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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/01/1988 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS M ill utes of Dublin City Council Meeting ~ Meeting National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ~ Held February 1,. 1988 19 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Dublin City Council was called to order by Mayor Michael L. Close at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, February 1, 1988. Mr. Jankowski led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members of Council present were: Mr. Amorose, Mayor Close, Mr. Jankowski, Ms. Maurer, Mr. Rozanski, Mr. Strip and Mr. Sutphen. Mr. Hansley, City Manager, and Mr. Stephen Smith, Law Director, were also present as were the following members of the City Staff: Ms. Alley, Mr. Bowman, Ms. Clarke, Mr. Harding, Ms. Jordan, Mr. Vance, and Mr. Willis. Mr. Sutphen moved to approve the minutes of the January 18, 1988, meeting of Counc i l. Mr. Rozanski seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor. Correspondence There were several applications forwarded from the Ohio Department of Liquor Control for new liquor permits within the City. Council members agreed that they would like more specific information regarding these applications before voting and requested that the Acting Police Chief Lt. Vance and Mr. Smith obtain additional information. No action was taken. Resolution No. 07-88 - Approving Editing and Inclusion of Certain Ordinances as Parts of Codified Ordinances. Second Reading. There will be a third reading of the Resolution at the next Council meeting in February. Ordinance No. 11-88 - Adjust Municipal Boundarqies of City of Dublin to Include a Portion of Dublin Road. Second Reading. Mr. Rozanski requested a map of the area. There will be a third reading of the Ordinance at the next meeting of Counc il. Ordinance No. 12-88 - Rezoning of 2.024 Acres Located on the South Side of Post Road, East of Avery Road. First Reading. Mr. Amorose introduced the Ordinance. Mr. Amorose moved to refer the Ordinance to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Ms. Maurer seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was unanimous in favor. Ordinance No. 13-88 - Legislation Requesting Proposals for Various Capital Improvements Projects. First Reading. Mr. Amorose introduced the Ordinance. Mayor Close said that the Ordinance would be held over for a second reading at the next Council meeting. Ordinance No. 14-88 - Change in Status - Full-Time Clerical Position in Police Division. First Reading. Mr. Sutphen introduced the Ordinance. Mr. Rozanski moved to do away with the three time reading rule and treat as an emergency. Mr. Sutphen seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. I I Ii II II II \\ The vote on the Ordinance was unanimous in favor. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS M iI/utes of Dublin City Council Meeting ~~b Mccting National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ~ Held February 1, 1988 19 Page Two Mr. Hansley said that the administration was recommending that Ordinance No. 13-88 be passed as an emergency. Mr. Amorose moved to reopen for discussion, waive the three time reading rule and treat as an emergency, Ordinance No. 13-88. Mr. Jankowski seconded the motion. Mr. Strip recommended that the City, probably as part of the specifica- tions, be sure as part of the proposal that the price is locked in for a period of time. The vote was 7-0 in favor of the motion. The vote on Ordinance No. 13-88 was unanimous in favor. Ordinance No. 15-88 - Amend Ordinance No. 100-87 - Health Services Contract. First Reading. Mr. Amorose introduced the Ordinance. The amendment was to Section as follows: "Section 7. The City of Dublin, Ohio, through its City Manager shall issue permits and collect fees for such plumbing inspections. The fee to be charged shall be the same as that of the Franklin County General Health District. The City of Dublin, Ohio, shall forward sixty (60%) percent of all plumbing inspection fees collected by them to the Franklin County General Health District after said Health District has submitted quarterly statements of the amount due. Said amount shall be paid by the City of Dublin within thirty (30) days after receipt of said statement. Not to exceed $55,000.00 annually." The $55,000.00 figure replaced the original $15,000.00 annual figure. The Department of Health did not anticipate the activity level of the Dublin community it was noted. The Ordinance was held over for a second reading at the next Council meeting. Resolution No. 08-88 - Agreement with Columbus for Prosecution of Dublin Cases in Franklin County Municipal Court. First Reading. Mr. Sutphen introduced the Resolution. Mr. Smith said that the City was probably paying less than $2,000.00 per year on this contract. Mayor Close did wonder about whether or not the consistency of applica- tion of the law; whether or not the City should pursue the possibility of providing their own services. Mr. Smith and Lt. Vance stated that they were satisfied with the way the Court has handled Dublin's cases. Mr. Smith said that he also felt that the consistency was good. Mayor Close said that he felt that the City administration and/or Council needs some direction as to what is proper for a Resolution and what is proper for an Ordinance. Mr. Hansley said that Dublin's Charter is not very clear in this regard; that they are almost interchangeable. Mr. Amorose moved to do away with the three time reading rule and treat as an emergency. Mr. Sutphen seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. The vote on the Resolution was 7-0 in favor. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS M ill utes of Dublin City Council Meeting ~r5W'K:S Meetillg National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ~ Held FebruarYul, 1988 19 Page Three Ordinance No. 16-88 - Authorize City Manager to Advertise for Engineering Proposal for Construction of Muirfield Drive Extension. First Reading. Mayor Close had the following comments: 1. The Fire Chief, Mayor Close, Mr. Hansley, and the Township Trustees met approximately one week ago concerning the issue of the fire station site. 2. There was a proposal to put in a fire station in a platted area of Muirfield off of Ashbaugh Road. 3. Subsequently, there was some discussion about some alternate sites; however, it was determined that a fire station is needed in the Brand Road/Muirfield Drive area. 4. A proposal was made that since the Weiler/Kelley Group and Newtowne Homes are putting together a plan for the area of Muirfield south of Brand Road that it would be logical to put a station somewhere in that area. The area has not been platted so that when the area is platted everyone will know what they are platting around. S. Mayor Close presented a map and a plan submitted by Weiler and Kelley to the City Staff to begin discussions regarding the project. 6. Being considered would be an extension of Muirfield Drive in boulevarc form from Brand Road to the Scottish Corners school site. 7. The Fire Department would be satisfied with the site that lies on Muirfield Drive approximately 900 feet south of Brand Road. 8. The Fire Department needs to make a decision quickly, as to where the site will be, because they need to have the station on line within the next couple of years. 9. Council has discussed over a period of time, on its own initiative, about generating a portion of the Muirfield Drive completion this year. 10. Until Muirfield Drive is completed, the City cannot even begin to discuss the real issue of the improvement of Coffman Road. 11. Ordinance No. 16-88 is a request that Council authorize the City Manager to advertise for an engineering proposal. 12. The discussions to this point have determined that the owners of the land would allow the commencement of the construction of the actual roadway itself. 13. If Council's wishes really are that the City begin construction of the Muirfield Drive extension this year then the first step would be to get the engineering proposal done. 14. What is being discussed is that for the remainder of the Muirfield Drive extension that the City pay for half, and the developers pay for the other half. The only difference would be that the City would build their half first instead of the City's half being built concurrently with the developers. The developers are not going to be ready to do their development for some time. 15. What is being considered at this point is doing the engineering for the entire roadway and then proceeding later this year to do at least the construction of two lanes. II il I il It was recalled that for the rest of Muirfield Drive that the City did not pay for the engineering and paid only 25% of the cost. The land for the fire station will be purchased by the Township Trustees. The City would be committing to nothing as far as land is concerned, as far as zoning density is concerned, median strip is concerned. The only thing the City would be saying would be that Council has given its approval for the engineering proposal. These discussions involve advancing the construction schedule by about two years. Part of the discussions also involved the possibility that, if required and requested, that Council would consider waiving the requirement that utilities and improvements be in place prior to the issuance of a building permit. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Millutcs of Dublin City Council Meeting national graP-[1K:S M ccting National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ~ II cld February 1, 1988 19 Page Four Mr. Sutphen moved to add Ordinance No. 16-88 to the agenda. Ms. Maurer seconded the motion. The voice vote on the motion was unanimous in favor. It was noted that 50% of the cost of the roadway is included in the Capital Improvement budget. Mr. Jankowski said that he felt that this project should have been completed last year; that the extension of Muirfield Drive was on the agenda last year. He went on to say further that the City should approve the engineering, and be prepared to complete Muirfield Drive regardless of whatever deal the City can "strike with the developers". The completion of Muirfield Drive is the key, the first step toward alleviating the traffic congestion in the northwest quadrant, and should be an absolute priority. Ms. Maurer expressed some reservations. Mr. Sutphen moved to do away with the three time reading rule and treat as an emergency. Ms. Maurer seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. The vote on the Ordinance was 7-0 in favor. Other Discussion of Dublin 1/1000 Budget. 1. The previous week the Committee submitted to Council a budget, with a statement of objectives for the Dublin 1/1000 project. 2. That proposed budget was discussed with Council at last week's retreat. Got the sense that Council would like to see activities that would be available to the entire community. 3. The bed tax passed only recently could be used. 4. The idea of the bed tax is to provide funds from a tax levied on overnight stays in Dublin hotels and motels. S. There are several items proposed as part of the Dublin 1/1000 project that the committee felt fall under the objectives of the tax: A. The Chieftains concert on March 22, 1988. B. A July 10th Birthday Party. C. An Irish Festival some time in the fall of the year. D. A presentation by the Abbey Theater. 6. Requested that the proposed steering committee, as listed on the last page of the report, be approved by Council. 7. That Council authorize appropriate staff support for the event(s). 8. A suggestion that the City send the Mayor to the Birthday Celebration in Dublin Ireland, as well as designate one of our citizens who will be visiting there at that time as a representative of the City (Mr. and Mrs. Richard Thomas). Ms. Maurer introduced members of the Steering Committee who were present at the meeting. Mr. Strip mentioned that at the last meeting he had expressed concerns regarding using City funds for underwriting entertainment that could not be enjoyed by all the citizens of Dublin. He noted that since that time he had spoken several times with Ms. Maurer and Mrs. McLernon; said that they had worked rather hard to solve his concerns; they presented a budget and that it seems that the usage of funds would permit most of the citizens who want to attend to attend. The $15,000.00 allocation of City funds would be used for the 1/1000 project the year long; he said that he could support that. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS M illutcs of Dublin City Council Meeting ~~K:S Meeting National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ~ II cld February 1, 1988 19 Page Five Mr. Jankowski said that he did not object to the program or the schedule of events or to the allocation of $15,000.00 of City funds. He did express a concern that someone or some group has to assume the responsi- bility to meet expenses if the income does not meet expectations. He said that it would seem that that would be the City through the hotel/motel tax who would be ultimately responsible for such expenses Mr. Amorose and Mr. Rozanski agreed with Mr. Jankowski. Mr. Sutphen said that he could support even a $20,000.00 allocation, but suggested the possibility of doing the projects via a step by step procedure to see how they work out. He noted that the expense for the Abbey Theater would be the greatest ($47,720.00) and also noted that he would not want to use all the bed tax the first year. It was noted that the sale of t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. is not a guaranteed moneymaker; that many times such items are difficult to sell. Mayor Close expressed some philosophical problems with portions of the project; the Chieftains and the Abbey Theater specifically. He said that the City does not need to be involved in functions that are entrepre- neurial in nature and suggested that perhaps such activities could be supported by private enterprise. He said that he could support citywide activities but personally could not support the Chieftains or Abbey Theater because of the amount of money involved. Mr. Strip said that it was his impression that the City would allocate $15,000.00 or so to the project and then would be "out of it". He said that he was assuming that the 1/1000 committee would be contracting with the groups and that perhaps said committee should be separately incorporated. Additional discussion followed as to where the final responsibility would lie for those contracts; that the groups would need guarantees. Ms. Maurer commented that the committee is not a non-profit corporation that has already been established. She went on to discuss ticket costs and sales, mentioning also the possibility of having the Chieftains' concert in the gymnasium for 2000 people rather than for 750 in the Performing Arts Center. Mr. Smith, Law Director, had the following comments: 1. Somebody has to guarantee the signed contracts. 2. A non-profit corporation does not solve the problem. 3. Either the City accepts the liability for the entire amount or an existing organization in the community accepts the liability for the $40,000.00 or $50,000.00 extra. 4. One cannot have the performances unless one has advance ticket sales, and one cannot have advance ticket sales without having a commitment for the date. S. Once the City enters into the spirit of this governmental activity, the City has to assume that it might fall through and must be prepared to pay the bill. It was suggested that the Chieftains concert be supported "to see how it goes as far as community support" before committing to the Abbey Theater date later in the year. Mrs. McLernon said that a contract with the Abbey Theater would probably not have to be signed until June and said that the Chieftains concert could be moved into the gymnasium; that she had spoken with Mr. Gooding who said that was a possibility. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Millutcs of Dublin City Council Meeting ~&Wb Mectillg National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ~ 1I cld . February 1, 1988 19 Page Six Mayor Close commented that with regard to the bed tax (which has only been in effect since January) that the City has not yet determined where the allocation of monies of projects previously discussed will go - the Arts Council, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, etc. Ms. Maurer reiterated that the bed tax in Columbus is used frequently for entertainment - concerts~ in the Scioto River ampitheater, the Arts Festival, for example. She also noted that what has been tentatively planned for the whole year is a wide variety of activities addressing the interests of a great many people - theater, music, sports, crafts, etc. Ms. Maurer reminded Council that the City's Tax Administrator, with a conservative estimate, projects that the City will make $290,000.00 with the bed tax. She noted that they would be willing to look at each separate item, bring it back to Council and work in that manner, as well as being willing to talk about what kind of offer they get from the Dublin Abbey Theater. Mayor Close said that he would be more inclined to approve the Chieftains if the City would put on a couple of shows and charge nothing then with the way it is set up presently. Mr. Sutphen moved to allocate $20,000.00 to the Dublin 1/1000 Project. Mr. Jankowski seconded the motion. Mr. Strip moved to amend the motion to add "provided that the commitments made by the Committee do not bind the City of Dublin and that the City would prefer that there be some type of non-profit corporation set up". Mr. Jankowski seconded the motion. Mr. Denihan, a member of the Steering Committee for Dublin 1/1000, suggested that the City appropriate $22,510.00 for the Chieftains and the July 10th Birthday Party with the City accepting all responsibilities; allow the Chieftains concert(s) to be free for the whole City, and take the income earned from the July 10th Birthday Party, which has been estimated to be about $17,500.00. Mr. Strip said that he had suggested a non-profit corporation; that way no one has any individual liability, suggesting using Section SOl(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Another member of the committee said that she had had experience with other organizations such as the Columbus Day Program, the Scioto Super Fest, etc., and that it had been her experience that most of those groups are organized under SOl(C)(3). She also noted when organized in this manner that the organization is eligible for Director's insurance which is very minimal in cost; that it covers the City's liability, the individual's liability. The vote on the amendment to the motion; that the City not be bound and that it prefer that there be some sort of non-profit corporation was unanimous in favor. The vote on the motion that the City allocate $20,000.00 was as follows: Mr. Amorose, yes; Ms. Maurer, yes; Mr. Strip, yes; Mr. Rozanski, yes; Mayor Close, no; Mr. Jankowski, yes. The issue of staff time for the committee was addressed by Janet Jordan. Mr. Amorose said that it was his concern that the Committee do the work and not call upon staff to do a great deal of the day to day routine work. Ms. Jordan said that she would make the same type of commitment as regards her staff as she has traditionally done as far as other city-wide activities - St. Patrick's Day, Fourth of July, City Party, etc. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Milllltes of Dublin City Council Meeting ~~K:S Mectillg National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ~ 1l eld February 1, 1988 19 Page Seven Comments from Staff Mr. Hansley 1. The budget will be in the Council packets for the next meeting. 2. Tonight, officially at 12:00 midnight, Robert Mayer is retired. Lt. Vance has been appointed the interim chief until such time as a new Chief of Police is appointed. Mayor Close asked if the City was planning to pay for the job performed; if Lt. Vance is Acting Chief will he be getting the Chief's salary? or the promotion to Acting Lieutenant, will that person be paid a Lieutenant's salary? Mayor Close said that in the case of the Acting Manager Council "hit a middle ground". He noted that it has generally been Council's attitude that they like to pay for the job that is done. Mr. Hansley will report at the next meeting. 3. The Don Scott Airport issue. There will be a public hearing on February 18, 1988, at 4:00 P.M. 4. The FOP negotiations are absolutely final. They anticipate voting on Wednesday. If the agreement is approved by the membership, then that document will be in Council packets as well. Council requested a copy of the whole document as well as a summary of same prepared by the City Manager's office. S. Staff is in the process of finalizing the allocation of the space that was freed up by the move of several of the departments to 5131 Post Road. 6. There will be keys to the building available to Council members. 7. The report on the Merger Commission. They have reported that they at this time, officially, have enough signatures to fill, and that they are working on getting "buffer" signatures. The petitions will probably be filed prior to noon on Friday of this week. 8. The Police Department Awards will be presented and honorees will be present at the next Council meeting. 9. Referred to the letter from the Perry Township Chief of Police as regards the "Revised Gray Zone Procedure" and commented as regards the sincere cooperation promised by all during the transition period. Mr. Harding introduced Ms. Ann Rengert, the new Administrative Intern, presently a graduate student in the School of Public Administration at The Ohio State University. Ann is presently working on a Gift Book in terms of possible donations to the City; she is working on the Annual Report; she is also doing some research on an employee awards program and she will be coordinating the MDA Strike Force Bowlathon Project. Mr. Willis 1. Status of Avery Road Water Tank; work is progressing on schedule. 2. Repair of Tuller Road. As a result of Council action at the last meeting a contractor was chosen but because of bad weather, the very cold weather, and some equipment problems they have been unable to get any repairs done up to this point. 3. Expecting in the next few days to have the preliminary storm sewer design plans for the area down near Riverview Street. 4. Today as a result of moving down to 5131 Post Road there was a need for new furniture (additional). Today bids were opened (two bids); one in the amount of $22,295.00 from Thomas W. Ruff and Company and one in the amount of $28,488.04 from Howards Office Supplies. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS M illutes of Dublin City Council Meeting natio I --gi'cIi K:S Mectillg National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ~ II eld FebruaI'Y 1~, 1988 19 Page Eight Ms. Jordan 1. Ms. Deborah Colbert was hired as pool manager. 2. Construction is moving along on the pool, considering the weather. The press was updated las week and they will probably be updated on the pool status approximately once a month. Membership applica- tions will be opened, probably in mid-April. Council Roundtable Discussion Mr. Sutphen 1. Referred to the Safety Committee Meeting minutes: A. Definitely look into hiring three new patrolmen. B. The City Manager is working on the item referenced as to the situation regarding the Concord Township Fire Department and what the bottomline is; that it will turn into a Washington Township Fire Department run zone. C. Had recommended that when the City hires a new Chief of Police that he be from an accredited police department. Mr. Hansley remarked that there would be a limited number of those persons available. It was noted that the City might have mentioned in the ad that Dublin is involved in the process of becoming an accredited department. Mr. Strip 1. When the Committee is planning the activities for the Dublin 1/100; "Don't forget the kids". 2. Commented that the sound level in the back of the Council Chambers is very, very bad; that it is difficult to hear. Mr. Harding reported that staff has processed the necessary purchase orders to make some corrections and some modifications to the PA system. There will be modifications made to the microphones; there will be shock mounts; in addition there will be a new mixer which should significantly improve the amplification; under the new system only one microphone will operate at anyone point in time. Ms. Maurer 1. Responding to a comment by Mr. Strip, Ms. Maurer said that one of the great values that Mr. Reardon mentioned with regard to the Abbey Theater presentation(s) was that the high school students would be able to build the sets as well as have an opportunity to watch a real professional company. 2. Mentioned the fact that the Daughters of Erin have been examining the possibility of locating the "feis", the dance and bagpipe competition in Dublin with Council Members, the School Administration and Board Members. The competition is scheduled for August of this year. Mr. Rozanski 1. Expressed a concern noting that he felt that Council and Staff are working backwards by approving advertising for engineering proposals before seeing the capital improvements and the budget. He said that he felt that the capital improvement process is being taken out of Council's hands by this early action on some of them. 2. Reminded Council that the Dublin community takes their green space and parkland very seriously; that Council be careful in their actions so that it does not set a bad precedent in dealing with Dublin's parkland by taking quick action on some projects. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS M illutcs of Dublin City Council Meeting ~ .K:S M cetillg National Graphics Corp., Cols., O. Form No. 1097 ~ Held February 1, 1988 19 Page Nine Mayor Close 1. The next meeting of Council will be on Tuesday, February 16, 1988; the City offices will be closed on Monday the 15th. 2. A formal challenge for the annual Bocci Ball Tournament has been received; it will be April 12, 1988. Council has the responsibility of providing a dinner for the Chamber, since City Council was the winner of the tournament last year. 3. Referred to Amy Jordan's article in the paper regarding the recent vandalism at the skating rink. A high chain link fence, with one gate, will probably be constructed. 4. Council completed their retreat weekend. Thanked staff for the time that they gave for their presentations. By and large it was productive as far as Council being given some direction as to where Council wants to go. S. Talked previously about, in addition to the sound system, about redoing the Council Chambers. What is the status of that project? Mr. Hansley said that he has had one meeting with the architect who designed the building and said that he intends to comment. Have visited the Council Chambers in Westerville and plan to visit those in Reynoldsburg and Hilliard. Mr. Amorose mentioned that at Planning and Zoning Meetings, for example, that it is impossible to view the slides and the drawings by both the Commission members and by the audience. He suggested getting some input from audio visual people. Mr. Amorose also mentioned the impossibility of putting and using the big rolls of drawings on the current table with the microphones in their present location. Mayor Close commented that Council members physically need more space. 6. Offered his assistance to the Dublin 1/1000 Committee in any way. Ms. Maurer 1. Suggested a followup meeting on the Goal Setting Process. Mr. Hansley said that he has a sense of what Council wants and can proceed with the budget. He also noted that there will be a number of extra meetings to discuss perhaps the budget, capital improve- ments, the master plan, etc. Chief Bostic thanked Council for their support regarding the engineering proposal for the Muirfield Drive extension, as well as their support for Dublin 1/1000. The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Close at 9:39 P.M. Mayor - Presiding Officer