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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/17/1992 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Meeting A N LE A B Helr~ Anunct 17,.199 19 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Dublin City Council was called to order by Mayor Jan Rozanski ~ at 7:35 p. m. on Monday, August 17, 1992 and Mr. Strip led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members of Council present for roll call were: Mr. Strip, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Amorose, 5 and Mayor Rozanski. Mr. Sutphen was absent (excused). Mr. Kranstuber and Mrs. King arrived at 7:40 p. m. Mr. Hansley, City Manager, and Mr. Banchefsky, Assistant Law Director, were also present. Aagroval of Minutes of August 3. 1992 Meeting Mr. Amorose moved and Mr. Strip seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the August 3, 1992 meeting. ' Vote on the Motion - Mr. Amorose, yes; Mr. Campbell, yes; Mayor Rozanski, yes; Mr. Strip, yes. Correspondence The Clerk reported that there was no correspondence to Council. Memorial Tribute Mayor Rozanski commented that First Lt. David Jones, U.S. Marine and brother of Dublin Police officer K.C. Jones, was killed in a helicopter crash while on military duty near the Kuwait border. He asked that all of those present at the Council meeting observe a moment of silence in his memory. He announced that funeral services for Lt. Jones are scheduled for Tuesday, August 18 at 9:00 a. m. at Maranatha Christian Church on Trabue Road. Comments from Visitors Daniel Rubin, President of the Board of Trustees of the Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau, distributed the Bureau's second quarter report to Council. He commented that the bed tax revenues for the second quarter of 1992 increased 10 percent from the second quarter of 1991. This is due in part to the AmeriFlora event in Columbus. He also noted that the Bureau's report reflects close adherence to the budget as prepared last year. He added that all members of the Board of Trustees by acclamation have approved the resolution regarding coordinated efforts for an economic development program in Dublin, scheduled for third reading this evening. Legislation Resolution No. 40-92 - A Resolution in Support of a Comprehensive Economic Development Plan for the City of Dublin. (Third Reading) Mr. Campbell requested that the representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and the Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau come forward to comment on the proposed resolution. Margery Amorose, Executive Director of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, stated that Bob O'Brien, Co-Chairman of the Chamber's Economic Development Committee is in attendance tonight to express the Chamber's support of the resolution. Jay Welch, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Manager of Stouffer Dublin Hotel, stated that he will comment on the Bureau's position regarding the resolution. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 2 Meeting N AL Hel 19 Dan Rubin, President of the Board of Trustees of the Convention Bureau, also introduced Lynn Slomsky, Executive Director of the Convention Bureau. Mr. Campbell stated that the resolution represents a commitment by the City, the Chamber, and the Convention Bureau to develop and coordinate a unified economic development plan for the City of Dublin. A united effort by the three groups is important for several reasons: (1) it conveys a message to the Dublin community as well as to Central Ohio and beyond that the groups are cohesive; (2) it eliminates duplication of effort; and (3) each group has a somewhat different niche in areas of concern, yet all share a desire that efforts be comprehensive. Mr. Kranstuber commented that he, Mr. Campbell, and Development Director Terry Foegler plan to dedicate time to this effort during the next year and he appreciates the unanimous support of the private businesses as represented by the Chamber and the Convention Bureau. Mr O'Brien. Chamber of_Commerce, stated that the effort is most important at this time in light of the recent announcements of area businesses who are consolidating, resulting in job losses to Dublin, i.e., Warner Cable. The City of Columbus has also experienced 1100 job losses with the McDonnell Douglas consolidation, and Hilliazd will lose 188 jobs with a consolidation of Directel. All of these factors will have a major impact on the economic vitality of both the region and the City of Dublin. He emphasized the importance of a private/public coordinated effort to promote continued economic development in the City of Dublin. He commended City Council for their willingness to commit to work with staff and private enterprise to seek new economic development as well as work to maintain the development which currently exists in Dublin. Jav Welch Convention and Visitors Bureau, stated that the increased revenues in the hotel/motel tax fund are due in part to AmeriFlora as well as the panda exhibit at the Columbus Zoo. He emphasized that long-term sustained growth of hotel/motel tax revenues requires new business development within the area. He believes that joint efforts to secure more economic development in the City of Dublin aze very worthwhile and will be wholeheartedly supported by the Convention Bureau. Mr. Campbell commented that Dublin has enjoyed sustained economic growth due to factors such as its location adjacent to I-270 and the attraction provided by the Muirfield Tournament. There is currently much more competition for economic development across the area as well as the country, and it's important now to increase efforts to both maintain and secure new economic development. Mrs. King commented that she appreciates the efforts made by the Chamber, the Convention Bureau, and Council Members Kranstuber and Campbell in undertaking this effort. She pointed out that the proposed program is an outgrowth of the Council goal-setting process. Council has made a priority over the past few years a goal of maintaining a balance between commercial development and residential development. She believes that it is very important to expend efforts to maintain the attractive balance of development which currently exists. Mr. Campbell stated that, following passage of the resolution tonight, the group will establish a timetable for the program, tying the program in with the strategic communications plan developed by Ms. Puskarcik and work on developing a mazketing plan for the City. He expressed support of the concept, as stated by Mrs. King, of sustaining the balance of commercial development to residential development. Following establishment of a marketing plan, the groups will work together to implement their plan of action. Mr. Kranstuber added that it is also important to decide what type of development the City is seeking -high-end corporate or industrial -prior to adopting a marketing plan. The group will seek Council's input on this matter. He commented that the Land Use Committee's efforts in soliciting input on the development review process in the City of Dublin are continuing. Mr. Foegler is compiling a summary report of testimony from RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 3 Meeting DAYTON L AL B K Hel 19 developers. The Committee will then come to Council with specific recommendations for changes in ordinances or review processes. Mr. Amorose expressed concern with the timetable for an economic development program in view of the current rate of residential development within the City and the decreasing amount of available land. He suggested that efforts by the Committee be speeded up for this reason. He also acknowledged the efforts of past Councils in setting high standards for the Dublin community, which resulted in the high quality business and residential development which exists in the City. Vote on the Resolution - Mr. Strip, yes; Mrs. King, yes; Mr. Amorose, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Campbell, yes; Mayor Rozanski, yes. Ordinance No. 98-92 - An Ordinance Amending Chapter 181 ("Income Tax") of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Dublin. (Third Reading) Ms. Grigsby, Finance Director, introduced Bryan Thurman who is serving as Acting Tax Administrator following the resignation of Steve Hoffman. Mr. Thurman stated that he had no new information to present to Council on the Ordinance. Mr. Amorose stated that both he and Mr. Strip have some concerns with this legislation, and believe that more time is needed for additional study of the issues. Mr. Strip commented that he believes it would be unfair to address several complicated w. ~ questions regarding the ordinance to the Acting Tax Administrator. He moved to table the Ordinance until the next Council meeting to allow for additional research to ensure that the ordinance conforms with the federal tax laws in regard to safe harbors. Ms. Grigsby commented that her only concern would be with the timetable for ordering new tax forms with the necessary revisions. She agreed that delaying action until the September 14 Council meeting would not present a problem. Mr. Amorose seconded Mr. Strip's motion. Vote on the Motion - Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Campbell, yes; Mayor Rozanski, yes; Mr. Strip, yes; Mrs. King, yes; Mr. Amorose, yes. Ordinance No. 101-92 (E) - An Ordinance Authorizing Assessments for the Dublin Village Center Street Lighting Project, and Declaring an Emergency. (First Reading) Mr. Amorose introduced the Ordinance. Ms. Grigsby stated that this ordinance relates to the Dublin Street lighting project which was begun in 1990 as an assessment project. The project has now been completed, and the final costs have been determined. This ordinance gives the City the authority to levy the assessments upon the property owners. A schedule of assessments for each property owner has been distributed to Council tonight. Following passage of the ordinance, notices will be sent to the property owners and the City's intent is to issue debt in October for the portion to be assessed against the property owners. Mr. Hansley added that in this case, the property owners had petitioned the City for the improvement, requesting assessments for the same. Ms. Grigsby stated that the actual assessments will be less than they were originally estimated to be. Mr. Amorose moved to treat this as emergency legislation and waive the three-time reading rule. Mr. Strip seconded the motion. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 4 Meeting DAYTON LE AL BLA K Held ALg ~t~Z, 199 - -19 Vote on the Motion -Mayor Rozanski, yes; Mr. Strap, yes; Mr. Amorose, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Campbell, yes; Mrs. King, yes. Vote on the Ordinance - Mr. Amorose, yes; Mrs. King, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. ~ Campbell, yes; Mayor Rozanski, yes; Mr. Strip, yes. Ordinance No. 102-92 - An Ordinance Providing for a Change of Zoning of Lot 246 of Hemingway Village, Section 3, Located on the South Side of Tara Hill Drive, 50 Feet West of Literary Lane, to be Rezoned from: R-2, Limited Suburban Residential District to: R-3, Suburban Residential District. (First Reading) Mrs. King introduced the Ordinance. Ms. Fierce stated that this is a typical single-family lot in Hemingway Village where the homeowner is requesting a lot split, requiring an R-3 rezoning. Staff has done preliminary review at this point, but will probably recommend approval. Mr. Amorose moved that the Ordinance be referred to Planning & Zoning Commission. Mrs. King seconded the motion. Vote on the Motion - Mr. Strip, yes; Mr. Amorose, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Campbell, yes; Mrs. King, yes; Mayor Rozanski, yes. Other Refinement of Zoning Text -Northwest Dublin Commercial Park Ms. Fierce stated that this refinement will permit indoor and outdoor recreational uses in addition to those already permitted and approved via the original text. It also includes a requirement that the proposed outdoor uses be architecturally coordinated and compatible with the rest of the development in the area. The Planning Commission approved the refinement with three conditions: 1. All applicable conditions from the rezoning and platting process shall continue to apply and be binding. 2. That the text be clarified regarding parking and appearance criteria of outdoor recreational uses. 3. That the text be amended at Item No. 8 to read, "Parking for recreational uses shall be reviewed and approved by staff. " Conditions two and three have been met and are included within the amended text before Council this evening. Staff therefore recommends approval. Allen Shepherd, applicant, stated that he has no additional comments regarding this refinement. Mr. Campbell moved and Mrs. King seconded a motion to approve the refinement of zoning text for Northwest Dublin Commercial Park. Vote on the Motion - Mr. Amorose, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Campbell, yes; Mrs. King, yes; Mayor Rozanski, yes; Mr. Strip, yes. Final Plat - Dublinshire, Section 3 Ms. Fierce stated that the final development plan for this subdivision was approved by P&Z in February of 1992. The conditions noted as part of that approval include: 1. The elimination of the narrow Brand Road Investments parcel on the west side of the site. 2. That credit be given for the additional 1.6 acre of park as assigned to an alternate parcel/owner in the area. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 5 Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK O.. F M Held?~»st 17, 1Q9? 19 3. The establishment of a no-build zone along the park area and to protect the wooded portion of the site, including implementation of a tree preservation program as approved by staff. 4. The submission of a petition to vacate the section of right-of--way as shown if determined to be necessary by the Law Director. 5. The addition of a note about access restriction on Dublinshire Drive. She stated that most of these conditions have been addressed by the developer. Staff recommends approval with these five conditions and an additional condition imposed by Engineering. She asked Mr. Kindra, City Engineer, to comment on the additional condition. Mr. Kindra stated that Engineering is recommending an additional condition for approval of the final plat for Dublinshire, Section 3: 6. That prior to recording the final plat, the City Engineer will review changes made to the easements during the construction process for verification and correction, if necessary, on the plat. He also noted that a performance bond must be filed and approved prior to the recording of the plat. Mrs. King expressed concern that if at some future date the land along Brand Road to the north of this development is consolidated into some type of PUD or residential housing development, it would then be worthwhile to have easements to allow installation of bikeways between the courts and properties to the north, i.e., on lots 263 and 264 of Cashal Court. It would be much easier to plan for such a bikeway at this stage of development. Mr. Tim Kelley, applicant, stated that they prefer to install the improvements such as bikeways up front, so that those purchasing lots are aware of their existence. Mrs. King's proposal would require noting an easement on the plat without implementation now or possibly never. It would impact the marketability of the lots and they would be reluctant to do so at this point when builders have tentatively chosen lots. He pointed out that there is a park just to the east with an existing bikeway connection up to Brand Road, as well as a bikepath running north and south along Muirfield, just west of the development. These allow for good north-south bike movement to Brand Road. A bikepath will also be installed along Dublinshire Drive for east-west movement. He believes this is an overall acceptable bikeway system. Mrs. King expressed concern that Council did not have a City bikepath plan given to them in order to better evaluate the system contained within this development. Ms. Fierce stated that she believes the Parks and Recreations Committee had reviewed the plan, stating that the Muirfield Drive and park bikeways were sufficient north-south connectors, and that the Dublinshire Drive connector would be sufficient for east-west movement. Ms. Jordan is not present tonight to comment. In response to Mr. Kranstuber's questions, Mr. Kelley stated that this rezoning was originally approved several years ago. The final development plan was submitted to P&Z, and as part of that process, the bikepath issues were discussed with Ms. Jordan. Mr. Kranstuber does not believe there is a compelling reason to impose an additional requirement on the developer at this point in the process. He believes there is adequate bikeway movement in the area. Mr. Amorose agreed that there are adequate bikepaths serving the area. In response to Mayor Rozanski's question regarding plans for the area north of this development, Mr. Kelley stated that it is a difficult piece to plan with a lot of frontage along Muirfield but little depth to the parcel. They have had several discussions with Planning staff, but do not have any proposals to submit for development at this time. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 6 Meeting AYTON LE AL BLA Held August 17, 1992 19 Mr. Campbell moved to approve the final development plan as submitted, subject to the conditions of the staff report and engineering division. Mr. Amorose seconded the motion. Vote on the Motion - Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Strip, yes; Mrs. King, yes; Mr. Amorose, yes; Mayor Rozanski, yes; Mr. Campbell, yes. Communi~ Center Committee Report on Council Survev Mr. Kranstuber directed Council's attention to a memo included in the packet from the Committee. This report summarizes the priorities for Phase I of the Community Center as ranked by Council in a recent survey. This summary will provide preliminary information to the architect. He stated that he believes it is Mr. Foegler's intention to bring this prioritization list back to Council for adoption, with the understanding that there could still be changes in the future. He cited the apparent consensus among Council, as demonstrated by the survey tally, regarding the main elements to be included in Phase I. He recommended that the next step be a formal adoption by Council of the report. He also commented that there have been 48 architects who have indicated interest in the project, and Mr. Lenz will give Council an update later this evening. Mr. Kranstuber also reported to Council that he had recently visited a Community Center in his hometown of Brecksville, Ohio, and submitted pictures for Council's review. The Brecksville project will be completed for under $5.5 million, and contains many of the same elements as are planned for the Dublin Center. It is approximately 110,000 square feet, and Mr. Kranstuber has the blueprints if Council members would like to review them. Mr. Strip commented that he had recently visited the Jewish Community Center of Greater ~ Detroit which is the nation's largest community center, containing 300,000 square feet. He will send some memorandums to Council in regard to his discussions with the Executive Director. He proposed that Council possibly hire an experienced Community Recreation Center director as a consultant to the City during the planning process. This may result in cost-savings in the long run. Mr. Campbell emphasized that the Community Recreation Center Committee is maintaining the timeframes previously set: the architect was to be selected by early fall and this is in process; the Phase I elements were to be selected in the fall and it appears that Council may be ahead of schedule on this portion. He commented that Council members generally agree on the elements to be included in the first phase, which is speeding up the process. Mrs. King noted that the graph summary does not include meeting rooms - a need for the first phase which had been previously discussed. Mr. Campbell responded that meeting rooms are in the overall plans, and the thought was that appropriate storage space, administrative and meeting space would be included with each of the various elements. Mr. Hansley commented that areas defined as senior areas or multipurpose areas could also be used for meeting room space. Additionally, the new police station will have meeting space available to the public. Mrs. King stated that she strongly advocates including a couple of meeting rooms as a specific element of the first phase. She believes that the seniors will desire to have control of their space. She urged that meeting rooms be included in the elements immediately following locker/shower rooms, swimming pools, and seniors' room. Another need which was previously discussed and is not included is the need for gathering space/things to do for junior high and high school aged children. The swimming pool will not completely meet the needs of this group, as it is generally scheduled for competitive swimming. RECORD OF PROCEED[NGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 7 Meeting DAYT N LE AL LAN Hel 19 Mr. Campbell agreed that designated meeting space should be included in Phase I. His recollection regarding Council's discussion of teen activity rooms is that the consensus was that they would not be used. Mrs. King responded that she is instead suggesting that a recreational pool be included in the first phase. a. Mr. Kranstuber stated that the survey should state "Pools" to reflect the inclusion of a leisure pool as well as an 8-lane, 25-yard pool. Mr. Campbell commented that the survey is a summary and does not contain some of the details previously discussed. Mr. Hansley emphasized that this document is merely a preliminary prioritization list for the project to be used by the architect. The selected architect will most likely interview Council again prior to commencement of the design of the first phase. Mr. Campbell stated that the report should be amended in Paragraph 3 of the cover memorandum to include meeting room facilities as an element of Phase I. Mr. Kranstuber stated that the survey should be amended to include "pools" in reference to a leisure pool as well as an 8-lane, 25-yard pool. Mr. Campbell moved to adopt the Survey dated August 10, 1992 as a purely preliminary report with the amendments regarding the meeting room space and pools, giving due consideration that it should be consistent with the previous summary report dated June 8, 1992. Mr. Strip seconded the motion. Vote on the Motion -Mrs. King, yes; Mayor Rozanski, yes; Mr. Amorose, yes; Mr. Kranstuber, yes; Mr. Campbell, yes; Mr. Strip, yes. Staff Request for Monde August 31 SQecial Meeting of Council for Water Tower Site Selection Mayor Rozanski stated that this meeting date has been advertised in the paper as a tentative special meeting. Mr. Hansley requested that Council ratify the meeting in open session as the official date for this special purpose meeting. He commented that a balloon was tethered on the proposed water tower site this evening for the public to view the impact of the proposed tower in their area. Staff is requesting that all of the issues related to the site selection be discussed on August 31, and that Council at that time give an indication of their intentions in regard to the proposed site. The consensus of Council was to meet in special session on Monday, August 31 for the purpose of discussing the proposed water tower site at Rings and Blazer Parkway. CIP Update and 1993 Budget Process Discussion Mr. Hansley commented that there is a memorandum in Council's packets on this topic. Mr. McDaniel is present to summarize the report for Council tonight and to get some feedback from Council. Mr. McDaniel stated that the memorandum contains recommended timeframes to develop, review and adopt an updated 5-year CIP and the 1993 operating budget. The schedule was developed with these things in mind: 1. The goal is to adopt both the updated CIP and 1993 operating budget by the end of 1992 for all of the reasons listed in the memorandum. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 8 Meeting DAYTON LEGAL B NK Hel 19 2. The schedule was developed based upon the experiences of the previous years. Staff requests a meeting with the Finance Committee•or designated members of Council to determine the level of detail and the preferred presentation manner for the budget. This should streamline the process. 3. The scheduled was developed assuming that the 5-year CIP update would be adopted prior to finalization of the proposed 1993 operating budget by staff. The CIP projects and equipment have operating impacts which must be included in the budget. He added that staff plans to maintain the schedule as presented. The schedule is designed to maximize the time available for Council to review both the CIP Update and the 1993 Operating Budget. Mrs. King commented that she believes it will be easier for Council to give policy guidance if staff provides the goals and objectives of the staff in terms of performance. Mr. McDaniel responded that staff is integrating performance standards for the budget process on which Council can then base policy decisions. Mrs. King stated that she would like to see a goal stated, followed by what it will take to accomplish that goal from a budget perspective. She requested that this be done in writing and not verbally. Mr. Strip commented that adoption of the budget by the end of the year would be a significant accomplishment. He acknowledged that the budget process can be improved over last year. Mr. Hansley stated that staff is proposing to compress the budget process -providing more information in a shorter time period. He acknowledged that performance standards are being implemented across the City with the installation of additional computers. He will relay to department heads Council's desire to have more performance standards included in their budget submissions. Reports from Council Committees There were no reports from Council Committees. Comments from Staff Ms. Grigsby reported that legislation will be brought to Council shortly regarding issuing long-term debt for the Justice Center and rolling over. the notes for the Muirfield Drive project. Ms. Fierce reported that the Zoning Inspector position was filled today. Dave Marshall will begin working with the City in that capacity on September 2. Mr. Kindra stated that the Tuller Road contractor will close the road on Thursday between ~,,,.T the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Muirfield Drive pedestrian crossing work is underway. The Wilcox Road project is underway and substantial subgrade preparation work has now been completed. Mr. Amorose noted large concrete sewer the along Tuller Road recently. He asked what had been decided regarding stormwater treatment from the Dublin Village Center and the status of the detention pond near the AMC Theatre. Mr. Kindra stated that Council had recently approved the concept of eliminating the detention pond and tiling the stormwater directly to the river via the larger piping. This project is currently in process. Mr. Hansley commented that the developer had paid foz the cost of the larger pipe and had worked directly with the Tuller Road contractor. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 9 Meeting DAYTON LE AL BLANK O., M N Held~~~~ 17Y1992 19 Mr. Amorose asked if a substantial addition to the AMC Theatre is planned at this time which would occupy the detention pond area. Mr. Hansley stated that the azea is properly zoned for this addition. Mr. Strip asked if Council will have to approve such an addition. Ms. Fierce stated that the Community Commercial zoning standazds allow for a theater, but was not certain if they would regulate the number of theaters within one building. Mr. Strip asked Ms. Fierce to check on this and send a memorandum to Council. He is interested in knowing specifically if any administrative action is required to expand from a 14-screen theater to an 18-screen theater. He added that he has some reservations with such an expansion due to traffic problems it may create. He also takes issue with increased tax revenues to the City with such an expansion, as stated by the developer at a recent Council meeting. Mr. Campbell stated that he believes this expansion would be reviewed by only the Planning & Zoning Commission. He proposed that Council, if they desire, vote to give the Commission some guidance if they wish to take a position. Mr. Amorose commented that he shazes Mr. Strip's concerns. He served on the Planning Commission during the two yeazs the Dublin Village Center was in the development stage and believes the end product is outstanding. During the planning stage, the Commission approved athree-lane traffic pattern based upon the number of vehicles predicted to use the Center. If the developer fills in the detention basin and builds more structures on existing pazking area, he in essence has changed the entire PUD. He believes the Center should stay as it was planned and approved by the Commission at that time. Mr. Campbell then agreed to relay this message to the Planning Commission, if it is the consensus of Council. Mr. Kranstuber commented that he would need to study the issues prior to endorsing such a statement. He added that this business is the best performing AMC Theatre in the country and believes the traffic problems occur only on weekend nights. Mr. Amorose stated that planning efforts attempt to address peak business hour traffic conditions and the current traffic patterns are not working. He added that with the increased traffic, perhaps the Tuller Road widening will not be adequate. This is an important consideration for any theater expansion. Discussion followed regazding the traffic congestion in the Center on weekend evenings. Mayor Rozanski commented that he believes the AMC Theatre traffic moves relatively smoothly at this time. He would like more traffic data before making a recommendation to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Strip pointed out that he is not proposing any resolution to Council on this issue, but simply requesting additional information from staff regarding police statistics, approval fi processes, and expressing some reservations about such an expansion. Mr. Hansley stated that AMC Theatre has employed special duty officers for the peak times. He will provide statistics to Council regarding traffic and safety issues. Mrs. King commented that she believes it is important to undertake an educated review on this type of expansion, if Council does have any opportunity to do so. Mayor Rozanski asked Mr. Kindra if the City has encountered problems with wet ground in the Wilcox Road project. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 10 Meeting A Hel 19 Mr. Kindra confirmed that there are problems associated with wet ground, but at this time, staff believes there will be no significant increase in costs for the project. Mr. Lenz stated that 140 sets of building plans were submitted during the last week of June. There were 41 new building permit applications submitted since July 1. He also reported that builders are anticipating a softening in the market for the mid-priced range homes. Mr. Lenz stated that the review process is underway for the 48 architect applicants for the Community Recreation Center project. He reported that several of the 100-foot light poles installed at the Dublin 270 exchange have been shielded, due to the efforts of Mrs. King and the cooperation of ODOT. This will lessen the impact of the lights on the neighboring residential areas. Mr. Lenz also reported that the Building Division expects to issue approximately 500 residential single-family building permits this year. He will give an update to Council shortly on year-to-date totals. The commercial development has improved over last year, but is still substantially less than previous years. Chief Bostic reported that two new dispatchers will start work today, and the third one will start next week. Council Roundtable Mr. Kranstuber commented that he appreciates the staff s efforts in arranging for the balloon at the proposed water tower site. He thanked Mrs. King for her innovative idea and stated that Council can now make a better informed decision on this issue. Mr. Strip pointed out an area on Muirfield Drive, where a sidewalk begins near Tara Hill and abruptly stops with no crosswalk to transport pedestrians across the roadway. He ~G proposed that Council members and staff investigate this situation so that it can be remedied by completing the sidewalk or installing a crosswalk. ' Mr. Hansley responded that sidewalks are installed during the construction of a house, and if a lot is vacant, there is no sidewalk on the property. The city has two options to secure completion of the sidewalk: finish the sidewalk as a City project as was done along Tuller Road, or finish the sidewalk and assess a reasonable share to the property owner. Mr. Strip requested that staff investigate the area under discussion because it is on the route to the nearby school, and Mr. Hansley agreed to do so. Mr. Strip also commented that he is receiving an overwhelming response regarding the gun control ordinance he recently announced that he is proposing. He cautioned Council members that much of what is being written across the country about his proposal is false - he is proposing a waiting period for purchasing guns, not a total ban on the sale of guns in Dublin. Mr. Strip also reported to Council that some new residents of Dublin in the Lowell Trace area have been assigned a Plain City phone exchange and calls to those residents require a long distance toll charge. He explained that Lowell Trace is served by General Telephone, while the rest of Dublin is served by Ohio Bell. He suggested that Council adopt a resolution in support of a petition of these residents to Ohio Bell or to PUCO to adjust the district boundaries, and distributed a sample resolution for consideration at a future meeting. Mr. Hansley commented that the developer of Lowell Trace was unaware of the General Telephone service area boundaries at the time the property was purchased. General Telephone would not cooperate in giving up this market share to Ohio Bell upon the request of the developer. He added that PUCO sets up the tariff areas and will only change them upon mutual agreement of the telephone companies. Dublin's growth is now infringing on the boundaries of service for both telephone and electric companies which serve existing Dublin. Mr. Hansley proposed, as a compromise, that Council could initiate some type of trade for service area with General Telephone. He further commented that the City of RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 11 Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK Held August 17 1992 19 Mason finally was able to get toll-free calling to Cincinnati after aten-year effort. The process for this type of change may be lengthy. Mr. Amorose thanked staff for the removal of illegal signs which he had commented upon at a recent meeting. He asked for a status report on the gateway signage previously approved by Council. Mr. Hansley and Ms. Fierce responded that the project has experienced delays because the leader, Mary Newcomb, has been on maternity leave; Mary will return in two weeks and the project is scheduled to be completed with the fall planting season. Mr. Hansley added that though Council had approved the gateway signage concept, there is a question about adequate funding in this year's budget. With Ms. Newcomb's final cost estimates, Council can then be updated as to whether the project can be completed this year. Mayor Rozanski commented that the sandstone signs at the gateway at Frantz and Route 33 and at the Chambers gateway cannot be seen due to the growth of the vegetation. Council members concurred that the existing signage should be moved to a location where it will be visible, and that no more of this type of sign should be ordered as it is too small. Mr. Amorose asked about the status of sewer and water tap fees for existing residences where those services are not yet available. Mr. Hansley responded that Mr. Smith was asked to draft appropriate legislation in this regard. He asked Mr. Banchefsky to check on the status of this for report at the staff meeting on Wednesday. Mr. Amorose noted that the control box for the new traffic signal in the Dublin Village Center blocks the expensive brick sign, and asked if it economically feasible to move this control box. Mr. Hansley responded that Mr. Foegler is currently getting cost estimates on moving the control box and negotiating a sharing of costs with the developer. He will provide an update to Mr. Amorose on this issue shortly. Mrs. King asked Mr. Kindra for an update on the Muirfield/Sells Mill project and whether it will be finished prior to the start of school. Mr. Campbell responded that work is underway -the light poles have been installed and the safety island is being constructed at this time. Mrs. King also asked about the City-wide review of signage which Council had recently requested. She is anxious to begin implementing any recommendations for signage removal by the new City engineer. Mr. Hansley responded that Mr. Kindra's workload has been very heavy, and staff opted to do the signage review in house to avoid the situation created with the Muirfield signage investigation. Staff is committed to reducing unnecessary sign clutter, while ensuring uniformity throughout the community as well as maintaining safety standards. In response to Mrs. King's question, Mr. Kindra agreed to provide some information to Council regarding signage within the next few weeks. Mrs. King expressed appreciation to staff for the arrangements to have the balloon at the proposed water tower site. She commented that the impact to the south and the east seemed to be less than the residents had originally expected. She added that this is an example of the City's commitment to meet the information needs of its residents. Mr. Hansley acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Foegler and Ms. Puskarcik and their staff members in staging the balloon on the site. Mrs. King asked Mr. Hansley to call her tomorrow in regard to Donegal Cliff street signs. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting Page 12 Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK Held August 17, 1992 19 Mrs. King stated that she had received many letters about the gun control legislation, even though the legislation has not yet been brought to Council. Mr. Strip responded that people seem to be taking issue with something that has not yet even been drafted. He added that there seems to be an organized campaign against the proposed legislation. Because of the large number of calls he has received, he is requesting that they address their concerns to him in writing for his response. He suggested that other Council members may wish to do the same. He commented that with one exception, all of the response he has had to the proposed legislation has been from those who live outside of Dublin. Mr. Campbell commented that the balloon idea was very innovative and the results were enlightening. He commended Mr. Strip for having the courage to bring up the issue of gun control. He added that, in his opinion, local constituents should have input on proposed legislation and attempts at intimidation by groups from California or other areas far away from Dublin should be disregarded. He commended the staff members who have expended efforts in plantings and resodding areas in Old Dublin and expressed hope that this will spur owners to take part by sprucing up their property. Mayor Rozanski asked if brick sidewalks will be installed in Old Dublin this year with the bed tax funds of $75,000 as awarded by Council. He was surprised to see landscaping and sod installed prior to the replacement of sidewalks. " Mr. Strip responded that bids are being solicited for the project at this time. Mayor Rozanski requested that Ms. Puskarcik provide pictures of the balloon on the proposed water tower site to Council members prior to the special meeting on August 31. She agreed to do so. Mr. Amorose suggested that slides be provided for use at the meeting. Mayor Rozanski asked Mr. Hansley for an update on the infiltration in the sanitary sewer system in consideration of the large number of new single-family homes being constructed. The first two quarters of the year were extremely dry, resulting in little infiltration, and there have been very few repairs done during 1992. He requested first and second quarter reports on the infiltration. Mr. Hansley responded that he believed those reports had been included in Council packets, but promised to check and provide that information to Council again. Mayor Rozanski stated that the large number of new building permits issued will drain the reserves as permitted by the EPA. Using up the reserves with residential permits will possibly preclude the City's ability to add a large commercial development at some point. Mr. Hansley responded that residential building permits have a minimal impact. In regard to sewer repairs, he commented that several of the repairs will be very costly and thus an issue of who will pay for the repairs -the City or the property owners -must be resolved. This could then also become a budget issue which must be addressed by Council. Sta is also looking at the legal aspects of the issue. Mayor Rozanski asked if the legal issues have been resolved with regard to entering private residences to check sump pump connections or illegal tap connections to the sanitary sewers. Mr. Banchefsky responded that Dublin has adopted all of the Columbus ordinances as part of Dublin's Code, and thus has the authority to do so. Staff is currently developing policies and procedures for such investigations. Mr. Hansley added that staff can provide administrative policies, but Council may have to legislatively address situations where residents will not cooperate in investigations. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council Meeting Page 13 Meeting Minutes of DAYTON LEGAL BLANK F R N 7 Held August 17, 1992 19 Mayor Rozanski asked that staff bring this to Council as quickly as possible. He added that there is a real concern in the development community about Dublin's capacity for new sewer hook-ups. Mr. Hansley assured Council that the City is not near the capacity for sewer taps at this time, and emphasized that residential development has minimal impact. Mr. Hansley stated that in response to Mr. Amorose's earlier question, Ms. Fierce reports that there has been an agreement worked out between the City and the developer to relocate the signal box at the Dublin Village Center. The work should be completed during this construction season. Mr. Kranstuber commented, in regard to the signage issues, that there is definitely sign clutter in areas such as Frantz Road. He believes much of the Frantz Road signage is clearly excessive and constitutes visual pollution. Mr. Hansley responded that many of the speed limits signs result from court cases where a police officer loses the case because of a claim that there was no speed limit sign in the vicinity where the ticket was issued. That officer later requests through the court liaison officer a work order for installation of an additional speed limit sign at that location. Mr. Johnson has attempted to overreact to the state Code in regard to signage to protect the City in the case of lawsuits. Upon Council's and the City engineer's recommendation, the signage can certainly be reduced. He cautioned that there may be some resulting increased liability for the City. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. r, Presiding cer Clerk of Council .w w, _y