200 South Hamilton Road

Gahanna, Ohio 43230

City of Gahanna

Meeting Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Jamille Jones, Chair

Merisa K. Bowers

Nancy R. McGregor

Kaylee Padova

Stephen A. Renner

Michael Schnetzer

Trenton I. Weaver

Jeremy A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council

Monday, January 12, 2026

7:00 PM

City Hall, Council Chambers

CALL TO ORDER:

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

12, 2026, in Council Chambers. Vice President of Council Jamille Jones,

Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The agenda was published on

January 9, 2026. All members were present for the meeting. There were no

additions or corrections to the agenda.

ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION:

MT-0001-2026

A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GAHANNA BIDDING FOR THE

2026 STREET TREE PLANTING PROGRAM

Vice President Jamille Jones opened the agenda item from the Department of

Parks and Recreation and recognized Director Stephania Ferrell. Director

Ferrell stated that she had three items for Council consideration, all related to

competitive bidding. She presented the first item as a request for permission

to bid the Street Tree Planting Program. She explained that the program

prioritized replacement trees and that residents would receive notification

prior to any planting, with the opportunity to opt into the program. She noted

that this marked the third year of the program and that, due to available

funding and continued commitment to the effort, the program had reached the

threshold requiring competitive bidding. She formally requested a motion

granting permission to bid the Street Tree Planting Program. Vice President

Jones asked whether there were any questions or discussion.

President Trenton Weaver thanked Director Ferrell and expressed

enthusiasm for the program’s progress. He asked whether the program

targeted large areas with significant tree removals, particularly those involving

hazardous tree replacements. Director Ferrell confirmed that this was

correct. President Weaver then asked whether the City maintained a map or

parcel list for the proposed plantings or whether potential vendors would

propose locations within the scope of work. Director Ferrell responded that

staff had identified a list of approximately 120 trees eligible for the program,

but the final list of plantings would not be established until residents received

notification letters and opted into the program. President Weaver thanked

Director Ferrell and stated that he had no further questions.

Councilmember Kaylee Padova stated that she was looking ahead to both the

Street Tree Planting Program and the Street Tree Pruning Program. She

asked whether bids for both programs would likely come from the same

companies and whether there was a reason the two scopes of work were not

combined, or whether they could be combined if the same vendor submitted

the lowest bid for both. Director Ferrell explained that separating the scopes

of work allowed the City to better understand the value of each service

independently. She noted that while the same vendor could potentially be

awarded both contracts, separating the programs remained beneficial for

evaluation purposes. Councilmember Padova then asked whether the City

could request better pricing if the same vendor were awarded both contracts.

Director Ferrell replied that the competitive bid process governed pricing and

that the City was limited to the bids received through that process.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 1/20/2026.

MT-0002-2026

A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GAHANNA BIDDING FOR THE

2026 STREET TREE PRUNING PROGRAM

Director Ferrell introduced the second item and noted that it related to the

same overall effort but involved a different scope of work. She stated that care

of the City’s existing tree canopy remained a priority and that consistent

management, including pruning, remained necessary to sustain that initiative.

She requested a motion granting permission to bid the Street Tree Pruning

Program. Vice President Jones asked whether there were any questions.

Councilmember Nancy McGregor asked whether this marked the first year

the City had pursued a contract for street tree pruning. Director Ferrell

confirmed that this marked the first large contract of that nature. She added

that the City had previously completed pruning along arterials to address

low-hanging hazards and keep them out of the roadway and right of way.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 1/20/2026.

MT-0003-2026

A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GAHANNA BIDDING FOR THE

ACADEMY PARK RENOVATION PROJECT

Director Stephania Ferrell presented the final item from the Department of

Parks and Recreation and requested permission to bid the Academy Park

Renovation Project. She explained that the project included multiple

components, including a redesigned playground, an expanded shelter house

to serve as a concession area, restroom facility, and trailhead, an improved

parking lot with added stormwater infrastructure, a newly surfaced basketball

court, and an improved on-site trail network. She stated that funding for the

project was included in the 2026 Capital Improvement Funding Request and

formally requested a motion granting permission to bid the project. Vice

President Jones asked for questions and recognized Councilmember Michael

Schnetzer.

Councilmember Michael Schnetzer stated that he looked forward to seeing

the project move forward and noted that the project had been discussed for

several years. He asked whether the Parks and Recreation Department had

considered potential disruptions to other programming at Academy Park,

specifically referencing the Gahanna Junior League Sports “Gahanna Blast”

travel baseball tournament typically held in late June or early July. He asked

whether the department planned to communicate with affected stakeholders.

Director Ferrell responded that staff understood the potential impact on Junior

League Sports and other park user groups. She stated that the department

had scheduled a meeting with Junior League representatives to discuss the

construction schedule and timeline.

Councilmember Stephen Renner referenced Director Ferrell’s memorandum,

which discussed stormwater management and potential treatment. He stated

that he did not recall this being discussed previously and noted that he

reviewed meeting minutes with assistance from Clerk VanMeter that indicated

it had been mentioned as a possibility. He asked whether the project would

include green infrastructure and requested additional detail regarding the

treatment approach. Director Ferrell responded that staff were currently

working through the specifications related to a bioswale component. She

stated that she would be happy to provide a follow-up discussion with more

detailed information but was not prepared to elaborate further at that meeting.

Councilmember Renner then asked whether the department had considered

inclusive or interpretive signage to educate the public about the stormwater

infrastructure and its function. Director Ferrell stated that enhancing

interpretive signage represented a systemwide goal and that the department

intended to expand educational opportunities related to conservation impacts

throughout the park system, including this project.

Vice President Jones asked about the number of parking spaces and

requested a reminder of where the project stood relative to previous

discussions. Director Ferrell responded that the existing parking lot included

298 spaces and that the project would add 46 new spaces, with the intent to

expand the parking lot accordingly.

Councilmember Merisa Bowers asked whether earlier concerns about the

project impacting field or play areas had been addressed. Director Ferrell

responded that, due to the park’s design, the soccer fields and associated

green space would not be impacted.

Councilmember Kaylee Padova asked whether the Goblin Trail, which she

noted was well loved by the community, would be affected by the project.

Director Ferrell responded that there was a strong possibility the trail would

be impacted. She stated that staff would make appropriate adjustments to

ensure the trail was not simply eliminated and that an alternative plan would

be developed.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 1/20/2026.

ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING:

MT-0004-2026

A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GAHANNA BIDDING FOR THE

2026 STREET & SIDEWALK PROGRAM (ST-1122)

Senior Director Kevin Schultz presented items from the Department of

Engineering. He stated that he would present two items, both requests for

permission to bid, like items previously presented by the Department of Parks

and Recreation. Senior Director Schultz introduced the first item as a request

for permission to bid the 2026 Street and Sidewalk Program. He explained

that the program included the same scope of work completed in recent years,

including curb repairs, crack sealing, micro-resurfacing, and other

preservation treatments on selected streets. He stated that a map attached to

the agenda identified streets scheduled for crack sealing versus other

maintenance activities. He formally requested permission to bid the 2026

Street and Sidewalk Program. Vice President Jones asked whether there

were any questions.

President Weaver asked whether the selection of streets for the program was

based on a recently completed pavement analysis or rating. Senior Director

Schultz responded that the Engineering Department planned to complete the

pavement assessment in the spring of 2026. He noted that the assessment

had originally been scheduled for the fall but was delayed due to an

insufficient number of responses to the request for proposals process.

President Weaver asked whether the list of streets could change following

completion of the pavement assessment. Senior Director Schultz confirmed

that the list for the current program would not change but that future programs

could be affected. President Weaver then asked whether Council would be

able to review the assessment data once it was completed. Senior Director

Schultz stated that staff would share the information once it was compiled.

Mayor Jadwin acknowledged that the data might be difficult to interpret.

President Weaver stated that it would be helpful, noting that residents

frequently asked when their streets would be paved. He explained that

understanding the assessment would help address questions about why

some streets received repairs more frequently than others. Senior Director

Schultz agreed.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 1/20/2026.

MT-0005-2026

A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GAHANNA BIDDING FOR THE

2026 SIDEWALK LOOKBACK PROGRAM (ST-1123)

Senior Director Kevin Schultz introduced the second item from the

Department of Engineering as a request for permission to bid the 2026

Sidewalk Lookback Program. He explained that, following the 2021-2023

Street Program, the City elected to perform sidewalk maintenance on those

same streets. He stated that this item represented the next set of streets

included in the lookback program and noted that the streets were listed in the

report by individual street and intersection. He formally requested permission

to bid the 2026 Sidewalk Lookback Program.

Councilmember Nancy McGregor asked whether the program included

driveway aprons. Senior Director Schultz responded that the program did not

include driveway aprons and applied only to the pedestrian sidewalk facility

running through each parcel. Councilmember McGregor asked whether

driveway aprons were addressed under the first item previously discussed.

Senior Director Schultz explained that apron work fell under the Street

Rebuild Program, which Council had approved earlier, and clarified that the

Street Rebuild Program did include full curb, gutter, and driveway apron

replacement. Councilmember McGregor commented that the City had

received many complaints the previous year regarding partial apron

replacements and stated that half-apron work looked poor. She asked

whether the City could complete full apron replacements. Senior Director

Schultz responded that driveway aprons represented the most expensive

concrete component of the work and that, in many cases, apron maintenance

remained the responsibility of the property owner. He explained that the City

followed Columbus specifications, which required a one-foot cutback into the

apron to maintain proper construction standards. He noted that complaints

regarding the one-foot cutback had been minimal compared to the total

number of completed projects during his tenure. Councilmember McGregor

stated that partial apron work created additional seams, increasing the

likelihood of deterioration. Senior Director Schultz agreed that seams could

contribute to deterioration but reiterated that Columbus standards governed

the City’s approach. He explained that the specifications required minimum

slab dimensions and that staff followed these standards consistently across

curb, gutter, and apron work.

Councilmember Merisa Bowers asked whether clearer communication to

homeowners could address concerns, specifically by explaining that City

work included apron replacement up to the one-foot cutback and that

homeowners could independently contract with the same contractor to

complete full apron work. Senior Director Schultz responded that the City

already notified homeowners participating in the program that cutbacks might

occur. He explained that, in some cases, cutbacks on the driveway side of

the sidewalk extended up to four feet to ensure proper slope and eliminate

hazards. He stated that allowing contractors to split work between City and

homeowner projects created administrative, billing, and warranty

complications. He emphasized that homeowners retained the option to

replace their driveway aprons independently. Senior Director Schultz further

explained that the program had operated for several cycles and predated

multiple prior city engineers. He stated that staff refined notification letters

regularly and that the cutback language had been added in recent cycles. He

acknowledged that staff could review the communication again for clarity.

Mayor Laurie Jadwin stated that staff could review the homeowner

communication to ensure clarity and make revisions if needed.

Councilmember Bowers agreed that there was always room for

improvement, and Mayor Jadwin remarked that her staff would confirm her

preference for revisions.

Vice President Jones asked about an overlap on McCutcheon Road, noting

that it appeared on both the street and sidewalk program lists, and asked

whether work would occur simultaneously. Senior Director Schultz explained

that the street work on McCutcheon involved a preservation sealer applied to

recently completed pavement, while the sidewalk work fell under the lookback

program. He stated that the street portion of McCutcheon had been

completed within the previous three to four years. Vice President Jones

thanked Senior Director Schultz for the clarification, asked whether there

were any further questions, and stated that the item would move forward on

the consent agenda for January 20.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 1/20/2026.

ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

ORD-0002-2026

AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING, APPROVING, AND RATIFYING THE

SUBMITTED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA TAX

INCENTIVE REVIEW COUNCIL FOR TAX YEAR 2024

Jeff Gottke, Director of Economic Development, presented the item regarding

approval to continue the post-1994 Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax

abatements. He explained that Council considered the Tax Incentive Review

Council’s (TIRC) recommendation for tax year 2024, noting that the City

reviewed abatements one year in arrears. He stated that Council previously

approved the 2023 tax year recommendation and that the City received the

TIRC minutes in mid-December and placed the item on the agenda as soon

as possible in January. Director Gottke reminded Council that state law

required TIRC to recommend whether to continue, modify, or cancel existing

property tax abatements. He stated that TIRC also reviewed pre-1994 reports

and tax increment financing (TIF) area reports for informational purposes

only. He reviewed the composition of TIRC for the year, explaining that

membership varied by municipality and included representatives from the

county auditor, commissioners, townships, affected school districts, and

municipalities. Director Gottke outlined the reporting timeline. He stated that

the Economic Development Department must submit reports to the Ohio

Department of Development by March 31. He explained that staff sent

reporting documents to businesses, followed up through calls, emails, and

visits, and compiled the information for submission. He noted that TIRC,

operating at the county level, typically met in mid-summer to review the

reports and then sent recommendations back to the communities for

legislative action. He stated that the City ideally completed this process within

the calendar year, although multiple entities sometimes caused delays.

Director Gottke explained the separate roles of the Community Reinvestment

Area Housing Council, which reviewed existing abatements, and TIRC, which

made formal recommendations to Council. He reported that 13 post-1994

abatements existed and that TIRC found all 13 in compliance and

recommended continuation without modification. He noted that one

abatement expired in 2024, returning approximately $31,000 to the tax rolls.

Director Gottke reviewed performance data related to job retention, job

creation, and payroll. He stated that companies outside their job-creation

windows exceeded their commitments, creating 593 jobs compared to 462

committed. He reported that total payroll exceeded commitments by

approximately $15.5 million, resulting in an estimated $630,000 additional

impact to the City in 2024. He explained that companies self-reported the

data, and staff verified payroll with the Finance Department and physical

investment with the county auditor. Director Gottke concluded his

presentation.

Councilmember Merisa Bowers thanked Director Gottke and stated that she

had substantive and procedural questions. She acknowledged additional

context he provided by email earlier in the day and commented positively on

local businesses outperforming projections. She asked about the abatement

for Buckeye Elm Holdings Company LLC, created in 2020, and questioned an

inconsistency indicating that job creation and payroll would occur by

December 31, 2024. Director Gottke stated that the information was incorrect

and clarified that the company had the entire abatement period to create the

jobs. Councilmember Bowers confirmed that the abatement term was 10

years at 80 percent. Councilmember Bowers asked what would occur if, at

the end of the 10-year term, the company fell short of its job-creation

commitments. Director Gottke responded that CRA abatements did not

include clawback provisions. Councilmember Bowers expressed concern

about that structure and asked whether guaranteed performance periods

might provide better accountability. Director Gottke stated that job-creation

windows of 36 or 48 months were standard but that each agreement differed,

and he did not know the specifics of that abatement. Councilmember Bowers

referenced a 2025 TIRC report containing an economist’s study suggesting

that abatements did not always deliver expected job creation, while TIFs

performed better, and stated that Council should keep that in mind. Turning to

procedural questions, Councilmember Bowers asked why Mifflin Township

lacked representation at the TIRC meeting. Director Gottke explained that the

county auditor’s office issued invitations and that he did not know why the

township did not attend. Councilmember Bowers noted that the City

representatives listed did not match those confirmed by Council in 2024.

Director Gottke stated that the confirmed representatives were unavailable

and that temporary representatives attended so the City would not lack

representation. Mayor Laurie Jadwin stated that staff reviewed the applicable

code and believed the action taken complied with what the law permitted.

Councilmember Bowers cited the Ohio Revised Code and questioned

whether stand-in appointments were allowed. City Attorney Priya Tamilarasan

cited Section 5709.85(A)(2), stating that the mayor appointed municipal

representatives with Council concurrence. She stated that she had not been

consulted before the meeting and offered to provide guidance in the future.

Councilmember Bowers asked whether the representation issue affected the

validity of the TIRC recommendation. City Attorney Tamilarasan stated that

she needed additional time to assess potential exposure and believed there

were likely no ramifications but would confirm. Mayor Jadwin asked her to

also review the implications if the City had not attended the TIRC meeting.

City Attorney Tamilarasan agreed. Director Gottke noted that the TIRC

minutes were unofficial and stated that he observed Ms. Brant voting,

although the audio recording might not reflect it clearly. He stated that

corrections could occur when TIRC approved the minutes. Councilmember

Bowers stated that Council would consider confirming appointees at a future

meeting if needed to ensure a smooth 2025 TIRC review. She asked when

Council needed to act on the TIRC recommendation. City Attorney

Tamilarasan stated that Council had 60 days after receiving the county

minutes to hold a meeting and vote. Director Gottke stated that the City

received the minutes around December 15 or December 19 and remained

within the 60-day period. He stated that this meeting was the first committee

meeting after receipt.

Councilmember Nancy McGregor questioned whether the clock started when

Council received the minutes. City Attorney Tamilarasan stated that the code

referenced receipt by the legislative authority and that she was unsure

whether receipt by administration constituted receipt by Council.

Councilmember McGregor noted that the votes were not close and

questioned whether representation issues affected the outcome.

Councilmember Bowers noted that was her question to the City Attorney.

Vice President Jones asked what the situation would be if the City had no

representatives at all. City Attorney Tamilarasan stated that she would

research that concern. Vice President Jones asked for further questions or

discussion. Hearing none, she stated that the legislation would receive first

reading on January 20, 2026, return to the next Committee of the Whole, and

come back as a regular item on February 2, 2026, at Councilmember

Bowers’ request. Vice President Jones thanked Director Gottke for the

presentation.

Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading on Regular Agenda on 1/20/2026;

Further Discussion in Committee of the Whole on 1/26/2026; Second

Reading/Adoption on Regular Agenda on 2/2/2026.

ITEMS FROM THE MAYOR'S OFFICE:

Charter Review Commission Appointment Announcements

Mayor Laurie Jadwin followed up on the Council discussion from the

organizational meeting on January 2, 2026, at which time Council announced

its appointments to the Charter Review Commission. She explained that,

because Council announced some appointments at that meeting, she

delayed announcing her mayoral appointments. Mayor Jadwin announced her

appointments to the 2026 Charter Review Commission and stated that the

selected individuals brought a mix of professional experience, community

involvement, and a commitment to public service. She appointed Richard

Maxwell, Ray Mularski (consistent with the tradition of appointing the former

City Attorney to the commission), and Carrin Wester. Mayor Jadwin thanked

all appointees, on behalf of Council and the City, for their willingness to

volunteer their time, expertise, and service to the community, and stated that

she looked forward to the work of the commission in the coming months.

ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:

Councilmember Padova:

Sgt. Coffee Co. Ribbon Cutting

Councilmember Kaylee Padova announced that a ribbon cutting would take

place on Thursday, January 22, for SGT Coffee, which opened a coffee bar at

The Well in the Creekside District at 140 N. Hight Street. She stated that the

event would occur from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and that she planned to

attend and offer recognition. Councilmember Padova invited other

Councilmembers to attend and asked those interested to notify Clerk

VanMeter by Tuesday, January 20, 2026, so signatures could be collected at

the Tuesday night meeting and materials prepared in advance of the event.

She stated that she would answer any questions.

Vice President Jamille Jones asked if there were any questions. Hearing

none, she thanked Councilmember Padova.

Councilmember Bowers:

RES-0001-2026

JOINT

RESOLUTION

AND

PROCLAMATION

RECOGNIZING

JANUARY 19, 2026 AS MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY AND THE

NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA AND

COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING RETIRED JUDGE JAMES E.

GREEN FOR HIS LEGACY OF SERVICE AND JUSTICE TO THE

RESIDENTS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO

Councilmember Merisa Bowers stated that Council traditionally adopted a

resolution recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the National Day of

Service. She explained that this year also provided an opportunity to highlight

retired Judge James Green, whom she described as one of Gahanna’s

strongest advocates for justice. She stated that Judge Green planned to

attend the meeting and expressed enthusiasm about the recognition. She

noted that Judge Green reviewed and vetted the information contained in the

resolution. Councilmember Bowers stated that Judge Green served as a

31-year veteran of the municipal court and retired effective December 31,

2025. She added that his birthday occurred the previous week and expressed

appreciation for recognizing him during his birthday month. She stated that

Council looked forward to honoring Judge Green and his wife, Rhesa.

Vice President Jones noted that the item was a joint resolution and

proclamation and thanked the Mayor for joining in the recognition. She asked

whether there was any discussion.

Councilmember Nancy McGregor remarked on a police escort that

accompanied Judge Green from the courthouse through Gahanna to his

home and stated that the gesture appeared meaningful and well deserved.

Councilmember Bowers noted a last-minute correction to the resolution,

clarifying that Judge Green served five years on the Ohio Supreme Court as

an administrator rather than six years as general counsel. She stated that the

corrected information appeared in the current document on Granicus.

Mayor Jadwin thanked Councilmember Bowers for the invitation to join in the

joint recognition. She described Judge Green as an exceptional leader, a

strong representative of Gahanna, and a phenomenal jurist. She stated that

recognizing his service to both Gahanna and Franklin County would be a

pleasure.

Vice President Jones asked the City Attorney for feedback. City Attorney Priya

Tamilarasan stated that she practiced before Judge Green for 15 years and

expressed that the recognition was well deserved. She stated her approval of

the resolution.

Vice President Jones stated that the resolution would be placed on the

consent agenda for January 20.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 1/20/2026.

Councilmember Jones:

2026-0002

Resolutions Calendar for 2026

Vice President Jones stated that the agenda included a list of ceremonial

resolutions from the prior year. She proposed that Council review the list

comprehensively and then revisit it on a quarterly basis to determine whether

to continue the same resolutions, add new ones, or coordinate joint

resolutions or proclamations with Mayor Jadwin. She explained that the

discussion that evening would focus on the first quarter of the year. Vice

President Jones noted that Council would again have a Martin Luther King, Jr.

Day resolution. She referenced a cervical health awareness month resolution

from the prior year and stated that no Councilmembers had expressed

interest in repeating it for the current January.

Councilmember Merisa Bowers stated that, for a future January, she wanted

Council to consider recognizing Human Trafficking Prevention Awareness

Month. She noted that the observance often occurred quickly in January and

stated that Councilmember Padova was aware of individuals working with

survivors who could be recognized in conjunction with that month.

Vice President Jones stated that Council would add that item to the list for

consideration in the following year. She then provided an update on Black

History Month, stating that Council planned to adopt a joint resolution and

proclamation. She explained that she contacted Mayor Jadwin earlier in the

day and confirmed plans for a special presentation by Tom Gregory on Cora

Thurman, the first African American graduate of the high school. She stated

that the presentation would take place before the February 2, 2026 regular

meeting, beginning at 6:00 p.m., and would include a reception with

refreshments. She explained that the goal was to invite the community to

learn about Ms. Thurman’s legacy in Gahanna. She thanked Clerk VanMeter

for assistance in organizing the event. Vice President Jones stated that

Council would formally present the resolution during the February 2 meeting

to Ms. Thurman’s granddaughter and to Mr. Gregory, and that formal

invitations would be extended to Council and administration. Vice President

Jones asked whether there was discussion on other items on the list.

Councilmember Michael Schnetzer stated that, although the discussion

focused on the first quarter, he wanted to comment more broadly because he

would not attend the next committee meeting. He noted that the list included

approximately 17 ceremonial resolutions and expressed concern about the

volume. He suggested tightening the list by limiting the number of resolutions

per Councilmember or by applying qualitative criteria, such as recognizing

meritorious service or significant achievements. He stated that multiple

resolutions could detract from Council’s capacity to focus on day-to-day City

business.

Councilmember Kaylee Padova stated that she understood the concern but

emphasized the importance of ceremonial resolutions in engaging community

members who might not otherwise attend Council meetings. She stated that

recognizing organizations, groups, and individuals helped connect residents

to City government. She noted that Council typically limited presentations to

one per meeting, occasionally two, and stated that recognizing residents and

community members remained an important part of Council’s role.

Vice President Jones stated that she also supported some reduction but

emphasized the importance of maintaining recognition of heritage and

awareness months, such as Black History Month, Women’s History Month,

and LGBTQ-related observances. She noted that the City did not otherwise

formally recognize those events and stated that Council resolutions provided

an important opportunity to do so. She asked whether Council would support

bringing the matter back to a future committee meeting with

recommendations to streamline the list. Councilmember Bowers expressed

support. Vice President Jones stated that Clerk VanMeter and she would

review the 2025 list, make recommendations, and bring the matter back to a

future committee.

President Trenton Weaver asked Mayor Jadwin whether there were any joint

proclamations or resolutions not on the list that she anticipated bringing

forward and for which she might invite Council participation. Mayor Jadwin

responded that she did not plan her proclamations on a full-year calendar.

She explained that past joint proclamations resulted either from Council

inviting her to participate or from her inviting Council to join. She noted that

some proclamations occurred outside Council Chambers within the

community. She stated that most recurring items already appeared on the list

and suggested continuing the discussion on streamlining before identifying

any additional items.

Vice President Jones thanked everyone for the feedback and stated that

Council would proceed with reviewing and potentially trimming the list at a

future committee meeting. She noted consensus on proceeding with the

Martin Luther King Jr. Day resolution and Black History Month recognition.

Recommendation: Further Discussion in Committee of the Whole scheduled on

1/26/2026.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m.