Minutes

West Carrollton City Council Meeting

May 11, 1999

PRESENT: Mayor Maxine Gilman; Council Members Bill Ennis, William Gordon, Jack Jensen, Linda Lotspaih, Donald Mounce and Jeff Sanner; City Manager G. Tracy Williams; Assistant City Manager David Watson; Law Director Patrick Carney: Chief of Police Don Rice; Fire Chief Jack Keister; Service Director Don Hill; Director of Planning and Economic Development David Humphreys and Assistant Clerk of Council Patricia Replogle.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gilman. Pastor Thomas Sager of New Hope Community Church gave the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call followed.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Gordon to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 27, 1999 and the Vision Retreat Meeting of May 6, 1999. Mr. Sanner seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken, all members voted yes and the motion carried.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

ORDINANCE NO. 3130: CHURCHES AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS-CONDITIONAL USES

Ordinance No. 3130 - An ordinance amending Chapter 154 of the Code of Ordinances of West Carrollton known as the "Zoning Code", amending sections 154.89, 154.90, 154.100, 154.101, 154.110, 154.111, 154.120, 154.121, 154.130, 154.131, 154.140, 154.141, 154.150, 154.151, 154.181(C)(1) and 154.181(C)(2) to change churches and private schools in residential districts from principally permitted uses to conditionally permitted uses.

Mr. Humphreys presented a staff report to Council. He said that a problem had arisen in the past regarding parking lot expansion of an area church, but was resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the church and neighbors. However, the neighbors felt that regulations should be in place for such situations. The intent of the ordinance is to treat institutional uses in single family areas differently than the homes in those areas as changes made at these institutions could have significant impact on the area.

In response to questions from Mr. Jensen, Mr. Humphreys noted that private schools would be conditionally permitted uses and public schools are exempt. Mr. Humphreys said that the ordinance would allow citizens to voice their opinions on proposed changes. The Board of Zoning Appeals would review the comments, and decisions on proposed changes would be decided by the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Zoning Department.


Mr. Jensen asked if the ordinance would prohibit church expansions to which Mr. Humphreys responded that it could add flexibility. The Mayor noted that it appears that the ordinance will be better for the residents and the churches. Mr. Humphreys said that it will allow more discussion on proposed changes and allow the parties involved to reach agreeable terms. Mr. Jensen noted that the process could add delays to an expansion process. Mayor Gilman thanked Mr. Humphreys for his staff report.

Mr. Williams said that a letter was received from Don McElwee, 105 East Central Avenue, in support of the ordinance.

Joseph Shahady, Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, addressed Council. Pastor Shahady stated that he is opposed to the ordinance as it erodes liberty and places churches in political situations. Pastor Shahady cited several scriptures of encouragement. He said that the purpose of the church is to reach families with the gospel and he hopes that Council will see the ordinance to be restrictive to ministry.

Kent Bristol addressed Council. He said that he is a Reconstructive Zoning Code Administrator. He said that conditional use follows the presumption that a permit would be granted with some areas of specific compliance. He said that it is not meant to be political.

Robert Cox, Springboro, addressed Council. Mr. Cox said that he previously lived in West Carrollton and attends church here. He is opposed to the ordinance as it involves church and state and infringes on the church's freedom. He said that churches do not bring down the property values in the neighborhoods and asked Council to vote against the ordinance.

Mayor Gilman noted that this is the First Reading of Ordinance 3130.

COMMUNICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Mayor Gilman read the Proclamation announcing May 11, 1999, as Senior Citizens Day in West Carrollton. The Mayor presented the Proclamation to Norman Hendricks, President of the West Carrollton Senior Citizens Club. She expressed her appreciation for all that the senior citizens do for the community and wished them all health and happiness. Mr. Hendricks thanked the Mayor and Council.

Resolution No. 7-99: A resolution acknowledging the appreciation of the citizens and public officials of the City of West Carrollton for services rendered unto said City by Wilbur A. Heflin.

Mayor Gilman read the resolution in its entirety and presented it to Mr. Heflin. The Mayor said that Wilbur is an ambassador of good will to the area and is very active in community causes. She congratulated him on his retirement and wished him well. Mr. Heflin said that he will miss many of his fellow employees but will be very busy as he has been named Coordinator of Dayton Neighborhoods. Mr. Sanner, Mr. Mounce, Mrs. Lotspaih, Mr. Jensen, Mr. Ennis and Mr. Gordon all added their congratulations.

Mayor Gilman read the Proclamation. She said that Wilbur is a fine example of some of the great employees we have in the City. The Mayor added that the police and paramedics are some of the more visual, outstanding employees in the City. She presented the Proclamation to Mr. Williams.

The Mayor read the Proclamation and presented it to Chief Rice, asking that he convey everyone's appreciation to the Police Department. Chief Rice thanked the Mayor and noted that the black sash on the officers' badges is in honor of fallen officers.

Resolution No. 9-99: A resolution recognizing the West Carrollton High School Class of 1999 Valedictorians and Salutatorian.

Mayor Gilman read the resolution in its entirety and said how special it is for her to present it to the students. Each student honored told the audience of their plans for the future. All are planning on going to college. The Mayor said that they are fine examples of the youth of West Carrollton. Mr. Mounce noted that volunteer leadership is important and many of those honored have volunteered with the Lions Club.

FUTURE CITY COMPETITION

Mr. Humphreys was the mentor of the West Carrollton team in the first annual Miami Valley Future City Competition. He said that the West Carrollton team had won second place for their entry in the competition. Two of the members of the team, Matt Miller and Amy Liu, were present at the meeting and spoke of their entry. Mr. Hill was one of the judges of the competition although he did not judge the West Carrollton team. Jean Kremer is the team's teacher. Mr. Jensen said that seeing all of those accomplishments here tonight gives confidence in our future.

Kent Bristol, Executive Director of the Miami Valley Cable Council, addressed Council. He distributed annual reports. Mr. Bristol said that the MVCC's focus will be on communications and there will be a communications network constructed by MVCC in various cities including West Carrollton. He said that schools and libraries will also be linked. Mr. Bristol noted that there will be a proposal to the federal government to link all of the sites together with the hub being through the Cable Council. He also reviewed some of the goals of the MVCC.

Isaiah O. Adegbile, Community Partnership Specialist with the Bureau of Census and the Department of Commerce, addressed Council. A video was shown on being an enumerator (or census taker). Mr. Adegbile said that the census allows for re-apportionment at the federal level so that we can get what we are entitled to. He reviewed some of the areas that the census is used to determine. He encouraged everyone to complete and return the census. Anyone interested in being an enumerator in Montgomery County may contact him. He thanked Dave Humphreys, Tracy Williams, Mayor Gilman and Council.

There were no comments by the audience.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no unfinished business.

Resolution No. 11-99: A resolution acknowledging the appreciation of the citizens and public officials of the City of West Carrollton for services rendered unto said city by Vanessa L. Fletcher.

Mr. Mounce introduced and made a motion to approve Resolution No. 11-99. Mr. Sanner seconded the motion. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.

Since Mrs. Fletcher was present at the meeting for the Senior Citizens Proclamation and reception, the resolution was read in its entirety and presented to her by Mayor Gilman.

The Mayor wished her well. Mrs. Fletcher said that she appreciates the support she has received during her time at the City and that it was a pleasure. She also added that she respected Mr. Williams as a City Manager and as a person.

Mr. Williams congratulated the valedictorians and salutatorian. He thanked Mr. Humphreys and Mr. Hill for their participation in the Future City Competition. Mr. Williams wished Mr. Heflin the best in his retirement. He said that Mrs. Fletcher was very professional and went above and beyond the duties asked of her. He wished her the best also.

Mr. Carney echoed the comments of Mr. Williams.

There were no comments by the audience.

Mr. Sanner said that the true caliber of the students of West Carrollton were shown tonight.

Mr. Gordon echoed Mr. Sanner's comments. He also said that the RTA bus stop on Elm Street needs to be looked at.

Mr. Ennis said that he is proud of the students and wished them luck.

Mrs. Lotspaih said that the accomplishments of the students make everyone feel more comfortable about the future. She also thanked the First Church of God on Heincke Road for their service in honor of police officers.

Mr. Mounce noted that the students are very impressive.

Mayor Gilman congratulated the students and the seniors. She said that Mrs. Fletcher will be missed. The Mayor thanked Ron Ziemkowski on cameras.

Mayor Gilman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gordon, to recess to a Work Session to discuss the items on the agenda. A unanimous roll call vote carried the motion.

Council recessed.

In addition to the City Council, those present for the work session included: Gary L. Snyder, the architect; Fire Chief Jack Keister; Planning & Economic Development Director David Humphreys; Service Director Don Hill; Assistant City Manager David Watson; and City Manager G. Tracy Williams.

Architect Gary Snyder reviewed the proposed plans to renovate and expand Fire Station No. 2. After reviewing proposed floor plans and estimated costs, the City Council expressed concern about whether or not this was the correct option, and requested that staff and the architect investigate the possibility of building a new Station No. 1 at this time and doing lesser improvements at Station No. 2.

The architect indicated that he would conduct an analysis of this approach and provide cost estimates for Council's review.

Chief Keister, Don Hill, David Humphreys, and architect Gary Snyder left the meeting.

City Council reviewed the ten proposed new park names which were submitted by third graders in the West Carrollton School District in the "Naming the Park" contest for the new park located along Marina Drive. Council noted that all of the names that had been submitted were well thought out, and greatly appreciated this effort by the third graders. After a careful review of the proposed names, Council selected the new name of "Miami & Erie Canal Park". City Manager Williams noted that the students and their teachers would be invited to attend the next city council meeting to be recognized for their efforts to select a name for this new city park located along Marina Drive.

Assistant City Manager David Watson discussed final arrangements for the Student Government Day program at the West Carrollton High School to be conducted on May 17, May 18, May 20, and May 21.

Councilmember Sanner inquired about when the apartment building on Shannon Avenue, which was recently damaged by a fire, would be repaired. City Manager Williams replied that he would contact staff and report back.

Councilmember Don Mounce requested that an Executive Session be held to discuss a real estate matter at the next council meeting.

Councilmember Bill Ennis asked that greater effort be made by staff to ensure that visual aids which are used during council meetings can be seen well on television.

Councilmember Bill Gordon passed along a complaint which he had received from Hugh Ginn regarding the RTA bus stop near Mr. Ginn's home on S. Elm Street.

Councilmember Jack Jensen inquired about when staff would have a report for council regarding the CareNOW® program and their request to have access to the 9-1-1 system; and also as to when the report on speed limits would be submitted to City Council.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Linda Lotspaih. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gordon. All present voting in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

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