City Commission - Regular Meeting

Operation offered by Commissioner Tucker, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Almighty God, we thank you for bringing us together this day. Inspire us to worthy deeds and sound decisions and direct us toward the attainment of our goals. We pray that you bless and protect all our people. Guide us on our path to unity and harmony. Amen. Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and peace.

Mr. Tucker? Here. Ms. Fargo? Here. Mr. Waddington? Here. Ms. Wilson? Here. Mr. Koontz?

Can we get a motion to excuse Commissioner Koontz, please?

So moved.

Second. Thank you.

Mr. Crable? Here. Mr. Bouchot? Here.

Okay, commissioners, can we get an approval for the May 26th regular meeting minutes?

Madam President, I move approval of those minutes and waive the reading thereof. Second.

Okay, there's been a motion and a second. Any discussion? Okay, those are approved. Before we get into the audience participation tonight, we have a new member joining Mr. Schneider's team, and we're going to have Josh introduce him.

Sure.

Yes, I'd like to introduce you all to Preston Ray. He is a project engineer for us. He's a civil engineer from Ohio Northern, so he has the same degree as I do. He passed his fundamentals of engineering exam and has been with us for two weeks now, and we've already gone through some permitting, some design, plan review, estimating, some survey work. I've been to a bid opening and learning about inspections, so the whole gamut from A to Z for us, and so we're happy to have him on board, and it's good to have another technical resource in the office for infrastructure and taking us in the future. I don't know, Preston, if you'll stand up so everybody can see you, but there he is.

Welcome to Sandusky.

Thank you.

You have a good leader, so you should do really well. Okay, it's audience participation time. If you'd like to come forward to the podium, state your name and your address and limit your comments to three minutes, please.

Tim Schwanger, 362 Sheffield Way, Sandusky. The item I want to talk about is item number two. Hopefully there's some detailed explanation on this change for e-bikes and mopeds and whatever have you. If you do a Google search of e-bike accidents, it's page after page after page, and I'm hoping that this legislation goes deep enough to kind of fix that problem. If you look at the Sandusky Bay pathway, it says no motorized vehicles allowed. Does that apply to e-bikes, mopeds, or is it just golf carts? Hopefully there's an in-depth explanation. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Schwanger.

Hi, Mike Zilhoff, 243 East Marcus Street, downtown Sandusky here. Been there for quite a while. Been fascinating to watch all the people coming to town using the pathway. Everyone's talking about e-bikes, right? I'm happy that the commission's on it and the staff taking care of this. I had a few minor concerns that I think on balance are trivial. And since we want to, I believe you want to pass it under emergency, it's probably not worth goofing with. And besides, if it's not perfect, we can always fix it later, right? So I will mention that a Class III cycle, which is limited to 28 miles an hour, requires a helmet for everyone. if I'm reading it correctly, which I find a little strange because a motorcycle that can go up to 70 miles an hour legally in Ohio does not require a helmet for the driver. So I think the standard should be certainly no greater. But that's trivial. And again, it's a question of enforcement. So anyway, I think we have to think about what we're going to do about bikes that don't conform to the class one, two, or three. It leaves people in limbo. I think part of that is education. Parents are buying what looks like a toy for their kids, not doing the homework. And they're going to be upset if they start getting citations. I don't believe in Ohio yet, at least, that we can even license those, not even as motorcycles, because they don't conform to federal regulations. One of the things in the news is the state of Illinois, I believe, is fixing that, recognizing and deciding that they're going to find a pathway to license these vehicles. Plates, licensure, helmets, insurance, just like a motor vehicle. maybe with some additional restrictions. But the state has to do that. I'm not sure we can do that locally. We certainly don't want local plates. This thing can get away from us. If it gets too bad, you get demands for draconian measures. I think the Netherlands was in the news a while ago. They banned all fat tire bikes. I mean, what's a fat tire bike? It can be a really slow, really safe bike, but if it has fat tires, you can't use it. I mean, come on, right? So New Jersey was in the news over some draconian measures that pretty much didn't follow the industry standard. Ohio is doing what most states are doing with the Class 1, 2, and 3 and that I think will work out fine and our proposed ordinance seems to be consistent with that. So thanks for working on that. Enforcement's a big part of this. If we don't think it's a priority, it's still going to get away from us. We already have a lot of the violations now are enforceable, but until we recognize that you gotta do something about it, it's gonna get away from you. So thank you very much.

Thank you. Any other audience participation tonight? Okay, thank you gentlemen. Commissioners, you have a few communications before you tonight recommended by staff as legislation. Can I have a motion to accept the communications?

So moved. Second.

There's been a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Okay. Ms. Myers, we're going to go quickly to the regular agenda tonight. Could you present item number one, please?

It is requested an ordinance be passed approving the continued operation of the designated outdoor refreshment area in downtown Sandusky following a five-year review as required by the Ohio Revise Code. In declaring this ordinance, you'll take immediate effect in accordance with Section 14 of the City Charter.

Commissioners, having heard this ordinance, what is your pleasure? Madam Chair. Commissioner Wilson.

I move for the adoption of Item 1. as presented and in full accordance with section 14 of the city charter.

Thank you, we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? I just thought, Chief, if I could ask you just, you know, briefly, this has been now five years. So just overall, you know, It's gone really well, or we've had issues. What do you think your overall?

We haven't had any issues with Dora. I mean, I think the first few months, that first summer season was kind of a feeling out process, including for our officers and open containers and different things like that for enforcement purposes. But even the littering and the trash that was left behind that first summer, we haven't seen that since.

That's awesome.

So we've really had no complaints.

Okay, good. Thank you. Any other discussion? Ms. Meyers, we call the roll on the motion.

Mr. Tucker?

Yes.

Ms. Fargo?

Yes.

Mr. Waddington? Yes. Mr. Crable?

Yes.

Mr. Peugeot?

Yes. And now on the ordinance.

Mr. Tucker?

Yes.

Ms. Fargo? Yes. Mr. Waddington? Yes. Ms. Wilson? Yes. Mr. Crable?

Yes.

Mr. Peugeot?

Yes. That item is approved. Ms. Meyers, we present item number two on the agenda.

It is requested an ordinance be passed amending Part 3, Traffic Code, Title IX, Pedestrians, Bicycles, and Motorcycles, Chapter 373, Bicycles and Motorcycles, of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Sandusky, and declaring this ordinance shall take immediate effect in accordance with Section 14 of the City Charter.

Commissioners, having heard this ordinance, what is your pleasure?

Madam Chair, I move for the adoption of Item 2, this ordinance to take immediate effect in accordance with Section 14 of the City Charter.

Second. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion?

As an e-bike rider and someone who lives by the pathway, I agree with what a lot of the people have said. We have got a number of bikes that go mighty fast and jumping on and off. I hope this makes it better down the road, but I also agree that if we need to modify it down the road, that we should take a look at it because it's becoming more and more of an issue with the residents.

Thank you. You want me to speak on behalf of the law enforcement? You mind if I step to the podium? That way I can talk to the crowd too. Just for a clarification with e-bikes, we see it too. It was really a matter of the state sort of catching up with what was going on, and sometimes that's a process. I'll speak to enforcement. We will enforce it. Last year, a lot of people don't believe this until you actually hear the numbers. We had 6,500 traffic stops last year in 365 days. So while you might not see us all the time with the red and blues on, those red and blues are on pretty frequently. I ran the numbers... late last week to see where we were at this point in time of the year we're up 500 stops from where we were from last year so we'll see how that carries through we've issued citations for crashes involving e-bikes to e-bike riders this past weekend we probably ran about 20 e-bikes out of downtown as part of that we talked with those individuals on the bikes going forward with the amendments to this codified ordinance, what we see is people zigzagging in and out of people on the sidewalks. We see that all the time. This covers that. We see children riding with children. This covers that. There's some other sections of the state law that cover helmets, that cover designation for class one, two, or three. We will try our darndest to help rectify this problem. There are a lot of e-bikes, and we realize that going in, but we understand the direction of commission. We understand the direction of the city manager, and we hear the complaints from the residents, so we're going to do what we can to try to help.

Thank you.

Thanks, Chief.

Appreciate it. Any other discussion? Ms. Myers, will you call a roll on the motion, please?

Mr. Tucker? Yes. Ms. Fargo? Yes. Mr. Waddington? Yes. Ms. Wilson? Yes. Mr. Crable? Yes. Mr. Peugeot?

Yes.

And now on the ordinance. Mr. Tucker?

Yes. Ms. Fargo?

Yes. Mr. Waddington? Yes. Ms. Wilson? Yes. Mr. Crable? Yes. Mr. Peugeot? Yes.

that item is approved. Ms. Myers, will you present item number three?

It is requested a resolution be adopted pursuant to section 1506.11 of the Ohio Revised Code finding and determining that based upon the representations and application filed by Fun Yon Tee and Jonathan Leake for property located at 1133 Cedar Point Road, the use and development of the territory so described a submerged land lease may be entered into by the State Director of National Resources and declaring that this resolution shall take immediate effect in accordance with section 14 of the city charter.

Commissioners, having heard this resolution, what is your pleasure?

Madam Chair.

Yes, Commissioner.

I move approval of the resolution contained in item number three in full accordance with section 14 of the city charter. Second.

There's been a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Okay. Ms. Myers, we call the roll on the motion.

Mr. Tucker?

Yes.

Ms. Fargo? Yes. Mr. Waddington? Yes. Ms. Wilson? Yes. Mr. Crable? Yes. Mr. Bajau?

Yes.

And now on the resolution. Mr. Tucker? Yes. Ms. Fargo? Yes. Mr. Waddington? Yes. Ms. Wilson? Yes. Mr. Crable?

Yes.

Mr. Pichot?

Yes. That item is approved. Mr. Orszag, you're up.

Good evening, commissioners, audience, and staff. We have a $25,000 grant was received from the Erie County Community Foundation Barman Charville Fund. The grand dollars will contribute to the upcoming Columbus Ave. Public Art Project that is administered by staff through the direction of the Public Arts and Culture Commission. I'll get a motion to accept that. So moved. Second. That's approved. The Park and Rec would like to thank Minority Business Empowerment Team for their $500 contribution towards the Juneteenth celebration. The celebration will take place on June 19th from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Jackson Street Pier. We get a motion to accept that donation.

So moved. Second. That item is approved.

And then the Sandusky Fire Department would like to ask commission for permission to apply for the fiscal year 2025 assistance to firefighter grant. Through the grant submission, Sandusky Fire Department will be requesting partial funding to upgrade each of its station's base radios to digital compatible versions. The deadline for submission is June 22nd. If awarded, the grant submission would require a 10% match of city funds. Formal legislation for adoption will be submitted at the June 22nd city commission meeting. Get a motion to allow them to submit that grant.

So moved. Second. That's approved.

And then lastly, the next Finance Committee meeting will be on Friday, June 12th at 8 o'clock here at City Hall. That concludes my report tonight. I'll take any questions.

Thank you, Mr. Orszag. Any questions for John tonight, guys? Anyone? Okay, you're off the hook tonight. Any old business? Commissioners, any old business? Any new business outside of what I have, but is there any other new business? Okay. The first thing I need tonight, I need a motion to appoint Andre Grant to the Recreation Board. I get a motion for that. So moved. Second. And that motion is approved. Thank you. And Andre will join the Recreation Board. And then secondly, I need a motion for an executive session tonight.

So moved. And that executive session motion is for the sale of real property.

So moved.

Thank you.

We have a motion and a second, and we will go into executive session. Are we going to stay down here? Yeah. Okay.

Okay.

Do we need to vote on that motion? Yeah, we need to. Yes.

Yes. Yep. Mr. Tucker?

Yes.

Ms. Fargo? Yes. Mr. Waddington? Yes. Ms. Wilson? Yes. Mr. Crable?

Yay.

Mr. Peugeot?

Yes.

And we'll enter executive session.

Madam Chairman, we still have a public participation section on the agenda.

Sorry, I was getting ahead of the game. This short meeting is getting me tonight. We do have audience participation quickly, and then we're going to executive participation. Do we have any comments from Mr. Schwanger?

Yeah, Tim Schwanger, 362 Sheffield Way. I'll try to keep my comments brief enough so that this is the shortest meeting on record since 1818. Somebody must have a dinner date tonight. That's okay. So tonight's topic is streets. There's three topics. Number one, the Beckland Curve. which is up on the golf course, that needs a permanent addressing. Every year our city crews go out there and we do patchwork on the north hand lane. And I'm being told by city staff that we have an issue with substrate underneath is not adequate. to keep that together. So every year, maybe twice a year, we're going out and we're fixing that. Right now, on the way to this meeting, there was four spots that were fixed this year, and they're already caving in. So that needs a permanent addressing. Manhole covers, there's a number of manhole covers, again, on the way here. They're older manhole covers, and I know a few years ago, we did purchase equipment that our city crews could fix that. It's a piece of equipment that actually grinds in around the manhole and then we fill that back in with concrete. I don't know if we still have that equipment or if it's been sold, but we need to address those issues. There were two on Tiffin Ave on the way here and there's at least one on Columbus Avenue north of the underpass. The third issue on streets is that we're finding that tow companies, when there's an accident, they're not doing a very good job of cleaning up the mess. This was taken today. I don't know if you probably can't see it, but it's at the corner of East Monroe and Wayne Street. There was an accident there probably Friday, and somebody put a cone. It says, no parking by police order 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and they sat it on top of that where the accident was at where there's pieces, parts of cars sitting there. I'm not going to point any fingers at the city for not cleaning this up, but it's like, how can that sit there for four days and nobody goes by from the city and takes care of that? So I did send an email to the city manager today, and I think you too, Kate, about this. It was picked up. It was cleaned up by 4 o'clock. I can answer. Okay. Chief, do you have...

Yeah, I can fill you in on what happened there. First of all, I apologize. I didn't know that Cone was placed back and around. There was a crash at that intersection on Saturday. It wasn't Friday. It happened just prior to the motorcycle parade coming into town. The tow trucks left at our order because there was 300 bikes coming northbound on Columbus Ave. I didn't realize they didn't get everything swept up. The torrential rains happened. I'd imagine that cone probably blew down from the 200 or 300 block of Columbus Ave because that cone wasn't there. We did pick up as many cones and as many barricades as we could Saturday night. So who put that up in the road? I don't know. So I apologize. When you sent the email, the city manager forwarded that to me. Streets got on that right away. Okay. But that's when the accident was.

Thank you, Chief.

You're welcome. Hey, thank you. Appreciate it.

Yep.

I'm Nancy Birch, 105 West Water Street, Unit 2A. And before I let him talk... I want to know about parking spaces for handicapped people. We have a couple that live in my building. They've been there almost 20 years in that building. And the first Saturday of bike week, there were four motorcycles parked in the handicapped parking all day. Nobody said a word about it. I mean, I don't know. These people are... they're very handicapped and they need some place. And I think everybody in my building was upset about it. It's hard enough during bike week, you know, when they close the streets down. I mean, they can't, neither one of them can really walk to a parking place far away. And I just wish you'd take that into consideration. It's not the first time we've talked about it, but I mean, I can walk. But they really can't. And then also I wondered about that bike thing, because I came in later and I didn't read the agenda. Is that for scooters also? Because that's where I'm finding the biggest problem is that they zoom up behind me, no horns, no nothing, right around me. I mean, I walk a lot, and these kids are wild on those things. I don't know what you can do, but... Yeah. They're just as bad. One hit my son-in-law in Nashville. Broke three ribs. He was on his bicycle. And the policeman wasn't quite sure how he charged that because the kid came down out of an alley and zoomed right into him and knocked him right off his bike. Yeah, it is. It's scary. Okay, Barbara. You're good. Right there's the pedestal. Oh.

Name's Harold Herzog. My address is 403 West Water Street. I need to voice my confusion about the new intersections at Columbus and Water and Columbus and Market. Every other intersection that I use to get around town with my little cane has one single truncated dome and vertical strips designating the crosswalk from one side to the other. the Columbus and water and Columbus and Market, their truncated domes that are designating the spot where people should cross are like eight to 10 feet wide. The crosswalk is only, from what I can gather, is typical to the other ones, but The way those are striped, I can't make out any barriers for me. And as I'm trying to cross those things, I'm constantly walking out of the barrier and am vaguely aware of it. Just because there's no... borders along the crosswalk because of the crosshatch strikes. And it would be easier for me to find the crosswalk if there was only one truncated dome in front of each crosswalk. Those eight foot strips is very confusing and I can't find the middle of those eight foot strips.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Herzog. Thank you very much.

You're welcome.

We will look into that for you. Thank you.

I appreciate it.

Chair.

Yes.

If I could add just one thing to the scooter, e-bike, everything else commentary for this evening. As you know, I mow a number of lawns in the downtown area. I have been narrowly missed twice. As I'm just turning the mower, and these bikes go flying past. I mean, it creates a wind, and they don't give any notice. They don't say, watch out, here I come, nothing. There's no honk, honk, honk, or toot, toot, or anything. They just fly past, and... I'll add that to the mix. It's very dangerous.

It is, and I understand exactly what you're saying. I understand what everybody's saying. For us, we understand the direction. Mobility-wise, for a Ford Explorer, compared to a Class III e-bike or a scooter, and those do fall under the ordinance, Looks a little different for us, but we will work hard at it. There's just so many of them now. There's more this summer than there were last summer. It's very real. We understand the dangers of it. We hope the parents do, too, and that's got to be part of this, too. We have to have some communication and some conversations with others, and that's what we'll do.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Wesley Poole, 1939 East Aldgate. Since we're talking about paths, I suggest that as you move forward, you can avoid some of these problems with a little bit better planning on where you put things. A multi-use path, trail, they call them trails mostly, generally is most beneficial when you have a minimal amount of traffic on it. putting a multi-use path in a high traffic area as we did downtown here guarantees by design that you mix bicycles coming up behind people that are walking. On a trail out on Cleveland Road where the traffic is gonna be very light, nobody's gonna be there, it's perfectly a good idea. That's the way that it should be done. And I think what I'm just asking is as you move forward with our bike trail path, whatever, that we actually put a little more thought into how this actually works out and follow some safe practices. I might also add on Market Street, we've run a bike path that essentially goes under the cars at the register because there's not enough space. If you actually look, trucks, their tail ends go out all the way into the space. into the bike trail, bike path that's painted. And it's on angle parking, which is dangerous. If you read any manual that talks about cycling safety, it tells you that if you park, that if you run a path behind angle parked cars, that you are subject to have It's unsafe. We've done the same with four-way stops on other places in town, which has little to do with this, but then I'll have to come back and talk about it. Four-way stops are, by design, by definition, not intended to be used for traffic calming. And we've done that. It makes it unsafe, and as Bubba has explained about the... It's very pretty the way we did the downtown with the curbs, but you can't... have safety take a second seat because sighted people and or people that are healthier are going to enjoy it better or you think they are because it's just not measurable. So I appreciate it. If you don't have enough experts, there are people in this community that can give you insights into various projects that you're doing. And If you have committees for everything else, you might want to consider doing that. And if you don't fix Market Street, I'm going to come back and talk about it some more. Because it's a bridge too far. It's just unsafe. And we don't have to do that because there are alternatives.

Thank you. Any other audience participation?

Which we've already voted on.

Sorry. I got ahead of myself.

Sorry, Scoot. I was ready to do that.

Okay, can I get a motion to come out of executive session?

So moved. Second.

Got a motion and a second. And can I get a motion for adjournment?

So moved. Second.

All right. Have a good night.