Minutes
City Council
10.27.98
PRESENT: Mayor Maxine Gilman; Council Members Bill Ennis; William Gordon; Jack Jensen;
Donald Mounce and Jeff Sanner; City Manager Tracy Williams; Assistant City Manager David
Watson; Law Director Patrick Carney; Service Director Don Hill; Director of Planning and
Economic Development David Humphreys; Finance Director Tom Reilly and Assistant Clerk of
Council Patricia Replogle.
EXCUSED: Linda Lotspaih.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gilman. Pastor Richard Gilbertson of Grace
Lutheran Church gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call followed.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Mr. Mounce to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of
October 13, 1998. Mr. Gordon seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken, all members
present voted yes and the motion carried.
Mr. Ennis made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jensen, to approve the minutes of the Joint
Meeting of West Carrollton City Council, West Carrollton Board School Board, City of
Moraine and Miami Township of October 17, 1998. A roll call vote was taken: Mayor
Gilman-yes; Mr. Ennis-yes; Mr. Gordon-yes; Mr. Jensen-yes; Mr. Mounce-yes; Mr.
Sanner-abstained. The motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ALEXANDERSVILLE SQUARE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
David Humphreys gave a staff report with a slide presentation to Council regarding the
proposed Alexandersville Square Redevelopment Plan. In 1996 the Urban Design Plan was
established. The group of citizens who designed the plan agreed that the goals for the
Urban Design Plan would be to continue the public landscaping plantings, to develop
landscape regulations (which were passed by Council in March of 1998) and to develop
quality design plans and regulations for specific commercial areas. The Alexandersville
Square is the first commercial area to be studied. This area is centered at East Dixie
Drive and Alex-Bell Road and is approximately 40 acres in size. The findings of the study
found that only a fraction of the area is used for retail purposes with over half of the
structures being used for drive-thru and automobile service establishments. The drive-thru
and automobile service establishments account for only 3% of the floor area which is a
very low level density of development. Streets and parking lots occupy more than half of
the area and one-third of the land is vacant or undeveloped. In addition, the area has
very little green space.
Mr. Humphreys also noted that there is good access to the area from I-75 and a large
volume of traffic daily due to established residential areas and established industries
with large numbers of employees. In additional, the proximity of the Great Miami
Riverfront provides a potential for good access. The Plan proposes the possibility of
71,000 sq. ft. of new commercial/retail space, 35,000 sq. ft. of new office space and up
to 100 new units of housing. The design objective of the Plan is to provide the City of
West Carrollton with a vital city center, instead of a series of separate buildings and
parking lots. The Plan seeks to create a place with a unique identity and character and a
pedestrian- friendly city center.
Mr. Mounce emphasized that the adoption of the plan does not mean definitive action. Mr.
Humphreys noted that the plan is a philosophy of development. Council would need to adopt
the plan to express their seriousness about redevelopment and their openness to
alternative development. Mr. Sanner asked if the higher uses still have the M1 and M2
zones. Mr. Humphreys noted that existing conditions would be "grand-fathered"
in.
There were no comments from the audience regarding the proposed Alexandersville Square
Redevelopment Plan.
ORDINANCE NO. 3105: ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS FOR CITY CENTER DISTRICT
Ordinance No. 3105 (first reading): An ordinance amending Chapter 154 of the Code of
Ordinances of West Carrollton known as the "Zoning Code", adding Section
154.36.1 to Section 154.36.8 to create the "CC, City Center" Zoning District;
and amending the official zoning map to rezone the area known as Alexandersville Square
from B-2, General Commercial District to CC, Center City District.
Mr. Humphreys addressed Council regarding the zoning amendments for B-2 General Commercial
District uses. If the new Ordinance passes, retail sales, service, sit-down restaurant and
office uses would be retained. Auto oriented uses would be eliminated. Indoor recreation
facilities and commercial recreation related to the river is permitted and encouraged.
Compact, urban residential developments would be permitted with strict design guidelines.
Nothing in the plan or regulations requires any owner to change the existing uses or
buildings. Existing uses and structures may continue indefinitely until changed or
replaced. In addition, buildings would be required to be placed close to the street
right-of-way rather than setback. Parking would be restricted to the side or rear of
buildings rather than in front. Shared parking facilities would be encouraged and can be
required if appropriate. If shared parking, elimination of excess curb cuts would be
required wherever feasible. Buildings and access to parking would be designed to
accommodate pedestrians and signs would be integrated into the building design. Mr.
Humphreys noted that this would be only the first step in implementing the Alexandersville
Square Redevelopment Plan. He stressed that if action was delayed for very long, more
auto-oriented businesses would be in place.
In response to a question from Mr. Mounce, Mr. Humphreys noted that the re-defining of the
front of the properties is designed to eliminate the "bumper" look, to connect
businesses to provide pedestrian access and to give the sense of "arrival".
Mr. Jensen noted that a correction on page 20 of the proposed ordinance should be made to
read "dumpster enclosures". Mr. Jensen also reiterated that those businesses now
in operation that are in conflict with the new ordinance would be
"grand-fathered" in. Mr. Humphreys said that the businesses in question would
continue unless they became vacant for more than one year or if changes were made to the
appearance of the business. Mr. Sanner and Mr. Mounce expressed concern that businesses
would not improve the appearance of their establishments due to the proposed new
regulations. Mr. Humphreys noted that Council may change this section of the new ordinance
if they wished. Mr. Jensen asked how shared parking could be enforced. Mr. Humphreys
responded that the current property owners would need to agree but could not be forced to
and, if several developments were in progress, those owners could be required to share
parking. Mr. Sanner noted that El Meson and Woody's Little Farm are in conflict now
regarding shared parking. Mr. Mounce said that Council would try to address all problems.
Mayor Gilman said that they hoped for cooperation among property owners.
Mark Zehnder, one of the members of the Business Advisory Council, addressed Council. He
said that the BAC endorses the Plan as a whole. He noted that right now West Carrollton
does have an identity crisis but is very unique. Mr. Zehnder added that he is not a
resident of West Carrollton but has been a businessman in the City for many years.
Herman Castro of El Meson spoke to Council. He said that he is happy to see the
development of the area and is confident in the City's ideas. He added that he appreciated
the City's cooperation when he renovated his business.
Mayor Gilman thanked those speaking before Council and, after receiving no audience
comments, announced the Public Hearing closed.
This is the First Reading of Ordinance No. 3105.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
DR. STEVE JONAS - SINCLAIR 2.5 MILL REPLACEMENT LEVY
Dr. Steve Jonas, Vice-President of Administration at Sinclair Community College, addressed Council regarding the 2.5 mill replacement levy on the ballot for Tuesday, November 3rd. Dr. Jonas noted that tuition has only been raised once in 8 years at Sinclair College. Sinclair Community College has been named the top community
college in the state for two years straight. Dr. Jonas came before Council to urge voters to vote for the levy. He hoped to get an endorsement from Council. Mr. Sanner noted
that the levy is not an increase in millage but only a replacement levy. Mr. Gordon
asked if this is a permanent levy. Dr. Jonas said that it is for 10 years. When Mr. Ennis
asked what will happen if the levy fails, Dr. Jonas responded that tuition will have to be
increased. Dr. Jonas noted that Sinclair is a fraction of the cost of State colleges and
only half of the cost of Cincinnati Community College. He said that Sinclair is a college
for all ages. Mayor Gilman thanked Dr. Jonas for coming.
Mr. Jensen noted that although it was unusual, he wished to make a motion to endorse the
Sinclair Community College 2.5 Mill Replacement levy. Mr. Ennis and Mr. Gordon seconded
the motion. A roll call vote was taken, all members voted yes to a roll call vote, with
the exception of Mr. Mounce who abstained, and the motion carried.
COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE
There were no Comments by the Audience.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no Unfinished Business.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business.
REPORTS BY OFFICERS
Mr. Hill, acting on behalf of City manger Tracy Williams who was excused from
the meeting, announced that bids had been received for the Finance Department
workstations. The bid accepted was the second lowest bid of $15,974.00 from Software
Solutions. It was determined that the benefits of going with Software Solutions, including
being year 2000 compliant, made the bid the best choice. Mr. Hill also noted that the
Mayrose-Primrose tributaries will be dredged beginning the end of the week. Mr. Hill also
requested an Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter.
Mr. Carney gave his personal endorsement for the Sinclair College Levy. He noted that
his daughter had attended another college and was unhappy there. She had then switched to
Sinclair and has enjoyed her time there and is in her last year. Mr. Carney said that
Sinclair College is important to this area.
UNSCHEDULED BUSINESS
COMMENTS BY THE AUDIENCE
There were no Comments by the Audience.
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL
Mr. Mounce said that on Saturday, October 31st the Lions Club
Halloween Parade will be held beginning at the Fire Station by Central Avenue and ending
at Elm Street in conjunction with the Old Fashioned Days in West Carrollton which will be
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He also noted that he is not opposed to the Sinclair levy but
his personal philosophy is against tax-based organizations siding with other tax-based
organizations.
Mr. Sanner gave his personal endorsement for the Sinclair College levy. He had attended
another college and had transferred to and graduated from Sinclair and was very pleased
with his experience there.
Mr. Gordon encouraged all citizens to vote on November 3rd and urged everyone
to vote for the Sinclair levy.
Mr. Jensen concurred with all of the comments supporting the Sinclair levy.
Mayor Gilman urged voters to go out and vote on Tuesday. She reminded everyone to change
the batteries in the smoke detectors since the time change was our annual reminder to do
so. The Mayor thanked Ron Ziemkowski on cameras.
Mayor Gilman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gordon, to recess to an Executive Session
to discuss a personnel matter and to a Work Session to discuss the items on the agenda.
All members voted yes to a roll call vote and the motion carried.
Council recessed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Joining City Council in the executive session to discuss a personnel matter
were Don Rice, Police Chief; Don Hill, Service Director and Acting City Manager; and David
Watson, Assistant City Manager. Councilmember Linda Lotspaih was excused.
Following the Executive Session, Chief Rice left the meeting. Council reconvened for
the Work Session to discuss the items on the Agenda.
WORK SESSION
In addition to City Council, with the exception of Linda Lotspaih who was
excused, those present for the work session were David Humphreys, Planning and Economic
Development Director; Thomas Reilly, Finance Director; David Watson, Assistant City
Manager; and Don Hill, Service Director and Acting City Manager.
1997 AUDIT REPORT AND MANAGEMENT LETTER
Mr. Reilly reviewed the Audit Report and Management Letter from the State
Auditor's office for the City's 1997 Fiscal Year financial records. Generally the audit
was very good, with some minor improvements and changes recommended for the City's
accounting practices.
GRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
Mr. Hill and Mr. Watson lead a discussion on the proposed GIS included in the
proposed 1999 Water Fund and Sewer Fund Budgets. The discussion included a narrative
description of a GIS and some of the uses for the system. A demonstration of a GIS will be
scheduled at a later date.
WEB SITE DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Watson presented to Council exhibits illustrating proposed layouts for
the City's Web home page that had been developed by the volunteer Web page committee. The
work of the committee was excellent, and following a brief discussion the preferred home
page layout was selected. A general discussion of the City's Web site followed, and it was
decided that the City should reserve the "West Carrollton.com", and "West
Carrollton.org", as soon as possible.
BUDGET WORK SESSIONS
The dates chosen by Council to hold work sessions to review the proposed 1999
Budget are as follows: November 10, November 17, and November 24.
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL
Councilmember Jensen distributed copies of a draft "Statement of
Commitment" for Council's review and discussion at the November 10, City Council
meeting. This was prepared by the School Board/Government Liaison Committee following the
October 17 afternoon meeting with consultant, Bonnie Armstrong.
Council reconvened into the regular session.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Councilmember Mounce moved that the meeting
be adjourned. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Jensen. All members present voting Yes,
motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:50 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
MAYOR CLERK OF COUNCIL