City Manager's Report to City Council for the

Meeting of Monday, April 7, 2008.

To:                  Members of Worthington City Council

From:              Matt H. Greeson, City Manager

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

Good Neighbor Award

The Community Relations Commission has selected the recipients for their annual Good Neighbor Award. Award winners this year are Tony and Lori Poleway and Raffy Ouzounian. Courtney Chapman, Chairperson of the Community Relations Commission will be at Monday’s meeting to present the awards on behalf of the Commission. There are two Resolutions in your packet for adoption to recognize the Good Neighbor Award recipients.       

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1.      Resolution No. 11-2008   Good Neighbor Award for Lori and Tony Poleway

2.      Resolution No. 12-2008   Good Neighbor Award for Raffy Ouzounian

Recommendation: Approval of Resolutions No. 11-2008 and No. 12-2008 as presented

MINUTES:

3.      Approval of Minutes

Recommendation:      Approval of Minutes a through g as presented

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON LEGISLATION:

4.      Amending Chapter 1101 of the Codified Ordinances – Update Title One – Subdivision Platting Regulations—Definitions, Requirements and Standards

This Ordinance would amend the City’s Subdivision Regulations and arose from the forums on the Olentangy River Road corridor.  The changes basically provide for greater consideration of topography, vegetation and other natural features in reviewing subdivision requests. Since it was introduced, the Law Director has reviewed the legislation and has

offered seven amendments that are highlighted in the amended Ordinance included in your packet. Another document in the packet highlights the changes in the Ordinance as introduced from existing Code language. That one is labeled “Subdivision Ordinance with Editing Highlighted”. The Planning Commission recommends approval of the Ordinance.      

Recommendation: Approval of the Ordinance with the Law Director’s

proposed amendments. 

NEW LEGISLATION TO BE INTRODUCED:

(Legislation Introduced this Date Begins With: Ordinance No. 13-2008 and Resolution No. 11 2008)

5.      Appropriation – Law Enforcement Trust Fund

This Ordinance would appropriate funds from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund in the amount of $13,000.00 to provide for the purchase of radio equipment upgrades in the Communications Center.

Recommendation: Introduce the Ordinance for public hearing on April 21.

6.      Appropriation – Capital Improvement Fund

This Ordinance would appropriate funds from the Capital Improvement Fund to provide funding for the High Street Tree Restoration and Replacement project. This project was included in the 2008 Capital Improvement Program and was recommended by the Arbor Advisory Committee.

                                  Recommendation: Introduce the Ordinance for public hearing on April 21.

7.      Health Inspection Program Requirements

This Ordinance would adopt Code provisions approving the health inspection program that was presented to City Council earlier this year by Columbus Public Health. The program utilizes different colors on placards to denote the inspection status of an establishment. Two public forums were held in the community regarding this proposal and the response was very positive.

The Central Ohio Restaurant Association and a local restaurant owner have indicated an intention to testify in favor of this legislation. The legislation was prepared by the Director of Law.     

                         Recommendation: Introduce the Ordinance for public hearing on April 21. 

8.      Appropriation – Capital Improvement Fund

This Ordinance would appropriate additional funds from the Capital Improvement Fund in the amount of $3,906.00 to pay the Annual Debt Service associated with the OPWC Loan awarded for the ADA Handicap Ramp project.

Recommendation: Introduce the Ordinance for public hearing on April 21.

9.      Change Zoning of Certain Land from I-2, General Industrial to I-1, Restricted Light Industrial (580 E. Granville Rd.)

This zoning change was initiated by the Municipal Planning Commission and involves the Storage Inns of America site. It appears that a rezoning was recommended when the site was developed but never enacted. This Ordinance would correct this oversight and ensure compliance of the current development.

Recommendation: Introduce the Ordinance based on the recommendation of the Municipal Planning Commission for public hearing on April 21.

10. Approving Job Description – Fire Inspection Lieutenant

This Resolution would approve an amended job description for the Fire Inspection Lieutenant. This action represents an update after the retirement of Marvin Sells, the long time Fire Inspection Lieutenant for the City.

Recommendation: Approval of the amended job description in order to update the functions and duties of the position.   

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS:

         Policy Item

11. Authorize Sale of Fire Engine

A motion is needed by Council to authorize the sale of the City’s old Fire Engine. This is necessary under the recently approved procedures for the sale of City property since the value of the vehicle is greater than $5,000. A website will be utilized to solicit bids on this piece of equipment. 

                                  Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to dispose by sale Engine 103, a 1982 Sutphen Deluge, having a value in excess of $5,000.   

Venture Grant – Physicians' Assurance Corporation         

The Physicians' Assurance Corporation recently located their offices at 300 West Wilson Bridge Road and utilized the City’s Venture Grant program. Brett Baby, President and CEO, of Physicians' Assurance Corporation is currently staffing his organization and will have 26 employees by the end of the year. More detailed information will be provided verbally at the Council meeting in order to highlight this important new business in the City of Worthington.