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, May 19, 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, May 19, 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 May 16, 2025.

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

Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver

Present

1 - Stephen A. Renner

Absent

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Resolution Presentation by Council - CHLOE, Inc.

Connie Nafziger, Founder

Melanie O'Neal, Executive Director

President Bowers presented a resolution recognizing CHLOE Inc. for 25

years of service to young mothers in the community. She honored its

founder, Connie Nafziger, for her transformative leadership and lifelong

commitment to supporting women ages 13 to 21 through mentorship,

education, and parenting resources. President Bowers also welcomed

incoming Executive Director Melanie O’Neal and thanked both women for

their contributions.

Ms. Nafziger reflected on her time with CHLOE, calling it her dream job

despite its challenges. She shared stories of the organization’s impact on

young mothers, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and

self-sufficiency. She announced her retirement and expressed full

confidence in Ms. O’Neal as her successor.

Ms. O’Neal thanked the Council and praised Ms. Nafziger as a role model.

She expressed her commitment to continuing CHLOE’s mission and outlined

goals to address participation barriers, especially transportation, and to

expand outreach and volunteer support.

2. Gahanna Energy Plus Community Choice Aggregation Rate Update

Luke Sulfridge, Executive Director, SOPEC

Stephen Harris, Regional Director for Central Ohio, SOPEC

2025-0116

SOPEC

Gahanna Energy Plus Presentation to City Council

5.19.2025

Mr. Luke Sulfridge, Executive Director of SOPEC, provided an update on the

City of Gahanna’s electric aggregation program. He began by thanking the

City for its transparency and the information made available to residents

through the City’s website. He offered a brief timeline, noting that Gahanna

reactivated its electric aggregation program in summer 2024, with the supply

term beginning in December 2024. Mr. Sulfridge reported that, since the start

of the supply term, the program had generated approximately $423,000 in

savings for participating customers, which included both residential and

small commercial accounts. He emphasized that the program achieved

these savings while providing 100% renewable energy. He stated that the

program’s dual goals-to save money and promote renewable power-had

been successfully met. He added that the environmental impact was

significant, equating the program’s benefits to the preservation of half a

million trees, with the hope of reaching the equivalent of one million trees

next year. Formal year-end data would be shared once the supply year

concluded at the end of the month. He shared current participation metrics,

stating that 9,000 accounts were enrolled in the program. An additional 111

customers had proactively opted in, despite previously selecting other power

suppliers, which Mr. Sulfridge characterized as a healthy number. He noted

that the program was opt-out by default for eligible residents. Mr. Sulfridge

also highlighted that the program allows for net metering, and reported that

180 participating accounts, primarily residential, had solar installations. He

concluded that this was a strong indicator of Gahanna’s engagement with

renewable energy and a healthy benchmark for Ohio.

Mr. Sulfridge informed Council of a forthcoming price increase in the electric

aggregation program, effective in June. He explained that this increase is

driven primarily by a significant rise in capacity charges, which are part of

operating costs within the regional power grid managed by PJM (originally

serving Pennsylvania, Jersey, and Maryland, but now encompassing 13

states, including all of Ohio). Mr. Sulfridge noted that capacity charges had

increased tenfold this year due to high auction prices, affecting all power

suppliers, including standard service offers and aggregation programs. He

emphasized that these capacity costs are driven by peak demand periods,

typically on the hottest summer days between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m., when

overall grid usage is highest. He stated that SOPEC is actively working to

deploy more renewable assets and encourage local solar installations to help

reduce peak demand and associated capacity charges. Mr. Sulfridge

presented a map of the PJM region to contextualize the issue, noting that

other grid operators face similar challenges. He explained that for the

upcoming supply year, Gahanna's aggregation rate will remain lower than

the standard service offer (SSO) from AEP Ohio, despite the increase. The

city’s aggregation rate will be over two-tenths of a cent lower per

kilowatt-hour than the SSO and will continue to provide 100% green energy.

He also noted that residents may opt into a non-renewable ("brown") power

option within the aggregation program for slightly more savings if they

choose. However, the default offering remains green energy, and residents

will continue to save compared to the standard market rate without taking

any action. Mr. Sulfridge acknowledged the burden that rising rates could

pose, especially for vulnerable households, and affirmed SOPEC’s

commitment to helping communities identify solutions. He announced that

residents would receive a postcard with information about the rate change

and instructions on how to opt in or out of the program. He added that this

information would also be available on the City of Gahanna’s aggregation

webpage. He concluded by highlighting a federal concern: the national Low

Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) had lost its staffing,

raising uncertainty about its availability during a period when many

households may need support. Mr. Sulfridge reiterated that while Gahanna’s

aggregation program will continue to provide savings and renewable energy,

the broader market realities present financial and policy challenges for

residents.

Questions from Council

Councilmember Schnetzer asked for insight into potential rate relief beyond

the next 12 months, referencing factors such as data center growth, power

plant retirements, market rule changes, and construction delays. Mr.

Sulfridge responded that current projections suggest rates will continue to

rise over the next few years, calling it a "new normal." He emphasized that

delays in bringing renewable assets online-particularly due to grid operator

constraints-were contributing to the issue. He explained that renewable

energy sources like solar could help offset future capacity charges by

producing power during peak demand times, such as summer afternoons.

He also noted policy discussions occurring in other states and at the Ohio

Statehouse regarding potential responses to rising costs and regional

transmission operator practices.

Councilmember Jones asked for clarification on whether price increases

were affecting all energy types and programs. Mr. Sulfridge confirmed that

price increases were occurring across the board, including green and brown

power, and for both aggregated and non-aggregated customers. He

explained that base capacity costs were increasing due to grid-wide peak

demand challenges and standby power requirements. He further clarified

that green power itself was not driving up costs and, in fact, had become

less expensive due to falling renewable energy certificate (REC) prices.

Councilmember Padova thanked Mr. Sulfridge for the data presented and

asked who would receive the informational postcard about the rate increase.

Mr. Sulfridge explained that the postcard would be sent to all eligible

aggregation participants, which includes households and small commercial

accounts that had not opted out, shopped for their own supplier, enrolled in

the PIPP program, or joined the PUCO’s do-not-aggregate list. He stated

that individuals who previously opted out would likely not receive the mailing,

out of respect for their decision, but agreed to follow up on whether those

residents could be included. Councilmember Padova asked for confirmation

that the new aggregation rate would still be lower than AEP Ohio’s standard

service offer (SSO). Mr. Sulfridge affirmed that the new fixed rate of 9.756

cents per kilowatt-hour would remain below the SSO rate, which is expected

to increase in July. He noted that the aggregation rate would be locked in for

12 months, from June through May 2026, and residents could opt in or out at

any time without penalty. Councilmember Padova also confirmed that both

the aggregation and SSO rates would be included on the informational

postcard, helping residents compare and decide whether to participate. Mr.

Sulfridge clarified that while the June SSO rate was known, AEP’s rates

change slightly each quarter, and the July rate would be confirmed and

communicated once released.

Stephen Harris, Regional Director for Central Ohio, SOPEC, acknowledged

an error in a prior slide that incorrectly included a fixed June 2025-June 2026

SSO rate. He clarified that only the aggregation rate is fixed for one year,

while AEP’s SSO rate may vary slightly. Mr. Sulfridge added that current and

updated SSO rates would be posted on the PUCO "Apples to Apples"

website and that SOPEC would update the City’s aggregation webpage with

relevant rate information for residents. Mr. Harris also noted that each

SOPEC community has a dedicated page on the SOPEC website showing

their aggregation rate.

Vice President Weaver asked when the informational postcards would be

mailed to residents. Mr. Sulfridge confirmed that AEP Energy planned to

send them by the end of May. Mr. Harris added that an electronic version

would likely be available for Council review by the end of the current week.

Vice President Weaver also raised an issue regarding residents who were

eligible for aggregation but were not automatically enrolled, possibly due to

miscoding or address data errors. Mr. Harris responded that some

exclusions were related to incorrect street listings or tariff codes. Mr.

Sulfridge added that while such issues occur occasionally due to inaccurate

utility data or rate structures, the number of affected residents in this cycle

appeared to be very low. He noted that SOPEC works with individual

customers to resolve eligibility questions and stated that most program data

would improve in future cycles as initial errors are addressed. Weaver

commended staff for their responsiveness in resolving a resident’s

enrollment issue and confirmed there is no wholesale remedy for address or

utility data discrepancies. Mr. Sulfridge explained that boundary ambiguity,

especially in urban areas, can complicate data accuracy, but reassured

Council that this instance did not appear widespread.

Councilmember McGregor asked for the rate for the “brown”

(non-renewable) energy option. Mr. Harris stated that the rate was 9.461

cents per kilowatt-hour. Mr. Sulfridge confirmed that residents wishing to

select the brown power option could do so via phone or the website.

President Bowers asked for clarification about the relationship between

SOPEC and AEP Energy, as well as how energy is procured. Mr. Sulfridge

explained that Gahanna joined SOPEC’s aggregation program last year and

synchronized with the broader consortium of member communities for this

supply cycle. He noted that SOPEC now includes 41 member communities,

with more expected to join. He explained that SOPEC works with AEP

Energy to monitor the energy market and identify optimal times to purchase

energy. When market conditions are favorable, AEP Energy solicits three

bids from energy suppliers. This ensures competitive pricing, and SOPEC

selects the lowest bid. He emphasized the advantage of this approach

compared to fixed-date procurement models, which may not secure the best

pricing. He noted that AEP Energy acts as the broker, purchasing power

from the limited pool of active Ohio suppliers-currently estimated at five or

fewer-many of which have consolidated in recent years. President Bowers

acknowledged the limited supplier pool and suggested that it was an area for

the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to monitor. She thanked Mr.

Sulfridge and Council colleagues for their questions and discussion. She

requested that Mr. Sulfridge send a corrected version of the presentation

slide for posting and confirmed with Clerk VanMeter that the update could be

submitted to him. Mr. Sulfridge concluded by encouraging residents to

consult the City of Gahanna’s website or SOPEC’s website for updated

information. He praised Gahanna’s website as a model for transparency and

committed to ongoing communication to ensure accurate public information.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Ms. Kathy McCorkle, Gahanna, OH, spoke on previous Council comments.

Ms. McCorkle responded to a previous remark by Councilmember Padova,

asserting that she had not avoided contact but instead was protesting at the

library. She criticized Councilmembers, including Padova and President

Bowers, for failing to engage with her about a proposed natural family

resolution. She argued that Council promotes LGBTQ identity groups while

ignoring those who support traditional family values. Ms. McCorkle called on

Council to introduce and vote on a natural family resolution and accused the

administration of discriminatory treatment of residents.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2025-0106

2025-0107

2025-0108

Council Regular Minutes 5.5.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Committee of the Whole Minutes 5.12.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Finance Committee Minutes 5.12.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Resolutions:

RES-0021-2025

RESOLUTION HONORING CHLOE, INC. AND COMMENDING

CONNIE NAFZIGER FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO YOUNG

MOTHERS IN OUR COMMUNITY

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

RES-0022-2025

RESOLUTION

ADOPTING

ELECTRIC

VEHICLE

CHARGING

STATION FEES PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 949 OF THE GAHANNA

CODIFIED ORDINANCES

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:

ORD-0019-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) CONTRACT WITH THE

GAHANNA-JEFFERSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE 2025-2026

SCHOOL YEAR

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 Weaver, to Pass the Consent

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

6 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver

1 - Renner

Yes:

Absent:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

ORD-0022-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT

WITH

AECOM

FOR

PROFESSIONAL

DESIGN

SERVICES FOR THE WEST GAHANNA SANITARY RELIEF SEWER

PROJECT;

CAPITAL

AUTHORIZING

IMPROVEMENT

SUPPLEMENTAL

FUND; AND

APPROPRIATIONS

DECLARING

EMERGENCY

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

ORD-0023-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT

OWNER

ADMINISTRATION

WITH

REPRESENTATION

AND INSPECTION

DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

T&M

ASSOCIATES

FOR

MAJOR

CONSTRUCTION

SERVICES; AND

UTILITY

AND

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

ORD-0024-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT WITH PROFESSIONAL PAVEMENT SERVICES FOR

THE

2025 SIDEWALK

MAINTENANCE

LOOKBACK

PROGRAM

(ST-1115)

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

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & EMERGENCY ADOPTION:

ORD-0025-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

AGREEMENT WITH KING BUSINESS INTERIORS, LLC FOR

FURNITURE PROCUREMENT AND INSTALLATION SERVICES FOR

THE RENOVATION AND EXPANSION OF 825 TECH CENTER

DRIVE;

WAIVING

SECOND

READING

AND

DECLARING

EMERGENCY

The Clerk read the Ordinance by title.

Councilmember Schnetzer stated that staff had expressed concern about the

potential for rising costs due to looming tariffs or related uncertainty. He

added that, for the sake of the public treasury, it made sense to advance the

matter as quickly as possible.

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

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

6 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver

1 - Renner

Yes:

Absent:

President Bowers added her thanks to Senior Director of Operations Kevin

Schultz for a comprehensive presentation on this item at last week's

Committee of the Whole.

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

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

6 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver

1 - Renner

Yes:

Absent:

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk - None.

2. Council

a. Continued Discussion on Draft Pride Month Resolution

(RES-0023-2025)

President Bowers opened the discussion on the draft Pride Month

Resolution, referencing Resolution No. 0023-2025. She noted that the

Committee of the Whole had discussed the item the previous week and, due

to the absence of additional items for this week’s Committee agenda, the

resolution discussion was moved to the current meeting agenda. She

addressed a question raised previously regarding the meaning of the "plus"

in "LGBTQ+," explaining that it is generally intended to convey inclusion for

individuals whose sexual orientation or gender identity falls under the

broader LGBTQ umbrella. She stated that this can include intersex, asexual,

gender non-conforming, non-binary, two-spirit individuals, and others with

nuanced identities. President Bowers cited GLAAD, a nationally recognized

nonprofit promoting fair representation of LGBTQ individuals, which identifies

both "LGBTQ" and "LGBTQ+" as acceptable terminology. She then turned

the discussion over to Mr. Weaver, who introduced the resolution.

Vice President Weaver stated that he was open to substituting “IA” for the

“plus” in the acronym and deferred to Councilmember McGregor for her

thoughts.

Councilmember McGregor responded that she was comfortable with using

“LGBTQ” and preferred it due to the specificity, stating that the additional

terms felt excessive and unclear.

Councilmember Jones shared her perspective, emphasizing the importance

of consensus and referencing support from LGBTQ-led organizations for

both “LGBTQ” and “LGBTQ+” terminology. She cautioned against limiting

acknowledgment of individuals in the community to terms others deem

acceptable, noting that doing so undermines inclusivity. She reiterated the

importance of recognizing LGBTQ individuals in the community and warned

against the risk of conditional acceptance.

President Bowers reflected on the significance of evolving language and

shared her personal experience of coming out. She recalled the Supreme

Court’s rulings in Obergefell v. Hodges ten years prior and Bostock v.

Clayton County five years prior, affirming equal rights and protections for

LGBTQ individuals. She emphasized the desire for belonging and the

importance of collective learning and protection of rights. President Bowers

expressed support for using the “LGBTQ” phrasing moving forward. She

concluded by noting that the resolution would be on the agenda for the first

Monday in June and confirmed that Mr. Weaver planned to give a

presentation at that meeting.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilmember Padova noted the CIC would meet Tuesday, May 20, 2025

at 8:00 AM in the Committee Room.

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

2025-0109

Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 5.19.2025

Vice President Weaver reported that the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning

Commission met on May 8, 2025, and would meet next on June 12, 2025.

He noted that the Regional Policy Roundtable would meet the following day,

during which State Senator Bill Demora would provide updates on pending

state budget legislation. Vice President Weaver highlighted items from the

full report included in the agenda. He noted that one resolution adopted at

the May 8 meeting involved the approval of the State Fiscal Year 2026-2029

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which includes more than $1.5

billion in roadway improvements and $2.7 billion in transit enhancements,

covering over 360 projects. He announced two upcoming events: the

Transportation Innovation Forum: Smart Moves, Efficient Solutions,

scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, from 12:00 to 4:30 p.m., and Securing

Our Energy Future: Planning for a High Demand Future, part of a four-part

energy forum series, to be held on Thursday, June 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00

p.m. He noted that registration links for both events were included in the

report.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova announced that the Creekside Blues and Jazz

Festival was less than a month away. She encouraged residents to volunteer

by visiting creeksidebluesandjazz.com, selecting the “Engage” tab, and

signing up for available volunteer opportunities. She noted that there were

many different roles and time slots throughout the weekend. Councilmember

Padova highlighted the festival as a great way to meet fellow residents,

support the community, and become more engaged. She also mentioned a

volunteer picnic scheduled for July and encouraged participation.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Councilmember Jones noted that four days remained in the current school

year and expressed excitement on behalf of teachers, staff, parents, and

students. She extended well wishes for a happy summer break to all

members of Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools (GJPS) and congratulated

the Class of 2025, who would graduate on Saturday. She shared her pride in

the youth of the community and emphasized that their graduation was not

only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the broader community’s

support. She expressed hope that the community had loved, guided, and

raised each graduate alongside their families and concluded by celebrating

the end of the school year and the milestone of graduation.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin shared highlights from the past two weeks, focusing on

community engagement efforts tied to the second phase of the Gahanna

Strategic Plan initiative, Our Gahanna. Events included Taco Tuesday and

the annual Economic Development Event, which featured keynote speaker

Josiah Brown. The Mayor thanked residents, small business owners, and

volunteers who participated in multiple Vision Fest events, and she

encouraged those who could not attend to complete the city’s online

survey-extended and available at Gahanna.com-as a way to provide input on

the city's future. Mayor Jadwin offered special thanks to the Strategic

Planning Committee, city staff, and volunteers-particularly Director Vollmer,

Rachel Zarick, Kelsey Bartholomew, and Jen McBroom-for organizing these

events. She noted that despite weather challenges, all events were

successful.

Mayor Jadwin also acknowledged the volunteers who participated in the

second annual Gahanna Bananas vs. Ohio Village Muffins baseball game,

celebrating the team’s improvement and the community's strong turnout. The

Mayor thanked the Gahanna Historical Society, Jason Ruark (grill master),

and Ron Smith (event MC), and looked ahead to a rematch next year.

Additionally, she recognized the beautification efforts of Make Gahanna

Yours, whose volunteers recently planted flowers around Creekside and

other parts of the city.

Mayor Jadwin reminded residents that City Hall would be closed on Memorial

Day and encouraged attendance at the Veterans Memorial Park ceremony at

1 p.m., organized by the VFW and American Legion. She directed residents

to gahannavets.org for the full schedule of events. Lastly, the mayor

congratulated the Gahanna Lincoln High School Class of 2025, applauding

their achievements-including a recent track and field state title-and

encouraged them to return one day as future city residents and leaders.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan reported that she had been working with the

Police Department to review and refine specific sections of the city’s traffic

code. She clarified that this effort was more limited in scope than the

comprehensive annual reviews but noted that related updates would be

brought to committee soon. She had no further updates.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember McGregor thanked volunteers and praised the Gahanna

Bananas event, noting an estimated 150-175 attendees. She also

congratulated the graduating class of 2025 and shared that her grandson

would be among the graduates.

Councilmember Jones highlighted her upcoming constituent hour on June 22

at Friendship Park. She acknowledged Taiwanese American Heritage Week

(May 11-18) and Mental Health Awareness Month, promoting a program

called the Community Care Collective by Somocom Lab, which trains

community members to support mental health challenges. She encouraged

those interested to apply before the June 30 deadline.

Councilmember Padova echoed appreciation for the recent economic

development event, highlighting speaker Josiah Brown’s impact on her

understanding of community development. She also attended the Gahanna

Bananas game and praised the Citizens Academy graduates, noting the

value of community education. She congratulated local graduates and

wished everyone a great summer.

Councilmember Schnetzer discussed Ordinance 0022-2025, which would

authorize a contract with AECOM for the West Gahanna Sanitary Relief

Sewer Project. He supported the project and suggested exploring debt

financing options, including through the Ohio Water Development Authority.

He concluded by encouraging residents to observe National Poppy Day on

May 23 to honor fallen and living veterans.

Vice President Weaver thanked participants of the recent strategic plan

community events and praised the community turnout despite the rainy

weather. He joined an open house in the Creekway neighborhood with city

leadership and developers to discuss a potential project. He extended

congratulations to the graduating class and recognized the anticipation for

summer break.

President Bowers commended Director Vollmer and Kelsey Bartholomew for

their work on the Citizens Academy and voiced support for its continuation.

She shared concerns about state legislative proposals, especially a 30% cap

on school budget carryovers in House Bill 96, calling it an overreach into

local governance. She encouraged vigilance in protecting home rule. She

closed by wishing all a safe Memorial Day weekend, reminded everyone that

Council would not meet the following week, and extended early birthday

wishes to Councilmember Renner.

2025-0110

Councilmember Jamille Jones' Constituent Report - April 2025

ADJOURNMENT:

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

meeting at 8:06 p.m.