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, February 16, 2026

7:00 PM

City Hall, Council Chambers

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

Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, February

16, 2026, in Council Chambers. President of Council Trenton I.

Weaver called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 13,

2026.

6 -

Present

Jamille Jones, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova, Stephen A. Renner,

Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver

1 - Merisa K. Bowers

Absent

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

None.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2026-0032

2026-0033

Council Regular Minutes 2026-02-02

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Committee of the Whole Minutes 2026-02-09

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Motions:

MT-0006-2026

MOTION TO APPROVE SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT OF CARIS

LANTZ AS COUNCIL OFFICE INTERN THROUGH THE MID-OHIO

REGIONAL

PLANNING

COMMISSION

(MORPC)

SUMMER

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AT A RATE OF $15.99 PER HOUR

The Motion was approved on the Consent Agenda.

3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:

ORD-0005-2026

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

- Central Park TIF Fund, General Fund and Cul-de-sac Maintenance

Fund for various purposes

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 Jones, to Pass the Consent

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

1 - Bowers

Yes:

Absent:

MOTIONS:

MT-0007-2026

A MOTION TO APPOINT EVAN ECOS TO THE CIVIL SERVICE

COMMISSION, SEAT 4, AND FAIR HOUSING BOARD, SEAT 1,

UNEXPIRED TERMS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2027.

President Weaver thanked everyone who had submitted interest in

serving on any of the City’s boards or commissions. He stated that

serving on a board or commission provided a great way to give back to

the city they all loved and called home. He expressed his appreciation to

everyone for their interest.

A motion was made by Padova, seconded by Jones, that the Motion be

Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

1 - Bowers

Yes:

Absent:

MT-0008-2026

MOTION TO SUSPEND COUNCIL RULES OF PROCEDURE

SECTION 5.20 TO ADOPT AN ALTERNATIVE REGULAR MEETING

SCHEDULE IN APRIL FOR THE RELOCATION TO THE NEW

GAHANNA CIVIC CENTER AS FOLLOWS: Final Regular City Council

Meeting at 200 S. Hamilton Road is April 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM; Committee

of the Whole Meeting scheduled for April 13, 2026 is canceled; Regular

City Council Meeting scheduled for April 20, 2026 is canceled; First

Regular City Council Meeting at 825 Tech Center Drive is April 27, 2026

at 7:00 PM, immediately followed by Committee of the Whole.

President Weaver thanked the Administration for keeping Council

informed. He acknowledged that many significant developments were

taking place, including the substantial undertaking of moving and

relocating to the new facilities. He described the transition as an exciting

time and noted that it marked a necessary step to ensure the move

occurred as seamlessly as possible. He thanked everyone for their

cooperation and flexibility and thanked the Mayor.

A motion was made by Padova, seconded by Jones, that the Motion be

Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

1 - Bowers

Yes:

Absent:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

ORD-0007-2026

APPROXIMATELY

FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO, TO THE CITY OF GAHANNA; LOCATED

ORDINANCE

7.6 ACRES

THE

JEFFERSON

ANNEXATION

FROM

TOWNSHIP,

4736 AND

4722 JOHNSTOWN

ROAD

(PARCEL

NOS.

170-000068 AND 170-000069).

President Weaver introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by

title.

President Weaver noted that, as a matter of interest to the public, Council

typically did not take action on items during first readings. He stated that

the item would return for a vote on March 2, 2026.

ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING / ADOPTION:

Recommended Postponement to Date Certain:

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

The Clerk read the Ordinance by title.

President Weaver reported on correspondence from the City Attorney

regarding Ordinance 0002-2026 recommending that Council postpone

action until March 2, 2026.

A motion was made by Jones, seconded by Padova, that the Second Reading

of the Ordinance be Postponed to Date Certain, March 2, 2026. The item will

return to Committee of the Whole on February 23, 2026 for further review. The

motion carried by the following vote:

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

1 - Bowers

Yes:

Absent:

Recommended Postponement to Date Certain:

ORD-0006-2026

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODIFIED

ORDINANCE SECTION 133.02 - PURCHASING PROCEDURES

The Clerk read the Ordinance by title.

President Weaver stated that a postponement to a date certain had been

recommended for the item. He confirmed that the proposed date was

March 2,2026. He then asked whether there was a motion to postpone

Ordinance 0006-2026 to the date certain, stating his understanding that

the ordinance would return to Committee of the Whole the following

week.

A motion was made by Padova, seconded by Jones, that the Second Reading

of the Ordinance be Postponed to Date Certain, March 2, 2026. The item will

return to Committee of the Whole on February 23, 2026 for further review. The

motion carried by the following vote:

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

1 - Bowers

Yes:

Absent:

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk

Clerk VanMeter highlighted for the record and for Council’s awareness

that the Charter Review Commission had met on Thursday, February 12,

2026. He reported that during its organizational meeting, the

Commission elected Ethan Barnhardt as Chair and Carrin Wester as

Vice Chair. He stated that the Commission approved meeting dates for

the first half of the year and announced that the next regular meeting

would take place on February 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council

Chambers and would be livestreamed. He further reported that the

Commission announced additional meeting dates of March 12th, March

26th, April 9th, April 23rd, May 7th, May 21st, June 4th, and June 18th.

He noted that Council had received a tentative invitation to attend the

March 26th meeting and that he would email the schedule to Council.

Clerk VanMeter reminded Council that the Charter Review Commission

must submit any recommended amendments to the City Charter to

Council by July 1st and that Council must submit any proposed

amendments to the voters at the next general election. He stated that,

pursuant to the Commission’s adopted rules of procedure, the

Commission would accept public comment in person at any regular

meeting and via video, consistent with Council’s available tools and in

accordance with the rules listed on the City’s website. He informed the

public that individuals could propose amendments to the City Charter by

emailing the Charter Review Commission at CRC@gahanna.gov. He

also stated that the meetings were livestreamed and archived on the

City’s YouTube page and that members of the public could sign up to

receive meeting agendas.

President Weaver thanked Clerk VanMeter and the members of the

Charter Review Commission for their willingness to serve. He asked for

clarification that the Commission’s meeting schedule aligned with the

Administration’s plans to move to 825 Tech Center Drive. Mayor Jadwin

confirmed that she and Mr. VanMeter had worked through the schedule

and stated that the arrangement would work.

2. Council

2026-0037

Draft Endorsement Letters - Cora Thurman Posthumous Nomination for

Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame and City of Columbus Hall of Fame

President Weaver stated that the agenda included draft endorsement

letters. He reminded Council that Tom Gregory had received a resolution

two weeks prior recognizing Black History Month following the

presentation celebrating the life and legacy of Cora Thurman. He

explained that Mr. Gregory planned to submit Ms. Thurman for

posthumous nomination to the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame and the

City of Columbus Hall of Fame. He stated that those who attended the

presentation were aware of the impact Ms. Thurman had on the Gahanna

community, the City of Columbus, Columbus Public Schools, and the

local community. He noted that the letters appeared on the agenda and,

seeing no objection, stated that he would seek Council’s approval to

move forward with submitting the letters on Council’s behalf.

Vice President Jones stated that she did not intend to appear overly

eager or presumptive and noted that printed copies were available for

signature that evening if members wished to sign them.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilmember Padova reported that the CIC would meet on

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. in the Committee Room

and stated that the meeting would remain open to the public. She noted

that if the committee entered executive session, they would ask members

of the public to step out.

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

2026-0031

Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 2026-02-16

President Weaver reported that the Commission met on February 12,

2026, and that the next meeting was scheduled for March 12th. He

announced that MORPC had received the Government Finance Officers

Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial

Reporting for the 37th consecutive year and noted that the City was

familiar with that distinction. He congratulated MORPC on the

achievement. President Weaver reported that MORPC representatives,

including Mayor Jadwin, had recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to

meet with members of Congress and their staff. Drawing on his

experience as a former congressional staffer, he stated that such visits

provided valuable opportunities to meet with local representatives of

organizations and to raise issues with the congressional delegation. He

stated that MORPC had introduced a “Map of the Month” feature and that

the highlighted map depicted standardized parcel-level existing and

future land use based on local plans. He noted that the data depended on

submissions from municipalities and encouraged communities to

provide updated information. He informed Council that the map was

publicly available at MORPC.org/data by searching “M.O.O.D” and

described it as a useful tool to explore. President Weaver reported that

the Regional Policy Roundtable would meet the following day. He

highlighted Senate Bill 361, legislation at the Statehouse that would

prohibit municipalities from using eminent domain for trails and multi-use

paths, and noted that the bill had appeared in multiple sessions. He

announced that MORPC had accepted Norwich Township and Hamilton

Township as members, bringing total membership to 93 and 94,

respectively. He reported that Senator Husted had released an

application form for Fiscal Year 2027 community project funding, also

known as member-directed funding, with a deadline of March 9, 2026,

and that MORPC expected guidance from other members of the

congressional delegation soon. He added that state capital budget

applications were due on March 12th and that MORPC offered

assistance to communities with that process. President Weaver stated

that MORPC sought input for a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses,

Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to support its Comprehensive

Economic Development Strategy and that a survey included in the report

would accept responses through February 26th. He concluded by

highlighting the State of the Region event scheduled for Friday, March

20th. He noted that Clerk VanMeter had made several reservations,

including one for himself, and asked members to notify Clerk VanMeter if

they wished to attend. He concluded his MORPC report.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova reported that the Creekside Charity Chocolate

Walk took place the previous afternoon and brought approximately 200

people to the Creekside District for chocolate treats. She stated that

Visit Gahanna started the event six years ago and now runs it in

partnership with the Gahanna Area Arts Council. She explained that the

event benefits the nonprofits involved with Give to Gahanna. She

described it as a great opportunity to get outside in February, take a

walk, and enjoy chocolate, and noted that the weather had been as

perfect as February weather in Ohio could be, making it a pleasant day

for walking and fresh air. Councilmember Padova also reported that Visit

Gahanna and the Ohio Herb Center had collaborated with SGT Coffee to

create coffee drinks that incorporate herbs. She stated that she looked

forward to seeing what new drinks they would launch in the spring and

encouraged everyone to watch for more information. She announced that

instead of hosting the traditional Visit Gahanna annual lunch or annual

meeting, the organization would hold a Visit Gahanna Spring Showcase

on April 14th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Noble Cut Distillery. She

explained that the event would replace the annual meeting and would

feature an open house format, with additional details to come.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Vice President Jones provided an update on upcoming school board

meetings. She announced that the Finance and Facilities Meeting would

take place on February 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Clark Hall and that the

regular Board meeting would occur on Thursday, February 19, 2026. at

6:30 p.m., also at Clark Hall. She shared information from the February 5,

2026, Board workshop meeting that could impact the community. She

explained that with the opening of the new high school, the District had

updated its rental fee policy, as many community groups rent District

facilities and the new high school offered additional amenities. She

stated that the Board discussed the updated policy at the February 5th

workshop and that, if approved, the policy would provide reduced rental

rates for private programs that enrich student learning. She explained

that organizations that could demonstrate they enriched student learning

could receive a discount on renting District space. She directed the

public to review the February 5th Board workshop meeting online for

additional information and advised them to watch the Thursday meeting

to see whether the Board approved the policy. Vice President Jones also

recognized that February 15th marked National School Resource Officer

Appreciation Day. Although the day had passed, she stated that it was

never too late to show gratitude. She thanked Officers Bills, Gillespie,

Jones, and Lawrence for the support they provide to students across

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools and described them as guardians of

Gahanna’s future. She expressed appreciation for their service.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin thanked Councilmember Padova and asked her to inform

Visit Gahanna that she would be happy to benchmark any coffee drinks

developed in partnership with SGT Coffee, noting her enthusiasm for

coffee. Mayor Jadwin also thanked President Weaver for highlighting

MORPC’s work and confirmed that she had recently traveled to

Washington, D.C., with a delegation from the Columbus region that

included MORPC leaders and several central Ohio mayors. She reported

that the group conducted eight meetings in one day with members of

Ohio’s congressional delegation, including both United States Senators

and several Representatives who serve the region and local

communities. She stated that the purpose of the visit centered on

advocacy and that the delegation discussed priorities important to

central Ohio, including infrastructure, transportation, economic

development, housing, and regional growth. She added that she

highlighted local projects and needs specific to Gahanna and mentioned

the Creekside project to Senator Husted considering an upcoming

funding deadline related to downtown revitalization. She emphasized that

those conversations ensured that federal representatives heard the

voices of Gahanna residents and understood the community’s

opportunities and challenges. Mayor Jadwin announced that, following

the submission of an application, the City received a $250,000

congressional earmark in federal funds to support necessary flood

mitigation improvements within the Creekside garage. She described

the project as critical to the long-term success of the downtown area and

to protecting infrastructure, local businesses, residents, visitors, and key

economic and community assets. She noted that Congresswoman

Beatty championed the funding and stated that she appreciated the

opportunity to thank her in person for her advocacy and support.

Mayor Jadwin also reported that the City recently issued alerts through

email and social media regarding fraudulent emails sent to residents that

attempted to impersonate City staff and request payment by wire

transfer. She stated that the messages appeared highly convincing,

including the use of a staff member’s signature block. She warned that

Valentine’s Day and the upcoming tax season often bring an increase in

scam activity. She reminded residents that official City emails always

originate from a gahanna.gov email address and instructed anyone who

receives an unexpected payment request claiming to be from the City not

to respond, click links, send money, or initiate wire transfers. She

advised residents to contact the City directly using contact information

listed on the official website to verify any notice, invoice, or appeal. She

thanked Council for helping to keep the community safe. President

Weaver thanked the Mayor for sharing the information and recalled

previous community meetings where Officer Jodon and Detective

Thomas provided presentations on fraud prevention tips. He asked

whether the City could disseminate or publish those resources more

broadly. Mayor Jadwin responded that the City planned several

informational posts in the coming months leading up to tax season to

continue alerting residents. She stated that Detective Thomas, now

serving as a community liaison officer alongside Officer Jodon, continued

to meet with civic groups, including the Senior Center, to share

information. She added that the Chief also shared information at civic

association meetings and encouraged residents to distribute the

information within their neighborhoods. She stated that the City would

continue to use as many avenues as possible to place the information in

residents’ hands.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan provided a litigation update regarding the trip

and fall case at Academy Park, known as the Taglia case. She reported

that the Court of Appeals granted the appellant an extension to file their

brief after the appellant initially failed to submit it in a timely manner and

subsequently requested permission for an extension. She stated that the

appellant’s brief was now due in March and that the City would file its

brief thereafter. She advised that she would provide an update after the

court heard oral argument and issued a decision. City Attorney

Tamilarasan also echoed appreciation for those serving on the Charter

Review Commission and encouraged everyone to consider suggestions

or focus areas for potential comments on the Charter to help guide future

discussions.