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CITIZENS' COMMENTS All Topics John Klauder, 30 Old Farm Road. Mr. Klauder challenged Council to give the community the gift of a more harmonious relationship between itself, the Township Trustees, and the School Board. He urged a final vote, up or down, on the extension of sewer service to the new school so the community could move on. Patty Brown, 55 Old Farm Road. Ms. Brown echoed Mr. Klauder's call for unity, urging Council to move forward to a new era of cooperation, professionalism, and efficiency, with all our governmental entities working together.
Larry Sargent, 907 Newark Road. Mr. Sargent added his voice to those of the two previous speakers, noting that our tax dollars support all three entities and the school should have the most economic utilities possible.
Lynn Straker, 81 Joy Lane. Ms. Straker noted that the voters had spoken loud and clear in November. On behalf of the School Board, she expressed her thanks to all members of Council, especially Vice Mayor Moore for her tireless efforts on the ordinance. She stated her hope that Council's decision would favor extension and would be made tonight so everyone could move forward in a positive way. Helen Hartkopf, 208 Beechwood Drive. Ms. Hartkopf expressed her agreement with the previous speakers and said she felt that the current draft of the ordinance would not invite more development.
Constance Barsky, 221 East Elm Street. Ms. Barsky expressed her agreement with the previous speakers re all three entities working together. She challenged the Trustees and the School Board to spend as much time as Council working on this issue. She asked why no School Board members had been at the previous meeting and why the ordinance under consideration at this meeting has a revenue provision attached to it. She stated that the voters had expressed their support for the school, not necessarily the School Board. She cautioned that citizens must always be able to take action and stated Council should be careful not to set a precedent for the future that might not allow that to happen. Ron Sheldon, 278 Llanberis Drive. Mr. Sheldon reiterated his request for Council to include a line-item in the 2002 budget approving funding for the bike-trail bridge. He noted that no monies would be expended until 2003 and that he expected the final amount to be "considerably less" than the $50,000 contribution requested. He then added his voice to those of the previous speakers to ask that Council pass the extension ordinance at this meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (7:43pm) Ordinance No. 41-01, An Ordinance To Authorize The Sale Of Surplus Village Utilities For Use At The Granville Exempted Village School District's New School Site, was introduced by Mayor McGowan. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor McGowan closed the Public Hearing at 7:43pm.
Ordinance No. 39-01, An Ordinance To Make Appropriations For Current Expenses And Other Expenditures Of The Village Of Granville, State Of Ohio, During The Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2002, was introduced by Mayor McGowan. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor McGowan closed the Public Hearing at 7:44pm.
OLD BUSINESS (7:44pm) Ordinance No. 41-01, An Ordinance To Authorize The Sale Of Surplus Village Utilities For Use At The Granville Exempted Village School District's New School Site, was introduced by Vice Mayor Moore. Second by Councilmember Main.
Discussion: Councilmember Robertson stated she saw the process on this issue as having been a very important educational opportunity for members of Council—an appropriate and democratic course of action that allowed all voices to be heard. She emphasized that her end-goal is the same as everyone else's: a school that functions well, serves children, and betters the community. She wants harmony, even in the face of disagreement as to how to fulfill the needs without causing undesirable outcomes. She disagrees with the provision in 41-01 that has the Village making a profit off extension that might, in turn, lead to some of those undesirable consequences. She noted that the previous Council had passed two ordinances, either of which would allow extension of sewer service while minimizing risk, and asked this Council to proceed in a conservative way. Councilmember Robertson moved to amend Ordinance 41-01 and distributed the text of her proposed amendments, designed to "accomplish the same things in another way." Her text would provide sewer service to the School Board at cost and has the OEPA position on the service at its center so policy would not change vis à vis others who might want the Village's utility services. Second by Councilmember Crais.
Discussion on the motion-to-amend: Vice Mayor Moore asked if Councilmember Robertson were proposing an entirely new ordinance. Councilmember Robertson said some of what she was proposing was "quite similar" to the original. Vice Mayor Moore questioned if an amendment was the proper form for such sweeping changes and said while she was prepared to consider a separate ordinance she was not prepared to consider Councilmember Robertson's proposal as an amendment to 41-01. Councilmembers Bellman and Crais spoke in support of the Robertson amendment, stating that it addresses issues of the public road and the bike path and specifies that the school will pay less for sewer service than does 41-01. Councilmember Robertson reiterated her concern about preventing the Village/Township entity from being overrun by development. Mayor McGowan noted that the ordinances already approved, as well as 41-01, all bar the threat of unwanted tap-ins. Councilmember Bellman restated his concerns about the revenue-generating language in 41-01. Vice Mayor Moore responded that such language is necessary to bring finality to this issue. She noted that Ordinances 37-01 and 40-01, previously passed, both have language that the School Board found unacceptable—language that is included in Councilmember Robertson's amendment. Vice Mayor Moore then proposed Council reconsider her earlier 34-01 and its friendly amendments (voted down at a previous meeting), since it would take the revenue emphasis out of the discussion. She offered to table 41-01 if someone would introduce 34-01. If 34-01 were to pass, with an emergency declared, she would withdraw 41-01. A discussion followed, contrasting the "tone" of the original 41-01 and the proposed amendment. Councilmember Crais cautioned that, whatever the tone of the final document, Council should be careful not to create a new policy in the process of providing sewer service to the school. Councilmember Main stated that while he is in favor of extension he does not think the school rate should be any different from other people in the Village. Councilmember Hartfield noted that 41-01 (original) makes it clear that this is a one-time situation, for a public entity. Mayor McGowan added that the schools are "special and unique." Law Director Crites stated that the Constitution of the State of Ohio, Article 18, Section 6, provides that a municipality can sell surplus utilities. That Article also states that a municipality, at its discretion, may extend service outside its boundaries. The case law at this point is that Granville has the right to extend at its discretion. Councils have attempted to go one step further to set forth, both in the recitals and the body text, the reasons that justify a specific extension— making each case even more defensible should it ever be challenged. This Council should do the same with this ordinance. Councilmember Robertson reminded everyone of a string of lawsuits when the Village was being challenged for development (e.g., SuperAmerica, Marathon, the motel, Bob Evans). She noted that the Village had paid those legal bills and that is one reason she wants to be so conservative in both the decision and the laying out of a careful and well-documented paper trail. Future councils will benefit from having a good record on which to proceed when faced with the same kinds of decision. Councilmember Crais stated that we need to heed Law Director Crites' caution to produce an ordinance that is defensible, to the maximum degree possible. Councilmember Crais felt that 41- 01 was somewhat at cross purposes (i.e., highly specific on the one hand, but also establishing a general principle that we have excess capacity we're interested in selling). In short, "unique" is not enough of a requirement for extension. A Roll Call vote on the Robertson amendment to Ordinance No. 41-01 yielded three (3) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, and Robertson) and four (4) negative votes (Councilmembers Hartfield and Main; Vice Mayor Moore, and Mayor McGowan). The motion-to-amend is defeated by a vote of 3-4.
[At 8:30pm, Council took a brief recess to produce copies of Ordinance 34-01. The meeting was reconvened by Mayor McGowan at 8:44pm.]
Councilmember Moore moved to Table Ordinance No. 41-01; second by Councilmember Crais. A Roll Call vote on the motion-to-table produced four (4) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Crais and Robertson; Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan) and two negative votes (Councilmembers Hartfield and Main). [Councilmember Bellman was out of chambers when the vote was taken.] The motion-to-table is carried by a vote of 4-2.
Councilmember Crais introduced Ordinance No. 42-01, with an emergency clause (formerly Ordinance No. 34-01, "originally presented as a compromise measure that recognized all concerns and set a framework to address them). Second by Vice Mayor Moore.
Discussion on Ordinance 42-01: Changes to Page 1: Councilmember Crais moved to amend the title of the Ordinance, as follows: "AN ORDINANCE….DISTRICT'S NEW SCHOOL SITE AND AUTHORIZING…" The change was accepted as a friendly amendment. Councilmember Robertson moved to amend the 4th Whereas, as follows: "WHEREAS, the Van Winkle property must be serviced with sewer, and the Ohio EPA has indicated a preference for considers centralized sewage treatment in this instance systems to be the most environmentally sound alternative as compared to the construction of package plants; and". Second by Councilmember Bellman. A Roll Call vote on the motion-to-amend yielded two (2) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman and Robertson) and five (5) negative votes (Councilmembers Crais, Hartfield, and Main; Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan). The motion-to-amend is defeated by a vote of 2-5.
Changes to Page 2: Vice Mayor Moore moved that Section 11 be renumbered to Section 12 and that a new Section 11 be added, as follows: "Ordinances No. 37-01 and 40-01 are hereby repealed." Second by Councilmember Main. Vice Mayor Moore explained that this needs to be done for purposes of clarity. Councilmembers Bellman and Robertson spoke in favor of leaving in a reference to Ordinances 37-01 and 40-01 for historical purposes. Councilmember Bellman proposed a new 6th Whereas, as follows: "WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 37-01 and Ordinance No. 40-01, the Village did provide sewer utilities to the new school for the reasons stated therein; and" Second by Councilmember Crais. A Roll Call vote on the motion-to-amend yielded three (3) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, and Robertson) and four (4) negative votes (Councilmembers Hartfield and Main, Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan). The motion-to-amend is defeated by a vote of 3-4. Vice Mayor Moore proposed a new 6th Whereas on page 2 of Ordinance 42-01, using language from the 7th Whereas of Ordinance 41-01, modified as follows: "WHEREAS, at the request of the OEPA, the District has again requested that the Village provide sewer utility services to the Van Winkle property and the new school; and in response to such request the Village Council has adopted Ordinance No. 37-01 and Ordinance No. 40-01, which Ordinances generally provide for the extension of the Village's sanitary sewer utility service to the Van Winkle property and the new school, subject to the conditions, among others, that the District cause the construction of a bike path and public roadway, all at a cost substantially beyond that budgeted by the District; and" Councilmember Main agreed to this change. A Roll Call vote on the motion-to-amend yielded six (6) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Main, and Robertson; Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan) and one (1) negative vote (Councilmember Hartfield). The motion-to- amend, including the new Section 11 proposed by Vice Mayor Moore at the beginning of this discussion, is carried by a vote of 6-1.
Vice Mayor Moore called the question; second by Councilmember Main. A Roll Call vote yielded four (4) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Hartfield and Main; Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan) and three (3) negative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, and Robertson). The motion- to-call is defeated, a 2/3 majority not having been obtained.
Councilmember Bellman moved to amend the original 7th Whereas on page 2, as follows: "WHEREAS, in order to ensure that the Village has adequate resources to provide sewer services to its current residents and to preserve the unique rural atmosphere in the Village, the Village hereby finds and determines that it is in the best interest of the Village to provide the surplus sewer services to the District on an exclusive basis; and". Second by Councilmember Crais. A Roll Call vote on the motion-to- amend yielded seven (7) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Hartfield, Main, and Robertson; Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan). The motion-to-amend is carried by a vote of 7-0.
Changes to Page 3: Councilmember Crais moved to amend the third line of Section 3, as follows: "…is hereby authorized to and shall provide surplus sewer to the new school property, so long as…." The change was accepted as a friendly amendment. Councilmember Bellman moved to amend Section 3, (iii), as follows: "the School District shall discuss with the Township whether the Township would like to construct a public road between Burg Street and Loudon Street across the Van Winkle property is desirable and needed;" The change was accepted as a friendly amendment. Councilmember Bellman moved to amend Section 9, as follows: "Section 9. The District shall be responsible for the expense of the tap-in fees and all other expenses not specifically delineated herein but associated with the extension of sewer services to the District. If the property is annexed as anticipated in Section 5, said tap- in fee shall be waived." Second by Councilmember Crais. A Roll Call vote on the motion-to-amend yielded two (2) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman and Crais) and five (5) negative votes (Councilmembers Hartfield, Main, and Robertson; Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan). The motion- to-amend is defeated by a vote of 2-5.
Councilmember Main moved Section 12, the Emergency Clause of Ordinance 42-01. Second by Councilmember Bellman. A Roll Call vote yielded seven (7) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Hartfield, Main, and Robertson; Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan). The emergency is declared by a vote of 7-0.
A Roll Call vote on Ordinance No. 42-01, as amended, yielded seven (7) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Hartfield, Main, and Robertson; Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan). Ordinance No. 42-01, as amended, is hereby adopted by a vote of 7.0.
[At 10:10pm, Council took a brief recess. The meeting was reconvened by Mayor McGowan 10:16pm.]
Vice Mayor Moore moved to remove Ordinance No. 41-01 from the table; second by Councilmember Hartfield. Motion carried, 7-0.
Vice Mayor Moore moved to withdraw Ordinance No. 41-01 from consideration; second by Councilmember Hartfield. Motion carried, 7-0..
Ordinance No. 39-01, An Ordinance To Make Appropriations For Current Expenses And Other Expenditures Of The Village Of Granville, State Of Ohio, During The Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2002, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais and re-seconded by Councilmember Robertson.
Discussion: Finance Director Molly Roberts and Manager Hickman answered Council questions on specific line items. Manager Hickman clarified that the GIS expense is for more than just the computer itself. Councilmember Crais expressed concern that the Personnel Committee had not yet completed its work. Re personnel salary recommendations, Manager Hickman's plan is to implement his current recommendations until Council can meet in February or March. Councilmember Robertson proposed that, based on Human Resource Solutions' report, decisions made at that time re salaries, staff configuration, morale issues, healthcare contribution by the Village, etc., will be retroactive to January 1, 2002. Re police purchasing their own firearms, Law Director Crites noted that this is common practice. Manager Hickman asked to add $15,000 for the installation of survey monuments as the first phase of this project only. Mayor McGowan expressed concern about the lack of a safe pedestrian walkway on the South Main Street bridge. The bridge itself belongs to ODOT. Manager Hickman has expressed our concerns but doesn't have much hope that anything will be done. He added that he was unsure where the line between Village and Township property was at that point but he has gone ahead and researched some information on a pedestrian bridge (costing perhaps $180,000 to build) and suggested appropriating approximately $20,000 for design work and engineering. He also noted that the bike- path bridge is not yet in the budget. Vice Mayor Moore suggested setting aside that money now. Law Director Crites asked that the appropriation and the expenditure be made contingent upon the Village entering into a joint park district or other lawful means of doing this project. Meanwhile, Law Director Crites will also review Rec Commission expenditures to make sure everything is being done properly. Manager Hickman noted that approving the $50,000 for the bike-path bridge does not guarantee that the resolution to actually make the expenditure will be approved at the time. Councilmember Bellman suggested a possible partnership with the Township on both the Raccoon Park bridge and a pedestrian bridge on South Main Street. Mayor McGowan suggested adding a bike trail to River Road. Manager Hickman also discussed tree-planting at the entrance to Hilengreen. Residents of the area are willing to contribute $2,500 to the General Fund. Vice Mayor Moore asked that future budget comparisons match appropriations for the upcoming year with actual expenditures from the previous year rather than a restatement of last year's appropriations. She is hoping to avoid unnecessary increases in accounts that were underspent. Manager Hickman reported on the need to add $1,200 for a magistrate in Mayor's Court when neither mayor nor the vice- mayor is available. A Roll Call vote on Ordinance No. 39-01 yielded seven (7) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Hartfield, Main, and Robertson; Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan). Ordinance No. 39-01 is adopted by a vote of 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS (10:55pm) Resolution No. 01-70, A Resolution To Amend Pay Classifications And Salary Rates For The Several Departments Of The Village Of Granville, was introduced by Councilmember Bellman. Second by Councilmember Robertson. Motion carried, 7-0.
Resolution No. 01-71, A Resolution To Amend Insurance Coverage As Provided In Section 145.22 Of The Codified Ordinance Of The Village Of Granville, was introduced by Councilmember Robertson. Second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried, 7-0.
OTHER Councilmember Robertson asked Law Director Crites to prepare an amendment to be attached to the current ordinance re disturbing the peace, specifying maximum decibels and minimum distances. Law Director Crites responded that the process is already under way and he has contacted Westerville and Columbus. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regularly Scheduled Meeting of December 5, 2001. Councilmember Main moved to accept the minutes as submitted; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried, 7- 0.
MAYOR'S COURT REPORT The Mayor's Court Report for the month of November was presented for review. Councilmember Crais moved to accept the report; second by Vice Mayor Moore. Motion carried, 7- 0. Mayor McGowan directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
MANAGER'S REPORT The Manager's Report for the month of November was presented for review. Councilmember Crais moved to accept the report; second by Vice Mayor Moore. Motion carried, 7- 0. Mayor McGowan directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS Mayor McGowan noted that there are still some openings for committee members. Once all the slots are filled, the previous chair of each committee will call a meeting at which the members will agree on a chair for the upcoming year to be recommended to the mayor for appointment.
Economic Development Committee (Crais, Moore, Robertson) Councilmember Crais reported the committee had met for breakfast at Cherry Valley Lodge to hear a presentation from the OSU professor. Copies of his official report will be distributed to members of Council for discussion at one of the meetings in January.
Granville Foundation Liaison (Main) No report.
JEDD Liaison (Bellman) No report.
Newark/Granville Relations (Bellman, Main) No report.
Personnel (Committee (Hartfield, McGowan) No report.
Recreation Commission Liaison (McGowan) No report.
Senior Citizen Committee (Moore, Robertson) Councilmember Robertson reported the committee had met December 13th. Tom Mitchell of Kendal talked about potential houses in town that might replace Sinnett House and allow the programs to expand their offerings (e.g., senior daycare). They began a discussion on how to make it economically possible and personally inviting for seniors to stay in the village. The next meeting is in February.
Tree & Landscape Committee (Moore) Councilmember Moore reported the committee had discussed the Pinehurst Drive project and what they wanted to do. Re the holiday tree, it isn't going anywhere any time soon. Union Cemetery Board Liaison (Main) No report.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS January 2, 2002 7:30pm Village Council January 30, 2002 7:30pm Joint Township Trustees/Council Meeting
ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Moore moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:19pm. Second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried, 7-0. Meeting adjourned.
CALL TO ORDER (by Mayor Robertson at 7:30pm)
OATH OF OFFICE Law Director Crites administered the Oath of Office to Melissa Hartfield and Richard Main, newly elected members of Council, and to Lyn Robertson, who was re-elected.
ROLL CALL Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Hartfield, McGowan, Main, and Moore; Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites.
APPOINTMENT OF CLERK AND DEPUTY CLERK Law Director Crites administered the Oath of Office to Sandy Ellinger, Deputy Clerk. Beverly Adzic, Clerk, was unable to attend this meeting.
ELECTION OF MAYOR Matt McGowan was elected Mayor by written ballot. After Law Director Crites administered the Oath of Office, outgoing Mayor Lyn Robertson presented the gavel to Mayor McGowan. He thanked Councilmember Robertson for her two years of service as Mayor and challenged Councilmembers and Village staff to work together to bring the community together in a cooperative manner over the next two years. He also encouraged area residents to get involved and added he looks forward to working with elected officials in Licking County and the larger Granville community.
ELECTION OF VICE-MAYOR Candi Moore was elected Vice-Mayor by written ballot. Law Director Crites administered the Oath of Office.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (Opened by Mayor McGowan at 7:44pm) All Topics (7:44pm) Kathy Lowery, Superintendent of Schools, 130 N. Granger Street. Superintendent Lowery thanked Council for their hard work this past year in trying to create an ordinance that would be acceptable to the Board of Education— culminating in Ordinance 41-01, which appears on this evening's agenda. She thanked Vice Mayor Moore for her continuing work on this issue and asked Council to approve Ordinance 41-01.
John Crecca, 1550 Welsh Hills Road. Mr. Crecca stated the Village should not disturb the holiday tree on Broadway. He then asked what was going to happen with Sinnett House. Mayor McGowan responded that the Rec Commission had been discussing creating something for the community. Councilmember Robertson reported on her discussions with Manager Hickman, noting that a "Seniors" committee had been meeting all during the fall. That group is very interested in making certain that another facility like Sinnett House exists and Council is friendly to the idea of continuing to support it. Manager Hickman emphasized that Sinnett House and the Granville Fellowship are two different entities, and urged Mr. Crecca to attend a meeting scheduled for 8:30am on December 13th to discuss this issue. Councilmember Robertson shared "Save The Tree" letters she had received from groups of first- and second-grade children about the holiday tree. Mayor McGowan stated he appreciated the fact that the public had been involved before the fact and noted we will continue to solicit public input. Councilmember Moore thanked Councilmember Bellman for his advocacy at the River Road zoning hearing, noting that he had been a "strong voice" for protecting Village interests.
Ohio EPA – Dan Dudley (7:50pm) Mr. Dudley spoke to the issue of "208" (or water-quality) planning. He briefly reviewed the specifics of the situation between the School District and the Village, noting that his job at OPEA is to deal with overall regulations and planning; others deal with specific permitting. He did a brief power-point presentation on 208 planning, followed by Council questions. Councilmember Robertson asked if a 208 plan could limit an area to using a specific service provider. It can. She then asked if it could serve to control growth (i.e., if Granville made a plan for Granville Township, could Newark and Southwest Licking step in and extend sewer/water service?). Mr. Dudley noted that Granville is a designated management agency. It needs to define its current and projected service areas, based on population projections and in agreement with other jurisdictions. In doing so, specific areas could be designated for central sewer service and others for on-lot disposal systems. In short, the Village needs to analyze its ability to serve and zone accordingly. In any case, service could only be provided by another designated management agency. A 208 plan cannot prevent another agency from providing service; it can only require that the service provider have designated management agency status. Councilmember Moore asked if the County needed to be involved in Granville's efforts to work out a 208 with the OEPA. Mr. Dudley said it does, since they have legal authority for everything outside Granville's boundary. The plan itself doesn't have to be a county-wide plan, but local acceptance/buy-in is very important. Mayor McGowan thanked Mr. Dudley for his time.
Bike Pathway/Bridge Funding Request – Ron Sheldon (8:12pm) Ron Sheldon, 278 Llanberis Drive. Mr. Sheldon noted that the deadline for the grant application for this project is approaching. He needs an assured commitments of funds from three local entities—Granville Village, Granville Township, and the Licking County Park District Commissioners. These commitments of $50,000 apiece, for a total of $150,000, need to take the form of a budget line in each entity's 2002 budget, copies of which will be included with the grant application. Mayor McGowan noted that the budget will be approved at the meeting of December 19th. Councilmember Hartfield asked Mr. Sheldon about the project's timeline. Mr. Sheldon responded that the work is planned for Summer 2003. However, the historical bridge to be used needs to be moved ASAP (at the request of local authority where it now sits). The Licking County Engineer will store the bridge until we are ready for it. If the hoped-for "green light" is given to the group on July 1, 2003, the project will be completed by October 1, 2003. Councilmember Robertson expressed concern about pedestrian access to River Road across the new Main Street bridge (a 4'4" berm, separated from traffic by a painted line). Manager Hickman and Mr. Sheldon noted that pedestrians would be able to use the bike path and the new bridge to gain access to River Road. Mr. Sheldon also raised the possibility of perhaps installing another historic bridge nearer to South Main Street for additional pedestrian access to the area south of Raccoon Creek. He noted that these old bridges are "draws" in and of themselves because of their historic value. Law Director Crites noted that, while his research is not yet complete, case law would seem to suggest that an appropriation of money for something outside the Village may be somewhat problematic (based on two cases from 1923 and 1928 interpreting Article 18 Section 3, the Home-Rule provision, to confine powers to be exercised within village boundaries). He noted that State statutes may allow otherwise (e.g., parkland, airports). Mr. Sheldon noted that ODNR has said that cases like this fit in the parkland/ recreational area classification. Law Director Crites noted that a joint park district would ensure that this would be possible. Mr. Sheldon added that the Granville Recreation Commission's territory covers the same footprint as the School District.
PUBLIC HEARING (8:25pm) Ordinance No 38-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of the Annual Budget For the Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by title by Mayor McGowan. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor McGowan closed the Public Hearing at 8:26pm.
Resolution No. 01-62 (2002 Budget). The Village staff reviewed the budget and responded to questions, in preparation for Council's vote on December 19, 2001. [Full content of the discussion may be found on the second side of Tape 1, beginning at reference #2020.] Mayor McGowan closed the Public Hearing at 9:10pm. (Note: Councilmember Bellman was excused from the meeting at 8:55pm.)
OLD BUSINESS (9:11pm) Ordinance No. 38-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of the Annual Budget For the Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Robertson. A Roll Call vote yielded six affirmative votes (Councilmembers Crais, Hartfield, Main, and Robertson; Vice Mayor Moore, Mayor McGowan. Ordinance No. 38-01 is amended.
NEW BUSINESS (9:13pm) Ordinance No. 39-01, An Ordinance To Make Appropriations For Current Expenses And Other Expenditures Of The Village Of Granville, State Of Ohio, During The Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2002, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Robertson. Mayor McGowan set the public hearing for December 19, 2001.
Ordinance No. 41-01, An Ordinance To Authorize The Sale Of Surplus Village Utilities For Use At the Granville Exempted Village School District's New School Site, was introduced by Councilmember Moore. Second by Councilmember Hartfield. Mayor McGowan set the public hearing for December 19, 2001.
Resolution No. 01-68, A Resolution Of Appreciation To Members Of The Charter Review Commission, was introduced by Councilmember Robertson. Second by Vice Mayor Moore. Motion carried, 6-0.
Resolution No. 01-69, A Resolution To Award The Bid For The Purchase Of Water-Treatment Chemicals, was introduced by Vice Mayor Moore. Second by Councilmember Hartfield. Motion carried, 6-0.
OTHER (9:15pm) Comprehensive Plan (S.R. 161 Widening Project) Manager Hickman will provide someone to address this issue during Citizens' Comments at the meeting of December 19, 2001.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regularly Scheduled Meeting – November 7, 2001 Councilmember Robertson moved to accept the Minutes as submitted; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried, 6- 0.
Special Meeting – November 28, 2001 The following addition/correction was requested by Councilmember Robertson: p. 3, 6th paragraph, last sentence – delete as shown: "…where sewer-and-water might be extended and where it might not (i.e., where the OEPA is willing or not willing to approve package plants."
MAYOR'S COURT REPORT – October (9:17pm) The Mayor's Court Report for the month of October was presented for review. Vice Mayor Moore moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Main. Motion carried, 6-0. Mayor McGowan directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes. MANAGER'S REPORT – October The Manager's Report for the month of October was presented for review. Councilmember Crais moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Robertson. Motion carried, 6-0. Mayor McGowan directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:18pm) Mayor McGowan noted that new members for the committees would be set at the next meeting and asked for input from members of Council.
Economic Development Committee (Crais, Robertson; Moore) Councilmember Crais noted the group would be meeting tomorrow morning at 7:30am at Cherry Valley Lodge to hear the final report by the OSU group.
Finance Liaison (Moore) Vice Mayor Moore reported she had reviewed tax collections with Molly Roberts. The 2001 budget for estate-tax receipts was $25,000; receipts-to-date total $128,000. Property taxes are coming in as planned. Ms. Roberts anticipates a $1.5MM unencumbered balance by the end of the year.
Granville Foundation [A new committee to be added to the list, at the suggestion of Councilmember Main. A representative needs to be named.]
JEDD (Robertson) Councilmember Robertson reported that Wes Sargent would represent the Township Trustees on this group, starting in January. She has given him the names of Council's reps (Dan Bellman and Clifton Crais) as well as the Council-appointed citizen rep (Tym Tyler). She also expressed her hope that this group might express some interest in pursuing the 208 issue on a joint Village/Township basis. Newark/Granville Committee (Bellman, Robertson) No report.
Personnel Committee (McGowan) No report.
Planning Commission (new representative to be named) No report.
Recreation Commission (McGowan) Mayor McGowan reported that participation numbers are up. The Rec Commission is taking over the wrestling activity from the school. They are discussing whether or not to put in a playground by the ball diamonds at Raccoon Park. They are solidly behind the bridge extension from the bike path, though they have no funds to contribute. Mayor McGowan added his concerns to those expressed earlier by Councilmember Robertson about the need for some way to cross Raccoon Creek that would be safer than the Main Street bridge. Senior Citizen Committee (Robertson) No report.
Strategic Land Acquisition Committee (Bellman, Crais; Moore) Councilmember Crais' final report is done. He asked that a time be set for the review of the report when other items are not so pressing. Manager Hickman suggested it be put on the agenda for the first meeting in January 2002. Streetlight Committee (McGowan) No report.
Streets/Sidewalks/Utilities Committee (Bellman, Crais) No report.
Tree & Landscape Committee (Moore) Vice Mayor Moore reported that about 54 trees have been planted in the fall planting schedule. The committee has discussed several alternatives for replacement trees if the current holiday tree were to be removed.
Union Cemetery Board (new representative to be named)
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS December 6 Comprehensive Plan Review (7:00pm) December 10 Planning Commission (7:30pm) December 11 Tree & Landscape Committee (7:00pm) December 13 Senior Living Committee (8:30am) December 13 BZBA (7:00pm) December 19 Village Council (7:30pm)
ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Crais moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30pm. Second by Councilmember Hartfield. Motion carried, 6-0. Meeting adjourned.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 28, 2001 – Special Meeting
ROLL CALL Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, and Lucier; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman. Councilmember Lucier moved to excuse Councilmembers McGowan and Moore; second by Councilmember Bellman. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 40-01, An Ordinance Supplementing Ordinance No. 37-01, Authorizing The Village Of Granville To Extend Sewer Services To The Granville Exempted Village School District's New School Site And Authorizing The Village To Sell Its Surplus Utilities, And Declaring An Emergency, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Discussion: Vice Mayor Wernet acknowledged the continuing efforts of Councilmember Bellman to create an ordinance that would meet the requirements of the School Board.
Councilmember Bellman noted his intention to "go the extra mile" to meet the School Board, especially about the road issue and the reported $1MM projected price tag. He stated that the Licking County Planning Commission has said that the road, as currently proposed by the School Board, already exceeds County standards for a public road (as would any road designed to carry the load this one will carry). For example, the County requires a 20-foot road width; the planned road is 24 feet wide. The proposed surface material is also acceptable. Councilmember Bellman also wanted to clear up any confusion about what Council was asking for (i.e., neither curbs nor gutters nor sidewalks are being requested). Furthermore, to show good faith on Council's part, Councilmember Bellman included a provision that the Village would be willing to waive the sewer tap-in fee if the land is annexed and the road is declared a public road. The result of this one point would be thousands of dollars in savings for the School Board over the long term, both for the waived tap-in fee and the ongoing maintenance costs for the road which would be absorbed by the Village.
Council Q&A: Vice Mayor Wernet asked if the Village would take over maintenance of the sewer line if the land were annexed into the Village. Manager Hickman responded that Council could so specify in the Ordinance.
Councilmember Lucier asked if the County had to specifically approve the road as a public road. [They do.] She then asked who would be responsible for road maintenance if the land is not annexed into the Village. Councilmember Bellman responded that it would be either the County or the Township, depending on how the road is classified. Councilmember Lucier then noted that if the road were a public road, some other entity than the School Board would be responsible for maintaining it even if the land were not annexed into the Village. Vice Mayor Wernet agreed and noted that the School Board could offload road- related costs without having to spend any more money up front, with or without annexation.
Councilmember Crais, speaking to the broader picture, noted that Council had adopted the updated Comprehensive Plan—the result of enormous amounts of energy expended by residents in detailing the kind of lives they wanted to live. One component of the updated plan was the importance of Council's thinking about the impact of development on the community. This road, as a public road, speaks to that vital principle.
Mayor Robertson addressed another of Council's major reasons for wanting the road to be public: the traffic- study report clearly states there should be a public road to connect Burg and Loudon Streets to take some of the pressure off already-overwhelmed intersections in the Village. She added that Council has a duty to look out for the Village and its taxpayers in all matters concerning the life of the Village in relation to the schools, the Township, the County, etc. Therefore, if Council can do something, in the course of serving that obligation, that would reduce the wear-and-tear on the streets in the Village, it should do so. Mayor Robertson moved two amendments to Ordinance No. 40-01: (1) ADD a clause to the end of the 5th "Whereas," as follows: "WHEREAS, Ordinance 37-01 conditioned the sewer extension, in part, on the District making the road it planned to construct between Burg Street and Loudon Street a public road versus a private road (such road having been recommended to the Village in the traffic study commissioned by the Village and submitted by the Parsons Transportation Group, a traffic-engineering firm, on March 22, 2001, as the way for the Village to protect its streets from the large increase in traffic the new school will create); and". (2) INSERT a new Whereas after the 5th Whereas, as follows: "WHEREAS, the Village Council has the responsibility of maintaining the Village streets and minimizing taxpayer expense in such maintenance by planning for and regulating, where possible, the amount of traffic on the streets; and". Second by Councilmember Crais.
Discussion: Mayor Robertson stated she wants the public record to reflect that this action is not a whim on the part of Council. A Roll Call vote on the motion to amend yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Motion-to-amend carried.
Councilmember Lucier asked for verification of a point in Section 2—i.e., whether the Village is legally permitted to expend money outside its borders. Manager Hickman responded that Law Director Crites and Attorney Gorry are jointly researching this issue but have not reached a conclusion. Councilmember Lucier noted that her intent in asking the question was to make sure Council's actions in this instance are consistent with its actions in response to a previous request by Ron Sheldon, on behalf of the Rec Commission, for Council to assume a portion of the cost related to extending the bike path across Raccoon Creek to the new park.
Vice Mayor Wernet moved to insert a new Whereas after the 8th original Whereas (or 9th Whereas, pursuant to the earlier amendment), as follows: "WHEREAS, by making the road a public road the District can save substantial sums for maintenance and repair as the Township, County, and/or Village would be responsible for all of these costs; and". Second by Councilmember Lucier.
A Roll Call vote on the motion to amend yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Motion-to-amend carried.
Vice Mayor Wernet expressed the hope that the District would now reverse its previous stand, as reported in The Sentinel, of being unwilling to negotiate. Councilmember Lucier noted she had not heard any further discussion re attempts on the part of the District to pursue good faith efforts toward annexation.
Mayor Robertson stated that her stance in this matter had also been affected by the OEPA position as stated in Ordinance No. 37-01. She added that Dan Dudley, from OEPA, would be present at the regular meeting of December 5th to discuss "208" plans. She is hopeful that the Village can work with the OEPA and the Township to determine precisely where sewer-and-water might be extended and where it might not. Councilmember Bellman introduced the Emergency, reading Section 6 of Ordinance No. 40-01 in full. Second by Councilmember Crais. A Roll Call vote on declaring an emergency yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. The emergency is declared.
A Roll Call vote on the Ordinance as amended yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, and Lucier; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 40-01, as amended, is adopted.
CITIZEN COMMENT Constance Barsky, 221 East Elm Street. Ms. Barsky, the only citizen present at the meeting, stated it was "crucial" for the media to report this meeting in a clear and firm way. She felt Council has gone out of its way to try to assist the School Board. She stated that the Board has a history of providing data after the fact (e.g., the OEPA denial and the road). She added that information appearing in the paper has given a taint to this Council by implying that it is not willing to deliberate or, when it does, takes too long. She affirmed the point made earlier that Council has not only the School Board but the Village citizens to look out for. She took issue with the School Board's characterization of "overcrowded" classrooms, noting that we are not above the limit, and felt their money would be better spent on improving professional development of teachers. She concluded her comments by stating that the media haven't given this Council adequate credit for its efforts, then thanked Council for all its work on this issue.
OTHER Vice Mayor Wernet and Councilmember Lucier expressed thanks to Mayor Robertson for her perseverance, her tireless efforts through a very difficult time, and her ability to get disparate parties to work together for the benefit of all. Councilmember Bellman added his thanks for her leadership with The Colony issue—efforts that "silently and effectively" brought both sides together and created, in the developer's words, a better community than they would have had otherwise.
ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Wernet moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00pm. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Motion carried.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 7, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:32pm) Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet; Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman; Law Director Crites.
Resolution No. 01-67, A Resolution Of Appreciation To Barbara Lane Lucier And William Wernet For Their Service On The Village Council To The People Of The Village Of Granville, was introduced and read in full by Councilmember Moore. Second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried. Mayor Robertson added her thanks as well, both personally and professionally.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (opened by Mayor Robertson at 7:37pm) All Topics Jackie O'Keefe, 4 Samson Place. Ms. O'Keefe read a short expression of appreciation for Ms. Lucier's service to the Village.
St. Luke's – Building Addition Request [Councilmember Crais recused himself from the discussion due to his connection with St. Luke's.] Bill Hayes, 560 W. Broadway, architect and member of St. Luke's. Mr. Hayes expressed the congregation's hope that Council had reviewed their submissions and would rule at this evening's meeting. Members of Council had no questions at this time. Law Director Crites noted that a resolution would be presented for vote at the meeting of December 5th. Mr. Hayes asked if Council could at least give St. Luke's an indication of their intention, then formalize it in a month. Mayor Robertson said it didn't appear they could do so. Councilmember Lucier asked if a simple resolution could be drafted at the current meeting; Manager Hickman and Law Director Crites excused themselves to do so. [Resolution No. 01-66, the result of their efforts, appears later in these Minutes.]
Mayor Robertson closed Citizens' Comments at 7:42pm. [Councilmember Crais returned to the table.]
PUBLIC HEARINGS (7:42pm) Ordinance No. 34-01, An Ordinance Authorizing The Village Of Granville To Extend Sewer Services To The Granville Exempted Village School District's New School Site And Authorizing The Village To Sell Its Surplus Utilities, And Declaring An Emergency.
Comments: Kathy Lowery, Superintendent of Schools, 130 N. Granger Street. Ms. Lowery noted that this was an important evening for the district and the community. She thanked Mayor Robertson and Councilmembers Lucier, Moore, and McGowan for their work on this ordinance and thanked the entire Council for considering it. She stated that the School Board could fully support the provisions in 34-01. Constance Barsky, 221 East Elm Street. Ms. Barsky questioned the appearance of Ordinances 34-01 and 37-01 on the same agenda. She felt 37-01 better reflected the intent of the Village and clarified some of the issues that have arisen and recommended that Council consider 37-01 rather than 34-01.
Wes Sargent, 66 Winsted Circle. Mr. Sargent spoke in support of the School Board, noting that both bodies want what's best for the community. He reminded everyone of the basic dilemma—that the EPA wants school to tie in to the Village's utility and the Village doesn't want anyone else to do the same—and urged members of Council to stay focused.
Mayor Robertson closed the public hearing at 7:47pm.
Ordinance No. 36-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 145.14 Of The Codified Ordinances Of The Village Of Granville. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the public hearing at 7:48pm.
OLD BUSINESS (7:48pm) Ordinance No. 34-01, An Ordinance Authorizing The Village Of Granville To Extend Sewer Services To The Granville Exempted Village School District's New School Site And Authorizing The Village To Sell Its Surplus Utilities, And Declaring An Emergency, was re-introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember McGowan.
Discussion: Councilmember Moore noted that amendments made to 34-01 since it original introduction on October 17 were marked in the text. She distributed an additional list of "friendly" amendments, then moved to have the marked changes and the friendly amendments included as part of 34-01. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Discussion: Councilmember Moore reported that she, Mayor Robertson, Councilmember Lucier, Law Director Crites, and Manager Hickman had met last Friday, with the goal of taking Mayor Robertson's original draft of Ordinance 37-01, incorporating Councilmember Bellman's suggested revisions as well as comments from the school district, and producing a balanced recording of the historical record. Since that meeting, she has seen further amendments from Councilmembers Bellman and Crais, which she discussed with the school district before crafting the list of friendly amendments. She urged everyone to give a little bit and come to agreement. Vice Mayor Wernet called the question on the amendments. Mayor Robertson instructed members to take the time to read Councilmember Moore's friendly amendments, then took a voice vote on the motion- to-call. Motion-to-call carried. A voice vote on the amendments yielded three (3) affirmative votes, four (4) negative votes. Motion-to-amend not carried. Councilmember Moore stated that 34-01 was a better ordinance when amended. Councilmember McGowan felt it had been a "valiant effort" at a compromise between all the proposed iterations. Vice Mayor Wernet called the question on the 34-01. Motion-to-call carried. A voice vote on Ordinance 34-01 yielded two affirmative votes (Councilmembers McGowan and Moore) and five (5) negative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, and Lucier; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson). Ordinance No. 34-01 is not adopted.
Ordinance No. 36-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 145.14 Of The Codified Ordinances Of The Village Of Granville, was reintroduced by Councilmember Wernet. Second by Councilmember Crais.
Discussion: Mayor Robertson moved to amend Section 145.14(B) as follows: "…and to be paid for the first month as specified above in (A)(1), and thereafter, during each monthly pay period…." Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Vice Mayor Wernet called the question. Motion-to-call carried. Motion-to- amend carried.
A Roll Call vote on the ordinance as amended yielded seven (7) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson). Ordinance No. 36-01, as amended, is adopted. Mayor Robertson asked Manager Hickman to inform Ed McCaul of this action.
NEW BUSINESS (8:03pm) Ordinance No. 37-01, An Ordinance Authorizing The Village Of Granville To Extend Sewer Services To The Granville Exempted Village School District's New School Site And Authorizing The Village To Sell Its Surplus Utilities, And Declaring An Emergency, was introduced by Mayor Robertson. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Discussion: Mayor Robertson stated she felt agreement could have been reached if more time had been available and emphasized that 37-01 is not competing with 34-01 or even with the previous version of 37-01. She noted that Council has work to do that the School Board doesn't have and called their respective responsibilities an "appropriate division of labor." She also noted that conflict is normal and natural; it's what we do about it that matters. She stated that the emergency clause in 37-01 would permit passage of the ordinance at this meeting, at which point it would go into effect. Vice Mayor Wernet stated that the historical record contained in 37-01 is important to document Council's serious concerns about extension of sewer service. He felt Council needed to move beyond earlier points of disagreement and pass this ordinance since earlier concerns about others being able to tap in to a new sewer line have been allayed by the OEPA and Law Director Crites, making the risk virtually non-existent as currently written. Councilmember Bellman agreed with Vice Mayor Wernet's comments on the historical perspective. He also urged the School Board to make every effort to accomplish eventual annexation to gain Village police protection for the new school. Councilmember Bellman, responding to a request from Councilmember Lucier, highlighted some of the differences between 34-01, including the proposed amendments, and 37- 01. Councilmember Moore added her comments to the answer, emphasizing that 34-01, as proposed, had been drafted after consulting with the school district. In short, 34-01, if amended as proposed by Councilmember Moore, would have specified consultation/negotiation on a number of points (e.g., green space, whether or not a public road is appropriate, who would fund a bike path). In 37-01, the school district is responsible for those same items (e.g., specific number of acres dedicated to green space, requirement for a public road, requirement that the school district fund the bike path). Mayor Robertson expressed concern about the parallel processes that produced the two ordinances, 34-01 and 37-01. She noted that in early October she had appointed Councilmember Lucier and herself to conduct talks with the school district and OEPA. Those meetings occurred and progress was made. At the same time, however, other members of Council were having discussions with school- board members—meetings Mayor Robertson was not aware of. Different conclusions were drawn and different ordinances were drafted. The resulting confusion impedes the progress of negotiations and blurs the lines of what, exactly, is Council's position in the matter. Vice Mayor Wernet concurred, expressing the hope that as Council goes forward, such side conversations will no longer occur. Councilmember Moore assured Mayor Robertson (who had had to leave the Friday meeting early in order to teach a class) that there had been no effort to undermine her work after her departure; Councilmember Lucier concurred. Councilmember McGowan expressed his appreciation that Councilmember Moore had contacted the School Board, noting that neither Councilmember Bellman nor Councilmember Crais, who drafted 37-01, had done so. Councilmember McGowan stated his objection to language in the 13th "Whereas" that described the Village as "not happy" with the school site—a characterization not borne out by the recent elections. Mayor Robertson moved to amend the 13th "Whereas" as follows: "WHEREAS, even though the Village is not happy with the School Board's decision to construct the new school at the Van Winkle Property, the Village recognizes the substantial public funds…." Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion-to-amend carried. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to amend the 6th bullet point under Section 3 by changing "160 acres" to "60 acres." Second by Councilmember Crais. Discussion: Ms. Lowery stated that the school district had purchased the land with the intent of using it for schools and declaring how much acreage could or would be green space is premature at this point. She also noted that the tract is actually 179 acres, not 184. Melissa Obenauf emphasized that it is not up to Village Council to tell the School Board how to use their land. Council simply needs to tell them if they have extension of sewer or not. She pledged that the Board will do the best they can, but is not prepared to specify green-space acreage tonight. Councilmember Lucier asked Township Trustee Wes Sargent about Township open-space requirements. Trustee Sargent responded that they only apply to PUDs. Mayor Robertson suggested deleting the 6th bullet. Councilmember Lucier suggested substituting Councilmember Moore's proposed language on the subject. Vice Mayor Wernet agreed (as did Councilmember Crais) to replace his original amendment to the 6th bullet point in favor of Councilmember Lucier's suggestion, as follows: "The School District shall agree to maintain 160 acres of the 184 acres set aside some portion of the Van Winkle property as permanent green space – that is, as permanent agricultural land and/or as passive park land ,such number to be negotiated with the Village after the School District obtains expert guidance." Motion-to- amend carried. Councilmember Moore asked Councilmember Bellman to clarify what he meant, in Section 1, by "under terms similar to the utility contract the Village just entered with Kendal Corporation." Councilmember Crais responded they were expecting the "same level of detail and explication" as in the Kendal contract. Other members, however, had read it in other ways. Councilmember Moore moved to delete "…under terms similar to the utility contract the Village just entered with Kendal Corporation." Second by Councilmember Lucier. Discussion: Vice Mayor Wernet asked what guidance Council would be giving Manager Hickman for negotiation. Councilmember Lucier suggested adding a clause at the end of Section 2, as follows: "…with regard to the sewer services, subject to approval by Council." Councilmember Moore agreed to the change. Mayor Robertson ruled that the two points would be voted on as a single amendment. Motion-to-amend carried. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to add to Section 2, as follows: "…with regard to the sewer services, at a rate between 1.0 and 1.3 of the Granville residential rate, subject to approval by Council." Second by Councilmember Crais. A voice vote on the amendment yielded five (5) ayes and two (2) nays. Motion-to-amend carried. Superintendent Lowery responded to 37-01 by noting that in November 2000 the community had passed a $32MM bond issue—a direct reflection of the value people in the community place on education and on the job being done by the professionals in the school system. Every cent of that $32MM is budgeted. In short, there is no money available to do the things Council wants to have done through this ordinance (e.g., no money to build a public road, even if the BZA wanted one, and no money to build a bike path). While each mil of the operating levy brings in $260,000, 88% of the budget is spent on personnel. She further noted that the historical account and documentation contained in 37-01 is Council's perspective, not the School Board's. The ordinance as presented contains multiple caveats that the school system cannot afford—so much so that they cannot accept sewer service under these conditions. They will continue on with the permit request to install the package plant if an agreement that won't unduly burden the taxpayers can't be reached. She concluded by stating that everyone had been trying hard to find an acceptable compromise, only to be faced with provisions in this ordinance that have never been discussed. Councilmember Bellman proposed that the document, in toto, says that Council really wants that school to be part of the Village. Councilmember Moore moved to amend Section 3 by deleting the 4th and 5th bullets and inserting three points from her proposed amendments to 34-01, as follows: "▪ The School District shall construct an access road between Burg Street and Loudon Street and will discuss with the BZA and Granville Township when the road should be open. ▪ The School District shall discuss with the Township whether the Township would like to construct a public road between Burg Street and Loudon Street across the Van Winkle property. ▪ The School District shall work with the Village and the Township in the construction of a bike path from the existing high school to the new school and, if necessary, shall participate in the expense of constructing such bike path." Second by Councilmember McGowan. Discussion: Councilmember Bellman suggested his wording of this issue was better and that the school might pay for the access road, which the Village and Township could then upgrade to a public road. Vice Mayor Wernet and Mayor Robertson concurred. Councilmember Moore called the question on the amendment. Motion-to-call carried. A voice vote on the amendment yielded two (2) affirmative votes, four (4) negative votes, and one (1) abstention. Motion-to-amend not carried. Councilmember McGowan expressed his frustration that Council was still discussing an ordinance the school board said they couldn't support and presuming to speak for the Township Trustees, who are not present. He called the question on the ordinance. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion-to-call carried. A Roll Call vote on the emergency clause yielded six (6) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson) and one (1) negative vote (Councilmember McGowan). The emergency is declared. A Roll Call vote on Ordinance 37-01 as amended yielded five (5) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, and Lucier; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson) and two (2) negative votes (Councilmembers McGowan and Moore). Ordinance 37-01, as amended, is adopted. Mayor Robertson called a brief recess. Resolution No. 01-66, A Resolution Approving A Request From St. Luke's Episcopal Church For Permanent Improvements And Renovations To The Village-Owned Property Located at 118 South Main Street, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried. Ordinance No. 38-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25-00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For the Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for December 5, 2001.
Resolution No. 01-62, A Resolution To Establish The Time And Place Of A Public Hearing For The 2002 Municipal Budget As Proposed By The Village Manager. Resolution No. 01-63, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Advertise For Bids For The Purchase Of Water And Sewage Treatment Chemicals, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried. Resolution No. 01-63, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Advertise For Bids For The Purchase Of Water And Sewage Treatment Chemicals, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-64, A Resolution To Allow For The Donation Of Bicycle Surplus To The Licking County Housing Coalition, was introduced by Councilmember McGowan. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried. [Councilmember Moore recused herself from the following due to her ownership of stock in Park National Bank.] Resolution No. 01-65, A Resolution To Award The Proposals For Deposit Of Public Funds, was introduced by Councilmember McGowan. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried. [Councilmember Moore returned to the table.] OTHER (9:58pm) JEDD Appointment Tym Tyler was appointed to the post, to interact with the Township's JEDD representative. Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Council accepted the letter received from the Committee and placed the item on the agenda for December 5th.
EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilmember Moore moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet second. A Roll Call vote yielded seven (7) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Time in: 10:05pm.
Councilmember McGowan moved to adjourn the Executive Session. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. A Roll Call vote yielded seven (7) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Time out: 10:21pm. [Note: Councilmember Crais was excused from the meeting at 10:15pm.]
MAYOR'S COURT REPORT (10:23PM) The Mayor's Court Report for the month of September was presented for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried. Vice Mayor Wernet directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (10:25pm) Regularly Scheduled Meeting of October 17, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember Moore, p 8, under Streets/Sidewalks/Utilities Committee – "Councilmember Crais stated that area of Granville is an important gateway…." Vice Mayor Wernet moved to approve the Minutes as amended; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS (10:27pm) Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Crais, Moore; Mayor Robertson). Councilmember Moore reported that Kathryn Wimberger is working to schedule another meeting with the OSU students. Finance Committee (Councilmember Moore). No report. Newark-Granville Joint Committee (Mayor Robertson, Councilmember Bellman) Councilmember Bellman reported on discussions with Bruce Bain and others from Newark during which he expressed concerns about River Road annexation to Newark and a proposed change in zoning to single-family. He will try to attend the next Newark City Council meeting.
Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan). No report.
Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier). Councilmember Lucier had no report of the most recent meeting but noted that the Pyles have submitted a demolition-permit request. She is concerned, as she expressed at the last meeting, that this might be premature since we still don't know what might or might not happen with the Library. Mayor Robertson asked if Council could specify a contingency that the house not be demolished until the Library's plans are more fully formed. Manager Hickman noted that the Pyles and the Library had an agreement that the house would be gone from the site by August 31st but that we might be able to delay demolition until the Library plans had been approved. He will relay this to the Planning Commission. Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported the Commission is considering a Baseball Commissioner. They are also very happy that the levy passed. Street Light Committee (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported that work is done for this year—the 6th year of a 6-year project. Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee (Vice Mayor Wernet; Councilmembers Bellman, Crais). No report. Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore). The Committee will meet November 20th.
Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier). No report.
Strategic Land Acquisition Committee (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Moore). Councilmember Moore reported Councilmember Crais is working on the final report.
JEDD No report. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS November 5, 2001 – Lewis Park Committee (7:00pm) November 6, 2001 – GRC (7:30pm) November 6, 2001 – Comp Plan Review (7:00pm) November 8, 2001 – BZBA (7:00pm) November 13, 2001 – PC (7:30pm) November 20, 2001 – T&L (7:00pm) November 26, 2001 – Planning Commission (7:30pm)
Mayor Robertson announced that Dan Dudley of OEPA would be present at the December 5th meeting to discuss the 208 Plan. ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Wernet moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:35pm. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Meeting adjourned.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 17, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:32pm) Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites. Vice Mayor Wernet made a motion to excuse Councilmember Bellman; second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (opened by Mayor Robertson at 7:33pm) All Topics: Sewer Service for the Schools Kathy Lowery, Superintendent of Schools, 130 N. Granger Street. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Education and at the request of the EPA, Ms. Lowery requested Council to reconsider providing sewer service to the new building. She reiterated that the School Board does not want water service, having already begun a water-treatment facility. Ms. Lowery noted that the ordinance being proposed includes a reference to a "good-faith" effort on the part of the School Board to annex into the Village. She then reviewed the Board's "good-faith" efforts to date. She cautioned that there is no guarantee that annexation will occur since all property owners involved must agree. At this point, the School Board has its own vote as well as Denison's; the two other property owners have not yet committed their support. [Vice Mayor Wernet asked if the School Board was backing off from "commitments" made to the Township Trustees. Ms. Lowery responded that they are constantly referring to the BZBA document. Also, no decision has yet been made about the turn lanes since traffic studies differ on whether or not they are needed. Vice Mayor Wernet asked if Rose Drive or Linnell Drive were involved in annexation; they are not.]
All Topics: Granger Street Kathy Rentz, 307 N. Granger Street. Ms. Rentz expressed her appreciation of the flashing red lights operating 24/7 at the intersection of Granger and Summit. To minimize motorist confusion, she requested that Stop signs be installed as well, especially if the lights are to be turned off at night. She also requested speed bumps on Granger—a street "critical" to the youngest children in town. She expressed some reluctance about alternate parking (e.g., having the Village use her car as a deterrent to speeders) but would opt for whatever is most effective. For Halloween, she asked if Granger could be shut down (or at least patrolled) during trick-or-treat to better protect the kids.
All Topics: Water Rates Don Curtis, 1942 Columbus Road. Mr. Curtis spoke as a follow-up to an earlier question about his water rates being so much higher than the Village rate, the Alexandria rate, and the Kendal rate. [Mayor Robertson responded that this seems to be a situation that has happened over time and asked if it could be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Manager Hickman suggested it go first to the Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee, which would then bring it to Council, probably after the first of the year.]
All Topics: Broadway Boulevards Gwen Williams, West Broadway. Mrs. Williams was concerned about the status of the boulevards. Manager Hickman reassured her that the project had not progressed past the talking stage. If and when it does, citizen input will be asked for and public hearings held. He urged Mrs. Williams to spread that word.
Sensibilities/St. Luke's Episcopal Church – Council Discussion (7:55pm) [Note: Councilmember Crais recused himself from the discussion due to his connection with St. Luke's.] Councilmember Lucier noted that the proposed plans had come to Council with a recommendation for approval from the Planning Commission. As owners of the property, however, Council must first consider the implications of allowing a sub-lessor to do an expensive addition, then determine whether or not doing so would imply a long-term commitment to that sub-lessor.
Bill Hayes, an architect and a member of St. Luke's, noted that the church must go to the County to change the use group of the building and must also provide two accessible restrooms and an outside stairway to the second floor. Since trying to fit those two items in the existing footprint would use up most of the available space, they propose to demolish the existing one-story addition and replace it with a two-story one (in the same footprint). The estimated cost is $80,000-$100,000. Councilmember Lucier, after determining that the current lease arrangements only extend, at most, for eight years, asked if the church thought that kind of expenditure was worth it for such a short time span. Mr. Hayes responded they simply couldn't use the building without the modifications. Councilmember Lucier stated strongly that she doesn't want Council to give the impression that the church would have the use of the building for "a long, long time," since future councils might choose not to renew the lease. Doug Bolden, speaking for the Church, said they had made the decision to go for this project since there is no land for them to expand where they are, it's too expensive to move, and no one wants to vacate the historical building. Even if they only have use of the building for eight years, this project would help them to grow into the future.
Manager Hickman reported that the project proposal had already been approved through the codified ordinances and Planner Seth Dorman is happy with the layout and materials, and the project would be a nice improvement to the building. He also emphasized the possible eight-year time frame. Mayor Robertson asked that this be put on the November 7th agenda. Councilmember Moore asked Law Director Crites to review the lease to verify how this fits in; he will be prepared to address the issue at the November 7th meeting. [Councilmember Crais returned to the table.] Human Resource Solutions, Inc. (HRS) – Wage/Salary Study (8:05pm) Tim Reed, of HRS, noted that their report is intended to be a long-term reference/ research-data document. (He also noted that neither Gahanna nor Dublin were considered as part of the research.) HRS's organizational review determined that the Village's structure is not the most efficient, though they feel no drastic changes are needed immediately. As people retire/transfer/are promoted, there will be ample opportunity to shift some responsibilities. [Mayor Robertson, Councilmember Crais and Councilmember Moore all requested "more specificity" for Item 3 on page 7 of the report. Councilmember Crais asked for verification that the reported recommended the timely creation of an Assistant Manager position; it does.]
Consultant David Coate noted that we now have updated job descriptions and urged Council and/or staff to schedule follow-up meetings with employees. He urged that we consider base pay levels and benefits as a "total compensation" unit. Consultant Mike Heys recommended that the employee handbook be made more user-friendly and also include an "acknowledgement statement" to be signed by employees to indicate they had read the book. Mr. Coate discussed the wage survey (Granville is slightly behind the comparative communities) and noted that the report included a recommended revised wage schedule for 2001.
He urged the Village to continue to apply or withhold step increases at 12-month intervals, based on formal performance evaluations by a supervisor. The report also recommended reducing the number of steps from 10 to 7 and suggested continued credit for prior experience when setting hiring salaries. The salary schedule should be adjusted once a year, based on the cost-of-living index; this would allow someone at the top step of a salary grade to still get a small increase. [Councilmember Moore expressed some concerns about overall sample size as well as the inclusion of data when only 1 or 2 responses were received. Mr. Coate suggested perhaps expanding the sample geographically.]
Councilmember Crais asked if HRS could pinpoint the source of the apparent frustration with the step system. Mr. Coate responded that the common concern is that there are too many steps (i.e., employees are not getting to the top as quickly as they would if there were fewer steps). Councilmember McGowan noted that Dublin and Gahanna (not included in this survey) no longer use the step system, having gone to a system of percentage increases (3-5%). He expressed concern about the long-term financial effects of, say, an 8-step scale, compounded yearly, and wondered if we could afford to put ourselves in that position. Mr. Coate responded that we only have two choices: steps or merit. The step system is non-complex and not expensive to administer, unless a step is withheld or skipped. Merit is more complex and requires complete performance appraisals. In either case, however, the intent is to move an employee through a salary range that maintains competitiveness with the external world. Granville's salaries are now below market and our structure has not adapted to keep pace.
Councilmember Moore asked how one differentiates, in a step system, between levels of performance when everyone gets the same increase. Mr. Coate suggested either withholding or skipping a step. Manager Hickman agreed that skipping a step was a great tool but that, in general, non-performers are no longer on the Village payroll. Mr. Reed noted that cost-of-living increases tend to be the rule in most places. Also, most managers get a merit budget (e.g., 4.5%), under which they have the ability to give an outstanding performer 8% and an underachiever 2%.
Councilmember Lucier asked if HRS could suggest any organizational changes that would maximize efficiencies. Mr. Coate responded that, first and foremost, the Village needs to focus on catching up to the market—deciding which recommendations to implement, which not to implement, and then developing a plan that makes sense for the Village and the employees. Councilmember Lucier asked if, in the interim and short of making any changes, "non-useful" positions could be frozen, with no step increases; they could.
Mr. Reed reported that his overall impression, based on his discussions with Council, is that there is a desire to keep things (e.g., wages, benefits, and job descriptions) the way they are. He cautioned, though, that the employees now have an expectation that something will happen. Therefore, meetings need to be held and information conveyed, based on Council's decisions. Manager Hickman emphasized that proper procedures need to be followed and care needs to be taken with employee morale. When asked about a timeline for implementation of the selected recommendations, he noted that this is "budget season," so meetings need to be held quickly with the Personnel Committee, then with Council. Councilmember Lucier suggested that Manager Hickman make sure the employees know that all the recommendations, especially the proposed revisions to the 2001 salary schedule, are completely hypothetical.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (8:55pm) Ordinance No. 33-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Mayor Robertson. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the Public Hearing at 8:56pm.
OLD BUSINESS Ordinance No. 33-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. A Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 33-01 is adopted.
Ordinance No. 32-01, An Ordinance To Approve The Terms Of A Real Estate Purchase Contract Relating To The Proposed Purchase Of 5.45 Acres On Columbus Road Known As The Watson Property And To Authorize The Village Manager To Execute Said Contract, was moved off the table by Vice Mayor Wernet; second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried. Law Director Crites noted that the title information is now complete. There are no liens against the property but a new survey was requested prior to transfer. A Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 32-01 is adopted.
JEDD – Appoint Village Representative Mayor Robertson noted that this appointment needs to be a citizen, not a member of Council, and asked Manager Hickman to advertise for the position. Council will make the appointment at the November 7th meeting. When Vice Mayor Wernet rotates off Council, a new appointment will be made to replace him.
NEW BUSINESS (9:07pm) Resolution No. 01-60, A Resolution To Award The Bid For The Purchase Of A Belt Filter Press, As Per Specifications, To Burch Hydro, Inc., And To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 34-01, An Ordinance Authorizing The Village of Granville To Extend Sewer Services To The Granville Exempted Village School District's New School Site And Authorizing The Village To Sell Its Surplus Utilities, was introduced by Councilmember Moore. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for November 7, 2001.
Ordinance No. 35-01, An Ordinance Providing For The Issuance Of $810,000 Of Notes By The Village Of Granville, Ohio, In Anticipation Of The Issuance Of Bonds For The Purpose Of Paying Part Of The Cost Of Refunding The Village's Outstanding Sewer System Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds Dated As Of May 1, 1991, And Constructing Improvements To The Municipal Sanitary Sewer System, And Matters Related Thereto, And Declaring An Emergency, was introduced by Councilmember Moore. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Discussion: Councilmember Moore reviewed the old and new rates and noted that the original revenue bond amount will be retired by November 2003. Councilmember Lucier requested that the Finance Committee consider escalating payments with money we save on the new rates. A Roll-Call vote on the emergency provision yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet and Mayor Robertson. The emergency is declared. A Roll-Call vote on Ordinance No 35- 01 yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet and Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 35-01 is adopted.
Ordinance No. 36-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 145.14 Of The Codified Ordinances Of The Village Of Granville, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Crais. Discussion: Responding to Vice Mayor Wernet, Law Director Crites reported that this ordinance updates the Village's current ordinance to bring it into compliance with existing state law on this matter (ORC 5923.05). Our current ordinance does not address employees called to active duty for more than 31 days. As redrafted by Law Director Crites, the ordinance now specifies that if an employee is called to active duty for 30 days or less, he/she will receive Village salary plus military salary. If the period of active duty is 31 days or longer, the employee will receive the lesser of 1) the difference between uniform salary and Village salary, or 2) $500. (Law Director Crites noted that if the state increases the $500 amount to $650, as it might, the Village would have to do the same.) Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for November 7, 2001.
OTHER (9:24pm) Halloween: Manager Hickman reported that Beggars' Night is Tuesday, October 30th from 5:30-7:00pm. Details of officer assignments are still being worked out. Councilmember McGowan suggested closing Granger Street, along with the side streets between Granger and Pearl. There was consensus to do so. It was also suggested that as many Denison students as possible be recruited to work Granger and the major crosswalks, including the southwest part of the Village. Councilmember McGowan will make that request at the GBPA meeting tomorrow night.
National Trust: Councilmember Crais reported receiving documents from Constance Beaumont of the National Trust, who had "reviewed" Granville. He stated she was "appalled" at the school site-selection decision and will "raise this at the highest levels in the National Trust." She feels Granville is a good case study in the broader sense, and she will encourage the National Trust to take up the issue and perhaps help with a series of editorials in Ohio papers.
Alexandria Water Contract: Responding to Councilmember Lucier, Manager Hickman reported that the contract has been forwarded and we are awaiting a response. "Indications are favorable."
Grant Application for S.R. 16 & Cherry Valley Road Intersection Improvements: Mayor Robertson asked if it had been filed by the September 13th deadline; it had.
Methodist Church Property Swap: Councilmember Lucier if any discussions had occurred re a property swap. Law Director Crites reported that the church had retained Rob Drake as legal counsel. A preliminary meeting has been held and Mr. Drake's suggestions are expected. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9:31pm) Regularly Schedule Meeting, October 3, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember Moore, p.3, "Discussion" – asked that clarifying text be added, as follows: "Councilmember Moore suggested deleting Item 5 from Section 1189.05, Free-Standing Signs for the Village Square District." Vice Mayor Wernet moved to approve the minutes as amended; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
MAYOR'S COURT REPORT, SEPTEMBER (9:35pm) No report was included in the packets; item moved to the November 7th agenda. MANAGER'S REPORT, SEPTEMBER (9:36pm) The Manager's Report for the month of September was presented for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried. Vice Mayor Wernet directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:37pm) Economic Development Committee (Crais, Moore, Robertson) Councilmember Crais announced a public meeting with the OSU students in chambers on October 28th, 6:30-8:30pm. They will do a "charette"—a highly democratic process about design issues. Public input is hoped for.
Finance Liaison (Moore) Councilmember Moore, as discussed earlier, reported that notes had been rolled over at a good interest rate.
Newark/Granville Committee (Bellman, Robertson) No report.
Personnel Committee (McGowan) Report covered during the HRS discussion earlier in the meeting.
Planning Commission (Lucier) Councilmember Lucier conveyed the Planning Commission's pleasure at the approval of the sign ordinance. She also noted that the Commission enthusiastically supports the St. Luke's proposal for the Sensibilities space.
Recreation Commission (McGowan) Councilmember McGowan noted the Commission meets the first week of the month.
Street Light Committee (McGowan) Councilmember McGowan noted the need to re-form the committee to replace missing members; this will be addressed after the election. He reported that Bryn Du (and perhaps two other developments) would like to get rid of their gas streetlights and were asking who installs, maintains, and pays for new lights. Manager Hickman noted that a similar situation had arisen with Erinwood, in which the Village agreed that if the development association would put the new lights up to Village standards, the Village would take them over.
Streets/Sidewalks/Utilities Committee (Bellman, Crais, Wernet) Vice Mayor Wernet reported on discussions about the S.R. 16/Cherry Valley Road intersection, which focused on what was needed for an Issue 2 application. The Committee is trying to set Phase 1 and Phase 2 long-term priorities, as well as determine how best to use expected grant monies from the State to address short-term issues without compromising the long-term plan. (At a minimum, it is expected that the grant would fund a continuous turn lane and signal modifications.) Councilmember Crais stated that area of Granville is an important gateway to the community and the Committee wants to make it seem more like a part of the village—i.e., issues of aesthetics and function are equal priorities. Vice Mayor Wernet reported they want to involve some of the landowners in that area to ensure the planned improvements are beneficial to them as well. All emphasized that no final decisions have been made.
Tree & Landscape Committee (Moore) Councilmember Moore reported the largest attendance ever at a meeting, composed of citizens who were concerned about (and mostly opposed to) the "proposed" Broadway median. The Committee is also working on a tree ordinance (i.e., how trees are dealt with in the Village). The holiday tree will be taken down after this holiday season since it has grown too broad for its position in the median and too tall to decorate without risk. A new tree will be in place in time for next year's holiday season.
Union Cemetery Board (Lucier) No report.
Strategic Land Acquisition Committee (Bellman, Crais, Moore) Councilmember Crais is drafting the final report. It will on the November 7th agenda.
JEDD (Kendal) No report.
Senior Citizen Committee (Robertson) Mayor Robertson reported the Committee had met earlier that morning, with Dave Bibler, Judy Stansbury, Tom Mitchell, Lisa Durham, and Trudy Knox attending. They discussed drawing up a list of the functions a building would need to serve and thought a newer building might be able to "do a little more" than Sinnett House. They want to determine what services already exist, what services are needed but don't exist, and what we might able to do to augment what the Granville Fellowship is already doing. Council agreed to explore purchasing another place; Manager Hickman will put together a list of places on the market that might be suitable for a senior center. This committee will meet the second Thursday of each month at 8:30am (though not in November). Their next meeting is 12/13/01. Councilmember Moore suggested checking on senior-citizen centers in other communities. She also noted that Franklin County has a program that matches up seniors who still live in their homes but need some assistance with young people looking for a place to live.
Councilmember Lucier expressed concern about the lack of hard information re the Library's intentions in all of this (i.e., we're deep in discussions about moving Sinnett House and, perhaps, the Pyle's house, but we haven't seen any plans from the Library). She suggested that Council should take a more proactive role in looking at what their plans are so that we have the complete picture before we decide to move trees and/or houses, approve an addition to the museum, etc. Manager Hickman pointed out that none of the involved entities has funding yet—meaning none of this might happen. He will look into the details.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS October 22, 2001 – Planning Commission (7:30pm) October 23, 2001 – Comprehensive Review Plan Committee (7:00pm) November 7, 2001 – Village Council (7:30pm)
ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lucier moved to adjourn at 9:56pm. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Meeting adjourned.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 3, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:33pm) Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet and Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites. Councilmember McGowan moved to excuse Councilmember Crais, who is ill; second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
Councilmember Moore moved to amend the Agenda to delete the introduction of Ordinance 34-01 since the School District asked to postpone the matter for two weeks while they continue discussions with the EPA and the Village. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (opened by Mayor Robertson at 7:35pm) All Topics Broadway Medians and East Broadway Paving Jerry Martin, 15 Briarwood Drive. Mr. Martin asked about the status of both projects, worried that they might adversely affect Kiwanis at next summer's 4th of July activities and, perhaps, even the food purveyors during the next Blues Festival. Councilmember Bellman, after taking issue with the "misleading" article in The Sentinel, confirmed that no decision has been made on medians, either by the Streets & Sidewalks Committee or by Council (both are still at the "brainstorming" stage). Mr. Martin emphasized that he wants to be consulted as an individual business owner rather than having the GPBA speak for him. Manager Hickman noted that he already has a meeting scheduled with the GPBA to discuss how best to approach the businesses. He assured Mr. Martin that there is no intent to "devastate" the 4th of July festivities. Vice Mayor Wernet agreed, stating that "if medians won't work for Kiwanis and 4th of July, they won't be done." Manager Hickman said the paving schedule is still uncertain. Crosswalk improvements are out for bid, with a submission deadline within the next two weeks. At that time Council can elect to install a crosswalk, either in 2003, with the state paying, or earlier at our own cost. Businesses will be consulted. Paving itself would take less than a week, doing one side of the street at a time. The crosswalk would take a couple of weeks due to concrete curing.
Bike-Trail Bridge Over Raccoon Creek (connecting trail to Raccoon Creek Park) Ron Sheldon, 278 Llanberis Drive, speaking for the Rec Commission. Mr. Sheldon asked Council to consider setting aside funding in next year's budget to participate in the installation of this bridge. The projected cost for purchase-and-installation is $300,000, to be split half-and- half between State entities and local entities. Granville Village, Granville Township, and the Licking County Commissioners are each being asked to contribute $50,000 to make up the "local entity" half of the total cost. At this point, the bridge has been purchased (located by Jim Riddle), its eligibility for a historical plaque has been certified, the hydrologist survey is complete, the land conservancy review is complete, and permission from all affected landowners has been obtained.
Belt Filter Press (7:50pm) Erik Holmquist (Village staff) reviewed the operation of the Wastewater Filter Plant, where the belt filter would be used to replace the current dewatering system (to compress bio-solids and squeeze the water out). This new equipment could be installed in an existing building. Savings over the current system would come from both equipment and labor. Purchase and installation of a used unit is usually between $100,000-150,000, with an expected life of 15-20 years. Bids on the proposal range from $59,900 to $188,900. The preferred bid, which best met all the specifications, came from Burch Hydroclean of Fredericktown, was $133,310 (with a top-model press with 200 hours of use—a savings of $130,000 over a new unit). The unit comes with a one-year warranty on parts and labor (same term as with a new unit). Mr. Holmquist, responding to questions from members of Council, confirmed that none of the three employees now on staff would be cut; rather they would be able to devote hours to other maintenance tasks not being fully covered now.
Mayor Robertson closed Citizens' Comments at 8:20pm.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ( 8:20pm) Ordinance No. 32-01, An Ordinance To Approve The Terms Of A Real Estate Purchase Contract Relating To The Proposed Purchase of 5.45 Acres On Columbus Road Known As The Watson Property And To Authorize The Village Manager To Execute Said Contract, was introduced by Mayor Robertson. Jackie O'Keefe asked for a description of the location; Manager Hickman complied. Mayor Robertson closed the public hearing at 8:21pm.
OLD BUSINESS (8:21pm) Ordinance No. 32-01, An Ordinance To Approve The Terms Of A Real Estate Purchase Contract Relating To The Proposed Purchase of 5.45 Acres On Columbus Road Known As The Watson Property And To Authorize The Village Manager To Execute Said Contract, was not introduced because the title examination on the property is not yet complete. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to table the ordinance; second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of The Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio, was moved off the table by Councilmember Lucier; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried.
Discussion: Councilmember Moore reiterated her earlier concerns about varying size regulations and suggested deleting Item 5 from Section 1189.05, Free-Standing Signs, for the Village Square District. Vice Mayor Wernet so moved; second by Councilmember Moore. Motion-to-amend carried. Councilmember Moore also objected to 1189.10-D, re "holiday" lighting restrictions, since it observes only Christian holidays. She moved to strike "…but only between November 15 and January 15…." Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion-to- amend carried. Councilmember Bellman expressed concern about 1189.08, which itemizes signs allowed in the right-of- way, and 1189.10, which exempts political signs from this ordinance. He moved to add a new last sentence to Sections F, G, H, and I (to alleviate the confusion), as follows: "Signs, if placed on roadways with sidewalks, shall be placed on the opposite side of the sidewalk from the roadway. In the case of roadways with no sidewalks, the signs shall be located no closer than eight (8) feet from the edge of the road." Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion- to-amend carried.
A Roll Call vote on Ordinance No. 17-01 yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 17-01 is adopted.
NEW BUSINESS (8:47pm) Resolution No. 01-61, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Submit A Grant Application For 2001-2002 Capital Improvement Projects To District 17, Ohio Public Works Commission, For Funding, On Granville's Behalf. (SR 16/Cherry Valley Road improvements, was introduced by Councilmember Bellman. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Discussion: Councilmember Bellman, stating that no one had yet seen the designs, urged modification of the Resolution by adding a Section III to specify that, before the grant application is submitted it would be reviewed by the Streets & Sidewalks Committee. Manager Hickman urged submitting the application first (with a deadline of October 13th), followed by the discussion. The maximum grant we can get will be $190,000 and he intends for that to cover improvements from Westgate Drive to S.R. 16. Manager Hickman added that, since the Village will have to pay for anything it wants to do above and beyond the $190,000, nothing is lost by having the engineering study occur simultaneously with submission of the application. Councilmember Bellman said he had no problem with meeting before the October 13th deadline. Councilmember Moore concurred but emphasized how important it was to make sure the application was submitted in a timely manner. She asked Manager Hickman to describe the application process (i.e., what is submitted and how definitive/binding it is). Manager Hickman responded that he submits the application itself, letter of support (which are already in hand), and a general list of projected improvements. If anything on the original list is not done in the final project, that portion of the funding is "backed out." Councilmember McGowan brought up the traffic problems at Wendy's and the possibility of Wendy's assuming some of the cost to correct the situation. Councilmember Bellman agreed, suggested alternate ingress/egress locations off of Galway Drive for Wendy's and further north on Cherry Valley Road for Westgate Drive. In short, he felt we needed to have the whole plan in place to make good decisions about the intersection itself. Vice Mayor Wernet suggested that Streets & Sidewalks meet with Manager Hickman before October 13th to come up with a mix that works reasonably well, then submit the application. Councilmember Bellman agreed to that plan. Manager Hickman will modify Item 2 on the application to read "…improvement for traffic flow…" instead of "…modification of the lanes…." it. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 33-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for October 17, 2001.
OTHER (9:05pm) Alexandria Water Contract Councilmember Bellman noted that he was bringing this contract come before Council on behalf of the Streets, Sidewalks, & Utilities Committee so Council could have input on the rate structure before the contract was submitted to Alexandria. Alexandria has been paying 1.3 times the production cost. Owens-Corning has been paying last year's production cost with no add-on; other non- Village residents pay a flat 2.0 multiplier. The current proposal for Alexandria is a "very modest" increase—1.33, with a penalty-rate of 1.5 times their rate to discourage them from exceeding their 40,000 gpd rate. (They now use about 35,000 gpd.) Councilmember McGowan urged that Council think of the long view (i.e., how much water do we want to give them in five years? ten years? twenty years?) and "get serious" about a penalty rate if 40,000 gpd is all we want to give. Vice Mayor Wernet agreed, pointing out that our policy is not to prevent Alexandria from growing, just to prevent it at our expense. There was general consensus that the Alexandria rate should be higher than Kendal's 1.3, since Kendal is a special benefit to the community. Council agreed to a cap of 1.5, to be phased in over time. The rate for 2001 and 2002 would stay at 1.33; it will change to 1.5 in 2003 for the remainder of the five-year contract now being submitted. Starting now, however, the penalty rate for usage over 40,000 gpd will be three times the contract rate. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (pm) Regularly Scheduled Meeting of September 19, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember Moore – p.5, under Resolution No. 01-58, add: "She also asked Manager Hickman to express Council's dissatisfaction to the County Auditor with respect to the sexist wording of the resolution's form." 2) Councilmember Moore – p.6, end of the paragraph re Resolution 01-59, add: Motion, as amended, carried. [Council indicated that if Victoria's Parlor wanted a similar time-frame, they would agree.] 3) Councilmember Moore – p.6, Development Committee: "Councilmember Crais reported the Committee had met would meet the next day with Professor Dale Bertsch…." 4) Councilmember Moore – p.7, 8th line of initial paragraph: Delete "Manager Hickman disagreed." 5) Law Director Crites – p.5., "Discussion" under OLD BUSINESS, last sentence: "…of the $14,476.98 paid- to-date for Law Director Prosecutor services…." 6) Law Director Crites – p.6, last sentence of Ordinance No. 32- 01: "…Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for September 5, October 3, 2001." Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the minutes as corrected; second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:37pm) Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Crais, Moore; Mayor Robertson). Councilmember Moore reported the committee had met with Professor Bertsch's students (though not with the professor himself). They were joined by members of the GBPA (Mike Frazier, Eloise DeZwarte, Ruth Owen, and Melissa Hartfield). The exchange was helpful and the students provided a course outline that will help us follow their progress. The committee will next receive the students' proposal of the scope of the study.
Finance Committee (Councilmember Moore). No report.
Newark-Granville Joint Committee (Mayor Robertson, Councilmember Bellman) No report.
Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan noted the committee will meet October 11th.
Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier). Councilmember Lucier reported on an initial plans/initial comments work session with Speedway (the successor to SuperAmerica) in which they showed what they want to do at the intersection of Route 16 and Cherry Valley Road. The Commission is expecting the Episcopal Church's application for renovations to the Sensibilities building. Manager Hickman noted that he had had Seth Dorman write the church to clarify that they needed to go through the lessor, who then goes to the Village.
Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported the commission had discussed the bridge mentioned earlier by Ron Sheldon. He reiterated that the upcoming levy is a replacement one, to keep programs going. The fall sports are under way; winter ones will begin shortly.
Street Light Committee (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan noted that lights in the core of the Village will be completed before branching out. Manager Hickman reported that three more would be put up as soon as their arms were painted. Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee (Vice Mayor Wernet; Councilmembers Bellman, Crais). Councilmember Bellman noted that the Alexandria water contract had already been dealt with by Council. The committee is also discussing East Broadway improvements, along with sprinkler systems for old buildings. Re the Clear Run culvert replacement, it will involve a two-month closing since doing it one lane at a time would be prohibitively expensive. Manager Hickman noted he is trying to hold up on Clear Run until ODOT is done on South Main Street and some of the other projects are wrapped up. Councilmember Bellman reported he has received some signage ideas for the South Main bike crossing but they are far from ideal. He asked Manager Hickman to look into this and the committee will discuss it again at the next meeting. They are still undecided on the Broadway medians. As for the golf-course sidewalks, they have asked for some design work by November 15th. Manager Hickman said he wasn't sure if it could be done by then but that he would certainly have some ideas ready. Councilmember McGowan asked when the Main Street bridge would be completed. Manager Hickman said they have run over their 75-day window and are only about half done. However, ODOT has to enforce this, not the Village. Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore). No report.
Strategic Land Acquisition Committee (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Moore). No report.
JEDD Mayor Robertson reported that the joint meeting has been delayed. Council agreed on November 17th (one of the two dates proposed by the Trustees), and asked Manager Hickman to relay that to Norm Kennedy.
School Sewer System Update No report. Other Councilmember Moore reported that the Granville Land Conservancy would hold a meeting on October 4th at 7:30pm at Pilgrim Lutheran. The guest speaker will be Chris Engle, District V ODOT representative, who will cover projects in Licking County and the funding therefore. His talk will be followed by a Q&A.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS October 5, 2001 – Economic Development Committee Meeting October 9, 2001 – Tree & Landscape Committee Meeting October 9, 2001 – Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Meeting October 9, 2001 – Planning Commission Meeting October 11, 2001 – Personnel Committee Meeting October 11, 2001 – BZBA Meeting October 17, 2001 – Council Meeting ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Wernet moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:53pm. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Meeting adjourned.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES September 19, 2001
MOMENT OF SILENCE
ROLL CALL (7:33pm) Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to excuse Councilmembers Bellman and McGowan; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried. [Councilmember Bellman arrived at 7:36pm.] CITIZENS' COMMENTS (opened by Mayor Robertson at 7:35pm) All Topics (none)
Seniors in Granville (7:35pm) Kristen Thomas presented the results of her work as an intern for the Village, detailing services currently available and raising issues to be considered. Sinnett House, which has a paid director, offers luncheons, trips, parties, discussion groups, interest classes, etc. The Methodist Church has served as a Meals-on-Wheels center for 31 years; it currently provides a hot meal/bag lunch to approximately 20 seniors.
The Licking County Aging Program serves 116 seniors in Granville Township and 111 in the Village. They also do Meals-on-Wheels and provide activities for those who are mobile. The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAA) serves as an advocate for seniors, identifying their needs, creating plans, administering funds, and offering classes and sessions. Catholic Social Services provides a volunteer escort service which is free to all seniors; arrangements must be made ahead of time. Land of Legend Transit runs a bus on Wednesdays between Newark and various points in the County; cost is $1.50 one-way, with no advance arrangements required. Ms. Thomas emphasized that transportation, especially for doctors' visits and prescription pick-ups, is a huge issue.
Funding for meals, home-health, transportation, etc. is available through the Older Americans Act (OAA), legislation designed to ensure that seniors will have access to needed services. (Granville is eligible for these funds but must apply.) Funding also comes from the Licking County Senior Levy.
Ms. Thomas also described Green Thumb (an OAA program), through which seniors (55 and older) may work up to 23 hours a week, with a cap on pay, at jobs for which their skills are a match (maintenance work, visiting other seniors, driving, etc.).
Re housing, Ms. Thomas noted that seniors who cannot afford Kendal, who can no longer care for themselves, or who have no family to assist them must usually leave Granville. A residential state subsidy program might help us make affordable housing and/or assisted-living options available. COAA is a good source of information for these options, as is HUD. In addition, homebound seniors can become isolated from family, friends, and the outside world in general. They are less mobile and might have a loss of sight or hearing that adds to their isolation. They have constant money worries due to living on a fixed income while taxes, medical expenses, and the general cost of living continue to increase.
Volunteers from the Granville area—community members, Denison students, church members, school projects, and seniors themselves—could be a huge help with issues such as home maintenance/chores, transportation, and home visits. The Village (perhaps using a paid person who understands seniors' issues) could maintain a list and a central phone number.
Ms. Thomas reported that seniors themselves, via a survey, identified four major concerns: transportation, maintenance work at their homes, the high taxes and high cost-of- living, and their reluctance to have to ask for help. She then profiled four seniors facing these issues—Ted Preston, Rose Muir, Buck Sargent, and Dora Sargent—adding that, with more interest and awareness, we can help make seniors in Granville increasingly satisfied with their life here.
Dave Bibler, director of LCAA, reported that his agency serves approximately 5,000 people, aged 60 and over, in Licking County—almost a quarter of the population of the county. LCAA is not as active in Granville as elsewhere in the county because Granville has some programs already in place. LCAA supplements what Sinnett House does and does some home care and transportation. Mr. Bibler seconded Ms. Thomas's assertion that seniors are reluctant to ask for help—so reluctant that many seniors in the county, including some in the Granville community, are living in poverty. LCAA is the chief provider of senior services in the county; the major portion of their funding comes from the County Senior Services Levy, augmented by OAA funds. Their services are provided at no charge (except for a sliding scale for lawn-mowing), though they do accept donations. LCAA will start providing meals at Sinnett House on a trial basis, then evaluate the service; seven "customers" a day, on average, are required for the service to continue. The meals are produced at the senior center in Newark and the delivery van will also pick up seniors and transport them to meal-service locations at the same time they deliver meals. As for home-maintenance work, LCAA has a crew of three men who mow, rake, shovel, and do heavy cleaning for seniors in Licking County, on a first- come, first-served basis, based on need; LEADS takes care of building wheelchair ramps. Mr. Bibler noted that the Mayor and members of Council will be invited to the LCAA four-year planning meeting on October 11th.
Becky Shafer, director of Sinnett House, spoke about program offerings: formal groups throughout the week, blood- pressure checks, a couple of day-trips each month, and motor-coach trips once a year. She noted that Sinnett House receives $8,000 a year from the Senior Citizen Levy, as well as monies from the Rec Commission, the Granville Foundation, and the Village. The Library's "contribution" is charging reasonable rent. Sinnett House does not exclude anyone in Licking County. They mail 245 newsletters each month and usually have 65-70 people at the monthly fellowship luncheon. She concluded by saying the seniors are "heartsick" about having to vacate Sinnett House. They have been feeling they're not important to the community and they need a voice, an opportunity to express their feelings.
Lisa Durham, director of outreach for COAA, said that Granville is part of an eight-county service area. COAA is a passthrough agency for funds received from OAA, then passed along to other agencies. COAA also coordinates Passport and Medicaid waiver programs (nursing-home diversion programs), allowing seniors—especially frail and high-risk seniors—to stay at home with a higher quality of life than might be available in a nursing home. There are 250-300 adults in Licking County on Passport now. COAA makes every effort to be proactive, offering free in-home assessments and an extensive community outreach program. They also have a community-education program, targeted to well elderly. In all, they reached over 10,000 people last year with these programs. They have also partnered with LCAA programs to support the caregivers in an effort to keep them from burning out.
Councilmember Crais asked what our local government could do that it's not doing now. Trudy Knox, 168 Wildwood Drive, said we need a senior center, right in the middle of Granville, that is owned by the seniors so they don't have to pay rent or worry about being evicted. She said a community like Granville could certainly combine donations, funding from the Village and the Township, and tax relief efforts to raise the money to do that. She also stated that moderate-cost housing is a big issue, with the average home now costing about $250,000. Transportation to the drug store and grocery store is a problem, too. Medication prices are high in Granville but it's hard for seniors to get to Meijer, where the best prices are.
Dave Dix, chair of the Alexandria aging group, suggested there might be some interest in having the two communities share a facility that would address a wider area. He urged Council to expand their horizons and consider create some synergy with the "larger community."
Betty Allen, 1683 Columbus Road, urged Council to step back and "talk, talk, talk" before making any decisions. Councilmember Bellman suggested that, in the short term, Council consider a person as recommended by Ms. Thomas. He agrees that we need to find a convenient time and place for an open forum with seniors. Councilmember Crais wondered if we couldn't generate a list of senior properties/sidewalks that would be a high priority for snow removal, with the Village staff assisting as they are able. Mr. Bibler noted that shoveling might be a perfect project for aspiring Eagle Scouts. Mayor Robertson suggested we coordinate that list of needs with a list of volunteers. Councilmember Moore suggested we approach Green Thumb for a part-time person. Mayor Robertson formed a committee to look into these ideas and bring some concrete ideas to Council's next meeting. Councilmembers Crais and Moore will work with her.
Mayor Robertson thanked Ms. Thomas for her efforts. She responded by saying that, since she lives in Granville, she would be happy to help out with meetings and/or consultations. She will come to the first meeting of the committee just formed and will provide a printed version of her earlier presentation.
Lewis Park Committee (8:39pm) Maxine Montgomery, 345 Shannon Lane; also present were committee members Mike Robertson and Laura Evans. Mrs. Montgomery reported that the committee had decided to use the 2001 balance in the park fund to establish a water well on the site and pursue underground electrical service. The concrete floor for the red barn is still on their list as well.
Mrs. Evans talked about their vision of how the park should be used—as a "low-key, down-to-earth sort of place"—given their current facilities (picnic areas, shelter-house, handicapped-accessible porta-john). There is still no facility for group gatherings and the committee wants to add the utilities to light the outside of the building at night, add inside lighting to the building, and perhaps add skylights or high windows that would allow light to enter the space without providing access. They see the revamped barn being useful for school groups, scouts, Rec Commission programs, musical events, 4H meetings, nature-study classes, etc. They intend to use plantings that will grow on their own, without a lot of tending. Mr. Robertson said they have no intention to expand the 10-space parking lot, preferring that schools buses drop their groups, then leave the park until it's time to pick them up.
Councilmember Bellman suggested the committee consider installing a permanent restroom at some point. He also thought that it would be good to have an architect look review their ideas and the site to help frame and give continuity to the long-term plans.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (8:48pm) Ordinance No. 31-01, An Ordinance to Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For the Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses. No one appeared to speak for or against Ordinance No. 31- 01. Mayor Robertson closed the public hearing at 8:48pm.
OLD BUSINESS (8:48pm) Ordinance No. 31-01, An Ordinance to Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For the Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Discussion: Manager Hickman reported the construction crews had found an unmarked medium-pressure gas main on College Street, just east of the Granger Street intersection. Councilmember Crais moved to amend Section F-2-250 to reflect the actual cost of the new chipper ($25,072); second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion-to-amend carried. Councilmember Moore asked Manager Hickman to check on how much of the $14,476.98 paid to-date for Prosecutor services had been paid to the previous Law Director.
A Roll-Call Vote on Ordinance No. 31-01, as amended, yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 31-01 is adopted.
NEW BUSINESS ( 8:53pm) Resolution No. 01-56, A Resolution To Award The Bid For The Purchase Of A Brush Chipper, As Per Specifications, To Buckeye Power Sales Co., Inc. And To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet; second by Councilmember Bellman. Motion carried. Resolution No. 01-58, A Resolution Accepting The Amounts And Rates As Determined By The Budget Commission And Authorizing The Necessary Tax Levies And Certifying Them To The County Auditor, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet; second by Councilmember Crais. Councilmember Moore moved to amend the document by removing all the "Misters" and replacing them with the appropriate titles for each office. She also asked Manager Hickman to express Council's dissatisfaction to the County Auditor with respect to the sexist wording of the resolution's form. He will do so. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion-to-amend carried. Motion, as amended, carried.
Resolution No. 01-59, A Resolution To Authorize The Non- Permanent Installation Of A Sidewalk Café On The Public Sidewalk At 132 East Broadway In Front Of The Business Known As "Village Coffee Company", Subject To Restrictions, was introduced by Councilmember Bellman. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Discussion: Manager Hickman clarified that this is the same basic agreement as with Victoria's Parlor. John Raymond, owner of the Village Coffee Company, clarified that there will be no wait-service for the outdoor tables. He asked for an adjustment to the stated time frame so he could set out movable tables and chairs (i.e., not concrete) as weather permits, regardless of what the calendar says. Council asked that the exterior area be no- smoking; Raymond agreed. He hopes to open October 1st. Councilmember Bellman moved to amend Section II as follows: "…property described herein until October 31, 2001 , within the discretion of the Village Staff and the owner as to date and time, but no later than the renewal of this resolution on or before March 2, 2002. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion to amend carried. Motion, as amended, carried. [Council indicated that if Victoria's Parlor wanted a similar time-frame, they would agree.] Ordinance No. 32-01, An Ordinance To Approve The Terms Of A Real Estate Purchase Contract Relating To The Proposed Purchase of 5.45 Acres On Columbus Road Known As The Watson Property And To Authorize The Village Manager To Execute Said Contract, was introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember Crais. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for October 3, 2001. OTHER (9:10pm) Ordinance No. 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of the Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio, remains on the table. Manager Hickman will provide copies for next meeting.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9:11pm) Regularly Scheduled Meeting of September 5, 2001. The following additions and/or corrections were requested: 1) Mayor Robertson, p 5, "OTHER" – delete "Vice Mayor Wernet" from the list of those who attended the meeting. 2) Councilmember Moore, p 4, "Planning Commission" – change "… majority of members preferred the green-on-white white-on- green version." Councilmember Moore moved to accept the minutes as corrected; second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried. MAYOR'S REPORT (9:14pm) The Mayor's Court Report for the month of August was presented for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried. Mayor Robertson directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes. MANAGER'S REPORT (9:14pm) The Manager's Report for the month of August was presented for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Crais. Councilmember Lucier reminded Manager Hickman that she had asked the police department to document the number of school-related calls. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to table the report until the next meeting; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion-to-table carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:16pm) Development Committee (Councilmember Crais). Councilmember Crais reported the Committee would meet the next day with Professor Dale Bertsch and some OSU graduate students—the first foray into a student project looking into ways of preserving and enhancing the economic vibrancy of Granville. At a separate public meeting yesterday, the committee discussed the issue (raised by Jerry Martin of Brew's) of the "grossly inaccurate" census and its effect (s) on liquor permits. Martin wanted to know timetable for pursuit of changes in the census. Councilmember Moore reported that the students are counted for the census but not for Granville to become a city. Law Director Crites concurred, citing 703.01-B-1: "No municipal corporation shall have its classification as a village changed to a city by virtue of counting students if their residential addresses when not in attendance at the institution are at another place." Mayor Robertson stated that it is Council's decision whether or not to challenge the number (i.e., there might be "other reasons" besides being a city that would make it to our advantage to have an official count over 5,000). Councilmember Crais noted that while we will lose one liquor permit (allocated at one permit for every 2,000 people), the one being lost is not being used at this time. He also asked Manager Hickman to communicate with Mr. Martin about the census issue. Mr. Martin has also suggested the Village look into the creation of a Community Entertainment District, a classification that would allow a permit for every five acres in the district. The CED may be smaller than five acres but not larger than 20 acres. Mr. Martin will provide the materials about this to Council. Councilmember Moore noted that the Arena District in downtown Columbus is an example of a CED.
The Committee also heard Kathryn Wimberger's initial findings about Village economic issues: 1) The width of Broadway is not conducive to a "comfortable pedestrian atmosphere." She thought we should talk about aesthetic issues as they relate to the economic impact of a boulevard, as well as consider broadening the sidewalk on either side of the street and eliminating the center lane to bring the pedestrian areas closer together. 2) The "streetscape elements" (trash receptacles, signage, parking, etc.) are "dated and decayed;" we should think about a "special improvement district." 3) We need to consider how our business strip relates to other areas. Mayor Robertson reported she had read that the optimal length for a business district (i.e., how far people will walk to get to a store) is 1,500 feet. Councilmember Moore said the directional signs should match all other signs in color and style. Manager Hickman reported he had ordered benches as well as dark green trash receptacles and cigarette urns just last week (after conferring with Keith Myers and Jack Burris). A "test" street sign, with a top design similar to the "Welcome to Granville" sign, has been ordered for the intersection of Broadway and Prospect.
Finance Committee (Councilmember Moore). Councilmember Moore pointed out that year-to-date income tax revenues (through August) are 2.59% above last year— lower than the 3% increase that has been budgeted. She emphasized this is no reason to panic but suggested we keep a cautious eye on spending. Newark-Granville Joint Committee (Mayor Robertson) No report.
Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan). No report. Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier). Manager Hickman noted that the Episcopal church wants to make modifications to 118 South Main Street. Councilmember Lucier said she had advised them to not assume that going before the Planning Commission was the same as getting permission from their lessor—who, in turn, would have to get permission from the owner of the property. Manager Hickman will talk with Seth Dorman. Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan). No report.
Street Light Committee (Councilmember McGowan). No report. Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee (Vice Mayor Wernet). No report.
Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore). No report.
Strategic Land Acquisition Committee (Bellman, Crais, Moore) Councilmember Crais said the committee has issued an interim report that still needs to be discussed. They intend to produce a more complete report that includes discussion of criteria as Council sees them, of specific properties and how they fit the criteria, and of strategies the committee thinks Council should be pursuing. They are also concerned about too much talk and too little action (i.e., they want Council to "take the ball and run with it," and would like additional instruction from Council about what they want to the committee to do).
JEDD No meeting has been scheduled yet. Manager Hickman will call Norm Kennedy. The group needs to meet before October joint meeting.
School Sewer System Update Manager Hickman reported that Mayor Robertson and Councilmember Lucier had met with Ohio EPA representatives on Tuesday. He distributed a map of the corporation limits with certain properties (prospective annexation sites) marked in yellow. He noted that the EPA was here to discuss the school's sanitary sewer issues even though they have no authority to force the Village to extend service. The EPA said they were strongly in favor of connecting to the public system and would give no assurance that they would approve any other systems for the schools. Vice Mayor Wernet asked if the school had given Council either a proposal or an offer to meet. Manager Hickman said it was left that the school would get back to the Village to discuss options. Mayor Robertson reported that the EPA had met with the school yesterday, at which time the EPA was to convey the message that Council wanted a 3-way discussion. We are now waiting to hear from the school and can't do anything until we do. Councilmember Crais reported that the School Board had voted to submit another request to the Village but don't yet know how that will happen. Mayor Robertson said the EPA had been "quite sympathetic" to what the Village has gone through, including our reservations about extending service on the one hand and the environmental impact of the school not tying into a public system on the other. They also understood the different kinds of environmental risks (e.g., the pollution potential of school waste v. the pollution potential of over- development). She felt that Council should go ahead and initiate the contact if we don't hear from the school (i.e., we can't solve their problem but we could offer to have the meetings). She asked Manager Hickman to coordinate with the School Board and the EPA to schedule a meeting.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS September 20, 2001 – BZBA September 24, 2001 – Planning Commission October 3, 2001 – Village Council
ADJOURNMENT Vice Mayor Wernet moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:58pm; second by Council-member Crais. Meeting adjourned.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES September 5, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:34pm) Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman. Attorney Jim Gorry was present in lieu of Law Director Crites. Councilmember Lucier moved to excuse Vice Mayor Wernet; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (opened by Mayor Robertson at 7:35pm) All Topics None
PUBLIC HEARINGS (7:36pm) Ordinance No. 30-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the public hearing at 7:37pm.
OLD BUSINESS (7:37pm) Ordinance No. 30-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Moore. Discussion: Manager Hickman clarified that the present vote is to make the funds available for the purchase so things may proceed, pending the survey (if it is determined that one is needed). He noted that the primary reason for the property's "strategic value" is its location near the water treatment plant. A Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 30-01is adopted.
NEW BUSINESS (7:42pm) No. 31-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for September 19, 2001. [Manager Hickman responded to questions about the need for a new chipper and the emergency water-line replacement on East College Street.]
Resolution No. 01-57, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Seek Bids For Crosswalk Improvements At East Broadway, Main Street, and North Pearl Street, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Discussion: Manager Hickman showed a number of slides to illustrate the proposed crosswalk/boulevard options. He suggested that Council approve this resolution and thereby proceed to bid (without actually awarding the bid) so they can make their design decision with costs in mind. At 8:15pm, Council took a "field trip" outside to look at the existing crosswalk area; the meeting resumed in chambers at 8:32pm. Manager Hickman noted that design work is already done for the crosswalk and boulevards and said he will continue to solicit public comment on the design components of the project (e.g., curbing) as well as specs for milling-and-paving. Motion carried.
OTHER (8:35pm) Ordinance No. 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of The Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio, was not introduced due to the absence of Law Director Crites. It will appear on the agenda for the next regular meeting.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (8:31pm) Special Meeting of July 25, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Vice Mayor Wernet, p. 1, Roll Call - he was not present at the meeting and asked that his name be deleted in both places where it appears. 2) Councilmember Moore, p.2, Citizens' Comments – asked that an exchange between her and Mayor Robertson be included after the first set of comments by Stanley Wrzyzczynski, as follows: "Councilmember Moore asked Mayor Robertson if the ad hoc community center committee would be doing a facility inventory or a community survey. Mayor Robertson said the committee had discussed it and decided not to do so. Lesa Miller, representing the Rec Commission, confirmed the point." Councilmember McGowan moved to approve the Minutes as amended; second by Councilmember Moore. Motion Carried.
Regularly Scheduled Meeting of August 1, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember McGowan, p. 2, "Kendal," 1st paragraph – add a sentence at the end, as follows: "Councilmember McGowan asked Mr. Drake if Kendal could provide their own water cheaper than getting it from the Village. Mr. Drake said they could but the Kendal Board preferred to get Village water." 2) Councilmember Moore, p. 3, 1st paragraph – change "August 29th" to "August 22nd." 3) Councilmember Moore, p. 4, "NEW BUSINESS/Kendal" – change "$10,000" to "approximately $150,000." 4) Councilmember Moore, p. 5, approximately 1/3 of the way down the page – add an "l" to "Kendal''s." 5) Councilmember Moore, p. 9,"Strategic Land Acquisition" – add "Crais" to the list of committee members; change "Councilmember Moore reported…" to "Councilmember Crais reported…" 6) Mayor Robertson, p. 4, "Kitty Consolo" remarks – change "…support for extension" to "…support for Kendal and the Village selling water to Kendal." Councilmember McGowan moved to approve the Minutes as amended; second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
Joint Meeting of August 8, 2001. Councilmember Bellman moved to accept the Minutes as submitted; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried.
Special Meeting of August 8, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember McGowan, p. 4, 1st paragraph – change "Councilmember McGowan" to "Councilmember Crais." 2) Councilmember McGowan, p. 1 "NEW BUSINESS, Discussion" – add a new 1st sentence: "Councilmember McGowan reiterated his support for selling water to Kendal but emphasized that, if we agree to sell water to a private enterprise, we should revisit selling water to the school." 3) Councilmember Bellman submitted an "Addendum to Minutes" and asked that it be included. Attorney Gorry stated that Council could decide, by a majority vote, whether or not to include it. Councilmembers Moore, Crais, and Lucier, along with Mayor Robertson, objected to calling the statement an "addendum." Councilmember Lucier suggested "Memo to the Clerk," which was moved by Councilmember Bellman and seconded by Councilmember Crais. Motion to include the "Memo to the Clerk" carried. ["Note: See Memo to the Clerk." will be inserted immediately following "Motion-as-amended carried" at the bottom of page 3.] Councilmember Bellman moved to approved the Minutes as amended; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
Regularly Scheduled Meeting of August 15, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember Moore, p. 9, "Review and Approval of Minutes" – change the paragraph re the Special Meeting of July 25, 2001 to reflect the final disposition of these minutes, above. Councilmember Crais moved to approved the Minutes as amended; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
Regularly Scheduled Meeting of August 22, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember Crais, p. 4, last paragraph – change "…might save us later on" to "…might save us from conflict later on." 2) Mayor Robertson, headers – change from "August 8, 2001" to "August 22, 2001." Councilmember Crais moved to accept the Minutes as amended; second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (8:59pm) Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Crais, Moore; Mayor Robertson). Councilmember Crais noted the Committee will meet in two weeks.
Finance Committee (Councilmember Moore). Councilmember Moore reported they would see something shortly on rolling over the sewer note.
Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan). Since Councilmember McGowan was unable to attend the meeting earlier today, Mayor Robertson reported that the committee had met with Human Resource Solutions and received their "preliminary final report." Results from the only outstanding survey are due back by the end of September, after which the full report will be brought to Council. Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier). Since Councilmember Lucier was unable to attend the last meeting, Manager Hickman reported the commission would see the new "Welcome to Granville" sign at next week's meeting. Councilmember Lucier displayed the proposed sign—with a choice between green-on-white and white-on-green—so Council could express an opinion. She reported that the commission had had a "very lengthy" discussion on color. Councilmember McGowan (and others) thought it looked very big. The majority of members preferred the white-on-green version. Mayor Robertson asked if the mock-up of the sign could be put at the South Main Street offices to try it out for color and size. Manager Hickman said he thought it could, perhaps even this coming weekend.
Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported that the fall programs would be out soon; the soccer sign-up yesterday had been a big success; and the Commission would have a .5 mil replacement levy for existing programs on the next ballot.
Street Light Committee (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported that approximately six more lights were to be installed this year. The full replacement program should be completed next year, after which the maintenance program (i.e., replacement of light bulbs) would begin. He also reported that Certified had mentioned they would be willing to reduce their lighting if a street light were positioned there.
Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee (Vice Mayor Wernet; Councilmembers Bellman, Crais). The committee will meet as soon as schedules can be worked out. Councilmember Crais said he regretted that Granger Street hadn't been done earlier to avoid the school-year start up. Mayor Robertson reported that one of the construction workers had been very rude to her earlier in the evening and asked Manager Hickman to speak with the contractors so other residents would not have that same experience. She also noted that Council still has to respond to the request from Art Morrow and the IGA wherein the IGA offered to have village take over their parking lot entrance. Councilmember Mcgowan noted that the IGA's goal might well be to have an eventual stoplight at that intersection to deal with proposed congestion.
Strategic Land Acquisition Committee (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Moore). Councilmember Crais said the committee plans to meet next Monday.
JEDD Mayor Robertson reminded everyone of the agreement reached at the August 8th joint meeting with the Township Trustees to talk at the October joint meeting about establishing a JEDD re Kendal. Council still needs the names of the Trustees' proposed representatives for the preliminary discussion; Manager Hickman will talk to Norm Kennedy tomorrow. Council also needs to its own members. Councilmembers Bellman and Crais volunteered and were declared appointed by Mayor Robertson. Councilmember Lucier suggested Council formally express its gratitude to Jim Jump for his extensive technical help on this issue as well the sharing his personal views. Mayor Robertson will work with Manager Hickman on language for a formal proclamation. OTHER (9:18pm) Mayor Robertson reported that she and Manager Hickman had attended a meeting last week, called by Marcia Phelps, with small-community officials in Licking County. The subject was water service for the western portion of the county— already discussed at a previous meeting during which Commissioner Phelps presented the idea of Newark extending water to that area. At this meeting, she distributed a map detailing an agreement between Columbus and New Albany as to which community/ township areas each could attempt to annex. Columbus can come all the way to the east border of Jersey Township, leaving only St. Albans Township between us. The County Commissioners are interested in options to protect Licking County, wanting to keep services internal to the County while still acknowledging property owners' right to annex to Columbus. She also noted that all unincorporated areas were set in a sewer-and-water district in 1976. The Commissioners have commissioned a study in which individual discussions with various entities in the county, particularly the western ones, are being asked what their capabilities and capacities are and what their level of interest is in participating. This will allow the Commissioners to figure out costs and availability in their efforts to forestall any desires to annex into Columbus. They are also deeply concerned about the integrity of the watershed. The study should be done by October 8th and the next meeting of this group would be called shortly after that. Mayor Robertson said we all need to be thinking about the implications of this, especially with the plans for S.R. 161 at hand. Her hope is that the Village and the Township will present a unified front and that the Township Trustees will come on board and attend the next meeting.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS September 10, 2001 – Lewis Park Committee (7:00pm) September 10, 2001 – Planning Commission (7:30pm) September 11, 2001 – Tree & Landscape Committee (7:00pm) September 12, 2001 – Comprehensive Plan Review Committee (7:00pm) September 19, 2001 – Council Meeting (7:30pm) September 20, 2001 – BZBA (7:00pm) September 24, 2001 – Planning Commission (7:30pm)
ADJOURNMENT McGowan moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:24pm. Second by Councilmember Crais. Meeting adjourned.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING August 22, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:35pm) Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to excuse Councilmember Lucier; second by Councilmember Moore. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to excuse Councilmember Bellman; second by Councilmember Crais. Motions carried.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS Kendal Water Service Donald Curtis, 1942 Columbus Road. Mr. Curtis stated that he has water service from a tap off the Owens water line and asked if he would get a reduced rate once Kendal has tapped in. (He now pays a 2.0 multiplier.) He also asked if he would be assessed if a sewer line were run past his property, especially since he has a septic system and would neither require not want sewer service. Mayor Robertson responded that no decision has yet been made on either issue, since this is the first request. Vice Mayor Wernet noted that part of the rationale for Kendal's lower rate (a 1.3 multiplier) is based on their volume commitment. Councilmember Crais added that Kendal is also paying a 1% income tax. Mr. Curtis was satisfied with those answers. On the sewer issue, Mayor Robertson stated that the JEDD/CEDA idea being discussed would only be applicable between Kendal and the Village, not any individual residents. She added that offering sewer service to anyone else has not been discussed but would be unlikely. Vice Mayor Wernet added that, in any case, he was fairly certain that charges would not be assessed if someone did not want to tap in. Mayor Robert closed Citizens' Comments at 7:44pm.
PUBLIC HEARING (7:47pm) Ordinance No. 29-01, An Ordinance Authorizing The Village Of Granville To Provide Surplus Water Service to Kendal At Granville Located At the Middleton Site On Columbus Rd.. Attorney Drake spoke on behalf of Kendal in order to respond to a draft non-assignability clause put forward by Councilmember Moore. Mr. Drake proposed the following changes: 1) delete the second "l" from Kendal; 2) add – "… accrue to [Kendal] hereunder, may be voluntarily transferred or assigned…;" 3) add – "…without the prior written consent of the Village, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld." [Members of Council accepted Mr. Drake's corrections/additions as friendly amendments, to be incorporated under Old Business.]
OLD BUSINESS (8:48pm) Ordinance No. 29-01, An Ordinance Authorizing The Village of Granville To Provide Surplus Water Service To Kendal At Granville Located At The Middleton Site On Columbus Rd., was reintroduced by Vice Mayor Wernet, as amended. Second by Councilmember Moore.
Discussion: Councilmember Crais proposed several changes to the contract and the ordinance. Ordinance: 1) Paragraph 8, add – "…being developed consistent with the current Township requirements…;" 2) insert a new Paragraph 9 – "Whereas Kendal is a not-for- profit (501-C-3) corporation." 3) Re-number the current Paragraph 10 to be "Paragraph 11." 4) Paragraph 11 – add "… it is hereby determined that the Village presently has surplus water…." Contract: 1) Item 17, add – "…shall meet, and continue to meet, all …"
Vice Mayor Wernet seconded both motions. [Note: the vote on amendments will include the earlier changes accepted re non- assignability—changes that will appear in the contract as Paragraph 21.]
A Roll Call vote on the motions to amend the Contract and the Ordinance yielded five (5) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson).
A Roll Call vote on Ordinance No. 29-01, as amended, yielded five (5) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson). Ordinance No. 29-01, as amended, is adopted.
Ordinance No. 22-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 2.09 And 2.11 Of The Village Charter To Require Council To Periodically Update Its Rules And Make Them Available To New Members And To The Public, To Require Uniform Referral, Voting And Reporting Of Legislation By Committees Of Council, To Require Such Committees To Keep Minutes, Which are Public Records, And To Provide That Municipal Residents And Property Owners May Serve On Committees, But That Only Members Of The Council May Vote, was moved off the table by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried. Councilmember Crais reintroduced Ordinance No. 22- 01; second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Councilmember McGowan clarified, "for the record," that this ordinance was tabled by Councilmember Crais only after Section IV, the emergency provision, was not passed at the last meeting.
Councilmember Moore moved to amend Section II, SECTION 2.11, by striking the 6th and 7th sentences: "Rules addressing the referral of ordinances or resolutions to such committees, committee voting, and the reporting of such legislation back to Council shall be uniform for all committees. Council may appoint residents or owners of property in the municipality to committees, but only members of Council may vote on any matter before a committee." Second by Councilmember McGowan.
Discussion: Councilmember Moore stated that the provisions she proposes to delete do not add to Council's authority; rather, they take away powers. Re the second sentence, she used the example of the Strategic Land Acquisition Committee (composed of six members, only three of whom are members of Council) and questioned why the non-Council members of the committee should be unable to vote on the committee's recommendations. In short, she feels Council should have the flexibility to determine who the committee members should be and whether or not they should vote based on the nature of the work. Re the first sentence, she stated that making all rules uniform with respect to legislation referrals again puts Council in a box that restricts their flexibility—i.e., not all legislation is created equal and some requires more thought, different expertise, more discussion. In short, uniformity, per se, is not an adequate goal, especially at the cost of restricting this and future councils.
A Roll Call vote on the motion- to-amend yielded five (5) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson). Motion-to- amend carried. [NOTE: Changes in the title of the Ordinance to reflect the passage of this motion-to-amend are hereby made.]
Councilmember Crais moved to amend Section II, SECTION 2.11, by making the following additions to the 4th sentence: "The rules may provide… standing committees and may prescribe the procedure…." He also proposed repositioning this sentence by appending it to the end of the first paragraph. Paragraph 2 would then read, "Committees shall keep minutes, which shall be public records." Paragraph 3 would read, "The Clerk of Council shall keep a journal of the proceedings of Council, which shall be a public record." Second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Discussion: Vice Mayor Wernet suggested that Council should consider drafting proposed procedures that could be followed. Councilmember McGowan noted that he could not vote for this ordinance if it were to be amended as proposed since he did not know whether or not the Charter Review Committee had considered any of these ideas. Further exchange of viewpoints ensued.
A Roll Call vote on the motion-to-amend yielded five (5) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet; Mayor Robertson). Motion-to-amend carried.
Ordinance No. 25-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 8.01 Of The Village Charter To Make The Board Of Education's Representative On The Planning Commission An Ex-Officio, Non-Voting Member, was moved off the table by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried. Ordinance No. 25-01 was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais; second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Discussion: Councilmember Moore stated that, in the abstract, she finds no fault with the logical analysis of the Charter Review Committee, but we don't live in the abstract. We live in a community that has been torn apart by hard words and harsh feelings amongst leaders and citizens. She believes the Review Committee had no political motivation in drafting this proposal but fears that the perception will be that Council is acting out of some mean-spiritedness. She feels Council should be trying to find ways to include our school leaders in what we do rather than exclude them. She added that the current School Board designee has been a voting member of the Planning Commission for a long time, without doing any obvious harm. That being the case, it would be a gesture of good will to not put this divisive issue on the ballot.
Vice Mayor Wernet suggested that having two non-voting members from the School Board would both increase their participation and "clean up the issue." Councilmember Moore reiterated her feeling that the issue should not be brought up at this time. Councilmember McGowan asked Law Director Crites if it could be filed at a later date. Mr. Crites responded that Council is empowered to amend the Charter by a two-thirds vote to put something on the ballot. Councilmember McGowan said that if this issue were set aside for six months and then brought up in "less hostile times" it might "go down better."
Vice Mayor Wernet offered a second possible modification—to specify that the designee of the Board of Education would continue to vote but must be approved by both the Board and Council. Councilmember McGowan asked if it was accurate to say that this other body gives Council a designee and Council accepts it; Manager Hickman said it was. Councilmember Crais asked if that was the procedure for any (or all) other committees; Vice Mayor Wernet said it was not and added that the Township Zoning Commission does not have a Board of Education representative. Mayor Robertson, based on her own experience on the Planning Commission, noted it can well be difficult to have a member who does not work well with the other members.
Councilmember Crais stated that Vice Mayor Wernet's joint- approval proposal offers a way to de-politicize the Planning Commission. While it might put Council in a tough spot now, it also "might save us from conflict later on." He added that the proposal, which he termed an "elegant compromise," also reproduces the pattern by which other committees are run. Mayor Robertson also spoke in support of the joint-approval proposal. She added that if one entity is represented in a special way (e.g., the School Board), others should be as well (e.g., Denison, which has "just as much a stake in development and planning"). Councilmember McGowan disagreed, noting that the effects of development on the schools were much different than they were on Denison. Vice Mayor Wernet stated that part of the existing problem is a relative lack of communication between Council and the School Board. Whoever goes into the Planning Commission as the School Board designee would, therefore, be most effective if he/she had the support of both bodies (i.e., if the two entities worked together to agree on the School Board designee, future replications of previous communication-based problems could be avoided). Councilmember McGowan countered that the problem wasn't communication so much as education (i.e., the School Board is charged with site selection, not Council). He added that "cutting on the School Board six months later is not being positive." Vice Mayor Wernet responded that his intent is only to encourage communication by having a meeting to agree on the School Board designee.
Councilmember Crais stated that this joint-approval proposal mandates dialog between Council and the School Board on issues of great importance to both bodies and he couldn't see how that could hurt instead of being a great help. He felt that if the ordinance as originally proposed were put forward it would continue the politicization of the community. On the other hand, if nothing went forward, there might be other political ramifications. He characterized the dilemma as a "double-edged sword that is blunted by (Vice Mayor) Wernet's suggestions." Councilmember Moore noted that those suggestions basically eliminated all the changes proposed by the Charter Review Committee.
Mayor Robertson asked for an indication of support for the joint-approval proposal. Councilmember McGowan said he thought it would be better to wait for next November rather than rush this through without consulting with the School Board beforehand. He also objected to Council issuing a mandate. Mayor Robertson responded that, if the intent is for healing to take place, proposing to do something jointly would seem to lead to more healing than Council having talked about this publicly, then backing off. Councilmember Moore stated that she supports the concept but understands Councilmember McGowan's perspective (i.e., it would be nice to have the School Board's prior input on what would be a good arrangement). She added that we also don't know if the Charter Review Committee talked to the School Board or not.
Vice Mayor Wernet and Councilmember Crais expressed amazement that Council was even having this discussion. Councilmember Crais cited a conversation at the meeting three weeks ago when these ordinances were first introduced: Councilmember Lucier, noting that she would be gone for the month of August, asked if any issues could be discussed at that time so her input could be included. No problems were raised at that time. He characterized the current discussion as a "broadside," and a "surprise" that was needlessly creating conflict and further politicizing the community. He added that re "mandate," he only meant that the amendment proposed by Vice Mayor Wernet would "mandate" a conversation or process between Council and the School Board—something that would be "incredibly useful."
Councilmember Moore, responding to Vice Mayor Wernet and Councilmember Crais, noted that she was not trying to broadside anyone. While she might not have had an opinion when the legislation was first introduced and the public hearing set, the process that followed (i.e., public input and community discussion) allowed her to form her opinion and raises questions that might not have been apparent at the beginning of the process. An angry exchange followed, ending with an apology being offered and accepted.
Councilmember Crais moved to amend Section II as follows: 1) specify that the designee of the Board of Education shall be a voting member; 2) specify that the designee of the Board of Education shall be appointed by the joint agreement of Council and the Board of Education; 3) delete SECTION 11.12. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
A Roll Call vote on the motion-to-amend yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Motion-to-amend carried. Councilmember Crais called the question. Motion carried.
A Roll Call vote on Ordinance No. 25-01, as amended, yielded four (4) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Crais and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson) and one (1) negative vote (Councilmember McGowan). Ordinance No. 25-01, as amended, is not enacted.
ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Crais moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:07pm. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES August 15, 2001
CALL TO ORDER (by Vice Mayor Wernet at 7:35pm)
ROLL CALL (7:35pm) Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites. Councilmember Crais moved to excuse Councilmember Lucier and Mayor Robertson; second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried. [Councilmember Bellman arrived at 7:38pm.] CITIZENS' COMMENTS (opened by Vice Mayor Wernet at 7:35pm) All Topics None Vice Mayor Wernet closed Citizens' Comments at 7:35pm.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (7:36pm) Ordinance No. 20-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 2.08 Of The Village Charter To Enhance Council's Ability To Regulate Real Estate And Promote Moderately Priced Housing Within The Municipality. No one appeared to speak for or against Ordinance No. 20-01. Vice Mayor Wernet closed the public hearing at 7:36pm.
Ordinance No. 21-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 4.04 Of The Village Charter To Require That The Finance Director, Law Director, Safety Director And Service Director Be Appointed By The Village Manager With The Advice And Consent Of Council. No one appeared to speak for or against Ordinance No. 21-01. Vice Mayor Wernet closed the public hearing at 7:36pm.
Ordinance No. 22-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 2.09 And 2.11 Of The Village Charter To Require Council To Periodically Update Its Rules And Make Them Available To New Members And The Public, To Require Uniform Referral, Voting And Reporting Of Legislation By Committees Of Council, To Require Such Committees To Keep Minutes, Which Are Public Records, and To Provide That Municipal Residents And Property Owners May Serve On Committees, But That Only Members Of Council May Vote. No one appeared to speak for or against Ordinance No. 22-01. Vice Mayor Wernet closed the public hearing at 7:37pm.
Ordinance No. 23-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 3.07 And 3.08 Of The Village Charter To Revise Initiative And Referendum Procedures. No one appeared to speak for or against Ordinance No. 23-01. Vice Mayor Wernet closed the public hearing at 7:37pm.
Ordinance No. 24-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 5.05 Of The Village Charter To Increase The Threshold At Which Competitive Bidding Is Required For Supplies, Materials, And Equipment From Ten To Fifteen Thousand Dollars. No one appeared to speak for or against Ordinance No. 24-01. Vice Mayor Wernet closed the public hearing at 7:37pm.
Ordinance No. 25-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 8.01 Of The Village Charter To Make The Board Of Education's Representative On The Planning Commission An Ex-Officio, Non-Voting Member. No one appeared to speak for or against Ordinance No. 25-01. Vice Mayor Wernet closed the public hearing at 7:37pm.
Ordinance No. 26-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 10.04 Of The Village Charter To Update The Fair-Employment-Practices Provision. No one appeared to speak for or against Ordinance No. 26-01. Vice Mayor Wernet closed the public hearing at 7:38pm.
Ordinance No. 27-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 10.11 Of The Village Charter To Require Council To Submit Charter Amendments Proposed By The Charter Review Commission To The Electors On A Two-Thirds Vote Of Approval. No one appeared to speak for or against Ordinance No. 27-01. Vice Mayor Wernet closed the public hearing at 7:38pm.
Ordinance No. 28-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 1.03, 1.04, 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, 2.05, 2.08, 2.09, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15, 3.11, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 5.02, 5.07, 6.01, 6.02, 6.10, 6.11, 9.05, And 10.01 Of The Village Charter To Make References To Persons Throughout The Charter Gender-Neutral And To Make Other, Non- Substantive Language Changes For Clarity And Uniformity Of Expression. No one appeared to speak for or against Ordinance No. 28-01. Vice Mayor Wernet closed the public hearing at 7:39pm.
NEW BUSINESS (7:39pm) Resolution No. 01-53, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Seek Bids For The Purchase Of A Brush Chipper, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-54, A Resolution To Award The Bid For Replacement Of High Service Pump No. 2, As Per Specifications, To Mid Ohio Mechanical And To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by Councilmember McGowan. Second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-55, A Resolution To Award The Bid For Clear Run Culvert Improvements, As Per Specifications. To Layton Companies, Inc. And To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 30-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Councilmember Bellman. Vice Mayor Wernet set the public hearing for September 5, 2001.
OLD BUSINESS (7:44pm) Ordinance No. 20-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 2.08 Of The Village Charter To Enhance Council's Ability To Regulate Real Estate And Promote Moderately Priced Housing Within The Municipality, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Councilmember Crais moved to amend the Ordinance as follows: 1) Title – add "…WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY." 2) 2nd paragraph – change "Resolution" to "Ordinance" 3) 3rd paragraph – change "…be it resolved…" to "…be it ordained…" 4) Add "Section IV: This ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, morals, and welfare. Wherefore, this ordinance shall take effect immediately on passage." 5) Clerk's Certification – change "…foregoing resolution…" to "foregoing ordinance…". Second by Councilmember Moore.
A Roll Call vote on Section IV, declaring an emergency, yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet.
A Roll Call Vote on the motion-to-amend yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet. A Roll-Call Vote on the ordinance as amended yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet. Ordinance No. 20-01 as amended is adopted.
Ordinance No. 21-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 4.04 Of The Village Charter To Require That The Finance Director, Law Director, Safety Director And Service Director Be Appointed By The Village Manager With The Advice And Consent Of Council, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Ordinance No. 22-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 2.09 And 2.11 Of The Village Charter To Require Council To Periodically Update Its Rules And Make Them Available To New Members And The Public, To Require Uniform Referral, Voting And Reporting Of Legislation By Committees Of Council, To Require Such Committees To Keep Minutes, Which Are Public Records, and To Provide That Municipal Residents And Property Owners May Serve On Committees, But That Only Members Of Council May Vote, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Belllman.
Councilmember Crais moved to amend the Ordinance as follows: 1) Title – add "…WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY." 2) 2nd paragraph – change "Resolution" to "Ordinance" 3) 3rd paragraph – change "…be it resolved…" to "…be it ordained…" 4) Add "Section IV: This ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, morals, and welfare. Wherefore, this ordinance shall take effect immediately on passage." 5) Clerk's Certification – change "…foregoing resolution…" to "foregoing ordinance…". Second by Councilmember Bellman.
A Roll Call vote on Section IV, declaring an emergency, yielded three (3) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman and Crais; Vice Mayor Wernet) and two (2) negative votes (Councilmembers McGowan and Moore). The emergency is not declared.
Discussion: Councilmember Moore stated her belief that this ordinance delves too far into the minutiae of Council operations and might therefore compromise Council's ability to preserve the flexibility it needs to decide each year how best to operate. Also, if passed, it might end up being "too hard to change and not be comfortable in the long run." Responding to questions from other members of Council, Law Director Crites expressed a qualified opinion: since the emergency provision had been defeated, the only way this ordinance could now be placed on this fall's ballot is if one of the two members casting a vote to defeat the emergency clause were to bring it forward at the meeting of August 22nd (in order to meet the deadline of 4:00pm on August 23rd) and it were to receive five (5) positive votes (a 2/3 majority). If the Ordinance were passed as a non- emergency, it could still be submitted. However, there would then be a 30-day period during which someone could referend it. Councilmember Crais asked if it could be tabled, and how. Law Director Crites said it would take a motion, a second, and a majority vote. Councilmember Bellman moved to table Ordinance No. 22-01; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried (3 affirmative votes; 2 negative votes).
Councilmember Bellman asked Manager Hickman to make sure that Councilmember Lucier was made aware of what is happening with this ordinance. Vice Mayor Wernet asked all members present to exchange information about their specific concerns before the next meeting.
Ordinance No. 23-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 3.07 And 3.08 Of The Village Charter To Revise Initiative And Referendum Procedures, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Moore.
Ordinance No. 24-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 5.05 Of The Village Charter To Increase The Threshold At Which Competitive Bidding Is Required For Supplies, Materials, And Equipment From Ten To Fifteen Thousand Dollars, was re- introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Ordinance No. 25-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 8.01 Of The Village Charter To Make The Board Of Education's Representative On The Planning Commission An Ex-Officio, Non-Voting Member, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Discussion: Councilmember Bellman asked if everyone thought this ordinance should be tabled. Councilmember Crais said the intent of tabling would to provide an opportunity for those members not present to participate in the discussion/vote on this proposal. Vice Mayor Wernet agreed and added it would also provide an opportunity for anyone who would like to modify the ordinance to gain support for that action. Councilmember McGowan asked that the record reflect that tonight's meeting is the regularly scheduled meeting for the month August. Councilmember Bellman moved to table; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion-to-table carried. Ordinance No. 24-01 is tabled.
Ordinance No. 26-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 10.04 Of The Village Charter To Update The Fair-Employment-Practices Provision, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Ordinance No. 27-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 10.11 Of The Village Charter To Require Council To Submit Charter Amendments Proposed By The Charter Review Commission To The Electors On A Two-Thirds Vote Of Approval, was re- introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Ordinance No. 28-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 1.03, 1.04, 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, 2.05, 2.08, 2.09, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15, 3.11, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 5.02, 5.07, 6.01, 6.02, 6.10, 6.11, 9.05, And 10.01 Of The Village Charter To Make References To Persons Throughout The Charter Gender-Neutral And To Make Other, Non- Substantive Language Changes For Clarity And Uniformity Of Expression, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Moore.
Ordinance No. 17-01 remains on the table.
OTHER (8:25pm) Survey Committee No discussion.
Strategic Land Acquisition Committee – Report Councilmember Crais, on behalf of the committee, stated he would prefer to postpone the report to a meeting when everyone can be present.
MAYOR'S REPORT (8:26pm) The Mayor's Court Report for the month of July was presented for review. Discussion: Councilmember McGowan asked it trucks were cited at Cherry Valley & 16 and then brought into the Village or if they were they already here. Manager Hickman responded that the intersection is "clearly in the Village," adding that the citations were "not random but apparent or necessary." Councilmember Bellman moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried. Vice Mayor Wernet directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes. MANAGER'S REPORT (8:30pm) The Manager's Report for the month of July was presented for review. Councilmember Crais asked when landscaping at scale would be completed. Councilmember Bellman said he recalled Keith Myers having scheduled it for the fall (as well as having made suggestions for specific plantings). Councilmember Bellman moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried. Vice Mayor Wernet directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (8:31pm) Special Meeting of July 25, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Vice Mayor Wernet, Roll Call - he noted that he had not been present at the meeting and asked that his name be deleted in both places where it appears. 2) Councilmember Moore, Citizens' Comments – asked that an exchange between her and Mayor Robertson be included. In Mayor Robertson's absence, however, it could not be determined precisely where to insert the addition. Councilmember McGowan moved to table the Review and Approval to the next meeting. Second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
Regularly Scheduled Meeting of August 1, 2001. Councilmember Crais moved to table the Review and Approval to the next meeting. Vice Mayor Wernet declared the motion carried by acclamation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (8:37pm) Development Committee (Councilmember Crais). Councilmember Crais reported that the committee is waiting for an expected communication from Kathryn Wimberger.
Finance Committee (Councilmember Moore). No report. Newark-Granville Joint Committee (Mayor Robertson) No report.
Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier). No report.
Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported that fall sports sign-up is under way and that there may be a replacement levy on the November ballot.
Street Light Committee (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported that the replacements/new installations are done for the year. Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee (Vice Mayor Wernet). Vice Mayor Wernet, noting that the committee "really needs to meet" to review the 2002 budget, asked Manager Hickman to nail down a date. Councilmember Crais asked for an accident review covering the last 12 months.
Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore). Councilmember Moore reported that committee had spent a fair portion of the meeting on issues of communication, especially with citizens who might be concerned about trees being removed. Manager Hickman responded that Village procedures in this area are being refined. Councilmember Bellman noted that he had been told by Omega Pest Control that many of our trees have carpenter ants and asked if there were any way to treat the trees to ultimately reduce the damage. Manager Hickman will look into it. Councilmember Moore said the committee had also talked about replacing some trees that were removed. Manager Hickman said they were probably going to replace the trees with some natural shrubbery to avoid a continual problem. Vice Mayor Wernet asked if notifications were sent when an old tree had to have one of its large secondary trunks removed. Manager Hickman said they notified only the property owner directly in front of the tree and usually only notified them in the case of removal, not for radical pruning. Vice Mayor Wernet asked that the notification be expanded to include radical pruning. Councilmember Crais asked if any of these trees could be lumbered. Manager Hickman noted that they are mostly unsuitable (i.e., diseased, etc.). Councilmember McGowan added that, through personal experience, he is aware that lumber mills do not like taking city or village trees because of the possibility of nails, etc. They prefer trees grown specifically for lumber.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS August 22, 2001 – Special Village Council (re water contract) August 27, 2001 – Planning Commission September 5, 2001 – Village Council
OTHER Councilmember McGowan asked if Council needed to address the IGA issue. Manager Hickman responded he plans to take it to Streets & Sidewalks before it comes to Council.
Councilmember Crais asked if ordinances tabled at this meeting will be listed on the agenda for next week's special meeting. Law Director Crites said they would. Vice Mayor Wernet reiterated his comments about wanting to get a sense of the concerns and urged everyone to give their thought to Councilmember Crais so he could consider his course of action.
ADJOURNMENT Councilmember McGowan moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:48pm. Second by Councilmember Crais. Meeting adjourned.
Council Minutes 8/8/01 (Joint Meeting with Township)
JOINT MEETING GRANVILLE VILLAGE COUNCIL & GRANVILLE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES August 8, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:39pm) Those responding to the Roll Call for Village Council were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites. Those responding to the Roll Call for the Township Trustees were Trustees Havens, Jones, and King; Clerk Kennedy. Councilmember Crais moved to excuse Councilmember Lucier; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS None
KENDAL Water/Sewer Service/JEDD Discussion (NOTE: The three agenda items were discussed as a single entity.)
Trustee Havens began by asking whether Council was considering water-and-sewer as a coupled entity or would move on water alone. He also wondered if Council had any other assumptions or conditions for granting a tap, the knowledge of which would help frame the current discussion. The consensus among Council members was that they would consider water separately and in a time frame that would not cause delays for Kendal. They also agreed they would consider sewer in the context of a JEDD or CEDA, moving along a parallel track with the water decision. (While agreeing to these two points, Councilmember McGowan renewed his objection to providing these services for a private entity but not for the Granville schools.)
Many members of Council addressed the selective annexation issue. The gist of their remarks was that the provision/extension of water-and-sewer, accompanied by annexation, was—and is—viewed as a way to influence the kind of growth that happens in the Township, as well as to fend off hostile annexation. The JEDD/CEDA concept now being explored allows the pro-annexation members to incorporate most of their concerns into an agreement to provide water, and perhaps sewer, in a non-annexation situation. That, combined with the fact that Kendal represents the kind of development the entire community would support (i.e., no negative impact on either the Township or the Village or the schools).
Interest was expressed by Councilmember Crais is creating a structure or process that would facilitate joint participation in infrastructure planning, then determine how to make equitable allocations of costs for development of infrastructure and subsequent provision of services.
Trustee Havens stated that the Trustees are very interested in talking but want to make sure the school district is well represented in any JEDD discussions. He also wants to have community input on other components (e.g., income tax, estate tax, densities, set-backs, etc.). Couuncilmember Bellman asked if the Trustees would make a public commitment to spend their estate tax receipts on green space. Trustee Havens responded that he'd like to see the Village do the same, as well as report what it has done with past estate tax receipts. He then emphasized that the Trustees feel very strongly that, having had to spend $200,000 of their estate tax funds to defend the Keny case, it's risky to establish such a policy. Councilmember Moore agreed, stating that local governments need flexibility to do their budgets on an annual basis. However, she does want to ensure an equitable sharing of the impact on Village expenditures for such services as police coverage and traffic impacts due to Kendal's location. Mayor Robertson noted that the Township and the Village function differently but each needs the other to be effective.
There was brief rehash of the old tax debate, with Councilmember Bellman asserting that Village residents are taxed twice and Trustee Havens responding that the assumption is "absolutely false." Mayor Robertson asked that this be put on the agenda for the next joint meeting. Manager Hickman and Clerk Kennedy will "bring all the evidence" so this issue can be settled.
Mayor Robertson asked if everyone was willing to follow the pattern outlined earlier by Trustee Havens for negotiating the terms of an agreement with Kendal, wherein designated representatives of the Township Trustees, the Village Council, the School Board, and Kendal—each empowered to make decisions on behalf of his or her respective entity— sit down and create a draft.
START HEREfrom sewer. Havens: is Council seeing w&s coupled or will they move on water alone? Wernet: for himself, willing to move on water as a separate issue with a parallel path for sewer. Doesn't want to delay water component.
Havens: other assumptions? That would help frame the discussion. Conditions for a tap that must be agreed to by the twp? Helpful to know what they are.
Moore: haven't heard anyone say we're only give waterif we have a JEDD. Rather, go ahead and provide water and then form a JEDD etc. to look at sewer, water price, etc.
Bellman: normally want only village to get water; otherwise annex. over last few years JEDD discussions indicate we could accomplish same goals as annexation would accomplish w/o annexation. Considering a JEDD on a trial basis. Kendal has some unique circumstances that would allow him to consider extending w/o a JEDD as long as same goals could be accomplished here.
Moore: would be incorporated in contract in the works.
McGowan: in favor of granting water, then seeing about sewer. Tough to answer private enterprise v school question.
Bellman: talk about Kendal only.
Havens: earlier joint meetings indicated no possible supply w/o annexation. Change?
Wernet: this is not really an extension; water line is there already. Second, only water, not sewer. Third, big difference between allowing a larger tap to be added in an area zoned w/ twp's most dense residential zoning and in an area that has a long expectation of more intensive growth. Latter is a good place to put water.
Moore: there was an impression left of not being in favor of giving water w/o annexation. Selective extension is her choice; JEDD concept is interesting to explore because that and a CEDA allow the pro-annexation people to incorporate some of those things into the agreement to give water in a non-annexation situation.
Wernet: refer back to conversations held by rader, minklei, havens, and wernet had three or four years ago – selective extension fending off hostile annexation. Continues to be the case. It makes perfect sense in this instance. Whether or not it's inside a JEDD we should pursue it here.
Robertson: return to reasons of previous councils and this council for not extending – they are to in some way have an influence on the kind of growth that happens in the twp. That should still be the goal. Want to have an effect – managing, limiting. Etc. JEDD-like agreements would help. Water to Kendal is not an extension as we've used that term before. It's a way to affect growth. This is the kind the community supports, won't have a negative impact on village or twp, on the schools, etc.
Havens: unable to forge a policy over the last three or four years. Annexation seems to no longer be a bar. Effect on growth – specific areas? Income-tax component? (Yes, also estate tax component).
Wernet: increase green space funding available. Concerned that if we extend sewer w/o a JEDD we expose ourselves to the same potential set of risks as before. That's another JEDD benefit.
Moore: densities, set-backs – may be already covered by twp zoning ordinances. We just want to be sure.
Crais: mechanism by which we can jointly participate in planning – infrastructural development. Citizenshave a clear concern w/ infrastructure development. We're tyring to develop creative approaches to create a structure and a process and a way of conversing and making decisions around these issues. Not simply a revenue issue but of joint planning.
Wernet: given that everyone views Kendal as a significant contributor to the community, this seems a likely istance to experiment with a JEDD>
Crais: was referring to the JEDD concept.
Moore: infrastructure includes what?
Crais: maintain distinction between extension and the village paying for infrastructural development and the provision of services. Kendal water issue is a provisioning as opposed to an infrastructural development.
Jones: what do youmean?
Crais: lineis there – no new one being built..no new infrastructure needed. Kendal must pay for piping.
Moore: clearly expanding service area though.
Wernet: agree. Not an extension but still doesn't make sense in every case.
Bellman: this use has been identified as helpful to locating a senior population. Also want to make sure we don't approve one thing and the use changes and we get something we wouldn't have approved in the first place. No inadvertent uses. This particular development has no significant adverse effect on the village where some others might.
Robertson: what do trustees think?
Jones: we've done everything we can to provide a place for Kendal and we'd like to see water provided. (Jedd?) no particular necessity from where they stand but willoing to listen to council about it. Want water w/ or w/o it.
Crais: discussed JEDD among yourselves?; much imput on twp resident?
Havens: earlier selective extension policy we tried to work through contains virtually everything in the JEDD. We three have been extremely interested in this; tried to think of any possible thing to do, including parnerwith with village to prtect the community. Constant process. Keny, thornwood..jedd idea discussed with those. Various joint vehicles being discussed re comprehensive planitself as well. Want to do anythingwe can do to protect the community.
Robertson: understand that what happened a couple of years ago about a joint policy fell apart because that council couldn't see any way that would assure they wouldn't be causing a lot of development. Cautious about that. This JEDD contract concept, limited to commercial development, not fuel residential development, sits more easily. Would like to set aside that fact that we couldn't get anywhere a couple of years ago and move on – entertain these ideas that we didn't have back then. Now have safe ways to partner.
Havens: problem with the process is when youlook at land development on a case by case basis, (school, Kendal) you invite the inability to set more broad policy . also a timing issue since Kendal needs a decision tonight.
Robertson: remember to separate the water and sewer. Water w/o a jedd; sewer w/ it. Willing to talk about it?
Crais: two initiatives moving forward, one faster than the other.
Havens: very interested in talking, but want to be sure we hear from the school district in the JEDD discussion. Other requirements impact the schools more thanthe township trustees. Also don't want to delay Kendal. Want to hear from community at large on other components (income tax, estate tax, densities).
Wernet: agree with having school board involved. Tere wasn't enough communication at the time between the various governmental units. Should occur now.
Havens: as long as financial terms are acceptable to Kendal and w&s contracts are mutually agreed upon, trustees would be happy to sit down and talk. Good partners but poor subordinates.
Werent: all three entities should be equal – no subordinates, no superios.
Havens: important point! Heard a lot of communication about teps's role and what it's done. Re estate taxes – they've all spent for land and open space; to defend the schools in the keny case. Defensive because we don't want to be controlled; we've done a good job in the past. Why would anybody feel the need to watch us, or mistrust us – not an engine of growth, not pro-developer. We could partner in a trusting relationship. This council has established a wonderful reputation in chasing out developers – it's a tough place! But there has been no mutual trust between twp and village. We don't need to be watched.
Crais: predisposition is that most of developable land is in twp. That generates anxiety (Havens: for us, too.) and drives a lot of the conversatin. Programmatically, any suggestions about how to put together a process by which various bodies would move forward/
Havens: would typically pass a resolution for one of them to negotiate a template form: one-on-one. Once that was done, they would take it back and et input with the understanding that there is a majority consensus behind the person doing the negotiating. Once draft is presented and tentatively approved and input from school system and private proerty owners, etc., if it has support then act on it.
Jones: partly since we're a three member board, as soon as there's two people there's a problem.
Bellman: re estate tax, it woujld be a comfort to make a public commitment to spend the money on green space.
Havens: would like village to tell us what village has done with its own estate tax money. Both entities receive estate tax; both should publicly acknowledge. Twp has spent more than their estate tax revenues on green space. It is risky to establish a policy – who would have ever foreseen the keny case, which took $200,000 in defense from estate tax funds?
McGowan: re estate tax, twp has done a good job.
Jones: 1200acres annexation east of town in 1989 before Newark could get it – twp did that, not the village. Estate taxes from there now go to the village. Don't let this fall apart over the estate tax!
Robertson; village is part of twp, we always need to remember that. Tempting to say here's what we've done, what have you dne? Village has done what it ought to do – created and maintained a good center for the community; good infrastructure. Don't see why we can't understand that the twp functions differently from the village. They each need the other. Village happy to set aside money for green space. Village voters keep approving twp measures for that. Don't see anyh conflict in what twp has done compared to what villagehas done.
Moore: would never ask twp trustees to commit to dedicqating estate taxes to green space. Local govts need flexibility to do their budgets on an annual basis; determine where resources need to go at the time. Her interest in estate/income taxes relates to potential impact on village expenditures as a result of having Kendal out there – traffic, policing, -- financial impacts. Want some sharing of the effects.
Havens: that's fair.
Wernet: satisfied with concept of current intent re the estate taxes issue. Don't want to hamstring the twp with a regulation. Council has not geled on this issue of pigeonhole the money or the money resource represented by water & sewer. We're all in the same boat.
Havens: bellman wants a public statmenet of a policy that already exists.
Bellman: assuming eveying goes into one unrestricted fund, nthen is spent on green space etc. village people taxed twice are in that fund as well (into greenspace fund and general twp fund as well). Willing to commit estate tax money for Kendal to green space acquisiton without a blanket commitment?
Havens: assumption is absolutely false. Money is collected into specific funds. Village residents pay for rec commission, specific levy deposited into an isolated account and turned over to rec commission board. Primariy village people. Residents also for fire protection, 501c3 board, independent. General statement about village taxes leaking into open space fund is not accurate. The $1M they spent does not come from village taxpayers. Very important distinction! Villagers have representation in the areas where they pay money. Open space funds – committees of village and twp residents make recommendations. Have gone out of their way to seek input on expending that money. First purchase was in the village. To suggest you need a commitment implies you don't already have one and we haven't welcomed you into the process.
Wenret: to hickman: additional monies beyond what havens mentioned? Norm: approximately $25000 .3 mils.
Robertson: this keeps coming back. Let's put it on the agenda for the next joint meeting. bring all "evidence" so we can settle it. Either we should just let it go or put it on the next agenda. Want closure on tonight's agenda: there has been a suggestion to establish a dialog re a Kendal JEDD – one trustee, one Councilmember, one school board rep, one Kendal rep. Go forward?
Havens: yes also Jones and King
Robertson: all council OK. Yes.
Jones: what happens to jump,murr, havens, wernet committee? Does it dovetail into this new group?
Wernet: parallel path
Havens: right, murr would be a resource.
Moore; thanked trustees for attending.
twp will work with Kendal with al due speed once agreement has been reached with council on water. Sewer discussion will continue in the interim. Kennedy: dcould move date up if committee is ready prior to 10/17. Kendal rep: haven't brought up sewer because they thought it was feasible. Interest is same as with water; mwould much prefer to have municipal sewer. Have same financial constraints though and need to know as reapdily as possible. JEDD – Discussion
NEXT MEETING The next Joint Meeting was set for the regular Council- meeting date of October 17th (continuing the pattern of alternating between the regular meeting dates of each group).
ADJOURNMENT Councilmember McGowan moved to adjourn at 8:41pm. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Meeting adjourned.
NOTE: See attachment
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING August 8, 2001
ROLL CALL (8:58 pm) Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites. Councilmember Crais moved to excuse Councilmember Lucier; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS Resolution No. 01-51, A Resolution To Direct The Manager Of The Village Of Granville To Enter Into A Contract With Kendal Of Granville For The Sale Of Water Under The Conditions Specified In Attachment A, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Crais.
Discussion: Councilmember McGowan reiterated his support for selling water to Kendal but emphasized that if we agree to sell water to a private enterprise we should revisit selling water to the school. Attorney Robert Drake, representing Kendal, emphasized that Kendal needed a response, one way or the other, at this meeting. He added that there was no point in approving a resolution that would be the guide for a contract Kendal wouldn't sign. Mayor Robertson polled Council to see if they were willing to negotiate the contract at this meeting. There was general agreement. Therefore, Councilmember Moore moved to table Resolution No. 01-51; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 20-01, An Ordinance To Direct The Manager To Enter Into An Agreement With Kendal Of Granville For The Purchase Of Water And Sewer, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Discussion: Mr. Drake reported that he and Law Director Crites had met yesterday to discuss the draft contract. He brought forward six points, four of which had been agreed to; the other two need further discussion. He summarized as follows: 1) The Village will agree to 250 gallons/ independent living unit. 2) Both parties agree to a multiplier of 1.3. 3) Kendal agrees to buy the meter. 4) Kendal agrees to pay tap fees. 5) Kendal does not agree to a $19,000 annual payment. They want a tax abatement from the school district and don't feel they can seek it if they make a payment to the village (in effect "transferring" dollars from the school system to the Village). 6) Kendal wants a 30-year term to coincide with the anticipated term of their mortgage. They also want an automatic renewal but not with a fixed price.
Mr. Drake then addressed the annexation provisions in the draft contract, stating that Kendal was unwilling to bind itself to future action on this matter. For one thing, Denison owns the majority of the property. For another, since annexation often deals with utility extension agreements and might also deal with a future JEDD agreement, they would be agreeing now to a future action without knowing any of the parameters. Finally, Mr. Drake noted that Kendal is being developed in a manner consistent with Township requirements, not Village ones (since the Village does not have a CCRC standard). He added that the contract should not be written with a JEDD as a precondition (i.e., if the JEDD discussions do not work out, the Village might then have an "out" to not live up to the contract).
Members of Council and representatives for Kendal then did a paragraph by paragraph review of the ordinance:
Paragraph 1: "20 years" was changed to "30 years" with no price specified for the renewal term; "adequate pressure" was deleted.
Paragraphs 2 and 3: OK as is.
Paragraph 4: add "Village rate."
Paragraph 5: no conclusion reached at this time.
Paragraphs 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12: OK
Paragraph 13: Add that the Village could impose the same water restrictions on Kendal as on other Village water customers (i.e., no lawn watering, etc.). Clarifying language will be added.
Paragraphs 14 and 15: OK
Paragraph 16: Insert language that if sewer lines are extended but Kendal doesn't want to purchase sewer service, they don't have to pay for the lines. Also insert language that Kendal will agree to enter into good-faith discussions about annexation if and when the property becomes contiguous to the Village. Further discussion needed.
Paragraphs 17, 18, 19, and 20: OK
At 10:45pm, the meeting recessed so the parties could caucus to see if agreement could be reached on the disputed paragraphs. The meeting reconvened at 11:07pm.
Re Paragraph 11: Mr. Drake reported that Kendal would agree to a written confirmation, suggested earlier, that they would not provide sewer service to any other entity. The reference would also include a non-assignability clause.
Re Paragraph 5: Kendal would agree to make a contractual payment equal to 1% of their payroll (projected at $1.5M in Phase I; $1.8M in Phase II once the facility is fully staffed), in lieu of income tax, to begin at the end of the tax abatement period they negotiate with the Township and the School Board (projected to be 10-15 years). They also agree to enter into good-faith negotiations re annexation.
Councilmember Crais suggested parallel tracks whereby the Village would join the Township and the School Board in receiving funds during an abatement period.
Re Paragraph 5: Mr. Drake reported that Kendal agreed to accede to Councilmember Crais' parallel plan, with the provision that the Village not be party to discussions with either the Township or the School Board. Law Director Crites proposed the following language: "Kendal agrees to an annual PILOT of 1% to commence on the second January 1st after they tap in to the water. The PILOT is to be abated by the same percentage and the same time as with the Township and the School District." Paragraph 5 is agreed to.
Re Paragraph 16: Mr. Drake proposed the following language: "It is agreed that Kendal, as a condition of receiving water under this contract, shall enter into good- faith negotiations concerning annexation to the Village when Kendal becomes legally capable of petitioning for annexation and upon request of the Village. Further, Kendal would agree not to oppose any petition for annexation which Denison University might file." Paragraph 16 is agreed to.
Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 20- 01 for August 22, 2001. Vice Mayor Wernet move to amend the Ordinance as per the above-recorded discussion; second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
Vice Mayor Wernet moved to take Resolution 01-51 off the table; second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
Discussion: Vice Mayor Wernet moved following changes to the text of the Resolution. Second by Councilmember Moore: · Title: A Resolution To Authorize The Village Of Granville To Provide Surplus Water Service To Property Belonging To Kendal At Granville Located At The Middleton Site On Columbus Road. · 8th Whereas: "…developed consistent with the Village Township requirements…." · 10th & 11th Whereas: Delete · Section 2: "…entered into by the Village and Kendal, consistent with the discussions between the Village and Kendal at the August 8th meeting, which shall contain…."; "…the period of the contract shall be twenty thirty years…."
Motion-to-amend carried. Motion-as-amended carried.
NOTE: See "Memo to the Clerk."
At 12:12am, Councilmember Crais moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing property acquisition. Second by Councilmember Crais. A Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, McGowan, and Moore: Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.
At 12:24am, Vice Mayor Wernet moved to end the Executive Session. Second by Councilmember Crais. A Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, McGowan, and Moore: Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.
ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Crais moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:25am. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
To: Clerk of Council
Re: Comments by Council Person Dan Bellman on Approval of Water to Kendal
Date: September 5, 2001 Because the decision to provide Village water outside the Village to Kendal is so important, these additional comments are in order. They are not intended to provide a statement of policy. Rather, they are intended to provide an explanation for the vote I cast, which may be of benefit to future Councils who are facing similar issues.
First, let me restate my support for the Village's current policy of providing utility services (water and sewer) only to Village residents. Water and sewer are two of the most valuable resources a municipality has to offer its citizens and its business community. They also are often the two resources, which entice new citizens and new businesses to join the Village. By bringing these citizens and businesses into the Village, the Village expands its tax base, ensures attractive and appropriate development, preserves green space, and avoids suburban sprawl evident in the townships and cities to our West.
For some months, the Township trustees and others have proposed JEDD's in lieu of annexations as a vehicle for expanding the Village's utilities. If JEDD's or other similar arrangements accomplish the same goals that annexation would provide, I am willing, on a trial basis, I to consider it. In the case of Kendal, it was unclear whether a JEDD was legally permissible for that type of development. On a one time basis, and for reasons that are unique to Kendal, I am willing to proceed, but only because a JEDD is not an option here and because the same goals that can be accomplished in a JEDD can be accomplished here in other ways. In the future, for other proposed developments, I would not consider providing utility services without the minimum threshold of a JEDD, if not an annexation.
In voting for water for Kendal, I have considered the following factors:
· Community Purpose · Green Space · Direct Benefit to the Village · No Direct, Significant Adverse Impact on the Village · Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan · Farmland Preservation · Maintaining Discretion of Council
Community Purpose: Kendal provides an important service of keeping our senior citizens in the Granville community. Additionally, as land which already is likely to develop and which already has adequate water resources on its own, allowing a senior housing development provides one other benefit: it consumes land that could used for single family housing and converts it to a school-friendly use that does not bring additional children to our schools.
Green Space: Kendal provides a relatively low density -- 30% lot coverage --for land that already has a higher density zoning (e.g., one house per 2 acres).
Direct Benefit to the Village: Part of a JEDD's advantage to the Village is accomplished because the Village is receiving a payment in lieu of income taxes. In the case of Kendal, the payment was calculated based on a one percent rate. This is lower than the rate paid by Village citizens; on the other hand, the Village is not providing all of its municipal services to Kendal.
Regarding the water rate, those residing outside the Village should not receive the same low rate as our citizens who live within the Village borders. In the proposed contract, the rate for Kendal is 1.3 times the rate paid by Village citizens. Future Councils should not be restrained by this "1.3" factor. Perhaps, the right rate is 1.5, 1.7, or even 2.0 times the Village citizen's rate.
No Direct. Significant Adverse Impact on the Village: There is no adverse impact on the Village by the Kendal development on State Route 16 as there was in the case of the School's proposed site on Burg Street, North of the Village. In the case of the schools, there is only one major route to bring the students -- who largely live to the South and East of the Village --to the area North of the Village where the new school is being planned. This will create additional, significant traffic burdens on the Village with no promises from the Township or the Schools to remedy the situation. As such, I was opposed to the School's proposed site on Burg Street. In contrast, the new Kendal site is located on State Route 16, so no significant new traffic will be going through the Village, and the State, not the Village, will have responsibility for the safety and maintenance of the road.
In the case of Kendal, most of the direct traffic burden is on State Route 16, and thus there will be no direct, significant adverse impact on the Village itself. Additionally, the Kendal development has one other benefit - -the traffic from senior citizens will be distributed evenly throughout the day, as opposed to traffic from a school or certain businesses (e.g., Wendv's) whose traffic is concentrated in narrow bands of time called "peak hours".
It should be noted that I and other members of Village Council were willing to provide water and sewer to the Schools despite our grave concerns about the feasibility of the proposed site on Burg Street. We were willing to consider this QQl¥ because the School Board was the party requesting the water. Before such an extension of utilities took place, however, we felt it imperative that the new school join the Village --that is, that the new school site be annexed to the Village. An annexation would have brought the Village's staff and Planning Commission into the planning process, thereby allowing Village input into ways to alleviate the inevitable traffic and safety problems, while also allowing an income to the Village for the burden which it primarily was due to suffer. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan
There is nothing in the Comprehensive Plan, to my knowledge, which is in conflict with senior housing at that site on State Route 16. Additionally, the 1998 Comprehensive Plan contained a survey in which local residents felt that senior housing was an important, needed addition to the Village.
Farmland Preservation
To my knowledge, the proposed Kendal site on State Route 16 has not been a major location for farming. In sharp contrast, Kendal's original planned site at Burg Street and New Burg Street (near the new school that is being built) is one of the few major, remaining farming locations.
Because our local farmland is an important historical component of what makes Granville the community it is, and because farmland preservation is one of the most important goals stated in the Comprehensive Plan, we need to consider this during all major decisions. Because Kendal took a very community-minded position and moved away from the farmland North of the Village, it was easier to reward Kendal with water at its new site.
Maintaining Discretion of Council
At all times, the Village must maintain the discretion to accept or deny requests for water and sewer outside the Village. Thus, I view our recent decision to provide water to Kendal more as being done on a trial basis --a decision which, in future years, can be evaluated as being either good or bad. It should not be considered an attempt to reformulate Village policy. With rare exception, I continue to believe that valuable Village resources, such as water and/or sewer, should only be reserved for the citizens residing within the Village borders.
A couple provisions were added to the proposed contract with Kendal which I find disturbing.
First, the period of the contract is for an exceptionally long period. In these unusually volatile and dynamic times, a standing Village Council should avoid making decisions that will impact the Village, in a binding manner, for more than 20 years.
Secondly, the Village accepted with little analysis the concept that part of our payment in lieu of income taxes should be abated. This is a potentially dangerous step to take, and one that could lead us in directions we have no intention of heading. I hope that we will not make that same mistake again.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES August 1, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:31pm) Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet and Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites.
Mayor Robertson amended the Agenda to add "c. Kendal" under Citizens' Comments, having learned that Kendal had received word they would be on tonight's agenda.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (Mayor Robertson opened Citizens' Comments at 7:32pm) All Topics - Joanne Morey, 326 E. College Street. Mrs. Morey expressed concern about issues surrounding the construction of a fence on one's property line. She suggested that Council review the code since these questions do not constitute a "neighbor issue" and she shouldn't have to be the "bad guy." She also objected to the lack of secure fencing around the swimming pool on her neighbor's yard. Mayor Robertson asked Manager Hickman to look into the matter.
Rochelle Steinberg, 425 E. College Street. Mrs. Steinberg notified Council she had given a petition to Manager Hickman on behalf of the residents on East College Street, between Prospect Street and Newark Granville Road. They are requesting a speed table on East College to help manage speeding in that area. They are also concerned about children exit the elementary school via Sunrise Street and don't pay attention to College Street traffic. Mayor Robertson suggested that Mrs. Steinberg convey her concerns to the School Board. Vice Mayor Wernet assured her that East College is already being discussed as a possible speed- table site.
Jo Carey-Carlisle, 424 E. College Street. Ms. Carlisle agreed that a speed table would greatly help in slowing cars from the 35mph limit on Granville Road to the 25mph limit on College Street. Councilmember Crais referred Ms. Carlisle to the copies of documents on this topic previously provided by Vice Mayor Wernet, available at the front desk. Steve Contini, 210 Sunrise Street. Mr. Contini asked about feedback on the Cedar Street speed table. Manager Hickman, noting that it was more of a bump than a table, said it does slow people down and will be reworked into a table as quickly as possible. A determination of its effectiveness will be made in time to meet the Granger/ College improvement schedule.
Survey Committee Update – Bob Malcuit [Note: Councilmember Crais recused himself from the discussion due to a professional relationship with Mr. Harmon.]
Mr. Malcuit read the first three paragraphs of the committee's report, describing Phase I. He noted that Phase II has not yet been reviewed by all the members of the committee, is not yet ready for public consumption, and will be revisited at a later date. The "golden spike" to start Phase I will be positioned at Broadway and Main. They expect to have placed approximately 35 "monuments" (pins) by the end of the project. The estimated cost is approximately $250/monument for surveying, plus the purchase of the monuments and the labor to dig the holes ($8,750 for surveying, $100 for each monument, and $12,000- 15,000 in labor). Positioning will be determined by GPS/GIS data, to be as accurate as possible. Mr. Malcuit noted that the committee has elected to start from a "created center" at Broadway and Main since there is no way to determine where any original pins were located. Attorney Rob Drake confirmed that there are no original markers and said that Phase I would, at the least, tell us how big the original village was. At this point, we don't even know if all the blocks are the same size.
Looking forward to Phase II (a re-plat of individual lots), Councilmember McGowan asked how we would deal with uncooperative landowners. Mr. Malcuit responded that they will try for 100% participation on each block and Mr. Drake added that a new plat would be filed if all parties agree. If they don't, it won't. In any case, we would have established correct parameters, even though the Village can't change them unilaterally. Mr. Malcuit noted that the project is confined to the historical center of the Village, platted in 1805, since lot lines and lot sizes are not a problem anywhere else. He concluded his report by asking Council to consider funding Phase I.
Ben Spencer, 317 East College. Mr. Spencer asked Mr. Drake what the benefit of this would be. Mr. Drake responded that property owners would have fewer problems selling property if everyone know the size of the blocks.
Mayor Robertson asked this to be put on a "near-future" agenda for consideration and suggested that questions be directed to Manager Hickman.
Kendal Attorney Rob Drake explained that August 1 is a critical financing deadline for Kendal. To obtain financing as a non- profit, they must demonstrate 70% pre-sold units and they can't write contracts or set prices without being able to set costs. Mayor Robertson noted that this item will be on the agenda of next week's joint meeting of Council and the Township Trustees. Councilmember McGowan asked Mr. Drake if Kendal could provide their own water cheaper than getting it from the Village. Mr. Drake said they could but the Kendal Board preferred to get Village water.
[A detailed discussion followed on timing constraints, the desirability of a resolution vs. an ordinance, and the scope of the precise issue(s) to be voted on. Mr. Drake clarified that Kendal needs a yes or no vote on both water service and the cost of such service. It was determined by Law Director Crites that regular business could be conducted after the special meeting on August 8th as long as it was so noted in the meeting notices. That being the case, an ordinance could be introduced on August 8th and voted on August 22nd. Councilmember Lucier moved to amend the agenda to include "Kendal" under New Business so it could be discussed at this meeting. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried. Councilmember Lucier apologized to those present for the delay in Citizens' Comments while Council discussed process. Mayor Robertson resumed the Comments portion of the agenda.]
Richard Mahard, 115 West Elm Street. Mr. Mahard urged Council to approve Kendal's request for water & sewer without annexation, citing the precedents of Owens Corning and Alexandria. He also noted that Kendal as a development is quite different from housing development, with none of the negatives of the latter.
Jim Gordon, 732 Mt. Parnassus (Kendal Board of Trustees). Mr. Gordon emphasized that Kendal's presence would enable area residents who have previously contributed greatly to the welfare of the community (by service on numerous boards, foundations, and clubs) to continue to do so in a significant way. He stated that an affirmative vote by Council would have economic and symbolic significance to such residents (i.e., "We want you. We value what you have done and will do.").
Jeanette Drake, 222 N. Pearl Street. Mrs. Drake, speaking for "just folks," said she would appreciate Council's support to show that the Village is behind Kendal.
Eloise DeZwarte, 338 E. College Street. Ms. DeZwarte stated she wants "to keep all these people here in Granville and have them continue working for the community."
William Hoffman, 508 W. College Street. Mr. Hoffman echoed support expressed for a positive vote on granting water & sewer.
Phil Stukus, 109 Chapin Place. Mr. Stukus, noting that he had been in Granville for 30 years and wants to retire here, urged extension. Trudy Knox, 168 Wildwood Drive. Ms. Knox emphasized that Kendal is really about people and that Council was costing her money with their delays.
Paul Treece, 15 Louise Drive (Kendal Board of Trustees). Mr. Treece emphasized that moving ahead rapidly is critical to the success of the Kendal project.
Bill Brodie, 518 Burg Street. Mr. Brodie stated, that just like Kendal at Ithaca, we might well have some high-profile residents who would then enhance the community. He also reiterated that time is of the essence.
Teddy Westlake, 532 West Broadway. Mrs. Westlake asked how the Village could be willing to help other communities in need and not "local enterprises?"
Jack Heller, 542 Mt. Parnassus (Kendal Board of Trustees). Mr. Heller noted that the Kendal plan follows the atmosphere of downtown Granville and reminded Council that they "urgently need a decision." The "false start" cost time, money, and people and the project must now move ahead— meaning they need a water decision. Kitty Consolo, 18 Samson Place. Ms. Consolo expressed support Kendal and the Village selling water to Kendal. Mayor Robertson thanked all speakers for their time and interest and noted that Council is trying to determine the best and fastest way to conclude this.
Mayor Robertson closed Citizen's Comments at 8:52 pm.
NEW BUSINESS (8:52pm) Kendal Councilmember Bellman reviewed previous discussions of sewer pricing, JEDD taxing, greenspace preservation, and estate tax issues. It was noted that a JEDD might preclude extending sewer while a CEDA would not. Manager Hickman clarified that Kendal would build, then own, the 8" line that comes off the existing 12" line; they would also install the meter, which the Village would own. The issue of a tap fee was raised. Based on the existing Village schedule, a fee for an 8" line would be approximately $150,000. There was some discussion of a water rate (e.g., no higher than the maximum we charged non-Village residents and no lower than the Alexandria rate). Mr. Drake indicated that he had only discussed what the multiplier would be, not the specific rate. Kendal has proposed the rate be set at the same level as Village residents pay. Councilmember Bellman suggested other multipliers might apply if a JEDD- like concept were implemented. Councilmember Crais said it would be helpful if Council could hear a bit more from Kendal at the next meeting re their position on the JEDD concept and its ramifications. Mayor Robertson clarified that there are really two issues at hand—water and the JEDD/CEDA discussions. While the latter is to be discussed at next week's special meeting, the former could be discussed tonight. She noted that a multiplier between 1.0 and 2.0 was on the table and asked members of Council for their positions. Councilmember Bellman emphasized his concern that the Village needs income tax from Kendal residents for its general fund, noting that Village residents are "double-taxed" by paying Village and Township taxes. He urged Council to define a "bright line"—a clear situation where we would or would not extend water service— which would then allow Council to say "yes" to some requests for water and "no" to others. He maintained than an increased premium (i.e., multiplier) is not enough of a requirement to supply water. An applicant should therefore be required to participate in a JEDD/CEDA to receive water service. He urged that we have some understanding with the Township about whether they plan to use estate tax money for green space. His position is that he would agree to a lower multiplier, or no multiplier, if there is income-tax money coming in. Vice Mayor Wernet agreed that it made sense to have a lower rate for a JEDD/CEDA area. He added that he would not extend sewer without a JEDD but would do so with water, depending on the situation (e.g., the nature of the organization, the nature of land, whether it is zoned for intense use or surrounded by properties which are permanently open-space, currently industrial, or projected to be industrial). He urged Council to "aggressively pursue" a JEDD/CEDA. Councilmember Crais stated he was comfortable with a 1.33 multiplier. If, however, there were an agreement like a CEDA/JEDD, he would—in principle—be willing to reduce the rate to 1.0 multiplier. He added that the sewer issue raises a different set of issues. Mayor Robertson agreed philosophically that a JEDD/CEDA is a good idea and that the 1.33 multiplier was a good level if no JEDD/CEDA were formed. She pointed out that 1.33 is the Alexandria rate, though, and thought the Kendal rate should be lower—something between 1.0 and 1.33. Councilmember Crais stated that he needed to know Kendal's stance on a CEDA/JEDD before he could make any decisions (i.e., if they were "vehemently opposed," it would give him pause). Councilmember McGowan concurred, stating that since there were so many variables, he wanted to see it all in writing before setting a final figure. Manager Hickman, responding to Councilmember McGowan's question about sewer rates, stated that there are no non-Village agreements for sewer service. Mr. Drake added that Kendal has not requested sewer. Councilmember Bellman estimated it would cost $500,000-600,000 to extend sewer lines to Kendal. Their residents would pay 1% income tax and the entire tax base could be extended by partnering with the Township without annexation. If no agreements exist with the Township, the Village would provide all governmental services (e.g., roads, police, fire, water & sewer) while the Township collected all the taxes. He reiterated his stand that the Village should have a fair share of the tax revenues. Councilmember Moore reminded everyone that since we would be making an exception to our stated policy of not extending water and sewer without annexation, we would need to get something more than the normal rate. She would therefore support a multiplier of less than 2 but more than 1. She added, however, that the existence of a JEDD/CEDA as an additional source of funding would affect her stance (i.e., the more the funding, the lower the multiplier). Mayor Robertson instructed Manager Hickman to make any necessary corrections and forward the draft to Kendal, deleting any reference to a set multiplier. Councilmember McGowan suggested that language be included to specify whether or not Kendal could transfer their water and sewer rights to another entity. Councilmember Bellman asked that we also add something about zoning requirements as to densities and setbacks. Mayor Robertson concluded the discussion, noting it will continue at next week's meeting.
Council took a five-minute recess at 9:26pm.
Charter Review Discussion (9:31pm) Jim Jump, 143 Thresher Street. Mr. Jump commended Council on their appointments and the commission members themselves on their faithful, diligent, and serious work. He referred Council to the written report, noting that while the Review Commission had not discerned any urgent problems, they did want to raise some philosophical issues that, because of ballot considerations, had critical deadlines. He emphasized that the theme running through many of the suggested changes reflect favoring the rights of ordinary citizens against those of powerful vested interests. The consensus of Council was to introduce the Charter Review suggestions as ordinances at this meeting so they could be voted on at the August 15th meeting. Mr. Jump strongly suggested that the recommendations be considered individually. He also noted that, even if the deadline for appearing on the November 2001 ballot were missed, the recommendations wouldn't necessarily be moot.
Ordinance No. 20-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 2.08 Of The Village Charter To Enhance Council's Ability To Regulate Real Estate And Promote Moderately Priced Housing Within The Municipality, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for August 15, 2001.
Ordinance No. 21-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 4.04 Of The Village Charter To Require That The Finance Director, Law Director, Safety Director, and Service Director Be Appointed By The Village Manager With The Advice And Consent Of Council, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for August 15, 2001.
Ordinance No. 22-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 2.09 And 2.11 Of The Village Charter To Require Council To Periodically Update Its Rules And Make Them Available To New Members And The Public, To Require Uniform Referral, Voting, and Reporting Of Legislation By Committees Of Council, To Require Such Committees To Keep Minutes Which Are Public Records, And To Provide That Municipal Residents And Property Owners May Serve On Committees, But That Only Membes Of Council May Vote, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for August 15, 2001.
Ordinance No. 23-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 3.07 And 3.08 Of The Village Charter To Revise Initiative And Referendum Procedures, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for August 15, 2001.
Ordinance No. 24-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 5.05 Of The Village Charter To Increase The Threshold At Which Competitive Bidding Is Required For Supplies Materials, And Equipment From Ten To Fifteen Thousand Dollars, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for August 15, 2001.
Ordinance No. 25-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 8.01 Of The Village Charter To Make The Board Of Education's Representative On The Planning Commission An Ex-Officio, Non-Voting Member, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for August 15, 2001.
Ordinance No. 26-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 10.04 Of The Village Charter To Update The Fair-Employment-Practices Provision, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Moore. Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for August 15, 2001.
Ordinance No. 27-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 10.11 Of The Village Charter To Require Council to Submit Charter Amendments Proposed By The Charter Review Commission To The Electors On A Two-Thirds Vote Of Approval, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for August 15, 2001.
Ordinance No. 28-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 1.03, 1.04, 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, 2.05, 2.08, 2.09, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15, 3.11, 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 5.02, 6.01, 6.02, 6.10, 6.11, 9.05, And 10.01 Of The Village Charter To Make References To Persons Throughout The Charter Gender-Neutral And To Make Other, Non- Substantive Language Changes For Clarity And Uniformity Of Expression, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Mayor Robertson set the Public Hearing for August 15, 2001.
EXECUTIVE SESSION At 10:04pm, Councilmember Crais moved to modify the agenda to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Second by Councilmember Lucier. A Roll Call vote yielded seven (7) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.
At 11:00pm, Councilmember Crais moved to conclude the Executive Session. Second by Councilmember Lucier. A Roll Call vote yielded seven (7) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.
[Councilmember Bellman left the meeting at 11:00pm.)
NEW BUSINESS (continued at 11:01pm) Strategic Land Acquisition/Smart Development Committee. A vote by secret ballot resulted in Councilmember Crais being appointed as chair of the Committee.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (11:06pm) Ordinance No. 19-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the public hearing at 10:06pm
OLD BUSINESS (11:06pm) Ordinance No. 19-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was re-introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. [Mayor Robertson recused herself from the vote since her residence is included in the affected area.] A Roll Call vote yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet. Ordinance No. 19-01 is adopted.
OTHER (11:07pm) Ordinance No. 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of The Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio, was not removed from the table. Resolution No. 01-27, A Resolution To Amend The Village Of Granville Rules Of The Village Council, (Sections E & F), was not removed from the table. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (11:08pm) Regularly Scheduled Meeting of July 18, 2001. The following corrections/additions were requested: Councilmember McGowan, p. 1, last paragraph – insert language, "…give all citizens, not just the neighbors who were notified, a change to see what was proposed as well as to make sure the extension did not cause more problems than it was supposed to alleviate." Councilmember Moore, p. 5, under Income Tax Revenues – "Councilmember Moore, having met with Carie Miller and Molly Roberts, …." Councilmember McGowan moved to accept the Minutes as corrected; second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (11:11pm) Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Crais, Moore; Mayor Robertson) No report.
Finance Liaison (Councilmember Moore) No report. Newark/Granville Committee (Councilmember Bellman, Mayor Robertson) No report.
Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan) Councilmember McGowan reported he had met today with Human Resource Consultants. They are compiling community statistics, job descriptions, salary data, etc. Their interim report is attached. The next meeting is scheduled for September 5th.
Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier) Councilmember Lucier noted the Commission is looking forward to the passing of the sign code.
Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan) No report.
Streetlight Committee (Councilmember McGowan) No report.
Streets/Sidewalks & Utilities (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais; Vice Mayor Wernet) Vice Mayor Wernet reported the committee will be meeting August 3rd. Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore) No report.
Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier) No report.
Strategic Land Acquisition (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, and Moore) Councilmember Crais reported the committee had met the previous Monday. Their report was already submitted to Manager Hickman, who was asked to make it available for discussion at the regular council meeting on August 15th.
JEDD (Vice Mayor Wernet) No report. OTHER Mayor Robertson announced that the new Taylor's store will open next Monday. She suggested a proclamation and Council agreed to meet at the store that morning. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – 2001 (11:17pm) 1. August 8 7:30pm Joint Twp./Village Council -JEDD & Kendal w&s 2. August 8 8:30pm Special Meeting – Kendal water request 3. August 9 7:00pm BZBA 4. August 14 7:00pm Comprehensive Plan Review Committee 5. August 15 7:30pm Village Council 6. August 23 7:30pm Planning Commission
ADJOURNMENT (11:18pm) Councilmember Crais moved to adjourn the meeting; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING for CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON COMMUNITY CENTER July 25, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:32pm) Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, Moore, and McGowan; Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman. Attorney Jim Gorry was present in place of Law Director Crites. Councilmember Crais moved to excuse Councilmember Bellman. There was no second.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS re COMMUNITY CENTER (7:34pm) Kitty Consolo, 18 Samson Place. Since the Comprehensive Plan stresses preserving historical places, Ms. Consolo would like Council to consider Spring Valley Pool (begun in 1933) as the community-center location. Building(s) could be added to accommodate classes (yoga, dance, etc.). She also suggested the Longaberger mansion—easily reached by the bus line and bike trail. She added that the pool is unique, with its ultra-shallow play area and sand— a "priceless" feature.
Carol Roberts, 243 Denison Drive. She would love to see a stage for community plays and drama classes (including dressing rooms, a storage area for props, etc.).
Bet Brown, 16 Amberly Drive. She felt children should be able to ride their bikes to wherever this community center is and that it should, therefore, be placed where it would be most convenient for the most people. She also urged Council to not "assume that it has to be in town."
Beth White, 125 W. Elm Street. She supported Spring Valley, adding that the pool itself would be a great start for a recreation area (though it would have to be turned into a year-round facility). Lisa Black, 122 Knoll Drive. She works at Spring Valley and said its peaceful, tranquil atmosphere would be an advantage. She also noted that there are many buildings on the property that could be adapted.
Melinda Bagley, 1037 Newark-Granville Road. She spoke in favor of Spring Valley, noting how important it had been to her own children as well as many others.
Bet Brown, 16 Amberly Drive. She said it was important to the community to save the pool. The bigger question, however, is "what do we need the most?". She sees a real need for a building that has a couple of classrooms, noting that the Rec Commission offerings are held in church basements or homes since the Village doesn't have appropriate places to hold those classes. The Rec Commission needs an office that's not in someone's house. They need equipment storage, senior-citizen spaces, and basketball courts. They need a large room with a hardwood floor where the baskets could be pulled up to the ceiling, folding tables and chairs brought out, and parties and receptions staged from a small kitchen. The large space should have folding doors so it can be divided into three or four smaller spaces. She pointed out that the pool only gets used three months a year (i.e., buying the pool first doesn't meet nearly enough needs).
Lisa Black, 122 Knoll Drive. She agreed with Bet Brown about what kind of center we need but felt that Spring Valley was a great possibility, with acreage that could serve year-round needs.
Martha Chicotel, 4500 Grandview Road. She also works and coaches at Spring Valley and agreed with Lisa Black that many of the existing facilities at the pool could be converted. She added that there is lots of unused acreage.
Stanley Wrzyzczynski, 2322 Chestnut Hills Road. He cautioned Council to remember that "community" includes everyone, in every age group. Suggested that maybe instead of thinking of a building, we think of an employee—someone who would be hired to coordinate all the facilities and resources we already have in the community and see how they could best fit into the schedule. If we focus only on developing new real estate, a lot of existing resources might well go unused (e.g., numerous classrooms and storage facilities in the churches). The employee would be doubly important if we do develop the real estate. He also noted that a "community" is the people who choose to be a part of it, not just the ones who live there. He, himself, is not a voter even though he pays all the local taxes (he lives in McKean Township and works in Granville). He emphasized that, if we want a community center to work, we have to think "people" when we think "community" – not just "residents." That also results in a much larger pool of supporters. He urged consideration of arts facilities (theater, music, art) as being every bit as important as athletic ones. Responding to Councilmember Crais' question about how all this would be paid for, Mr. Wrzyzczynski stated that a full-time employee would mean access to state funding (e.g., Ohio Arts Council grants). Also, if we put forward a "greater Granville" concept, the funding base would be much broader.
[Councilmember Moore asked Mayor Robertson if the ad hoc community center committee would be doing a facility inventory or a community survey. Mayor Robertson said the committee had discussed it and decided not to do so. Lesa Miller, representing the Rec Commission, confirmed the point.] Martha Chicotel, 4500 Grandview Road. She described a community-center model in which those in the local school district could join at a discounted rate; those outside the community paid a higher rate.
Stanley Wrzyzczynski, 2322 Chestnut Hills Road. He reiterated his concern about what is "inside" and what is "outside." Many people, himself included, who work here and pay income taxes here but don't live here don't like being considered outsiders and/or being asked to pay a premium for services they are already supporting.
Carol Roberts, 243 Denison Drive. She asked about next steps (e.g., is tax money available? would there be a levy? how would Denison kick in? would Kendal kick in? how about other larger businesses—especially since a center would help retain families and employees of those institutions?). She also thought we should "throw in" an ice rink.
Betty Allen, 1683 Columbus Road. She spoke as a representative of the Granville Fellowship, noting that their needs are different from the younger people. They like to walk, jog, and ride bikes, so bike path access would be critical. She thought Spring Valley would be "ideal" and that Township funds could be used as well as Village ones. The Fellowship would need a "sociability" place that included a place for meals, an office for their director, storage that's lockable, and a big social hall. If all this were in conjunction with a community center, older folks could interact with younger ones. Adequate parking and a possible shuttle service to and from town would also be needed.
Martha Chicotel, 4500 Grandview Road. She reported that a large group of Spring Valley supporters are willing to help but need to know what to do. [Mayor Robertson thought it might be helpful to have a standard list of questions that people coming in to the pool could answer.]
Melinda Bagley, 1037 Newark-Granville Road. She appreciated the possibility of saving money by utilizing existing space but she also wants to save the pool. She proposed a combination of what we have now and new facilities, all designed to bring people to one place. Stanley Wrzyzczynski, 2322 Chestnut Hills Road. He reported that a major topic of discussion at the opening of the recent Art Show at St. Luke's Parish Hall was how nice it would be if Granville had a permanent gallery space. It could be a performance space as well, and also be the venue for lectures (with the community making the choices, not Denison or anyone else). He felt that such a place, with its attendant opportunities, was the kind of thing that makes a community interesting, in addition to giving the citizens something to look forward to and get involved in that's not athletic.
Carol Roberts, 243 Denison Drive. She enumerated a list of activities that could shape the space (probably a big room with hardwood floor and good acoustics): dance, martial arts, art (including kilns?), cooking classes, etc. We'd need a social hall for movies (i.e., something that would attract teens). She urged that we not reinvent the wheel but rather look other communities to see what they've done. In short, we should build something amorphous with enough space to go in a number of directions depending on what tomorrow holds. A centralized place is very important.
Judith Thomas, 4 Sheppard Place. She expressed frustration that, even though there is access to e-mail and the web site, it's not interactive. Gerry Griffin, 4 Sheppard Place. He volunteered to set up a bulletin-board web site. Council accepted the offer.
Trudy Knox, 168 Wildwood Drive. She expressed concern about what seemed like a push to utilize the land next to Kendal. From what she observed at the Township Trustees' meeting, she felt there seemed to be a misconception that Kendal wanted the community center out there and was willing to help finance it. She stated "that's not the read she gets from Kendal, though they were interested in being cooperative." She was glad to hear the community interest in saving Spring Valley and suggested that some of the money earmarked for saving green space could be used to purchase it. She also suggested we might move Sinnett House out to Spring Valley, and noted that the community center concept could be accomplished in incremental stages.
Mayor Robertson noted that the joint committee is "brainstorming" and getting input. She will take the notes of this meeting to their next session. Their intent is to report back to the Township Trustees by mid- September. No specific process has been set yet since the project is still in the talking stages.
Councilmember McGowan, responding to a question from Ms. Consolo, reported that the Rec. Commission has discussed 10- 12 sites as possible locations, including any place where existing facilities could be utilized or added to. He emphasized that these sites may or may not be available and have yet to be prioritized or thoroughly investigated. The list includes Wildwood Park, Spring Valley Pool, Lake Hudson, and properties owned by Kendal, Longaberger (on Granville Road), Reese, Fackler (to the west of Cherry Valley Road), Murphy, Watts, and the Township Trustees (on Burg Street next to the new school site). Two school sites were also discussed—the current middle-school and the new intermediate school,
ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Lucier made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:48pm. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Meeting adjourned.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 18, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:33pm) Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet. Councilmember Crais moved to excuse Councilmember Bellman and Mayor Robertson; second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried. Manager Hickman arrived at 7:47pm (having alerted Council that he might be late).
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (Vice Mayor Wernet opened Citizens' Comments at 7:34pm) All Topics - Susan Lamson, 123 W. College St. and Paul Jakob, 115 W. College St. Ms. Lamson and Mr. Jakob both supported restricted parking in the 100 block of West College.
Jerry Martin, 15 Briarwood. Mr. Martin cautioned Council that the additional of parallel parking spaces on the west side of the new Taylor's building would make it virtually impossible for large delivery trucks to be able to make the turn into the narrow alley leading to Petunia Park (behind all the stores fronting on Broadway). If they can't drive to the delivery entrances, they'll have to tie up traffic on Prospect while they park-and-walk with all the deliveries. Mr. Martin added that trucks could enter the area from Main Street, but could only exit by reversing all the way back to Main Street.
Steve Mershon, 405 E. College. Mr. Mershon cautioned Council that there might well be "unintended consequences" to the installation of a speed table on Cedar Street in combination with the proposed "congestive improvements" to the Pearl/ College intersection—i.e., motorists coming in from Welsh Hills Road would opt to travel south on Granger Street all the way to Broadway to avoid the other two areas. He strongly urged Council to install one or more speed tables on Granger at the same time to avoid increasing the risk to the children living and playing on Granger. He also suggested a speed table on East College at Sunrise Street, [Manager Hickman responded that speed tables were already planned for Granger but his intention is to install them as an integral part of a street- improvement project (by far the most cost-efficient practice). He also wants to have a single speed table as a test, rather than installing them all only to find out they don't produce the intended consequences.
Keith Myers, 229 E. College. Mr. Myers spoke in support of the proposed intersection improvements at College/Pearl, feeling it would make it much more likely that motorists would actually stop at the "Stop" sign. He urged all due speed with the installation. Councilmember McGowan urged a temporary installation first—perhaps orange barrels—to give all citizens, not just the neighbors who were notified, a chance to see what was proposed as well as to make sure the extension did not cause more problems that in was supposed to alleviate. His suggestion was not adopted.
Community Center – In Mayor Robertson's absence, Manager Hickman noted that she had requested a special meeting on July 25, 2001 at 7:30pm for the purpose of allowing citizens to comment on this issue. Councilmember Lucier noted that comments would also accepted at this meeting. None were offered.
Jim & Jeanetta Pyle – Jim Pyle, 123 S. Pearl St. The Pyles have been notified that they must vacate the lot at 122 S. Prospect Street by the end of August 2001 (either by tearing down or relocating the dwelling). They want to move the home, probably to a lot on Sunrise Street but doing so will require, at the least, taking down the large tree directly in front of the house. Mr. Pyle attended the Tree & Landscape meeting of April 1, 2001, and reported that Jim Siegel had said he would approve the action if removing that one tree was all it took; that does not appear in the minutes of the meeting, however. Manager Hickman clarified that Tree & Landscape does not make independent decisions; it is advisory to the Planning Commission which, in turn, is advisory to Council. He added that the Village is "very protective" of its trees and he was "rather sure" that other trees on Prospect, as well as trees on Granger, East College, and Sunrise, would also have to be either taken out or "limbed up" for the house to be moved. The Pyles were asked to settle on a path to the new location so the Village could then document exactly how many trees would be involved before a decision is made. The issue is complicated by the fact the sewer and paving work is planned for those same streets in the same time period. Councilmember Lucier cautioned that Council can't very well refuse the Pyle's request then turn around and approve moving Sinnett House. Mr. Pyle noted that the Village Code is "filled with emphases on saving historical structures"— something that needs Village cooperation since, again according to the Code, the Manager makes decisions about moving trees in the right of way. Manager Hickman responded that he depends on the opinion of Tree & Landscape on such issues as the age of trees and whether or not they are diseased. Councilmember Moore noted that we have come around again to questioning the role of Tree & Landscape. Councilmember Crais asked the Pyles for some background information on the house in question; Mrs. Pyle distributed information to Council about trees and houses. Councilmember McGowan asked that the Village be as careful about trees when they are replacing storm sewers or rebuilding roads so that tree roots are not cut and the trees left to die. Jerry Martin – Blues Fest Jerry Martin, 15 Briarwood, speaking for the GFAB. Mr. Martin requested Council's approval for the liquor permit for the Blues Fest (September 8th). Responding to Councilmember Lucier, Mr. Martin said there would be a larger tent and larger fenced-in area this year, both in response to patrons' comments from last year. He added that he would also be hiring one additional off-duty sheriff.
Carolyn Kibler, 640 W. Maple St. Ms. Kibler reported that all the same restrictions as last year would be in place— the space will be roped off, with a single entrance and single exit; IDs will be checked and wristbands issued; and a security guard will monitor the exit so no one takes alcohol outside the designated area. Councilmember McGowan asked how much money the Blues Fest had made last year and what was done with it. Ms. Kibler responded that they made $5,000 and gave $1,000 to the Village for beautification expenses and $4,000 to Hospice of Licking County. This year, their main beneficiary will be Camp O'Bannon. They are hoping to double their net revenue, with plans to give $1,000 to the Village, $1,000 to the National Blues Foundation, and the balance to Camp O'Bannon.
Vice Mayor Wernet closed Citizens' Comments at 8:14pm.
Curb Modification (moved forward from "OTHER" by consent of those present) Councilmember McGowan reiterated his concerns about the proposed modifications to the College/Pearl intersection and his desire to use a temporary set-up to see what the effects would be. Keith Myers responded that the proposed radii measurements are "suitable for a small town." He cautioned against designing for "extremes" (e.g., school buses or large trucks) and asserted that we should, rather, "build for the least defensible component (i.e., pedestrians). Vice Mayor Wernet distributed excerpts from a book describing how such decisions are evaluated. Manager Hickman said he would see that all members received the Portland study tomorrow. Councilmember Crais emphasized that our guiding principle should be the Comprehensive Plan's assertion that Granville is a pedestrian-oriented community; he believe the proposals for that intersection put those principles into practice. John Graban, 201 N. Pearl St. Mr. Graban agreed that its pedestrian character is what make this community unique. Living on the College/Pearl corner, he see all ages, at all times of the day and supports the proposed changes because they will serve to maintain the pedestrian traffic.
Councilmember Moore asked Manager Hickman to provide accident records for various intersections to the Streets & Sidewalks Committee. There followed an extended discussion of general Streets & Sidewalks projects, priorities, etc. Councilmember Lucier suggested each committee make a better effort to keep the rest of Council informed of what they are doing (i.e., no surprises would make for smoother meetings).
PUBLIC HEARINGS None:
NEW BUSINESS (8:47pm) Councilmember Moore moved to approve the request for a liquor license for the Blues Fest. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-49, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Seek Bids For Replacement Of High Service Pump No. 2, was introduced by Councilmember McGowan; second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-50, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Seek Bids For The Purchase Of A Used Belt-Filter Press, was introduced by Councilmember McGowan, second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 19-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Councilmember Lucier. [Manager Hickman clarified that this is for extra concrete and asphalt to redo aprons already paved in the way they should have been done in the first place.] Vice Mayor Wernet scheduled a Public Hearing for August 1, 2001.
OLD BUSINESS (8:52pm) Ordinance No. 15-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 351.17 (a) Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Making The 100 Block of W. College Street A Residential Permit Parking Zone And Making The Ordinance Effective All Year Long, was moved off the table by Councilmember Crais; second by McGowan. Motion carried. The Ordinance was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais; second by Councilmember Lucier.
Discussion: Councilmember Moore asked if only a portion of the block could be reserved for permit parking, to accommodate both the residents and the occasional parkers. After determining that the houses on either end of the block are non- residential, Manager Hickman said he would work with the residents to make the restrictions work in the best way.
Councilmember Moore moved to make the block only partly permit parking, at the discretion of the Manager. Second by Councilmember Lucier. A Roll Call vote on the motion-to- amend yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet. The amendment is adopted. A Roll Call vote on the Ordinance as amended yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet. Ordinance 15-01, as amended, is adopted.
Ordinance 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of The Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio, was not taken off the table.
OTHER (9:13pm) Organization & Compensation Study Molly Roberts reported the retained counsel had interviewed all personnel and was redrafting job descriptions to fit. She asked for feedback from Council on comparison communities and/or businesses they would want to be included in the next phase. In addition to the usual geographically contiguous comparisons, Councilmember Crais asked that we compare ourselves to communities with same sort of residents' expectations, similar median income, and similar property valuations. Councilmember McGowan asked that we also look for places with a comparable business base. Councilmember Lucier asked for an interim report at the next regular meeting.
Income Tax Revenues Councilmember Moore, having met with Molly Roberts, reported that the main problem behind apparent differences in receipts is fluctuations in period-ending dates and/or days, which affect when checks are received. The bottom line, through July 17, 2001, is that we are 3.19% ahead of last year in income tax receipts (with a budgeted increase of 3%). Moore cautioned Council not to expect a windfall increase over last year due to business relocations, changes in state law re subcontractors (who do not have to withhold taxes if they're in the Village less than 12 days), and the like. She noted that the regular monthly reports will be modified to add a column showing a year-to- date figure and suggested Council keep an eye on all revenues, not just income tax. Councilmember Lucier remarked on the fact that even though the Village is not under budget for this year, we are under the growth rate for the last 10 years. This should be a major cause for concern since income tax revenues are 2/3 of our overall revenues. She urged that we be more conservative in next year's projections than we were with this year's.
Herbicide Usage and Refuse/Recycling Kristin Thomas, the Village's summer intern, gave a Power Point presentation of refuse/ recycling and pesticide/herbicide use. For refuse/recycling, Manager Hickman noted that he needs to "tighten down" the practices of Granville's three haulers (Big O, Waste Management, and Rumpke) to be better able to make an eventual recommendation about a possible single-hauler system (which would be less costly for residents and subject Village streets to less wear and tear).
Ms. Thomas reviewed the Village's pesticide/herbicide use within the corporation limits. The water treatment plant uses about two gallons of Roundup in each six-month warm- weather period. The wastewater plant uses 20-25 gallons of KE-122D each six-month period. The service department uses an unspecified amount of KE-122D (once a year on guardrails, hydrants, curb gutters, etc.) and Roundup (twice a year throughout downtown and around the Village Hall. The resulting beauty and the products' obvious effectiveness are positives; safety concerns are negatives. For example, children are much more susceptible to pesticide's bad effects than adults. Ms. Thomas pointed out that there are currently no regulations governing herbicide/ pesticide use. She suggested citizens might be informed when the Village is spraying. Care should be taken as well to account for wind drift and rain runoff (e.g., could spraying at the wastewater plant affect Lake Hudson?). She stated that "safe use is all about awareness" and urged proper protection for those who do the applications, accompanied by adequate information for citizens. Responding to a question from Councilmember Moore about spraying for mosquitos, Manager Hickman said the Village participates in a district program which subcontracts spraying through the City of Newark. Spraying is done on an as-needed basis when people call in and complain. Also, mosquitos are trapped to determine types and quantities so the sprays—all EPA-approved—can be specifically targeted. Ms. Thomas suggested Manager Hickman consider consulting with Carol Goland about IPM—an Integrated Pest Management program. Resolution No. 01-27, A Resolution To Amend The Village Of Granville Rules Of The Village Council, (Sections E & F), was not removed from table.
Trick or Treat – Council set this year's date for October 30, 2001, and next year's date for October 31, 2002, both from 5:30-7:00pm.
Charter Review – Manager Hickman reported that this item will be the major agenda item for the regularly scheduled meeting of August 1, 2001. Council will consider proposed recommendations and vote on them if they are ready. They must decide by the August 15th meeting, at the latest, in order for Manager Hickman to submit language to Board of Elections by August 23rd. Manager Hickman asked members to submit any questions to Law Director Crites in advance so that a comprehensive legal review can be provided in advance of the August 1st meeting. MAYOR'S COURT REPORT (10:00pm) The Mayor's Court Report for the month of June 2001 was presented for review. Councilmember Lucier moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried. Vice Mayor Wernet directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
MANAGER'S REPORT (10:00pm) The Manager's Report for the month of June was presented for review. Councilmember Lucier moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried. Vice Mayor Wernet directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
A brief discussion ensued re the operation of the truck scale. The police are doing random testing as well as probable-cause testing. They have noticed that when the scale is operating, truck traffic is noticeably reduced. Councilmember Moore asked for feedback about what kinds of trucks (e.g., agricultural, waste haulers, commercial) were being cited. Manager Hickman will provide a list at the August 1st meeting.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (10:08pm) Regularly Scheduled Meeting of June 20, 2001. Councilmember Moore moved to accept the Minutes as submitted; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS (10:09pm) Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Crais, Moore; Mayor Robertson) Councilmember Crais reported the committee will meet with Kathryn Wimberger to discuss her research study.
Finance Liaison (Councilmember Moore) Report given under "OTHER."
Newark/Granville Committee (Councilmember Bellman, Mayor Robertson) No report.
Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan) Report given earlier under "OTHER."
Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier) No report.
Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan) Councilmember McGowan reported the commission is working on a preliminary list of things they would like to see in a community center. No decisions have been made.
Streetlight Committee (Councilmember McGowan) Councilmember McGowan reported that the Village is working on the last few lights scheduled for this year. More have been scheduled for replacement next year.
Streets/Sidewalks & Utilities (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais; Vice Mayor Wernet) Vice Mayor Wernet reiterated that the committee had had discussions with residents in the area of the Pearl/College intersection. Councilmember McGowan urged Council to develop criteria for where speed tables may go, stating that safety improvements should be part of the discussion each time we do surface and/or sub-surface improvements. Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore) Manager Hickman reported that he had asked the chair to compile a list of the committee's criteria as well as of the scope of services, for Council's consideration.
Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier) No report
Strategic Land Acquisition (Councilmembers Bellman and Moore) Councilmember Crais reported a productive first meeting, much of which was set in executive session. The group discussed a list of properties to consider and hope to present to Council with a set of recommendations, including stratagems. Councilmember Crais serves as secretary; Councilmember Moore is the liaison with the Township Trustees, the Land Conservancy, and the Rec Commission; and Sarah Goldblatt is the liaison to any and all farm groups.
JEDD (Vice Mayor Wernet) Vice Mayor Wernet reported that the JEDD group wishes to have a special session of Council on August 8th to discuss forming a JEDD for the Kendal project (and potentially for another large piece of land in the same general location). Such a JEDD would provide a vehicle to provide water & sewer service to Kendal without annexation. Wernet also noted that the JEDD group plans to ask the Township Trustees if they would be willing to earmark estate tax revenue (approx $250,000/year) as their contribution. An agreement of this sort would provide extension with safeguards—a win-win situation—as well as an opportunity for joint activity with the Township. S.R. 161 Councilmember Moore reported she had attended the recent ODOT meeting about proposed routes for the expansion of S.R. 161 and said Manager Hickman had copies of the map available on request for members of Council. EXECUTIVE SESSION (10:33pm) Councilmember Crais moved to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing possible acquisition(s) of land. Second by Councilmember Lucier. A Roll Call vote yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet.
At 10:52pm, Councilmember McGowan moved to return to the regular session; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. A Roll Call vote yielded five (5) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS – 2001 (10:52pm)
1. July 23 7:30pm Planning Commission 2. July 24 7:30pm Community Center Study Committee 3. July 25 7:30pm Village Council/Special- Community Center Comments 4. July 31 7:00pm Comprehensive Plan Review Committee 5. August 1 7:30pm Village Council 6. August 8 7:30pm Village Council/Special-JEDD & Kendal 7. August 15 7:30pm Village Council 8. August 23 7:30pm Planning Commission
ADJOURNMENT (10:52pm) Councilmember Lucier moved to adjourn the meeting; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried.
Prepared by Sandy Ellinger
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES June 20, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:31pm) Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites. Councilmember McGowan moved to excuse Councilmember Crais, who was out of town; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried. Councilmember Bellman arrived at 7:34pm.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (7:32pm) All Topics - None Mayor Robertson closed Citizens' Comments at 7:32pm.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (7:33pm) Ordinance No. 15-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 351.17 (a) Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Making The 100 Block of W. College Street A Residential Permit Parking Zone And Making The Ordinance Effective All Year Long. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the Public Hearing at 7:33pm.
Ordinance No. 16-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the Public Hearing at 7:34pm.
Ordinance 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of The Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the Public Hearing at 7:34pm.
2001 County Tax Budget. No one appeared to speak for or against the Budget. Mayor Robertson closed the Public Hearing at 7:35pm.
OLD BUSINESS (7:35pm) Ordinance No. 15-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 351.17 (a) Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Making The 100 Block of W. College Street A Residential Permit Parking Zone And Making The Ordinance Effective All Year Long, was re-introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Discussion: Manager Hickman clarified that three of the four residents on the block in question are interested in having this Ordinance adopted; the fourth has not offered an opinion. Mayor Robertson felt that unless the residents were strongly in favor of this, it would periodically cause problems in connection with Denison downhill events as well as with the temporary parking problems due to the uphill construction. Manager Hickman offered to table the ordinance and ask the concerned families to come in and speak to Council. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to table the ordinance; second by Councilmember Bellman. Motion-to-table passed.
Ordinance No. 16-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Councilmember Bellman. Second by Councilmember McGowan. A Roll-Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, and Mayor Robertson). Ordinance No. 16-01 is adopted.
Ordinance 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of The Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio, was re-introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Discussion: Manager Hickman clarified that this refers to the sign code. Keith Myers, speaking on behalf of the Planning Commission, noted that they had decided to review the sign code in light of the fact that they found themselves continually granting variances. The rewrite is intended to make the code more responsive to the types of applications they generally see (or would like to see). One concern is signage in the Village Center, where the current code was molded around signage already in place and considered appropriate. Outside the Village Center, where there is more of a highway orientation, they determined that signs larger than the existing 10-square-feet maximum were justified. Councilmember Moore asked if there was anything in writing that identified the differences from the existing code. Mr. Myers said there was not, then cited the two changes: an increase in the 10-square-feet maximum and the three-sign maximum. Responding to questions from Councilmembers Moore and McGowan, Mr. Myers said: 1) existing non-conforming signs will be grandfathered. Repairs and painting of any grandfathered sign are permitted but any "substantial" changes would have to conform to the new code; 2) the specified dates for holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message will be changed to read "no more than two months" if legal review determines that such a change is advisable. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to table the Ordinance until legal review is completed. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion-to-table carried.
Ordinance No. 18-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was re-introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Discussion: Councilmember Lucier asked Manager Hickman to confirm that the changes requested reflect the opinion of the Streets & Sidewalks Committee. They do. Manager Hickman added that he is considering a trial installation of a "traffic-calming device" (speed table) on Cedar Street since funds are already appropriated for that area and the stop signs at either end of the block are not effectively controlling speeds. The speed table would be red-dyed asphalt imprinted with a brick pattern, raised 3" above the pavement, with signage. Responding to Councilmember Moore's question, Manager Hickman said the speed tables cost approximately $15,000 each. If the Cedar Street speed table works, three would be installed on Granger Street as part of the scheduled construction (though it would require a separate appropriation request). If it's not effective, it can be removed. Councilmember McGowan asked how we would handle other residents' requests for speed tables on their streets. All agreed that they would be dealt with as part of scheduled construction projects. In the interim, staggered parking could be used as an alternate speed- control method. Councilmember Moore asked for clarification of the area on North Pearl Street. Manager Hickman responded that it would run from the crosswalk at Broadway to College Street (straight curb with a slightly rounded edge, as opposed to curb-and-gutter). A detailed discussion of curb design at the Pearl/College intersection followed, with particular emphasis on whether to use a 5-foot or a 15- foot radius on the sidewalks. Councilmembers Moore and McGowan asked that public input be sought. Manager Hickman said there have been meetings and the neighbors have been informed. Mayor Robertson asked that the Portland document be distributed to Councilmembers. Law Director Crites suggested including the following language: "The Granville Streets & Sidewalks Committee will continue to monitor the project and make adjustments as necessary." Vice Mayor Wernet so moved; second by Councilmember Bellman. Motion-to- amend carried.
A Roll-Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, and Mayor Robertson). Ordinance No. 18-01 is adopted.
Public Use Fees – Discussion Council discussed a letter received from Catherine Smith, objecting to the Public-Use fee included on their invoice from Southgate Development. (The Smiths felt they were being "penalized" for wanting to move into a more accessible dwelling.") Councilmember Lucier felt the public- use feel was a cost of building a house in this community and was charged to everyone. Councilmember McGowan agreed, likening it to a tap fee for a new house. Vice Mayor Wernet added that the fee is intended to provide money for the infrastructure in a development. Councilmember McGowan asked what other communities do; Manager Hickman responded that, to his knowledge, most other communities don't have this fee. Councilmember Lucier thought the fee was "very consistent" with Granville's commitment to restricting development and encouraging open space. She added that we citizens tax ourselves for these issues, in the public good; the choice for any buyer is whether or not it is worth it to live here.
NEW BUSINESS (8:50pm) Resolution No. 01-42, A Resolution To Adopt The 2002 County Tax Budget As Proposed And To Direct The Village Manager To Submit It To The County Auditor, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-43, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into A Contract With Acordia For Property, Casualty, And Liability Insurance For The Period Of July 1, 2001 To June 30, 2004, was introduced by Councilmember Bellman. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Discussion: Molly Roberts reported that Acordia has a very good reputation and the insurance premium has been reduced by $12,000. Motion carried.
Resolution 01-44, A Resolution To Award The Bid For Sunrise Street Improvements, Per Specifications, To Columbus Asphalt Paving, Inc., And To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by Councilmember McGowan. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Councilmember Bellman moved to amend to resolution by adding, "Section III: Be it further noted that the Granville Streets & Sidewalks Committee will further monitor the project and make adjustments as necessary." Second by Councilmember McGowan. Councilmember Bellman noted that Council will not need to discuss this again unless a major change is contemplated. Motion-to-amend carried. Motion-as-amended carried.
Resolution 01-45, A Resolution To Award The Bid For Street Improvements Including E. College Street, Granger Street, N. Pearl Street, And The College/Pearl Intersection, Per Specifications, To Layton Companies, Inc., And To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by Councilmember Bellman. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Councilmember Bellman moved to amend to resolution by adding, "Section III: Be it further noted that the Granville Streets & Sidewalks Committee will further monitor the project and make adjustments as necessary." Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion-to- amend carried. Motion-as-amended carried.
Resolution No. 01-46, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Accept The Ohio Public Works Commission Grant For The Clear Run Culvert Replacement Project, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Moore. Vice Mayor Wernet complimented staff on getting this grant. Councilmember McGowan expressed concern about emergency-vehicle access during construction. Manager Hickman responded that mutual aid would help us cover while the road is closed. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-47, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Seek Bids For Clear Run Culvert Replacement, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-48, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into A Contract With Human Resource Solutions For An Organization & Compensation Study, was introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Councilmember Lucier reported that she had reviewed both proposals received on time; the winning bid was approximately $10,600. She then met with Manager Hickman and Molly Roberts, determining that there will be an initial meeting with staff, attended by Councilmembers Lucier and McGowan, to confer with the consultant about our goals in this organizational overview. If that meeting reveals that we want more than Human Resource Solutions based their bid on, the group will so inform Council. Councilmember McGowan added that the meeting would be open to the public and would also include Mayor Robertson and Vice Mayor Wernet (also members of the Personnel Committee). Councilmember Lucier reported that the consultant wants to start by July 1st and finish by August 10th. Motion carried.
MAYOR'S COURT REPORT (9:14pm) The Mayor's Court Report for the month of May 2001 was presented for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried. Mayor Robertson directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
MANAGER'S REPORT (9:14pm) The Manager's Report for the month of May was presented for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Bellman. Councilmember Lucier questioned low level of increase in income tax revenues. Manager Hickman will verify the numbers and, at Councilmember Lucier's request, put the item on the agenda for the next meeting. Councilmember Moore will meet with Ms. Roberts and report back as well. Motion carried. Mayor Robertson directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9:16pm) Regularly Scheduled Meeting of May 16, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Mayor Robertson, p. 7, 1st paragraph – "Now, the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled the process is legislative so we need to back out revise the appeal procedures…."; 2) "…not consistent with the Ohio Supreme Court, and would risk the Village's ending up in litigation for not complying." Councilmember Moore moved to accept the Minutes as amended; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
Regularly Scheduled Meeting of June 6, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember Bellman, p. 8, 1st sentence – "Council took a brief recess and reconvened the regular meeting at 9:21pm…." Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the Minutes as amended; second by Councilmember Bellman. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:20pm) Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Crais, Moore; Mayor Robertson) No report.
Finance Liaison (Councilmember Moore) No report.
Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan) No report.
Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier) Councilmember Lucier reported the Commission had had its fourth work session with Dan Rogers about his garage. While the Commission gave Mr. Rogers "encouraging words" about architectural modifications in the plan, they also asked Councilmember Lucier to see if there might be any legal recourse (e.g., a fine or other appropriate negative impact) for his failure to follow the original plan. Councilmember Lucier noted that the Commission wants closure on this issue but is also concerned that a precedent not be established—of applicants failing to comply then, in the end, getting "pretty much what they wanted." The Commission doesn't want Mr. Rogers to have to tear down the garage but, as stated, feels there should be some negative consequence to his (or any applicant's) actions. Law Director Crites reported that he has had some discussions (and will continue to do so) with Seth Dorman. Councilmember McGowan noted that the pool house now under construction on College Street may be a similar situation. Manager Hickman reported that staff is keeping a close eye on both situations. Both applicants are complying with process and inspection requirements but neighbors in both areas still have concerns.
Constance Barsky (221 East Elm Street) confirmed that the "word on the street" in Granville is that if you hold out long enough you get your way (i.e., build what you want because the Village won't make you do anything about it). She maintained that the issue of whether or not there should be a fine should have been dealt with long ago, and added that she was concerned that this practice— which "flies in the face" of citizens who are reasonable about complying with regulations and, in fact, puts them at a disadvantage—was still taking up Village Council and Planning Commission time.
Vice Mayor Wernet concurred, adding that other communities would take violators to court and/or compel them to tear down the non-conforming structure. He also noted that developers are watching what the Village does. Mayor Robertson asked if there were, in fact, any legal provisions for levying fines. Manager Hickman responded that, at least in the case of the Rogers garage, Seth Dorman is the third planner to be involved and something is lost in the transition each time. He noted that, while the Village has never been timid about lawsuits, we were trying to let this issue work itself out through the Planning Commission in lieu of going into a court where someone else would decide what could or could not be built in Granville. Delays have complicated the process, however. Now, Staff intends to have Mr. Dorman and Law Director Crites work directly with the Planning Commission and the BZBA so both bodies can make the best decisions for this circumstance. He will report back on possible penalties. Councilmember Lucier reported that one of the Planning Commission's major frustrations is that they feel they should not be the enforcer. She requested that Council schedule a time in August to take an in-depth look at how this process works. She would like to ensure ongoing inspections and investigate the system of fines (i.e., are they so large we are reluctant to levy them? are they daily? when do they kick in?). She also asked how a suit would go to municipal court. Manager Hickman responded that the Village would cite someone in Mayor's Court, which would levy a fine, if appropriate. The defendant could then request a transfer to municipal court, which would decide if the citation itself were appropriate. He was unsure if municipal court might or might not be able to approve continued building. Councilmember Lucier expressed concern that, as things stand now, the Planning Commission never gets an acknowledgement that an error has been made. Rather, they end up feeling harassed by the community. Councilmember McGowan suggested researching what other communities do.
Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan) Councilmember McGowan noted that Raccoon Park is getting lots of use. Plans are getting underway for the Raccoon Park Bridge, to connect the park to the bike trail. Jim Riddle has found yet another old bridge and the Commission has hopes of completing the project before the end of the summer.
Streetlight Committee (Councilmember McGowan) Councilmember McGowan reported a light installed on Cedar Street, six replacements still to go this year, and 25 scheduled for next summer.
Streets/Sidewalks & Utilities (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais; Vice Mayor Wernet) No report.
Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore) Councilmember Moore reported that plantings had been approved for Taylor's and Knucklehead's. The Village is looking for a replacement for the existing "holiday" tree. Manager Hickman asked that the Committee itemize what they do so Council can discuss it.
Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier) Councilmember Lucier noted they are still looking for an auditor. Strategic Land Acquisition (Councilmembers Bellman and Moore) No report (though they will meet once everyone has returned from vacation).
JEDD (Vice Mayor Wernet) Vice Mayor Wernet reported that the combined Village/Township group had had its first meeting with all members present. He and Trustee Jim Havens asked Jim Murr and Jim Jump to construct an outline of the process of determining what options might make sense and what additional resources (i.e., committee members) might be needed.
Charter Review Commission (Manager Hickman) Manager Hickman reported that the Commission should have a report to Council by July 1st. "Considerable time" will be set aside at the regularly scheduled meeting of July 18th. Mayor Robertson noted that the Council's review needs to be wrapped up by approximately August 20th so the issue can go on the ballot.
OTHER (9:47pm) Resolution No. 01-27 remained on the table. Manager Hickman was asked to distribute copies of Sections E and F for the next meeting.
4th of July Parade. Council will participate, probably walking (but maybe riding). Either way, there will be sign (s) so everyone can identify them. Manager Hickman is to contact Kiwanis with the list of names so they can be read from the reviewing stand.
Constance Barsky (221 East Elm Street). Ms. Barsky thanked all members of Council for giving of their time to serve the community, then encouraged them to seriously consider a number of negative perceptions about Council. She first addressed external and internal communications, suggesting that internal documents to and from members and/or committees should be conveyed in a timely manner. She then proposed more control during meetings, citing the frequency of "side conversations" that distract members and citizens from the point(s) being made. She compared Council's meetings to those of the Township Trustees, remarking that most citizens simply notice that the Trustees' meeting run more quickly and more smoothly, without understanding why. She urged "smoother communications" with both Village and Township residents. Finally, she encouraged Council to engage in some team-building work that would include producing a written vision/mission statement for each year (or two-year) period.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (10:00pm) Vice Mayor Wernet moved to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing possible acquisition(s) of land. Second by Councilmember Bellman. A Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.
At 10:49pm, Councilmember McGowan moved to return to the regular session; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. A Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS (10:49pm) 1. June 25, 2001 – Planning Commission (7:30pm) 2. June 26, 2001 – Charter Review Commission (7:30pm) 3. June 26, 2001 – Granville Land Conservancy, w/ Lee and Kathy Larsen (7:30pm) 4. July 04, 2001 – Village Council (meeting cancelled) 5. July 23, 2001 – BZBA (7:00pm) 6. July 18, 2001 – Village Council (7:30pm)
ADJOURNMENT (10:50pm) Councilmember Lucier moved to adjourn the meeting; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried.
ROLL CALL (7:30pm) Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Crais, Lucier, and McGowan; Vice Mayor Wernet; Law Director Crites. Councilmember Bellman arrived at 7:33pm, Manager Hickman at 7:44pm, Mayor Robertson at 7:47pm. Councilmember Moore had previously informed Council of her inability to attend the meeting.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (7:33pm) All Topics Constance Barsky, 221 E. Elm Street. Ms. Barsky brought forward the concerns of Citizens for Sensible Growth (CSG), expressed at a meeting held two weeks ago for members of Council and the Township Trustees. CSG feel it is important to bring together area townships (i.e., Harrison, St. Albans, and Union) with Granville and Granville Township to discuss their common interests in preserving the nature of our communities. She noted that, if asked, CSG would assist in facilitating such a meeting but wanted a firm commitment from both Council and the Township Trustees that this would be worthwhile before moving forward. She noted that the Granville Land Conservancy is considering changing its name to reflect the fact that it represents a larger constituency.
Scott Harmon Surveying – Copyright Infringements [Councilmember Crais abstained from the discussion due to a previous professional relationship with Mr. Harmon.
Scott Harmon (55 Margaret Lane; professional surveyor and lifetime Granville resident). Mr. Harmon emphasized that surveying points are incorrect in Granville in many, if not all, instances. He noted his objection to having one of his drawings accepted by the BZBA as a definitive plot plan even though such use was specifically prohibited in writing on the drawing and the homeowner had not obtained Mr. Harmon's permission to use the drawing. He urged the Village to require an accurate survey depicting existing and proposed buildings prior to any development—a practice that would insulate the surveyor from liability that may arise through the use of an unauthorized and/or informal document. To illustrate, he said that the BZBA and/or Planning Commission would never grant building permits based on xerographic copies of plans but would insist on working from the originals. He then asked that the surveying profession be treated with equal respect. He suggested that Council review ordinances from other municipalities.
Bob Malcuit, 526 W. Broadway (formerly 126 West Elm). Mr. Malcuit spoke in support of Mr. Harmon, reporting that the real estate agent involved in the sale of his home on West Elm Street "laughed" when asked for an accurate survey. [Many people present at the meeting reported similar reactions resulting from discussion about, or requests for, accurate surveys. Attorney Robert Drake, with 30 years' experience in the title business, concurred that "the whole village is off."] Mr. Harmon stated that the common practice of relying on surveying pins, contractors' nails or stakes with orange tape, or even neighbors' word-of- mouth has, over the years, led to the current state of confusion. Since one misplaced or misread corner pin can throw the survey of a whole block out of kilter, Mr. Harmon suggested that, as a community, we should do something about it. Specifically, he asked that a survey committee be formed to discuss a possible re-platting of the Village. He has already surveyed a lot of the village and offered to contribute "years and years of work" to the project. He suggested that the re-platting could be done one block at a time, with each individual property owner signing a quit- claim deed for all lots on the block. The block is then considered as a single entity and subdivided into the pro- rated number of lots specified. Mr. Harmon noted that Buckeye Lake had already done a re-plat. It involved "some hesitation" from landowners, but the lots are now pro-rated and corrected and all the owners now have actual lines established.
Councilmember Bellman urged Council to wait until they had some feedback from the public on this issue (i.e., "if there's no groundswell for fixing this, it might be time wasted."). Manager Hickman suggested the committee come up with some alternatives about what might make sense and bring their ideas back to Council. There was a consensus among members of Council to proceed. Mr. Malcuit was asked to chair the committee, Mr. Drake to be a member. Both agreed. Mr. Harmon asked that they review Grove City's zoning requirements for construction as to site plans and staking procedures. There was some question as to the advisability of Mr. Harmon serving on the committee (which he offered to do) since he might have a conflict of interest if he ended up doing any work requested. Mr. Malcuit said he could certainly form a survey committee without any surveyor on it but would eventually need detailed information. He and Manager Hickman will work it out.
Mr. Harmon urged Council to take seriously the danger of litigation arising from the BZBA ignoring copyright violations, stating that he might well have pursued it already if this were not his hometown. He added that, regardless of whether or not the re-plat goes through, we should ensure that our regulations reflect as much respect for the land itself as for historical details on the buildings. He reiterated his point that architects and builders are not surveyors and cannot legally represent accurate depictions of a lot.
Vice Mayor Wernet asked Mr. Harmon to give copies of the Grove City regulations to Manager Hickman. Councilmember Lucier asked Law Director Crites to determine whether the Village has legal liability in this instance.
Vice Mayor Wernet turned the gavel over to Mayor Robertson at 8:59pm. TOWNSHIP/VILLAGE JOINT MEETING (7:59pm) Mayor Robertson expressed her appreciation to the Trustees for being willing to delay the start-time of the meeting from 7:35 so she could attend a memorial service. She then called the joint meeting to order. Members of Council responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, and McGowan; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman; Law Director Crites. Members of the Township Trustees responding to the Roll Call were Trustees Havens, Jones, and King; Clerk Kennedy.
Both bodies reviewed the agenda. There was some confusion about who had and had not received it in advance. Mayor Robertson and Trustee Havens agreed to meet before the next joint meeting to confer about the agenda before it is distributed and ensure that everyone receives it in a timely manner. No changes were made to the agenda for this meeting.
UPDATE OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Charlie Metzger (81 Maplewood Drive; chair of the Review Committee) reported that the Committee has begun its work and has identified three tasks: 1) an analysis of the implementation of the 1998 plan; 2) an analysis of the plan in terms of its effectiveness in light of today's circumstances; and 3) recommendations to Council and the Township Trustees. Mr. Metzger asked that both bodies, as a group and/or individually, convey their primary areas of concern to him so the Committee can focus its efforts effectively. He will make the same request of the Land Conservancy, the Township Zoning Commission, and the Village Planning Commission. Trustee Havens stated that he had already prepared a memo from the Trustees outlining what they feel needs to be looked at. Trustee Jones commented on the broad scope of the review and asked if Mr. Metzger felt the Committee could meet the stated 60-day deadline. Mr. Metzger said that would be difficult but felt that having a set date created helpful parameters to keep the Committee on track. He did, however, reserve the right to extend the deadline if necessary. Trustee Havens thanked Mr. Metzger for volunteering his time for this project.
UPDATE ON USE OF TOWNSHIP and VILLAGE FUNDS TO OBTAIN PROPERTY Trustee Havens stated the Township objectives on this issue were in place and being acted on. He asked where the Village sees itself fitting into that process and whether it is willing to commit funds. He noted that the Township's ability to acquire property outside Township limits is limited and that, when such property is strategic, Village assistance would be helpful. The Village could also partner in certain other kinds of sites, especially if its willingness to do so were known in advance. Manager Hickman reported that Council had formed a Strategic Lands Committee. Councilmember Crais, noting that the Committee's first meeting is scheduled for early July, said that pre- meeting discussions have centered on general principles and objectives in the context of Council's intent in passing the resolution to form the committee. Council, recognizing that there are not vast sums of money available for this purpose, wrote into their resolution a mechanism to identify property and price as well as the ability to go to the voters if necessary. Council also committed to considering land outside the Village and/or the Township. Trustee Havens added that bond issues might be a helpful tool. Vice Mayor Wernet, after confirming with Trustee Havens that Councilmember Moore had informed him of the two specific properties being looked at by Council, noted that both bodies were interested in moving with all deliberate speed. He added that Council could use "other funds where that would be permissible." Councilmember Crais urged members of both bodies to keep good channels of communication open with each other and with their varied constituencies. Vice Mayor Wernet thanked the Trustees for working so hard to make this joint effort happen. Trustee Havens, responding to a question from Councilmember Crais about an impending purchase of the Rader property, explained how the Trustees try to "recycle" or leverage their open-space monies (which come with strict rules) by purchasing development rights. For example, with the Showman property, they purchased a development easement allowing one house per 30 acres—an option that can then be sold to recover some of the purchase price. The Rader land could yield three parcels of 30-50 acres each. The Van Winkle land fits that pattern as well—development rights purchased with open space money. The next 2.5 mil levy will raise $2.5 million over the next five years—not nearly enough to fund a comprehensive plan of strategic land purchases, hence the need to constantly recycle those funds. Clerk Kennedy added that the whole key to their decisions is limiting density.
RESOURCE SHARING Clerk Kennedy reported that he had met with Manager Hickman and Molly Roberts. They compared vendor lists and discovered that the budgets are too small to accrue much benefit from shared purchasing. Roadwork sharing is possible but not likely. The Village usually bids its work in January for the coming "season" and combines major infrastructure work with paving projects. The Township does a road survey in March, after the spring thaw, to see what needs attention. However, even though the timing is off, we will continue to try and join forces whenever possible. Emergency usage of each other's specialized equipment, which has been done informally in the past, will continue on a more formal basis. As for major equipment, much of the Village's equipment is either not needed or not applicable in the Township, or is fully scheduled by the Village. All parties felt the meeting and discussions were good just in terms of open communication.
JEDD PRESENTATION Attorney Jim Jump was present, at the request of Mayor Robertson, to "get everyone—Trustees, Council, and the public—on the same page" as to a common understanding of the terms and definitions being used.
Mr. Jump explained that a JEDD is a contract between or among municipalities for economic development. The participating parties get their zoning and other regulations in place, develop plans for the kind of economic development they want, and put it all together in a contract. They appoint a board to oversee ongoing issues, create an income tax to fund their goals, and, hopefully, produce the kind of economic growth they want, where they want it. A JEDD may be a smaller part of a larger entity. Councilmember Bellman added that a JEDD's purpose is commercial and/or industrial development; it does not encompass residential areas.
Mr. Jump reported that he is chairing the subcommittee on economic development of the Comprehensive Plan Review (and is also concerned about the 60-day deadline). It is his intention to staff his sub-committee with people who have business and development experience so as to produce helpful information about joint and regional cooperation under the aegis of the Comprehensive Plan.
The subsequent Q&A by Council and the Trustees yielded the following information: 1) The "district" of a JEDD does not have to geographically contiguous. 2) Each participating entity has to contribute something, tangible or intangible. 3) All signatories to a JEDD contract agree to at least a three-year moratorium on annexations. 4) A JEDD is not a means of protecting borderland but is rather a positive strategy to help with growth issues. In short, it should be viewed not as a bar to Newark but as a means of promoting desired development and thereby eliminating motivations to annex to another community. 5) A JEDD has to be approved in the Township by a vote of Township residents. However, if there is unanimous agreement among the Trustees and the land is zoned appropriately and a majority of the landowners support the issue, the need for a vote is obviated. 6) A JEDD, contrary to any regular committee, has the ability to affect the future. It can levy a tax, impose an annexation moratorium, and bind its members by contract— including new Trustees and/or Council members. While it can't bargain away sovereignty, it can limit rights. Southwest Licking's agreement, for example, limits their right to enter Granville or Union Townships. 7) The issue of extending utilities doesn't have to be included in the JEDD contract but "any sensible JEDD" (Mr. Jump's phrase) would do so. In fact, the extension of water and sewer could well be a natural consideration to be offered in the contract. 8) Establishing a JEDD is not a quick process. In the Village, the contract would have to be introduced by Council, then sit for 30 days while comments are received via public hearings or other avenues before a vote could be taken. If a vote were to be required in the Township, notice must be given 75 days prior to the election. 9) A CEDA (Cooperative Economic Development Agreement), which seems to work more to provide services with cooperative agreements, could be considered as well to provide a legal mechanism for implementing some cooperative goals. Mr. Jump stated that he envisions an umbrella organization or regional council—with the Village, the Township, the School District, and perhaps even Newark—out of which would emerge a CEDA and/or a JEDD and "whatever else might rise up" in the way of community-improvement corporations. All would be designed to address economic development on a continuing rather than an ad hoc basis.
Discussion: Mr. Jump noted that a JEDD works best when the signatories know what they want and are in substantial agreement before they attempt to work out the financing. Trustee Havens cautioned that a JEDD would involve "significant challenges to cooperation" between the Village and the Township (i.e., past acrimony needs to be worked out).
Councilmember Lucier wondered whether Kendal might be an appropriate test circumstance for both bodies. That would, however, require a definitive determination of whether Kendal is residential or commercial. Robert Drake, attorney for Kendal, stated that Kendal would be "averse to anything that delays what they're doing." Vice Mayor Wernet suggested Kendal could be pursued as a parallel effort (i.e., each body proceeding independently of the other, knowing that a decision may be made later).
Trustee Havens noted that the Trustees are already in discussions with Union Township and are willing to engage other townships as well if there is an indication of interest. He also emphasized that any vision for what a JEDD might accomplish must be "absent special interests." For example, if we determine that the southeast portion of the Township is a problem and we want to promote community- friendly development there, chaos could ensue when citizens or entities with their own special interests make proposals. A JEDD or any other entity, and the parties thereto, have to set policy and then implement it. Having recommendations come from a bi-partisan, non-special- interest group is the only way to keep us from being paralyzed later.
Mayor Robertson asked if part of the goal was to create revenue for schools based on commercial development and/or the real estate base. Trustee Havens responded that we shouldn't promote residential development in either the Village or the Township. In other words, even though the end goal is to raise revenue for the schools, we should do so by putting in place the kind of development the community might want to implement rather than defend. Mayor Robertson suggested that the OSU graduate program might help us suggest what a coherent/cohesive plan might be, adding that it is focused on downtown at this point but could well deal with the larger picture over time. Vice Mayor Wernet said he envisioned office buildings, research facilities and the like. Trustee Havens followed up by saying we need to get specific about what constitutes "sensible development," then implement policies that permit the specified desired growth to happen. In short, "Don't just talk about it!" We must be pre-emptive and proactive to avoid being put on the defensive. Mayor Robertson echoed Trustee Havens' concerns about the issue of trust between the two bodies. Trustee Havens noted that the Township has been very transparent in its actions and said if the Village would articulate the policies it's willing to pursue, the two bodies could demonstrate their ability to cooperate. Vice Mayor Wernet stated that Council had already done that and wanted to use whatever tools it reasonably could to fend off hostile annexation
Councilmember Bellman said he was interested in pursuing the JEDD discussion as it might apply to the southeast quadrant and S.R. 16. He added that, if something effective could be worked out, it might provide a model for the rest of the Licking County community.
Mr. Jump stated he and Jim Murr would meet to determine how many people they want on this committee. The Trustees and Council would then constitute the board. The committee will address types of development, locations, and CEDA possibilities. Mr. Metzger noted that he was not happy with having two sub-committees (i.e., having the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee between the Jump/Murr group and their report to Council and the Trustees). The consensus was to take the JEDD sub-committee out of the Comprehensive Plan Review agenda.
Mr. Havens proposed that he and a member of Council sit down with Mr. Jump and Mr. Murr to prepare a proposed resolution establishing the committee and drafting its charge. Vice Mayor Wernet will join the group as Council's representative. Their proposal will be brought to the next joint meeting.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS Scott Harmon (55 Margaret Lane). Mr. Harmon congratulated everyone on working together to maintain our way of life and trying to keep adverse annexations from happening.
Constance Barsky (221 E. Elm Street). Ms. Barsky reiterated her earlier remarks about involving a broader group of townships in these discussions. Mr. Havens responded that other township trustees would be invited to the resolution- drafting meeting. Whether or not they elected to participate is out of our control.
SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING The Township Trustees will host the next Village/Township joint meeting in the course of the next regular meeting of the Township Trustees—Wednesday, August 8th. Mayor Robertson and Trustee Havens will determine the meeting place.
Mayor Robertson adjourned the Joint Meeting at 9:14pm.
Council took a brief recess and reconvened the regular meeting at 9:21pm, at which time Mayor Robertson welcomed Brian Miller, the new representative of the press.
NEW BUSINESS (9:21pm) 2001 County Tax Budget Mayor Robertson acknowledged receipt of the budget and scheduled the public hearing for June 20, 2001.
Ordinance No. 15-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 351.17 (a) Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Making the 100 Block of W. College Street A Residential Permit Parking Zone And Making The Ordinance Effective All Year Long, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for June 20, 2001. [Councilmember Bellman asked for citizen input at the next meeting before the vote is taken.]
Ordinance No. 16-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Discussion: Councilmember Crais, referring to the OSU study mentioned in the ordinance, noted that the students would like to use Granville as their "community of the quarter" and asked for a commitment of $4,500 for printing, binding, etc. of their report. They need to know Council's intent tomorrow so they can find another community if Council is not interested. All agreed that Manager Hickman could convey Council's support to OSU. Mayor Robertson asked if there were any chance the parameters could be extended beyond the Village. Manager Hickman stated that the downtown study was the first priority but an extended survey was possible. Re the summer intern, Manager Hickman explained that this is the same money originally agreed to; it is simply being moved from salaries to contractual services.
Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for June 20, 2001.
Ordinance No. 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of The Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio, was introduced by Councilmember Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Crais. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for June 20, 2001.
Ordinance No. 18-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Crais. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for June 20, 2001.
Resolution No. 01-41, A Resolution To Appoint Ex-Officio Members To The Granville Tree And Landscape Commission, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Crais.
Discussion: Manager Hickman reported he has reviewed the record of this group with Jim Siegel though the matter has not yet had legal review. The names brought forward come with the recommendation of the members of the Tree & Landscape Commission. The commission, described under 1193, is under the authority of the Planning Commission. Councilmember Lucier asked for a delay in seating the new members until Council could decide the parameters of this commission since so little exists in writing (i.e., "What does it mean to be 'ex officio' to a group that has no authority?"). Mayor Robertson felt the Commission really wanted the ex officio members seated quickly, something that could be done without clearing up the ambiguities. Both Mayor Robertson and Vice Mayor Wernet publicly acknowledged how much time the Tree & Landscape members contribute and recognized their contribution to the life of the Village. Councilmember McGowan pointed out that a lot of people—often with a majority of township residents in the crew—work on the Broadway Beds. The question is how to recognize them since they can't all be members of the Tree & Landscape Commission. Vice Mayor Wernet asked about the "unique qualifications" of Mr. Flood and Mrs. Yaekle. Manager Hickman responded that Mrs. Yaekle brings a connection to many of the Broadway-Bed people who no longer live in the area. Mr. Flood brings technical expertise. He also added that he thought the Tree & Landscape Commission should be an advisory group. Councilmember Lucier reiterated her concern that this remains an amorphous group that needs a coherent structure—as does much of the Village government organization. Manager Hickman suggested there should be a Councilmember on the group since it's on the list of council committee assignments. Mayor Robertson proposed that 1193 be clarified. Councilmember McGowan moved to add a Section 3 to the Resolution, specifying that the terms of the two new people expire January 31, 2003. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion-to-amend carried. Motion-as-amended carried.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9:58pm) Regularly Scheduled Meeting, 16 May 2001. Councilmember Lucier did not receive a copy of the Minutes in advance so the review was tabled until the next meeting.
Newark-Granville Committee (Councilmember Bellman, Mayor Robertson) No report.
Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier) Councilmember Lucier reported that the Planning Commission, which was scheduled to hear an application from the schools, did not do so because the application was incomplete.
Recreation Commission (Councilmember McGowan) No report.
Streetlight Committee (Councilmember McGowan) Councilmember McGowan and Manager Hickman reported there are only six lights left to be installed.
Streets/Sidewalks/Utilities Committee (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais; Vice Mayor Wernet) No report.
Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore) No report.
Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier). Councilmember Lucier reported that the Board is considering installing a fence around the cemetery. The expense of the project means it will probably be done in phases.
Strategic Land Acquisition & Smart Development Committee (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Moore) No report.
Recreation Center Task Force (Robertson) Mayor Robertson reported on the June 5th meeting, at which Ruth Owen proposed that each constituency (the schools, rec commission, township, village, Granville Fellowship, Kendal) consult its own constituency and make a list of what it desires in a community recreational center. The results of the individual surveys would then pooled to see if there is a meeting of the minds. Council needs to put the word out quickly.
OTHER (9:54pm) Resolution No. 01-39, A Resolution To Amend The Village of Granville Rules Of The Village Council, was not addressed at this meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (9:54pm) Councilmember Crais moved to go into executive session for the discussion of acquisition of land; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. A Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, and McGowan; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.
At the conclusion of the executive session, Councilmember Crais moved to adjourn it. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. A Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, and McGowan; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. The session was adjourned at 10:47pm.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS (10:47pm) June 11, 2001 – Planning Commission June 12, 2001 – Charter Review Commission June 12, 2001 – Tree & Landscape Commission June 14, 2001 – Board of Zoning and Building Appeals June 20, 2001 – Village Council June 25, 2001 – Planning Commission
ADJOURNMENT Councilmember McGowan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:47pm. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Meeting adjourned.
ROLL CALL (7:30pm) Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (opened by Mayor Robertson at 7:30pm) All Topics none Mayor Robertson closed Citizens' Comments at 7:31pm.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (7:31pm) Ordinance No. 11-01, An Ordinance To Authorize The Annexation Of Contiguous Land Belonging To The Village To The Village Of Granville. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the public hearing at 7:31pm.
Ordinance No. 12-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 1137.01, 1143.01, 1143.02, 1171.02, 1171.03, and 1171.04 Of The Codified Ordinances Of The Village Of Granville, Ohio To Revise The Administrative Procedure For Applications For Approval Of Development Plans In Planned Development Districts To Conform To The Decision Of The Supreme Court Of Ohio In State Ex Rel. Crossman Communities Of Ohio Inc. v. Greene Cty. Bd. Of Elections That Approval Of Such Plans Is A Legislative Act. Jim Jump, 143 Thresher Street, stated he was present, as the principal drafter of the Ordinance, to answer questions. Mayor Robertson closed the public hearing at 7:33pm.
Ordinance No. 13-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapters 309 Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Establishing Penalties For Violations Committed By Drivers Of Overweight And Oversize Commercial Trucks. No one appeared to speak for or against the ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the public hearing at 7:34pm.
NEW BUSINESS (7:34pm) Resolution No. 01-39, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into Negotiations For The Sale Of Water To Kendal Of Granville, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet, on behalf of himself and Mayor Robertson. Second by Councilmember Crais.
Discussion: Vice Mayor Wernet reiterated his and Mayor Robertson's conviction that Kendal could be an important contributor to the community and Council should be openly welcoming. Mayor Robertson asserted that this would not be extension, per se, since it concerns water only, from a line that is already there. Also, selling water to Kendal would not promote further development because the boundary properties are either unlikely or impossible to be developed. She added that a majority of people responding to the question in the Comprehensive Plan Survey wanted this kind of development and that it would also produce tax revenues for the schools. Vice Mayor Wernet noted there are legal reasons behind the distinction between water-only and water-and-sewer since sewer is the "development-feeding vehicle."
Councilmember Crais asked for identification of the surrounding properties. Mayor Robertson stated the Kendal land was "pretty much blocked in," with Owens-Corning (which already has village water) and Township green-space land. Tom Mitchell, with Kendal of Granville, confirmed, stating that Owens abuts the west boundary as well as some of the north boundary since their land runs straight through from S.R. 37 to S.R. 16. The rest of the north boundary is Township green space. Some commercially zoned property fronting S.R. 16 is on the east. Vice Mayor Wernet verified that those areas on S.R. 16 have long been slated for intensive commercial development. Mr. Mitchell noted that the Kendal land is already zoned R-1.
Councilmember Crais asked for clarification of the extension v. selling distinction. Mayor Robertson stated that "extension" meant that someone would be building brand new lines and is commonly used to keep something else from happening (e.g., an annexation). In the Kendal case, Village water lines are already out there.
Councilmember Crais asked what an agreement with Kendal would look like and if it might be similar to our agreement with Alexandria. Mayor Robertson responded that we won't know until conversations/negotiations have occurred. Councilmember Lucier agreed that cooperation with Kendal is in the interests of the entire community but expressed concern that some general parameters for the negotiation need to be established up front—specifically price and quantity. Manager Hickman noted that any Kendal agreement would quite probably resemble Village agreements with Owens and Alexandria. He added that he would like to have one or two members of Council involved in the negotiations. Vice Mayor Wernet said he envisioned a bulk-purchase agreement that included limiting water usage to Kendal purposes only.
Councilmember Moore asked why there was nothing in the proposed resolution about a requirement for annexation, as per Council's most recent discussions on that topic. Vice Mayor Wernet responded that this was not extension since we were using an existing tap—a distinction that Councilmember Moore thought was not valid. Vice Mayor Wernet stated that an annexation requirement was indeed Council's general rule but that this is a unique situation. Councilmember Moore responded that, while she has always supported extending sewer and water for specific purposes, she still wanted an explanation about why Council would give water to a private entity for a high-end senior citizen facility but not to their own schools. Vice Mayor Wernet reiterated that this is a different scenario than that of the schools.
Councilmember Crais expressed a desire to add instructions for the Manager to the resolution to facilitate the negotiations. He noted that Mayor Robertson's remarks about potential development impact being virtually non-existent had adequately answered his conviction that it was incumbent on Council to apply that test to this instance. He also felt, however, that Council would be making a mistake to argue this all out at the current meeting as opposed to raising the important issues, amending the resolution as needed—without "anticipating the minutiae"— then coming back to the issue at a subsequent meeting. Mayor Robertson emphasized that she sees this resolution as serving to initiate a negotiation, nothing more.
Councilmember McGowan stated he would like to see notice of this in the Sentinel so the public could comment before Council's vote, adding that he would have preferred this process to have been initiated by a formal request from Kendal rather than by Council itself. He remarked that the School Board might also welcome water-only, then asked for confirmation that the result of any negotiations must come back to Council for approval. (True.) He questioned whether or not we would receive taxes for the schools since Kendal is a registered non-profit, asked about the distance from the existing water line to the main Kendal building, and wondered if granting water-only to Kendal would compel Council to do so in response to others' requests. In short, he was concerned that Council was going forward before being asked to do so, and felt the school issue should be revisited.
Councilmember Lucier asked for clarification of the process. Mayor Robertson and Manager Hickman responded that the resolution currently on the table would simply authorize negotiations. Satisfactory negotiations would be followed by an ordinance, with the water-only agreement as an official attachment. Any ordinance would be referendable. Councilmember Lucier wondered if it would be productive for members of Council to participate in discussions/negotiations at the level of determining the specifics of the agreement. Vice Mayor Wernet urged everyone to pull together "behind something that's good." Councilmember Bellman agreed with Councilmember Lucier, stating that whoever negotiated would obviously have everyone's input and Council could address details of the agreement once the results of Manager Hickman's negotiations were reported back. Councilmember Moore expressed concern that the resolution was too vague (i.e., "What exactly are we telling Manager Hickman to do?"), perhaps leaving room for policy decisions to be made without due consideration applied to issues of traffic, density, appropriateness within the plan, access by bike paths, etc. Councilmember Crais moved to amend Section 2, as follows: "These negotiations shall include but shall not be limited to issues such as price, quantity, agreement with the Comprehensive Plan, and the development impact of the sale of the water to Kendal at Granville." Second by Vice Mayor Wernet, who then called the question. Motion-to- amend carried. Councilmember Moore moved to change "negotiations" to "discussions" everywhere it appears in the document. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Councilmember Crais called the question. Motion-to-amend carried. Vice Mayor Wernet called the question on the resolution as amended. Motion as amended carried.
Resolution No. 01.40, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Seek Bids For Street Improvements Including Sunrise, Granger, and N. Pearl Streets And Associated Alternatives, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Manager Hickman clarified that this involved extensive work on all listed areas (i.e., milling, curbing, repaving, sidewalks, and even some widening on Sunrise Street). Councilmember Crais moved to amend to Resolution to insert "East College Street" between Sunrise and Granger, as previously discussed. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion-to-amend passed. Manager Hickman asked that the Resolution be approved at this meeting so the project(s) could go to bid; Council could amend at a subsequent meeting if so desired. Motion-as- amended carried,
OLD BUSINESS (8:12pm) [Councilmember Crais requested Ordinance No. 13-01 be considered out of order since he had to leave the meeting early. All agreed.]
Ordinance No. 13-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 309 Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Establishing Penalties For Violations Committed By Drivers Of Overweight And Oversize Commercial Trucks, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Discussion: Manager Hickman clarified that this was intended to bring the Village fine schedule into line with the State schedule. Councilmember Crais added this ordinance would allow offenders to be cited in Mayor's Court and charged under Village ordinances, thereby allowing the Village to retain any fines levied. Councilmember McGowan asked if an offender could elect to appear in Municipal Court. Law Director Crites said he thought not, but would verify his opinion.
A Roll-Call Vote yielded seven (7) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 13-01 is adopted.
Ordinance No. 11-01, An Ordinance To Authorize The Annexation Of Contiguous Land Belonging To The Village To The Village Of Granville, was re-introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember Moore.
Discussion: Councilmember Lucier explained that approximately two years ago she had asked Village staff to determine what land fit these criteria. The issue was sidetracked by having the merger study on ballot, which put annexations on hold. After the merger study was defeated, she again requested this be looked into, having the conviction that land that belongs to the Village should be under the legal jurisdiction of the Village. For example, Fanchion Lewis Park is Village land, situated in the Township and patrolled by Village police (out of their jurisdiction). Councilmember Moore asked Law Director Crites whether Village police could legally patrol outside Village limits. He responded that they could but that there is no automatic right to cite individuals for violations of the Village Codified Ordinances just because the Village owns the land, absent an agreement with the Sheriff's Department or some other provision of law. Manager Hickman assured Council that the Township Trustees had been given notice of this resolution and had no concerns even though the park frontage includes part of the road. The Manager and the Law Director will work out the details. Law Director Crites stated that he would research the issue further, "on the house," so he would have the definitive answer. Councilmember Moore thought perhaps having Village land that was not a physical part of the Village might serve as a buffer against annexations and/or requests for water and sewer. Councilmember Lucier noted that others cannot annex without our permission, negating the need for a buffer. Vice Mayor Wernet observed that accomplishing the annexation would make it less easy for anyone else to annex because Council would be "removing any vote a future council might have." Vice Mayor Wernet called the question.
[Note: At 8:21pm, just prior to the conclusion of the discussion, Councilmember Crais excused himself. Prior to departing, he offered some comments on the Recreation Center issue to be discussed under "Other" later in the meeting: he would support the committee but felt it was important that a community recreation center be as close to the Village center as possible to best support pedestrian traffic. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to excuse his departure. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.]
A Roll-Call Vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 11-01 is adopted.
Ordinance No. 12-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 1137.01, 1143.01, 1143.02, 1171.02, 1171.03, and 1171.04 Of The Codified Ordinances Of The Village Of Granville, Ohio To Revise The Administrative Procedure For Applications For Approval Of Development Plans In Planned Development Districts To Conform To The Decision Of The Supreme Court Of Ohio In State Ex Rel. Crossman Communities Of Ohio Inc. v. Greene County Bd. Of Elections That Approval Of Such Plans Is A Legislative Act, and to Declare An Emergency, was re-introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Discussion: James Jump, 143 Thresher Street, gave some history on this issue, with which he has been involved since the original SuperAmerica applications (for S.R. 16 @ Cherry Valley Road) came to the Planning Commission. Former Law Director Hurst investigated the process/substance for PUD/PCD applications and determined that it was administrative and therefore appealable. Former Law Director Hurst and Mr. Jump then wrote the current ordinance, including an elaborate appeals process. In 1998, however, the Ohio Supreme Court (State Ex Rel. Crossman Communities of Ohio Inc. v. Greene County Board of Elections) declared PUD/PCD processes to be legislative (and therefore referendable). The current ordinance is presented to bring Village's codified ordinances into compliance with the State of Ohio.
Changes to 1137.01 back out the appeal process framework. Changes to 1171 et.al. take PUD/PCD standards and/or requirements and make them guidelines. Changes to 1143 clean up the wording on how to amend zoning ordinances. Regulations would now apply to individual citizens rather than developers.
Councilmember Moore asked for clarification that, having deleted parts of the code that relate to appeal on any PUD, the remedy is now to take it to referendum. Mr. Jump responded that if the legislative body (i.e., Council) doesn't act, there is no remedy short of the electoral process. Councilmember Lucier asked why Council would want this to be an emergency. Mr. Jump responded that the Village needs to be in compliance as quickly as possible. Since there is "nothing in the pipeline as of today," (Manager Hickman) if approved at the current meeting, the Village would be able to provide accurate information and regulations in full compliance for the next applicant. Vice Mayor Wernet thanked Mr. Jump for his extensive efforts on this issue.
Law Director Crites proposed a change in the language of the Ordinance to comply with Section 3.05 of the Charter, requiring reasons to be set forth for such an emergency to exist, by adding: "…and its inhabitants and necessary to ensure that the codified ordinances of the village of Granville related to the approval of the development plans in planned development districts conform to the decision of the Supreme Court of Ohio in State Ex Rel Crossman v. Greene County Board of Elections thereby diminishing the risk of potential litigation for failure to conform its ordinances to the aforementioned Ohio Supreme Court decision." Vice Mayor Wernet moved the amendment. Second by Councilmember Lucier.
Discussion on the amendment: Councilmember Moore asked what the consequences would be if Council did not make these changes. Law Director Crites responded that the entire Village process would be counter to the Ohio Supreme Court decision. In short, before 1997, we were "right where we needed to be," treating final approval as a legislative act. Then, as a result of decisions made in 1999, we made everything an administrative proceeding, with specific guidelines given to the Planning Commission. Now, the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled the process is legislative so we need to revise the appeal procedures and refer to the authority given to the Planning Commission as guidelines, not standards. If no changes were adopted at the current meeting and someone came in tomorrow to start the process, we would have to treat it as an administrative procedure, which is not consistent with the Ohio Supreme Court, and would risk the Village's ending up in litigation for not complying. Councilmember Lucier added that we would also be doing a disservice to people who think they're doing everything right. Motion-to-amend carried.
Councilmember Bellman moved the emergency. Second by Councilmember Lucier. A roll-call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 12-01as amended is adopted, including the emergency provision.
Resolution No. 01-32, A Resolution To Appoint Members To The Granville Tree And Landscape Commission. Councilmember Moore moved to take the Resolution off the table. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried. The Resolution was re- introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Moore. Discussion: Mayor Robertson commented that she agreed with a letter she had received from Jim Siegel (saying that having a person from outside the Village on the Commission was a good idea) and hoped to enlarge the commission by one person who could represent the Township. The appointments for the two vacancies covered by this resolution could still be made at the current meeting. Councilmember Lucier, after reiterating that the point of the delay had been to provide ample opportunity for citizens to express interest, stated she felt one should be a Village resident to serve on a Village commission. Councilmember Bellman said her argument was persuasive in the instance of bodies such as the Planning Commission or the BZBA, but felt the Tree & Landscape Commission was different—less policy-oriented. less zoning-oriented, and more focused on beautification of the downtown area. Many people besides Village residents already contribute labor to that effort. Councilmember Lucier urged Manager Hickman to continue his efforts to clarify the status of this commission. Members of Council voted by written ballot. Manager Hickman and Law Director Crites tabulated the results. Mayor Robertson announced that Lynn Kishler (Section 2) and Bill Seegers (Section 1) had been elected, completing the intent of the Resolution. Motion carried.
[Mayor Robertson asked Manager Hickman to figure out the formalities of enlarging the commission by one person. He will include that with the rest of his report on the Commission.]
MAYOR'S COURT REPORT (8:55pm) The Mayor's Court Report for the month of April was presented for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Bellman. Motion carried. Mayor Robertson directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
MANAGER'S REPORT (8:57pm) The Manager's Report for the month of March was presented for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Bellman. Councilmember Lucier asked Manager Hickman to investigate herbicide use to determine quantities used and time spent. She also requested Manager Hickman to verify the tax revenues for the first quarter of 2001. Motion carried. Mayor Robertson directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9:01pm) Regularly Scheduled Meeting of May 2, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember Lucier, p. 1, 2nd paragraph of Union Cemetery Board Annual Meeting – add, "Flo Hoffman thanked both bodies for their constant support. Both bodies thanked Flo Hoffman as well. 2) Mayor Robertson, p. 2, Discussion of Joint Economic Development Study – delete, "She also asked if Ms. Wimberger could/would survey Denison students, including looking at the students' own survey on this topic, to determine their needs. Ms. Wimberger responded that her data-gathering this quarter included that survey. 3) Mayor Robertson, p. 6, under NOTE – delete, "Council took a five- minute break and reconvened…." 4) Mayor Robertson, p. 7, 1st sentence – insert, "Mayor Robertson reported that Denison applies penalties to students pleading guilty or being found guilty in Mayor's Court. One of the penalties she imposes…." Councilmember Lucier moved to accept the Minutes as amended. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:07pm) Development Committee (Councilmember Crais). No report.
Newark-Granville Joint Committee (Mayor Robertson) Councilmember Bellman announced that Craig Baldwin would be resigning and said it was a "great loss" to the work of the committee.
Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan). No report. Manager Hickman reported that he had put out RFPs for the staff study but has not yet had any formal responses. He has some different avenues in mind, and Councilmember Lucier will add her ideas as well.
Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported that he and Councilmember Moore had attended the formal dedication of Raccoon Park, during which the park was referred to by one of the speakers as a "jewel of our community."
Street Light Committee (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported that all the new lights are up but the last half-dozen (waiting for painting). Manager Hickman noted that he had gotten positive feedback about the light installed at the intersection of Jones and Newark- Granville Roads. Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee (Vice Mayor Wernet). Vice Mayor Wernet reported that the last meeting had been dominated in large part by input into the resolution on street repairs approved earlier in the meeting. The Committee members also discussed the general concept of a pedestrian-friendly set of standards that would apply to all streets and sidewalks in the Village. They are reviewing the standards of the city of Portland which seem to have incorporated all the thoughts currently under consideration for Granville. Their goal is to make sure we're doing everything possible to make Village intersections as safe as they can be for both pedestrians and vehicles. The proposed standards will be brought to Council.
Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore). Manager Hickman reported that the Tree & Landscape Committee will be visiting the Planning Commission in an effort to better mesh the design and horticultural considerations of an application. Both have good intentions but their respective roles need to be clarified, along with the issue of who has the final word when their recommendations conflict. Manager Hickman noted that current practice is for a landscaping plan to go to Tree & Landscape for review. That body has 30 days to issue comment. If they do not, the Planning Commission can make its own recommendations. The Planning commission currently has final authority but Tree & Landscape feels this is their area of expertise. Councilmember Lucier asked that Manager Hickman provide the Planning Commission with the documentation on Tree & Landscape once it has been identified. Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier). Councilmember Lucier announced that the annual tour of the Old Colony Cemetery was scheduled for May 31st and invited all members of Council to attend.
OTHER (9:15pm) Recreation Center Review Committee – General consensus among members of Council was that this was being presented as if the site selection had already been determined. All members present (including Councilmember Crais, who had weighed in on this issue before leaving the meeting earlier) felt a central-Village location that would be easily accessible by cyclists and pedestrians was preferable to the Kendal location. There was concern that appointment members to the review committee might be construed as tacit approval of the proposal. All agreed that the two requested representatives should be members of Council, since they alone could fully express Council's reservations. Councilmember Lucier suggested that Councilmember McGowan, as a member of the Rec Commission, was the logical choice for one of the two slots. Mayor Robertson volunteered to be the other representative. Vice Mayor Wernet asked if it would be productive to form a general committee with no pre-selected site. Councilmember Moore felt that Council's two representatives to the committee already proposed could press that point. Mayor Robertson agreed, stating that Council's message could be forwarded ahead of time, then the two representatives could attend the first meeting and emphasize the point in person. She also thought than would accomplish Vice Mayor Wernet's suggestion about having the agenda changed.
Resolution No. 01-27, A Resolution To Amend The Village Of Granville Rules Of The Village. Councilmember Lucier moved to remove the resolution from the table. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
Discussion on Sections C and D: Section C: Councilmember Moore asked that the language throughout this section be changed to refer to both ordinances and resolutions. It was decided that submissions should go to Manager Hickman who can then see that they are sent to Law Director Crites and officially submitted to the Clerk of Council. Vice Mayor Wernet asked how ad hoc instances would be handled. Councilmember McGowan asked that emergency procedures be specified. In C.3., a reading of the title rather than the "summary" will constitute a complete reading. In C.4., the language will be changed to "celebrate outstanding contributions and worthwhile events."
Section D: Councilmember Lucier questioned the practice/appropriateness of a public body using secret ballots and suggested that Council votes should be public in all cases. Councilmember Bellman and Vice Mayor Wernet disagreed, stating there were times when secret ballots would be appropriate. Councilmember Moore suggested a "bifurcated" approach, with some ballots being secret, some not. Mayor Robertson suggested that someone advance some language on this issue and Council would continue to think about it. Law Director Crites noted that this point is not addressed in any of the documents he has reviewed to date but he will continue to pursue it. He added that all written ballots are kept as part of the public record. Councilmember Moore noted that secret ballots are not specified in the Sunshine Law code either. At Mayor Robertson's request, he clarified that abstentions simply don't count in a vote. Vice Mayor moved to re-table Resolution 01-27. Second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
OTHER (9:52pm) Mayor Robertson asked Manager Hickman to copy a letter from Catherine Smith re the public-use fee charged with purchase of new house and distribute it to all members of Council. It will be on the agenda of the next regular meeting.
Councilmember Moore noted she will be absent from May 22 through June 6, accompanying a group of Ohio Northern students to Cuba.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (9:55pm) Councilmemer Moore moved to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Second by Councilmember McGowan. A roll call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.
The business of the Executive Session being concluded at 10:48pm, Councilmember McGowan moved to end the Executive Session. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. A roll call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS June 6, 2001 – Joint Village/Township Meeting ADJOURNMENT Councilmember McGowan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:48pm. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Meeting adjourned.
1. CALL TO ORDER (by Mayor Robertson at 7:35pm)
2. ROLL CALL (7:35pm) Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, and Law Director Crites. For the Township Trustees: Trustee Havens, Trustee Jones; Clerk Kennedy. Councilmember Bellman moved to excuse Vice Mayor Wernet; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried. Township Trustee King arrived at 7:40pm.
3. UNION CEMETERY BOARD ANNUAL MEETING (called to order by Mayor Robertson at 7:37pm)
Resolution No. 01-34, A Resolution To Declare With The Granville Township Trustees That The Operation And Maintenance Of The Union Cemetery Under The Provisions Of Section 759.34 Of The Ohio Revised Code Continue And That The 2001 Annual Meeting Required By Section 759.34 Has Been Conducted And To Fill A Pending Vacancy On The Union Cemetery Board Of Trustees, was introduced by Councilmember Moore. Second by Councilmember McGowan.
Discussion: Councilmember Lucier noted that the resolution as presented does not reflect the changes approved during its consideration at last year's joint meeting. She moved to amend the resolution as follows: 1) delete the current Section 2 (eliminating the $91,000 ceiling), and 2) re- number the subsequent sections. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion-to-amend carried. Motion-as-amended carried. Flo Hoffman thanked both bodies for their constant support. Both bodies thanked Flo Hoffman as well. Mayor Robertson adjourned the Union Cemetery Board Annual Meeting at 7:42pm.
4. CITIZENS' COMMENTS (pm) All Topics Abram Kaplan, 842 Burg Street. Mr. Kaplan reported that the students in his Environmental Resolution Course, in the course of addressing process issues for future development, had come up with some interesting ideas about an informal mediation process—to be inserted after a developer has expressed interest and before Council is asked to address water issues and the like. Mayor Robertson asked if Council could have access to any of the papers produced in the course. Mr. Kaplan agreed to provide non-confidential documents.
Joint Economic Development Study (7:45pm) Kathryn Wimberger, 58 West Third Avenue, Columbus. Ms. Wimberger, a grad student at OSU in City and Regional Planning Program as well as the former Granville Village Planner, hopes to do a practicum study of downtown Granville, including an economic analysis/assessment that would help with our concerns about the future of downtown. She has already met with the members of the Economic Development Committee. For the remainder of the current quarter, she proposes to continue her review and analysis of existing information. During the summer, she and other students would do a more in-depth analysis. Then, perhaps in the fall, yet another class might do a master plan of the downtown area.
Discussion: Responding to Councilmember Moore's questions about why her study was limited to downtown, Ms. Wimberger said it was simply more realistic to confine the study to only that area. She realizes, though, that the peripheral business areas affect the downtown and said the option of expanding the study was open to discussion. Mayor Robertson suggested that the addition of other students as the year goes on might allow the scope to broadened. She also asked if Ms. Wimberger could/would survey Denison students to determine their needs. Councilmember Crais asked if Ms. Wimberger's interim report would be primarily descriptive or be prescriptive as well (in that its contents might well impact Council's planned staffing discussions). Ms. Wimberger said her focus would be largely action-oriented. Councilmember Bellman supported Mayor Robertson's point about including Denison students (and their parents), and asked if Ms. Wimberger would look at the pros and cons of having commuter-bus service from the east-side areas to downtown. He also urged her to look at the peripheral commercial areas to determine how best to protect downtown from the effects of surrounding developments. Ms. Wimberger responded she would make every effort to do so. She also expressed support for Mr. Kaplan and his students. Manager Hickman will present a resolution at the next regularly scheduled meeting to formalize the arrangements made with Ms. Wimberger (e.g., funding of her travel expenses, etc.).
5. PUBLIC HEARING (7:55pm) Ordinance No. 09-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance.
6. NEW BUSINESS (7:56pm) Resolution No. 01-35, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Seek Proposals For Property And Casualty Insurance Coverage For The Period Of 2001 Through 2004, was introduced by Councilmember McGowan. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-36, A Resolution Authorizing The Village Manager To Prepare And Submit An Application To Participate In The Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement And/Or Local Transportation Improvement Program (s) And To Execute The Contracts Required, was introduced by Councilmember McGowan. Second by Councilmember Moore. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-37, A Resolution To Award The Bid For Cedar Street Sidewalk Extension Specifications To Robertson Construction And To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember Crais. [Mayor Robertson stated for the record that she has no connection with Robertson Construction.] Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 11-01, An Ordinance To Authorize The Annexation Of Contiguous Land Belonging To The Village of Granville, was introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember Crais. Discussion: Mayor Robertson asked for clarification of the land's location. Law Director Crites and Manager Hickman said one parcel is Fanchion Lewis Park, the second is by the wastewater plant, and the third is the "14 acres." Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for May 16, 2001.
Ordinance No. 12-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections 1137.01, 1143.01, 1143.02, 1171.02, 1171.03, and 1171.04 Of The Codified Ordinances Of The Village Of Granville, Ohio To Revise The Administrative Procedure For Applications For Approval Of Development Plans In Planned Development Districts To Conform To The Decision Of The Supreme Court Of Ohio In State Ex Rel. Crossman Communities Of Ohio Inc. v. Greene Cty. Bd. Of Elections That Approval Of Such Plans is A Legislative Act, And To Declare An Emergency, was introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for May 16, 2001.
Ordinance No. 13-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapters 309 Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Establishing Penalties For Violations Committed By Drivers Of Overweight And Oversize Commercial Trucks, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for May 16, 2001.
Strategic Land Acquisition And Smart Development Committee Mayor Robertson invited those candidates for membership present in the hall to speak if they so wished. Lori Green (445 Burg Street, Granville) stated she was interested in working for the benefit of the community to improve, enhance, and protect what we have in green space. Sara Goldblatt (419 Burg Street, Granville) said she was shocked when she moved back home to Granville to see what had happened in her absence and therefore felt this was an important committee for the future of the village. [There are two other candidates for the three citizen positions on the committee—Elaine Kent, a resident of the Township, and Bill Heim—neither of whom was present. Members of Council, voting by written ballot, elected Lori Green, Sarah Goldblatt, and Bill Heim.
In discussion of who the Council representatives to the committee would be, everyone either nominated someone else or expressed interest in serving. Mayor Robertson requested a written ballot. Councilmember Moore was elected on the first ballot, Councilmembers Crais and Bellman on the third. The members of the committee will elect a chair at their organizational meeting.
7. OLD BUSINESS (8:18pm) Ordinance No. 09-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Discussion: Manager Hickman clarified that Council had previously approved only the first $5,000 for the traffic study and therefore needed to formalize their approval for the entire amount—a total of $15,500, including the original $5,000. The Parsons invoice has already been paid (from engineering funds for boards and commissions). A Roll Call vote yielded four (4) affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, and Lucier; Mayor Robertson) and two (2) negative votes (Councilmembers McGowan and Moore). Ordinance No. 09-01 is adopted.
Resolution No. 01-27, A Resolution To Amend The Village Of Granville Rules Of The Village. Councilmember Crais moved to remove the Resolution from the table. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
Discussion on Sections A and B: Section A: no comments. Section B: Discussion on #4 only (Attendance at Council Meetings). Councilmember Lucier stated she was at times uncomfortable with approving an excused absence for a member of Council when no one knew the reason for that absence. Councilmember Bellman stated he presumed all Coucilmembers to be responsible elected officials who would have good reason for being absent from a meeting. Mayor Robertson added that Council operates in a "climate of trust." Councilmember Moore felt that councilmembers owe the voters an explanation if they don't show up, and asked why Council would go through the motions of excusing an absence if trust is the basis. Councilmember McGowan clarified that the Charter requires simply that a member of Council attend "a majority of the meetings." The following amendment to B.4. was suggested (to appear in a redline copy at the next meeting):
"Members of Council are expected to attend all meetings of the Council unless there is good and sufficient reason for their absence. Members who will be unable to attend a scheduled meeting shall should, if possible, inform the Mayor and/or the Clerk of Council of their anticipated absence. The presiding officer will announce all absences and, ordinarily, will state their reasons following the roll call of a meeting. The Council may, by official action, excuse the absent member(s) and such action will be entered in the Council meeting minutes. The Clerk shall keep a calendar of anticipated Council member absences to assist in scheduling meetings." Councilmember Crais moved to re-table Resolution 01-27. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
[NOTE: The following resolution was moved forward from "Other" by Mayor Robertson.]
Resolution 01-38, A Resolution Requesting The Granville Village Exempted School Board To Prohibit The Use Of Pesticides And Herbicides On Land On Which The Board Plans To Construct An Intermediate Elementary School, (moved forward from "Other" by Mayor Robertson), was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Discussion: Councilmember Crais reported that the results of research by him on the chemicals to be used for farming on the school site show them to present health risks. He offered this resolution since 1) it is incumbent on Council to ensure a healthy environment and 2) the use of that land for organic farming could serve as a healthful experience for the school children and, done properly, enrich the wider community. He offered to provide the article cited to the School Board if they wished to see it.
Carol Goland, 843 Burg Street, stated that her senior capstone class in Environmental Studies at Denison has spent five months looking at issue of pesticide use in the schools with particular attention to the vulnerabilities of children. In spite of the fact that she encourages Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—preventing the pests in the first place but, if that won't work, choosing least toxic methods of eradicating them—she expressed deep concerns about this resolution. Her opposition has to do with the issue of preserving farmland. She maintained that making farmers' jobs more difficult was a much quicker way to lose farmland than development would be. She also expressed doubt that this resolution would be considered legal in light of both the Ohio Constitution and the Right to Farm laws.
Councilmember Lucier expressed concern about how the school board would perceive this resolution. Councilmember McGowan echoed that concern, then asked why the school was being singled out without addressing all other farmland that abuts parkland belonging to the Village. Councilmember Moore agreed about broadening the scope of the resolution, and asked about the Village's use of pesticides/herbicides (i.e., do we have an ordinance about their use in the Village? are we prepared to ask all residents to stop using them?). Councilmember Bellman felt that regulating pesticides/herbicides was out of Council's purview. Mayor Robertson, commenting that "there is more to this than the resolution is able to express," thanked Councilmember Crais for raising the issue and said the Village needs to review its own practices in this area. She also asked Manager Hickman to share the data collected by both Councilmember Crais and Ms. Goland with the schools. Councilmember Crais stated that there was a "huge difference" between using a herbicide on the Broadway beds and using it in large quantities where children are present all day. He worries about discussions that go nowhere but felt it would have been irresponsible of him not to enter this resolution formally into the record. He added that he hoped the resolution would force the school board to look at these issues.
Councilmember Lucier suggested that a resolution is better at making a point than influencing thinking. She also suggested the Village might use the radon approach for this issue (i.e., increase citizens' level of awareness about it by determining what the Village is doing and then disseminating the information to be a model of trying to do it better). Councilmember Moore suggested checking with the EPA about lawn and golf-courses herbicides. Mayor Robertson agreed that it was a good idea to move toward a policy, at the same time hoping that consideration of the issue will spill over to the schools. She also asked for information about how a community could ban any given pesticide/herbicide.
Councilmember Crais withdrew the resolution, then offered to serve on a committee with Mayor Robertson to explore this issue. She agreed.
[NOTE: At 9:06pm, Councilmember Crais was excused due to illness. Council took a break and reconvened at 9:13pm. Manager Hickman then asked that Council take advantage of Chief Cartnal's presence to ask him any questions they might have.]
Chief Cartnal, speaking in response to stated concerns about the behaviors of Denison students "living" in the Pearl/Summit/Granger area, noted that the investigation re the car vandalized with a beer keg is continuing. Patrols had been beefed up in that area several weeks ago in response to increasing complaints, including adding officers on foot patrol. However, the noise and/or behavior prompting complaints has usually abated by the time officers arrive on the scene. The Chief emphasized that an officer cannot issue a citation if he/she doesn't witness a violation. However, the person disturbed—and the neighbors, if they are willing—can file a complaint and serve as witnesses in court. Mayor Robertson asked that the officers "patrol extra carefully and quietly, and enforce the law when it needs to be enforced." Councilmember McGowan cited an OSU code of conduct tied in with the University; Chief Cartnal reported that Granville does the same. Mayor Robertson reported that Denison applies penalties to students pleading guilty or being found guilty in Mayor's Court. One of the penalties she imposes in Mayor's Court, in an attempt to inform students of the rules in general, is for an offender to write a letter to the Denisonian laying out the penalties for certain offenses.
Chief Cartnal agreed to provide school-related calls and all race-related data to Council. Councilmember Moore asked the Chief if anything had jumped out at him from his own annual report. He responded that complaints had been at an all-time high (3,573), while incidents and arrests were down—the latter due to new officers being trained and the fact the, contrary to popular opinion, Denison students were behaving "far better than they used to." Parking tickets were "significantly higher," due to permit parking. He and Manager Hickman favor leaving the permit ordinance in effect year-round and will likely request Council to approve amending the language to do so. Chief Cartnal reported that the bike patrol is back in operation and the truck scale is now on the Department of Agriculture's yearly rounds for inspection. Once the penalty section on tonight's agenda is enacted, operations will begin in earnest. He will be bringing the first few cases into Mayor's court to make sure everything is being done correctly. Finally, he reported that the officers have had middle-school "shadows" over the last two weeks.
[NOTE: Councilmember Bellman was excused at 9:26pm due to illness.]
Resolution No. 01-32, A Resolution To Appoint Members To The Granville Tree And Landscape Commission. [NOTE: This appears on this agenda in error. At the meeting of April 18, 2001, it was tabled until May 16, 2001.]
8. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9:38pm) Regularly Scheduled Meeting, 18 April 2001. Councilmember Moore requested three corrections: 1) page 2, discussion of Resolution 01-32 – the first two sentences should refer to Councilmember Lucier, not Councilmember Moore. 2) p. 3 – first word on the page should be Vice, not "voice." 3) p. 4, last sentence of "Discussion:" – change Mayor "Moore" to Mayor Robertson. Councilmember McGowan moved to accept the Minutes, as amended. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:43pm) Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Crais, Moore; Mayor Robertson) Councilmember Moore reported that the committee had had a good meeting with some of the property-owners on Cherry Valley Road. The Committee also met with a representative of Downtown Ohio, Inc. Details will be provided to Council at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Finance Liaison (Councilmember Moore) No report. Newark-Granville Committee (Councilmember Bellman, Mayor Robertson) No report.
Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier) Councilmember Lucier reported the commission is working on the Heritage Overlay District, including recommended changes in the Code as a follow-up to design work done a while ago. They are finding, however, that commission rules are inhibiting the discussion (i.e., the conduct of "everyday business " takes up so much time that special discussions are hard to schedule and complete).
Recreation Commission (Councilmember McGowan) Councilmember McGowan reported that the dedication for Raccoon Park is set for Monday, May 7th. The National Anthem will be sung at 6:30pm—the first use of the new flagpole.
Streetlight Committee (Councilmember McGowan) Councilmember McGowan reported that most of the new lights have been installed.
Streets/Sidewalks/Utilities Committee (Councilmembers Bellman and Crais, Vice Mayor Wernet) No report.
Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore) Councilmember Moore reported, tongue in cheek, that the Committee needs new members (see Resolution 01-32).
10. OTHER (9:47pm) Resolution No. 01-39, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into Negotiations For The Sale Of Water To Kendal Corporation, was not formally introduced. Mayor Robertson stated that she and Vice Mayor Wernet simply wanted everyone to think about it over the next two weeks before it is formally introduced on May 16th. Councilmember McGowan stated that track-coaching commitments may keep him from attending that meeting but he is in favor of this proposal (as he was in favor of selling water to the school). He anticipates that community questions about private versus public water-access issues will be raised. Mayor Robertson responded that she believes the two situations are different and will lay out her reasons in two weeks. Responding to Councilmember Moore's request for clarification as to whether or not this was being done at Kendal's request, Mayor Robertson said that some conversations have taken place and Kendal is aware of this resolution but has not formally requested water service to date. Part of her intent in introducing it is to say "welcome to the community" to Kendal. Mayor Robertson asked Manager Hickman for a report on the county bus service. He responded that they are pleased and have anywhere from 3-6 people on a regular basis. They have also proposed a shuttle-bus service for July 4th. Manager Hickman will pass the information along to Kiwanis so they can decide what to do.
11. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS (9:50pm) May 6, 2001 – Comprehensive Plan Review Committee (7:30pm) May 16, 2001 – Village Council Meeting (7:30pm)
12. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember McGowan moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:52pm. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Meeting adjourned.
VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES April 18, 2001
ROLL CALL (7:33pm) Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites. Councilmember Moore moved to excuse Councilmember McGowan; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried. [Councilmember McGowan arrived at 7:36pm.]
Mayor Robertson amended the Agenda to add an Executive Session after "Other," for purposes of considering land acquisition.
CITIZENS' COMMENTS (opened by Mayor Robertson at 7:34pm) All Topics None Joint Economic Development Study Councilmember Crais announced that Ms. Wimberger was unable to attend this meeting and would be at the May 2nd session. Mayor Robertson closed Citizens' Comments at 7:35pm.
PUBLIC HEARING (7:35pm) Ordinance No. 08-01, An Ordinance To Create A Sugar Loaf Preservation Fund. No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance.
NEW BUSINESS (7:36pm) Resolution No. 01-30, A Resolution To Award The Bid For Towing And Storage Of Motor Vehicles For The Police Department, As Per Specifications, To Yonkers Towing And Auto Care, Inc. And To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Lucier. [Manager Hickman clarified that a tow would now cost $25, in contrast to the previous charge of $35. Yonkers Towing will do storage as well, with the ability to release an impound 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.] Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-31, A Resolution To Award The Bid For The Purchase Of A 4-Wheel- Drive Dump Truck, As Per Specifications, To Bowman Chevrolet And To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Moore. [Manager Hickman clarified that this is a replacement vehicle, that 4-wheel drive is needed, and that a new truck will provide better value in the long run and also has a new-vehicle warranty. He expects the truck to last six years, during which time the replacement fund for the next truck will be built. The old truck will be sold as salvage.] Motion carried.
Resolution No. 01-32, A Resolution To Appoint Members To The Granville Tree & Landscape Commission, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Moore.
Discussion: Councilmember Lucier asked if these openings had been advertised. Manager Hickman said they had not. Councilmember Lucier stated she had some concerns about appointing someone who does not live in the Village, then asked if the Tree & Landscape Commission was a formal commission, per the Code. Manager Hickman responded that he and Mr. Dorman are working to clarify the commission's status. Councilmember Bellman agreed about the advertising any committee/commission positions that open up, especially new ones. Councilmember Lucier moved to table the resolution; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion-to-table carried. [Manager Hickman asked that a decision be made by the second meeting in May.]
Resolution No. 01-33, A Resolution To Authorize The Village Manager To Seek Bids For Cedar Street Sidewalk Extension, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Bellman.
Discussion: Manager Hickman explained that the original budget appropriation took the sidewalk the entire length of Cedar Street, plus the piece along North Pearl Street from Cedar Street to Cedar Lane. The current request for funds would allow the sidewalk to be extended along North Pearl from Cedar Lane to the Schnaidt residence. There is already $20,000 set aside for this, and any monies left over from 2000 would be added as well. Councilmember Lucier asked if it were a higher priority to replace an existing sidewalk than to add a new one. Manager Hickman said it was in this case, since this is a dangerous section. Councilmember Lucier noted that Burg Street is at least as dangerous, especially where the sidewalk "just quits" about halfway up the hill. Manager Hickman clarified that the plan is to reposition the Pearl Street sidewalk 18-24" back from the road, with a finished width of five feet. Councilmember Bellman felt the added safety was certainly worth the money. Responding to a question from Mayor Robertson about the current position of the crosswalks in that area, Manager Hickman said there is now one at the Schnaidt's driveway, just south of the Denison entrance, and a second further north (though that one will not be restriped). Councilmember Lucier pointed out that, with the crosswalk on the south side of the Denison entrance, pedestrians had to cross both North Pearl Street and the Denison road. She suggested the crosswalk be repositioned on the north side of the Denison entrance.
Vice Mayor Wernet agreed with Councilmember Lucier's concerns about Burg Street. Manager Hickman noted that Denison students had put out a questionnaire on this subject and he would try to get a copy of the responses. He added that, while there is "technically" a 40-foot right-of- way, the street jogs back and forth from side to side, and there are houses and trees close to the road on both sides, sometimes opposite each other. The road might have to be straightened to install sidewalks and Manager Hickman suggested it would be "reasonable" to do some engineering over the next couple of years to explore the issue. Vice Mayor Wernet added that the Streets & Sidewalks Commission could discuss it as well, with a "reasonably high" priority.
Councilmember McGowan asked if the North Pearl sidewalk would be curbed. Manager Hickman responded that it would, with a white "fog line" and 6-8" of pavement between the traffic lane and the sidewalk. He also agreed with Councilmember Lucier's suggestion to move the crosswalk north of the Denison entrance. When asked if Council needed to vote on the resolution at this meeting, Manager Hickman responded that the job needs to go to bid so he can line up the contractor. If Council were to decide against the appropriation at a later time, the process could be stopped or a change-order written.
Councilmember Bellman asked if there would be a crosswalk at Cedar Street. Councilmember Crais felt the Village could "do better than just striping." Vice Mayor Wernet suggested the matter be sent to Streets & Sidewalks with a request for them to bring back a recommendation. Mayor Robertson suggested that everyone go look at the area before next meeting. Councilmember Crais spoke in favor of the resolution, noting that approving it meant being able to address a dangerous section of sidewalk. He pointed out that this is not a "zero-sum" situation (i.e., we don't have to choose between North Pearl and Burg Streets). He also suggested that we do more than just paint the crosswalks, perhaps talking to Denison about splitting the cost for a brick crosswalk. Councilmember Moore asked if this work was budgeted as part of the Cedar Street project. Manager Hickman said it was separate, but budgeted. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 09-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25- 00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for May 2, 2001.
OLD BUSINESS (8:02pm) Ordinance No. 08-01, An Ordinance To Create A Sugar Loaf Preservation Fund, was re-introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Moore.
Discussion: Vice Mayor Wernet, concerned that we make sure not to violate any conditions created by the initial dedication of the land to create this park (e.g., a reversion of interest), asked that Law Director Crites review the issue. Law Director Crites said he has already begun a review and found some small issues re the dissolution of the non-profit corporation (e.g., the articles of incorporation must be amended). Councilmember Moore asked how the Preservation Fund would be funded (i.e., if monies would be transferred thereto from other village funds). Manager Hickman responded that money from the General Fund would be moved into the "G5" Fund (created especially for this purpose—and designated as "G5" pursuant to state regulations). Mayor Robertson asked if a committee similar to the one that oversees Fanchion Lewis Park would be created. Manager Hickman said it would, with no legislation required. Mayor Robertson asked that we advertise for interested citizens.
MAYOR'S REPORT (8:08pm) The Mayor's Court Report for the month of March was presented for review. Mayor Robertson commented on the unusually large number of parking tickets; there was no available explanation at the moment. Vice Mayor Wernet moved that the report be filed; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried. Mayor Robertson directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
Ancillary Discussion: Councilmember Crais raised the concerns of neighbors in the area bounded by Pearl, College, Granger, and Summit Streets, about large numbers of dogs running free. Manager Hickman said Councilmember Crais should tell the neighbors to contact the GPD, who will either handle the problem or advise the resident to call the DogCatcher. Councilmember McGowan suggested we also do periodic reminders to dog owners to pick up after their pets.
Councilmember Crais raised the issue of student residents in this same area. Students have been seen urinating on peoples' lawns, and a beer bottle was thrown through a glass window on Summit Street. The students' conduct is not acceptable and it is widely felt that the student houses on Granger and Pearl Streets are "out of control." Councilmember Crais noted that the Pearl Street house had only been cited one time and asked Council to instruct the Manager to apply the ordinance allowing us to deal with the lessor. Councilmember Moore asked if Denison knew of these houses; Mayor Robertson responded that they do know. While there are virtually no legal off-campus residences, the college cannot prevent students who pay room and board on campus from using houses rented in town. Councilmember Moore suggested that the Village get in touch with Denison. Manager Hickman said he and Councilmember Crais would work on the issue. Councilmember Crais reiterated his desire to have the Village move on enforcing the lessor ordinance. There was general agreement on Council that the student houses have a truly detrimental effect on the neighborhoods where they are.
Councilmember Crais asked when the truck scales would be inspected and certified ready for use. He also mentioned that water is pooling on the concrete and wondered if that would affect the life of the surface. Manager Hickman said the water pooling was not a structural concern but it does look bad. He also noted that our officers have had a training session with the State Patrol on the scale and it has been used six or so times already. A couple of citations have been issued. Councilmember McGowan asked about landscaping around the scale; Manager Hickman said they are working on it.
Councilmember Lucier asked it if were possible for GPD to track school-related calls, complaints, etc. Vice Mayor Wernet asked the same about race-related traffic stops. Manager Hickman responded that Chief Cartnal does an annual report that he will supply to Council and then include the Chief's monthly reports in Council packets from now on. Councilmember Moore asked that the race data be reported for everything, not just traffic stops.
MANAGER'S REPORT (8:23pm) The Manager's Report for the month of March was presented for review. Councilmember Moore posed the question everyone is asking: Where's the drinking fountain? Manager Hickman said it had been taken out for repairs and painting (by Abe's Body Shop), then re-installed on a new stone base. The fountain will bubble gently all the time—the only way the dog bowl can be filled. Mayor Robertson asked Manager Hickman to formally express Council's thanks to Abe's. Councilmember Lucier asked about the status of the Alexandria water contract. Manager Hickman apologized for the delay and said he will move immediately to finalize it. Councilmember Bellman complimented Manager Hickman on the Main Street crosswalk. Manager Hickman clarified for Mayor Robertson that the lights come on only when the button is pushed; there is no motion sensor to activate the lights when a vehicle is approaching. He added that the intent in this arrangement is that the action/reaction of pressing the button and then getting the light is to foster awareness. Councilmember McGowan stressed that we need to stress educating the citizens that traffic won't stop automatically, and encourage them to make sure they, and their children, look both ways before crossing the street. Manager Hickman noted that "Stop" signs are installed on the bike path on both sides of the street, and warning signs have been ordered for Main Street traffic. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember Crais. Mayor Robertson directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (8:32pm) Regularly Scheduled Meeting of April 4, 2001. The following additions/corrections were requested: Councilmember Moore, p.4 – Renumber "Minutes" to correct the two "7s." Councilmember McGowan moved to accept the Minutes as amended; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS (8:35pm) Development Committee (Councilmember Crais). Councilmember Crais reported on the Committee's "very productive" meeting of two weeks ago with Hazel Morrow Jones and Kathryn Wimberger of OSU. Eloise DeZwarte also attended the meeting. In the near future, Ms. Wimberger will submit a proposal to Council, while Ms. Jones will submit one to the Township Trustees. The plan is for Ms. Wimberger to submit an interim report by the end of May— detailing the economic challenges facing the Village and proposing some ideas about how Council might ensure the economic viability of the community. Ms. Wimberger is scheduled to attend the May 2nd Council meeting. Mayor Robertson proposed that, quarter by quarter, perhaps different groups of grad students could take the Village on as a project, leading to an ongoing relationship with OSU. Councilmember Crais reported that, in response to a request from Ms. Wimberger to be reimbursed for mileage, he had encouraged her to speak with Village staff. Councilmember Moore announced that the Committee will meet on Thursday, April 26th, at 7:30am at the Village Coffee Company to discuss issues re Cherry Valley Road south of S.R. 16. A number of property owners from that area will attend. Finance Committee (Councilmember Moore). Councilmember Moore talked with Molly Roberts about the big decline in the Village's assessed valuation as reported by the County Auditor—an issue every bit as confusing as the Census Report. Ms. Roberts reported that the decline is in the personal property tax valuations. The County Auditor says that in 1999 they mistakenly included Owens-Corning in the Village rather than the Township. The error was discovered in mid-2000 and its correction caused the big decline. Manager Hickman reported that the Village had already made a refund to the County. Councilmember Lucier commented on the fact that, contrary to the usual pattern, income tax revenues for the first quarter had decreased rather than increased. Manager Hickman said it might simply be a function of when Denison makes its quarterly payment. Councilmember Lucier asked that Manager Hickman keep an eye on it and, if necessary, ask the Tax Commissioner to explain. Newark-Granville Joint Committee (Mayor Robertson) Councilmember Bellman reported difficulty in reaching Craig Baldwin. No further report.
Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported that he will set a meeting with Manager Hickman and Molly Roberts.
Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier). Councilmember Lucier was unable to attend the last meeting. No report.
Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan). Councilmember McGowan reported that the Commission has not met since his last report. There was some discussion among members of Council about where the bingo tent will go for the July 4th fair, with Council leaning against locating it in Opera House Park, preferring to investigate closing off another street. Manager Hickman reported that the parade application had just arrived earlier that day and he would keep Council posted as details fell into place.
Street Light Committee (Councilmember McGowan). Manager Hickman reported that 19 new lights had been installed along Newark-Granville and Jones Roads. Councilmember McGowan expressed his appreciation. Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee (Vice Mayor Wernet). Vice Mayor Wernet reported that the Committee had not met since his last report but intended to meet the following week.
Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier). No report. Manager Hickman noted that Councilmember Lucier's position on this Board would expire as of the second Council meeting in May. Councilmember Lucier added that she enjoys the job but was certainly willing to cede her place to anyone else who might be interested. [Silence greeted her announcement.]
OTHER (8:47pm) Councilmember Crais noted that he hadn't seen any published notice announcing the formation of a strategic land acquisition committee. Manager Hickman said he hadn't placed the ad yet. Councilmember Crais reported that we have already received two names (Lori Green and Sara Neel) and urged Manager Hickman to post the notice ASAP.
Councilmember Bellman referred to the letter from Tom Burkett re the surface of the bike/pedestrian path next to Denison's property on North Street and asked if that was Denison's responsibility or the Village's. Manager Hickman reported that he had asked that the section be measured and priced, after which he would approach Denison about splitting the cost of the repairs (approximately $8,000). He added that the Village had done the original installation, including improvements to the splashway and construction of the wooden footbridge. Councilmember Bellman said he felt use of the Licking County Transit shuttle service for July 4th was a great idea. Manager Hickman will pass it along to Kiwanis.
Councilmember Lucier asked if Resolution 01-27 (re Council rules) would be untabled at some future time. Councilmember Bellman suggested it be dealt with piecemeal until it has all been considered. Manager Hickman will schedule accordingly. MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS May 2, 2001 – Village Council Meeting
EXEUTIVE SESSION (8:54pm) Vice Mayor Wernet moved to go into executive session for the discussion of acquisition of land; second by Councilmember Bellman. A Roll Call vote yielded seven (7) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.