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, April 7, 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, April 7, 2025, in  
Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the meeting  
to order at 7:00 p.m. Vice President of Council Trenton I. Weaver delivered  
an Invocation and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was  
published on April 4, 2025.  
6 -  
Present  
Merisa K. Bowers, Jamille Jones, Kaylee Padova, Stephen A. Renner,  
Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver  
1 - Nancy R. McGregor  
Absent  
B.  
C.  
ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:  
None.  
PRESENTATIONS:  
1. Division of Police - Promotion Ceremony for Sgt. Michael Shippitka  
Mayor Jadwin administered the oath of office to newly promoted Police  
Sergeant Michael Shippitka. Sergeant Shippitka repeated the oath, affirming  
his commitment to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United  
States, the State of Ohio, and the City of Gahanna, and to faithfully and  
impartially discharge the duties of Police Sergeant for the Gahanna Division of  
Police.  
Chief Spence and Director of Public Safety Tim Becker then welcomed  
Sergeant Shippitka’s family to join him at the podium and offered remarks  
recognizing his career and service. Director Becker shared that Sergeant  
Shippitka was born in Euclid, Ohio, and earned his bachelor's degree in  
business administration with a major in accounting and a minor in psychology  
from Cleveland State University. He brings 26 years of law enforcement  
experience, including service with the Independence and Chandler Police  
Departments, and 13 years with the Gahanna Division of Police. His tenure  
includes roles as a Field Training Officer, member of the Officer Fitness  
Team, and 11 years as a Narcotics Detective. Director Becker noted the  
significance of Sergeant Shippitka's decision to pursue a supervisory role at  
this point in his career and expressed confidence in his leadership. Family  
members present included Sergeant Shippitka’s wife, daughters, sister, and  
mother-in-law. Director Becker also thanked the Fraternal Order of Police  
(FOP) Lodge #9 and welcomed fellow Officers, retirees, and law enforcement  
partners who were in attendance.  
Sergeant Shippitka offered brief remarks, thanking his law enforcement  
colleagues, both past and present, for their support, and expressed  
enthusiasm about his new role and the opportunity to serve alongside the  
officers of Gahanna’s Field Services Division.  
President Bowers extended congratulations on behalf of Council and thanked  
all who attended the ceremony.  
Chief Spence acknowledged the rarity and importance of promotions within a  
department of Gahanna’s size. He expressed appreciation to Council for  
affording the time to honor such milestones.  
2. Division of Police Update  
2025-0080  
Division of Police - Presentation and Updates to Council 4.7.2025  
Chief Jeff Spence, on behalf of the Police Department, Director Becker, and  
Mayor Jadwin’sleadership team, provided a comprehensive update on police  
staffing, equipment, technology initiatives, and enforcement metrics, with an  
emphasis on 2024 progress and 2025 plans.  
Police Staffing  
Chief Spence reported active efforts to backfill and expand staffing, including:  
·
·
Ongoing replacement of two sergeants (Hendon and Pertz).  
One open position for a Communications Technician, with a  
conditional offer extended for the second.  
·
·
·
·
·
A pending promotion within the Communications staff to a Technician  
II role.  
The Management Analyst vacancy from 2024 was filled, with the new  
hire expected within two weeks.  
The contracted Mental Health Liaison joined the department early in  
2024.  
Two Community Liaison Officer (CLO) roles have been filled by  
Officers Blair Thomas and Ann Jodon, following internal movement.  
Six backfill Officer positions remain open; two conditional offers are in  
process, one for an Academy Recruit starting April 30, 2025, and one  
lateral transfer from Las Vegas Metro Police Department (PD)  
expected in May.  
·
·
Two Evidence Technician roles (added in the 2025 budget) are  
currently posted.  
Recruitment for a new Deputy Chief, authorized in the 2025 budget,  
will begin this summer.  
·
A Training Coordinator role shared with the Department of  
Administrative Services is also posted.  
Public Safety Equipment and Projects  
Key investments and updates included:  
·
Radio Equipment: $795,000 allocated; Council presentation  
anticipated within 30 days.  
·
·
·
911 Equipment: $150,000 for lifecycle upgrades.  
Speed Signs: Four solar-powered signs were deployed citywide.  
Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System: The city is leading a  
five-agency CAD upgrade (Whitehall, Bexley, Reynoldsburg,  
Grandview Heights). Go-live is expected in September 2025.  
Police Vehicles: $420,000 allocated for replacements, including  
safety and computer equipment.  
·
·
Breath Testing: The Intoxilyzer DMT device is now in use following  
late-2024 deployment; 44 tests were conducted so far.  
Flock Safety Cameras  
·
·
·
Cameras Installed: 21 Flock cameras were deployed, representing a  
$92,100 capital investment with $65,000 in annual operating costs.  
Results to Date: Successful recoveries of stolen vehicles, arrests  
related to thefts, firearm offenses, and domestic violence cases.  
Recent Case Highlight: The system provided leads in a recent car  
break-in and shots-fired incident near Andalus Drive and Milan/Heil,  
which occurred over a 1 minute, 20 second span.  
Traffic and Crash Metrics  
·
Crash Trends: Total crashes are up 22% year-to-date (161 in 2025  
vs. 131 in 2024).  
·
·
Injury Crashes: Up 3.92%, primarily minor injuries.  
No fatal or serious injury crashes reported in either 2024 or 2025 to  
date.  
·
·
Commercial Vehicle Crashes: Increased from zero in 2024 to four in  
2025.  
Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) Crashes: Down 44%  
year-to-date.  
Traffic Volume & Roadway Metrics  
·
·
·
Average daily traffic volume across Gahanna increased by 2%.  
I-270 accounts for 25-40% of city crash volume, with traffic up 1.8%.  
US-62 east of Stygler Road, another high-incident corridor, is up 1.3%  
in volume.  
Traffic Enforcement  
·
·
Traffic Stops: Up 22% over 2024.  
Electronic Citations: 85% of citations issued electronically (up from  
71% in 2024).  
·
Factors affecting remaining paper citations include juvenile cases and  
external county court filings.  
Police Training Initiatives  
Chief Spence emphasized the department’s continued investment in training  
across all ranks and service phases. Training topics completed or underway  
in 2025 included:  
·
·
·
·
De-escalation and Mental Health Response  
Officer Wellness  
Ohio Ethics Law  
Dynamic Vehicle Operations: State-mandated and scheduled for  
later in the year; conducted in controlled environments with contracted  
facilities  
·
Legal Updates, including recent changes to Ohio marijuana laws and  
search/seizure protocol  
Public Engagement Training also remained a priority. Courses delivered in  
2025 included:  
·
·
·
CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events)  
Women’s Self-Defense Classes  
Safety sessions for graduating seniors preparing to leave for college  
or enter new environments  
·
Vulnerability assessments and emergency response plan reviews for  
faith-based organizations and local businesses  
Transition to 825 Tech Center Drive - Operational Components  
Chief Spence discussed operational planning related to the move to the new  
public safety facility:  
·
·
·
·
·
Deployment Planning: Focused on facility readiness, detention  
operations, and evidence management.  
Sequencing the Move: May involve temporary dual-site operations  
during property and evidence transition.  
Property & Evidence Integrity: Over 20,000 evidence items will be  
relocated. Chain-of-custody standards must be preserved.  
Equipment Consolidation: Planning is underway for efficient staging  
and hot-swapping of essential equipment.  
Detention Compliance: Transition to a modern facility will bring the  
department into compliance with Ohio Department of Rehabilitation  
and Correction (ODRC) standards.  
Accreditation & Compliance  
Chief Spence reminded Council that Gahanna Police Department’s (PD’s)  
on-site Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies  
(CALEA) accreditation review is scheduled for August 2025. Preparations  
are ongoing and involve:  
·
·
·
Internal audits and evaluations  
Policy and procedure updates  
Compliance with Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction  
(ODRC) standards, LEADS (Law Enforcement Automated Data  
System), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), and 911  
interoperability requirements  
Future Considerations and Strategic Planning  
Chief Spence outlined strategic initiatives and anticipated challenges:  
·
Police Staffing to Match Growth: Increased regional development  
and a growing student population (e.g., Gahanna Lincoln High School)  
will increase service demands, including School Resource Officer  
(SRO) coverage.  
·
·
Flock Camera Expansion: Addressing gaps in neighborhood  
coverage and pursuing public-private partnerships to extend the  
network.  
Regional Training Opportunities: Leveraging the training center at  
825 Tech Center Drive as a regional hub for law enforcement,  
supported by the city’s central location, highway access, and nearby  
amenities.  
·
·
Entrepreneurial Use of Facilities: Exploring ways to maximize  
investment through community training programs and facility rentals.  
CAD/RMS System Transition: The multi-agency upgrade includes  
five partner cities. The new system will unlock analytical tools and  
Artificial Intelligence (AI) supported predictive policing capabilities.  
Director Becker concluded by thanking Council for their continued support of  
public safety funding. He emphasized the department’s commitment to  
maximizing value from taxpayer investments, the efficiency and  
professionalism demonstrated by police leadership and staff, and the value of  
technology like Flock cameras as force multipliers that increase investigative  
capacity, while also creating additional follow-up workload once cases move  
to prosecution. Director Becker affirmed that the department remained  
focused on continuous improvement and responsible stewardship of  
resources.  
Questions & Comments from Council  
President Bowers opened the floor for questions and discussion following the  
presentation by Chief Spence and Director Becker.  
Councilmember Jones asked about the early impact of the newly added  
mental health liaison position. Chief Spence explained that the department  
developed a referral process for officers in the field and that the liaison was  
now following up on cases involving chronic issues such as homelessness,  
hoarding, and elder care. He noted the partnership with Mifflin Township's  
community paramedic, Beth DeConnick, and stated that while it was still too  
early to fully measure impact, the process was more streamlined. Metrics are  
tracked to evaluate outcomes.  
Vice President Weaver inquired about the size and life cycle of the police  
vehicle fleet. Chief Spence stated that the department had 22 marked  
vehicles, along with detective, leased, and support vehicles. The standard  
replacement threshold was around 100,000 miles or after four to five years of  
service, though that varied based on condition. He confirmed that the  
department caught up with recent vehicle acquisitions after prior supply chain  
delays. He also confirmed that all 21 Flock cameras were deployed and  
clarified that the annual fee covered total cost of ownership, including  
maintenance and replacements.  
Councilmember Padova thanked the department for their responsiveness to  
the recent incident in Gahanna Heights and confirmed with Chief Spence that  
it was considered an isolated event. She noted the importance of community  
reassurance and acknowledged the work of officers who spoke directly with  
affected residents. She also confirmed that the city collaborated with  
neighboring jurisdictions through the regional Flock camera network.  
Councilmember Renner commended the department for their swift response  
to the recent neighborhood shooting but expressed concern over a resident  
discharging a firearm during the incident. He emphasized the importance of  
responsible gun use and asked about public messaging on such issues.  
Chief Spence stated the matter was part of an ongoing investigation and that  
facts would be gathered before further comment was made.  
President Bowers inquired about anticipated new initiatives for 2026. Chief  
Spence indicated that the department would focus on fully operationalizing the  
new facility at 825 Tech Center Drive, particularly its training capacity. He also  
cited preparations for CALEA accreditation, a new records management  
system (CAD/RMS), and potential staffing needs to support future operational  
and administrative demands. President Bowers further asked whether  
public-private partnerships mentioned earlier extended beyond the Flock  
camera network. Chief Spence confirmed that potential partnerships might  
also involve training facility use by external organizations and  
neighborhood-funded camera deployments. He cited an example in Jefferson  
Meadows.  
President Bowers raised concerns about the potential use of artificial  
intelligence, particularly predictive policing. Chief Spence clarified that the  
department intended to leverage existing data through smart analytics to  
identify crime trends, not to create generative models. He emphasized the  
goal was to process and act on existing data more efficiently. Director Becker  
added that the department was "data rich but information poor," and that AI  
could help distill data for better resource deployment.  
President Bowers concluded by thanking Chief Spence and Director Becker  
for the comprehensive update. She noted that departmental presentations  
helped the Council and the public better understand operations and anticipate  
potential items in future budget cycles.  
3. Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE)  
Melanie Hill, Director of Data Analysis, United Way of Central Ohio  
Troy Rindler, Senior Data Analyst, United Way of Central Ohio  
2025-0078  
Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Presentation to  
City Council 4.7.2025  
Councilmember Jones introduced a presentation by Melanie Hill and Troy  
Rindler of the United Way of Central Ohio, inspired by a session she attended  
at a Franklin County conference. Councilmember Jones explained that the  
presentation focused on ALICE, (Asset Limited, Income Constrained,  
Employed) households and noted the relevance of the data to Gahanna’s  
policymaking and understanding of the community.  
Melanie Hill, Director of Data Analysis at United Way and a Gahanna resident  
of 15 years, introduced the concept of ALICE. She explained that ALICE  
households fall above the federal poverty level but still struggle to meet basic  
needs in the current economy. These households include essential workers  
such as childcare providers, retail employees, and delivery drivers. Hill  
emphasized that ALICE data reflects a significant portion of the population  
who often remain invisible in policy conversations and are typically ineligible  
for traditional assistance programs. Hill reported that, according to the 2024  
ALICE report, nearly 1.9 million households in Ohio, approximately 39% of the  
state's total population, fell below the ALICE threshold in 2022. She noted this  
was more than twice the state’s official poverty rate. She explained the  
methodology behind the ALICE Household Survival Budget, which calculates  
the minimum cost of living for a family of four and includes expenses like  
childcare, often excluded from federal poverty metrics. Hill presented a visual  
comparison between household survival budgets and actual wages and  
credits from 2021 to 2022. She noted that while wages increased 9% in that  
period, pandemic-era supports expired, widening the gap between income  
and basic expenses. The data illustrated how the 2022 federal poverty level  
remained far below the actual cost of living.  
The presentation highlighted specific demographic groups, including families  
with children. In 2022, 32% of Ohio families with children were unable to  
afford basic needs. Within that, 74% of single female-headed households and  
48% of single male-headed households faced financial strain, compared to  
just 13% of married-parent households. In Gahanna, 6.2% of households  
were headed by single females, on par with Franklin County, while 53% were  
married-couple households, 22% of which included children. Hill also  
discussed older adults as a growing ALICE demographic. Those aged 65 and  
older represented the fastest-growing segment of ALICE households, with  
more seniors remaining in or re-entering the workforce to make ends meet. In  
Gahanna, over 16% of residents were aged 65 or older, compared to less  
than 13% in Franklin County. Hill concluded her portion of the presentation  
and turned the discussion over to Troy Rindler, Senior Data Analyst at United  
Way of Central Ohio, to provide a more detailed look at ALICE data specific to  
Gahanna.  
Troy Rindler, Senior Data Analyst at United Way of Central Ohio, presented  
an overview of ALICE data specific to Gahanna. He stated that 24% of  
households in Gahanna fell below the ALICE threshold, compared to nearly  
40% in Franklin County and the state of Ohio. While Gahanna fared better  
than the region overall, this percentage still represented approximately 8,400  
residents struggling to meet basic needs. Mr. Rindler explained that the  
traditional Consumer Price Index (CPI) includes luxury items not relevant to  
ALICE households, such as powerboats and jewelry. In response, ALICE  
developed the ALICE Essentials Index, which tracks the cost of housing, child  
care, food, transportation, healthcare, and technology. The ALICE index  
outpaced CPI over the past three years. For example, in 2021, the median  
income in the Columbus MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) was $47,022.50,  
but by 2023, households needed to earn $54,000 to meet basic needs-an  
increase of 15%. The median income in May 2024 stood at $49,000,  
highlighting the growing gap between income and essential costs. Rindler  
demonstrated interactive tools on the United for ALICE website, including  
maps, a wage tool, and a legislative district tool. These resources allowed  
users to explore the data by household type, geography, and income level.  
Director Hill elaborated on how other municipalities used ALICE data. She  
cited a City of Columbus economic mobility accelerator pilot program that  
used ALICE data to determine eligibility and support for working families  
through conditional cash assistance. She also described United Way’s  
tax-time initiative, which offers financial boosts to qualifying families. Director  
Hill emphasized that ALICE data provides localized, annually updated insights  
that reflect real economic conditions better than the federal poverty level,  
which fails to adjust for household size or regional cost differences.  
Councilmember Padova expressed her appreciation for the presentation and  
connected the data to her prior work at Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN).  
She encouraged residents not under the poverty line but still struggling to  
utilize community services. Councilmember Jones asked what innovative  
practices other communities were implementing, and Director Hill elaborated  
on pilot programs and advocacy work done with city councils and at the state  
level. Mr. Rindler explained how the Alice threshold data is tailored to local  
cost of living, down to the county level. He noted that users can plug in  
household types and county data to get an income estimate to meet the  
survival budget.  
Councilmember Schnetzer asked whether the survival budget was adjusted  
for regional variation, and both Director Hill and Mr. Rindler confirmed it was.  
Schnetzer also appreciated the inclusion of inflation data tailored to ALICE  
households, contrasting it with CPI used in government reporting.  
Councilmember Renner asked for clarification on the estimated 8,000  
Gahanna residents struggling to meet basic needs. Mr. Rindler explained that  
the number was derived by translating household data into individual counts  
based on average household size. Renner asked how the data reflected  
grandparents raising grandchildren and older adults with assets. Director Hill  
noted that more nuanced information could be extracted from the interactive  
tools, though that specific household type was not highlighted in the standard  
report. Mr. Rindler added that older adults might own homes but still be  
housing cost-burdened, which would place them within the ALICE population.  
Councilmember Renner concluded by stating that the presentation reinforced  
the importance of including these households in any discussions about  
adjusting property taxes.  
President Bowers thanked Councilmember Jones for coordinating the  
presentation and extended the Council’s appreciation to Director Hill and Mr.  
Rindler for their time and work at United Way of Central Ohio.  
D.  
HEARING OF VISITORS:  
Kathy McCorkle of 677 Picadilly Court, Gahanna, OH, spoke on a Proposed  
Natural Family Resolution.  
Ms. McCorkle addressed Council regarding her previous request for a  
resolution recognizing Natural Family Month. She stated that since her initial  
appearance before Council, she reached out to Council President Bowers to  
request a meeting to discuss the resolution process and her related ideas.  
Ms. McCorkle shared that she received an email response earlier that day in  
which Council President Bowers declined to meet or further discuss the  
matter. Ms. McCorkle criticized Council President Bowers for what she  
described as an unwillingness to represent all Gahanna residents and  
referenced language from the Council President’s March constituent report,  
which invited residents to share ideas and schedule meetings. She  
questioned whether such outreach was genuine and called upon fellow  
residents to evaluate the character, ideology, and belief systems of their  
elected representatives on both the City Council and the School Board. She  
urged citizens to stay engaged, advocate for their values, and be vigilant in  
holding local officials accountable to democratic principles, including free  
speech and broad representation. She concluded by encouraging residents to  
ensure their voices are not silenced by elected officials.  
E.  
CONSENT AGENDA:  
1. Minutes - To Approve:  
2025-0070  
2025-0071  
2025-0072  
Council Regular Minutes 3.17.2025  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
Committee of the Whole Minutes 3.24.2025  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
Finance Committee Minutes 3.24.2025  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
2. Resolutions:  
RES-0012-2025  
A
RESOLUTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION 0009-2024 TO REVISE  
THE 2025 SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE PROGRAM AREA  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
RES-0013-2025  
A
RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE NECESSITY TO REPAIR  
AND/OR REPLACE SIDEWALKS IN THE 2026 SIDEWALK  
MAINTENANCE PROGRAM AREA FOR THE CITY OF GAHANNA  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
RES-0014-2025  
A
RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE NECESSITY TO REPAIR  
AND/OR REPLACE SIDEWALKS IN THE 2026 SIDEWALK  
MAINTENANCE LOOKBACK PROGRAM AREA FOR THE CITY OF  
GAHANNA  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
RES-0016-2025  
RES-0017-2025  
A
RESOLUTION  
REAFFIRMING  
THE  
CITY  
OF  
GAHANNA'S  
REPRESENTATIVE AND ALTERNATE TO THE REGIONAL INCOME  
TAX AGENCY (RITA) REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS  
(RCOG)  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
A RESOLUTION CELEBRATING APRIL 2025 AS EARTH MONTH AND  
MAY 5-9, 2025 AS AIR QUALITY AWARENESS WEEK AND  
COMMITTING TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE GAHANNA  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Emergency Adoption:  
ORD-0008-2025  
AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL AND REPLACE THE CITY OF  
GAHANNA CODIFIED ORDINANCES CHAPTER 903 - SIDEWALK  
CONSTRUCTION,  
MAINTENANCE,  
AND  
RENEWAL;  
AND  
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY  
The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the  
Consent Agenda with an emergency declaration.  
4. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:  
ORD-0009-2025  
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE  
CITY OF GAHANNA CHAPTER 147 - BOARD OF ZONING AND  
BUILDING  
APPEALS,  
CHAPTER  
770 -  
PROPERTY  
APPEALS  
BOARD, AND CHAPTER SECTION 1117.09 - APPEALS  
The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the  
Consent Agenda.  
End of Consent Agenda  
A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Schnetzer, to Pass the Consent  
Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:  
6 - Bowers, Jones, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
1 - McGregor  
Yes:  
Absent:  
F.  
RESOLUTIONS:  
RES-0015-2025  
A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY OF GAHANNA'S INTENT TO  
PARTICIPATE FINANCIALLY IN THE WYNNE RIDGE COURT BRIDGE  
REPLACEMENT PROJECT (ODOT PROJECT NO. 116417) AND  
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PARTICIPATORY  
AGREEMENT WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION  
President Bowers noted that Resolution No. 0015-2025 was removed from  
the consent agenda and placed on the regular agenda. The resolution was  
initially discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 24, 2025.  
Following that discussion, amendments were proposed, and there remained  
some outstanding questions regarding the contract associated with the  
resolution. As the contract must be approved before the end of the month,  
President Bowers requested a motion to postpone Resolution 0015-2025 to a  
date certain for vote on April 21, 2025, and to refer the item back to the  
Committee of the Whole on April 14, 2025.  
Councilmember Schnetzer asked whether postponing Resolution 0015-2025  
would cause any delay or issues with the associated project and whether the  
timeline would still be met.  
Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz confirmed that there would be no  
delay. He stated that the item was returned to Committee at the request of the  
City Attorney and that adoption must occur by the end of the month. He  
indicated the City of Gahanna had enough time to meet the requirement,  
noting the deadline was believed to be April 24, 2025.  
A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Padova, that the Resolution be  
Postponed to a Date Certain, the 4/21/2025 regular City Council meeting, with  
further discussion scheduled in Committee of the Whole on 4/14/2025. The  
motion carried by the following vote:  
6 - Bowers, Jones, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
1 - McGregor  
Yes:  
Absent:  
G.  
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:  
ORD-0010-2025  
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN  
EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH COLUMBIA GAS OF OHIO, INC  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
ORD-0011-2025  
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A  
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT WITH COLUMBIA GAS  
OF OHIO, INC  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
ORD-0012-2025  
ORD-0013-2025  
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN  
ACCESS AND GENERAL UTILITY EASEMENT WITH COLUMBIA GAS  
OF OHIO, INC  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE DEDICATION OF 0.057 ACRES  
OF RIGHT-OF-WAY EXTENSION FROM PARCEL NO. 025-012951  
LOCATED OFF OF CLIFFVIEW DRIVE FOR THE PURPOSE OF  
FACILITATING A FUTURE LOT SPLIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF  
A REGULATOR STATION BY COLUMBIA GAS OF OHIO, INC  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
ORD-0014-2025  
ORD-0015-2025  
AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE DEDICATION OF 0.071 ACRES  
OF RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4720 SHULL  
ROAD TO COMPLY WITH THE CITY'S 2019 THOROUGHFARE PLAN  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO AWARD AND  
ENTER INTO  
A
CONTRACT WITH DECKER CONSTRUCTION  
COMPANY FOR THE 2025 STREET AND SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE  
PROGRAM (ST-1114)  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
ORD-0016-2025  
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS  
- Clerk of Court Computer Fund (2290) for Capital Equipment  
President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
H.  
CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:  
1. Clerk - None.  
2. Council  
Sign up for City Council Newsletter here: https://www.gahanna.gov/list.aspx  
2025-0075  
Your City Council at Work Newsletter - January-February 2025  
President Bowers informed the audience that a link was identified and made  
available on the agenda for individuals to sign up for the new City Council  
newsletter. She also noted that the second edition of the newsletter is now  
available for review under the Correspondence and Actions section.  
I.  
REPRESENTATIVES:  
1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Padova  
Councilmember Renner reported that the Community Improvement  
Corporation (CIC) met on March 18, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The minutes were  
approved, and financial matters were discussed. Mayor Jadwin provided her  
customary update on city activities. Planning staff reported on two Tech  
Center projects, one involving a roofing company and the other being a more  
mixed-use development. CIC entered Executive Session under Ohio Revised  
Code Section 121.22(G)(2) to discuss the sale of property. Councilmember  
Renner noted he did not record the time the session began and would amend  
his report at a future meeting, with Councilmember Padova estimating the  
meeting concluded just before 9:00 a.m. The February draft balance sheet  
reflected a total of $8,295,211. The February draft profit and loss statement  
indicated approximately $20,500 in income and $52,765 in expenses. The  
January draft statement of cash flows showed an ending cash balance of  
$203,503.41.  
Mayor Jadwin noted that all approved minutes and financial statements would  
be uploaded to the CIC website. She explained that a temporary delay  
occurred due to the cancellation of the February 2025 meeting, but once  
approved, materials are typically posted promptly by staff.  
Councilmember Renner concluded by announcing the next CIC meeting  
scheduled for April 15, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.  
2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Weaver  
2025-0079  
Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 4.7.2025  
Vice President Weaver expressed appreciation to Management Analyst Jess  
Hilts for her support in preparing the MORPC report. He thanked everyone  
who attended the MORPC State of the Region event, noting it was great to  
see strong participation from members of the administration, fellow  
councilmembers, the Planning Commission, and the Council Office. Vice  
President Weaver also announced that MORPC would host a Community  
Housing Resource Fair on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00  
p.m. at MORPC. The event is free and intended to connect attendees with  
housing experts and available support options. He noted that MORPC  
recently approved more than $52 million in funding for regional infrastructure  
projects and concluded by announcing that the next MORPC Commission  
meeting would take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025.  
3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova  
Councilmember Padova announced that Herb Day would take place on  
Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Creekside. In addition  
to the well-known plant sale, the event would feature various vendors,  
activities, and musical performances. She encouraged community members  
to volunteer and directed them to sign up at ohioherbcenter.org under the  
Herb Day section. Padova also shared that Herb’n Restaurant Week would  
kick off on May 3, 2025, highlighting local restaurants offering special  
herbal-themed menu items in celebration of Gahanna’s designation as the  
Herb Capital. A list of participating restaurants will be posted on the Visit  
Gahanna website and shared via social media as the event approaches.  
Additionally, Padova informed attendees that the volunteer sign-up for the  
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival is now live. Interested individuals can  
register at creeksidebluesandjazz.com. She shared her positive experience  
volunteering at the festival and encouraged others to get involved, noting it as  
a great way to engage with neighbors and give back to the community while  
enjoying extra perks.  
4. School Board (SB) - Jones  
Councilmember Jones reported that she had no updates, as the district  
recently returned from spring break.  
J.  
OFFICIAL REPORTS:  
1. Mayor  
Mayor Jadwin extended her heartfelt gratitude to the many residents and  
guests who attended the recent State of the City event. She noted the strong  
turnout, with representation from every city department, including the Council  
Office and the City Attorney’s Office. The event featured 13 Gahanna  
restaurants and 19 community, regional, and state organizations. Based on  
feedback received, attendees appreciated the opportunity to engage with  
staff, elected officials, and community organizations. Mayor Jadwin noted that  
the 2025 State of the City video is available on the City's YouTube channel  
and linked on gahanna.gov for those who could not attend. She reported that  
the Citizens Academy kicked off and welcomed a group of 20 engaged  
Gahanna residents, representing both longtime and new members of the  
community. The sessions thus far featured excellent dialogue and strong  
participation.  
Mayor Jadwin provided an update on Senate Bill 104 concerning short-term  
rentals. She shared that Senator Brenner, the bill sponsor, recently held a  
meeting with stakeholders including the Ohio Municipal League, the Ohio  
Mayors Alliance, County Auditors, and the Ohio Realtors. Discussions  
focused on the collection of lodging and sales taxes from short-term rentals,  
with general agreement on those aspects. The outstanding issue remains the  
authority to regulate short-term rentals, whether it should rest with local or  
state governments. The senator intends to continue stakeholder meetings  
with a goal of reaching a compromise by year’s end.  
In recognition of April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Mayor Jadwin  
announced she would issue a proclamation later in the week. She highlighted  
the importance of avoiding handheld phone use while driving, noting a recent  
personal observation of distracted driving on I-270.  
Finally, Mayor Jadwin announced the hiring of Mr. Jeff Gottke as the City of  
Gahanna’s new Director of Economic Development. Mr. Gottke previously  
served as President of the Knox County Area Development Foundation and  
will begin his new role in Gahanna on April 28, 2025. Mayor Jadwin shared her  
enthusiasm for his arrival and encouraged the community to extend him a  
warm welcome.  
2. City Attorney  
City Attorney Tamilarasan provided a brief update, announcing that shortly  
after the last Council meeting in March 2025, the Sixth Circuit Court of  
Appeals rendered a decision in the City's favor in the Speed Way case. She  
noted that this decision concluded that section of litigation. She added that the  
opposing party has 90 days to request jurisdiction with the U.S. Supreme  
Court, and she would keep the Council informed if such a request occurs.  
She confirmed that the appellate court’s ruling affirmed the trial court’s  
decision in favor of the City of Gahanna.  
K.  
COUNCIL COMMENT:  
Councilmember Jones stated that her constituent report was attached to the  
evening’s agenda. She announced that her April constituent hour would be  
held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at noon at Bibliophile Candle Co.  
Councilmember Padova expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming joint  
constituent hour and “Stuffy Swap” event with Council President Bowers. The  
event would take place on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  
at the Gahanna Library in Meeting Rooms 1 and 2. The event, held in  
celebration of Earth Day, would promote sustainability by encouraging  
families to bring in gently used, clean stuffed animals to trade. She noted it  
was an opportunity to reuse items instead of purchasing new ones and to  
refresh Easter baskets with items children might not miss.  
Councilmember Renner congratulated Sergeant Michael Shippitka and  
welcomed his family and members of the Police Division who attended the  
meeting in support. He expressed appreciation for their presence and  
extended his best wishes.  
Vice President Weaver also congratulated Sergeant Shippitka, calling his  
promotion a well-deserved honor. He commended the Police Division and  
recognized the sergeant’s career of service, which was evident by the strong  
turnout of current and former colleagues. Vice President Weaver announced  
he would host a constituent hour on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 5:30 p.m.  
to 7:00 p.m. in the front lobby conference room of City Hall. He also praised  
the administration and staff for a successful State of the City event,  
highlighting the strong community participation and the representation of local  
businesses. He encouraged residents to view the event video online.  
President Bowers announced the grand reopening of the Plant Library, which  
would be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at 560 Officenter Place.  
The reopening was in partnership with Creative Options and supported by  
community grant funding. She encouraged attendance, noting it would not  
conflict with Councilwoman Jones’s constituent hour. President Bowers also  
promoted the upcoming “Make Gahanna Yours” Spring Litter Cleanup event  
on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., describing it as a valuable  
opportunity to prepare the city for the spring and summer seasons. She noted  
her own constituent report was included in the agenda packet and echoed  
Councilwoman Padova’s remarks about their joint event on Sunday. The  
report detailed her recent constituent activities and policy work from February  
through March.  
President Bowers also addressed a request for a resolution titled the “Natural  
Family Resolution,” originally brought forward in February 2025, and reiterated  
by a resident earlier that evening. She explained that after receiving the  
request, she asked for more information and conducted her own research,  
including reviewing the website naturalfamilystrong.com and its model  
resolution. She stated that while she agreed with some broad values such as  
loyalty, service to others, and stewardship of community, the resolution  
promoted ideas such as male-dominated households and subservient wives  
that did not reflect her beliefs. She emphasized her support for the many  
forms families can take and reaffirmed her commitment to values rooted in  
inclusivity and community care. President Bowers clarified that she was not  
obligated to advance legislation that did not align with her values or her  
understanding of the community’s best interests, while also affirming every  
resident’s right to be heard. She encouraged any colleague interested in  
pursuing the proposed resolution to contact the resident directly.  
2025-0073  
2025-0074  
Councilmember Merisa K. Bowers' Constituent Report - February-March  
2025  
Councilmember Jamille Jones' Constituent Report - March 2025  
L.  
ADJOURNMENT:  
With no further business before the Council, President Bowers adjourned the  
meeting at 8:43 p.m.