PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING

 

MINUTES

 

APRIL 11, 2006

 

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Fogt at 7:00 p.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Dan Fogt, Ed Pleasant, Mark Reams

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Kathy House, Phil Roush, Ryan Horns (Journal Tribune)

 

AGENDA:

 

1)     Impact fees

 

Mr. Fogt referred to information that was distributed on Delaware impact fees, Beaver Creek impact fees and Columbus Pay As We Grow.  Mr. Fogt noted in the Delaware information, 1363.04(b) an automatic annual impact fee adjustment based on cost index published by the Engineering News Record.  Streets are not included in Delaware impact fees. 

 

Mr. Pleasant asked if a study would be needed if the City were to decide to go with impact fees for Fire and Police.  Mr. Roush stated the fees would have to be justified. 

When considering fees for police and fire, you not only look at growth within the City, but areas outside the City, particularly relating to what the fire station serves.  For fire, you need to know how much of a radius you can serve until you have to have a second station.  Another issue is the difference between capital costs and ongoing costs.  Impact fees would pay for increased capital.  Normal tax base would fund the operation.

 

Consensus of the committee is that we should get started looking at impact fees as soon as possible. 

 

Mr. Fogt named a couple of consultants who do impact fee studies.  He proposed impact fees for fire, police, parks and streets.  City already has a parkland fee.  All impact fees should be rolled into one impact fee.  Mr. Roush suggested advertising in some journals around the state for a request for qualifications (RFQ) and be specific.  You want a firm that has experience in doing impact studies.  Have them list their qualifications and reference some of their clients and have them submit a statement of qualifications to the City. 

 

Ms. House stated that current staffing and project load does not allow time for Administration to put this project as a priority.  Mr. Pleasant stated Council wants to help in any way possible. 

 

Mr. Reams stated we already have a study on streets.  There are a few more things needed to complete the study.   In order to facilitate the street impact fee, can we hire someone to work on this project, limiting it to finishing items on streets, or hire someone in-house to facilitate this entire project as a priority, such as an assistant engineer.   Mr. Fogt stated he felt Council would support hiring an assistant engineer.

 

Mr. Roush will draft an RFQ and run it by the Committee to make sure the request is correct.  Traffic numbers need to be updated.  Need to identify existing deficiencies and identify how we’re going to pay for them.  These need to be kept separate from the new fund.  City can’t expect the new people to pay for existing deficiencies.

 

Mr. Fogt feels fire and police impact fees are of an urgent nature.  May have to split into two projects, streets and fire & police.  Finish up streets then work on fire and police.  It was decided to have the firm that began the study, finish the study.  Get a proposal and quote on what it would take to finish the study.  Mr. Reams will make contact with the consultant.

 

2)     Utility rates

 

Mr. Fogt said that Brian Bornino had suggested contacting utility companies to give an explanation of why rates are increasing and give us their expectations of future rate increases.  Also inform people how low-income citizens can take advantage of programs available for utility payment assistance.  This would serve as a public service to citizens.  It was suggested Public Services Committee host a separate public meeting and invite utility companies to participate.

 

3)     Trunk Interceptor Program/Water Reclamation Facility Progress

 

Water Reclamation Facility.  – Received draft NPDS permit.  There is a 30-day comment period, March 21st to April 21st, where people can write comments or request a public meeting in case there are any issues.  After the comment period, City is planning to submit to EPA for permit to install.  Should take about 3 weeks, then will advertise for bids on May 15, open bids on June 28th and have an information meeting for interested contractors on June 7.  That is for the plant work itself.  Will know by the end of June what kind of money we’re talking about whether we build a 6 or 8 MGD plant.  We’re bidding a 6 MGD plant with an 8 MGD option, in hopes to upgrade to an 8 MGD.  Also taking bids for the building for the maintenance crew.  Depending on how the bids come in, will determine whether to build it now or later.

 

Trunk Interceptor Project – Met today with DLZ.  Eight easements have been completed, 12 easements are still in process.  Legislation will be presented this week to proceed with these 12 easements.  Hope to have these wrapped up within the next 30 to 60 days.  The plans have been submitted to EPA late February.  Consultant has a couple items to answer yet to EPA, then plans will be approved.  That leaves the force mains down Adelsberger Road and the lift station that we’re moving offsite tope Hope to do that.  Have not started complete design on that until the Adelsberger easement negotiated.  An easement is being drafted to run by Mr. Renner’s attorney and have it signed by May 1, 2006.  If the bids come in in the City’s favor at the end of June should be in a position to have a contract by the end of July and be under construction by August or September.  Mr. Pleasant and Mr. Fogt are in support of Mr. Aslaner considering outside counsel for easements if appropriate.

 

4)     Reservoir update

 

Timing has slipped a little due to the workload and concentration on the wastewater area.  Having a minor difficulty with the consultant.  Hope to be in a position to begin later this year.  Ms. House stressed the word “minor”.  The design work is done.  Mr. Roush confirmed we’re not in danger of losing our permits.  Core permit is good until July of 2007.  City can request a continuance from then on.  Mr. Pleasant asked if easements are needed and if so, are they in process.  How many easements are needed?  Ms. House stated easements are needed.  They are not in process but have been identified.  There are six or eight easements.  People have been contacted.  Offers will be made closer to start of project. 

 

5)     Street paving update

 

Ms. House stated the Board of Control met this morning.  The contract was awarded to Chemcote, pending details of the contract.  Legal is reviewing it.  There were four bidders ranging from $1,141,000 and $1,216,000. Mr. Reams asked if they would do contingency paving.  Response was yes.  A little money is left over from last year’s paving.  Anticipate paving to be completed by end of August or hopefully before school starts in the fall. 

 

Mr. Roush stated ODOT Urban Paving Program is on Council’s next agenda.  Bid opening is scheduled for May 17.  Would hope to be paving Elwood, Main Street and Maple in July or August.  Mr. Pleasant asked about Collins Ave.  Mr. Roush stated Collins would not be done until next year.  It will be one of the first streets on the holdover for next year. 

 

City is getting loan money for the waterline work on Cherry and Ninth Street from PWC this year.  Plan to make application within next couple of months for additional projects.

 

Mr. Pleasant asked about the concrete between Grant and Park.  Mr. Roush said that would not be eligible; it’s not a high traffic area, which is a requirement.

 

6)     East 5th Street

 

Railroad crossing will be closed on Thursday since Friday is the Good Friday holiday for the City.  At first temporary barricades will be put up.  Intent is to put a more permanent gate up that can be opened in case emergency access is needed.  This is not considered a permanent closure.  Mr. Pleasant asked since this is temporary, is the City going to pursue other options at appropriate times?  Response was yes, if they can get cooperation.

 

Mr. Roush noted correspondence he received from the Ohio Rail Authority, Ohio Rail Development Commission and the PUCO  The one letter said the estimated cost of flashing lights and gates at that crossing would be $140,000-$160,000 and in the State of Ohio, we were 5,075 out of a list 6,100 crossings that needed upgraded, so can’t expect anything to happen real soon. 

 

Mr. Pleasant expressed concern about what affect the closing will have on 84 Lumber.  Also concerned about all the traffic congestion that will be created on the other streets due to the closing.  Need to look at other alternatives and see if there is a possibility of easing that flow with something that is reasonable. 

 

Mr. Fogt fears Kinetico and Natural Accents may suffer from this closure as well.  Access on Delaware Avenue is not very good due to the condition of the access. Cars bottom out when entering out onto Delaware Avenue.  Ms. House mentioned that area is not in the City limits. 

 

7)     2006 Goals

q       Continue working on the traffic study – previously discussed.

 

q       Continue working on the Town Run

 

Still trying to find out who owns it; who is responsible for it, which influences what we can or cannot do with it.  Mr. Eufinger is looking into it.  Mr. Reams would like have an answer at the next meeting. 

 

q       Sidewalk maintenance discussion

 

Within the next couple of months, City will be looking at selecting a project for our fiscal year 2006 CDBG formula funds.  Ms. House stated that if the City wants to apply for the next tier of downtown revitalization funds in the amount of $500,000 amount, that can actually do brick and mortar type projects, there is a matching portion required for that and the formula fund can act as that matching portion.

 

q       Stormwater

 

No problems reported as a result of the rain last week.  Mr. Pleasant confirmed that at this time we feel comfortable that stormwater needs have been addressed, and if any other citizens have concerns, they need to notify the City.  Administration agreed.  Mr. Roush stated the work that has been done and is being done at the existing wastewater plant is helping to keep ahead of the problems. 

 

Mr. Fogt heard that Adena Pointe may not be building a pond in South Park.  Ms. House said that is a possibility.  Mr. Fogt stated the pond was agreed on by Planning Commission.  Ms. House said that Parks & Recreation Commission agreed on the pond.  Mr. Conley is investigating how Adena Pointe can participate at that park.  A couple of meetings have been held with the developer to see what can be done.  Originally when the developer met with Parks & Recreation Commission, the developer thought they could incorporate that space into their stormwater management plan for their development, and it turned out not to be possible to use that area to facilitate their stormwater for a couple of reasons.  They have assured the City they would still like to participate in some fashion at South Park, but not for stormwater.  The stormwater system they are putting in at Adena Pointe will provide a more positive outlook for the South Park area. City is working with them for other improvements, possibly the pathway system, etc.   Mr. Conley is working with them.  Mr. Fogt asked if they were going to replace the main tile.  Mr. Roush said he didn’t think so.

 

q       Street paving – previously discussed.

 

q       Water and sewer projects – previously discussed.

 

q       Explore a comprehensive impact fee – previously discussed.

 

Mr. Reams asked when the cable TV contract was up for re-negotiation.  Ms. House will check and get back to the committee.  The contract provides the level of services they provide.  There are some stipulations that anyone else who comes in must provide that same level of service.  He would like to strike that language in the next contract.  He feels this may be a detriment to competition. 

 

Adjournment