CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

 

FEBRUARY 23, 2006

 

 

The meeting was called to order by President Gore at 7:00 p.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Marshall, Ms. Sellers, Mr. Fogt, Mr. Gore, Mr. Burke, Mr. Reams, Mr. Pleasant

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Director of Administration House, Finance Director Morehart, Law Director Aslaner, Clerk Patterson

 

REPORTERS PRESENT:  Ryan Horns-Journal Tribune, Lois Gruenbaum-WUCO

 

CITIZENS PRESENT:  Bill Kelley, Rick Shortell, Rowland Seymour, Harold Hill, Tim Messer, John Cunningham, Joe Duke, Alan Seymour, Don Bergwall, Dennis Schulze, Ken Kraus

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  There being no additions or corrections, the minutes for the Joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting on January 31, 2006 were approved as written.

 

There being no additions or corrections, the minutes for the meeting on February 9, 2006 were approved as written.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:  Ms. House reported that the skate park equipment has been delivered and will be installed the week of March 6th, weather permitting.

 

Mr. Morehart reported the Income Tax Subpoena program was a success.  City realized $24,000 of income tax dollars that came in from non-filers.  Also identified an additional $24,000 in liability.  He commended Becky Arnott, John Green and Rose Penhorwood for the way they handled the crowd.

 

Mr. Gore explained the legislation for the consent calendar, “TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AMENDED PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF LAND FOR THE LOCATION OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY”.  He explained the original agreement proposed paying for the land through future tap fees.  After a certain period of time, the remaining balance would be paid for with cash.  The Mayor met with individuals and in light of everything that’s going on, has decided to buy the land for the wastewater treatment facility outright for $2,495,000, a savings of about $200,000.  This basically offsets the interest that we would have saved by reducing the price.  Feels this is a pretty good deal. 

 

Motion was made to add this legislation to the consent calendar and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Marshall  YES  Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES

 

Motion passed.

 

Mr. Gore referred to an article in Sunday’s Columbus Dispatch that stated the City was losing $6,800 per day.  The City had borrowed $55M towards the wastewater treatment plant and any delay cost the City $6,800 a day.  To clarify, the City borrowed the $55M because the money was a little cheaper with the City’s rating at that time and there was speculation that interest rates were going to go up, and in fact, they have.  The money was reinvested with Fifth Third Securities.  It is two-year investment.  Once construction starts, our investment is in the new construction.  The city is not losing $6,800 a day.  Mr. Gore wanted to clarify this because the article portrayed that the City borrowed the money just to be borrowing the money, not knowing what we were going to be doing with it.

 

Mr. Morehart added that $6,800 is accurate as far as the interest cost.  As far investible earnings, City was able to generate a premium when we sold it.  We should be able to offset most of that interest expense in 2006, not one-for-one, but pretty close. 

 

REPORT OF CLERK OF COUNCIL:  No report.

 

REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION:  Mr. John Cunningham, Planning Commission Chairman, addressed Council.  He reported that February has been a very busy month and anticipates a busier March.  February meeting consisted of discussions with developer of the Producers property on SR4.  This property is waiting for the outcome of the decision on the Planning Unit Development legislation that is before Council this evening before rezoning. 

 

Discussed the Galbury Meadows project that was previously approved.  Final Development Plan will be coming to Council.  He noted this is the property where the BP pipeline was not where they initially thought it was, so minor adjustments had to be made to the preliminary plat.

 

Discussed The Oaks, the Planned Unit Development being done by Myron Gallogly in collaboration with Jim Page.  Will be coming back to Planning Commission in March to see the criteria is met that was laid forth.

 

Discussed City Gate sketch plan extensively.  Will be discussed further at the March meeting.

 

Design Review meeting was held. Planning Commission approved the Northwood School and the ProRite Muffler Shop, which is being relocated out of the City Gate property over to 9th Street.  He noted this building will be a major plus to the area.  Also reviewed the building designs for the Isaacs/Cowgill project on Rt. 4. 

 

HEARING OF CITIZENS:  Mr. Rowland Seymour addressed Council regarding the Veteran’s Memorial.  He distributed planned views of the Memorial and gave an update on the monument progress, which will be located on the Court House lawn.  There are over 1,170 Union County Vets registered in the data bank.  Have sold approximately 575 pavers in the monument plaza.  This monument will be compatible with the Court House.  Will reduce the size of the monument and lower it into the ground so that it will not be too broad against the Court House, so as not to obstruct the view.  Have over 500 donors for this project.  Have received $160,000 in cash and $180,000 in pledges, totaling $340,000 towards this monument and plaza.  Depending on the funding, hope to break ground in May.  He encouraged the Mayor, Council and the City to be a part of this project by finding a way to contribute to this purpose.   A complete list of all contributors will be published in the newspaper and the program at the time of the dedication.  Mr. Seymour has a couple of ideas on how the City could be recognized and would like to meet and discuss at some point. 

 

Mr. Pleasant asked what the anticipated total cost of the monument is.  Response was original cost was $500,000.  Due to the change in size of the monument, cost could be reduced by $80,000 to $90,000. 

 

Mr. Gore referred this issue to Public Affairs Committee for further discussion with Mr. Seymour.

 

Mr. Bill Kelley introduced himself to Council.  He is the new Regional Business Manager for DP&L.  He is a 30-year resident of Marysville.  The majority of his work will be done in Union County, but will also serve Logan and Champaign counties.  He encouraged everyone to feel free to call him with any questions or issues. 

 

Mr. Joe Duke addressed Council regarding the 2005 Uptown Renewal Team “URT” accomplishments.  URT Mission Statement, “The Marysville Uptown Renewal Team (URT) is a public/private partnership forged to revitalize the Uptown Area into a vibrant hub of activity.”  URT is made up of four committees:  Organize, Design, Promote and Economically Restructure.

 

2005 URT Accomplishments:

 

Organization

q       Chamber Board recognized URT as a division of the Union County-Marysville Economic Development Partnership.  Originally fell under the Marysville Business Association.

q       Marysville City Council and Union County Commissioners passed resolutions recognizing URT as the organization to lead Uptown revitalization.

q       Held two public meetings for building owners, business owners, and citizens to discuss the effort to revitalize Uptown.

q       Met with Marysville City Council and Union County Commissioners to report URT’s accomplishments.

q       Appointed Union County’s Chief Building Official as a staff representative to URT.

q       Began work on Main Street application to prepare URT for its future partnerships.

q       Received a $15,000.00 grant from the Ohio Department of Development and raised $9,000.00 from the business community to conduct an Uptown Marysville Improvement Plan.

q       Assisted with the hiring of the Poggemeyer Design Group to draft the Uptown Marysville Improvement Plan.  This plan is to be completed in the first half of 2006. 

 

Design

q       Led charge to install Uptown Marysville Directional Signs to direct potential visitors and new residents. 

q       Led charge to install Public Parking signs.

q       Working in cooperation with Leadership Union County, the Marysville Public Library and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to develop a historical walking tour guide.  Should be completed by the middle of the year.

q       Began work on a parking map of Uptown Marysville.

q       Led charge to rewrite design review ordinances improving the City’s review and permitting process. 

q       Developed bookmark and Can Do badges promoting Uptown Revitalization.

 

Promotion

q       Organized and promoted four Third Friday’s events in Uptown Marysville.

q       Promoted and assisted with the Fall Frolic and Christmas Walk events in Uptown.

q       Applied for and received $1,000.00 grant from the Ohio Arts Council to supplement funds for Uptown events.

q       Raised funds and secured sponsorships for Uptown events.

 

Economic Restructuring

q       Promoted Community Reinvestment Area program which resulted in three applications for major commercial improvements in Uptown Marysville.

 

Each team has set goals and objectives for 2006 as spelled out on the “tentative” Strategic Plan.

 

Mr. Duke commended Eric Phillips for his work with URT and Economic Development.

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

The resolution “TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A REAL ESTATE PURCHASE CONTRACT TO SELL LAND ON NORTH WALNUT STREET” was presented for third reading, title only.  Motion was made to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Reams  YES Mr. Pleasant  YES Mr. Marshall YES  Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES

 

Resolution 3-06 passed.

 

“A RESOLUTION STATING THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO THE 2.830 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, IN PARIS TOWNSHIP, UNION COUNTY, OHIO TO THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY” was presented for first reading, title only.  Mr. Dennis Schulze, attorney for applicant, addressed Council.  This area is located behind the future Appleby’s and is surrounded by City property. This annexation is being done via the long process instead of the expedited process because it will sever all the township ties.

 

Motion was made to pass the emergency and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Marshall  YES  Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES

 

Motion passed.

 

The resolution “TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AMENDED PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF LAND FOR THE LOCATION OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY” was presented for first reading, title only.  This legislation allows the City to purchase the land for the wastewater treatment plant outright.  By doing this, the City will realize a $200,000 savings.

 

Motion was made to pass the emergency and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Marshall  YES  Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES

 

Motion passed.

 

Motion was made to waive second reading, public hearing and the question put, stood:

 

Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES    Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Marshall  YES

 

Motion passed.

 

Motion was made to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.

 

Motion was made to waive third reading, title only and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Marshall  YES  Ms. Sellers  YES

 

Motion passed.

 

Motion was made to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Marshall YES  Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES

 

Resolution 4-06 passed.

 

ORDINANCES

 

The ordinance “TO AMEND ORDINANCE 22-04, AMENDING FEES FOR VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE” was presented for third reading, title only.  Per a recommendation from Parks & Recreation Commission, Mr. Marshall requested to postpone this ordinance indefinitely and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Marshall YES  Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES   Mr. Gore  YES

 

Motion passed.

 

The ordinance “AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE TO PICK UP THE STATUTORILY REQUIRED CONTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF OHIO FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY PURSUANT TO I.R.C. SECTION 414(H)(2)” was presented for third reading, title only.  Motion was made to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Marshall  YES  Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES

 

Ordinance 6-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOTES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $1,000,000 IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION, RESURFACING AND IMPROVING CITY STREETS, WITH RELATED EQUIPMENT AND ALL NECESSARY APPURTENANCES, AND APPROVING THE FORM OF OFFICIAL STATEMENT RELATING TO THE NOTES, IF NECESSARY” was presented for third reading, title only.  Motion was made to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Marshall YES  Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES

 

Ordinance 7-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO AMEND CHAPTER 1145, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE” was presented for second reading, public hearing.  Motion was made to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.  Mr. John Cunningham asked Council to consider waiving third reading due to a timing issue.  There are developers waiting on the outcome of this legislation before proceeding with their plans.  Mr. Gore thanked the Planning Commission and especially Ms. Sellers for taking the lead on this legislation.  Motion to waive third reading, title only and the question put, stood

 

Mr. Marshall  YES  Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES

 

Motion passed.

 

Motion to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Marshall  YES

 

Ordinance 8-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO APPROPRIATE $1,500 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED GENERAL FUNDS FOR MEMBERSHIP FEE FOR THE U.S. 33 CORRIDOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND MODIFY THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AS A RESULT OF THIS ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF THIS EXPENDITURE” was presented for second reading, public hearing.  Motion was made to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.

 

The ordinance “TO APPROPRIATE $4,000 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED GENERAL FUNDS FOR MAINTENANCE AND FUEL FOR THE MUNICIPAL COURT VEHICLE, AND MODIFY THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AS A RESULT OF THESE EXPENDITURES” was presented for second reading, public hearing.  Motion was made to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.

 

COMMENTS OF COUNCIL PERSONS AND GENERAL DISCUSSION:

 

1.     Parks & Recreation Representative.  Mr. Marshall reported that Steve Conley is meeting with the Adena Pointe developers to discuss proposed plan for a detention pond in South Park.

 

Mr. Gore appointed Ms. Charita Cooper to the Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council.  Motion to confirm the appointment and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Marshall  YES  Ms. Sellers  YES

 

Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marshall noted as Manager of the Training Dept. at Scotts he had the opportunity to bring in about 700 retailers to Marysville.  He thanked the Chamber of Commerce for donating brochures and a local calendar of events which were distributed to everyone.  He also thanked the Stockyard for their prompt service to one of his groups of 80 people this week.

 

Mr. Burke reported that the Finance Committee met and discussed tap fees for water. 

 

He thanked Joe Duke for being a member of URT as well as all the others on the URT team.

 

Regarding the land purchase for the wastewater treatment plant, Mr. Burke stated he is usually not one to waive second reading, public hearing, but because of the urgency that is involved with this purchase and the willingness to work with Millcreek, he felt it essential in the public’s best interest to move forward quickly.

 

Mr. Gore commented that he attended the Millcreek Township Trustee meeting and was treated with much respect.  He’s looking forward to working with their representative and Mr. Burke in trying to resolve some of the issues so the City can move forward.

 

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.