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, October 6, 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, October 6, 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 October 3, 2025.

7 -

Present

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

Stephen A. Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

President Bowers explained two additions under the Presentations section of

the agenda. The American Legion Post 797 was present to receive the joint

resolution/proclamation honoring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. A

presentation from Economic Development Jeff Gottke on the Creekside

Redevelopment Plan was also added to the agenda.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Joint Resolution and Proclamation Presentation by Council and Mayor

Recipient: Killian Sullivan, 2025 Young Birder of the Year

In Celebration of World Animal Day and World Habitat Month

President Bowers introduced Killian Sullivan, a 2025 Young Birder of the Year.

Mr. Sullivan was recognized in conjunction with World Animal Day and World

Habitat Month. Mr. Sullivan is a Gahanna Middle School East student and was

recognized by the American Birding Association as Young Birder of the Year,

which recognizes his exceptional skills and leadership in birding. He

documented nearly 700 bird species across the United States and founded

Buckeye Birding, which enhances education, conservation, and the

community of birding. President Bowers explained that this recognition

coincides with World Animal Day, which promotes humane and ethical care

of animals, along with World Habitat Month, which encourages habitat

conservation for humans and animals worldwide. She explained ways in

which Gahanna has demonstrated commitment to its wildlife and engaged in

conservation efforts.

Mr. Sullivan shared a family experience of traveling to Lake Tahoe to enjoy the

experiences nature offered. While camping, the encountered large, blue and

black birds. Interested in learning more, Sullivan began researching the type

of bird and quickly became invested in birding as a hobby. Mr. Sullivan

recognized having access to resources such as Gahanna’s parks and the

Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve. He began traveling all over Ohio to

see different bird species. Eventually, they traveled throughout the United

States and Canada. Mr. Sullivan has traveled to 49 states for his hobby,

resulting in him becoming the youngest birder to see 700 species in the

country. In an effort to give back and show his gratitude, he became active in

conservation efforts. He produced a local field guide that he printed and

delivered to over 200 homes. He built a theater station, constructed brush

piles, and removed invasive honeysuckle to improve the habitat in Gahanna

Grove. He also volunteered as a guide for the largest birding festival in the

country. Mr. Sullivan described specific unique birds and their traits. He noted

that in 1973, there were only 7 bald eagle nests in Ohio. This year, the Ohio

Department of Natural Resources identified 964 nests in the state. He

described being invited to share his experiences at a City Council meeting as

an honor, and encouraged residents to grab their binoculars, explore nature,

and protect the habitats that host the phenomenal birds.

Mayor Jadwin commended Mr. Sullivan on his articulate comments. She

expressed how impressed she was with his accomplishments in birding and

commended his parents for supporting his efforts. President Bowers closed

by expressing gratitude to Mr. Sullivan for bringing such attention to the cause

and expressed support for his efforts on behalf of Council.

2. Joint Resolution and Proclamation Presentation by Council and Mayor

Recipient: American Legion Post 797 & Volunteers

In Honor of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall in Gahanna

President Bowers turned attention to Mayor Jadwin to introduce the joint

proclamation/resolution. Mayor Jadwin explained that for five days Gahanna

was able to host the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. It created a space for

reflection and healing and made the wall accessible for those who cannot

travel to see it. There are 58,470 names engraved on the wall, which

represent the names of the service members who gave their lives during the

Vietnam War. Two Gahanna names were on the wall as well. Mayor Jadwin

described the events of the weekend as moving, and it was so successful

due to the efforts of the American Legion. She stated it was an honor to

recognize American Legion Post 797 for their year-long efforts in planning the

events that took place over the weekend.

Gary Filaseta, a representative of American Legion Post 797, thanked Council

and Mayor Jadwin for their support. He stated it had taken two years to have

the Vietnam Memorial Wall come to Gahanna. There were extensive efforts to

coordinate and fundraise. He also extended thanks to members of Parks &

Recreation and remarked on their quick work in putting the project together.

He closed by thanking the officials again for their support of veterans and the

American Legion.

President Bowers remarked on her experiences viewing the wall and

attending the event, which she described as beautiful and moving.

Councilwoman McGregor expressed that each name on the wall is the mark

of a life cut short. She shared that many members of her family, including

grandchildren, are members of the military, and they sign up to give

everything, including their lives if needed, to the country. She remarked that

the wall represents over 58,000 who gave their lives and thanked the

American Legion for bringing the memorial wall to the Gahanna.

3. Creekside Redevelopment Presentation to Council

Jeff Gottke, Director of Economic Development

Economic Development Director Jeff Gottke provided an overview of the

Creekside Reimagined project. Mr. Gottke stated the intent of his presentation

was to reiterate the basic facts of each project phase both for the council and

the general public. He explained there are two separate projects. One is a

public City of Gahanna project. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Creekside

Plaza was indicated in a red rectangle. The projects happening in this space

include flood mitigation and plaza revitalization that will be undertaken by the

city, happening on city-owned and controlled property. These projects will

bring the city into compliance with FEMA standards, prevent further damage,

while also increasing visibility of the plaza to the public, add amenities, and be

more user-friendly. The intention of the revitalization is to not only bring the

plaza up to FEMA standards, but also to give the public more reason to visit

and stay in the Creekside area and patronize local businesses.

A second, private project was outlined in Director Gottke’s presentation in

yellow and green. The first phase is mixed-use and consists of 263

apartments, a 55-70 room hotel, two restaurants, and a self-parked parking

structure. The second phase is a townhome component on High Street. The

project is privately funded. The chosen developers were vetted and are

pledging $100 million of their own money, equity, investors, and loans. The

developers believe there is a market for the project in Gahanna and hope to

create an environment of more people in the Creekside area. Director Gottke

described three types of people that can be brought into the area. These

include workers in the area businesses, residents in the apartments and

townhomes, and visitors within the hotel. Director Gottke explained how the

private development is complementary to public development. Having more

people in the Creekside area equates to more people staying at the plaza and

supporting local businesses. Though the projects are separate, they are

complimentary.

Director Gottke explained the construction will be primarily of a modular

design. The developer builds the apartment units off site, then they are

brought on site where they are put together and finished. The units can be

built faster in this way. This method is also more cost effective and reduces

construction waste, resulting in a more environmentally friendly project. The

apartments are also built to meet LEED standards. The second phase will

begin after the first. The land transfer for the High Street properties is planned

to happen after the land transfer for the Mill Street properties. So, the public

parking lot will be retained for a longer period of time while parties work to find

a solution for the anticipated loss of 65 parking spaces. Finally, there are

performance guarantees built into the development agreement. The developer

must meet certain standards, or the property reconveys back to the city or

CIC again. This also encourages timely and efficient development of projects.

Director Gottke explained additional steps that must take place, including

creation of a TIF and NCA, Planning Commission review, engineering review,

traffic impacts, utility demands, and stormwater impacts.

Director Gottke closed by inviting both Council and the public to stay engaged

in the progress of the projects. An open-house-style engagement session is

scheduled for Thursday, October 9 from 4:00-7:00 on the Creekside Plaza.

Additional opportunities for engagement include a Committee of the Whole

meeting on October 13th and a City Council meeting on October 20th. A

website dedicated to the redevelopment is forthcoming. In the meantime,

questions can be directed to creekside@gahanna.gov.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Tim McClurg, 935 Leaflock Court, shared his opinions on the Creekside

development. He felt the public parking lot near The Gahanna Sanctuary

should continue to be used for the Blues & Jazz festival, adding that it is also

used by the Sanctuary and for many downtown events. He hoped local

businesses that closed at 5:00 p.m. could open their parking lots to be used

for public parking, whether paid or unpaid. He appreciated the idea of having a

hotel in the area, but suggest it be located at Creekside so it could overlook

the creek. He did not feel it would be well-suited on the other side of Mill

Street. He also inquired as to what the bridge would look like, which would be

built across the street, connecting the parking garage and the hotel. He hoped

it could be designed in a way to draw attention to the area. Mr. McClurg also

wondered what the cost of the necessary Creekside flooding mitigation

repairs would be, compared to the planned improvements, noting they were

presented as a package. Additionally, Mr. McClurg wondered if there was any

recourse that the city could take regarding the original construction of

Creekside, noting that new structures often have guarantees for a certain

period of time. He also wondered what guarantees would be in place for the

new improvements to ensure the same problems do not recur. He also asked

whether the improvements would help with existing high rents and lack of

development at Creekside. Mr. McClurg continued with his questioning,

wondering if Gahanna purchases the buildings from the CIC, would they sell

them to the developer or retain ownership. Mr. McClurg closed his remarks by

stating that he hoped the opening of 825 Tech Center Drive would be as

successful as the opening of the new Resch’s Bakery location in Gahanna.

Arlene Sheak, 1410 Sedgefield Drive. Ms. Sheak commended Mayor Jadwin,

and all involved in the Creekside redevelopment plan. She stated she has

been a Gahanna resident for eight years, and she appreciated that the public

has an opportunity to be involved in the project. She acknowledged the

planning of apartments that would include lower income units, which she

stated was a great precedent. She looked forward to seeing the projects

develop.

Chris Corder, 184 Brookhill Drive. Mr. Corder stated he has been a Gahanna

resident since 2021 but has been a member of VFW Post 4719 since 2013.

He was impressed by the redevelopment plans, though he shared concerns

about parking. However, he felt this could be worked out during the project’s

second phase. Mr. Corder expressed longer-term concerns over the Tax

Increment Financing (TIF) that is being established, especially with state-level

considerations to eliminate property taxes. He hoped recourse could be

considered if the TIF planning falls apart. He ended his comments by thanking

officials for their work, acknowledging that the project plans exceed his

expectations.

Justin Yafanaro, 694 Kenilworth Court. Mr. Yafanaro shared his thoughts on

the Creekside plan. He felt the plans were exactly the type of development

needed in Gahanna, and that a mix of smaller and medium-sized buildings

would increase the amount of people and local businesses in the area and

therefore increase the vibrancy of Creekside. He acknowledged the parking

concerns but noted those living in the area would be able to walk to

Creekside’s amenities and events and felt the parking spaces lost from the

public lot could be mitigated. He closed by reiterating that he felt the proposed

type of development is what the area needs.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2025-0189

2025-0190

Council Regular Minutes 9.15.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Council Special Minutes 9.22.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2025-0191

Committee of the Whole Minutes 9.22.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Motions:

MT-0011-2025

A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GAHANNA BIDDING FOR THE

HAMILTON

ROAD

AND

GRANVILLE

STREET

AND

EAST

JOHNSTOWN ROAD SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

(SA-1117)

The Motion was approved on the Consent Agenda.

MT-0012-2025

A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF GAHANNA BIDDING FOR THE

ANNUAL SANITARY AND STORM SEWER CLEANING AND CCTV

PROGRAM

The Motion was approved on the Consent Agenda.

3. Resolutions:

RES-0041-2025

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS

DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING

THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE

COUNTY AUDITOR

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

RES-0042-2025

RES-0043-2025

JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION HONORING THE

VIETNAM TRAVELING MEMORIAL WALL IN GAHANNA, OHIO

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION TO HONOR AND

RECOGNIZE KILLIAN SULLIVAN, 2025 YOUNG BIRDER OF THE

YEAR, IN CELEBRATION OF WORLD ANIMAL DAY AND WORLD

HABITAT MONTH

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

4. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:

ORD-0039-2025

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT WITH COLUMBIA GAS

OF OHIO, INC

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:

7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver

Yes:

RESOLUTIONS:

RES-0044-2025

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO ENTER INTO

THE SECONDARY MANUFACTURERS SETTLEMENTS

City Attorney Tamilarasan apologized to Council that the item was not

agendized for a Committee of the Whole discussion, explaining there was

confusion about upcoming opioid settlements that needed participation forms.

This resolution is in relation to secondary manufacturers, whereas the first

resolution was related to primary manufacturer Purdue Direct. This resolution

is still for opioid settlement funds with the same restrictions as the other

funds.

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

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver

Yes:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

ORD-0041-2025

ORDINANCE

ACCEPTING

CRESCENT

CIRCLE

(ST-1111)

PUBLIC ROADWAY, STORM WATER, AND DOMESTIC WATER

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

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

ORD-0042-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

DEVELOPMENT

BENSON

AGREEMENT

WITH

AND THE

CONNECT

GAHANNA

REALTY

LLC,

CAPITAL,

LLC,

COMMUNITY

IMPROVEMENT CORPORATION FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF

VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTIES IN THE CREEKSIDE

DISTRICT

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

ORD-0043-2025

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2026-2030 CITY OF GAHANNA

CAPITAL

IMPROVEMENT

PLAN,

SUPERSEDING

ALL

PRIOR

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS, AND PROVIDING FOR FUTURE

SUNSET

President Bowers reminded Councilmembers that Ordinance 0043-2025 has

an opportunity for further discussion and advised members to direct

questions to Director Schultz by Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

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

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk - None.

2. Council

2025-0193

Your City Council at Work Newsletter - July-August 2025

President Bowers shared that the latest version of the Council newsletter is

available. It can be received via email by signing up using the link on the city’s

website.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilman Renner shared that the CIC met at 7:30 a.m. on September 24,

2025. Monthly financials are normal. The work on the Amfield House is in

progress, and there were discussions on the future of the Harry Bauer House.

Economic Development staff are considering options to relocate the home. If

they are unable to do so, they are considering ways to remove architectural

finishing and finding ways to honor the home and its former owner. The board

entered executive session at 8:19 a.m. and ended executive session at 8:51

a.m. Mayor Jadwin invited CIC members to attend the Reimagine Creekside

event. The meeting was adjourned at 8:57 a.m. The next meeting will be held

on October 21, 2025.

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

2025-0192

Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 10.6.2025

Vice President Weaver thanked Council Office for their assistance in

preparation of the report. The Summit on Sustainability was held September

30, 2025. MORPC hosted leaders from around the region to discuss

community-driven projects and opportunities to advance environmental goals.

The meeting also included discussion on HB15, which aims to balance

surging energy demands, transparency, and affordability. Councilmember

Weaver also congratulated Mayor Jadwin on her Pecha Kucha presentation,

which focused on both her and the city’s path toward sustainability.

Councilmember Weaver shared that the event’s keynote focused on the role

of partnerships and innovation in addressing climate barriers, which provided

timely insights relevant to Gahanna’s own sustainability work. The next

MORPC meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2025.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilwoman Padova shared that Visit Gahanna was awarded a Ruby

Award at the Ohio Travel Association’s Tourism Conference. RUBY stands

for Recognizing Uncommon Brilliance Yearly. Padova called it a great

achievement, noting there were a record number of submissions this year.

Additionally, Visit Gahanna received four citations of excellence. She said the

CVB has also been working on a welcome discount card that includes 15

local businesses. Each one has a different discount on it, which encourages

people to explore restaurants and businesses in Gahanna. Councilwoman

Padova shared the date for the Holiday Lights celebration, which will take

place November 23, the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Councilwoman Jones shared upcoming meeting dates of the school board. A

workshop meeting is scheduled for October 9, a Facilities and Finance

meeting is scheduled for October 14, and a regular board meeting is

scheduled for October 16, all at 6:30 p.m. at Clark Hall. She also shared that

the unveiling of the new high school for the community is scheduled for

January 10, 2026, with more information to follow.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin thanked Gary Filaseta and the members of American Legion

Post 797. She also recognized the Gahanna Lions Club and the many

volunteers who provided an experience that brought the city together in a way

that she described as powerful and deeply human. She expressed pride to

have the American Legion in the community and shared her appreciation for

Mr. Filaseta’s comments on the Parks & Recreation Department. Mayor

Jadwin stated that she was honored to have been asked to speak at the

MORPC Summit on Sustainability the prior week. She addressed more than

750 community leaders, professionals, and advocates from across the

region. She described the experience as both humbling and energizing,

adding that it was a meaningful experience to reflect on her own personal

sustainability efforts along with Gahanna’s accomplishments. Mayor Jadwin

thanked the residents who attended the meeting to provide input on the

Creekside projects. She reiterated Mr. Gottke’s comments that there would

be another public engagement session on October 9, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

She explained there would be presentation boards and staff to answer

questions in an open-house format. She expressed appreciation for those

who have shown up to previous presentations. A website is being built, where

meetings and renderings will be linked. Upcoming events include a Make

Gahanna Yours litter pickup event on October 18, the Great Gahanna Goblin

Fest is scheduled for October 24, the Shred and E-Recycle Day is planned

for October 25 and Trick-or-Treat will fall on October 30th.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan thanked Council for passing the resolution for

opioid settlement funds. Ms. Tamilarasan shared that there was a resolution

to sign on to an amicus brief regarding an issue that arose out of Cincinnati

pertaining to property issues. Oral arguments are scheduled for December

9th.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilwoman Jones reiterated her appreciation of the American Legion Post

for the travelling memorial wall. She shared that she had seen it in

Washington, D.C. at a young age and was grateful to see it replicated in the

community. She also congratulated Mr. Sullivan and his family. She was

unaware of much of the information he shared, and she looked forward to

hearing more about his work as a birder. She also expressed appreciation to

residents who shared their input at the meeting, noting the importance of

having public input and conversations in person.

Councilwoman Padova stated that the Mill Street Market had recently taken

place and she thanked the Historical Society and volunteers who helped plan

the event. There were many vendors and interesting things at the market. She

also shared her appreciation for the Historical Society’s assistance in

promoting Good Neighbor Day. The Historical Society and Stonybrook Early

Learning Center provided activities and crafts to encourage people to connect

with their neighbors. Councilwoman Padova also shared that she had

attended the MORPC Summit on Sustainability for the fourth time. She

recalled a session on youth and sustainability, and highlighted Killian

Sullivan’s efforts to raise awareness of birds. She also recalled a session by

Circular Thrift of Bexley, whose efforts are focused on fight fast fashion and

reusing clothing. She shared that Collective Home Supply will be holding a

clothing swap on October 18, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and encouraged those

interested to watch Collective Home Supply’s social media pages for more

information.

Councilman Renner expressed gratitude to the VFW for their work in bringing

the Vietnam Memorial Wall replica to Gahanna. He had also seen the original

wall previously, noting that his mother had two classmates whose names

were on the wall. He also thanked Mr. Sullivan for his speech and ecological

knowledge of birds. He encouraged Mr. Sullivan to continue to progress with

his knowledge. Councilman Renner shared his own experiences from the

MORPC Summit on Sustainability, sharing that the theme was “Local Roots”

and considered what can be done at home in terms of sustainability. He

encouraged residents to think about what can be done at the local level and in

the strength of the community. He felt there was a nexus in his mind, in the

sense of remembering those who had fallen in a war, while also looking

forward and determining how to progress as a society. He described the

experience of seeing injustices happen at the national level, including what he

described as the ripping apart of the Constitution. He felt that the community

is supposed to build something better and felt that a good place to start was

with sustainability and the theme of local roots, and asking what it means to

be American.

Vice President Weaver thanked community members who have taken the

time to share their thoughts with councilmembers. He echoed congratulations

to Mr. Sullivan, adding that he learned a lot from Mr. Sullivan’s comments, and

acknowledged the Sullivan family for providing support to Mr. Sullivan. Weaver

also thanked the Historical Society, stated he enjoyed the Mill Street Market.

He also shared his thanks to American Legion Post 797, the Lions Club,

Parks & Recreation, and volunteers who worked on the Vietnam Memorial

Wall events. He visited the day prior and shared that viewing the wall

continues to be impactful. Councilman Weaver’s constituent hour is

scheduled for Thursday, October 16, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Lobby

Conference Room at City Hall. He also shared that the end of September

marked the end of Suicide Prevention Month. He stated that tragedy had again

struck the Gahanna community due to a suicide. He encouraged individuals

to check in with their friends, family, and loved ones, and those ones might

never suspect were struggling. He also encouraged people to use the

National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. Additional resources include NAMI,

the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and first responders.

President Bowers shared her gratitude to those who attended the meeting,

remarking on the large attendance within Council Chambers. She noted there

are several projects on the horizon for Gahanna, and emphasized

Councilwoman Jones’ comments that they work in partnership with the

community and take it seriously. She acknowledged that the impact of

potential future legislation and ballot initiatives is something that warrants

consideration and exploration. They are continuing to identify potential

consequences and positive outcomes of the projects. She also expressed

the importance of building connections and community together.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, to go into Executive

Session under authority of Section 5.40(a) of the Council Rules of Procedure

to consider the appointment of public employees or officials.

President Bowers announced that Council would meet in Executive Session

in the Law Library.

Council rose to report to Executive Session at 8:06 p.m.

Council rose to report from Executive Session at 9:14 p.m. with no further

action.

The motion carried by the following vote:

7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver

Yes:

ADJOURNMENT:

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