CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

 

MAY 10, 2007

 

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

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Fogt, Mr. Pleasant, Mr. Burke, Mr. Reams, Mr. Gore

Excused:  Ms. Sellers, Mr. Marshall

 

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

 

REPORTERS PRESENT:  Ryan Horns – Journal Tribune

 

CITIZENS PRESENT:  Joseph Whinnery, Bill Kelley

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Ms. House requested an amendment be made to the minutes on Page 1, Paragraph 9, 2nd sentence, by adding “later in 2007” at the end of the sentence. There being no further additions or corrections, the minutes for the meeting on April 26, 2007 were approved as amended.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:  Ms. House reported that the bids were opened today for the 2007 Street Paving Program.  It looks like the City will be able to pave all the streets on the proposed list and stay within the budget.

 

OPWC loans for the water line replacement on Cherry and Ninth Streets have been approved.

 

The grant for repaving Collins Avenue has been approved.  The actual work will be done next year.

 

Mr. Gore said he received a phone call from a resident regarding City Gate entrance/exit onto Connolly Street and opening up to the residential area.  He drove by there and feels it is a concern.  It is a very narrow street.  He doesn’t feel it’s a fully constructed street because the edges are worn.  There are no curbs.  If City Gate generates any traffic at all, the street will not be able to accommodate the additional traffic, and if they actually end up going over into the residential area, it’s going to be a nightmare.  The traffic pattern is already a nightmare over there.  He realizes the plans as presented have been approved, but would like to make it known there is a real concern about that area. 

 

Mr. Fogt added that the area of houses that is closest to Delaware Avenue does not have sidewalks or curbs, so occasionally children play out in the street. 

 

Mr. Gore asked Brian Palmer to get involved and talk with the developer about these concerns. 

 

REPORT OF CLERK OF COUNCIL:  No report.

 

REPORT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR:  Mr. Phillips reported that CIC will interview 29 companies, including hotels.  This is double what was interviewed last year.

 

Uptown Renewal Team was awarded a $750 grant from the Ohio Historical Society for putting up the Beightler plaque.  This presentation will take place on September 28, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. 

 

The Veteran’s Monument will be dedicated on Saturday, May 19, 2007.

 

The Uptown Renewal Team has applied for 501(c) 3 status so donations can be accepted for tax write-offs.   They are also working on putting together a Certified Local Government (CLG) which will free up some additional grant monies for the City. 

 

Doc Henderson’s Restaurant achieved a four out of five star rating as noted in the Columbus Dispatch. 

 

HEARING OF CITIZENS:  Mr. Joseph Whinnery addressed Council regarding concerns with the proposed Cook annexation.  “As the owner of 17578 Echo Drive, Marysville, Ohio, I reviewed with great interest the notice I received in the mail regarding the future development of the land belonging to the Cook Trust.

 

It is obvious that a great amount of effort and planning has gone into making this proposal successful.  It is exciting to see the continuing healthy growth of Marysville.  I think the proposed annexation of the Cook property, and the opportunities that this type of development affords could indeed be a great blessing to the city of Marysville, and to Union County; and I do not want to stand in the way of this proposed development.

 

However, as a resident of Paris Township, and a father of young children, with a property adjacent to the property being considered for annexation, I have a few concerns that I would like to be addressed.

 

We would like to see assurances in writing on how the developer will address the following concerns.

 

1.     First and foremost, adjacent property owners need written assurance that the developer bears the full responsibility for any impact to ground water quality and quantity.

2.     Next are concerns as raised in the Clark’s Addition residents Concerns Document regarding developer responsibility for impacts to sewage treatment systems performance;

3.     Annexation issues regarding costs of water and sewer services;

4.     Developer plans for daily control and minimize construction nuisances such as dust and dirt;

5.     Following approved methods of sediment control including retention, on site, of run-off and debris;

6.     Following approved methods of stormwater runoff and retention;

7.     Guidelines to be followed for providing visual buffers (such as berming and evergreens) between new commercial development and established residential areas;

8.     Plans to keep site lighting below recognized and recommended levels for light pollution/spillover to residential areas;

9.     Plans to route construction traffic so as to minimize the impact on existing residential areas;

10. Plans to manage site trash and refuse as it relates to the developed site flow: for instance: will there be permanent dumpsters at the back of each commercial building?  Will those areas be visible to adjacent residences? Will pickup be scheduled during normal business hours?

 

We have young children with some respiratory difficulties.  I want to make sure their health is safeguarded and protected.  I understand that construction usually involves some short-term pain, hopefully it involves long term gain: “A rising tide floats all boats.”  We look forward to a mutually healthy and successful partnership for strong and healthy growth between Clark Addition residents and the City of Marysville and Union County.  We want to prevent any short-term headaches from becoming long-term liabilities.”

 

ORDINANCES

 

“AN ORDINANCE REDUCING APPROPRIATIONS DUE TO PROJECT AND/OR FUNDING DELAYS AND/OR EXCESS CARRYOVER ENCUMBRANCES, AND MODIFYING THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AS A RESULT OF THIS ACTION” was presented for third reading, title only.  Mr. Gore moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES

 

Ordinance 26-07 passed.

 

The ordinance “AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOTES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $30,000,000 IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, EXPANSION, REHABITILITATION, AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE CITY’S MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM; APPROVING THE FORM OF OFFICIAL STATEMENT RELATING TO THE NOTES, IF NECESSARY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY” was presented for third reading, title only.  Mr. Burke moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Burke  YES

 

Ordinance 27-07 passed.

 

The ordinance “AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATION TRANSFER WITHIN MUNICIPAL COURT BUDGET SALARY LINE ITEMS AND MODIFYING THE ANNUAL BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPROPRIATION TRANSFER” was presented for third reading, title only.  Mr. Burke moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES

 

Ordinance 28-07 passed.

 

“AN ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT A SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROGRAM” was presented for second reading, public hearing.  Mr. Fogt moved to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.  Mr. Burke thanked Ms. House and Administration for working with him on preparing the tri-fold brochure detailing this program.  This is a matching funds program up to $500.  The project has to be applied for and will be graded.  The work has to be completed within a certain timeframe.  This is only taking place in the Historic Uptown Marysville area.  This is a pilot project. 

 

The ordinance “TO AMEND CHAPTER 313, TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, CHAPTER 333, OVI; WILLFUL MISCONDUCT; SPEED, CHAPTER 337, SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE, OHIO” was presented for second reading, public hearing.  Mr. Gore moved to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.  Mr. Fogt asked why this legislation is important to do.  Ms. House explained that there are areas in the City that presently cannot be controlled by the City as it relates to traffic issues, signage, crosswalks, speed limits. The Code currently designates only the Ohio Director of Department of Transportation.  This will give the City authority to deal with necessary traffic issues that ODOT may not feel are necessary according to their standards.

 

The ordinance “TO APPROPRIATE $88,300 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED STREET FUNDS FOR PAVING OF CITY PARKING LOTS, 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.  Mr. Reams moved to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.

 

The ordinance “TO AMEND ORDINANCE 25-07 SECTION I APPROPRIATION FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND” was presented for first reading, title only.  Mr. Morehart explained the account number in the previous legislation was incorrect.  This legislation corrects the account number.   After discussion, it was decided that this is classified as a typographical error and legislation was not necessary.  Mr. Reams moved to table indefinitely and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Fogt  YES  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  YES  Mr. Gore  YES

 

Motion passed.

 

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL PERSONS AND GENERAL DISCUSSION

 

1.     Parks & Recreation Representative

 

Mr. Burke stopped by the Wastewater Treatment Plant construction site.  He talked with the project director who invited all Council Members to stop by the site.  Mr. Burke is very pleased with the progress being made on the project.

 

Mr. Fogt said he’s glad to see that the sidewalks are being replaced in the area of the new Veteran’s Monument.  That will be a big improvement for the area.   Ms. House said the sidewalks are a combined effort of City, County and Uptown Renewal Team funds.

 

Mr. Pleasant said Planning Commission would like to schedule a joint session w/City Council.  Tentative date is June 21, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. 

 

Mr. Pleasant said Ms. House had asked if Council would consider sharing the cost of audio/visual equipment for Council Chambers.  This would be used for presentations to Council and citizens of Marysville.  Estimated total cost is $2,500/$3,000.  Council agreed to share the cost of the equipment. 

 

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.