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

Monday, November 3, 2025

7:00 PM

City Hall, Council Chambers

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

Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, November 3,

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

meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Vice President Trenton I. Weaver delivered an

Invocation and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was

published on October 31, 2025.

7 -

Present

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

Stephen A. Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

President Bowers stated that Ordinance 0045-2025 would be removed from

the Consent Agenda and added to the Regular Agenda under G(2) -

Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Ross Goldsmith, 276 Gary Lee Drive. Mr. Goldsmith expressed his

appreciation for the opportunity to attend the meeting. He explained that he

ran for City Council two years ago and during his campaign he talked

extensively about the need for the city to adopt a Strategic Plan. He

expressed excitement at the city’s decision to embark on the Strategic Plan

project, and gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the Steering Committee.

He said the process highlighted things that Gahanna is doing right, what it

could be doing better, and where the city needs some major work. He said

the Strategic Plan process made clear what needs should be accomplished,

how it should be done, and ensuring it is broadly communicated. He stated

that Gahanna faces the same issues as many municipalities, and that the

Our Gahanna Strategic Plan creates thoughtful strategies to guide the work,

implementation, and reporting to the community. He acknowledged that the

plan would not satisfy every neighbor but felt it would help to build community.

He encouraged the city to consider what parts of the plan new legislation

responds to when introducing ordinances.

Tim McClurg, 935 Leaflock Court, spoke on the Strategic Plan. He stated he

was also part of the Steering Committee and was previously a Citizens

Academy cohort member. He stated that through these processes, he

learned about how a city runs, and how different it is from the way people run

their own lives. He noted there are many rules to be followed, and he felt

people did not truly understand what goes into the operations of the city. He

described city workers as dedicated, adding that the different departments

want what is best for the city. He thought the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan

was a good one, adding that failing to plan leads to failure. Mr. McClurg felt

that what residents would look for next is more detail in the plan, such as how

it would be carried out. He thought one part of that was the Reimagine

Creekside plan, as Creekside was a major focus within the Steering

Committee. He described city leadership as competent and dedicated to their

jobs. He closed by encouraging community members to attend City Council

meetings to speak up about what they do or do not like within the city.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Pursuant to Council Rules 9.10 and 9.11, the President of Council shall give a

brief statement or explanation of the item under hearing. Prior to the opening

of the public hearing, the administration may make a presentation of slides,

videos, photos, staff comments, or combination thereof. Public comment will

be opened with 3 minutes allowed per speaker. Speakers must complete a

speaker slip and come to the podium when called and state their name and

address for the record. Additional time, if needed, may be requested and

permission is at the discretion of the President of Council.

ORD-0042-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

DEVELOPMENT

BENSON

AGREEMENT

WITH

AND THE

CONNECT

GAHANNA

REALTY

LLC,

CAPITAL,

LLC,

COMMUNITY

IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF

VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTIES IN THE CREEKSIDE

DISTRICT

President Bowers introduced the ordinance under Public Hearing. She

encouraged viewing the Creekside Reimagined web page for all prior meeting

presentations and slides. She anticipated this evening’s presentation to be

more high-level and brief. She explained that the ordinance would allow the

Mayor to enter into a development agreement with Connect Realty, LLC;

Benson Capital, LLC; and the Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation

for the redevelopment of vacant and blighted properties in the Creekside

District. The item is scheduled for a vote on November 17, 2025. President

Bowers invited Mayor Jadwin to provide additional remarks.

Mayor Jadwin added that Economic Development Director Jeff Gottke would

have comments as well. Mayor Jadwin explained the project under

consideration has been in progress for years. She stated that the community

has been vocal about its desire to see a vibrant, successful Creekside. She

shared that for over a decade the City has worked with economic

development experts, private business and development communities,

Creekside area businesses owners, and residents, to understand what

Creekside needs to maximize its potential. She felt that the interest was

reaffirmed through the Our Gahanna process, adding that Creekside has its

own chapter in the Strategic Plan. Mayor Jadwin explained that the

Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) had purchased approximately 5

acres of parcels in the Creekside District, and the parcels were the subject of

the conversations that have been had during Council and Committee of the

Whole meetings. The CIC then issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the

purpose of having the parcels redeveloped. Over the last three years, the CIC

and the city’s Economic Development Department have been engaged in

negotiations to have the parcels redeveloped. Mayor Jadwin invited Director

Gottke to provide additional comments.

Director Gottke explained that it would be helpful to recap some of the public

engagement steps that has happened through the process, and wished to

provide an overview of comments received thus far. The Creekside

Reimagined website had been created, along with an email address

specifically to receive feedback on the Creekside plans. There were four

public events held, two of which were for the general public and two for

business owners and residents in the Creekside area. There were also

meetings with private groups and there had been extensive media coverage

to this point. Additionally, there was a presence at events like Touch-a-Truck

and the Mill Street Market. Finally, there would be an opportunity for feedback

through the Public Hearing. Director Gottke also stated that informal

conversations happen on a daily basis with residents and interested parties.

He stated that feedback had been largely positive, and categorized feedback

into four primary categories. First, there was much discussion about parking

needs, and feedback regarding the 50 parking spots that are proposed to be

removed. A study had been done to better understand the parking demands

for the area. Traffic volume also continues to be a discussion point. He stated

that traffic impact studies are required by the Engineering Department

through the building and engineering approval processes. The studies are

vetted by the city’s experts to better understand how traffice will be impacted

and what mitigation measures can be taken. Director Gottke also stated there

were questions about what will happen during construction, such as whether

residents would be able to access their apartments safely and efficiently,

whether the parking garage will remain open, and how construction would be

phased to keep businesses open. He stated that the Economic Development

Department is working toward solutions to these questions, adding that it will

be under their purview to coordinate with stakeholders throughout the life of

the project. Finally, there were broad questions about the economic need,

such as whether the project was necessary and whether it was the best thing

for Creekside. He felt the questions were valid to raise and work through. He

described most feedback as cautiously optimistic: people want the

redevelopment to work, but they have valid questions and concerns. He

added that two letters had been received that day, one of which was from

Mifflin Township Trustees and the other from a local Creekside District

business owner.

President Bowers opened the Public Hearing to public comment at 7:21 p.m.

George Mrus, 1217 Sanctuary Place. Mr. Mrus stated that he and his wife had

lived in Gahanna for over 19 years. Mr. Mrus currently serves as the secretary

for the CIC and previously served as president. He stated one of the primary

missions of the Gahanna CIC is to promote economic, commercial, and civic

development in the city through maximizing available redevelopment

solutions. The stated that in recent years the CIC had engaged in many

conversations and had spent many hours doing due diligence, and a

Councilmember had been present at each CIC meeting. Mr. Mrus described

the current development agreement as one that meets the primary mission of

the CIC. He stated the proposed development from Connect Realty and

Benson Capital has an appropriate mix of uses that will support an enhanced

and vibrant Creekside for many years to come, and described the agreement

as “transformational.” Mr. Mrus asked that City Council approve the

development agreement with Connect Realty and Benson Capital.

Betty Collins, 917 Harmony Court. Ms. Collins stated that she and her

husband had been members of the Gahanna community since September

2002. Her children were Gahanna Lincoln High School graduates, and she

owned a business in the City from 1997 to 2012. She described Gahanna has

her community of choice, adding that she served on the Chamber of

Commerce Board previously, and was currently a volunteer CIC board

member for the last ten years, and currently serves as the board president.

She stated that in 2021, the CIC board, including two members of Council,

the current administration, and the Economic Development Department,

focused on a plan to promote economic development in the Creekside area.

Ms. Collins explained that from her perspective as a business owner and

CPA, the importance of economic development could not be underestimated.

She explained that the property was purchased so the project could be

controlled and come together in a way that means something for the entire

area. She stated they wanted a developer that would meet the expectations of

mixed use, residential, and commercial. They also wanted to make sure the

project was in alignment with the city’s Strategic Plan. She stated that she

believed Benson Capital and Connect Realty are the right developer for the

project, and are in alignment with the city’s vision. She respectfully requested

that City Council support the development agreement. She ended by thanking

City Council for the opportunity to speak, while noting that Gahanna is a

unique city encouraging continued progress.

Tyler Abrams, 105 Brookhill Drive, introduced himself as the Board President

of Visit Gahanna. Mr. Abrams stated that everyone in attendance this evening

was working toward a better Gahanna, and added that he was excited to

voice his support for the project. He stated that Visit Gahanna’s job is to

promote Gahanna and to bring people into the city. He stated that in its

current state, Creekside is sorely lacking in activities and things to do. He felt

there was ample opportunity to get more people in the area supporting local

businesses, adding that local business money would support the City of

Gahanna. In particular, adding a hotel would be extremely important, and

there has not been a new hotel built in the area for 20 or more years.

Alveda Bates, 100 Jahn Drive. Ms. Bates stated she has been a Gahanna

resident for around 55 years. She felt that one aspect that had been

overlooked in regard to the revitalization was public art. She noted that since

Gahanna hosts the iconic Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, a mural of blues

and jazz icons would be symbolic and timeless. Ms. Bates recalled Mayor

Jadwin’s persistence in growing the Blues & Jazz Festival, and encouraged

art to be a part of the revitalization of Creekside.

Tim McClurg, 935 Leaflock Court, stated he supported the Creekside project.

He shared his disappointment that there were only a few restaurants at

Creekside, and there was no longer a place where one could have a glass of

wine and look out at the creek. He recalled that Creekside was originally

pitched as a river walk, and he noted that the path to walk on is limited. He

hoped to see more shops and things to do along the river. He felt that the

space was not utilized in the way it could be. Mr. McClurg acknowledged the

potential issues with parking if the city lot is removed, such as less space for

the Blues & Jazz Festival, and lack of parking for events held at the

Sanctuary. He suggested the planned hotel have a restaurant overlooking the

Creekside area, and closed his comments by reiterating his that Creekside

could be designed in a way to support a river walk.

Keisha Smith-Jones introduced herself as the President of the Gahanna Area

Chamber of Commerce, but wanted to speak from her role as a local

business owner. Ms. Smith-Jones is the owner of The Executive’s Wealth

Advisor, located at 81 Mill Street. She stated that although she lives and

works through many of the same frustrations that have already been voiced,

such as traffic and parking issues, that she recognized the development

project as one that could strengthen the community. She highlighted four

points in support of the project. First, she stated the project can revitalize

local commerce could bring in more visitors who in turn would spend money

supporting the restaurants, boutiques, and services at Creekside. Second,

when residents and business owners see investment in the community, it

signals growth and resilience and builds confidence and stability. In turn, the

city can continue to attract new businesses and support those already

existing. Third, with smart design and community input, the development can

promote sustainable prosperity. It can expand the local tax base, support

better infrastructure, and sport the schools and services that sustain families

and the workforce. Finally, Smith-Jones stated that Gahanna is an evolving

Central Ohio suburban community. It is set apart from other surrounding

communities by its walkability and sense of community. She noted that while

she shared frustrations that had been expressed, there is an opportunity to

shape Creekside into a destination that is reflective of the Gahanna

community.

With no additional speakers, President Bowers closed the Public Hearing at

7:39 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

Council Special Minutes 10.20.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Council Regular Minutes 10.20.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Finance Committee Minutes 10.23.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Council Special Minutes 10.27.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Committee of the Whole Minutes 10.27.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Finance Committee Minutes 10.27.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Resolutions:

RES-0051-2025

RES-0052-2025

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE 2025

SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GAHANNA

AND

THE

COMMUNITY

IMPROVEMENT

CORPORATION

GAHANNA

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

RESOLUTION

CONCERNING

SERVICES

PROPERTY

PROPOSED FOR ANNEXATION: 7.6+/- ACRES IN JEFFERSON

TOWNSHIP (Jimmie Toney & Darlene Toney, PID # 170-000068-00,

4736 East Johnstown Road, Columbus, OH 43230; and Darlene Toney,

PID

170-000069-00, 4722 East Johnstown Road, Columbus, OH

43230) TO THE CITY OF GAHANNA, AND CITY BUFFER

REQUIREMENTS AS REQUIRED IN OHIO REVISED CODE SECTION

709.023.

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:

ORD-0044-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH COLUMBIA GAS OF OHIO, INC., TO

PROVIDE NATURAL GAS SERVICE TO THE CELL TOWER

LOCATED AT LOWER MCCORKLE PARK

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

Consent Agenda.

ORD-0047-2025

ORD-0048-2025

AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT A SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT ON

PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 490 AND 495 CRESCENT CIRCLE,

PARCEL IDS 025-014183 AND 025-014182

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

Consent Agenda.

AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER

INFRASTRUCTURE

(SA-1113)

LOCATED

ALONG

CRESCENT

CIRCLE

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 Renner, to Pass the Consent

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver

Yes:

RESOLUTIONS:

RES-0046-2025

RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE "OUR GAHANNA" STRATEGIC

PLAN AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Councilmember Padova thanked the members of the Steering Committee for

the time they put into the Committee and their dedication to the community.

Councilmember Schnetzer echoed thanks, adding that many of the members

hosted small group sessions, and appreciated their willingness to serve the

community.

President Bowers echoed sentiments of appreciation for the volunteers, along

with the work of Planning NEXT and Senior Director Vollmer.

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

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver

Yes:

RES-0053-2025

RESOLUTION

RECOGNIZING

VETERANS

DAY

2025 AND

HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF THE MEN AND

WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED

FORCES

President Bowers noted there was a minor amendment to the resolution

following its initial publication. Section 1 adds language to include veterans

and active-duty service members.

Vice President Weaver remarked that Veteran’s Day is a day to acknowledge

who have worn the United States Military uniform and who have defended our

country. He shared a clause in the resolution that stood out to him, which

reads, “our veterans have demonstrated through service and sacrifice that

defending the constitution is more than a duty, it is an act of faith in the

American promise and a testament to the enduring strength of our

democracy.” Vice President Weaver believed these sacrifices allowed

Americans to enjoy many of the freedoms that we enjoy. He said that as a

first generation American himself, the impact of the service of veterans

serves as a promise for, and inspiration to, future generations. He also

offered thanks to local veterans service organizations for their efforts in

supporting veterans. He closed his remarks with an expression of gratitude

for those who have served the country.

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

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver

Yes:

ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING / ADOPTION:

Recommended Amendment (Substitute EXHIBIT A):

ORD-0043-2025

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2026-2030 CITY OF GAHANNA

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, SUPERSEDING ALL PRIOR

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS, AND PROVIDING FOR FUTURE

SUNSET

The Clerk read the ordinance by title.

A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Schnetzer, that the Ordinance be

Amended by Substitution of EXHIBIT A. The motion carried by the following

vote:

7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver

Yes:

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

Adopted as Amended. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver

Yes:

ORD-0045-2025

ORDINANCE

ACCEPTING

ACCESS

EASEMENT

AGREEMENT FOR 135 SERRAN DRIVE TO PROVIDE CITY ACCESS

TO EXISTING SANITARY SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE

The Clerk read the ordinance by title.

President Bowers noted there was an amendment to pass the ordinance as

an emergency. The first amendment would be to the title, to add the phrase

“and declaring an emergency.” The second amendment would be for the

inclusion of the following language: “Whereas, the administration

recommends passage of this ordinance as an emergency measure

necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property,

health, safety, and welfare of the City of Gahanna; to wit: the grantors are

awaiting approval of the easement prior to placing their home on the market

and a miscommunication regarding the timing of this process necessitates

immediate action.” The third amendment is to section three, so that it reads,

“That for the reasons set forth in the preamble above, this ordinance is

declared an emergency measure which shall be in full force in effect after

passage by this council and on the date of signature of approval by the Mayor.

A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, that the Ordinance be

Amended to add the Emergency Declaration language to the title, preamble,

and enactment sections. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver

Yes:

Councilmember Jones acknowledged Council’s preference not to pass

ordinances with emergency but had conversations with the residents and

understood it was necessary in this case for residents’ peace of mind.

A motion was made by Jones, seconded by Schnetzer, that the Ordinance be

Adopted, as Amended, as an Emergency. The motion carried by the following

vote:

7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver

Yes:

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk - None.

2. Council

2025-0223

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims November 16,

2025

President Bowers explained there had been a request for the City of Gahanna

to recognize World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on

November 16, 2025.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilman Renner said the CIC met October 21, 2025. The CIC ended

September with $268,000 and a Heartland Bank loan is no longer on the

ledger. Treasurer Jeff Kessler also provided a 2026 budget at the recent

meeting, indicating legal fees to increase along with $16,000 in property

taxes. Kessler also removed flood insurance for buildings set to be

demolished and planned to attend Franklin County Auditor’s appeals board

meeting regarding property tax increases on a CIC-held building. Councilman

Renner shared that the CIC entered into an executive session at 8:37 a.m.

and returned to regular session at 9:17 a.m. There was also an update on the

Amfield House with no action taken by the board. The next meeting will be

held November 18, 2025.

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

2025-0211

Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 11.3.2025

Vice President Weaver encouraged colleagues to view the report and shared

that the next meeting would be held November 13, 2025.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova shared that the Holiday Lights celebration was

scheduled for Sunday, November 23rd from 3:00-6:30 p.m. at the Creekside

District. Volunteers are needed and potential volunteers can visit Visit

Gahanna’s website for more information. The Santa Race 5k and Reindeer

Dash will be held December 6 at Academy Park.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Councilmember Jones reported on upcoming school board meetings. A

board workshop is scheduled for Thursday, November 6th at 6:30 p.m. at

Clark Hall. A regular board meeting is scheduled for November 20th at 6:30

p.m., also at Clark Hall. She also shared congratulations to the high school

girls cross country team for earning the OHSAA State Championship.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin shared that local food pantries have seen an increase in

patrons in recent months. GRIN recently shared statistics indicating a 41%

rise in demand. She said that within the coming days, round two of the 2025

Community Grants Program would be implemented, which would utilize

funds already appropriated. The second round of applications will be open

November 5th through November 14th and would specifically focus on food

insecurity. Major Jadwin shifted to express her thanks to all those who

provided input on the Creekside redevelopment plans. She said that feedback

would continue to be reviewed and ensured speakers their feedback would

play a meaningful role in the project. Mayor Jadwin also remarked on the

culmination of the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan. She called the approval a

milestone, adding her thanks to everyone who made the effort possible.

Mayor Jadwin said that the committee ensured there would be plan that

reflects the vision of the community and remarked on their efforts in

connecting with the public. She also extended her gratitude to residents who

participated in surveys, workshops, and events. She called the plan more

than a document, adding that it is a shared vision built for the community by

the community. She also thanked Council for their Veteran’s Day resolution,

and shared that Gahanna Lincoln High School will hold a Veteran’s Day

ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, at 9:30 a.m. at the Memorial Plaza. The

city will also hold a memorial event that day at 11:00 a.m. at Veteran’s

Memorial Park.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan recalled that the city previously elected to

participate in litigation with the City of Columbus for the tobacco preemption

litigation. Trial court and appeals court were both in favor of the city. As of the

previous week, the Ohio Supreme Court has accepted jurisdiction over the

case. She stated she would keep Council updated on the case.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember McGregor thanked Parks & Rec and those who helped with

the Great Gahanna Goblin Fest and shared her experience volunteering at the

event.

Councilmember Padova shared her appreciation to the administration for

opening the community grants program to help support those in need. She

remarked on GRIN’s impact on the community. She stated that a cash

donation to GRIN can go further than food donations. They also have a

program in partnership with the schools to identify students who need

assistance with food security. She also remarked that individuals have

reached out to her regarding installing or filling blessing boxes and said that

Gahanna is a community that shows up for one another.

Vice President Weaver echoed thanks for the reopening of the Community

Grants Program. He also expressed gratitude for all who attended and shared

their thoughts during the public hearing portion. He reminded everyone in

attendance that the following day was Election Day and encouraged all to

thank their poll workers.