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, February 17, 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, February

17, 2025, in Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers

called the meeting to order at 7:01 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 February 14,

2025.

7 -

Present

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

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

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

President Bowers announced an addition to the evening's agenda,

acknowledging Mayor Jadwin for bringing forward a presentation to recognize

School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Joint Recognition by Council & Mayor - School Resource Officers

Mayor Jadwin introduced the recognition of National School Resource Officer

Appreciation Day, which was observed on Saturday, February 15, 2025. She

noted that with no school in session on the preceding Friday and Monday,

there had been no prior opportunity to publicly acknowledge the contributions

of the School Resource Officers (SROs). Mayor Jadwin expressed gratitude

for the four officers from the Gahanna Division of Police who serve as SROs.

She emphasized that these officers dedicate their time daily, throughout the

school year, ensuring the safety of students and staff. Three of the officers

are assigned to Gahanna Lincoln High School, while the fourth rotates among

the other schools in the district. She shared personal reflections on the

long-standing impact of SROs, including the continued influence of retired

Officer Blamer, who still receives messages from former students now living

abroad. The Mayor thanked Superintendent Dr. Tracy Deagle for publicly

recognizing the SROs through Gahanna Jefferson Schools' social media

channels. She expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between the

school district and the Police Department. She noted that SROs serve not

only as security personnel, but also as mentors, guides, and trusted figures

for students.

Chief Spence then provided remarks, commending Sergeant Kyle Parrish,

the first-line supervisor for the SROs and Community Liaison Officers. He

acknowledged the evolution of the program, highlighting the expansion of

police presence into middle schools following the addition of a fourth SRO in

last year’s budget. Chief Spence reiterated the importance of the SROs' role,

emphasizing their impact both as protectors and mentors. He noted the

positive feedback received from current and former students, recognizing the

SRO program as a vital component of community-oriented policing.

President Bowers thanked Chief Spence for his remarks and acknowledged

Superintendent Deagle's presence at the meeting. She praised the

community-oriented approach of the Gahanna Division of Police and

highlighted the department’s broader support for students beyond the SRO

program, specifically mentioning Officer Kaylea Pertz's new initiative aimed at

student support services.

With thanks from the Mayor and Council, to conclude the recognition,

Sergeant Parrish and Officer James “JD” Gillespie were invited forward to

receive a Certificate of Recognition. Chief Spence also joined the

presentation, acknowledging their dedicated service in ensuring student

safety and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the

school community.

2. Sustainable 2050 Update

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Sustainable 2050 Presentation to City Council 2.17.2025

Mayor Jadwin provided an overview of Sustainable2050, a program

established by MORPC (Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission) in

2016-2017 to support member community sustainability initiatives. She

explained that the program assists communities through technical support,

collaboration, recognition, and benchmarking to measure and enhance

sustainability efforts. She noted that the City of Gahanna was one of the first

Sustainable2050 communities, having passed a resolution in 2017 to join the

program. The city was awarded Silver Status in 2018. Over the past year, her

administration worked with MORPC to reassess Gahanna’s sustainability

efforts with the goal of advancing to the next certification level. After nearly a

year of effort, the city was recognized last week by MORPC with Gold Plus

Equity Champion Status as a member of Sustainable2050. Mayor Jadwin

extended special recognition to several members of the city staff who

dedicated significant time and effort to this initiative. She acknowledged

Senior Deputy Director Corey Wybensinger for leading the project, along with

Management Analyst II and Grants Administrator Mara Hunter, who played a

critical role in compiling documentation and finalizing the submission. She

also recognized Matt Goodhart, a MORPC intern who worked on the project

during the summer and is set to graduate soon with a focus on planning and

sustainability. She expressed gratitude to Director of Sustainability at

MORPC, Brandi Whetstone, for her guidance and leadership throughout the

process, highlighting the significant role she plays in regional sustainability

efforts.

Mayor Jadwin emphasized that achieving Gold Plus certification was not the

result of a single project but rather a reflection of an ongoing commitment to

sustainability in daily operations. She cited examples such as transitioning

from gas-powered equipment to electric battery-powered equipment and air

quality monitoring as initiatives that demonstrate Gahanna’s commitment to a

cleaner, greener future. She then invited Director Wybensinger to present

details on the certification process, including the requirements,

documentation, and sustainability initiatives that contributed to Gahanna’s

advancement to Gold Plus Equity Champion Status.

Senior Deputy Director Corey Wybensinger provided an update on the city’s

sustainability milestone. He began by acknowledging former MORPC intern

Matt Goodhart and Grants Analyst Mara Hunter, both of whom played

significant roles in completing the extensive Sustainable2050 recertification

workbook. He noted that the submission and review process began in

November and concluded with official recognition in February 2025.

Sustainable2050 is a voluntary certification program through MORPC that

helps local governments implement sustainability policies and practices. The

program aligns with the Regional Sustainability Agenda, focusing on key

environmental and economic goals. In 2017, the City of Gahanna committed

to Sustainable2050, and in 2018, it became one of the first five governmental

entities to earn Silver Status. The city’s Silver certification sign is displayed on

Route 62, just west of the Veterans Memorial. As of this month, Gahanna has

officially advanced to Gold Plus Certification, marking a significant milestone

in the city's sustainability journey. The certification process required scoring

on a 145-point scale, covering multiple sustainability categories. It was a

rigorous and extensive evaluation, which began with the efforts of intern Matt

Goodhart over the summer and was finalized by Mara Hunter in the fall. The

certification process took several months, including a December presentation

to MORPC’s Sustainability Advisory Committee before final approval in

January. The workbook detailing Gahanna’s sustainability initiatives will be

available on the city’s website to showcase progress and future goals.

The four core goals of Sustainable2050 are:

1) Improving air quality and reducing climate change impacts

2) Protecting and preserving natural resources

3) Enhancing quality of life through equitable and sustainable communities

4) Promoting inclusive, sustainable growth and development

Rather than focusing on a single project to achieve Gold Plus status, the city

implemented a series of long-term initiatives. MORPC highlighted several key

projects that contributed to this milestone, including:

Community Choice Aggregation & Gahanna Energy Plus - In 2024,

Gahanna joined SOPEC (Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council) and

launched its first community aggregation program. As of early February, over

9,000 customers are enrolled, with fewer than 500 opting out. The program

provides sustainable energy options, reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

Expanding Public Recycling & Waste Management - With support from

SWACO grants, Gahanna added 30 new recycling bins at Creekside and 17

parks. Temporary event containers and a solar compactor were introduced to

improve waste management efficiency.

Sustainable Development & Municipal Complex Reuse - The reimagining

of 825 Tech Center Drive transformed an existing building into a new

municipal complex, significantly reducing the environmental impact of new

construction.

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Initiatives - The city received a

Department of Energy “Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant” to fund

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting retrofits at the municipal complex.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals - Gahanna’s partnership with Power a

Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) facilitated a greenhouse gas inventory to measure

and reduce emissions. The 2023 data showed Gahanna was already 12%

below 2010 emission levels. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic,

emissions dropped 27% below baseline. The Community Choice Aggregation

program is projected to reduce emissions by an additional 10-25% once fully

implemented. The city aims for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas

emissions by 2030.

Expanding Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure & Fleet Conversion -

The city completed an EV infrastructure assessment and is expanding public

EV charging stations. The first electric vehicle was recently introduced into

the city’s fleet, accompanied by the installation of a charging station in the

secured fleet garage. Fleet technicians are now undergoing EV certification

training to support future electrification efforts.

Sustainable Traffic & Transportation Improvements - The city continues

to expand smart traffic signals and roundabouts to reduce vehicle idling and

emissions. The recently installed smart signal at State Route 62 and Stygler

Road helps improve traffic flow and air quality.

Other ongoing sustainability efforts include: urban beekeeping and pollinator

protection; food waste composting and urban tree canopy expansion; water

conservation and smart metering through utility billing; and LED streetlight

conversions. Wybensinger concluded by stating that achieving Gold Plus

certification is a major milestone but not the final step. The city will continue to

expand sustainability efforts, seek funding opportunities, and integrate

sustainable practices into municipal operations. He welcomed any questions

from the Council.

Councilmember Schnetzer congratulated Deputy Director Wybensinger and

the team for their efforts and inquired whether MORPC’s scoring system

includes considerations for sustainable finance strategies. He referenced

examples such as the LED light conversion project, which demonstrated

financial savings, and the repurposing of 825 Tech Center Drive, which saved

money compared to new construction. Deputy Director Wybensinger

confirmed that financial sustainability is a subcomponent of MORPC’s

scoring categories. He noted that the city's aggressiveness in pursuing

external funding for sustainable initiatives played a significant role in earning

the Gold Plus certification. He and Grants Analyst Mara Hunter continuously

seek funding opportunities for sustainability-related projects, especially in

areas like EV infrastructure and renewable energy.

Vice President Weaver expressed gratitude to the administration for their

ongoing work and commitment to sustainability. He emphasized that the Gold

Plus certification reflects the city's dedication to making meaningful

environmental progress and expressed excitement for future sustainability

initiatives.

Councilmember Jones asked about the next steps toward achieving Platinum

certification and whether the city has a plan to reach that level. Deputy

Director Wybensinger explained that the city currently has about 90 points but

would need 109 points for Platinum status. Future sustainability initiatives,

particularly related to solar and wind power, could help bridge that gap. He

noted that the 825 Tech Center project offers significant opportunities to

incorporate renewable energy and improve efficiency, which could contribute

to earning additional points. The city has explored funding opportunities,

including MORPC’s solar co-op program and an Advanced Energy Fund

grant, to offset solar project costs. Councilmember Jones also inquired

whether the city needs to recertify annually to maintain Gold status. Deputy

Director Wybensinger clarified that recertification is only required when the

city seeks to advance to a higher certification level. The Gold certification

remains valid unless the city pursues Platinum status, at which point it would

need to undergo a full reevaluation.

President Bowers requested that the updated Sustainable2050 workbook be

presented to City Council once finalized. She noted that the existing workbook

on the city’s website is from 2019 and only reflects Silver status. Deputy

Director Wybensinger confirmed that the Gold Plus workbook will be

uploaded once finalized and noted that Gahanna is one of two cities

recognized as an Equity Champion under MORPC’s Sustainable2050

framework. He added that MORPC has asked Gahanna to help shape the

next iteration of the sustainability certification program as they revise their

framework. President Bowers emphasized that having a detailed

sustainability roadmap will help inform policy and budget decisions moving

forward. She expressed enthusiasm for the city’s progress on EV

infrastructure and the continued integration of sustainability into city

operations.

Councilmember Padova reiterated the importance of integrating sustainability

into all city processes rather than treating it as an isolated project. She also

inquired whether the city’s green aggregation program contributed to earning

Gold Plus certification. Deputy Director Wybensinger clarified that while the

aggregation program was factored into the certification scoring, its full

greenhouse gas reduction impact is not yet reflected in the emissions

inventory. Once fully implemented, aggregation could reduce community-wide

emissions by an additional 10-25%, helping the city approach its goal of a

50% reduction by 2030. Mayor Jadwin confirmed that community aggregation

was one of the highlighted projects when MORPC awarded the Gold Plus

Equity Champion certification. However, the greenhouse gas inventory will be

updated in the future to reflect the full impact of aggregation on emissions

reductions.

Councilmember Renner congratulated the team on achieving Gold Plus

certification and expressed interest in future sustainability initiatives. He noted

that he has publicly advocated for additional environmental initiatives and

looks forward to hearing the administration’s plans moving forward.

President Bowers concluded by commending the administration and staff for

their hard work in earning Gold Plus certification. She highlighted the

significance of Gahanna’s leadership in sustainability at the regional level and

thanked everyone involved for their contributions.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Patricia Kovacs, 527 Haversham Drive, Gahanna, OH addressed City

Council regarding the proposed zoning changes concerning pedestrian

accessibility.

Ms. Kovacs shared an experience from a Gahanna resident who lives on

East Johnstown Road who encountered challenges while attempting to build

a carport. She said the resident was informed that she would need to

dedicate up to 20 feet of right-of-way from her front yard due to a planned bike

path along Johnstown Road. Additionally, she was told that she would need to

pay for the engineering study for the sidewalk construction. Ms. Kovacs

expressed concern about residential property owners being required to pay

for new sidewalks. She noted that past sidewalk and bike path projects, such

as those on Flint Ridge, Shull, Hamilton Road, and Johnstown Road, were

funded through grants, Safe Routes to School programs, or capital

improvement funding. She stated that while she supports expanding

pedestrian infrastructure, she did not believe that individual homeowners

should be responsible for the cost. She also referenced past sidewalk

commitments related to the Everett Apartments on Johnstown Road, noting

that despite assurances from the Planning Commission, sidewalks were

ultimately not constructed; instead, trees were planted. The explanation given

at the time was that Johnstown Road was planned for widening in the future,

but she expressed concern that without action, needed sidewalk

infrastructure would continue to be delayed indefinitely.

President Bowers acknowledged Ms. Kovacs’ concerns and stated that

Council had her contact information to follow up on the matter.

Brenda Hoffman, 279 High Meadow Drive, Gahanna, OH spoke about issues

regarding trash and recycling bin storage.

Ms. Hoffman referenced a contract with Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio

(SWACO) for larger recycling bins and the city's transition to larger refuse

bins, which require a monthly fee for maintenance and repairs. While she

supported these initiatives, she noted that many residents lack garage space

to store the bins properly. To address this issue, she built a cubby next to her

house to store her trash and recycling bins. However, when a neighbor

attempted to do the same, she realized that the contractor was building it in

front of the property’s build line, which she knew would not comply with city

regulations. She contacted code enforcement before any issues arose, but

the response she received was unexpected-the city informed her that a fence

permit was required to build a small enclosure for trash bins. Ms. Hoffman

expressed frustration that a permit was necessary for something as minor as

a trash bin cubby, particularly when residents are trying to keep trash secure

and prevent it from getting into storm drains and attracting animals. She

questioned why the city required additional permits and stated that this policy

works against the shared goal of keeping the city clean and attractive. She

requested that City Council review the permitting process to make it less

burdensome for residents who want to properly store their trash and recycling

bins.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2025-0036

2025-0037

2025-0038

Council Regular Minutes 2.3.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Council Special Minutes 2.10.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Committee of the Whole Minutes 2.10.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

End of Consent Agenda

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

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

ORD-0001-2025

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART

ELEVEN ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1117.10(e)(1)A - REQUIRED

IMPROVEMENTS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

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

President Bowers noted for the record that a Public Hearing on the ordinance

is scheduled for March 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Since the ordinance involves a

change to the zoning code, the administration advised that companion

engineering code amendments will also be forthcoming. She acknowledged

that these amendments are expected to address the concerns raised by Ms.

Kovacs during the Hearing of Visitors.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk - None.

2. Council

Vice President Weaver followed up on the previous week's Committee of the

Whole conversation regarding municipal bonds tax exemption status. He

reported that he reached out to Kent Scarrett with the Ohio Municipal League,

who confirmed that the organization is monitoring the issue closely and is

working in coordination with the National League of Cities. Weaver provided

this update to ensure that his colleagues were aware of ongoing efforts at the

state and national levels.

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City Council Newsletter - November-December 2024

President Bowers noted that the first City Council newsletter was published

last week. The newsletter is available to residents, and individuals can sign up

to receive it, just as they do for other city newsletters. This initiative provides

greater in-depth information about City Council activities and individual

members. Second, she mentioned that Council Office received an inquiry last

week regarding renaming a street. The request was referred to Council Office

by the administrative department, and she is currently in the process of

gathering more information about the request and the legislative process

involved. She assured that follow-ups with the administration and legal

department would continue.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilmember Padova announced that the next Community Improvement

Corporation (CIC) meeting was scheduled for the following day. However,

Mayor Jadwin informed her that the meeting was canceled due to a lack of

quorum. President Collins notified members via email that afternoon,

indicating that several members, including herself, were unavailable. With the

cancellation, Padova shared that the next CIC meeting is now scheduled for

March 18, 2025.

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

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Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 2.17.2025

Vice President Weaver expressed appreciation to the Council Office for their

assistance with the report. He noted that substantial discussion about

MORPC’s activities had already been addressed during the meeting and

provided updates from the commission’s meeting on Thursday, February 15,

2025. He informed the Council that if anyone had not yet expressed interest in

attending the State of the Region event on March 21, 2025, the table was now

full, and there would be future opportunities to participate in similar events.

Additionally, Weaver highlighted the inclusion of a link to the Central Ohio

Regional Housing Survey from the Regional Housing Coalition and

encouraged colleagues to participate, noting that the survey takes

approximately five minutes to complete. Vice President Weaver also noted

that MORPC and the Regional Policy Roundtable released their 2025-2026

Public Policy Agenda. The agenda focuses on four key goal areas:

regionalism, mobility, sustainability (a topic covered extensively during the

evening’s discussions), and prosperity and opportunity.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova announced that the Visit Gahanna Annual Meeting

would be held on March 18, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at La Navona. The

event will feature guest speaker Roy Hall Jr., a motivational speaker and

former National Football League (NFL) and Ohio State wide receiver. Tickets

for the event are available for purchase through Visit Gahanna, with individual

tickets priced at $35 and table sponsorships for eight people available for

$350. She also shared her experience attending the Creekside Charity

Chocolate Walk on Saturday, noting that it was her first time participating.

She remarked that it was an enjoyable event where she saw Mayor Jadwin,

met some neighbors, and had the opportunity to connect with new residents

of the community. Despite typical February weather in Ohio-gray and

damp-she highly recommended the event, emphasizing that the frequent

stops along the walk allowed participants to stay warm and enjoy the

experience. She encouraged others to consider attending in the future.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Councilmember Jones highlighted several events from the past week. She

attended the Classroom to Career presentation, a collaboration between the

school district, One Columbus, and the City. She found the event informative,

particularly in showcasing the growing industries in the region that provide

alternative post-high school career paths for students who may not choose

college. She encouraged everyone to explore the available information, noting

that it would likely be posted on the district’s website later this week. She also

mentioned a Board Workshop held on February 6, which provided valuable

insights into mental health resources available for students. She emphasized

the importance of mental health discussions, noting that the topic was

recently brought up in Chambers, including during Black History Month

presentations with Jewel Woods. The workshop provided both regional

statistics and specific information about the services available in the district,

highlighting that over 11,000 students had individual contacts with the

district’s mental health team last year. She encouraged continued focus on

supporting mental health initiatives in the community. Looking ahead, she

shared details about upcoming meetings. The next regular school board

meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Clark

Hall. Additionally, the Gahanna Gala, the annual fundraiser hosted by the

Gahanna-Jefferson Education Foundation, will take place this Saturday,

February 22, 2025. While ticket availability is limited, she noted that the silent

auction is now live online and open to everyone for free participation. Those

interested can register at GJEF.org.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin provided several updates, beginning with the recent

announcement that eight Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) were

installed in multiple Gahanna parks, with a ninth installation forthcoming. She

emphasized that the safety of residents remains a priority and that these

installations will provide immediate access to emergency medical assistance

when needed most. The AED installations are a direct outcome of the

creation of the Risk and Safety Administrator position in January 2023. Since

assuming that role, Melissa Jackson has worked diligently to identify safety

improvements across city facilities and parks. The Mayor also credited IT

Director Rene Carter for extensive research on AED technology,

infrastructure needs, and implementation feasibility. The Parks team is

currently working to complete the installations, and while the cabinets are in

place, they are not yet operational. Once the AEDs are fully functional, the city

will make an official announcement. When activated, the devices will

automatically connect users to dispatch and first responders.

Mayor Jadwin then announced that registration for the 2025 Gahanna Citizens

Academy was open. Last year’s program received positive feedback, and the

city is looking forward to welcoming another cohort. Class size is limited to 20

participants, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Registration

remains open through February 25, 2025, or until all spots are filled. She also

highlighted National Engineers Week, which recognizes the contributions of

engineers and technicians while promoting Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers for K-12 students. Gahanna’s

nine-member engineering team plays a crucial role in infrastructure projects,

including street and sidewalk improvements, capital improvements, sewer

and water projects, and traffic cabinet replacements. Mayor Jadwin shared

that a new event, Bike Repairman Day, was scheduled for Sunday, March 2,

2025, at Hannah Park. The event, held in memory of longtime resident Denny

Oswald, honors his dedication to bicycle safety and repair. Oswald, who

would have turned 80 that weekend, was passionate about ensuring that

children’s bikes were safe to ride. The event, organized in collaboration with

his wife Carol, community members, and city officials, will offer free bike

safety checks and repairs. Bicycle One and other local vendors will provide

services, and community liaison officers will be present for additional

engagement. She also shared an update on the city’s upcoming Procurement

Fair, scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025. The event is fully booked,

with over 100 businesses registered to participate. However, small

businesses still have an opportunity to attend a Resource Summit, which will

offer free workshops on marketing, business certifications, and state loan

programs. Networking opportunities and guidance on obtaining

minority-owned business certification will also be available.

Lastly, Mayor Jadwin addressed seasonal recruitment efforts for the city’s

summer programs. Positions are available in camps, paddleboat operations,

and event staffing. Many teens from last year’s seasonal workforce are

returning, indicating the positive experience the city offers. The Mayor

encouraged additional recruitment efforts, directing interested applicants to

the city’s website for more information.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan provided an update on the tobacco preemption

litigation, stating that oral arguments are scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday

February 18, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. with the 10th District Court of Appeals. The

arguments will be live streamed on YouTube, and she encouraged anyone

interested to reach out for the link. President Bowers noted that Governor

DeWine's proposed budget contains many of the same components included

in the local tobacco legislation. She expressed interest in seeing how the

issue develops, particularly whether the state assumes responsibility for

some of the tobacco enforcement considerations that the city pursued.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember Jones noted that her December-January constituent report

was attached to the agenda. She announced that her next constituent hour

would be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the library.

Councilmember Schnetzer expressed appreciation for the city’s installation of

AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in parks and public spaces. He

recalled his experience as a Gahanna Lions Youth Football League coach,

where USA Football requires certification in safety protocols, including AED

use. He suggested exploring opportunities for AED training in collaboration

with local sports leagues such as Gahanna Soccer Association (GSA),

Gahanna Junior League Sports (GJLS), Gahanna Football League, and

Gahanna Lacrosse.

Vice President Weaver thanked all speakers and contributors at the meeting.

He also recognized the work of school resource officers (SROs), particularly

highlighting Officer Blamer, who had a lasting impact on students by handing

out his personal business card to foster strong relationships. He reiterated

appreciation for the city’s AED initiative, noting that a Gahanna resident’s life

was recently saved due to quick action and public access to an AED.

President Bowers shared several updates and reflections. She highlighted the

partnership between Gahanna-Jefferson Schools, Eastland-Fairfield, and One

Columbus, which aims to create diverse career pathways for students. One

key takeaway was that the regional median hourly wage for manufacturing

jobs is now $32 per hour, translating to an annual salary of approximately

$66,000, indicating the growing importance of manufacturing in the local

economy. She attended MORPC’s Data Day event, which provided insights

into policy development and data-driven decision-making. She encouraged

fellow elected officials to consider attending future sessions, as the event

included tracks for both policy leadership and technical data analysis. She

was particularly impressed by Burgess & Niple’s presentation on using

community engagement, diversity, and equity to evaluate infrastructure

projects. Bowers shared statistics from a recent Columbus Metropolitan Club

forum on Shrinking Safety-Nets, noting that 18,000 people in central Ohio are

employed in the social services and nonprofit sector. She warned that

proposed federal funding cuts could remove approximately $150 million from

the local economy, emphasizing the critical role of social services in

supporting the region’s well-being. She expressed gratitude to Rene Carter,

Melissa Jackson, the Parks and Recreation Department, and all involved in

installing AEDs in parks. She acknowledged that this initiative holds great

significance for the community and enhances public safety. In honor of

President’s Day, Bowers read a passage from Thomas Jefferson’s 1784

"Notes on the State of Virginia," emphasizing the importance of checks and

balances in government. She urged community members to reflect on

Jeffersonian principles of civil rights, the protection of free elections, and the

need to guard against the concentration of power.

2025-0035

Councilmember

Jamille

Jones'

Constituent

Report

December

2024-January 2025

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Padova, to go into Executive

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

to consider the appointment of a public employee or official.

President Bowers noted the purpose of the Executive Session was to

discuss both Community Grant Review Panel and Gahanna New Community

Authority appointments, with no legislative action anticipated to follow for the

evening. Council would meet in the Law Library for the Executive Session.

Council rose to report to Executive Session at 8:10 p.m.

Council rose to report from Executive Session at 8:36 p.m., with no further

action.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

meeting at 8:37 p.m.