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, March 2, 2026  
7:00 PM  
City Hall, Council Chambers  
A.  
CALL TO ORDER: Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call  
Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, March 2,  
2026, in Council Chambers. President of Council Trenton I. Weaver  
called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Vice President of Council  
Jamille Jones delivered an Invocation and led members in the Pledge  
of Allegiance. The agenda was published on February 27, 2026.  
7 -  
Present  
Merisa K. Bowers, Jamille Jones, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova,  
Stephen A. Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver  
B.  
C.  
ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:  
None.  
PRESENTATIONS:  
1. Swearing-in Ceremony - Mayor Jadwin & Division of Police  
Sgt. Jeffrey Hoffman and Sgt. Bryan Kovalik  
Mayor Jadwin introduced the swearing-in ceremony for two new  
sergeants in the Gahanna Division of Police and stated that the evening  
marked another exciting occasion for the Division. She noted that the  
City had previously added a second deputy chief position and had  
recently promoted two lieutenants. She recalled that when voters  
approved Issue 12 in 2019, public safety and investment in the Police  
Department remained central priorities. She stated that the promotions,  
hiring efforts, and career development opportunities for police officers  
reflected the City’s commitment to those priorities. Mayor Jadwin also  
noted the strong support shown by officers in attendance for their  
colleagues. Mayor Jadwin invited Director of Public Safety Tim Becker to  
offer remarks.  
Director Becker stated that the Division appreciated the opportunity to  
bring new leaders on board and expressed excitement about the ideas  
and leadership they would contribute as the department continued to  
grow.  
Mayor Jadwin then administered the oath of office to Sergeant Jeffrey  
Hoffman and Sergeant Bryan Kovalik. Following the oath, Mayor Jadwin  
congratulated Sergeant Hoffman and Sergeant Kovalik on their  
promotions.  
Director Becker invited Sergeant Jeffrey Hoffman forward for the  
badge-pinning portion of the ceremony and noted that members of his  
family attended the event. Director Becker stated that Sergeant Hoffman  
grew up in central Ohio and served 12 years in the United States Army  
Reserve as a military police officer, where he achieved the rank of  
platoon sergeant and deployed in support of Operation Enduring  
Freedom. He stated that the Gahanna Division of Police hired Sergeant  
Hoffman in 2019 and that he had served in several capacities, including  
as a member of the peer support team. Director Becker noted that  
Sergeant Hoffman had removed more than 200 impaired drivers from  
Gahanna roadways and had received three consecutive awards from  
Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. He added that Sergeant Hoffman  
became a standardized field sobriety testing instructor and a Driving  
Impaired Criminal Enforcement (DICE) officer to assist fellow officers  
with enforcement efforts. Director Becker stated that Sergeant Hoffman  
credited the support of his mentor on third shift and looked forward to  
strengthening the third-shift team alongside Sergeant Bryan Kovalik.  
Following the remarks, Sergeant Hoffman participated in the  
badge-pinning ceremony with assistance from a family member.  
Director Becker then introduced Sergeant Bryan Kovalik for the next  
badge-pinning. He noted that members of Sergeant Kovalik’s family  
attended the ceremony. Director Becker stated that Sergeant Kovalik  
was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and grew up in northeast Ohio.  
He noted that Sergeant Kovalik served six years of active duty in the  
United States Air Force and earned an associate degree in criminal  
justice from the Community College of the Air Force. Director Becker  
stated that Sergeant Kovalik credited a mentor from his Air Force  
service and that the Gahanna Division of Police hired him in 2014. He  
explained that Sergeant Kovalik had served as a patrol officer, detective,  
SWAT member, and firearms instructor, and that these roles helped  
shape his development as an officer. Director Becker stated that  
Sergeant Kovalik looked forward to returning to patrol and continuing to  
develop as a leader. After the ceremony concluded, Director Becker  
expressed confidence that Sergeants Hoffman and Kovalik would serve  
as strong leaders for the Division. He stated that he appreciated the  
opportunity to work through the selection process with both officers and  
noted their enthusiasm for learning, leading, and continuing to protect the  
Gahanna community.  
Chief Spence added that the Division had completed several promotions  
in recent months, including two lieutenants, a deputy chief, and two  
sergeants. He stated that the opening of the new facility at 825 Tech  
Center Drive created opportunities for leadership development and  
future growth within the department. Chief Spence also noted that the  
Division continued to hire additional personnel, including recruits and  
lateral transfers, which would bring the department to full staffing and  
position it well for the coming years.  
President Weaver thanked the Chief, the Director, and the Mayor. He  
congratulated Sergeants Hoffman and Kovalik and their families and  
remarked that it was impressive to see so many colleagues present to  
celebrate the promotions. He stated that Council looked forward to the  
continued contributions of both officers.  
2. Joint Resolution/Proclamation by Council, Mayor, City Attorney  
Women's History Month Presentation by Tom Gregory  
Honoring Laura M. Fisher, First Gahanna Councilwoman Elected 1921  
President Weaver introduced the next agenda item, a joint resolution and  
proclamation by Council, the Mayor, and the City Attorney recognizing  
Women’s History Month, along with a presentation by Tom Gregory  
honoring Laura M. Fisher, the first woman elected to Gahanna Council in  
1921. He then recognized Councilmember Padova to introduce the  
presentation.  
Councilmember Padova stated that Council recognized Women’s  
History Month in March and noted that the 2026 theme was “Leading the  
Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” She explained that  
Council believed it appropriate to recognize the first woman to represent  
the then-Village of Gahanna. Councilmember Padova then introduced  
Tom Gregory to present information about the life and legacy of  
Councilwoman Laura M. Fisher.  
Tom Gregory presented a brief historical overview of Laura M. Fisher  
and the Fisher family’s role in Gahanna’s early history. He explained that  
Laura Fisher became the first woman elected to Gahanna’s council in  
1921, shortly after the passage of the 19th Amendment granted women  
the right to vote and participate in government. He noted that Gahanna  
elected two women that year, though Laura Fisher ultimately served as  
the first to hold office. Gregory provided background on Laura Fisher’s  
life, noting that she and her husband, Ross Fisher, were high school  
sweethearts and married on December 25, 1900. He explained that  
Ross Fisher and his brother operated a general store known as Fiser  
Brothers in Gahanna from 1908 to 1932, which later became Shadwicks.  
Gregory noted that the store served as an important part of the  
community’s early commercial framework. He described the Fisher  
family’s broader involvement in local government and civic life. Ross  
Fisher served as village treasurer from 1916 to 1919 and later served on  
Council from 1926 to 1927, while another member of the family also  
served on Council and the school board. Gregory stated that Laura  
Fisher’s service occurred during a time when Gahanna had a population  
of approximately 350 residents.  
Mr. Gregory explained that while serving on Council, Fisher participated  
in discussions and decisions regarding several community issues,  
including the transition to electric lighting, the installation of street lighting  
infrastructure, and the passage of a tax levy to fund those improvements.  
He also noted that the Council at the time held a community mass  
meeting to discuss the electric lighting project and temporarily turned off  
the city’s lights to encourage residents to attend. Gregory further  
discussed the Fisher family’s continued civic involvement after Laura  
Fisher’s council service, including participation in agricultural and  
community organizations and other local initiatives. He also described  
the family’s business changes in the 1930s and the circumstances that  
eventually led to the sale of the original store. Gregory concluded by  
emphasizing the lasting legacy of Laura Fisher’s election and service. He  
noted that while her election received little public recognition at the time,  
it marked an early milestone for women in municipal government in  
Gahanna, Franklin County, and beyond. He also observed that women  
now hold a majority of the elected seats on Gahanna City Council and  
highlighted a recent school ribbon-cutting event in which several women  
leaders delivered remarks. Gregory stated that Laura Fisher’s legacy  
continues to influence the community today.  
Councilmember Padova thanked Mr. Gregory for the presentation and  
invited attendees to come forward for a photograph.  
President Weaver thanked Councilmember Padova for bringing forward  
the recognition and thanked Tom Gregory for the presentation. He also  
thanked Marilyn Fisher and the Fisher family for attending and stated that  
it was an honor to serve alongside the women currently serving in  
Gahanna’s leadership.  
D.  
E.  
HEARING OF VISITORS:  
None.  
CONSENT AGENDA:  
1. Minutes - To Approve:  
2026-0051  
2026-0045  
2026-0046  
2026-0047  
2026-0048  
2026-0049  
Council Special Minutes 2026-02-16  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
Council Regular Minutes 2026-02-16  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
Committee of the Whole Minutes 2026-02-23  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
Finance Committee Minutes 2026-02-23  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
Ad hoc Rules Committee Minutes 2026-02-04  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
Ad hoc Rules Committee Minutes 2026-02-12  
The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.  
2. Motions:  
MT-0010-2026  
A MOTION TO CONFIRM THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY'S  
APPOINTMENT OF JEFFERSON FIRE CHIEF BRADFORD SHULL  
AND MIFFLIN FIRE CHIEF BRIAN DUNLEVY AS MUNICIPAL FIRE  
SAFETY INSPECTORS PURSUANT TO SECTION 1501.04 OF THE  
GAHANNA CODIFIED ORDINANCES, TO REMAIN EFFECTIVE UNTIL  
SUCH TIME AS A SUCCESSOR IS QUALIFIED AND APPOINTED  
The Motion was approved on the Consent Agenda.  
MT-0009-2026  
A
MOTION TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE COUNCIL  
RULES OF PROCEDURE AS PROPOSED BY THE AD HOC  
COUNCIL RULES COMMITTEE (EXHIBIT A)  
The Motion was approved on the Consent Agenda.  
3. Resolutions:  
RES-0004-2026  
A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MARCH  
2026 AS "WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH" IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA  
AND HONORING LAURA M. FISHER, THE FIRST WOMAN ELECTED  
TO SERVE ON THE VILLAGE OF GAHANNA COUNCIL IN 1921  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
RES-0006-2026  
A
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO PROVIDE  
CONSENT AND ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH THE DIRECTOR OF  
TRANSPORTATION WHICH IS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE  
REPAIR OF CONCRETE PARAPETS AND REPLACEMENT OF  
VANDAL PROTECTION FENCE ON NORTH SIDE OF MCCUTCHEON  
ROAD BRIDGE  
The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.  
4. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:  
ORD-0006-2026  
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODIFIED  
ORDINANCE SECTION 133.02 - PURCHASING PROCEDURES  
The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the  
Consent Agenda.  
End of Consent Agenda  
A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Bowers, to Pass the Consent  
Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
Yes:  
F.  
RESOLUTIONS:  
RES-0005-2026  
A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING  
A
WAIVER OF STORMWATER  
MANAGEMENT WATER QUANTITY CONTROLS PURSUANT TO  
SECTION 1113.02(e) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY  
OF GAHANNA FOR THE ACADEMY PARK  
PROJECT (PK-25-08); PARCEL ID 025-004304  
IMPROVEMENTS  
Councilmember McGregor stated that she objected to the proposed  
waiver of stormwater management quantity controls. She explained that  
she had corresponded by email with her husband and Senior Utilities  
Engineer Holly Boyer the previous week. She noted that the engineering  
review had examined the Academy Park study as an isolated issue.  
Councilmember McGregor described her husband’s professional  
experience with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, where he  
worked for twelve years across three divisions addressing erosion  
issues throughout the state, and his eighteen years as mayor addressing  
erosion along the Big Walnut Creek and other waterways in Gahanna.  
She cited past projects that addressed erosion along the Big Walnut  
near the golf course and along the cliff behind Camrose Court. She also  
referenced the placement of fill in the floodplain during the 1960s near  
Academy Park, which she stated narrowed the channel between the fill  
and the bank near Camrose Court and Ridenour Road. Councilmember  
McGregor expressed concern that the waiver request did not consider  
downstream issues and stated that a geological and environmental  
engineering firm should conduct further study to ensure that the project  
did not endanger nearby homes located above the Big Walnut Creek.  
Councilmember Renner thanked Jim and Nancy McGregor for sharing  
historical information about the floodplain south of Academy Park and the  
erosion concerns near Camrose Court. He stated that the context  
provided value but emphasized the importance of distinguishing between  
floodplain storage and stormwater mitigation. He explained that  
floodplains store floodwater and reduce water velocity, which helps limit  
erosion by allowing water to spread out. He acknowledged that historical  
fill in the floodplain may have increased erosion along the Big Walnut  
Creek over time. However, he stated that the project under consideration  
did not propose additional floodplain fill or a loss of floodplain storage.  
He explained that the project focused primarily on stormwater  
management and site improvements and that modeling indicated peak  
flows at the watershed scale would remain essentially unchanged, with an  
increase of less than one percent. Councilmember Renner also noted  
that the project included underdrain systems and additional tree canopy,  
both of which would improve stormwater performance. He stated that only  
a portion of the parking lot would be reconstructed, allowing green  
infrastructure retrofits. He also referenced the presence of a shallow  
groundwater table that limited infiltration practices and stated that, given  
those constraints, the engineering approach appeared reasonable.  
Councilmember Renner emphasized the need to consider environmental  
protection, fiscal responsibility, and community benefits when evaluating  
projects and expressed confidence that the project addressed those  
priorities.  
Councilmember Bowers asked the administration whether additional  
analysis requested by Mr. McGregor would provide any new information  
beyond what staff had already reviewed. Mayor Jadwin responded that  
the project had undergone evaluation and planning for two years and that  
at least seven licensed professional engineers had participated in the  
planning process. She stated that the prior city engineer had approved  
the project the previous summer and that Senior Utilities Engineer Holly  
Boyer later conducted an independent analysis. Mayor Jadwin explained  
that the issue before Council involved a stormwater variance and that  
concerns related to the Big Walnut Creek near Camrose Court  
represented a separate matter. She then invited Senior Utilities Engineer  
Holly Boyer to address the question. Senior Utilities Engineer Holly Boyer  
stated that the existing analysis demonstrated that the project would not  
change stormwater hydraulics in the area and that the modeling  
conducted by the consulting engineer showed site hydraulics would  
remain generally the same after the project. Councilmember Bowers  
asked whether additional analysis would provide any information relevant  
to the waiver request. Boyer replied that it would not.  
Councilmember McGregor then asked why the waiver was necessary if  
the project would not produce a significant change. Senior Utilities  
Engineer Boyer explained that Gahanna’s code required additional  
stormwater analysis beyond state requirements. She stated that the  
waiver would allow the project to follow Ohio Environmental Protection  
Agency regulations rather than the stricter local code. She explained that  
the project would increase impervious surface through the parking lot but  
would also include a detention basin that would detain the additional  
runoff and leave site hydraulics unchanged. Mayor Jadwin added that if  
the City followed Gahanna’s code requirements, the design would  
require a deeper detention basin. She explained that the high  
groundwater table at Academy Park prevented deeper excavation due to  
the site’s location within the floodplain. She stated that the alternative  
would require expanding the basin footprint, which would reduce usable  
park space and impact the fields. She explained that the variance would  
allow the project to meet Ohio EPA standards instead, which would result  
in little to no difference in stormwater runoff compared to existing  
conditions. She also noted that the park currently had no stormwater  
management system and that runoff flowed directly into the creek. She  
stated that the new basin would detain the runoff, allow natural treatment,  
and release the water gradually.  
Councilmember Bowers thanked the administration and staff for  
explaining the issue and asked whether granting the waiver would set a  
precedent for other projects to follow EPA standards rather than  
Gahanna’s more stringent code. Senior Utilities Engineer Boyer stated  
that the waiver would apply only to properties adjacent to and abutting the  
Big Walnut Creek where hydraulic connections to the floodplain existed.  
She explained that such waivers would occur on a case-by-case basis.  
The waiver would apply only to hydraulically connected sites and that the  
circumstances under which an applicant could request such a waiver  
were limited. Councilmember Bowers thanked staff for the clarification.  
Councilmember Renner asked whether the waiver applied specifically to  
the current project and whether any future scope changes would require  
the applicant to return to Council. Senior Utilities Engineer Boyer stated  
that if the applicant later proposed expanding the parking lot or  
undertaking additional development, the applicant would need to restart  
the process and comply fully with Gahanna’s stormwater quantity and  
quality requirements for the entire development. Councilmember Renner  
acknowledged that clarification and noted that the waiver remained  
limited to the current project.  
A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Bowers, that the Resolution be  
Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
6 - Bowers, Jones, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
1 - McGregor  
Yes:  
No:  
G.  
H.  
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:  
ORD-0008-2026  
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 921.04 OF THE CODIFIED  
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA TO UPDATE SEWERAGE  
SYSTEM CAPACITY CHARGES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY  
President Weaver introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING / ADOPTION:  
ORD-0002-2026  
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING, APPROVING, AND RATIFYING THE  
SUBMITTED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA TAX  
INCENTIVE REVIEW COUNCIL FOR TAX YEAR 2024  
Councilmember Bowers stated that during the previous committee  
meeting Council had discussed follow-up from the City Attorney’s office.  
She asked City Attorney Tamilarasan whether Council should move  
forward with adopting the ordinance and recommendations as presented  
or consider an alternative approach.  
City Attorney Tamilarasan recommended that Council move forward with  
the ordinance as presented. She explained that she had prepared and  
submitted a memorandum, included with the meeting materials,  
addressing questions raised during a prior Committee of the Whole  
meeting. She clarified that any voting member of the Tax Incentive  
Review Council (TIRC) must receive proper appointment and  
concurrence from the legislative authority in order to participate. She  
further explained that after consulting with the county and its legal  
representatives, they determined that the statutory quorum consisted of  
twelve members rather than ten and included representatives from both  
Jefferson and Mifflin Townships. Under that interpretation, at least six  
members must be present to meet quorum. She stated that seven valid  
voting members had attended the meeting in question, which satisfied  
the quorum requirement and supported the validity of the  
recommendations. She concluded that Council could approve and move  
forward with those recommendations. City Attorney Tamilarasan added  
that her discussions with county officials and Director Gottke identified  
several best practices to implement in the future to avoid similar quorum  
concerns. She stated that she supported Director Gottke’s  
recommendations presented at the previous committee meeting,  
including the use of alternate representatives and locally housing the  
TIRC, in order to establish safeguards that would ensure proper  
participation and compliance moving forward.  
President Weaver thanked Councilmember Bowers and City Attorney  
Tamilarasan for their remarks. He noted that Council had discussed the  
item extensively over several weeks and expressed appreciation to  
Director Gottke, the administration, and the City Attorney for their efforts  
to address questions and coordinate with the county. He also thanked  
Director Gottke for pursuing process improvements for the future.  
A motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Jones, that the Ordinance be  
Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:  
7 - Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
Yes:  
Recommended Postponement to a Date Certain:  
ORD-0007-2026  
AN  
APPROXIMATELY  
FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO, TO THE CITY OF GAHANNA; LOCATED  
AT 4736 AND 4722 JOHNSTOWN ROAD (PARCEL ID NOS.  
170-000068 AND 170-000069).  
ORDINANCE  
TO  
7.6 ACRES  
ACCEPT  
THE  
JEFFERSON  
ANNEXATION  
OF  
FROM  
TOWNSHIP,  
President Weaver introduced the ordinance and the Clerk read it by title.  
Regarding the potential annexation from Jefferson Township, President  
Weaver stated that the developer had requested a two-week  
postponement in order to present information at the Committee of the  
Whole meeting the following week. President Weaver recommended that  
Council support the request and asked for a motion to postpone  
Ordinance 0007-2026 to a date certain of March 16, 2026. During  
discussion on the motion to postpone, Councilmember Bowers stated  
that, after consulting with the City Attorney, she would abstain from  
participating in dialogue and voting on ordinances associated with the  
project. She explained that a conflict of interest existed through her work  
with the law firm representing the applicant.  
A motion was made by Jones, seconded by Padova, that the Ordinance be  
Postponed to Date Certain, March 16, 2026. The item returns to Committee of  
the Whole on March 9, 2026 for further discussion. The motion carried by the  
following vote:  
6 - Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver  
1 - Bowers  
Yes:  
Abstain, COI:  
I.  
CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:  
1. Clerk  
2026-0044  
Ohio Division of Liquor Control Notice to Legislative Authority Permit  
TRFO 10013340-1 FROM HARE RAM HARE KRISHNA LLC TO  
GAHANNA DRIVE THRU LLC (ALPINE DRIVE THRU) 210 GRANVILLE  
ST, GAHANNA, OH 43230  
Clerk VanMeter reported that one item appeared on the agenda  
regarding a liquor control notice for 210 Granville Street, known as Alpine  
Drive-Thru. He explained that the notice involved a transfer of ownership.  
Clerk VanMeter stated that he consulted with the Division of Police and  
confirmed that the Division had no objections. He added that, if Council  
raised no objections, he would return the notice indicating that the City  
did not request a hearing. [Note: There were no objections raised, and  
the Clerk returned the notice indicating no hearing was requested.]  
2. Council - None.  
J.  
REPRESENTATIVES:  
1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Padova  
Councilmember Renner stated that he would provide an updated report  
at the next regular meeting.  
2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Weaver  
2026-0052  
Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 2026-03-02  
President Weaver encouraged members to review the full report for  
additional details. He noted that the next commission meeting would  
occur on Thursday, March 12, 2026. He highlighted information included  
in the report regarding community project funding and member-directed  
spending opportunities at the federal level, as well as the state capital  
budget process and related application deadlines. He also noted that  
Congresswoman Beatty’s office would host a webinar on the process  
scheduled for March 6, 2026.  
3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova  
Councilmember Padova reminded Council that Herb Day would take  
place on May 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and encouraged  
residents to save the date. She stated that volunteer sign-up would open  
soon on the website. She also reminded Council that the Creekside  
Blues and Jazz Festival would take place June 19 through June 21,  
2026, and noted that tickets were already available for purchase.  
4. School Board (SB) - Jones  
Vice President Jones reminded Council of several upcoming meetings,  
including the board workshop meeting on March 5, 2026, the Finance  
and Facilities meeting on March 17, 2026, and the regular board  
meeting on March 19, 2026. She stated that all meetings would begin at  
6:30 p.m. at Clark Hall.  
K.  
OFFICIAL REPORTS:  
1. Mayor  
Mayor Jadwin recognized the work of City staff and reported that Senior  
Director Vollmer and Director Gottke, along with Sarah Bongiorno from  
Planning NEXT, presented at the Ohio City County Management  
Association conference. She explained that they shared Gahanna’s  
approach to developing its strategic plan and highlighted the  
community-focused engagement process used to shape the plan. Mayor  
Jadwin noted that the presentation drew a standing-room-only audience  
and stated that the recognition demonstrated how Gahanna’s work  
served as a model for engaging residents, setting priorities, and aligning  
resources to support long-term growth and quality of life. She stated that  
the collaboration and recognition reflected the dedication of staff and the  
importance of keeping the community at the center of the City’s work.  
She added that the fifteen months spent engaging the community to  
establish a vision for Gahanna’s future provided lessons that other  
communities could learn from and adapt.  
Mayor Jadwin congratulated Sergeants Hoffman and Kovalik on their  
promotions and stated that their dedication, leadership, and commitment  
to serving the community set a high standard for the department. She  
stated that the City had an exceptional Division of Police and expressed  
confidence that both sergeants would continue to serve and protect  
residents. She also thanked the Human Resources team for coordinating  
the hiring and promotion process and for supporting efforts to attract,  
develop, retain, and advance exceptional talent within the Division. Mayor  
Jadwin reported that all officers in the Division of Police participated in  
in-service training during the previous week. She explained that the  
training sessions focused on sharpening skills, reinforcing best  
practices, updating officers on evolving policies, and ensuring they  
remained prepared to serve residents. She also noted that the Division  
participated in joint critical incident response training with Mifflin  
Township Fire at a school building. She stated that the training provided  
a rare opportunity to practice within an actual school environment and  
helped prepare both agencies for potential emergency situations. Mayor  
Jadwin explained that the training supported professional standards,  
including CALEA accreditation requirements, and demonstrated the  
division’s commitment to continuous improvement. She stated that  
policing and community expectations continued to evolve and  
emphasized the importance of officers continually improving their skills to  
meet community needs. She thanked Chief Spence, Director Becker,  
and Deputy Chiefs Moffitt and Lawless for organizing the training and  
stated that the teams gained valuable insights from the experience.  
2. City Attorney  
City Attorney Tamilarasan reported that she expected the initial review  
and redline of the traffic and criminal code by the end of the month and  
anticipated presenting the revisions to Council in April. She invited  
Council to share any thoughts or concerns regarding the traffic and  
general offense code. She explained that the review would include  
updates related to Avery’s Law and a review of the City’s internal dog  
designation protocol to ensure alignment with new countywide policies.  
She also reported that she participated in a meeting with prosecutors  
from Franklin County, surrounding suburbs, and the City of Columbus to  
discuss upcoming procedures and policies related to dog designations,  
hearings, and appeals. She noted that the Franklin County Municipal  
Court would now assign such cases to all judges rather than directing  
them solely to Environmental Court, which marked a change from past  
practice. City Attorney Tamilarasan stated that she would provide  
additional updates when presenting the criminal code revisions and the  
dog designation provisions.  
City Attorney Tamilarasan also reported that the Charter Review  
Commission had begun its work. She stated that Clerk VanMeter had  
distributed invitations for Council to participate in upcoming meetings  
and encouraged both Council and the public to participate in the  
process. She explained that suggestions could include conceptual ideas,  
redlined language, or other recommendations and encouraged anyone  
with thoughts or suggestions to share them with the commission.  
L.  
COUNCIL COMMENT:  
Councilmember Renner congratulated Sergeants Hoffman and Kovalik  
on their promotions and expressed appreciation for the continued  
development of leadership within the Division of Police. He noted that the  
promotions supported preparations for the opening of the 825 Tech  
Center Drive facility and expressed excitement about the progress within  
the department. Councilmember Renner also commented on the  
historical presentation regarding the first woman elected to Gahanna  
Council and stated that the discussion provided meaningful context for  
the history of businesses along Mill Street. He also referenced the  
floodplain discussion and emphasized the importance of understanding  
floodplain storage in relation to water mitigation. Councilmember Renner  
explained that he often described floodplain storage to his staff by  
comparing it to the size of a bathtub and stormwater to the drain. He  
stated that the size of the bathtub could change through infill projects and  
similar actions, which could decrease the overall storage area. He added  
that the drain could vary in size, describing it as either large or small. He  
stated that this analogy helped illustrate the distinction between  
floodplain storage and stormwater management. Councilmember Renner  
noted that water in the floodplain should infiltrate and acknowledged that  
the expanded parking lot raised questions about encroachment into the  
floodplain. However, he stated that the report indicated that when  
considering the total volume, the reduction in floodplain storage  
remained less than one percent. He stated that he felt confident that the  
City had conducted appropriate due diligence and emphasized the  
importance of understanding the distinctions among floodplain storage,  
erosion, and stormwater mitigation.  
Councilmember McGregor welcomed the newly promoted sergeants and  
noted the continuation of the Hoffman family’s legacy within the police  
department. She also reflected on the historical timeline of women  
serving in elected leadership roles in Gahanna, noting that the first  
woman was elected to council in 1921, the first woman mayor was  
elected in 2003, and the first woman city attorney was elected in 2023.  
She stated that the timeline demonstrated continued progress.  
Councilmember Padova reflected on the resolution recognizing  
Women’s History Month and the legacy of Councilwoman Laura Fisher’s  
historic leadership. She noted that six of the nine elected officials  
currently seated were women and stated that the representation reflected  
generations of persistence and change. She observed that eighty years  
passed between the election of the first councilwoman and the election of  
the first woman mayor and that nearly one hundred years passed before  
the City elected its first woman city attorney. Councilmember Padova  
discussed the theme of Women’s History Month, “Leading the Change:  
Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” and emphasized that  
sustainability included civic rights that enabled leadership. She  
referenced the 19th Amendment and emphasized that the right of women  
to vote resulted from significant effort and should not be taken for  
granted. She also expressed concern that proposals affecting access to  
voting could disproportionately burden women and stated that equal  
participation in democracy must remain a priority. Councilmember  
Padova reflected on the importance of protecting the future for the next  
generation and emphasized that the actions taken by leaders shape both  
policy and societal attitudes. She concluded that Women’s History Month  
served as both a celebration of progress and a reminder that continued  
effort remained necessary to protect equality.  
Councilmember Bowers thanked Councilmember Renner for his earlier  
comments and stated that his analogy helped her better understand the  
floodplain discussion. She thanked the administration for explaining the  
stormwater waiver request and for answering her questions. She stated  
that the issue represented an important topic for the community and that  
careful discussion and repeated clarification helped ensure that Council  
fully understood the matter. She also thanked Councilmembers Jones  
and Padova for their reflections on Women’s History Month and noted  
that the recognition honored Councilwoman Fisher’s legacy.  
Councilmember Bowers reflected on the progress made in women’s  
rights and emphasized that such progress should never be taken for  
granted. She encouraged continued support for women in leadership  
roles and appreciation for those who supported those efforts. She  
announced that she would host a constituent hour on Saturday, March 14,  
2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Gahanna Branch Library. Councilmember  
Bowers also echoed the City Attorney’s comments regarding the Charter  
Review Commission and congratulated the commissioners on their early  
work. She encouraged residents to learn about the City Charter and  
participate in the review process and noted that any recommended  
changes would appear on the ballot for voter consideration in November  
2026.  
Vice President Jones welcomed the newly promoted officers and  
expressed appreciation for their service to the community. She thanked  
Councilmember Padova for bringing forward the Women’s History Month  
recognition and thanked Tom Gregory for his historical presentation. She  
noted that the presentation highlighted the contributions of individuals  
throughout Gahanna’s history. Vice President Jones reflected on the  
significance of Women’s History Month and stated that the leadership  
demonstrated by women in the community served as an important  
example for younger generations. She emphasized the importance of  
recognizing both well-known and lesser-known women who contributed to  
the community and stated that their legacy continued to guide future  
generations.  
President Weaver congratulated the Gahanna-Jefferson Education  
Foundation on its successful gala held over the weekend. He noted that  
the event drew a full attendance and raised significant funds for its  
mission. He stated that he appreciated seeing colleagues, school board  
members, members of the administration, and Mayor Jadwin in  
attendance.  
M.  
ADJOURNMENT:  
With no further business before the Council, President Weaver  
adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m.