200 South Hamilton Road

Gahanna, Ohio 43230

City of Gahanna

Meeting Minutes

City Council

Merisa K. Bowers, President

Trenton I. Weaver, Vice President

Jamille Jones

Nancy R. McGregor

Kaylee Padova

Stephen A. Renner

Michael Schnetzer

Jeremy A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council

Monday, May 5, 2025

7:00 PM

City Hall, Council Chambers

CALL TO ORDER: Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call

Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, May 5, 2025, in

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

meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Vice President of Council Trenton I. Weaver

delivered an Invocation and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The

agenda was published on May 2, 2025.

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

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

Present

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Joint Resolution/Proclamation - ALS Month

ALS Association Ohio Chapter

Tamera Carter, United States of America Miss Ohio 2025

Councilmember Schnetzer announced that the month of May is recognized

as ALS Awareness Month. He noted that the Council had the opportunity to

partner with the ALS Association Ohio Chapter and Ms. Tamera Carter, the

United States of America Miss Ohio 2025, for this observance. He described

the initiative as a joint resolution and proclamation in partnership with the

Mayor, aimed at raising awareness for ALS. Councilmember Schnetzer

expressed appreciation to Ms. Carter and the ALS Association of Ohio for

their participation in the evening’s presentation. He then invited colleagues to

join him at the front of the dais for a formal presentation and photo, before

turning the floor over to Ms. Carter for remarks.

Ms. Carter thanked the Council and the Mayor for the honor, introducing

herself as a Gahanna resident, ALS Association advocate, student, and USA

Miss Ohio 2025. She emphasized that her most important title is that of a

caregiver, sharing that she has been caring for her father, who has been

battling ALS for several years. She described this role as her most

challenging, but one she would willingly undertake again in any lifetime. Ms.

Carter highlighted that ALS is a disease that progressively weakens the

nervous system, robbing individuals of their ability to walk, talk, and eat

independently. She noted that there is currently no cure for ALS, which

affects approximately one in 300 people. However, she expressed hope that

the proclamation passed that evening represented a commitment to continue

the fight against the disease, bringing the community one step closer to a

cure. She concluded by thanking the Gahanna City Council and Mayor for

their support in raising awareness for ALS.

2. Human Resources (HR) & Information Technology (IT) Updates

2025-0098

Human Resources and Information Technology Departmental Updates

5.5.2025

Ben Nolan, Human Resources Manager, provided an overview of the Human

Resources Department’s current operations, completed initiatives, and

upcoming priorities for 2025. He began by outlining the department’s

structure, which includes a human resources representative, two human

resources administrators, the human resources manager, and oversight by

the Senior Director of Administrative Services, who also serves as the

Human Resources Director. The department currently supports 210 full-time

employees and 17 part-time employees, with approximately 30% of these

employees also residing in Gahanna.

Mr. Nolan reported that, as of 2025, the department has managed 10 new

hires and eight promotions. One of the primary challenges for the HR team,

along with the Recreation Department, is staffing pools, camps, events,

paddle boats, and the golf course with seasonal employees. The department

is currently engaged in hiring 269 seasonal employees for the summer.

2025 Hiring Plan

Nolan outlined the 2025 hiring plan, noting that several positions included in

the 2025 budget have been filled, while others remain in progress. Positions

listed under the "in progress" category are funded for one year and are

currently being recruited.

Civil Service Process Updates

Nolan highlighted recent updates to the civil service hiring process aimed at

increasing efficiency. Each fourth quarter, the department solicits

applications and conducts multiple testing sessions in November. This

process generates eligible lists for positions such as parks maintenance

workers, service maintenance workers, and customer service specialists,

which are then used throughout the following calendar year for new positions

and unexpected turnover.

Professional Development Efforts

Nolan discussed the department’s two primary approaches to professional

development: external partnerships and internal training. External training

includes programs like the Emerging Leaders Program, developed with

PRADCO, and the Management Development Program, which focuses on

stretch assignments for professional growth. Internal training is managed

through the city’s learning management system, including in-person,

in-service sessions designed to address specific workplace knowledge,

skills, and abilities.

Completed Initiatives

Nolan detailed several completed HR initiatives:

Wellness Programming: The HR team has updated its wellness

programming, including the Resiliency Reboot program, which

requires officers and communication technicians to attend two mental

health check-ins per year as part of the current collective bargaining

agreements. Additionally, a Wellness Week in May has been

established to align with Mental Health Awareness Month, featuring

daily events for all employees.

Onboarding Process Improvements: The department has

integrated a digital onboarding module into its HRIS, reducing paper

use and increasing processing efficiency for new hire documents.

The digital rehire process for returning seasonal employees has also

been enhanced, further reducing administrative burden and foot

traffic within the HR department.

Short-Term Disability Benefit: A new short-term disability benefit

was introduced for unclassified FOP and OLC members, providing

financial support for employees needing extended time off without

depleting their leave banks.

Ancillary Benefits Migration: The HR team transitioned all

employees to a new ancillary benefits provider, MetLife, for dental,

vision, life, and other benefits, creating a single point of contact for

most employee benefits.

Ongoing and Current Initiatives

Nolan also outlined ongoing and future HR initiatives, including:

FUN Committee: An employee-led committee tasked with planning

engagement activities throughout the year. This group has

established standard operating procedures and elected a leadership

board to guide ongoing efforts.

Onboarding Academy: The department is developing an

Onboarding Academy for new hires, intended to foster internal

networking, cross-departmental understanding, and role alignment

within the broader city operation.

Employee Recognition Program: Based on feedback from the

Emerging Leaders Program, the HR team is working to update the

employee recognition and awards program to reflect a more

employee-led approach.

Collective Bargaining Agreement: Later in the year, the city and

the United Steelworkers Union will begin negotiations on a successor

agreement to the current collective bargaining agreement.

Employee Engagement: The HR team plans to continue enhancing

the employee experience using data from recent employee

engagement surveys.

Nolan concluded his presentation by inviting questions and thanking Council

for the opportunity to share the HR team’s ongoing work.

Councilmember Jones inquired about the timing of the employee

engagement survey, asking whether it is conducted annually and when it

typically takes place. Mr. Nolan responded, explaining that the survey is

currently a one-time initiative, conducted in partnership with PRADCO. He

noted that the survey is followed by a remeasurement in the following year.

President Bowers thanked Mr. Nolan, expressing appreciation for the work

he and his team are doing.

Information Technology Department Update

René Carter, Director of Information Technology, provided an overview of

the Information Technology (IT) Department’s recent achievements, ongoing

projects, and future priorities. She began by introducing her team, which

reports to Senior Director of Administrative Services Miranda Vollmer. The IT

department consists of two support specialists, a network administrator, a

systems administrator, a GIS administrator, and an asset administrator. This

year, the department plans to expand by adding a systems analyst who will

report directly to the systems administrator.

Core IT Services

Carter emphasized the foundational role of the IT department in maintaining

critical city operations. The team supports a wide range of services, including

network infrastructure and cybersecurity, help desk support, GIS and asset

management, and data backup and recovery. Beyond routine support, the

department manages employee onboarding and offboarding, oversees

technology life cycles, and provides technical guidance and training to all city

departments.

Major Citywide Projects

1. EPSIS 911 Dispatch System Implementation: Carter highlighted

the implementation of the Eastern Public Safety Information System

(EPSIS), a unified 911 dispatch network formed in partnership with

the police departments of Whitehall, Grandview Heights,

Reynoldsburg, and Bexley. The IT department is leading the network

design and system implementation for this project, which is

scheduled to go live in late September. The new system is expected

to significantly enhance communication, coordination, and efficiency

across all participating jurisdictions.

2. Municipal Complex Development: The IT team is also deeply

involved in the development of the new municipal complex. This

project includes designing and securing network infrastructure,

implementing building access systems and security cameras,

replacing core servers and storage systems, and establishing a new

911 communication center. The department is responsible for both

mastering the new technology and providing hands-on training to

ensure city staff are fully prepared to use these tools effectively from

day one.

Technical Support and Equipment Management

To illustrate the breadth of its daily responsibilities, Carter reported that the

IT department has resolved 559 support tickets so far this year, including

187 from the Police Department and 101 from Parks and Recreation. The

team actively manages a wide range of city hardware, including 42 desktop

computers, 5 dispatch workstations, 156 laptops, 22 cruiser tablets, 16

Windows tablets, 53 iPads, 85 servers, and 46 cell phones.

Cybersecurity Initiatives

Carter emphasized that cybersecurity remains a top priority for the

department. Key initiatives include:

CISA Cyber Hygiene Scanning: Regular vulnerability scans of

network servers to proactively identify and address security risks.

Single Sign-On (SSO) Expansion: Addition of eight new

applications over the past year, simplifying access for employees and

enhancing centralized authentication.

Infrastructure Security Upgrades: Firmware and software updates

to utility systems to improve overall system integrity and resilience.

Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Mandatory annual training for

all staff with Gahanna.gov email addresses, reinforcing best practices

and vigilance against evolving cyber threats.

Network Detection and Response (NDR) System: Planned for

2025, this AI-driven system will continuously monitor network activity

for anomalies and potential security threats.

Cloud-Based Email Security: Expanded protection against phishing

and malware through enhanced filtering, threat detection, and policy

enforcement.

Vulnerability Management Platform: Strategic improvements to

identify, assess, and prioritize security vulnerabilities.

Carter noted that two of these cybersecurity initiatives are included in a grant

application currently under review with Cyber Ohio, with a decision expected

in June.

Ongoing System Enhancements

The IT department is also managing a series of ongoing projects aimed at

improving operational efficiency, including:

Routine hardware refreshes and Windows upgrades.

Advanced Active Directory monitoring for improved user access

security.

Microsoft Office upgrades to ensure staff have the latest productivity

tools.

Professional penetration testing to proactively identify system

vulnerabilities.

Staff Engagement and Support

Carter highlighted the department’s commitment to direct staff support

through initiatives like the IT Cyber Café. This hands-on event brought

together 30 attendees from 12 different departments, providing real-time

support and collaborative problem solving. The event addressed 35 technical

issues across 10 major categories, strengthening interdepartmental

relationships and enhancing overall technology competency. Carter

concluded her presentation by expressing pride in the progress the IT team

has made and a commitment to continued improvement. She then invited

questions from the Council.

Councilmember McGregor expressed support for the EPSIS program, noting

her appreciation for the police department's collaboration in sharing

equipment and resources with other departments. She referenced the long

history of the initiative, remarking that while the fire department adopted a

similar approach earlier, it was encouraging to see the police department

moving forward. Director Carter confirmed that the EPSIS program is

progressing well, with the system on track for implementation in late

September. She credited Chief Spence for his leadership, highlighting his

instrumental role in advancing the project. Councilmember McGregor

thanked both Director Carter and Chief Spence for their efforts.

President Bowers inquired whether the upcoming penetration test would be

the first for the city. Director Carter responded that it would not be the first,

noting that a penetration test had been conducted in 2017. However, she

emphasized that the upcoming test would be significantly more

comprehensive, given the rapid technological advancements since the

previous assessment. President Bowers concluded by congratulating

Director Carter, commending the significant progress made by the IT

department in recent years, and offering best wishes for continued success.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Kathy McCorkle, Gahanna, OH, spoke on the Public Service Month

Resolution.

Ms. McCorkle addressed the Council, expressing disappointment that the

City of Gahanna had not recognized or honored what she referred to as

"natural family" supporters in the same manner as other identity groups. She

noted that the Council had passed a resolution honoring public servants that

evening and had previously recognized groups including Black history, first

responders, veterans, Native Americans, the LGBTQ community, and

others. Ms. McCorkle stated that when she requested a resolution or

proclamation to celebrate "Gahanna's natural families," her request was

denied. She characterized this response as a refusal to honor natural family

residents, asserting that these residents were being excluded from the city’s

equity and inclusion efforts. Ms. McCorkle concluded her remarks by urging

the Mayor and City Council to reconsider their stance, invoking the city’s

non-discrimination policy and calling for equal recognition of natural family

supporters.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2025-0095

2025-0096

Council Regular Minutes 4.21.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Committee of the Whole Minutes 4.28.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Resolutions:

RES-0019-2025 A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MAY

2025, AS "AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS)

AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

RES-0020-2025 A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MAY 2025 AS "HONORING PUBLIC

SERVICE MONTH" IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Emergency Adoption:

ORD-0018-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

AGREEMENT

WITH

FISHBECK

FOR

UTILITY

ENGINEERING

SERVICES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the

Consent Agenda with an emergency declaration.

End of Consent Agenda

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

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

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

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) CONTRACT WITH THE

GAHANNA-JEFFERSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE 2025-2026

SCHOOL YEAR

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

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & ADOPTION:

ORD-0021-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

PRE-ANNEXATION AGREEMENT WITH JIMMIE TONEY, DARLENE

TONEY, AND TRIVIUM DEVELOPMENT, LLC FOR PARCELS

170-000068-00 AND

READING

170-000069-00;

AND

WAIVING

SECOND

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

Councilmember Renner offered additional public comments regarding a

pre-annexation agreement under consideration by the City. He

acknowledged that his colleague, Councilmember Weaver, had provided a

thorough explanation of the agreement on Facebook and encouraged the

public to review that information. Renner described the pre-annexation

agreement as a positive move for the developer, landowner, and the city,

emphasizing that such agreements are part of the constitutional rights of

landowners and developers to explore potential opportunities. He noted that

the agreement preserves the current zoning status of the land, which

remains under the jurisdiction of Jefferson Township, and that any proposed

changes will still need to go through the city's established legal processes.

Renner concluded by reiterating his support for the agreement and

encouraging the public to review the terms for a clearer understanding of

how the city plans to engage with potential development projects.

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

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

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

Yes:

Vice President Weaver thanked Councilmember Renner for his supportive

remarks regarding the pre-annexation agreement. Weaver expanded on the

analogy he had previously used as a member of the Community

Improvement Corporation (CIC), describing the agreement as an initial step

to determine whether the parties involved - the city, the property owners, and

the developer - are interested in moving forward together. Weaver noted that

the agreement allows the parties to explore whether city services can be

extended to the parcel in question, emphasizing that this is an affirmative

step toward evaluating potential collaboration. He expressed appreciation for

the developer, Trivium, and the property owners for their proactive approach

in engaging with neighboring property owners, noting that positive

conversations had already taken place.

President Bowers echoed the comments of both Renner and Weaver,

emphasizing that the pre-annexation agreement represents the beginning of

a multi-step process. She assured the public that there would be ample

opportunities for community engagement and feedback as the process

moves forward. Bowers also thanked residents who had already reached out

to share their perspectives, underscoring the importance of ongoing

dialogue.

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

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & EMERGENCY ADOPTION:

ORD-0020-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

AGREEMENT

FOR THE

WITH

PURPOSES

MOTOROLA

SOLUTIONS

ESSENTIAL

INCORPORATED

UPGRADES OF

COMMUNICATIONS CENTER RADIO SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE;

AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION FROM THE

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND; WAIVING SECOND READING

AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

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

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

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

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

Yes:

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

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

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

Yes:

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk

2025-0099

AEP Ohio Notice Regarding Application to Public Utilities Commission

of Ohio for Distribution Rates Adjustment - Received 5.5.2025

Mr. VanMeter informed the Council that he had emailed both Council

members and the City Administration, including the City Attorney, regarding

a notice from AEP Ohio. The notice concerns AEP Ohio's application to the

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for a rate adjustment on the

distribution side.

2. Council

2025-0100

Proposed Letter of Support for School Funding

Jones

Councilmember

President Bowers informed the Council that Superintendent Tracey Deagle

of the Gahanna-Jefferson School District had recently reached out to

Councilmembers and Mayor Jadwin, encouraging them to review the

proposed state budget's impact on fair school funding. Bowers then invited

Councilmember Jones to provide additional context on a proposed letter of

support for the district.

Councilmember Jones explained that the proposed letter, addressed to

Senator Liston, Representative Brown Piccolantonio, and members of the

Ohio Education and Finance Committees, was drafted in response to new

language in the state budget that would limit school district carryover

balances to 30%, or approximately 90 days of operating expenses. She

noted that this provision could result in a $15 million funding loss for the

Gahanna-Jefferson School District in the 2025-2026 school year. Jones

emphasized that this measure restricts how locally elected school boards

manage voter-approved funds, potentially leading to more frequent levy

requests and increased tax burdens for local voters. She welcomed

feedback on the draft letter and encouraged colleagues to consider signing

on in support.

President Bowers asked Councilmember Jones how she preferred to solicit

feedback, either during the meeting or through follow-up communications.

Jones indicated that she was open to both immediate discussion and later

input via email.

Councilmember Schnetzer raised concerns about the appropriateness of the

City of Gahanna taking an official position on a matter outside its direct

jurisdiction, noting that the Council is the funding authority for the city, not

the school district. He referenced previous debates about the boundaries of

government speech and expressed reservations about adopting an official

city stance on the issue. However, he offered to discuss the potential

unintended consequences of the legislation with school board members or

district officials privately.

President Bowers responded that her support for the letter was based on the

significant local control implications of the proposed cash balance cap, which

she viewed as an overreach into the financial autonomy of a sovereign public

body. She noted that responsible financial planning often requires

maintaining reserves for long-term projects and potential funding gaps,

making the proposed cap particularly concerning.

Councilmember Jones added that the legislation's potential to trigger more

frequent levy requests directly impacts local taxpayers, reinforcing the

relevance of the issue for Gahanna City Councilmembers as elected

representatives.

Councilmember Renner expressed partial alignment with Schnetzer’s

concerns but ultimately supported the letter, emphasizing the interconnected

nature of city and school finances. He noted that the vitality of the city is

closely tied to the strength of its school system, which benefits from stable

funding.

Councilmember McGregor sought clarification on the financial impact of the

proposed legislation, specifically whether the $15 million referenced in the

letter reflected the district's current carryover balance. Jones confirmed that

the amount was likely based on the portion of the district’s reserves

exceeding the proposed 30% cap but offered to follow up for a definitive

answer.

Councilmember Schnetzer reiterated his reservations, emphasizing the

distinction between expressing individual opinions and adopting an official

city position. He noted that while the letter outlines specific funding

recommendations, Councilmembers lack direct insight into the district’s

financial planning, potentially complicating the decision to take an official

stance.

After further discussion, President Bowers suggested bringing the letter back

to committee for additional review and feedback, allowing Councilmembers

more time to consider the potential implications. Councilmember Jones

agreed, indicating she would seek additional clarification from the school

district before the next committee meeting. She acknowledged the

complexity of the issue, noting that as both an elected official and a district

parent, her perspective on the matter is informed by multiple roles.

President Bowers closed the discussion by thanking Councilmember Jones

for raising the issue and encouraging the Council to continue evaluating the

proposed letter as the state budget process progresses. She also took the

opportunity to remind the public about the upcoming primary election, noting

that local ballots include a Mifflin Township fire levy and a statewide issue for

infrastructure funding.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilmember Renner provided a summary of his report, noting that he had

omitted some details in a previous meeting. He highlighted that the Mayor

had announced upcoming community engagement meetings for the city’s

strategic plan, scheduled for May 5th, 6th, and 7th. Renner indicated that

additional information on the strategic planning process would be

forthcoming. Renner also reported that CIC had entered executive session at

8:31 p.m. under the real estate exception of Section 121.22 of the Ohio

Revised Code, adjourning from the session at 8:43 p.m.

Councilmember Padova added that Director Blackford had noted a

significant number of business inquiries this year, reflecting growing interest

from businesses looking to establish a presence in Gahanna. She expressed

encouragement about the level of interest in the city’s business environment.

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

2025-0097

Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 5.5.2025

Vice President Weaver expressed his appreciation to the Council Office for

their assistance in preparing his report. He highlighted several upcoming

meetings and workshops of interest to Councilmembers:

Full Commission Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Securing Our Energy Future Workshop: An informational session on

the landscape of energy planning, to be held at the Mid-Ohio

Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) on May 15, 2025. An

RSVP link is included in the report.

Strategic Training for Effective Planning and Zoning (STEPS)

Workshop: Scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with RSVP details

also provided in the report.

MORPC Economic Development Academy: MORPC is creating its

first Economic Development Academy and has requested input from

member communities. Additional details and a survey link are

included in the report.

Money Mondays Series: The May 12, 2025 Session on air quality and

funding, featuring Brandi Whetstone from MORPC and May 19, 2025

Session on the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program,

featuring Charles Dietz from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Weaver encouraged his colleagues to review the report for further details

and take advantage of these professional development and networking

opportunities.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova provided an update on recent and upcoming

community events. She noted that the Gahanna Herb Day Festival took

place the previous Saturday, despite rainy weather. Padova reported that

some unsold plants remain available for purchase at the Gahanna Herb

Center during regular business hours, providing an opportunity for those who

may have missed the event to still acquire herbs. Padova also reminded the

Council that this week is Herb’n Restaurant Week, with six local restaurants

participating. She encouraged colleagues and residents to check the Visit

Gahanna website or social media for a list of participating establishments.

Additionally, Padova highlighted the upcoming Creekside Blues and Jazz

Festival (CBJF) in June, encouraging volunteers to sign up through Visit

Gahanna’s website.

President Bowers inquired whether there would be a coordinated volunteer

block for Council or city employees at the festival. Padova responded that,

while she had not heard of a specific Council block, city employees have

typically participated in the past. Mayor Jadwin clarified that a coordinated

volunteer block may not be available this year. Some entry procedures have

changed, and other organizations may be taking on those roles. Padova

agreed to follow up and provide additional information if a group volunteer

opportunity becomes available.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Councilmember Jones reminded the Council and community that this week

is Teacher Appreciation Week. She encouraged residents to show their

support for local educators, suggesting small gestures like dropping off

snacks, buying a coffee, or making donations through PTO links available on

school Facebook pages. Jones expressed her gratitude to teachers for their

hard work and dedication, acknowledging them as unsung heroes in the

community.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin announced that the City of Gahanna kicked off Mental Health

Awareness Month with its first-ever Mind and Wellness Fair at City Hall. The

event, held the previous Thursday, featured 20 local organizations and

service providers offering resources related to mental well-being and

substance abuse. Jadwin credited Community Liaison Officers Blair Thomas

and Ann Jodon for their work in organizing the event, emphasizing the

importance of these roles in connecting residents to critical resources. She

also noted that a full list of participating providers is available on the city’s

website for those who could not attend.

Jadwin congratulated American Legion Post 797 for a successful Walk in

Our Boots 5K held the prior Saturday, despite rainy weather. The event drew

200 participants, including Gahanna police officers and Mifflin Township

firefighters, many of whom completed the 5K in full uniform. Funds raised

from the event will support 100 veterans transitioning into housing, providing

essential household items. The post continues to accept donations and is

hosting an online auction through Saturday, with more information available

on their website.

As Vice Chair of the Sustainability Advisory Committee for MORPC, Jadwin

reminded the Council that this week is Air Quality Awareness Week. She

mentioned that the city is collaborating with MORPC to place air monitors in

Gahanna to provide residents with real-time air quality data.

Jadwin highlighted the upcoming Gahanna Vision Fest, part of the city's

ongoing strategic planning process. Events include Tuesday, May 6, 2025,

Vision Fest at Hannah Park, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 7, 2025,

Small Business Networking Coffee, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., Gahanna Library,

Senior Lunch, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Senior Center, and Young

Professionals Happy Hour, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Edison Brewing. Jadwin

encouraged residents to participate in these events or complete the online

survey available at rgana.com if they cannot attend in person.

Jadwin then introduced Jeff Gottke as the city’s new Director of Economic

Development, who began his role the previous Monday. Gottke joins the city

after serving as the President of the Knox County Area Development

Foundation, where he led economic development efforts in the region.

Director Gottke thanked the Mayor for the opportunity and expressed his

enthusiasm for joining the Gahanna team. He noted that his background as

a former city council member gives him an appreciation for the challenges

faced by elected officials. Gottke expressed his intention to meet with each

Councilmember in the coming weeks to discuss their priorities and share his

vision for continuing Gahanna’s economic growth. He concluded by thanking

the Council for their service and offering his contact information for follow-up

conversations.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan provided an update on recent legislative changes

affecting the city's appeals procedures. She noted that earlier this year, the

Council passed legislation updating the appeals processes for various

boards and commissions. In response to these updates, Tamilarasan is

conducting a comprehensive review of the rules and procedures for each

board and commission to ensure consistency with the new legislation and

the city code. She reported that the first of these reviews, for the Property

Appeals Board, took place at the board’s most recent meeting. Tamilarasan

indicated that she would be collaborating with Mr. VanMeter as part of this

ongoing review process and thanked the Council for their attention.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember Jones welcomed Director Jeff Gottke to the city, expressing

her enthusiasm for his arrival and looking forward to collaborating. She also

offered her appreciation for the recent Mind and Wellness Fair, noting the

impressive range of service providers present and commending Jessica

Curry for her contributions as a mental health clinician within the community.

Councilmember Renner shared that he recently toured the new Franklin

County Crisis Care Center operated by ADAMH. He praised the center’s

forward-focused approach to care, highlighting its triage center and

comprehensive mental health services. Renner encouraged city officials to

visit the facility and consider its potential benefits for local first responders.

He noted that a community open house will be held on May 15th from 4:00 to

6:00 p.m. at 465 Harmon Avenue. Renner also informed the Council that he

would be traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan with his family on

May 19th and would be unreachable during that time.

Councilmember Padova provided an update on several recent community

events at Friendship Park including the “Arty Party,” hosted by local high

school students, featuring crafts and activities for children, the Bat Hotel

ribbon cutting, celebrating the installation of bat houses in local parks, an

initiative to support local wildlife, and the Storybook Trail ribbon cutting,

marking the launch of a new interactive trail for families. Padova also

attended a COSI ice cream making event with the Parks and Recreation

Department, noting the dedication of staff who patiently guided children

through the hands-on activity despite rainy weather. Padova concluded by

welcoming Director Gottke and expressed her interest in collaborating with

him on the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC).

Councilmember Schnetzer offered reflections on ALS Awareness Month,

drawing a connection to baseball legend Lou Gehrig, after whom ALS is

sometimes named. He recounted Gehrig’s remarkable career with the New

York Yankees, including his record 2,130 consecutive games, seven All-Star

appearances, and two MVP awards. Schnetzer also highlighted Gehrig’s

iconic “Luckiest Man” farewell speech, encouraging colleagues to view it as a

powerful example of resilience and gratitude. Schnetzer then shifted to a

local focus, sharing his experience at the inaugural Gahanna Football

Coaches Clinic. He praised varsity head coach Bruce Ward for emphasizing

the importance of building a positive team culture and supporting player

mental health. Schnetzer noted that the program’s recent success, including

27 Gahanna players moving on to play college football in the past three

years, reflects the strength of the program’s culture. He concluded by

encouraging families with children in grades 3 through 6 to consider

registering for Gahanna Youth Football at gahannayouthfootball.com.

Vice President Weaver reflected on the many recent community events,

including the Storybook Trail ribbon cutting, Mind and Wellness Fair, Herb

Day, and Walk in Our Boots 5K. He expressed gratitude to the volunteers,

sponsors, and organizers, including Post 797, Visit Gahanna, Parks and

Recreation, the city administration, and the Gahanna Lincoln High School

community art program, for making these events possible despite the

persistent rain. Weaver also welcomed Director Jeff Gottke to the city, noting

that it was a pleasure speaking with him briefly before the meeting. Weaver,

himself a former speech and debate enthusiast, welcomed the opportunity to

work with Gottke. Weaver concluded by reminding everyone that Election

Day is tomorrow, encouraging residents to exercise their right to vote and to

show appreciation for poll workers.

President Bowers echoed the appreciation expressed by her colleagues for

the Mind and Wellness Fair, commending Community Liaison Officers Jodon

and Thomas for their efforts in organizing the event. She also extended

congratulations to American Legion Post 797 for the successful Walk in Our

Boots 5K and thanked the Mayor for recognizing the importance of the event

in supporting veterans. Bowers took a moment to acknowledge the

contributions of public servants, recognizing that the evening’s agenda

included a resolution honoring Public Service Month. She emphasized the

unique challenges and dedication required to serve in public roles, noting

that those in public service are rarely off duty and must remain committed to

a greater cause. Bowers thanked Weaver for introducing the resolution and

expressed her appreciation for the many public servants who live and work in

the Gahanna community.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

meeting at 8:18 p.m.