Minutes - City Council

200 South Hamilton Road

Gahanna, Ohio 43230

City of Gahanna

Meeting Minutes

City Council

Trenton I. Weaver, President

Jamille Jones, Vice President

Merisa K. Bowers

Nancy R. McGregor

Kaylee Padova

Stephen A. Renner

Michael Schnetzer

Jeremy A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council

Monday, July 6, 2026

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, July 6,

2026, in Council Chambers. President of Council Trenton I. Weaver

called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Councilmember Kaylee

Padova delivered the invocation, reflecting on the recent

Independence Day celebrations and the nation's 250th anniversary

and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was

published on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

6 -

Present

Merisa K. Bowers, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova, Stephen A.

Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver

1 - Jamille Jones

Absent

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Joint Resolution/Proclamation Presentation - Council & Mayor Jadwin

Honoring KyLee Tibbs, State Wrestling Champion

President Weaver presented Joint Resolution and Proclamation

RES-0022-2026 honoring Gahanna Lincoln High School junior KyLee

Tibbs for capturing her second consecutive Ohio High School Athletic

Association State Wrestling Championship. He highlighted her season

record, victories over several top-ranked opponents, recognition as both

OCC Wrestler of the Year and Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches

Association Wrestler of the Year, and her academic achievements as a

student-athlete maintaining a GPA above 3.5. President Weaver also

recognized her upcoming participation in international and national

wrestling competitions representing both Gahanna and Team Ohio.

Ms. Tibbs thanked Council for the recognition and shared her experience

training and competing in Italy. She described the opportunity to compete

alongside wrestlers from several countries and discussed the friendships

and training opportunities she gained. Although she sustained an injury

during the trip, she expressed her determination to continue competing.

She thanked her coaches, teammates, family, and supporters for helping

her achieve success.

Coach Jamie Leeseberg congratulated Ms. Tibbs on her

accomplishments and praised her leadership within the wrestling

program. He noted that her work ethic has helped elevate the entire girls

wrestling program, resulting in increased participation, multiple state

qualifiers, and continued competitive success. He also discussed the

value of her international training experience and wished her success at

the upcoming USA Wrestling National Championships in Fargo, North

Dakota.

Council, Mayor Jadwin, and City Attorney Tamilarasan joined Ms. Tibbs

and her family for a commemorative photograph. Following the

presentation, President Weaver wished Ms. Tibbs continued success

during the remainder of her wrestling career.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Tim McClurgg, 935 Leaflock Court, Gahanna, OH, addressed

Council.

Mr. McClurg expressed appreciation for Council's continued recitation of

the Pledge of Allegiance and reflected on the significance of the nation's

250th anniversary. He complimented the City's Independence Day

fireworks celebration, thanking Parks & Recreation staff, the Division of

Police, and other employees and volunteers for hosting a successful

event. He noted that he had observed large crowds with no significant

incidents and commended staff for their planning and execution. Mr.

McClurg requested additional information regarding the delays

associated with the City's new Civic Center facility, specifically asking for

an explanation of the electrical deficiencies that required corrective work

after construction. He questioned how the issues had progressed through

inspections and expressed interest in understanding what occurred. Mr.

McClurg also inquired about future plans for the existing buildings at 200

S. Hamilton Road after the new facility opens, noting the value of the

property. Finally, he asked where the stage for future Creekside Blues &

Jazz Festival performances would be located following planned changes

near the Sanctuary parking lot.

President Weaver thanked Mr. McClurg for his comments and noted that

Council would receive an update on the new facility during the Committee

of the Whole meeting immediately following the Regular Meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2026-0133

2026-0134

Council Regular Minutes 2026-06-15

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Committee of the Whole Minutes 2026-06-15

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Resolutions:

RES-0022-2026

RES-0023-2026

RES-0024-2026

JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION HONORING AND

RECOGNIZING KYLEE TIBBS FOR HER BACK-TO-BACK OHSAA

STATE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS AND OUTSTANDING

ATHLETIC AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

AGREEMENT WITH PLAYCORE WISCONSIN INC. DBA GAMETIME

FOR

THE

PURCHASE

AND

INSTALLATION

NEW

PLAYGROUND AT FRIENDSHIP PARK

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

AGREEMENT WITH MIDSTATES RECREATION FOR THE

PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF

ASHBURNHAM PARK

NEW PLAYGROUND AT

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:

ORD-0020-2026

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

- State Capital Grant Fund and Capital Improvement Fund for Academy

Park and Friendship Park Projects

The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

End of Consent Agenda

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

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

1 - Jones

Yes:

Absent:

RESOLUTIONS:

RES-0025-2026

RESOLUTION OF AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR THE

NATUREWORKS GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE OHIO

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR THE CREEKSIDE

REIMAGINED PROJECT

Councilmember Bowers noted that the legislation had not previously

appeared before Committee of the Whole and requested clarification

regarding its purpose. She asked whether the legislation simply

authorized submission of a grant application rather than approval of any

specific project improvements.

Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz explained that the legislation

authorized the City to apply for grant funding through the Nature Works

Program for temporary flood barriers associated with the Creekside

Reimagined Project. He stated that the barriers represented one

component of the overall flood protection strategy and that the opportunity

to seek grant funding became available after Committee scheduling,

requiring Council action prior to the July 15, 2026, application deadline.

He noted that no specific product had been selected and that cost

estimates were being used solely for the application.

Councilmember Bowers asked when the temporary barriers would be

deployed. Director Schultz explained that similar temporary flood

protection currently exists beneath the bridge and at the south garage

entrance. He stated the barriers are generally deployed only when

significant flooding approaching a 100-year flood event is anticipated

and are used infrequently. He added that the proposed system would

replace the City's existing system with a more effective flood protection

solution. Councilmember Bowers asked whether the existing system had

become obsolete. Director Schultz responded that while the existing

system remains functional, the proposed system would provide greater

effectiveness.

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

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

1 - Jones

Yes:

Absent:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

ORD-0021-2026

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ISSUE A NOTICE OF

AWARD AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH RUMPKE OF

OHIO, INC. FOR RESIDENTIAL WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES

President Weaver introduced the Ordinance, and Clerk VanMeter read it by

title.

ORD-0023-2026

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

COMMUNITY

REINVESTMENT

AREA

AGREEMENT

WITH

DEFFENBAUGH FLEX, LLC FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLEX

OFFICE/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING ON PARCEL NO. 025-014174-00,

PART OF COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA NO. 1

President Weaver introduced the Ordinance, and Clerk VanMeter read it by

title.

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & ADOPTION:

ORD-0022-2026

AN ORDINANCE MAKING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS AND

WAIVING SECOND READING - Capital Improvement Fund for the

Friendship Park Playground Replacement Project

President Weaver introduced the Ordinance, and Clerk VanMeter read it by

title.

A motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Renner, that the Ordinance be

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

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

1 - Jones

Yes:

Absent:

A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Bowers, that the Ordinance be

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

1 - Jones

Yes:

Absent:

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk - None.

2. Council - None.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

None.

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

2026-0132

Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 2026-07-06

President Weaver encouraged residents to review the written MORPC

report included with the agenda. He reported that the Commission met

on June 11 and that the next meeting would occur on August 13. He

highlighted recent legislative updates, noted Governor DeWine's

approval of the State Capital Budget, and encouraged residents

interested in passenger rail and regional mobility planning to listen to a

recent WOSU interview with MORPC Chief Mobility and Infrastructure

Officer Parag Agrawal. He also announced several upcoming MORPC

events, including the Ohio Association of Regional Councils candidate

forum, the MORPC Social Media Summit, and the Summit on

Sustainability.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova reminded residents that the Gahanna Market

would take place July 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Creekside

and noted that Tyy Perkins would provide live music.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

None.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin opened her report by expressing condolences to the family

and loved ones of Toby Forsythe following his tragic passing. She

recognized the difficulty of losing a young member of the community and

expressed hope that the Gahanna community would continue supporting

the family during the days ahead. Mayor Jadwin discussed her recent

participation in MORPC's inaugural Mobility Exchange, where she joined

representatives from Grove City and Dublin to discuss comprehensive

transportation and mobility planning. She described Gahanna's efforts to

develop a transportation network that considers economic growth,

multimodal transportation, infrastructure, safety, and community

expectations while balancing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists,

scooters, and motorists. Mayor Jadwin thanked City staff, the Division of

Police, Mifflin Township Fire, Parks & Recreation, Public Service, Visit

Gahanna, the Gahanna Lions Club, volunteers, sponsors, and community

partners for their work organizing the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival,

Independence Day fireworks, and Fourth of July parade. She recognized

the months of planning required to successfully host the events and

thanked all involved for their dedication. Mayor Jadwin also reminded

residents that Cinema Under the Stars would return later that week with a

showing of National Treasure.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan reported that review of the City's traffic code

updates had been completed and that work continued on revisions to the

criminal code. She anticipated presenting the updates to Council during

an August Committee meeting.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember Renner congratulated KyLee Tibbs on her

accomplishments and reflected on the importance of local government

and civic participation during the nation's 250th anniversary. He thanked

City staff, volunteers, and residents for their service to the community and

also acknowledged the recent period of extreme heat, expressing

appreciation for first responders and City employees who continued

serving residents during difficult conditions.

Councilmember McGregor reflected on the recent Independence Day

celebrations and reminded those present that the freedoms celebrated

during the holiday were secured through the sacrifices of generations of

military service members.

Councilmember Schnetzer briefly reflected on America's founding ideals,

sharing that the nation's celebration of the Declaration of Independence

represents optimism and continual progress toward the principles upon

which the country was founded.

Councilmember Padova thanked Parks & Recreation staff, the Division

of Police, City employees, volunteers, and the Gahanna Lions Club for

their work organizing the Independence Day festivities. She remarked on

the enthusiasm shown by residents throughout the parade and

community celebrations.

Councilmember Bowers joined the Mayor in extending condolences to

the Forsythe family and encouraged residents to promote safe driving

during the summer months. She noted that her May-June Constituent

Report had been attached to the meeting agenda and thanked members

of the Charter Review Commission for their service in advance of their

presentation during Committee of the Whole. She also expressed

appreciation for Councilmember Padova's invocation and emphasized

the importance of civic participation.

President Weaver echoed the condolences expressed to the Forsythe

family and thanked City staff, volunteers, public safety personnel, and

community partners for their work supporting the City's recent events.

Speaking as a first-generation American, he reflected on the significance

of Independence Day and the opportunity to celebrate the diverse

backgrounds that contribute to the nation's continued success. He also

thanked members of the Charter Review Commission for their time and

service to the community.

2026-0135

Councilmember Merisa K. Bowers' Constituent Report - May-June 2026

ADJOURNMENT:

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

meeting at 7:36 p.m.