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, October 20, 2025  
7:00 PM  
City Hall, Council Chambers  
A.  
CALL TO ORDER: Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call  
Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, October 20, 2025,  
in Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the  
meeting to order at 7:04 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 October 17, 2025.  
7 -  
Present  
Merisa K. Bowers, Jamille Jones, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova,  
Stephen A. Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver  
B.  
C.  
ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:  
None.  
PRESENTATIONS:  
1. Swearing-in Ceremony - Division of Police  
Officers Kiersten Lyshe and Cordell Cardi  
Mayor Jadwin stated that the City of Gahanna was honored to welcome two  
new officers joining the Gahanna family that evening. She invited Director  
Becker and Chief Spence to offer opening remarks before the administration  
of the oath.  
Director Becker expressed enthusiasm about adding to the Police  
Department’s ranks. He introduced two outstanding officers. He explained  
that Officer Kiersten Lyshe was with the department for some time and  
recently completed her training. She graduated from the third class of the  
Westerville Police Academy about a week and a half earlier. Officer Thomas  
and Sergeant Hendon served as instructors during her class. After six  
months of rigorous training, she was ready to begin field training and start  
patrol duties. Director Becker then introduced Officer Cordell Cardi, noting  
that it was his first day with the City of Gahanna. Director Becker described  
him as an experienced law enforcement officer with previous service in  
Johnstown and Blendon Township. He added that Officer Cardi was eager to  
learn the “Gahanna way.” Director Becker then invited Chief Spence to share  
his remarks.  
Chief Spence thanked the administration and Council for their continued  
support in hiring and maintaining authorized staffing levels. He acknowledged  
the challenges of academy training and praised Officer Lyshe for her strong  
performance during the program. He noted that she would now enter several  
additional months of field training. He also welcomed Officer Cardi, who  
would begin the same process. Chief Spence commended both new officers  
and stated that the department was fortunate to receive excellent applicants  
who made the training process smooth.  
Mayor Jadwin then administered the oath of office to Officers Lyshe and  
Cardi. Following the oath, she congratulated both officers and welcomed  
them to the Gahanna Police Department. She expressed appreciation for  
their service to the community and thanked Director Becker and Chief  
Spence for their leadership.  
President Bowers congratulated and welcomed Officer Lyshe and Officer  
Cardi to the City of Gahanna, expressing Council’s appreciation for their  
service to the community.  
2. Resolution Presentation by City Council - Arts & Humanities Month  
Recipient: Gahanna Lincoln Instrumental Music Boosters  
President Bowers announced the next presentation, a resolution by City  
Council recognizing Arts and Humanities Month. She then turned the floor  
over to Vice President Weaver to introduce the resolution.  
Vice President Weaver stated that he was honored to present a resolution  
recognizing October as Arts and Humanities Month in the City of Gahanna.  
He explained that the national theme for this year was “Stories Unite Us.”  
Reflecting on his own experience as a musician and artist, he shared that  
playing music together created a strong sense of unity. Vice President  
Weaver introduced representatives from the Gahanna Lincoln Instrumental  
Music Boosters (GLIMB), the support organization for band and orchestra  
programs in grades 6 through 12 at Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools. He  
explained that the Boosters supplement the district’s budget to provide  
students with opportunities they might not otherwise experience. He noted  
that on Saturday, October 4, 2025, GLIMB held its 70th annual TAG Day,  
setting a new donation record of over $46,000. He added that donations could  
still be made online or by returning envelopes left at residents’ doors. Vice  
President Weaver welcomed GLIMB President-elect Emily Kerns and  
Secretary Heather Crites to speak, after which Council would present the  
resolution and take photos.  
Emily Kerns thanked Mayor Jadwin, City Council, City Attorney Tamilarasan,  
and the community for recognizing the importance of arts and arts education.  
She introduced herself as the President-Elect of GLIMB and shared that she  
had two children in the band program, including her oldest son, who  
participated since sixth grade. She stated that the mission of GLIMB was to  
support the band and orchestra programs at Gahanna-Jefferson Public  
Schools. She emphasized that music education taught students life skills  
such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Kerns explained that the  
organization’s ability to support students came from the generosity of the  
community. She highlighted the recent celebration of GLIMB’s 70th annual  
TAG Day, first held in 1955, and noted that funds raised from the event made  
up a significant portion of their annual budget. She expressed gratitude for the  
strong support from the Gahanna-Jefferson community and invited Secretary  
Heather Crites to share how the funds were used.  
Heather Crites introduced herself and stated that she had two children in the  
orchestra program. She described several ways GLIMB supported students,  
including reducing financial barriers for musicians, purchasing and  
maintaining string, wind, and percussion instruments, and acquiring a new  
fleet of cellos and basses to meet growing student interest. She said GLIMB  
funded guest clinicians, master classes, and the commissioning of new  
works by internationally recognized composers. She added that the  
organization covered contest fees for middle and high school students so all  
could participate at no cost. GLIMB also provided scholarships for graduating  
seniors and current students to attend camps or receive private instruction.  
Crites stated that GLIMB acted as a bridge between community generosity  
and more than 1,000 young musicians, ensuring they had the best equipment  
and opportunities during their time in the Gahanna band and orchestra  
programs. She thanked Council for the invitation and the recognition.  
Vice President Weaver thanked the GLIMB representatives for their remarks  
and invited Council colleagues, Mayor Jadwin, and City Attorney Tamilarasan  
to join him for a photo with guests.  
President Bowers thanked GLIMB for their contributions to students’  
enrichment and congratulated them for their continued dedication and support  
of music education throughout the school system.  
D.  
HEARING OF VISITORS:  
Mifflin Township Trustee Jamie Leeseberg stated that he received a  
notification the previous week regarding a question about whether Mifflin  
Township was included in the Creekside development project. He noted that  
the project involved a seven-story building and expressed concern that no one  
asked whether the township had the capacity to fight a fire in a building of that  
height. He explained that during his eight years on City Council, Mifflin  
Township’s involvement in development projects had never been in question.  
He added that he did not know if this practice changed in the four years since  
he left Council. Trustee Leeseberg stated for the record that Mifflin Township  
wished to be included in any discussions regarding tax incentives or financial  
considerations related to the development. He introduced Chief Dunlevy and  
explained that the township possessed one ladder truck capable of serving a  
building of that size. He emphasized the importance of considering response  
times and preparedness for incidents involving large developments.  
Fire Chief Brian Dunlevy thanked Council for the opportunity to speak. He  
stated that the department was enthusiastic about the city’s growth and  
development and wanted to remain involved in related projects. He noted that  
many operational costs had doubled, including the price of fire trucks, and  
explained that a project of this scale would require significant departmental  
resources and time. He asked Council to consider the department’s  
involvement and expressed his appreciation for their attention.  
E.  
PUBLIC HEARINGS:  
RES-0046-2025  
A
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE "OUR GAHANNA" STRATEGIC  
PLAN AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY  
President Bowers announced the Public Hearing for Resolution 0046-2025, a  
resolution adopting the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan and Economic  
Development Strategy. She explained that the item was introduced at the  
previous week’s Committee of the Whole meeting and was scheduled for  
adoption at the Regular Council meeting on November 3, 2025. She stated  
that, pursuant to Council Rules 9.10 and 9.11, she provided a brief statement  
on the item under hearing. She invited the administration to make a  
presentation before opening the floor for public comment, allowing three  
minutes per speaker.  
Mayor Jadwin stated that the administration did not have a presentation to  
provide at that time.  
President Bowers explained that individuals wishing to speak could complete  
a speaker slip and submit it to Mr. VanMeter or obtain one from the podium  
outside the glass doors.  
President Bowers opened the public hearing at 7:20 PM.  
Maura O’Donnell, of 278 Rivers End Road, Gahanna, addressed Council in  
support of the strategic plan. She stated that she served on the steering  
committee and observed the plan’s development over the past year through  
feedback sessions and public engagement. She noted that she saw  
members of Council at many of these sessions and that the committee’s and  
public’s feedback was incorporated into the plan. She said the edits reflected  
the input received during those discussions and expressed confidence that  
elected officials and city employees would use the plan as a guiding tool for  
decision-making. She thanked everyone who contributed to the plan and  
stated her excitement to see residents’ and local businesses’ ideas  
represented in shaping the city’s future.  
President Bowers closed the Public Hearing at 7:22 PM.  
F.  
CONSENT AGENDA:  
1. Minutes - To Approve:  
2025-0200  
2025-0201  
Council Regular Minutes 10.6.2025  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
Committee of the Whole Minutes 10.13.2025  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
2. Motions:  
MT-0013-2025  
A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GAHANNA BIDDING FOR THE  
CLOTTS  
ROAD  
(SA-1105)  
AND  
SERRAN  
DRIVE  
(SA-1099)  
SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS  
The Motion was approved on the Consent Agenda.  
MT-0014-2025  
A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GAHANNA BIDDING FOR THE  
WHITE SWAN COURT & EMBASSY COURT STREET REBUILD AND  
WATERLINE REPLACEMENT (ST-1120)  
The Motion was approved on the Consent Agenda.  
3. Resolutions:  
RES-0045-2025  
A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT AN  
APPLICATION TO THE MID-OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING  
COMMISSION (MORPC) FOR FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION  
(FTA) SECTION 5310 FUNDING UNDER THE ENHANCED MOBILITY  
FOR OLDER ADULTS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES  
PROGRAM  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
RES-0047-2025  
RES-0048-2025  
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS NATIONAL ARTS &  
HUMANITIES MONTH  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND RES-0013-2025, THE 2026 SIDEWALK  
MAINTENANCE PROGRAM AREA RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY, TO  
REVISE THE 2026 SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE PROGRAM AREA  
FOR THE CITY OF GAHANNA  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
RES-0049-2025  
RES-0050-2025  
A
RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE NECESSITY TO REPAIR  
AND/OR REPLACE SIDEWALKS IN THE 2026 URBAN PAVING  
SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE PROGRAM AREA FOR THE CITY OF  
GAHANNA  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE CITY'S APPLICATION FOR  
STATE CAPITAL GRANT FUNDING FOR THE CREEKSIDE PLAZA  
AND FLOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
4. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:  
ORD-0041-2025  
AN  
ORDINANCE  
ACCEPTING  
CRESCENT  
CIRCLE  
(ST-1111)  
PUBLIC ROADWAY, STORM WATER, AND DOMESTIC WATER  
PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS  
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:  
G.  
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:  
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  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
ORD-0045-2025  
ORD-0047-2025  
AN  
ORDINANCE  
ACCEPTING  
AN  
ACCESS  
EASEMENT  
AGREEMENT FOR 135 SERRAN DRIVE TO PROVIDE CITY ACCESS  
TO EXISTING SANITARY SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT A SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT ON  
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 490 AND 495 CRESCENT CIRCLE,  
PARCEL IDS 025-014183 AND 025-014182  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
ORD-0048-2025  
AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER  
INFRASTRUCTURE  
(SA-1113)  
LOCATED  
ALONG  
CRESCENT  
CIRCLE  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
H.  
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING / ADOPTION:  
Recommended Postponement/Return to Committee of the Whole 10/27/2025:  
President Bowers noted the need for the two items listed to return to  
Committee of the Whole for further discussion.  
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  
The Clerk read the Ordinance by title.  
President Bowers asked a procedural question regarding Ordinance 42-2025:  
whether Council needed a first and second to adopt before moving to  
postpone, or whether it could move to postpone before entertaining a motion  
to adopt. City Attorney Tamilarasan advised that Council should make a  
motion to postpone before a motion to adopt.  
President Bowers asked for a motion to postpone Ordinance 42-2025 to a  
date certain. Councilmember Schnetzer asked whether a date was needed.  
Bowers stated that it was best practice to identify a date and proposed  
November 17, 2025. Councilmember Schnetzer moved to postpone  
Ordinance 0042-2025 to November 17, 2025. Councilmember Renner  
seconded. President Bowers invited discussion.  
Mayor Jadwin deferred initial comments to Director of Economic  
Development Jeff Gottke. Director Gottke asked why Council selected  
November 17, 2025, rather than an earlier date such as November 3 or 10,  
2025, and what Council hoped to ascertain in the meantime. He noted that 60  
days elapsed since introduction and asked what additional information  
Council needed.  
President Bowers invited Council to weigh in. Councilmember Renner stated  
that Council received the agreement on Friday and needed deliberation time  
at Committee of the Whole to vet it. He said he was not sure Council needed  
to wait until November 17, 2025, but procedure required a date certain, and  
November 17, 2025, appeared rational to avoid a mistake on an important  
decision. He said Council could act sooner if appropriate after Committee of  
the Whole discussion.  
Mayor Jadwin stated that an initial draft of the agreement was presented on  
September 22, 2025, and that a redline version was sent on Friday. She  
asked why November 17, 2025, was selected and expressed concern about  
potential demolition of properties held by the Community Improvement  
Corporation (CIC). She stated a preference for the developer to perform the  
demolition so the developer could control existing site infrastructure and bear  
any demolition costs that exceeded reimbursable grant dollars, rather than  
the City of Gahanna. She agreed a vote that evening would not be appropriate  
and asked why November 3 or 10, 2025, would not be feasible to allow  
additional committee discussions.  
Councilmember Renner reiterated that Council needed a date certain and  
supported November 17, 2025, given procedural requirements, while  
acknowledging schedule pressures and his prior public support for the  
project. He questioned why Council received information at the last minute.  
Vice President Weaver stated discomfort with calling a Special Meeting for a  
single vote on what could be the most impactful vote of their tenure. He said  
he continued to receive parking questions, noted ongoing resident feedback  
and private outreach efforts, and wanted to give the developer a clear  
expectation for a vote date. He supported setting a reasonable date certain.  
Councilmember Padova asked whether a vote on November 17, 2025, would  
still allow demolition. Director Gottke said he would check with the developer,  
noting contractor scheduling and mobilization requirements to complete  
demolition by December 31, 2025.  
President Bowers stated her understanding that the Holiday Lights  
Celebration would occur on November 23, 2025, and that no work would  
begin before that date. Director Gottke confirmed that no demolition would  
occur before November 23. President Bowers stated that selecting November  
17, 2025, would allow Council to vote and, if approved, give the developer  
confidence to proceed with demolition by year-end. She supported further  
community engagement, suggested a Public Hearing on November 3, 2025,  
for this ordinance, requested a project website to centralize vetted  
information, and referenced a follow-up meeting later in the week on the fiscal  
impact analysis, with time for Council to review and ask questions.  
Director Gottke asked whether Council intended to hold two more Committee  
of the Whole meetings on October 27 and November 10, 2025. President  
Bowers said the item should appear on both agendas if Council had  
questions and reiterated the value of a November 3, 2025, Public Hearing.  
Mayor Jadwin clarified that her questions about the November 17, 2025, date  
sought to inform conversations with the developer and plan for timelines and  
contingencies. She reiterated that demolition would not begin before Holiday  
Lights and that aligning schedules could require action by December 1, 2025,  
to finish demolition by year-end.  
President Bowers invited further items for consideration. Councilmember  
McGregor asked whether, if Council passed the ordinance on November 17,  
2025, the action would need to wait 30 days to take effect. President Bowers  
stated that it would, but noted that the developer represented that Council  
approval would greenlight the demolition agreement with the City of Gahanna.  
Mayor Jadwin confirmed.  
Councilmember Padova requested feedback gathered from Planning NEXT,  
which Director Vollmer was working to provide prior to a vote.  
Councilmember Jones asked about the process to set a Public Hearing on  
November 3, 2025, so residents could prepare. President Bowers said  
Council had discretion to set the hearing, could invite an administrative  
presentation, would place the hearing on the agenda, and would request  
Council Office staff to generate social media graphics and issue notices via  
Council’s listserv and City of Gahanna communication channels.  
Councilmember Schnetzer asked whether the questions related specifically  
to the development agreement. President Bowers said the discussion  
concerned postponement to November 17, 2025, and items Council wanted  
from the administration at Committee of the Whole regarding the  
development agreement. Councilmember Schnetzer requested inclusion of  
information on contingent liabilities previously addressed by the administration  
and City Attorney, and a summary of the city’s financial estimates and pro  
forma related to Tax Increment Financing (TIF), New Community Authority  
(NCA), and other relevant figures to the extent currently known.  
President Bowers thanked Mifflin Township representatives for attending and  
thanked Councilwoman McGregor for acknowledging the township’s tax  
impact and potential equipment costs. She asked the administration and  
Mifflin Township to hold meaningful conversations to clarify the township’s  
requests and any expectations related to the TIF or other needs. Director  
Gottke stated that a meeting with Mifflin Township was already on the  
calendar and referenced the discussion tonight would be helpful in using  
creekside@gahanna.gov emails to represent the conversation and the  
sequence of meetings. President Bowers thanked Director Gottke and asked  
Mr. VanMeter to call the roll on the motion to postpone Ordinance 42-2025 to  
November 17, 2025.  
A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, that the Second  
Reading and Adoption of the Ordinance be Postponed to Date Certain,  
11/17/2025. The Ordinance will return to Committee of the Whole on 10/27/2025  
for further discussion and scheduled for Public Hearing on the 11/3/2025  
Council Regular Meeting agenda. The motion to postpone to a date certain  
carried by the following vote:  
7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
Yes:  
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.  
President Bowers explained that the Capital Improvement Plan was  
presented in part to Council a few weeks earlier but that the presentation had  
not been completed due to the lateness of that meeting. She said the item  
was requested to return to the Committee of the Whole on November 27,  
2025, and that Council would need to postpone the ordinance to a date  
certain of November 3, 2025, which would be the first Regular Meeting  
following the next Committee of the Whole. She asked for a motion to  
postpone Ordinance 43-2025 to November 3, 2025.  
Councilmember Schnetzer moved to postpone Ordinance 0043-2025 to  
November 3, 2025. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion.  
President Bowers asked if there was any further discussion. Councilmember  
Renner commented on how close it was to the year 2030. President Bowers  
agreed, noting that it was a five-year planning document extending to 2030.  
A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Jones, that the Second  
Reading and Adoption of the Ordinance be Postponed to Date Certain,  
11/3/2025. The Ordinance will return to Committee of the Whole on 10/27/2025  
for further discussion. The motion to postpone to a date certain carried by the  
following vote:  
7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
Yes:  
I.  
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & ADOPTION:  
ORD-0046-2025  
A N  
O R D I N A N C E  
A U T H O R I Z I N G  
S U P P L E M E N T A L  
General  
APPROPRIATIONS; AND WAIVING SECOND READING  
-
Fund Development Contract Services for the Gahanna Community  
Improvement Corporation  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
President Bowers stated that the companion resolution in Section J paired  
with Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance 0046-2025 and Resolution  
0051-2025. She said Council would address the ordinance first, recognizing  
that the discussion would likely involve both items. She explained that the  
administration requested a waiver of the second reading and asked for a  
motion.  
Councilmember Schnetzer moved to waive the second reading.  
Councilmember Renner seconded the motion.  
President Bowers opened the floor for discussion. Councilmember Schnetzer  
stated that waiving the second reading was necessary to pass the ordinance  
in time, explaining that the ordinance acted as a financial backstop and could  
not wait. President Bowers said the timeline confused her. Councilmember  
Renner agreed and said he supported the supplemental appropriation  
ordinance but had questions about the resolution and the supplemental  
agreement, particularly regarding the timeline connected to the development  
agreement. President Bowers said she was unclear why a waiver was  
needed since a supplemental appropriation took effect immediately upon  
passage and demolition was not expected to begin until after November 23,  
2025.  
Mayor Jadwin stated that scheduling the demolition needed to begin  
immediately to meet end-of-year deadlines. She explained that the upcoming  
holidays would reduce available working time, leaving only about three weeks  
in December to complete demolition after the Holiday Lights event on  
November 23. She emphasized that waiting for another meeting would further  
delay the project and limit options. She said the administration had indicated  
in earlier discussions that a waiver would be important to meet the required  
timeline.  
Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz stated that the Community  
Improvement Corporation (CIC) could not sign a demolition contract until  
Council passed the appropriations. He said contractors would not tentatively  
schedule demolition without approved funding and that any delay could  
jeopardize the $485,000 in Department of Development grant funds awarded  
for the demolition. He stated that both the ordinance and resolution needed  
prompt passage to avoid losing the grant dollars.  
President Bowers thanked Director Schultz and asked City Attorney  
Tamilarasan to clarify the impact of approving the ordinance with a waiver but  
without the companion resolution. She also asked whether the supplemental  
agreement required further adjustment.  
City Attorney Tamilarasan said the supplemental agreement was written with  
the understanding that the funds would be transferred to the CIC, which would  
later return them after reimbursement. However, she said the administration  
clarified earlier that the grant would operate on a reimbursement basis,  
meaning the CIC would only receive funds after completing demolition and  
securing the grant money. She said the agreement needed to be revised to  
reflect that structure and include provisions requiring the CIC to return funds  
once reimbursed. She also said details about total grant amounts and  
reimbursement terms must be clearly stated.  
President Bowers asked if adopting the ordinance without the resolution  
would simply authorize a supplemental appropriation to the CIC without  
requiring repayment. City Attorney Tamilarasan explained that the ordinance  
would reserve funds within the city’s budget for the CIC’s use, but the CIC  
would not receive any money until it secured a demolition contract and  
submitted documentation for reimbursement.  
Mayor Jadwin confirmed that funds would not be disbursed unless the CIC  
moved forward with demolition. She said the CIC would first secure a  
contractor, then request payment through the city once work began. Once the  
state reimbursed the grant, the CIC would return those funds to the city.  
President Bowers noted that without the resolution, there was no formal  
obligation for the CIC to reimburse the city. Mayor Jadwin responded that  
while technically true, the CIC’s membership included the Mayor, two  
Councilmembers, the Director of Planning, and the Director of Economic  
Development, which provided oversight. She said a memorandum of  
understanding between the city and CIC could suffice even without formal  
legislation.  
Director Schultz added that if demolition occurred after January 1, 2026, the  
city would bear the full cost unless the state granted an extension, which he  
said was unlikely. He said delaying approval by two weeks could jeopardize  
the $485,000 grant and that passing the ordinance with a waiver was in the  
public interest to secure those funds.  
President Bowers asked if the CIC obtained demolition quotes from  
companies not affiliated with the developer. Director Schultz said there was  
one such quote, and it fell within the grant’s budget. President Bowers asked  
under what circumstances the CIC would proceed with demolition instead of  
allowing the developer, Connect Real Estate, to handle it. Director Schultz  
said postponing the development agreement to November 17, 2025,  
effectively shifted responsibility to the CIC. President Bowers disagreed,  
noting that the developer had not indicated an inability to complete demolition.  
She asked who ultimately decided whether the CIC or developer would  
conduct the demolition. Director Schultz said the CIC, as the property owner,  
would make that decision.  
Vice President Weaver asked the City Attorney about language changes to  
Section 3.1 of the agreement. City Attorney Tamilarasan said revisions were  
also needed in Section 2 to ensure the city did not obligate payment without  
demolition occurring. She said both sections required cleanup and that the  
total grant amount must be confirmed, as various documents listed differing  
figures of $500,000, $496,000, and $486,000. Mayor Jadwin clarified that the  
grant amount was $486,000. She said the administration rounded the  
appropriation to $500,000 to allow flexibility if demolition costs exceeded the  
grant amount. She said if the developer performed the demolition, none of the  
funds would be spent and would revert to the city. If the CIC conducted  
demolition, the CIC would reimburse the city with the $486,000 in grant funds  
and return any remaining balance.  
Councilmember Jones asked what would happen if Connect Real Estate  
performed the demolition instead of the CIC. Mayor Jadwin said in that case,  
the CIC would not receive any funds because the developer would be  
reimbursed directly for demolition costs. City Attorney Tamilarasan added that  
this obligation was already included in the development agreement.  
Councilmember Jones asked if the development agreement would need to  
change if the CIC handled demolition instead. City Attorney Tamilarasan said  
the agreement stated the developer was responsible for demolition and that  
she would prefer to include clarifying language to ensure the developer had no  
claim to grant funds if it did not perform the demolition. Mayor Jadwin said that  
revision would not be necessary because the demolition would already be  
completed and the clause would become moot.  
President Bowers requested that the administration provide clarification at the  
next Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the demolition schedule,  
contract timelines, and when the developer could begin work assuming an  
affirmative vote on November 17, 2025, on the development agreement.  
Councilmember Schnetzer summarized that Council was currently  
considering Ordinance 0046-2025, which was a supplemental appropriation  
of $500,000, and that discussion naturally overlapped with Resolution  
0051-2025 due to their connection. He said that Council recently appropriated  
over $5 million to retire loans to retain flexibility for demolition grant funding.  
He emphasized that experts had stated time was critical and said he  
supported waiving the second reading to protect the $486,000 in grant funds.  
He stated that he was comfortable proceeding with the ordinance to preserve  
flexibility and avoid risking the grant and would be willing to address the  
resolution later if needed.  
Vice President Weaver asked a clarifying question about whether concerns  
focused primarily on the resolution. He asked if waiving the second reading  
and passing the ordinance would allow the administration, the CIC, and the  
developer to proceed if Council did not agree to the resolution that evening.  
He stated that, based on Mayor Jadwin’s earlier comments, the appropriation  
would reserve the money without spending it and would provide assurance  
that funds were available to expend if needed while the resolution remained  
pending.  
Senior Director Schultz stated that Council could hold off on the resolution  
and bring back a more acceptable version at the next meeting, provided  
Council approved the supplemental appropriation as soon as possible. He  
explained that the appropriation would make the money available, but no one  
would pay out those funds in the next two or three weeks while the agreement  
caught up for reimbursement. He said that approach was tenable and could  
offer a solution. He added that he believed the prior week’s understanding  
was to add a single line to the ordinance to state the funds were  
reimbursable, which would resolve the issue.  
A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, that the Ordinance be  
Waived for Second Reading. The motion carried by the following vote:  
6 - Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
1 - Bowers  
Yes:  
No:  
City Attorney Tamilarasan interjected briefly to note that the text of the  
ordinance referenced grant funds using the same language as the original  
resolution, which stated that the CIC was awarded a grant totaling $500,000.  
She explained that, to be accurate, the language should reflect two grants  
totaling $486,000 instead of one $500,000 grant. She recommended a small  
amendment to the ordinance to correct the figures.  
President Bowers thanked City Attorney Tamilarasan and stated that the  
amendment would apply to the third “whereas” clause, revising it to read that  
the CIC was awarded two grants in the amount of $486,000.  
Councilmember Padova suggested that the correction might apply to the  
second “whereas” clause, but President Bowers confirmed it as the third.  
She then called for a motion to amend as stated.  
A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, that the Ordinance be  
Amended in the third whereas clause to reflect two grants in the amount of  
$486,000 instead of one grant in the amount of $500,000. The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
Yes:  
A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Schnetzer, that the Ordinance be  
Adopted as Amended. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
Yes:  
J.  
RESOLUTIONS:  
RES-0051-2025  
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE 2025  
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GAHANNA  
AND  
THE  
COMMUNITY  
IMPROVEMENT  
CORPORATION  
OF  
GAHANNA  
President Bowers stated that Council already discussed the item and  
understood there was a request or recommendation to send it back to  
Committee of the Whole and bring it forward again at a later date.  
Councilmember Schnetzer responded briefly, and President Bowers  
confirmed that Council did not wish to amend or act on the item at that time.  
Vice President Weaver moved to postpone Resolution 0051-2025 to a date  
certain of November 3, 2025, with the item returning to Committee of the  
Whole before that date. Councilmember Schnetzer seconded the motion.  
President Bowers acknowledged the first and second and asked for  
discussion on the motion to postpone. Hearing none, she directed Clerk  
VanMeter to call the roll.  
A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, that the Resolution be  
Postponed to Date Certain, 11/3/2025. The Resolution will return to Committee  
of the Whole on 10/27/2025 for further discussion. The motion to postpone to a  
date certain carried by the following vote:  
7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
Yes:  
K.  
L.  
CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:  
1. Clerk - None.  
2. Council - None.  
REPRESENTATIVES:  
1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Padova  
Councilmember Renner noted the CIC would meet at 8:00 AM in the  
Committee Room on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.  
2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Weaver  
2025-0202  
Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 10.13.2025  
Vice President Weaver thanked the Council Office for its assistance and  
preparation of the MORPC report. He encouraged his colleagues to review  
the report and its attachments, which highlighted the return on investment  
from the city’s membership in Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission  
(MORPC). He stated that member dues totaled just under $23,000, with a  
return on investment of approximately $36 for every dollar spent. Vice  
President Weaver summarized several items from the report. He noted that  
the commission met on October 9, 2025, and that the next meeting would  
take place on November 13, 2025. He announced that requests for 2026  
summer interns were now open and encouraged both the administration and  
the Council Office to participate, noting the positive experience of having  
interns in the past. He also shared that MORPC and the Columbus Dispatch  
were inviting central Ohio residents to participate in the Leaders Listen  
Sustainability Survey to share their views on regional sustainability issues,  
with a link provided in the report. Vice President Weaver noted continued  
interest in the Regional Economic Development Academy, explaining that  
participants could enroll in individual courses without completing the full  
six-course program. He stated that on November 6, 2025, the academy would  
examine how rising housing costs affected the central Ohio economy and  
how communities could respond. He added that the December 17, 2025,  
capstone course would evaluate the pros and cons of various economic  
development tools available to communities, including TIFs, Community  
Reinvestment Areas (CRAs), enterprise zones, joint economic development  
districts, and new community authorities, topics that were discussed  
frequently in recent months. He concluded by noting that on November 18,  
2025, a Strategic Training for Effective Planning and Zoning (STEPZ)  
Workshop would take place and encouraged interested individuals to review  
the information linked in the report.  
3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova  
Councilmember Padova stated that the annual Holiday Lights Celebration at  
Creekside would take place on November 23, 2025. She said that many  
friends and neighbors would attend to celebrate the holiday season and  
invited everyone to participate. She emphasized the importance of community  
engagement and encouraged residents to volunteer for the event as a way to  
connect with others. Councilmember Padova explained that volunteer  
opportunities were available throughout the day, allowing participants to help  
before or after the celebration if they wished to enjoy the festivities. She  
directed residents to visit VisitGahanna.com for more information about  
volunteer opportunities. She also announced that the annual Santa Race 5K  
would take place on December 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Academy Park, noting  
that additional details could be found on the Visit Gahanna website.  
4. School Board (SB) - Jones  
Councilmember Jones congratulated the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools  
Board of Education for being recognized by the Ohio School Board  
Association (OSBA) as a Board of Distinction. She stated that the board  
would be formally recognized at the OSBA conference next month in  
Columbus.  
M.  
OFFICIAL REPORTS:  
1. Mayor  
Mayor Jadwin extended congratulations to the members of the Gahanna  
Lincoln Instrumental Music Boosters (GLIMB). She shared that the group  
settled a long-standing debate over whether the name was pronounced  
“Glim” or “Glime,” recalling her time as a booster parent when that topic often  
arose while serving in the concession booth. As a former orchestra parent,  
she said she understood the value the organization brought by supporting  
school music programs and creating opportunities for students who might not  
otherwise have them. She thanked Vice President Weaver for arranging the  
recognition that evening and stated that GLIMB’s impact within the community  
was immeasurable. Mayor Jadwin thanked Make Gahanna Yours for hosting  
the Cleaner Greener Gahanna Community Litter Pickup the previous  
Saturday. She said she volunteered alongside members of Gahanna Rotary  
and noted that many residents participated, including Senior Deputy Director  
Wybensinger and his family. She expressed appreciation for everyone’s  
efforts to help keep the city beautiful. She congratulated New Life Church on  
celebrating its 40th anniversary and said it was a pleasure to attend their  
special celebration the previous day. She noted the church’s history of  
beginning in Gahanna and its growth over the years, adding that  
Councilmember McGregor might also speak about the event. Mayor Jadwin  
thanked Vice President Weaver for referencing the MORPC report and  
shared that she participated earlier in the day in a regional housing discussion  
with representatives from more than a dozen central Ohio communities. She  
said the group discussed challenges related to housing supply, financing, and  
planning for the types of housing needed within local communities. She  
thanked residents and stakeholders who attended the recent Creekside  
Reimagined public engagement event held Thursday, October 9, from 4:00 to  
7:00 p.m. at the plaza. She reported that approximately 100 people attended,  
asked questions, and provided valuable feedback on both the public and  
private aspects of the project. She said the city was working with a consulting  
firm that submitted recommendations for next steps and that further  
announcements would be made later in the week. She noted that residents  
could continue submitting questions to creekside@gahanna.gov and find  
background information and meeting links on gahanna.gov. Mayor Jadwin  
listed several upcoming community events. She announced that Great  
Gahanna Goblin Fest would take place on Friday, October 24, 2025, and that  
the fall Shred and E-Recycle event would be held Saturday, October 25,  
2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. She said the fall recycling event was added  
last year due to popular demand and that Gahanna Residents In Need  
(G.R.I.N.) would again collect food and monetary donations to support  
families during the holiday season. She stated that Trick or Treat would take  
place Thursday, October 30, 2025, in alignment with MORPC  
recommendations. She shared that she received an email from a fourth  
grader asking why it could not be held on Friday, October 31, and explained  
that conflicts with high school football games and other community events  
made Thursday the most practical option. She added that having it on a  
weekday also helped ensure more residents were home to hand out candy.  
Mayor Jadwin concluded by acknowledging that many Gahanna residents  
were celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights. She said the holiday  
symbolized light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over  
ignorance. She wished all who were celebrating joy, light, and prosperity and  
concluded her remarks for the evening.  
2. City Attorney  
None.  
N.  
COUNCIL COMMENT:  
Councilmember McGregor reported that the Gahanna Historical Society was  
updating the “Red Book,” which last documented historical events up to 1976.  
She stated that many people were contributing stories for the new edition and  
invited anyone with knowledge of Gahanna’s history to submit their stories for  
inclusion. She introduced Project Manager Darlene Molitor and Editor Maura  
O’Donnell, who were keeping the project on schedule. McGregor announced  
that the Historical Society met on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00  
p.m. at the library and invited the public to attend. She also thanked Mayor  
Jadwin for recognizing New Life Church, noting that the congregation  
celebrated its 40th anniversary on Sunday. She shared that the church had  
three pastors in its history, with the first two each serving for 20 years. She  
described how the church began with five founding members and their  
families, who came to Gahanna as a team to start a new congregation. They  
initially met at Middle School West before acquiring land at McCutcheon and  
Stygler Roads, where they eventually built their church despite challenges  
with the property. She said the church had long supported the community and  
organizations like G.R.I.N. and wished them continued success for the next  
40 years.  
Councilmember Jones congratulated and welcomed the new police officers  
and thanked Vice President Weaver for organizing the Arts and Humanities  
Month recognition. She also congratulated and thanked the Gahanna Lincoln  
Instrumental Music Boosters (GLIMB), sharing that as a young person, the  
arts helped her find belonging. She said that as a new orchestra parent, she  
looked forward to becoming involved with GLIMB and expressed gratitude for  
the organization’s work in providing arts opportunities for students.  
Councilmember Padova echoed Councilmember Jones’s congratulations to  
the newly sworn officers and appreciation for the guests who participated in  
the Arts and Humanities Month recognition. She described attending a  
clothing swap hosted by Collective Home Supply, and said it was a creative  
way to bring people together. She explained that participants brought clothing  
they no longer wore but once enjoyed and exchanged them with others. She  
said the event encouraged conversations and connections among residents  
and visitors, including people who were not from Gahanna but came to  
explore the city. She thanked the organizers for taking the initiative to try  
something new and said the event was a great success that she hoped  
would return.  
Councilmember Renner thanked Councilmember Padova for sharing local  
community updates and Councilmember McGregor for her work with the  
Historical Society. He noted that Upper Arlington participated in a textile  
recycling program with Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) and  
that Gahanna was exploring involvement in the same program. He  
encouraged the city to move forward with it. He also discussed the  
importance of renewable energy and sustainability, citing growing national  
electricity demand and emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on fossil  
fuels. He thanked Mayor Jadwin for her efforts on sustainability initiatives.  
Councilmember Renner congratulated Officers Lyshe and Cardi on joining  
the Gahanna Police Department and thanked Vice President Weaver for  
recognizing the arts. He shared that his two sons participated in the music  
program and that he volunteered for TAG Day several times. He said the  
experience gave him a deep appreciation for GLIMB’s positive impact on  
students and the community.  
Vice President Weaver congratulated and welcomed the new officers and  
thanked GLIMB representatives Emily Kerns and Heather Crites for attending.  
He also recognized Gahanna Lincoln High School Orchestra Director Mr.  
Dengel for his leadership and expressed excitement for the orchestra’s  
planned purchase of new cellos and a bass. He complimented the musical  
talents of Councilmember Renner’s son and praised the high level of musical  
involvement across the community. Vice President Weaver thanked  
members of the steering committee for the “Our Gahanna” Strategic Plan  
who attended the meeting. He acknowledged that the evening involved  
significant parliamentary procedure and discussion but said Council remained  
committed to following the proper process and ensuring that decisions were  
made carefully and thoughtfully.  
President Bowers thanked everyone who attended the meeting and  
participated in community engagement efforts. She said the discussions  
reinforced the importance of involving residents in meaningful ways,  
especially regarding major development projects. She stated that her  
hesitation regarding the supplemental appropriation to the CIC stemmed from  
ongoing questions and expressed surprise in the developer’s absence that  
evening to clarify the demolition timeline. She emphasized the Council’s  
responsibility to act as fiscal stewards and to avoid duplicating efforts that  
could be completed by the private sector using state grant reimbursements.  
She said Council awaited additional information from the administration  
before making a final decision and noted that the upcoming vote would likely  
be one of the most significant during their term.  
2025-0203  
Councilmember  
Merisa  
K.  
Bowers'  
Constituent  
Report  
-
August-September 2025  
O.  
EXECUTIVE SESSION:  
A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, to go into Executive  
Session under authority of Section 5.40(b) of the Council Rules of Procedure  
to consider the purchase of property for public purposes, the sale of property  
at competitive bidding, or the sale or other disposition of unneeded, obsolete,  
or unfit- for-use property in accordance with section 505.10 of the Revised  
Code, if premature disclosure of information would give an unfair competitive  
or bargaining advantage to a person whose personal, private interest is  
adverse to the general public interest.  
President Bowers noted the request from administration for the Executive  
Session. She added that at the conclusion of Executive Session there would  
be no further action and Council would adjourn.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
Yes:  
President Bowers announced that Council would meet in Executive Session  
in Committee Room. Council was joined by Mayor Jadwin, City Attorney  
Tamilarasan, and administrative staff.  
Council rose to report to Executive Session at 8:37 p.m.  
Council rose to report from Executive Session at 9:05 p.m. with no further  
action.  
P.  
ADJOURNMENT:  
With no further business before the Council, President Bowers adjourned the  
meeting at 9:05 p.m.