200 South Hamilton Road

Gahanna, Ohio 43230

City of Gahanna

Meeting Minutes

City Council

Trenton I. Weaver, President

Jamille Jones, Vice President

Merisa K. Bowers

Nancy R. McGregor

Kaylee Padova

Stephen A. Renner

Michael Schnetzer

Jeremy A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council

Friday, January 2, 2026

4:00 PM

City Hall, Council Chambers

Organizational Meeting begins at 4:00 PM, immediately followed by the Regular Meeting

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE: Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Laurie A. Jadwin opened the organizational meeting of Gahanna City

Council on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 4:01 p.m. and welcomed all attendees

in Council Chambers. The agenda for the meeting was published on

December 30, 2025. Councilmember Nancy McGregor delivered the

invocation, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Gahanna Division of

Police Honor Guard and Pledge of Allegiance led by Deputy Chief Ethan

Moffitt. Mayor Jadwin then announced and oversaw the administration of the

oath of office to Councilmembers as follows:

1. Stephen A. Renner, Councilmember, Ward 1

Administered by Jeremy A. VanMeter, Notary Public

2. Michael Schnetzer, Councilmember, Ward 2

Administered by Hon. Laurie A. Jadwin, Mayor

3. Kaylee Padova, Councilmember, Ward 3

Administered by Hon. Merisa K. Bowers, City Councilmember

4. Trenton I. Weaver, Councilmember, Ward 4

Administered by Hon. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, State Representative

CALL TO ORDER (Organizational): Roll Call

With members having been duly elected, sworn, and seated, Mayor Jadwin

called the organizational meeting to order at 4:14 p.m.

7 -

Present

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

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

ELECTION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT:

1. Open Nominations

2. Close Nominations and Elect President

3. Mayor Jadwin turns over meeting to President

Councilmember Kaylee Padova nominated Trenton Weaver for President of

Council. Mayor Laurie Jadwin asked whether there were any other

nominations. Hearing none, Mayor Jadwin asked Mr. Weaver if he accepted

the nomination, and he stated that he did. Mayor Jadwin then closed the

nominations and requested a motion to elect Trenton Weaver as President of

Council for 2026.

A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Bowers, to elect Trenton I.

Weaver as President of Council for 2026. The motion carried by the following

vote:

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

Yes:

ELECTION OF COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT:

1. Open Nominations

2. Close Nominations and Elect Vice President

Council President Trenton Weaver thanked the Mayor, his colleagues, and

those in attendance. He announced the election of the Council Vice President

and opened nominations for Vice President of Council for 2026.

Councilmember Merisa Bowers nominated Councilmember Jamille Jones.

Council President Weaver asked whether there were any other nominations

and, seeing none, closed the nominations. He asked Councilmember Jones if

she accepted the nomination, and she stated that she did. Council President

Weaver then requested a motion to elect Councilmember Jamille Jones as

Vice President of Council.

A motion was made by Padova, seconded by Renner, to elect Jamille Jones as

Vice President of Council for 2026. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES & OTHER ASSIGNMENTS BY THE

PRESIDENT:

Council President Weaver announced the following appointments.

Finance Committee Chair:

Councilmember Renner

Community Improvement Corporation Board of Trustees:

Councilmembers Renner and Padova

Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission:

President Weaver

Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors:

Councilmember Padova

Capital Improvement Plan Advisory Committee:

Councilmember Schnetzer (*Councilmember Renner and President Weaver

also serve ex-officio)

Gahanna-Jefferson Board of Education Liaison:

Vice President Jones

Incentive Advisory Board:

Councilmembers Bowers and Schnetzer

Volunteer Peace Officers' Dependents Fund Board:

Councilmembers Renner and McGregor

Rules Study Committee (ad hoc):

Councilmembers Bowers, McGregor, and Padova

COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS:

Motion(s) to approve the following reappointments:

1. Civil Service Commission, Seat 1 (1/1/26-12/31/28) - Brian Wright

2. Landscape Board, Seat 3 (1/1/26-12/31/28) - Mark DiGiando

3. Local Board of Tax Review, Seat 1 (1/1/26-12/31/27) - Betty Collins

4. Local Board of Tax Review, Seat 2 (1/1/26-12/31/27) - Tricia Sprankle

5. Planning Commission, Seat 4 (1/1/26-12/31/28) - Michael Tamarkin

6. Records Commission, Seat 1 (1/1/26-12/31/28) - Laura Dachenbach

7. Public Arts Advisory Committee (1/1/26-12/31/27) - Rose Hawk

8. Community Grants Review Panel (1/1/26-12/31/26) - Travis Polk

9. Community Grants Review Panel (1/1/26-12/31/26 - Nancy Gurwin

A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, to reappoint members

to boards and commissions seats and terms as listed in reappointment items

#1-9. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

Motion(s) to approve the following appointments:

1. Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, Seat 1 (1/1/26-12/31/28) Paul Benson

2. Community Reinvestment Area Housing Council, Seat 4 (1/1/26-12/31/28)

Charles Holden

3. Parks and Recreation Board, Seat 1 (1/1/26-12/31/28) Holly Haines

4. Property Appeals Board, Seat 1 (1/1/26-12/31/28) Bruce Gurwin

5. Charter Review Commission, Seat 1 (1/1/26-12/31/30) Karen Reynolds

6. Charter Review Commission, Seat 2 (1/1/26-12/31/30) Ethan Barnhardt

7. Charter Review Commission, Seat 3 (1/1/26-12/31/30) Edward Hill, Jr.

8. Charter Review Commission, Seat 4 (1/1/26-12/31/30) Jamie Belisle

Council President Weaver thanked everyone who submitted an application to

serve on a board or commission and expressed appreciation for their time

and willingness to serve the City.

A motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Schnetzer, to appoint members

to boards and commissions seats and terms as listed in appointment items #1-8.

The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

(INFORMATIONAL):

Appointments to the following:

1. Board of Zoning and Building Appeals, Seat 2 (1/1/26-12/31/28) Lorne Eisen

2. Landscape Board, Seat 4 (1/1/26-12/31/28) Chris Schuett

3. Parks & Recreation Board, Seat 2 (1/1/26-12/31/28) Donna Simmons

4. Planning Commission, Seat 5 (1/1/26-12/31/28) Elizabeth Laser

5. Property Appeals Board, Seat 4 (1/1/26-12/31/28) Sarah Pollyea

To be announced at a later date:

6. Charter Review Commission, Seat 5 (1/1/26-12/31/30)

7. Charter Review Commission, Seat 6 (1/1/26-12/31/30)

8. Charter Review Commission, Seat 7 (1/1/26-12/31/30)

Mayor Laurie Jadwin stated that the items were for informational purposes

only. She announced the following appointments as listed for Board of Zoning

and Building Appeals, Landscape Board, Parks and Recreation Board,

Planning Commission, and Property Appeals Board. Mayor Jadwin stated that

she would announce her three appointments to the Charter Review

Commission at the next Council meeting due to recently discovered conflicts

and that she would return to Council on the matter at the next meeting, which

she noted would be the Committee of the Whole meeting on January 12,

2026.

MOTION TO ESTABLISH TIME AND DAY OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETINGS FOR 2026:

2025-0270

Proposed 2026 Legislative Calendar

Committee of the Whole Meetings

Regular City Council and

A motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Schnetzer, that the proposed

legislative calendar establishing the time and day for Regular City Council and

Committee of the Whole meetings for 2026 be adopted. The motion carried by

the following vote:

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

Yes:

MOTION TO ESTABLISH BOARD AND COMMISSION ORGANIZATIONAL

MEETINGS FOR 2026:

1. Landscape Board, Wednesday, January 14 at 6:00 p.m.

2. Parks & Recreation Board, Wednesday, January 14 at 6:15 p.m.

3. Planning Commission, Wednesday, January 14 at 6:30 p.m.

4. Civil Service Commission, Thursday, January 15 at 6:00 p.m.

5. Fair Housing Board, Thursday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m.

6. Records Commission, Tuesday, January 20 at 4:00 p.m.

7. Property Appeals Board, Tuesday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m.

A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Padova, to establish board and

commission organizational meetings for 2026 as listed in items #1-7. The

motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

ADJOURNMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING:

President Weaver adjourned the organizational meeting at 4:22 p.m.

************************************************************************************

CALL TO ORDER (Regular):

President Weaver called to order the Regular Meeting of the Gahanna City

Council at 4:23 p.m.

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Thomas Cartwright of 1016 Ridge Crest Drive, Gahanna, Ohio, addressed

Mayor Laurie Jadwin, Council President Trenton Weaver, Councilmembers,

and staff. He stated that he had researched Department of Homeland

Security sources and, to his knowledge, neither the City of Gahanna nor the

Gahanna Police Department had entered into 287(g) immigration

enforcement cooperation agreements. He expressed hope that this

information was correct and presented four questions. He asked whether the

Gahanna Police Department had signed any 287(g) enforcement agreements

with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, whether the City had discussed

or considered signing such agreements, what the City’s position was

regarding cooperation with ICE to investigate or arrest individuals based

solely on immigration status, and whether the City would issue a formal

statement on these issues. He thanked Council for the opportunity to speak.

Council President Trenton Weaver thanked Mr. Cartwright. Mayor Laurie

Jadwin stated that it was not typically the City’s practice to engage in such

conversations during the meeting and said that Deputy Chief Moffitt and she

would be happy to speak with him following the meeting. Mr. Cartwright

expressed his appreciation and thanked them.

Sharon Montgomery of 572 Bonington Way, Gahanna, addressed Council.

She stated that she was present to thank the City for several matters. She

thanked the four ward members for their willingness to serve another term.

She thanked Councilmembers Jamille Jones and Stephen Renner for their

work in drafting, revising, and advancing a resolution affirming human dignity

and thanked all Councilmembers for their suggestions to improve the

language. She thanked Mayor Jadwin for making the final result a joint Council

resolution and mayoral proclamation to demonstrate solidarity within City

government. She thanked Council Clerk VanMeter for detailed meeting

minutes that provided the public with a thorough account of the discussion of

the resolution. She thanked City Attorney Tamilarasan for her efforts and

courage in strengthening penalties for distracted driving that causes serious

harm, noting that Westerville later followed that example, as well as Grove

City and Reynoldsburg. She congratulated the Gahanna Police Department

on earning unconditional advanced accreditation, which she described as the

gold standard in modern professional policing, noting that the advanced level

accreditation required meeting 461 standards, and that the approval was

unanimous. She stated that she had worked with Deputy Chief Moffitt and

Chief Spence and expressed pride in the department’s achievement. She

described Chief Spence’s dedication to traffic safety, his responsiveness to

her questions, and her support of his application to the Ohio Traffic Safety

Council. She concluded by stating that she was glad to live in Gahanna.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2025-0271

Council Regular Minutes 2025-12-15

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

End of Consent Agenda

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

Agenda. 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-0055-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT WITH ELITE EXCAVATING COMPANY OF OHIO, INC.

FOR THE 2025 STREET REBUILD AND WATERLINE PROGRAM

(ST-1116)

The Clerk read the Ordinance by title.

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

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

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

Yes:

Recommended Amendment (Substitute EXHIBIT A):

ORD-0056-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT WITH SHELLY & SANDS, INC. FOR THE TAYLOR ROAD

WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT (ST-1121)

The Clerk read the Ordinance by title.

A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Bowers, 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:

Councilmember Merisa Bowers stated that she wished to briefly note that the

project constituted important infrastructure work. She acknowledged that the

work likely would disrupt traffic and residents in the southern part of the

community but expressed hope that, with good communication and patience,

the community would be able to complete the work together.

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

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

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

Yes:

Recommended Amendment (Substitute EXHIBIT A):

ORD-0060-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE AND TRANSFER

OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 110 N.

HIGH ST., 120 N. HIGH ST., 130-140 MILL ST., 152 MILL ST., 153-155

MILL ST., 161-167 MILL ST., 169 MILL ST., AND 170 MILL ST. IN THE

CITY OF GAHANNA, OHIO

The Clerk read the Ordinance by title.

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

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

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

Yes:

ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING & EMERGENCY ADOPTION:

ORD-0061-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO THE

UNITED STEEL, PAPER & FORESTRY, RUBBER MANUFACTURING,

ENERGY,

INTERNATIONAL

ALLIED

INDUSTRIAL

(USW) COLLECTIVE

AND

SERVICE

BARGAINING

WORKERS

UNIT

CONTRACT FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 2, 2026 THROUGH

JANUARY 1, 2029; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

The Clerk read the Ordinance by title.

Councilmember Merisa Bowers asked the administration whether the item

aligned with the discussions and expectations established during the recent

budget process. Miranda Vollmer, Senior Director of Administrative Services,

responded that it did.

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

Adopted as an Emergency. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & EMERGENCY ADOPTION:

ORD-0001-2026

PERPETUAL

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE GRANT OF

EASEMENT AND RIGHT-OF-WAY ACCESS TO THE OHIO POWER

COMPANY (AEP) FOR PRIMARY ELECTRIC SERVICE AT 825 TECH

CENTER DRIVE; WAIVING SECOND READING, DECLARING AN

EMERGENCY

President Weaver introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by

title.

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

Waived for Second Reading. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

Councilmember Merisa Bowers asked the administration to explain the

request for an emergency designation on the item. Senior Director of

Operations Kevin Schultz stated that without the emergency designation, the

City would delay the construction schedule for the municipal complex.

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

Adopted 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

Clerk VanMeter noted for the record that the Council Office received the

annexation case known as the Toney Annexation for 4736 and 4722

Johnstown Road on December 12, 2025. He stated that, pursuant to statute,

Council must observe a 60-day waiting period and that February 9, 2026,

represented the earliest date on which Council could consider discussion of

the item.

2. Council

2026-0001

Quarterly Update Newsletter Received 2025-12-30 - Strengthening

Partnerships at the Gahanna John E. Bickley YMCA

Councilmember Merisa Bowers stated that Council had received a new

quarterly update from the Gahanna YMCA earlier in the week. She said that

she did not know whether all Councilmembers had received it and that she

had asked Mr. VanMeter and Council President Weaver to attach it to the

minutes. She explained that the quarterly newsletter included staff

introductions and statistics from the past year or the period during which the

YMCA had operated in Gahanna. She stated that, as an informational point, it

was worth noting in the minutes the receipt of the quarterly update email.

REPRESENTATIVES:

1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC)

Councilmember Kaylee Padova reported that the last meeting occurred on

December 16, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. and that Councilmembers had been invited

to attend. She stated that Councilmembers Merisa Bowers, Trenton Weaver,

and Nancy McGregor attended. She reported that Director Gottke presented a

2025 operations report followed by a 2026 look-ahead. She stated that the

committee then proceeded with its regular meeting and that the most notable

action involved a vote to move forward with Montrose Group as the vendor for

the organization’s strategic plan to be developed in 2026. She stated that

additional information would be forthcoming. Councilmember Padova also

reported that the meeting time for Community Improvement Corporation

meetings had changed for the year. She stated that the meetings would occur

on the third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. instead of Tuesdays and

that the next meeting would take place on January 21, 2026.

2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)

Council President Weaver noted there was no formal report for this meeting

but looked forward to delivering a full report at the next meeting.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)

None.

4. School Board (SB)

Vice President Jamille Jones stated that Thursday, January 8, 2026, would be

the organizational meeting for the School Board, during which all new

members would be sworn in and the meeting schedule for the year would be

confirmed. She also reminded Councilmembers and the community that

Saturday, January 10, 2026, would provide an opportunity to tour the new high

school. She stated that the doors would open at 9:30 a.m., the ceremony

would begin at 10:00 a.m., and that additional details regarding parking and

building entry were available on the school district’s homepage. She

concluded her remarks by stating that she hoped to see everyone on January

10.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Laurie Jadwin offered several comments as the City began 2026 and

described the moment as one filled with progress, possibility, and promise for

the community. She referenced Vice President Jamille Jones’s earlier report

and stated that, in the coming days, City leaders and community members

would join partners from the Gahanna-Jefferson School District to celebrate

the grand opening of the new Gahanna Lincoln High School. She noted recent

construction fencing around the old building as preparations began for the

next phase following student relocation and stated that the project

represented a milestone and long-term commitment to education and future

generations. She expressed anticipation for attending the event and

supporting the school district. Mayor Jadwin stated that, in a few months, the

City would celebrate the grand opening of the new Gahanna Civic Center, a

project three years in development. She explained that the facility would

house a new police headquarters and provide modern training and meeting

space to support contemporary policing practices. She thanked Sharon

Montgomery for her research on CALEA accreditation and recognized the

achievement as a significant accomplishment for the Police Division and the

community. She stated that the building would also include a new Senior

Center with 116 percent more programmable space, address a community

venue gap, and support City Hall operations with upgraded technology and

professional workspaces. She stated that the Civic Center would stand as a

visible symbol of good governance, accessibility, and community pride. Mayor

Jadwin reported that redevelopment of the Creekside District continued to

move forward, with the private development project progressing through the

developer’s due diligence period. She stated that the project aimed to

transform downtown into a vibrant place to gather, shop, and connect. She

also stated that, following adoption of the 2025 capital budget, the City would

continue investing in public infrastructure, including parks, playgrounds, trails,

streets, water and sewer lines, and public safety. She noted that these

investments would benefit every neighborhood and resident and improve

quality of life across the community. Mayor Jadwin stated that none of these

efforts occurred in isolation and emphasized her role as chief executive

officer of the City. She said that her team looked forward to working with City

Council and the City Attorney’s Office to implement the City’s strategic plan,

Our Gahanna, adopted in November. She stated that bringing the

community’s shared vision to life required partnership, respect, and

collaboration and that collective efforts moved the City forward and delivered

meaningful results for residents. Mayor Jadwin stated that administering the

oath of office always held significance for her and that doing so for elected

officials served as a reminder of the purpose of public service. She reaffirmed

the City’s commitment to human dignity and the welcoming character of the

community, referencing comments made by Sharon Montgomery. She stated

that recent events had given additional meaning to the joint proclamation and

resolution issued at the end of 2025. She emphasized the importance of

kindness, inclusion, and mutual respect as guiding values for governance and

community interaction and expressed pride in the community’s unity. Mayor

Jadwin thanked members of Council, the City Attorney, and City staff for their

service, partnership, and dedication to residents. She stated that she looked

forward to a productive and meaningful year in 2026 and concluded her

remarks.

2. City Attorney

2025-0272

City Attorney's Annual Report to City Council 2026-01-02

City Attorney Tamilarasan presented her 2026 Annual Report in accordance

with her Charter obligation. She stated that she had provided a written report

detailing all pending and resolved litigation from 2025 and noted that she

would not review it in detail because Council had received updates as each

matter progressed. She reported that the City had resolved four multi-year

litigations in favor of the City. She stated that three litigations remained

pending and that the City actively participated in them. She noted that one

matter involved a Board of Zoning and Building Appeals case that opened in

November and remained in the initial stages, with an initial briefing schedule

set for January 2026. She also reported that the City had resolved several

recent Bureau of Workers’ Compensation claims and that one claim

remained outstanding. She concluded that litigation matters stood well in

hand and remained favorable to the City.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember Stephen Renner stated that he wished to acknowledge

comments previously made by the Mayor regarding the oath of office. He said

that he felt deeply moved each time he witnessed an officer’s swearing-in and

that the experience often brought him to tears. He stated that he felt similarly

moved during his own oath and emphasized the powerful responsibility of

serving as a trustee of the City and as a Councilmember for the people of

Gahanna.

Councilmember Kaylee Padova thanked those present and noted that many

families attended the meeting. She recognized the support systems behind

Council’s work and acknowledged the sacrifices made by families, including

time spent waiting during meetings and community events. She thanked

Council families for their support, stated that Councilmembers did not serve

alone, and expressed gratitude for her family’s daily support. She said she

looked forward to the coming year and the next four years and wished

everyone a happy new year.

Councilmember Michael Schnetzer extended New Year’s greetings to

colleagues, elected officials, City staff, residents, and attendees. He stated

that he looked forward to another productive year and referenced milestones

noted by the Mayor, including moving into the new municipal center and

observing progress in the downtown area. He reflected on being sworn in for

the fourth time and stated that when he first ran for office, he had not

anticipated serving four terms. He said that his original goal involved

improving the City’s finances following the global financial crisis and stated

that the City had made significant progress. He expressed his commitment to

continued collaboration and to delivering exceptional services while

maintaining Gahanna as a welcoming community with strong financial footing

for future generations.

Councilmember Merisa Bowers congratulated her four colleagues who were

sworn in for subsequent terms and stated that she felt honored to serve with

them. She said she looked forward to at least the next two years of service.

She noted the significant changes that had occurred since she first took office

in 2020 and described the City as standing on the edge of major change

within the community, school district, City operations, and private

development. She emphasized the responsibility to remain focused on

service to residents and to responsibly use the resources provided by the

community to deliver infrastructure, services, and social support. She

thanked her colleagues again and stated that she looked forward to a

productive 2026.

Vice President Jamille Jones thanked her colleagues for appointing her as

Vice President and stated that she appreciated their confidence in her

leadership and ability to serve in that role. She expressed her commitment to

collaborative work with Council, the administration, and residents to

implement the City’s strategic plan and to continue building a community

where everyone belonged and thrived. She reflected on the start of the new

year as a time for recommitment and encouraged care for one another

through words and actions. She emphasized listening with the intent to

understand, assuming positive intent, and working through differences

together. She stated that the community would continue to grow stronger

through collaboration, thanked Council again for their trust, and wished

everyone a Happy New Year.

Council President Trenton Weaver thanked Vice President Jones and stated

that his remarks focused on gratitude. He thanked those in attendance and

expressed appreciation for public comment from speakers. He thanked the

police officers and honor guard and stated that the presentation of colors

remained a moving experience. He acknowledged recent losses within the

Gahanna community, including the passing of Mike Meeks, whom he credited

with leading the Shepherd Nazarene basketball league and involving many

young people in the sport. He stated that Mr. Meeks left behind a meaningful

legacy. He also acknowledged a recent tragedy affecting another Gahanna

family and noted that resources remained available for individuals struggling,

including the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Gahanna Police Department.

Council President Weaver stated that it remained an honor to serve as a

Ward Councilmember and thanked State Representative Beryl Brown

Piccolantonio for administering the oath of office. He thanked his family for

their support, including his parents, wife Aileen, and son Otto. He expressed

gratitude to his colleagues and thanked Councilmember Merisa Bowers for

her leadership during the previous years. He congratulated Vice President

Jones and stated that he looked forward to working with her. He thanked City

Attorney Tamilarasan for her continued partnership and guidance and thanked

Mayor Laurie Jadwin for her collaboration as the City advanced major projects

and initiatives. He expressed appreciation for City staff for their daily work on

behalf of residents, businesses, and visitors and thanked residents for their

continued trust. He wished everyone a Happy New Year and announced that

Council would adjourn, noting that the Committee of the Whole meeting would

occur on Monday, January 12, 2026, and that the regular Council meeting

would move to Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in recognition of Martin Luther

King Jr. Day.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

regular meeting at 5:00 p.m.