200 South Hamilton Road

Gahanna, Ohio 43230

City of Gahanna

Meeting Minutes

Committee of the Whole

Trenton I. Weaver, Chair

Merisa K. Bowers

Jamille Jones

Nancy R. McGregor

Kaylee Padova

Stephen A. Renner

Michael Schnetzer

Jeremy A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council

Monday, April 28, 2025

7:00 PM

City Hall, Council Chambers

CALL TO ORDER:

Gahanna City Council met for Committee of the Whole on Monday, April 28,

2025, in Council Chambers. Vice President of Council Trenton I. Weaver,

Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The agenda was published on

April 25, 2025. All members were present for the meeting. There were no

additions or corrections to the agenda.

ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

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

EMERGENCY

170-000069-00;

AND

DECLARING

Nate Green of the Montrose Group stated that Council had an ordinance

before them authorizing Mayor Jadwin to enter into a pre-annexation

agreement with Jimmie Toney, Darlene Toney, and Trivium Development. He

explained that Trivium Development partnered with the Toneys on the

property in question. Representatives from Trivium Development, David

Fisher and Tim Spencer, were present and available to answer any questions

Council might have regarding the project. Green identified the properties

involved in the pre-annexation agreement as 4722 and 4736 East Johnstown

Road. He noted that the properties were located just south of The Barn at

Rocky Fork, near the roundabout at Johnstown and Morse Roads. He

explained that the pre-annexation agreement outlined the intended uses for

the project, should the annexation and subsequent zoning approval occur.

Mr. Green informed Council that, if the annexation and zoning were approved,

the property would feature a mix of commercial and multifamily uses. Trivium

Development intended to pursue general commercial zoning with a limited

overlay district. Green clarified that general commercial zoning would permit

various retail and office uses by right and residential uses by conditional use.

He emphasized that the pre-annexation agreement did not annex the property

or rezone it. Instead, the agreement served as a declaration of intent from

both the developers and the City of Gahanna. It confirmed the city's

willingness to provide services to the site if annexed and laid the groundwork

for a formal annexation and zoning process. Green reiterated that although

the current plan included commercial and multifamily development, market

conditions could influence future changes. He characterized the agreement

as a preliminary step that set the stage for the annexation and planning

process to follow. He also outlined the annexation process, noting that the

developers would need to apply to the Franklin County Board of

Commissioners and obtain a service agreement from the city. Once the

County Commissioners approved the annexation, there would be a 60-day

waiting period before the matter returned to the city for final approval. He

concluded by inviting questions from Council for himself or the Trivium

Development representatives.

Councilmember McGregor raised a few concerns regarding the proposed

development. She expressed apprehension about its proximity to the Morse

Road roundabout and requested that a traffic signal not be installed near the

site, as it could disrupt the roundabout’s functionality. She cited the public's

reaction to the proposed Sheetz development, which faced similar criticism.

McGregor also inquired whether the developers planned to preserve the

existing pond on the property, noting the site's eight-acre size. Mr. Green

deferred to the development team for an answer. David Fisher responded,

explaining that the pond was classified as a wetland. He noted that mitigating

it would be extremely expensive. He assured Council that the current plan,

shown on the last page of the agreement, left the pond intact. The developers

intended to enhance the area with amenities such as walking trails to improve

its visual appeal and functionality. McGregor acknowledged the response

positively and emphasized the importance of maintaining open space,

especially given the presence of a riparian corridor and potential floodplain.

She mentioned that in past developments, similar areas were dedicated to

the City of Gahanna, allowing the city to maintain them while relieving the

developer of property tax liability. She asked whether that option could be

considered. Fisher indicated that dedicating the space to the city was

acceptable to them, but they would want it to count toward their open space

requirements. Mayor Jadwin responded that the matter would require further

discussion. Fisher reiterated that their plan positioned any site entrance as far

southeast as possible to avoid traffic concerns near the roundabout,

demonstrating their understanding of the issues previously raised during a

Sheetz proposal.

Councilmember McGregor then asked about the reasoning behind the

request for emergency legislation. Mr. Fisher acknowledged the sensitivity of

the issue and explained that, while the contract closing was not the sole

reason, the developers were seeking to advance the process due to the long

delay and repeated starts and stops with the city. He noted that Jim and

Darlene Toney, who operated a garden center on the property, were

preparing to move on, evidenced by the lack of floral displays that spring.

Fisher clarified that nothing in the current legislation would force the Toneys to

vacate soon and that the transaction would likely conclude in the first quarter

of 2026. Nevertheless, he asked for Council’s consideration of emergency

action to help expedite the process. Mr. Green added that the lengthy

annexation timeline was another reason to consider emergency status.

McGregor expressed concern that emergency designation could limit public

input, as it would eliminate the possibility of a referendum. Fisher clarified that

the request applied only to the pre-annexation agreement, not the annexation

or zoning, which would follow the standard public processes. He also noted

that most central Ohio municipalities adopted such agreements via

resolution, which typically required only one reading. He emphasized that the

agreement was not a zoning or annexation action but a preparatory step. The

core purpose of the agreement was to allow the property to be detached from

the city and returned to the township if the parties could not reach final

agreement on zoning. This clause protected the developers from being

annexed into the city without an acceptable zoning resolution.

Vice President Weaver asked Assistant City Attorney Matt Roth to clarify the

difference between an ordinance and a resolution in this context. Roth

explained that while service agreements were handled by resolution, the

pre-annexation agreement itself was structured as a contractual agreement

and therefore required authorization by ordinance.

President Bowers then asked if the underlying legislation could potentially be

adopted as a resolution instead of an ordinance. Assistant City Attorney Roth

replied that, since it was essentially a contract, the city’s normal process

called for approval by ordinance. Fisher noted that the developers initially

preferred a resolution but were open to the ordinance format if that was the

city’s standard. He asked again for consideration of emergency legislation but

stated they would also accept waiving the second reading, which would move

the process along without bypassing the public’s right to referendum. Bowers

suggested that, rather than pursuing emergency status, which typically

required a health, safety, or welfare justification, they consider waiving the

second reading to expedite the timeline by two weeks. Fisher agreed that

waiving the second reading would be an acceptable compromise and

appreciated the accommodation.

Councilmember Renner addressed Mr. Fisher and expressed appreciation for

his past involvement in the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) property

discussions, particularly referencing efforts to preserve cherry trees and

resist certain residential developments. He acknowledged Fisher as an

innovative leader and thanked him for his previous vocal advocacy on behalf

of the community. Renner then shifted to his question, focusing on

environmental concerns. He asked Fisher to speak broadly about the

development’s stormwater management plans, specifically how the project

would protect the waters of Ohio, including the Rocky Fork Creek and the

existing pond on the property. He stated his support for the proposed land use

but emphasized the importance of sustainable water management. Fisher

thanked Renner for his comments and affirmed his long-standing

commitment to doing what was best for the city. He shared the history of the

pond, explaining that Mr. Toney’s father dug it decades ago for irrigation

purposes. Fisher noted that the pond’s existence complicated the property’s

development potential but stated that they studied it carefully. He assured

Council that the development’s stormwater management system would fully

comply with state standards and would route stormwater into both the pond

and the creek without adverse impacts. Fisher then invited Tim Spencer,

President of Trivium Development, to add further detail. Spencer confirmed

that the pond, while originally dug for irrigation, had gained protected status.

He emphasized that the development team intended to preserve and enhance

the pond area with the city's permission. He shared plans to potentially

incorporate trails or park elements and noted the possibility of creating

connectivity to nearby retail and restaurant areas. Spencer explained that

earlier versions of the development plan included significantly more

commercial and residential space, but they scaled back those plans to make

the project more compatible with the site.

Councilmember Renner acknowledged that the development was still in a

preliminary phase and appreciated the team's openness. He urged the

developers to consider innovative alternatives to traditional stormwater

systems, citing the increasing frequency and intensity of storms. He

emphasized the need for water infiltration over redirection, stating that runoff

from the site could have serious environmental consequences if not properly

managed. Spencer asked whether there were any recorded flooding issues in

the area. Renner replied that he was not aware of specific incidents on the

site but reiterated that storm patterns were worsening and warranted careful

planning.

President Bowers expressed her appreciation for Mr. Green’s comments and

acknowledged that the item under consideration was a pre-annexation

agreement. She emphasized that the proposal was not binding at this stage.

President Bowers conveyed the importance of maintaining a mixed-use

designation for the parcel and stressed the value of job creation at the site.

She thanked Mr. Green for identifying potential commercial uses that could

benefit the community through this proposed annexation. Mr. Fisher

responded in agreement, stating that the site was excellent for mixed-use

development. He highlighted the site’s proximity to key intersections and

affirmed that the area could support additional services. He confirmed that

their plan reflected that belief.

Councilmember Jones asked for clarification on whether annexation was

necessary to proceed with the normal zoning process. Mr. Green confirmed

that this was correct. Mr. Fisher then asked if it was possible to proceed with

the zoning process while annexation was still pending. Mr. Green replied that

they would need to discuss that further. Mr. Fisher acknowledged this and

mentioned that there were two potential paths forward. Mayor Jadwin noted

that Michael Blackford, Director of Planning, was present and deferred to him.

Director Blackford confirmed that annexation and zoning discussions could

run concurrently. He explained that if the evening’s proceedings went well, the

applicant’s goal was to pursue both actions at the same time. He clarified that

while annexation must be voted on and approved first, the aim was to have

both items heard at the same City Council meeting.

Councilmember Schnetzer expressed appreciation for Trivium’s interest in

annexing into the City of Gahanna. Although he had no questions for the

applicant, he directed an inquiry to the administration. He noted that only a few

such agreements had come before Council during his tenure and asked

whether there was anything in this agreement that caused concern or if it was

standard. Mayor Jadwin responded that the pre-annexation agreement was

fairly standard. She noted that the only clause that caused some initial

concern involved the city’s ability to provide services. She explained that until

specific plans for the development were known, further evaluation was

needed, particularly regarding sanitary and water connections. Mayor Jadwin

assured Council that this evaluation would be part of the standard vetting

process already underway, and that the agreement’s language was adjusted

to provide the necessary flexibility.

Councilmember Padova stated that she had no questions but appreciated the

effort made to reduce the development’s footprint and better align it with the

community’s character. She referred to the presence of The Barn and High

Bank in the area. She also noted that Creekside held personal significance for

her. She saw the proposal as a positive opportunity for the eastern side of

Gahanna and believed it could help residents in neighborhoods like Harrison

Pond feel more connected to the city. She expressed hope that it would

encourage residents to stay local rather than travel to nearby communities.

Vice President Weaver thanked the applicants for their efforts and

acknowledged the planning involved in aligning the project with the city’s

processes. He appreciated the executive session held a few months prior. As

the ward representative for the Harrison Pond area, he inquired about any

planned outreach or engagement with nearby residents to address or mitigate

potential concerns. Mr. Fisher stated that no outreach had taken place but

affirmed their willingness to engage with the community during the four- to

six-month annexation process. He also noted the potential to explore

connectivity issues, as mentioned earlier by Councilmember Padova.

Vice President Weaver agreed that such outreach would be a valuable

opportunity and thanked the applicants again. He asked if there was anything

further to address that evening. He then recapped that the request was to

strike the emergency clause and add a waiver. Clerk VanMeter confirmed the

amendment to the draft ordinance as stated.

Mr. Fisher asked for confirmation that the item would be considered at the

May 5, 2025, regular council meeting, with rules waived for second reading

and a 30-day referendum period beginning that night. Vice President Weaver

confirmed this timeline. Mr. Fisher thanked Council for their time and

consideration.

Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading with Waiver of Second Reading

and Adoption on Regular Agenda on 5/5/2025.

ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY:

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

Chief of Police Jeff Spence presented two action items, beginning with the

2025-2026 School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement between the City and

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools. He noted that the agreement closely

resembled the current year's contract, with nearly identical language. As a

summary, Chief Spence explained that the agreement covered two SROs

stationed at Gahanna Lincoln High School. The contract outlined a

cost-sharing structure in which the district would pay 50% of the cost for one

officer and 75% for the second. The agreement included a not-to-exceed

amount of $235,504.62, based on salary and benefit calculations. He

informed Council that the school board planned to review the agreement on

May 17, 2025, and requested Council’s approval to move forward, which

would authorize the continued provision of the two officers through the end of

the 2025-2026 school year.

President Bowers asked whether there was any indication from the school

district that their share of the cost might change in the future. Chief Spence

responded that there were no discussions about altering the parameters for

the two SROs assigned to the high school.

Vice President Weaver noted that the attached spreadsheet showed four

versions of cost analyses and asked for clarification. Chief Spence explained

that the cost breakdowns included small contributions from the district for

officer training and some district-directed overtime. Over the years, the city

and district considered different cost models, but ultimately settled on the

current 50% and 75% cost-share arrangement. He added that while the city

covered some training costs to maintain SRO certification, most of those

training expenses were funded by the district. Vice President Weaver

confirmed his understanding by referencing the first tab of the spreadsheet,

which showed that the school district did not contribute financially to SROs

three and four. Chief Spence affirmed this, clarifying that the third SRO was

assigned to the middle schools, and the fourth served as a relief officer and

covered elementary schools and private schools. He reiterated that the city

bore the full cost of these two positions.

Vice President Weaver concluded his remarks by expressing personal

appreciation for the presence of SROs in the schools. As a Gahanna Lincoln

High School alumnus, he recalled seeing Officer Blamer during his time as a

student and noted that his spouse, a current teacher at the school, continued

to value the officers’ presence. With no further comments, Vice President

Weaver stated that the agreement would be placed on the May 5, 2025,

Regular Agenda for first reading and then on the Consent Agenda for May 19,

2025, without objection. He thanked Chief Spence for his presentation.

Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading on Regular Agenda on 5/5/2025;

Second Reading/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 5/19/2025.

ORD-0020-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

AGREEMENT WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED FOR

THE

COMMUNICATIONS CENTER RADIO SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE;

AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION FROM THE

PURPOSES

ESSENTIAL

UPGRADES

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND; WAIVING SECOND READING AND

DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

Chief of Police Jeff Spence introduced the second action item, which related

to phase two of the City’s capital improvement program focused on public

safety radio infrastructure. This phase specifically involved upgrading the

radio console equipment located in the communications center, critical

backend components that support daily operations. Chief Spence reminded

Council that phase one of the project was approved during the 2021-2022

period and was recently completed. That phase included statewide-mandated

authentication requirements, which the department successfully implemented

despite changes and additional requirements issued by the state. He noted

that the department was working toward a moving deadline, with July 1, 2025,

identified as the statewide compliance date. He explained that the proposed

request covered the purchase and installation of the radio console equipment,

as well as a 10% contingency to account for potential fluctuations. The total

request included the cost of ancillary equipment such as grounding, antenna

cables, and other components necessary for full functionality. The vendor for

the equipment was Motorola, in accordance with the state term schedule, as

Motorola provided the infrastructure backbone for the entire state of Ohio.

Chief Spence stated that during the 2024 budget process, the City of

Gahanna budgeted for this upgrade with the expectation of some cost

increases in 2025. He requested a supplemental appropriation of $169,000 to

cover the full cost, including contingency and installation services provided by

a certified Motorola vendor. He also requested that Council consider the item

under emergency and with a rules waiver for second reading, due to

anticipated tariff impacts on components manufactured by Motorola. Some of

these components were produced in the European Union and Japan, where

trade conditions could affect pricing and availability. He emphasized that the

request was part of a broader infrastructure improvement and life cycle

management strategy, with most radio components operating on a

seven-year replacement schedule.

President Bowers asked if any of the upgraded equipment would be shared at

the MECC (Metropolitan Emergency Communications Center). Chief Spence

replied that certain components, including the radio infrastructure and 911

and data connectivity systems, would continue to be shared. President

Bowers then asked whether there would be any cost sharing or contributions

from MECC partners for this particular upgrade. Chief Spence responded that

there would not be cost sharing for this phase. He explained that this was due

in part to compatibility differences and differing life cycle schedules among

MECC member agencies. However, he added that all agencies operated on

an interoperable radio system. In the event that MECC’s radio backbone

failed, their operations could continue seamlessly through the city’s upgraded

system, as all communication channels and talk groups were fully integrated.

Vice President Weaver confirmed that the request would move forward with

emergency and waiver as requested, and clarified that the item would appear

on the May 5, 2025, Regular Meeting Agenda.

Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading with Waiver of Second Reading

and Emergency Adoption on Regular Agenda on 5/5/2025.

ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:

Councilmember Schnetzer:

RES-0019-2025

A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MAY

2025,

"AMYOTROPHIC

LATERAL

SCLEROSIS

(ALS)

AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA

Councilmember Schnetzer introduced Resolution 0019-2025, which

recognized the month of May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Awareness Month. He explained that he was contacted by a Gahanna

resident affiliated with the ALS Association regarding the opportunity for the

City to participate in the national observance. After consulting with President

Bowers on the appropriate process, he worked with the Council Office to draft

the resolution. Councilmember Schnetzer noted that the administration also

expressed interest in partnering on the resolution, which was structured as a

joint resolution and proclamation, referred to informally as a "procolution." He

informed Council that a draft was provided on their devices for review and

welcomed any suggested edits prior to the first meeting in May. He added that

at least one representative from the ALS Association was expected to attend

the meeting to accept the resolution.

Vice President Weaver thanked Councilmember Schnetzer for bringing the

item forward. With no discussion or objections raised, he confirmed that the

resolution would appear on the May 5, 2025, Consent Agenda.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 5/5/2025.

Councilmember Weaver:

RES-0020-2025

A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MAY 2025 AS "HONORING PUBLIC

SERVICE MONTH" IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA

Vice President Weaver introduced a resolution to designate May 2025 as

Public Service Month in the City of Gahanna. He shared that the idea

stemmed from correspondence he received several weeks earlier and

expressed that it would be a meaningful way to recognize the public servants

within the community. Vice President Weaver acknowledged the exceptional

staff employed by the City of Gahanna, while also noting that many residents

of Gahanna serve the public in other sectors. He felt the resolution would offer

a thoughtful gesture of appreciation for their work. He added that Mayor

Jadwin made plans to conduct her own separate recognition during the same

timeframe, and this resolution would serve as a complement to those efforts.

He invited any questions or feedback from Council. With no comments

raised, he confirmed that the resolution would be placed on the May 5, 2025,

Consent Agenda.

Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 5/5/2025.

ADJOURNMENT:

With no further business before the Committee of the Whole, the Chair

adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.