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, June 2, 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, June 2, 2025, in

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

to order at 7:08 p.m. Vice President of Council Trenton I. Weaver delivered

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

published on May 30, 2025.

6 -

Present

Merisa K. Bowers, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova, Stephen A.

Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver

1 - Jamille Jones

Absent

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Resolution Presentation by Council - LGBTQ Pride Month

GLHS United Club, Recipient

Vice President Weaver introduced a resolution in honor of LGBTQ Pride

Month. He welcomed representatives from the United Club at Gahanna

Lincoln High School, including advisors Jeffrey Glitt, Jonathan Cinovec, Trina

Langsenkamp, Louise Eberle, several student members, and school board

member Dion Manley. He described the United Club as an anti-bullying,

student-led organization dedicated to fostering acceptance and inclusivity

through educational initiatives, community building, and advocacy, aligned

with GLHS’s values of purpose, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence.

Vice President Weaver commended the club for their meaningful advocacy

and invited members for a group photo with Council.

Following the photo, two students addressed Council. Oneita Bryson, a

member of the LGBTQ+ community and the United Club, shared their

experiences and the impact of the Council’s previous Pride resolutions.

Bryson expressed concern that certain identities within the LGBTQ+

spectrum, particularly those under the "plus," were not always explicitly

recognized, referencing recent exclusions on the Stonewall Uprising Memorial

website. Speaking on behalf of others within the broader LGBTQ+

community, Bryson urged the Council to continue inclusive recognition,

emphasizing the need for municipal governments to support marginalized

groups. Matt Miller then spoke on the importance of United Club, noting how

challenging his freshman year had been until he discovered the group, which

provided him with a supportive space where he could express his identity and

connect with others who shared similar experiences. He emphasized the

importance of maintaining the club for current and future students, regardless

of their orientation.

Vice President Weaver and President Bowers both thanked the United Club

for attending and speaking, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and

advocacy.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Kristy Mishler of Gahanna, OH, spoke on the Parks & Recreation

Department’s exemplary support for the Gahanna Middle School South 8th

Grade end-of-year event.

Joined by fellow Middle School South teacher Tamara Passa, Ms. Mishler

expressed gratitude to Chris Simmons and the Parks and Recreation team

for adapting end-of-year activities for students when poor weather prevented

swimming at Hunter Ridge Pool. The Parks staff organized outdoor games,

fire pits, and s’more-making, allowing students to celebrate and have a great

experience despite the weather. Ms. Passa also conveyed her thanks.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2025-0118

Council Regular Minutes 5.19.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Resolutions:

RES-0023-2025

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JUNE 2025 AS LGBTQ PRIDE

MONTH IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:

ORD-0022-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT WITH AECOM FOR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN

SERVICES FOR THE WEST GAHANNA SANITARY RELIEF SEWER

PROJECT; AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

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

Consent Agenda with an emergency declaration.

ORD-0023-2025

ORD-0024-2025

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT WITH T&M ASSOCIATES FOR MAJOR UTILITY OWNER

REPRESENTATION AND CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION AND

INSPECTION SERVICES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY

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

Consent Agenda with an emergency declaration.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT WITH PROFESSIONAL PAVEMENT SERVICES FOR

THE

2025 SIDEWALK

MAINTENANCE

LOOKBACK

PROGRAM

(ST-1115)

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

Consent Agenda.

End of Consent Agenda

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

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

1 - Jones

Yes:

Absent:

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk

2025-0120

Ohio Division of Liquor Control Notice to Legislative Authority Permit

NEW 5926654 MICHELI HOSPITALITY LTD 101 MILL ST STE B105,

GAHANNA, OH

Mr. VanMeter presented communication number 2025-0120 from the Ohio

Division of Liquor Control regarding a new permit for Micheli Hospitality Ltd at

101 Mill Street, Suite B105. The Police Department reported no issues or

history for the applicant, and Council expressed no objections [Note: The

Clerk returned the notice indicating no objections or request for a hearing].

2. Council

2025-0117

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) - Inaugural LinkUS Progress

Report Received 5.21.2025

President Bowers added that she had requested the inclusion of the inaugural

LinkUS progress report from COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority), noting a

planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line through Gahanna. The Council Office

had reached out to COTA for further information and planned continued

engagement.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilmember Padova reported on the Community Improvement

Corporation’s May 20, 2025 meeting, which included welcoming Economic

Development Director Jeff Gottke, finance updates, a strategic plan update

from the Mayor, and an executive session. The next meeting was scheduled

for June 17, 2025, with Council invited.

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

Vice President Weaver reported no formal update from the Mid-Ohio Regional

Planning Commission but anticipated more information at the next meeting.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova also provided an update for the Convention and

Visitors Bureau, reminding everyone about the upcoming Creekside Blues

and Jazz Festival scheduled for June 13-15, with volunteer opportunities

available through the event’s website.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Councilmember Jones was absent. A school board report was anticipated for

the next regular meeting.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin began by recognizing three retiring city employees: Jeff Tedrick

(Public Service, 48 years), Rick Darst (Fleet Department, 23 years), and John

Pizzurro (Parks Department, 20 years). She commended their decades of

service to the city. The Mayor reported the completion of the Our Gahanna

Vision Fest and announced that Planning NEXT and Director Vollmer would

present an update at the next Council meeting. She also discussed May’s

Mental Health Awareness Month activities, including citywide wellness events

for staff, and promoted an upcoming mental health panel discussion

scheduled for June 18, 2025, at the Gahanna Golf Course. The event would

feature panels on caregiving and parenting children with mental health needs.

The Mayor further announced a Franklin County Auditor’s Community

Connects event on June 18, 2025, at the Gahanna Library, to learn more

about the services of the Auditor’s office. Next, she invited volunteers to

participate in a community cleanup event on June 7, 2025. in preparation for

the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. The Mayor commended the Gahanna

Community Chorus for a recent performance titled Joy and recognized the

director, chorus members, and guest performers. On a somber note, Mayor

Jadwin addressed the recent injuries to two Mifflin Township police officers

who were shot at during a routine traffic stop and the shooting death of a

Morrow County deputy sheriff. She offered condolences to their families and

emphasized the dangers first responders face daily, reiterating that violence

against those who protect the city was unacceptable.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan provided an update on ongoing litigation. The court

denied the city’s motion for judgment on the pleadings in the Taglia case,

determining that a factual dispute remained regarding whether the incident

occurred in a parking lot or public roadway. The case remains pending.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember McGregor reflected on the Memorial Day service,

acknowledging the significant number of veterans honored at St. Joseph’s

Cemetery and commending the Gahanna Veterans Plaza, which originated

from a 1993 citizen request by George Kneeland. She expressed her

gratitude to the Veterans Committee for holding a wonderful event.

Councilmember Renner thanked the United Club for their courage and

advocacy, shared his participation in the BAPS Charities walkathon, and

encouraged community engagement and connection over the summer. He

urged fellow residents to continue to look after each other. He also noted he

would likely be absent from the next regular meeting due to upcoming

shoulder surgery.

Councilmember Padova thanked the students, parents, and school board

member Dion Manley for attending and supporting inclusivity in the

community. She wished everyone a Happy Pride Month.

Councilmember Schnetzer also shared his appreciation for the Memorial Day

ceremony, which he attended with his children to teach them the importance

of sacrifice and freedom.

Vice President Weaver echoed his colleagues' comments on the Memorial

Day ceremony, noting particularly the importance of remembering the

sacrifices made and to protect against what may come. On the topic of

summer and neighborhood events, he also advised residents to drive

carefully through neighborhoods with many children out and about. Reflecting

on Ms. Mishler and Ms. Passa’s comments, he also expressed gratitude to

the Parks and Recreation staff for their assistance with school events. He

extended special thanks to the United Club, Oneita Bryson and Matt Miller,

and their advisors for fostering safe spaces for students. On a personal note,

he announced the birth of his son, Otto, and shared his excitement to raise

his child in the community where he grew up.

President Bowers thanked the United Club for attending the meeting and for

speaking to the impact of resolutions, while also calling upon Council to lean

into inclusivity, greater understanding, and advocacy for the most vulnerable

members of the community, who too often became the targets of bullying by

fully grown adults, many of whom held positions that should have focused on

protecting the community. President Bowers expressed hope that this act

would serve as a small symbol showing that many stood with the United Club

and would resist intrusions into privacy and individuality, which were

unwarranted and failed to demonstrate dignity to all members of the

community. President Bowers then announced a ribbon cutting for the

mountain bike trail at Academy Park on June 6, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. On June 7,

2025, President Bowers and her neighborhood planned to host a community

meetup at the pocket park in Rathurn Woods, featuring the Joy Local Coffee

Truck. Community members were invited to join from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

to meet and engage in conversation. She also reminded colleagues of the

Pride celebration scheduled for June 26, 2025 at Headley Park. Discussions

were ongoing regarding the number of tables the city would need for the

event. President Bowers encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for

this endearing event, which demonstrated how inclusive Gahanna is.

President Bowers acknowledged Mr. Renner for mentioning the walkathon

and shared that she had participated in the Columbus 10K the previous day,

which raised $11,000 for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. She congratulated the

Columbus Running Club for organizing another successful event, which took

place in perfect running weather. Turning to a more somber matter, President

Bowers expressed gratitude to Mayor Jadwin for addressing the recent

incident involving the injury of two Mifflin Township police officers in the line of

duty. She voiced concern that the suspect had been able to remain within civil

society and hoped the situation would prompt discussions and further

analysis to prevent similar tragedies. She extended gratitude to the Franklin

County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals for taking the suspect into

custody alive. President Bowers offered condolences to the family and

community in Morrow County, noting that colleagues of her husband had

been on the scene, making the incident feel especially close to home.

President Bowers thanked the Veterans Memorial Committee for organizing a

beautiful Memorial Day event. The keynote speaker had shared incredible

stories of heroism and concluded with a call to peace, which President

Bowers felt set the appropriate tone for the times. She gave special

recognition to her husband, who was celebrating 25 years of service with

Delaware County EMS. She acknowledged the difficulty and bravery involved

in the work of first responders, emphasizing her appreciation for all who serve

on the front lines, whether as first responders, teachers, or in other critical

roles.

2025-0119

Councilmember Merisa K. Bowers' Constituent Report - April-May 2025

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Schnetzer, to go into Executive

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

to confer with the City Attorney for the public body concerning disputes

involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court

action.

The motion carried by the following vote: