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 A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council Monday, August 1, 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, August 1, 2022, in Council Chambers. President of Council Stephen A. Renner called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Vice President of Council Merisa K. Bowers delivered an Invocation and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda for this meeting was published on July 29, 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: There were no additions or corrections to the agenda. C. HEARING OF VISITORS: 1. Proclamation Presentation by Mayor Jadwin 2022-0242 Mayoral Proclamation - National Black Business Month 2022-08 Jadwin stated that the month of August is National Black Business Month, an event created to highlight black business entrepreneurs across the country to empower and recognize the opportunities that they need to have to grow and thrive within the United States. About 10 percent of all United States businesses are black-owned and account for about 3 million business across the country. Jadwin said small businesses are the backbone of Gahanna’s economy. She said “small business” is defined by the City’s Department of Development as ones with 20 employees or less. About 92 percent of the City’s businesses fall within this definition. Jadwin said that one thing that we love about the City is the diversity of the community and how it embraces that diversity. This is something all residents are very proud of. In preparing a proclamation, Jadwin said that instead of just creating one and putting it on City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 the website, that she wanted to recognize Gahanna’s newest black-owned business, Marlow’s Cheesesteaks, and owners Shanika and Jomar Sheppard. Jadwin shared that one of her best friends had grown up in South Philly. When the friend visited Marlow’s, the friend shared with Jadwin that the food was spot-on. Jadwin shared this was high praise, as this friend can be particular about Philly cheesesteak. Jadwin presented the proclamation to the Sheppards. She noted that the couple’s success began as a mobile food cart. They were at the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, doing events and festivals all around the community, and then had a space at Easton Mall. They were only the second black-owned business at Easton. The Sheppards chose Gahanna for their very first brick and mortar community because of, in their words, “the community’s reputation for embracing and supporting its small businesses.” Jadwin thanked the Sheppards for their investment in the community. She added it was an honor to recognize them and that the City looked forward to helping them continue to grow their business. 2. Noah Dennison of 264 Miller Ave., Columbus, Ohio, spoke on budget and neighborhood crime. Mr. Dennison shared that he grew up in Gahanna and that his parents still lived in the community. His sister spoke a couple weeks ago. Dennison said his sister and coworkers over the course of the summer experienced quite a bit of discord with things going on at the pool. Working at the pool was his first job as well. Dennison said that things have changed quite a bit. As a sociology student, hearing these issues, along with those that were expressed by Mr. Craig shortly after [his sister and other spoke] presented an interesting research question for him. He asked why a quiet suburb like Gahanna famously listed at number 96 on the 2007 Money Magazine’s top 100 places to live faced with such disarray. Dennison added that he spent time over the last two weeks attempting to diagnose that problem. First, he said as a scientific basis, according to a 2021 study by behavioral scientists Benoit De Courson and Daniel Nettle, socioeconomic inequality invariably produces high crime and low social trust. Harsher police-enforced punishments do very little, if anything, to fix that. Dennison added that most research suggests this has the opposite effect. So, why, then, does the City of Gahanna commit 41 percent of its operating budget to the Police Department? Dennison said that Chief Spence mentioned in 2019 in defense of Issue 12 that we have a choice in what the future of this community looks like. Dennison stated that Spence asked who would work for Gahanna’s department rather than Dublin, for example. According to Dennison, public safety accounts for 9 percent, compared to 41 percent, of Dublin’s 2022 proposed expenditures, despite having 25 percent more residents and twice as many full-time officers as the City of Gahanna. Furthermore, median individual income in Gahanna as of the 2020 Census is $42,660. He said that this meant the Chief Spence alone makes over three-and-a-half times as much in a year than half of Gahanna’s residents. A new officer, fresh out of the academy, would make around one-and-a-half times the median income. The Gahanna Police Department alone accounts for as much as the next five city budget items combined, yet unruly teenagers and entitled parents were apparently outside of [the Department’s] capacity. Dennison proposed that City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 considering this, the City should perhaps focus efforts elsewhere. There are answers to the social issues at hand. According to the science, and although it may seem counterintuitive to some, these answers do not always include handing nearly half of all the annual budget to the police. Above all, the City needs to be creative and compassionate in safety policy and public budgeting decisions moving forward. Coming up with solutions that do not stop and start with hiring more officers and handing out harsher punishments will take work, but as Martin Van Buren once said, “It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.” 3. Daniel Woods of 1016 Ashmead Rd., Gahanna, Ohio, spoke on bike safety. Mr. Woods stated he has been a resident of the City for 25 years. He said he was asked to speak about bike safety and safety on the roads. Woods said he is a member of the Major Taylor Cycling Club founded in 1979 in Columbus. There are a lot of Gahanna residents who are members of the club. Regarding safety, Woods stressed that some things that really need to be looked at is having more lights on people and more signs put up to make people aware of cyclists and runners. As a driver, he sees a lot of runners running the wrong way on the street in the middle of the night, sometimes early morning, with no reflective materials on them, which is dangerous for everybody. He thanked the Council for the invitation to speak. 4. Patricia Kovacs of 527 Haversham Dr., Gahanna, Ohio, spoke on the Safe Driving Resolution. Ms. Kovacs thanked the Council for the invitation to speak on Safe Driving and Share the Road Awareness Month. She is the chair of the Bicycle and Trail Advisory Committee (BTAC). This Committee has worked over the years to provide a safe walking and bicycling environment for citizens. The Committee advises the City on infrastructure projects which promote walking and biking. Kovacs said that they also developed Safe Routes to School travel plans. This effort identified the barriers for children to walk or bike to school. Gahanna has made many improvements since that time, which include sidewalks, side paths, trails, pedestrian beacons and signals, and completion of the Big Walnut Trail from Morse Road to Price Road. This benefits all Gahanna residents. All the sidewalks and safe crossings have improved the walkability and bikeability for children in neighborhoods previously isolated from the schools and parks. Kovacs shared that the Committee helped designate shared bike routes and residential neighborhoods to guide residents on low traffic, low-speed roads. She thanked City Council and staff for funding and implementing the improvements to the City’s infrastructure. The Committee continues to prioritize future projects and keeps the City informed on what the group thinks is the best thing to do going froward. The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on active transportation. Many families survived the lockdown by getting outside on bikes or walking. Because it was difficult to find bicycles, BTAC was able to provide bikes to people who could not find them. They repair used bikes supplied by the Gahanna Police Department and residents and give them to those in need. She said that unfortunately the empty streets during the lockdown led to many motorists City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 driving unsafely. Kovacs said we are still seeing the impact of these behaviors in speeding and red light running. The number of pedestrians killed on Ohio roads increased from 129 in 2019 to 173 in 2021, a 34 percent increase. She added that the number of bicyclists killed decreased from 23 in 2019 to 16 in 2020 when traffic volume was lower but then increased to 28 fatalities in 2021, a 75 percent increase from the previous year. Kovacs said that although Gahanna residents are generally courteous to pedestrians and cyclists, there are sometimes motorists who drive dangerously. She stated that she often writes on social media to remind residents to yield to pedestrians and drive cautiously around bicyclists. Unfortunately, some have responded that people should not run on the roads or ride on the sidewalks. Kovacs said that she reminds people that others may ride on all roads except highways, freeways, and on sidewalks in residential neighborhoods, which most of Gahanna is residential. She said that the “three D’s” that the group fears the most when walking and cycling are “drunk, drugged, and distracted” drivers. The focus of the last few years of the statewide advocacy organization known as the Ohio Bike Federation has been encouraging Ohio to adopt stricter cell phone and electronic device legislation. She said the organization participated in the ODOT-led Distracted Driving Task Force which helped draft distracted driving legislation. The latest bill, House Bill 283, despite Governor DeWine’s endorsement, the state legislature is not moving on the bill. In the meantime, Gahanna could make texting while driving a primary offense like they have done in Columbus. Kovacs said she could go on about the ways to make Gahanna safer for walking and bicycling, but instead invited others to join BTAC in cheering on the Pelotonia riders who are raising funds for the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Cancer Research Center. The group will be meeting on Saturday, August 6, at Veterans Park at 8:30 a.m. to bike to Taylor Road to cheer on riders. There are opportunities for people to stop along Taylor Road between Morrison and Rice Avenue between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. when cyclists are expected to pass through. She advised arriving on a side street to avoid driving on the Pelotonia route. She thanked Vice President Bowers for proposing the Resolution. She offered to all in attendance an informational tip sheet on bicycles and pedestrians. 5. Sharon Montgomery of 572 Bonnington Way, Gahanna, Ohio, spoke on support for RES-0023-2022. Ms. Montgomery said she strongly supported Resolution 0023-2022 and its goal to remind all about the urgency for safety on roads. Public roads are rightfully used by people operating all kinds of motor and non-motor vehicles and people walking. These people are more vulnerable than those inside cars and trucks. Montgomery said the each of us has a responsibility to use our roads safely and with awareness and respect for each other. She said it is too easy to get caught up in the busyness of one’s life and forget this responsibility. Reminders are helpful. It is also human nature to think something bad on the road “won’t happen to me” but it can in a split second. She said that last week when she drove west on Agler Road toward Stelzer, a little dog ran toward her. She was able to stop suddenly and miss hitting the dog. The driver behind Montgomery was able to stop suddenly and miss hitting her. She said that if either of them had been using a phone, the City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 outcome would have been entirely different. Shortly after retiring from the City in 2016, an effort began to address driving under the influence of electronics. She said she is not sure why it fizzled out. One result of this effort was a car magnet (“Stay Alive. Focus on the Drive.”) made available to employees. Montgomery said she still had her magnet on her car and is trying to get the Ohio Traffic Safety Council, of which she is a member, to get it into broader use. She hoped the City would consider bringing back this magnet. If this (or a “Share the Road” sticker) is put on all City vehicles, and made available to employees and the public, the City could greatly expand the awareness provided by the Resolution. As to Section 3, encouraging teens to speak up when a friend is driving distracted, Montgomery said that distraction is most commonly using a phone. Speaking up is hard to do and teens need help. They can be taught, for instance, to simply offer to send the message or look up the driving directions for the teen driver. She noted that school starts in Gahanna a week from Wednesday. With this Resolution as a reminder, Montgomery urged everyone to start practicing alertness now. She thanked the Council for addressing this important issue. D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Facilities for the Future - Opportunity for public comment on proposed facilities project 2022-0238 Facilities for the Future City Webpage Mayor Jadwin noted that the administration has had ongoing conversations with Council dating back to the fall of 2021 regarding an assessment of the City’s facilities. This included the conditions of existing facilities and challenges regarding needed programming space. The discussion also included an exploration of options that are available to address those needs through a series of workshops with Council held in the first quarter of 2022. On July 20, as Council is aware, the administration held a Town Hall meeting with residents to discuss and share information with them around not only the assessments that were done, but also the opportunity that presented itself that would position the City to address the needs of at least three facilities for decades to come. That opportunity is 825 Tech Center Drive. Jadwin said the administration had a great discussion with residents who were present for the Town Hall. There were also residents who watched online and sent in questions through the chat. The Mayor’s Office and the internal facilities committee have developed a timeline for this project. It outlines the actions that need to be taken by Council should the decision be made to pursue this project. The timeline aligns with the seller. In this case, this is a commercial real estate transaction. As such, there are certain parameters over which the City has no control. The timeline has been based upon the seller’s needs and insert as much opportunity for public discussion as possible. Jadwin said that this is the first of three public hearings that will be held. These hearing dates were worked out between the Mayor’s Office, internal facilities committee, and President Renner. After tonight, the next ones will be August 15 and City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 September 6. These are the next regularly scheduled City Council meetings. Jadwin restated that the purpose of this hearing is to allow the public to begin to comment on this project. There is a facilities page that has been added to the website. It has all the assessments that have been done dating back to 2006. It also has a link to the Town Hall and materials from the four workshops that were done by Council earlier this year. President Renner read the hearing rules pursuant to Article IX of Council Rules of Procedure, with proponents instructed that they had seven minutes and opponents had 10 minutes and then three minutes for rebuttal by proponents. This time schedule prevails unless extended by the president of Council without opposition by a councilmember. Everyone addressing Council will approach the lectern and state their name and address for the record. President Renner opened the hearing at 7:22 p.m., inviting proponents to speak first. City Attorney Mularski asked whether President Renner would like speakers to be sworn in. Renner agreed. Mularski instructed speakers to complete a speaker slip and that the hearing would be controlled by the time frames as outlined by President Renner. Mularski asked any persons who were wishing to present testimony to rise and raise their right hand. There were no individuals seeking to provide comment. President Renner invited any opponents to speak. There were none. He encouraged anyone watching to look at the facilities page that the Mayor and staff put together. Renner added that the City is hoping for a very constructive dialogue with the community about this. President Renner closed the hearing at 7:24 p.m. E. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2022-0229 COTW Minutes 7.11.2022 These meeting minutes were Approved on the Consent Agenda. 2022-0230 CN Special Minutes 7.18.2022 These meeting minutes were Approved on the Consent Agenda. 2022-0231 CN Minutes 7.18.2022 These meeting minutes were Approved on the Consent Agenda. City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 2. Motions: MT-0017-2022 A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE & ENGINEERING TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT AND WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING PURSUANT TO CODE SECTION 135.05(e)(3) FOR EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABINET AT US-62 AND OLDE RIDENOUR ROAD This Motion Passed on the Consent Agenda. 3. Resolutions: RES-0023-2022 A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AUGUST 2022 AS SAFE DRIVING AND SHARE THE ROAD AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA This Resolution was Introduced by President Renner and Adopted on the Consent Agenda. RES-0024-2022 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION 2022 PRICING POLICY AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD This Resolution was Introduced by President Renner and Adopted on the Consent Agenda. 4. Ordinances for Second Reading, Adoption: ORD-0034-2022 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND GAHANNA CODE CHAPTER 903 REGARDING SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0035-2022 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND GAHANNA CODE CHAPTER 907 REGARDING DRIVEWAYS AND CURB CUTS This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0036-2022 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND GAHANNA CODE CHAPTER 909 REGARDING DRIVEWAY DRAINAGE This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0037-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ENGINEERING AWARD AND THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH GUDENKAUF CORPORATION, INC FOR BIG WALNUT CREEK FIBER LOOP ST-1095 This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 ORD-0038-2022 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA BUILDING AND ZONING FEE SCHEDULE This Ordinance was Adopted on the Consent Agenda. 5. Ordinances for Introduction/First Reading, Waiver, Adoption: ORD-0042-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS AND WAIVER OF SECOND READING - Traffic Signal Cabinet at US-62 and Olde Ridenour Road This Ordinance was Introduced by President Renner and Adopted on the Consent Agenda. 6. Ordinances for Introduction/First Reading, Waiver, Emergency Adoption: ORD-0045-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH ODOT FOR PURSUIT OF STATE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK (SIB) LOAN, WAIVING SECOND READING AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY - Tech Center Drive Extension This Ordinance was Introduced by President Renner and Adopted on the Consent Agenda. End of Consent Agenda A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Angelou, to Pass the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner F. MOTIONS: MT-0016-2022 A MOTION TO APPOINT PAUL BRYSON TO THE BOARD OF ZONING & BUILDING APPEALS SEAT 5 FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2024 The motion was made by Bowers and seconded by Weaver. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner G. RESOLUTIONS: RES-0022-2022 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF GAHANNA-JEFFERSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDING CITY ORDINANCES IN CHAPTERS 1108 AND 1197 REGARDING DUTIES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 PROJECT President Renner read the Resolution by title into the record. Councilmember McGregor said she very much appreciated the Planning Commission members who expressed their concern with the High School Project at the last Planning Commission meeting. She said she agreed with their concerns and assessments of this project and the very likely ramifications of passing the suspension and deferring of the process. She stated the school board was an elected body just as Council. They rely on, as the Council also relies on, professionals in many areas. She said her comments last Monday were not directed at the school board but those they are relying on. McGregor asked who is in charge and why did Lincoln Elementary get built with none of these issues. Who is watching the timing of all the needed deadlines and why were the deadlines for the bond usage not met? She said she understood there was a change in superintendents and that maybe this would correct some of the situation. McGregor also added that she understood the Brownfield decision that the City must abide by; however, her question was why it got to this point and who was not watching the deadlines for the Planning Commission process and for the bond deadlines. McGregor said she would vote for the suspension of the rules because the City Attorney said the Council needed to, or the Council would need go to court to fight it. She said she would hold her nose and vote for this. It disappointed her that whoever oversees the project has messed the timing up so badly that now Council is forced to suspend and defer its processes for that lack of preparation. This is a project for all of Gahanna. McGregor supported the levy and applauded the community engagement that the school board solicited in planning the building. She hoped the new school would be a great asset for the community. She said a new building is sorely needed. Councilmember Schnetzer said that he had a correction. At the July 25, 2022, Committee of the Whole, he asked what this motion would do and the resulting Memorandum of Agreement. He said he was asking for clarification on whether this would change the order of the process or if it would change the process in effect. After hearing some of the Q&A and back and forth discussion at the July 27, 2022, Planning Commission, it does sound like there are certain steps within the City’s process that will go uncompleted. Schnetzer said that considering the Brownfield decision and considering the advice the City has received from outside counsel and the resulting economics of not passing this, he thought that it is in the community’s best interest to adopt the legislation. Therefore, he is in favor of it. Vice President Bowers thanked the Department of Planning and the Engineering Department, specifically Kelly Wicker and Director Michael Blackford in Planning and Interim Engineer Caitlyn Ridge, as well as the Planning Commission for that work it has done thus far in the process. Bowers said that looking forward, the school board and incoming superintendent have expressed their commitments to working with Gahanna, Jefferson Township, and the greater community to create another much City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 needed, successful, and new school. Bowers is confident that the City stands ready to participate in dialogue, problem solving, and cooperative progress that serves residents and the Gahanna-Jefferson school community. She hoped the offer remained open to work together through the scheduled process that has been negotiated. She understood that this process has maybe been altered but is still going forward. This dialogue and shared expertise will serve the City’s residents. She said she was confident that elected officials would work for the betterment of residents stepping up to ensure success for this project. If City Council can support that path to success, she is confident that all will continue to be willing to do so. Councilmember Weaver said he also wished to thank City staff for its efforts and the school district’s staff. He said he knew that the schools and administration have been in communication for quite some time now on this topic, at least since February. Weaver also thanked the Planning Commission and acknowledged the presence of some Planning Commission members in the audience. He encouraged anyone wanting to attend a professional meeting with experts who take very seriously their job to go to a Planning Commission meeting. This is a dedicated panel of community members who only want what is best for the community. Weaver also thanked the representatives from the school board and school district who were in attendance. From the Ohio Supreme Court in the Brownfield decision, Weaver thought it was clear what must happen here and that in the best interest of the community that the Council should follow that advice from a fiscal perspective, as the City does not want to be litigating this, and in terms of building and fostering community between not only the school district and the City but among individual community members as well. Weaver said he would be voting in support of the Resolution. Councilmember Angelou said she believed she had already expressed her view at the last meeting. Having been a teacher, she said she understood what was going on. She agreed that the City had a wonderful Planning Commission and that they watch everything. She hoped that the things that must be changed to make this [proposal] happen can be put back into the right spots. Angelou indicated she would be supporting this because going to court did not sound good to her. She said it appeared the district had a wonderful new superintendent. Angelou stated that she was sure anything that would not be happening the right way could be worked out. Councilmember Padova thanked the administration and everyone who has been working on this, including everyone on the side of the school who has been working on this to come to this agreement and the City Attorney who had put in a lot of work on this. She believed this was the fiscally responsible thing to do and supporting the schools who support the kids, which is most important. Padova said she would be voting in favor of the Resolution. President Renner said he would also be voting in favor of the Resolution. He also extended thanks to the Mayor and staff, as well as the school board for helping mitigate what was a very complex project. He said there are some City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 comments being made that he thinks are silly and outrageous. One of the things that must be considered is to not criticize until one has walked in another’s shoes. Renner said that comments like ‘holding one’s nose’ was erroneous. He referred to comments he made last week during Committee of the Whole. He said one cannot fully understand until both sides of a very complex project are understood. Renner said he deals with public projects and with their complexities and this project was very complex. Renner asked Planning Commission members to give their years of expertise, to lend them, and volunteer to the school board and be part of the dialogue. This is probably one of the most pivotal projects happening in the City. It was important for the residents that this is correct. A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Weaver, that the Resolution be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- McGregor, Angelou, Bowers, Weaver, Padova, Schnetzer and Renner H. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING: ORD-0041-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF THE ONEOHIO FUND NO. 2440 This Ordinance was Introduced by President Renner. ORD-0043-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Damage to City Property This Ordinance was Introduced by President Renner. ORD-0044-2022 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Water Meter Fees This Ordinance was Introduced by President Renner. ORD-0046-2022 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN OFFICE & INDUSTRIAL INCENTIVE AGREEMENT WITH COLUMBUS AESTHETIC & PLASTIC SURGERY FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS This Ordinance was Introduced by President Renner. I. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk - None. 2. Council Vice President Bowers said she had received an email from Amanda Turner of the Preventing Tobacco Foundation / Tobacco 21. She said the organization is partnering with Franklin County Public Health, who recently joined the coalition to end tobacco targeting. The group is also working on a tobacco retail licensing program. Bowers said the goal of Tobacco 21 is to City of Gahanna Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 help prevent teenager tobacco use and addiction. Many states have raised the age of tobacco purchasing to age 21. Bowers said Turner has asked to connect with the City to learn more about these initiatives, particularly the tobacco retail licensing program. Turner might be in contact with others in the community about these efforts. Bowers noted she wanted to raise this for Council’s awareness. J. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver President Renner noted that in July the CIC finances were $966,000 in cash and $175,000 in escrow with about $3.5 Million in total assets. The Mayor provided a report during CIC to keep everyone up to date on the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan and the Facilities Master Plan and Town Hall on July 20. The City will host a business networking event at Franklin Peak on November 18. The CIC Planning Committee provided updates on the Crescent at Central Park, specifically the final plat for the four lots that Council approved. The CIC Development Committee reported the request for development proposal was published July 5 to several recipients, including engineering firms, architects, developers, and contractors. Responses were received last week at the deadline on July 29 and to be evaluated. Renner also noted that the CIC Real Estate Committee handled some inquiries from a property manager regarding ending leases early and it was determined this was ok if people had other accommodations. This Committee also had a couple minor discussions on the Shampooch building that were addressed. The CIC Technology Committee updated the group on particulars of the WOW/Breezeline contract and on the upcoming CIC website. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou Councilmember Angelou noted the Executive Committee meeting would be held Thursday, August 4 at 1:30 p.m. The Committee is back for the rest of the year after being off for the month of July. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Padova said Visit Gahanna has a job opening for community development and event manager. If anyone is interested in that, please connect with visitgahanna.com to apply and see the full job description. 4. School Board (SB) - Bowers Vice President Bowers welcomed Dr. Deagle on her first day as superintendent in the district. Bowers said she looked forward to joining Dr. Deagle at the reception this Thursday at Lincoln Elementary School. The public is welcome to join from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. This will also be an opportunity to meet the new school treasurer, Scott Gooding. The first day of City of Gahanna Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 school will be next Wednesday, August 10. On August 27, there will be a “lights out” and stadium farewell with the community homecoming. Bowers said she was able to attend a meeting last week between the district and the Columbus Metropolitan Library. There was a popular family reading event at Lincoln Elementary. Also, on social media there is awareness that the USDA free lunch program that was in existence over COVID-19 has ended. People must recertify if they want to be considered for free and reduced lunch. Bowers said people need to make sure to do this as the federal funding expired. She also mentioned GRIN’s initiative for backpacks. They are still accepting donations for this. Also, she said GRIN needs canned fruits and vegetables. They provide a significant amount of support for weekend and summer lunches to Gahanna-Jefferson students and have seen an increase over the last year. K. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin welcomed Dr. Deagle back to City Hall on her first full official day as superintendent. She noted that Dr. Deagle has been working on a consulting basis with the district since early May. Jadwin thanked Council for their vote [on the MOA]. She acknowledged school board members in attendance and noted that the board met earlier and voted unanimously to approve the MOA. Jadwin stated this was a challenging step for councilmembers, as this asked for a diversion from standard processes that typically involve Planning Commission. She believed the Resolution that was passed is critical for the project. The new high school project will have a significant impact on the community. Jadwin said the City knows that the school board and Dr. Deagle are appreciative of the support and accommodation the City is giving to them and identifying a path that will enable them to swiftly move this project forward. Jadwin looked forward to continuing to dialogue and work with the school as the project proceeds. There will continue to be biweekly meetings that their project and construction team and the City’s entire internal team will participate in as long as it takes to make sure the project comes to fruition. Jadwin said she wanted the project to move forward expeditiously but also in a manner consistent with the requirements in place for construction in the City. For the Sidewalk Program, after a year of preparatory administrative work, the City is in the action phase of the first cycle of the 2021 Sidewalk Maintenance Program. She reminded that each program is a three-year cycle. Jadwin said she is aware there have been many questions now that action is starting to take place and communications are happening regarding notices. Residents are asking about the purpose of the program, what happens next, and what their options are. She noted that her office would host a Town Hall public meeting tomorrow night in Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the 2022 Sidewalk Maintenance Program. They will also answer questions that residents have about the program in general. The town hall will be live streamed, and questions will be accepted through the chat. Jadwin invited Council to attend. She said residents might have questions for them. In the meantime, Jadwin invited residents to watch the Town Hall that was done on City of Gahanna Page 13 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 February 1 for the 2021 Sidewalk Maintenance Program. It was an in-depth discussion on how the program works, why it was created, and what the operational mechanics of the program are. This is available on the City’s YouTube channel. Additionally, she noted that residents can go onto Gahanna.gov to the sidewalk maintenance page and watch the Town Hall from February and read additional information. Jadwin cautioned Council and residents that this is a new program. Any time the City implements a new code and new program, as it starts to unfold and be implemented, there will be tweaks and lessons learned as the City goes through it. She said that the administration would be coming to Council at some point with some suggested code changes and revisions to the program. As the program unfolds, the City will adapt and evolve as necessary to ensure the program is efficient as possible for residents. Jadwin shared that the program was created by Council using Issue 12 dollars to create an affordability mechanism through which homeowners can maintain their sidewalks, which is a responsibility imposed on them through state law. Also, National Night Out will also occur tomorrow from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Sunpoint Park. This is an annual event held nationwide to foster relationships between local law enforcement and communities they serve. This has been a very popular event in the City. Jadwin shared Chief Spence and many officers would be there. There will be food and vehicles that kids can climb in and out of, as well as officers to interact with. On Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 10 a.m., there will be a Coffee with a Cop event at Panera. This is another opportunity for residents to interact with the Police Department and ask questions about why they operate, what they are doing, and what initiatives are taking place in the City. On Wednesday evening from 4-7:00 p.m. the Farmers Market presented by Make Gahanna Yours and Midweek at the Creek from 6-8:00 p.m. will take place. Jadwin said that for years residents have asked for fresh produce. There are two or three vendors that now have fresh produce every week. She also discussed the community meet and greet with Dr. Deagle at Lincoln Elementary on Thursday. Pelotonia will ride through Gahanna on Saturday, along with multiple events planned throughout the City. Pep squads will set up along the route to encourage community members to come out and cheer on the riders. There will be detours and traffic impacts, especially around the Tech Center Drive, Morrison Road, and Taylor Road areas. Jadwin also noted that with GRIN’s backpack pickup at Lincoln Elementary will also have traffic along Helmbright Road. The Vets, Rods, and Classic Car Show from 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Creekside will have Mill Street closed to traffic. The Historical Society is hosting an event for Gahanna Founders Day from 4-10:30 p.m. in the historical settlement also on Saturday. Jadwin urged people to pay attention while driving, especially with all the activities planned over the weekend. 2. City Attorney Attorney Mularski informed Council that he would be on vacation and not be in attendance next Monday for Committee. However, Assistant City Attorney Matt Roth would be in attendance. He said that if there is something that comes up that he is really needed for, he can be reached to help. City of Gahanna Page 14 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 L. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember Angelou said that she and her husband would be celebrating their 55th Anniversary. She addressed the audience that she believed the Gahanna Police Department was probably the best department in all the suburbs. She said that things can happen that people do not want to see or hear, but the City has the best person [acknowledging Chief Spence] to lead the department. With 61 on the force and five coming in, Angelou said we should be applauding the police. They cannot do everything, but they are the best the City could possibly have. She stressed the importance of acknowledging how good things are rather than how bad things are. She referenced watching television and seeing people being hurt and taking things out of places where they should not be taking them. She also noted seeing officers that have lost their life. Being an officer is not an easy thing to do. She complimented Chief Spence in everything he has done. Councilmember McGregor also noted the Founders Day event at the Historical Society. She said she would be grilling hotdogs for the afternoon. McGregor invited all who might be interested in the kinds of events they have planned to come down and check it out. Councilmember Weaver thanked all who addressed the Council this evening. He also thanked colleagues for passing the Safe Driving and Share the Road Awareness Resolution and echoed thoughts that had been shared. He welcomed Dr. Deagle on her official first day. He said it had been a pleasure interacting with her over the past couple months. He also thanked Mr. Barrett for his service and wished him well in retirement. For people not able to attend the Town Hall on sidewalks, Weaver urged those to watch it online once posted. In responding to some constituent questions, Weaver said he had referred them to the February Town Hall, as it was very informative. He congratulated Ms. Angelou on her upcoming 55th Anniversary. He noted that he and his wife would be celebrating their 7th Anniversary. Councilmember Padova also thanked the speakers, school board members, Dr. Deagle, Planning Commission members and Make Gahanna Yours members in attendance tonight. She said the Farmers Market has been amazing. Padova has attended a few times this summer. She said every year this gets better and better. With Midweek at the Creek, this is a nice thing for the community to have - the market and music. Padova also noted with GRIN’s backpack giveaway at Lincoln Elementary, the registration ended yesterday but at 2:00 p.m. there will be some extras available. They will pass out the extras until they run out. If anyone missed the registration, there was still a chance for a backpack. She said there are a lot of needs for GRIN, which are listed on the Amazon wish list. However, people can also go to the grocery store and bring things in to donate. There will also be some food donations for kids going back to school. Padova reiterated that there is an increase in need recently within the past few months in the community. Any donations are appreciated and almost everything that had been stocked is City of Gahanna Page 15 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 running a little low. Padova shared that the pantry typically has 20 or so clients, but recently there have been nearly 30. Councilmember Schnetzer said there was a statement from the podium related to the proportion of spending on public safety relative to Gahanna’s budget and a northwest peer community that piqued his curiosity. He said that in doing some very quick number crunching in comparing Gahanna’s spending per capita to the peer city, Gahanna is very much in line. He said the difference in the proportion of the budget is likely due to Dublin’s much larger denominator. This was a luxury that they have but unfortunately Gahanna does not have. Schnetzer said he was sure the Chief would agree that it probably does not cost any less to provide for professional public safety services in Gahanna than it does in Dublin. What appears in the math, the City spends about the same as Dublin on a per capita basis, which is probably a more accurate metric. He invited anyone who would like to discuss this after the meeting, he would be happy to have the conversation. Vice President Bowers thanked the speakers that joined Council tonight to address the Share the Road Resolution, as well as the Council Clerk in helping draft the Resolution. On Mr. Wood’s comments, Bowers noted that she learned about the Major Taylor Cycling Club (MTCC) just a few years ago. It was founded in Columbus in 1979. There is a significant resident base of Gahanna that participates in the club. Bowers said the mission of the club is to promote the sport of cycling, health, well-being, and camaraderie among its members. She stated that she found interesting the fact that this was the first of many cycling clubs named Major Taylor, named after Marshall Walter, who went by “Major Taylor” and in 1899 became the first African American world champion in cycling. She wished the MTCC well in participating in Pelotonia. She also thanked Ms. Kovacs for her comments and Ms. Montgomery for her advocacy on attentive driving. She hoped for a safe ride for all riders in Pelotonia. Bowers also noted that the Tour de France Femme Competition held its very first women’s tour and that it had high viewership. This showcased how interested the world was in women’s sports. Bowers asked that her Constituent Report for June 2022 be included in the record. After the Robb Elementary incident in Uvalde, Texas, Bowers said she collaborated on a draft letter to send to Governor DeWine, Speaker Cupp and Senate Leader Huffman regarding common sense gun laws. She stated the letter was signed by a dozen local elected officials. She noted that school board members in attendance, Ms. Coats and Ms. Piccolantonio, had signed in their individual capacities. Those who signed are also parents of students in Ohio schools. The letter was sent in July and is included on the PDF of Bowers’ constituent report. With everything happening this week and over the weekend, Bowers commented that everyone was working on moving the ship in the waters together and urged all to keep moving. President Renner thanked the speakers. He said he appreciated meeting Mr. Woods before the meeting. Renner noted that Woods had explained that he observes runners and some bicyclists on the wrong side of the road. Renner said this should go onto the list of things that are broadcasted about what side City of Gahanna Page 16 City Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2022 of the road people should be on when sharing the road. Renner said that unfortunately, the City does not have all its bicycle lanes yet. Regarding Mr. Dennison’s comments, Renner invited him to stick around after the meeting so that he can be introduced to Chief Spence. Renner said he has been on Council since 2012 and has been very involved with the City and a lot of its processes. The City publishes a lot in the police reports on what is happening inside the City on things that the Council does not like to publicly talk about. Renner said the leadership in the Police Department has taken a significant turn to the progressive era with Chief Jeff Spence. Renner noted the Chief publishes a very comprehensive annual report and encouraged Dennison to look at those. He invited those to attend the National Night Out and meet with other members of the police force or go to Coffee with a Cop. Renner said they will all talk about things that should be addressed as a suburb of Columbus. He stated he was grateful of the partnership of the Mayor and Dr. Deagle with full support of the school board and happy to see the project go in a different direction than some of the public comments. Renner expected some good things to come with a very large and complicated project. Renner also noted celebrating family birthdays and also that he and his wife celebrated their 29th Anniversary recently. 2022-0237 June Bowers Constituent Report 080122 M. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Renner adjourned the meeting at 8:11 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2022. Stephen A. Renner City of Gahanna Page 17