CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

 

AUGUST 10, 2006

 

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

 

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

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Mayor Kruse, Finance Director Morehart, Law Director Aslaner, Clerk Patterson

 

REPORTERS PRESENT:  Ryan Horns – Journal Tribune

 

CITIZENS PRESENT:  Lois Gruenbaum, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Shane, John Hiller, Ken Kraus, Nevin Taylor, Dennis Schulze, Mr. & Mrs. Ron Miller, Tyler Eison

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  There being no additions or corrections, the minutes for the meeting on July 27, 2006 were approved as written.

 

There being no additions or corrections, the minutes for the meeting on July 31, 2006 were approved as written.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:  Mayor Kruse awarded a plaque to Mr. Richard Shane for being selected “Employee of the Quarter.”  Mr. Shane is the Wastewater Operations Chief.  He has vast knowledge of the existing plant, and has been invaluable in assisting the Ryder Corporation with interim improvement projects on that plant, which involved redirecting the flow and shuffling systems and processes off and on.  He improved processes and efficiency of the current plant by developing detailed operator logs and establishing a spreadsheet form to track process control laboratory analysis, to assist in maintaining plant efficiency.  He always makes himself available in case of emergencies, any time day or night.  He has been invaluable in the efforts of implementing the City’s odor control reduction project.

 

Mayor Kruse reported that as a result of recent winds, there are leaves over the catch basins around the City.  The street crews have not been able to get to them to clean them out.  He noted the street sweeper is being repaired and the street crew has been very busy with other projects.  He urged citizens to help the City by cleaning those catch basins out in their respective areas. 

 

Mayor Kruse thanked the public for their patience during the repaving project. 

 

REPORT OF CLERK OF COUNCIL:  No report.

 

REPORT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR:  Mr. Eric Phillips introduced Ms. Christy Clark, Tourism Director and PR Director for the Chamber and the City. Ms. Clark previously worked on contract, but is now a full-time employee.   Ms. Clark will assist the City with any of their PR needs.

 

The Uptown Revitalization Plan is progressing, but slower than anticipated.  Hope to have it completed by October. 

 

The Design Review Board met to discuss the Design Review Guidelines.  Those guidelines should be on Planning Commission’s next agenda.

 

Next Thursday and Friday Ohio Magazine will be in Marysville.  Marysville is a finalist for Ohio’s Best Home Town. 

 

Honda Homecoming stats:

·        Four of the City’s five hotels were sold out on Thursday and Friday, and the rest were at about 80% occupancy on four nights, Wednesday through Sunday.

·        The week of Honda Homecoming, on Sunday, July 23rd, had 72 hits on the website.  On Monday it increased to 17,000 hits and stayed there all the way through Friday. 

·        A number of non-profit organizations, ranging from the American Red Cross, the Marysville Fire Department, Marysville High School Band, Marysville Parks & Rec, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Richwood Civic Center, Union County CVB, United Way and URT all participated as not for profits and actually made money as part of that event. 

·        According to Honda, 867 motorcycles lined up for the parade.  Some people joined the parade along the route totaling 891, the most motorcycles so far in the light parade.  Bellefontaine had a little over 300 motorcycles. 

·        Some additional events this year included a bike show at Eljer Park, a pancake breakfast, a corn hole tournament, second drill team and dance performers on Friday. 

·        A number of websites recognized the event, the CVB website, Marysville.org, NBC4i, Discover Ohio, Motorcycle.com, Leather.com, Sunny95.com. 

·        A newsletter was mailed out to over 1400 people to promote the event prior to the event. 

·        The key stat, and this does not count the bed taxes that were generated, is that it’s estimated, based on the Ohio Tourism guidelines, that Marysville generated about $621,000 to our local businesses, retail, service and restaurants.

 

As a result of Honda Homecoming, a $1,000 donation from the CVB was given to the City of Marysville for their park fund.  Mayor Kruse accepted the check.

 

The Balloon Rally will be held on Friday, August 18, as well as Third Friday. 

 

Festifair is scheduled for September 9, 2006.

 

On behalf of City Council, Mr. Pleasant welcomed Ms. Clark.

 

HEARING OF CITIZENS:  Ms. Lois Gruenbaum addressed Council.  In the past, she has been the reporter for WUCO.  She was told that the station would not need her reporting for July and August because they weren’t doing any more local news.  Nothing was said about news in September.  She said she would continue coming to meetings as a citizen, as her interest lies in Marysville.  She spent five years on the Board of Zoning Appeals.  She told of her first experience with City Council.  A friend of hers was asked to speak to Council concerning a project that they didn’t know was going to go one way or another.  She could not make it to the meeting, so she asked Lois to fill in for her.  The Village of Marysville owned half of a house.  The owner of the house wanted to sell the other half to Marysville, but the treasurer was very reluctant.  They weren’t going to buy the house, but it was located in a rather strategic position, right across the street from the fire station.  She went to Council and told them when the citizens came to Marysville with horses, they had a horse trough with water for the horses and at that time that horse trough was still sitting in the street up in front of the bank.  People were now coming to town in cars and they needed someplace to park.  Eventually the City did buy the other part of the building and it’s now a parking lot, which has been a valuable asset to the City.  She will continue to follow City Council. 

 

Mr. Pleasant said he served with Ms. Gruenbaum on the Board of Zoning Appeals and appreciated all the guidance she gave him. 

 

Mr. Fogt thanked Ms. Gruenbaum for her involvement with the City and expressed his disappointment that the radio station will not cover local news.  That is a great disservice to the citizens. 

 

Mr. Nevin Taylor addressed Council.  As a former City Councilman, he enjoyed seeing Ms. Gruenbaum at Council meetings.  

 

On behalf of the Elks as their President, Mr. Taylor stated on June 14th, the Elks presented an American flag, an Ohio flag and a POW-MIA flag to the City of Marysville.  They gladly accepted the US flag and the Ohio flag, however, returned the POW-MIA flag.  Mr. Taylor said he feels it is his duty and honor to ask City Council and Administration to reconsider their position and fly this flag.  As a City Councilman in the past, he said the Tree flag was flown, the US and the Ohio flag.  He asked the City to consider flying the POW-MIA flag on military holidays to recognize the people who are represented by this flag, the families and the people that were touched by what those people fought for when they were a POW or MIA.  He feels if we refuse to fly this flag, we miss one of the true meanings of what the flag stands for.  On behalf of the Marysville Elks Lodge, the VFW, the Eagles and the Moose, he asked the City to reconsider their position and fly this flag on military holidays along with the US and the Ohio flag.  Mr. Pleasant accepted the flag. 

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

ORDINANCES

 

The ordinance “TO REZONE THE NORTHWOODS SUBDIVISION FROM O-R, OFFICE RESIDENTIAL TO R-2, MEDIUM DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY ZONING DISTRICT” was presented for third reading, public hearing.  Mr. Fogt moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 54-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO REZONE THE SOUTHWEST PORTION OF PARCEL NUMBER 290019062000, LOCATED ALONG MILL ROAD, FROM O-R, OFFICE RESIDENTIAL TO B-R, BUSINESS RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT” was presented for third reading, public hearing.  Mr. Marshall moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 55-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO REZONE THE 87.692 ACRES LOCATED ON BOERGER/ SOUTHARD ROAD, FROM TOWNSHIP ZONING TO A-R, AGRICULTURAL RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT” was presented for third reading, public hearing.  Mr. Dennis Schulze represents the landowner and said the owner has no problem with rezoning this property to City zoning.  Owner is in the preliminary process of detailed sketch plans.  Will be presenting to Administration in the near future.  Mr. Marshall moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 56-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO AMEND CHAPTER 1100, SUBDIVISION AND ZONING FEES, OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE” was presented for third reading, public hearing.  Mr. Reams moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 57-06 passed.

 

“AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY CONTAINING 2.830 ACRES IN PARIS TOWNSHIP, UNION COUNTY TO THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE, OHIO” was presented for third reading, title only.  Mr. Marshall moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 58-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO AMEND PART ONE, ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, CHAPTER 105, PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CHAPTER 111, COUNCIL, OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE, OHIO” was presented for third reading, title only.  Mr. Marshall moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 59-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO APPROPRIATE $1,900.00 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED GENERAL FUNDS FOR LEGAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR MUNICIPAL COURT AND MODIFY THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AS A RESULT OF THIS ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF THESE EXPENDITURES” was presented for third reading, title only.  Mr. Fogt moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 60-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO APPROPRIATE $31,800 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED GENERAL FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE 2006 SALARY EXPENSES FOR THE CITY PLANNER POSITION AND MODIFY THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AS A RESULT OF THIS ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF THESE SALARY EXPENSES” was presented for third reading, title only.  Mr. Marshall moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 61-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “AMENDING ORDINANCE 28-04 TO DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE TO BENEFIT CERTAIN PARCELS UNDER A TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PROGRAM, AND TO PERMIT THE CREATION OF CERTAIN SUB-ACCOUNTS WITHIN A MUNICIPAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT TAX INCREMENT EQUIVALENT FUND BY THE CITY, IF DESIRED; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ONE OR MORE INFRASTRUCTURE AGREEMENTS WITH PROPERTY OWNERS; AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT OF A SCHOOL COMPENSATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE MARYSVILLE EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY” was presented for second reading, public hearing.  Motion was made to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.  Mr. Reams moved to pass the emergency and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Emergency passed.

 

Ms. Sellers moved to waive third reading, title only and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marshall moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 62-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING REVENUE NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $5,500,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING CERTAIN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF SAID NOTES; APPROVING THE FORM OF OFFICIAL STATEMENT RELATING TO THE NOTES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY” was presented for second reading, public hearing.  Motion was made to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.  Mr. Reams moved to pass the emergency and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Emergency passed.

 

Mr. Marshall moved to waive third reading and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Motion passed.

 

Mr. Fogt moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 63-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “AMENDING ORDINANCE 78-05 ‘SETTING COMPENSATION FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES – 2006’ TO FILL THE CITY PLANNER POSITION” was presented for second reading, public hearing.  Motion was made to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.  Mr. Fogt moved to waive third reading and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marshall moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 64-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO APPROPRIATE $4,500 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED GENERAL FUNDS FOR A NEW FRONT DOOR AT THE PUBLIC SERVICE BUILDING, AND MODIFY THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AS A RESULT OF THIS ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF THIS EXPENDITURE” was presented for first reading, title only.  Mayor Kruse explained the existing front doors at the Public Service Center will not lock.  The doors on the building are not the proper doors for that type of building.  Mr. Fogt moved to waive second reading, public hearing and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Motion passed.

 

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

 

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

 

Motion passed.

 

Mr. Fogt moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 65-06 passed.

 

The ordinance “AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATION TRANSFER TO STREETS EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND MODIFYING THE ANNUAL BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPROPRIATION TRANSFER” was presented for first reading, title only.  Mr. Morehart explained that the Street Department realized more expenditures in the maintenance line item primarily because of some of the equipment. 

 

The street sweeper has been down a lot, which has created additional costs.  This transfer of funds will get the equipment up and running.  Mr. Fogt asked the age of the street sweeper.  Response was about 7-8 years old.  The average life of a street sweeper is six years.  City is looking at possibly contracting this job out instead of buying a new one which would cost about $200,000. 

 

The ordinance “TO APPROPRIATE $7,945 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED GENERAL FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF AN UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY (UPS) FOR THE POLICE DISPATCH, AND MODIFY THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AS A RESULT OF THIS EXPENDITURE” was presented for first reading, title only.  This will provide back-up power supply for police dispatching.  The Sheriff has agreed to share one-half of the cost.

 

The ordinance “TO APPROPRIATE $37,000 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED PARKLAND DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR SANDBLASTING AND PAINTING OF THE MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL, AND MODIFY THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AS A RESULT OF THIS ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF THESE EXPENDITURES” was presented for first reading, title only.  This is a maintenance issue and will be done in the fall, because that is the best time to do this type of work.  Administration would like Council to consider waiving third reading on August 24th.  Mr. Fogt mentioned that the Parkland Development Fund is to be used for capital improvements, not maintenance.  Mr. Reams agreed.  Mr. Morehart stated you are basically enhancing a capital asset so you could make a case that it could be part of Parkland or it could be maintenance from the General Fund.  A case could be made either way.  Initial expense was in Parkland Fund.  Council asked Mr. Aslaner to check to make sure which fund the money should come from.  Ms. Sellers asked how much money is generated from the pool.  Mr. Morehart estimated $50,000/$75,000 in revenue with concessions and passes.  The General Fund underwrites the pool.  Mr. Morehart will get a more exact number.  Mr. Marshall said the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed the project through the Committee process and through the capital expenditure budgeting, and he believes money was set aside for this project as a capital expenditure for this year. 

 

“AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING A 1.463+ ACRE PERMANENT UTILITY EASEMENT AND A 4.248+ ACRE TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT IN PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE, UNION COUNTY, OHIO FOR THE TRUNK INTERCEPTOR PROJECT FROM EXISTING WWTF TO MWRF AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY” was presented for first reading, title only.   Mr. Aslaner explained this is the Coleman property and is the last easement coming to Council.  This was the one with multiple owners.  Council was asked to consider waiving third reading at the August 24th meeting.  Mr. Marshall moved to pass the emergency and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Emergency passed.

 

The ordinance “TO APPROPRIATE $220,000 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED COLEMAN CROSSING TIF PROJECT FUNDS FOR TRANSFERRING INTO THE COLEMAN’S CROSSING TIF FUND FOR PAY DOWN ON THE TIF DEBT, AND MODIFY THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AS A RESULT OF THIS ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF THIS EXPENDITURE” was presented for first reading, title only.  Mr. Morehart explained that in September of 2004, the City borrowed $6.8M through the Coleman’s Crossing TIF Fund to pay for the infrastructure of Coleman’s Crossing.  The capital expenditures are complete and there is $220,000 still left in that fund.  The debt matures and rolls in the middle of September, so he wants to make sure to use these funds to pay down the debt, which will mean less interest expense in the future. 

 

COMMENTS OF COUNCIL PERSONS AND GENERAL DISCUSSION

 

1.     Parks & Recreation Representative.  Mr. Marshall reported that the next Concert in the Park will be held on August 13th.  McGuffy Lane will perform and there will be ice cream sundaes beginning at 6:00 p.m.   There will not be a Parks & Rec meeting in August due to lack of agenda items.

 

Mr. Fogt attended a meeting on “Our Lands, Our Future, Farm-Friendly Zoning and Development,” put on by a County organization trying to preserve farmland or agriculture in Union County.  He noted the following facts: 

·        From 1950 to 2000 about 30% of Ohio farmland was lost to development.

·        From 2000 to 2004, 5,800 acres was lost in Union County to residential growth.  The very large majority of that was actually “rural” sprawl.  In other words, people buying five plus acres out in the country and building a house on it. 

·        They are trying to come up with a better way to curb some of the township zoning, such as Madison County has done.

 

Public Service Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 15th at 7:00 p.m. at the Public Service Center.  The railroad crossing study will be discussed.

 

Mr. Burke stated the Finance Committee will meet on Monday, August 14, at 6:45 p.m. in Council Chambers, as well as a City/Township meeting with Jerome Township on Wednesday, August 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the County Commissioner Hearing Room.

 

Mr. Reams attended the Rt. 33 Corridor Executive Committee meeting.  Project to develop a Rt.33 Corridor Accord Agreement is progressing.  Committee worked on the definition of the accord area in terms of what area this would encompass and came up with a base area and a slightly larger area. Will proceed with looking at getting qualifications from consultants to look at this project as well. 

 

Mr. Pleasant stated there is one more opening on the newly-created Design Review Board.  He recommended George McVey for that position.  Mr. McVey has a PHD in horticulture and is retired after 37 years at Scotts.  He is also the Master Gardener Coordinator.  Motion was made to confirm appointment of Mr. McVey, affirmative voice vote was unanimous.

 

Mr. Pleasant stated the Traffic Study had been received and asked what the next step would be.  Mayor Kruse stated there will be a presentation at the Public Services Committee meeting on Tuesday evening.  Comments and/or discussion will be taken into consideration in formulating the final report, which will also be distributed to Council. 

 

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business to come before City Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.