CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

 

MAY 24, 2007

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

REPORTERS PRESENT:  Ryan Horns – Journal Tribune

 

CITIZENS PRESENT:  Myron Gallogly, Alan Seymour, Dennis Schulze, Bob Meeder, David Gibson, Vic Steinfeld

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  There being no additions or corrections, the minutes for the meeting on May 10, 2007 were approved as written.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:  Mayor Kruse reported that the contracts were let on Friday for the interceptor sewer for the wastewater project.  Also the contract was let for the lift station for the pressure line going from the lift station to the plant.  The contract for this year’s paving was also let. 

 

Mr. Morehart asked Council’s consideration to add legislation to the consent calendar for a replacement traffic signal.

 

REPORT OF CLERK OF COUNCIL:  Clerk Patterson reported that she had received a request for a liquor permit for 17795 Mill Valley LLC.  This request was brought before Council last December for James Casto/Developer.  This is a change of ownership from James Casto to Mr. Shital Patel and is for the MVP Foodmart going in the strip mall at Mill Valley.  The Police Department had no objections.  Council had no objections.

 

Mr. Gore noted there had been charges filed against one of the local bars in Marysville just recently.  When all the liquor licenses came up for renewal in February, there were no objections by the Police Department on this particular liquor license.  He asked Ms. Patterson to see if there was anything that can be done now to their liquor license or do we have to wait until the February renewal.  She will check into it and get back to Council.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT:  Mr. Alan Seymour reported that Planning Commission met on May 7 and May 16. 

 

·        The Final Plat for the Oaks was approved.

·         Portable storage container regulations were discussed and a recommendation was forwarded to Council for their agenda this evening.  A definition accompanies this

recommendation.  He requested the legislation for the definition be considered after the code change for the storage containers. 

·        Adena Pointe preliminary plat – Developer asked for an extension.  It’s been a year since their final plat was approved and the code requires that they continue to move forward every year.  They were not moving forward with the next phase yet, so they requested an extension.  The extension was granted.

·        Code Revisions.  Planning Commission is reviewing Section 1135. Districts, Establishment and Purpose to make sure everything is up to date.

·        Design Review Board reviewed the Asian Restaurant.  This is the second review for them.  Changes were made as recommended.  It is located in Coleman’s Crossing.

·        Reviewed plans for Liberty National Bank in City Gate.  It will be a very attractive building. 

 

Mr. Reams asked about the next phase of Scott Farms and expressed concern for the location of the retention pond.  The location of the retention pond is adjacent to Scott Farms, just south of where the houses are built.  He noted the retention pond is being proposed on the piece of land that was promised for parkland, 10/12 years ago, for that particular subdivision.  It was then decided to develop further south of there.  Mr. Reams feels a commitment was made for a park in the development for people who live out there.  Mr. Seymour will review the preliminary plat that was approved and take note of it when the preliminary plan comes to Planning Commission.

 

HEARING OF CITIZENS:  No comments.

 

Mr. Burke moved to add legislation to the consent calendar and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Motion passed.

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

ORDINANCES

 

The ordinance “TO AMEND SECTION 1144.03, ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE” was presented for third reading, public hearing.  Mr. Fogt moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 29-07 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO REDRAW THE ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES, AR/SR, OF THE PROPOSED GALBURY MEADOWS SUBDIVISION” was presented for third reading, public hearing.  Mr. Dennis Schulze explained this falls under the old PUD regulations.  The engineer inadvertently drew the lines in the wrong place, so this is needed to move the lines, then it can go back to Planning Commission to finish the plat.  Mr. Burke moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 30-07 passed.

 

The ordinance “TO REZONE 1 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, PARCEL NUMBER 1110601001000, LOCATED NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF STATE ROUTE 38 AND WALKER WOODS LANE FROM AR (AGRICULTURAL RESIDENTIAL) TO R-1 (LOW DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) was presented for third reading, public hearing.  Mr. Gore moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

Mr. Gore  YES  Mr. Marshall  YES  Ms. Sellers  YES  Mr. Fogt  NO  Mr. Pleasant  YES  Mr. Burke  YES  Mr. Reams  NO

 

Ordinance 31-07 passed.

 

“AN ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT A SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROGRAM” was presented for third reading, title only.  Mr. Burke 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  Mr. Gore  YES

 

Ordinance 32-07 passed.

 

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 third reading, title only.  Mr. Gore expressed concern with some language in the code.  Specifically,  Page 1, Section 313.02 (a), paragraph 2.  “When circumstances warrant, the Director also may omit stop signs on roadways intersecting through highways under his jurisdiction.  Before the Director either installs or removes a stop sign under this paragraph, he shall give notice, in writing, of that proposed action to the Municipality at least thirty days before installing or removing the stop sign.”  Mr. Gore said if the purpose of this legislation is to empower the Municipality to do that, this language is confusing.   With the term “Director” being used, it’s not known if it’s the Director of Transportation or Director of Administration.   Mr. Aslaner agreed, the language needs to be more specific.  Mr. Gore also questioned Page 2, first paragraph, “Where two or more streets or highways designated under this subsection (b) intersect and no traffic control signal is in operation, stop signs or yield signs shall be erected at one or more entrances thereto by the Ohio Department of Transportation or by Council or the authorized local authority, except as otherwise provided in this section.”  He assumed the language including “Council” already existed prior to this amendment.  That was a correct assumption.

 

Mayor Kruse explained that the City abides by the Ohio Revised Code if the City’s code does not empower the Administration to make changes.  Up to this point, the City has not been able to make changes to speed limits, stop signs, etc.  This legislation will empower Administration to make changes.  Mr. Gore stated from the language above, Council did/does have the authority to make changes via a resolution.   Mayor Kruse said if that’s the case, does Council want all traffic changes brought before them for action or do they want the Administrator to do it upon the recommendation of the Police Department, Fire Department or whoever deems there is a hazard there.   Mr. Gore said he’s not sure he’s comfortable with the Administrator making decision for all traffic changes.  Mr. Aslaner said there is a section of the code that gives the Director of Administration authority to regulate traffic.  He believes this proposed amendment is meant to reconcile this language with the existing language in the other section.   Mr. Gore proposed tabling this legislation until date certain until Mr. Aslaner has a chance to research the code.  Mr. Gore moved to postpone to date certain, June 14, 2007 and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Motion passed.

 

Mayor Kruse said Council should consider where the powers lie to take care of what might be an imminent danger to life, health and safety in the community. 

 

Mr. Fogt stated the City has to go by the Ohio Revised Code.  Mr. Aslaner said not necessarily.  The City looks to the Ohio Revised Code for guidance.  The City does have the authority by Home Rule power to deviate from the Ohio Revised Code guidelines. 

 

Mr. Fogt noted Section 313.11A, No Right Turn on Red.  He pointed out that the light at the swimming pool has been on flashing red for six months and there is a “No Turn on Red” sign posted.  He suggested removing the sign or covering it up once the pool season is over this year. 

 

An 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 third reading, title only.  Mr. Gore moved to pass the legislation and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Ordinance 33-07 passed.

 

“AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY CONTAINING 114.007 ACRES IN PARIS TOWNSHIP, UNION COUNTY TO THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE, OHIO” was presented for first reading, title only.  Mayor Kruse said the new school will be built on this land.

 

The ordinance “AMENDING ORDINANCE 89-06 SECTION 4 (PAY POLICIES) AND SECTION 5 (BENEFIT POLICIES) OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL” was presented for first reading, title only.  Mr. Morehart explained that someone has to be on call 24/7 in Water and Wastewater Divisions.  This stand-by pay compensates that individual for being on call on weekends and holidays for two hours.  This will allow that responsibility to be rotated within the Divisions.

 

The ordinance “TO AMEND SECTION 1139.05, TEMPORARY BUILDINGS, OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE” was presented for first reading, title only.  Mr. Seymour explained that this issue was brought to Planning Commission by the City Planner due to some issues in the City.  This will prevent portable storage containers from sitting on residential property for an extended period of time. 

 

Mr. Fogt questioned the need for a zoning permit to place one of these units on residential property.  Mr. Seymour stated that is the administrative approach to formalizing their entitlement to a PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) on their property.  The concern is that if there isn’t some legislation that puts some ruling in there, then they abuse the privilege.  That’s been the experience recently.  This legislation will enforce the fact that the storage unit must be temporary.  He cited an example; someone’s son left and the building was used to store all of his belongings and he was gone for over a year.  There was no legislation in place to take correction action. 

 

A Public Hearing will be held on June 28, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

 

The ordinance “TO AMEND SECTION 1123.01, DEFINITIONS, OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE” was presented for first reading, title only.  Mr. Seymour explained that this clarifies the storage containers that are referred to in the legislation above.   Mr. Fogt asked if this would apply to garbage dumpsters?  Mr. Seymour stated

that’s where the definition is important.  This has to do with storage of household goods or construction materials.  He noted if there is a demolition and there is inactivity for a period of time, it attempts to address this as well.  He said this pertains to enclosed facilties under lock and key.  An open container would not apply.  Mr. Marshall asked Administration if it would be possible for the City Planner to attend the Public Hearing on June 14th in order to address any concerns.

 

A Public Hearing will be held on June 28, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

 

The ordinance “TO APPROPRIATE $25,000 FROM UNAPPROPRIATED GENERAL FUNDS FOR THE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT NORTH MAPLE AND AMRINE MILL ROAD, AND MODIFY THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AS A RESULT OF THIS EXPENDITURE” was presented for first reading, title only.   Mr. Morehart explained that the existing pole keeps sinking, causing a safety issue.  Also, the controller is so antiquated that it cannot be programmed to change its function for various school times and functions. 

 

Mr. Marshall moved to waive second reading, public hearing and the question put, stood:

 

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

 

Motion passed.

 

Mr. Gore moved to waive reading in full; affirmative voice vote was unanimous.

 

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

 

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

 

Motion passed.

 

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

 

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

 

Ordinance 34-07 passed.

 

A Joint Planning Commission/City Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.  Mr. Seymour and Mr. Pleasant will work on the agenda.

 

COMMENTS OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL PERSONS AND GENERAL DISCUSSION

 

1.     Parks & Recreation Representative –

          Mr. Marshall reported that the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan was approved by the Commission. 

          Concerts in the Park will begin on Sunday, June 10.  Entertainment is listed in the Parks & Recreation Newsletter. 

          Mr. Pleasant complimented Steve Conley and Administration on a nice Parks & Recreation newsletter.

 

Mr. Burke reported on a recent Uptown Renewal Meeting.  They are working through their goals for the year.  They are working with an Uptown façade rendering to give business owners an idea of what they can potentially do.  A follow-up survey will be done on the businesses in the Uptown area after the Third Friday’s to get an idea of how to improve those events.  Friday Nights Uptown begins on June 13th.  Uptown is working with the farmers to help promote the Farmer’s Market.  Also working on the possibility of having a Santa’s house rebuilt for the holiday season.  Group is working on General Beightler’s plaque and the mural uptown. 

 

Mr. Burke thanked fellow Council Members and Administration for their work on the Sidewalk project. 

 

Mr. Reams noted with the Ward Council elections coming up this year, Council should consider setting salaries for elected positions prior to the filing deadline.  He noted salaries had only been adjusted once in the last 20 years.  Public Affairs should look at this issue.  He noted salary surveys and comparisons had been done and reported in Cities and Villages Magazine.

 

Mr. Pleasant reminded everyone of Memorial Day Ceremonies.  9:00 a.m. at the bridge, parade starts at 9:30 and 10:00 at the Cemetery. 

 

ADJOURNMENT:  There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.