclusion regarding this action: "The First Amendment does not require the Yelm City Council or any other local government entity to include public comment sessions as part of their meetings. But if a local government authority chooses to allow the public to speak at its meetings, it must RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council e do so in a manner consistent with the principles of the First Amendment; it cannot arbitrarily decide which words may or may not be used. Public comment sessions contain just that -comments from the public, and government officials do not have the authority to control the lexicon employed by the public. While the usefulness of such comments may vary from speaker to speaker, all speakers have an equal First Amendment right to express their views, using words of their own choosing. For believing it has the authority to prohibit the use of particular words, the Yelm City Council earns a 2006 Jefferson Muzzle." He concluded by noting that the measuring rod used for selecting muzzles is that freedom of speech cannot be limited without being lost. LEGISLATION SECOND READING/PUBLIC HEARING -ORDINANCES Ordinance 22-07 Vacating aTen-Foot Drainage Easement from Lot 323 of Ballantrae, Section 3. Mr. Hammersmith reported that there is no additional information to present tonight. Vote on the Ordinance: Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. McCash, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes. INTRODUCTION/FIRST READING -ORDINANCES Ordinance 24-07 Amending the Dublin Residential Building Code, and Declaring an Emergency. Vice Mayor Lecklider introduced the ordinance. Mr. Smith stated that this legislation is being introduced to affirm Dublin's residential building code. It is to be voted on at the May 21 Council meeting. Most of the legislation addresses updates in the state residential code adopted in 2006. Mr. Tyler indicates that the updates will be done on a more regular basis in the future. The Dublin Residential Building Code, by and large, mirrors the state Residential Building Code. To the extent that there are any differences between them, Dublin has constitutionally mandated home rule authority to establish and enforce residential building standards within its borders. Staff will be requesting adoption by emergency at the second reading on May 21. There will be a second reading/public hearing at the May 21 Council meeting. Ordinance 25-07 Authorizing the Provision of Economic Development Incentives to Aimo Investments LLC and its Affiliate FLG Hospitality LLC to Induce the Location and Expansion of its Operations and Workforce within the City of Dublin and Authorizing the Execution of an Economic Development Agreement. Ms. Salay introduced the ordinance. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted that an updated ordinance and memo were provided to Council tonight. Ms. Gilger noted that the official name of the company was incorrectly listed on the legislation contained in the packet, and the revised documents reflect the correct name. Staff has been in discussion with this group regarding their headquarters. They desire an owner-occupied facility versus the current leased facility. They are one of the country's top 50 management and development companies, and they own and operate some of the finest lodging hotels in the industry. This group also is responsible for the Hilton Polaris Hotel and Conference Center, which is currently under development, and they manage Fort Rapid's Indoor Water Park in Columbus. They currently employ 22 full-time employees at their headquarters and they are agreeing to acquire a Dublin facility and add 16 new jobs to Dublin by December 31, 2011. The economic development agreement provides fora $32,000 facility acquisition grant to assist with the building purchase, and it is tied to the company meeting pre-determined annual payroll withholdings. Over the term of the agreement, the City looks to add over $190,000 to their withholdings. The company representatives will be present at the next hearing. Mrs. Boring noted that the target withholding amount is noted on page 3 of the document. Will the forfeiture payment include interest? Ms. Gilger stated it will not; the City typically does not include interest with this payment. The grant would be paid in two installments within the first year of the company acquiring RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council _- -- - May 7, 2007 age the facility and moving into it. They are tied to growing and reaching certain targets over a five-year period in order to keep the entire amount granted. There will be a second reading/public hearing at the May 21 Council meeting. INTRODUCTION/PUBLIC HEARING -RESOLUTIONS Resolution 27-07 Accepting the Lowest/Best Bid for the Emerald Fields Phase One Ballfield Project. Vice Mayor Lecklider introduced the resolution. Mr. Hahn stated this provides a contract to begin the development of the southernmost portion of Emerald Fields, centered on development of three ballfields. He offered to respond to questions. Mrs. Boring noted that a bikepath connection is included with the project. Mr. Hahn responded that the existing bikepath connection underneath the power line easement comes up a bit short of Wyandotte Woods Boulevard. Mrs. Boring asked if staff has talked with the church about the bikepath easement needed. Mr. Hahn responded that they have not. There is a staff meeting next week to review the development for bikepaths as part of the five-year CIP update. This connection is on the list. Mrs. Boring responded that her concern is that the church had indicated 3-4 years ago that they were very interested in donating the land needed for the bikepath. She does not understand why staff has not secured this easement so that when the bikepath is eventually constructed, there is not a need to purchase the land. The Eastside Civic Association has brought this up many times. Mr. Hahn responded that staff can contact them regarding their willingness to donate the needed easement. There is not a design done at this point, and it is conceivable that the existing right-of-way may be adequate to accommodate the path. Mrs. Boring stated that it would be prudent to obtain a written agreement from the church about the donation in advance of the design being done. Mr. Hahn stated that staff can certainly ask for such a letter from the church. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked if this commitment was made as part of a rezoning. Mrs. Boring responded that it was not, but it has been discussed many times in regard to connecting the various bikepath sections. Vice Mayor Lecklider stated that in fairness, perhaps a declaration of general interest or cooperation from the church would be in order. The church may not be willing to sign something without a definite layout provided for the bikepath. Discussion continued. Ms. Brautigam stated that staff will contact the church to obtain at a minimum an verbal understanding that they are in agreement with the concept. The church does need to be informed that the City is planning to install a bikepath on their property to make these connections. Staff will advise Council after this contact is made. Mr. Reiner stated that fora 15-foot easement, there may not be a need for a formal design drawing. Mr. Hahn reiterated that he is hopeful the path can be placed within the existing right-of- way in this location. There could be construction issues which could result in the need to go outside of the existing easement. He will advise Council after contacting the church. Vote on the Resolution: Mr. Keenan, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. McCash, yes; Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, yes. Resolution 28-07 Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirements, Pursuant to Section 8.04 (`Contracting Procedures'), Paragraph (C) ("Waiver of Competitive Bidding") for the Purchase of Alcoholic Beverages for the Dublin Irish Festival. RECORD OF PROCEED[NGS Dublin City Council May 7, 2007 Nage Held 20 Ms. Salay introduced the resolution. Ms. Brautigam stated this is an annual action requested from Council. The Killian's Red distributor in the Columbus area is designated as the provider of this item, and they are a sponsor of the Festival. Mrs. Boring noted that the resolution indicates this is being done in exchange for the sponsorship dollars. Is there a figure available on this sponsorship? Ms. Brautigam responded that the value is $30,000. Vote on the Resolution: Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. McCash, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, yes. OTHER • Discussion re Water and Sewer Extension Policies (This item was tabled indefinitely, based upon the recommendation of the Law Director, as noted on page 1 of these minutes.) • Report from CSAC re Plant Salvaging Program Ms. Crandall stated that the packet included a memo from the Community Services Advisory Commission recommending the implementation of this program. The concept is avolunteer-based, learn and serve program whereby native plant species on land for development are identified and salvaged. Places for replanting, primarily in public parks, will be identified for replanting. Currently, some residents are already engaged in this effort and this would formalize a program. She noted that when this was referred to CSAC, a requirement from Council was that it did not require a significant amount of staff time. This has been addressed, as a resident expert is interested in leading this group. He and Mime Migliori, Nature Education Coordinator will do the training and will assist on site. The hope is to plant the salvaged plants in areas which will not require a significant amount of care for them to grow. Mr. Reiner noted he heartily endorses this program, and he attended the CSAC meeting on this matter. This is a great means to preserve the existing flora and the effort is well organized with thorough training and a minimal cost. Vice Mayor Lecklider asked what the expenses of the program will be and who will fund it. Ms. Crandall responded that there is some expense involved in the training in terms of Ms. Migliori's time. The volunteers are required to bring their own tools. They hope to begin this effort with public projects. Vice Mayor Lecklider responds that there may be a need for trucks to transport the materials. Is it anticipated that the City will provide the means to do this? Ms. Crandall stated that those details have not been worked out. Ms. Migliori stated that all the volunteers would provide their own transportation. She does not anticipate use of City vehicles. Vice Mayor Lecklider stated that he is not suggesting use of City vehicles would be unacceptable, but wants to understand what is being proposed. What types of plant materials will be transplanted? Ms. Migliore responded that blooming native geraniums and native snow trillium would be examples, as well as native ferns and spice bushes. Non-native plants, such as honeysuckle can stifle the growth and threaten the survival of these native species. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted she supports the program, particularly in view of the volunteer aspect of it. It is a good example of citizen participation in a community project. Staff should seek the recognitions available, once the program is up and running well. Wallace Maurer, 7451 Dublin Road recalled that for many years, a citizen of Dublin was involved with honeysuckle vine removal, to the point of upsetting the neighbors. It would be good to harness her energy, and he recalls she was very knowledgeable about such matters. She would make a good volunteer for this effort. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher moved approval of the program as presented. Mr. Reiner seconded the motion. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS May 7, 2007 Page 5 Vote on the motion: Mr. Keenan, yes; Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. McCash, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes. • Sites for Loaned Art Program -Dublin Arts Council Ms. Brautigam stated that David Guion, Executive Director of the DAC will address this. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted that an updated version of the staff memo was provided on the dais tonight. Ms. Brautigam clarified that the memo in the packet indicated the amount of City services needed to install the program was 140 labors hours. After discussion, it was determined there was a need to de-install the program at its conclusion, so an additional 100 hours of labor from the City in fiscal year 2008 would be required. David Guion. Dublin Arts Council asked that Council refer to the letter drafted on May 4 for details about the loaned art program. The letter indicates that contact has been made with seven on-loan sculpture programs and they have worked with John Quick, Professor of Sculpture at Ohio Wesleyan in crafting the document. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher noted she is pleased with the location of the sculptures which will be placed in Coffman Park. It will make the project more visible to the community. She noted it will be installed after the Dublin Irish Festival in 2007. Will the project be de-installed before or after the DIF in 2008? Mr. Guion responded that he has not met with Ms. Puskarcik in regard to this timing in 2008. Ms. Brautigam added that it is hoped it will not conflict, as the pads on which the sculptures have been installed can be used for another program which staff is hopeful will occur. Staff will ensure that it does not in anyway interfere with the DIF. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher would recommend reusing the pads so that more people can partake of the public art as well as future programs at the same sites. While there may be a desire to having it moved, there is a value to having them in the same location where people are accustomed to seeing the art. Wallace Maurer. 7451 Dublin Road noted that the letter uses the phrase "outdoor on- loan" program. It also indicates there are five sculptures ready to be installed. Is it fundamentally a loan program, or are there any sculptures which will be permanent, such as Leatherlips? Mr. Guion responded that the sculptures are on loan. The artists are paid a loan fee to place them. The goal is to purchase at least one of the sculptures to give to the City, and individuals and corporations will also be encouraged to purchase the sculptures. Mr. Maurer asked if the loan program will be ongoing, after the first five sculptures are installed. Mr. Guion responded that the hope is to make this a revolving exhibition. At this point, it is a pilot project for the Arts Council. If successful, they hope to add more in years to come. Mr. Maurer noted there is provision for making bases for the sculptures. Will these bases be permanent or will they need to be changed with a new show? Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher responded that the hope is that the site could be used next year for a new rotation of art, which would allow the pad to be reused. Mr. Keenan asked about the amount of funds set aside annually by the DAC for Art in Public Places, per the initial discussions. Is it $75,000 per year? Mr. Guion responded affirmatively. Mr. Keenan asked if the $75,000 would include the cost of rent and program expenses - honorariums to the artists, travel expenses, reimbursement of expenses incurred by the City. He is trying to understand if $75,000 per year will be spent on the actual artwork, or if it will be $75,000 less the expenses of the program. Mr. Guion noted that in the presentation given previously, he noted that $52,000 was allotted for the actual purchase of a work or works. Mr. Keenan stated that the balance of $23,000 would then constitute the program costs. Mr. Guion confirmed that is correct. Mr. Keenan asked if, at the end of the loaned art program, the desire is to purchase only one loaned artwork at $30,000, and there is availability of $52,000, will the $22,000 then be used to purchase another work or be escrowed for use the following year? Mr. Guion confirmed that is correct. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS May 7, 2007 Page 6 Held 20 Mr. Keenan asked that this be part of the record, so that everyone is of the same understanding regarding the expectations. 1 1 C Mrs. Boring noted that Mr. Guion has mentioned honorariums in this discussion. Are these a set amount, or are they arbitrarily determined? And are they offered to the artist or requested by the artist? Mr. Guion responded that they are based on research with the Ohio Arts Council and the seven other arts organizations throughout the country who do on-loan sculpture exhibitions. The Arts Council offers the honorarium, it is not requested by the artist. Mr. Keenan added that there is an expectation that the artist would be reimbursed for some of their time. Mr. Guion responded that is correct. A stipend is provided for travel instead of the Arts Council determining all of the logistics for the transportation. That is handled by the artist. Mrs. Boring noted that her concern was with the amount of the honorarium and how that is determined, and making certain there is some oversight. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher moved approval of the proposed location of Coffman Park, and to grant 240 hours of City services to assist with site preparation, installation of the sculptures and de-installation at the end of the exhibition. Mr. Reiner seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mayor Chinnici- Zuercher, yes; Mr. McCash, yes; Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes; Ms. Salay, yes. • Naming of Veterans Park Ms. Brautigam stated that the Veterans Project Committee has been meeting with the artist selected for the project. In the course of discussion, it was brought up that the title of the work, "Grounds of Remembrance" has been used in referring to the property. The Committee felt it was more appropriate for the community to refer to this area as "Dublin Veterans Park." Staff is therefore recommending that Council adopt by motion this official name of the location where the art work will be located. Mr. Keenan echoed Ms. Brautigam's comments. The Committee wanted to have the name identified with Dublin, and recommends designating this area as "Dublin Veterans Park." Mr. Keenan moved to designate "Dublin Veterans Park" as the official name of the area where the "Grounds of Remembrance" will be placed. Mr. Reiner seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Ms. Salay, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. McCash, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, yes. STAFF COMMENTS There were no comments from staff. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE Mrs. Boring: 1. Commented regarding the outcome and the process of the road name change from Scherers Place to Dulaney Court. The staff memo indicates that the name selected is in fact the founder and CEO of the company. It was also indicated that staff will communicate to the company that this name is not intended to be honorary to the company founder. However, this is not plausible. It sets somewhat of a precedent. She would like Council to consider renaming this road, based on the precedent-setting nature of the previous action. Ms. Brautigam noted there were other name suggestions brought forward during the process. Mr. Hammersmith stated that a previous suggestion was Kilt Court. Staff can revisit the renaming if Council so desires. Mrs. Boring moved to direct staff to revisit this issue and propose a new name for Scherers Place. Mr. McCash seconded the motion. Mr. McCash asked which other streets in Dublin have been named in honor of company RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting ~ May 7, 2007 it 1 u Held Page 7 founders. Ms. Brautigam responded that she recalls renaming of streets to names with historical significance, such as Holt and Sharp. Mrs. Boring noted that Kilgour Place was recently named in honor of OCLC founder Fred Kilgour. Mr. McCash noted the City named a private street in front of Wendy's in honor of their founder, Dave Thomas. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated that in this case, the company was not requesting that this street be renamed to honor their founder. Ms. Salay commented that it was simply an Irish name suggested by the company. Vote on the motion: Ms. Salay, yes; Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. McCash, yes; Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes. Mrs. Boring continued: 2. She pointed out that a noise ordinance variance has been granted to the Bogey Inn as outlined in the staff memo. The memo indicated that the Shawnee Village Council must now approve a waiver to their noise ordinance. What will happen if they do not do so? Mr. Smith responded that he will monitor this and will report to Council if Shawnee Hills does not grant the variance to them. Mrs. Boring added that the complaint she has heard in the past is that they don't stop the music by 11 p.m. on weekdays. Mr. Smith stated that he recalls that staff visited the site in response to complaints. Ms. Puskarcik confirmed that staff has visited the site to ensure that the music is discontinued by the specified time period in the waiver. Staff will continue this practice. 3. In past years, she has provided feedback regarding suggested persons who should receive invitations to the Corporate Cup. Assuming it was a standard practice to invite members of Planning & Zoning Commission to participate, she did not respond this year to the memo. She has learned that the P&Z Commission was not included in the Corporate Cup invitations this year, and there are two members who are excellent golfers and who spend a lot of time volunteering for the City. She is hoping that they can still be invited to participate. Ms. Brautigam responded that each year, there are two events during the practice round days -the Corporate Cup and the Nick/Flick Golf School -where the City invites corporate partners to play golf at the Country Club course. There is an effort to rotate this invitation every year to provide opportunities for many people to participate. In years past, sometimes the Planning & Zoning Commission members were invited. This year, staff decided to bring in a new group of people and invited the civic association presidents to participate. Because this was a large group, it was felt it would be sufficient to fill the available spots. It was done not to take something away, but instead to rotate that opportunity to the different partners in the community. Mrs. Boring stated that she appreciates the thought process, but she learned about this at the civic association meeting. She is disappointed that they were not included, in view of the amount of the time the Commissioners contribute to the City. It would have involved only six invitations, and only two would likely have been interested. She hopes that they will be invited in the future. Mr. McCash indicated that he is not playing this year and they can have his spot. Mr. Keenan offered the same. Mr. Keenan: 1. Reported he attended the Dublin Arts Council Board meeting on May 1 where they discussed a variety of topics. There was talk of the Art in Public Places program and loaned art program. The Board is going to review over the coming months the process to select the Dublin Arts Council piece that will be purchased, including how that will take place. It will be a combination of input from the community, the DAC Board and other community arts professionals. When the process is determined, it was suggested that it be brought to Council for review and discussion. 2. Reported that the Finance Committee met on May 2 in regard to the Chamber lease. It was the hope to have a recommendation for Council, but it was felt that Council should have the benefit of hearing all of the testimony provided at RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of ublin City Council Meeting May 7, 2007 LJ 1 Page 8 that time. Therefore, the Chamber lease discussion has been scheduled for the June 4 Council meeting. 3. Noted that a Veterans Project Committee meeting was held on May 4 and the main topic was the upcoming Memorial Day groundbreaking for the project. More details will be available soon. 4. Noted that the Finance Committee will meet tomorrow, May 8 at 6 p.m. to hear the hotel/motel tax grant applications. All Council members have been provided a packet of the applications, and he encouraged members to provide any input prior to the meeting. 5. Reminded Council that the Memorial Day groundbreaking ceremonies for the Veterans Project will begin at 11 a.m. and will conclude at 12:30 p.m. Ms. Salay noted the need to schedule a Community Development Committee meeting to discuss the Art in Public Places program and related matters. Following discussion, the consensus of the Committee was to meet on Wednesday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher: 1. Expressed condolences to the family of the young man who died in the car accident on US 33 in Dublin this morning. 2. Reported she recently attended the Dublin Area Art League calendarjudging at Friendship Village. The display will be in place for the remainder of the month. The submittals were very interesting, and City Council sponsored one of the months. Each artist whose work is selected for the calendar receives $100 from the sponsoring organization. 3. Noted that she and Mrs. Boring participated in the Miracle League playground dedication on Saturday. Kudos to Mr. Hahn and staff for their participation and support. It was a very emotional event, with heartfelt comments from parents and children. Residents all over Central Ohio have benefited from the Miracle League field and will now enjoy the playground. It has been so successful that the volunteer organizers are looking at hiring apart-time coordinator to manage the programs. 4. Noted that Dublin hosted a meeting of Mayors and Court Clerks from Central Ohio in regard to House Bill 154, sponsored by Rep. Wolpert who was in attendance. The bill would eliminate Mayor's Courts as they exist today. There are many elements to the bill, which Council has been given information about. It will impact Dublin and other chartered cities and villages with home rule. All who spoke at the meeting were opposed to the bill for a variety of reasons. When the other legislators present were asked to articulate their position on the bill, all were opposed except for Rep. Larry Flowers who indicated he had not made up his mind at this point. A question was asked of Rep. Wolpert: Why not address isolated incidents of problems with Mayor's Courts versus introducing this bill which is not supported by the people he represents? He did not provide answers to most of the questions asked. What was discussed at the meeting was bringing forth some recommendations that could be acted upon in a more formal way with the legislative body at the next meeting. However, they have since learned there are hearings on Wednesday in the House Judiciary Committee. When this matter was discussed a few years ago, there had been informal discussion about the issue of retaining the Court as it existed, but hiring a magistrate to run the Court versus a Mayor. It was felt that was acceptable, as the City could choose a magistrate and would still operate its own Court. House Bill 154 is quite different, as it states that the Municipal Court - in this case, Columbus -- would select the magistrate. Dublin would pay the magistrate, yet would have no input into the selection of that person. That is a major shift from previous bills introduced. She cannot attend the hearing on Wednesday, but she understands that Ms. Crandall and Ms. Wilson will attend on the City's behalf. She asked the Law Director if they are sending a representative to this hearing. Mr. Smith responded that they intend to have a Governmental Affairs staff member attend the hearing, if Council directs. This bill also could eliminate the selection of the Clerk of Courts, because of the way it is drafted. In terms of the Charter, it would change the Dublin Charter's designation of the role of the Mayor, among other things. The goal of RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS May 7, 2007 Page 9 the bill is to correct Mayor's Courts that are not run properly, yet this bill as proposed will not accomplish that. Vice Mayor Lecklider asked about the time of the hearing on Wednesday. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher responded it is scheduled for 3 p.m. Ms. Crandall clarified that at the hearing, Rep. Wolpert will speak regarding the bill and the members of the Judicial Committee can ask questions. There will be no opportunity for any comments. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher summarized that staff can attend the hearing and report back on the discussion. Rep. Kevin Bacon serves on that Committee and he is from Central Ohio. She encouraged staff to follow through with a memo and recommendation in order that Council can take a formal position that could be forwarded to the state representatives. Mr. Smith responded that staff will provide information after the committee hearing. 5. Noted that a letter was sent by Tim Picciano regarding an Historic Dublin property. What has staff done with this request? Ms. Ott responded that the Historic Dublin Business Association has a general meeting tomorrow and she anticipates it will be brought up. The City has requested an appraisal of the property, but has not yet received it. Council would consider that purchase along with all other land acquisition in the next CIP. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher asked if staff has determined if the property is, in fact, for sale. Ms. Ott responded that staff has not. 6. Recommended in regard to the $1 million contribution for the hospital ramp in the state budget amendment, that Council sends a formal letter to Rep. Hughes, thanking him for bringing forth this in the budget. Although the Senate has not voted on the budget yet, would it be appropriate for Council to send a letter to Senator Stivers requesting his support of this funding? Ms. Brautigam responded it would be appropriate. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher stated unless there is objection, she will have such letters drafted on Council's behalf under her signature. There was no objection. 7. Noted that there are several upcoming opportunities for Council representation, including the dedication of the mural in the tunnel done by the Schools. Mrs. Boring agreed to represent Council at this event. 8. Noted that SWACO will host their annual meeting and awards luncheon at Easton on Wednesday. There was no one available to attend. 9. Reported that the Memorial Tournament will host a fundraiser on Friday, May 18 at Digger & Finch featuring Bruce Hornsby to benefit the Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The City of Dublin is sponsoring a table, and if there are Council Members interested in attending this event, they should contact the Clerk of Council. 10. Noted that Saturday, May 19 is "Kids Day International" and an event will be held at Coffman Park Pavilion. The sponsor would like a Council representative to present a proclamation at 11:30 a.m. Vice Mayor Lecklider agreed to check his schedule and contact the Clerk. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher moved to adjourn to executive session at 8:30 p.m. for land acquisition and legal matters. Mr. Keenan seconded the motion. Mayor Chinnici-Zuercher announced that the meeting will be reconvened following the executive session only for the purpose of formally adjourning. Vote on the motion: Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mayor Chinnici- Zuercher, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Vice Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. McCash, yes. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was reconvened and formally adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Mayor -Presiding Officer Clerk of Council