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, December 1, 2025

7:00 PM

City Hall, Council Chambers

A.

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

Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, December 1,

2025, in Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the

meeting to order at 7:03 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 November 26, 2025.

7 -

Present

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

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

B.

C.

D.

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA:

None.

HEARING OF VISITORS:

None.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget:

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT

EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF

GAHANNA DURING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026

President Bowers introduced the public hearing on the proposed fiscal year

2026 budget. She stated that, pursuant to Council rules, she would open the

hearing, and that the administration could make a brief presentation. She

believed they would defer the presentation because Council already held

extensive discussion on the matter. She explained that public comment would

be open for three minutes per speaker and that speakers who wished to be

heard on the topic must complete a speaker slip and come to the podium

when called, stating their name and address for the record. She stated that

the topic for the evening was Ordinance 0049-2025, an ordinance adopting

appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures of the City of

Gahanna during fiscal year 2026.

President Bowers opened and closed the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. with no

members of the public desiring to speak on the budget.

E.

CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Minutes - To Approve:

Council Special Minutes 11.17.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Council Regular Minutes 11.17.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Finance Committee Minutes 11.17.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Committee of the Whole Minutes 11.24.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

Finance Committee Minutes 11.24.2025

The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda.

2. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption:

AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH UTILITY RATES AND AMEND

RELATED PROVISIONS OF PART NINE, TITLE THREE - PUBLIC

UTILITIES OF THE GAHANNA CODIFIED ORDINANCES

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

Consent Agenda.

End of Consent Agenda

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

Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

F.

RESOLUTIONS:

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN

AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT

CORPORATION OF GAHANNA FOR A TERM BEGINNING JANUARY

1, 2026, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026, TO PROMOTE AND

ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY FOR THE CITY

President Bowers noted that the item was originally introduced as an

ordinance and now appeared before Council as a resolution. She also stated

that a red-lined agreement was attached to the Legistar file. She then asked if

any member wished to discuss the item.

Vice President Weaver asked a clarifying question to confirm that City

Attorney Tamilarasan reviewed the red-lined document from the previous

week’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

City Attorney Tamilarasan stated that she reviewed it and approved it. Vice

President Weaver responded with thanks and indicated his support for the

resolution.

A motion was made by Renner, 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:

G.

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING:

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT

EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF

GAHANNA DURING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026

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

AN

ORDINANCE

DETERMINING

ISSUANCE

IMPROVEMENT

THE

AND

AND

NECESSITY

SALE OF

REFUNDING

OF

ECONOMIC

REVENUE

AND

AUTHORIZING

DEVELOPMENT

THE

BONDS, SERIES 2025 (THE COLUMBUS ACADEMY PROJECT) OF

THE CITY OF GAHANNA, OHIO, IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL

AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,000,000; AUTHORIZING THE

EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF

ASSIGNMENT OF LOAN AGREEMENT,

A

LOAN AGREEMENT, AN

BOND PURCHASE

A

AGREEMENT, A TAX EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE AND AGREEMENT

AND OTHER DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE

OF THE BONDS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

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

H.

ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & ADOPTION:

AN ORDINANCE WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING REQUIREMENTS

PURSUANT TO GAHANNA CODE SECTION 133.02(c)(6),

AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH

TYEVCO INC. FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BIG WALNUT TRAIL

BRIDGE DECKING; AND WAIVING SECOND READING

President Bowers noted that the ordinance appeared before the Committee of

the Whole without an identified contractor and that the ordinance was now

updated to reflect the contractor recommended by the administration.

A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Jones, 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:

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

Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Yes:

I.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS:

1. Clerk - None.

2. Council

Columbia Gas of Ohio Notice Received 11.24.2025 - Rates for

Infrastructure Replacement Program Rider

President Bowers stated that the notice from Columbia Gas of Ohio was

received on November 24, 2025, regarding rates for the Infrastructure

Replacement Program rider. She encouraged residents to review the notice,

as Columbia Gas would increase its rates.

Sign up for City Council Newsletter here: https://www.gahanna.gov/list.aspx

Your City Council at Work Newsletter - September-October 2025

President Bowers also noted that the latest bimonthly City Council newsletter

was included and reminded residents that they could sign up to receive the

newsletter through the gahanna.gov website.

J.

REPRESENTATIVES:

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

Councilmember Padova reported that the Community Improvement

Corporation met on November 18, 2025, with the meeting called to order at

8:00 a.m. by President Collins. She stated that the board unanimously

approved the minutes and reviewed and approved the monthly financials.

Director of Economic Development Jeff Gottke presented two governance

items: the 2026 contract with the city and an RFP (Request for Proposals) for

the CIC’s 2026 Strategic Plan. She added that the director also presented two

technology topics, which included an agreement with a cloud storage provider

and efforts to professionalize CIC emails. Councilmember Padova stated that

the board entered Executive Session at 8:36 a.m., exited at 8:57 a.m., and

adjourned at 9:04 a.m. She announced that the next CIC meeting would take

place on December 16, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. at the Senior Center, noting that it

was one of the two meetings held each year to which all Councilmembers

were invited. She added that Mayor Jadwin emailed Council to add the

meeting to their calendars.

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

Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 12.1.2025

Vice President Weaver reported that the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning

Commission (MORPC) will meet on December 11, 2025. He thanked the

Council Office for assisting with preparation of the report. He stated that

MORPC sought assistance in developing the Regional Cycling Guide, noting

that Central Ohio Greenways was updating the regional bikeways map and

creating a new 15-count cycling guide. He added that more information and

opportunities for public input were available through the link provided in the

report. Vice President Weaver shared that MORPC’s public participation plan

was open for public comment and invited residents to share their thoughts on

transportation planning. He stated that comments could be submitted by

email to info@MORPC.org or in writing to MORPC by 5:00 p.m. on the

upcoming Monday. He said additional information about participation

opportunities appeared at the link included in the report. He concluded by

noting an upcoming MORPC educational workshop. He explained that

MORPC hosted a series of workshops throughout the year, and that the final

session, the Regional Economic Development Academy capstone, would

take place on December 17, 2025. He stated that the capstone would discuss

the pros and cons of various economic development tools available to Ohio

local governments, including TIF (Tax Increment Financing), CRA

(Community Reinvestment Area), enterprise zones, Joint Economic

Development Districts (JEDDs), and new community authorities, and would

address how local governments could leverage those tools.

3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova

Councilmember Padova reported that the Santa Race 5K and the Little

Reindeer Dash will be on Saturday, December 6, 2025. She stated that all

slots for the event were full and reminded everyone that the race would occur

at Academy Park this year rather than Creekside. She also noted that,

because it was December 1, 2025, many residents were likely waiting for the

Santa Hotline number. She explained that Visit Gahanna was once again

offering the call-in Santa Hotline, which allowed callers to hear a greeting from

the North Pole. She stated that Visit Gahanna and Futurecom Technologies

sponsored the hotline and provided the number: 614-478-1061. She

recommended the hotline for families with young children and remarked that it

served as an effective bedtime incentive.

4. School Board (SB) - Jones

Councilmember Jones provided an update on upcoming school board

meetings. She stated that the Board Workshop would take place on

Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Clark Hall. She added that the

Finance and Facilities Committee would meet on December 16, 2025, and

the Regular Board meeting would occur on December 18,2025, both also

scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Clark Hall. She then shared additional details

regarding the tours of the old and new high school buildings and the

ribbon-cutting ceremony. She stated that the ceremony would begin at 10:00

a.m. on January 10, 2026, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. She explained that

the district had posted extensive information on its website, including parking

guidance recommending that visitors park near Clark Hall and use a shuttle.

She noted that the website now included directions, tour times, and all related

details. Councilmember Jones stated that residents living within the district

boundaries should have already received or would soon receive a postcard

with further information about the high school opening scheduled for January

10, 2026. She remarked that some residents found it difficult to believe that

students would move into the new school in roughly eight weeks, but she

confirmed that the student move-in would take place immediately following

Christmas break 2025.

K.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1. Mayor

Mayor Jadwin announced that the Gahanna Mountain Bike Trail at Academy

Park won second place in the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association

Awards of Excellence in the category of capital improvement projects under

$500,000. She remarked that this marked approximately the third consecutive

year that Director Ferrell’s team received recognition. She stated that the

nearly three-mile trail offered opportunities for riders of all skill levels and

originated as a grassroots concept from several residents. She congratulated

Director Ferrell, the four residents who developed the idea, and the project

partners who helped bring the trail to completion. Mayor Jadwin then

addressed the expected winter storm. She stated that the Public Service

crew worked since 9:30 a.m. to repair a water main break on the west side,

near South Stygler Road and West Johnstown Road, and that the break did

not relate to any construction projects. She added that crew members also

prepared and treated roadways ahead of the forecasted snow and would

continue working around the clock to keep roads safe for morning travel. She

reminded residents to move vehicles off the street to allow plows to clear

snow effectively and advised motorists to clear snow and ice from their

vehicles and to monitor weather alerts and traffic advisories. She stated that

the city would post updates and any necessary closures on Facebook.

Mayor Jadwin reported that the city focused efforts throughout 2025 on

supporting mental health and sharing resources with the community. She

announced that the city will hold its second mental health resource event on

Monday, December 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Gahanna Library.

She stated that more than a dozen providers will attend to answer questions

and share information. She thanked Community Liaison Officers Blair

Thomas and Ann Jodon for organizing the event and encouraged Council and

residents to help share the information. She added that calls for mental health

support often increased during the holiday season and encouraged residents

to watch out for friends, neighbors, and others who might be struggling. Mayor

Jadwin concluded by reminding residents that the city continued to offer

pumpkin composting at Lower McCorkle Park. She noted that the site was

available for about a month and would remain open through Tuesday,

December 9. She encouraged residents to drop off pumpkins and gourds

rather than leave them outdoors where they might attract wildlife.

2. City Attorney

City Attorney Tamilarasan provided a brief update on the Taglia matter, a

trip-and-fall case at Academy Park. She stated that the court dismissed the

case on the City’s motion for summary judgment and that the plaintiff

appealed the decision. She said she would keep Council informed of any

updates as the appeal moved forward. She also reported on the Cincinnati

taxpayer litigation case for which Council authorized the city to join an amicus

brief requesting that the court decline jurisdiction. She stated that the court

dismissed the case as moot because the filing party failed to request a stay

of execution while the appeal was pending, which allowed construction on the

disputed building to begin. She explained that the failure to preserve the claim

through proper procedure eliminated the basis for the litigation. She stated

that the Supreme Court dismissed the case, which aligned with the city’s

position in support of Cincinnati.

L.

COUNCIL COMMENT:

Councilmember McGregor announced that the historical site would host

Victorian Christmas on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from noon to 3:00 p.m.

She stated that Santa will be in the log house with a fire and that crafts will

take place in the meeting room of the Clark House. She added that wassail

and gingerbread cookies will be available in the bed and breakfast and noted

that she already baked four batches and planned to bake twenty dozen

cookies that week to ensure an ample supply. Councilmember McGregor also

shared an anecdote about wildlife activity around pumpkins. She explained

that her family lived near a small creek, and after they split open their pumpkin

and set up a trail camera, they observed possums, squirrels, birds, a coyote,

deer, and raccoons over the course of a few weeks.

Councilmember Padova thanked staff, particularly the Parks Department, for

their work on the Holiday Lights Festival. She stated that the event drew a

large crowd and that many community members and vendors participated.

She also noted an upcoming Snowball event at the Gahanna Library

scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. She said her

family attended the event the previous year and recommended it because it

included Santa and several activities.

President Bowers then shared several items. She stated that December 1,

2025, marked World Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day,

which reminded the community that progress remained possible through

compassion, clarity, and collective purpose. She said the day honored lives

lost, supported people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and

renewed the commitment to expanding access to care, eliminating stigma,

and advancing science and policies that save lives. She encouraged

residents to review resources available through Franklin County Public

Health, Columbus Public Health, and Equitas. President Bowers also took a

moment of privilege to recognize Cleveland City Councilwoman Rebecca

Maurer, whose final council meeting occurred that day due to redistricting that

placed her in a race against another incumbent. President Bowers

commended Councilwoman Maurer for her exemplary engagement with

residents, strong representation of her ward, and effective service. She then

congratulated Gahanna Lincoln High School girls’ cross country coach Ryan

Callihan, whom the Columbus Dispatch named Metro Coach of the Year. She

acknowledged the team’s recent state championship and congratulated the

entire group. President Bowers concluded with a George Bernard Shaw

quote that recently circulated on social media, reflecting on purpose, service,

and commitment to community: “This is the true joy in life being used for a

purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature

instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances,

complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of

the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live,

it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I

die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is

no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for

the moment and I want to make burn as brightly as possible before handing it

on to future generations.” She stated that, as the final month of 2025 began,

she felt privileged to serve alongside colleagues who shared a dedication to

community and to ensuring that the “torch” of service would be passed on to

future generations.

M.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

meeting at 7:29 p.m.