UniversityAreaCommission.Info

The monthly Commission meeting reports for March, April, and May are finished, approved, and will be posted in the near future. We thank you for your patience.

July 15, 2009 Agenda

 

6:30 Call to Order, Welcome, Roll Call

1. Nominating Committee Report Information

2. Election of Executive Committee Officers Vote

3. Election to fill District 1 Vacancy Vote

4. Approval of Minutes Vote

5. Treasurer’s Report - Seth Golding Information

 

Reports

1. Columbus Police Department – Officer Scruggs (tentative) Information

2. Campus Partners – Steve Sterrett (tentative) Information

Public Comments & Announcements (3 minutes allowed per speaker)

 

Committee Highlight Reports

1. Zoning Committee – Ron Hupman, Chair Vote

2. Governance Committee - David Hegley, Chair Information

3. Community Relations Committee - Rimar Villasenor, Chair Information

4. Code & Environment Committee - Tom Wildman, Chair Information

 

New Business

1. Committee Assignments – Vote

2. Announcement of District 4 Open Seat - Information

 

Adjournment - Next Meeting – August 19, 2009: 2231 N. High St Rm 100

On agenda items marked “Information” ask questions or reserve comments for

clarification only. Further discussion should be held outside of the Commission

meeting.

 

Agenda is subject to modifications by the presiding officer and items may be taken out of order.

 

Zoning Committee Details

———————————————————————

33 E. 17th Ave (SE corner of 17th & alley Applicant: T-Mobile. BZA variances necessary to construct

roof-top antennas.

Motion: The UAC recommends approval of a variance to permit a communications antenna on a

building of less than 50 feet in height in an A/R zoning district and further recommends that all related

equipment be confined to the rooftop.

Recommendation: Approval

 

Committee Assignments

———————————————————————

Code Enforcement & Environment Committee

Tom Wildman

Seth Golding

Richard Talbot

Ahmed Ebady

Joyce Hughes

Peter O”Rourke

Susan Keeny

 

Community Relations Committee

Rimar Villasenor

Doreen Uhas-Sauer

Grayson Atha

Ahmed Ebady

Sharon Young

Miles Curtis

Ian MacConnell

Justin Pinsker

 

Governance Committee Members

David Hegley , Governance Committee Chair

Grayson Atha

Miles Curtiss

Becky Sterrett

Stephen Volkmann

Tom Wildman

Sharon Young

 

Planning & Development Committee Members

Doreen Uhas-Sauer

Peter O’Rourke

David Hegley

Pasqule Grado

Joaquin Serantes

Bill Graver

Ron Hupman

Stephen Volkman

Rimar Villasenor

Susan Keeny

 

Zoning Committee Members

Ron Hupman, Zoning Committee Chair

Joyce Hughes

Bill Graver

Pasquale Grado

Seth Golding

Joaquin Serantes

Richard Talbot

Ian MacConnell

Justin Pinsker

Tom Wildman

The 2009 Executive Committee election board met July 13 2009 at 6PM at the 11th Avenue Policing Center, as previously announced.  Commissioners O’Rourke, Curtiss, Hegley, Volkmann, and Pinsker were present.  Only one slate of candidates was nominated prior to the meeting:President - Ian Macconnell
1st Vice President - Bill Graver
2nd Vice President - David Hegley
Treasurer - Seth Golding
Corresponding Secretary - Sharon Young
Recording Secretary - No nominations

(Peter O’Rourke made a motion to present this slate of candidates to the Commission for a vote.  The motion was seconded by Justin Pinsker.  The motion passed unanimously.

No additional nominations were made during the meeting or received beforehand.  The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 PM.

July 15, 2009 Tentative Agenda
6:30 Call to Order, Welcome, Roll Call
1. Nominating Committee Report Information
2. Election of Executive Committee Officers Vote
3. Election to fill District 1 Vacany
4. Approval of Minutes - Doreen Uhas Sauer Vote
5. Treasurer’s Report - Seth Golding Information

Reports
1. Columbus Police Department – Officer Scruggs Information
2. City of Columbus Neighborhood Liaison - Isom Nivins Information
3. Campus Partners - Steve Sterrett

Public Comments & Announcements (3 minutes allowed per speaker)
1.

Committee Highlight Reports
1. Zoning Committee – Ron Hupman, Chair - Information
2. Planning Committee – Doreen Uhas Sauer, Chair - Information
3. Community Relations Committee - Rimar Villasenor, Chair - Information
4. Code & Environment Committee - Tom Wildman, Chair - Information
5. Governance Committee Report - David Hegley, Chair - Information

New Business
1. Committee Assignments - Vote
2. Announcement of District 4 Open Seat - Information

Adjournment - Next Meeting – August 19, 2009: 2231 N. High St Rm 100

Code Enforcement and Environment Committee Minutes
2. July 2009

Present: Ahmed Ebady, Seth Golding,  Pete O’Rourke, Justin Pinsker, Richard Talbot, Tom Wildman
Excused: Joyce Hughes

Internal Duties

  Elect A Chair - Ahmed Ebady nominates and Dick Talbot seconds, Tom Wildman to be Chair of the C&E Committee.

   (5)  yeas (0)  nays (1)  abstencia

   Nomination carries.

  UAC Permit Parking Passes

  - Tom Wildman made a motion and was seconded by Seth Golding to:

   That for this year only, all UAC Commissioners be given AMNESTY for not returning their UAC
   Permit Parking Passes by 11:59 p.m., July 2, 2009 and All 2009/2010 UAC Commissioners be issued
   new Parking Passes.  All UAC Commissioners must comply with UAC Code and Environment
   Committee Parking Pass Rules and Regulations beginning tomorrow, 00:01 a.m., July 3, 2009. 
   This is a one year AMNESTY only, and is not to be repeated in future years.

    (6)  yeas (0)  nays (0)  abstencia

   Motion passes.

  August 6, 2009 C&E Mtg.

  - Tom Wildman made a motion and was seconded by Dick Talbot to:

   cancel the Code Enforcement and Environment August 6, 2009 Committee Meeting, due to lack of
   sufficient committee members being present.  All C&E Committee business will resume at the
   September 2, 2009 C&E Committee Mtg.

   Some discussion ensued.  Only Seth Golding may be in town, but could be coerced to leave town with
   family if need be.  Ahmed Ebady, Joyce Hughes, Pete O’Rourke, Justin Pinsker, Richard Talbot, Tom
   Wildman will be out of town  on vacation.

   (6)  yeas (0)  nays (0)  abstencia

   Motion passes.

  2009/2010 Yearly Agenda

  - Continue working with OSU and neighboring universities and colleges, on a quarterly/semester
   information network, informing all students about safety on/off campus.  This network will be paper and
   network based.
  - work on abandoned properties in U-District [particularly in the southern districts].
  - work with City Council on Affirmative Action based Graffiti Legislation.
  - continue working with the ZLB Plasma Center in being a responsible neighbor
  - reduce vagrant population in public spaces
  - increase police presence in crime riddled areas
  - welcome new North High School tenants and keep the safety of the students and residents in the forefront
  - work with changing codes where necessary
  - submit Liquor License objections, monitor ONC liquor establishments
Safety  - updates on crime.

Code-Environment                           
                       - motion by Seth golding and seconded by Dick Talbot to: 

    send an internal committee letter to Parks & Rec. recommending that all benches and tables be removed from the 
                               Arcadia & High Pocket Park, for the safety of businesses and residences in the area.  And that the park receive plantings 
                               instead and become a walking neighborhood park. 

    much discussion ensued.  Most in favor of the bench/table removal.  Residents and business owners of the                            area were present, approving of the move.  The only patrons they see using the park are vagrants, drunks,                    criminals and truant students.  The patrons are a blight to the area and degrade property value.  CPD never                           arrests individuals with open liquor containers.  If Park’s & Rec. can not afford to remove and replace,                            business owners present would donate labor and funds to do so.  One committee member stated the motion                           should first be reviewed by ONC residents at a specially held meeting on the issue before a UAC                   
                                determination and further stated that Clintonville should have no say in the matter, since the park falls in                     the domain and jurisdiction of Olde North Columbus and the UAC.
   
                               (5)  yeas (0)  nays (1)  abstencia
   
                               Motion passes.
<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Next Code Enforcement and Environment Committee(C&E) Meeting:

6 p.m., September 2, 2009 at the Godman Guild Library

Agenda: 
    
 Internal Duties
   A.  Liquor License Update
   B.  Block Party Permit Update
   C.  UAC Permit Parking Pass(UACPPP)applications

 Safety
   A. Crime update    
   B. Issues of Concern
 
 Code-Environment
   A. Updates
   B. Issues of Concern 

Agenda is subject to modifications by the presiding chair and items may be taken out of order.
meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

University Area CommissionCommunity Relations CommitteeAnnual Report 2008-2009 

*Transition of Chair in November 2008. Report contains information from December 2008 – June 2009 

Member Rimar Villasenor (Chair), Grayson Atha, Miles Curtis, Ahmed Ebady, Ian MacConnell, Doreen Uhas-Sauer, Sharon Young 

BusinessThe Community Relations Committee was mainly focused on solidifying the district’s identity through the development of neighborhood stability in three major areas: safety, environment, and an overall sense of community.  To achieve success in those three areas, the following initiatives were employed throughout the year: 

·         Drafting of Good Neighborhood Agreement Letter – In consideration of Maynard’s Good Neighborhood Agreement Letter, a similar letter was drafted and made available online for other civic organizations to implement.  The purpose of the letter was to not necessarily create a formal contractual agreement, but rather a formal agreement on “good neighborly values”.  This was intended on assisting with neighborhood development by creating a sense of community and safety.·         Littering Signage – The city was provided the commission with approximately 30 littering signs.  After compiling a list of streets - spanning throughout the district with special consideration to areas that tend to have the most litter (i.e. West Lane Ave.) – the littering signs were posted notifying the general public that no littering is allowed and if caught, there would be a fine.·         Columbus Underground – The Columbus Underground website, specifically the University District Blog, was utilized by the commission as a “media outlet” or a form of “press release”.  ·         Official naming of “Student Core” (area between Woodruff Ave and 11th Ave, east of High Street) – With one of the more densely populated areas of the district unnamed, a campaign was implemented to rally names for the area.  Several names were generated, but none were officially adopted.  Discussion is still being made on what the official name should be.·         Promotion of Green Guide – After the drafting of the Green Guide, the committee devised several ways to promote the report.  Outlets such as Columbus Underground, the Lantern, the UAC Blog, were utilized and are still being worked on.  ·         Funding for Clintonville Area Commission’s Graffiti Initiative – In light of the recent graffiti crimes, the Community Relations Committee decided to assist Commissioner David Southan from the Clintonville Area Commission and his campaign to stop graffiti.  The committee assisted in obtaining funds and support for the initiative through other organizations such as Crime Stoppers.·         State of the Neighborhood Address – The committee assisted in drafting the presentation that President Ian MacConnell made to council on December 15th·         State of the Neighborhood Presentation – The committee created the State of the Neighborhood Presentation that was made on June 8^th.  Contents included:o   Information on the districto   Presentation Initiatives that addressed code and safety, environmental impact, and housing and home ownershipso   Thanking the city for§  Safe pathways for children to Weinland Park Elementary School§  Olde North Columbus High Street improvements §  Community Policing Center, CPD & CCP§  Community Liaisons, Code Enforcement, City Attorney’s Office  

 

University Area Commission – Governance Committee
Annual Report – 2008 – 2009 Commission Year
Members (Attendance: P=Present, E= Excused, A= Absent): Sean Cunningham (A=2, Resigned Oct-08), Sharon Young (P=12), Grayson Atha (P=8, E=3), Becky Sterrett [Started Nov-08] (P=6, E=2), Stephen Volkmann (P=8, E=3), Justin Pinsker (P=3, Resigned Dec-08), Nick Uhas (E=2, A=1, Resigned Nov-08), Julius Jefferson, (A=4, Resigned Mar-09) and David Hegley, Chairperson (P=12)
The Committee had a busy year covering a broad range of topics. The Committee took a conscientious approach to investigating, discussing and proposing solutions to issues affecting the parliamentary running of the University Area Commission.  This report is broken into three sections 1. items associated with the UAC by laws, 2. items pertaining directly to Robert’s Rules of Order and 3. Special projects.

By Laws Reviews:
Several by laws were reviewed this year.  No changes were brought to the full commission for a vote.  Two changes voted on by the Committee to move forward but were not brought for a vote this year include: The Commissions ability to rescind a vote.  The City Attorney’s office responded cautioned us to be aware the business of the City can go on despite our rescinding a vote, however, there was no precedent to say we could not remove Article I, section 4 paragraph A.  Second was a recommendation to eliminate Article V, section 10 stating all Commissioners are Ex-Officio members of all committees.  Items that did not pass Committee vote to move forward: When a Commissioner should abstain from voting, the Committee decided following Robert’s Rules of order was sufficient and no by law change was necessary. A comprehensive review of the public comment policy was completed.  Several changes were made to the speaker slips to bring their information into compliance with the by laws.  Items not requiring a by law change: Adding a formal letter writing policy to the by laws was discussed.  It was decided there was merit for the Commission to have a formal policy.  However, adding it to the by laws was not recommended.  Finally the committee began the process to index the by laws in order to make finding information easier.

Robert’s Rules of Order:
Much of the work the committee did focused on clarifying Robert’s Rules and how they should be applied.  The first item was addressed was when the Chair should speak during meetings.  RONR, states the chair should speak only when necessary and when speaking on a motion must relinquish the chair for the duration of motion on the floor.  The ability of the Commission to censure a Commissioner was discussed.  There is no formal censure policy outlined in the RONR or the by laws.  It was decided no further action would be taken.  If a Commissioner committed a grievous act it is possible to follow RONR disciplinary procedure, which would require a formal trial. Following are details of RONR the Committee was asked to research:
A. Friendly Amendment:  Any amendment the (or any other motion) appears to the chair to be uncontroversial.

Procedure From the Floor:
1. Be recognized by the chair
2. State: I move to make a “Friendly” amendment
3. State exactly where in the main motion the change is to be made and precisely what words to use.  (It is not acceptable to give the spirit of the language)
Procedure for the Chair: It is proper for the chair to ask if there is “any objection” to adopting the amendment. If no objection is made, the chair may declare the amendment adopted. Note:  If any member objects, the amendment is subject to debate and vote like any other, regardless of whether the maker of the motion calls it “friendly” and regardless of whether the maker of the original motion endorses its adoption. [RONR (10th ed.), p. 154.]
Background: On occasion, while a motion is being debated, someone will get up and offer what he or she terms a “friendly amendment” to the motion, the maker of the original motion will “accept” the amendment, and the chair will treat the motion as amended. This is wrong. Once the chair has stated a motion, it is no longer the property of the mover, but of the assembly. The full body must adopt any amendment, “friendly” or otherwise, either by a vote or by unanimous consent.
Note: Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised did not define friendly Amendment until the 10th Edition.  Prior to that, there was no provision in Robert’s Rules for a “Friendly Amendment.” The only way a motion can be modified without a vote, after the Chair has stated it, is with the unanimous consent of the members present.  


B. Motion to Postpone:
1. Motion to postpone indefinitely:  This is a subsidiary motion, which is applied directly to the pending main motion.  The purpose of this motion is to diffuse potentially damaging motions.  It is also used to kill a motion.  Once this motion is made debate on the main motion is still open for discussion.   Key Characteristics:
a. Can’t interrupt a speaker who has the floor
b. Must be seconded
c. Is debatable if the motion to which it is applied is debatable (Debate isn’t restricted to the pros and cons of the amendment, but may go into the merits of the main motion)
d. Can’t be amended
e. Requires a majority vote for adoption
f. Can be reconsidered if adopted
Proper way to make this motion: “I move to postpone the pending motion indefinitely”.  In the event you have exhausted your right to speak on the main motion, you now have the opportunity to speak again on this secondary motion.  If the motion does not pass, the body goes back to the main motion.
2. Motion to postpone to a certain time (definitely):  This motion does not kill the motion, only reschedules its consideration. Key characteristics:
a. Can’t interrupt a speaker who has the floor
b. Is debatable (Permissible debate is restricted to the pros and cons of postponement only.  Debate may not go into the merits of the main motion.)
c. Can be amended, specifically the details of the time to which the postponement is made and whether it should be made a special order
d. Requires a majority vote
e. Can be reconsidered if adopted (If the motion to postpone definitely fails, the motion can be reconsidered as long as no material debate has progressed on it.  If no additional debate has occurred, the reconsideration vote is bypassed, and the motion just needs to be renewed)
To make this motion you need to decide when you want to readdress the postponed motion.  Examples of times to postpone including, later in the current meeting or next regular meeting.

C. Motion to Lay On the Table:

The motion to Lay on the Table is often confused with the motion to Postpone to a Certain Time. The purpose of the motion to Lay on the Table is to enable an assembly, by majority vote and without debate, to lay a pending question aside temporarily in order to take up something else of immediate urgency. In ordinary societies it is rarely needed, and hence seldom in order. [RONR (9th ed.), p. 176-188; see also p. 127 of RONR 10th ed. In Brief.]  This is only in order if something requiring an immediate decision by the body comes up. 
When making this motion you must clearly state what circumstances have come up that require the body to lay the pending motion on the table.  All main motions and secondary motions on the floor at the time of motion to lay on the table is adopted is put on the table.  Once the urgent business is taken care of all previous pending business is removed from the table and debate continues.
NOTE:  It is never in order to use the motion to lay on the table to kill a motion or to delay its consideration.  If the presiding officer believes the merits of the motion are out order, the motion will be changed to Postpone to a later date of indefinitely.
Key Characteristics:
1 .Can’t interrupt a speaker who has the floor
2 .Must be seconded
3. Isn’t debatable
4. Isn’t amendable
5.Requires a majority vote
6. Can’t be reconsidered if adopted because the motion to take from the table is easier for that purpose (reconsideration is permitted if lay on the table fails, as long as no material debate has progressed on the motion or motions to which it was applied.  If additional debate has occurred, a reconsideration vote is unnecessary.  The motion to lay on the table just needs to be renewed.)

D. Motion to Refer to a committee

According to Robert’s Rules the correct terminology is “Motion to Commit”, but refer to a committee is acceptable.  The key points to this type of motion are:
1. It is a subsidiary motion to a main motion (treated just like a motion to amend)
2. Requires a majority vote to pass
3. Is amendable when it is the active motion on the floor.
4. Is debatable (only about the motion to commit).  It is never in order to debate if the main motion is good or bad when discussing this subsidiary motion.
5. Always identify the committee to which the motion is being referred to
6. This motion can include instructions like: when to report back, etc.
7. Motion to Commit is amendable

Special Project:
The Committee spent a lot of its time investigating creating a uniformed citywide elections for all area commissions.  The initial intent was getting on official Franklin County ballots.  A lot of work was done to understand the voting districts in the University Area to understanding the cost involved in placing names on the ballot.  Currently the Committee is still working to understand what if any interest there is with other Area Commissions.

Respectfully Submitted,
David Hegley, 2008-09 Governance Chairperson

University Area Commission Planning Committee Final Report and Summary
 August 2008 to June 2009
Thank you to the following community members and UAC commissioners who attended monthly meetings from August 2008 through June 2009: Elan Daniel, Justin Pinsker, Sharon Young, Ian MacConnell, Peter O’Rourke, Joaquin Serantes, Rimar Villasenor, Bill Graver, Emily Foster, Pasquale Grado, Grayson Atha, Rick Allen, Ahmed Ebady, David Hegley, Becky Sterrett, Stephen Volkmann
Highlights of the Planning Committee include:

Joint meetings with the Community Relations Committee to brainstorm needs of the district, to consider tentative plans for a future “university community” conference which could include other university communities, and to create an action plan for both committees.  Community Relations took for their agenda items: housing issues, media contacts and communication, and quality of life issues in the district.  Planning Committee agreed to look at signage (though identity issues are shared by both committees), environmental issues, Weinland Park Community Mobility Plan, and historic preservation needs.  Other issues which were discussed but not put on an action plan were: self-help orientation in dealing with city services, storm water mitigation, and changes to development guidelines. Status: On-going

Editing and refinement of the Green Guide which gathered ideas for making the University District a more environmentally-friendly neighborhood was passed after a  great deal of community input in 2008 and much hard work by former intern Elan Daniels.  The Planning Committee agreed to work on three priorities of its own: pedestrian and bicycle safety, bar glass recycling pilot, and recycling education. Status: On-going

Planning and Community Relations held the first ever open-community meeting regarding marketing and identity in the district in January through the joint efforts of the University District Organization, the University Community Association, and the University Area Commission, which brought out over 70 participants, including a visit by Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy. Architect Tim Bass made opening remarks and members of the Planning Committee and other UAC members led small group discussions, resulting in over 200 suggestions for marketing the district and playing up positive attributes of the area.  Status: On-going

Planning Committee discussed and endorsed the Joint OSU/City Policing Response proposals; ideas from Bowling Green State University and surrounding city neighborhoods regarding nuisance parties and environmental blight from parties; safety concerns and noise concerns from the Ohio Expo Center, issues regarding SWACO and the city contracts regarding bulk pickup and yard waste, and other issues regarding city cuts which affect the district. Status: On-going

Planning Committee members attended meetings regarding budget cuts, Weinland Park Mobility Plan, Dodridge Street Bridge replacement, Fifth Monday (UDO) series, and the Delaware/Ohio Wesleyan University’s first Town/Gown Conference—which reawakened the idea of our own conference where good ideas and best practices about university neighborhoods could be shared.

In conjunction with Governance and Community Relations Committees, Planning Committee members held a “super committee meeting” and potluck which was opened to the public and especially those interested in running for election to UAC in order that they have an overview of issues which come up on the commission.
Doreen Uhas Sauer

Code and Environment Committee Annual Report
17. June 2009
As in recent years, the C&E Committee has accomplished much.  We began the year with internal required duties: electing a chair, setting the years agenda and UAC Permit Parking Passes .  We submitted request letters regarding U-District Graffiti, Potholes, City Street Light Outages, for there to be a permanent CPD  Liaison Officer assigned for Precinct 4 and if not – temporary replacements for the present; for the City to re-instate CCP Funding and that Tuttle Park remain open.  Support letters were written for U-District neighborhoods regarding safety, traffic plans, neglect, serious code violations and quality of life issues.  We contacted AEP, Cable Companies and City departments regarding late summer storm damage.  We worked with U-District Organizations, Ohio State University, Columbus State University and Columbus Police Department to address pressing problems and spur of the moment issues.  We worked closely with the City and it’s numerous departments, in keeping the N. High Street Reconstruction Project to more forward smoothly and safely.  We kept on top of the City Water Department to address the water line break-ages as a result of higher pressure in the lines due to the Sewer/Water work being done on major arteries.  We also answered many of the communities concerns that came to the UAC via the complaint line.

In addition, we began processes for Code and Safety issues.: Block Party Permit Guidelines, F-2 Permit Process, Litter Sign Placement, Liquor License Review Guidelines and Online Complaint Tracking System.

We too, made the first city recommendation for the CPD Non-Emergency number (645-4545) to be simplified or returned to it’s previous status, for the safety of all City residents, visitors and staff.  Although it nearly took  nine months, our call was answer in early May, when CPD reduced the options of 9 additional button pushes, to 3.  In early June, CPD announced that should someone need to speak to a Dispatcher immediately regarding a non-life threatening safety concern, that as soon as the caller hears the voice recorder, push ‘0′ and a dispatcher will pick up.  As a result of our recommendation, the new Police Chief has been able to announce at all his City-wide CPD Chief meetings, the improvements  and simplifications to the 645-4545 non-emergency number [many citizens questions come up on this issue at each meeting].

And finally, we began and will continue to put together an awards ceremony for CPD Police Chief Jackson.
Nothing is too little, . ..  or too large

The Nominations Committee will meet on Monday, July 13, 2009, at 6:00 PM at the Neighborhood Policing Center at 248 E. 11th Avenue. This meeting is to name the candidates for the officer positions on the University Area Commission. This meeting is open to the public. Please contact the University Area Commission with any questions or comments.