Special Council Meeting

August 1, 2011

The Council of the Village of Riverlea met on the above date at the Thomas Worthington High School, Worthington. The following Council members were present: Mayor Mary Jo Cusack, Jon L. Ankrom, Scott K. Gordon, Donald E. Griffith, Briggs W. Hamor, Eric A. MacGilvray and Kirk M. McHugh (President Pro-Tem). Also present were Pamela M. Colwell, Clerk-Treasurer, Steven W. Mershon, Solicitor, and William P. Charles, Street Commissioner. Guests of Council were Ellen Bonk and Gregory Bonk. At 7:00 p.m. the Mayor called the meeting to order.

The purpose of the meeting, as included in the public notice, was for the consideration, discussion and possible action of the following:

  1. Resolution No. 2011-06, A Resolution Reauthorizing an Agreement between the Village of Riverlea and the Board of County Commissioners, Franklin County, Ohio, in Order to Participate in the Franklin County, Ohio Department of Housing and Urban Development Entitlement Program and Abide by the Covenants of that Program as Stated Herein.
  2. The Solid Waste Management Plan Update for the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio.
  3. The Conditions of Annexation to Worthington, including submitting the annexation to the voters at the November 2011 election.
  1. Resolution 2011-06
    Resolution 2011-06, A Resolution Reauthorizing an Agreement Between the Village of Riverlea and the Board of County Commissioners, Franklin County, Ohio, In Order to Participate in the Franklin County, Ohio, Department of Housing and Urban Development Entitlement Program and Abide by the Covenants of that Program State Herein. The resolution was read by title for the third reading. The Mayor stated that this was voted on previously but she forgot to have the three readings suspended. McHugh moved and Griffith seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 2011-06. The motion was approved unanimously (6-0).
  2. The Solid Waste Management Plan Update for the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio.
    The Mayor asked Council if they approved or disapproved of SWACO’s management plan update. Ankrom started the discussion by saying that this was a review of the initial plan presented by SWACO to Council previously and he saw no reason to not approve it. Council agreed. Ankrom introduced Resolution 2011-07, A Resolution to Approve the Solid Waste Management Plan Update for the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. There was no further discussion. Ankrom moved and McHugh seconded the motion to suspend the three readings. The motion was approved unanimously (6-0). Hamor moved and McHugh seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 2011-07. The motion was approved unanimously (6-0).
  3. The Conditions of Annexation to Worthington, including submitting the annexation to the voters at the November 2011 election.
    McHugh introduced Ordinance 02-2011, An Ordinance Ordering the Question of Annexation with the City of Worthington, Ohio, to be Submitted to a Vote and to Declare an Emergency. Gordon moved and MacGilvray seconded the motion to suspend the three readings of Ordinance 02-2011. The motion was approved unanimously (6-0). McHugh moved to declare an emergency and to adopt Ordinance 02-2011. Ankrom seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously (6-0).

    Ellen Bonk asked if there was any assurance of not allowing a cut-through at Evening Street or a street through the end of Melbourne. Gordon said there was no guarantee other than the current Worthington Council saying they have no intention of doing that but there is nothing that binds future councils. MacGilvray added that eminent domain was required for the cut-through on Evening Street and that was unlikely to be done. However, the end of Melbourne could be done without eminent domain but they have said they do not intend to do it.

    Gregory Bonk asked if this had to go on the ballot. The Mayor replied that it did because of the petition and the Ohio Revised Code. Council has no choice. Council said it is better to get this done now and not have it hanging over our heads and it is less expensive in November than it would be for a special election next year.

    Ellen Bonk asked about the ambiguity of the sewer costs. MacGilvray explained that the estimated costs are between $600,000 and $700,000, with some costs offset by the Village’s year end assets of around $350,000 and Worthington will pick up the rest. We will be assessed for the streets and curbs but Worthington, by law, must cover 2% plus some other partial costs of intersections. However, only estimates can be given until the work is actually done.

    Hamor stated that there will be an open forum to discuss this prior to the election. Council said that they will get information up on the web site to keep the residents informed. Worthington will be posting information on their web site and collecting feedback from residents. If they see common concerns or questions, they will post the information on their web site. McHugh said if residents have a concern about zoning or Worthington ordinances, they need to contact Worthington and not Village officials since Worthington would be more knowledgeable.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Ankrom moved and McHugh seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved unanimously (6-0). The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.

 

MARY JO CUSACK, MAYOR

M. COLWELL, CLERK OF COUNCIL