05-06-2024 Pataskala City Council

The League of Women Voters of Licking County | The Reporting Project

OBSERVER REPORT

Government Body Observed: Pataskala City Council

Meeting Date: 05-06-2024

Meeting Details:

Attendance: Council members Dustin Epperson, Brandon Galik, Jude Hampshire, Mary Hite, Debra Kohman, Tom Lee, Andy Walther

Staff Members: Mayor Michael Compton, City Administrator Tim Hickin, Assistant City Administrator Chris Sharrock, Utility Director Joseph Peterson, Law Director Brian Zets, Finance Director James Nicholson, Director of Public Services Alan Haines, Planning Director Scott Fulton, Police Chief Bruce Brooks, and Council Clerk Jessica Cumbo

Public Attendance: 44 community members

Public Comment:

Two citizens spoke about drainage issues in the International Drive area, expressing concern about ongoing problems and the lack of resolution.

Two citizens spoke about the Fair Lady rezoning voting. The major concerns expressed were:

1). A vote on zoning is permanent. The current design of the project, which was tentatively stated to reflect a mixed-use NA business park, could be radically changed if the property is resold, especially once water and sewer are made available to the property.

2). There are current drainage issues and traffic load in the area

3). The Planning and Zoning Commission already unanimously recommended against this rezoning, even before the additional changes that developed during the appeals process.

A representative from the YMCA thanked the city for their help in getting the new childcare center up and running. The representative is also hosting a luncheon for local businesses to roll out a corporate partnership program.

The Pataskala Farmers Market manager shared results from the previous seasons and talked about the upcoming season.

A representative from the Fair Lady Project addressed the council in the middle of the reports section of the meeting, stating that he was unfamiliar with the procedure for speaking at the meeting and requesting the opportunity to address the council. He was granted 5 minutes to speak before the voting on the Fair Lady Project. In his discussion, he indicated that if the council were to not approve the rezoning request, then the development company would be filing a "Detachment Option" to leave the city and return to Jersey township to work with them on developing this property.

Old Business: Ordinances 2024-4468 and 2024-4469, regarding Community Reinvestment Areas, are Tabled until an appropriate agreement is in place with the school. A motion was made to remove the motion to appoint Alan Haines to the Ohio Public Works from the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda passed. Third Reading of Ordinance 2024-4468, regarding the Fair Lady Project. The Motion to adopt this ordinance failed unanimously. Second Reading of Ordinance 2024-4470 - motion to amend was approved.

New Business: Ordinance 2024-4466 First Reading to rezone 136 acres on Columbia Road from Agricultural zoning to Planned Manufacturing zoning with a Plan District Overlay. Councilman Lee and Councilman Walther recused themselves from the discussion of this ordinance.

Ordinance 2024-4467 First Reading to amend Flood Damage Prevention and Flood Plain Overlay

Ordinance 2024-4471 First Reading authorizing the creation of a new fund to provide for the proper accounting and segregation of funds received and designated for the annual Independence Day celebration.

Motion to amend the motion as it has been read to change the date of appointment for Alan Haines to the Licking County from May 31, 2025 to May 31, 2027. Motion approved.

Original Motion to appoint Alan Haines to a three-year term ending on May 31, 2027 as the Licking County representative to the Ohio Public Works Commission was approved.

Next Meeting: May 20, 2024