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, May 4, 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, May 4,

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 May 1, 2026.

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:

Councilmember McGregor requested that Council move the

proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month from the

Mayor’s Official Report to the Presentations portion of the agenda.

President Weaver approved the request without objection.

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Joint Resolution/Proclamation by Council and Mayor Jadwin

Herb'n Restaurant Week, May 2-8, 2026

President Weaver introduced a joint resolution and proclamation by

Council and Mayor Jadwin recognizing “Herb’n Restaurant Week” from

May 2 through May 8, 2026, and invited Councilmember Padova to

speak.

Councilmember Padova stated that Gahanna had held the designation of

Herb Capital since 1972 through the efforts of community leader Jane

“Bunnie” Geroux. She explained that the City continued to promote that

distinction through several initiatives, including the Ohio Herb Center,

Herb Day, and Herb’n Restaurant Week. She noted that Herb’n

Restaurant Week coincided with National Small Business Week and

provided an opportunity to recognize and support the small businesses

that contributed to the City’s economic vitality, community character, and

culinary innovation. Councilmember Padova invited Visit Gahanna

Director Lori Kappes to provide an overview of Herb Day and

recognized the Sargent Family of SGT Coffee for participating in Herb’n

Restaurant Week. Councilmember Padova then invited

Councilmembers, Mayor Jadwin, and City Attorney Tamilarasan to

participate in a group photograph with Director Kappes and the Sargent

Family.

Director Lori Kappes thanked the community for attending Herb Day and

reported that the event had been successful despite cool weather

conditions. She stated that organizers sold approximately 3,000 plants

and retained only 10 unsold plants at the conclusion of the event. She

also noted that 30 artisan vendors participated and expressed

appreciation for the strong attendance and positive response from

attendees. Director Kappes thanked the event volunteers and the City

Parks and Recreation staff for their assistance with the event. She also

encouraged residents to visit visitgahanna.com for a list of Herb’n

Restaurant Week participants and highlighted the lemon balm latte

offered by SGT Coffee.

President Weaver thanked Director Kappes and then transitioned to

Mayor Jadwin’s proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Jewish

American Heritage Month.

2. Proclamation Presentation by Mayor Jadwin

Jewish American Heritage Month, May 2026

2026-0089

Mayoral Proclamation - National Jewish American Heritage Month May

2026

Mayor Jadwin thanked Councilmember McGregor for requesting that the

proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month move earlier

on the agenda. Mayor Jadwin then presented a proclamation recognizing

May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the City of Gahanna.

Mayor Jadwin stated that the recognition provided an opportunity to

reflect on the individuals and communities that had helped shape the

American story as the nation approached its 250th anniversary. She

noted that Jewish Americans had contributed to the nation for more than

370 years through leadership and service in science, medicine,

education, business, law, public service, the arts, military service, and

civic life. Mayor Jadwin clarified that the proclamation did not endorse or

promote religious beliefs but instead recognized the heritage and

contributions of Jewish Americans. She referenced the national

observance established by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 and stated

that the proclamation recognized the civic, cultural, educational, and

economic contributions Jewish Americans had made to the nation and

community. Mayor Jadwin stated that Jewish Americans in Gahanna

continued to contribute as residents, educators, entrepreneurs,

philanthropists, and civic leaders through support for schools, nonprofit

organizations, charitable initiatives, and the local economy. She also

stated that Jewish American Heritage Month served as a reminder that

no individual should feel unwelcome or unsafe because of identity,

background, or heritage. She referenced the City’s December

affirmation of dignity, belonging, inclusion, respect, and safety for all

residents. Mayor Jadwin invited resident Jon Handler, who initially

requested the recognition, and Dr. Jonathan Feibel, Board President of

Jewish Columbus and an executive board member of Orthopedic One,

as well as audience members and any Councilmembers, to the podium

for presentation of the proclamation and a group photograph.

Jon Handler thanked City Council, the City Attorney, and Mayor Jadwin

for the opportunity to speak. He thanked Mayor Jadwin for issuing the

proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month and stated

that the effort took approximately one year to complete. Mr. Handler

stated that he believed a joint resolution and proclamation from Council

would have made the process easier and expressed confusion regarding

why Council did not issue a joint resolution. Mr. Handler stated that he

viewed the situation as an educational moment and criticized

Councilmembers Bowers, Weaver, and Jones for declining to participate

in the group photograph associated with the proclamation. He stated that

he believed their decision demonstrated a lack of support for the Jewish

community in Gahanna and described the experience as reflective of

challenges faced by Jewish residents. Mr. Handler stated that he felt

ashamed and embarrassed by the actions of the Councilmembers who

declined to participate in the photograph. He again thanked Mayor

Jadwin for issuing the proclamation and stated that he considered the

recognition a positive moment for Gahanna.

Dr. Jonathan Feibel addressed Mayor Jadwin, Councilmembers, the City

Attorney, and members of the Gahanna community and thanked them for

the opportunity to speak. He introduced himself as the Board Chair of

Jewish Columbus, a member of the executive committee of Orthopedic

One, and someone directly involved in the decision to locate the

organization in Gahanna. He stated that he spoke not only as someone

accepting the proclamation, but also as someone who cared deeply

about the City and its leadership. Dr. Feibel thanked Mayor Jadwin for

issuing the proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month.

He stated that her leadership carried significance at a time when

anti-Semitic incidents had increased substantially, including a reported

42 percent increase in Central Ohio since October 7 and a national

doubling in the following year. He stated that public allyship represented

a necessary response rather than a symbolic gesture. Dr. Feibel stated

that Jewish safety and belonging should never depend on political

affiliation or whether the individual speaking out identified as Jewish. He

stated that anti-Semitism existed across the political spectrum and

required responses from across the political spectrum as well. He

referenced Holocaust remembrance ceremonies at the Ohio Statehouse

where Governor DeWine had spoken about the shared responsibility to

confront anti-Semitism. He stated that one message from those

commemorations remained with him: the work could not fall solely on

Jewish individuals, and non-Jewish leaders needed to speak publicly

and clearly when others questioned or diminished Jewish history, identity,

and belonging. Dr. Feibel stated that Mayor Jadwin had demonstrated

that leadership by using her office to affirm that Jewish Americans

formed part of the story of the United States, Ohio, and communities such

as Gahanna. He expressed sincere gratitude for her actions. Dr. Feibel

stated that he wished gratitude represented the sole reason for his

remarks, but he believed he needed to acknowledge that the process

leading to the proclamation had overshadowed what should have served

as a joyful and unifying recognition. He stated that, as he understood it,

Council had considered and declined to issue its own recognition of

Jewish American Heritage Month due to concerns that the recognition

could appear to endorse religion or establish an inappropriate

precedent. Dr. Feibel acknowledged the importance of the separation of

church and state and described the principle as essential in a pluralistic

democracy. However, he stated that applying that concern in this

instance reflected a misunderstanding of both Jewish American Heritage

Month and Jewish identity. He stated that Jewish American Heritage

Month did not seek endorsement of Judaism as a faith and did not

concern religious doctrine, worship, or observance. Instead, he stated

that the month recognized Jewish Americans as a people and

acknowledged their history, culture, struggles, resilience, and

contributions to American life. Dr. Feibel stated that for some Jewish

individuals, faith remained central, while for others Jewish identity

reflected cultural, ethnic, ancestral, historical, or communal ties. He

stated that many Jewish Americans did not identify as religious, yet still

identified as Jewish, carried Jewish history, participated in Jewish

culture, and experienced anti-Semitism. He stated that reducing Jewish

American Heritage Month to a religious recognition failed to reflect the

full nature of Jewish identity. Dr. Feibel referenced Ambassador Deborah

Lipstadt, appointed by President Biden as the United States Special

Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, and stated that she had

described Jewish identity as broader than religious practice alone and

rooted in history, culture, peoplehood, memory, and pride. He stated that

Jewish identity had never fit neatly into a single category and described it

as a religion, a peoplehood, an ethnicity, a culture, a civilization, and a

way of life. Dr. Feibel stated that Jewish American Heritage Month

recognized those dimensions of Jewish identity and explained why

communities across Central Ohio had recognized and celebrated the

month without treating it as a religious endorsement. He stated that

Columbus City Council, New Albany, Reynoldsburg, Bexley, Westerville,

Upper Arlington, and the federal government had recognized the

observance each May. He stated that Council could not conclude that

such recognition violated the law. Dr. Feibel stated that treating the

recognition as uniquely difficult, risky, or inappropriate in Gahanna

communicated a message, whether intended or not. He stated that he

did not seek to assign motives, but instead sought to speak honestly

about the impact. He stated that when communities viewed other

heritage months as civic recognitions while treating Jewish American

Heritage Month as overly religious or complicated, Jewish residents and

their allies could reasonably interpret that response as a sign that others

misunderstood, minimized, or excluded Jewish identity from the public

sphere. He stated that although Council may not have intended that

message, the message carried significance in the current historical

moment. Dr. Feibel stated that the proclamation represented something

more positive by affirming that Jewish Americans belonged within

Gahanna’s civic story, that Jewish history deserved recognition, and that

Jewish contributions remained visible. He also stated that allyship

required action during ordinary moments of public leadership, not only

after tragedy. Dr. Feibel expressed hope that the proclamation would

become more than a ceremonial act and instead create a learning

opportunity and encourage further conversation. He stated that Jewish

Columbus welcomed the opportunity to speak with any Councilmember

seeking a better understanding of Jewish identity, Jewish American

Heritage Month, or the significance of the recognition. He concluded by

stating that Jewish American Heritage Month did not ask Gahanna to

endorse a religion, but rather to recognize a people, and he stated that

because of Mayor Jadwin’s leadership, Gahanna had done so.

President Weaver thanked attendees and Mayor Jadwin for issuing the

proclamation. He stated that Council colleagues would likely have

additional comments. He said Council historically had not issued

faith-based resolutions and noted disagreement on whether the

recognition constituted a cultural or religious matter.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

Linda Hall, 168 Highmeadow Dr, Gahanna, OH, addressed Council and

shared her history with the arts community in Gahanna. She stated that

she and her family moved to Gahanna in 1989 and that she joined the

Gahanna Area Art League, which formed in 1967. Ms. Hall described the

organization’s volunteer involvement in community events, including Lions

Club parades, Kiwanis and Optimist Club events, flea markets, the

historical society, and the Herb Festival. She stated that the organization

also provided free art activities for children and art instruction before the

school district established gifted and talented programming. Ms. Hall

explained that the organization displayed artwork in City Hall for 19 years

and later reserved November and December to exhibit the work of the

Gahanna Art League. She noted that members of the organization also

helped form the New Albany Arts Council. Ms. Hall encouraged Council

to support the local arts council and stated that the Ohio Arts Council

favored partnerships with municipal arts councils to administer state

funding and support performing and visual arts programs. She

highlighted local arts programming, including the Big Walnut Jazz Band,

community chorus performances, musicals, and a planned orchestra

performance at Headley Park. Ms. Hall described the Bright Blocks

project as the beginning of an art walk along the Big Walnut Trail and golf

course property. She stated that Gahanna did not yet have a cultural arts

center or recreation center and referenced the City’s ten-year strategic

plan and the 825 Tech Center Drive project as opportunities for future

arts development. Ms. Hall stated that visual arts supported community

engagement and lifelong learning. She described her own work as a

textile artist and listed several regional galleries and venues that had

displayed her artwork. She also noted that Grove City displayed artwork

in its council chambers and expressed concern that Gahanna had not

become part of the broader visual arts scene. Ms. Hall concluded by

encouraging Council to support inclusive arts programming that engaged

residents of all abilities.

Sarah Pagliaro, 116 Oklahoma Ave, Gahanna, OH, addressed Council

and expressed appreciation for the Gahanna Area Arts Council and its

annual Bright Blocks event. Ms. Pagliaro stated that she had participated

in the event first as a beginner and later as a professional muralist. She

described the event as her favorite annual activity and praised organizers

for their communication and responsiveness to feedback. Ms. Pagliaro

stated that participation in the event helped grow her illustration business,

increased recognition of her work in the community, and created

additional professional opportunities in her hometown. She also noted

that the event allowed her to connect with other local artists and

contributed to community pride through public murals displayed in parks

and neighborhoods. Ms. Pagliaro encouraged continued support for the

Gahanna Arts Council and additional community art events.

Larry Levine, 7881 Creek Hollow Rd, Blacklick, OH, addressed Council

regarding the discussion surrounding Jewish American Heritage Month.

Mr. Levine questioned why Councilmembers stated that they did not

support the recognition because of concerns related to religion while,

according to his understanding, the City had previously recognized Hindu

Heritage Month.

Councilmember Bowers responded this was incorrect.

President Weaver reminded Mr. Levine that he had three minutes to

speak and stated that Council typically did not respond to comments

during public participation but would allow responses because Mr.

Levine asked direct questions.

Mr. Levine stated that, as a longtime resident of Gahanna, he viewed

Council’s decision as an excuse to avoid approving the recognition. He

stated that he felt embarrassed to live in a community where approving

such a recognition did not appear straightforward. He argued that the

recognition did not endorse a religion, but instead recognized a culture

and a people who had contributed significantly to Gahanna. He

expressed surprise regarding the situation and stated that although he

had heard concerns existed, he believed the three Councilmembers who

declined to participate should feel embarrassed for refusing to appear in

support of the recognition. Mr. Levine also stated that he wanted

additional information regarding the Hindu recognition issue because he

had researched the matter several times.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

2026-0085

2026-0086

Council Regular Minutes 2026-04-27

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Committee of the Whole Minutes 2026-04-27

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Resolutions:

RES-0013-2026

A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY

2-8, 2026 AS "HERB'N RESTAURANT WEEK" IN THE CITY OF

GAHANNA AND CELEBRATING THE CITY'S DESIGNATION AS THE

HERB CAPITAL OF OHIO

The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda.

3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:

ORD-0013-2026

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT WITH DECKER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE

2026 SIDEWALK LOOKBACK PROGRAM (ST-1123/TR-CM-03)

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

the Consent Agenda.

ORD-0014-2026

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A

CONTRACT WITH DECKER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE

2026 STREET

AND

SIDEWALK

MAINTENANCE

PROGRAM

(ST-1122/TR-CM-01)

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

the Consent Agenda.

ORD-0015-2026

ORD-0017-2026

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODIFIED

ORDINANCE SECTION 133.02 - PURCHASING PROCEDURES

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

the Consent Agenda.

AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL ORD-0045-2021 RELATED TO TAX

INCREMENT FINANCING FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF

GAHANNA

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

the Consent Agenda.

End of Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Schnetzer, 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-0014-2026

A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING MAY

2026 AS "PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH MONTH" IN THE CITY OF

GAHANNA

Councilmember Bowers stated that she previously expressed interest

during Committee of the Whole discussions in recognizing Maternal

Mental Health Month in May. She explained that Mayor Jadwin

traditionally issued a proclamation for the observance and that this year

they chose to address Perinatal Mental Health Month more broadly

because mental health conditions, including postpartum anxiety and

depression, affected fathers as well as mothers. Councilmember Bowers

stated that she supported bringing the resolution forward to reaffirm the

City’s commitment to identifying needs, providing care, and increasing

access to resources that foster healing and stability within the community.

She noted that the City had taken significant steps in recent years to

support mental health care for residents and recognized that young

mothers and fathers had unique mental health needs. Councilmember

Bowers stated that she did not have a presentation for the meeting but

planned to invite mental health professionals to attend the May 18, 2026,

regular meeting to discuss the unique needs associated with perinatal

mental health.

A motion was made by Bowers, 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:

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

ORD-0012-2026

ORDINANCE

AUTHORIZING

SUPPLEMENTAL

APPROPRIATION - General Fund for Contract Services to Support

Cultural and Artistic Programming

President Weaver introduced the Ordinance, and Clerk VanMeter read it by

title.

ORD-0018-2026

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE CITY OF

GAHANNA CODE, PART ELEVEN

ZONING, TO UPDATE AND

CLARIFY CODE PROVISIONS, REINSTATE OMITTED STANDARDS,

AND IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF ADOPTED PLANS

President Weaver introduced the Ordinance, and Clerk VanMeter read it by

title.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk

2026-0087

Ohio Division of Liquor Control Notice to Legislative Authority Permit

NEW 10015541-1 SOUL 2 GO EXPRESS, LLC 134 N HAMILTON RD,

GAHANNA, OH 43230

Clerk VanMeter reported that the Ohio Division of Liquor Control

submitted a notice for a new liquor permit application for Soul 2 Go

Express LLC, located at 134 North Hamilton Road in Gahanna. He

stated that he consulted with the Division of Police and confirmed that the

Division had no objections to the permit application. Clerk VanMeter

stated that, absent objections from Council, he would return the notice

without objection.

President Weaver acknowledged that the Chief of Police indicated no

objections and confirmed that Council raised no objections to the permit

application.

2. Council – None.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

None.

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

None.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova reminded residents that Herb’n Restaurant

Week was underway and encouraged the community to visit participating

establishments. She also encouraged residents interested in

volunteering for the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival to contact Visit

Gahanna for additional information.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Vice President Jones reminded residents of upcoming Board of

Education meetings, including the Board workshop meeting on May 7,

the Finance and Facilities meeting on May 19, and the regular Board

meeting on May 21. She stated that all meetings would begin at 6:30

p.m. at Clark Hall. Vice President Jones also reminded the community

that “Spread the Word Day” would take place that Friday as an

opportunity for the entire GJPS community to celebrate inclusion and

“minds of all kinds.” She stated that the event would occur on the football

field from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and would include adaptive sports

activities. She added that attendees could contribute to the annual

student collective art project and make a pledge to respect individuals of

all abilities. Vice President Jones encouraged residents to contact the

school district for additional information.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin reminded residents that prom would take place that

Saturday and noted that Creekside Plaza and several local restaurants

would likely experience increased activity because families often

gathered there for photographs before the event. Mayor Jadwin

announced the launch of “Gohanna,” a new community shuttle service

designed to help residents travel safely, conveniently, and independently.

She stated that Council included the program in the prior year’s budget

discussions and that the City successfully secured additional funding

assistance from MORPC and the Federal Transit Administration through

the Section 5310 grant program. She recognized Management Analyst

Sean Bock and Senior Deputy Director Corey Wybensinger for their

assistance in obtaining the grant funding. Mayor Jadwin stated that the

free ADA-accessible shuttle service would serve Gahanna residents age

65 and older, residents with disabilities, and caregivers. She explained

that the program would provide transportation access to medical

appointments, essential services, and everyday needs while promoting

independence and quality of life. She stated that the program would

launch on June 1, 2026, and that the City would post additional

information on the City website prior to the launch date. Mayor Jadwin

expressed appreciation to MORPC and the Federal Transit

Administration for supporting the program through grant funding. She

also stated that the service would improve accessibility and connectivity

for senior residents within the community.

Mayor Jadwin reported that she attended the inaugural Bridge to

Kindness luncheon presented by Ron Smith. She explained that the event

brought together leaders from nonprofit and service organizations

throughout the region to discuss collaboration and community impact.

Mayor Jadwin stated that she delivered keynote remarks regarding

partnerships between local governments and nonprofit organizations.

Mayor Jadwin also stated that the Bridge to Kindness organization

presented her with a foundation award recognizing collaborative efforts

between the City and nonprofit organizations that supported residents

through initiatives related to food access, mental health and wellness,

and overall quality of life. She emphasized that the recognition reflected

the collective work of City staff, community partners, and nonprofit

organizations serving Gahanna residents. Mayor Jadwin thanked Ron

Smith and congratulated the nonprofit organizations that participated in

the event for their work supporting the community.

Mayor Jadwin noted that the City held its second Mental Health and

Wellness Fair earlier that evening in partnership with Gahanna Lincoln

High School. She thanked Gahanna Division of Police community liaison

officers Blair Thomas and Ann Jodon for organizing the event and

continuing conversations related to mental health and wellness. Mayor

Jadwin reminded residents that the annual shred and electronic recycling

event would take place that Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the

City Hall parking lot. She stated that GRIN would accept food and

monetary donations during the event and encouraged residents to

support the organization’s efforts to address food insecurity in the

community. Mayor Jadwin concluded by thanking attendees for

participating in the meeting and acknowledged the comments provided

by Dr. Feibel and Jon Handler. She stated that public discussions were

not always easy but emphasized the importance of civic dialogue and

participation.

2. City Attorney

None.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember Renner thanked Mayor Jadwin for recognizing May as

Jewish American Heritage Month and stated that he viewed the

recognition as connected to Council’s prior affirmation of human dignity

through Resolution 0060-2025. He noted that Vice President Jones

authored the resolution and that he served as a co-author.

Councilmember Renner stated that human dignity represented a civic

responsibility and called on the community to reject antisemitism, bigotry,

hatred, and all forms of dehumanization. He stated that Jewish American

Heritage Month provided an opportunity to honor the history, culture,

contributions, and resilience of Jewish Americans. He also stated that

antisemitism remained one of the oldest and most persistent forms of

hatred and weakened the broader community in addition to harming

those directly targeted. Councilmember Renner referenced the “Statue of

Hope” at The James at Ohio State University, created by Holocaust

survivor and artist Alfred Tibor, as a symbol of resilience, healing, and

human dignity. He shared that his father had battled cancer and that he

had become personally familiar with the statue during that experience.

Councilmember Renner stated that the proclamation reaffirmed the

importance of ensuring that Gahanna remained a community where

individuals felt seen, valued, respected, and safe. Councilmember

Renner also directed residents to information he posted on his Council

Facebook page regarding rising electric rates. He stated that he

summarized several contributing factors and explained that electric rates

had increased significantly since 2022 and 2023. He noted that he used

ChatGPT to assist in creating an infographic that explained the

complexity of rising electric rates and the challenges associated with

infrastructure and energy sources. Councilmember Renner stated that he

strongly supported renewable energy but acknowledged that the

electrical grid faced significant infrastructure challenges. Councilmember

Renner thanked Mayor Jadwin for announcing the new “Gohanna”

transportation service and asked whether the vehicles were electric.

Mayor Jadwin responded that the selected vendor did not use electric

vehicles but stated that the City intended to continue pursuing electric

transportation options in the future and had recently added two electric

vehicles to the City fleet. Councilmember Renner stated that he

appreciated the update.

Councilmember McGregor thanked her colleagues for allowing the

Jewish American Heritage Month proclamation to move to the

Presentations portion of the agenda. She stated that she recently learned

about Haym Salomon, a Jewish immigrant during the American

Revolution, helped finance the Continental Army by raising approximately

$650,000 and that he was never repaid before his death in 1785.

Councilmember McGregor also shared a personal story involving her

14-year-old grandson, who asked his grandfather for information to help

respond to antisemitic comments made by students at school. She

stated that the conversation highlighted the presence of antisemitism

among students and expressed appreciation for young people who

sought to support and defend their classmates.

Councilmember Schnetzer thanked all individuals who addressed

Council during the meeting and stated that participation in civic

discourse required courage and remained important to the democratic

process. He encouraged continued public engagement regardless of the

topic being discussed. Councilmember Schnetzer also announced that

registration for Gahanna Youth Football and Cheerleading opened on

May 3. He noted that cheer registration typically filled quickly and that

football registration generally filled more slowly. He referenced

promotional billboards displayed around the community and stated that

one featured player was his son’s friend and a member of the defensive

team. Councilmember Schnetzer directed residents to the Gahanna

Youth Football website and Facebook page for additional information.

Councilmember Padova thanked Councilmember Bowers for sponsoring

the joint resolution and proclamation recognizing Perinatal Mental Health

Month. She stated that the recognition was especially appropriate with

Mother’s Day approaching. Councilmember Padova encouraged

residents experiencing challenges during motherhood to connect with the

Gahanna Moms Network, which she described as a group of

approximately 60 mothers who supported one another. She stated that

the organization provided encouragement and reassurance for mothers

experiencing similar situations. Councilmember Padova also announced

that the Mother’s Day Market at Collective Home Supply would take

place on May 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She stated that the market

responded to community interest in additional shopping and market

opportunities and noted that Collective Home Supply hosted quarterly

markets. Councilmember Padova encouraged residents to attend the

event with family and friends.

Councilmember Bowers thanked those who attended the meeting and

echoed earlier comments expressing gratitude for the willingness of

residents and officials to engage in difficult political and civic discourse.

She stated that public meetings served as a place for difficult

conversations and shared her perspective on the matter before Council.

Councilmember Bowers stated that the nation faced a challenging period

following the optimism of the latter half of the twentieth century, when

many people believed progress remained inevitable. She stated that the

previous decade had tested the democratic republic and constitutional

system. She referenced the 2024 presidential election and stated that

decades of political manipulation involving faith groups culminated in

Project 2025 and the appointment of Christian nationalists to cabinet and

influential governmental positions. She also referenced propaganda

directed at American troops, the use of fundamentalist imagery by

federal agencies, and social media posts depicting the president as

Jesus of Nazareth. She stated that these developments increased the

risk of violence, divisive rhetoric, and sectarian tensions. Councilmember

Bowers referenced the 2019 Supreme Court case American Legion v.

American Humanist Association, which involved the Bladensburg Cross

on public land near Washington, D.C. She cited comments from Justice

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who stated that the separation of church and state

protected individual conscience in religious matters and prevented

conflict when government aligned itself with one side of a religious

debate. Councilmember Bowers also referenced comments from Justice

Stephen Breyer during his confirmation hearing, in which he discussed

Thomas Jefferson’s concept of a “wall” separating church and state. She

quoted Justice Breyer’s statements regarding the importance of

maintaining separation in a nation composed of many religions and

people, and his assertion that government could not favor one religion

without disadvantaging others. Councilmember Bowers referenced

author and legal commentator Dahlia Lithwick and an interview Lithwick

conducted with Rachel Laser, President and Chief Executive Officer of

Americans United for Separation of Church and State, published in Slate

magazine in June 2024. She quoted Laser’s remarks describing the

separation of church and state as the antidote to Christian nationalism

and as a constitutional safeguard protecting religious freedom and

preventing religious privilege from influencing the law. She further quoted

Laser’s statement that opponents of church-state separation sought to

dismantle those protections in order to advance their goals.

Councilmember Bowers stated that the current political environment had

developed gradually and would require consistency, discipline, and unity

to reverse. She stated that since taking office in 2020, she had

attempted to model that discipline by maintaining secular oaths and

invocations and by declining requests for legislation rooted in religious

identity, including Hindu Heritage and Christian Family Month

recognitions. Councilmember Bowers stated that although she respected

Dr. Feibel’s comments, she believed no community functioned as a

monolith. She stated that other Jewish residents had expressed to her

that, regardless of whether the intent centered on culture or religion, the

issue remained inherently religious in nature and could not be separated

from religion. She stated that introducing religion-based considerations,

even under the guise of culture or another factor, created a slippery slope

and raised legitimate concerns regarding the separation of church and

state. Councilmember Bowers concluded by stating that her commitment

to secularism did not diminish the need to protect the rights of individuals

to practice their faiths free from discrimination and bigotry. She

referenced fair housing laws, public opposition to anti-Semitism and

bigotry, the City Charter’s commitment to non-discrimination, and the

importance of learning and listening. She stated that these actions

upheld the protections guaranteed by the First Amendment and resisted

the weaponization of sectarianism.

Vice President Jones thanked Mayor Jadwin for issuing the Jewish

American Heritage Month proclamation and thanked Councilmember

Renner for referencing Council’s prior human dignity resolution adopted

in December. She stated that dignity, belonging, and respect for all

individuals represented foundational values in her life, career, and public

service. Vice President Jones stated that the prior human dignity

resolution recognized Gahanna as a diverse community comprised of

individuals from many cultures, ethnicities, religions, languages, and

backgrounds. She stated that the absence of a Council resolution

recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month did not alter her

commitment to ensuring that Gahanna remained a community for all

residents. Vice President Jones acknowledged the complexity and

personal nature of the discussion and stated that she engaged in

significant personal reflection and conversations with residents and

colleagues before reaching her position. She thanked Jon Handler and

Ginna Rinkov for helping her better understand the complexity of Jewish

identity. Vice President Jones stated that, for her, the issue did not center

on separation of church and state but rather on concerns about how

expressions of support for one group might affect others. She stated that

she recognized and respected the impact of those concerns on

individuals present at the meeting and reaffirmed her commitment to

ensuring dignity and safety for all residents. She encouraged continued

conversations, learning, and understanding within the community. Vice

President Jones reiterated her appreciation for everyone attending and

engaging in difficult conversations.

President Weaver thanked attendees for participating in the meeting and

thanked Dr. Feibel, Jon Handler, and Ms. Rinkov for meeting with

Councilmembers and discussing the issue over several months. He

stated that the issue involved many conversations and careful

consideration. President Weaver stated that he could not separate faith

from culture and that he believed legal concerns existed regarding a

Council resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. He

stated that Councilmembers discussed those concerns with the City

Attorney and concluded that issuing such a resolution could establish

precedent for future requests. President Weaver stated that his concerns

focused on process and the implications of future requests rather than

sentiment or intent. He stated that Council’s prior resolution recognizing

human dignity, which condemned antisemitism and other forms of hate,

provided the appropriate framework for the community. President

Weaver also clarified that Council had never adopted a Hindu Heritage

Month resolution, although Mayor Jadwin had previously issued a

proclamation recognizing Hindu Heritage Month. He stated that a

proposed recognition was removed from an agenda before publication

because of concerns regarding precedent and the separation of church

and state. President Weaver acknowledged that many residents felt

disappointed and stated that he remained concerned about the

precedent such actions could establish. He reiterated that he believed

recognition of this type did not represent an appropriate role for Council.

President Weaver also thanked everyone involved in Herb Day and

noted that he personally observed the near sellout of plants despite

arriving later than planned because of a family illness.

ADJOURNMENT:

With no further business before the Council, President Weaver

adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.