>> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: I'M GOING TO CALL THE FEBRUARY 3 [1. Call To Order] [00:00:03] MEETING OF THE WORTHINGTON CITY COUNCIL TO ORDER. SS, CAN YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL? WILL EVERYONE PLEASE RISE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG? >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: AS A FIRST NOTE I ANTED TO MENTION, I'M AWARE SOMEBODY SENT INFORMATION OUT TODAY TO PEOPLE'S HOMES SAYING THERE WAS GOING TO BE TESTIMONY TAKEN TONIGHT ON THE STAFFORD VILLAGE NATIONAL CHURCH RESIDENT PRO PROJECT. IF ANYBODY IS HERE FOR THAT, EVEN IF YOU TURNED IN A YELLOW SLIP, WE WERE ONLY GOING TO INTRODUCE IT. YOU WILL HAVE TO COME BACK ON THE 18TH, IN TWO WEEKS, IT'S OUR TRADITION WAY. WE INTRODUCE IT, TWO WEEKS LATER WE GIVE NOTICE TO BE ABLE TO PUT TOGETHER TESTIMONY TO KNOW WHEN WE'RE GOING TO HEAR SOMETHING. I'M LETTING PEOPLE KNOW THAT. YES? >> IT WOULD BE NICE TO GIVE CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER ANOTHER ASPECT OF THIS PROJECT TO HAVE ANYTHING SIGNIFICANT ON THE NIGHT YOU ARE VOTING ON THE P.U.D. IS FARCE. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: MOVING ON, WE HAVE A SPECIAL [4.A. Report on Board of Education Discussion of Worthington Pools/Swiminc Executive Summary: School Board President Nikki Hudson will report on the recent Worthington Board of Education's discussion of the needed improvements at Worthington Pools.] PRESENTATION TONIGHT FROM SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT, NIKKI HUDSON. WELCOME. WE'RE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HEAR WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD. >> MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, MEMBERS OF CITY GOVERNMENT. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN YOU THIS EVENING. I'M PLEASED TO SHARE I WILL SERVE AS THE LIAISON BETWEEN HE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE CITY AGAIN THIS YEAR. I SAY AGAIN BECAUSE I SE SERVEDT TWO YEARS AGO. I HAD JUST BEEN ELECTED. IT WAS MY FIRST TIME IN THAT CAPACITY, LET ALONE FIRST YEAR ON THE BOARD. I DON'T FEEL LIKE I NECESSARILY DID A GREAT DEAL IN FURTHERING THAT RELATIONSHIP. I EACHED OUT TO A FEW INDIVIDUALS ON CITY COUNCIL AT THE TIME. I WANT TO SUGGEST TO SET US UP FOR BETTER COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION, PERHAPS THERE CAN BE A POINT PERSON THAT YOU WOULD DECIDE, YOU WOULD DESIGNATE THAT I WOULD CONTACT. WHEN WE DON'T HAVE OVERLAPPING MEETINGS I'M MORE THAN GLAD TO COME TO YOUR MEETING AND SHARE AN UPDATE WITH ALL OF YOU. SOMETIMES WE OVERLAP IN MEETINGS. I THINK IT WOULD BE HELPFUL O ME, TO NOT REACH OUT TO EVERY ONE OF YOU TO SHARE WHATEVER INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE PASSED ON. SECOND, A SUMMARY FROM OUR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING ON JANUARY 27TH. WE DISCUSSED THE NATATORIUM. AND I'M PLEASED TO SHARE THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS SUPPORTIVE OF FINDING A WAY TO KEEP THE NATATORIUM OPEN. DURING THAT DISCUSSION PART OF THE WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT IS A JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT. SUPERINTENDENT MENTIONED A JRD WOULD NEED BOND AND OPERATING REVENUE WILL REQUIRE A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN TO OUR COMMUNITY. WITH OUR FOCUS AS A SCHOOL DISTRICT, WHICH MUST REMAIN ON OUR CORE MISSION, WE AND UNDERSTANDING THAT WE HAVE ADDITIONAL CAMPAIGNS THAT ARE GOING TO BE COMING UP FOR ADDITIONAL PHASES. TO ADDRESS OUR CAPACITY NEEDS AND AGING FACILITIES. WHILE WE ARE INTERESTED IN A JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT WE WILL IT WOULD BE SOMETHING THE CITYWIDE NEED TO TAKE THE LEAD ON. I THINK THAT'S A HUGE CAVEAT. BUT IF THE CITY AND CITY COUNCIL IS STILL INTERESTED IN FURTHER EXPLORING THAT OPTION, WE WOULD REQUEST THE CITY PUT TOGETHER A PROPOSAL ITH A TIMELINE. WE TALKED ABOUT IF WE TOOK ON THE NATATORIUM, BEING PREPARED TO MAKE REPAIRS IN THE INTERIM. THAT WOULD BE AN ALTERNATIVE TO A JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT. A TIMELINE WOULD BE IMPORTANT AND ALSO WHAT ROLE YOU WOULD ENVISION THE CITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT PLAYING IN A JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: ANY COUNCILMEMBERS HAVE QUESTIONS OR THOUGHTS OR ANYTHING REGARDING THIS? MS. DOROTHY? >> R. DOROTHY: I'M SUPER EXCITED TO HEAR THE SCHOOL BOARD IS SUPPORTIVE OF THE NATATORIUM, WHICH IS THE BUILDING THAT HOUSES THE INDOOR POOL THAT HAS THE SWIM TEAM, WATER POLO AND DIVE TEAM. AND THE CITY ALSO HAS QUITE A [00:05:02] VESTED INTEREST IN KEEPING THAT OPEN IN ADDITION TO THE OUTSIDE POOL. I DON'T THINK WE MADE A DECISION AS A BODY. I KNOW ME PERSONALLY I WOULD LIKE TO PURSUE KEEPING BOTH OPEN. AND I WOULD LOVE TO PUT TOGETHER PROPOSAL AND A TIMELINE. BUT I WOULD LOVE TO ALSO HEAR WHAT OTHER COUNCILMEMBERS SAY. THANK YOU FOR EEPING US INFORMED. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD AND COLLABORATING ON THIS ISSUE AND MANY MORE TO COME. >> EXCELLENT. THANK YOU. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: DISCUSSION THAT WENT INTO THIS RECOMMENDATION FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD. >> B. KOWALCZYK: AND RECOGNIZING THAT THESE ARE COMMUNITY ASSETS AND WE SHOULD BE WORKING TOGETHER. IN TERMS OF THE CITY TAKING THE LEAD, WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU ENVISION THAT BEING? >> I DON'T KNOW THAT WE HAVE A SET VISION FOR THAT. A LARGE PART OF OUR DISCUSSION TALKED ABOUT THE ACTUAL CAMPAIGN. IT TAKES A LOT TO RUN A CAMPAIGN OF THAT SIZE. FOR OUR ENTIRE DISTRICT. AND THAT IS, WE HAVE A BODY OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS THAT DO THAT. NOT ALL THAT COME BACK. BUT WE HAVE TO TAP INTO THAT BODY OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS. WE'RE GOING TO BE TAPPING INTO THEM EVERY FOUR YEARS ON A REGULAR BASIS FOR A WHILE TO ADDRESS CAPACITY AND AGING FACILITIES. SO I THINK THAT'S ONE OF THE MAIN CONCERNS. IS OUR ABILITY TO, WHO WOULD RUN THE CAMPAIGN? LIKE WE WOULD ENVISION THE CITY TAKING THE LEAD IN THAT. >> B. KOWALCZYK: YOU WOULDN'T BE OPPOSED TO THE VOLUNTEERS BEING PART OF THAT CAMPAIGN. >> I CAN'T IMAGINE THAT BEING A BARRIER. >> AND A PART FROM ANY CAMPAIGN. PUTTING TOGETHER THE FRAMEWORK, LEGAL WORK THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE. I DON'T KNOW THAT WE S A CITY COULD GET THAT DONE. I THINK THE DEADLINE TO PUT IT ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT WOULD BE AUGUST. DO YOU DISCUSS WHETHER THE SCHOOL RESOURCES WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THAT PROCESS? >> WE DID NOT. THAT WILL BE A OOD STARTING POINT, WHAT A TIMELINE WOULD LOOK LIKE. IF WE W WANTED ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT, WHAT DATE WHAT WE NEED TO ACCOMPLISH THAT AND DETERMINE A PROPOSAL AS TO WHAT RESOURCES WOULD GO TO THAT. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR COMING. WE APPRECIATE IT. ANOTHER ISSUE WAS THE MEMBERSHIP OF A JOINT RECREATION DISTRICT. OBVIOUSLY, WE WOULD SAY A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE SCHOOL AND CITY OF WORTHINGTON. BUT A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE WORTHINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT IS CITY OF COLUMBUS. DO WE WANT SOMEBODY FROM COLUMBUS ON THE RECREATION COMMISSION? OR THE TOWNSHIP? I THINK THAT'S ANOTHER DISCUSSION IS WHAT JURISDICTIONS SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECREATION DISTRICT? AND THEN, I KIND OF ENVISION THAT THE PEOPLE GET APPOINTED AND THE DISTRICT IS CREATED, THE DISTRICT ITSELF AND THE MEMBERS ARE THE ONES WHO ACTUALLY LEAD THE CAMPAIGN. IS THE WAY I WOULD ENVISION IT. WHEN YOU HAVE -- I LOOK AT RECREATION DISTRICT AS VERY MUCH A PARK LIKE METRO PARKS. WHEN YOU HAVE A METRO PARKS BALLOT ISSUE, IT'S THE METRO PARKS BOARD AND GROUP THAT LEAD THE CAMPAIGN. THAT'S KIND OF BONNIE'S VIEW. WE HAVEN'T DISCUSSED THIS AS A COUNCIL. THAT'S A BONNIE VIEW ON THAT. >> SURE. OKAY. >> EVERYTHING PRESIDENT MICHAEL MENTIONED, IS THAT WHAT YOU ARE REQUESTING AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO DETERMINE HAT THE NEXT STEPS AND FRAMEWORK SHOULD LOOK LIKE? >> D. SMITH: IS THAT THE TYPE OF INFORMATION Y YOU ARE LOOKING F? >> I WOULD RECOMMEND PUTTING TOGETHER A PROPOSAL THAT PUTS TOGETHER WHO WOULD BE INVOLVED, THE TIMELINE AND RESOURCES TO MEET THAT TIMELINE. AND WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO US AND A PROPOSAL, IT'S ONE-SIDED, YOU CAN IMAGINE IF YOU ARE IN OUR SEAT, WHAT OLE WOULD YOU ANTICIPATE AND RESOURCES WOULD YOU ANTICIPATE US NEEDING TO BRING TO THE TABLE. >> >> D. SMITH: SCHOOL BOARD WANT REPRESENTATION, CALL IT AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO DETERMINE THAT FRAMEWORK >> WE'RE ASKING YOU TO PUT TOGETHER THAT PROPOSAL. [00:10:04] >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: YOU THINK? >> M. GREESON: WE WOULD BE GLAD TO DO THAT. I ASKED MR. BARNHARDT TO CONTINUE HIS FINE WORK. AND GATHER SOME MORE RESEARCH FROM JOINT RECR RECREATION DISTS IN OHIO, INCLUDING LEGISLATION, HOW THEY GOT TO WHERE THEY ARE, WHAT THEIR BUDGETS LOOK LIKE. THAT KIND OF STUFF SO WE CAN INFORM THAT CONVERSATION SOME MORE. GRADUALLY BUILD IT. AND WE WOULD BE GLAD TO PUT T ON THE AGENDA AS SOON AS PRACTICAL. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: I WANT TO THANK MR. BARNHARDT FOR THE WONDERFUL REPORTS. I THINK WE ALL APPRECIATE THE HARD WORK YOU ARE DOING. ANYTHING? >> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPOR OPPORTUNITY. LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: THANK YOU FOR COMING. NORMALLY WE INTRODUCE STUDENTS. WE HAVE A COUPLE. WHAT SCHOOL ARE YOU FROM? PARDON ME? WORTHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL? WORTHINGTON WAY MIDDLE SCHOOL. WELCOME. AND I ASSUME YOU ARE HERE FOR CIVICS OR? NO? WHAT ARE YOU HERE FOR? OH, BOY SCOUT BADGE. OKAY, GREAT. WE HAVE OTHER STUD STUDENTS IN E BACK? I WASN'T SURE. YOU LOOKED OUNG ENOUGH. I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND ME ASKING BECAUSE YOU LOOK YOUNG ENOUGH. OKAY. NO PROBLEM WITH YOU LOOKING YOUTHFUL. WE'RE MOVING ONTO THE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES. [6. Approval of the Minutes] JANUARY 13TH AND JANUARY 21. MOVE FOR APPROVAL BY MR. BOOKER. SECONDED BY MS. KOWALCZYK. ANY CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AMENDMENTS? IF NOT, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE. OPPOSED? MINUTES ARE APPROVED. THEN WE AVE ORDINANCE NUMBER 1 [7.A. Ordinance No. 01-2020 Granting a Temporary Easement to Columbia Gas] 1-2020. GRANTING A TEMPORARY EASEMENT TO COLUMBIA GAS GRANTING A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT TO COLUMBIA GAS OF OHIO, INC. OVER THE PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF WORTHINGTON AT 7200 HUNTLEY ROAD FOR MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT STORAGE TO ACCOMMODATE THE RELOCATION OF UTILITIES AS PART OF THE NORTHEAST GATEWAY PROJECT. MR. GREESON. >> M. GREESON: PRESIDENT MICH AEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE MR. LINDSEY OR WHITED TO TALK ABOUT THIS A LITTLE BIT. IT'S ONE OF THE MANY FACETS OF ORNORTHEAST GATEWAY PROJECT WE'RE UNDERTAKING. >> THANK YOU, MR. GREESON. PRESIDENT MICHAEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, AS PART OF THE GATEWAY PROJECT, SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF UTILITY RELOCATION WORK CCURS FIRST. I BELIEVE MR. WHITED AND BREM IN OUR UPDATE TALKED ABOUT THAT TIMELINE. WE'RE NTICIPATING THAT WILL START IN THE MARCH/APRIL TIMEFRAME. AND LEAD UP TO THE ACTUAL START OF CONSTRUCTION WORK NEXT FALL. AS PART OF THAT COLUMBIA GAS HAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RELOCATION WORK TO DO. REMOVING ITS EXISTING MIGHT HAPPENS AND REPLACING THEM TO ACCOMMODATE PIPELINES, WHERE THE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE. AS YOU KNOW, WE PURCHASED THE PROPERTY AT 7200 HUNTLEY AND THAT HAS BEEN DEMOLISHED AS REPORTED LAST MONTH. AND WE ANTICIPATE USING THAT PROPERTY AS A STAGING AREA FOR THE COLUMBIA GAS RELOCATION. I WANT TO, WHILE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THIS, ALSO MENTION ALSO IN THE AGENDA FOR THIS EVENING, THE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WE'LL ENTER INTO WITH COLUMBIA GAS BECAUSE THEY OWN THE EASEMENTS THEY ARE IN AND NOT SYM SIMPLY E OUR RIGHT-OF-WAY BUT HAVE THEIR OWN OWNERSHIP INTEREST, WE HAVE TO REIMBURSE THEM FOR THAT. THAT WILL COME UP LATER. IT'S RELATED AND HOPEFULLY SH SHORTEN THE NEXT TIME I TONG. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. THIS IS TO FACILITATE THAT RELOCATION WORK. >> YOU DID A GREAT JOB. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: COUNCIL QUESTIONS? [00:15:02] >> R. DOROTHY: WHEN WOULD THE PROJECT START MOVING FORWARD? >> AGAIN, THAT'S ACTUALLY THE NEXT AGENDA ITEM. THAT WILL BEGIN IN THE SPRING. IT WILL TAKE SEVERAL MONTH TO GET IT COMPLETED IN TIME FOR THE AUGUST OR START OF MAJOR PROJECT NEXT YEAR. >> >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: CAN YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL ON ORDINANCE 1-2020. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: YES. ORDINANCE 1-2020 IS PASSED. [7.B. Ordinance No. 02-2020 Appropriation - Utility Relocation for the Northeast Gateway Project] ORDINANCE 2-2020. AMENDING ORDINANCE 46-2019. AS AMENDED. TO ADJUST THE ANNUAL BUDGET BY PROVIDING FOR AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCE TO PAY THE COSTS OF THE NE GATEWAY-UTILITY RELOCATION AND ALL RELATED EXPENSES AND DETERMINING TO PROCEED WITH SAID PROJECT. PROJECT NO. 602-14. MR. GREESON. >> M. GREESON: PRESIDENT MICH AEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, THIS IS A $1.2 MILLION WE NEED TO ADVANCE FOR EXTENSIVE UTILITY, BY AT&T, COLUMBIA GAS, AND CENTURY LINK. DAN AND MR. LINDSEY CAN TALK ABOUT THAT. WE WILL BE REIMBURSED ABOUT $1,144,000 OF THAT BY THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION. WE PAY FOR IT. WE GET REIMBURSED. IF YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT MR. WHITED OR MR. LINDSEY ABOUT ANY OF THE ACTUAL PROJECT I WELCOME YOU TO DO SO. >> PRESIDENT MICHAEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, THIS IS A HUGE PROJECT. THE NATURE AND MAGNITUDE REQUIRES A LOT OF WORK. I KNOW $1.2 MILLION SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF MONEY. THANKS TO OUR CONSULTANTS AND STAFF, WE WERE ABLE TO GET 95% REIMBURSED. THIS IS THROUGH OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION. THAT IS A HUGE WIN AND WE'RE HAPPY FOR THAT. AND MS. DOROTHY HAD GOTTEN ME EARLY ON THE QUESTION ABOUT WHEN IT WOULD START. WE HOPE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT'S EXTREMELY NECESSARY TO GET THAT DONE SO WE CAN PROCEED WITH THE REMAINDER OF THE PROJECT AND GET THAT ROLLING. I SHOULD HAVE AID IN LATE AUGUST, EARLY SEPTEMBER. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: QUESTI? ANYBODY HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? IF NOT, MS. THRESS, CAN YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL FOR THE ORDINANCE 2-2020? >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: YES. ORDINANCE 2-2020 IS PASSED. [7.C. Ordinance No. 03-2020 Appropriation - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations & Kilbourne Building] ORDINANCE 3-2020, AMENDING ORDINANCE AS AMENDED, ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS & KILBOURNE BUILDING AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 45-2019 (AS AMENDED) TO ADJUST THE ANNUAL BUDGET BY PROVIDING FOR APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE GENERAL FUND UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCE TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE REIMBURSABLE CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION PAYMENT PROCESS AND THE INCREASED PROPERTY TAXES AT THE KILBOURNE MEMORIAL LIBRARY BUILDING. MR. GREESON. >> M. GREESON: PRESIDENT MICHAEL , MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, REALLY, THIS IS TWO SEPARATE AND UNRELATED ISSUES COMBINED IN APPROPRIATION, ONE RELATED TO ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS YOU HEARD A LOT ABOUT IN RECENT WEEKS. I BELIEVE ONE IS NOW LIVE. THE SECOND IS ABOUT THE KILBOURNE MEMORIAL LIBRARY BUILDING. WHERE WE'RE A LANDLORD. AND WE PAY THE TAXES AND THOSE ARE FROM THE TENANT. I'M GOING TO ASK MR. BARDER TO TOUCH ON THESE. AND BE GLAD TO ANSWER QUESTION SAID. >> PRESIDENT MICHAEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, THIS IS AN APPROPRIATION CREATING IT'S OWN BUDGETARY LINE AT THE EV CHARGING STATIONS. AND THEN THE FEES THAT CHARGE POINT CHARGES. AND THEN ADDITIONALLY, THE PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS WE UNDER BILLED BECAUSE OF INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES. THAT NEW AMOUNT WILL COVER THAT. THOSE EXPENSES ARE REIMBURSED TO US BY BOTH, SO TO SPEAK AND COHATCH. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE. >> R. DOROTHY: WHERE WE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH OUR TENANTS? DO THANK YOU VERY MUCH THIS IS COMING? >> WE AVE. WE SET HEM UP ON MONTHLY BILLING. THEY ARE ALL SET. >> R. DOROTHY: EXCELLENT. >> PRO TEM S. MYERS: CHARGING STATION FEES, WE'RE FRONTING AND RECOUP THE BULK, CORRECT? >> YES. >> PRO TEM S. MYERS: OTHER THAN THE 10% FEE. OKAY. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: MS. TH RESS, CAN YOU PLEASE ROLE ON ORDINANCE 3-2020. [00:20:10] ORDINANCES 3-2020 IS PASSED. MOVING ONTO NEW LEGISLATION. [8.A. Resolution No. 04-2020 Accept BWC Grant - Particulate Blocking Hoods.] RESOLUTION NO. 04-2020 ACCEPT BWC GRANT - PARTICULATE BLOCKING HOODS. TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE OHIO BUREAU OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION - FIREFIGHTER EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS GRANT (FEEEG) FOR PARTICULATE BLOCKING (FIREFIGHTING) HOODS AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY GRANT DOCUMENTATION. INTRODUCED BY MR. SMITH, MOVED BY ADOPTION BY MR. MEYERS, SECONDED BY MS. DOROTHY. MR. GREESON. >> M. GREESON: PRESIDENT MICHAEL, I'M GOING TO ASK CHIEF BAILOT TO TALK ABOUT WHAT WE'RE DOING HERE. CHIEF? >> THANK YOU, MR. GREESON, PRESIDENT MICHAEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL. ONE OF OUR FIREFIGHTERS, CHRIS COURTNEY, TOOK ON THE ROLE TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE BUREAU OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION UNDER THEIR FEE G GRANT. I'M NOT GOING TO GO THROUGH THE WHOLE LINE. FEEEG GRANT. WE WERE SUCCESSFUL WITH THE GRANT. THE GRANT WILL PURCHASE 50 PARTICULATE HOODS. IN OUR INDUSTRY, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT'S EXTREMELY PREVALENT, UNFORTUNATELY, IS FIREFIGHTER CANCER. THESE HOODS ARE DESIGNED TO HELP BLOCK OUT THE PARTICULATES THAT ARE KNOWN TO BE CANCER CAUSING. WE HAVE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE THESE HOODS UNDER THE GRANT TO GIVE YOUR FIREFIGHTERS THAT NEXT LEVEL OF SAFETY. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: ALLBY SAYING AYE. OPPOSED, RESOLUTION IS PASSED. [8.B. Resolution No. 05-2020 NE Gateway Pipeline Relocation - Columbia Gas] RESOLUTION 5-2020. AUTHORIZING A PIPELINE RELOCATION AGREEMENT WITH COLUMBIA GAS OF OHIO, INC. FOR THE NORTHEAST GATEWAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. (PROJECT NO. 602-14). INTRODUCED BY MR. BOOKER, SECONDED BY MS. KOWALCZYK. MR. GREESON. >> M. GREESON: MR. LINDSEY HAS MORE TO SAY ON THIS. >> ONE ASPECT I WILL BE ASKING IF COUNCIL WOULD MOVE TO AMEND THE WHEREAS, THE LAST WHEREAS CLAUSE. LATE LAST WEEK, COLUMBIA GAS UPDATED THEIR PLANS, WHICH RESULTED IN A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE ESTIMATED COST TO THE RELOCATION. THAT NEW NUMBER IS 894467. 894467. AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, THESE RELOCATION OF PIPELINES IN OWNED EASEMENTS IS A REQUIREMENT OF THE O.D.O.T. MANUAL BY WHICH WE HAVE TO FOLLOW BECAUSE WE'RE USING STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS. SO WE HAVE TO MAKE THIS REIMBURSEMENT. THE BENEFIT AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED IS THAT SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THESE ARE BEING REIMBURSED. >> WE AMEND THIS RESOLUTION TO REFLECT THE DOLLAR FIGURE 894,467. SECONDED BY MR. MEYERS. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE. OF APPROVING THE AMENDMENT, ONLY, SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE? OPPOSED? ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GENERAL RESOLUTION? >> PRO TEM S. MYERS: IS THIS TIED TO THE APPROPRIATION IN 02, 2020. THIS IS PART OF WHAT WE JUST APPROPRIATED? IN ADDITION TO? >> CORRECT. THEY ARE THE OVERWHELMING BULK OF THE APPROPRIATION BECAUSE THEY OWN THE EASEMENT. THE OTHERS USE OUR RIGHT-OF-WAY AS FREE ACCESS. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: QUESTI? IF NOT, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE. OPPOSED? OKAY, RESOLUTION 5-2020 HAS PASSED. [8.C. Resolution No. 06-2020 Amendment to Development Plan - 300 East Wilson Bridge Road (MedVet)] RESOLUTION 6-2020. AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 300 EAST WILSON BRIDGE ROAD AND AUTHORIZING A VARIANCE (MEDVET MEDICAL & CANCER CENTER FOR PETS). INTRODUCED BY MS. DOROTHY, MOVED FOR ADOPTION BY MR. ROBINSON, SECONDED BY MR. BOOKER. MR. GREESON? >> M. GREESON: PRESIDENT MICH AEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, WE'RE EXCITED WHEN MEDVET DECIDED TO INCREASE THEIR FACILITIES AND GROWTH. THEY ARE AN IMPORTANT EMPLOYER IN WORTHINGTON. THIS IS ON THE CLINICAL BUILDING. [00:25:03] MR. BROWN IS GOING TO TOUCH ON WHAT HEY ARE DOING HERE. >> THANK YOU, MR. GREESON. PRESIDENT MICHAEL, MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, AS YOU MAY CAN BOW WHEN A PROPERTY IS IN THE C3 ZONING DISTRICT AND GREATER THAN 2 ACRES, THE PROPERTY IS SUBJECTTA A DEVELOPMENT PLAN, WITH ADDITIONAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS REQUIRED AS PART OF THE PLAN. YOU HAVE A 15-FOOT SIDE YARD. WHEN YOU HAVE A DEVELOPMENT PLAN, YOU ARE SUBJECT TO 30-FOOT SIDE YARD. THE MAIN REASON THE APPLICANT IS HERE TONIGHT. AS PART OF THEIR CONTINUED IMPROVEMENTS AT THEIR FACILITY, LAST YEAR THEY CAME THROUGH AND DID SOME IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE BUILDING. AS PART OF WHAT THEY PROPOSE TONIGHT, THE NORTH EASTERN SIDE OF THE BUILDING, THEY ARE DOING A GENERATOR AND FENCE ENCLOSURE COMING CLOSER TO THE SIDE PROPERTY LINE, BRINGING IT DOWN TO 19 FEET 3 INCHES. AND ALSO, THEY ARE DOING FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE A VARIANCE, A STAIRWELL AND EVERYTHING TO ACCESS ADDITIONAL LEVELS ON THE SECOND FLOOR. AS PART OF THE APPROVAL, THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION ON JANUARY 23RD, THEY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL ONTO CITY COUNCIL WITH THE LIMITED DEVELOPMENT PLAN WITH THE VARIANCE. AGAIN, I THINK PLANNING AND PLANNINGCOMMISSION AND STAFF FOT INTERESTING THEY DO NOT HAVE A GENERATOR ON SITE. THEY HAVE TO BRING IN PORTABLE GENERATORS TO POWER UP SERVICES. THEY FELT IT WAS A DEFINITE NEED IN CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY. IT'S SET BACK FROM EAST WILSON BRIDGE ROAD SCREENING AROUND IT. AND FELT IT WAS COMPATIBLE WITH THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORS. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS? >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: ANYBODY HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS? THIS IS A CRITICAL FACILITY FOR ANYBODY WHO HAS PETS. >> R. DOROTHY: DO WE HAVE SOUND DEADENING APPLICATIONS. >> WHEN IT WENT TO PLANNING COMMISSION, TYPICALLY WE'LL SEE A GENERATOR GOING INTO A RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE. AND AS PART OF THE APPROVAL THEY DISCUSS THE HOURS OF OPERATION. WITH THIS IT WENT TO A DISCUSS DURING DAYTIME HOURS. IT'S IN A COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR. IT WAS A LITTLE BIT EASIER WITH THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORS. FELT COMFORTABLE ITH IT STARTING OUT] >> R. DOROTHY: I MEAN, THERE IS A GENERATOR ENCLOSURE. IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S DONE APPROPRIATELY. BUT I AS LOOKING IF THERE WAS MORE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS. >> I WOULD HAVE TO DEFER TO THE APPLICANT. THE APPLICANT PURCHASED ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO, HE NEIGHBORING PROPERTY TO THE EAST. PART OF THEIR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES. >> R. DOROTHY: WE DON'T HAVE LETTERS FROM THEM COMPLAINING? >> NO, NO COMPLAINTS. ALWAYS NICE TO HEAR THEIR CONTINUED EXPANSION INTO OUR COMMUNITY. WHAT YOU SEE HERE IS WHAT WAS ADDED ON LAST YEAR FOR THE -- TWO AND A HALF THREE YEARS AGO NOW, A SIMILAR THING WILL BE ON THE SOUTHEASTERN SIDE TOWARD WILSON BRIDGE ROAD. THE GENERATOR IS SET BACK FROM WILSON BRIDGE ROAD. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: APPLICANT IS HERE. I HAVE ONE QUESTION. WOULD YOU MIND COMING UP? >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: I WAS GOING TO GIVE HER THE CHANCE. BECAUSE SHE HAD A SPEAKER FORM. LINN WACKRY. >> PRO TEM S. MYERS: I FORGOT TO ASK MPC, IS THIS A NATURAL GAS GENERATOR? >> I BELIEVE IT'S DIESEL. YES. >> SIDE OF THE BUILDING, IT'S NOT CLOSE TO ANY RESIDENTIAL AREA. IT'S AGAIN, THEY ARE THEIR OWN NEIGHBOR. >> R. DOROTHY: I APPRECIATE YOU HAVING THE EMERGENCY GENERATOR. WE BROUGHT OUR LOVED ONES HAPPY, HAD HAPPY RESULTS. VERY HAPPY YOU ARE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANTED TO ADD? ANYBODY ELSE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? IF NOT, BY SAYING AYE. OOPPOSED? [00:30:03] CONGRATULATIONS. RESOLUTION 7-2020. [8.D. Resolution No. 07-2020 Contract - Evolved Lighting Solutions] AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT WITH EVOLVED LIGHTING SOLUTIONS FOR THE 2019 WORTHINGTON STREET LIGHT LED RETROFIT PROJECT. (PROJECT NO. 655-17) INTRODUCED BY MS. KOWALCZYK. MOVED FOR ADOPTION BY MR. SMITH. SECONDED BY MR. MEYERS. MR. GREESON. >> M. GREESON: PRESIDENT MICHAE, THIS ALLOWS ME TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THIS COMPANY TO COMPLETE THE L.E.D. LIGHTING PROJECT, I THINK ABOUT 30 LIGHTS FROM BEING COMPLETED USING A LITTLE LEFT OVER FUNDS FROM THE PROJECT LAST YEAR. AND $25,000 THAT WAS IN THE C.I.P. FOR THIS YEAR. WE'RE EXCITED TO KIND OF CONTINUE IMPLEMENTING YOUR SUSTAINABILITY PRIORITIES, WHICH HAVE BEEN TO EXPLORE WAYS WE CN BECOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT. ONE OF THOSE IS TAKING OLD DOWNTOWN LIGHTS AND MAKING THEM L.E.D. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: THIS WE KNEW THESE WEREN'T METERED BUT WE WERE GOING TO SEE HOW MUCH ENERGY? >> OUR ESTIMATE IS 4,000-KILOWATTS OVER THAT PERIOD OF TIME, ABOUT $87,000. AND THE PROJECT WILL START IN ABOUT 6-8 WEEKS AND LAST A COUPLE OF WEEKS. >> R. DOROTHY: ALL OF OUR LIGHTS WILL LOOK THE SAME? >> ALONG 161 AND HIGH STREET, >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: CONVERT ING OUR STREETLIGHTS TO L.E.D. LIGHTING FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND EVERYTHING AND BEING A LITTLE MORE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABLE. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? IF NOT, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE. OPPOSED? RESOLUTION 7-2020 HAS PASSED. [8.E. Ordinance No. 04-2020 Appropriation - Selby Park Playground Replacement Project] INTRODUCING NEW LEGISLATION, 4-2020. AMENDING ORDINANCE 45-2019 AS AMENDED. TO ADJUST THE ANNUAL BUDGET BY PROVIDING FOR AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCE TO PAY THE COST OF THE SELBY PARK PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PROJECT AND ALL RELATED EXPENSES AND DETERMINING TO PROCEED WITH SAID PROJECT. (PROJECT NO. 704-20 INTRODUCED BY MS. DOROTHY. [8.F. Ordinance No. 05-2020 Appropriation - Perry Park Backflow Preventer Relocation] ORDINANCE NO. 05-2020 APPROPRIATION - PERRY PARK BACKFLOW PREVENTER RELOCATION AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 45-2019 (AS AMENDED) TO ADJUST THE ANNUAL BUDGET BY PROVIDING FOR AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCE TO PAY THE COST OF THE PERRY PARK BACKFLOW PREVENTER PROJECT AND ALL RELATED EXPENSES AND DETERMINING TO PROCEED WITH SAID PROJECT. (PROJECT NO. 705-20 INTRODUCED BY MR. ROBINSON. ORDINANCE NO. 06-2020 [8.G. Ordinance No. 06-2020 Appropriation - Northbrook Relief Sewer Improvements - Phase II Project] APPROPRIATION - NORTHBROOK RELIEF SEWER IMPROVEMENTS - PHASE II PROJECT AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 45-2019 (AS AMENDED) TO ADJUST THE ANNUAL BUDGET BY PROVIDING FOR AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCE TO PAY FOR THE TREE CLEARING FOR NORTHBROOK RELIEF SEWER IMPROVEMENTS AND ALL RELATED EXPENSES AND DETERMINING TO PROCEED WITH SAID PROJECT. (PROJECT NO. 656-17). INTRODUCED BY -- >> M. GREESON: IF WE COULD INTRODUCE THIS FOR THE 10TH, THAT WOULD BE AN ADVANTAGE FOR THE PROJECT, I BELIEVE. WHAT WE'RE DOING HERE IS WE'RE MOVING THIS SEGMENT OF THE PROJECT FORWARD, SEPARATE FROM THE REMAINING PART OF THE PROJECT BECAUSE WE HAVE TIMELINES ASSOCIATED WITH TREE CLEARING AND AVOIDING IMPACTS TO INDIANA BATS. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: [8.H. Ordinance No. 07-2020 Rezoning - Stafford Village - Northeast Corner of Hartford Street & East Stafford Avenue] AMEND THE ADDITIONAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF WORTHINGTON, OHIO. TO CHANGE ZONING OF CERTAIN LAND FROM THE R-10 DISTRCT, R-6.5 DISTRICT AND THE AR-4.5 DISTRICT TO PUD, PLANNED USE DISTRICT (NORTHEAST CORNER OF HARTFORD STREET & EAST STAFFORD AVENUE). INTRODUCED BY MS. KOWALCZYK. [9. Reports of City Officials] MOVING ONTO REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS. MR. GREESON. >> M. GREESON: PRESIDENT MICHAEL, JUST A COUPLE BRIEF THINGS. THE FIRST IS GROUND-HOG DAY WAS YESTERDAY. BUT OUR GROUND HOG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EV EVENT IS TOMORROW. AS ALWAYS, DR. BOWERS AND MR. GIBSON AND I WILL BE ENTERTAINING PIFFY. AND INFORMATIVE. AND I HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US. WE'RE ALSO PLEASED THE VICE [00:35:04] CHAIR OF THE VISIONING COMMITTEE, AUSTIN MITCHELL IS GOING TO SPEAK ABOUT THE VISIONING PROCESS AND JOIN US IN THIS IMPORTANT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT, WE DO ANNUALLY TALKING ABOUT THE STATE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS. ONE OF THE THINGS, I'VE GOTTEN A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS. I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW, WE'VE BEEN IN TACH AND IN CONTACT WITH COLUMBIA PUBLIC HEALTH AND HAVE STAFF MONITORING PUBLIC HEALTH FORUMS, AS WELL AS IN CONVERSATION WITH THEM. I'LL SHARE SOME INFORMATION, VIA EMAIL TOMORROW ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGES THAT OUR PA PARTNERS AT COLUMBUS ARE PUTTING OUT ABOUT THAT ISSUE. AND WE'LL MEET IN THE COMING DAYS AS A STAFF JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE REVIEWING OUR PLANS AND ARE ALL UP TO SPEED ON THAT MATTER. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT IT AFTER WE SEND OUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNICATIONS THAT THEY HAVE PROVIDED, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO ASK US. LASTLY, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR AT YOUR PLACE MEMO OR PACKET. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS A VARIETY OF THINGS WE INCLUDE IN THAT EACH WEEK. MANY OF WHICH ARE INFORMATION ITEMS. BUT THERE IS A COUPLE I INCLUDED THIS WEEK I THOUGHT I WANTED TO CALL PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO SO I MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE READ THEM AND DIGEST THEM AND PROVIDE WHATEVER DIRECTION YOU AY HAVE. ONE IS A RESPONSE TO A NUMBER OF GOOD QUESTIONS COUNCILMEMBER ROBINSON ASKED ABOUT THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, IMPORTANT ONES I WANTED TO, A, SPEND TIME WRITING TO RESPOND TO, AND B, MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW. IF YOU HAVE ANY DESIRE TO DISCUSS THOSE FURTHER WHETHER IN PUBLIC FORUM OR OTHERWISE, CERTAINLY PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I'LL AWAIT ANY DIRECTION YOU HAVE REGARDING THAT MATTER. THE SECOND ONE IS MS. BROWN RIGHTLY REMINDED ME THAT HALLOWEEN DOESN'T FALL ON -- FALLS ON A WEEKEND THIS YEAR. AND SO WE'RE INFORMING YOU THAT THAT IS THE CASE FOR THIS YEAR AND THE NEXT YEAR. AND WE'LL CONTINUE OUR POLICY RELATED TO TRICK-OR-TREAT FALLING ON THE 31ST. AND YOU SAY, WHY ARE YOU BRINGING THAT UP AT THIS TIME? AND ONE, BECAUSE WE ACTUALLY START GETTING QUESTIONS ABOUT NOW. AND WE PRINT OUR CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR, WE FINALIZE THAT IN FEBRUARY AND GO TO PRINT IN MARCH. I THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE THAT WITH YOU AS WELL. WHEN THE TIME IS APPROPRIATE, I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY. AND THE APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION OF PUBLIC OFFI OFFICIALS. AND PENDING LITIGATION. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: [10. Reports of Council Members] MS. THRESS, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU NEED TO ADD? MR. LINDSEY? >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: MR. BOO MR. BOOKER? NOTHING. >> >> B. KOWALCZYK: NOTHING. >> D. SMITH: YES. SINCE SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT HUDSON IS HERE, I THOUGHT I WOULD -- I'VE BEEN REFLICTING A LITTLE BIT TO HER PRESENTATION, THANK YOU FOR THAT. AND I THINK JUST COAMING THROUGH THE LIKELIHOOD OF SOMETHING ON THE BALLOT IN NOVEMBER, WE NIGHT NEED TO GET THIS RUNNING QUICKLY. SO I WOULD SUGGEST THAT EVEN NEXT WEEK AND NEXT WEEK'S MEETING, I KNOW IT'S NOT CUSTOMARY TO VOTE ON THINGS THE SECOND MEETING OF THE MONTH, BUT POSSIBLY NEXT WEEK WE SHOULD VOTE TO CONSIDER AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO START TIMEFRAMES AND EVERYTHING SHE'S REQUESTING. I THINK THAT WOULD HELP EVERYBODY IN THE COMMUNITY. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: IF COUNCIL WANTS TO GO FORWARD, NO PROBLEM. MR. MEYERS? >> PRO TEM S. MYERS: NOTHING. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: OKAY. MS. DOROTHY? >> R. DOROTHY: I WOULD LIKE TO CALL ATTENTION TO SOME EVENTS THAT ARE ALREADY ON THE SCHEDULE [00:40:02] IN FRONT OF US. THE PREMIER FUNDRAISING EVENT AND A GREAT TIME, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21ST, ARTS ENCHANTED EVENING. I THINK EVERYONE GOT AN INVITATION. I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO IF YOU HAVE A CHANCE. AND THERE IS ALSO SOME WIFA PROGRAMS COMING UP. AND THAT'S ALL I HAVE. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: [11. Other] PRESIDENT. THERE IS SOMETHING I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THIS EVENING. A COUPLE OF PURGATORY COMMENTS. ONE, I WOULD RATHER NOT BE THE PERSON BRINGING THIS UP. THERE MIGHT BE MORE APPROPRIATE PEOPLE ON STAFF AND COUNCIL TO DO SO. BUT THERE ARE NOT SO I WILL. ALSO, I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO SUCCESSFULLY ADDRESS THIS ISSUE DIRECTLY ONE-ON-ONE, IN EMAIL AND IN PERSON WITH COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL WITHOUT WHAT I WOULD DESCRIBE AS SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION. THIS IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO SABOTAGE OR BRING ANYTHING OUT IN PUBLIC UNANNOUNCED. BUT I DO BELIEVE IT IS -- PERTAINS TO A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT OUR COLLEAGUES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AND THINK ABOUT. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE GENERAL PUBLIC. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THEM BEING FULLY AWARE OF THIS MATTER. ONE THING I SWORE TO MYSELF WHEN I RAN FOR OFFICE AND WAS ELECTED IS THAT I WOULD NOT ALLOW ISSUES TO ARISE AND THEN NEGLECT THEM AND REGRET NOT HAVING DEALT WITH THEM WHILE IN OFFICE. SO WITH THAT SAID, THE ISSUE I'M SPEAKING ABOUT HERE, THE PRINCIPLE AT STAKE RELATES TO MONEY AND POLITICS AND WHETHER HERE IN WORTHINGTON MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL AND CANDIDATES FOR COUNCIL SHOULD ACCEPT MONEY FOR THEIR POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS ROM PERSONS WITH BUSINESS BEFORE HE CITY. BUSINESS THAT REQUIRES COUNCIL APPROVAL. AND WHETHER, IF SUCH MONEY IS ACCEPTED FOR WHATEVER REASON, THAT IF THE MONEY IS ACCEPTED THAT RECUSAL BY THE COUNCILMEMBER SHOULD BE STANDARD PROTOCOL WHEN THE DONATING PERSON OR ENTITY BRINGS THEIR BUSINESS BEFORE THE CITY. THIS RECUSAL WHEN CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ARISE IS BASIC TO ENSURING PUBLIC TRUST IN THEIR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. AND I WOULD ADD THAT IN OUR NATION TODAY AND THAT CERTAINLY MEANS HERE AS WELL, THAT MAINTAINING OR RECOVERING AS IT MAY BE, PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE INTEGRITY OF GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS IS OF THE HIGHEST IMPORTANCE. IT IS TRULY THE FOUNDATION OF THE LIFE WE HOLD DEAR. NOW, IT IS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE FROM THIS WEEK NEWSPAPER ARTICLE TO STATEMENTS BY A RESIDENT AT THE LAST MPC MEETING THAT DURING THE RECENT ELECTION, COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL ASSESSMENTED A LARGE CAMPAIGN -- ACCEPTED, CONTRIBUTION, $750 FROM THE CHIEF OFFICER OF NATIONAL CHURCH RESIDENTS. WHEN THE MONEY WAS GIVEN ON MAY 15TH, THE VERY SAME PROJECT PROPOSAL THAT WAS FORMALLY INTRODUCED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THIS COUNCIL. I KNOW THAT REGARDING THIS MATTER, COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL HAS SAID, AND MAY WELL AY AGAIN TONIGHT, THAT THIS FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO HER CAMPAIGN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE DOES NOT AFFECT HER THINKING OR JUDGMENT ON THE MATTER. BUT SUCH SELF-PREFERENTIAL STATEMENT BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE BESIDE THE POINT WHEN IT COMES TO PUBLIC ETHICS. NO ONE CAN KNOW WHAT IS IN ANOTHER PERSON'S HEART AND MIND. WHICH IS EXACTLY WHY PUBLIC ETHICAL STANDARDS HAVE BEEN CREATED AND NEEDED IN THE IRST PLACE. AND THOUGH WE CANNOT READ MINDS, WHAT WE ALL DO KNOW IS THE VERIFIABLE FACTS. THAT A LARGE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION FROM THE CEO OF A DEVELOPMENT COMPANY WAS OFFERED AND ACCEPTED BY A PUBLIC OFFICIAL. AND THAT THIS COMPANY IS NOW SEEKING AND NEEDS CITY APPROVAL IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH IN [00:45:06] WORTHINGTON. THOSE ARE THE PUBLIC FACTS AVAILABLE TO ALL. THEREFORE, IN ORDER TO PRESERVE THE TRUST OF WORTHINGTON RESIDENTS AND INTEGRITY OF THEIR LOCAL GOVERNMENT IT OPERATES ENTIRELY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, I BELIEVE THAT RECUSAL BY COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL FROM THE UPCOMING DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON THE STAFFORD VILLAGE PROPOSAL DUE TO THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CREATED BY TH THE GIVING AND TAG OF THE CONTRIBUTION IS THE ONLY RESPONSIBLE COURSE OF ACTION. IF THIS GIVING AND TAKING OF MONEY WITH A PERSON OF CORRECT FINANCIAL INTEREST IN A COUNCILMEMBER DECISION TO A COUNCILMEMBER CAMPAIGN DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, WHAT DOES? THIS PRECEDENT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN WORTHINGTON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF. I THEREFORE, ASK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL, BELIEVING WE SHOULD NOT LOWER THE BAR FOR WHAT IS PERMISSIBLE IN WORTHINGTON, AND THAT IS IT IS A BASIC RESPONSIBILITY THAT YOU INFORM YOUR RECUSAL ON THE NCR STAFFORD VILLAGE PROPOSAL. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR THICAL VIOLATION. I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD INFORM THE REST OF COUNCIL WHAT WE DISCUSSED? >> THE QUESTION OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS TO COUNCILMEMBERS IS NOT UNDER OHIO LAW AN ETHICAL VIOLATION OF THE OHIO ETHICS STATUTES. SO IN USING THE PHRASE, A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, FREQUENTLY PEOPLE REFER TO THAT AS BOTH THE LEGAL LEVEL AS WELL AS ALSO A DIFFERENT STANDARD THAN WHAT THE STATUTE WOULD SAY. SO I WOULD DEFER TO MR. ROBINSON AS TO HIS USE OF THE TERM. BUT IN TERMS OF A VIOLATION IN AND OF ITSELF OF OHIO ETHICS LAW, IT WOULD NOT BE A VIOLATION. JUDGES FREQUENTLY DEAL WITH APPEARANCE OF INAPPROPRIATETY ISSUES, EVEN KNOW THEY MAY NOT HAVE A FORMAL REASON TO RECUSE, THEY AY DO SO TO AVOID THE APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY. THAT IS A SEPARATE CONCEPT THAN WHAT IS LEGALLY REQUIRED IN THIS SITUATION. SO, NO LEGAL REQUI REQUIREMENT R COUNCILMEMBER PRESIDENT MICHAEL TO RECUSE HERSELF FROM CONSIDERATION OF THIS MATTER. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: THEY RUN FOR OFFICE, IN ORDER TN CONTRIBUTIONS. THERE ISN'T ANYBODY WHO CAN AFFORD TO RUN FOR OFFICE WITHOUT ACCEPTING CAMPAIGN CONTRI CONTRIBUTIONS. AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS CONTRIBUTION WAS NOT A VIOLATION OF ETHICS. AND THAT DOES NOT AFFECT MY DECISION. THIS HAS BEEN A PROJECT THAT THIS CONTRIBUTION DID NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. I DON'T FEEL THERE IS A REASON THAT THERE IS AN ETHICAL OR MORAL VIOLATION OR REASON I NEED TO RECUSE MYSELF FROM THIS PARTICULAR VOTE AND THIS MATTER. ANYBODY ELSE HAVE ANY COMMENTS? OKAY. ALL RIGHT. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL BESIDES EXECUTIVE SESSION? OKAY. [12. Executive Session] MR. BBUCHER, PENDING LEGISLATIO, PROPERTY ACQUISITION, AND WHAT WAS THE OTHER ONE? APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS. SECONDED BY MS. KOWALCZYK. MS. THRESS, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: MR. MEY ERS MOVES WE COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION, SECONDED BY MR. ROBINSON. ROLL CALL. >> PRESIDENT B. MICHAEL: MR. BUC HER SAID YES, BONNIE MICHAEL YES. MS. DOROTHY MOVES WE ADJOURN, SECONDED BY * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.