City Council

200 South Hamilton Road City of Gahanna Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes City Council Stephen A. Renner, President Merisa K. Bowers, Vice President Karen J. Angelou Nancy R. McGregor Kaylee Padova Michael Schnetzer Trenton I. Weaver Pam Ripley, Interim Clerk of Council Monday, February 7, 2022 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, February 7, 2022, in Council Chambers. President of Council Stephen Renner called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Vice President of Council, Merisa Bowers delivered an Invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Agenda for this meeting was published on February 4, 2022. Present 6 - Nancy R. McGregor, Merisa K. Bowers, Trenton I. Weaver, Kaylee Padova, Michael Schnetzer, and Stephen A. Renner Absent 1 - Karen J. Angelou President Renner stated Councilwoman Angelou is representing the City of Gahanna and MORPC at the National Association of Regional Councils in Washington, D.C. and is excused from this meeting. President Renner recognized and thanked the following guest: State Senator Tina Maharath, Reynoldsburg City Councilwoman Meredith Lawson-Rowe, Reynoldsburg City Councilwoman Shanette Strickland, and Columbus Urban League President and CEO Stephanie Hightower B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: NONE C. HEARING OF VISITORS Mary Dixon, 847 Eastchester Drive, Gahanna. Dixon distributed Source of Income (SOI) discrimination information and gave the clerk additional information that will be emailed to Council. Dixon has been a resident for 36 years and is a member of the City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2022 League of Women Voters. The League has been advocating for legislation to stop SOI discrimination for renters in various Franklin County communities. SOI discrimination is a landlord's refusal to rent to a prospective tenant based in their source of income. Anyone who receives outside assistance for paying rent should have fair and equal access to housing. To protect people from SOI discrimination municipalities need to pass legislation that expands protections of the Fair Housing Act. The Affordable Housing Alliance conducted a study of 2020 housing evictions in Franklin County, using 20 zip codes to look at the numbers during COVID. Gahanna ranked 16 with 167 evictions filed; a year later Gahanna ranked 13 with 373 evictions files. SOI discrimination protection ordinances have already been enacted by at least six communities in the Franklin County area. Gahanna is a welcoming community and should join this inclusive group. Dixon shared that Mayor Jadwin and the Director of Economic Development Nate Strum have been working on a survey of landlords related to this issue; now may be the time for City Council to become involved. Dixon is available for questions. Renner stated this issue is something City Council is looking at and turned it over to Councilwoman Bowers and Mayor Jadwin for comment. Bowers thanked Mrs. Dixon for speaking this evening. Bowers stated she has been in touch with advocates around this issue and is working with the Mayor and Administration and is looking forward to engaging in the dialogue and anticipates this will be discussed at the Committee of the Whole on February 28, 2022. Bowers appreciates the collaboration from the community and internally at City Hall. Mayor Jadwin thanked Mrs. Dixon for bringing the matter to the attention of Administration last year and for sharing the information this evening. Jadwin stated the SOI legislation is an interesting one and not many municipalities have taken that step forward. Jadwin stated the City’s part is to survey the community and understand what the impact of legislation would be for residents as well as our landlords. Jadwin appreciates the dialogue they have had with Councilwoman Bowers and for working with the Administration and for the opportunity to be heard and to be part of the discussion. Jadwin looks forward to the discussion. John Petrick, 712 Fleet Run Ave, Gahanna. Petrick stated he has lived in Gahanna for almost 40 years and has previously complained about the parking issues. The snowplow couldn’t get through his street due to cars parked on both sides of the street. He believes the snow is a level 2 and if he is not mistaken there isn’t supposed to be any vehicles parked on the roads so the snowplows can get through. Petrick stated the parking on the street is getting out of hand and he thinks there should be some signs stating, "For snow removal no parking on the streets". President Renner thanked Mr. Petrick for his comments and asked Mayor Jadwin if the City has a snow emergency rule. Mayor Jadwin said she doesn’t believe it is codified yet. When there is a snowstorm the City advises, encourages, and warns residents to not park on the streets so the snowplows can get through. Alexander Alston, 729 Hunters Run, Gahanna. Alston read a letter on behalf of the Gahanna Area Arts Council (GAAC) to City Council. There is a community led initiative to honor the history of the Big Walnut Country Club. He thanked Council for including references to this critical piece of Gahanna’s history in tonight’s resolution. The GAAC invites Council and the Columbus Urban League to participate in the project honoring the Columbus Urban League’s founder. An element of the fully realized vision City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2022 of the committee is to have a bronze statue of Nimrod Booker Allen installed at the former site of the Big Walnut County Club. In 2021, the Ohio History Connection selected the Big Walnut Country Club Memorial Project and awarded GAAC a double-sided historical marker. Copies of the marker information were distributed. Key partners for the marker include the Gahanna Historical Society, the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation, the City of Gahanna, GAAC, and Mifflin Township. After researching, editing, and cross-referencing with the Ohio History Connection. Black and AfricanAmerican scholars, and Columbus Landmarks, Gahanna’s first historical marker has arrived. GAAC will be planning a dedication ceremony soon and would like Council’s help celebrating the completion of the first phase of the project. The Big Walnut Country Club signed its Articles of Incorporation on July 5, 1927; this year will be the 95th Anniversary of its historic founding. President Renner thanked Mr. Alston for the information and stated that he looks forward to seeing the completed project at Friendship Park. 2022-0049 Hearing of Visitors Handouts D. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2022-0025 Council Meeting Minutes for Approval. These Meeting Minutes were Approved on the Consent Agenda. End of Consent Agenda Motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Weaver, to Pass the Consent Agenda. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- McGregor, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner Absent: 1- Angelou E. MOTIONS MT-0003-2022 A Motion to Appoint Alvin Jamie McKenna to the Records Commission (Seat 2) for an unexpired term ending on 12/31/2023. Motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Padova, to appoint Alvin Jamie McKenna to the Records Commission (Seat 2) for an unexpired term ending on 12/31/2023. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- McGregor, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2022 Absent: 1- Angelou F. RESOLUTIONS RES-0004-2022 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH. Motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Padova, that the Resolution be Adopted. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- McGregor, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner Absent: 1- Angelou Gahanna City Council welcomes Columbus Urban League President and CEO Stephanie Hightower to receive the resolution, which in part recognizes and honors Gahanna’s connection to civil rights leader Dr Nimrod Booker Allen, not only a cofounder of the Big Walnut Country Club but also the founder of the Columbus Urban League in 1917. Councilwoman Bowers stated it is an honor to present the Black History Month Resolution and welcomed Stephanie Hightower, President and CEO of the Columbus Urban League. Ms. Hightower thanked Council members for the Resolution and the thorough job of writing it. Ms. Hightower stated in 1917, in order to help southern Blacks to adjust to city life in Columbus the Federated Social and Industrial Welfare movement for the negro was formed and one year later the organization received its affiliation and became known as the Columbus Urban League. On May 4, 1920, Nimrod Allen was appointed as the first Executive Director of the Columbus Urban League. He was one of the first Executive Directors at the Spring Street YMCA. Once he joined the Columbus Urban League, his plan was for better interracial relations between Black and whites in the area. Having the first historical marker in Gahanna is a huge accomplishment for the community, and more importantly, it is a marker that represents an AfricanAmerican establishment. Hightower thinks it speaks to the diversity and inclusion that exists in Gahanna and wants to applaud the City for it. Hightower stated, on behalf of the Board of Directors and team members of the Columbus Urban League they appreciate the recognition and applaud the work that is being done in Gahanna. Renner thanked Ms. Hightower and stated that Councilwoman McGregor is a member of the Gahanna Historical Society which has a website that includes the history of the Big Walnut Country Club. City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2022 McGregor stated the Gahanna Historical Society is proud of the work and they received a grant from the Ohio Humanities Council. The marker to commemorate the Big Walnut Country Club will be great. Ms. Hightower stated that hopefully we can raise enough money together over the next year to build out a celebration. The Columbus Urban League has committed to be a part of helping to build those resources that are needed for a celebration. Councilwoman Bowers presented Ms. Hightower with the Resolution. Bowers also presented special recognition to Ms. Hightower in recognition for Black History Month from State Representative Mary Lightbody. RES-0006-2022 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT A FORMAL APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND THE LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED FOR FUNDING THE CHERRY BOTTOM ROAD STABILIZATION PROJECT; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE FINANCE DIRECTOR TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL FUND FOR THE GRANT, IF AWARDED. Motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Bowers, that the Resolution be Adopted. Discussion on the motion: Weaver stated he emailed the Mayor and asked if she could share some additional information in terms of process and timeline, should we receive the grant, should we not receive the grant and the potential impacts. Mayor Jadwin stated this is a project that is already under construction and was brought to Council last year. It was discovered that there was some failure along Cherry Bottom Road. The City has been advised that it will receive the grant money. The paperwork and Resolution needs turned into them. This is a reimbursement grant which will help offset the cost and ease the burden on the budget. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- McGregor, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner Absent: 1- Angelou G. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING: ORD-0001-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS FOR USE OF CITY PROPERTY AS POLLING LOCATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2022. City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2022 This Ordinance was introduced. ORD-0002-2022 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, OHIO TO PROVIDE AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL OFFENSES CODE, VARIOUS SECTIONS; TO PROVIDE FOR PENALTIES, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. This Ordinance was introduced. H. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & EMERGENCY ADOPTION: ORD-0003-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE HOUSING OFFICER TO ENTER INTO COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA (CRA) AGREEMENT WITH SCANNELL PROPERTIES; PART OF COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA #1; WAIVE SECOND READING; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Padova thanked the Administration for putting this together and trying to make the schools whole for the last five years of the abatement. Padova stated she will be voting no because she feels that there is not a good reason for the tax abatement being 15 years. She would like to challenge the Administration to try and think a little bit differently and see what else we are able to offer other than increasing the tax abatements and putting the burden on our constituents. Padova does not feel that there is a good reason for the emergency waiver other than to speed things up. Bowers stated she was unable to attend the last Committee of the Whole for the discussion; she understands that McGregor brought up the waiver and emergency and she doesn't understand because the abatement period doesn't begin until they reach 50-percent occupancy. Bowers asked what is the reasoning. Strum stated the pilot arrangement doesn't begin until 50-percent occupancy. They don't pay the pilot but the CRA kicks in. Strum stated that they are abating the incremental value, the land value is still the same so there is no taxable burden placed upon residents or anyone else. The abatement will kick in day one of construction. Bowers asked when does the compensation to the school district begin. Strum stated it begins in year one and we would be made whole on the back side. Bowers asked if the location of the CRA was a 10-year CRA. Strum confirmed that under the post 94 CRA statute under the Ohio Revised Code, it is a 10-year 50-percent abatement period. The City with its compensation arrangement with the Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools, has allowed various levels of abatement within that defined district. Bowers stated that under the current CRA, it would be a 10-year period but this particular agreement is for a 15-year abatement. City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2022 Strum stated they requested a 15-year term because of market conditions that have changed over the last 18 months. Bowers asked about the waiver and emergency. Strum said that it was requested to move the project forward; there is about a six-to-nine month lag time. If the City is going to realize any level of investment before the end of this calendar year and have any opportunity to have income tax generated in the early part of next year, they need to break ground within the next 30-60 days. Bowers asked if there has been any discussion with the school district about amending the compensation agreement for this particular project. Strum stated his office has attempted to contact the school district for a variety of issues and opportunities and have yet to be responded to. He has had some conversation with School Board Member Moehring, but there has not been any progress on the compensation agreement. Motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Bowers, that the Ordinance be Adopted with anWaiver and Emergency. The Motion with Waiver passed, but the Emergency failed, by the following vote: Yes: 4- McGregor, Weaver, Schnetzer and Renner No: 2- Bowers and Padova Absent: 1- Angelou I. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: Clerk - none Council Renner stated Council members received a letter from Tom Liskay regarding the Solid Waste schedule and Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Bowers shared an email from Aslyne Rodriquez, Director of Government Affairs, COTA that the route of Morrison and Taylor Road is now open for regular fixed route service on line 25. The northeast-zone bus is on-demand service, but it may be modified in the near future. The Royal Plaza Park and Ride is served by line 46 Gahanna during weekday rush hour service. J. REPRESENTATIVES: Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver Next meeting is February 15, 2022, 8:00 a.m. City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2022 Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), official liaison business - Angelou Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), committee appointment announcement soon - Weaver. Weaver stated he met with MORPC Executive Director William Murdoch. Weaver is seeking appointment and expects to be appointed later this month to the Regional Policy Roundtable. February 10, 2022 is the Commission Keynote. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Padova shared that the winter addition of the Herbal Cocktail Trail was released. There are seven participating locations. Passports are available at the Visit Gahanna Herb Center and all the participating restaurants. The Ohio Herb Center participated in the Ohio History Connection Wild Ohio Weekend with a display of marketing materials last weekend and they will also participate in the Columbus Home and Garden Show. The Ohio Herb Center Volunteer Program is back. Volunteers will help with classes, workshops, and events and in the gardens around the Herb Center. Volunteers receive some perks throughout the year. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The CVB will be meeting next week. School Board (SB) - Bowers Bowers shared that the Gahanna Jefferson Education Foundation Gala is on February 26, 2022 at the Jefferson Country Club. There is a virtual silent auction that begins on February 19, 2022 and there will be a live auction at the event. Bowers attended the regular scheduled School Board meeting as well as the facilities presentation. Bowers met with School Board member Daphne Moehring. There was an initial school compensation proposal that was sent by the City to the district in September 2021. The district has asked for some additional CRA information which was provided by the City in November. At the regular school board meeting and the meeting with Bowers, Moehring said she intends to host a tax incentive training session for the three new board members regarding TIFS, CRAS, abatements, etc to make sure they are all operating from the same place of information. Moehring then intends to hold discussions on the School Compensation Agreement proposals. Overall the direction is to better align the Gahanna School Compensation Agreement more with Ohio Revised Code in terms of what the standards are. The hope is that the School Compensation Agreement becomes less burdensome to the City's budget because as it stands now, it City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2022 hampers the City in making decisions about economic development. Bowers is happy to be moving forward with it. Bowers thanked Schnetzer for his work as finance chair and as the school board liaison for several years prior. K. OFFICIAL REPORTS: Mayor Mayor Jadwin thanked Council for arranging for the presentation of the Resolution for Black History Month to Ms. Hightower. Jadwin issued a Proclamation for Black History Month. Jadwin stated the formation of the Big Walnut Country Club was a pivotal moment in history, not only for the Black and AfricanAmerican community, but also for the City of Gahanna. The City of Gahanna is honored to have played a role in that significant historical milestone; it is part of the history of our City. It belongs to the 36,000 people who live here and it is something we can all be very proud of. The City will be working with the organizations on the placement of the marker and engaging the community in the event. Last week, there was a successful Town Hall meeting for the residents that will be part of the City's first year of the Sidewalk Maintenance Program. There were approximately 20 people in person and another 25+ online. The presentation was very informative with great discussion and questions. Town Halls are a great mechanism to communicate with our residents. The Administration met with COTA last week to discuss COTA service in the City as well as the needs of our community and how that will play into their formation of Link Us as they move forward. The Link Us program is a vital service for our region. Jadwin participated in her first meeting as an appointed member of the Sustainability Advisory Committee of MORPC. Jadwin stated the City has a sustainability task force and has been working on a plan that she anticipates will be coming to Council early-to-mid March. Franklin County Public Health are holding vaccination clinics February 10, 24, and 25, 2022 at ARC Industries on Taylor Station Rd., Gahanna 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Jadwin said Chief Spence shared with her,body camera video of earlier this morning; three Gahanna Police Officers saved a young man's life. The young man was deceased when the officers arrived. Our officers applied tourniquets and CPR and saved the young man's life. To watch our officers work in tandem, in unison, without hesitation is just indicative of the high level of training they receive and it's a reminder of what they do day-in and day-out for the residents of our City. Not only do they protect us, but they are there to respond and to save lives every day. Jadwin wanted to commend Chief Spence and our officers for the actions that were taken this morning. Jadwin thanked the City's awesome snow warriors. Crews were on the road 24/7 from Wednesday night through Sunday. City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2022 2022-0036 Mayoral Proclamations City Attorney - nothing at this time L. COUNCIL COMMENT McGregor thanked the Mayor for bringing up our Police Officers. The snow plowing was great. Weaver thanked Bowers for the Resolution and all the distinguished guests who attended. Weaver takes Ms. Hightower's words to heart and views them as not just a testament to how far we have come, but as a reminder of the work that still lies ahead. Weaver thanked the snow warriors and the Communications team for all the constant updates on what was being plowed; it was easily sharable. It was heartwarming to see the neighbors helping each other with the snow event. Weaver encouraged people to sign up to be poll workers for the Franklin County Board of Elections. Weaver thanked Councilwoman Angelou for representing Gahanna and MORPC in Washington, D.C. and for her leadership and taking him under her wing in all matters MORPC. Padova thanked the distinguished guests who attended the meeting. Padova thanked the snow warriors for the great work and thanked the Mayor for letting everyone know how it works with the order in which the roads are plowed. It is helpful to hear and to be able to explain it to people. Schnetzer echoes the sentiments of the rest of Council. Bowers thanked the elected officials and the members of the public in attendance this evening. The comments and participation are important. Bowers congratulated Weaver on his appointment to the MORPC Regional Policy Roundtable. Bowers stated her Constituent Report is attached. Bowers is looking forward to ongoing conversation regarding fair housing. Renner stated that Bower highlighted something very important about all the various diverse speakers that we had this evening. Renner thanked everyone who attended and spoke to Council this evening. Renner thanked the Mayor and her staff for hosting the Facility Workshops. As a City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2022 City, for the first time, we are talking about some very important issues about facilities and it is a conversation that we have needed for a very long time. Thank goodness for Issue 12, we can now talk and have a constructive conversation. There are some very important issues in front of us and some decisions to be made. 2022-0035 Council Member Merisa Bowers' Constituent Report M. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. City of Gahanna Page 11