Strategic Planning Committee

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES 6/16/2026 Circleville City Strategic Planning Committee convened in City Council Chambers 2nd Fl 127 South Court St., Circleville, Ohio 43113 on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. Members present: Chair Sheri Theis, Committee Members Tom Klitzka and Jake Davison, and Clerks Melissa Burns and Sarah Kolesar. Other Council members present: President Barry Keller, At Large Members Katie Logan Hedges, First Ward Jeff Hallinin, Second Ward John Moats, and Fourth Ward Tom Duvall. Invited guests present: Mayor Michelle Blanton, Planner Hannah Wynne, Zoning Inspector Michelle Cockerham, and Service Director Jim Stanley. Theis called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. with Roll Call. Klitzka motioned to approve the meeting minutes from May 19, 2026. Davison seconded. Motion carried. New Business: a) Parks Presentation with Hannah Wynne, Planner. Discussion: Wynne explained that regarding the Economic Development Strategic Plan, tactic 4 correlated to enhancing the quality of place in Circleville, including parks and recreation. Wynne stated that some short-term goals include updating existing amenities and repurposing certain sites; mid-term goals include potential new park facilities and seeking state and federal funding. Long term goals include developing a plan for enhancing and expanding trail systems and pursuing state/federal funding for those trail systems. Wynne explained that the Miriam Adkins Shelter House at Ted Lewis Park replaces the older shelter house that burned down, and ribbon cutting/grand opening will be on July 10th as construction is expected to be completed by June 20, 2026. This is a four-seasons shelter house to include cafeteria tables, storage for the Parks and Tree Commission, and a concession/ patio area to use during youth league season. Next, Wynne explained one of the newer properties is the North Pickaway St. Park, purchased with the Clean Ohio Green Space Grant, noting progress has been made on this property and they are actively working with ODNR. Presently, invasive species removal and wetland delineation study have been completed. Preliminary site plans include a parking area, bike loops and walking trails. Wynne spoke about Atwater Park, which was purchased in 2024, with minimal update. Surveys were initiated to see what the Community wanted to see in a neighborhood park and included a 3rd grade class at CCS who drew designs/pictures. Wynne stated they’re waiting for additional funding before moving forward. Wynne noted that PCCF made a donation for an ADA accessible carousel/merry-go-round for Mary Virginia Crites Park, as well as for adding turf around this equipment. Wynn explained the Active Transportation Plan kicked off earlier this year and will be on-going until June of next year. Currently, they’re reviewing data from all forms of pedestrian travel, such as walking, biking, and off-street trails. Regarding Barthelmas Park, Wynne explained that the plan is to add 3 new permanent pickleball courts, projected to be finished by the end of July, with the basketball court being relocated. Wynne noted the Pickleball Association has raised funds to add a shelter house. Phase 1A of the park expansion includes 1 ball diamond, parking and a trailhead, and the City was granted $750,000 in State Capital Funding for this. Phase 1B includes 1 ball diamond and additional parking. Phase 1C includes ball diamonds and central restrooms/concessions. Phase 2 is the aquatic facility and parking. Phase 3 includes new entrance off St. Rt. 56, updated playground equipment, pump track, skate park, and walking trails. Phase 4 includes adding a dog park, gazebo, pavilion picnic shelter and plaza, trails, and parking. Wynne moved on to talk about the pool and provide an overview of what has been researched thus far. Hedges asked if this phasing plan is aligned with the survey that was completed by the Parks Board, gathering public input about what the community wanted at Barthelmas Park. Wynne explained the pool was originally going to be considered in phase 4 plans but was moved up in priority based on the public survey, though ball diamonds would be completed first since funding is already available for those, then the pool would be considered next in priority. Theis asked to share what the survey results were. Wynne talked about the pool concept design currently, including a pool house facility that is ADA compliant with ADA lift, adult changing rooms, family changing rooms, lifeguard area, concessions, and pool equipment room. Currently, the plan is 6-8 lap lanes that could be used for local swim team competitions also, a big and small water slide, a lily pad, Aquazip’N, a whirlpool, zero depth entry portion with kids’ area, sunshades and lifeguard towers. Wynne explained further consideration is being made separating the pools for contamination control based on recommendations and feedback from the YMCA. Next, Wynne talked about the cost of the pool and potential funding for it. The pool alone is approximately 7 million dollars with an additional 2 million for the supporting infrastructure and parking. Wynne noted the City was awarded 2 million dollars in state capital budget and feels confident they’ll be able to secure additional funds in the next state capital budget. Additionally, they anticipate fundraising and donations from local businesses, as well as working with PCCF to set up fundraising. There are also other Grants they will try to secure as well as ADA funding they may be eligible for since the pool will be ADA compliant. It is proposed that the City pay for half of the construction cost of the pool itself, being 3.5 million dollars. Wynne stated 1.25 million dollars in various capital expenses will be expiring soon and those funds could then be contributed toward the City’s 3.5 million contribution. An additional option is utilizing a bond for the remaining cost of the pool construction and/or to pay for the entire park project. Wynne highlighted after meeting with a bonding agent, the City’s current bonding capacity is 17 million dollars. Regarding pool operating costs, Wynne researched other City pools and input from the YMCA and depending on hours of operation/ days open per year, and number of lifeguards, it’s estimated to cost $155,000 for staff alone and $250- $300,000/year in total operating costs, though these numbers may be reduced as this is based on a high amount of lifeguards per shift. Wynne explained there will be admission fees for the pool to help fund the operating costs, facility rentals, and potential contract use of the pool with swim teams. Wynne estimates the pool to bring in approximately $100,000 in revenue, based on other City pools researched, emphasizing these numbers are conservative, being on the higher end for expenses and lower end for revenue. Wynne noted an additional revenue source that will be available in the next few years is the New Community Authority revenue, which can be used for park improvements and operation. Currently, the NCA brings in $26,000/year and an additional $46,000+ is expected in 2026 based on new homes being built. Projected NCA Revenue by 2030 is $50,000. The Pickaway Township Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) is another annual revenue source. Projected revenue for 2026 is $350,000 and the Auditor estimates an average of 3-5% increase annually. Hedges shared concerns that though the community is very excited and this pool has gained a lot of publicity and social media attention, it is a huge financial lift with no definitive plan in place for funding, not only to obtain 9 million but also considering the operating costs. Theis and Klitzka agreed that though capital expenses are expiring this year, there will continue to be more capital expenses popping up within the City and from a Strategic Planning standpoint, Theis encouraged all of Council to consider other financial obligations such as an overpass/ infrastructure that will cost millions of dollars. Additionally, Theis encouraged further discussions as a group and community, emphasizing the Park Board should be included as they oversee and control what happens with the parks, per ORC. The Strategic Planning Committee and members of Council thanked Hannah for the thorough and informative presentation and her continued research into this project. Old Business: None Klitzka motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:03 p.m. Davison seconded. Motion carried. Minutes prepared by: Sarah Kolesar, Assistant Clerk.