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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-15 Council MinutesMinutes of DAYTON LEGAL BLANK, INC., FORM NO 10148 Held CALL TO ORDER 20 Mayor Keenan called the Monday, January 26, 2015 Regular Meeting of Dublin City Council to order at 6 p.m. at the Dublin Municipal Building. ROLL CALL Members present were Mayor Keenan, Vice Mayor Gerber, Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, Mr. Lecklider, Mr. Peterson and Ms. Salay. Mr. Reiner was absent (excused). Staff members present were Ms. Grigsby, Mr. McDaniel, Ms. Readier, Ms. Crandall, Ms. Mumma, Mr. Foegler, Chief von Eckartsberg, Ms. O'Callaghan, Ms. Puskarcik, Mr. Hahn, Mr. Hammersmith, Mr. Earman, Mr. Wagner, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Husenitza, Mr. Gracia, Ms. Renzetti and Mr. Kridler. AD30URNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Keenan moved to adjourn to executive session to discuss land acquisition and legal matters. Ms. Chinn ici-Zuercher seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Mr. Lecklider, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes; Vice Mayor Gerber, yes; Mayor Keenan, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes. The meeting was reconvened at 7:12 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mr. Lecklider led the Pledge of Allegiance. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS Susanne Novak, Dublin corporate resident, Honorary Consul of Austria Mayor Keenan presented a proclamation recognizing Susanne Novak who was appointed Honorary Consul by the President of Austria, Heinz Fischer, in November 2014. An Austrian flag has been placed in Council Chambers tonight in honor of Austria and the new Honorary Consul of Austria. Ms. Novak maintains her real estate offices in Historic Dublin. Ms. Novak thanked Council for the recognition. She looks forward to fostering the relationships between Austria and Dublin citizens and businesses. #1 Digital City award - Roger Wright, Center for Digital Government Roger Wright stated that he is present tonight to recognize the City of Dublin for placing first in last year's 2014 Digital City survey. It is a prestigious honor for Dublin to be named number #1 in all City governments with a population up to 75,000 within the United States. The Center for Digital Government, based in California, is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The City of Dublin placed first this year in the 2014 Digital City survey, up from fifth place in 2010, so this reflects a pattern of continued success. The national survey is in its 14 year and recognizes the successful digital achievements of cities, which improve life for government, employees, citizens and businesses. The top ten cities provide the best examples of how information and communication technologies are used to support and provide public service. Dublin's accomplishments include Enterprise Technology Solutions, best practice geographic information systems, dependable network infrastructure and cloud applications and data storage. The I.T. Help desk resolves 87% of service requests within a single day. Thanks to collaborative processing including a joint dispatch center with four jurisdictions, shared information and streamlined workflows, divisions and departments work together efficiently and effectively. One hundred percent of Dublin's server environment is virtualized, and the network uptime is around 99 %. Overall, Dublin has an excellent balance of digital government initiatives composed of citizen engagement, effective and reliable infrastructure and productivity tools. These are the initiatives of a true digital city. He congratulated Mr. Husenitza on a job well done and extended best wishes on his upcoming retirement! Mr. Husenitza stated that this recognition is an honor. He accepts the award on behalf of staff. The City has an excellent I.T. staff, including Ms. Renzetti, who is present tonight. They are very committed and professional. He accepts it also on behalf of the City's social media staff, primarily Bruce Edwards and Justin Quisumbing. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council Meeting January 26, 2015 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin Cit Counc Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BL ANK, INC., F ORM NO 10148 Held January - 201 - 5 Page 2 of 18 20 Mr. Husenitza added that, as many know, he is retiring, and this is his last week with the City — and what a nice way to depart! Mayor Keenan noted that Mr. Husenitza has given 18 years of service to the City, and Council appreciates all he has done on behalf of the City. • Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting — Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2013 - Government Finance Officers Association Mayor Keenan stated that he is proud to announce that the 2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting. The report is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and it is an attainment that represents a significant accomplishment for the City. This marks the 25 consecutive award the City has received since its first in 1989. Council is very proud of this achievement of the Finance staff. Ms. Mumma recognized Jerry O'Brien, the City's Chief Accountant, who has been with the City since February 2014, and Accountant Robin Howard, who has been with the City since 2013. This team worked on the 2013 CAFR and did a great job. This is not just a testament to the Finance Department but to the City's overall financial operations. She expressed thanks to Council and the City Manager for their support. Mayor Keenan stated that it is noteworthy that Ms. Grigsby served as the City Finance Director for many of the 25 years in which the City received this award. He expressed thanks to Ms. Grigsby and her staff for their work as well. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS • Quarterly Update from Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau Eric Belfrage, Board President, Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau stated that their Board has been busy the last quarter developing and completing their Strategic Plan, as well as working on their biennial audit. Their Strategic Plan reaffirms their mission and vision statement and develops six new key initiatives: 1. Relevancy - to position the Bureau as an economic development organization critical to the future success of Dublin. 2. Brand marketing — to enrich and market Dublin's destination brand. 3. Outdoor product — to define and prioritize Dublin's unique outdoor offerings. 4. Dublin experience — to grow an informed and enthusiastic tourism industry enhancing Dublin visitor experience. 5. Sports facilities — to collaborate with others to build athletic facilities in the City of Dublin. 6. Meetings market — to identify business travel segments to pursue. Their audit was approved by the State Auditor. This audit is conducted every other year. A copy of the audit approval letter and the Strategic Plan is in the packet that was distributed. Scott Dring, Executive Director stated that a copy of their annual report was also provided. He reported the following: • Last year was a record year with more than 2.6 million visitors. The bed tax revenue increased by four percent to a record amount of $2.67 million. The hotel occupancy rate was over 66 %, approximately 17% over 2009. • Last year, the Bureau secured some top international events, including the Top Gun Football camp and the U.S. /Australian National Football Championship event. • The Bureau received the top social media campaign award last year for the President's Cup event. • A couple of years ago, they initiated the Irish Experience program, and last year they created 62 new Irish experiences, all with the goal to make Dublin a unique destination for visitors. • Their Strategic Plan was created to align their strategic initiative with the City Council's goals. • They are excited to announce that the Football University Top Gun Camp has again selected Dublin Ohio to be its site in 2015, the third year in a row. They have not previously selected any city for more than two years. It is a unique collaboration between the Bureau, the City of Dublin, Dublin City Schools and Nationwide Children's Hospital Sports Medicine. Last year, it had an estimated economic impact of $3.9 million for Dublin during that week. It will again be held at Dublin Jerome High School. Minutes of LEGAL RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council Meeting 10148 January 26, 2015 Page 3 of 20 They are creating a new video campaign called, "Live Like a Local." Those short videos of Dublin residents sharing their favorite Dublin spots will be promoted to visitors. Finally, he thanked Ms. Grigsby for the knowledge and innovation she shared with the Bureau over the last 25 years. The Bureau is a better place because of her assistance over those years. His family has been in Dublin for 15 years, and there is no other place they would want to raise their family. That is largely due to what Ms. Grigsby has done in Dublin the last 25 years. Mayor Keenan stated that Dublin must be close to the City of Columbus in terms of hotel /motel tax revenues. Mr. Dring confirmed that Dublin is second to Columbus in revenue generated. Mayor Keenan stated that Council appreciates the Bureau's hard work. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that she had the opportunity to volunteer last year at the Top Gun Camp. She talked to many parents who make it a family vacation! The families spoke highly of the event and their visit in Dublin. She congratulated them for their work to provide this great opportunity for the community. CITIZEN COMMENTS Wallace Maurer, 7451 Dublin Road stated that during the months in which he did not attend Council meetings, all he has learned about the City was from the local papers. A major topic appears to have been the resignation of several members of the Planning and Zoning Commission. This seems to be in response to legislation, which he had also testified about at a previous Council meeting. That legislation defined in particular details the review process for the Bridge Street District. It seemed to him that to do that would involve a very large bureaucracy. City Council and the Commission both were very concerned about the review of proposed development. He is certain that Council is concerned about the extensive venture that it has taken on for this City. The review process is the combined responsibility of City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission. It occurred to him that perhaps there should be a third member involved — someone with an artistic and cultural perspective. It could be someone from the Dublin Arts Council, either the Director, or someone who would have a long range of observation about the development of cultures in great societies. Eric Krause, 8606 Kirkhill Court, Dublin stated that he agrees with the goals of the Bridge Street project and the reasons for undertaking the project. It is a big investment for Dublin and will define the character and future of Dublin. That is why it is crucial to make sure it is done well. The current plans have significant shortcomings that will prevent the core of Dublin from ever reaching its goals and potential unless changes are made to those plans. He noted that he can demonstrate to Council in a one -hour presentation what the critical shortcomings are and why they will clearly prevent the core of Dublin from reaching those goals and potential. He can also provide prudent solutions with many examples. For the benefit and future of Dublin, its residents and businesses, it is important that Council allow him to make that presentation directly to Council members. Due to the importance of the project, he would hope to make that presentation to the whole Council, but if that is not possible, he would request a minimum of three to four Council members to attend the presentation. He distributed a letter to Council regarding this request. Ms. Salay inquired what his area of expertise is. Mr. Krause responded that his background includes 30 years of retail related work. Prior to that, he lived in Egypt and did some work for the Smithsonian and various museums. Currently, he is doing consulting for trouble - shooting and building inspections. He has traveled many years of his life to other cities, states and countries and has spent time studying what has made some great and others less so — and how that might apply to Dublin. He has collected a lot of information that he knows Council would find helpful. Mayor Keenan stated that it probably would be most appropriate for him to share his ideas with staff. A meeting of more than three members of Council meeting would constitute a quorum and would be governed by the open meetings law. Mr. Krause responded that he has tried to share his information with staff. In October 2013, there was a public meeting that he missed due to being out of town. Early last year, he contacted Council Member Reiner to ask about the best way to convey his information. He suggested that he contact Darren Meyer at MKSK Consultants. He did not receive a response to numerous voicemails. He realized that talking with Mr. Meyer would not be useful, because he was also the architect of the new plan. Over the course of the last year, he did present RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dub City Coun Minutes of —..__ Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK, INC., FORM NO. 10148 M - - January 26 - 201 - 5 Page 4 of 18 _20_ portions of the solutions and problems to various staff members. He received cursory responses that the current direction of the Plan is under the direction of Council and that it would require Council to make any changes. Kevin Walter, 6289 Ross Bend, Dublin stated that as he has worked in a variety of venues to educate and inform people of issues of concern to him, he has tried to be factual and accurate. It is important to him that he is a credible source of information attempting to elicit thoughtful and reasonable discussions surrounding those issues. He has heard Council express concern at times about misinformation. He is present to correct some misinformation. During the Special Meeting of Dublin City Council on January 20 when he spoke with respect to the vision for the Bridge Street District, he said: "To date, you've invested tens of millions of taxpayers' dollars, issued and sold millions of dollars in bonds, created a TIF agreement with the Dublin City Schools, established development agreements, and committed hundreds of millions of private investments to that vision." At the conclusion of his comments, several members of Council questioned the fact that bonds had been issued for Bridge Street District projects. Council Members stated that they could not recall issuing any bonds, did not know of the existence of any bonds, and was concerned that the information he was providing was "simply inaccurate." He is here tonight to correct that. Council Members are correct in that misinformation continues to abound. He believes that his integrity was called into question. For the record, on November 18, 2013, Council passed Ordinance 89 -13 unanimously with a 6 -0 affirmative vote. The opening sentence of the legislation is: "An ordinance providing for the issuance and sale of bonds in the maximum principal amount of $5.7 million for the purpose of paying the costs of improving the City's vehicular transportation including within and serving the Bridge Street District." Mayor Keenan interjected that particular project was the Riverside Drive relocation and Riverside /SR 161 roundabout that were planned well before any of the Bridge Street District planning began. That bond issue does not relate to the Bridge Street District development. Mr. Walter stated that he is simply quoting from the ordinance -"...the City's vehicular transportation including within and serving the Bridge Street District." This body did in fact issue bonds in support of the Bridge Street District in the amount of $5.7 million. These bonds encumber future taxpayers on the hope of payback from the District. This $5.7 million is on top of the actual current outlays and in excess of $30 million for consulting fees and land acquisition in the District. Mayor Keenan requested the City Manager to clarify the information. Ms. Grigsby stated that as the Mayor mentioned, the relocation of Riverside Drive and the improvements to the intersection at Riverside Drive and S.R. 161 were reviewed initially in 2005 and 2007, and those improvements have been included in the City's CIP plan for quite some time. Part of the discussion is that the improvements will serve the Bridge Street District, but they will also serve the overall Dublin community. When improvements for this intersection and roadway were first reviewed, a key consideration was that much of it needed to be coordinated with the existing infrastructure. The biggest component was the existing Scioto River Bridge, and it was important to understand the potential impacts to that so that nothing was done that would cause the City to have to rebuild or expand that bridge. That project also needed to be coordinated with what the City was aware of in terms of development in the Bridge Street District, so the bonds that were issued were for the land acquisition related to those two projects - projects that were on the City's plans for years and would have been completed with or without Bridge Street. It was simply a matter of coordinating that improvement with the private improvements that are being proposed for Bridge Street. Mayor Keenan stated that it is important to note that, regardless of the Bridge Street District plan, the City would have likely realigned Riverside Drive to the east in any event. It was Council's goal for many years to open up the parkland along the Scioto River. The City has been acquiring properties along the Scioto River for 10 -15 years. The realignment of Riverside Drive to open the park and river as an amenity to the City was an important goal of Council. Ms. Grigsby added that it was also a goal of City Council many years ago. Two of the properties just south of I -270 on the west side of the river were acquired at least 10 -12 years ago. There were also two properties just north of SR 161 that were acquired at about the same timeframe in keeping with the goal of acquiring any land from willing sellers that the City could along the river to incorporate it into the City's parks. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting LEGAL BLANK, INC., FORM NO 10148 January 26, 2015 Page 5 of 18 II Held. 2Q Mayor Keenan stated that the policy of acquiring as much land along the river as possible as it becomes available has been a consistent policy of the City for several years, even further north in the Wedgewood area. Ms. Grigsby responded that the City acquired property along the river as part of the Amberleigh development, and part of the reason for the acquisition of the Gelpi mansion now housing the Dublin Arts Council facility was its river access. All along the Scioto River, the City has acquired land throughout the years. Mayor Keenan stated that Dublin has been blessed as a community to have the resources to do just that. Ms. Salay noted that the City's financial rating is also noteworthy. Chris Amorose - Groomes, 5896 Leven Links Court, Dublin stated that her first official job was 29 years ago, when she was 14 years old — to water flowers and pull weeds. She watered flowers in the morning and weeded in the afternoons three days a week. There were times she questioned her decision in accepting that job, as there were easier jobs. She was reminded of that job last week when she addressed Council regarding the Bridge Park Basic Plan Review. For an hour and fifty minutes, Council heard from staff and the applicant about how wonderful this particular project was. They praised Council for its vision and how this development was really needed in this community. Then came the public testimony portion, and the following 29 minutes was the most painful time of Council's meeting. Council stopped the speakers mid - sentence because a five- minute time for testimony had expired. It was clear that Council did not want this job of listening to public comment. People should not take a job they do not want to perform. There are many facets of the regretful decision of Ordinance 114-14 in which Council took on the job of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Planning and Zoning is at its core a body that takes pride and pleasure when looking at applications for development within the City. It determines if it is in the best interest of the community from many different angles, including its impact on the existing residents. They look at traffic, density, architecture, landscape and the overall integration in which the proposal fits into the community that surrounds it. Most importantly, they enjoy hearing from residents who share their passion for this great community. She served as Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission for nearly six years, and with her fellow commissioners listened to residents share their passion for their community. The one major consideration that Planning and Zoning was excluded from was economics, and that was by design. A project should have to stand on its own merits in every other category to "earn a spot" in Dublin. Then, and only then, if City Council believes that the project has merits that deserve subsidy or incentives for the greater good, should an economic development agreement be created. That decision is Council's alone. Council's new desire to work this process in the opposite direction does not serve in the best interest of the community and will undoubtedly compromise the outcome and the benefit to the residents of Dublin. While she observed the good outcome of her labors with plants in her early years, she observed in contrast Council's approval of the Bridge Park plan with reservation and angst. Council is sending the project now to PZC for continued review with one major criterion for that review — the requirement that it look substantially like the drawing forwarded to them. Public comment and the Commission's ability to affect a project significantly has been handicapped at best. The City has already written $30 million in checks for this Bridge Street District development area. The taxpayers of the City have produced $1.5 billion of payroll to provide Council with those funds. They deserve better in return. At least, they should have a seat at the table of significant discussion. Scott Haring, 3280 LilyMar Court, Dublin stated that he also attended the Special Meeting last Tuesday night. After the public comment, he heard the question about bonds for the Bridge Street District. He thought he remembered being at that meeting. Using the open data at the City's website, he later conducted a search for Bridge Street and bonds — and there was the legislation, passed in November 2013. He remembers that he came to Council then and asked some questions. He was told that the legislation was a mechanism for financing the project. The properties had already been purchased. That ordinance applied to the transportation system. His point is that the response should be "yes" to the question in the meeting last week about anyone recalling bonds for Bridge Street. Amy Titleman, 33 North Third Street, Columbus, stated that she represents S.E.I.U. Local 1 and they represent janitors and security officers in the Columbus area, including Dublin. Business in central Ohio is on the upswing but despite the growth that corporate Columbus is enjoying, corporations are not rewarding hard work with decent pay in many cases. In fact, it RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting LEGAL BLANK, INC., FORM NO. 10148 January 26, 2015 Page 6 of 18 20 is the opposite. The Casto Real Estate Company is a prime example of this. Casto is one of the largest retail property owners in the country, and it has more than $41 million in commercial real estate just here in central Ohio. Their success was made possible in part by taxpayers. F _ Casto's projects have received millions of dollars in state and local subsidies. But instead of making the economy stronger by supporting good jobs, Casto is driving down standards by doing business with irresponsible contractors who pay dismal wages. One of these contractors is called CNT Office Maintenance and they pay janitors as little as $9,000 a year. Part-time and low -wage jobs like this are why the poverty rate in Columbus has doubled over the past decade. She asked that Dublin take the lead in ensuring that corporations benefitting from public tax dollars are acting responsibly to others, and giving back to the community. She urged Council to require as a condition of any project approval that Casto be committed to hiring responsible companies that provide quality jobs to all their employees. She is speaking specifically of the Tuller Flats project, which is a 400 - person, residential development in the Bridge Street District. They welcome any questions Council may have and look forward to discussing this matter with Council further. Her colleague, Claire Pollard, will be following up with Council via email to share other materials. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Lecklider moved approval of the eleven items on the Consent Agenda. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher seconded the motion. Mr. Lecklider seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mayor Keenan, yes; Ms. Chinnici- Zuercher, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes; Vice Mayor Gerber, yes. 1. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 5, 2015 2. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of January 13, 2015 3. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2015 4. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of January 15, 2015 5. Ordinance 08 -15 (Introduction /first reading) Amending Ordinance 111 -14 (Schedule of Fees and Service Charges for City of Dublin Services), Appendix A to Establish Fees for the Rental of Community Space at Kaltenbach Park. (Second reading /public hearing February 9 Council meeting) 6. Resolution 09 -15 (Introduction /vote) Accepting the Lowest and Best Bid for the Dublin Community Recreation Center Geothermal Project and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into Contracts for the Project. 7. Resolution 10 -15 (Introduction /vote) Accepting the Lowest and Best Bid for the Dublin Arts Center Parking Lot Improvements (Retaining Wall), and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into Contracts for the Project. 8. Resolution 11 -15 (Introduction /vote) Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the City of Columbus for Water Line Locating Services for 2015. 9. Resolution 12 -15 (Introduction /vote) Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with TechColumbus. 10. Resolution 13 -15 (Introduction /vote) Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the Franklin County Public Defender for Indigent Defense Representation for 2015. 11. Resolution 14 -15 (Introduction /vote) Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office to Participate in the 2015 Franklin County DUI Task Force. SECOND READING /PUBLIC HEARING — ORDINANCES Ordinance 02 -15 Amending Section 2 ("Wage & Salary Structure /Administration') of Ordinance No. 73 -06 ("Compensation Plan for Non -Union Personnel'). Mr. Wagner stated that this ordinance proposes amendments to the compensation plan in four different areas. • The first two are incorporating three new positions and modifying the pay ranges of two classifications that were approved in the 2015 Operating Budget RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council Min ute o MeetinIr DAYTON LEGAL BLANK, INC., FORM NO. 10148 January 26, 2015 Page 7 of 18 Held 20 In 2007, the City brought forward a new salary system with the goal to be a preferred employer and attract and retain quality staff. There was also the requirement to review salary ranges every two years. The most recent survey was conducted in November 2014, and the recommended updates are included in this ordinance. The initial implementation of the new salary system in 2007 would have had an adverse impact on some long -term employees, so those employees were " grandfathered" in at their current pay until such time as the new system either surpassed those pay ranges or those employees left City employment. Those criteria have been met, and this amendment deletes the grandfathered clause that is no longer needed. F. Mayor Keenan invited public testimony. Wallace Maurer, 7451 Dublin Road, Dublin asked the following questions: 1. In lines three and four of the first paragraph of staffs memo, there is a reference to a consultant and to HR staff. Is the consultant a person from outside the City? What does H.R. stand for? Mayor Keenan responded the consultant is someone outside of the City and H.R. refers to Human Resources. 2. In Exhibit A, the Police Lieutenant is listed at a slightly higher pay range than the Police Chief. Is the governing principle for that difference related to some intensive aspect of the Lieutenant's job? Mr. Wagner responded that the 3.1 pay range is actually higher than the 3.2 pay range. It is a decreasing schedule of pay bands. Vote on the Ordinance Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mayor Keenan, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Vice Mayor Gerber, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes. Ordinance 03 -15 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Necessary Conveyance Documents to Acquire a 0.062 Acre, More or Less, Permanent Easement and a 0.043 Acre, More or Less, Temporary Easement from Sabra L. Minyard and William Minyard for the Property Located at 8698 Hyland -Croy Road for the Construction of a Shared -Use Path Connection. Ms. Grigsby stated that the City is in the process of completing the connection of the Hyland - Croy bikepath, and this is one of the six properties needed. Council has already passed authorization to acquire one of those properties. The price is the appraised value. Vote on the Ordinance Vice Mayor Gerber, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mayor Keenan, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes. Ordinance 04 -15 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Development and Real Estate Exchange Agreement and the Necessary Conveyance Documentation to Acquire 1.20 Acres, More or Less, Fee Simple Interest from the Central Ohio Transit Authority ("COTA"), Located Adjacent to and North of Dale Drive, in Exchange for 3.326 Acres, More or Less, Fee Simple Interested Owned by the City, Located East of Emerald Parkway and North of Bright Road for the Replacement of a COTA Park and Ride. Ms. Grigsby stated that at the last Council meeting, Mr. Foegler provided the detailed background for this legislation. Essentially, the City will be acquiring the site owned by COTA on Dale Drive. The existing COTA Park and Ride site on Dale Drive will be traded for property that the City owns on Bright Road. The timeframe for the legislation is based upon some restrictions /limitations related to Code that expires near the end of March. It is related to the New Community Authority provisions in the Ohio Revised Code, and will require that Dublin either be the owner or be in contract to own the property in order for parcels to be included in the New Community Authority. The effective date of the change in state legislation is March 22, 2015. Considering that timeframe, the City came to terms with COTA regarding the basic agreement in late November /early December. At that time, a timeline was developed for staff to prepare the application for submission to PZC in December with a PZC hearing on January 22. The first reading of this ordinance was at the last Council meeting on January 5; the second reading was scheduled for tonight, which would have been after the originally intended PZC hearing. With some of the recent changes that have occurred, the PZC hearing on the rezoning and the conditional use has been delayed until February 5. Therefore, staff is RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin Cit Counc Meeting January 26, 2015 Page 8 of Held _20_ requesting that Council postpone the hearing of this legislation to the February 9 Council meeting. At that time, passage of the legislation by emergency will be requested in order to meet the requirements related to the establishment of the New Community Authority. That legislation is anticipated for the March 9 Council meeting. Mayor Keenan noted that several Council members had concern with this legislation in terms of the timing of the Commission hearings. Mayor Keenan stated that several members of the audience have signed up to comment on this legislation tonight. Council can proceed with public testimony before taking any further action to postpone it. He invited Council members to comment. Mr. Peterson asked if this legislation is postponed tonight until after the PZC hearing, will everyone present tonight have the opportunity to comment tonight as well as at the PZC hearing on February 5? Ms. Grigsby confirmed that is correct. Mr. Lecklider noted that the public would also have a third opportunity for testimony when this is scheduled at Council on February 9. PUBLIC COMMENT: Randy Roth, 6987 Grandee Cliffs Drive stated that he is the president of the East Dublin Civic Association. He has sent Council a memo regarding this issue and has received a response. No matter what the decision is on this legislation, he believes Dublin really does need a transit solution for the area around Perimeter, around Bridge Street, and a circulator system. The Association will continue to work with the City, regardless of the action related to this ordinance. They do believe, though, that this Park and Ride would be a very important part of that, and would be better located in the District. An earlier Bridge Street document regarding traffic issues states that "any relocation of this facility should minimize service disruption and should remain in close proximity to the existing Park and Ride. That "double duty" made sense and is the reason they always assumed that was where it would be located. Dublin City Council and Columbus City Council have defeated previous proposals similar to this. Citizens indicated that a decentralized solution was needed for park and rides. Turn -lane traffic from Sawmill to Bright Road is backing up through the traffic light cycles with the cars blocking the whole lane of traffic - and that is the situation with the Verizon building now empty and not a square foot of commercial use in this area. The mile -long stretch of traffic at rush hour is a concern. However, the greater concern tonight relates to the Community Plan. Staff has changed it without the Association's knowledge. This is the community's plan, which was developed with after many meetings with the developers, landowners, and many others. It was decided that instead of putting the extension of Inverness south of the road, it would be put through a beautiful wooded area. The reason was affordability. The reason was that the major landowner, Mr. McKitrick, did not support the residential development. This was similar to the extension of Coventry Woods to the south. The point was that Emerald Parkway as all office will choke the traffic. Earlier, staff backed the residents up on that issue. It is the same here - some single - family homes are needed in order to have the roads work both ways at rush hour. In the past, staff has worked with the East Dublin Civic Association on things such as Krier Drive and Shamrock Drive extensions. What has resulted is traffic that works. The Association has been blindsided by this COTA matter, and by a change in the Community Plan. Don Spangler, 3614 Jenmar Court, stated that he agrees with all of Mr. Roth's testimony. Their goal is to find some solution to the traffic, including public transportation. Dublin City Council usually focuses on business, entertainment opportunity, parks and recreation, and facilities that benefit and protect the majority of Dublin residents. If the Park and Ride facility can no longer be where it is presently located, if it must be moved, if it doesn't have value in being near Bridge Street where Dublin will bring in many visitors and residents, then maybe a Park and Ride is not needed in Dublin. If Council doesn't support it on Dale Drive because there isn't room for it, maybe it's not of value to the City. If a Park and Ride cannot sustain itself on another piece of property in the Bridge Street District, maybe it is not needed. Ms. Marshall, 3996 Summitview Road, Dublin stated that she lives off Sawmill in the area that will be impacted by the proposed placement of the Park and Ride on Bright Road. People who live on the west side of Dublin have no idea what the traffic is like on Sawmill Road in the morning and evening rush hours and on the weekends. The situation is equally bad on RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of D ublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK. INC.. FORM NO 10148 Held January 26 - Page 9 of 18 20 Riverside Drive with people going to and from work. A trip that could take 20 minutes to her house to below Fishinger Road may take an hour or longer. That doesn't even factor the unexpected traffic incidents that can occur. She opposes locating a Park and Ride at Bright Road because of the already existing traffic congestion. She also opposes it on fiscal grounds. If a Park and Ride is located on Bright Road, people who are using it are people who are coming from Delaware County, Powell or the north -- on their way to jobs in Columbus and back to their homes. They don't spend money in Dublin. There is nothing that would entice them to stay in the Bright Road area. They need to have a Park and Ride associated with the Bridge Street development or in the Dublin Village Center area. There are already acres of parking lot at Dublin Village Center; there is no structure that has to be built to accommodate it; and there are a few businesses still operational. If there are commuters to /from that area, they might also patronize those businesses. She believes that either placing the Park and Ride in the Bridge Street District or Dublin Village Center makes more sense. It will bring more business activity and dollars to Dublin rather than serving as a "pass through" for people who are not residents of Dublin. Amy Kramb, 7511 Riverside Drive, Dublin stated that she wants Council to consider disapproval on this land swap, whenever that vote occurs. If it is scheduled at the next meeting as emergency legislation, she hopes that Council will still allow public comment at that meeting. With this land swap, COTA wins and the citizens of Dublin lose. She has no doubt that this would be the perfect location for a COTA site; however, Dublin citizens have the right to have a mutually acceptable location negotiated. The location should not be determined by City staff. Disapproval of this legislation will not critically hinder efforts to move forward in the Bridge Street District with the Bridge Park construction. City staff has numerous meetings for negotiating and acquiring property necessary for this roadway. The City can pay COTA for the land and the relocation of their business, just as the City did with the other businesses in the area, such as The Spa at River Ridge. City staff is not responsible for finding the site for COTA, obtaining the approvals and taking it through the PZC approval process, and designing and constructing the facility for COTA. She urged Council to vote "no" on this legislation and require COTA to negotiate with Dublin citizens, not Dublin staff. East Dublin residents do not oppose a Park and Ride; they oppose the proposed location. They would welcome the opportunity to find a mutually acceptable location with COTA, preferably centrally located in Dublin and serving the Bridge Street corridor. This would give the voters a say in what happens in their neighborhood. Approving this ordinance will guarantee this location. If the plan is presented by City staff to the PZC with a land deal already in place and staff's strong encouragement to approve it, the park and ride will be at Bright and Emerald roads. This is a prominent intersection on the new signature street at the eastern gateway to the community. It will be an unattractive parking lot that generates no revenue for the City. Emerald Parkway is lined with corporate headquarters — Cardinal Health, IGS, Delta Energy and so why is staff recommending a Park and Ride parking lot at this location? An affirmative vote will tell your constituents that their voice doesn't matter; therefore, she urges Council to vote "no" and give the residents a chance to fight for their community and work with COTA to determine the location of this park and ride. Scott Haring, 3280 LilyMar Court, Dublin stated that he shares the sentiments of many of the previous speakers. Earlier, as he was reviewing the materials, it appears that one of the key arguments for using this parcel was that it is considered "excess land" from land the City had acquired to build a roundabout. However, if the goal, as stated in another document, was that the COTA site remain in the Bridge Street corridor, what about the 6480 Riverside Drive parcel — formerly the Wendy's restaurant? That is a 2.378 -acre site, of which perhaps half will be used to create the roundabout at Riverside and SR161. What will become of that excess City land? It would be a great central location, easy to access, and the slope of the land might make it easy for COTA to build a parking deck or enhance the parking without sprawl. There is also a 3.5 -acre parcel that does not have an address, but located at approximately 4001 West Dublin- Granville Road, next to Stoneridge, that is undevelopable property because of the high - tension power lines on the site. A COTA Park and Ride there would be a brilliant solution to an otherwise undevelopable lot. Hopefully, the COTA Park and Ride can remain in the Bridge Street corridor. John Wreathall, 4157 MacDuff Way, Dublin stated that his address is the second nearest to the subject land in the ordinance. He moved to Dublin 29 years ago for many reasons, one of which was the belief at that time that the City's planning and development process placed the RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council Minutes of Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK, INC., FORM NO. 10148 wI January 26 Page 10 of 18 I Held 20 City's residents as their highest priority. How the area is being developed in this case indicates that is no longer the case. The first the local community heard about this proposed development was at the Hard Road Fire Station meeting that occurred two days after the first reading of this ordinance. They did not have any information prior to the first reading. The presentation by the Planning staff made it very clear that the development was well advanced in the process with no preliminary involvement of anyone within the community. This is a concern to him due to the previous history of input from its citizens. This is a small piece of development without the visibility of other developments, but it is symptomatic of the fact that the planning process now no longer takes into account the residents' views. He is present to ask that Council do what it can so that the Planning staff is more proactive in its involvement with the citizens. He echoes Mr. Roth's comment that the East Dublin Civic Association is willing to become involved at any stage and keep citizens well informed. As far as the particulars of this development, he and his wife intend to provide comments at the PZC meeting in February and at the second reading of this ordinance. It is very much a concern of the citizens that their voice is not being heard. When the Emerald Parkway development was proposed, he asked the question about what was planned for the periphery of Bright Road. He was told to review the Community Plan in terms of future development. Certainly, the Community Plan, as he recalls, looked nothing like what is being discussed tonight — not the Park and Ride details, but in more general terms for what was likely for that area around the Bright Road /Emerald Parkway roundabout development. Council Discussion: Mr. Lecklider stated that he has several occasions on a weekly basis to experience the Sawmill Road and Riverside Drive traffic. On the west side of Dublin, he also encounters a fair amount of traffic. He requested clarification of the Community Plan with respect to what has been designated, as Mr. Roth has alluded to in his comments tonight. Ms. Grigsby responded that in the 2007 adopted Community Plan, the area north of Bright Road and currently east of what is now Emerald Parkway was designated Suburban Office for future land use. Prior to that, in the 1997 plan, it was identified as existing or future Residential. In the 2012 Community Plan update, it was designated Suburban Office, and a Park and Ride is an allowed land use under that zoning designation and requires a Conditional Use approval. Mr. Peterson inquired how a change such as that occurs. Ms. Grigsby responded that the 2007 Community Plan involved a three -year process with many meetings. The Bright Road Plan is a Special Area Plan. There are probably eight to ten Special Area Plans within the City that were specifically studied and included, so any change that would occur would be as part of the review done with the residents. Proposed changes /updates in the Community Plan are reviewed by PZC, and they recommend either adoption or modification of updates to the Plan to City Council. City Council then adopts the updates to the Community Plan. There are multiple opportunities for resident input throughout -- from meetings and charrettes to formal review and adoption by the PZC and City Council. Ms. Salay stated that the copy of the 2007 Community Plan in Council Planning Room reflects exactly that — Neighborhood Office, for that corner, and Mixed Residential /Medium Density on the southeast corner. A lot of time was spent in neighborhood meetings for that Plan update, and it is not likely that anything has been changed, but it should be possible to follow the Bright Road Plan throughout the whole process, for clarification purposes. Ms. Grigsby stated that as part of the follow -up staff report for the next hearing, information related to that will be included, as well as addressing the other issues and concerns raised. Mayor Keenan requested that the update include process, dates, etc. Ms. Chinn ici-Zuercher requested that staff also discuss the criteria that COTA has for serving this area of the community. Ms. Grigsby responded that they would do so, and there will also be a COTA representative in attendance at upcoming meetings. They can explain how they evaluate and select their sites and the use of the park and rides. Ms. Chinn ici-Zuercher recalled that in the past, part of the COTA criteria for this park and ride was that the site be located north of I -270. In that case, the Dublin Village Center or other sites south of I -270 would not meet that criteria. Has that changed? RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City C ouncil _ Meeting F ORM NO. 10148 Held nuary 26 Page 11 of 18 20 Ms. Grigsby responded that COTA has indicated that their preference is that the site be north of I -270 in the Sawmill corridor. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that in the additional materials that will be provided, perhaps COTA could address what other sites did they consider to meet their needs in this area. Ms. Grigsby responded that staff would have that discussion with COTA to make sure staff understands what COTA has done over the years, as to clarify recent conversations with them. Mayor Keenan inquired if there is a good sense of where the current users of that park and ride originate. Ms. Grigsby responded that COTA has provided extensive information from their surveys. That information will also be included in the update for the next meeting. Mr. Lecklider inquired if a significant number of those riders are Dublin residents. Ms. Grigsby responded that the current park and ride does have a significant number of Dublin residents. There are also riders from outside the Dublin area, but that is the way that park and rides are set up. Mayor Keenan inquired about the bus route. Is it accurate that it will not go to Sawmill Road? Ms. Salay responded that the documentation indicates that the bus will be routed down Emerald Parkway to Riverside Drive. Mayor Keenan stated that clarification of the route will also be provided in the next meeting materials, and will likely be clarified during the PZC review process, as well. Ms. Salay stated that, additionally, it will be important to clarify the ridership at the Smoky Row park and ride sites. It is her understanding that the ridership is very low in those locations, and it does not make business sense for COTA to continue to have a park and ride in those locations, if not used. Ms. Grigsby responded that the ridership is low in those locations. That information would also be provided, as well as some of the other reasons that COTA is considering in consolidating those two locations. Ms. Salay stated that one of the public comments was whether a park and ride is really needed in Dublin. That is also an important question to address. COTA is a separate public entity. They have a business to operate; she does not believe the site selection is something that residents can negotiate. The public entity will determine if they will locate on land within the Dublin community. She is curious about the suggestion of the parcel with the powerline easement - that sounds like a reasonable concept. This issue is creating a significant concern for people. Dublin hasn't had a park and ride on the west side of the river previously. Dublin is interested in pursuing the west side park and ride as well because there would be ridership if the COTA service were available in that part of the City. The park and drive on Dale Drive has existed for many years, but the community there is changing /evolving and the park and ride needs to move to another location. As land uses change over time, the park and ride may move again to a better location in the future. Ms. Grigsby stated that COTA is currently considering a potential park and ride site on the western edge of Dublin. They survey where their riders are coming from on an ongoing basis, and continue to look for opportunities for additional locations. The hope is that, going forward, more people will use public transportation, and some of the issues related to traffic volumes will be modified. The methods of travel of millennials and young workers will probably be different from the current generation, so even if this site is selected, at some point in the future, there will likely be a need either to change or add park and rides. Ms. Salay stated that COTA has a strategic partnership with the community. Such partnerships have been a hallmark of Dublin for many years. Dublin develops partnerships with entities for mutual benefit. COTA is the expert in moving people on buses, and going forward — in Bridge Street District and in other parts of the community -- COTA will become even more important. There will need for some "give and take" between the two entities to figure out mutually beneficial solutions. Mr. Lecklider stated that staff and Council have been in discussions for over two years regarding a COTA park and ride site on the west side of Dublin, specifically on Post Road just west of the Avery- Muirfield /Post Road roundabout. Council asks everyone to maintain a perspective, keeping that location in mind relative to the one being discussed this evening. There is a continual exploration of opportunities to utilize mass transit within the community, which is expected to be in greater demand in the future. Mr. Peterson stated that his concern with this issue has all along been with the process — how the City is proceeding with a substantive solution. Had the change in PZC members not RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting BLANK, INC., FORM NO. 10148 January 26, 2015 Page 12 of 18 Held 20 occurred, this issue was planned for an earlier PZC meeting agenda -- before it was heard by Council. Ms. Grigsby responded the item was planned to be scheduled for a January 22 PZC hearing, which would have been after its introduction /first reading of Council, but before the second reading tonight. Mr. Peterson stated that if Council postpones this legislation tonight, it will revert to the intended schedule for the second reading to occur after the PZC hearing. He believes that the PZC process is important; the neighborhood involvement is exactly why it is so important. Changing that process and not having that neighborhood input is what had concerned him, so he is very supportive of the idea of postponing this until the normal process has occurred. Substantively, he would like the information that staff will be providing for the second reading, such as how the area evolved in the Community Plan. It is important to ensure that the City can document how the change occurred. Mr. Roth has his community's best interest at heart, so somewhere there is a miscommunication or disconnect. It is important for all to understand what happened and why and to arrive at a solution that everyone can live with. He would like to have a lot more information before he will be comfortable with making a decision. Mr. Gerber stated that his views are closely aligned with Mr. Peterson's. Process is the most important part of the work Council does. It is the means to earn trust and provide the best service for the community. The Conditional Use process is a very strict examination by the PZC, and will, hopefully, vet out many of the concerns expressed this evening with respect to the practicality of the location with the surrounding community. He supports having the application go through that process before it comes back to Council. He also looks forward to reviewing all the related documents and history, as it will clarify the issue for him. Council has scheduled their annual goal setting retreat in a few weeks. It would be good to examine this process; sometimes issues appear to "fall through the cracks" and that needs to be addressed. He supports posting this legislation tonight. Mayor Keenan stated that it is clear that Council supports postponing the issue tonight and allowing PZC to complete their review process. As staff has explained, the issues relate to timing. In his years of public service, he finds this is a typical issue — people want needed services provided by fire stations or water towers, but don't want them located in adjacent areas to their neighborhood. Elected officials have very difficult decisions to make. Council will take into consideration all of the information and evaluate it carefully. There will be two more opportunities for residents to speak to this matter. Mayor Keenan moved to postpone Ordinance 04-15 to February 9, as recommended by staff. Ms. Chinn ici-Zuercher seconded the motion. Vote on the motion Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mayor Keenan, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes; Ms. Chinnici- Zuercher, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Vice Mayor Gerber, yes. INTRODUCTION /FIRST READING — ORDINANCES Ordinance 05 -15 Authorizing the Provision of Certain Incentives to Aspen Energy Corporation to Induce it to Locate a Main Office and Associated Operations and Workforce within the City, and Authorizing the Execution of an Economic Development Agreement. Mr. Lecklider introduced the ordinance. Mr. Gracia stated that staff has been in discussions with Aspen Energy about the relocation and expansion of their corporate headquarters. The City of Dublin proposes a five -year, 15 percent performance incentive on the 45 new jobs. No incentives are tied to the 40 existing jobs that will continue to be located in Dublin. There will be a second reading /public hearing at the February 9 Council meeting. Ordinance 06 -15 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Real Estate Purchase Agreement to Acquire Approximately 11.856 Acres of Property (known as Kaltenbach Park) from Washington Township. Vice Mayor Gerber introduced the ordinance. Ms. Crandall stated that Washington Township approached the City several months ago and expressed interest in the transfer of this property. This ordinance will authorize execution of that transfer. The effective date of the transfer will be March 11, 30 days after the second reading of the ordinance. Ms. Salay inquired what the City would be paying the Township for the property. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting _ DAYTO LEGAL BLANK INC.. FORM NO, 10148 Held— January 26, 2015 Page 13 of 18 20 Ms. Crandall responded that the property will be acquired at no cost. ;l There will be a second reading /public hearing at the February 9 Council meeting. Ordinance 07 -15 Authorizing the Appropriation of a 0.006 Acre, more or less, Fee Simple Interest from the Estate of Basil J. Brown, for the Property Located off Riverside Drive, North of Dale Drive, for the Relocation of Riverside Drive, and Declaring an Emergency. Vice Mayor Gerber introduced the ordinance. Ms. Readier stated that this ordinance authorizes the acquisition of property needed for the relocation of Riverside Drive. There was a resolution of intent to appropriate at the last Council meeting; this is the next step in the process. As indicated at the last meeting, the title was not clear, and there was difficulty locating the heirs. At this time, at least one heir has been identified. Probate court will have a process to determine the estate. The value of the appraisal is $900 as this is a very small portion of land. Public Testimony Mr. Maurer inquired what happens if the unidentified heirs show up after the City has taken the property. Ms. Readier responded that if the City uses a "quick take" process, the $900.00 will be posted with the Court, and then the City can take the property. It will be determined who is entitled to the money, but clarifying the title will not stop the work on the parcel. Vice Mayor Gerber moved to dispense with the public hearing and treat the ordinance as an emergency. Ms. Salay seconded the motion. Vote on the motion Mayor Keenan, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Vice Mayor Gerber, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes. Vote on the Ordinance Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes; Mayor Keenan, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Vice Mayor Gerber, yes. OTHER • Update on Public and Private Improvements Planned near the Dublin Library Mr. Foegler provided background. Given the improvements being planned around the Library area, it was important for the City to take a comprehensive look at the various public infrastructure and private improvement projects being planned. It was important to understand the relative impacts and ensure that the public and private investments occurred in a way that reinforced the vision and goals for the Historic District. The Columbus Metropolitan Library has focused its efforts on a new Library facility on its existing site in Dublin. There will be a grid roadway system around that site that will impact its development. The City has important investments in the Veterans Memorial, cemetery and other related facilities nearby. There is a school located next door. On the east side of the street is the proposed Crawford Hoying large -scale mixed -use project. There is a lot of park acquisition and development planning occurring further to the east. There is a proposed pedestrian bridge that is being evaluated in terms of its landing in the Historic District. Their planning efforts have focused on looking at all those components comprehensively, understanding the roadway system and infrastructure, and how those inform these public and private investments. An update on that effort is being provided this evening. There will be more engaged public sessions as the Library building concept begins to emerge. Darren Meyer, MKSK, shared a PowerPoint depicting Historic Dublin area west of the Scioto River and the Library site. The view has a mix of existing conditions and some proposed. There are two active development parcels in this area – the new Dublin branch library and the proposed Crawford Hoying Bridge Park West development. In addition to High Street, the surrounding street network includes North Street and North Riverview. An extension of Franklin Street from Bridge Street to the Indian Run greenspace is proposed, a new street, Rock Cress, would run west along the Indian Run greenspace. These two streets will complete a public street network around the future Library site. There is also the potential extension of North Riverview Street to Dublin Road. At some future date, the Thoroughfare Plan anticipates a vehicular road connection in alignment with John Shields Parkway that would be extended to Post Road. [Discussed restructuring of existing streets and parking as part of the Library and Bridge Park West developments.] RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK, INC., FORM NO 10148 January 26, 2015 Page 14 18 Held_ _ _ e___ 20 The original landing of the pedestrian bridge provided for the connection to be at the center of activity on the east side at the Bridge Park East development at the former Dale Drive and h 7 connecting to Nort Street. However, some challenges with that location have become apparent, including: • North Street drops 15 -20 feet from High Street, so there is difficulty moving pedestrians back up to High Street by an accessible route. • The pedestrian bridge would land essentially at some of the back doors and parking lots of the developments, which doesn't center it in an area of activity in redevelopment. They are studying the option of a slight shift of the west landing to the north. It has several advantages, including: - Connection to the cycle track loop — the bike facilities being planned as part of the District - Located at the threshold of the Indian Run Park system - Terminates into the civic use with the Library - Potential shared public parking - Ability to bring bridge up to the High Street grade rather than land 15 -20 feet; can be achieved with a gentle climb. [Showed early conceptual models of how those pieces come together] He noted that they are looking at the area of the Grounds of Remembrance very carefully. They want to ensure that with all the redevelopment they are able to design a buffer between the memorial park and the public street and public spaces, so that the space can retain the reflective, contemplative, honorific character it deserves. There will be a need for filters between that and the activity of the new street. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher inquired if there is a sense of the timeframe for the new Library system. Ms. Grigsby responded that they are still in the process of completing some of the program analysis of the Library and also looking at potential opportunities with the Dublin Arts Council and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Another meeting is scheduled next week to review the status. Sometime after that, staff will have a better understanding of what may fit into that facility, based upon the site limitations. Mr. Foegler stated that the Library and its design team have formally launched efforts to put concepts together that incorporate the various uses, look at the parking potential, and the street elevations. They will be producing some initial concepts to help vet the visibility of the uses coming together, as well as informing the design and layout of the site. Some ideas will emerge within a 60 -day timeframe that can be shared. Mayor Keenan inquired if they anticipate having plans by the end of the year. Mr. Foegler responded that the goal is to complete the planning and design work this year. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS Ms. Salay, PZC Representative reported that she, Mayor Keenan and Vice Mayor Gerber attended the last PZC meeting. Former Council Member and Mayor Joel Campbell also attended and spoke eloquently about public service. After the oaths of office, there was a two - hour training session. Training sessions will continue in the next months. The Commission is looking forward to a full agenda with the new members on February 5. Vice Mayor /Administrative Committee Chair Gerber reported that there was a brief committee meeting at 5:45 p.m. immediately preceding this Council meeting regarding Council's goal - setting retreat agenda. The tentative retreat agenda will be shared prior to the next Council meeting for review and comment. A list of potential facilitators will be shared for Council input, as well. Mr. Peterson. Council liaison to the Dublin Board of Education stated that Mayor Keenan, Mr. McDaniel and he met with Brian Deitsch, the new Chief Operating Officer for Dublin City Schools. He is an engaging, dynamic individual and will do a great job in this role. Mayor Keenan added that Dr. Hoadley and Mr. Deitsch previously served in adjoining school districts. Mr. Deitch is interested in creating new synergy between the City and the Schools. Ms. Chinnici- Zuercher, City MORPC representative stated that she attended the Regional Policy Roundtable meeting last week. She has provided copies tonight to Council of the Insight 2050 Scenario Metric Summary. There will be discussion about this at the upcoming retreat. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes-of--.---- Dublin City Council FORM NO. 10148 January 26, 2015 Page 15 of 18 20 Meeting She has also provided copies of the list that was distributed of the Senate and House districts for the area that MORPC serves. She chairs the Regional Policy Roundtable and last year began the practice of having a member do a presentation about their community or the organization they are representing. This month Mayor Kim Maggard, City of Whitehall, gave a great presentation about their efforts to improve the image of Whitehall and improve the services they offer to residents. They have purchased parkland and added activity opportunities and are changing their downtown Main Street. As was reported in the news, Whitehall has offered grant awards to the residents to upgrade the external appearance of their homes and had an excellent response to this program. Mr. Lecklider. U.S. 33 representative stated that he attended a meeting this afternoon with Ms. Grigsby and Mr. McDaniel. He and Mayor Keenan share the responsibility of this representation. Also present was Mr. Murdock, MORPC Executive Director, who gave a brief presentation on the same report Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher has mentioned. MORPC serves a 15- county area with diverse interests and populations, yet all are considering the same issues as Dublin, such as future growth, traffic demands and land use. In Scenario A of the document Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher distributed - if land was to develop as it has based on existing trends, it would consume 495 square miles. As perspective, someone from Union County pointed out that is equal to the size or greater than all the land in Union County. They are looking at more dense development and large lot estates. Involvement with this committee is of value to Dublin, and he looks forward to future participation. The next meeting is February 23, same location and time. SPECIAL COMMENTS Mayor Keenan pointed out that this is Ms. Grigsby's last Council meeting. He invited each Council Member to comment. Mayor Keenan noted: I appreciate everything you have done, and the support you have given me over these last 10- 12 years that I have been involved on City Council. You have always been the voice of reason. Your word has been the gold standard. Nobody has more integrity, and we appreciate that I made some calculations: 25.5 years of service, averaging 48 weeks a year, 10 internal staff meetings, 6 Council - related meetings, and 6 partnership /agency /resident meetings per week equals 26,928 hours in meetings! I think that is an interesting number. I thank you for your service. " Mr. Peterson: "Due to the snow event last night, I had occasion to be on Sawmill Road early this morning with my children, who did not have school today - and encountered poor conditions We ended up traveling down Coffman Road heading over to First Watch. Not only is the road clear, the bikepath next to the road was clear. I pointed that out to my children. My daughter said, 'Dublin is no ordinary town.' It occurred to me. ... and I knew that this would be your last meeting ...and that comment summarized you better than I could have summarized it myself. You are no ordinary professional, you are no ordinary person. You have led this City with grace and wisdom and I personally thank you for that, and on behalf of my family, who I think will be here for a long time, I thank you for your service. " Ms. Salay: 7 agree with everything that has been said. For me, the standard that we all hold ourselves to as public servants is leaving the place better than when we found It When I think about your tenure with the City of Dublin, and everything that has happened; everything that has changed; all of the things that you have brought with your talent, your intellect and your integrity - it is without a doubt that our community is so exponentially better off for you having been here. I want to thank you very much for your service. I will miss you very much, and hopefully, I will see you around the neighborhood Thank you, Marsha. " Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher: 'As you know, I serve on the MORPC Board, and had the opportunity to have the microphone for a few minutes. I shared that it was a pretty scary proposition for all of us that you were leaving. We all have felt safe ...I know I sure have... under your leadership. With all the different roles that you have played, you have always been calm in the midst of some very excitable times, and your ethics have been above reproach. You have also been a solution - oriented person, and that is what I have learned from you and enjoyed most about you. Even when you were saying "no "to us, we never felt like you were really saying that -- you provided us with a solution that was better for the community at large. I know you will miss all RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Minutes of D ublin City Counci Meeting Held 26,201 - Page 16 of 18 20 of us and these long Monday night meetings and others, but you will have a wonderful time in retirement. You are always welcome back to this side of the podium after retirement.' Thank you very much.' Mr. Lecklider: "Marsha, your retirement truly marks the end of an era in Dublin City government, and I think that future Dublin history books should include a chapter dedicated to Marsha Grigsby. We could go well into the evening describing your many valuable contributions to not only Dublin City government, but to the community at large, and its evolution into the premier community that it is today. In an era when few employees remain with the same employer, for the 25 years that you have served Dublin, both the community and our local government have been lucky that you chose to stay with us I not only admire your modest style of leadership, but the outstanding example you set with respect to work ethic and dedication. It is not enough to thank you for your service to Dub /in, but I do thank you. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with you. I have learned a great deal as a result of working with you. I wish you all the best, and Ill miss you " Mr. Gerber "Marsha, you have been blessed with a storybook career, and the community is the benefactor of that I want to say thank you -.1 have really enjoyed working with you. Like you, I don't say a lot, but I do want you to know that you have my deep and heartfelt thanks I have appreciated the chance to work with you, and I wish you all the best. " Ms. Grigsby commented I have been very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with the City of Dub /in for so long. When you think about it, it is hard to believe that it has been that long, and there are times when you think you will never get to this point. I have been very fortunate to have been involved in so many projects and initiatives. It is in part because of the people who were on Council -- the fact that Council was always looking for what was best for the community and you have had faith in what staff was doing. We were able to take chances that I believe other communities are never allowed to take. When I have talked to my peers in the past, they were surprised at the things, as Finance Director, that I was involved in. I think that I was the fortunate one, and I was given an opportunity that afforded me a challenge all the time It truly was fun, and it was almost like -- find something you think we can't do and well find a way to do it! It's been very rewarding. I have looked at this like my family business Early on, we all felt that way. It was like..., we are going to build this City and we are going to look back and be proud of what we've done. I n just very happy that I can say that about all the things that I have been involved in. When you drive around the community, it is very rewarding to know that you had a little piece of involvement in what has happened, and that you can remember projects and things that you have been involved in. The staff that has worked here, both past and present, is unparalleled. You get the best here in Dublin because we offer these opportunities. I truly appreciate all the comments - it means a lot to me, but I am looking forward to retirement. I will watch some Council meetings on Monday nights, just for the heck of it. But again, thank you very much. I appreciate all the support and everything that I have had the opportunity to do here in Dublin. The party last week was amazing. I don't look forward to those kind of things, but I truly had fun -- it was a good time. I appreciate Council's willingness to do things like that Thank you and thanks to all of the staff. It has been great. I'm extremely lucky and fortunate to have been here as long as I have, and I truly do appreciate it. " [Audience applause] Mayor Keenan stated that as Council passes the "torch" to Mr. McDaniel, it is clearly a big torch to carry! As Dublin moves into the future, Council expects good things to continue. STAFF COMMENT Ms. Grigsby stated that in the 2015 Operating Budget, there was a new position in the Tax division that was listed as "Assistant Director of Taxation." The position has now been titled, "Tax Manager." This position is the second in command in that division. The Revised Charter requires a competitive selection process, unless waived by Council. In this case, there is an internal candidate, Bryan Thurman, who has worked in the Finance Department for several years. In his previous service with the City, he served in the Tax Department and was Tax Administrator for some period of time. Mr. Thurman has expressed interest in the new Tax Manager position. He is very qualified and would be a great asset to the Tax Department. Minutes of DAYTON LEGAL BLANK, INC., FORM NO. 10148 I-1 icy x RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Dublin City Council January 26, 2015 Page 17 of 1 20 Meeting— _ _ . Therefore, she requests that Council by motion waive the requirements of Section 6.06 of the Revised Charter and allow the City Manager to appoint Bryan Thurman to the Tax Manager position. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher moved to waive the requirements of Section 6.06 of the Charter and approve the appointment of Mr. Thurman to the position. Ms. Salay seconded the motion. Vote on the motion Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes; Vice Mayor Gerber, yes; Mayor Keenan, yes; Ms. Salay, yes. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE Ms. Salay stated that 1. The Wallace tract is being cleared of underbrush, which should be of great benefit to the neighborhood. 2. Referred to the new Citizen University and the KIDS volunteer projects. She is often asked about how people can involve their children in the community. This is a terrific opportunity to develop the City's volunteer base. These are two exciting opportunities for residents. 3. Referred to The Art in Public Places site selection policy that was provided and which Council will be asked to approve at the next meeting. In the procedure -- where is the public notified of sites that are under consideration or sites that have been selected, in order to allow public input. Ms. Grigsby responded that this policy would affirm the process. The selection of any site would continue to be considered through a Council meeting, a public meeting that would have public input. Staff, in conjunction with the Dublin Arts Council, would review and make recommendations on the site, but it is subject to Council's final review and approval. Ms. Crandall stated that language to that effect can be incorporated into the policy — namely, that the site selection would come before Council where there would be the opportunity for public comment. Staff also works closely with the public after the site is selected. Ms. Salay stated that her concern is more at the outset of the process. Her concern is having a situation where a piece of public art is not understood, not welcomed, or where residents feel that they have not been involved in the process. Maybe this could be handled similar to a Planning process — notifying residents in an area, utilizing the homeowners association representatives, and proactively engage the neighborhoods, allowing them to provide input. Mayor Keenan stated that a group of 7 -8 possible locations would have to be assembled, and then notification made to the residents of the options being considered. Ms. Salay stated that another option is to place a sign at each of those sites — "potential future site of public art" with a phone number the public can call with their input. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher 1. Referred to the policy for site selection for Art in Public Places, specifically #1 under Procedures. It might be beneficial to include the Council representative on the Dublin Arts Council Board in that discussion from the outset, in addition to whomever else DAC may bring. The Council representative would serve as a liaison for Council. Ms. Crandall stated that the City and Dublin Arts Council staff meet quarterly, and the Council representative is included at all those meetings, as well. 2. Inquired who was in attendance at the inaugural meeting of the Communications Advisory Committee. Ms. Puskarcik stated that of the 22 people on that committee, 14 attended, including business people, young professionals, residents, the Schools and DCVB. She can provide that entire list to Council. It is important to track the attendance and the contributions of the members to this work. Ms. Chinn ici-Zuercher stated that it would be helpful to record both who attended and who did not. She appreciated receiving the summary. Several of the items listed are things that Council has heard that are concerns to the District, and some of the recommendations are things Council has discussed. Ms. Puskarcik stated this group has expanded the discussion topics from Transportation to other projects coming up. They are excited about making a contribution. 3. Referred to the memo regarding Independence Day ticketing and table sales and the survey results. The citizen complaints mentioned were ones that she had heard about. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS n cil Dublin City Cou Minutes of __ Meeting DAYTON LEGAL BLANK, INC., FORM NO. 10148 January 26, 2015 Page 18 of 18 Held 2 0 She suggested that discussion of the staff recommendations take place at one of Council's committees. Changes do need to be made, but Council wants to participate in that discussion before decisions are made. 4. Congratulated the Police Department on their re- accreditation. As indicated in the memo, she had the opportunity to be interviewed by the accreditors. Her participation in the Citizen Police Academy helped her to contribute knowledgeable input. 5. Reported that she had the opportunity to represent the Mayor at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observance last Monday. She has attended most of the celebrations since their inception, and this, by far, was the most moving of all. Instead of a keynote speaker, they showed the actual film of Martin Luther King, the march in the south, and what had transpired. This brought the events home to the young people in attendance. Three students from each of the high schools gave speeches about what the movement as a whole meant to them in their lives. She complimented Debbie Maynard as the main organizer and Mike Bowersock of Channel 4, who served as emcee. 6. Reported that she attended Mr. Husenitza's retirement party and commented that Council "missed the boat" by not attending. Mr. Husenitza, in his private life, is actually a movie star! The "set" at the party was decorated like a premier awards ceremony, with pseudo movie posters about. She was so disappointed that in all the years she has known Mr. Husenitza, she knew nothing of this part of his life! 7. Referred to the issue that Eric Krause brought to Council's attention. Perhaps the presentation could be made at a Community Development Committee, and the Committee could provide a report to Council. Council members concurred. f Vice Mayor Gerber stated that Wednesday, January 28 is a special day for Council Member Salay, who celebrates a birthday. Council members wished her a Happy Birthday! Mayor Keenan echoed Ms. Chinnici- Zuercher's comments about the July 4 celebration. He read many of the comments in the surveys, and agrees that some changes are definitely needed. Perhaps the event has grown too large. Traffic has been an issue for years. A better plan to move traffic for that event is needed, but it may not be possible as everyone leaves at the same time. He believes Council needs to discuss the recommendations in the report at a future meeting. He asked staff to determine the timing and venue for that review. Ms. Sala v added that the Police Department has a new video available, sharing its mission statement and core values. It is very relevant, and she encouraged everyone to view it. AD70URN Mr. Lecklider moved to adjourn into executive session at 9:36 for discussion of personnel matters. Ms. Salay seconded the motion. Vote on the motion Mr. Lecklider, yes; Mayor Keenan, yes; Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Vice Mayor Gerber, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes; Ms. Salay, yes. Mayor Keenan noted following the executive session, the meeting will be reconvened and adjourned. No further action will be taken. The meeting was reconvened and adjourned at 10:15 p.m. - I U- - ayor — Presiding Cifticer Clerk of Council