200 South Hamilton Road

Gahanna, Ohio 43230

City of Gahanna

Meeting Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Trenton I. Weaver, Chair

Merisa K. Bowers

Jamille Jones

Nancy R. McGregor

Kaylee Padova

Stephen A. Renner

Michael Schnetzer

Jeremy A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council

Monday, December 8, 2025

7:00 PM

City Hall, Council Chambers

CALL TO ORDER:

Gahanna City Council met for Committee of the Whole on Monday,

December 8, 2025, in Council Chambers. Vice President of Council Trenton

I. Weaver, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The agenda was

published on Friday, December 5, 2025. All members were present for the

meeting.

Vice President Weaver noted that the agenda would include an added

resolution under “Item H” from Councilmember Padova, following the item

from Councilmembers Jones and Renner.

ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

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

Director of Economic Development Jeff Gottke stated that Council received

the first in a series of documents generated from the development agreement

with Connect Real Estate. He explained that several documents would follow

over time. He described the item as procedural, noting that the creation of a

TIF (Tax Increment Financing) required the City of Gahanna to be in the chain

of title for the properties covered by the development agreement. He said the

legislation before City Council allowed the city to receive those properties

from the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) and then transfer them

back after recording, ensuring the city appeared in the chain of title. He

emphasized that the legislation did not create the TIF and served only to

transfer the parcels in and out. Director Gottke reported that it was discussed

internally whether the legislation required a waiver of second reading,

emergency adoption, both, or neither. He stated that it required neither, as

long as the process occurred before the closing on the properties, which he

anticipated could occur within several months, up to six, after the

development agreement became effective. He said the legislation could

therefore proceed through the regular legislative process. He reiterated that

the item involved a simple procedural transfer and that a later TIF proposal

would come before City Council with a full presentation and discussion. He

concluded his remarks.

Councilmember McGregor asked whether the city would transfer only the

same properties it received, describing it as a “10 in, 10 out” situation, though

she did not know the exact number. Director Gottke confirmed that this was

correct.

Vice President Weaver asked Director Gottke to confirm that this process

was routine for these types of TIFs and that other communities followed

similar practices. Director Gottke affirmed that it was standard practice for

this type of TIF.

Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading on Regular Agenda on

12/15/2025; Second Reading/Adoption on Regular Agenda on 1/2/2026.

ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION:

RES-0057-2025

RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND

RECREATION 2026 PRICING POLICY AS RECOMMENDED BY THE

PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD

Director of Parks and Recreation Stephania Ferrell reported that she had one

item for the evening. She explained that the pricing policy outlined and guided

the establishment of fees for the Parks and Recreation Department and that

the city’s code required the Parks and Recreation Board to review the policy

annually. She stated that the document included several changes, most of

which involved formatting improvements. She noted that the department

added language to outline expectations for residency and proof of residency,

which reflected an existing policy and improved clarity in the document. With

the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Board, she requested

adoption of the proposed 2026 Pricing Policy.

Vice President Weaver thanked Director Ferrell and asked if any colleagues

had discussion. After noting that no one did, he asked if members supported

placing the item on the consent agenda for December 15, 2025.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 12/15/2025.

ITEMS FROM THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS:

2025-0255

Gahanna Civic Center (825 Tech Center Drive) Construction Update

12.8.2025

Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz reported on the 825 Tech Center

Drive project and noted that he had not provided an update since August 11,

2025. He apologized for the delay and explained that other events over the

past few months in the Council Chambers contributed to the delay. He stated

that the project continued to progress steadily and that his presentation would

cover construction activities from September, October, and part of November

2025. Director Schultz said that anyone who drove by the building saw the

ongoing transformation of the exterior. He showed a photo of the building from

August 19, 2025, and a comparison photo from November 18, 2025, just

before Thanksgiving. He highlighted the installation of all three solar arrays,

noting that two arrays sat on the Police Department side of the site and one

sat behind the building for city fleet vehicles. He reported that the city installed

all passive security measures, including the primary wall at the site entrance

and the seat walls incorporated throughout the landscaping. He added that

contractors completed the asphalt for the entire parking area the previous

week. He said they installed the parking lot lighting and most landscaping

lighting, with some ground lighting still pending. He also stated that paving on

the multi-use trail occurred late the previous week and that the landscaping

throughout the site was complete except for the beds closest to the building.

He provided an additional photo to show that landscaping near the building still

needed installation and that crews continued work on the stone columns. He

pointed out the security fence along the Police Department perimeter. He

described how the site was taking on the “park-like” character shown in

previous renderings, including defined entryways, awnings, and the

combination of softscape and pavers both in front of the building and behind it.

Director Schultz then discussed interior progress. He showed photos of the

main lobby and the planning lobby, where residents seeking specialized

zoning or building assistance would go. He noted that the terrazzo flooring

was finished in large portions of the public first-floor spaces and described

the open character created by the connection between the first and second

floors. He indicated the location of the Council Chambers and the customer

service windows, which residents would see when they entered and turned

left. Director Schultz stated that the third floor was in the “punch” stage,

meaning contractors and Elford identified items that required correction. He

explained that after Elford completed its punch work, trades corrected the

issues, and then the owner and architect team completed a second punch to

identify any additional items. He said the third floor was nearly complete aside

from punch-list items and a few flooring issues that would be addressed in

the coming weeks. He reported that crews were installing all exterior doors

and that work continued on the police locker room, which was taking shape

and nearing completion. He noted that technology installations were

underway, including networks, radio systems, and 911 systems. He added

that furniture installation would begin in early January on the third floor and

then move downward to the second and first floors in the following weeks.

Director Schultz stated that the project was approximately 88 percent

complete. He concluded by showing restroom photos and explained that

finishes throughout the building were consistent. He said the main restrooms

shared identical finishes, including blue tile backsplashes, subway tile walls,

porcelain tile floors, and white countertops with under-mounted sinks.

Director Schultz continued his update by reviewing office finishes. He

explained that he displayed some of the photos before but included them

again because it was some time since his last presentation. He stated that

two of the photos depicted second-floor spaces and that the top-left photo

showed the City Council office reception desk, which would welcome visitors

to the Council Offices. He noted that the photo also showed three offices: the

Deputy Clerk, the Clerk, and the Assistant City Attorney. He added that the

City Attorney’s office sat beyond the boxes shown on the right side of the

image. He pointed out that carpeting in these spaces was well established.

Director Schultz said the middle photo showed part of the third-floor Human

Resources suite, including Mr. Nolan’s office and two conference rooms

within that space. He described how the colors of the doors, finishes, and

carpet tied the building’s design together. He stated that the Clerk’s Office, the

City Attorney’s Office, Council Offices, and Human Resources all appeared

nearly identical in layout and finishes, regardless of location in the building.

Director Schultz remarked that although people in Information and

Technology (IT) often said the last 10 percent of a project was the hardest, he

learned through experience that the same held true for construction projects.

He referred back to the project being 88 percent complete and said they were

now working through the most difficult phase, with many tasks left to

complete before moving into the building.

Schultz then presented the October 2025 financials, reflecting activity through

October 31, 2025. He stated that GMP1 and GMP2 represented two

construction contracts totaling $59.6 million and that total invoicing to date

stood at $51 million, or 86 percent. He noted that the total included retainage

held to ensure contractor and Elford accountability. He explained that

allowances totaled $1 million, of which the project spent 59 percent. He stated

that owner and construction contingencies totaled $3.7 million, with 67

percent spent. He reported that the combined spending of $3.1 million across

allowances and contingencies amounted to an average usage rate of 65

percent, which he described as healthy. He added that several larger

changes remained pending and that although some were approved, they did

not appear in the October 2025 report and would show up in the January 2026

financial update. He concluded by inviting questions.

Questions from Council

Vice President Weaver thanked Director Schultz for the update and for his

continued leadership on the project. He said the progress looked exciting and

that everyone looked forward to seeing the project reach completion. He

invited discussion from Council.

President Bowers asked Director Schultz to explain the next steps and the

move-in and transition schedule. Director Schultz reported that the project

remained slightly behind schedule. He said that within the next 30 days staff

expected to have a clearer understanding of the move-in timeline and would

be able to set a specific date. He stated that they anticipated a move

sometime in March and expected to narrow that date soon. He explained that

complications arose because all trades needed to finish work on the third

floor before furniture installation could begin. He described how overlapping

trades created damage disputes, and the owner ultimately paid when no one

accepted responsibility. He said trades needed to complete the third floor,

then the second floor, and finally the first floor before furniture installation

could proceed. He noted that the furniture package was sizeable. He

continued by stating that some trades struggled to keep pace and that he and

Elford were working with them to accelerate progress, particularly on the first

floor. Schultz said the second floor was in decent shape but still not where it

needed to be, as it should have been completed the previous week. He

confirmed they remained a few months behind schedule for moving in.

President Bowers asked about logistics for internal moves. Director Schultz

said they were about to bring a moving and logistics company on board. He

said staff completed inventory of all three facilities, City Hall, the Police

Department, and the Senior Center, and identified what items the city would

keep, what had no value, and what remained for auction. He said they would

meet with the logistics company to review the process and sequencing.

Schultz also stated they already met with Police to determine who would

move first, second, and last, and to identify the correct timing for the Senior

Center to begin using its new facility for programming. He said discussions

about sequencing City Hall staff would occur soon, including whether second

and third floor office staff or first floor public-facing staff should move first. He

expected more information in January 2026.

Councilmember Padova said the update excited her, especially after touring

the new high school the previous week. She said she looked forward to a

future walkthrough of the new facility. She asked when City Council would

begin discussing the current City Hall property and whether those

discussions would occur after the move or sooner. Director Schultz reminded

City Council that the Montrose Group was working on a highest-and-best-use

Return on Investment (ROI) analysis, which was in draft form and nearly

ready for review. He said City Council could begin discussing future uses of

the property in January or February 2026. Mayor Jadwin added that the city

would have a more defined timeline within 30 days, and that clarity on that

would influence the discussion about the future of the current property.

Director Schultz shared that the city planned to maintain and continue

programming the Senior Center facility because it remained an asset. He said

it would still host rentals such as graduation parties and that the city would

continue paying utilities and maintaining the building. He noted that staff did

not yet know whether the property would eventually be sold, rented, or used

for another purpose, so they needed to keep it in usable condition.

Councilmember Jones asked whether the city also needed to keep utilities

running at City Hall and the Police Station even after the buildings became

vacant. Director Schultz confirmed that they did. He compared it to starting a

car that sits unused in a garage, explaining that they needed to maintain the

buildings to preserve their value, which would decline significantly if they sat

vacant and deteriorated. Councilmember Jones then asked whether the items

identified as junk or for auction would be handled before decisions about the

properties or as part of that process. Director Schultz explained that those

were separate decisions. He gave an example, stating that the two tables in

Council Chambers would not move to the new facility but could be auctioned

before determining the future of the properties. He said the chairs would move

to the new facility and be used in various locations, although they would not

remain for public seating in Council Chambers.

ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING:

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)

Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz introduced the first action item,

the 2025 Street Rebuild and Waterline Program, and stated that the item

concerned awarding the contract. He reported that the project would occur on

Laura Drive, Heil Drive, and Rocky Fork Boulevard. He said the work would

include waterline replacement, stormwater improvements, new curb and

gutter, selective sidewalk work, and full road and road base reconstruction

along all three streets. Schultz reported that the department released

invitations to bid on October 30, 2025, and received seven bids. He noted

that Elite Excavating Company of Ohio, Inc. submitted the lowest and most

responsive bid, and the administration recommended awarding the contract

to that company. He stated that the total contract cost was approximately

$2.9 million and included an alternate bid of $123,000 for the use of highly

recycled asphalt. He added that the contract also included a 10 percent

contingency of approximately $272,000 to cover unforeseen construction

costs. Schultz requested an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a

contract with Elite Excavating Company of Ohio, Inc. for the program. He

noted that the attached contract required a small amendment to adjust

retainage figures due to a recent change in Ohio law that reduced retainage

from 8 percent to 4 percent. He said he would work with the city attorney to

revise the contract and reattach it to the agenda for first reading the following

week.

Councilmember Padova asked when the work was expected to begin and

how long it was expected to take. Director Schultz said Columbia Gas was

currently lowering gas lines on Rocky Fork and Laura Drive in support of the

project, although that work was not part of the city’s contract. He said

waterline work on all three streets was anticipated to begin in January and

could extend into February 2026, depending on contractor mobilization. He

stated that street reconstruction would begin after school ended. He explained

that once the waterline was installed and asphalt patches were placed, the

streets would be torn up in May 2026, for reconstruction. He said the

contractor expected about a two-week turnaround for each street and that

Laura and Heil together would take approximately one month. He added that

Rocky Fork, being a single stretch, would also be reconstructed after school

ended.

Councilmember McGregor asked whether sidewalks would be installed on

both sides of Laura and Heil. Director Schultz explained that Laura involved

sidewalk maintenance only. He said the city used a resident petition process

to determine support for improvements and that the petition for sidewalk

installation on Heil failed by a wide margin. He said no installation would occur

on Heil and that, to his recollection, Laura would not receive extensions either

because the resident petition failed. Councilmember McGregor asked

whether sidewalks already existed on Laura. Director Schultz confirmed that

sidewalks existed on one side of the street.

Councilmember McGregor then asked where Rocky Fork Boulevard ended

and Waterbury began and how far the project extended. Director Schultz said

the project did not extend all the way around and consulted a map. After brief

clarification among City Council, he stated the project area ran on Rocky Fork

Drive North from Flint Ridge to Cliffview Drive. He apologized for previously

misspeaking and clarified that he edited the report when it was sent forward.

President Bowers asked when the petition process occurred. Director

Schultz said the timing of the 2025 program related to a design issue and the

petition process, which took place around the middle of the previous year.

President Bowers asked him to explain the process. Director Schultz said the

petition process was based on frontage, and residents cast an up or down

vote on whether they accepted the proposed improvement. He said parcels

with more frontage carried more weight in the tally. He stated that the majority

of residents along Heil and the corners of Laura voted against sidewalk

installation. He added that the south side of Heil already had relatively new

sidewalk that would receive maintenance, while no new sidewalk installation

would occur on the north side. Mayor Jadwin asked Schultz to describe the

notice process used during the petition effort. Director Schultz said the city

sent multiple letters and made multiple visits to residents to ensure they

understood the process and cast a vote. He said staff made several visits to

residents at the corners of Heil and Laura to secure their responses. Mayor

Jadwin added that the city also held a community meeting with residents, and

possibly with EMH&T present, to explain the petition process. President

Bowers asked whether staff felt satisfied with the response rate. City Attorney

Tamilarasan explained that the sidewalk petition mechanism came from

statute and was initiated by residents. She said citizens in any neighborhood

could petition the city for a new sidewalk with a cost share. She stated that in

this instance the city took a proactive role to determine whether sufficient

interest existed to initiate the petition. President Bowers said the preliminary

results did not indicate support for the project. Director Schultz clarified that

the actual results, not preliminary figures, showed insufficient support. He

said residents received a letter requesting a yes-or-no vote and that the final

count showed the petition did not pass. Mayor Jadwin said statute required a

60 percent approval threshold. President Bowers again asked whether staff

felt the response rate was adequate. Director Schultz said they achieved a

100 percent response rate because staff kept the proceeding open until they

received every vote. He noted that the petition area contained only six or

seven parcels, making the weighted frontage system more significant. He

added that landscaping considerations influenced many residents’ decisions.

President Bowers thanked him for explaining the process. She then asked

about the notice process for upcoming work and whether the contractor

would provide notice. Director Schultz said city staff would make first contact,

followed by placement of sign boards on the street. He said door hangers

would be distributed when work approached, providing information about

closures and a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) explaining what residents

could expect during a rebuild. He said notice would occur in two phases: one

for the waterline and another closer to the street reconstruction. President

Bowers said social media helped with notifications as well. Director Schultz

said social media was difficult in such a targeted project area. President

Bowers noted that many nonresidents traveled through the area. Mayor

Jadwin stated that Communications Manager Dan Pearlman was working

with the engineering team to develop the communication plan, and that the

draft initial letter awaited review for release in January 2026. The plan would

include strategies for notifying residents and those who passed through the

area, especially during school traffic.

Councilmember McGregor said that although the petition process was not

used often, neighborhoods have used it to request decorative lighting instead

of overhead lights. She said neighbors achieved over 60 percent support and

chose either to pay upfront or through assessments on their taxes. Director

Schultz agreed and said, as the city attorney noted, the process usually

began with a citizen request for a specific improvement such as street

lighting or sidewalks.

Vice President Weaver asked if there was any further discussion. Hearing

none, he stated the item would move forward for first reading on December

15, 2025, and then for consent on January 2, 2026, pending receipt of the

amended contract. He thanked Director Schultz.

Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading on Regular Agenda on

12/15/2025; Second Reading/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 1/2/2026.

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)

Director Schultz presented the second item, the replacement of the Taylor

Road water line between Morrison and Helmbright. He explained that the

project would replace the existing 12-inch water main with a new 16-inch

water main and include related improvements such as valves, hydrants, and

site restoration. He stated that the existing line was installed in 1964 and that

he or the Director of Engineering previously discussed that this line

terminated at the pump station at Helmbright, which also served the water

tower. He said the replacement was necessary to improve the quality and life

expectancy of the pump station. Schultz noted that the project would update

approximately 1,600 feet of residential sidewalk on the north side of Taylor

Road to Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) standards

per city code. He reported that bids were opened and reviewed on November

20, 2025, and that seven bids were received. He stated that Shelly & Sands

submitted the lowest and most responsive bid, with a contract price just over

$2.5 million, including a 10 percent contingency to cover unforeseen

construction costs. He added that the project, like the previous item, was fully

funded through the 2025 capital budget and required no additional funds. He

requested an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with

Shelly & Sands for the Taylor Road water main replacement project.

President Bowers asked about the timeline for the project. Director Schultz

stated that the project would run for about nine months, from January through

September 2026, with substantial completion expected in September 2026.

President Bowers asked whether the city could communicate with nearby

neighborhoods, including Rathburn Woods and Hunters Ridge, even though

they were not adjacent to the work area. Director Schultz said staff could

review what extended notification might look like and that Taylor Road was a

good opportunity for communication through social media due to its traffic

volume. Mayor Jadwin added that Home Owners Association (HOA)

communications could also help. President Bowers asked about

school-related traffic impacts and whether a lane closure would occur.

Director Schultz said the road would remain open but restricted, and that the

center turn lane would likely function as the travel lane. He stated that the

water line was on the north side of the road and believed it was located within

the roadway itself.

Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading on Regular Agenda on

12/15/2025; Second Reading/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 1/2/2026.

ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES:

RES-0058-2025

RESOLUTION

ADOPTING

THE

CITY

GAHANNA

CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO

DESIGNATE A PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR SAID PROGRAM

Senior Director of Administrative Services Miranda Vollmer presented several

items for City Council’s consideration. She introduced a resolution adopting

the city of Gahanna’s Cybersecurity Program and designating a person

responsible for the program. She stated that House Bill 96 created Ohio

Revised Code Section 9.64, which required each political subdivision to adopt

a formal cybersecurity program. She said the program must safeguard the

city’s data, technology, and information systems by ensuring confidentiality,

integrity, and availability consistent with best practices. She noted that the

program attached to the agenda complied with Section 9.64 and state

guidance, and that it defined governance, security controls, response

procedures, and continuous improvement standards for Gahanna’s digital

environment. She requested adoption of the resolution and authorization for

the mayor to designate the responsible individual. She stated that the statute

required legislative adoption by the end of the year.

President Bowers asked whether any internal timelines existed for

implementing the program requirements. Vollmer said Director René Carter

and the IT team already began work prior to the passage of the law and that

the program complied with state requirements. She noted that the city already

performed many of the required practices to maintain insurance and that the

team continued to advance the cybersecurity program while setting internal

deadlines to put all program components in place. President Bowers asked

whether an internal process existed for reviewing the program and how often

it would occur. Vollmer said Director Carter would prepare and present those

items for approval.

Councilmember Michael Schnetzer stated that he had no debate on the item

and noted the increasing risk of ransomware attacks affecting municipal

governments and other sectors. He said the expense was necessary even

though it was not ideal and stated that City Council needed to recognize the

cost while acknowledging the need for the program.

Councilmember Jones asked whether the House Bill imposed any deadline

for implementation. Vollmer stated that the only requirement was adoption of

the program by December 31 of the current year. Councilmember Jones

asked whether any annual compliance or check-in existed. Vollmer said the

auditors would review Section 9.64 during the audit process each year to

confirm that City Council acted by year-end and that other requirements were

met. She said auditors would test selected items each year rather than all

one hundred or so requirements.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 12/15/2025.

ORD-0058-2025

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SALARIES FOR PERSONNEL

OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2026,

THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026; WAIVING SECOND READING AND

DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

Senior Director Vollmer introduced Human Resources (HR) Manager Ben

Nolan who would present on the next two items.

HR Manager Ben Nolan stated that each year, before adoption of the

upcoming budget, the Department of Administrative Services presented the

annual salary ordinance for non-union personnel. He summarized the

changes in the 2026 salary ordinance, including text updates and

modifications to Table Two. He said these included deleting the Manager of

Marketing position at paygrade C19, changing the Supervisor of Recreation

position from paygrade C15 to C16 based on the city’s compensation

consultant, and continuing 4 percent pay increases for employees above the

midpoint of their pay grades. He requested adoption of the ordinance on

emergency and waiver to align salary adjustments with the 2026 budget.

Vice President Weaver asked for discussion and stated that the ordinance

would appear on the regular agenda next week with the requested waiver and

emergency.

Recommendation: Introduction with Waiver of Second Reading and

Emergency Adoption on Regular Agenda on 12/15/2025.

ORD-0059-2025

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE BENEFITS FOR PERSONNEL

OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026;

WAIVING SECOND READING AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

HR Manager Nolan then presented the 2026 Benefits Ordinance, the

companion ordinance for unclassified personnel. He said the ordinance

established fringe benefits for non-union personnel and included formatting

updates along with several changes. He stated that Article Three updated

service credit payment amounts to align with union contracts. In Article Four,

the ordinance added a new vacation accrual tier for employees with 26 or

more years of service, also aligned with union contracts. In Article Six, he said

the ordinance clarified that short-term disability coverage began on the first

day of the month after hire and updated Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

eligibility to end on the last day of the month of separation. In Article Seven, he

said the ordinance replaced donated leave eligibility subsections and now

allowed donors to contribute sick or vacation leave in 8-hour increments while

retaining at least 240 hours of sick leave. He stated that Articles 10 and 21

updated the employee wellness incentive program by removing spouses from

eligibility, consistent with the city’s wellness provider recommendation. He

requested adoption with emergency and waiver to maintain alignment with the

2026 budget.

President Bowers asked whether aligning service credit with union contracts

benefited or harmed non-union employees. Vollmer replied that it benefited

them.

Vice President Weaver asked for clarification about the removal of spouses

from the wellness incentive. Vollmer explained that when the city left the

healthcare consortium and implemented a new self-funded benefits program,

it also implemented a new wellness platform. She said the new vendor’s

technology assigned each person a separate account and could not combine

spousal activity toward a single $400 incentive. She said the change would

otherwise create a potential $800 incentive for married employees, which

exceeded union agreements. She stated that the city could revisit the issue if

future technology allowed combined participation.

President Bowers asked whether the former policy provided an aggregate

$400 benefit per family. Vollmer confirmed this and said the employee would

now earn the $400 themselves. She noted that the new program offered

many new ways to earn the incentive, including wellness courses, award

nominations, and other activities that were not available earlier.

Vice President Weaver thanked Vollmer and, hearing no further discussion,

stated that the item would appear on the regular agenda next week with the

requested waiver and emergency.

Recommendation: Introduction with Waiver of Second Reading and

Emergency Adoption on Regular Agenda on 12/15/2025.

RES-0059-2025

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO

CONTRACT WITH THE BOARD OF HEALTH OF THE FRANKLIN

COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT (FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC

HEALTH) FOR 2026 PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES

Senior Director Vollmer presented the final item, a resolution authorizing the

mayor to enter into a contract with the Franklin County Board of Health for

public health services. She said the contract was standard each year. She

reported the amount was $361,186, or approximately $10.49 per capita, and

represented a 1.9 percent increase from the 2025 contract. She requested

approval of the resolution.

Vice President Weaver asked for discussion and, hearing none, stated the

item would appear on the consent agenda next week.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 12/15/2025.

ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE:

ORD-0057-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025; AND WAIVING SECOND READING

General Fund, TIF Fund, Parks and Recreation Fund, and Leave Pay-Out

Fund

Director of Finance Joann Bury presented a final 2025 supplemental

appropriation request following a year-end analysis of areas that needed

adjustments. She noted that the reasoning for each adjustment appeared in

the accompanying chart and offered to answer questions. Vice President

Weaver asked for discussion and, hearing none, stated the item would

appear on the regular agenda next week.

Recommendation: Introduction with Waiver of Second Reading and Adoption

on Regular Agenda on 12/15/2025.

ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:

Councilmember Jones and Councilmember Renner:

RES-0060-2025

A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING HUMAN DIGNITY AND STANDING WITH

SOMALI RESIDENTS AND ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS TARGETED

BY HATE IN GAHANNA

Councilmember Jones introduced a draft resolution and thanked everyone for

their patience as she and Councilmember Renner worked through several

versions. She explained that the latest version was the one in front of City

Council without the City of Gahanna header. She said the resolution focused

on showing support for community members who were targeted by hate and

by harmful speech, which she said increased nationally and affected

residents locally. She noted that December was Universal Human Rights

Month and said the resolution tied together human rights, belonging, inclusion,

and safety as fundamental human rights. She invited Councilmember Renner

to add his comments.

Councilmember Renner said Councilmember Jones explained the resolution

well. He said the resolution did not focus on identities or labels, but instead

intended to set a clear civic standard in Gahanna that rejected dehumanizing

speech and stood with all residents who experienced racism, xenophobia,

and targeted harm.

Councilmember Jones said she and Councilmember Renner welcomed

discussion and feedback on the language and text. She said they went

through several versions and felt confident in the latest draft, and that they

intentionally avoided calling out any one identity in order to stand in solidarity

with all identities.

President Bowers asked for clarification on whether the document came

forward as a joint resolution and proclamation. Councilmember Jones replied

that they had not yet received a formal answer from the mayor and that the

“joint resolution and proclamation” heading came from a previous template.

She said they would welcome a joint resolution but had not yet received a

formal response.

Mayor Jadwin said she appreciated the invitation to participate and thanked

Councilmember Renner for sharing the latest version, which she received

around 6:00 p.m. She said she agreed with the spirit and intent of the

resolution and said that, over the last several years, everyone witnessed an

increase in hurtful rhetoric that deepened divisions across the country. She

noted that people often reminded children that words matter and said that

principle applied equally to adults. She said words could serve as powerful

tools to connect people, but could also become weapons that inflicted harm.

She said formally recognizing Universal Human Rights Month and Human

Rights Day sent an important and reaffirming message to the community.

She said it was important to stand with all residents when language increased

fear, heightened vulnerability, and undermined the sense of belonging that

Gahanna valued. She said the city needed to focus on the inalienable rights

that every person held regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language,

political viewpoint, national or social origin, or any other status, and said those

rights guided Gahanna’s priorities.

Mayor Jadwin said she preferred the latest version of the resolution over the

earlier one. She said she had one concern about phrasing and suggested

broadening the language, as there were other community groups that

approached City Council in the past. She suggested wording such as “the

rise in harmful rhetoric directed toward any group or any community group

within the City of Gahanna is cause for deep concern” to send a clear

message of support to all diverse groups. She also suggested adjusting the

title, “affirming human dignity and standing with all community members

targeted by hate in Gahanna,” because it could imply that hate crimes or hate

rhetoric were occurring in Gahanna. She said her understanding was that the

resolution responded primarily to national rhetoric that affected local residents

and that a more nationally focused title might avoid confusion.

Councilmember Schnetzer thanked everyone who worked on the resolution

and offered structural and content-related suggestions. He said he preferred

to focus on positive aspects of Gahanna and said that language about “hate”

in the title and in the first “whereas” clause felt negative. He suggested

beginning with positive statements about what made Gahanna strong, then

moving toward more specific concerns later in the resolution. He also

recommended including language from the city’s strategic plan. He cited text

from the values section that described Gahanna as a welcoming, supportive,

and safe community that built lasting connections and fostered mutual

respect, understanding, and belonging. He said that language reflected who

the community said it was and contrasted with the national dialogue. He said

recent conversations while going door to door reminded him that Gahanna

remained a wonderful community that did not reflect the tone often seen on

social media. He encouraged everyone to revisit the strategic plan and

consider borrowing language from it.

Councilmember McGregor said that, when she first read the original

resolution and then the revised version, it felt like a reaction to national events.

She said that if City Council reacted to every objectionable statement made at

the national level, they would be passing resolutions frequently. She said she

agreed with emphasizing positive aspects of Gahanna and focusing on what

the city did well, rather than reacting to national issues.

President Bowers thanked Councilmembers Jones and Renner for bringing

the draft resolution forward and said she appreciated the constructive

feedback. She said she did not want to lose sight of the reasons behind the

resolution. She noted that December was Universal Human Rights Month and

referenced the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She also said

December 15 was Bill of Rights Day, recognizing the adoption of the first ten

amendments to the Constitution in 1791. She said that in the past week,

rhetoric led to policy that disproportionately harmed certain communities. She

said her understanding was that leaders used language that informed policy,

and that this policy took a toll. She said she read coverage from Minnesota

Public Radio regarding United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement

(ICE) enforcement in Minneapolis, which had the largest Somali population in

the United States and noted that many members of that community were U.S.

citizens. She said those residents still faced targeted immigration

enforcement and said that concerned her because the central Ohio region

had the second-largest Somali population in the United States. She said

anyone who visited local schools could see that reality reflected in Gahanna’s

own community. She said the community was fortunate to include Somali

immigrants and that she never asked anyone about their immigration status,

because it was not her business. She said she wanted them to feel safe in

the community. She agreed with the mayor that other groups expressed

concern in the past, but said this situation involved federal policy that could

physically affect people, which she found especially concerning. She said she

supported making the resolution inclusive, but did not want to lose sight of the

specific events that prompted it. She thanked Councilmembers Jones and

Renner for their work and said she would support the resolution in whatever

form it came forward.

Councilmember Padova thanked President Bowers for her comments and

said she agreed with them. She said she supported the resolution and

appreciated the conversation. She said she supported revising the title to

avoid misinterpretation, especially in light of other recent headlines that were

misunderstood. She said she remained supportive of the resolution overall

and thanked Councilmembers Jones and Renner for their work.

Councilmember Renner thanked everyone for their thoughtful comments and

acknowledged that the subject was difficult for many people. He said he

believed City Council and Mayor Jadwin could reach agreement because they

all had the courage to face the issue directly. He thanked Mayor Jadwin for

her remarks about human dignity and said that concept captured the core of

the resolution. Renner said the resolution did not respond only to recent

events but addressed an issue that existed for many years. He said City

Council should have taken this step ten or twenty years earlier. He said the

resolution sought to set civic standards for proper speech and for civil

conversations among elected leaders and residents in a free and democratic

society. He said the city saw an erosion of institutions and norms over the last

twenty years, and that social media amplified harmful statements that then

became legislative priorities. He said the community needed to draw a line

and declare that it would note racist, xenophobic, and dehumanizing speech

and refuse to accept it. He said the resolution affirmed that no one should

strip others of their dignity and that this applied not only to other cultures, but

also to interactions with residents who disagreed with City Council. He said

leaders needed to listen even when residents were angry, but that the

community needed to intervene when language became dehumanizing. He

said the resolution recognized Universal Human Rights Month and called for a

title that reaffirmed the city’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and

welcoming city while explicitly affirming human dignity. He said he believed

that emphasis created a positive message. He said the resolution aimed to

uphold standards that made it possible to communicate even with people who

used hostile language. Councilmember Renner added that immigrants and

refugees were legal members of society.

Councilmember McGregor noted legal immigrants.

Councilmember Renner responded that City Council did not need to qualify

that language because immigration status was not the city’s role to

determine. He said residents included legal citizens, immigrants, and

refugees, and that they paid taxes, contributed to the economy, and

participated in local schools. He said Gahanna’s job was to recognize all

people, affirm their right to exist, and affirm that they belonged, as

Councilmember Jones stated. He said the resolution declared that, as long as

people lived within the city’s borders, the city would treat them with respect

and commit to fostering a safe and inclusive environment.

Councilmember Jones thanked everyone for their passion, feedback, and

comments. She said she agreed with changing the title and acknowledged

that harmful statements occurred all the time, but she said current rhetoric

went beyond “dumb” comments or mere offense. She said that when leaders

in positions of power used dehumanizing language, that language became

dangerous and placed already vulnerable communities at even greater risk.

She said the resolution arose from that concern. She acknowledged that the

city did not adopt resolutions for every community that was targeted in the

past, but said silence implied acceptance and that City Council might have

misstepped by not speaking earlier. Jones said national events deeply

affected community members in Gahanna and that she believed City Council

had a responsibility to speak. She said she wanted a resolution that everyone

on City Council could support and said she would make whatever changes

were necessary to achieve consensus. She also said, for the record, that

recent rhetoric targeted the Somali community and that this needed to be said

publicly. She said the resolution could use inclusive language, but that City

Council knew what was said and knew that residents they saw daily were

harmed. Councilmember Jones said she believed it was important to

acknowledge that fact, even as she remained willing to support whatever

language the group ultimately adopted.

Councilmember Schnetzer said he heard and respected the passion in the

discussion. He said he wanted to keep attention on the strategic plan

because it was recent and incorporated extensive community input. He said

the document spoke from the perspective of “who we are as a community,”

rather than only as City Council or Mayor Jadwin. He quoted sections that

described Gahanna’s aspirations to cultivate neighborhoods and opportunities

to connect and thrive, and that described community values such as

vibrancy, connection, stewardship, and community. He repeated that the plan

described Gahanna as a welcoming, supportive, and safe community that

built lasting connections and fostered mutual respect, understanding, and

belonging. He said he strongly encouraged using similar language and tying

the resolution back to that community-based document.

Councilmember Renner said he thought that was a good idea. President

Bowers said she supported that recommended revision. Councilmember

Jones agreed and said she did not intend to disagree with that suggestion.

Councilmember Schnetzer said he understood and only wanted to ensure

that City Council did not lose sight of the connection to the strategic plan.

Councilmember McGregor said she researched Universal Human Rights

Month and learned that the declaration included 30 articles, but said she was

not able to find a list of the specific rights. President Bowers said the United

States signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Councilmember

McGregor replied that she wanted to know what the 30 rights were. President

Bowers said she could not recite them from memory but said the declaration

was available. Councilmember McGregor said she did not find them listed

and said she thought it was important to know what the city supported. City

Attorney Tamilarasan said the document and its 30 articles were available as

a PDF on the United Nations website. Councilmember McGregor

acknowledged the response.

Vice President Weaver thanked the city attorney and then thanked

Councilmembers Jones and Renner for their work. He said the topic involved

strong feelings and that serving in City Council roles required advocacy for

residents while recognizing that not everyone would agree. He said he

appreciated Councilmembers Jones and Renner’s willingness to work with

their colleagues and incorporate suggested changes. He said he agreed that

emphasizing human dignity and a welcoming community for all highlighted

one of the traits that made Gahanna a wonderful place. He said leading with

positive language contrasted Gahanna’s values with the rhetoric heard

recently. He said he generally felt hesitant to address national issues in his

role because he believed City Council’s focus should remain on the local

community, but he said that when national comments directly affected local

residents, it made sense for City Council to respond. He referenced

Councilmember Renner’s earlier remarks and said that national rhetoric had

a direct impact on residents and neighbors. He said he once worked in the

immigrant space with the State Department, the Department of Homeland

Security, and central Ohio’s immigrant population and saw the effects of such

language. Weaver said he was also the child of immigrants and felt proud that

his parents chose to make the United States, Ohio, and Gahanna their home.

He said he returned to his hometown to raise his own family and lived two

doors down from his parents, which he described as a meaningful choice. He

said he hoped Gahanna would remain a great place for his family and for

families who did not look, speak, or practice faith as he did. He said his

parents had asked him questions about ongoing rhetoric and policy at the

national level and that language had a ripple effect that clearly affected the

community. He said he hoped a joint statement could reaffirm the city’s

commitment to all residents and affirm that Gahanna was a welcoming home

for everyone. Vice President Weaver thanked his colleagues for the

discussion and thanked Councilmembers Renner and Jones for bringing the

resolution forward. He said he saw Councilmember Jones taking notes on

possible edits and heard Councilmember Renner express openness to

changes. He suggested that an updated draft be circulated to City Council

during the week so that they could consider it and vote on it at the next

meeting, and he asked if that approach was acceptable.

Mayor Jadwin asked whether City Council would include her for the purpose

of making a joint resolution and proclamation or whether she should plan a

separate action. Vice President Weaver said they would share the updated

draft. Councilmember Renner said they would include Mayor Jadwin. Mayor

Jadwin thanked them.

Vice President Weaver said the item would appear on the regular agenda on

December 15, 2025, and said City Council looked forward to reviewing the

updated draft.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Regular Agenda on 12/15/2025.

Councilmember Padova:

RES-0061-2025

A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PINNELL CHRISTMAS

EXTRAVAGANZA AND ITS CONTINUED PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT

ON THE GAHANNA COMMUNITY

Councilmember Padova reported that she attended the 50th anniversary of

the Pinnell Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday. She stated that the event

began 50 years earlier as a performance for senior citizens at the Stygler

Village Senior Center and grew into two shows at the high school, where

attendees arrived about an hour early to save seats. She said the fire marshal

often received calls because so many people attended. She explained that

organizers collected donations for Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN) as the

entrance fee and that this donation served as one of GRIN’s largest of the

year. She said she wished to bring forward a resolution recognizing the 50th

anniversary and the impact the event had on the community by raising

awareness of GRIN, collecting donations, and providing a Christmas show for

residents. She apologized for the last-minute resolution and invited questions

or feedback.

Vice President Weaver asked if there was any discussion. Hearing none, he

said he struggled to believe the event had run for 50 years. He recalled

watching the Pinnells perform during varsity varieties when he was in high

school and said that even then he felt they were always part of the

community. He remarked that high school now felt like a long time ago, so 50

years seemed possible. He thanked Councilmember Padova for bringing the

item forward and said City Council would place the resolution on the consent

agenda for the following week.

Councilmember Padova added that she believed Jeri and Ashley Pinnell

would attend the meeting, and that she was still finalizing those

arrangements. She said there would be a presentation to Jeri Pinnell as the

founder and noted that Jeri had begun to pass responsibilities on to her

daughter Ashley.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Regular Agenda on 12/15/2025.

ADJOURNMENT:

Before turning the meeting over to Chairman Renner for the Finance

Committee, Vice President Weaver noted he did not anticipate holding a

Committee of the Whole meeting on December 22, 2025. He noted that staff

and Mayor Jadwin appeared to agree and said he had no desire to attend

alone. He thanked everyone and said it was a wonderful year. He expressed

appreciation for everyone’s dedication and time.

With no further business before the Committee of the Whole, the Chair

adjourned the meeting at 8:38 p.m.