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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes 10-24-2011RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Diffilin City Council Meeting October 24, 2011 Mayor Lecklider called the Monday, October 24, 2011 Regular Meeting of Dublin City Council to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Dublin Municipal Building. Present were Mayor Lecklider, Vice Mayor Salay, Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, and Mr. Gerber. Staff present were Ms. Grigsby, Mr. Smith, Mr. McDaniel, Chief von Eckartsberg, Mr. Harding, Mr. Bittner, Ms. Mumma, and Mr. McDaniel. AD30URNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Lecklider moved to adjourn to executive session for personnel, land acquisition and collective bargaining matters. Mr. Gerber seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Vice Mayor Salay, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes. Mr. Keenan, Mrs. Boring and Mr. Reiner joined the session in progress. The meeting was reconvened at 7:05 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mr. Keenan led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present were Mayor Lecklider, Vice Mayor Salay, Mrs. Boring, Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, Mr. Gerber, Mr. Keenan and Mr. Reiner. Staff members present were Ms. Grigsby, Mr. Smith, Mr. McDaniel, Ms. Mumma, Chief von Eckartsberg, Mr. Thurman, Ms. Crandall, Mr. Earman, Mr. Hahn, Mr. Hammersmith, Mr. Harding, Ms. Ott, Ms. Nardecchia, Ms. Puskarcik, Ms. Colley, Mr. Hanks, Ms. Gilger, and Mr. Clary. PROCLAMATIONS /SPECIAL RECOGNITION Mayor Lecklider presented a proclamation recognizing three businesses — TechColumbus, GetUConnected, and Social Boomerang that have been instrumental in the development and success of the Teen Entrepreneur Camp. Accepting the proclamations were Rick Coplin of TechColumbus and Chaz Freutel of GetUConnected. (Sandy Blanquera of Social Boomerang could not be present.) Scott Hanks, Recreation Services described the program, which was initiated in 2010 and the awards and recognition received. He acknowledged the support of many businesses that have been instrumental in its success. Mayor Lecklider presented a proclamation in honor of Veterans Awareness Week — November 7 through 14. Accepting the proclamation were Jeff Noble, Commander of the American Legion Post 800; Ethan List, Historian of the American Legion Post 800; Wesley Smith, Past Commander, American Legion Post 800; and Daniel Smith, United States Air Force, and graduate of Dublin Coffman High School. Ethan List stated that the Lance Corporal Wesley G. Davids American Legion Post 800 and the Dublin City Schools will exhibit the Marine Corps Lima Company Memorial, The Eyes of Freedom, in the Performing Arts Center at Dublin Scioto High School from November 9 through November 13, during the Veterans Day holiday week. A brief opening ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9. The Eyes of Freedom is a traveling exhibition to honor the fallen of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Depicted in one of the paintings is Lance Corporal Wesley G. Davids, a graduate of Dublin Scioto High School, and the namesake of the Dublin American Legion post. He invited everyone to view the exhibit. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Update from Dublin Foundation — Chris Kelley, Board President and Council representative . to the Foundation Ms. Kell ev stated that the Dublin Foundation supports local non - profits through small grants in an effort to improve and enhance the quality of life within the Dublin community. She reported the following: Currently, the Foundation is providing financial support for a photographic exhibition at the Dublin Arts Center gallery — Shifting Perspectives: A Poignant Look at Down Syndrome. The exhibit is free and open to the public and continues through November 4. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council M October 24, 2011 Page 2 • The next deadline for Foundation grant applications is Tuesday, November 15. Applications are welcome from any local non - profit organization that supports and benefits the Dublin community. • Plans are underway for the 30"' annual Emerald Celebration to be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012. Honorees for 2012 are Herb and Leona Jones, residents of Historic Dublin. • Expressed the community's gratitude to the City for their support of the Field of Honor -- a moving commemoration of the victims of 9/11 held at Dublin Coffman High School practice field from September 10 -12. The City provided staff who handled volunteer recruitment, event planning, GIS mapping, public relations, Police chaplains, and traffic control. • She acknowledged the support from the City, Washington Township, Dublin City Schools, and the many corporate sponsors. She encouraged everyone to view the video aired on the community cable channel. • Reported that to date, over 900 flags have been sold and net revenues are estimated at $15,000. These funds will be set aside by the Dublin Foundation to create a First Responder Scholarship Fund for police, firefighters, EMT, and others who have dedicated their lives to the safety and well -being of the community. • The Foundation will request that the City appoint representatives to a scholarship committee who will establish criteria and rules governing the scholarship fund. They plan to award the inaugural scholarship next year. • Flag sales will continue online at the Dublin Foundation website and all future proceeds will be directed to this scholarship fund. On behalf of the community, she presented a plaque to Mayor Lecklider in recognition of the City's support of the Field of Honor event. CITIZEN COMMENTS Erin Gibbons, 9122 Moors Place addressed Council, noting she is a long -time resident of Dublin. She acknowledged the City's efforts in establishing the existing dog park, and she is a frequent user of this well utilized park. She asks that Council consider adding more dog parks in the City, so that those at the eastern edge of the City do not have to travel to Darree Fields. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she is aware of the mental and physical health benefits of dog parks. People who seldom interact with others rely upon outings to the dog park, and their dog interacting with other dogs is their link with other people. Research demonstrates that owning and interacting with dogs is a health benefit and there is a place for improvement of the existing dog park as well as adding other dog parks. Most neighborhoods in Dublin are not permitted to have fences, and therefore dogs cannot run off leash. Invisible electronic fences do not work for all breeds. She visits dog parks throughout Greater Columbus, and believes that these parks should be available everywhere so that families can use them. Most families do have dogs. Those who have no children but pay taxes in Dublin would like to see their interests represented as well. The existing Dublin dog park could be improved by adding trees, shelters, agility equipment, night lighting, and pet butler bags. Other dog parks in the region have these amenities. Some parks have a dog wash as well. The quality of the existing dog park in Dublin is not proportionate to the quality of the other amenities in Dublin. She encouraged Council to add more dog parks to benefit both citizens and their dogs. Mayor Lecklider noted that the City is in the process of making improvements to the dog park at Darree Fields, and discussion has taken place about adding more dog parks. He asked staff to comment. Mr. Hahn responded that the dog park at Darree Fields will be more than doubled in size, and that is in process. The addition will open in late spring of 2012. Four -inch caliper maple shade trees have been planted this fall. Agility equipment is being added. The topic of dog parks has been referred to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission for study, and their report is due this winter. Part of this task includes identifying other potential locations for dog parks. Mayor Lecklider added that he recently visited Prairie Oaks Metro Park, which has an area where dogs can run unleashed. They also have a water feature where dogs can actually swim. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Meeting= Dublin City Council October 24, 2011 Page 3 Mr. Reiner asked for details about the agility equipment. Mr. Hahn responded that tubes and jumps made for dogs will be added. These improvements are included in the 2012 budget, and will be added early in 2012. Vice Mayor Salay stated that Ms. Gibbons may want to attend a PRAC meeting to hear their discussion. Mr. Hahn stated that the November 16 meeting at the Service Complex will include further updates on the dog park topic. Mr. Keenan noted that the siting of dog parks, and consideration of impacts on adjacent property related to noise and lighting is certainly challenging. Will PRAC discuss potential locations? Mr. Hahn responded that PRAC plans to present recommendations of locations for future dog parks, and the recommendations would be subject to review by Council. Their task is to identify land specific locations. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Lecklider noted that one item is proposed for action on the consent agenda and asked whether any Council Member requests removal for further consideration under the Regular agenda. Hearing none, Mayor Lecklider moved approval of the action for one item as proposed on the consent agenda. Mr. Reiner seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Mr. Keenan, abstain; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes; Ms. Chinnici- Zuercher, yes; Vice Mayor Salay, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes. 1. Approval of Minutes of September 26, 2011 Council Meeting LEGISLATION SECOND READING /PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCES Ordinance 56 -11 Amending Chapters 51 and 52, Establishing User Fees and Capacity Charges for the Sanitary Sewer and Water Systems. Ms. Mumma, Deputy City Manager /Director of Finance & Administration stated that the legislation will reallocate $.25 per thousand cubic feet in user charges from the Water Fund to the Sewer Fund. This matter was discussed during the August CIP workshops. Based upon the fund balances within the Water and Sewer Funds, as well as the long -term capital needs in each of those funds, it was determined that in both 2012 and 2013, $.25 per thousand cubic feet would need to be reallocated from the Water Fund to the Sewer Fund. Mayor Lecklider pointed out a positive note in the staff memo -- that the debt related to the Upper Scioto West Branch Interceptor (USWBI) will be paid off in 2018. Vote on the Ordinance: Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Chinnici- Zuercher, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes; Vice Mayor Salay, yes. Ordinance 57 -11 Amending the Annual Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2011. Ms. Mumma stated that this is an appropriation ordinance, the majority of which requests funds to be appropriated from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Funds to the proper expenditure accounts. All of the projects have been approved within the City's CIP program and all of the legislation has been previously authorized. In summary, some of the other transfers or supplemental appropriations requested include additional funding for real estate taxes on City property; transferring funds between a Special Assessment Debt Fund and a General Obligation Debt Fund; and accounting for the Auditor deductions automatically withheld from the TIF payments, service payments, and real estate tax payments from the county that must be accounted for. Vote on the Ordinance: Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes; Vice Mayor Salay, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council Meeting October 24, 2011 Page 4 INTRODUCTION/ FIRST READING — ORDINANCES Ordinance 58 -11 Authorizing the Provision of Certain Incentives to Sociusl, LLC to Induce It to Retain an Office and Associated Operations and Workforce within the City, and Authorizing the Execution of an Economic Development Agreement. Mr. Gerber introduced the ordinance. Ms. Gilger introduced Michael Clary, Economic Development Administrator who joined the City five months ago. He has worked on this project and will give the staff presentation tonight. Mr. Clary stated that Socius is a premier software- consulting group, specializing in implementation of business solution systems. Socius has been in their current facility at 7001 Post Road, the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center, since 2006. This office serves as the company headquarters. Current and projected growth has prompted Socius to seek another site, and they have done an extensive real estate search in Central Ohio during the past few months. The economic development proposal includes a four -year, ten percent performance incentive, capped at $19,000. It would retain 23 existing jobs in Dublin, and Socius would commit to creating an additional 13 jobs by the end of 2016. They would also maintain a lease through 2016 as well. Additionally, there is a two -year bonus for 2016 and 2017, capped at $11,000, should Socius sign an additional three -year extension, committing to be in Dublin through 2019. The City estimates it would net approximately $268,000 with this incentive agreement. Vice Mayor Salay asked if they have selected a new site in Dublin. Mr. Clary responded they have identified an office site on Perimeter, but are negotiating the final terms. He expects to provide a full update on the specific site at the second reading. There will be a second reading /public hearing at the November 14 Council meeting. INTRODUCTION/ PUBLIC HEARING — RESOLUTIONS Resolution 54 -11 Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police — Capital City Lodge No. 9 Regarding Wages, Hours, Terms and Conditions of Employment for Employees within the Police Officer, Corporal, and Sergeant Bargaining Units. Mr. Gerber introduced the ordinance. Mr. Harding stated that a detailed memo is included in the packet, together with the proposed collective bargaining agreement and some related attachments. This agreement would cover sworn law enforcement personnel in two bargaining units. The ranks covered would be police officer, corporal and sergeant. The term of the proposed agreement is for three years, extending from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. Reflected in the staff report are the two key economic terms - wages and health insurance. This agreement does provide a two percent wage increase, retroactive to January 1, 2011; a three percent annual wage increase effective January 1, 2012; and a three percent annual wage increase effective January 1, 2013. In addition, this agreement continues the current PPO health insurance program through 2011 and 2012. Effective January 1, 2013, however, the City would implement a Consumer Driven Health Plan with health savings accounts — the same plan as in effect now for all non -union staff and the United Steelworkers bargaining unit. The FOP Lodge did present this agreement to its membership this past week and the City has been notified that they have ratified the proposed collective bargaining agreement. The City's labor attorney, Paul Bittner is present tonight as well. He offered to respond to any questions. On behalf of City Council, Mayor Lecklider acknowledged the efforts of the City's negotiating team as well as the representatives of the Police officers in arriving at this agreement. Council is appreciative of all of the hard work involved. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council Meetin¢ October 24, 2011 Page 5 Vote on the Resolution: Mr. Gerber, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Vice Mayor Salay, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes. OTHER • Adoption of 2012 Council Meeting Schedule Vice Mayor Salay, Administrative Committee Chair reported that two options have been prepared by staff, based on past practice of Council. She pointed out that only one CIP workshop is planned for 2012. Ms. Grigsby responded that, based upon experience in the past couple of years, staff believes the review can be accomplished in one meeting. Vice Mayor Salay noted that two options in March are provided for goal setting retreat dates. The issue to be determined is whether Council prefers to have a July recess or an August recess for the 2012 schedule. The July meeting would be held on July 2, providing for a recess for the remainder of July. This would be her preference. Mrs. Boring stated this is her preference as well. Mayor Lecklider pointed out two items. The April 9 meeting is the day after Easter Sunday, which could be a travel day for some. The June 4 meeting date is the day after the Memorial Tournament. This could potentially be a difficult schedule for staff. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher asked why the June meetings are proposed for the first and third Mondays versus second and fourth. The Clerk responded that this allows for adequate spacing between the June meetings and the July 2 meeting. Discussion followed. It was the consensus of Council to: • Schedule the Council recess in July, following the July 2 meeting • Schedule Regular Council meetings on June 4 and June 18 • Adjust the first Regular August meeting from Monday, August 6 to Wednesday, August 8 due to the Irish Festival that takes place on August 3 through 5 and the related parking issues for the Municipal lot due to Festival set -up • Schedule the goal setting retreat on Friday, March 2, pending availability of a facilitator Vice Mayor Salay moved approval of the 2012 Regular Meeting Schedule, with the modifications as outlined. Mr. Gerber seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Mr. Keenan, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes; Vice Mayor Salay, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes. STAFF COMMENTS There were no comments from staff. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS /COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE Mr. Reiner: 1. Congratulated Ms. Crandall for her work on the Healthy Dublin initiative. Both speaker sessions have been completely booked. He had conversations today with three individuals who described the October 23 presentation as life changing and very worthwhile. 2. Reported that the 2011 Ohio state cyclocross champs race was held in Coffman Park this weekend. They plan to return next year to Dublin, based on their positive experience and support from staff. It was a great event, thanks to the support of Dublin! Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher: 1. Noted that a list of Franklin County Treasurer's tax lien certificate properties in Dublin was forwarded to Council. How does the net tax due compare with previous years? Ms. Grigsby responded that in terms of the number of delinquent parcels, there are a few more this year, generally residential parcels. In terms of total dollar amount, it is fairly RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council October 24, 2011 Page 6 comparable. Typically, there are several commercial properties with significant tax dollars due, and there were a few more this year than last. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher asked about the process for collection of those delinquent tax payments. Ms. Grigsby responded that, typically, the foreclosure process takes place and if the properties are sold, the taxes are paid from the proceeds and then distributed to the various entities. Mrs. Boring: 1. Asked if the Hard Road noise study report has been shared and discussed with the neighborhood. Ms. Grigsby responded that when the information was distributed in the Council packet, it was also forwarded to the residents who have been in contact with staff regarding this issue. Last week, she spoke to one of the residents at the civic association leadership meeting hosted by the City. The residents have indicated they are reviewing the information and will likely provide feedback at a future date. The City is continuing to review the potential for installing landscaping that may provide some limited benefit in terms of noise buffering. The neighborhood residents plan to discuss all of this at their next HOA meeting. 2. Commented that she likes the new one -page format of the Police updates. It is very easy to review at a glance. 3. Asked about the status of the staff information gathering regarding the improvements to restroom facilities at Scioto Park. Ms. Grigsby responded that staff is reviewing this and has information regarding potential costs to provide water service. Staff is also reviewing options for both water and sewer service for the restrooms. Currently, staff believes bringing public water service to the site is more feasible. The cost is in the range of $30,000. The current septic system for the restrooms would remain. Staff is continuing to study this. 4. Welcomed Ms. Worstall back to work, noting that the report regarding Beautify your Neighborhood grants is very helpful. She is appreciative of the information. Mr. Keenan extended a hearty congratulations to Dublin Jerome High School for winning both the state boys and girls golf championships. It has only been done once before -- in 2005 -- and was also achieved by Dublin Jerome High School Congratulations to the teams! Mayor Lecklider added that the Dublin Jerome girls tennis team also won a state championship, as well as the Division I girls doubles state championship. Mr. Gerber stated that Dublin's annual Veterans Day ceremonies are scheduled on Friday, November 11. He encouraged everyone to attend. In addition, the State of Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame will hold their annual inductee ceremony on Wednesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. at the Marriott in Dublin. He serves on their Board and the ceremony will be attended by the Governor. This is a recognition by the state of veterans who have made significant impacts on their communities. Mayor Lecklider: 1. Reported that last Tuesday, he and Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher attended the fall civic association leadership meeting. There was a nice turnout for the meeting, and the presentations by staff were enjoyed by those who attended. 2. Noted that on October 20, he joined staff in attending Columbus C.E.O. Magazine "Best of Business" annual recognition program where the City received an award for "The Best Suburb in Which to Do Business." He accepted the award on behalf of Council. In addition, BMI Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Dublin was named "Best Credit Union "; the Golf Club of Dublin was tied for "Best Public Golf Course "; and Schottenstein, Zox and Dunn was recognized as "The Best Law Firm" in the category of 50 or more attorneys and "Best Litigation Firm." 3. Reminded everyone that the annual Spooktacular event held in Coffman Park and the DCRC is scheduled on Thursday from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dubli City C ouncil October 24, 2011 Meeting Page 7 4. Encouraged everyone to exercise their right to vote on Tuesday, November 8. Good luck to all the candidates! ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Mayor — Pp Officer Clerk of Council