PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MINUTES

 

FEBRUARY 23, 2005

 

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman David Burke at 7:36 p.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  David Burke, John Marshall, John Gore

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Kathy House, Brian Dostanko, J. W. Cesa, William Michael, Jr., Eric Phillips

 

AGENDA:

 

1)     Organization – Mr. Burke was appointed Chairman.

 

2)     Resolution of Brookwood Commons Rehab was moved ahead in order to accommodate the gentlemen representing this item who traveled from out of town.

 

Mr. Jim Cesa, Director of Community Action, addressed the Committee.  He provided information for the resolution of support for the rehabilitation of Brookwood Commons.  Tax credit financing, as well as private financing, will be used for this project.  Fairfield Homes is partnering with Community Action for this project.  Community Action is the 501(c)(3) non-profit part of this relationship.  Gorsuch Management is the other partner.  Plan is to rehab 48 units.   Will include inside and outside work.  Outside work consists of windows and doors and painting; inside work consists of replacing appliances and new kitchen cupboards.  There are no liabilities to the City associated with this resolution.  Application for the grant is due to the State of Ohio on March 17^th.   Rehabbing these units will not raise the rent to the tenants.  The Law Director is reviewing the language of the resolution.  Pending approval from the Law Director, Mr. Gore moved to support and endorse the resolution; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.

 

3)     Proposed Design Review Code Revision

 

Mr. Phillips gave a presentation of proposed changes to the code relating to the Design Review Process.  A Design Review process was established for commercial, industrial and multi-family development a couple years ago.  Some feel this process should be taken one step further by combining all the different design processes in the City.  Currently have an Architectural Review Board that reviews historic areas of Marysville, Shade Tree Commission reviews landscaping and Design Review Board reviews commercial, industrial and multi-family development, excluding landscaping.  URT, Uptown Renewal Team, has suggested establishing some guidelines for Historic Uptown Marysville.  Two goals for this process are to improve the development review process by streamlining multiple processes and updating standards in order to promote quality development, and to promote business-friendly practices while maintaining effective design guidelines for quality development.  

 

Recommendation: 

 

q       Rename the Architectural Review District to the Historic Uptown Marysville Design Review District.

q       Expand district to include other significant structures.

q       Realign duties making City’s Design Review Board as the body to review all commercial, manufacturing and multi-family developments.

q       Create basic design guidelines that are currently not specified in the code.

q       Require new design and color guidelines that will be used in evaluating applications.

q       Allow fast track approvals for certain projects

q       Place higher standards before a building can be demolished.

q       Add Secretary of Interior’s guidelines for rehabilitation

q       Include specific submittal requirements for applications

 

Shade Tree Commission.  Sections 1136 and 1140 will remain in tact, but changes will occur within the document.

 

q       Realign the duties making the Design Review Board as the body to review all landscape plans.

q       Define new structure versus substantial expansion.

q       Reduce repetitive language.

q       Allow negotiation if topographic or special circumstances do not permit certain landscape installations.

q       Require landscaping prior to occupancy.

q       If applicant fails to meet guidelines, allow City to deny future applications.

 

Chapter 1144, Design Review Process. 

 

q       Encourage commercial business people and professionals to be on Design Review board.

q       Update certain sections for clarity.

q       Refer developers back to Chapters 1136 and 1140 for standards.

q       Allow for requirements to be applicable to any created zoning districts.

 

Process for approval of this is as follows: 

 

General overview to Planning Commission last week.

 

Talk to Council regarding Shade Tree.

 

Talk to Mayor regarding Architectural Review Board.

 

Meet with David Burke who is chairing the design committee to review the design review ordinance next week.

 

Meet with Design Committee next week.

 

Planning Commission review in March and April.

 

Planning Commission recommendation on May 2.

 

Council receives it on May 12.

 

Schedule public hearing and three readings – June 23 through July 28, with approval on August 28^th if all goes well.

 

Mr. Gore stated he is in favor of streamlining, but not sure he’s in favor of giving all the power to Planning Commission.

 

4)     RFQ for Uptown Revitalization Team

 

Resolution is sponsored by the Mayor and authorizes the city to enter into a Request for Qualifications for consultants in order to conduct some planning services for the downtown revitalization.  This will allow the City to apply for grant monies.  Would require no city funds.  Money would come from the Chamber and private sources. 

 

Ms. House stated this is CDBG grant money and must be applied for by the City.  Chamber has $4,000 set aside for planning for this purpose.  Private and Marysville Business Association funds will go in for matching portion.  These are just for Tier 1.  This would enable the City to hire a consultant to do a marketing strategy, parking analysis and traffic circulation plan.   Plan would cost $30,000, Chamber has to come up with $15,000.  Doesn’t have to be all cash, could be in-kind services.

 

5)     Review of Ordinance 27-94

 

Mr. Dostanko presented a draft.  Before updating, Charter Review Board will have to meet and review.  This ordinance contradicts the current Charter.  Will revisit after Charter Review Board completes their review.    The draft reflects everything and how the City is doing business right now.  Committee will review and bring back comments at the next meeting.

 

6)     Consideration of Fair Board request for July 4^th Celebration Funding

 

Union County Fair Board has requesting help in funding July 4^th Celebration Funding.    County Commissioners pledged to match the City’s donation.    Ms. House checked with the Finance Director and funds could be taken from Parks & Recreation budget.  $2,500 was proposed and money to be used for fireworks only.  Affirmative voice vote unanimous. 

 

7)     Review of Council Rules of Procedure

 

One proposed addition to Council Rules of Procedure.  “The Council President may appoint a single council member to act as a liaison between Council in one or more City Commissions or Boards and shall be authorized to assign specific duties as he deems necessary.”  This is being proposed due to the lack of information from Planning Commission on issues brought before Council.   This person would not be a voting member.

 

Committee agreed that Council Rules of Procedure could be amended as necessary, with a required annual review.

 

Meeting adjourned.