Council approves ordinance on motorized personal conveyances, adopts Envision Henderson study; several contracts move to later votes

Upper Arlington City Council on March 3 took final action on an ordinance that updates code language on bicycles and motorized personal conveyances and adopted the Envision Henderson planning study by resolution. Several procurement items were presented for first reading and are scheduled to return for future votes.

Ordinance 6‑20‑25 (third reading) amended sections of the city code relating to bicycles, motorized bicycles and motorcycles and other park rules. According to the city attorney, amendments reflected earlier council consensus and included: removal of a prior requirement that riders travel in single file, allowing skateboards on streets with a posted speed limit of 25 mph or under, removal of a prior prohibition on electric and motorized personal vehicles in parks (no new prohibition will be inserted), and expanding a prohibition on feeding from waterfowl to all wildlife. City Attorney Schulman explained the changes were incorporated into the packet and council approved the ordinance on voice vote; the record shows the motion passed.

Resolution 3‑20‑25 adopted the Envision Henderson planning study, a multi‑month study and public‑engagement process that examined redevelopment, safety and streetscape options along the Henderson Road corridor. Staff described the resolution as formal adoption of the study (a policy/vision document) and said subsequent steps include issuing an RFP (anticipated in May) for feasibility work and coordination with utility companies and traffic studies. The feasibility phase will test concepts in the study — including undergrounding utilities, roundabout locations and boulevard cross-section options — and return to the public and council with refined plans and options for possible code changes or future capital work.

During public comment on the Henderson resolution, Bill Hedler, identifying himself as the ownership representative for North West Center and West Bank Co., said his team continued to have concerns about signage and access at their office building and asked for an ongoing collaborative engagement with staff. City staff said they will provide early stakeholder briefings and data sharing with property owners during the next-phase feasibility work.

Items presented for first reading (no council action this meeting) included: an ordinance authorizing a contract with JCORE for MSC switchgear and generator replacement (first reading/public hearing, to return for a vote), and an ordinance authorizing a custodial-services contract for the Bob Crane Community Center (first reading). Council members asked staff questions about contingencies and bid spreads on the switchgear and custodial procurements; staff said additional details and a second reading will come at the next meeting.

Ending: The Henderson study adoption begins a feasibility phase that staff said will include traffic counts, utility coordination and further public outreach; enacted code changes from Ordinance 6‑20‑25 take effect as codified by the city.