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, June 16, 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, June 16, 2025, in

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

to order at 7:04 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 June 13, 2025.

5 -

Present

Merisa K. Bowers, Jamille Jones, Kaylee Padova, Michael Schnetzer, and

Trenton I. Weaver

2 - Nancy R. McGregor, and Stephen A. Renner

Absent

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Joint Resolution/Proclamation Presentations by Council and Mayor

a. Honoring KyLee Tibbs, GLHS First-Ever Wrestling State Champion

Councilmember Schnetzer stated that the Council had the privilege of being

joined that evening by an impressive student-athlete, Miss KyLee Tibbs, along

with her family and coaching staff. He explained that there was a joint

proclamation and resolution recognizing Miss Tibbs’ outstanding achievement

as Gahanna Lincoln High School’s (GLHS) first-ever state wrestling

champion. Although he did not read the resolution in its entirety, he highlighted

several of her achievements for the record. He noted that during the past

season, as a sophomore, Miss Tibbs compiled a perfect record of 47-0 with

68 takedowns and 40 pins, leading her team in both metrics. In addition to

winning the Ohio High School Athletic Association Ohio High School Athletic

Association (OHSAA) State Championship, she also won the Central

Regional Wrestling Championship last month in Louisville, Kentucky. He

stated that Miss Tibbs had become quite the international sensation, having

earned invitations and trained in France, Germany, and Switzerland, and that

she would soon travel to train in Japan. He added that in addition to being a

superlative athlete, Miss Tibbs was also an exceptional student, being one of

eight young women on the GLHS wrestling team to earn academic honors for

maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher. He noted that she

had two more years of eligibility and that the Council looked forward to

following the remainder of her Gahanna Lions athletic career. He then invited

his colleagues and Mayor Jadwin to join him for the presentation and photo,

and welcomed any comments from Miss Tibbs, her family, or her coaching

staff. He concluded by offering his congratulations.

Miss Tibbs thanked her coaches for their help and stated that she felt very

supported throughout the entire season, especially by her coaches, including

her father. She said he pushed her through the season, and her partners

pushed her as well, remarking that “iron sharpens iron.” She explained that

one of her partners was also a state champion who helped her warm-up. She

added that the opportunities continued to make her better, especially as she

would be leaving for Japan the following day.

Mr. Jeffrey Tibbs, speaking as both her coach and father, expressed

appreciation for the opportunity to recognize KyLee and her hard work. He

described her as a “worker bee,” a quality she had shown since she was

eight years old when there were no other girls to wrestle on the mat. He said

she embodied an explosion of women’s wrestling in Ohio and stood on the

shoulders of the hard work of the women who came before her. He stated

that he was always proud of her and the fire she had for the sport and for

getting better, adding that her motivation inspired him.

Mr. Jamie Leeseberg, coach, added that KyLee made everyone in the room

better through her level of competition. He said everyone tried to be like her

and that everything turned into a competition. He shared an example of doing

pull-ups where someone wanted to add weight between their knees, and

when he looked at her, she responded, “Yeah, I’m doing that,” showing that

she never let anyone get the upper hand and always pushed others.

b. Honoring Juneteenth & Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration with

commendation by State Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio

Councilmember Jones stated that the Council had the honor of recognizing

Juneteenth in the city as a holiday and also honoring the first-ever Gahanna

Juneteenth celebration, which took place over the weekend. She believed it

was an awesome event that involved history, joy, culture, and community,

and said she felt very proud of what the community created together. She

took a moment to acknowledge key partners who helped make the weekend

possible. She thanked Visit Gahanna with special appreciation to Jarod White

and Lori Kappes for believing in the vision as much as she did, the Gahanna

Parks and Recreation staff, the Gahanna Division of Police for their hands-on

support in making the event safe, welcoming, and smooth, and offered

special thanks to Tia Ramey, the city’s communications manager, for helping

spread the word and serving as “paparazzi extraordinaire” during the event.

Councilmember Jones stated that at the center of the event’s success was

the Juneteenth Committee, describing them as a passionate group of

residents who volunteered alongside her since October 2024, to make the

weekend happen. She explained that she started with just a glimpse of a

vision and they helped fill in the gaps, bringing ideas, heart, and a real sense

of purpose that made the celebration more meaningful than she could have

imagined. She said they not only created a program that honored Black

history and celebrated the arts, culture, and resilience of the community, but

also helped support Black-owned small businesses through the passport

initiative, adding an intentional economic layer to the celebration. She noted

that over 160 community members attended, participated, and celebrated.

She thanked the committee, saying they were the reason it was possible, and

expressed that she was very grateful. She then invited the committee

members to come forward for a photo and to receive the joint

resolution/proclamation, naming them as Kelly Braun, Kara Coates, Sophia

McGuire, Dr. Sidney Jones, Jr., Jebel Jones, and Ifrah Aliawl. She also noted

that State Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio would present a

commendation as well.

State Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio thanked the Council for

allowing her to speak. She explained that she was not able to attend the event

on Saturday but wanted to present, on behalf of the members of the House of

Representatives of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, special recognition

to the City of Gahanna on its inaugural Juneteenth event. She provided

historical context, stating that on September 2, 1862, President Abraham

Lincoln issued a proclamation notifying the southern states that if they did not

return to the Union by January 1, 1863, he would declare the slaves “forever

free,” leading to the Emancipation Proclamation. She added that on June 19,

1863, news of freedom finally reached Texas. She remarked that Juneteenth

was now celebrated across the country to memorialize this important

moment in history and said that the City of Gahanna was worthy of

recognition for honoring this occasion with an inaugural community

celebration. She explained that Gahanna’s Juneteenth event provided a

unique opportunity for residents to gather and celebrate the freedom of all

Americans. She praised all those involved with preparations, including the

members of the Gahanna Juneteenth Committee, for their outstanding work,

noting their support for initiatives such as the Gahanna Black-Owned

Business Passport, which focused attention on local Black-owned

businesses and brought the community together in a spirit of pride,

partnership, and unity. She concluded by offering best wishes for the event’s

continued success.

President Bowers congratulated all involved and thanked them for an

incredibly successful and uplifting event over the weekend. She stated that

their hard work was evident and that many enjoyed being there to celebrate

with them.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Kathy McCorkle of Gahanna, OH, spoke on bias against Gahanna Natural

Families.

Ms. McCorkle addressed Council, stating she would offer a prayer because

Councilman Trenton Weaver did not pray during invocation. She then

characterized Mayor Jadwin and Council as acting with hypocrisy and hate.

She shared her perception that city leadership favored certain identity groups

with proclamations and resolutions while excluding and discriminating against

a group she identified as “natural families.” Ms. McCorkle elaborated that she

requested public recognition for “natural families.” She conveyed her

disappointment with the Council’s response to her request. She stated her

belief that no clear reason for the refusal was made and characterized this

exclusion as biased and prejudiced. She urged Mayor Jadwin and Council to

not claim they were diverse and inclusive, and called on them to provide fair

and impartial treatment to all groups, not favoring selected identity groups.

Ralph Griffith of Columbus, OH, spoke on ORD-0030-2025.

Mr. Griffith stated that he represented Value Recovery Group II (VRG II), a

developer that worked in Gahanna for 20 years, specifically in Central Park.

He explained he was there to address two issues raised in the previous

week’s Committee of the Whole discussion: the concept of “highest and best

use” of property and the suggestion that speculative development was less

valuable than a corporate headquarters. He described VRG II’s longstanding

commitment to Gahanna since 2005, including cleaning and capping the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nuisance site known as the Bedford

II Landfill, extending Tech Center and Science Boulevard, raising funds, and

being responsible for the development or sale of over 700,000 square feet

across various uses and tenants. He discussed the Velocis site, explaining it

involved splitting an 18-acre parcel that was difficult to develop. Burns and

Scalo acquired the left portion. He clarified that although there were

misconceptions about marketing the property as office space, VRG II owned

the site since 2007 and managed its challenges through the Great

Recession, slow growth in the 2010s, the pandemic, material shortages, and

high interest rates. He noted that significant topography issues required

marketing the land in two parcels and that VRG II did not rely solely on

brokers, but engaged prospects directly. He emphasized that the city had not

produced tangible prospects for the parcel, underscoring VRG II’s efforts to

promote Gahanna to the broader development community. He concluded by

explaining that VRG II strategically split the site, reduced the price on the left

side, and marketed both portions independently, which attracted Burns and

Scalo because VRG II was able to offer them a market-rate deal.

Robert Lockett of Dublin, OH spoke on ORD-0030-2025.

Mr. Lockett addressed Council, reminding members that the incentive

package for Burns and Scalo, originally proposed at 80% for 12 years,

underwent what he described as an unusually detailed review and was

negotiated on the floor, a process he stated was unprecedented in the city's

recent economic development efforts. He noted that Council deliberations

reconsidered the rate at 50% before agreeing on a renegotiated 70%, which

differed from the 100% abatements provided to other corporate headquarters

projects such as ADB Safegate, Franklin Peak, and Reliant Capital. He

expressed hope that future headquarters proposals delivered by staff using

data and expertise would be considered on their merits without renegotiation.

He asked the Council to thoughtfully consider whether speculative

development, which often served as a catalyst for long-term business growth,

should be viewed as less deserving of incentive support than headquarters

projects. He addressed comments about "highest and best use," stating that

the committee suggested speculative users lacked the prominence of

corporate citizens who owned their facilities. He clarified that both

owner-occupied and speculative buildings were typically owned through

single-purpose entities leasing to users. He pointed to the city's support for

speculative development in the 2021 Taylor Industrial Park project, which

received a 15-year, 100% abatement. He provided an example at 870

Claycraft Road, where they co-developed a speculative warehouse with

InSpanos that attracted ADB Safegate when it needed to expand. He

explained that this led to a build-to-suit leased headquarters without

ownership by the user, demonstrating that speculative development could

deliver significant community benefits. He also noted that ADB’s former

headquarters were acquired by Romanoff with city incentives for renovations.

Jordan Fromm of Columbus, OH, spoke on ORD-0030-2025.

Mr. Fromm explained that VRG II was under contract several times for the site

but deals fell through due to site constraints and broader economic and

market challenges. He cited Bob Evans as a notable example, stating that

their corporate headquarters chose New Albany over this site because of a

more aggressive incentive package. In 2014, he noted that after several years

in New Albany, Bob Evans faced challenges that put their headquarters at risk

of sale, divestiture, or downsizing. He suggested that if Gahanna had landed

Bob Evans and the company exited, the city would have been left with a large

vacant building requiring renewed marketing, multi-jurisdictional competition

for new users, a stale listing, and likely new city incentives. He argued that

even headquarter projects carried risk, making speculative development vital

for flexibility and long-term growth. He explained that they ultimately split the

site, with Burns and Scalo moving forward, but it took another year to secure

Velocis for the remainder. He asked Council to consider whether a

tax-exempt municipal maintenance facility generating little job growth or

income tax was the best use for the land, noting that the city seriously

contemplated that use under the council-approved 23-27 Capital

Improvement Plan. He stated that the Velocis deal underwent thorough staff

review and came to Council with a staff recommendation. He described the

city's staff as talented and experienced and characterized the deal as a

success for both parties, even with incentives 20% lower and three years

shorter than the Taylor project. He argued that this showed skilled negotiation

could yield balanced results. He asked the Council to trust staff expertise and

consider proposals as delivered to avoid renegotiation, which would help the

business community know what to expect when working with Gahanna. He

concluded by urging the city to continue its momentum, uphold its reputation

as a regionally competitive, business-friendly, and family-friendly city, and

emphasized that speculative development was key to fostering growth and

adaptability.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2025-0124

2025-0125

2025-0126

Council Special Minutes 6.2.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Council Regular Minutes 6.2.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Committee of the Whole Minutes 6.9.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Resolutions:

JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION HONORING AND

RECOGNIZING KYLEE TIBBS, GAHANNA LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL'S

FIRST-EVER OHSAA STATE WRESTLING CHAMPION

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

JOINT

RESOLUTION

AND

PROCLAMATION

HONORING

JUNETEENTH & THE INAUGURAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN

THE CITY OF GAHANNA

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET OF THE CITY OF

GAHANNA, OHIO, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1,

2026

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION HONORING DR. PAUL

KAUFMAN, MD, FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO UROLOGIC CARE

AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR ALTERNATIVE

FUNDING FROM THE OHIO URBAN FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM

ADMINISTERED BY THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL

RESOURCES DIVISION OF FORESTRY

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

End of Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Jones, to Pass the Consent

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

5 - Bowers, Jones, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver

2 - McGregor and Renner

Yes:

Absent:

RESOLUTIONS:

RES-0029-2025

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE GAHANNA CITY ATTORNEY TO

JOIN AN AMICUS BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF CINCINNATI

CASE PENDING BEFORE THE OHIO SUPREME COURT

CONCERNING TAXPAYER STANDING

President Bowers introduced Resolution 0029-2025, a resolution authorizing

the Gahanna City Attorney to join an amicus brief in support of the City of

Cincinnati in a case before the Supreme Court concerning taxpayer standing.

She noted that Council discussed the matter at Committee of the Whole the

previous week.

City Attorney Tamilarasan added that the number of communities approving

similar resolutions was growing, mentioning that Bexley most recently joined

in supporting the amicus brief.

President Bowers further noted that Council engaged in important dialogue on

the resolution the previous week. She explained that her vote in favor of the

resolution was based on the understanding that it would not impact residents’

ability to file a 30-day referendum action, nor prevent a taxpayer from

asserting standing if they could articulate a harm and reside in the jurisdiction.

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

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

5 - Bowers, Jones, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver

2 - McGregor and Renner

Yes:

Absent:

RES-0030-2025

JOINT PROCLAMATION AND RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE

CITY OF GAHANNA'S OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 309, HOUSE

BILL 335, AND OTHER EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE OR RESTRICT THE

USE

INSIDE

MILLAGE

FOR

MUNICIPAL

GOVERNMENT

OPERATIONS, CAPITAL PROJECTS, OR DEBT SERVICE

President Bowers introduced Resolution 0030-2025, a joint proclamation and

resolution expressing the City of Gahanna’s opposition to House Bill 309,

House Bill 335, and other efforts to eliminate or restrict the use of inside

millage for municipal government operations, capital projects, or debt service.

She explained that the Ohio Municipal League and State Representative Beryl

Brown Piccolantonio brought the issue to the city’s attention, and that Mayor

Jadwin also engaged in related discussions. She stated that eliminating inside

millage would reduce Gahanna’s revenue by an estimated $3.6 million

annually, eliminating approximately two mills of property tax without

meaningfully lowering residents’ property tax bills.

Councilmember Schnetzer described the legislation as a massive, sweeping

change that was highly disruptive. He noted that guidance from the Ohio

Municipal League suggested the legislation could move quickly, making time

critical for the city to act. He acknowledged that the resolution draft came

together quickly, thanking everyone involved.

He emphasized that Ohio cities were already outliers compared to cities in

other states because they relied more heavily on economically sensitive

income taxes rather than more stable property taxes. He suggested language

for an additional "whereas" clause to highlight that eliminating inside millage

would increase reliance on income taxes, increasing revenue volatility and

impairing the city’s ability to plan for the future.

President Bowers worked with Councilmember Schnetzer to refine the

wording of this clause during discussion. Mayor Jadwin expressed support for

the proposed language.

Councilmember Schnetzer also proposed another "whereas" clause noting

that eliminating inside millage risked lowering the city’s credit rating and

increasing borrowing costs. He explained that losing revenue flexibility could

negatively affect the city’s credit rating, which would in turn increase costs for

taxpayers. He noted that cities with greater financial autonomy historically

achieved higher credit ratings and lower borrowing costs.

President Bowers recommended inserting the two new "whereas" clauses

after the existing seventh clause in the resolution. She read the proposed

wording into the record as follows: “Whereas, cities in Ohio are already in a

vulnerable position compared to cities in other states. Income tax revenue,

the principal revenue source for Ohio cities, is more economically sensitive

and is a more volatile revenue source than property tax. By eliminating inside

millage, this increases our reliance on income taxes, increasing volatility of

revenue sources and impairing cities’ ability to plan long-term; and Whereas,

eliminating cities’ inside millage risks lowering credit ratings thereby driving up

borrowing costs, costing taxpayers more to complete the same work.

Historically, cities with greater financial autonomy to raise funds have higher

credit ratings and lower borrowing costs; and”.

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

Amended with the insertion of two "Whereas" clauses in the preamble:

"WHEREAS, cities in Ohio are already in a vulnerable position compared to

cities in other states. Income tax revenue, the principal revenue source for

Ohio cities, is more economically sensitive and is a more volatile revenue

source than property tax. By eliminating inside millage, this increases our

reliance on income taxes, increasing volatility of revenue sources and

impairing cities’ ability to plan long-term; and

WHEREAS, eliminating cities’ inside millage risks lowering credit ratings

thereby driving up borrowing costs, costing taxpayers more to complete the

same work. Historically, cities with greater financial autonomy to raise funds

have higher credit ratings and lower borrowing costs; and"

The motion carried by the following vote:

5 - Bowers, Jones, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver

2 - McGregor and Renner

Yes:

Absent:

Vice President Weaver thanked Councilmember Schnetzer and President

Bowers for their dialogue. He stated that he wanted to be very clear for

residents, describing the legislation from the Statehouse as another attack on

municipalities. He said it would hamper cities across the state in their ability to

pursue projects that directly impacted residents and added that those

projects would ultimately become more expensive. He expressed his support

for the resolution.

President Bowers noted that opponent testimony was scheduled before the

House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 11:30

a.m. She encouraged Councilmembers to present the resolution in person if

available and to further speak in opposition to the legislation.

Mayor Jadwin asked about the plan for submitting the resolution and whether

that would be handled through the Council Office.

President Bowers confirmed that the Council Office would handle

submission. She explained that Section Three of the resolution requested the

Clerk of Council forward the resolution and proclamation to the chair and

members of the House Ways and Means Committee, the district’s House and

Senate representatives, the Speaker of the House Matt Huffman, Senate

President Rob McColley, and Governor DeWine. She also noted that the

resolution encouraged residents to contact Representative David Thomas,

the primary sponsor of House Bills 335 and 309, and Representative Bill

Roemer, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, to express their

concerns about the harmful impacts of the legislation on local governments,

schools, and community services.

Mayor Jadwin stated that, unfortunately, she had a preexisting commitment

on Wednesday and could not testify in person, but would submit written

testimony. She explained that discussions took place at the Central Ohio

Mayors and Managers Association meeting and that individual mayors

continued conversations afterward. She noted that the association circulated

a letter for municipal members to sign and that she approved including the

City of Gahanna on that letter.

President Bowers thanked Mayor Jadwin and added that other communities,

such as Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights, also issued statements or

resolutions opposing the legislation. She said Gahanna stood with those

colleagues and emphasized they were stronger together on this issue.

Vice President Weaver briefly noted that Wednesday’s session was for

invited and written testimony only and confirmed this with Representative

Brown Piccolantonio.

President Bowers concluded that unless invited, the city would offer written

opponent testimony. She noted there was concern that the language might be

added to the budget bill, House Bill 96, bypassing committee processes. She

said it was important to address this with Finance Chair Brian Stewart of

Pickaway County and Speaker of the House Matt Huffman. She noted the

amendment language was ready to share with Clerk VanMeter for the final

record.

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

Adopted as Amended. The motion carried by the following vote:

5 - Bowers, Jones, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver

2 - McGregor and Renner

Yes:

Absent:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

ORD-0026-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 - Various Funds for Retirement Expense

Purposes and Real Estate Settlement Fees

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

ORD-0027-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

ACCESS EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH CENTERPOINT CHURCH

FOR THE USE OF PARKING LOT LOCATED AT 670 MCCUTCHEON

ROAD; AND AUTHORIZING

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION

FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND (3250)

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

ORD-0028-2025

ORD-0029-2025

ORD-0030-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

FOR GRANT FUNDING AWARDED BY THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF

NATURAL

RESOURCES

(ODNR)

AND

AUTHORIZE

THE

TRANSFER OF MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE BOAT SAFETY GRANT

PROGRAM

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

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES

AGREEMENT

WITH

KLEINFELDER

ENGINEERING, LLC FOR DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES

FOR THE WOODSIDE GREEN AND HANNAH PARK POND

IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS

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

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA AGREEMENT WITH VELOCIS

GAHANNA JV, LP TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN

INDUSTRIAL

BUILDING

PARCELS

027-000110-00 AND

025-13634-00 ON TECH CENTER DRIVE, PART OF COMMUNITY

REINVESTMENT AREA #3; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

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

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk

2025-0129

Ohio Division of Liquor Control Notice to Legislative Authority Permit

TRFO 8467121 FROM BARREL & BOAR CREEKSIDE LLC TO SPUR

CBUS INC DBA BARREL & BOAR 121 MILL ST, STE 130, GAHANNA,

OH 43230

Mr. VanMeter reported that there was one Liquor Control notice to share. He

stated that he consulted with the Division of Police regarding the transfer of

ownership application from Barrel & Boar Creekside LLC to Spur CBUS Inc,

doing business as Barrel & Boar at 121 Mill Street. He noted that the Division

of Police had no objections. He explained that, pursuant to the notice, unless

there were objections, the city would submit its return correspondence

indicating no hearing requested.

President Bowers thanked Mr. VanMeter and asked if there were any

objections to the liquor permit transfer. Hearing none, the Clerk returned the

notice indicating no hearing was requested.

2. Council

2025-0128

Your City Council at Work Newsletter - March-April 2025

President Bowers noted that the Council included a copy of the latest

newsletter produced by the Council Office. She thanked her colleagues for

submitting information, activities, and photos to help document the work of the

Council and the Council Office team. She highlighted a section titled “From

the Archives,” compiled by Deputy Clerk Sophia McGuire, which included a

resolution from 1981 along with other historic details. She thanked Ms. Hilts,

Council staff, for preparing the newsletter on a bimonthly basis and

encouraged residents interested in signing up to use the link provided on the

evening’s agenda.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilmember Padova announced that the Community Improvement

Corporation (CIC) would meet the following morning, June 17, 2025, at 8:00

a.m. in the Committee Room. She noted that the meeting was open to the

public but that they anticipated going into Executive Session at some point.

She welcomed anyone to attend prior to the Executive Session, and added

that they might invite the Council in July 2025, promising to provide updates.

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

2025-0127

Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 6.16.2025

Vice President Weaver thanked the Council Office for their assistance in

preparing his report. He noted that the report attached to the agenda was

lengthy and chose not to review it item by item, but encouraged everyone to

read it, highlighting that it contained many useful links. He reported that the

commission met on June 12, 2025, and that the luncheon conversation

featured Jason Hall, the new CEO of the Columbus Partnership. He

mentioned that the June legislative update from Mid-Ohio Regional Planning

Commission’s (MORPC’s) Director of Government Affairs and outside

government affairs counsel was also linked in the report, acknowledging that

developments at the Statehouse were changing daily. He highlighted

upcoming events, including: 1) July 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.: Funding

and resource opportunities to build energy projects, covering local, state, and

federal funding tools such as Community Reinvestment Area (CRA), Tax

Increment Financing (TIF), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and Bipartisan

Infrastructure Law (BIL) programs, 2) August 5, 2025: Annual Social Media

Summit, “Talk of the Town: Bold Strategies for Local Voices,” 3) August 27,

2025: Emerging Energy Technologies and Future Proofing the Region, and 4)

September 30, 2025: 2025 Summit on Sustainability, for which he believed

Council Office was procuring a table. He noted that the commission approved

two resolutions last week: one authorizing the executive director to enter into

agreements with the Ohio Department of Development for the Home

Weatherization Assistance Program, and another authorizing submission of

an application to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners for Community

Development Block Grant funding for the Home Repair Program.

Vice President Weaver also highlighted the Money Mondays series, including

a session from that day, June 16, 2025, featuring Preston Frick, Grants

Coordinator with MORPC; the July 7, 2025, session on Capital Budget Update

or Clean Ohio Fund Green Space conversation; the July 14, 2025, session

with Jeremy Faust, Vice President and Director of Environmental

Sustainability from Fifth Third Bank Foundation; and the July 21, 2025,

session with Mayor Jadwin discussing funding and local projects. He noted

these dates were subject to change and commended city staff for their

willingness to pursue outside funding opportunities, praising MORPC as a

valuable resource for grants and funding information. He concluded his report.

President Bowers thanked Vice President Weaver and reiterated that

everyone save the date for the Summit on Sustainability on September 30,

2025, noting that Council reserves a table for that event.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova stated that she did not yet have any numbers or data

from the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. She noted that Lori Kappes

typically provided an overview after the festival and visited in July 2024, the

previous year. She said she would follow up with Ms. Kappes to coordinate

with Mr. VanMeter on arranging a presentation of the festival results. She

shared that she was unfortunately unable to attend the festival, but thanked

everyone who came out to support it over the weekend. She especially

thanked the volunteers, the Gahanna Police Department, and Gahanna Parks

and Recreation staff for their work throughout the weekend, noting the humid

conditions. She expressed appreciation for the community’s support and said

more details about the festival would be available soon.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Councilmember Jones noted that due to the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday,

June 19, 2025, the school board meeting would be held on Wednesday, June

18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Clark Hall.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin began by offering several congratulations. She thanked

Councilmember Schnetzer for the proclamation recognizing KyLee Tibbs,

noting it marked not only a remarkable achievement but also a historic one as

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools’ first-ever wrestling champion and first

female champion. She praised Tibbs for her hard work, commitment, and

dedication, emphasizing that she was setting an example for her teammates.

She congratulated Councilmember Jones and the members of the Gahanna

Juneteenth Committee for organizing the city's first Juneteenth event. She

explained that she was unable to attend because she was returning from a

conference representing the city, but followed the event and heard that it was

a wonderful community celebration of culture, history, education, and shared

spirit. She expressed confidence that it would become a valued tradition in

Gahanna. She also congratulated Visit Gahanna and all involved with the

Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. She noted that she attended on Saturday

June 14, 2025, and volunteered with Rotary and Kiwanis at beverage stands.

She described the weekend as very muggy but highlighted the smiles on

attendees’ faces and praised the festival as a cherished tradition that officially

kicks off summer in the community. She thanked the sponsors, Visit

Gahanna’s team and board, volunteers, vendors, the Gahanna Division of

Police, and Parks and Recreation staff, noting that cleanup and transition

work for the July 4th events would continue all week.

Mayor Jadwin reported that she represented the city and region at the

Congress for the New Urbanism, a national conference focused on

transportation and mobility. She noted that she was invited to speak about the

collaborative effort behind the successful passage of LinkUS, which would

fund historic investments in public transit, sidewalks, trails, and bikeways

across the Columbus region. She reminded Council that LinkUS would fund

two projects in Gahanna in its first five years: completing the last section of

the Big Walnut Trail and constructing the Hannah - Headley Park connector

trail. She shared that, as a member of the Transit Supportive Infrastructure

Committee through MORPC, she would attend a meeting that week to hear

updates on these projects. She emphasized the bipartisan effort behind

LinkUS and its benefits to all communities. She also shared reminders about

upcoming events: 1) June 18, 2025: “In This Together: A Conversation on

Mental Health” at the Gahanna Golf Course Clubhouse from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.,

featuring a panel on caregiver support and family resources. She noted no

registration was needed to attend, though childcare required advance

registration. 2) June 21, 2025: The Wynyki Alston Foundation would host a

“Mental Health Summit for the Mind, Body, and Spirit” at The Peak at Edison,

starting at 10:00 a.m., with speakers including Gahanna resident Judge

James Green. She noted that this event was partially funded through the city's

2024 Community Grants Program. 3) Also on June 18, 2025: From 6:00 to

7:30 p.m., the Franklin County Auditor’s Office would hold an event at the

Gahanna Library to share information about its services. She invited all

residents to attend these opportunities to get informed and engaged and

noted that details on these events were available at gahanna.gov.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan reported that it was 90 days since the Federal

Court of Appeals affirmed the decision in the Speed Way Towing case in

favor of the city. She noted that the time to appeal had expired, closing that

chapter.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember Padova offered congratulations to Councilmember Jones for

organizing a lovely Juneteenth festival. She shared that she suffered from

FOMO “fear of missing out” over the weekend while home sick on Friday and

Saturday and enjoyed seeing photos of the celebrations at both Juneteenth

and the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. She said she looked forward to

attending the second Juneteenth festival and thanked Councilmember Jones

for her hard work.

Councilmember Schnetzer thanked President Bowers for her effort in

amending the Joint Resolution and Proclamation (RES-0030-2025) and

expressed his appreciation.

Vice President Weaver congratulated Ms. Tibbs and her coaches, praising

her impressive record and grade point average (GPA), and wished her well

while competing in Japan. He thanked the Juneteenth Committee and offered

special recognition to Councilmember Jones for her leadership and work on

the event, noting that he enjoyed the cultural experience and even dancing at

the festival. He described it as a special event and said he looked forward to

many more. He also congratulated Visit Gahanna, Parks and Recreation, and

the Gahanna Division of Police for a successful Blues and Jazz Festival,

sharing that he enjoyed volunteering on Friday night and staying afterward to

enjoy the event.

President Bowers reminded everyone that before the mental health event

hosted by the Gahanna Division of Police at the golf course club house,

Council would meet at the Central Ohio Urology Group to present a joint

resolution and proclamation in honor of Dr. Paul Kaufman on Wednesday,

June 18, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. She noted the event was important, recognizing

Dr. Kaufman’s contribution to medical office development in the community.

She offered further thanks to those already recognized, mentioning the

Gahanna Police Department for their friendly interactions and Parks and

Recreation for doing an incredible job at the festival. She shared a personal

highlight of riding the paddle boats twice with her son during the Creekside

Blues and Jazz Festival, describing it as a fun and engaging activity. She

thanked Visit Gahanna and all the volunteers, with special recognition for

volunteer coordinator Theresa Emch for her significant effort supporting the

event. President Bowers also reflected on the connection between

celebrating Juneteenth and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer

(LGBTQ) Pride Month. She recounted listening to spoken-word poet Cynthia

Amoah at the festival, who spoke about freedom as something inherent but

sometimes needing to be asserted. She shared that it reminded her of Harvey

Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in America, who was

assassinated after less than a year in office. She quoted Milk, saying,

“Freedom is too enormous to be slipped under a closet door,” and reflected

on how all people yearn to be free and help others achieve freedom as well.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

meeting at 8:16 p.m.