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 21, 2025

7:00 PM

City Hall, Council Chambers

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

Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, April 21, 2025, in

Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the meeting

to order at 7:01 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 18, 2025.

7 -

Present

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

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

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Paperclip Project Certificate of Recognition

Ms. Jennifer Candor & GLHS Students

Councilmember Padova stated that most members likely heard of the project

at Gahanna Lincoln High School, which began in 2014, with the goal of

collecting six million paper clips to erect a monument in memory of those

killed in the Holocaust. She explained that some of the students reached out

to provide information about the project, and she believed it was important to

bring them to the meeting to share an update. Councilmember Padova

introduced Ms. Maegan Chrysler and teacher Ms. Jennifer Candor, who were

present to speak about the project. She invited them to come forward to take

a picture, receive a certificate of recognition, and then address the Council.

Ms. Candor thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak and expressed

that it was an honor, especially as a resident of Gahanna, to know that the

Council stood behind their cause. She reported that the project collected 2.4

million paper clips, so far, with an additional 100,000 paper clips awaiting

counting. She noted that counting would resume after the current testing

period concluded on May 1, 2025. Ms. Candor emphasized that each paper

clip collected came with a story and introduced Maegan Chrysler to share an

example.

Ms. Chrysler explained that while she received many paper clip donations,

one donation stood out. Deputy Chief Greg Bodker of the Columbus Police

Department donated paper clips because he understood what it meant to

have one's life on the line and to protect the freedoms of others.

President Bowers thanked Ms. Candor and Ms. Chrysler for attending and for

their efforts to reflect on and remember all the lives lost in the Holocaust.

2. Mifflin Township's Proposed Tax Levy for Fire - Issue 20 on May 6th Ballot

Fire Chief Brian Dunlevy, Asst. Chief Scott Davis, Deputy Chief Tom Lee

2025-0093

Mifflin Township's Proposed Tax Levy for Fire - Informational Materials

Received 4.21.2025

President Bowers introduced the next item concerning the upcoming levy on

the May 6 ballot and invited Fire Chief Brian Dunlevy, Assistant Chief Scott

Davis, and Deputy Chief Tom Lee to address Council.

Fire Chief Dunlevy thanked President Bowers, the Mayor, and City Council for

the opportunity to speak. He explained that Issue 20, the proposed levy, was

crucial for the community and the Division of Fire’s ability to maintain

services. He noted that Mifflin Township Trustee Cavener was unable to

attend due to a minor medical situation. Chief Dunlevy highlighted the

Division’s broad range of responsibilities, including fire suppression,

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) services, tiller operations, heavy and

technical rescue, rope rescue, trench rescue, hazmat response, confined

space rescue, and tactical EMS operations in partnership with the Gahanna

Police Department. He noted that the Division operated one of only two heavy

technical rescue units east of Interstate 71. Chief Dunlevy identified three

major challenges facing the fire service: retention and recruitment, funding

limitations, and inflation and rising material costs. He reported that candidate

pools significantly decreased over the years and that firefighter cancer rates

and other job-related dangers increased. He discussed the Division’s efforts

to address workforce challenges through a lateral transfer program and an

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) basic program.

Regarding funding, Chief Dunlevy explained that over 94% of the Division’s

revenue came from property tax levies, which remained fixed despite rising

property values and costs. He emphasized the financial strain caused by

inflation and described the proposed 1.95-mill levy, equating to approximately

$68 annually per $100,000 of auditor appraised property value, or about 56

cents per day for a typical homeowner. He clarified that a separate Mifflin

Township police levy would not affect Gahanna residents.

Assistant Chief Scott Davis then addressed Council, describing several

behind-the-scenes operations managed by the Community Risk Reduction

section, including the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Center

(MECC) 911 center, fire prevention, community paramedic program, and

community education efforts. He highlighted the success of the 911 center

shared among several east side entities, the hiring of an internal fleet

maintenance mechanic to reduce costs and service delays, and the severe

rise in apparatus costs. He also described efforts to extend the life of

ambulances through refurbishment rather than replacement and discussed

the community paramedic program’s work to support residents without

necessarily transporting them to hospitals.

Deputy Chief Lee spoke about operational impacts, noting that Medic 131 at

475 Rocky Fork had been out of full-time service for several years. He stated

that with the levy’s approval, the Division planned to fill vacant full-time

positions and restore Medic 131 to full-time service for Gahanna residents. He

emphasized the importance of this operational improvement to the

community.

Chief Dunlevy concluded by reaffirming the Division’s commitment to

cost-cutting measures that would not jeopardize emergency response

capabilities. He announced a public levy information session to be held on

Monday, April 28, at 6:00 p.m. at 155 Old Ridenour Road and encouraged all

community members to attend. He thanked Council for their time and

attention.

Questions/Comments from Council

President Bowers thanked Chief Dunlevy, Assistant Chief Davis, and Deputy

Chief Lee for their time and for providing a detailed overview of the reasons

behind the levy request and the services provided by the Mifflin Township

Division of Fire. She opened the floor to questions from Councilmembers,

noting that the Chiefs had welcomed a Q&A session.

President Bowers expressed appreciation for Deputy Chief Lee’s comments,

stating that knowing there were definitive plans to operationalize Medic 131

with full-time staff provided a tangible connection to the levy request. She

asked whether there were any other anticipated outcomes, such as additional

services if the levy passed or service reductions if it failed.

Deputy Chief Lee responded that, under current staffing models, there were

days when cross-staffing was necessary due to injuries or scheduled leave.

He explained that cross-staffing meant fewer personnel assigned to specific

trucks, which was not ideal for service delivery. He emphasized that fully

staffing all trucks consistently would provide greater operational effectiveness

and better service to the public.

President Bowers thanked Deputy Chief Lee for the explanation and asked if

there were any further questions. Hearing none, she thanked the Chiefs again

for attending and reminded the public about the levy information session

scheduled for the following Monday, on April 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

3. Our Gahanna Strategic Plan/Comprehensive Transportation & Mobility Plan

Sarah C. Bongiorno and Bailey Morlan (Planning NEXT)

Shannon Fergus (Burgess & Niple, Inc.)

2025-0094

Our Gahanna Strategic Plan

Comprehensive Transportation and

Mobility Plan - Presentation Slides Received 4.21.2025

Miranda Vollmer, Senior Director of Administrative Services, addressed

Council and introduced representatives present to provide updates on

planning initiatives underway within the city. She explained that the evening’s

agenda would include an update on the Our Gahanna strategic plan from

Planning NEXT, followed by an update on the Comprehensive Transportation

and Mobility Plan from Burgess & Niple. Vollmer outlined the agenda, stating

that Planning NEXT would first discuss the benefits of planning across the

city and its impact on residents, followed by a presentation on the Our

Gahanna plan framework, process, and overview. She stated that Shannon

Fergus from Burgess & Niple would then provide an update on the

Comprehensive Transportation and Mobility Plan. Vollmer concluded by

noting that the session would end with a discussion about upcoming public

engagement opportunities for both plans scheduled for May of 2025.

Our Gahanna Strategic Plan

Sarah Bongiorno of Planning NEXT addressed Council and provided an

update on the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan. She began by offering a broader

overview of the importance of planning, emphasizing that effective planning

serves as good stewardship of land, resources, and tax dollars. Ms.

Bongiorno explained that having a clear, intentional roadmap benefits

communities by guiding programs, policies, and projects, and that plans

should be considered living documents, referenced and updated regularly

rather than placed on a shelf. She outlined the different types of planning

processes a city may undertake, including strategic plans, comprehensive

plans, area plans, transportation plans, and others such as sustainability or

economic development plans. She noted that the strategic plan sits at the

highest level, setting a broad framework that informs more detailed efforts like

the transportation plan or active transportation plan.

Ms. Bongiorno described the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan as a long-term

framework to guide decision-making and help the city chart its future over the

next 10 years. She emphasized that this was a pivotal moment for Gahanna,

given the ongoing regional developments such as the airport expansion,

LinkUS corridor planning, and the Intel project. She explained that the Plan

Framework was developed based on input gathered during the first round of

public engagement from December 2024 through February 2025. Planning

NEXT drafted the initial framework, sought feedback from the steering

committee and city staff, and refined it further. The framework would be

tested with the public during a second round of engagement in May of 2025.

Bailey Morlan of Planning NEXT then presented the components of the

drafted Plan Framework. She explained that the framework included three

levels: the Vision Statement, Community Values, and Strategic Focus Areas.

Vision Statement: Gahanna aspires to connect people and places

that foster opportunities for all to thrive.

Community Values:

Vibrancy: Robust amenities, programs, and services that

enrich residents' lives.

Connections: Convenient connectivity to local and regional

services and amenities.

Stewardship: Balancing development with conservation and

preservation of green spaces.

Community: A welcoming, supportive, and safe environment

fostering mutual respect and belonging.

Strategic Focus Areas:

Elevating Unique Places (e.g., Creekside, parks, trails,

neighborhoods)

Fostering Economic Development (e.g., redevelopment, small

business support)

Serving the Community (e.g., government operations, safety

services, infrastructure)

Celebrating Identity (e.g., sense of place, regional identity,

communication)

Connecting the Community (e.g., mobility, partnerships,

events)

Ms. Morlan explained that these focus areas would be further developed into

specific goal statements in the next phase.

Ms. Bongiorno then outlined the upcoming second round of public

engagement efforts planned for May of 2025. She explained that Planning

NEXT was intentional in designing a broader, more inclusive engagement

strategy to better reach underrepresented populations. Planned events

included high school outreach, participation at the Gahanna Bananas game, a

family festival, a senior lunch, a young professionals' happy hour, a small

business networking coffee, and online engagement opportunities. Ms.

Bongiorno noted that while the first week of May would feature concentrated

activities, public engagement would continue throughout the month via online

tools. She invited questions and comments from Council, offering to return to

any of the slides presented.

Questions/Comments from Council

President Bowers noted that Council had not received the presentation on

their devices. Ms. Bongiorno of Planning NEXT offered to return to any slides

Council wished to review. At President Bowers’ request, Ms. Bongiorno

reviewed the strategic focus areas of the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan.

Ms. Bongiorno explained that the strategic focus areas were derived directly

from public input. She outlined the focus areas as follows: elevating

Gahanna’s unique places, such as Creekside, parks, trails, and

neighborhoods; fostering economic development, which would include

strategic redevelopment areas, small business cultivation, and housing

considerations; serving the community, focusing on internal government

operations, safety services, and stewardship of infrastructure and utilities;

celebrating identity, emphasizing sense of place, wayfinding, and broader

regional identity; and connecting the community, emphasizing people,

partnerships, events, and unity. She emphasized that connections were not

limited to mobility but included community building and collaboration.

President Bowers asked Ms. Bongiorno to elaborate on the inclusion of

housing as part of the economic development component. Ms. Bongiorno

explained that Planning NEXT’s economists advised that balancing land uses

for both jobs and housing was critical for long-term community stability. She

stated that while housing could fit under multiple focus areas, it was important

to ensure that space remained for employment opportunities while

addressing housing pressures.

Councilmember Jones asked what residents could expect from the upcoming

Vision Festival engagement events and whether the format would be

structured similarly to the earlier table talks. Ms. Bongiorno responded that the

events were designed to be welcoming and social, with self-paced

engagement stations where participants could review and provide feedback

on the vision, values, and strategic focus areas. She noted that the stations

would allow residents to dive deeper into each topic area and share ideas.

Ms. Bongiorno encouraged both new participants and those who participated

in the earlier table talks to attend, stating it was an opportunity to validate and

refine earlier feedback.

President Bowers asked how Councilmembers could direct any follow-up

questions after the meeting. Senior Director Miranda Vollmer stated that

Councilmembers should send any questions regarding the Planning NEXT or

Burgess & Niple presentations directly to her, and she would facilitate getting

the answers.

Comprehensive Transportation and Mobility Plan

Shannon Fergus, Project Manager with Burgess & Niple, addressed Council

to provide an overview of the Comprehensive Transportation and Mobility

Plan. She explained that this was the first presentation to Council on the plan

and began by outlining its purpose and scope. Ms. Fergus stated that the plan

updated the City’s required Thoroughfare Plan and also expanded beyond it,

modernizing access management and traffic impact study requirements, and

enhancing the City's Complete Streets policy. She clarified that the plan

would not focus on an intersection-by-intersection review or on widening

roads for capacity alone, but rather on creating a comprehensive, multimodal

transportation environment that supports walking, biking, and transit, in

addition to vehicular travel. She described how the Comprehensive

Transportation and Mobility Plan aligned with concurrent city planning

initiatives, including the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan and the Economic

Development Strategy, and how it incorporated previous efforts such as the

2019 Land Use Plan, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and the Active

Transportation Plan.

Ms. Fergus explained the planning process timeline, noting that work began in

June 2024 with an existing conditions analysis. She highlighted the visit by

national walkability expert Jeff Speck in October 2024, which included

stakeholder engagement and a public talk attended by over 100 people. She

outlined the plan’s goal to modernize the Thoroughfare Plan by considering

future regional changes, including the LinkUS corridor study. She reviewed

the focus of the existing conditions assessment, including roadway

classifications, high-crash locations, disconnected and underserved

communities, active transportation networks, and public transportation

systems. She emphasized that national best practices and land use context

were being incorporated to ensure roadways aligned with Gahanna’s broader

land use and economic development goals.

Ms. Fergus described the components of the updated Thoroughfare Plan,

including functional classifications, future land use context, and

recommended roadway cross-sections showing sidewalk widths, bike lanes,

and shared-use paths. She explained that accompanying policy documents

would regulate access management and traffic impacts from new

developments and support implementation of the Complete Streets approach.

Ms. Fergus reported that staff workshops were conducted to develop

preliminary roadway design concepts and that further public engagement

events would be held in May of 2025. She noted that the team aimed to

finalize recommendations by late summer of 2025, and return to Planning

Commission and Council with a completed plan for review by September of

2025. Finally, Ms. Fergus directed attendees to the project website for more

information, public comment opportunities, and access to an online survey

open through the month of May of 2025. She concluded her presentation and

invited questions from Council.

Questions/Comments from Council

President Bowers followed up by complimenting Burgess & Niple on their

progressive and thoughtful approach to community engagement, noting a

recent presentation by one of their colleagues. She asked Ms. Fergus to

elaborate on the stakeholder events held during the Comprehensive

Transportation and Mobility Plan process, specifically who participated, the

goals of the engagement, and how the feedback was incorporated into the

plan.

Ms. Fergus responded that stakeholder events were conducted over two days

in October of 2024. The engagement began with a city tour led by staff, Mayor

Jadwin, and Jeff Speck to provide a lay of the land and highlight existing

issues. The second day included meetings with economic development

stakeholders to discuss how the transportation system could support or

hinder business growth, including topics such as parking and major

development. Additional sessions were held with school and community

service representatives to address school safety and related transportation

concerns. Ms. Fergus noted that the steering committee and city department

directors also participated in detailed exercises focused on walkability, road

capacity, and potential improvements. She estimated that approximately 40

stakeholders were engaged during the two days. She also referenced a

community lecture by Jeff Speck, during which attendees provided additional

feedback.

President Bowers asked what informed the plan’s land use and economic

development goals. Ms. Fergus explained that the team reviewed the 2019

Land Use Plan and incorporated feedback from stakeholders and staff

regarding anticipated and desired development locations. She noted particular

emphasis on supporting mixed-use development along major corridors, such

as Granville Street and Hamilton Road, and highlighted the desire for safer,

more walkable roadway environments.

President Bowers asked whether additional opportunities for broader public

engagement would be offered. Ms. Fergus confirmed that ongoing

engagement efforts included the current survey available online, public

feedback stations at upcoming community events, and robust online

engagement where residents could review proposed thoroughfare

classifications and roadway cross-sections.

President Bowers thanked the presenters and invited any additional questions

from Council. Hearing none, she reminded Council that any further questions

could be directed to Senior Director Vollmer.

Senior Director Vollmer provided a recap of upcoming public engagement

opportunities, highlighting the Gahanna Vision Fest starting May 6, 2025,

which would feature free tacos for the first 100 attendees, bounce houses,

face painting, cotton candy, and giveaways in partnership with Director

Ferrell’s Parks & Recreation team. She also outlined additional events,

including a small business morning coffee networking session, a senior lunch

at the Senior Center, a young professionals happy hour at Edison, and an

online survey available throughout May. She noted that engagement

opportunities would also be available at the annual Economic Development

event on May 15, 2025, and the Gahanna Bananas baseball game. Senior

Director Vollmer emphasized that Planning NEXT and Burgess & Niple

coordinated to avoid engagement fatigue and that both the Our Gahanna plan

and the Comprehensive Transportation and Mobility Plan would be

represented at these events.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Ms. Kathy McCorkle, Gahanna, Ohio spoke on Council Comments from

April 7, 2025.

Ms. McCorkle addressed Council and stated that two weeks earlier,

Councilwoman Bowers declined to advance a resolution recognizing Natural

Families. Ms. McCorkle contrasted this with Council's past support of a Pride

resolution honoring the Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ)

community. She asserted that such actions reflected partiality, referenced the

City’s non-discrimination clause, and reminded Council of their obligation

under their oath of office to impartially discharge their duties. She concluded

by encouraging equal recognition and respect for all families.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2025-0088

Council Regular Minutes 4.7.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2025-0089

Committee of the Whole Minutes 4.14.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Resolutions:

RES-0018-2025

A JOINT PROCLAMATION AND RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY

3-10, 2025 AS HERB WEEK IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:

ORD-0010-2025

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH COLUMBIA GAS OF OHIO, INC

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

Consent Agenda.

ORD-0011-2025

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT WITH COLUMBIA GAS

OF OHIO, INC

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

Consent Agenda.

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

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

Consent Agenda.

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

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

Consent Agenda.

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

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

Consent Agenda.

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO AWARD AND

ENTER INTO

CONTRACT WITH DECKER CONSTRUCTION

COMPANY FOR THE 2025 STREET AND SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE

PROGRAM (ST-1114)

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

Consent Agenda.

ORD-0016-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

- Clerk of Court Computer Fund (2290) for Capital Equipment

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

Consent Agenda.

End of Consent Agenda

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

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

RESOLUTIONS:

Recommended to Postpone Indefinitely:

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 stated that this resolution was brought before Council two

weeks prior. She explained that, due to procedural questions and inquiries

from the City Attorney, the resolution was referred back to Committee and

now needed to be brought forward to a date-specific meeting. President

Bowers stated her understanding that there was now a recommendation to

postpone the resolution indefinitely because it would be replaced by

Ordinance 0017-2025, listed under Section H. She confirmed this

understanding with City Attorney Tamilarasan, who affirmed that it was

correct.

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

postponed indefinitely. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

ORD-0018-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

AGREEMENT

WITH

FISHBECK

FOR

UTILITY

ENGINEERING

SERVICES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

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

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & ADOPTION:

ORD-0017-2025

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 0058-2024 AND TO

AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO PROVIDE CONSENT AND ENTER

PARTICIPATORY AGREEMENTS, ANY NECESSARY AMENDMENTS

WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR BRIDGE

REPLACEMENT ON WYNNE RIDGE COURT, AND AN LPA

CONTRACT IN THE FORM ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT A; AND

WAIVING SECOND READING

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

President Bowers stated that the ordinance under consideration replaced the

resolution that was postponed indefinitely regarding the Wynne Ridge Bridge

contract.

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

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

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk - None.

2. Council - None.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilmember Padova stated she would have a full report at the May 5,

2025, regular Council meeting.

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

2025-0092

Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 4.21.2025

Vice President Weaver thanked the Council Office for their assistance in

preparing the report and encouraged his colleagues to review the full report,

noting that it contained valuable information. He announced that the next

meeting would be held on May 8, 2025. He reported that the commission met

on April 10, 2025, and shared several key updates. Vice President Weaver

reported that the Ohio State Highway Patrol recently released a report on the

impact of distracted driving legislation, noting that crashes were down 8%,

injuries were down 3%, and fatalities were down 4%, even as total miles

driven increased. He stated that the City of Columbus was transitioning the

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging to an independent agency due to changes

in Medicaid’s structure. He reminded everyone that the Franklin County sales

tax increase approved by voters in November of 2024, went into effect on April

1, 2025, to support the LinkUS initiative and that residents might notice the

additional tax on their receipts. He noted that the legislative update contained

numerous items and encouraged members to review it. He highlighted a

specific provision included in the House budget approved by the Ohio House

that could impact municipalities’ ability to use eminent domain for shared use

paths. Finally, Vice President Weaver mentioned that the upcoming "Money

Mondays" session would cover public finance investment banking, a topic he

suggested would be of particular interest to Councilmember Schnetzer.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova announced that Herb Day would be held on

Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Creekside Plaza. She

noted that volunteers were still needed for the event and directed those

interested to visit ohioherbcenter.org and click on the Herb Day section for

volunteer opportunities. Councilmember Padova also announced that Herb’n

Restaurant Week would take place from May 3 through May 9, 2025, with

several participating restaurants, including 101 Beer Kitchen, Barrel and Boar,

Lola & Giuseppe’s Restaurant, Lola & Giuseppe’s Bakery, and Three Creeks.

She encouraged residents to check the Visit Gahanna Instagram and

Facebook pages for a complete list of participating restaurants.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Councilmember Jones provided a brief update regarding the monthly school

board meeting held the previous Thursday. She described the meeting as

very robust and encouraged everyone to review the discussion topics online.

She highlighted one particular update from the meeting, noting that the Ohio

Department of Education and Workforce, following direction from the federal

government, issued instructions for school districts nationwide. As a result,

the district updated a policy originally written in 2020 concerning its core

values. Councilmember Jones explained that the revised resolution continued

to affirm the district’s commitment to supporting all students, families, and

staff and emphasized maintaining an inclusive and safe learning environment.

She encouraged residents to review the full text of the resolution and the

meeting minutes available on the school board website. She announced that

the next school board meeting would be a workshop scheduled for May 1,

2025, with the location to be announced and posted on the website.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin reported that over the past two weeks, the city hosted The Ohio

State University's Fisher Center for Operational Excellence Summit. She

explained that it was a three-day event held at Ohio State dedicated to

connecting diverse industries and organizations to best practices in

leadership and problem-solving. Thanks to the efforts of the Gahanna's

construction partners, Elford, the new Civic Center at 825 Tech Center Drive

was featured as a site during the summit. Mayor Jadwin shared that the city

welcomed close to a dozen executives from companies across the country,

as well as representatives from The Ohio State University. She noted her

personal connection to Fisher, as her children attended the college.

Mayor Jadwin stated that the city was able to share the impetus for the

project, which was the immediate need to address a failing police

headquarters, and the city's ability to find a solution utilizing an existing

vacated building to meet three facility needs in a sustainable and

cost-effective manner. Construction partners from Elford and members of the

architectural design team from MSA participated in the summit, speaking

about communication strategies and their approaches to the construction

project. She reported that late last week, officials from the Fisher Center

shared that participant feedback from the Civic Center tour received an

unprecedented 100% overall satisfaction rating, the first in the history of the

Center of Excellence Summit. They attributed the rating to the collaborative

and communicative spirit between Senior Director of Operations Kevin

Schultz, the city's team, Elford, and MSA. Mayor Jadwin encouraged those

interested to view the 825 project update recently posted on the City’s

YouTube page. She announced that the next project update would take place

during the first Committee of the Whole meeting in May, scheduled for May

12, 2025.

Mayor Jadwin noted two recent ribbon-cutting events for projects supported

by the 2024 Community Grants Program funded by ARPA (American Rescue

Plan Act) Dollars. She described the grand opening of the Plant Library at

Creative Options, a collaboration with an organization that serves individuals

with disabilities and the Gahanna Plant Library, which she noted was very

meaningful to the community. She praised the turnout and expressed

excitement for the project’s future growth in its new location. Mayor Jadwin

also described the ribbon-cutting event for Gahanna Residents in Need's

(GRIN’s) new temperature-regulated food lockers, funded in part by the

Community Grants Program, the Columbus Foundation, the Kroger

Foundation, and the Rotary. She shared that Assistant Director Beth Bentley

demonstrated how the lockers work, highlighting their role in providing 24/7

access to essential food items and removing barriers and stigma associated

with food assistance. Mayor Jadwin stated that both projects embodied the

heart of the Community Grants Program’s purpose: empowering local

organizations to improve quality of life and address real needs.

Mayor Jadwin thanked Make Gahanna Yours, Donna Simmons, Carrin

Wester, and all volunteers who participated in the Community Litter Cleanup

event over the past weekend. She apologized for missing the event due to

traveling to Pittsburgh to visit her mother, sharing that she looked forward to

participating in the fall cleanup.

Mayor Jadwin announced that she was selected as a new fellow in the 2025

class of Leadership Ohio, joining 34 leaders from across the state in an

eight-and-a-half-month program focused on intensive training and civil

dialogue on pressing issues facing Ohio and its communities. She reflected

on the growth of previous staff members who participated in the program and

expressed excitement to bring back opportunities to Gahanna.

Mayor Jadwin provided a news alert regarding a traffic project, announcing

that beginning Friday evening, April 25, 2025, at 8:00 p.m., the northbound

ramp to I-270 from southbound Hamilton Road would be closed for roadway

work impacting a bridge over Big Walnut Creek. The ramp closure was

scheduled to reopen on Tuesday morning, April 29, 2025, at 5:00 a.m. She

advised that the city was working with the Ohio Department of Transportation

(ODOT) to determine detour routes and would post updates on the City's

website and social media pages.

Mayor Jadwin outlined upcoming events, including:

The MORPC Sustainability Advisory Committee's one-hour virtual

webinar on the Regional Sustainability Agenda, scheduled for

Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Shred and E-Recycle event at Gahanna City Hall on Saturday,

April 26, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with GRIN accepting food

and cash donations.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

at the Kroger parking lot on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

The Gahanna Lincoln High School Community Art Party at Friendship

Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., where

the 2025 Story Trail would also be unveiled in collaboration with the

Parks and Recreation Department and the Gahanna Branch of the

Columbus Metropolitan Library.

Mayor Jadwin announced that on Thursday, May 1, 2025, the city would host

its first-ever Gahanna Mind and Wellness Fair at City Hall from 5:00 p.m. to

7:00 p.m., featuring approximately 14 providers offering resources related to

mental health, wellness, and substance abuse. She encouraged attendees to

share information about the event as the city prepared to kick off Mental

Health Awareness Month in May.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan reported that on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Ohio

Supreme Court declined jurisdiction over the Speed Way appeal. She

explained that this decision exhausted all appeal routes for the case, which

originated in 2018, and that the case was now completely and finally

concluded. She stated that she had no further updates.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember McGregor announced her return after missing several weeks

due to a total knee replacement on April 1, 2025. She noted that it was not an

April Fool’s joke. She described the significant demand for orthopedic

surgeons in the area, sharing that when she initially requested surgery in

December, 2024, the earliest available date was April, 2025. She advised

residents needing orthopedic procedures to schedule well in advance. She

expressed her gratitude for the skilled doctors and the quality of medical care

available locally, and she reported that her physical therapy was progressing

well.

Councilmember Padova reflected on several recent community events. She

expressed her happiness at seeing the reopening of the Plant Library,

emphasizing the community's appreciation for the resource, particularly its

role in helping families teach gardening and support postpartum wellness.

She also attended the GRIN ribbon cutting alongside Councilmembers Jones,

Weaver, and Council President Bowers. She shared her appreciation for the

volunteers and businesses supporting GRIN, highlighting the ongoing egg

donations from Trillium Egg Farm despite rising egg prices. She described

the experience as heartwarming. Councilmember Padova also mentioned

participating in constituent hours at the library with Council President Bowers,

where they hosted a "stuffy swap" for children. She noted that resident Ms.

McCorkle, despite being present outside, chose not to come inside and speak

with Councilmembers.

Councilmember Renner reported participating in the Community Litter

Cleanup organized by Make Gahanna Yours. Assigned to work along Route

62, he focused on a drainage ditch and filled a trash bag with litter. He

emphasized the importance of protecting water systems and reflected on the

environmental impact of such efforts. Councilmember Renner congratulated

Mayor Jadwin on her Leadership Ohio appointment and shared his own news

of being invited to join the advisory board of Ohio University's Voinovich

School of Leadership and Public Service. He recounted his past experience

obtaining a gubernatorial proclamation for National Chemistry Week and

expressed his enthusiasm for continuing civic engagement through his new

role.

Councilmember Schnetzer also thanked Make Gahanna Yours for organizing

the litter cleanup. He recounted taking his two young sons to pick up trash

along Cafe Creekside, noting the encouraging turnout of volunteers in neon

yellow shirts. However, he expressed dismay at the volume of trash,

especially in one logjam he described as a "flotilla" of debris. He welcomed

Councilmember McGregor back and concluded his remarks.

Vice President Weaver thanked all guests and participants, particularly Ms.

Maegan Chrysler for presenting about the Paperclip Project. He stressed the

importance of remembering the individual lives represented by each

paperclip. Vice President Weaver also participated in the litter cleanup,

stationed along Route 62 between Heartland Bank and Cherry Bottom. He

described quickly filling several trash bags and encouraged proper trash

disposal to preserve a cleaner Gahanna. He thanked Make Gahanna Yours

for the record-breaking volunteer turnout and noted an upcoming cleanup on

June 7, 2025, focused on freeway entrances. Vice President Weaver also

praised the ribbon cutting at GRIN, describing the new temperature-controlled

food lockers as a "game changer" for food accessibility. He congratulated

Councilmember Renner and Mayor Jadwin on their new leadership

opportunities and welcomed back Councilmember McGregor.

President Bowers thanked Make Gahanna Yours for fostering the spirit of

volunteerism and emphasized the positive ripple effect community events can

have. She announced that her neighborhood would host a beautification and

litter cleanup event on May 10, 2025. President Bowers thanked

Councilmember Padova for co-hosting the recent constituent hours at the

library and explained the open, welcoming format of these events. She

reflected on the value of discussing a wide range of resident concerns.

President Bowers congratulated Mayor Jadwin on her Leadership Ohio