HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-12 Council MinutesRECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Min 1�le� of Dublin City Cou Meeting
June 4, 2012
Mayor Lecklider called the Monday, June 4, 2012 Regular Meeting of Dublin City Council to
order at 6:30 p.m. at the Dublin Municipal Building.
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Lecklider moved to adjourn to executive session for discussion of land acquisition
matters (to consider the purchase of property for public purposes) and legal matters (to
confer with an attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body
that are the subject of pending or imminent court action).
Mr. Gerber seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Vice Mayor Salay, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Ms.
Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes.
(Mr. Reiner and Mrs. Boring joined the session in progress.)
The meeting was reconvened at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Gerber 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 present were Ms. Grigsby, Mr. Smith, Mr. McDaniel, Chief von Eckartsberg, Ms.
Mumma, Mr. Hammersmith, Mr. Harding, Mr. Hahn, Ms. Ott, Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Colley, Ms.
Puskarcik, and Mr. Earman.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were no comments from citizens.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Lecklider noted that two items are proposed for action on the consent agenda. He
asked whether any Council Member requests removal of an item for further consideration
under the regular agenda.
Hearing none, Mayor Lecklider moved approval of actions requested for the two items as
proposed on the consent agenda.
Mr. Reiner seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Vice Mayor Salay, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr.
Keenan, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes.
1. Ordinance 39 -12 (Introduction/ First Reading)
Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Necessary Conveyance Documentation for
the Acquisition of a 1.385 Acres, More or Less, Fee Simple Interest and Another
1.480 Acres, More or Less, Fee Simple Interest from Herbert E. Jones and Janet F.
Jones. (Second reading /public hearing June 18 Council meeting)
2. Resolution 29 -12 (Introduction /Vote)
Accepting the Lowest /Best Bid for the Cosgray Road /Shier Rings Road Roundabout
Project. (No.09- 011 -CIP)
SECOND READING /PUBLIC HEARING — ORDINANCES
Ordinance 36 -12
Adopting the Proposed Tax Budget for Fiscal Year 2013.
Ms. Mumma stated that included in Council packets is a revised version of the 2013 tax
budget. This legislation authorizes the submission of the tax budget to the County by the
required deadline of July 20. It must be approved by this body by July 15. Income tax
revenues for 2012 have been adjusted from what was originally anticipated at the
beginning of the year. A flat increase over 2011 revenues had been projected. Staff
adjusted those figures up approximately two percent, based on income tax revenues
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Dublin City Council e t
— Page 2
through the first quarter of the year. Through May, income tax revenue is up
approximately 5.8 %. Taking a conservative approach, however, a two percent increase in
income tax revenues for 2012 is budgeted, and that level is maintained for 2013. In
expenditures, an overall increase of approximately 2.5% is budgeted. Based on Council
Member Keenan's comment at the previous meeting, advances have been included in the
revised version. This revenue is advances being repaid to either the General Fund or the
Capital Improvement Fund. It also includes advances out. Most of the time, those
advances are to the TIF Funds for various capital infrastructures, expenditures that occur
prior to receipt of those service payments. Allocation of the inside millage dedicated
between the Capital Improvement Fund and the Parkland Acquisition Fund remains
consistent with preceding years. There will be opportunity for discussion on this issue
during the 2013 -2017 CIP update review, but at this point, the inside millage designated
toward the Capital Improvement Fund is 1.4 mills and .35 mills is designated to the
Parkland Acquisition Fund. This allocation provides Council the flexibility to use funds that
go into the Capital Improvement Fund for parkland acquisition, should the need or desire
arise.
Mr. Keenan thanked Ms. Mumma for the clarification provided with the revised version.
Vote on the Ordinance Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Ms. Chinnici-
Zuercher, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes; Vice Mayor Salay, yes.
Ordinance 37 -12
Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Necessary Conveyance Documentation
to Acquire a 0.172 Acres, More or Less, Fee Simple Interest (with 0.084 Acres
as Present Road Occupied), and a Combined a 0.031 Acres, More or Less,
Temporary Construction Easement from Iacovetta Properties, Ltd. (Emerald
Parkway - Phase 8)
Mr. Hammersmith stated that acquisition of this right -of -way is necessary for the
construction of Emerald Parkway, Phase 8. The property, owned by Iacovetta Properties,
Ltd., is located at 3985 Bright Road. It is depicted on the exhibit on the south side of
Bright Road, to the east of where Emerald Parkway will connect with Bright Road. The
cost negotiated with the property owner is $15,000. Staff recommends adoption of this
ordinance.
Vote on the Ordinance Mr. Gerber, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Vice Mayor Salay, yes; Mrs.
Boring, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes.
Ordinance 38 -12
Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Necessary Conveyance Documentation
to Acquire a 2.0 Acres, More or Less, Fee Simple Interest from Mary M. Seay
and Charles J. Pethel. (Emerald Parkway — Phase 8)
Mr. Hammersmith stated that this acquisition is also necessary for the construction of
Emerald Parkway, Phase 8. The property is located at 4045 Bright Road, on the south
side of Bright Road, immediately adjacent to the new roundabout that will be constructed
at the intersection of Emerald Parkway and Bright Road. The City was able to negotiate a
purchase price of $300,000.00 with the owners. This will include a total take of the
property, in view of the impact on the property in terms of both the right -of -way needed
and the proposed permanent easement. Purchase of this land will allow the project to
move forward in the future.
Vote on the Ordinance Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mrs.
Boring, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Vice Mayor Salay, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes.
INTRODUCTION/ FIRST READING — ORDINANCES
Ordinance 40 -12
Authorizing the Provision of Certain Incentives to Bound Tree Medical, LLC to
Induce it to Expand an Office and Associated Operations and Workforce within
the City, and Authorizing the Execution of an Economic Development
Agreement.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
D ublin City C ouncil Meeuug
4 , 2012
Vice Mayor Salay introduced the ordinance.
Mr. Clarey stated that this legislation includes a proposed economic agreement with Bound
Tree Medical in support of a potential expansion resulting from an out -of -state
consolidation. The expansion would result in 55 new jobs in Dublin, with an average
annual wage of $47,000. The expansion would occur at the company's existing facility at
5000 Tuttle Crossing Boulevard, which currently houses 145 employees. The agreement
provides for a five -year, 25 percent performance incentive capped at $50,000 for the term
of the agreement. Staff estimates that the expansion would net approximately $137,883
dollars in new income tax withholdings. A company representative will be present at the
second reading on June 18.
Mayor Lecklider asked what type of jobs would be involved in this consolidation.
Mr. Clarey responded that they are executive -level positions, as well as some customer
service and administrative jobs. The Dublin location is Bound Tree Medical's national
headquarters.
Mayor Lecklider asked for background about how this EDA came about.
Mr. Clarey responded that the company approached the City about the project, but there
has been an ongoing relationship with the company.
Ms. Grigsby added that the City entered into an economic development agreement with
Bound Tree Medical in 2004 -2005, when they first located their business in Dublin.
There will be a second reading /public hearing at the June 18 Council meeting.
Ordinance 41 -12
Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Dedication of a 0.035 Acres, More
or Less, Permanent Easement for Multi -Use Path, Drainage and Grading, and a
0.040 Acres, More or Less, Temporary Construction and Grading Easement from
Lex Investments, LLC., and Declaring an Emergency. (Request to dispense with
public hearing)
Mr. Gerber introduced the ordinance.
Mr. Hammersmith stated that Council previously approved three acquisitions of properties
necessary for the construction of a shared -use path along the south side of Stoneridge
Lane, west of Dublin Center Drive. Those previous acquisitions were from National Church
Residences, Stoneridge Medical and Italia Homes. This legislation authorizes acceptance
of property donated by Lex Investments, who owns a small, triangular piece of property
along the south side of Stoneridge Lane between Stoneridge Medical and Italia Homes.
Donation of this easement will allow the City to proceed with construction of the shared
use path this year. Staff therefore recommends that Council dispense with the public
hearing /second reading and approve the legislation by emergency, so that construction
can commence immediately.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher moved to dispense with the public hearing and to declare an
emergency.
Mrs. Boring seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Vice Mayor Salay, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes; Mrs.
Boring, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes.
Vote on the Ordinance Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Vice
Mayor Salay, yes; Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes.
Mayor Lecklider asked that staff send a letter to the property owner expressing Council's
and the City's gratitude for this dedication.
Mr. Hammersmith responded that staff would do so, as was done with the previous three
dedications.
Mr. Reiner recommended that the City develop a policy or program to acknowledge these
property donations — something more substantial than a letter. Perhaps Tournament
tickets, a July 4th table, or a public memorial in Historic Dublin would be an appropriate
expression of the City's gratitude.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Mi nut es of Du blin City Council — eetimg—
June 4, - 2012 —
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher suggested that a small plaque could be located on the donated
property itself.
Mr. Reiner noted that a public memorial in a public gathering place downtown would
provide an opportunity to read the names of donors at one's leisure.
Mrs. Boring stated that she supports Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher's suggestion, because it is
related to the actual property donation. She cautioned that there was a case in the past
where a property owner did not desire public acknowledgment of their donation, so it
would be necessary to be aware of the property owner's wishes in this regard.
Mayor Lecklider requested that staff study the issue and return with some proposals for
Council's consideration.
INTRODUCTION/ PUBLIC HEARING /VOTE — RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 28 -12
Appointing a Member to an Unexpired Term on the Personnel Board of Review.
Vice Mayor stated that she spoke with candidate Gary Joseph and confirmed his
willingness to accept Council's appointment to the Personnel Board of Review.
Vice Mayor Salay moved to approve the Resolution, appointing Gary Joseph to an
unexpired term on the Personnel Board of Review.
Mrs. Boring seconded the motion.
Vote on the Resolution Mayor Lecklider, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher,
yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Vice Mayor Salay, yes.
OTHER
• Tax Incentive Review Council Report
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that the Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC) met on May 22.
She and Mr. Reiner attended the meeting, as Chairpersons of Council's Finance Committee
and Community Development Committee, respectively. The status report, which was
included in Council's packet, was reviewed and accepted by TIRC.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher moved to accept the May 22, 2012 TIRC report.
Mr. Gerber seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Mrs. Boring, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mayor
Lecklider, yes; Mr. Gerber, yes; Mr. Keenan, yes; Vice Mayor Salay, yes.
• 2012 Police Division Goals and Objectives Progress Summary
Chief von Eckartsberg provided an update on the Police Division 2012 activities and
progress on goals /objectives. During the last several years, Police goals and objectives
have changed little. They are focused on reducing thefts -- primarily this year, it was theft
of vehicles; reducing crimes of burglaries and breaking /enterings; reducing vehicle
crashes; and preparing for major crimes and critical incidents.
• This year, the thefts, burglaries and breaking and entering incidents are somewhat
higher than at the same time last year, however, the numbers are significantly
lower than in 2010.
• Traffic crash incidents are the same as last year, and significantly lower than in
2010.
• In regard to violent crimes, the beginning of this year was an anomaly as Dublin
experienced a rash of armed robberies and a homicide. He is pleased to report
that all of those crimes were solved, resulting in seven arrests.
• In connection with this goal, Police conducted a business safety forum for the
community at the Rec Center and created a business safety brochure for
distribution to businesses.
• They also completed an inservice training for sworn staff; every year they have
two training rotations for staff.
• Regarding vehicle thefts, they have had seven arrests, which cleared 14 cases, a
25% success rate for this year, which is a good average for that type of crime.
• The Police Division was awarded its sixth CALEA accreditation award, the third
"Accreditation with Excellence" recognition.
• Currently, Police are working on several area traffic complaints, including at
Washington Elementary and Coventry Woods, which requires significant patrol
officer hours.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minute, of Dublin City Council W-etin
• They have upcoming training exercises scheduled with neighboring Police
departments to address crowd control scenarios, geared toward the City's major
events.
• They also helped plan and execute the escort and procession detail for the recent
military funerals.
• Thefts of vehicles and burglaries remain the division's number one area of focus,
and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. Over 60% of these incidents
involve forced entry into a vehicle and occur in the late afternoon or early evening
in commercial, office or retail parking lots, and where the property is in plain view
in the vehicle.
• Eighty percent of residential burglaries occurred through an open garage door or
an unlocked door or window, and where there is no alarm system.
• Current crime trends experienced are vehicle thefts at Dublin Village Center, hotel
burglaries, and apartment burglaries.
• They have held 13 "Meet the Police" community meetings to date.
• Each month, they hold division accountability meetings to re- examine the
intelligence, statistics and resources as it relates to the focus on their goals.
• He reviewed some tips for individuals to help reduce crime.
Vice Mayor Salay commented that it is very positive that traffic crash incidents have
decreased. In terms of Police work, what does staff believe was the key that led to that
decrease?
Chief von Eckartsberg responded that they have a community policing philosophy in place,
but it is also an intelligence led philosophy. They meet monthly to review the trends for
all crimes and crashes. They consider the times and areas of occurrence, and then place
Police resources in those areas at those times. Much of their effort involves patrol work,
running radar and laser, and cruiser visibility. They take comprehensive accident reports,
as any site difficulties reported can be further reviewed by Engineering. Cosgray -Shier
Rings is a good example of Police and Engineering collaboration, with a result that a
roundabout will soon be constructed in that location.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher noted that many individuals have commented to her on the value of
the Police community forums. She encourages the Division to maintain that as a priority.
She assumes the notes of the community meetings are provided to the Homeowner
Associations for distribution and posted on the City website. This effort helps to make the
Police part of the community, and the citizens appreciate it. She is very encouraged by
their hard work.
Chief von Eckartsberg stated that "community policing" is not a new approach, but
Dublin's Division of Police takes it very seriously. They cannot fight crime alone; they
need the community's help. The upcoming Citizen Police Academy has 30 registrants to
date, including one Council Member. He invites other Council Members to view a class.
Mayor Lecklider referred to the traffic accident category in the report, specifically the
Muirfield- Dublinshire intersection. There has been email traffic on this issue. He believes
Council was told earlier that a dedicated northbound or southbound turn lane was not
warranted in this location. However, he uses that intersection frequently and when
northbound, feels he is exposed to being struck by vehicles from behind when waiting to
turn. A resident indicated he or she had spoken with Police staff and were told not to wait
to turn in the center area of the roadway in between the medians, but rather to remain in
the dedicated left turn area. Given the speeds of the vehicles, this does not seem safe.
Chief von Eckartsberg responded that if the driver is on Muirfield Drive waiting to turn
onto Dublinshire, they should move into the area in between the medians.
Mayor Lecklider stated that there is no traffic device control in the long stretch of roadway
from Perimeter Drive to Glick Road, other than the roundabouts. He assumes the Police
or Engineering have operated the StealthStats in that area.
Chief von Eckartsberg responded that most of the traffic devices they have had in that
area were at Dublinshire. They did not document any evidence of speeding on Dublinshire,
although that is where most of the traffic complaints have been generated.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Dub lin City Council Meeting
June 4, 2012
Mayor Lecklider stated that both north and southbound traffic in that location travel at a
speed dangerous to drivers waiting to turn.
Mayor Lecklider thanked Chief von Eckartsberg for the Police update.
STAFF COMMENTS
1. Invitation to Serve on I- 270 /US 33 /SR 161 Interchange Upgrade Steering Committee
Ms. Grigsby stated that a memo in Council's packet provided information on an ODOT
Stakeholders Steering Committee for this project, and a member of Council is invited to
serve on the Committee. Because their 2 to 2 -1/2 hour meetings are typically during the
workday, that may create an issue for Council schedules. Staff has spoken with ODOT,
and they indicated a staff appointment would be acceptable as well. She would be willing
to serve in that position, if Council prefers, or perhaps a Council Member would like to
serve in this role with a staff person serving as back up. Jeannie Willis serves on the
project team, which is referenced in the enclosed information. The team works very
closely with the consultant and ODOT on this project. Mr. Hammersmith is also involved.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that the Franklin County and Union County engineers are
elected positions. For the cities of Columbus, Hilliard and Marysville, are the elected
individuals representing them or their staff?
Ms. Grigsby responded that it is not yet known. This committee would like to meet in late
June. Prior to the next Council meeting, staff could check to see if the other communities
have made their appointments to this committee, or a Council Member can be appointed
tonight, with a staff designee providing back up.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that Council Member Keenan was previously involved in the
US 33 discussions. If half of this Steering Committee consists of elected officials, she
would prefer a dual representation of a Council Member and a staff member.
Mr. Keenan responded that he knows most of those involved, and he would be willing to
serve on this Committee if that is Council's pleasure. The service could be rotated, as
well. He agrees that if this Steering Committee will have other elected public officials,
then Dublin should also have an elected official presence. That is probably even more
important for the Community Advisory Group. Is that a separate appointment?
Ms. Grigsby responded that it is. However, there is consideration of making the Steering
Committee a part of it, so it could be that the appointee to the Steering Committee will
also serve on the Advisory Group.
Mr. Keenan stated that he would be willing to serve, if that is Council's pleasure.
It was the consensus of Council to appoint Mr. Keenan to serve on the ODOT Steering
Committee for the Interchange Upgrade.
2. Community Plan Update
Ms. Grigsby stated that a detailed memo was provided in Council packets regarding the
Community Plan update. This update will be interactive, using the City website, and it will
be launched mid - month. The first open house will be held on Thursday, June 14 at the
Recreation Center. Staff can provide a presentation tonight or at a future meeting, if
Council desires.
Mrs. Boring stated that Chapter 9 addresses stormwater regulations. Staffs memo did not
indicate any update to the policy. Recently, Council was made aware of some innovative
ways in which to address stormwater management in the Bridge Street Corridor. She had
hoped that a statement providing an update to Chapter 9 could also be included.
Mr. Goodwin responded that it was an oversight in the memo. Engineering is working on
new language that captures the policy intent related to new stormwater facilities for the
Bridge Street District as well as throughout the City.
Ms. Chin nici-Zuercher asked about the projected timeframe for this project.
Mr. Goodwin responded that the overall timeframe for this project is designed to provide a
proposed amendment of the Community Plan to Council for consideration by the end of
2012.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Dublin City Counc Meeting
June 4, 201
3. Updated Council Goals
Ms. Grigsby reminded Council that legislation to adopt the updated Council Goals would be
scheduled for the June 18 Council meeting.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS /COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Mr. Keenan
1. Stated that there was a reference in the Items of Interest memo in Council packets
concerning a policy update regarding utility extensions to areas of the City not
currently served. At some point, he would like to have more information on the
options that are being discussed.
Ms. Grigsby responded that staff should have some policy options for Council to consider
near the end of the third quarter.
Mr. Keenan asked if there would be a Council discussion on that topic.
Ms. Grigsby responded affirmatively. There will be updated information provided at the
CIP workshops regarding estimates of the costs.
2. Expressed thanks to staff for their efforts, which helped make the Memorial
Tournament such a success. He is aware that many hours of work were involved
in support of this event.
Mr. Gerber stated that he recently reviewed the Battelle study on the economic forecast of
the City. It included a section that addressed tax credits and other incentives to mirror
those of the State of Ohio. He requested an update at a future roundtable or budget
discussion regarding whatever considerations of this are occurring.
Ms. Grigsby responded that an update would be provided to Council.
Mr. Reiner
1. Asked if staff is prepared for a Community Development Committee (CDC)
discussion regarding the Dublin Arts Council agreement.
Ms. Grigsby responded that the meeting could be scheduled. There was discussion with
Mr. Guion about the possibility of meeting with their Board president and a DAC employee
preceding the Council committee meeting, but it is fine if the discussion moves directly to
the Council committee. Staff could be prepared for a meeting at any time.
Mr. Reiner stated that Council has indicated a desire to finalize this issue in June.
Council consensus was to have the Clerk poll Council Members tomorrow for a date for the
CDC meeting.
2. Reiterated the need to develop a policy whereby property owners donating
property to the City for construction projects are acknowledged.
Ms. Grigsby responded that staff would review options and provide a report to Council.
3. Noted that Mayor Lecklider gave a very nice impromptu speech at the luncheon for
the Consul General of Japan held at the Tournament.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher
1. Suggested that when Ms. Crandall returns from her International City/County
Management Association conference in Europe that she provide a report at an
upcoming Council meeting. She is certain Ms. Crandall has learned much from her
travel to another country to observe their community procedures and that would
be of interest to Council.
2. Expressed appreciation for the opportunity to have dinner with the Consul General
of Ireland last week. The experience was very interesting. Unfortunately, the
Consul General will not be available to attend the Dublin Irish Festival this year, as
he will be returning to Ireland at that time. However, he expressed interest in
attending a future festival.
3. Stated that she has registered for the Citizen Police Academy to be held this
summer.
Mrs. Boring
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Dublin City Council Meefing
June 4, 2012
1. Stated that Council Members received an email about a City piano program ( "Play
Me, I'm Yours' from Bea Fishman. The information indicates that there is an
organization that could provide assistance, if there is interest in the program. In
the past, she visited a community in Colorado, which had this program in place. If
Council Members concur, she would like staff to research what such a program
would require. She assumes Ms. Grigsby also received the email.
Ms. Grigsby responded that did not receive the email.
Mr. Keenan stated that her email provided a link to the organization that provides
assistance with initiating the program. He requested that the information be forwarded to
Ms. Grigsby.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher asked if this is an item that one of Council's advisory committees,
such as PRAC, could consider.
Mr. Reiner stated that Dublin Arts Council is also interested in the program.
Mr. Keenan stated that the pianos are located outdoors. How can a piano withstand
Ohio's inclement weather?
Mr. Reiner stated that the Fishmans actually reviewed Dublin's downtown area for places a
piano could be sited, such as the tunnel by Starbucks or under a canopy or ledge. In one
community, the piano was wrapped in aluminum. Of course, the weather in Los Angeles
is much more conducive to this program than in Dublin.
Mrs. Boring stated that she believes the pianos are covered at night and painted with
water resistant paint. She would like someone to review what the program entails,
because it probably addresses those issues.
Mr. Keenan stated that it would be important to have a mechanism to remove the piano if
it were to become unattractive. He believes it would be difficult to keep a piano in tune if
it is kept outdoors.
2. Stated that there was discussion at the last meeting concerning the listing of
Council Members' names in City publications, and Mayor Lecklider indicated that he
prefers the informal version of his name. She clarified that she prefers only the
formal version of her name to be included in all listings, "Cathy A. Boring."
Mr. Keenan stated that during the time he has been in public office, he has consistently
used, and prefers, the formal spelling of his name, including the middle initial — "Michael
H. Keenan."
Mayor Lecklider stated that this is a matter of personal preference for each Council
member.
Mr. Keenan suggested staff contact Council Members to verify their preferences.
Vice Mayor Sala v
1. Stated that as Council Members are aware, she has been attending the pre PZC
meetings. One of the reasons Council and PZC desired to have a Council Member
serve as a liaison to those meetings was to improve communication. She
discussed with the PZC Chair the fact that Council and PZC do not have the chance
to discuss issues on a regular basis. Therefore, she suggested a PZC and Council
dinner. She also suggested the idea to staff, and invited them to consider
potential discussion topics. Two topics mentioned tonight could be included — the
Community Plan update and the Bridge Street District. Perhaps June 25 or June 28
would work for this dinner meeting, but if it cannot be scheduled the last week of
June, it can be delayed to the August or September timeframe. She requested
Council input.
Mrs. Boring responded that she believes it is a good idea and these joint meetings have
occurred in the past. An agenda is needed for the meeting.
Mr. Gerber stated that he concurs. These meetings have occurred in the past and were
beneficial.
Vice Mayor Salay stated that if Council agrees to host this event, it is important for
everyone to make a commitment to attend.
Mr. Gerber pointed out that the June and July timeframe involves vacation schedules for
both Council and PZC.
Vice Mayor Salay requested that the Clerk poll Council Members regarding their availability
for the June dates.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minute Dublin City Council Meeting
2. Stated that the appearance of the new vaults at the spray park near the Ballantrae
Dancing Hares sculpture is very nice. However, some type of solar tower has been
installed immediately in front of the Dancing Hares. This tower impacts the view of
this $200,000 public art piece and City spray park. Is it possible to relocate that
tower to the north so it would not be so obtrusive?
Mr. Hahn responded that staff is looking into this. The strobe itself is the warning for the
lightning prediction system at the South Pool. The strobe cannot be hidden, because that
would defeat its purpose. The solar panels likely could be moved, but it is necessary to
ensure that the reception between the solar panels and the South Pool is maintained. The
South Pool has a receiver, which is tuned into atmospheric changes. It sends a signal
across the street to this location and the strobe picks up that signal and warns the patrons
of lightning. Staff will review the situation.
Mrs. Boring stated that there is also a new tower of some type located in Scioto Park,
toward the front.
Ms. Grigsby stated that staff would look into that as well.
Mrs. Boring asked if the City still retains the consultant who has worked with staff to
ensure that cell towers are sited in appropriate areas.
Mr. McDaniel stated that the City's Code requirements regarding wireless communication
towers remain in effect. When staff is aware of the intent to place a tower, they try to
work proactively with the company. He is not aware of the tower she is referring to at
Scioto Park, although a siren pole has been located in that area for several years.
Mrs. Boring responded that could be what she has now observed.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that she recalls receiving information about the lightning
warning systems being installed throughout the City.
Mr. Hahn responded that the systems are located at both outdoor pools, Emerald Fields,
Darree Fields and Avery Park. The locations were selected due to the type of use, and the
fact that there is organized or quasi- organized play at those facilities. These systems
essentially measure atmospheric conditions that are conducive to lightning strikes. They
provide an audible, horn blast when danger is imminent and again when it has passed,
and the strobe operates continuously while the danger exists and discontinues when it has
passed.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that they appear to be of great value, but it is important to
ensure that they do not interfere with the City's public art pieces.
Mr. Hahn stated that he understands their concern and will provide a report on how this
issue can be addressed.
Mayor Lecklider
1. Thanked Mr. Reiner for his nice comments regarding the Japanese Consul
General's luncheon and for his attendance. He believes the City has a strong
relationship with the Consul General's Office, his staff and the local Japanese
community -- not just in Dublin, but also throughout central Ohio. That is a credit
to Dublin's staff. The Japanese community is appreciative of Dublin's efforts to
reach out to them and continue the collaboration and partnership.
2. Noted that the silk murals that were presented to City Council by the Consul
General from Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province of the People's
Republic of China are on display tonight in Council Chambers. He invited the
Council Members who attended that dinner to provide a brief description.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that the mural on the right is the landscape of their city. A
paper with a description accompanied the mural.
Ms. Grigsby added that a description and brochure accompanied the mural, which is a
landscape of their old city.
Mr. Keenan stated that during that time in history, this area was the location of significant
silk production. This reflects an ancient technique for making silk. It is a unique and
impressive piece. Their historic district is nearly 1,000 years old.
3. Reminded Council that there is a need to appoint a new COTA Advisory Panel
representative.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Dublin City Council
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that this would be a good opportunity for a citizen
appointment, although it should be someone who uses COTA services on a regular basis.
When she previously served on the Board, she believes her input was limited because she
did not use the COTA system. Mrs. Boring likely had a similar experience.
Mrs. Boring agreed. She was promoting public transportation with a focus on
coordinating it with the City development, while the other communities had an
immediate need to move workers to and from their cities.
Ms. Grigsby stated that staff would review some ideas for recruitment, perhaps
working with the businesses or through the Chamber. They may have information
regarding companies with a high utilization of COTA service.
Vice Mayor Salay asked if Council is interested in a resident representative who uses
COTA to travel downtown.
Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that she was thinking of commuters who exit the
community by use of the COTA bus. At the time she served, Executive Director Bill
Lhota and Marty Stutz, their marketing director, indicated that Dublin's Park and Rides
had a limited percent of usage. She believed the focus was on Dublin residents who
were traveling elsewhere, a different concept than corporations trying to move
employees into the City. Perhaps two representatives are needed, one to focus on
each specific area.
Ms. Grigsby stated that the City could place an ad to gauge whether or not there is
interest in serving.
Vice Mayor Salay stated that perhaps an ad could be placed at the bus stop.
Ms. Grigsby indicated that staff would check with COTA on this.
Mayor Lecklider stated that the City could reach out and determine the response. He
recalls that when Perimeter West was rezoned, there was discussion about locating a
dedicated bus stop in that area. The hospital showed some interest in that concept.
Ms. Grigsby stated that some ads would be placed and information placed at the Park
and Rides, if permissible.
4. Thanked staff for all of their efforts in connection with the Memorial Tournament.
Many people expressed comments to him during the week regarding how nice the
City looks -- not just those who live in the community, but visitors to the City as
well. He does not believe there is another city in central Ohio that could do the job
that Dublin does in hosting the Tournament. He also believes Dublin's efforts this
year and the past 36 years have contributed to the success of the Tournament and
will continue to do so in the future. Kudos also to those who staffed the villa at
the Tournament. He believes it was a successful week for both the Tournament
and the City. It was a great opportunity to showcase the City, which leaves a
distinct impression on viewers throughout the country.
Ms. Grigsby responded that it was very rewarding to overhear unsolicited, positive
comments from those riding on the shuttle. There is much "behind the scenes" work for
months leading up to the Tournament and lots of checking during the Tournament to
ensure nothing is missed. Staff takes pride in their work. She appreciates Council's
comments.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
i
Officer
Clerk of Council