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 2, 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 2,

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

called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Vice President of Council

Jamille Jones delivered an Invocation and led members in the Pledge

of Allegiance. The agenda was published on January 30, 2026.

Note: In recognition of Black History Month and at the invitation of

Council and Mayor Jadwin, Mr. Tom Gregory delivered a special

presentation at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers on Cora M. Jones

Thurman, the first African American student to graduate from Gahanna

High School in 1913. Community members joined city staff,

Councilmembers, Mayor Jadwin, and City Attorney Tamilarasan to

honor Ms. Thurman's life and legacy.

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:

None.

PRESENTATIONS:

Joint Resolution/Proclamation Presentation - Council, Mayor, City Attorney

Recognizing Black History Month & Honoring the Legacy of Cora Thurman

Recipients: Clemya Matthews and Tom Gregory

Vice President Jones stated that those attending in person or online had

the opportunity prior to the meeting to hear a thorough presentation on

the life and legacy of Cora May Thurman. She explained that Ms.

Thurman made history in 1913 as the first African-American student to

graduate from Gahanna schools and demonstrated profound courage

and determination in pursuing her education at a time when racial

barriers sought to limit her potential. She said that throughout her life’s

work, Cora Thurman embodied the belief that all people have value and

deserve the chance to share their gifts, and she reminded those present

that history is shaped not only by extraordinary figures but also by

everyday people who inspire extraordinary things in others. Vice

President Jones stated that Council felt excited to present a resolution to

Mr. Tom Gregory, who conducted extensive research and delivered the

earlier presentation on Ms. Thurman, and she encouraged everyone to

watch the recording. She recognized Clemya Matthews, granddaughter

of Cora Thurman, who attended the meeting to receive the resolution.

She invited Mr. Gregory and Ms. Matthews to come forward, along with

Council colleagues, City Attorney Tamilarasan, and Mayor Jadwin, for a

photograph and invited Mr. Gregory and Ms. Matthews to share remarks.

Mr. Gregory noted that the year marked the 100th anniversary of the

celebration of Black History, which began as Black History Week in

1926, as well as the 50th anniversary of Black History Month as a

holiday. He stated that those milestones made the occasion very special

and expressed his thanks.

City Attorney Tamilarasan described the presentation as outstanding and

the story as inspiring. She stated that the story resonated with her and

thanked Mr. Gregory for bringing the information forward.

Mayor Jadwin thanked those involved for the opportunity to participate.

She described the presentation as amazing and thanked Mr. Gregory for

the research he conducted and the information he gathered and shared.

She strongly encouraged anyone watching to view the presentation. She

stated that the phrase “ordinary people doing extraordinary things”

resonated with her and described Cora Thurman’s life as remarkable.

She expressed appreciation for the presence of Ms. Thurman’s family at

the meeting and thanked Ms. Matthews for attending. Mayor Jadwin

stated that Cora Thurman opened doors for many people and acted

unselfishly and bravely as she stepped forward to fill roles, meet needs,

identify those who required support, and create opportunities to help

others. She acknowledged Black History Month and the barriers Ms.

Thurman broke down for the African-American community. Mayor Jadwin

also reflected on the leadership seated on the dais and noted that six of

the nine elected positions were held by women. She stated that Cora

Thurman created and opened the path for many of those serving and

described the story as incredible and a wonderful testimony. She

thanked Mr. Gregory for sharing it.

President Weaver added his thanks for the presentation. He stated that

he had walked the halls of the former high school for years and had seen

the class picture on the wall and wondered about the life of the woman

pictured. He stated that learning more about her life and legacy proved

amazing and that one person embodied an extraordinary amount of

history and left a significant legacy. He thanked Mr. Gregory for bringing

that history to light for the community and thanked those who joined the

meeting.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Ryan March, 278 Rivers End Road, Gahanna, OH addressed Council

and stated that he wished to share a few thoughts and some positive

energy. He said that if individuals were in Gahanna on Sunday, they saw

a demonstration of human empathy that he found very inspiring. He

described people coming together and expressing that Gahanna is a

welcoming place that seeks to uphold the sense of human dignity that

everyone deserves. He stated that hundreds of people showed that they

believe in building, maintaining, and keeping that sense of community

alive, which he said everyone can relate to and wants. Mr. March also

referenced the recent significant snowstorm. He stated that the Gahanna

plow team kept the roads clear. He said that when he checked nearby

cities and roads, including routes leading to Easton, those areas did not

keep up in the same way, but Gahanna roads remained clear. He stated

that small things such as that can generate positive energy, and he

wanted to reflect that positivity back into the community. He thanked

Council.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2026-0023

Council Regular Minutes 2026-01-20

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

End of Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Bowers, 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:

RESOLUTIONS:

RES-0002-2026

JOINT

RESOLUTION

AND

PROCLAMATION

RECOGNIZING

FEBRUARY 2026 AS "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" AND HONORING

THE LEGACY OF CORA THURMAN

Councilmember Bowers briefly echoed her thanks to Vice President

Jones, Clerk VanMeter, and the city staff who participated in presenting

the legacy of Ms. Thurman. She also thanked Mr. Gregory and Ms.

Thurman’s family for attending in support, as well as the Ward family for

generously sharing their photographs. Councilmember Bowers stated

that the community’s history remains connected and that the presentation

demonstrated the integration present throughout the community.

Councilmember Padova thanked everyone who made the evening

possible. She echoed Mayor Jadwin’s recommendation to watch the

earlier session, which she understood to be available through the city’s

YouTube channel. She stated that while the resolution was meaningful, it

did not capture the full depth shared during the prior hour. She remarked

that throughout the presentation, Mr. Gregory continued to share

significant accomplishments and numerous firsts achieved by Ms.

Thurman, layering one after another. She described Ms. Thurman as an

incredible person and thanked Mr. Gregory for educating those present

about her life.

President Weaver added that he appreciated Mr. Gregory’s comments

as he departed, which highlighted former President Ford’s quote

included in the resolution. He noted that Black History Month was

declared a holiday in 1976 as part of America’s bicentennial and stated

that the timing felt fitting as the nation reflected on its progress and

journey while celebrating its semi-quincentennial.

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

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

RES-0003-2026

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH FISHBECK FOR THE TAYLOR

ROAD WATERLINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT (ST-1121 / WA-24-01)

Senior Director Schultz thanked Council for the invitation to introduce the

item and explained that, because of the snow the previous week, the

Committee of the Whole did not hear this item or another item on the

agenda. He stated that the item before Council was a contract

amendment for the Fishbeck design services contract for the Taylor

Road waterline project. He explained that the project recently went out for

bid and that the Fishbeck contract included provisions for contract

administration, construction management, and inspection services.

Senior Director Schultz referred to the letter attached to the agenda item

and explained that, as the process moved forward, the Engineering

Department recognized that the City’s code requires sidewalk upgrades

when completing major capital improvements. He stated that this

requirement prompted a conversation with Fishbeck to design the

sidewalks. He noted that the project included monitoring budgets and

contingencies. He stated that the City had reached a point where it

needed to make the contract whole in order to complete construction

administration and inspection work. Senior Director Schultz reported that

the administration requested a contract modification adding just under

$70,000 to the existing Fishbeck contract, bringing the total contract

amount to $312,121.80. He stated that the administration respectfully

requested a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into the contract

modification for the Taylor Road waterline replacement project.

Councilmember McGregor asked whether the project applied to the north

or south side of the road. Senior Director Schultz responded that the

work applied to the residential properties on the north side of the road

and clarified that the code provision applied only to residential

properties.

Councilmember Bowers asked for clarification regarding the specific

location along the north side of Taylor Road. Senior Director Schultz

explained that the project included all single-family residences from

Helmbright heading west to an assisted living facility, which marked the

end of the sidewalk work. He added that a condominium association

located slightly farther west would include a very small section of work.

He stated that the project involved approximately 3,000 linear feet of

sidewalk on the north side only.

Councilmember Bowers asked whether the project would expand the

existing sidewalk. Senior Director Schultz responded that the work would

bring the sidewalks to the PROWAG standard by replacing four-foot

sidewalks with five-foot sidewalks and bringing all facilities into

compliance with ADA standards.

A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Jones, that the Resolution be

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

ORD-0005-2026

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

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

Fund for various purposes

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

President Weaver noted the item would be discussed in Committee of the

Whole on February 9, 2026.

ORD-0006-2026

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODIFIED

ORDINANCE SECTION 133.02 - PURCHASING PROCEDURES

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

President Weaver noted the item would be discussed in Committee of the

Whole on February 9, 2026.

ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING / ADOPTION:

Recommendation to Postpone to Date Certain (City Attorney):

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

City Attorney Tamilarasan stated that, pursuant to the previous

discussion of the item at Committee and questions raised by Council in

preparation for the last Committee meeting that was canceled, she

conducted research into the TIRC statute and contacted the Auditor’s

Office, which administers TIRC. She reported that, during discussions

with staff at the Auditor’s Office, they requested that Council postpone its

vote on the item to allow further research into compliance issues that

occurred during the TIRC meeting, including whether a sufficient quorum

existed to vote on the matters before the council, specifically regarding

the Mifflin Township incentives and abatements. She stated that her

office recommended postponing the matter to a date certain. She

requested that the item return to Committee of the Whole the following

week and proceed to second reading at the next Council meeting.

President Weaver asked whether Council had any questions for City

Attorney Tamilarasan. Hearing none, he requested a motion to postpone

the vote on Ordinance 0002-2026 to a date certain of February 16, 2026.

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

Postponed to a Date Certain, February 16, 2026. The motion carried by the

following vote:

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

Yes:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & ADOPTION:

ORD-0004-2026

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

AND WAIVING SECOND READING - TIF, State Capital Grant, Capital

Improvement, Water Capital, and Sewer Capital Improvement funds for

Capital Improvement Projects

Senior Director Schultz explained that, as part of the Capital

Improvement Plan, the CIP Advisory Committee and the structure of the

document required a process at the end of each year to return any

unencumbered funds for each project. He stated that, for projects

requiring reallocation, the administration would return to Council in the

early part of the year, which explained why the item appeared before

them. He noted that this marked the second time they had followed this

process and stated that the process aimed to increase transparency with

Council and the public. Senior Director Schultz stated that the attached

item included a list of projects that would receive funding back. He

clarified that these projects were not included in the 2026 budget request

but that the City returned the funds at the end of December. He stated

that the administration now requested the return of those funds to make

the projects whole. He explained that, in some instances, projects had

not progressed in a manner that allowed the City to encumber the funds,

but the projects had not stalled. He stated that the circumstances

reflected the natural life cycle of a project and that the funds remained

necessary to continue each project listed.

President Weaver thanked Director Schultz and asked whether Council

had any discussion on the waiver request. He then asked for the reason

for the waiver. Senior Director Schultz responded that the waiver would

allow the City to utilize and access the funding more expediently and

make it available sooner by avoiding the two-week time window.

A motion was made by Jones, 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:

Councilmember Bowers stated that she appreciated the process that Mr.

Schultz outlined. She noted that all of the items had been incorporated

into the Capital Improvement Plan and that Council had anticipated them

as expenditures. She stated that she appreciated the opportunity to

refresh everyone and receive an update on the status of the projects. She

added that she believed the practice represented a great approach and

thanked him for bringing the item forward.

Councilmember McGregor stated that one of the items under capital

improvements referenced gateways and entryways. She said that, for the

third time, she requested the removal of the sign on Taylor Road at the

entrance to the city because it looked terrible. She stated that she had

offered to paint it herself and had done so before, but she asked that the

City remove it. She said that people who worked at Mount Carmel had

asked her why the sign looked so bad, and she told them she had

requested its removal several times. She reiterated her request to take it

down, even if the City did not replace it. Senior Director Schultz

responded that they would take it down the following day.

Councilmember McGregor thanked him.

A motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Jones, that the Ordinance be

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk - None.

2. Council

2026-0024

Your City Council at Work Newsletter - November-December 2025

President Weaver stated that he wanted to recognize the Council Office

for preparing and publishing the City Council at Work Newsletter. He

specifically thanked Ms. Hilts, along with everyone in the Council Office

and all who shared information and photos for inclusion in the publication.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilmember Padova reported that the CIC Board met on January 21,

2026, for its organizational meeting. She stated that the Board

conducted the election of officers and selected George Mrus as

President, Betty Collins as Vice President and Secretary, and Jeff

Kessler as Vice President and Treasurer. She noted that the committees

would remain the same, with Jodelle Carder serving on Real Estate and

Jeff Kessler serving on Finance. Councilmember Padova stated that the

Board formally set its meeting schedule as the third Wednesday of each

month at 8:00 a.m., which she had previously announced. She also

stated that the Board agreed to continue holding twice-yearly meetings

with Council, with the dates to be determined. She indicated that the

Board would review the timing in order to present its strategic planning

efforts and the strategic plan to Council. She reported that, following the

organizational meeting, the Board moved into its regular meeting and

spent the majority of the time discussing the strategic plan and how the

process would proceed. She also stated that the Board received an

update on the Mill Street property demolition and noted that anyone who

had visited the site likely observed the progress. She added a reminder

that the meetings remain open to the public, except during executive

session when members of the public must step out.

Councilmember Renner stated that he was unable to attend the meeting.

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

President Weaver noted he would have a full report at the next meeting.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova announced that the Creekside Charity

Chocolate Walk would take place on Sunday, February 15 from 1:00

p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with proceeds benefiting Give to Gahanna. She stated

that a limited number of tickets remained available and encouraged

interested individuals to purchase them before they sold out. She noted

that early bird pricing remained available through February 7 and

recommended purchasing tickets promptly. She shared that she

attended the event for the first time the previous year and highly

recommended it as a way to get outside during the winter months, enjoy

fresh air, and connect with other community members. Councilmember

Padova also announced that organizers had named Selwyn Birchwood

as one of the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival headliners, scheduled to

perform on the blue stage on Friday, June 19. She stated that additional

headliner announcements would follow in the coming weeks. She

reported that Visit Gahanna continued to seek sponsors and accept

vendor applications for the festival. She further announced that Herb Day

would take place on Saturday, May 2 at Creekside and that organizers

had opened vendor applications for that event as well. She encouraged

residents to save the date.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Vice President Jones thanked School Board Member Dion Manley for

attending the earlier presentation and remaining for the meeting. She

reminded Council of upcoming February meetings, including a Board

workshop meeting on February 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Clark Hall, a Finance

and Facilities Committee meeting on February 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Clark

Hall, and the regular Board meeting on February 19 at 6:30 p.m., also at

Clark Hall.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin commended the board members of the Gahanna Area

Chamber of Commerce for the successful launch of the Gahanna

Community Impact Fund, a new nonprofit organization. She stated that

Kyle Huston, a Chamber board member and Gahanna resident, initiated

the effort and played an integral role in establishing the organization. She

explained that the nonprofit would generate funds to support a grant

program for small businesses in the city, reflecting a strong commitment

to the local business community. She reported that, during the kickoff

event, organizers raised over $11,000. She stated that the City looked

forward to supporting the organization and sharing lessons learned from

its own community grant program. She added that the initiative

demonstrated the collaboration required among the economic

development team and the Chamber to create an environment where

businesses could thrive. Mayor Jadwin also recognized and commended

the City’s snow crews for their efforts during Winter Storm Fern, which

she described as the largest snowfall in nearly 20 years, with more than a

foot of snow falling in less than 24 hours. She stated that snow ended

Sunday night and that by Monday morning she and Communications

Manager Dan Pearlman drove the roadways and found them passable

and plowed, with residents out shoveling. She reported that crews

worked five consecutive days from Saturday through Wednesday in

12-hour shifts, maintaining 24-hour coverage. She stated that staff

worked in hazardous conditions, including sub-zero temperatures after

the storm passed. She noted that public service staff, parks and

recreation employees, code enforcement personnel, maintenance team

members, and other CDL-licensed employees operated plows. She also

recognized first responders for their efforts during the storm. She

reported that crews plowed 5,396.4 miles during that period. She

expressed appreciation for the team’s dedication, professionalism,

teamwork, and commitment to the community. Mayor Jadwin

congratulated Mr. Chris Wagner and the GLHS BlackBox Theater troupe

for their performances of “12 Angry Jurors,” held in Council Chambers.

She described the performances as exceptional and noted that students

rehearsed for three weeks, including a week in which they missed three

days of school due to the storm. She praised the students’ talent and

stated that the City felt honored to host the performances in a

courtroom-like setting. She informed residents that the next edition of

Uniquely Gahanna had gone to print and would arrive in mailboxes

within the next few weeks. She encouraged residents to review the event

calendar, which included dates through May, such as Herb Day, the

return of the Gahanna Bike Rodeo, a rescheduled shred event in May,

and the Walk in Our Boots 5K, which would occur the same day as Herb

Day. She announced that pool memberships were currently on sale with

early bird pricing available through March 31. She also stated that

seasonal summer job recruitment had begun and that residents could

find opportunities at gahanna.gov. Finally, Mayor Jadwin reported that the

latest episode of the “Our Gahanna” podcast had been released prior to

the winter storm. She stated that the episode featured a conversation

with Brandi Sargent, co-owner of SGT Coffee Co., who recently

celebrated a ribbon cutting. She noted that the discussion covered the

process of opening the business, excitement about locating in

Creekside, challenges faced, and thoughts regarding the proposed

development project. She informed residents that the podcast was

available on major podcast platforms and through a link at gahanna.gov.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan reported that, in litigation matters, the Taglia

case pending before the Court of Appeals involved a trip-and-fall incident

at Academy Park. She stated that the appellant’s brief, filed by the

plaintiff, was due on January 20, 2026, and that the plaintiff failed to file

the brief. She explained that the court issued a notice the previous week

advising that it would dismiss the appeal for failure to prosecute if the

plaintiff did not proceed. She stated that the City would pursue dismissal

and expressed hope for closure to the litigation soon.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember Renner thanked Vice President Jones for the resolution

and Mr. Gregory for the presentation on Cora Thurman. He stated that,

although he arrived late, he found what he heard very interesting. He said

that Cora Thurman’s 41 years as an educator helped expand opportunity

and cultivate belonging for countless students, and that her life’s work

demonstrated how one person’s perseverance could shape a

community. He expressed gratitude for the resolution and for adding a

positive moment to Gahanna’s history. Councilmember Renner stated

that Winter Storm Fern generated significant discussion and that

Gahanna weathered a once-in-a-generation snowstorm with grit,

coordination, and community support. He said he observed on Facebook

that neighbors, especially on the west side, asked how they could help

shovel sidewalks and driveways. He stated that, as Mayor Jadwin noted,

the community should applaud the snow crews. He reported that the

Emergency Management Agency recognized Gahanna as the number

one city in the region to complete its streets ahead of others, which he

described as remarkable. He added that, while no single storm could be

attributed solely to climate change, the severity of the storm aligned with

evidence that climate change intensified weather extremes, including

heavy snowfall events. He noted that this ranked as the third largest snow

event in the region and that the other two occurred in March and April

during periods of higher temperatures and precipitation. He stated that

warming greenhouse gases contributed to destabilization in the Arctic

region and noted that another polar vortex would arrive soon.

Councilmember McGregor thanked Mr. Gregory for his presentation and

stated that he had previously presented to the Historical Society, where

he gave an excellent presentation. She announced that at the February

10 meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the library, Marshall Siegel would present on

the Constitution. She stated that February marked the only time he would

be in town, as he typically traveled to Washington, D.C. to give

presentations. She said the presentation aligned well with the America

250 celebration. She also reported that she attended the SGT Coffee

ribbon cutting and expressed surprise at the size of the space,

describing multiple rooms with several tables that created a comfortable

and cozy atmosphere. She encouraged residents to visit for coffee and

fellowship. She concluded by welcoming home her son-in-law, who

returned to the United States after nearly a year in Kuwait, and stated that

her family felt thankful for his safe return.

Councilmember Padova thanked Mr. March for his comments and stated

that nearly 300 people gathered in Gahanna for the Intentional Chain of

Empathy, a peaceful demonstration rooted in love, solidarity, and

community. She explained that organizers planned the event before the

record snowfall, but the Level 3 snow emergency and the loss of Alex

Pretti gave the gathering deeper meaning. She stated that the community

needed an opportunity to gather, connect, and support one another. She

said that, despite 20-degree temperatures, neighbors lined Granville

Street holding signs and standing in support of the immigrant community.

She thanked those who attended and those who drove by honking and

waving. She stated that the event demonstrated that no human is illegal

and that Gahanna shows up for one another. She also thanked the

Gahanna Police Department for maintaining a presence and ensuring

safety throughout the event, which she said made her proud of the

community.

Councilmember Bowers announced that the Columbus Metropolitan Club

(CMC) would host a forum on cybersecurity in the age of artificial

intelligence Wednesday, February 4, 2206, and noted that residents

could attend in person or view the livestream on YouTube. She stated

that the CMC would host its annual economic forecast in February,

featuring Bill Lafayette, and that residents could view it on YouTube. She

also announced that MORPC’s Data Day would take place the following

Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and encouraged attendance, noting that a

Gahanna-based executive would deliver the keynote and regional

leaders would participate. She added that Heartland Bank would host an

economic forecast luncheon on February 11, 2026, at the Grand Event

Center and that interested individuals should RSVP by February 4. She

thanked Mr. March for his positive comments and affirmed that the

weekend event provided an opportunity for community members to

exercise their First Amendment rights and build community. She thanked

Councilwoman Padova for her leadership and commended her remarks

at the SGT Coffee ribbon cutting. She concluded with a quote from Toni

Morrison: “The function of freedom is to free someone else.”

Vice President Jones thanked Councilmember Bowers for the quote and

expressed appreciation for those who made the Black History Month

presentation possible. She encouraged continued learning and

highlighting ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things in

Gahanna. She noted that Mayor Jadwin and President Weaver made

cameo appearances in a recent production of “12 Angry Jurors” and

suggested a future City of Gahanna talent show. She shared a story

about a Gahanna Lincoln High School student who responded within an

hour to shovel a driveway for an elderly resident when she could not

complete the task herself, and she described that act as an example of

neighbors supporting one another. She commended Councilwoman

Padova for organizing the Chain of Empathy and stated that the event

made her proud to live in Gahanna.

President Weaver stated that the previous weeks had been busy and

congratulated the Gahanna Chamber of Commerce on launching the

Community Impact Fund. He reported that he briefly attended the event

before participating in his cameo appearance. He congratulated SGT

Coffee on its opening and described the event as well attended, noting

that he obtained a cup of coffee and praised its quality. He stated that the

business’s story and storefront opening created a powerful and moving

moment. He thanked Councilwoman Padova for organizing the Chain of

Empathy and thanked Vice President Jones for leading the resolution

honoring Cora May Jones Thurman. He also commended the City’s snow

crews for their work, noting that residents and visitors complimented their

efforts and that crews logged 5,396.4 miles clearing streets. He stated

that neighbors helping neighbors during the storm demonstrated the best

of the community and concluded that, although he welcomed the snow to

melt, he appreciated the good it brought out in the community.