UniversityAreaCommission.Info

University Area Commission
21 May 2008
Meeting Summary (To be approved)

Call to order: President Ian MacConnell called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM at the Northwood/High Building, Community Room, 2231 North High.

Call to order: President Ian MacConnell called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM at the Northwood/High Building, Community Room, 2231 North High.

Members present: Richard Allen (arrived 6:38 PM), Grayson Atha (left 8 PM), Elan Daniel, Ahmed Ebady, Catherine Girves (arrived 6:55 PM), Seth Golding (arrived 7:45 PM), Bill Graver, David Hegley, Joyce Hughes, Ron Hupman, Ian MacConnell, Richard Talbott, Doreen Uhas Sauer, Lisabeth Warncke, Tom Wildman (arrived 8:15 PM), Sharon Young. Excused: Sean Cunningham, Joaquin Serantes. Absent: Robert Caldwell. Seat vacant: Emily Foster.

Approval of minutes, Doreen Uhas Sauer: Please note correction—Code and Enforcement Committee should be changed to Code and Environment Committee.

Motion to approve minutes from March and April 2008. Graver (sec. Talbott). Motion approved unanimously by voice vote.

Treasurer’s report, Seth Golding: Balance currently at $796.86. (See Executive Committee report for information on proposed budget/MOA)

Reports:

• District 1 Report: Joaquin Serantes was absent

• City of Columbus Code Enforcement, Debra Van Dyke: Many of the listings on the Code Enforcement report from April, 2008, are in status quo at present with the following updates on others—Sales One properties going to sheriff’s sale; a foundation at Findley Avenue was not to code and has been completely redone; Stillwater property has completed electrical work; open orders at Jack’s bar on signage and must comply with Urban Commercial Overlay; there are issues with Jimmy Guava’s (North High) signage and zoning for work with no permits; contact has been made with the church on East, issues with unapproved graphics on Panda Express (North High); and issues with work at Sloopy’s in Old North Columbus

• City of Columbus Neighborhood Liaison, Steve Soble: Pictures from commissioners’ meeting with the Mayor last fall were handed out for each commissioner who was present and were personalized by the Mayor. Report given on curfew and truancy with literature for posting or passing out. Literature is aimed at parents/adults info sheet and a postcard size piece for students explaining reasons behind enforcement of curfew and penalties for noncompliance. $37,000 allocated for publicity campaign. Will start on June 5^th and go through August 24^th and is in effect from midnight until 6 AM for ages 17 and under. Questions from commissioners included: what happens if no one comes forward to pick up young person at downtown YMCA. Answer: they will be taken to Juvenile Detention facility. Soble also offered free file cabinets and delivery for the UAC; however, the commission decided files needed cleaning more than additional storage, thanked Soble for his generous offered, but declined the offer.

• Campus Partners, Steve Sterrett: Report handed out with following highlights: theft from autos and burglaries were down significantly over spring quarter as a result of safety initiatives by Columbus Police, University Police, and Community Crime Patrol, and safety messges from USG and Off-Campus Student Services. New videos on University Police website have also been effective. New Community Liaison offer for 4^th Precinct is Officer Scott Chamberlain. His email is schamberlain@columbuspolice.org and phone number is 614.645.1404 and fax is 614.645.4111. On May 29^th, Mayor Michael Coleman and City Councilwoman Maryellen O’Shaunghnessy will join University District civic leaders at 10 AM in the parking lot of United Dairy Farmers (2424 North High) to mark beginning of roadway construction from Lane to Arcadia. Water, sewer, and streetscape improvements are planned. Weinland Park festival will by August 16^th; volunteers interested in helping to plan should contact Joyce Hughes, president of Weinland Park Community Civic Association at jhughes005@columbus.rr.cm or 614.291.0723. Street sweeping has returned for June 12 and 13. University District Code Enforcement Task Force meets June 10 at 1:30 PM in room 100, Northwood and High. Special bulk pickup dates have not yet been set. Wex (Wexner Center) Drive-In Outdoor Film Fest on the plaza at High and 15^th will be June 19, July 17, August 21—with vintage films, free snacks, free admission, and a cash bar.

Public Comments and Announcements:

• Jerry Leard from Wyandotte/Indianola neighborhood inquired about street sweeping procedures if area is outside core campus. Streets are swept but with no notification, cars do not move. There is a schedule posted on city’s website but it is standard procedure of city to clean all city streets at least twice a year; campus area systematic sweeping was started in 1996-97 in order to move cars which would never move in order to sweep streets more than just down the middle. President MacConnell asked Richard Allen, Community Relations, to follow up with possible other answers and ideas.

• Ramlow Alley residents requested help regarding their parking situation. They have begun to park in front of their houses, an area not posted for any parking restrictions, but have recently all had tickets. They can go on-line to challenge tickets; however, because of the unusual circumstances of area in regard to empty lot across from their houses, Steve Soble was asked if he might have additional thoughts on resolution of issue. Sloopy’s has expressed interest in helping residents with parking.

• Catherine Girves, on behalf of the UAEA, presented President Ian MacConnell with an award for his work in juvenile restitution work with graffiti offenders.

Presentations: Old North Columbus Capital Improvements

Michael Lynch, Project Manager and contractor for capital improvements in Old North Columbus (614.645.8455), reported on the timetable and scope of the work to be undertaken in the next 18 months, ending late autumn 2009.

Highlights of the presentations are as follows:

• Project is part of Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program (NCR) to revitalize and support older commercial areas and includes sewer separation and water-line work on behalf of the Department of Public Utilities. Improvements include new traffic signals, curbs and sidewalks, streetscape amenities, pavement overlay, storm drain and upgrades and removal of overhead electric lines

• Scope of work is from Lane to Arcadia on High; and all side streets up to the first alley: Dodridge to Neil and north on Neil to Glen Echo Ravine, Hudson from Neil to East. Widening of intersection of Hudson and High will add additional turn lanes. Sewer and separate sanitary flow from storm water in compliance with EPA. Cost is $12 million in contract; $13.5 million including inspection

• Work starts on Tuesday, May 27^th though utilities are working in area at present

• Field office to be at Dodridge and Ramlow on present vacant lot, and all assurances are in place that this will be a temporary use of lot and will not result in a permanent parking area. The area is to be re-seeded and returned to use as green field at conclusion of project

• Thursday, May 29^th, 10 AM is official opening of project with Mayor and other dignitaries and public is invited

• There will be a temporary curb cub at Dodridge to facilitate contractor’s office and storage of equipment on site

• Two office trailers will be on site at Dodridge; this is a field office at which neighbors and businesses can come with concerns; work ends each day at 5:30 PM.

• Plans in place to keep area as free of dust, dirt, mud as possible; all part of code.

Committee Highlight Reports:

• Zoning Committee, Ron Hupman:

• 253 East 12^th Avenue (Zettler site) Background: the UAC previously recommended approval of the CPD for an apartment development on the site. The Urban Commercial Overlay applies to this location, but there are pending revisions to the UCO and other related zoning code changes that are awaiting action by City Council in early June. The city has advised the developer to seek an application with regard to the property since the application and the CPD language has been approved by the Development Commission but it will most likely not come before City Council until other changes to UCO have already been approved. Request: developer, Tim Welsh of proposed East Village project, is seeking to modify the CPD so that it will include variances to the forthcoming new requirements (principally, parking on the 1^st floor in C4 zoning) so that the development will not be a non-conforming use under the revised code. Zoning Committee notes that this is a technicality that does not in any way alter the plan that the UAC has previously approved; however, they do not have a recommendation from committee. Commissioner questions included: reasons why 1^st floor parking in CPD generally not approved, use of 2^nd floor over parking, and hesitancy to approve change which is predicated on proposed changes which may not pass City Council. Motion to approve request to modify CPD language to include variances to allow 1^st floor parking at the proposed East Village development (the former Zettler lot) with the understanding that this approval would constitute a “grandfathering in” of a previous UAC-approval but should not, in anyway, be seen as setting a precedent for other such requests, Daniel (sec. Hughes) Yes: Allen, Atha, Daniel, Girves, Hegley, Hughes, Hupman, MacConnell, Talbott, Warncke. No: Graver, Uhas Sauer, Young. Abs. 0. Motion passes 10-3. (Commissioner Ebady was out of room and did not vote.)

• Planning Committee, Elan Daniel:

Presentation by Bob Nickley for Buckeye Reality regarding renaming of east/west alley between Wall Street and Neil Avenue which was requested of the city in 2003. Several names were suggested by developer at the time, Wayne Garland, who was building 4 properties at time near Tompkins and needed addresses for building permits. Breco Lane was approved from the list by Dave Perry, City of Columbus, on 4/20/03 but never acted on. Commissioner discussion: though request is over 5 years old, name of alley could have been chosen to be more reflective of area’s history.

Motion to approve request and create name of Breco Lane for previously unnamed east/west alley from Wall to Neil, Daniel (sec. Hughes). Yes: Allen, Atha, Daniel, Girves, Hegley, Hughes, Hupman, MacConnell, Talbott, Warncke. No: Wildman. Abs. Graver. Motion passes 11-1, 1 abs. (Commissioner Ebady was out of room and did not vote.)

Work and scope of Planning Committee activities to a new chair since this would be his last official meeting.

• Community Relations Committee, Richard Allen: Report next month.

• Governance Committee, David Hegley: Second Reading for by-law change to Article V, Section 10 to eliminate following wording: “Any commissioner may attend meeting of any committee as an ex officio member.” Reasoning behind the change is it would permit committees to do the heavy work of formulating a position to bring to full commission and allow all commissioners to vote in committee could derail this work. Change would still allow full debate and provide chairs the stability of set membership to determine is a quorum of the committee is present. If motion passes, related changes necessary. Commissioner concerns: there has not been a problem to-date; does help to determine quorum for voting; ex officio voting rights of all commissioners has worked in the past.

Motion from committee to accept the by-law change as presented and eliminate the ex-officio status of commissioners on committees to which they are not assigned. Yes: Atha, Girves, Golding, Hughes, Hupman, Uhas Sauer, Warnecke, Wildman, Young. No: Allen, Daniel, Graver, Hegley, MacConnell, Talbott. Abs. 0. Motion fails (10 votes or 2/3 of commissioners present required for passage) 9-6 (Commissioner Ebady was out of room and did not vote.)

• Code & Environment Committee, Tom Wildman: Block Party and Street Closure Guidelines were reviewed by committee (comments from other commissioners appeared on the UAC blog). Several letters to be sent to a variety of city departments which deal with quality of life issues in the district were presented for approval at commission. If letters are approved, it will be the role of the Corresponding Secretary, with help from the Committee, to finalize letters for signatures and send offs.

• Motion from Committee to send a letter to Department of Transportation, 311 Connect, requesting all street and alley potholes be filled throughout the University District boundaries presently and each spring. Discussion centered on: did other area commissions did in fact have a procedure in place which allowed larger potholes area to be replaced without calling in individual locations; did this negate the role of commissioners/citizens to bring it to the attention of the city; and could or would this be the role of city to report all work to be done. Yes: Allen, Ebady, Golding, Hegley, Hughes, MacConnell, Uhas Sauer, Warncke, Wildman. No: Daniel, Girves, Graver, Hupman. Abs. 0. Motion passes 9-4 (Commissioner Talbott was out of room and did not vote.)

• Motion from Committee to send a letter to City Forester and 311 Connect requesting all UIRF street trees that have died or been removed to be replaced throughout the University District presently and each spring. Discussion center on whether replacement from UIRF funds might affect budget and/or other requests from UAC for future UIRF funding; commissioners’ roles in being proactive and not putting work on city; and city’s vs. citizen knowledge as to which are UIRF trees. Yes: Allen, Ebady, Golding, Hughes, Uhas Sauer, Warncke, Wildman. No: Daniel, Girves, Graver, Hegley, Hupman, MacConnell, Talbott, Young. Abs.: 0. Motion defeated 7-8

• Motion from Committee to send a letter to City Engineer/Electric Division and 311 Connect requesting all street and alley lights to be checked and replaced as need throughout the University District presently and each autumn, in addition to regular maintenance. Motion passed by voice vote. Yeas: 12. Nos: 2 ( Daniel and Hughes). Abs: 0.

• Motion from Committee to send a letter to Keep Columbus Beautiful and 311 Connect requesting all graffiti and stickers be identified and removed throughout the University District presently and monthly, with special emphasis on cable boxes, utility poles, street signs and poles, COTA stops, city right-of-way retaining walls, railway overpasses and crossing, bridge overpasses and abutments, refuse containers, fire hydrants, and sidewalks and curbs. Discussion centered on whether it was possible to do this without specific addresses; experiment in Old North Columbus which was successful; advice of city and Keep Columbus Beautiful which advised this could be done. Motion passed by voice vote. Yeas: 12. Nos: 2 (Daniel and Warncke). Abs: 1 (Young)

• Motion to send a letter to Rumpke and 311 Connect requesting all recycling containers have sealable lids (snap down) to prevent wandering recyclables as paper, cardboard, and plastics onto city streets, sidewalks, and alleys and onto private property within the University District. Discussion centered on present delivery system and increased costs if lids were required on current totes.

Motion defeated by voice vote. Yeas: 9. Nos: 4 (Ebady, Wildman, Talbott, Golding). Abs: 0

• Block Party Guidelines as proposed by Code and Environment Committee. Discussion at UAC and through commissioner comments on blog centered on a 2/3 required passage by UAC as excessive; requirements of other community groups to weigh in as excessive; whether guidelines on advertising infringe on free speech rights; and need for clear guidelines for recycling, alcohol use, noise, toilet plans, cleanup plans. Motion to table and return to Committee, MacConnell (sec. Golding). Motion passed by voice vote. 1 Abst. Wildman. MacConnell and Wildman urged all commissioners to review and comment by blog or attendance at next committee meeting.

Special Reports:

• Nick Uhas was introduced and will be the new USG representative to the UAC. This is the last meeting for Commissioners Lisabeth Warncke and Elan Daniel who were thanked for their many contributions by President MacConnell.

• Executive Committee Report:

• Approval of UAC budget and MOA with City

Presentation by Seth Golding for annual budget approval. Since the proposed budget for 1

January 2007 to 31 December 2007 seemed to be an accurate prediction of how monies were actually spent in that fiscal year, the 2008 budget will mirror those proposed expenditures and would be divided as follows: Administrative and Special Project Services (proposed $250.00); Space Costs and Rental (proposed $150.00); Travel and Registrtion (proposed $200.00); Consumable Supplies (proposed $1000.00); Banking Fees (0); Miscellaneous Expenses (proposed$400.00) for a total of $2000.00.

Motion from Committee to approve budget as proposed for 2008 (sec. Graver). Motionapproved unanimously by voice vote.

• UAC Blog for posting on-line

Blog has been used by several commissioners to-date for testing and training. If approved, additional training will take place in committee.

Motion from Committee to approve creation and use of UAC blog for posting on-line comments. Motion approved by unanimously by voice vote. Abs.: Tom Wildman and Joyce Hughes.

Commissioner Uhas Sauer thanked the commission for their support and understanding and, especially, Sharon Young for 2 months of note taking during Uhas Sauer’s absence.

Adjournment:

Motion to adjourn, Graver (sec. Talbott). Motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Meeting was adjourned 8:40 PM

Repectfully submitted:

Doreen Uhas Sauer, Secretary

University Area Commission
16 April 2008
Meeting Summary

Call to order: President Ian MacConnell called the meeting to order at 6:39 PM at the Community Room, Northwood and High, 2231 North High.

Members present: Richard Allen, Grayson Atha, Sean Cunningham, Elan Daniel, Ahmed Ebady, Catherine Girves (arrived 6:41), Seth Golding (arrived 7:28), David Hegley, Joyce Hughes, Ron Hupman, Ian MacConnell, Joaquin Serantes, Richard Talbott, Tom Wildman, Sharon Young. Excused: Robert Caldwell, Bill Graver, Doreen Uhas Sauer, and Lisabeth Warncke.

Approval of Minutes. Doreen Uhas Sauer: Minutes were not read or approved due to the absence of the secretary.

Treasurer’s Report, Seth Golding: $496.79 in account. Invoice report submitted to city.

Reports: (President MacConnell said that starting with next meeting commissioners will be giving reports from their area on why they live where they do)

• District 4, Commissioner Atha: He was assigned to King Avenue Church in that area, rented and then purchased the house. Has been there 12 years and was told about surrounding properties—mostly apartments. He took packages to apts this winter and met many of the people. The Circles have a mostly enthusiastic group. Their problems have been about flooding and drainage—concerns for trees; crime; what to do when properties are not kept up; how could UAC help Circles more. Atha welcomes suggestions and tips on building community and enhancing ways to encourage affirmation of people and finding joy in living here. Next month, Commissioner Richard Allen will present.

• Columbus Police Department, Officer Chris Riley: Precinct 3, temporarily covering NW and University District while position is open. Brought stat sheets of crime for last month and information on various projects “All Hands on Deck.” Working on crime activity in area in initiative with OSU police to assist in aggressive panhandling situation on High. New policing center had damage to the front doors. Questions for Officer Riley from commissioners included: cruiser police precinct district; activity on night the doors were broken included rocks thrown at various homes; new curfew laws; what are high priority situations, hiring of new liaison position; money allocated for gang initiatives; and Glen Echo vagrant encampment. It was noted by Officer Riley that there have been no calls about encampments.

• City of Columbus Code Enforcement, Andy Bauman: Debra Van Dyke reported on last minute updates. Stillwater’s partially constructed Hudson and High building is having work done on the inside, exterior work has started and padlocks added to gates; 2210 Summit, Jack’s Bar, building owner may evict tenant and put manager of Bourbon Street in charge; Walt’s Lounge—building owner is getting rid of bar and owner has been contacted; Sales One Realty properties is going to sheriff’s sale; and East Ave church was vandalized and windows broken, church has been notified about 4 issues (trustees are from all over Ohio and most of their churches are rural, this is only urban one).

• City of Columbus Neighborhood Liaison, Steve Soble: Congratulations on national recognition of OSU partnering with community. Ten thousand pounds of litter were collected on cleanup day in Weinland Park. Questions from commissioners included: people on roofs, Sobel’s moving into new policing center

• Campus Partners, Steve Sterrett: 2 matters of concern for public safety in Gateway garage are being handled with a fact sheet about public safety in which the crime statistics for the Gateway are compared to those in Precinct 4 and the facts about the 2 incidents are reported. Campus Partners will send flyer to owner of properties about safety issues concerning grills and people on porches and roofs. About 4-5 are currently being sent monthly.

Public Comments and Announcements: None

Presentations:

• Crew Stadium Concerts, Scott Diebolt: Crew Stadium has been to North and South Linden Area Commissions. When stadium was built it was not for soccer alone but for 2 venue facility. It has built a permanent stage which was to be started in 2009 but moved up after Germaine closed. Columbus important music venue. They are very conscious of neighbors and noise levels. Professional levels have been done and have been within code. Some complaints and money is spent on noise studies. Originally it was to be south facing north but changed, having sound companies coming in prior to concerts to make adjustments. It is not designed to replace Germaine but 3-4 concerts this year and 6-8 next year. Will return to UAC for issues and complaints. Commissioner concerns: no mention was ever made on concerts when stadium was built; promises made about fences and noise have never been addressed; many residents and students renting from Inn Town Homes and others in direct path of noise; stadium must improve parking lots; fencing is crawled over; stadium is on leased ground; 2 days concerts with 30 bands presents concern about camping overnight and campground spots; draw for event is regional; comments about parking and safety; traffic problems at Hudson and 71 and 17^th and North 4^th; activities like this which may draw acts of vandalism; the concert venue does not make this an attractive community to market or live in; Silver Drive traffic problems; visits to UAC and Linden communities seem to be afterthought as there was no attempt by stadium or others to contract area commissioners prior to this; concern that concerts will erode quality of life and make University area and Linden seem like dumping spots for unwanted events. Scott Diebolt phone number is 554-4425 for contacts

• Capital Improvements Project from Lane to Arcadia, Tom Murphey, City of Columbus: Improvements hit a snag during property acquisitions; needed to study extra options and now have an outlet to go near apartments on Dodridge. They wish to maintain 2 lanes and 2 ways of traffic but some closures will occur. Water and electricity may be shut off, pay attention to notices. The area will see substantial upgrade; regular updates to come. Commissioner concerns included: regular communication, ADA ramps and sidewalks, movement of utilities and who will be impacted, concern about tenants letting landlords know if water is off. 520 days to complete the project.

• Columbus Board of Realtors, Columbus Ad Campaign

Block Party Permit Request:

• Daniel Blake, 113-140 East 11^th requesting closure for 50-75 people and 33 residences from Indianola to Gateway garage for live music event to benefit Ohio.fm. Will be selling beer and providing wristbands. Commissioner concerns: not enough planning, security and bathrooms; too much of an all alcohol event only—not enough sober people; unsecured and unregulated drinking at the 33 houses; noise and sound amplified; only 2 urinals?; litter and recycling plan?

Motion to approve as presented, Hegley (sec. Hupman). Yes: Atha, Cunningham, Daniel, Ebady, Golding, Hughes, Talbott. No: Girves, Hegley, Hupman, MacConnell, Serantes, Young. Abs: Wildman. Motion passes: 7-6, 1 ab.

• Robert Munoz, 191 East 15^th, requesting a permit to close 15^th Avenue from Indianola to Pearl on May 9^th from 4-9:30 PM for the annual Ohio State Interfraternity Greek Week closing ceremonies. House lawns will also be used for activities and cookouts. No alcohol will be served. Columbus police will be present. Amplified sound will be allowed with a permit from city. Litter and recycling attended to.

Motion to approve as presented Hughes (sec. Wildman). Yes: Atha, Cunningham, Daniel, Golding, Hegley, Hughes, Hupman, MacConnell, Serantes, Talbott, Wildman, Young. No: Girves. Abs. 0. Motion passed 12-1; however Commissioner Ebady was out of room at vote.

Committee Reports:

• Zoning Committee, Ron Hupman

• 1428 North High, applicant Altman Company, Dave Perry presenting to rezone ARO to CPD to permit new construction commercial building for all C4 uses with retail on 1^st floor and 3 apartments on 2^nd floor. CPD encompasses parking reduction from 20 required to 9 provided, reduced size of 1 space. Zoning Committee recommends approval. Motion passed unanimously.

• North High, Kroger site redevelopment, CPD to permit construction of new Kroger store and additional retail on the existing site between 6^th and 7^th. Initial Zoning Committee recommendation was to endorse the site plan concept presented on 4/7/08 and with the condition that the UCO requirement for 60% glass area on the 1^st floor on the High Street façade must be met. Jeff Brown, attorney, presented. It was noted that Frank Pettrecello, from UARB, did not participate in review of this project which was approved by UARB. Zoning Committee recommends approval based on CPD text and drawings with following conditions—High Street façade is 6 ft by 4 ft; 30% true window glass into store and other 30% in a manner that will be approved by UARB, all deciduous trees on street at 4”, the strong recommendation by UAC that the curb cut on High be made more pedestrian friendly, space for recycling containers be added. In addition, commissioners noted other issues to be addressed: church parking, traffic, bike parking, storm water run off, Green building practices, shopping cart walk-abouts, recycling. Motion to approve passed unanimously.

• Planning Committee, Elan Daniel: Motion to send letter to Director Safford regarding University Area Commission’s support of Conservation District coverage for entire district. Motion to approve passed unanimously by voice vote. Commissioner Wildman motioned addendum that letter not be sent until after city has determined 3 sites for pilot programs. Motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

• Community Relations Committee, Richard Allen

• Code & Enforcement Committee, Tom Wildman

• Governance Committee, David Hegley: There was a 1^st reading of proposed changes to by-laws.

Special report

• Elections Committee: Met 4/2/08. Elections will be held June 7^th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Residents interested in running can obtain election packets on the UAC website or contacting UAC. Election packets were posed on 4/11/08 as required by by-laws. Volunteers are needed to man polls. Interested volunteers should contact Lisabeth Warncke.

Adjournment: 10:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted:

Sharon Young, acting secretary, and Doreen Uhas Sauer, typing secretary

University Area Commission
19 March 2008
Meeting Summary

Call to order: President Ian MacConnell called the meeting to order at 6:37 pm at the Community Room, Northwood and High, 2231 North High and asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Mary Stuessy, former UAC Commissioner and neighborhood activist, and for good thoughts for the recovery of John Sauer, Doreen’s husband.

Members present: Richard Allen, Grayson Altha, Robert Caldwell (left 8:09 pm), Sean Cunningham, Elan Daniel, Ahmed Ebady, Emily Foster, Catherine Girves (arrived 6:42 pm), Seth Golding, Bill Graver (left 8:35 pm), David Hegley, Joyce Huges, Ron Hupman, Ian MacConnell, Joaquin Serantes,Richard Talbott, Lisabeth Warncke, Tom Wildman, Sharon Young, (Doreen Uhas Sauer, excused)

Minutes/corrections: No minutes were read or approved due to the secretary’s absence.
Minutes tabled until next month.

Treasurer’s report, Seth Golding: Balance is at $504.79 with some checks out.

Reports:

• City of Columbus, Police Report, Officer Geis: Spoke about spring break (SRM Initiative called “All Hands on Deck” with multiple positions covering University District, presence of many plain clothes/cars, etc. Arrest this evening at 4^th and 8^th Avenues. He has dropped stats off to UAC. Tom Wildman thanks Officer Geis for work done in conjunction with proposed letter to be approved and sent by UAC.

• City of Columbus Neighborhood Liaison, Steve Soble: Mayor had area commission appreciation official photo; passed out information on Mayor’s Great American clean up which will be March 29^th at Weinland Park from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Council passed legislation for clean up for Columbus Coated Fabric Site. New substation is coming together. Steve Soble offered to take questions for Andy Bauman, Code Enforcement. An update sheet from Code Enforcement included updates for Upholstered furniture statistics; 1328-30 North 4^th; new graffiti legislation; 2498 Medary; 39-45 West Dodridge; 1179-81 North Grant; 2400-2 Findley; 12-24 Hudson; 2210 Summit; Sales One properties; parking issues in area; 2619 North High. Questions and topics offered by commissioners included: building behind Marathon on NE corner of East and Hudson which has apparently been abandoned; June 5^th curfew enforcement reminder which will involve Columbus police (2 groups affected—youngsters up to age 13 and young people aged 13-18. Will be given a 1^st warning and on 3^rd warning will be fined); commission asked for something in writing about curfew. Additional information: Mayor continues to speak about streetcars there now seems to be some revision from initial proposal; in Mayor’s State of City address, Weinland Park work and work of Commissioners Caldwell, Hughes, and Girves was mentioned.

• Campus Partners, Steve Sterrett: Reported that Campus Parrtners was excited about the potential of the Columbus Coated Fabric site—City Council has approved $14 million in city funds for infrastructure improvements, site was part of State of City address and will hope to leverage $80 million in private investment, Wagenbrenner working with city to identify public infrastructure improvements for building 500 units of market-rate housing for working families, first-time buyers, and those looking for homes beginning at $90,000. Other items reported on included: 150 new street lights in core area; free parenting classes at Schoenbaum Family Center; new officers at the Weinland Park Community Civic Association; OSU Extension and Godman Guild Open House on April 2; President Gee’s upcoming lecture on land grant institutions; Safety Committee and Refuse and Code Enforcement Committee meets; newspaper sales which will benefit homeless; area artist Dianne Efsic’s mural which was noted in New York Times article; and feature on University District in Business First. Question arose as to whether Campus Partners is seen as outreach for OSU. Answer: Campus Partners has not wanted to be seen as a department of OSU

Public Comments and Announcements: None

Presentations:

• Columbus Housing Partnership, Inc. Victorian Heritage. George Mattei, Columbus Housing Partnership requesting letter of support to the City for HOME funds to complete a substantial rehabilitation in order to preserve and substantially enhance affordable housing at 1379 North High (34 elderly units); 138-166 East 5^th and 1193-1195 Hamlet (17 family townhouses) and 66-72 Clark Place and 1338-1346 Hamlet (17 family townhouses). These buildings in district to be using HOME funds for application due on April 1^st. Would be applying for Ohio Green Funds for green rehab and Ohio Historic tax credits for buildings on 5^th Avenue and Clark Place for replacement of roods and windows, new kitchens and baths and mechanical systems. Also needed is new elevator and outside doors for building used by elderly. They would continue to retain Section 8 housing. Questions from commissioners included: tenant requirements; UARB review; 6^th and Indianola units, and tenant relocation.

Motion to send letter of support (Girves, sed. Atha). Yes: Allen, Atha, Caldwell, Cunningham, Daniel, Foster, Girves, Golding, Graver, Hegley, Hupman, MacConnell, Warncke, Wildman, Young. No: Hughes, Talbott, Serantes, Ebady. Ab: Hegley. Motion passes. 15-4.

Committee Highlight Reports

• Zoning Committee, Ron Hupman

• 253-267 East 12^th, Zettler Site. Tim Welsh representing ZBP Partnership for proposed development of The East Village which requires rezoning for proposed mixed-use residential development. Applicant revised site plan and CPD text based on evening’s discussions and Zoning Committee. Plan is to have massing along Chittenden and step down toward 12^th Avenue. Zoning Committee recommendation is conditional approval with additional changes to CPD test and text will come back to Zoning Committee for their approval before going forward. Changes to text will include access to roof to be limited; provisions for recycle containers and ways for garbage to be secured (per review of UARB); 4 inch caliper trees instead of 2 inch; commercial component to be retail but a restaurant would change parking required (and parking has been determined); elevation of floor of garage to be higher so water rolls away and not in. Questions to applicant included: rate of rents, ratio of parking spaces to building size; bike racks and security of bike rakes, LEEDS certification.

Motion to approve (Hupman for committee/Daniel sec.) Motion passed unanimously.

• Neil and 10^th, former JR Meggs, Applicant Mike Salcone requesting variance from 32 spaces to 2 to permit construction of bagel restaurant and bakery. Zoning’s recommendation: approval of the requested parking variance and approval of demolition of existing building. Applicant and wife are owners of franchise which opened in Dublin. Intent was to renovated but structural evaluation showed problems. Plans to do a ground leave and build new bakery for 2400 sq ft restaurant of 1 story. Questions to applicant included: delivery service needs because of lack of parking, metered parking, bike parking, LEEDS certification.

Motion from Committee for requested parking variance and demolition of existing building. Motion passed unanimously.

• 1254 Courtland Avenue. Applicant is Stickman Properties and represented by Dave Perry. Request is for council variance to permit specified additional uses in C3 and other specified uses in R4. Currently, most of property is C3 and a portion is R4 and current use is not permitted in C3 or R4 (dog day care and boarding use; office warehouse to remain and no other changes to proposed use). Questions to applicant included: dogs’ noise, and noise at night (boarding area will be inside use and west side of building). Motion from committee to approve specified additional uses. Yes: Allen, Atha, Cunningham, Daniel, Ebady, Foster, Golding, Graver, Hegley, Hughes, Hupman, MacConnell, Serantes, Talbott, Warncke, Wildman, Young. No: Girves, Caldwell. Motion passes 17-2.

• 2204-2206 North 4^th, brick 2 car garage, applicant Jeffrey Rupnow. No recommendation from Committee and no vote; allowing the 45 days to run.

• Planning Committee, Elan Daniel. Crew Stadium redevelopment and district signage; not enough information at present. Bill Graver has asked Scott Debolt to come to next Planning Committee. Nick Uhas from USG presented on USG sign project which is similar to UAC gateway signage which has been ongoing. Next month: safe routes to school, Crew Stadium, Dodridge Street rebuild, and churches operating within houses.

• Community Relations Committee, Richard Allen: Working on livable University neighborhoods with OSU; Sloopy’s Good Neighbor Agreement (Seth Golding spoke on agreement and present owners). Motion from Committee to enter into an agreement with a Good Neighbor Agreement with Sloopy’s (on file). Motion approved: Yes: Allen, Atha, Cunningham, Daniel, Ebady, Foster, Girves, Golding, Helgey, Hughes, Hupman, MacConnell, Serantes, Talbott, Warncke, Young. No: 0. Abs. Wildman. Motion passes. 16-0, 1 abs.

• Code & Enforcement Committee, Tom Wildman:

Motion to have letter of appreciation for Officer Carl Johnson’s service to the

University Area as Community Liaison Officer. Motion from Committee: passed unanimously.

• Governance Committee, David Hegley: Reminder to use City’s training to fulfill requirements for commissioners. Mentoring and officers discussion. Second Reading of the By-Law Changes. Proposed changes for

• Article 1 Section 7 to add “and the Recording Secretary shall read each commissioner’s name and how they voted aloud into the meeting’s minutes”

• Article II, Section 4, Paragraph A shall add, “shall vote according to Article I, Section 7.”

• Article IV, Section IV, Section 2, Paragraph E shall include, “which shall be tallied immediately by two commissions not running for an officer position…” and “one of the counters shall read aloud each commissioner’s name and how they voted…” and “official tally of votes will include…”

• Article VI, Section 8 shall read “…appointed by the President at the December meeting prior to 180 days before the next election.”

• Article II, Section 2, Paragraph B and C shall read term of officer for organization commission shall be “one two years” and term of office for group commissioner shall be “one two years.”

Motion from Committee: Changes to Article I, Section 7; Article II, Section 4, Part A; Article IV, Section 2, Paragraph E; Article II, Section 2, Paragraph E. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion to change Article II, Section 2, Paragraph B and C passed with 2 abs. David Hegley and Emily Foster.

Special Reports:

• Mayor Coleman’s State of the City

• Comments from Committee Chairs on highlights of meeting

• UDO Fifth Monday Series will be the 31^st of March at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Gateway.

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at @8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Sharon Young, acting secretary, and Doreen Uhas Sauer, typing secretary

University Area Commission
16 January 2008
Meeting Summary

Call to order, First Vice President Catherine Girves called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM at the Community Room, Northwood and High, 2231 North High.

Members present: Richard Allen, Grayson Atha, Robert Caldwell (6:42), Sean Cunningham, Catherine Girves, Seth Golding (6:38), Bill Graver, David Hegley, Joyce Hughes (6:45), Ron Hupman, Amhed Ebady, Joaquin Serantes, Richard Talbott (6:40), Lisabeth Warncke (6:40), Tom Wildman, Sharon Young. The following members had excused absenses: Elan Daniel, Emily Foster, Ian MacConnell.

Minutes/corrections, Doreen Uhas Sauer: December 2007 minutes should reflect correct spelling of Elan Daniel (not Daniels).

Treasurer’s report, Seth Golding: Balance to-date $805.69. Motion to approve both Minutes and Treasurer’s Report (Wildman/ sec.Graver). Motion approved unanimously; 1 abs. (Girves)

Reports:

• City of Columbus, Police Report, Officer Carl Johnson: Officer Johnson not present.

• City of Columbus, Code Enforcement, Deborah Van Dyke: Andy Bauman from Code Enforcement present. Written report submitted includes updates on Columbus Coated Fabrics (complete); upholstered furniture statistics 487 inspected; 353 have complied); 1328-30 North 4^th (new orders issued); 215 King Avenue (court charges filed); new graffiti legislation (no new info); 2498 Medary (possible probate action, pending); 39-45 West Dodridge (no new info); 1179-81 N. Grant (secured, sheriff’s sale 2/28/08); 2400-2 Findley (work underway with building permit revised); 14-24 East Hudson (property being maintained by Stillwater); 2210 Summit (court hearing 1/16/08 for outdoor seating; additional orders for rehab for front); Sales One Reality (foreclosing on properties); 2619 N. High (monitoring illegal rear patio)

• City of Columbus, Neighborhood Liaison, Steve Soble: Explanation of area commission training sessions. These required opportunities are repeated except for May 22 meeting; excellent attendance from the UAC at dinner earlier in the month with Mayor Coleman; report on paint ball activities in Glen Echo park 6 weeks earlier (not permitted—considered “discharging” in city of Columbus); City of Columbus budget and amendments to budget coming in early February; will report later with more details on street repairs planned for northern part of district; meetings scheduled on Jan 30 with Mid Ohio Regional Planning on Operation Safewalk. “Do It, Dream It” 2012 Summit on January 29^th at Convention Center and all citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.

• Campus Partners, Steve Sterrett: Written report on University Area Safety Committee. No significant problems after game. Oral history project between University District Organization/Ohio Historical Society Archives going well. Event planned for January 29^th to collect stories from University District residents. The Archives project committee continues to develop materials and guidelines; Commissioner Richard Talbott acknowledged as a major benefactor for project.

• Public Comments and Announcements: no public comments or announcements

Committee Highlight Reports:

• Zoning Committee, Ron Hupman: Brief remarks on 35-37 West Oakland where a request was made for a parking lot. Zoning Committee recommends disapproval and request on hold. The parking in area of Norwich/Northwood is complex, much illegal parking. Zoning will meet again on issue. Called attention to development on High and Weber which will have residential condos (C4) and parking on the 1^st floor in C3 where garages are permitted. City attorney has said it meets code. BZA will hear it on January 22^nd; case is one which could affect University area development. Regarding city’s work on clarification of Urban Commercial Overlay. Motion (Hupman, sec. Wildman): The University Area Commission offers the following recommendation in regard to proposed changes to the Urban Commercial Overlay: Recognizing that there are often multiple uses of widely varying intensity within a building, (1) percentage reductions to required parking based on ranges of square feet should be applied to the area of a particular use rather than to the area of a building (2) 2,001-10,000–a 50% reduction in required parking except for restaurant/bar and assembly (including churches) which uses where the reduction shall be 25%. (3) greater than 10,000 square feet—parking shall be provided as required by Chapter 3342 but shall not exceed those requirements. (4) recommended for the University Area, if not elsewhere—the parking provided for any use category shall not exceed the parking required by Chapter 3342. In addition, (5) it is strongly recommended that all administrative parking waivers be eliminated and (6) that requests for any parking reductions, without regard to magnitude, be handled through the standard variance processes. (7) Construction of outdoor seating areas, even when a parking variance is not required, should require a special permit issued by the Board of Zoning Adjustment that will assure a public review process that will include recommendations from the cognizant area commission/civic association. Proposed Amendment: (8) if a use expands into adjacent space, the required parking for the expanded use shall be determined on the basis of the total area of the original use plus the area of the expansion. Motion approved unanimously (yes: Allen, Caldwell, Cunningham, Ebady, Girves, Golding, Graver, Hegley, Hughes, Hupman, Serantes, Talbott, Warncke, Uhas Sauer, Wildman, Young) 16-0, 0 abs.

Discussion on motion—50% reduction in parking across the board is not the issue but the square feet issue is. Important in University Area that parking is related to uses not just size of building. Motion offers language to city version to make it clearer. Amendment (see above) to insert language in previous motion to reflect that parking should be based on full square footage not incremental expansions (Hupman/sec. Wildman).

Motion for amended language approved unanimously (yes: Allen, Caldwell, Cunningham, Ebady, Girves, Golding, Graver, Hegley, Hughes, Hupman, Serantes, Talbott, Warncke, Uhas Sauer, Wildman, Young) 16-0, 0 abs.

• Planning Committee, Elan Daniel: Ron Hupman gave the report for Elan Daniel. Request for Planning Committee to look at parking issues, especially with regard to conversion of houses to churches or religious gatherings. Use of a house to an institutional use as a “home church” can adversely affect neighborhood parking by adding significant increase of cars; in addition, other building code issues (fire exits, etc.) could also be negatively impacted.

• Community Relations Committee, Richard Allen: Finding more information about a possible OSU conference function in the follow in which UAC might be involved to suggest a track for Liveable University Communities. Chairman Allen will be following up. No new information on media letter or website.

• Code and Environment Committee, Tom Wildman: Request to send two letters—one to support Old North Columbus Block Watch and one to ZLB Plasma to inquire why concerns have not been addressed. Girves reminded commissioners that motions, including letters, should be written and submitted as part of agenda to speed up process. Motion to send a letter of support to Old North Columbus Block Watch (Wildman, sec. Allen) Motion passed unanimously (yes: Allen, Atha, Caldwell, Cunningham, Girves, Golding, Graver, Hegley, Hughes, Hupman, Serantes, Talbott, Warncke, Uhas Sauer, Young) 15-0, 1 abs. Wildman. Motion to send a letter to ZBL inquiring as to why they have not responded to previous request, though they are obligated to do so, and more than 90 days have passed (Wildman, sec. Allen). Discussion centered on whether ZBL has attempted to respond to President MacConnell and others who met with them; whether they have indeed responded to some issues such as dumpsters, smokers, site plan, and have expressed desire to be receptive; how much can respond to from site and how much needs to come from corporate. Recommendation from President MacConnell to wait on sending the letter. Frustration was expressed about getting a letter out of committee. Discussion continued– Could letter be premature if not all commissions are informed? What is role of responsibility for UAC in backing neighborhood? Could letter come from Old North Columbus? Motion was tabled (Wildman) Question from Commissioner Atha whether a motion, once made before the whole body, can be pulled from the table since it is now the house’s motion. Motion to put motion back on floor for decision by all commissioners—to send letter to ZBL inquiring as to why they have not responded to previous request, though they are obligated to do so, and more than 30 days have passed (Wildman/ sec. Atha). Motion defeated, 1-16, 0 abs. (yes–Caldwell;no—Allen, Atha, Cunningham, Ebady, Girves, Golding, Graver, Hegley, Hughes, Hupman, Serantes, Talbott, Warncke, Uhas Sauer, Wildman, Young) Question from Commissioner Atha—Can one be absent in body and present in voice? A recommendation from President MacConnell, when absent, (or anyone else) does not allow an exchange of ideas. Does putting a recommendation from a non-present commissioner bend Sunshine Laws? Can a person who is not present vote electronically (cell phone)? Would that mean that one can be present electronically? Questions directed to Governance Committee.

• Governance Committee, David Hegley. Written report sent—agenda items which Governance will be dealing with: attendance, training for poll workers, orientation for new commissioners.

Special Report

• City Attorney clarification on Good Neighbor Agreements: Area commissions can enter into Good Neighbor Agreements since they are non-binding agreements.

• Reminder about meetings on Green Plan on January 30 and 31.

• Thank you from commissioners to President MacConnell for tasteful name place signs.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn (Talbott/sec. Golding).

Motion approved unanimously by voice vote.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,Doreen Uhas Sauer, Secretary