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, April 18, 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, April 18, 2022, in Council Chambers. President of Council Stephen Renner called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. 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 April 15, 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: None. C. HEARING OF VISITORS: 1. Proclamation Presentations by Mayor Jadwin 2022-0122 Mayoral Proclamation: Autism Acceptance Month April 2022 Mayor Jadwin presented a Proclamation declaring April 2022 as Autism Acceptance Month to the Harshaw Family, recognizing the advocacy Gene and Gwendolyn Harshaw, parents of Zayne Harshaw, also in attendance. Ms. Harshaw remarked on how music has been an inspirational part of her family. They took their son, Zayne, to various open mics to showcase his talents in playing the guitar. Ms. Harshaw discussed the importance of socialization and connections made with opportunities for performances in the community. Her work with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) and partnership with the Autism Society of Central Ohio, and support from the Gahanna Foundation and Gahanna Sanctuary, has led to the formation of a new band that will start performing in Gahanna the second Sunday of every month beginning in August at the Gahanna Sanctuary. Gene Harshaw remarked on the excitement around founding a band in Gahanna that has City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 prospects to expand nationally. Jadwin encouraged all residents in recognizing the Harshaw’s efforts and advocacy for families impacted by autism and the incredible work they are doing in the City of Gahanna. 2022-0124 Mayoral Proclamation: National Infertility Awareness Week April 24-30, 2022 Mayor Jadwin presented a second Proclamation recognizing April 24-30, 2022, as National Infertility Awareness Week to Megan and John Whiting. Jadwin discussed the difficulties, including the cost and the access to assistance, that many families have in their family-building journeys. Ms. Whiting emphasized that the cost is the number one barrier for families to grow. With National Infertility Awareness Week, this helps raise awareness and start a conversation on what infertility means and looks like because it is different for every family. Recognizing this week is important to the work that the Whitings are doing. Ms. Whiting said that in March they launched their non-profit foundation that will distribute grants to couples in need. Jadwin commended the Whitings for their work and reflected on challenges posed to families. 2. State Representative Mary Lightbody, District 19 President Renner recognized State Representative Mary Lightbody in the audience. Renner said as per custom, the Council invites elected officials in attendance to speak. Rep. Lightbody thanked Renner for the opportunity to speak. Lightbody commended Council for their efforts to bring attention to Earth Day and commit to environmental action through the draft Resolution on the agenda. Lightbody congratulated the City on the work it is doing. She highlighted the usefulness of the electric charging stations and encouraged residents to get a free tree at City Hall next week and participate in some of the upcoming spring events centered on Earth Day and Arbor Day with the Parks & Rec Department. Lightbody also shared some of the work she is doing as a member of the General Assembly. This included being part of a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for environmental legislators. She reviewed two bills she has introduced, including HB 579, which will prohibit surface application of brine from vertical oil and gas wells on Ohio’s roads and highways. Ohio is one of ten states that currently permits the use of the brine as a deicing or dust inhibiting measure by spraying it on roads and surfaces. The brine is brought to the surface as a waste product of oil and gas extraction from vertical wells. Lightbody said this is hazardous because it contains the radioactive elements of Radium 226 and 228, formed when uranium decays. Spreading this brine can contaminate both surface and ground waters in Ohio and can be better managed by putting back into injection wells. The second bill, HB 365, the Safe Drinking Water Act, will require the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to establish maximum contamination levels in drinking water across Ohio for forever chemicals, such as Chromium 614 Dioxane and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Passage of the bill would provide clear guidance to Ohio’s companies on how to maintain healthy environment while continuing to City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 participate in a thriving economy, as well as protecting the health of Ohioans. Lightbody also mentioned other bills awaiting hearing or consideration, including HB 349, which would prohibit construction of new large animal feeding farms until harmful runoff into Lake Erie is reduced by 40%, HB 300, would ban oil and natural gas removal from under Lake Erie, and HB 429 regarding clean energy and energy justice. The last bill, HB 175, recently passed on partisan lines that removes protection for ephemeral streams. Lightbody noted that Ohio EPA Director Laurie Stevenson stressed in her testimony the dangers of deregulation for ephemeral streams because of their importance to watersheds in being located at the top. Therefore, this can affect water quality downstream. Lightbody hoped the bill would be vetoed by the governor to protect freshwater in Ohio. Lightbody highlighted another environmental project led by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources initiative H2Ohio is focused on reducing phosphorous runoffs from agriculture, creating, and restoring wetlands, and ensuring safe drinking water. Lightbody again congratulated the City on its leadership on environmental protection and thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak. D. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2022-0120 CN Meeting Minutes 4.4.2022 End of Consent Agenda A motion was made by Schnetzer, 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 E. RESOLUTIONS RES-0011-2022 A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE CITY OF GAHANNA'S COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION AND RECOGNIZING APRIL 22, 2022, AS EARTH DAY President Renner said that since he was sick and not able to attend the Committee meeting where this Resolution had been discussed, he wanted to address some things that he heard in watching and listening to the discussion from home. Renner introduced his PowerPoint presentation, stressing that one of the greatest disappointments for him of society in the 21st century is the mixture of science with political ideology. Scientific literacy among most is declining, and in its place is the marketing and Ponzi schemes of snake oil salesman long ago. He noted that it has been weaponized today for the sole purpose of political positioning. This is wasteful, harmful, and overwhelmingly detrimental for the growth of society, especially in the realms of innovation and freedom and is distorting our view of reality and disallowing us to talk. Renner continued, stating that climate change is real. The number one goal of City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 the MORPC Regional Sustainability Agenda includes improving air quality and reducing the effects of climate change to protect public health and the environment. This statement was not his own but from the MORPC model agenda and based on simple truths in the scientific literature. Not recognizing the value of the power of local to address to this issue is hampering our abilities to truly help and even having a frank discussion with facts. Renner said he used to give many public talks on climate change for the sole mission of just educating and increasing literacy in this regard. He said that tonight he is speaking with no political overtones, just facts. Renner began with the basics, noting Earth has natural cyclical processes that maintain and sustain all the elements necessary for life to exist, such as water, nitrogen, and carbon. The water cycle is the natural process of recycling and reclaiming water through evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and collection. The nitrogen cycle is the second important cyclical process. Nitrogen is 78% of our atmosphere and is a very stable molecule with itself. It takes the power of lightening, as well as very specialized bacteria, to break it apart and to be combined by others into increasingly more complex nitrogen containing molecules such as DNA, amino acids, and proteins. The carbon cycle is yet another natural biochemical process whereby carbon moves through biosphere from the simplest molecule, carbon dioxide, through to much more complex molecules. Carbon is the backbone of life: DNA, amino acids, proteins, etc. It is also the backbone of fossil and biomass fuels. It also plays a large role in geology in terms of slightly acidic carbonates, forming calcite, magnesite, a dolomite, or carbon alone forming graphite and diamonds. These three cycles are so important, that any changes in them, can cause large unintended consequences in the status of life on Earth. Some might wonder a bit what governs these processes, what causes the next step to occur, and what provides the energy for these things to happen. Renner discussed what is not readily seen in the simple cycles are the multitude of “feedback signals,” and buffers within them Feedback loops are just other parts of these cycles at the chemical level where the output of the next step is either positively or negatively reinforced. For example, as with the water cycle, just because water evaporates or is pulled out of plants through transpiration, does not necessary mean there will be condensation readily. And the same with precipitation. For example, how many hot summer days have you seen clouds but there is no rain? It is beyond the scope of this simple introductory but know there are other processes involved that feedback into the system to determine whether the cycle proceeds to the next step or not. There are essential and natural processes to either exchange or build upon essential nutrients, recycle and reclaim moisture, and to balance the energy absorbed. More importantly, all deal with land, rivers, lakes, oceans, and the air. Overconsumption and pollution are threatening all three of these cycles in ways we humans never intended, nor want. But one cannot solve a problem without truly recognizing there is a problem. For our Resolution’s purposes and to the point of celebrating Earth Day, the most important one to discuss is the Carbon Cycle. CO2 is a natural product of the accumulative respiration of life and within the biosphere, and even some non-life sources from geothermal venting and volcanic activity. Many scientists have been able to create a simple graph of carbon dioxide levels over time spanning 800,000 years. One might wonder where the data in the graph comes from. It comes from ice cores. Renner stated that we know that City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 through digging into land masses, we can peek into Earth’s geologic past and that the same idea is captured with glaciers. A meter-long core sample at specific depths allows for a peek into Earth’s polar past, including the trapped air in these cores. The data has been corroborated with data from our understanding of geology, and to a certain extent by fossil record, including tree ring studies of ancient trees. Renner reminded that the philosophy of science is to always disprove. The goal of science is never set out to prove a concept but try to eliminate other inferences in investigations. Renner referenced the atmospheric carbon dioxide presentation slide, stating the graph showed a cyclical pattern which people can expect. That is, until the graph’s sharp increase during recent modern times. Continuingly measuring the CO2 levels in the atmosphere at five locations around the world is very clear, measurable, and testable. CO2 is increasing in Earth’s atmosphere. Renner asked where this relatively “new” source of CO2 originated. Through careful analysis of the carbon cycle, it appears the source of additional CO2 is coming from, in the largest part, the burning of fossil fuels. Simple high school chemistry shows us that efficient and complete burning of a hydrocarbon yields CO2 and water. For every pound of coal burned, 2.07 pounds of CO2 is released. For every gallon of gas burned, this equation shows us that about 20 pounds of CO2 will be released. It was estimated in 2019 that human activities released nearly 16 gigatons of CO2 in the atmosphere. Renner said it does not take anyone long to look up online just how much coal, oil, and gas is consumed. Nearly all these products are burned to capture the energy within the chemical bonds of hydrocarbons for energy - energy to power trucks, cars, buses, airplanes, ships, trains, and for industrial processes such as steel, aluminum, and others. There are newer technologies that provide hope that do not burn hydrocarbons, but these are not fully deployed yet. Renner noted there was a time he tried to get one of those technologies established in Gahanna that would have used the methane that is still to this day is coming from the landfill. The burning of biomass products, such as wood and grasses, follow the same chemistry. Renner asked what the CO2 added to the atmosphere was doing. Overall, the best tested model is the greenhouse effect, or the warming of Earth’s atmosphere by trapping the sun’s rays. He provided an example of Venus as an example of runaway greenhouse effect. Renner pointed out that in the temperature diagram, we see that the rate of change from normal appears to be increasing. That is worrisome. CO2 is rising every year. The last time Earth saw levels of CO2 this high, there were dinosaurs walking around. We know global temperature anomaly is increasing and solar radiation is not the cause. Unlike Venus, Earth has a very rich biosphere that has been absorbing some of the extra CO2 produced by humans, delaying any real intensive heating. The surface of the Earth is nearly 71% oceans, and thus the oceans have been acting as a buffer for CO2 and heat. One problem, however, dissolving CO2 into water does create carbonic acid. Our oceans are showing signs of severe acidification in the bleaching of coral reefs and causing other ecosystem havoc. As the oceans are becoming more acidic, less oxygen is dissolved in the water. Also, another difference we know is that heat trapped gets dissolved into the ocean as well. While this heat transport can have a cooling effect of the air, that energy transferred to the ocean releases itself later into the atmosphere. He pointed to a diagram of a map of temperature change from 1993-2019. Earth’s atmosphere is amazing City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 in the oscillators that help distribute and, in some cases, may help dissipate some of the heat trap: ENSO, AO, NAO to name a few. Anyone can visit the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) website and review the processes the climate goes thru over the long haul. What is important is to understand that climate and weather are not the same thing. Climate is the study of changes in the atmosphere, including its relationship to the surface over a long period. Weather, on the other hand, is simply the current meteorological activity of a specific place and time. The heat that is being trapped is causing changes in our weather patterns. In another slide, Renner mentioned that this is also factual and readily apparent as the western US continues to experience its 22 years of drought, the increase in the number of more powerful storms, and the perturbations in precipitation patterns all over the US. Renner reiterated that CO2 is increasing, overall Earth temperature is increasing, and there are signs that the climate is adjusting along with it. Climate prediction is getting better, but it takes a lot of study to understand the nuances therein. What is more relevant and more important is to focus on what we know to be true, that along with the CO2 and temperatures increasing, the oceans and atmosphere are compensating in ways that are beyond the natural cycles. Renner said that some would have you believe that these are solely national level issues and that others shrug and claim there is nothing that can be done since China, or other industrialized places, will not follow carbon reducing plans. Renner said that may be, however, in his mind, this issue is very much a local matters issue. The “Think globally. Act locally.” is a mantra of most Earth Day celebrations. Renner concluded by asking what one can do. Reduce pollution as much as you reasonably can, recycle, and re-use are important actions. Specifically, he asked one to reflect on these items: 1) do you really need to rid your yard of clover, with all its nitrogen fixating nodules? 2) Where do you think excess fertilizer that was applied to your yard go when it rains? 3) reduce your water footprint by reexamining the water used by your home, 4) look for ways to reduce your carbon footprint (do you need to use a gas mower?), 5) do you need to drive everywhere, or can you walk or ride a bike? 6) are you purchasing the best mileage you can get or are their alternative fuel vehicles that may be better? 7) do you promote mass transit? And 8) have you considered solar for your power needs? He said that even a small portion would help, and these are just a handful of ideas. Renner summed that the climate is changing, increasing levels of CO2 are the cause, human activities are the cause of increasing levels of CO2, which is increasing the amount of heat trapped in our biosphere, and one can do something to help, right here in our community, in one’s own yard, and in one’s own life choices. He asked everyone to join in the celebration of Earth Day and all its causes. Renner said that even one change that you make can have an impact. A motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Padova, that the Resolution be passed and adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner F. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING: ORD-0017-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTH O R I Z I N G A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - MORPC INTERN City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 This Ordinance was Introduced. ORD-0018-2022 AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF LAND FROM VALUE RECOVERY GROUP II, LLC This Ordinance was Introduced. G. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING / ADOPTION: ORD-0016-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH STRAWSER PAVING COMPANY, INC., FOR THE 2022 RESIDENTIAL STREET PROGRAM ST-1090 Council Member Weaver said that he had received a couple follow-up questions from constituents that he would like to ask administration regarding the Ordinance. He thanked administration for answering the questions he had posed to them already on the matter. Weaver asked administration to review what the inspection process looks like when a constituent raises a concern, such as the “honeycombing,” and also confirm that when a constituent raises a concern that the City’s team is going out into the field to check on those. John Moorehead, City Engineer, confirmed that the City employs two full-time project inspectors. During the summer months, the inspectors’ primary responsibility is to follow through the construction process of the street program, observe the day-to-day activities that are taking place, document those, and report back on their findings to Jason Collins, Project Administrator, as well as to Moorehead. Moorehead added that whenever the City receives a report from a resident or anyone involved who has observed something in the field, this is processed and then someone is dispatched, which could be Mr. Collins or Mr. Moorehead, to meet with the resident. If the resident is not available, at a minimum, the City will attempt to observe and investigate the concern that had been raised. If there is cause from the City’s perspective for concern, the City will take these concerns back to the contractor and seek a remedy from the contractor. Weaver followed up specific to the honeycombing issue, that when dirt gets back filled on the side of the curb, that inspection is taking place. Moorehead presented a slide of the honeycombing issue to help the public and Council understand what happens. He showed the back of a curb that was poured as a spot repair that had been excavated due to the curb failing and then re-poured as a section of about 10 feet. When the concrete is poured, a wooden board is placed on the backside to hold it in place as the concrete forms. Moorehead added that once the concrete has cured enough to no longer need the board’s support, it is removed. Honeycombing occurs when the fine mortar and sand does not fully press up against the form (board). This is common in concrete. Moorehead restated Mr. Weaver’s question. He said that when the form is removed and the condition of honeycombing exists, it is possible that it does not get observed by an inspector. Inspectors are not present during every phase of construction at every site around the City. Moorehead noted the inspectors are active throughout the day at sites to monitor for conditions, such as honeycombing, routinely. When conditions are identified, the City City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 seeks to have those removed and replaced. If there is a report of a condition and the City was not present, the City will ask the contractors to go back and expose the backside of the curb, or the City will do it themselves so that an inspection can be conducted before it is backfilled. Weaver said that is what he wanted to know. Weaver asked the City administration to confirm that they were confident with the work Strawser previously performed for the City. Mr. Moorehead and Grant Crawford, Director of Public Service and Engineering, both confirmed that they were. Council Member McGregor noted that within the voids exposed with sections where the honeycombing is present, water will get in and freeze and thaw and get underneath the surface of the curb. A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Angelou, that the Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner H. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & EMERGENCY ADOPTION: ORD-0019-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A BARGAINING UNIT AGREEMENT FOR THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, OHIO LABOR COUNCIL, INC FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2022, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024, WAIVING SECOND READING AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY President Renner invited Miranda Vollmer, Director of Administrative Services, to speak on the Ordinance, as well as the supplemental appropriation prepared separately as ORD-0020-2022. Director Vollmer stated that on behalf of the City’s administration and the Division of Police, they are requesting authorization for the Mayor to sign the successor agreement between the City and the FOP-OLC bargaining unit. She noted that the bargaining unit had voted in favor of adopting the agreement. The reason for the waiver and emergency is so that the new contract is confirmed to be retroactive to January 1, 2022, and back pay can be issued to 911 dispatchers, and so that the City can meet SERB filing deadlines as required by state law. Vollmer highlighted some of the big changes as follows: the title of 911 dispatcher to “communications technicians I and II,” with internal investigations, citizens now have 90 days to file a complaint against dispatchers, probationary periods continue for one year following training, wage adjustments to step one and two to be more competitive with the market, a 3.25% pay increase in years 2022, 2023, and 2024, and establishing that the communications technicians will move to the high deductible health plan in 2023 and years thereafter. Renner noted it would be a shift getting used to the terms of communications technicians I & II. Renner asked if there were any other questions or comments from the Council. Vice President Bowers asked Director Vollmer to summarize the new financial obligations to the City as a result of the contract. Vollmer asked if Bowers would like her to repeat it. Bowers asked that Vollmer just summarize City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 the new financial obligations to the City. Vollmer stated that she needed to get that information from her computer to summarize the overall impact. After some time, Vollmer stated that she could get the information from (Finance Director Joann Bury), but that she is not able to find it in her email at the moment. Council Member Angelou asked Bowers what she was looking for specifically, whether it was all the raises, or all the information Council has had on this. Bowers noted there is increased compensation, annual service credit, signing bonus stipend, and HSA contributions. In addition to all those items, Bowers said she was looking for clarity and articulation on the cost as line-items and the overall net change. Director Vollmer attempted again to locate the information in email. Renner asked if Vollmer could email the information to the Council. Bowers emphasized that it was being voted on tonight and proposed moving the item to the end of the agenda, tabling to see if the information could be located and then come back. Renner asked Bowers whether her vote was predicated on the value of the information. Bowers said she thought it was an important part of the discussion and that she would like to have the information in the record prior to the vote. Angelou noted attachments on iLegislate and added that the Council had this discussion in Executive Session. Bowers said it was not her intent and did not mean to catch Vollmer off guard. After a brief pause in the meeting, Mayor Jadwin said the administration reached out to Director Bury and that Bury would email the information to Vollmer shortly. Renner proposed moving to the next item of business (I. Correspondence and Actions) and then returning to Item H. Angelou said that there was a spot in Article XX, Wages (p. 22), on compensation and asked whether this was part of information being sought. Bowers said she could move to table the current item. Council Member Weaver asked Bowers if there were other questions she had. Bowers said she had other questions but did not want to distract Vollmer. Angelou asked Bowers to proceed with other questions. Bowers confirmed with Vollmer that the City does not have an obligation after December of 2024 to fund HSAs under the contract. Vollmer said that was incorrect. Vollmer said that for 2023 and 2024 the City agreed with the union to pay $2,000 for a single plan and $4,000 into the HAS for all other plans. Beyond 2024, the language states that the City will fund half the deductible or whatever other city employees are getting (the greater of these). Vollmer stated that if the unclassified get two and four, that’s more than half the deductible, then that’s what the FOP-OLC would get as well. The deductibles for the health plan are $3,000 first per single and $6,000 for all other plans. Bower asked whether the clause would still be enforceable somehow if the contract expires on December 31, 2024. Vollmer said that clause would have to be negotiated in the next successor collective bargaining agreement. Bowers confirmed with Vollmer that even though there is an expectation that the City would continue to contribute to HSAs, short of the next contract affirming that, there is no obligation to the City. Vollmer replied it has to be negotiated but the language traditionally in collective bargaining agreements once language is agreed to in the contract it continues forward into the successor agreement, specifically with economics. Bowers thanked Vollmer for updating her report to make sure the City had all the financial impact considered and providing the side letter as well. Vollmer reported the increase in costs for this contract for wages, including service credit, is $145,000. The difference in health insurance savings is $7,000 per year, for a total of $131,000. Renner asked if there was City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 any other discussion. Bowers said she wanted to thank and recognize hard-working union members and union leadership for coming to the table to negotiate the contract and the administration’s team for their hard work on this. Bowers said she is concerned about the expansion of high deductible health insurance for first responders. She understood the appeal that premium expenses are lower for both workers and the employer and the portability of HSAs but added that she believed the plans put at risk the health of employees. Citing a 2019 article from the Business Journal for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Bowers said big companies JPMorgan Chase and CVS have cut back high deductible plans because they became aware that workers had stopped filling critical prescriptions and not getting important health care due to the costs. She noted that experts in the article cited had agreed that the costs were not significantly reduced with these plans and come with shifting costs to employees and potentially putting their health at stake. Bowers added that high deductible plans have different impacts on whether the employee is younger and healthy or alternatively if they, or a family member, were older or had chronic health conditions. First responders deserve to have good quality health insurance, not just when they are healthy but if they, or their loved ones, have some major medical event. Bowers respected the vote of the union members and emphasized that she is ultimately glad the City will be contributing significantly to the HSAs, increasing compensation to dispatchers, and expanding complaint reporting and discipline record retention. Overall, Bowers said she is optimistic the contract would create a good working environment for communications workers and ensure the health, welfare, and safety of those living and working in the City. A motion was made by Angelou, seconded by Schnetzer, that the Ordinance be Introduced, Second Reading Waived, and Adopted as an Emergency. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner ORD-0020-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTH O R I Z I N G A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - DISPATCH WAGES, WAIVING SECOND READING AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Council Member McGregor said she did not see a point in having a waiver and emergency, as the Council has already appropriated enough to cover what the contract is increasing. She noted there would be plenty of money already available to pay and allow this to go through the regular process. Director Vollmer said there is sufficient funding that has been appropriated, but that it will run out without the supplemental. McGregor agreed, but that it would not run out until the end of the year. If Council allowed this to go through the regular legislative process, without the waiver and emergency, there would still be plenty of money already appropriated. Vollmer said that is correct and added that it is the administration’s recommendation after checking with the Department of Finance, that this is done altogether with the implementation of the contract so all the parts and pieces can be kept track at one time. McGregor said she did not understand what difference this made, since Council would be voting on it at the same time and meeting. McGregor requested that the waiver and emergency be removed. Renner asked if it City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 could be stated as a motion. McGregor moved to remove the waiver of second reading and declaration of emergency from ORD-0020-2022. She emphasized that she did not see the need for it. Renner asked whether there was a second. Bowers seconded the motion. Renner asked for discussion on the motion. Council Member Weaver clarified that if the motion passed that the Ordinance would then have to come back to Council. Renner said it would have to come back on a second reading. McGregor acknowledged this to be true and that this would be a first reading. Renner said it would be a delay of two weeks. Weaver asked Vollmer to explain the administration’s preference of implementing the two ordinances at the same time. Vollmer restated that it is for an administrative reason to ease the burden on the Department of Finance and Department of Human Resources to implement this contract. In addition, the City needed to ensure it had the proper funding when it is filed with SERB. Vollmer said that as it stands, if this were to not be passed with the contract, the City would not be able to show proper appropriations to implement with the contract in full until the supplemental is approved, which would put the City short on a 30-day timeline to file with SERB. Renner asked Vollmer to explain SERB. Vollmer said that SERB is the state’s office of collective bargaining. They handle all issues surrounding collective bargaining, fact finding, conciliation, etc. She noted it is required by state law that the City files annual reports with SERB. In addition, with any successor collective bargaining agreements, state code states that the City would have 30 days from certain actions to file this. It is not the labor union’s responsibility to file the contract with SERB. A multi-page summary is filed by the HR team demonstrating what the new financial burdens are on the City and the different health insurance plans. Bowers asked whether it would ease the burden on the administration if second reading was waived but did not waive declaring an emergency. Vollmer said supplementals go into effect right away, so there is no 30-day wait on supplementals. Bowers said that there is no need for an emergency on this anyway. Vollmer said that was correct. Council Member Schnetzer said he was going to ask Vollmer if in the report to SERB, whether it included reference to the appropriation and the dollars requested. Vollmer said she believed it did. McGregor stated that she was withdrawing her motion. City Attorney Mularski made a point of order. Mularski stated the second to the motion must be withdrawn first before the mover can withdraw the motion entirely. Bowers stated her withdrawal of a second on McGregor’s motion. McGregor withdrew her motion. A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Angelou, that the Ordinance be Introduced, Second Reading Waived, and Adopted as an Emergency. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner I. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: Clerk - None. City of Gahanna Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 Council - None. J. REPRESENTATIVES: Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver Council Member Weaver noted there would be a meeting tomorrow morning at 8am in the Committee Room. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou Council Member Angelou noted that last Thursday was her last meeting as Chair for the meeting and she opened with the song of the month, “I Did It My Way.” Additionally, the meeting included Delaware County Deputy Chief Keith Cox and a therapy dog named Otto helping to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, an update on the State of the Region which included over 800 community leaders in Central Ohio, plans for the next State of the Region to be held April 18, 2023, and the MORPC elections. Angelou noted the new leadership at MORPC and congratulated Erik Janas, Chair, Chris Amorose-Grooms, Vice-Chair, and Michelle Crandall, Secretary, as well as the new Executive Committee. In other business, Angelou reported that September 17-21, 2022 the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) annual conference will be held in Columbus, MORPC has resources for navigating the opportunities related to the Intel project, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Link Us Mobility Initiative (investment in mass transit), rural transportation planning, regional data advisory committee work with 3D mapping, development of regional fiber networks, update on recent state reappropriations to ensure previously dedicated projects continued to receive funding, distracted driving legislation, upcoming primary and redistricting updates, state capital budget updates, and regional defense assets discussion. There was a Resolution on MORPC funding commitment for the US 33 / 161, Post Road Interchange Project due to increasing costs. MORPC Sustainability Advisory Committee partnered with Ohio State for free technical assistance to communities including Gahanna, Somerset, Reynoldsburg, and Bexley. In addition, Angelou reviewed Celebrate Trails Day on April 23, 2022, and Air Quality Awareness Week. Mayor Jadwin was welcomed as the new Vice-Chair of the Sustainability Advisory Committee. Angelou also noted other MORPC events, such as a lunch on Rapid 5, Building a Community of Belonging, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Angelou remarked on her experiences as being the Chair of MORPC and working with wonderful staff and colleagues. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Council Member Padova said volunteers are still needed for the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. Interested volunteers can sign up on City of Gahanna Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 CreeksideBluesandJazz.com. This year marks the 50th Anniversary year for being the Herb Capital of Ohio. There will be commemorative t-shirts available for purchase at the Herb Center. School Board (SB) - Bowers Vice President Bowers shared that the application packet was submitted to the Planning Department for the high school project. Those items will come forward on a future Planning Commission agenda. The superintendent search is underway with finalists expected to be selected by the end of the month. There will be a community engagement phase, with a final selection expected to be made in the first half of May. Tonight, there is a conversation on diversity and inclusion at the high school. Bowers is looking forward to hearing about takeaways from that discussion. K. OFFICIAL REPORTS: Mayor Mayor Jadwin thanked all of those who attended the State of the City. It was energizing to engage with residents, business owners, partners, and stakeholders in attendance. Jadwin expressed thanks to council members who were able to attend, as well as the non-profit and service organizations that participated in the informational tables, and restaurants that donated the delicious food. There will be a video recap posted on the City’s YouTube Channel and website by the end of the month for all to view and see the information shared at the event. Jadwin provided some updates on the 2021 Sidewalk Program. The City’s team is in the process of reviewing the inspection data and compiling construction estimates for the properties that were within the 2021 program (about 300 properties). The next step legislatively will be a Resolution of Necessity that will include all the estimates to authorize the assessments to be issued. Once the Resolution of Necessity is adopted by Council, a maintenance notification letter will be sent to the properties impacted within the Sidewalk Program area. It is expected the Resolution of Necessity will be brought forward the first Committee of the Whole meeting in May. The notification letters would then go out the following week (week of May 16, 2022). Also, Jadwin said a few weeks ago Director Crawford noted AmeriScapes informed the City that they were going out of business and that the City was hurriedly trying to find another company to help in the interim to help with necessary work. Unfortunately, due to staffing shortages, there was no company that said they could step up and help on an immediate need. Bids were opened on Friday, so there will be another company to bring forward at the Committee of the Whole meeting for a waiver and emergency so that the work can begin the second week of May. Jadwin said that Council might see grass looking a little bit taller than usual, but that City crews are doing the best they can to fill in this gap in addition to their regular workload. Jadwin asked for Council to assure anyone who might comment or ask about the conditions that the city staff is doing the best they City of Gahanna Page 13 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 can in the transition to a new company. This Wednesday, Make Gahanna Yours is having their last winter farmer’s market at the Gahanna Sanctuary from 4-7 p.m. The first summer market will be in June on Wednesday nights in the City’s lot. City departments are supportive of this and trying to make it happen and create a nice evening at Creekside. Midweek at the Creek will be back, and it will make for a nice environment in that area. Grinaversary will recognize 50 years of GRIN’s work in the community. The City of Gahanna’s team has been challenged to donate items to give to GRIN, such as tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, pasta, and canned fruit. Council is welcome to donate as well. This Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., GRIN will be in the parking lot as part of the Shred It and Recycle event to receive donations from the community as well. For Earth Day, Make Gahanna Yours is hosting a litter pick-up event around the City and looking for volunteers to assist. Jadwin expressed her thanks to SWACO for the grant on the food waste program launch. This program will help collect food scraps that residents can drop-off at a stie located at Friendship Park to be composted. This is a free program, but the City is asking for residents to register. The first 100 residents that register will receive a free five-gallon bucket to use for composting. They will be available for pick-up at City Hall. The registration link is on Gahanna.gov. City Attorney - None. L. COUNCIL COMMENT Council Member Angelou wished everyone a Happy Easter and hoped for warm weather. Angelou wished everyone to work together to get things done. Council Member Weaver thanked the Harshaw and Whiting families for being in Chambers this evening and to the Mayor for bringing forward the proclamations for Autism Acceptance Month and National Infertility Awareness. He said these were issues that affected more families than we know. He thanked Representative Lightbody for coming to speak, for her leadership, and update. Weaver congratulated Ms. Angelou on her tenure as Chair at MORPC and for her efforts. Weaver thanked President Renner on his presentation and for Council on their work and support on the Resolution. He said he was not a scientist, or physicist, or chemist, but that he shared the belief - the fact - that climate change is real and that he has more to do on his part and encouraged others to do all that they can. Council Member Padova thanked President Renner for his presentation. She said it inspired her to think how she could do better as well. Padova said this week is volunteer appreciation week. She commended organizations and nonprofits in the city that rely on the amazing volunteers in the community. She said she sees it firsthand with her work at GRIN and all that happens with the Farmer’s Market. Thank You to all those who volunteer in the community. Vice President Bowers thanked President Renner for his presentation and City of Gahanna Page 14 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 information on the carbon cycle and how local action matters. Bowers thanked Representative Lightbody for attending and sharing the important work she was doing at the Statehouse, including efforts in clean water. Bowers is interested in the bill introduced regarding brine from oil and gas wells and its application on roads as a deicer. Bowers also thanked all the students in attendance and said it was good to see students and guests attending meetings. With respect to things at the Statehouse, Bowers said that HB 468 is creating a three-digit suicide prevention hotline instead of the traditional 1-800 number. The legislature is working on rolling out 988 created as a result of federal legislation requiring a three-digit suicide prevention hotline. Bowers supports this and hoped other support it as well to reduce the impact of suicide attempts and mental health crisis. For this Saturday, Bowers is looking forward to the shred it and recycling event, GRIN donation drive, litter clean-up, and the various activities involved in reducing our carbon footprint. President Renner expressed his thanks to Representative Lightbody on her update and work on environmental issues. On the issue of brine, Renner said that he is very aware of this through his professional work, as well as aware of the forever chemicals and watching this closely. He said it is important to understand as a water utility what else we might have to do in terms of monitoring and reporting. Renner was able to watch last Monday evening’s presentation by the Division of Police. He said this was one of the best presentations that was done and thanked Lieutenant Moffitt and Lieutenant Akers of the Highway Patrol and to Chief Spence. They did a superb job introducing distracted driving and setting it at a higher level of safe driving and risky behaviors. Renner added that Lt. Moffitt noted the reality of the environment police officers are working in. He appreciated Lt. Moffit’s articulation of the police force as a set of professionals who are still going to do their job regardless. Renner expressed thanks to Mayor Jadwin and the staff putting work into Earth Day events. He said he is going to get one of the bins for the food waste campaign. M. EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Padova, to enter Executive Session under the authority of Section 5.40(a) of the Council Rules of Procedure to consider the appointment of a public employee or official. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner The Council rose to report to Executive Session at 8:47 p.m. The Council rose to report from Executive Session at 8:57 p.m. with no further action. City of Gahanna Page 15 City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2022 N. ADJOURNMENT With no further business before the Council, President Renner adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2022. Stephen A. Renner City of Gahanna Page 16