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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-24-01 CDC MinutesMINUTES Dublin City Council COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, April 24, 2001, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers Attending: Mr. Reiner, Chair Mr. Adamek Mr. Peterson Mr. Ciarochi Ms. Grigsby Mr. McDaniel Ms. Clarke Mr. Kindra Ms. Readler Mr. Combs Mr. Reiner called the meeting to order and noted that tonight's agenda includes the prioritization of Old Dublin improvements and the review of the recommendation of the Post Road Committee. Recommendation of Post Road Committee Mr. Adamek reported that the Committee has met twice and has reached consensus on the content of the policy. The properties involved are the Anderson, Costello, Layman, Nyrop, Danzer and Cline properties. The policy agreed upon is that the City will tear down the buildings on the Anderson and Layman properties when they are vacated — Andersons plan to stay about a year. This is contrary to what was discussed at Council. At that time, Council believed the residents' desire was that the properties, as they are purchased, would be maintained and rented out by the City until all of the parkland is assembled. Mr. Costello has indicated that he has no desire to sell his property to the City at this time. The Committee is now working through wordsmithing of the policy statement regarding how the properties will be handled as they continue to be lived in —for all properties up to and including, potentially, the Kinman property. This will address future additions to the homes, renovations, etc. These residents want to be treated as anyone else in these matters. The draft policy at this point was written by Mr. Cline and submitted to the Law Director, but legal staff has not reviewed it at this time. Mr. Ciarochi added that Mr. Hahn is spearheading an effort to draft a bubble concept plan to demonstrate what will be done with the properties once acquired. Staff has also walked the area and met with residents regarding some issues, i.e., screening of the bikepath along that area Their intent is to establish a good working relationship with the neighborhood. Mr. Adamek stated that the Committee will bring forward to Council a formal policy statement for Council's adoption. This is important to do, as it will serve as a record of the expectations of the City and the residents at this point in time. Many properties may not be acquired until far into the future when the current members of Council are no longer serving. Community Development Committee April 24, 2001 Page 2 Mr. Ciarochi indicated that the intent of the policy is to treat these property owners as any others in the City during this transition. He does have some concern with the reference in the policy as drafted regarding lot splits. This will need further review. Mr. Peterson stated that he believes that the City should be drafting the policy, working with the Committee. Instead, Mr. Cline is drafting it. Pat Costello, 5886 Post Road stated that two references come to mind in relation to future lot splits —the Kinman and Cline properties. From the Post Road residents' point of view, Council and staff have been very responsive over the last few months, and many concerns of the residents have been relieved. He noted that the Danzer property may have historical value, and the Nyrop property would be a logical place for a nature preserve. It has access to the pond, the parking is already in place, and the glass on the backside of the building would allow for viewing. Thanks to staff and Council for all of their efforts. Personally, he and his family plan to live in his property until his son graduates from high school. The neighbors on both sides have been treated well beyond what they had expected. Mr. Reiner stated that the only two items which could be problematic are the portions regarding lot splits and exempting agricultural improvements. These need further review. Prioritization of Old Dublin Improvements Mr. Ciarochi noted that Council has directed staff to prioritize Old Dublin improvements which can be done with the monies programmed in the 2001 operating and CIP budgets. Ms. Grigsby provided a detailed memo regarding the proposed use of the funds and the priorities. (See attached) Mr. Reiner noted that there has been a lot of public pressure to move forward quickly on some of these items. There are competing factions in Old Dublin of businesses, residents, and property owners who have different concerns re aesthetics. The Committee had asked that staff assemble a list of priority of items that is fair and can be implemented quickly with available funds. While comments have been made that the City has not made a substantial investment in Old Dublin, over $2.1 million has been invested by the City in Old Dublin since 1988. Larry Frimerman. 63 S. Riverview Street stated that he is President of the Historic Dublin Association. This group was formerly the Old Dublin Association, and it now represents the entire district. While different interests in the district have expressed their views over time, the HAD speaks for everyone in stating that both stormwater and parking issues must be addressed at the same time. He noted that Old Dublin does not have an adequate stormwater system, and they are asking that the City come to the table and make the investment for these basic City services. It should not be considered as a component of the economic revitalization of the district. It should have been done long ago. The roads have not been brought up to the modern standards of the rest of the City. They appreciate the fact that more attention has been spent on the district of late. They had not seen the priority list document until tonight. They do support the kind of expenditures staff has recommended. However, they differ on the long -term and short-term expenditure of funds for the district. He urges the Committee to take the message to Community Development Committee April 24, 2001 Page 3 Council to direct staff to identify additional funding for the district for a stormwater management system to be completed within three to five years. This is basic infrastructure that all City residents deserve. He questions investments made in parking which would have to be torn up later to install needed infrastructure. Steve Rudv. 129 S. Riverview Street stated that he echoes all of Mr. Frimerman's comments. He serves as a Trustee of the Historic Dublin Association. Mr. Reiner stated that the budget proposed by staff provides funding for a comprehensive stormwater study. This is the first step in knowing the costs of the improvements. The other items being done this year are for the most part emergency improvements. He believes that a parking consultant would still be desirable to organize parking and persuade businesses to allow utilization of their spaces after hours. The budget also includes funding for crosswalks, as those in place are ineffective and not safe. The City is still negotiating to obtain off - street parking area. In addition, there are monies set aside for contingencies within the budget. He believes that staff has done an excellent job in their proposal for use of the available funds. Many of the items included in the proposal were brought to staff by various residents. Mr. Frimerman stated that Council had previously directed staff to meet with the Association to discuss site specific concerns about stormwater drainage, especially Blacksmith Lane. Staff came out and visited the site. The Association indicated that they represented district residents who backed up to that alley, but noted that all would have problems as a result of any proposed parking enhancements. These improvements would create additional runoff to the downhill yards. Mr. Bryant had a different issue altogether. The residents were asking for a trench drain along the Blacksmith Lane, but were told that these were isolated problems and the City did not want to address isolated cases. Waiting beyond five years to complete the stormwater improvements is not feasible, as they must be done in conjunction with the parking improvements. He noted that the original ditch was on the west side of the alley, and this is where the trench drain should be installed. Over time, it was filled in by parking lots and structures to accommodate autos and business use. Installing trench drains in these areas would be acceptable until larger diameter pipes can be installed with a stormwater system. Mr. Reiner stated that Engineering investigated two of the properties for which the residents indicated an immediate fix was needed. Engineering determined that the type of inexpensive repair proposed would handle only a small rainfall, not a medium or larger sized rainfall. The consensus seems to be that temporary trenches are not the solution; that it would be more prudent to do an overall study. Following lengthy discussion, the Committee agreed to have staff look at the feasibility of this. Mr. Kindra noted that a qualified civil engineer would be needed to review this. He emphasized that this is only a band -aid approach to a big problem — the stormwater study for the area is the answer. Community Development Committee April 24, 2001 Page 4 Mr. Reiner then asked Mr. Frimerman to request that the property owners in Old Dublin agree to grant easements for stormwater and sewer systems without cost to the City. He gave Mr. Frimerman a sign -up sheet where property owners can indicate their intent to donate the necessary easements for the systems. Mr. Ciarochi noted that the parking facility in #1 should be revised from $210,000 to $240,000 as the design portion was not included. Mr. Adamek noted that for the crosswalk sign, option 1 is estimated at $50,000 and option 2 at $25,000. Is it possible to have the lower cost option pedestrian activated so that it would flash and not be lit at all times? Mr. Kindra stated that the mast arm sign would cost $50,000 with pedestrian activation. Mr. Adamek stated that he would prefer the mast arm version with the pedestrian activated flasher — this should be done right the first time instead of being upgraded at a later date. Mr. Reiner and Mr. Peterson agreed. Mr. Ciarochi stated that the design for the parking lot is already underway. Staff will move forward on that with Council's approval of this plan. Mr. Peterson asked for confirmation that the sidewalk and curb replacement is being done out of this year's street maintenance program. Mr. Kindra confirmed this. Mr. Peterson asked for confirmation that funding for any stormwater system for Old Dublin is not in the City's CIP budget at this time. Mr. Ciarochi confirmed this. The study itself will cost approximately $75,000, and staff could begin programming portions of it next year. The priority would be based upon the condition of the area. Mr. Adamek added that portions of East Dublin were programmed earlier in the sewer and water line installation as they were experiencing severe problems with their wells. There could be a similar programming done for the Old Dublin area. Mr. Peterson asked if sidewalks are needed on both sides of Waterford Drive, or if they'll be done on one side only. Mr. Kindra responded that the budget includes only the north side of Waterford Drive. Mr. Reiner moved to adopt the recommendation of staff for the prioritization of Old Dublin improvements with the off - street parking amount revision to $240,000, and including the overhead single mast arm pedestrian activated lighted crosswalk, similar to those in Old Worthington. Mr. Adamek seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Community Development Committee April 24, 2001 Page 5 Mr. Reiner volunteered to have the Committee members and staff visit the site suggested by Mr. Frimerman for trench drains installation. Mr. Adamek asked if staff needs any direction in regard to the Bryant property. Mr. Ciarochi suggested that staff and the Committee review this in the field. He will have this item included in the plan. It can be funded out of contingencies, if necessary. Mr. Reiner indicated that this recommendation will be brought to Council at the May 7 meeting for their review and approval. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Clerk of Council