Council Minutes 6/20/01

 VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
June 20, 2001



CALL TO ORDER (by Mayor Robertson at 7:31pm)

ROLL CALL (7:31pm)
Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers
Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor
Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites.
Councilmember McGowan moved to excuse Councilmember Crais,
who was out of town; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion
carried. Councilmember Bellman arrived at 7:34pm.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS (7:32pm)
All Topics  - None
Mayor Robertson closed Citizens’ Comments at 7:32pm.

PUBLIC HEARINGS (7:33pm)
Ordinance No. 15-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 351.17
(a) Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Making The 100
Block of W. College Street A Residential Permit Parking
Zone And Making The Ordinance Effective All Year Long. No
one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor
Robertson closed the Public Hearing at 7:33pm.

Ordinance No. 16-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25-
00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The
Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses.
No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance.
Mayor Robertson closed the Public Hearing at 7:34pm.

Ordinance 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of The
Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio. No one appeared to
speak for or against the Ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed
the Public Hearing at 7:34pm.

Ordinance No. 18-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25-
00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The
Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses.
No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance.
Mayor Robertson closed the Public Hearing at 7:34pm.

2001 County Tax Budget. No one appeared to speak for or
against the Budget. Mayor Robertson closed the Public
Hearing at 7:35pm.

OLD BUSINESS (7:35pm)
Ordinance No. 15-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 351.17
(a) Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Making The 100
Block of W. College Street A Residential Permit Parking
Zone And Making The Ordinance Effective All Year Long, was
re-introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember
Bellman.
Discussion: Manager Hickman clarified that three of the
four residents on the block in question are interested in
having this Ordinance adopted; the fourth has not offered
an opinion. Mayor Robertson felt that unless the residents
were strongly in favor of this, it would periodically cause
problems in connection with Denison downhill events as well
as with the temporary parking problems due to the uphill
construction. Manager Hickman offered to table the
ordinance and ask the concerned families to come in and
speak to Council. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to table the
ordinance; second by Councilmember Bellman. Motion-to-table
passed.

Ordinance No. 16-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25-
00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The
Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses,
was introduced by Councilmember Bellman. Second by
Councilmember McGowan. A Roll-Call vote yielded six (6)
affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan,
and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, and Mayor Robertson).
Ordinance No. 16-01 is adopted.

Ordinance 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of The
Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio, was re-introduced
by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Bellman.

Discussion: Manager Hickman clarified that this refers to
the sign code. Keith Myers, speaking on behalf of the
Planning Commission, noted that they had decided to review
the sign code in light of the fact that they found
themselves continually granting variances. The rewrite is
intended to make the code more responsive to the types of
applications they generally see (or would like to see). One
concern is signage in the Village Center, where the current
code was molded around signage already in place and
considered appropriate. Outside the Village Center, where
there is more of a highway orientation, they determined
that signs larger than the existing 10-square-feet maximum
were justified. Councilmember Moore asked if there was
anything in writing that identified the differences from
the existing code. Mr. Myers said there was not, then cited
the two changes: an increase in the 10-square-feet maximum
and the three-sign maximum. Responding to questions from
Councilmembers Moore and McGowan, Mr. Myers said: 1)
existing non-conforming signs will be grandfathered.
Repairs and painting of any grandfathered sign are
permitted but any “substantial” changes would have to
conform to the new code; 2) the specified dates for holiday
lights and decorations with no commercial message will be
changed to read “no more than two months” if legal review
determines that such a change is advisable. Vice Mayor
Wernet moved to table the Ordinance until legal review is
completed. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion-to-table
carried.

Ordinance No. 18-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25-
00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The
Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses,
was re-introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by
Councilmember Bellman.

Discussion: Councilmember Lucier asked Manager Hickman to
confirm that the changes requested reflect the opinion of
the Streets & Sidewalks Committee. They do. Manager Hickman
added that he is considering a trial installation of
a “traffic-calming device” (speed table) on Cedar Street
since funds are already appropriated for that area and the
stop signs at either end of the block are not effectively
controlling speeds. The speed table would be red-dyed
asphalt imprinted with a brick pattern, raised 3” above the
pavement, with signage. Responding to Councilmember Moore’s
question, Manager Hickman said the speed tables cost
approximately $15,000 each. If the Cedar Street speed table
works, three would be installed on Granger Street as part
of the scheduled construction (though it would require a
separate appropriation request). If it’s not effective, it
can be removed. Councilmember McGowan asked how we would
handle other residents’ requests for speed tables on their
streets. All agreed that they would be dealt with as part
of scheduled construction projects. In the interim,
staggered parking could be used as an alternate speed-
control method. Councilmember Moore asked for clarification
of the area on North Pearl Street. Manager Hickman
responded that it would run from the crosswalk at Broadway
to College Street (straight curb with a slightly rounded
edge, as opposed to curb-and-gutter). A detailed discussion
of curb design at the Pearl/College intersection followed,
with particular emphasis on whether to use a 5-foot or a 15-
foot radius on the sidewalks. Councilmembers Moore and
McGowan asked that public input be sought. Manager Hickman
said there have been meetings and the neighbors have been
informed. Mayor Robertson asked that the Portland document
be distributed to Councilmembers. Law Director Crites
suggested including the following language: “The Granville
Streets & Sidewalks Committee will continue to monitor the
project and make adjustments as necessary.” Vice Mayor
Wernet so moved; second by Councilmember Bellman. Motion-to-
amend carried.

A Roll-Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes
(Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice
Mayor Wernet, and Mayor Robertson). Ordinance No. 18-01 is
adopted.

Public Use Fees – Discussion
Council discussed a letter received from Catherine Smith,
objecting to the Public-Use fee included on their invoice
from Southgate Development. (The Smiths felt they were
being “penalized” for wanting to move into a more
accessible dwelling.”) Councilmember Lucier felt the public-
use feel was a cost of building a house in this community
and was charged to everyone. Councilmember McGowan agreed,
likening it to a tap fee for a new house. Vice Mayor Wernet
added that the fee is intended to provide money for the
infrastructure in a development. Councilmember McGowan
asked what other communities do; Manager Hickman responded
that, to his knowledge, most other communities don’t have
this fee. Councilmember Lucier thought the fee was “very
consistent” with Granville’s commitment to restricting
development and encouraging open space. She added that we
citizens tax ourselves for these issues, in the public
good; the choice for any buyer is whether or not it is
worth it to live here.

NEW BUSINESS (8:50pm)
Resolution No. 01-42, A Resolution To Adopt The 2002 County
Tax Budget As Proposed And To Direct The Village Manager To
Submit It To The County Auditor, was introduced by Vice
Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion
carried.

Resolution No. 01-43, A Resolution To Authorize The Village
Manager To Enter Into A Contract With Acordia For Property,
Casualty, And Liability Insurance For The Period Of July 1,
2001 To June 30, 2004, was introduced by Councilmember
Bellman. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Discussion: Molly
Roberts reported that Acordia has a very good reputation
and the insurance premium has been reduced by $12,000.
Motion carried.

Resolution 01-44, A Resolution To Award The Bid For Sunrise
Street Improvements, Per Specifications, To Columbus
Asphalt Paving, Inc., And To Authorize The Village Manager
To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by
Councilmember McGowan. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Councilmember Bellman moved to amend to resolution by
adding, “Section III: Be it further noted that the
Granville Streets & Sidewalks Committee will further
monitor the project and make adjustments as necessary.”
Second by Councilmember McGowan. Councilmember Bellman
noted that Council will not need to discuss this again
unless a major change is contemplated. Motion-to-amend
carried. Motion-as-amended carried.

Resolution 01-45, A Resolution To Award The Bid For Street
Improvements Including E. College Street, Granger Street,
N. Pearl Street, And The College/Pearl Intersection, Per
Specifications, To Layton Companies, Inc., And To Authorize
The Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore,
was introduced by Councilmember Bellman. Second by
Councilmember Lucier. Councilmember Bellman moved to amend
to resolution by adding, “Section III: Be it further noted
that the Granville Streets & Sidewalks Committee will
further monitor the project and make adjustments as
necessary.” Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion-to-
amend carried. Motion-as-amended carried.

Resolution No. 01-46, A Resolution To Authorize The Village
Manager To Accept The Ohio Public Works Commission Grant
For The Clear Run Culvert Replacement Project, was
introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember
Moore. Vice Mayor Wernet complimented staff on getting this
grant. Councilmember McGowan expressed concern about
emergency-vehicle access during construction. Manager
Hickman responded that mutual aid would help us cover while
the road is closed. Motion carried.

Resolution No. 01-47, A Resolution To Authorize The Village
Manager To Seek Bids For Clear Run Culvert Replacement, was
introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember
McGowan. Motion carried.

Resolution No. 01-48, A Resolution To Authorize The Village
Manager To Enter Into A Contract With Human Resource
Solutions For An Organization & Compensation Study, was
introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember
McGowan. Councilmember Lucier reported that she had
reviewed both proposals received on time; the winning bid
was approximately $10,600. She then met with Manager
Hickman and Molly Roberts, determining that there will be
an initial meeting with staff, attended by Councilmembers
Lucier and McGowan, to confer with the consultant about our
goals in this organizational overview. If that meeting
reveals that we want more than Human Resource Solutions
based their bid on, the group will so inform Council.
Councilmember McGowan added that the meeting would be open
to the public and would also include Mayor Robertson and
Vice Mayor Wernet (also members of the Personnel
Committee). Councilmember Lucier reported that the
consultant wants to start by July 1st and finish by August
10th. Motion carried.

MAYOR’S COURT REPORT (9:14pm)
The Mayor’s Court Report for the month of May 2001 was
presented for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the
report; second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.
Mayor Robertson directed the report be filed with the
Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these
minutes.

MANAGER’S REPORT (9:14pm)
The Manager’s Report for the month of May was presented for
review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report;
second by Councilmember Bellman. Councilmember Lucier
questioned low level of increase in income tax revenues.
Manager Hickman will verify the numbers and, at
Councilmember Lucier’s request, put the item on the agenda
for the next meeting. Councilmember Moore will meet with
Ms. Roberts and report back as well. Motion carried. Mayor
Robertson directed the report be filed with the Clerk. A
copy of said report is attached as part of these minutes.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9:16pm)
Regularly Scheduled Meeting of May 16, 2001.  The following
additions/corrections were requested: 1) Mayor Robertson,
p. 7, 1st paragraph – “Now, the Ohio Supreme Court has
ruled the process is legislative so we need to back out
revise the appeal procedures….”; 2) “…not consistent with
the Ohio Supreme Court, and would risk the Village’s ending
up in litigation for not complying.” Councilmember Moore
moved to accept the Minutes as amended; second by
Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.  

Regularly Scheduled Meeting of June 6, 2001. The following
additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember
Bellman, p. 8, 1st sentence – “Council took a brief recess
and reconvened the regular meeting at 9:21pm….” Vice Mayor
Wernet moved to accept the Minutes as amended; second by
Councilmember Bellman. Motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:20pm)
Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Crais,
Moore; Mayor Robertson)
No report.

Finance Liaison (Councilmember Moore)
No report.

Newark/Granville Committee (Councilmember Bellman, Mayor
Robertson)
No report.

Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan)
No report.

Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier)
Councilmember Lucier reported the Commission had had its
fourth work session with Dan Rogers about his garage. While
the Commission gave Mr. Rogers “encouraging words” about
architectural modifications in the plan, they also asked
Councilmember Lucier to see if there might be any legal
recourse (e.g., a fine or other appropriate negative
impact) for his failure to follow the original plan.
Councilmember Lucier noted that the Commission wants
closure on this issue but is also concerned that a
precedent not be established—of applicants failing to
comply then, in the end, getting “pretty much what they
wanted.” The Commission doesn’t want Mr. Rogers to have to
tear down the garage but, as stated, feels there should be
some negative consequence to his (or any applicant’s)
actions. Law Director Crites reported that he has had some
discussions (and will continue to do so) with Seth Dorman.
Councilmember McGowan noted that the pool house now under
construction on College Street may be a similar situation.
Manager Hickman reported that staff is keeping a close eye
on both situations. Both applicants are complying with
process and inspection requirements but neighbors in both
areas still have concerns.

Constance Barsky (221 East Elm Street) confirmed that
the “word on the street” in Granville is that if you hold
out long enough you get your way (i.e., build what you want
because the Village won’t make you do anything about it).
She maintained that the issue of whether or not there
should be a fine should have been dealt with long ago, and
added that she was concerned that this practice—
which “flies in the face” of citizens who are reasonable
about complying with regulations and, in fact, puts them at
a disadvantage—was still taking up Village Council and
Planning Commission time.

Vice Mayor Wernet concurred, adding that other communities
would take violators to court and/or compel them to tear
down the non-conforming structure. He also noted that
developers are watching what the Village does. Mayor
Robertson asked if there were, in fact, any legal
provisions for levying fines. Manager Hickman responded
that, at least in the case of the Rogers garage, Seth
Dorman is the third planner to be involved and something is
lost in the transition each time. He noted that, while the
Village has never been timid about lawsuits, we were trying
to let this issue work itself out through the Planning
Commission in lieu of going into a court where someone else
would decide what could or could not be built in Granville.
Delays have complicated the process, however. Now, Staff
intends to have Mr. Dorman and Law Director Crites work
directly with the Planning Commission and the BZBA so both
bodies can make the best decisions for this circumstance.
He will report back on possible penalties. Councilmember
Lucier reported that one of the Planning Commission’s major
frustrations is that they feel they should not be the
enforcer. She requested that Council schedule a time in
August to take an in-depth look at how this process works.
She would like to ensure ongoing inspections and
investigate the system of fines (i.e., are they so large we
are reluctant to levy them? are they daily? when do they
kick in?). She also asked how a suit would go to municipal
court. Manager Hickman responded that the Village would
cite someone in Mayor’s Court, which would levy a fine, if
appropriate. The defendant could then request a transfer to
municipal court, which would decide if the citation itself
were appropriate. He was unsure if municipal court might or
might not be able to approve continued building.
Councilmember Lucier expressed concern that, as things
stand now, the Planning Commission never gets an
acknowledgement that an error has been made. Rather, they
end up feeling harassed by the community. Councilmember
McGowan suggested researching what other communities do.

Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan)
Councilmember McGowan noted that Raccoon Park is getting
lots of use. Plans are getting underway for the Raccoon
Park Bridge, to connect the park to the bike trail. Jim
Riddle has found yet another old bridge and the Commission
has hopes of completing the project before the end of the
summer.

Streetlight Committee (Councilmember McGowan)
Councilmember McGowan reported a light installed on Cedar
Street, six replacements still to go this year, and 25
scheduled for next summer.

Streets/Sidewalks & Utilities (Councilmembers Bellman,
Crais; Vice Mayor Wernet)
No report.

Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore)
Councilmember Moore reported that plantings had been
approved for Taylor’s and Knucklehead’s. The Village is
looking for a replacement for the existing “holiday” tree.
Manager Hickman asked that the Committee itemize what they
do so Council can discuss it.

Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier)
Councilmember Lucier noted they are still looking for an
auditor.
Strategic Land Acquisition (Councilmembers Bellman and
Moore)
No report (though they will meet once everyone has returned
from vacation).

JEDD (Vice Mayor Wernet)
Vice Mayor Wernet reported that the combined
Village/Township group had had its first meeting with all
members present. He and Trustee Jim Havens asked Jim Murr
and Jim Jump to construct an outline of the process of
determining what options might make sense and what
additional resources (i.e., committee members) might be
needed.

Charter Review Commission (Manager Hickman)
Manager Hickman reported that the Commission should have a
report to Council by July 1st. “Considerable time” will be
set aside at the regularly scheduled meeting of July 18th.
Mayor Robertson noted that the Council’s review needs to be
wrapped up by approximately August 20th so the issue can go
on the ballot.

OTHER (9:47pm)
Resolution No. 01-27 remained on the table. Manager Hickman
was asked to distribute copies of Sections E and F for the
next meeting.

4th of July Parade. Council will participate, probably
walking (but maybe riding). Either way, there will be sign
(s) so everyone can identify them. Manager Hickman is to
contact Kiwanis with the list of names so they can be read
from the reviewing stand.

Constance Barsky (221 East Elm Street). Ms. Barsky thanked
all members of Council for giving of their time to serve
the community, then encouraged them to seriously consider a
number of negative perceptions about Council. She first
addressed external and internal communications, suggesting
that internal documents to and from members and/or
committees should be conveyed in a timely manner. She then
proposed more control during meetings, citing the frequency
of “side conversations” that distract members and citizens
from the point(s) being made. She compared Council’s
meetings to those of the Township Trustees, remarking that
most citizens simply notice that the Trustees’ meeting run
more quickly and more smoothly, without understanding why.
She urged “smoother communications” with both Village and
Township residents. Finally, she encouraged Council to
engage in some team-building work that would include
producing a written vision/mission statement for each year
(or two-year) period.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (10:00pm)
Vice Mayor Wernet moved to go into Executive Session for
the purpose of discussing possible acquisition(s) of land.
Second by Councilmember Bellman. A Roll Call vote yielded
six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier,
McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.

At 10:49pm, Councilmember McGowan moved to return to the
regular session; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. A Roll Call
vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers
Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet,
Mayor Robertson.

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS (10:49pm)
1.    June 25, 2001 – Planning Commission (7:30pm)
2.    June 26, 2001 – Charter Review Commission (7:30pm)
3.    June 26, 2001 – Granville Land Conservancy, w/ Lee
and Kathy Larsen (7:30pm)
4.    July 04, 2001 – Village Council (meeting cancelled)
5.    July 23, 2001 – BZBA (7:00pm)
6.    July 18, 2001 – Village Council (7:30pm)

ADJOURNMENT (10:50pm)
Councilmember Lucier moved to adjourn the meeting; second
by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried.

Council Minutes 6/6/01

 CALL TO ORDER (by Vice Mayor Wernet at 7:30pm)

ROLL CALL (7:30pm)
Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers
Crais, Lucier, and McGowan; Vice Mayor Wernet; Law Director
Crites. Councilmember Bellman arrived at 7:33pm, Manager
Hickman at 7:44pm, Mayor Robertson at 7:47pm. Councilmember
Moore had previously informed Council of her inability to
attend the meeting.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS (7:33pm)
All Topics
Constance Barsky, 221 E. Elm Street. Ms. Barsky brought
forward the concerns of Citizens for Sensible Growth (CSG),
expressed at a meeting held two weeks ago for members of
Council and the Township Trustees. CSG feel it is important
to bring together area townships (i.e., Harrison, St.
Albans, and Union) with Granville and Granville Township to
discuss their common interests in preserving the nature of
our communities. She noted that, if asked, CSG would assist
in facilitating such a meeting but wanted a firm commitment
from both Council and the Township Trustees that this would
be worthwhile before moving forward. She noted that the
Granville Land Conservancy is considering changing its name
to reflect the fact that it represents a larger
constituency.

Scott Harmon Surveying – Copyright Infringements
[Councilmember Crais abstained from the discussion due to a
previous professional relationship with Mr. Harmon.

Scott Harmon (55 Margaret Lane; professional surveyor and
lifetime Granville resident). Mr. Harmon emphasized that
surveying points are incorrect in Granville in many, if not
all, instances. He noted his objection to having one of his
drawings accepted by the BZBA as a definitive plot plan
even though such use was specifically prohibited in writing
on the drawing and the homeowner had not obtained Mr.
Harmon’s permission to use the drawing. He urged the
Village to require an accurate survey depicting existing
and proposed buildings prior to any development—a practice
that would insulate the surveyor from liability that may
arise through the use of an unauthorized and/or informal
document. To illustrate, he said that the BZBA and/or
Planning Commission would never grant building permits
based on xerographic copies of plans but would insist on
working from the originals. He then asked that the
surveying profession be treated with equal respect. He
suggested that Council review ordinances from other
municipalities.

Bob Malcuit, 526 W. Broadway (formerly 126 West Elm). Mr.
Malcuit spoke in support of Mr. Harmon, reporting that the
real estate agent involved in the sale of his home on West
Elm Street “laughed” when asked for an accurate survey.
[Many people present at the meeting reported similar
reactions resulting from discussion about, or requests for,
accurate surveys. Attorney Robert Drake, with 30 years’
experience in the title business, concurred that “the whole
village is off.”] Mr. Harmon stated that the common
practice of relying on surveying pins, contractors’ nails
or stakes with orange tape, or even neighbors’ word-of-
mouth has, over the years, led to the current state of
confusion. Since one misplaced or misread corner pin can
throw the survey of a whole block out of kilter, Mr. Harmon
suggested that, as a community, we should do something
about it. Specifically, he asked that a survey committee be
formed to discuss a possible re-platting of the Village. He
has already surveyed a lot of the village and offered to
contribute “years and years of work” to the project. He
suggested that the re-platting could be done one block at a
time, with each individual property owner signing a quit-
claim deed for all lots on the block. The block is then
considered as a single entity and subdivided into the pro-
rated number of lots specified. Mr. Harmon noted that
Buckeye Lake had already done a re-plat. It involved “some
hesitation” from landowners, but the lots are now pro-rated
and corrected and all the owners now have actual lines
established.

Councilmember Bellman urged Council to wait until they had
some feedback from the public on this issue (i.e., “if
there’s no groundswell for fixing this, it might be time
wasted.”). Manager Hickman suggested the committee come up
with some alternatives about what might make sense and
bring their ideas back to Council. There was a consensus
among members of Council to proceed. Mr. Malcuit was asked
to chair the committee, Mr. Drake to be a member. Both
agreed. Mr. Harmon asked that they review Grove City’s
zoning requirements for construction as to site plans and
staking procedures. There was some question as to the
advisability of Mr. Harmon serving on the committee (which
he offered to do) since he might have a conflict of
interest if he ended up doing any work requested. Mr.
Malcuit said he could certainly form a survey committee
without any surveyor on it but would eventually need
detailed information. He and Manager Hickman will work it
out.

Mr. Harmon urged Council to take seriously the danger of
litigation arising from the BZBA ignoring copyright
violations, stating that he might well have pursued it
already if this were not his hometown. He added that,
regardless of whether or not the re-plat goes through, we
should ensure that our regulations reflect as much respect
for the land itself as for historical details on the
buildings. He reiterated his point that architects and
builders are not surveyors and cannot legally represent
accurate depictions of a lot.

Vice Mayor Wernet asked Mr. Harmon to give copies of the
Grove City regulations to Manager Hickman. Councilmember
Lucier asked Law Director Crites to determine whether the
Village has legal liability in this instance.

Vice Mayor Wernet turned the gavel over to Mayor Robertson
at 8:59pm.
TOWNSHIP/VILLAGE JOINT MEETING (7:59pm)
Mayor Robertson expressed her appreciation to the Trustees
for being willing to delay the start-time of the meeting
from 7:35 so she could attend a memorial service. She then
called the joint meeting to order. Members of Council
responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers Bellman,
Crais, Lucier, and McGowan; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor
Robertson; Manager Hickman; Law Director Crites. Members of
the Township Trustees responding to the Roll Call were
Trustees Havens, Jones, and King; Clerk Kennedy.

Both bodies reviewed the agenda. There was some confusion
about who had and had not received it in advance. Mayor
Robertson and Trustee Havens agreed to meet before the next
joint meeting to confer about the agenda before it is
distributed and ensure that everyone receives it in a
timely manner. No changes were made to the agenda for this
meeting.

UPDATE OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Charlie Metzger (81 Maplewood Drive; chair of the Review
Committee) reported that the Committee has begun its work
and has identified three tasks: 1) an analysis of the
implementation of the 1998 plan; 2) an analysis of the plan
in terms of its effectiveness in light of today’s
circumstances; and 3) recommendations to Council and the
Township Trustees. Mr. Metzger asked that both bodies, as a
group and/or individually, convey their primary areas of
concern to him so the Committee can focus its efforts
effectively. He will make the same request of the Land
Conservancy, the Township Zoning Commission, and the
Village Planning Commission. Trustee Havens stated that he
had already prepared a memo from the Trustees outlining
what they feel needs to be looked at. Trustee Jones
commented on the broad scope of the review and asked if Mr.
Metzger felt the Committee could meet the stated 60-day
deadline. Mr. Metzger said that would be difficult but felt
that having a set date created helpful parameters to keep
the Committee on track. He did, however, reserve the right
to extend the deadline if necessary. Trustee Havens thanked
Mr. Metzger for volunteering his time for this project.

UPDATE ON USE OF TOWNSHIP and VILLAGE FUNDS TO OBTAIN
PROPERTY
Trustee Havens stated the Township objectives on this issue
were in place and being acted on. He asked where the
Village sees itself fitting into that process and whether
it is willing to commit funds. He noted that the Township’s
ability to acquire property outside Township limits is
limited and that, when such property is strategic, Village
assistance would be helpful. The Village could also partner
in certain other kinds of sites, especially if its
willingness to do so were known in advance. Manager Hickman
reported that Council had formed a Strategic Lands
Committee. Councilmember Crais, noting that the Committee’s
first meeting is scheduled for early July, said that pre-
meeting discussions have centered on general principles and
objectives in the context of Council’s intent in passing
the resolution to form the committee. Council, recognizing
that there are not vast sums of money available for this
purpose, wrote into their resolution a mechanism to
identify property and price as well as the ability to go to
the voters if necessary. Council also committed to
considering land outside the Village and/or the Township.
Trustee Havens added that bond issues might be a helpful
tool. Vice Mayor Wernet, after confirming with Trustee
Havens that Councilmember Moore had informed him of the two
specific properties being looked at by Council, noted that
both bodies were interested in moving with all deliberate
speed. He added that Council could use “other funds where
that would be permissible.” Councilmember Crais urged
members of both bodies to keep good channels of
communication open with each other and with their varied
constituencies. Vice Mayor Wernet thanked the Trustees for
working so hard to make this joint effort happen. Trustee
Havens, responding to a question from Councilmember Crais
about an impending purchase of the Rader property,
explained how the Trustees try to “recycle” or leverage
their open-space monies (which come with strict rules) by
purchasing development rights. For example, with the
Showman property, they purchased a development easement
allowing one house per 30 acres—an option that can then be
sold to recover some of the purchase price. The Rader land
could yield three parcels of 30-50 acres each. The Van
Winkle land fits that pattern as well—development rights
purchased with open space money. The next 2.5 mil levy will
raise $2.5 million over the next five years—not nearly
enough to fund a comprehensive plan of strategic land
purchases, hence the need to constantly recycle those
funds. Clerk Kennedy added that the whole key to their
decisions is limiting density.

RESOURCE SHARING
Clerk Kennedy reported that he had met with Manager Hickman
and Molly Roberts. They compared vendor lists and
discovered that the budgets are too small to accrue much
benefit from shared purchasing. Roadwork sharing is
possible but not likely. The Village usually bids its work
in January for the coming “season” and combines major
infrastructure work with paving projects. The Township does
a road survey in March, after the spring thaw, to see what
needs attention. However, even though the timing is off, we
will continue to try and join forces whenever possible.
Emergency usage of each other’s specialized equipment,
which has been done informally in the past, will continue
on a more formal basis. As for major equipment, much of the
Village’s equipment is either not needed or not applicable
in the Township, or is fully scheduled by the Village. All
parties felt the meeting and discussions were good just in
terms of open communication.

JEDD PRESENTATION
Attorney Jim Jump was present, at the request of Mayor
Robertson, to “get everyone—Trustees, Council, and the
public—on the same page” as to a common understanding of
the terms and definitions being used.

Mr. Jump explained that a JEDD is a contract between or
among municipalities for economic development. The
participating parties get their zoning and other
regulations in place, develop plans for the kind of
economic development they want, and put it all together in
a contract. They appoint a board to oversee ongoing issues,
create an income tax to fund their goals, and, hopefully,
produce the kind of economic growth they want, where they
want it. A JEDD may be a smaller part of a larger entity.
Councilmember Bellman added that a JEDD’s purpose is
commercial and/or industrial development; it does not
encompass residential areas.

Mr. Jump reported that he is chairing the subcommittee on
economic development of the Comprehensive Plan Review (and
is also concerned about the 60-day deadline). It is his
intention to staff his sub-committee with people who have
business and development experience so as to produce
helpful information about joint and regional cooperation
under the aegis of the Comprehensive Plan.

The subsequent Q&A by Council and the Trustees yielded the
following information:    1) The “district” of a JEDD does
not have to geographically contiguous.
2) Each participating entity has to contribute something,
tangible or intangible.
3) All signatories to a JEDD contract agree to at least a
three-year moratorium on annexations.
4) A JEDD is not a means of protecting borderland but is
rather a positive strategy to help with growth issues. In
short, it should be viewed not as a bar to Newark but as a
means of promoting desired development and thereby
eliminating motivations to annex to another community.
5) A JEDD has to be approved in the Township by a vote of
Township residents. However, if there is unanimous
agreement among the Trustees and the land is zoned
appropriately and a majority of the landowners support the
issue, the need for a vote is obviated.
6) A JEDD, contrary to any regular committee, has the
ability to affect the future. It can levy a tax, impose an
annexation moratorium, and bind its members by contract—
including new Trustees and/or Council members. While it
can’t bargain away sovereignty, it can limit rights.
Southwest Licking’s agreement, for example, limits their
right to enter Granville or Union Townships.
7) The issue of extending utilities doesn’t have to be
included in the JEDD contract but “any sensible JEDD” (Mr.
Jump’s phrase) would do so. In fact, the extension of water
and sewer could well be a natural consideration to be
offered in the contract.
8) Establishing a JEDD is not a quick process. In the
Village, the contract would have to be introduced by
Council, then sit for 30 days while comments are received
via public hearings or other avenues before a vote could be
taken. If a vote were to be required in the Township,
notice must be given 75 days prior to the election.
9) A CEDA (Cooperative Economic Development Agreement),
which seems to work more to provide services with
cooperative agreements, could be considered as well to
provide a legal mechanism for implementing some cooperative
goals. Mr. Jump stated that he envisions an umbrella
organization or regional council—with the Village, the
Township, the School District, and perhaps even Newark—out
of which would emerge a CEDA and/or a JEDD and “whatever
else might rise up” in the way of community-improvement
corporations. All would be designed to address economic
development on a continuing rather than an ad hoc basis.

Discussion:
Mr. Jump noted that a JEDD works best when the signatories
know what they want and are in substantial agreement before
they attempt to work out the financing. Trustee Havens
cautioned that a JEDD would involve “significant challenges
to cooperation” between the Village and the Township (i.e.,
past acrimony needs to be worked out).

Councilmember Lucier wondered whether Kendal might be an
appropriate test circumstance for both bodies. That would,
however, require a definitive determination of whether
Kendal is residential or commercial. Robert Drake, attorney
for Kendal, stated that Kendal would be “averse to anything
that delays what they’re doing.” Vice Mayor Wernet
suggested Kendal could be pursued as a parallel effort
(i.e., each body proceeding independently of the other,
knowing that a decision may be made later).

Trustee Havens noted that the Trustees are already in
discussions with Union Township and are willing to engage
other townships as well if there is an indication of
interest. He also emphasized that any vision for what a
JEDD might accomplish must be “absent special interests.”
For example, if we determine that the southeast portion of
the Township is a problem and we want to promote community-
friendly development there, chaos could ensue when citizens
or entities with their own special interests make
proposals. A JEDD or any other entity, and the parties
thereto, have to set policy and then implement it. Having
recommendations come from a bi-partisan, non-special-
interest group is the only way to keep us from being
paralyzed later.

Mayor Robertson asked if part of the goal was to create
revenue for schools based on commercial development and/or
the real estate base. Trustee Havens responded that we
shouldn’t promote residential development in either the
Village or the Township. In other words, even though the
end goal is to raise revenue for the schools, we should do
so by putting in place the kind of development the
community might want to implement rather than defend. Mayor
Robertson suggested that the OSU graduate program might
help us suggest what a coherent/cohesive plan might be,
adding that it is focused on downtown at this point but
could well deal with the larger picture over time. Vice
Mayor Wernet said he envisioned office buildings, research
facilities and the like. Trustee Havens followed up by
saying we need to get specific about what
constitutes “sensible development,” then implement policies
that permit the specified desired growth to happen. In
short, “Don’t just talk about it!” We must be pre-emptive
and proactive to avoid being put on the defensive. Mayor
Robertson echoed Trustee Havens’ concerns about the issue
of trust between the two bodies. Trustee Havens noted that
the Township has been very transparent in its actions and
said if the Village would articulate the policies it’s
willing to pursue, the two bodies could demonstrate their
ability to cooperate. Vice Mayor Wernet stated that Council
had already done that and wanted to use whatever tools it
reasonably could to fend off hostile annexation

Councilmember Bellman said he was interested in pursuing
the JEDD discussion as it might apply to the southeast
quadrant and S.R. 16. He added that, if something effective
could be worked out, it might provide a model for the rest
of the Licking County community.

Mr. Jump stated he and Jim Murr would meet to determine how
many people they want on this committee. The Trustees and
Council would then constitute the board. The committee will
address types of development, locations, and CEDA
possibilities. Mr. Metzger noted that he was not happy with
having two sub-committees (i.e., having the Comprehensive
Plan Review Committee between the Jump/Murr group and their
report to Council and the Trustees). The consensus was to
take the JEDD sub-committee out of the Comprehensive Plan
Review agenda.

Mr. Havens proposed that he and a member of Council sit
down with Mr. Jump and Mr. Murr to prepare a proposed
resolution establishing the committee and drafting its
charge. Vice Mayor Wernet will join the group as Council’s
representative. Their proposal will be brought to the next
joint meeting.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
Scott Harmon (55 Margaret Lane). Mr. Harmon congratulated
everyone on working together to maintain our way of life
and trying to keep adverse annexations from happening.

Constance Barsky (221 E. Elm Street). Ms. Barsky reiterated
her earlier remarks about involving a broader group of
townships in these discussions. Mr. Havens responded that
other township trustees would be invited to the resolution-
drafting meeting. Whether or not they elected to
participate is out of our control.

SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING
The Township Trustees will host the next Village/Township
joint meeting in the course of the next regular meeting of
the Township Trustees—Wednesday, August 8th. Mayor
Robertson and Trustee Havens will determine the meeting
place.

Mayor Robertson adjourned the Joint Meeting at 9:14pm.




Council took a brief recess and reconvened the regular
meeting at 9:21pm, at which time Mayor Robertson welcomed
Brian Miller, the new representative of the press.

NEW BUSINESS (9:21pm)
2001 County Tax Budget
Mayor Robertson acknowledged receipt of the budget and
scheduled the public hearing for June 20, 2001.

Ordinance No. 15-01, An Ordinance To Amend Section 351.17
(a) Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Making the 100
Block of W. College Street A Residential Permit Parking
Zone And Making The Ordinance Effective All Year Long, was
introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember
Lucier. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for June 20,
2001. [Councilmember Bellman asked for citizen input at the
next meeting before the vote is taken.]

Ordinance No. 16-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25-
00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The
Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses,
was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by Vice Mayor
Wernet.

Discussion: Councilmember Crais, referring to the OSU study
mentioned in the ordinance, noted that the students would
like to use Granville as their “community of the quarter”
and asked for a commitment of $4,500 for printing, binding,
etc. of their report. They need to know Council’s intent
tomorrow so they can find another community if Council is
not interested. All agreed that Manager Hickman could
convey Council’s support to OSU. Mayor Robertson asked if
there were any chance the parameters could be extended
beyond the Village. Manager Hickman stated that the
downtown study was the first priority but an extended
survey was possible. Re the summer intern, Manager Hickman
explained that this is the same money originally agreed to;
it is simply being moved from salaries to contractual
services.

Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for June 20, 2001.

Ordinance No. 17-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 1189 Of
The Codified Ordinances Of Granville, Ohio, was introduced
by Councilmember Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember
Crais. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for June 20,
2001.

Ordinance No. 18-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25-
00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The
Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses,
was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by
Councilmember Crais. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing
for June 20, 2001.

Resolution No. 01-41, A Resolution To Appoint Ex-Officio
Members To The Granville Tree And Landscape Commission, was
introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember
Crais.

Discussion: Manager Hickman reported he has reviewed the
record of this group with Jim Siegel though the matter has
not yet had legal review. The names brought forward come
with the recommendation of the members of the Tree &
Landscape Commission. The commission, described under 1193,
is under the authority of the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Lucier asked for a delay in seating the new
members until Council could decide the parameters of this
commission since so little exists in writing (i.e., “What
does it mean to be ‘ex officio’ to a group that has no
authority?”). Mayor Robertson felt the Commission really
wanted the ex officio members seated quickly, something
that could be done without clearing up the ambiguities.
Both Mayor Robertson and Vice Mayor Wernet publicly
acknowledged how much time the Tree & Landscape members
contribute and recognized their contribution to the life of
the Village. Councilmember McGowan pointed out that a lot
of people—often with a majority of township residents in
the crew—work on the Broadway Beds. The question is how to
recognize them since they can’t all be members of the Tree
& Landscape Commission. Vice Mayor Wernet asked about
the “unique qualifications” of Mr. Flood and Mrs. Yaekle.
Manager Hickman responded that Mrs. Yaekle brings a
connection to many of the Broadway-Bed people who no longer
live in the area. Mr. Flood brings technical expertise. He
also added that he thought the Tree & Landscape Commission
should be an advisory group. Councilmember Lucier
reiterated her concern that this remains an amorphous group
that needs a coherent structure—as does much of the Village
government organization. Manager Hickman suggested there
should be a Councilmember on the group since it’s on the
list of council committee assignments. Mayor Robertson
proposed that 1193 be clarified. Councilmember McGowan
moved to add a Section 3 to the Resolution, specifying that
the terms of the two new people expire January 31, 2003.
Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion-to-amend carried.
Motion-as-amended carried.

OLD BUSINESS (9:58pm)
None.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9:58pm)
Regularly Scheduled Meeting, 16 May 2001. Councilmember
Lucier did not receive a copy of the Minutes in advance so
the review was tabled until the next meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:43pm)
Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Crais,
Moore; Mayor Robertson)
No report.


Finance Liaison (Councilmember Moore)
No report.

Newark-Granville Committee (Councilmember Bellman, Mayor
Robertson)  
No report.

Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan)  
No report.

Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier)
Councilmember Lucier reported that the Planning Commission,
which was scheduled to hear an application from the
schools, did not do so because the application was
incomplete.

Recreation Commission (Councilmember McGowan)
No report.

Streetlight Committee (Councilmember McGowan)
Councilmember McGowan and Manager Hickman reported there
are only six lights left to be installed.

Streets/Sidewalks/Utilities Committee (Councilmembers
Bellman, Crais; Vice Mayor Wernet)
No report.

Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore)
No report.    

Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier).  
Councilmember Lucier reported that the Board is considering
installing a fence around the cemetery. The expense of the
project means it will probably be done in phases.

Strategic Land Acquisition & Smart Development Committee
(Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Moore)
No report.

Recreation Center Task Force (Robertson)
Mayor Robertson reported on the June 5th meeting, at which
Ruth Owen proposed that  each constituency (the schools,
rec commission, township, village, Granville Fellowship,
Kendal) consult its own constituency and make a list of
what it desires in a community recreational center. The
results of the individual surveys would then pooled to see
if there is a meeting of the minds. Council needs to put
the word out quickly.

OTHER (9:54pm)
Resolution No. 01-39, A Resolution To Amend The Village of
Granville Rules Of The Village Council, was not addressed
at this meeting.
 

EXECUTIVE SESSION  (9:54pm)
Councilmember Crais moved to go into executive session for
the discussion of acquisition of land; second by Vice Mayor
Wernet. A Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes:
Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, and McGowan; Vice
Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.

At the conclusion of the executive session, Councilmember
Crais moved to adjourn it. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. A
Roll Call vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes:
Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, and McGowan; Vice
Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. The session was adjourned at
10:47pm.

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS (10:47pm)
June 11, 2001 – Planning Commission
June 12, 2001 – Charter Review Commission
June 12, 2001 – Tree & Landscape Commission
June 14, 2001 – Board of Zoning and Building Appeals
June 20, 2001 – Village Council
June 25, 2001 – Planning Commission    

ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember McGowan made a motion to adjourn the meeting
at 10:47pm. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Meeting adjourned.

Council Minutes 5/16/01

CALL TO ORDER (by Mayor Robertson at 7:30pm)

ROLL CALL (7:30pm)
Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers
Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan and Moore; Vice Mayor
Wernet, Mayor Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director
Crites.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS (opened by Mayor Robertson at 7:30pm)
All Topics
none
 
Mayor Robertson closed Citizens’ Comments at 7:31pm.

PUBLIC HEARINGS (7:31pm)
Ordinance No. 11-01, An Ordinance To Authorize The
Annexation Of Contiguous Land Belonging To The Village To
The Village Of Granville. No one appeared to speak for or
against the Ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the public
hearing at 7:31pm.

Ordinance No. 12-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections
1137.01, 1143.01, 1143.02, 1171.02, 1171.03, and 1171.04 Of
The Codified Ordinances Of The Village Of Granville, Ohio
To Revise The Administrative Procedure For Applications For
Approval Of Development Plans In Planned Development
Districts To Conform To The Decision Of The Supreme Court
Of Ohio In State Ex Rel. Crossman Communities Of Ohio Inc.
v. Greene Cty. Bd. Of Elections That Approval Of Such Plans
Is A Legislative Act. Jim Jump, 143 Thresher Street, stated
he was present, as the principal drafter of the Ordinance,
to answer questions. Mayor Robertson closed the public
hearing at 7:33pm.

Ordinance No. 13-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapters 309 Of
The Granville Codified Ordinances, Establishing Penalties
For Violations Committed By Drivers Of Overweight And
Oversize Commercial Trucks. No one appeared to speak for or
against the ordinance. Mayor Robertson closed the public
hearing at 7:34pm.

NEW BUSINESS (7:34pm)
Resolution No. 01-39, A Resolution To Authorize The Village
Manager To Enter Into Negotiations For The Sale Of Water To
Kendal Of Granville, was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet,
on behalf of himself and Mayor Robertson. Second by
Councilmember Crais.

Discussion: Vice Mayor Wernet reiterated his and Mayor
Robertson’s conviction that Kendal could be an important
contributor to the community and Council should be openly
welcoming. Mayor Robertson asserted that this would not be
extension, per se, since it concerns water only, from a
line that is already there. Also, selling water to Kendal
would not promote further development because the boundary
properties are either unlikely or impossible to be
developed. She added that a majority of people responding
to the question in the Comprehensive Plan Survey wanted
this kind of development and that it would also produce tax
revenues for the schools. Vice Mayor Wernet noted there are
legal reasons behind the distinction between water-only and
water-and-sewer since sewer is the “development-feeding
vehicle.”

Councilmember Crais asked for identification of the
surrounding properties. Mayor Robertson stated the Kendal
land was “pretty much blocked in,” with Owens-Corning
(which already has village water) and Township green-space
land. Tom Mitchell, with Kendal of Granville, confirmed,
stating that Owens abuts the west boundary as well as some
of the north boundary since their land runs straight
through from S.R. 37 to S.R. 16. The rest of the north
boundary is Township green space. Some commercially zoned
property fronting S.R. 16 is on the east. Vice Mayor Wernet
verified that those areas on S.R. 16 have long been slated
for intensive commercial development. Mr. Mitchell noted
that the Kendal land is already zoned R-1.

Councilmember Crais asked for clarification of the
extension v. selling distinction. Mayor Robertson stated
that “extension” meant that someone would be building brand
new lines and is commonly used to keep something else from
happening (e.g., an annexation). In the Kendal case,
Village water lines are already out there.

Councilmember Crais asked what an agreement with Kendal
would look like and if it might be similar to our agreement
with Alexandria. Mayor Robertson responded that we won’t
know until conversations/negotiations have occurred.
Councilmember Lucier agreed that cooperation with Kendal is
in the interests of the entire community but expressed
concern that some general parameters for the negotiation
need to be established up front—specifically price and
quantity. Manager Hickman noted that any Kendal agreement
would quite probably resemble Village agreements with Owens
and Alexandria. He added that he would like to have one or
two members of Council involved in the negotiations. Vice
Mayor Wernet said he envisioned a bulk-purchase agreement
that included limiting water usage to Kendal purposes only.

Councilmember Moore asked why there was nothing in the
proposed resolution about a requirement for annexation, as
per Council’s most recent discussions on that topic. Vice
Mayor Wernet responded that this was not extension since we
were using an existing tap—a distinction that Councilmember
Moore thought was not valid. Vice Mayor Wernet stated that
an annexation requirement was indeed Council’s general rule
but that this is a unique situation. Councilmember Moore
responded that, while she has always supported extending
sewer and water for specific purposes, she still wanted an
explanation about why Council would give water to a private
entity for a high-end senior citizen facility but not to
their own schools. Vice Mayor Wernet reiterated that this
is a different scenario than that of the schools.

Councilmember Crais expressed a desire to add instructions
for the Manager to the resolution to facilitate the
negotiations. He noted that Mayor Robertson’s remarks about
potential development impact being virtually non-existent
had adequately answered his conviction that it was
incumbent on Council to apply that test to this instance.
He also felt, however, that Council would be making a
mistake to argue this all out at the current meeting as
opposed to raising the important issues, amending the
resolution as needed—without “anticipating the minutiae”—
then coming back to the issue at a subsequent meeting.
Mayor Robertson emphasized that she sees this resolution as
serving to initiate a negotiation, nothing more.

Councilmember McGowan stated he would like to see notice of
this in the Sentinel so the public could comment before
Council’s vote, adding that he would have preferred this
process to have been initiated by a formal request from
Kendal rather than by Council itself. He remarked that the
School Board might also welcome water-only, then asked for
confirmation that the result of any negotiations must come
back to Council for approval. (True.) He questioned whether
or not we would receive taxes for the schools since Kendal
is a registered non-profit, asked about the distance from
the existing water line to the main Kendal building, and
wondered if granting water-only to Kendal would compel
Council to do so in response to others’ requests. In short,
he was concerned that Council was going forward before
being asked to do so, and felt the school issue should be
revisited.

Councilmember Lucier asked for clarification of the
process. Mayor Robertson and Manager Hickman responded that
the resolution currently on the table would simply
authorize negotiations. Satisfactory negotiations would be
followed by an ordinance, with the water-only agreement as
an official attachment. Any ordinance would be
referendable. Councilmember Lucier wondered if it would be
productive for members of Council to participate in
discussions/negotiations at the level of determining the
specifics of the agreement. Vice Mayor Wernet urged
everyone to pull together “behind something that’s good.”
Councilmember Bellman agreed with Councilmember Lucier,
stating that whoever negotiated would obviously have
everyone’s input and Council could address details of the
agreement once the results of Manager Hickman’s
negotiations were reported back. Councilmember Moore
expressed concern that the resolution was too vague
(i.e., “What exactly are we telling Manager Hickman to
do?”), perhaps leaving room for policy decisions to be made
without due consideration applied to issues of traffic,
density, appropriateness within the plan, access by bike
paths, etc. Councilmember Crais moved to amend Section 2,
as follows: “These negotiations shall include but shall not
be limited to issues such as price, quantity, agreement
with the Comprehensive Plan, and the development impact of
the sale of the water to Kendal at Granville.” Second by
Vice Mayor Wernet, who then called the question. Motion-to-
amend carried. Councilmember Moore moved to
change “negotiations” to “discussions” everywhere it
appears in the document. Second by Councilmember McGowan.
Councilmember Crais called the question. Motion-to-amend
carried. Vice Mayor Wernet called the question on the
resolution as amended. Motion as amended carried.

Resolution No. 01.40, A Resolution To Authorize The Village
Manager To Seek Bids For Street Improvements Including
Sunrise, Granger, and N. Pearl Streets And Associated
Alternatives, was introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second
by Vice Mayor Wernet. Manager Hickman clarified that this
involved extensive work on all listed areas (i.e., milling,
curbing, repaving, sidewalks, and even some widening on
Sunrise Street). Councilmember Crais moved to amend to
Resolution to insert “East College Street” between Sunrise
and Granger, as previously discussed. Second by
Councilmember McGowan. Motion-to-amend passed. Manager
Hickman asked that the Resolution be approved at this
meeting so the project(s) could go to bid; Council could
amend at a subsequent meeting if so desired. Motion-as-
amended carried,

OLD BUSINESS (8:12pm)
[Councilmember Crais requested Ordinance No. 13-01 be
considered out of order since he had to leave the meeting
early. All agreed.]

Ordinance No. 13-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapter 309 Of
The Granville Codified Ordinances, Establishing Penalties
For Violations Committed By Drivers Of Overweight And
Oversize Commercial Trucks, was re-introduced by
Councilmember Crais. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet.

Discussion: Manager Hickman clarified that this was
intended to bring the Village fine schedule into line with
the State schedule. Councilmember Crais added this
ordinance would allow offenders to be cited in Mayor’s
Court and charged under Village ordinances, thereby
allowing the Village to retain any fines levied.
Councilmember McGowan asked if an offender could elect to
appear in Municipal Court. Law Director Crites said he
thought not, but would verify his opinion.

A Roll-Call Vote yielded seven (7) affirmative votes:
Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore;
Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 13-01 is
adopted.

Ordinance No. 11-01, An Ordinance To Authorize The
Annexation Of Contiguous Land Belonging To The Village To
The Village Of Granville, was re-introduced by
Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember Moore.

Discussion: Councilmember Lucier explained that
approximately two years ago she had asked Village staff to
determine what land fit these criteria. The issue was
sidetracked by having the merger study on ballot, which put
annexations on hold. After the merger study was defeated,
she again requested this be looked into, having the
conviction that  land that belongs to the Village should be
under the legal jurisdiction of the Village. For example,
Fanchion Lewis Park is Village land, situated in the
Township and patrolled by Village police (out of their
jurisdiction). Councilmember Moore asked Law Director
Crites whether Village police could legally patrol outside
Village limits. He responded that they could but that there
is no automatic right to cite individuals for violations of
the Village Codified Ordinances just because the Village
owns the land, absent an agreement with the Sheriff’s
Department or some other provision of law. Manager Hickman
assured Council that the Township Trustees had been given
notice of this resolution and had no concerns even though
the park frontage includes part of the road. The Manager
and the Law Director will work out the details. Law
Director Crites stated that he would research the issue
further, “on the house,” so he would have the definitive
answer. Councilmember Moore thought perhaps having Village
land that was not a physical part of the Village might
serve as a buffer against annexations and/or requests for
water and sewer. Councilmember Lucier noted that others
cannot annex without our permission, negating the need for
a buffer. Vice Mayor Wernet observed that accomplishing the
annexation would make it less easy for anyone else to annex
because Council would be “removing any vote a future
council might have.”  Vice Mayor Wernet called the
question.

[Note: At 8:21pm, just prior to the conclusion of the
discussion, Councilmember Crais excused himself. Prior to
departing, he offered some comments on the Recreation
Center issue to be discussed under “Other” later in the
meeting: he would support the committee but felt it was
important that a community recreation center be as close to
the Village center as possible to best support pedestrian
traffic. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to excuse his departure.
Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.]

A Roll-Call Vote yielded six (6) affirmative votes:
Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice
Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 11-01 is
adopted.

Ordinance No. 12-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections
1137.01, 1143.01, 1143.02, 1171.02, 1171.03, and 1171.04 Of
The Codified Ordinances Of The Village Of Granville, Ohio
To Revise The Administrative Procedure For Applications For
Approval Of Development Plans In Planned Development
Districts To Conform To The Decision Of The Supreme Court
Of Ohio In State Ex Rel. Crossman Communities Of Ohio Inc.
v. Greene County Bd. Of Elections That Approval Of Such
Plans Is A Legislative Act, and to Declare An Emergency,
was re-introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Vice
Mayor Wernet.

Discussion: James Jump, 143 Thresher Street, gave some
history on this issue, with which he has been involved
since the original SuperAmerica applications (for S.R. 16 @
Cherry Valley Road) came to the Planning Commission. Former
Law Director Hurst investigated the process/substance for
PUD/PCD applications and determined that it was
administrative and therefore appealable. Former Law
Director Hurst and Mr. Jump then wrote the current
ordinance, including an elaborate appeals process. In 1998,
however, the Ohio Supreme Court (State Ex Rel. Crossman
Communities of Ohio Inc. v. Greene County Board of
Elections) declared PUD/PCD processes to be legislative
(and therefore referendable). The current ordinance is
presented to bring Village’s codified ordinances into
compliance with the State of Ohio.

Changes to 1137.01 back out the appeal process framework.
Changes to 1171 et.al. take PUD/PCD standards and/or
requirements and make them guidelines. Changes to 1143
clean up the wording on how to amend zoning ordinances.
Regulations would now apply to individual citizens rather
than developers.

Councilmember Moore asked for clarification that, having
deleted parts of the code that relate to appeal on any PUD,
the remedy is now to take it to referendum. Mr. Jump
responded that if the legislative body (i.e., Council)
doesn’t act, there is no remedy short of the electoral
process. Councilmember Lucier asked why Council would want
this to be an emergency. Mr. Jump responded that the
Village needs to be in compliance as quickly as possible.
Since there is “nothing in the pipeline as of today,”
(Manager Hickman) if approved at the current meeting, the
Village would be able to provide accurate information and
regulations in full compliance for the next applicant. Vice
Mayor Wernet thanked Mr. Jump for his extensive efforts on
this issue.

Law Director Crites proposed a change in the language of
the Ordinance to comply with Section 3.05 of the Charter,
requiring reasons to be set forth for such an emergency to
exist, by adding: “…and its inhabitants and necessary to
ensure that the codified ordinances of the village of
Granville related to the approval of the development plans
in planned development districts conform to the decision of
the Supreme Court of Ohio in State Ex Rel Crossman v.
Greene County Board of Elections thereby diminishing the
risk of potential litigation for failure to conform its
ordinances to the aforementioned Ohio Supreme Court
decision.”  Vice Mayor Wernet moved the amendment. Second
by Councilmember Lucier.

Discussion on the amendment: Councilmember Moore asked what
the consequences would be if Council did not make these
changes. Law Director Crites responded that the entire
Village process would be counter to the Ohio Supreme Court
decision. In short, before 1997, we were “right where we
needed to be,” treating final approval as a legislative
act. Then, as a result of decisions made in 1999, we made
everything an administrative proceeding, with specific
guidelines given to the Planning Commission. Now, the Ohio
Supreme Court has ruled the process is legislative so we
need to revise the appeal procedures and refer to the
authority given to the Planning Commission as guidelines,
not standards. If no changes were adopted at the current
meeting and someone came in tomorrow to start the process,
we would have to treat it as an administrative procedure,
which is not consistent with the Ohio Supreme Court, and
would risk the Village’s ending up in litigation for not
complying. Councilmember Lucier added that we would also be
doing a disservice to people who think they’re doing
everything right. Motion-to-amend carried.

Councilmember Bellman moved the emergency. Second by
Councilmember Lucier.  A roll-call vote yielded six (6)
affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan,
and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance
No. 12-01as amended is adopted, including the emergency
provision.

Resolution No. 01-32, A Resolution To Appoint Members To
The Granville Tree And Landscape Commission. Councilmember
Moore moved to take the Resolution off the table. Second by
Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried. The Resolution was re-
introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember
Moore.
 
Discussion: Mayor Robertson commented that she agreed with
a letter she had received from Jim Siegel (saying that
having a person from outside the Village on the Commission
was a good idea) and hoped to enlarge the commission by one
person who could represent the Township. The appointments
for the two vacancies covered by this resolution could
still be made at the current meeting. Councilmember Lucier,
after reiterating that the point of the delay had been to
provide ample opportunity for citizens to express interest,
stated she felt one should be a Village resident to serve
on a Village commission. Councilmember Bellman said her
argument was persuasive in the instance of bodies such as
the Planning Commission or the BZBA, but felt the Tree &
Landscape Commission was different—less policy-oriented.
less zoning-oriented, and more focused on beautification of
the downtown area. Many people besides Village residents
already contribute labor to that effort. Councilmember
Lucier urged Manager Hickman to continue his efforts to
clarify the status of this commission. Members of Council
voted by written ballot. Manager Hickman and Law Director
Crites tabulated the results. Mayor Robertson announced
that Lynn Kishler (Section 2) and Bill Seegers (Section 1)
had been elected, completing the intent of the Resolution.
Motion carried.

[Mayor Robertson asked Manager Hickman to figure out the
formalities of enlarging the  commission by one person. He
will include that with the rest of his report on the
Commission.]

MAYOR'S COURT REPORT (8:55pm)
The Mayor's Court Report for the month of April was
presented for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the
report; second by Councilmember Bellman. Motion carried.  
Mayor Robertson directed the report be filed with the
Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of these
minutes.

MANAGER'S REPORT (8:57pm)
The Manager's Report for the month of March was presented
for review. Vice Mayor Wernet moved to accept the report;
second by Councilmember Bellman. Councilmember Lucier asked
Manager Hickman to investigate herbicide use to determine
quantities used and time spent. She also requested Manager
Hickman to verify the tax revenues for the first quarter of
2001. Motion carried. Mayor Robertson directed the report
be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached
as part of these minutes.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9:01pm)
Regularly Scheduled Meeting of May 2, 2001.  The following
additions/corrections were requested: 1) Councilmember
Lucier, p. 1, 2nd paragraph of Union Cemetery Board Annual
Meeting – add, “Flo Hoffman thanked both bodies for their
constant support. Both bodies thanked Flo Hoffman as well.
2) Mayor Robertson, p. 2, Discussion of Joint Economic
Development Study – delete, “She also asked if Ms.
Wimberger could/would survey Denison students, including
looking at the students’ own survey on this topic, to
determine their needs. Ms. Wimberger responded that her
data-gathering this quarter included that survey. 3) Mayor
Robertson, p. 6, under NOTE – delete, “Council took a five-
minute break and reconvened….” 4) Mayor Robertson, p. 7,
1st sentence – insert, “Mayor Robertson reported that
Denison applies penalties to students pleading guilty or
being found guilty in Mayor’s Court. One of the penalties
she imposes….” Councilmember Lucier moved to accept the
Minutes as amended. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion
carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:07pm)
Development Committee (Councilmember Crais).
No report.

Finance Committee (Councilmember Moore).  
No report.
 

Newark-Granville Joint Committee (Mayor Robertson)
Councilmember Bellman announced that Craig Baldwin would be
resigning and said it was a “great loss” to the work of the
committee.

Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan).  
No report. Manager Hickman reported that he had put out
RFPs for the staff study but has not yet had any formal
responses. He has some different avenues in mind, and
Councilmember Lucier will add her ideas as well.  

Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier).   
No report.

Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan).   
Councilmember McGowan reported that he and Councilmember
Moore had attended the formal dedication of Raccoon Park,
during which the park was referred to by one of the
speakers as a “jewel of our community.”

Street Light Committee (Councilmember McGowan).   
Councilmember McGowan reported that all the new lights are
up but the last half-dozen (waiting for painting). Manager
Hickman noted that he had gotten positive feedback about
the light installed at the intersection of Jones and Newark-
Granville Roads.
 
Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee (Vice Mayor
Wernet).
Vice Mayor Wernet reported that the last meeting had been
dominated in large part by input into the resolution on
street repairs approved earlier in the meeting. The
Committee members also discussed the general concept of a
pedestrian-friendly set of standards that would apply to
all streets and sidewalks in the Village. They are
reviewing the standards of the city of Portland which seem
to have incorporated all the thoughts currently under
consideration for Granville. Their goal is to make sure
we’re doing everything possible to make Village
intersections as safe as they can be for both pedestrians
and vehicles. The proposed standards will be brought to
Council.

Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore).
Manager Hickman reported that the Tree & Landscape
Committee will be visiting the Planning Commission in an
effort to better mesh the design and horticultural
considerations of an application. Both have good intentions
but their respective roles need to be clarified, along with
the issue of who has the final word when their
recommendations conflict. Manager Hickman noted that
current practice is for a landscaping plan to go to Tree &
Landscape for review. That body has 30 days to issue
comment. If they do not, the Planning Commission can make
its own recommendations. The Planning commission currently
has final authority but Tree & Landscape feels this is
their area of expertise. Councilmember Lucier asked that
Manager Hickman provide the Planning Commission with the
documentation on Tree & Landscape once it has been
identified.
 
Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier).  
Councilmember Lucier announced that the annual tour of the
Old Colony Cemetery was scheduled for May 31st and invited
all members of Council to attend.

OTHER (9:15pm)
Recreation Center Review Committee – General consensus
among members of Council was that this was being presented
as if the site selection had already been determined. All
members present (including Councilmember Crais, who had
weighed in on this issue before leaving the meeting
earlier) felt a central-Village location that would be
easily accessible by cyclists and pedestrians was
preferable to the Kendal location. There was concern that
appointment members to the review committee might be
construed as tacit approval of the proposal. All agreed
that the two requested representatives should be members of
Council, since they alone could fully express Council’s
reservations. Councilmember Lucier suggested that
Councilmember McGowan, as a member of the Rec Commission,
was the logical choice for one of the two slots. Mayor
Robertson volunteered to be the other representative. Vice
Mayor Wernet asked if it would be productive to form a
general committee with no pre-selected site. Councilmember
Moore felt that Council’s two representatives to the
committee already proposed could press that point. Mayor
Robertson agreed, stating that Council’s message could be
forwarded ahead of time, then the two representatives could
attend the first meeting and emphasize the point in person.
She also thought than would accomplish Vice Mayor Wernet’s
suggestion about having the agenda changed.

Resolution No. 01-27, A Resolution To Amend The Village Of
Granville Rules Of The Village. Councilmember Lucier moved
to remove the resolution from the table. Second by
Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried.

Discussion on Sections C and D:
Section C: Councilmember Moore asked that the language
throughout this section be changed to refer to both
ordinances and resolutions. It was decided that submissions
should go to Manager Hickman who can then see that they are
sent to Law Director Crites and officially submitted to the
Clerk of Council. Vice Mayor Wernet asked how ad hoc
instances would be handled. Councilmember McGowan asked
that emergency procedures be specified. In C.3., a reading
of the title rather than the “summary” will constitute a
complete reading. In C.4., the language will be changed
to “celebrate outstanding contributions and worthwhile
events.”

Section D: Councilmember Lucier questioned the
practice/appropriateness of a public body using secret
ballots and suggested that Council votes should be public
in all cases. Councilmember Bellman and Vice Mayor Wernet
disagreed, stating there were times when secret ballots
would be appropriate. Councilmember Moore suggested
a “bifurcated” approach, with some ballots being secret,
some not. Mayor Robertson suggested that someone advance
some language on this issue and Council would continue to
think about it. Law Director Crites noted that this point
is not addressed in any of the documents he has reviewed to
date but he will continue to pursue it. He added that all
written ballots are kept as part of the public record.
Councilmember Moore noted that secret ballots are not
specified in the Sunshine Law code either. At Mayor
Robertson’s request, he clarified that abstentions simply
don’t count in a vote. Vice Mayor moved to re-table
Resolution 01-27. Second by Councilmember Moore. Motion
carried.

OTHER (9:52pm)
Mayor Robertson asked Manager Hickman to copy a letter from
Catherine Smith re the public-use fee charged with purchase
of new house and distribute it to all members of Council.
It will be on the agenda of the next regular meeting.

Councilmember Moore noted she will be absent from May 22
through June 6, accompanying a group of Ohio Northern
students to Cuba.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (9:55pm)
Councilmemer Moore moved to enter into Executive Session
for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Second by
Councilmember McGowan. A roll call vote yielded six (6)
affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Lucier, McGowan,
and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.

The business of the Executive Session being concluded at
10:48pm, Councilmember McGowan moved to end the Executive
Session. Second by Vice Mayor Wernet. A roll call vote
yielded six (6) affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman,
Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor
Robertson.

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 6, 2001 – Joint Village/Township Meeting
 
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember McGowan made a motion to adjourn the meeting
at 10:48pm. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Meeting
adjourned.

Council Minutes 5/2/01

 
1.  CALL TO ORDER (by Mayor Robertson at 7:35pm)

2.  ROLL CALL (7:35pm)
Those responding to the Roll Call were Councilmembers
Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore; Mayor
Robertson; Manager Hickman, and Law Director Crites. For
the Township Trustees: Trustee Havens, Trustee Jones; Clerk
Kennedy. Councilmember Bellman moved to excuse Vice Mayor
Wernet; second by Councilmember Crais. Motion carried.
Township Trustee King arrived at 7:40pm.

3.    UNION CEMETERY BOARD ANNUAL MEETING (called to
order by Mayor
    Robertson at 7:37pm)

Resolution No. 01-34, A Resolution To Declare With The
Granville Township Trustees That The Operation And
Maintenance Of The Union Cemetery Under The Provisions Of
Section 759.34 Of The Ohio Revised Code Continue And That
The 2001 Annual Meeting Required By Section 759.34 Has Been
Conducted And To Fill A Pending Vacancy On The Union
Cemetery Board Of Trustees, was introduced by Councilmember
Moore. Second by Councilmember McGowan.

Discussion: Councilmember Lucier noted that the resolution
as presented does not reflect the changes approved during
its consideration at last year’s joint meeting.  She moved
to amend the resolution as follows: 1) delete the current
Section 2 (eliminating the $91,000 ceiling), and 2) re-
number the subsequent sections. Second by Councilmember
McGowan. Motion-to-amend carried. Motion-as-amended
carried. Flo Hoffman thanked both bodies for their constant
support. Both bodies thanked Flo Hoffman as well. Mayor
Robertson adjourned the Union Cemetery Board Annual Meeting
at 7:42pm.

4.    CITIZENS’ COMMENTS (pm)
All Topics
Abram Kaplan, 842 Burg Street. Mr. Kaplan reported that the
students in his Environmental Resolution Course, in the
course of addressing process issues for future development,
had come up with some interesting ideas about an informal
mediation process—to be inserted after a developer has
expressed interest and before Council is asked to address
water issues and the like. Mayor Robertson asked if Council
could have access to any of the papers produced in the
course. Mr. Kaplan agreed to provide non-confidential
documents.

Joint Economic Development Study (7:45pm)
Kathryn Wimberger, 58 West Third Avenue, Columbus. Ms.
Wimberger, a grad student at OSU in City and Regional
Planning Program as well as the former Granville Village
Planner, hopes to do a practicum study of downtown
Granville, including an economic analysis/assessment that
would help with our concerns about the future of downtown.
She has already met with the members of the Economic
Development Committee. For the remainder of the current
quarter, she proposes to continue her review and analysis
of existing information. During the summer, she and other
students would do a more in-depth analysis. Then, perhaps
in the fall, yet another class might do a master plan of
the downtown area.

Discussion: Responding to Councilmember Moore’s questions
about why her study was limited to downtown, Ms. Wimberger
said it was simply more realistic to confine the study to
only that area. She realizes, though, that the peripheral
business areas affect the downtown and said the option of
expanding the study was open to discussion. Mayor Robertson
suggested that the addition of other students as the year
goes on might allow the scope to broadened. She also asked
if Ms. Wimberger could/would survey Denison students to
determine their needs. Councilmember Crais asked if Ms.
Wimberger’s interim report would be primarily descriptive
or be prescriptive as well (in that its contents might well
impact Council’s planned staffing discussions). Ms.
Wimberger said her focus would be largely action-oriented.
Councilmember Bellman supported Mayor Robertson’s point
about including Denison students (and their parents), and
asked if Ms. Wimberger would look at the pros and cons of
having commuter-bus service from the east-side areas to
downtown. He also urged her to look at the peripheral
commercial areas to determine how best to protect downtown
from the effects of surrounding developments. Ms. Wimberger
responded she would make every effort to do so. She also
expressed support for Mr. Kaplan and his students. Manager
Hickman will present a resolution at the next regularly
scheduled meeting to formalize the arrangements made with
Ms. Wimberger (e.g., funding of her travel expenses, etc.).

5.    PUBLIC HEARING (7:55pm)
Ordinance No. 09-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25-
00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The
Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses.
No one appeared to speak for or against the Ordinance.

6.    NEW BUSINESS (7:56pm)
Resolution No. 01-35, A Resolution To Authorize The Village
Manager To Seek Proposals For Property And Casualty
Insurance Coverage For The Period Of 2001 Through 2004, was
introduced by Councilmember McGowan. Second by
Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.

Resolution No. 01-36, A Resolution Authorizing The Village
Manager To Prepare And Submit An Application To Participate
In The Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital
Improvement And/Or Local Transportation Improvement Program
(s) And To Execute The Contracts Required, was introduced
by Councilmember McGowan. Second by Councilmember Moore.
Motion carried.

Resolution No. 01-37, A Resolution To Award The Bid For
Cedar Street Sidewalk Extension Specifications To Robertson
Construction And To Authorize The Village Manager To Enter
Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by
Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember Crais. [Mayor
Robertson stated for the record that she has no connection
with Robertson Construction.] Motion carried.

Ordinance No. 11-01, An Ordinance To Authorize The
Annexation Of Contiguous Land Belonging To The Village of
Granville, was introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second
by Councilmember Crais. Discussion: Mayor Robertson asked
for clarification of the land’s location. Law Director
Crites and Manager Hickman said one parcel is Fanchion
Lewis Park, the second is by the wastewater plant, and the
third is the “14 acres.” Mayor Robertson set the public
hearing for May 16, 2001.

Ordinance No. 12-01, An Ordinance To Amend Sections
1137.01, 1143.01, 1143.02, 1171.02, 1171.03, and 1171.04 Of
The Codified Ordinances Of The Village Of Granville, Ohio
To Revise The Administrative Procedure For Applications For
Approval Of Development Plans In Planned Development
Districts To Conform To The Decision Of The Supreme Court
Of Ohio In State Ex Rel. Crossman Communities Of Ohio Inc.
v. Greene Cty. Bd. Of Elections That Approval Of Such Plans
is A Legislative Act, And To Declare An Emergency, was
introduced by Councilmember Lucier. Second by Councilmember
Bellman. Mayor Robertson set the public hearing for May 16,
2001.

    Ordinance No. 13-01, An Ordinance To Amend Chapters
309 Of The Granville Codified Ordinances, Establishing
Penalties For Violations Committed By Drivers Of Overweight
And Oversize Commercial Trucks, was introduced by
Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman. Mayor
Robertson set the public hearing for May 16, 2001.

    Strategic Land Acquisition And Smart Development
Committee
    Mayor Robertson invited those candidates for
membership present in the hall to speak if they so wished.
Lori Green (445 Burg Street, Granville) stated she was
interested in working for the benefit of the community to
improve, enhance, and protect what we have in green space.
Sara Goldblatt (419 Burg Street, Granville) said she was
shocked when she moved back home to Granville to see what
had happened in her absence and therefore felt this was an
important committee for the future of the village. [There
are two other candidates for the three citizen positions on
the committee—Elaine Kent, a resident of the Township, and
Bill Heim—neither of whom was present. Members of Council,
voting by written ballot, elected Lori Green, Sarah
Goldblatt, and Bill Heim.

    In discussion of who the Council representatives to
the committee would be, everyone either nominated someone
else or expressed interest in serving. Mayor Robertson
requested a written ballot. Councilmember Moore was elected
on the first ballot, Councilmembers Crais and Bellman on
the third. The members of the committee will elect a chair
at their organizational meeting.

7.    OLD BUSINESS (8:18pm)
Ordinance No. 09-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25-
00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The
Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses,
was re-introduced by Councilmember Crais. Second by
Councilmember Bellman. Discussion: Manager Hickman
clarified that Council had previously approved only the
first $5,000 for the traffic study and therefore needed to
formalize their approval for the entire amount—a total of
$15,500, including the original $5,000. The Parsons invoice
has already been paid (from engineering funds for boards
and commissions). A Roll Call vote yielded four (4)
affirmative votes (Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, and
Lucier; Mayor Robertson) and two (2) negative votes
(Councilmembers McGowan and Moore). Ordinance No. 09-01 is
adopted.

Resolution No. 01-27, A Resolution To Amend The Village Of
Granville Rules Of The Village. Councilmember Crais moved
to remove the Resolution from the table.  Second by
Councilmember Lucier. Motion carried.

Discussion on Sections A and B:
Section A: no comments.
Section B: Discussion on #4 only (Attendance at Council
Meetings). Councilmember Lucier stated she was at times
uncomfortable with approving an excused absence for a
member of Council when no one knew the reason for that
absence. Councilmember Bellman stated he presumed all
Coucilmembers to be responsible elected officials who would
have good reason for being absent from a meeting. Mayor
Robertson added that Council operates in a “climate of
trust.” Councilmember Moore felt that councilmembers owe
the voters an explanation if they don’t show up, and asked
why Council would go through the motions of excusing an
absence if trust is the basis. Councilmember McGowan
clarified that the Charter requires simply that a member of
Council attend “a majority of the meetings.” The following
amendment to B.4. was suggested (to appear in a redline
copy at the next meeting):

“Members of Council are expected to attend all meetings of
the Council unless there is good and sufficient reason for
their absence. Members who will be unable to attend a
scheduled meeting shall should, if possible, inform the
Mayor and/or the Clerk of Council of their anticipated
absence. The presiding officer will announce all absences
and, ordinarily, will state their reasons following the
roll call of a meeting. The Council may, by official
action, excuse the absent member(s) and such action will be
entered in the Council meeting minutes. The Clerk shall
keep a calendar of anticipated Council member absences to
assist in scheduling meetings.” Councilmember Crais moved
to re-table Resolution 01-27. Second by Councilmember
McGowan. Motion carried.

[NOTE: The following resolution was moved forward
from “Other” by Mayor Robertson.]

Resolution 01-38, A Resolution Requesting The Granville
Village Exempted School Board To Prohibit The Use Of
Pesticides And Herbicides On Land On Which The Board Plans
To Construct An Intermediate Elementary School, (moved
forward from “Other” by Mayor Robertson), was introduced by
Councilmember Crais. Second by Councilmember Bellman.

Discussion:
Councilmember Crais reported that the results of research
by him on the chemicals to be used for farming on the
school site show them to present health risks. He offered
this resolution since 1) it is incumbent on Council to
ensure a healthy environment and 2) the use of that land
for organic farming could serve as a healthful experience
for the school children and, done properly, enrich the
wider community. He offered to provide the article cited to
the School Board if they wished to see it.

Carol Goland, 843 Burg Street, stated that her senior
capstone class in Environmental Studies at Denison has
spent five months looking at issue of pesticide use in the
schools with particular attention to the vulnerabilities of
children. In spite of the fact that she encourages
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—preventing the pests in
the first place but, if that won’t work, choosing least
toxic methods of eradicating them—she expressed deep
concerns about this resolution. Her opposition has to do
with the issue of preserving farmland. She maintained that
making farmers’ jobs more difficult was a much quicker way
to lose farmland than development would be. She also
expressed doubt that this resolution would be considered
legal in light of both the Ohio Constitution and the Right
to Farm laws.

Councilmember Lucier expressed concern about how the school
board would perceive this resolution. Councilmember McGowan
echoed that concern, then asked why the school was being
singled out without addressing all other farmland that
abuts parkland belonging to the Village. Councilmember
Moore agreed about broadening the scope of the resolution,
and asked about the Village’s use of pesticides/herbicides
(i.e., do we have an ordinance about their use in the
Village? are we prepared to ask all residents to stop using
them?). Councilmember Bellman felt that regulating
pesticides/herbicides was out of Council’s purview. Mayor
Robertson, commenting that “there is more to this than the
resolution is able to express,” thanked Councilmember Crais
for raising the issue and said the Village needs to review
its own practices in this area. She also asked Manager
Hickman to share the data collected by both Councilmember
Crais and Ms. Goland with the schools. Councilmember Crais
stated that there was a “huge difference” between using a
herbicide on the Broadway beds and using it in large
quantities where children are present all day. He worries
about discussions that go nowhere but felt it would have
been irresponsible of him not to enter this resolution
formally into the record. He added that he hoped the
resolution would force the school board to look at these
issues.

Councilmember Lucier suggested that a resolution is better
at making a point than influencing thinking. She also
suggested the Village might use the radon approach for this
issue (i.e., increase citizens’ level of awareness about it
by determining what the Village is doing and then
disseminating the information to be a model of trying to do
it better). Councilmember Moore suggested checking with the
EPA about lawn and golf-courses herbicides. Mayor Robertson
agreed that it was a good idea to move toward a policy, at
the same time hoping that consideration of the issue will
spill over to the schools. She also asked for information
about how a community could ban any given
pesticide/herbicide.

Councilmember Crais withdrew the resolution, then offered
to serve on a committee with Mayor Robertson to explore
this issue. She agreed.

[NOTE: At 9:06pm, Councilmember Crais was excused due to
illness. Council took a break and reconvened at 9:13pm.
Manager Hickman then asked that Council take advantage of
Chief Cartnal’s presence to ask him any questions they
might have.]

Chief Cartnal, speaking in response to stated concerns
about the behaviors of Denison students “living” in the
Pearl/Summit/Granger area, noted that the investigation re
the car vandalized with a beer keg is continuing. Patrols
had been beefed up in that area several weeks ago in
response to increasing complaints, including adding
officers on foot patrol. However, the noise and/or behavior
prompting complaints has usually abated by the time
officers arrive on the scene. The Chief emphasized that an
officer cannot issue a citation if he/she doesn’t witness a
violation. However, the person disturbed—and the neighbors,
if they are willing—can file a complaint and serve as
witnesses in court. Mayor Robertson asked that the
officers “patrol extra carefully and quietly, and enforce
the law when it needs to be enforced.” Councilmember
McGowan cited an OSU code of conduct tied in with the
University; Chief Cartnal reported that Granville does the
same. Mayor Robertson reported that Denison applies
penalties to students pleading guilty or being found guilty
in Mayor’s Court. One of the penalties she imposes in
Mayor’s Court, in an attempt to inform students of the
rules in general, is for an offender to write a letter to
the Denisonian laying out the penalties for certain
offenses.

Chief Cartnal agreed to provide school-related calls and
all race-related data to Council. Councilmember Moore asked
the Chief if anything had jumped out at him from his own
annual report. He responded that complaints had been at an
all-time high (3,573), while incidents and arrests were
down—the latter due to new officers being trained and the
fact the, contrary to popular opinion, Denison students
were behaving “far better than they used to.” Parking
tickets were “significantly higher,” due to permit parking.
He and Manager Hickman favor leaving the permit ordinance
in effect year-round and will likely request Council to
approve amending the language to do so. Chief Cartnal
reported that the bike patrol is back in operation and the
truck scale is now on the Department of Agriculture’s
yearly rounds for inspection. Once the penalty section on
tonight’s agenda is enacted, operations will begin in
earnest. He will be bringing the first few cases into
Mayor’s court to make sure everything is being done
correctly. Finally, he reported that the officers have had
middle-school “shadows” over the last two weeks.

[NOTE: Councilmember Bellman was excused at 9:26pm due to
illness.]

Resolution No. 01-32, A Resolution To Appoint Members To
The Granville Tree And Landscape Commission. [NOTE: This
appears on this agenda in error. At the meeting of April
18, 2001, it was tabled until May 16, 2001.]

8.    REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (9:38pm)
Regularly Scheduled Meeting, 18 April 2001. Councilmember
Moore requested three corrections: 1) page 2, discussion of
Resolution 01-32 – the first two sentences should refer to
Councilmember Lucier, not Councilmember Moore. 2) p. 3 –
first word on the page should be Vice, not “voice.” 3) p.
4, last sentence of “Discussion:” – change Mayor “Moore” to
Mayor Robertson. Councilmember McGowan moved to accept the
Minutes, as amended. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Motion
carried.

9.     COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:43pm)
Economic Development Committee (Councilmembers Crais,
Moore; Mayor Robertson)
Councilmember Moore reported that the committee had had a
good meeting with some of the property-owners on Cherry
Valley Road. The Committee also met with a representative
of Downtown Ohio, Inc. Details will be provided to Council
at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Finance Liaison (Councilmember Moore)
No report.
Newark-Granville Committee (Councilmember Bellman, Mayor
Robertson)  
No report.

Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan)  
    No report.

Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier)
Councilmember Lucier reported the commission is working on
the Heritage Overlay District, including recommended
changes in the Code as a follow-up to design work done a
while ago. They are finding, however, that commission rules
are inhibiting the discussion (i.e., the conduct
of “everyday business ” takes up so much time that special
discussions are hard to schedule and complete).

Recreation Commission (Councilmember McGowan)
Councilmember McGowan reported that the dedication for
Raccoon Park is set for Monday, May 7th. The National
Anthem will be sung at 6:30pm—the first use of the new
flagpole.

Streetlight Committee (Councilmember McGowan)
Councilmember McGowan reported that most of the new lights
have been installed.

Streets/Sidewalks/Utilities Committee (Councilmembers
Bellman and Crais, Vice Mayor Wernet)
No report.

Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore)
    Councilmember Moore reported, tongue in cheek, that
the Committee needs new members (see Resolution 01-32).

Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier).  
    No report.

10.    OTHER (9:47pm)
Resolution No. 01-39, A Resolution To Authorize The Village
Manager To Enter Into Negotiations For The Sale Of Water To
Kendal Corporation, was not formally introduced. Mayor
Robertson stated that she and Vice Mayor Wernet simply
wanted everyone to think about it over the next two weeks
before it is formally introduced on May 16th. Councilmember
McGowan stated that track-coaching commitments may keep him
from attending that meeting but he is in favor of this
proposal (as he was in favor of selling water to the
school). He anticipates that community questions about
private versus public water-access issues will be raised.
Mayor Robertson responded that she  believes the two
situations are different and will lay out her reasons in
two weeks. Responding to Councilmember Moore’s request for
clarification as to whether or not this was being done at
Kendal’s request, Mayor Robertson said that some
conversations have taken place and Kendal is aware of this
resolution but has not formally requested water service to
date. Part of her intent in introducing it is to
say “welcome to the community” to Kendal.
 
Mayor Robertson asked Manager Hickman for a report on the
county bus service. He responded that they are pleased and
have anywhere from 3-6 people on a regular basis. They have
also proposed a shuttle-bus service for July 4th. Manager
Hickman will pass the information along to Kiwanis so they
can decide what to do.

 11.  MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS (9:50pm)
May 6, 2001 – Comprehensive Plan Review Committee (7:30pm)
May 16, 2001 – Village Council Meeting (7:30pm)

12. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember McGowan moved to adjourn the meeting at
9:52pm. Second by Councilmember Lucier. Meeting adjourned.

Council Minutes 4/18/01

 VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
April 18, 2001


CALL TO ORDER (by Mayor Robertson at 7:33pm)

ROLL CALL (7:33pm)
Those responding to the roll call were Councilmembers
Bellman, Crais, Lucier, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor
Robertson; Manager Hickman, Law Director Crites.  
Councilmember Moore moved to excuse Councilmember McGowan;
second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion carried. [Councilmember
McGowan arrived at 7:36pm.]

Mayor Robertson amended the Agenda to add an Executive
Session after “Other,” for purposes of considering land
acquisition.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS (opened by Mayor Robertson at 7:34pm)
All Topics
None
 
Joint Economic Development Study
Councilmember Crais announced that Ms. Wimberger was unable
to attend this meeting and would be at the May 2nd session.
 
Mayor Robertson closed Citizens’ Comments at 7:35pm.

PUBLIC HEARING (7:35pm)
Ordinance No. 08-01, An Ordinance To Create A Sugar Loaf
Preservation Fund. No one appeared to speak for or against
the Ordinance.

NEW BUSINESS (7:36pm)
Resolution No. 01-30, A Resolution To Award The Bid For
Towing And Storage Of Motor Vehicles For The Police
Department, As Per Specifications, To Yonkers Towing And
Auto Care, Inc. And To Authorize The Village Manager To
Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was introduced by Vice
Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Lucier. [Manager
Hickman clarified that a tow would now cost $25, in
contrast to the previous charge of $35. Yonkers Towing will
do storage as well, with the ability to release an impound
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.] Motion carried.

Resolution No. 01-31, A Resolution To Award The Bid For The
Purchase Of A 4-Wheel- Drive Dump Truck, As Per
Specifications, To Bowman Chevrolet And To Authorize The
Village Manager To Enter Into An Agreement Therefore, was
introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember
Moore. [Manager Hickman clarified that this is a
replacement vehicle, that 4-wheel drive is needed, and that
a new truck will provide better value in the long run and
also has a new-vehicle warranty. He expects the truck to
last six years, during which time the replacement fund for
the next truck will be built. The old truck will be sold as
salvage.] Motion carried.

Resolution No. 01-32, A Resolution To Appoint Members To
The Granville Tree & Landscape Commission, was introduced
by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by Councilmember Moore.

Discussion: Councilmember Lucier asked if these openings
had been advertised. Manager Hickman said they had not.
Councilmember Lucier stated she had some concerns about
appointing someone who does not live in the Village, then
asked if the Tree & Landscape Commission was a formal
commission, per the Code. Manager Hickman responded that he
and Mr. Dorman are working to clarify the commission’s
status. Councilmember Bellman agreed about the advertising
any committee/commission positions that open up, especially
new ones. Councilmember Lucier moved to table the
resolution; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion-to-table
carried. [Manager Hickman asked that a decision be made by
the second meeting in May.]

Resolution No. 01-33, A Resolution To Authorize The Village
Manager To Seek Bids For Cedar Street Sidewalk Extension,
was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by
Councilmember Bellman.

Discussion: Manager Hickman explained that the original
budget appropriation took the sidewalk the entire length of
Cedar Street, plus the piece along North Pearl Street from
Cedar Street to Cedar Lane. The current request for funds
would allow the sidewalk to be extended along North Pearl
from Cedar Lane to the Schnaidt residence. There is already
$20,000 set aside for this, and any monies left over from
2000 would be added as well. Councilmember Lucier asked if
it were a higher priority to replace an existing sidewalk
than to add a new one. Manager Hickman said it was in this
case, since this is a dangerous section. Councilmember
Lucier noted that Burg Street is at least as dangerous,
especially where the sidewalk “just quits” about halfway up
the hill. Manager Hickman clarified that the plan is to
reposition the Pearl Street sidewalk 18-24” back from the
road, with a finished width of five feet. Councilmember
Bellman felt the added safety was certainly worth the
money. Responding to a question from Mayor Robertson about
the current position of the crosswalks in that area,
Manager Hickman said there is now one at the Schnaidt’s
driveway, just south of the Denison entrance, and a second
further north (though that one will not be restriped).
Councilmember Lucier pointed out that, with the crosswalk
on the south side of the Denison entrance, pedestrians had
to cross both North Pearl Street and the Denison road. She
suggested the crosswalk be repositioned on the north side
of the Denison entrance.

Vice Mayor Wernet agreed with Councilmember Lucier’s
concerns about Burg Street. Manager Hickman noted that
Denison students had put out a questionnaire on this
subject and he would try to get a copy of the responses. He
added that, while there is “technically” a 40-foot right-of-
way, the street jogs back and forth from side to side, and
there are houses and trees close to the road on both sides,
sometimes opposite each other. The road might have to be
straightened to install sidewalks and Manager Hickman
suggested it would be “reasonable” to do some engineering
over the next couple of years to explore the issue. Vice
Mayor Wernet added that the Streets & Sidewalks Commission
could discuss it as well, with a “reasonably high”
priority.

Councilmember McGowan asked if the North Pearl sidewalk
would be curbed. Manager Hickman responded that it would,
with a white “fog line” and 6-8” of pavement between the
traffic lane and the sidewalk. He also agreed with
Councilmember Lucier’s suggestion to move the crosswalk
north of the Denison entrance. When asked if Council needed
to vote on the resolution at this meeting, Manager Hickman
responded that the job needs to go to bid so he can line up
the contractor. If Council were to decide against the
appropriation at a later time, the process could be stopped
or a change-order written.

Councilmember Bellman asked if there would be a crosswalk
at Cedar Street. Councilmember Crais felt the Village
could “do better than just striping.” Vice Mayor Wernet
suggested the matter be sent to Streets & Sidewalks with a
request for them to bring back a recommendation. Mayor
Robertson suggested that everyone go look at the area
before next meeting. Councilmember Crais spoke in favor of
the resolution, noting that approving it meant being able
to address a dangerous section of sidewalk. He pointed out
that this is not a “zero-sum” situation (i.e., we don’t
have to choose between North Pearl and Burg Streets). He
also suggested that we do more than just paint the
crosswalks, perhaps talking to Denison about splitting the
cost for a brick crosswalk. Councilmember Moore asked if
this work was budgeted as part of the Cedar Street project.
Manager Hickman said it was separate, but budgeted. Motion
carried.

Ordinance No. 09-01, An Ordinance To Amend Ordinance No. 25-
00 Providing For Adjustments Of The Annual Budget For The
Fiscal Year 2001 And Revising Sums For Operating Expenses,
was introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet. Second by
Councilmember Bellman. Mayor Robertson set the public
hearing for May 2, 2001.

OLD BUSINESS (8:02pm)
Ordinance No. 08-01, An Ordinance To Create A Sugar Loaf
Preservation Fund, was re-introduced by Vice Mayor Wernet.
Second by Councilmember Moore.



Discussion: Vice Mayor Wernet, concerned that we make sure
not to violate any conditions created by the initial
dedication of the land to create this park (e.g., a
reversion of interest), asked that Law Director Crites
review the issue. Law Director Crites said he has already
begun a review and found some small issues re the
dissolution of the non-profit corporation (e.g., the
articles of incorporation must be amended). Councilmember
Moore asked how the Preservation Fund would be funded
(i.e., if monies would be transferred thereto from other
village funds). Manager Hickman responded that money from
the General Fund would be moved into the “G5” Fund (created
especially for this purpose—and designated as “G5” pursuant
to state regulations). Mayor Robertson asked if a committee
similar to the one that oversees Fanchion Lewis Park would
be created. Manager Hickman said it would, with no
legislation required. Mayor Robertson asked that we
advertise for interested citizens.

A Roll-Call Vote yielded seven (7) affirmative votes:
Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier, McGowan, and Moore;
Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson. Ordinance No. 08-01 is
adopted.

MAYOR'S REPORT (8:08pm)
The Mayor's Court Report for the month of March was
presented for review. Mayor Robertson commented on the
unusually large number of parking tickets; there was no
available explanation at the moment. Vice Mayor Wernet
moved that the report be filed; second by Councilmember
McGowan. Motion carried.  Mayor Robertson directed the
report be filed with the Clerk. A copy of said report is
attached as part of these minutes.

Ancillary Discussion: Councilmember Crais raised the
concerns of neighbors in the area bounded by Pearl,
College, Granger, and Summit Streets, about large numbers
of dogs running free. Manager Hickman said Councilmember
Crais should tell the neighbors to contact the GPD, who
will either handle the problem or advise the resident to
call the DogCatcher. Councilmember McGowan suggested we
also do periodic reminders to dog owners to pick up after
their pets.

Councilmember Crais raised the issue of student residents
in this same area. Students have been seen urinating on
peoples’ lawns, and a beer bottle was thrown through a
glass window on Summit Street. The students’ conduct is not
acceptable and it is widely felt that the student houses on
Granger and Pearl Streets are “out of control.”
Councilmember Crais noted that the Pearl Street house had
only been cited one time and asked Council to instruct the
Manager to apply the ordinance allowing us to deal with the
lessor. Councilmember Moore asked if Denison knew of these
houses; Mayor Robertson responded that they do know. While
there are virtually no legal off-campus residences, the
college cannot prevent students who pay room and board on
campus from using houses rented in town. Councilmember
Moore suggested that the Village get in touch with Denison.
Manager Hickman said he and Councilmember Crais would work
on the issue. Councilmember Crais reiterated his desire to
have the Village move on enforcing the lessor ordinance.
There was general agreement on Council that the student
houses have a truly detrimental effect on the neighborhoods
where they are.

Councilmember Crais asked when the truck scales would be
inspected and certified ready for use. He also mentioned
that water is pooling on the concrete and wondered if that
would affect the life of the surface. Manager Hickman said
the water pooling was not a structural concern but it does
look bad. He also noted that our officers have had a
training session with the State Patrol on the scale and it
has been used six or so times already. A couple of
citations have been issued. Councilmember McGowan asked
about landscaping around the scale; Manager Hickman said
they are working on it.

Councilmember Lucier asked it if were possible for GPD to
track school-related calls, complaints, etc. Vice Mayor
Wernet asked the same about race-related traffic stops.
Manager Hickman responded that Chief Cartnal does an annual
report that he will supply to Council and then include the
Chief’s monthly reports in Council packets from now on.
Councilmember Moore asked that the race data be reported
for everything, not just traffic stops.

MANAGER'S REPORT (8:23pm)
The Manager's Report for the month of March was presented
for review. Councilmember Moore posed the question everyone
is asking: Where’s the drinking fountain? Manager Hickman
said it had been taken out for repairs and painting (by
Abe’s Body Shop), then re-installed on a new stone base.
The fountain will bubble gently all the time—the only way
the dog bowl can be filled. Mayor Robertson asked Manager
Hickman to formally express Council’s thanks to Abe’s.
Councilmember Lucier asked about the status of the
Alexandria water contract. Manager Hickman apologized for
the delay and said he will move immediately to finalize it.
Councilmember Bellman complimented Manager Hickman on the
Main Street crosswalk. Manager Hickman clarified for Mayor
Robertson that the lights come on only when the button is
pushed; there is no motion sensor to activate the lights
when a vehicle is approaching. He added that the intent in
this arrangement is that the action/reaction of pressing
the button and then getting the light is to foster
awareness. Councilmember McGowan stressed that we need to
stress educating the citizens that traffic won’t stop
automatically, and encourage them to make sure they, and
their children, look both ways before crossing the street.
Manager Hickman noted that “Stop” signs are installed on
the bike path on both sides of the street, and warning
signs have been ordered for Main Street traffic. Vice Mayor
Wernet moved to accept the report; second by Councilmember
Crais.  Mayor Robertson directed the report be filed with
the Clerk. A copy of said report is attached as part of
these minutes.


REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES (8:32pm)
Regularly Scheduled Meeting of April 4, 2001.  The
following additions/corrections were requested:
Councilmember Moore, p.4 – Renumber “Minutes” to correct
the two “7s.” Councilmember McGowan moved to accept the
Minutes as amended; second by Vice Mayor Wernet. Motion
carried.
 
COMMITTEE REPORTS (8:35pm)
Development Committee (Councilmember Crais).
Councilmember Crais reported on the Committee’s “very
productive” meeting of two weeks ago with Hazel Morrow
Jones and Kathryn Wimberger of OSU. Eloise DeZwarte also
attended the meeting. In the near future, Ms. Wimberger
will submit a proposal to Council, while Ms. Jones will
submit one to the Township Trustees. The plan is for Ms.
Wimberger to submit an interim report by the end of May—
detailing the economic challenges facing the Village and
proposing some ideas about how Council might ensure the
economic viability of the community. Ms. Wimberger is
scheduled to attend the May 2nd Council meeting. Mayor
Robertson proposed that, quarter by quarter, perhaps
different groups of grad students could take the Village on
as a project, leading to an ongoing relationship with OSU.
Councilmember Crais reported that, in response to a request
from Ms. Wimberger to be reimbursed for mileage, he had
encouraged her to speak with Village staff. Councilmember
Moore announced that the Committee will meet on Thursday,
April 26th, at 7:30am at the Village Coffee Company to
discuss issues re Cherry Valley Road south of S.R. 16. A
number of property owners from that area will attend.
 
Finance Committee (Councilmember Moore).  
Councilmember Moore talked with Molly Roberts about the big
decline in the Village’s assessed valuation as reported by
the County Auditor—an issue every bit as confusing as the
Census Report. Ms. Roberts reported that the decline is in
the personal property tax valuations. The County Auditor
says that in 1999 they mistakenly included Owens-Corning in
the Village rather than the Township. The error was
discovered in mid-2000 and its correction caused the big
decline. Manager Hickman reported that the Village had
already made a refund to the County. Councilmember Lucier
commented on the fact that, contrary to the usual pattern,
income tax revenues for the first quarter had decreased
rather than increased. Manager Hickman said it might simply
be a function of when Denison makes its quarterly payment.
Councilmember Lucier asked that Manager Hickman keep an eye
on it and, if necessary, ask the Tax Commissioner to
explain.
 
Newark-Granville Joint Committee (Mayor Robertson)
Councilmember Bellman reported difficulty in reaching Craig
Baldwin. No further report.

Personnel Committee (Councilmember McGowan).  
Councilmember McGowan reported that he will set a meeting
with Manager Hickman and Molly Roberts.


Planning Commission (Councilmember Lucier).   
Councilmember Lucier was unable to attend the last meeting.
No report.

Rec Commission (Councilmember McGowan).   
Councilmember McGowan reported that the Commission has not
met since his last report. There was some discussion among
members of Council about where the bingo tent will go for
the July 4th fair, with Council leaning against locating it
in Opera House Park, preferring to investigate closing off
another street. Manager Hickman reported that the parade
application had just arrived earlier that day and he would
keep Council posted as details fell into place.

Street Light Committee (Councilmember McGowan).   
Manager Hickman reported that 19 new lights had been
installed along Newark-Granville and Jones Roads.
Councilmember McGowan expressed his appreciation.
 
Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee (Vice Mayor
Wernet).
Vice Mayor Wernet reported that the Committee had not met
since his last report but intended to meet the following
week.

Tree & Landscape Committee (Councilmember Moore).
No report.

Union Cemetery Board (Councilmember Lucier).  
No report. Manager Hickman noted that Councilmember
Lucier’s position on this Board would expire as of the
second Council meeting in May. Councilmember Lucier added
that she enjoys the job but was certainly willing to cede
her place to anyone else who might be interested. [Silence
greeted her announcement.]

OTHER (8:47pm)
Councilmember Crais noted that he hadn’t seen any published
notice announcing the formation of a strategic land
acquisition committee. Manager Hickman said he hadn’t
placed the ad yet. Councilmember Crais reported that we
have already received two names (Lori Green and Sara Neel)
and urged Manager Hickman to post the notice ASAP.

Councilmember Bellman referred to the letter from Tom
Burkett re the surface of the bike/pedestrian path next to
Denison’s property on North Street and asked if that was
Denison’s responsibility or the Village’s. Manager Hickman
reported that he had asked that the section be measured and
priced, after which he would approach Denison about
splitting the cost of the repairs (approximately $8,000).
He added that the Village had done the original
installation, including improvements to the splashway and
construction of the wooden footbridge.
Councilmember Bellman said he felt use of the Licking
County Transit shuttle service for July 4th was a great
idea. Manager Hickman will pass it along to Kiwanis.

Councilmember Lucier asked if Resolution 01-27 (re Council
rules) would be untabled at some future time. Councilmember
Bellman suggested it be dealt with piecemeal until it has
all been considered. Manager Hickman will schedule
accordingly.
 
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 2, 2001 – Village Council Meeting

EXEUTIVE SESSION (8:54pm)
Vice Mayor Wernet moved to go into executive session for
the discussion of acquisition of land; second by
Councilmember Bellman. A Roll Call vote yielded seven (7)
affirmative votes: Councilmembers Bellman, Crais, Lucier,
McGowan, and Moore; Vice Mayor Wernet, Mayor Robertson.