University Area Commission Meeting Minutes – February 16th, 2011
Call to Order:
Meeting was called to order at 6:33 PM at the Northwood and High Building, 2231 North High, Room 100.
Members Present:
Miles Curtiss, Pasquale Grado, Seth Golding (arrived at 6:38), David Hegley, Joyce Hughes (arrived at 6:38), Susan Keeny, Ian MacConnell, Charles Robol, Joaquin Serantes, Laura Shinn, Ian Studders, Dick Talbott, Doreen Uhas-Sauer, Tom Wildman, Sharon Young.
Members Excused: Bill Graver, Ron Hupman, Sara Matthiesen, John Risteter
Absent:
_____________________________________________________________
1. Approval of Minutes (Delayed)
a. Motion 4: to approve minutes as written: MacConnel/sec: Curtiss. Motion passes.
i. Comments:
1. Unanimous votes cannot have abstentions.
2. Label committee motions, not head of committee.
3. Election committee assignment was approved by majority vote.
b. October Minutes will be corrected and voted on at a later date.
2. Treasurer’s Report (Delayed)
a. Treasurer’s Report by Comm. Golding
i. One check recently cleared for $275.40.
ii. Wildman – No reimbursement from the UAC is needed for the Conference.
|
Expense |
Amount |
|
$275.40 |
Recently Cleared Check |
3. Reports
a. Officer Smith of the Columbus Police
i. CPD has been working with OSU greek students to create a block watch centered on 15th and Indianola. The crime statistics during OSU’s Christmas break are average. Graffiti issues in the UA are improving due to harsh sentence of recent offender.
b. Isom Nivins of the City of Columbus
i. Isom provided a general update on the City of Columbus’ actions and recent events.
c. Erin Prosser of Campus Partners
i. RFP was sent out for 15th and High property, with April 8th due date. The RFP asks for general financial estimates. There has been a high level of interest in this project. Campus partners will email UAC a copy of the RFP.
ii. Campus Partners recently released an overall progress report.
4. Public Comments & Announcements
a. Zach Klein, a recently elected City Council Member, introduced himself to the UAC, and emphasized that he would like to start an open dialogue on how to solve the neighborhoods issues. Mr. Klein mentioned that he would pay particular attention to the aforementioned graffiti issues in the UAC, as they hurt the appearance, property value, and economic development of the UA. Mr. Klein stated that chairing the Economic Development and Parks and Recreation Committees make him uniquely positioned to work towards a solution on the graffiti problem.
b. Elizabeth Parker, representing Wild Goose Creative, requested a letter of support for a project to paint a mural on the North-facing wall of 2513 & 2515 N. Summit. Ms. Parker mentioned that they are currently trying to get the property owner’s support to create the mural. This mural would cover up the graffiti that currently exists on the wall. The letter would be sent to the owners whose properties are planned to be in the mural. The painting of the mural would be made into a neighborhood event and celebration.
i. Motion 1: to provide a letter of support to Wild Goose Creative for their neighborhood mural project: Uhas-Sauer/sec: Wildman. Motion passes unanimously.
c. Dave Salvin, a Clintonville Area Commissioner, spoke up to confirm the graffiti issues in UA and Clintonville. Mentioned that the recently sentenced graffiti criminal does not only painting, but also glass etching.
d. Michael Tynan, the Director of Housing at Community Housing Network, spoke about a nearby project to house the homeless and mentally challenged. My. Tynan mentioned that a 2002 good neighbor agreement had been signed to renovate 36-unit apartment building, and left his contact information (614-487-6761).
5. Presentations
a. Franklin County Auditor, Clarence Mingo.
i. Mr. Mingo introduced himself and stated his intention to describe the reappraisal process that occurs every 6 years in Franklin County, confirming that as of the summer 2011 there will be a new value assessment on all properties within the county. However, due to a state law, this assessment will not change property taxes significantly. Mr. Mingo stated that as of fall 2011, people may dispute the assessed value of their property.
ii. Mr. Mingo mentioned the Homestead Exemption, which results in a $25,000 reduction in a property’s taxable value if a senior lives in the property, and urged the public to use this exemption. Call (614-525-3240) for more information.
iii. Mr. Mingo stated that all rentals must be registered with Franklin County, which publishes a Rental Registry. Mr. Mingo urged the public to use the registry to hold landlords accountable.
iv. Mr. Mingo stated that there are new levies on the next ballot, and urged the public to check the auditor’s website or call him directly to see how the levies could affect your financial situation (614-525-7383).
b. Franklin County Treasurer, Ed Leonard.
i. Mr. Leonard introduced himself and stated his intention to describe the County’s monthly payment plan for property taxes. Emphasizing that the main goal is to keep homeowners in their homes, Mr. Leonard mentioned that the County is open to working with property owners on tax issues. Mr. Leonard left his contact information (614-525-3059).
ii. Mr. Leonard urged the public to use the homeowner helpline (dial 211) to be referred to services.
iii. Mr. Leonard mentioned that the county is exploring the creation of a land bank.
c. Keep Columbus Beautiful Manager, Sherri Palmer
i. Ms. Palmer introduced herself and recommended that UA call the local pride center for paint to cover graffiti, and mentioned the numerous anti-graffiti resources and initiatives at Keep Columbus Beautiful.
ii. Ms. Palmer stated that neighborhoods holding consistent litter cleanups may be eligible to get an Adopt-an-Area sign, and described the overall certification process.
iii. Ms. Palmer urged the public to attend Kick Butt Columbus, an event on April 9th, 2011. This event targets cigarette butt removal from parks and busy intersections.
6. Zoning
i. Case 1: 1407 N. 4th Street, a parcel owned by Campus Partners, will require multiple variances in order to divide 3 existing parcels into single-family lots in accordance with the guidelines for the Weinland Park Neighborhood Plan.
1. Zoning Committee recommends approval, noting that the project would suite the neighborhood.
a. Motion 2: To support the granting of the mentioned variances for the property at 1407 N. 4th Street: Motion passes unanimously.
ii. Case 2: 57 – 59 E. 9th Street, a parcel owned by Campus Partners, requires approval for demolition of the structure.
1. Zoning Committee recommends approval, nothing that the wood structure is substantially modified.
a. Motion 3: To support the demolition of the structure at 57 – 59 E. 9th Street: Motion passes.
b. Governance
i. The governance committee provided an update to the commission. An emphasis was placed on the Mayor’s certification of UAC elections, which must be timed to ensure that Commissioners can be efficiently sworn in and eligible to serve.
c. Planning
i. The planning committee provided an update to the commission. An emphasis was placed on the fact that North Columbus is being placed on the National Register.
d. Community Relations
i. The community relations committee provided an update to the commission, mentioning that the UAC site was recently updated with many items.
e. Code & Environment
i. The code & environment committee provided an update to the commission. Many internal motions were made at the last meeting and Commissioners want to create a task force.
1. Motion 3: to send letter on filling potholes to the City of Columbus: Motion passes unanimously.
7. New Business
i. Many Commissioners stressed the importance of attending BZA meetings. An update was provided on the progress of the last BZA meeting.
ii. Many Commissioners stressed the importance attending City Council meetings. Consensus was reached that at least one member should be at each City Council meeting.