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 Jeremy VanMeter, Clerk of Council Monday, March 21, 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, March 21, 2022, in Council Chambers. President of Council Stephen Renner called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Vice President of Council Merisa Bowers delivered an Invocation and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Agenda for this meeting was published on March 18, 2022. Present 7 - Nancy R. McGregor, Karen J. Angelou, Merisa K. Bowers, Trenton I. Weaver, Kaylee Padova, Michael Schnetzer, and Stephen A. Renner B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA Council Member Weaver requested to move RES-0009-2022 off the consent agenda. President Renner confirmed the Resolution would be considered as item H. RESOLUTIONS. C. HEARING OF VISITORS There were no speaker slips submitted for the Hearing of Visitors. President Renner introduced Jeremy VanMeter, new Clerk of Council. D. PRESENTATIONS Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) 2022-0092 2022 CIC Presentation to Council Nathan Strum, Director of Economic Development, and member of the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) Board of Directors, provided an overview of the CIC’s background, leadership, finances, and successes in 2021. He introduced George Mrus, CIC Board Secretary and Vice President, City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 and Betty Collins, CIC President. The CIC manages the closure of the Bedford Landfill (Central Park), WOW contracts for fiber and fiber optic business incentive programs for GahannaNet, marketing for central parkway and Creekside District, implementation of the Land Bank program. The CIC is operated by leadership in the private sector as well as City officials and staff. In 2021, CIC revenues totaled $1,360,256 (GahannaNet, Rental Income, Sale of 700 Science Blvd., 110 N. High St. reimbursement) and expenses $155,331 (real estate, insurance, depreciation, legal and accounting, supplies, and events). Under Ohio Revised Code, CICs are utilized as a conduit for conveyance of City property. This arrangement enabled the recent development of the ADB Safegate Center of Innovation. Strum indicated the sale of that property and the net proceeds from last year would be deployed this year with strategic land banking activities for revitalization efforts in the City. Vice President Bowers asked whether the CIC’s micro-grant revenues were from CARES Act funding. Mayor Jadwin said that the CIC had started a grant program at the onset of COVID-19 to support small businesses in Gahanna. CIC used its own dollars initially to setup a grant program. When the City learned it was receiving CARES Act monies, it allowed the CIC to expand that program for a total of around $850,000 to support residents and businesses. The City then reimbursed the CIC for about $20,000 through CARES Act funds. Strum said he would share the final year-end numbers with the Council once the CIC had completed the balance sheet for 2021. Ms. Collins stated that the CIC would like to have the full Council at its meetings at least twice per year: June for a financial overview and November before the year-end activity closes. E. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Minutes - To Approve: Committee of the Whole 2/28/2022, Finance Committee 2/28/2022, and Council 3/7/2022 2022-0084 Council Minutes for Approval These meeting minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. MOTIONS MT-0005-2022 MOTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE & ENGINEERING PERMISSION TO BID THE BIG WALNUT FIBER REDUNDANCY LOOP PROJECT. This Motion was adopted on the Consent Agenda. MT-0006-2022 MOTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE & ENGINEERING PERMISSION TO BID THE 2022 STREETLIGHT PAINTING PROGRAM. This Motion was adopted on the Consent Agenda. City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 MT-0007-2022 MOTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE & ENGINEERING PERMISSION TO BID THE MUNICIPAL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. This Motion was adopted on the Consent Agenda. End of Consent Agenda A motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Weaver, to Pass the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner F. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING: ORD-0013-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTH O R I Z I N G A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - SPLASH PAD This Ordinance was introduced. G. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & ADOPTION: ORD-0014-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTH O R I Z I N G A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF-INSURANCE PROGRAM - WAIVE SECOND READING. A motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Padova, that the Ordinance be Introduced, Second Reading Waived, and Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner H. RESOLUTIONS RES-0009-2022 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THEATRE IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH Council Member Weaver thanked Cindi Macioce, Gahanna-Lincoln High School drama director and teacher, as well as students in attendance, Mikki Shaffer, Gabbie Well, Chayni Smith, Conor Mallonn, and Kalee Sribanditmongkol, and parents and guardians. Weaver stated that according to the American Alliance for Theatre & Education students involved in drama performance scored an average of 65.5 points higher on the verbal component and 35.5 points higher on the math component of the SAT. This goes to show that involvement in arts and theatre programs helps one to become a well-rounded individual. Weaver referenced his own background in musical theatre and Council Member Angelou’s background as a music teacher. Weaver urged the students in attendance to continue to pursue the arts, as what they will learn will carry over into any field they pursue later in life. Weaver presented the Resolution to Ms. Macioce and GLHS theatre City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 students. Ms. Macioce thanked the Council and Mr. Weaver, a former student, for supporting and recognizing theatre in the schools. She invited those in attendance to come to the next performance scheduled for May 5-8, 2022. Macioce emphasized that the arts are not a luxury but a necessity in our schools - the reason why some kids come to school and succeed. Motion was made by Angelou, seconded by Padova, that the Resolution be approved. Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner I. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: Clerk - None. Council Vice President Bowers spoke about the Ohio Municipal League’s (OML) bulletin on HB 563 preempting municipalities from regulating or prohibiting the use of short-term rental properties. OML’s position is that the bill violates home rule authority in creating necessary regulations that protect the safety and best interests of residents in each community. Bowers encouraged colleagues to stay active in tracking the status of the bill. J. REPRESENTATIVES: Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver None. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou Council Member Angelou provided an update on the MORPC meeting on March 10, 2022. The City of Mount Vernon and Jackson Township in Franklin County were welcomed as new MORPC members. Angelou said the Commission is expecting two more to join in April, bringing the total to 80 member communities. The MORPC State of the Region was held March 16, 2022, with Andy Berke, Special Representative for Broadband, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, delivering the Keynote Address. MORPC reminded members on the following action items: 1) state capital budget process underway at the Statehouse, 2) prepare for grant opportunities and reach out to MORPC on plans, and 3) federal funding opportunities from the bipartisan Infrastructure law. Angelou also reminded members to register for the Smart Cities Connect conference in Columbus from April 4-7, 2022. Local government leaders may register for free. Angelou will preside over the election at the April MORPC meeting. MORPC is navigating the impacts and opportunities associated with the recently announced Intel project and the bipartisan Infrastructure law. Angelou also City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 provided highlights on work from the Regional Data Advisory Committee (RDAC), Regional Policy Roundtable, Statehouse legislative updates, Sustainability Advisory Committee. She noted that for the first time, the region had no unhealthy air quality days last year, probably attributable to more people working from home. Progress is also being made on the Central Ohio greenways and trail town framework, of which Angelou expected the City to be part of. The Rapid 5 project book gives insight on what this will look like for the region in the future. MORPC also met recently with Amtrak officials to further position the region for passenger rail service. Angelou thanked all who attended the MORPC State of the Region on behalf of the City and noted the MORPC awardees honored at the State of the Region. President Renner noted Ms. Angelou’s recent picture and feature insert for MORPC in Columbus Business First. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Regional Policy Roundtable - Weaver Council Member Weaver noted he was able to attend the State of the Region, along with several Council colleagues and staff. Weaver reported that Ms. Angelou was also recognized for her contributions to MORPC and decades of service to the City of Gahanna. Angelou said it was unexpected and a great honor and thanked colleagues at MORPC. Weaver said his takeaway from the State of the Region was that there are so many creative things happening in communities across the region. The Council would do well in looking to its neighbors and communities in the region to harness possibilities in Gahanna. The creation of the infrastructure and grants officer within MORPC is a huge asset to the City. Weaver said he looked forward to learning more from the Regional Policy Roundtable and MORPC member communities. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Council Member Padova informed Council that Visit Gahanna held their annual meeting on March 11, 2022, with new board members sworn in and awards presented. The annual report is available on Visit Gahanna’s website. Padova reminded colleagues to mark their calendars for Herb Day on May 7, 2022. Ohio Herb Center members can pre-order plants and a limited number of early access passes to the plant sale will be sold beginning April 1, 2022. School Board (SB) - Bowers Vice President Bowers noted the school board’s most recent regular meeting held Thursday, March 17, 2022. Superintendent Steve Barrett announced he will be retiring effective July 31, 2022. Mr. Barrett has been in Gahanna for approximately six years. The Board will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. to interview executive search firms. Meetings are streamed on YouTube, but executive sessions are not. Bowers has a meeting scheduled tomorrow with Finance Chair Daphne Moehring. City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 K. OFFICIAL REPORTS: Mayor Mayor Jadwin spoke about attendance at the MORPC State of the Region with Council and the administrative team. Projects highlighted at MORPC like broadband access, transportation, and housing are all issues the City confronts daily. These will become even more relevant as the City determines what the Intel impact is going to be for Gahanna and the region. Jadwin noted the key to MORPC being collaboration that occurs amongst all the communities. The Sustainability Advisory Committee is another opportunity for collaboration and is scheduled to meet later in April. Jadwin expects to have a report back to Council following that meeting. For the state capital budget, the City has been advised by the Columbus Partnership that the City has been recommended for a $100,000 grant for the Price Road house project. This would allow the City to create an outdoor exploration center that links outdoor education with health and wellness programming offered by the Parks & Recreation Department. The administration is working with the state legislators to advocate for that project. Jadwin referenced HB 563 having been discussed at the Central Ohio Mayors and Managers Association meeting. Opposition letters have been sent. The bill, if approved, sets a dangerous precedent for home rule authority and problematic for the City. Administration will be reaching out to representatives and senators to discuss this issue. This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week. Jadwin reminded residents of the Statewide Tornado Drill this Wednesday at 9:50am and for all to stay alert on the weather. Jadwin updated the Council on the State of the City event scheduled for Thursday, March 24, 2022. Networking is scheduled from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. with the program starting at 6:30 p.m. This is a free event, but registrations are being requested for seats. Jadwin reported on a previously discussed issue on trees in the median. Dead trees had been removed at Hamilton and I-270 and the gateway on the west side. Some trees had been pulled for both repurposing and revitalizing the medians for a project in 2022. Council Member Angelou confirmed that the State of the City would be held at The Peak at Edison, next to Edison Brewing and across from the ADB Safegate project. City Attorney Attorney Mularski reported on a lawsuit filed against the City in the past week related to an accident that occurred at the pool. Mularski believed the suit would be handled expeditiously once the facts come out. A young lady had stepped on a drainpipe that had a cover on it. She pushed the cover down and hurt her leg. He noted it was a significant injury but was not the City’s fault. L. COUNCIL COMMENT City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 Council Member Angelou thanked Mayor Jadwin for being part of the MORPC video recognition. Peace Lutheran Church had the Songs of Hope and Resilience event on March 20, 2022. Each poem and reflection read was well done, and the choir and orchestra were terrific. Council Member McGregor remarked on the MORPC infrastructure discussion. She noted that Gahanna’s history is to have projects engineered and designed in the waiting for funding. Gahanna projects were able to be funded over other community projects because the plans were ready. This is one thing to consider as the money begins to come forward. Council Member Weaver said he also was able to attend the Songs of Hope and Resilience performance. He thanked the Gahanna Community Chorus and GLHS Chamber Orchestra. June 4th and June 5th is the spring collaboration with both groups. The message of Songs of Hope and Resilience was beautiful and helped close the gap of being able to come together again. Weaver thanked colleagues in passing the Resolution Recognizing and Honoring Theatre in Our Schools Month. He also welcomed new City Council Clerk Jeremy VanMeter to the City. Council Member Padova briefed the Council that Taylor Springs Health Campus is having a book signing with drinks and snacks on March 30, 2022, from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. for Dennis Roeder’s book Dede, named after his late wife. Padova said Roeder will be reading part of the book and encouraged anyone available to stop by and congratulate him on his published book. Council Member Schnetzer - No comment. Vice President Bowers reiterated sentiments already shared about the Songs of Hope and Resilience. She noted that it brought her joy seeing her son light up with the performances. She thanked the Gahanna Community Chorus and GLHS Chamber Orchestra musicians and directors, as well as Peace Lutheran for the beautiful performance. Bowers also thanked Mr. Weaver for bringing the Resolution to Council for honoring theatre in our schools, as it highlighted important and unique aspects of the community. Bowers attended the Columbus Metropolitan luncheon on March 9, 2022, which included organizational leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the private and non-profit sector. Dr. Anthony Wilson, Chief DE&I Officer for Columbus Metropolitan Library, spoke about the importance of buy-in with the work of organizations committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bowers also attended the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) luncheon on March 11, 2022, with Ms. Padova, Ms. Angelou, and Mayor Jadwin. Mayor Jadwin was recognized with an award for her lifetime work with the CVB. The final Make Gahanna Yours winter farmers market will be at the Gahanna Sanctuary on April 20, 2022, from 4:00 - 7:00pm. She recognized community organizers for Make Gahanna Yours and announced that the group is looking for sponsors for the Adopt-a-Planter beautification efforts. Bowers concluded with a welcome to the new City Council Clerk. City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 President Renner also welcomed the new City Council Clerk. M. ADJOURNMENT With no further business before the Council, President Renner adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m. Jeremy VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2022. Stephen A. Renner City of Gahanna Page 8