200 South Hamilton Road

Gahanna, Ohio 43230

City of Gahanna

Meeting Minutes

City Council

Merisa K. Bowers, President

Trenton I. Weaver, Vice President

Jamille Jones

Nancy R. McGregor

Kaylee Padova

Stephen A. Renner

Michael Schnetzer

Jeremy A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

7:00 PM

City Hall, Council Chambers

Regular Meeting moved to Tuesday, September 2, 2025 in observance of Labor Day.

City offices were closed on Monday, September 1, 2025.

CALL TO ORDER: Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call

Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Tuesday, September 2,

2025, in Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the

meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Vice President of Council Trenton I. Weaver

delivered an Invocation and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The

agenda was published on August 29, 2025.

6 -

Present

Merisa K. Bowers, Jamille Jones, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova,

Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver

1 - Stephen A. Renner

Absent

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None.

PRESENTATIONS:

Swearing-in Ceremony - Division of Police

Constant Pearson, Communications Technician I

Mayor Jadwin invited Constant “Connie” Pearson and Director of Public

Safety Tim Becker to come forward. Director Becker stated that the evening

was momentous for him, as Connie was the first communications technician

hire during his two and a half years with the City of Gahanna to fully complete

training. He noted that the job required rigorous preparation and expressed

excitement that she had completed the program and was now serving

independently. He then invited Chief of Police Jeff Spence to share remarks.

Chief Spence explained that the department had been diligently working over

the past year to bring more communications technicians into the role. He

recognized MaCayla Fullum, who was nearing the completion of her training.

He described the training as a challenging six-to-seven-month process

covering 911 calls, non-emergency calls, radio traffic, and the technology

used in the communications center. He praised Connie for completing the

program successfully while maintaining a positive attitude. Chief Spence also

acknowledged the contributions of Angie Collins, center manager, and Louise

Jones, training officer. He expressed optimism about completing training with

MaCayla and continuing to build the team. Mayor Jadwin commended Connie,

describing her as a “superstar” who had handled difficult calls with a

consistent smile. She then administered the oath of office, officially swearing

Connie in as a communications technician for the Gahanna Division of Police.

Following the oath, attendees applauded.

President Bowers congratulated Connie and her family on behalf of City

Council. She emphasized that dispatchers served as the calm voice in

emergencies and the first line of help when residents needed it most. She

expressed gratitude for Connie’s service to the community and welcomed her

as part of the team.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

None.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

Council Regular Minutes 8.18.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Council Special Minutes 8.25.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Committee of the Whole Minutes 8.25.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Finance Committee Minutes 8.25.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Resolutions:

RES-0035-2025

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GAHANNA TO EXIT THE

JOINT SELF-INSURANCE AGREEMENT WITH THE CENTRAL OHIO

HEALTH CARE CONSORTIUM (COHCC)

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

RES-0036-2025

RESOLUTION

SELF-INSURANCE

EMPLOYEES AND

PROGRAM

AUTHORIZE

ESTABLISH

HEALTH

CITY OF

MAYOR TO

BENEFITS

GAHANNA

EXECUTE

FOR

THE

RELATED AGREEMENTS FOR THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATIVE

SERVICES FOR HEALTH AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

AND STOP LOSS INSURANCE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026; AND

TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO ESTABLISH AN

INTERNAL SERVICE FUND

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

RES-0037-2025

RES-0038-2025

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS - Public

Safety Contract Services and State Treasury Contract Services to

Materials and Supplies Accounts

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO ENTER INTO

THE PURDUE DIRECT SETTLEMENT

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:

ORD-0035-2025

AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING, APPROVING, AND RATIFYING THE

SUBMITTED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA TAX

INCENTIVE REVIEW COUNCIL FOR TAX YEAR 2023

The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the

Consent Agenda.

End of Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Weaver, to Pass the Consent

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

6 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver

1 - Renner

Yes:

Absent:

RESOLUTIONS:

RES-0039-2025

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

ELECTRIC

FOLLOWING

RECOMMENDATION

SUPPLY

TRADITION

AGREEMENT

ENERGY'S

FOR

PRICING

CITY

FACILITIES

ANALYSIS

AND

(OMNIA

PARTNERS

PROCUREMENT)

AUTHORIZING RELATED ACTIONS TO EFFECTUATE AGREEMENT

A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Schnetzer, that the Resolution be

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

6 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver

1 - Renner

Yes:

Absent:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

ORD-0037-2025

CORRECT THE ADDRESS FOR CENTERPOINT CHURCH FROM 670

MCCUTCHEON ROAD TO 620 MCCUTCHEON ROAD,

SUBSTITUTING EXHIBIT B WITH A CORRECTED EXHIBIT B, AND

ORDINANCE

AMENDING

ORDINANCE

NO.

0027-2025 TO

DECLARING THIS ACTION TO BE

RECORD

CORRECTION FOR THE

President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.

ORD-0038-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

- General Fund and OCJS Grant Fund

President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk - None.

2. Council - None.

REPRESENTATIVES:

1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Padova

Councilmember Padova reported that the last CIC board meeting took place

on August 19, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 7:32 a.m. Members

approved the minutes from the July meeting and reviewed the July financials.

The board discussed two open seats and the types of candidates being

sought to fill those positions. Members also reviewed the Our Gahanna draft

recommendations from an economic development perspective. Under real

estate, the board discussed the Amfield property owned by the CIC and voted

unanimously to demolish the property pending bank approval. The board

entered executive session at 8:41 a.m. and adjourned at 9:30 a.m. The next

board meeting will be held on September 16, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.

2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Weaver

2025-0173

Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 9.2.2025

Vice President Weaver reported that the commission would meet on

September 11, 2025. He encouraged Council to review the linked report in the

agenda. He noted that Mayor Jadwin had been elected secretary of the

executive committee. Weaver also announced that Dublin Mayor Chris

Groomes had been elected board chair, Bexley Mayor Ben Kesler had been

elected vice chair, and additional members of the executive committee

included Fairfield County Commissioner Jeff Fix, Upper Arlington City

Manager Steve Schoeny, and Columbus Public Service Director Kelly

Scocco. He concluded by stating that he would provide additional updates at

the next meeting.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova reported that Visit Gahanna was seeking

sponsorships for the Holiday Lights Celebration scheduled for Sunday,

November 23, 2025. She encouraged sponsors to contact Visit Gahanna.

She stated that the fall/winter Herbal Cocktail Trail had launched the previous

day with eight participating establishments. Participants who complete at

least half of the trail and submit their passports would receive two bottles of

Simple Times Mixers to support and promote a local Gahanna business. She

added that the CVB planned to launch a gift program through Gahanna hotels.

Several hundred lavender sachets with attached notes welcoming guests to

Gahanna as the Herb Capital of Ohio would be distributed at check-in to

reinforce the city’s unique brand and create a memorable stay for visitors.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Councilmember Jones announced that the September school board

workshop meeting would be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 6:30

p.m. in the high school library. Directors from across the district would

present at that session. She also noted that the first home football game of

the season would take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, marking the start

of Friday Night Lights.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin thanked the hundreds of residents who attended the Our

Gahanna Sweet Celebration event the previous Tuesday, August 26, 2025,

where the City unveiled a draft of the Our Gahanna strategic plan. She

reported that residents engaged in the process by asking questions and

providing feedback. The event filled the plaza for three hours, with staff

present to monitor the information boards. For those unable to attend, Mayor

Jadwin explained that several “road show” events would be held through

September 20, 2025, including one that had taken place earlier that day at the

library. She noted that residents could find dates, times, and locations at

ourgahanna.com, where a survey was also available through September 20.

She encouraged residents to take the survey to ensure their voices were

heard in shaping the community’s vision for the future.

Mayor Jadwin reminded Council that two weeks earlier, Senior Director

Schultz had presented flood mitigation efforts for Creekside. That

presentation outlined the work required to meet FEMA requirements and

included preliminary concepts for additional improvements to enhance

accessibility, environment, and aesthetics at Creekside Plaza. At the Our

Gahanna event, the City shared renderings of these concepts with the

community. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with residents also

offering new suggestions. She announced that a community conversation

would take place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

at the Creekside Conference and Event Center. The meeting would provide

further discussion of the renderings and the community’s vision for the

Creekside District.

Mayor Jadwin provided an update from the Franklin County Engineer’s Office.

Beginning Monday, September 8, 2025, the intersection at Morse and

Reynoldsburg-New Albany Roads would close for roundabout work, lasting

through Friday, September 12, 2025, weather permitting. Eastbound and

westbound travel on Morse Road through the intersection would not be

accessible, and detours would be posted. Updates would be shared on the

City’s website and social media pages.

Mayor Jadwin also highlighted upcoming community events as follows:

Creekside Hops and Vines on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from

6:00 to 11:00 p.m., presented by the Gahanna Parks and Recreation

Foundation. The event remained in need of volunteers, who would

receive a free admission ticket.

Kyle Miller 5K on Sunday, September 7, 2025. She explained that

this year, the organization had distributed $17,000 to $18,000 worth of

shoes by fitting students at Goshen Lane and Royal Manor schools on

site, allowing children to leave with shoes immediately.

Senior Expo on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Gahanna

Sanctuary.

Touch-a-Truck on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to

1:00 p.m. at Hannah Park.

Final Gahanna Market on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from

4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Creekside, followed by the community

conversation at 7:00 p.m.

Mill Street Market on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 9:00 a.m.

to 4:00 p.m.

She noted that October would also feature many events, including the

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, presented by the VFW and the American

Legion, from October 2-6, 2025. Volunteers were needed to staff the wall 24

hours a day during its stay in Gahanna. Mayor Jadwin concluded by

announcing that Trick-or-Treat would follow the MORPC schedule and take

place on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

President Bowers asked Mayor Jadwin about the format of the upcoming

Creekside community conversation. Mayor Jadwin responded that the event

would be structured as a presentation followed by audience questions.

President Bowers inquired whether audiovisual equipment would be available

and if the event would be streamed. Mayor Jadwin stated that the City was

still evaluating those options with the Creekside Conference and Event

Center. She explained that if streaming was not possible, the event would be

recorded and posted later. President Bowers thanked Mayor Jadwin, noting

that she had received questions about the format.

2. City Attorney

Assistant City Attorney Matt Roth shared there was nothing to report at this

time.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember McGregor congratulated her husband on their 52nd wedding

anniversary, which they had celebrated the previous day.

Councilmember Padova reminded residents about the Collective Market

taking place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at

Collective Home Supply. She noted that the market would feature a variety of

vendors, including food, drinks, antiques, and other items.

Vice President Weaver reported that the Board of Education had announced

the new high school auditorium would be named the Jim Singer Auditorium in

honor of Mr. Singer’s more than five decades of service to Gahanna Lincoln

High School. Weaver described Singer’s contributions as assistant band

director and auditorium manager, highlighting his dedication to hundreds of

school and community events. He stated that he had been honored to provide

a letter of support for the naming, both as a councilmember and as a

graduate of the high school. He added his congratulations to Connie Pearson

on her recent swearing-in and welcomed her to the City.

President Bowers congratulated the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce

on a successful Taste of Gahanna event, noting that approximately 500

tickets were sold, making it one of the largest in recent years. She reported

attending the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s CEO Insight event on

Wednesday, August 27, 2025, which featured an interview with Lauren

Hagan, the new CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library System.

President Bowers shared highlights of Hagan’s remarks, including her

background, values, and vision for the library’s expanded role in providing

literacy support, digital circulation, technology access, and job-skilling

resources. President Bowers also wished everyone a happy belated Labor

Day and thanked Parks and Recreation staff for a smooth and successful

pool season.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Schnetzer, to go into Executive

Session under authority of Section 5.40(a) of the Council Rules of Procedure

to consider the appointment of a public employee or official.

President Bowers noted the purpose of the Executive Session was to review

expiring board and commission terms and identifying next steps. She stated

there was no legislation coming out of the session and anticipated that

Council would immediately adjourn upon the end of Executive Session.

The motion carried by the following vote:

6 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver

1 - Renner

Yes:

Absent:

President Bowers announced Council would meet in Executive Session in

the Law Library.

Council rose to report to Executive Session at 7:26 p.m.

Council rose to report from Executive Session at 8:21 p.m. with no further

action.

ADJOURNMENT:

With no further business before the Council, President Bowers adjourned the

meeting at 8:21 p.m.