MINUTES
The Village of Evendale
Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 2008
The Village of Evendale Regular Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Apking at 7:00 pm.
Roll call- The following council members were present: Ms. Carolyn Smiley-Robertson, Mr. Stiney Vonderhaar, Mr. Doug Lohmeier and Mr. John Ranz, Jr., Mr. Bill Puthoff, and Mr. Jeff Albrinck. Also present were: Assistant to the Mayor, Jack Cameron; Village Engineer, James Jeffers; Village of Evendale Fire Chief, Rick Cruse; Recreation Director, Dave Nicholas; Village Solicitor, Tim Burke; Economic Developer, and Village Clerk, Barb Rohs.
Presentation of Anchor Properties- Matt Grever, Anchor Properties and Dean Miller, Miller- Valentine Group were present to address Council. Anchor Properties and Miller-Valentine Group are the developers of the Evendale Commons project, which is anchored by Wal-Mart.
Matt Grever spoke on the retail state of the Evendale Commons location and the overall retail market. Miller-Valentine Group, Anchor Properties, Village of Evendale and Hamilton Co. were aggressively pursuing the General Electric office complex over the past year to be located in Evendale Commons. General Electric has decided to locate their new offices at the Union Center Blvd Exit in Butler County. While these negations were occurring, this piece of property, located next to Wal-Mart, was taken off the market for one year. The current state of the economy is scaring retailers from committing to new projects. The retail development that might be seen completed in the Cincinnati area may be deals that were committed to over two years ago. Anchor believes that through 2008 and most of 2009 there
will be no interest in new retail developments for the piece of property next to Wal-Mart. Retailers are not interested if the opening is prior to 2010 or 2011. Anchor is working with out lot tenants to generate interest in this property. Anchor is currently talking to a potential tenant to be located between Mr. Clean and 5/3 Bank. Also, Anchor is in advanced discussion with a national family dining restaurant to be located in Evendale. This discussion was started while talking with GE. This potential tenant may have the condition that another Anchor project is in the works, i.e. second retailer or office tenant, before they commit.
Dean Miller spoke to Council. He felt Miller-Valentine’s bid that was given to GE was competitive to the other bids but GE was drawn to the atmosphere and environment of the Union Center area. The amenities, such as hotels and restaurants, are much better at the Union Center Exit. Mr. Miller thanked the Evendale Staff for all the hard work. The Tri-County market vacancy rate is around 20%. Currently the market is flat.
Ms. Smiley Robertson asked Matt Grever on the timing of any new projected additional tenants. Mr. Grever stated that the out lot user, between 5/3 and Mr. Clean, may be as early 2009. The restaurant user may depend if a second retailer or office tenant commits. If this is not a requirement, then Council should know something by mid 2009.
Mr. Albrinck would like to reiterate to Anchor Properties the desire for a high quality tenant he would like to see in Evendale. He would much rather wait to get a quality tenant then settling for a second rate tenant. Mr. Grever stated that some of the retailers, who were initially sought after, based on the current criteria of a new sales site, do not meet their projected sales goal. Matt does not see this economic environment changing. The positive side is Evendale has an existing demographic shopper. The negative side is the population base is declining, as is the rest of Hamilton County. The tenants that are currently open, Wal-Mart, Chipotle and Starbucks are happy with the sales volume. Originally, Chipotle’s rent was reduced because of their projected sales volume was less
than required by their headquarters. This was to entice them to move into Evendale.
Ms. Smiley- Robertson asked Mr. Miller what indicates that the market is changing. Mr. Miller stated that the vacancy rates would be a good indication. Mr. Miller also stated that having an infrastructure in place is a selling point for this property.
Mr. Grever stated that when GE moves their jobs to Union Center it will create many new vacancies in the Tri-County area and look for the prices of office rent to drop.
Discussion on Erickson Development:
Jack Cameron spoke about how Evendale has been talking to Erickson for over one year, an Economic Study was done by University of Cincinnati, sites were visited by himself, Evendale personnel and various Council members. Zoning questions were addressed by
Tim Burke at the July Council Meeting. Preliminary cooperative agreements with Glendale are in everyone’s packets. Mr. Cameron would like for Council to give an indication to Erickson regarding moving forward with the application process or not moving forward.
Mayor Hubbard of the Village of Glendale spoke on the history of the Landmark property. The property use to be a farm owned by Matthews family and sold it to Landmark Baptist Church. Landmark wanted to rezone and develop the property but Glendale said no. This judgment was upheld in the Ohio Supreme Court. Glendale was approached a number of year ago to develop the property with big box store. This did not happen. Not convinced that the property is good for additional residential housing because of the proximity to I-75. Mayor Hubbard feels that Erickson is a great use of the property. Density and height of buildings would be in Glendale’s zoning changes. Glendale wants to proceed with the process by working with both Villages and their planning commissions.
Mr. Hubbard stated that there has not been anyone who seriously pursued this property in the past 10 –20 years.
Steve Montgomery, Erickson Retirement Communities, addressed Council. Erickson Retirement Communities would like to be in Cincinnati market. They see the need and demand in this market for a retirement community. This proposed retirement community does give the opportunity for older residents to live in their communities. Mr. Montgomery feels that Erickson would have a low impact on Evendale’s services and positively would increase the population of the community. Erickson’s philosophy is when they come into a market they become part of the community. They do not build a facility and then turn the buildings over to a management service. Mr. Montgomery would like to take the next step in moving forward with this project.
Mr. Vonderhaar asked if, after build out, does the property get turned over to a LLC. Mr. Montgomery stated that the property would be turned over to a National Board that is part of Erickson.
Mr. Montgomery stated that the land from both Villages is needed to move forward with this property.
Mr. Albrinck, struggles with the potential impact on the community and if the retirement village is what is in the best interest of the Village of Evendale. He currently feels that the economic benefit is not that great. There is a possibility that the estate tax going away and it would not be revenue to Evendale. Glendale will receive a large amount property tax for this project and can understand why they are for the proposed community.
Mayor Apking stated that he felt that Landmark does not want to sell their church. While developing the master plan, the cemetery and Landmark was not really discussed. Since the largest part of this property is Glendale, and it is zoned different, he felt that an office would not want to be located by a church and a cemetery. Erickson might be a of a good fit for our community and this property.
Mayor Apking feels the quality of life this project supports will bring is a good thing for Village. Evendale is represents itself to be family friendly, this may open existing housing for younger families in Evendale.
Mr. Montgomery stated that Erickson does provide services within their community i.e. doctors that would not tax the village services. Also, the residents do spend money in the community.
Ms. Smiley- Robertson feels that Erickson is an excellent product. Does not feel you can assume this development would help bring another development to Evendale because the facts and information are not there to support this assumption. The projected numbers for this project do concern her. She is concerned that we are bringing in a development that does not generate a lot of revenue.
Mayor Apking stated that this project is located on 20 acres in Evendale. The majority of it is in Glendale. If you do not include the estate tax, the annual revenue on this property translates to $225,000, which is approximately $10,000 acre.
Mayor Apking stated that Erickson would put in their own infrastructure, plows their own property. Evendale will run its own EMT runs and Glendale runs their own EMT runs depending on where the resident is living. He does not feel that additional personnel will not be needed by Fire Department because Erickson treats their own residents on property.
Mr. Puthoff stated that anything that gets put in the property will have an impact on the Village. Will Erickson have a lesser impact that office use, which is in the proposed master plan? He feels that offices would have a greater impact on the Village over an Erickson Development.
Mr. Vonderhaar feels the best use for this property is office.
Mayor Apking pointed out to Council that Evendale’s land bank properties are just sitting and not being sought after. This is an opportunity for a quality company to come into the community. An office would not want to go into next to a church and a cemetery.
At the October Regular Council Meeting the Mayor would like a consensus of Council if they support or do not support moving forward on this project so Erickson knows the next steps. Mr. Burke stated that any vote is just advisory and not the final approval.
Mr. Ranz stated that our largest employer, GE, just told The Village of Evendale that they do not want to put their new offices in Evendale. Union Center offers many more amenities and hotels than Evendale. The master plan has not been approved yet. This is an opportunity to bring an upscale community and employer to Evendale. Erickson is rated one of the top Fortune 100 to work for in the US.
Ms. Smiley Robertson does not know if this fits into the Village of Evendale community. By the next council meeting, she would like the department heads to submit a revised impact analysis from their departments.
Mayor Apking presented the consent calendar. Mr. Lohmeier made the motion to accept the consent calendar, seconded by Mr. Vonderhaar and unanimously approved.
Report of Mayor and Council Committees:
600 tons of salt has been purchased at $48/ton for 2009. Evendale has a total of 1500 tons available for 2009.
Police Finance Administration Committee- HIRT committee is made up of Evendale employees to to be a part of the decision making process regarding employee health insurance purchases. This has allowed Evendale employees to be engaged and educated on the health insurance purchase process. This committee recommended looking at a HSA (health savings account). This was recommended by employees to keep cost down. The funds that go into the account for each employee can grow annually and be used during retirement. This will be implemented in 2009. Mr. Ranz stated the current Dental and Optical Plan is being discontinued. Mr. Albrinck needs to work through the details on what the financial impact to the Village. Mr. Puthoff would like to get the consensus of Council to
move forward with pursuing an HSA. Mr. Ranz stated it would take a few years for the Village to see the benefit. The 2009 increase may be in the range on 25%. Right now, the current plan of the Village covers the employee 100%. Ms. Smiley-Robertson wants to make sure the employees realize they will be contributing at some level. Chief Cruse stated that allowing the employees to be part of the process has improved the relationship with the employees and Council.
Gorman Farm will be coming to the next council meeting regarding funding.
Glendale-Milford Rd intersection is currently under construction. Mr. Puthoff stated that the black poles are close to being damaged. ODOT is managing the process and are suppose to be moving the poles.
Everyone has a 2009 budget book.
The Recreation Department had an Impact Meeting on Tuesday September 9 and 14 people attended. The Leisure Trail System Map was distributed. The Cultural Arts Center Open House had 100 people attend. 45 people signed up for fall seasons.
Recreation Commission had a group of residents come to them requesting additional tennis courts. The Recreation Commission is suppose to be coming to committee with recommendations of # of courts and placement.
A live burn on house in Baxter Park in October.
September 22, 2008 the hiring committee will meet to interview for police positions.
Presentation of Ordinances and Resolutions:
Third Reading: 08-40 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE MENTAL RETARDATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BOARD (MR/DD) OF HAMILTON COUNTY TO ALLOW AN ENCROACHMENT ONTO VILLAGE PROPERTY. A motion to adopt Ordinance #08-40 as an emergency was made by Mr. Albrinck, seconded by Mr. Vonderhaar and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared Ordinance #08-40 adopted.
Second Reading: Mayor Apking presented #08- 41 ORDINANCE INCREASING THE HOURLY RATE OF PAY FOR RALPH POMMERING, GENERAL LABORER IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. A motion to read Ordinance #08-41 by title only was made by Mr. Vonderhaar, seconded by Mr. Lohmeier and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared this the second reading. A motion to suspend the 3rd reading was made by Mr. Vonderhaar, seconded by Mr. Albrinck and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to adopt Ordinance #08-41, as an emergency, was made by Mr. Puthoff, seconded by Mr. Albrinck and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared Ordinance #08-41 adopted as an emergency.
Second Reading:Mayor Apking presented #08- 42 ORDINANCE LEVYING UPON CERTAIN LOTS AND LANDS A CERTIFIED PROPERTY TAX LIEN FOR THE PAYMENT OF COSTS INCURRED BY THE VILLAGE OF EVENDALE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY BY THE REMOVAL OF WEEDS AND LITTER AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Discussion: A clarification was made on the amount of funds that are being collected. A lien will be put on the property and can’t be imposed until 30 days after they receive the letter. A vacant resident property has to cut if over 8 inches. Mr. Burke stated that if you can locate the owner of the property, they can be sited every day for violation of maintenance code. It may be time to go back to the Otterbein location to try to condemn the house. The ordinance should
be amended to change the Otterbein location to owe $525. A motion to suspend the 3rd reading was made by Mr. Lohmeier, seconded by Vonderhaar and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to adopt the ordinance, as amended, as an emergency was made by Mr. Puthoff, seconded by Mr. Ranz and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared Ordinance #08-42, as amended, adopted as an emergency.
Second Reading:Mayor Apking presented ORDINANCE #08-43 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS TO THE VILLAGE OF EVENDALE SWIM COACHING STAFF AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. A motion to read Ordinance #08-43 by title only was made by Mr. Vonderhaar, seconded by Mr. Lohmeier and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared this the second reading. A motion to suspend the 3rd reading was made by Mr. Puthoff, seconded by Vonderhaar and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to adopt the ordinance as an emergency was made by Ms. Smiley-Robertson, seconded by Mr. Ranz and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared Ordinance #08-42, as amended, adopted as an emergency.
Mayor Apking presented # ORD. #08-44 APPROVING ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS IN VARIOUS FUNDSAND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
A motion to read Ordinance #08-44 by title only was made by Ms. Smiley-Robertson, seconded by Mr. Puthoff and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to suspend the second and third readings of Ordinance #08-44 was made by Mr. Puthoff, seconded by Mr. Vonderhaar and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to adopt Ordinance #08-44 as an emergency was made by Mr. Lohmeier, seconded by Mr. Albrinck and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared Ordinance #08-44 adopted as an emergency.
Mayor Apking RES. #08-10 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE VILLAGE OF EVENDALE TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND/OR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM(S) AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED. Discussion: This resolution is needed to provide legislation to the State of Ohio that Evendale is willing to split the cost of potential road improvements. A motion to read Resolution #08-10 by title only was made by Mr. Vonderhaar, seconded by Mr. Albrinck and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to suspend the second and third readings of Resolution #08-10 was made by Mr. Ranz, seconded by Mr. Lohmeier and unanimously approved on roll call. A motion to adopt Resolution #08-10 as an emergency was made by Mr.
Lohmeier, seconded by Mr. Vonderhaar and unanimously approved on roll call. Mayor Apking declared Resolution #08-10 adopted as an emergency.
Other business
Mark your calendar for Chamber of Commerce Picnic, September 24.
Mark your calendar for Hamilton County Municipal League Meeting on September 29 at the Shelter House.
Street signs and stop signs are being installed.
Glendale-Milford house discussion: Property owner is working toward a set of new plans and getting financing. Property owner appeared in Mayor’s Court on September 10 and has until the end of October to get plans approved and financing in place.
Motion to adjourn the meeting and go into executive session was made by Mr. Vonderhaar, seconded by Mr. Albrinck and unanimously approved on roll call.
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Vonderhaar, seconded by Mr. Lohmeier and unanimously approved on roll call.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
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Mayor
Attest:
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Village Clerk
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