City Council

200 South Hamilton Road City of Gahanna Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes City Council Stephen A. Renner, President Trenton I. Weaver, Vice President Karen J. Angelou Merisa K. Bowers Nancy R. McGregor Kaylee Padova Michael Schnetzer Jeremy A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council Monday, March 20, 2023 7:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers A. CALL TO ORDER: Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, March 20, 2023, in Council Chambers. President of Council Stephen A. Renner called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Vice President of Council Trenton I. Weaver delivered an Invocation and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was published on March 17, 2023. Present 7 - Karen J. Angelou, Merisa K. Bowers, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova, Stephen A. Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: None. C. HEARING OF VISITORS: 1. Resolution Presentation by Council Councilmember Weaver appreciated the presence of the GLHS drama director and teacher, Ms. Cindi Macioce, and several students in Chambers. He acknowledged March as Theatre in Our Schools Month. Weaver shared a lesson from Ms. Macioce that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, which applies to their work as a city council. He mentioned two studies showing that participation in the arts, whether as an audience or as a creator, is linked to higher levels of civic engagement and social tolerance, and helps increase students' ability to manage behavior, make decisions, and cultivate a positive concept of self. He noted that the theatre classroom is often the safest place in the building for students, especially important in today's day and age where mental health is a concern. Weaver invited everyone to join for the presentation of the Resolution and photo with the students and Ms. Macioce, as well as for the recipients to offer a few remarks. Gabbie Weil, GLHS student, thanked the community for supporting the theatre program that has been a foundation for their high school careers. Weil acknowledged the joy that theatre brings not only to their lives but also to many others. City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes March 20, 2023 Claire Booker, GLHS student, said she felt appreciated and loved in the community with its support of theatre. She believed that theatre is here to stay and is one of her favorite things. Booker agreed with Vice President Weaver and Gabbie Weil that the theatre classroom is the safest place in the school. Kalee Sribanditmongkol, GLHS student, said theatre is their home in the school. It is where they spend half of their day as a choice. The theatre classroom provides a good environment and is a good place to be. David Cremean, GLHS student, commented that theatre has been a very important part of his life and family’s life, which has carried on into high school. Being creative through theatre has been a great part of his upbringing and made him who he is today. Allison Slates, GLHS student, thanked Council for recognizing the importance of theatre. She appreciates that they do something called “crast,” or crew cast, where everyone is involved and has an opportunity to shine. Catie Smith, GLHS student, said theatre helped her find her voice and come out of her shell. She shared that they have an upcoming production of Newsies, the musical, and appreciates the support from the community to put on these productions. It brings happiness to the community. Cindi Macioce, GLHS teacher, thanked everyone for the years of support. She is retiring at the end of the year. Macioce shared that she leaves the program built upon the backs of these students, and that it is a program that is in great hands. She looked forward to being in the audience watching with everyone. President Renner thanked Vice President Weaver for bringing a lot of kids to Chambers with the resolution. He found it to be powerful to hear from future leaders. 2. Members of the Public President Renner asked the Clerk if there were any more speaker slips, but there was only one regarding an Academy Ridge issue. Before getting to the speaker, President Renner called on Assistant City Attorney Matt Roth to speak on the issue. Mr. Roth acknowledged the community's communication with City Hall regarding the Academy Ridge situation. He explained that there was a 2506 appeal made in early 2020 regarding the Board of Zoning & Building Appeal’s action on the property. The owner/developer of the property threatened federal civil rights litigation against the city. A settlement was reached in May 2022 that contained the terms of the 2019 Planning Commission approval for the parcel. This resolution did not require approval from the Mayor's Office or City Council. Before anything was done on the property, the owner/developer and the city were supposed to issue a joint statement to the residents, but nothing was heard from the developer until February 2023. The only communication from the developer in February was regarding the removal of trees. The removal of trees was allowed under the final development plan from 2019, which was approved as part of the settlement. However, there was no permission given to move dirt or put in a temporary driveway, which was done in the last week. A cease-and-desist order was issued to the developer today regarding the unauthorized actions. Mr. Roth and City Attorney Ray Mularski have a conference scheduled with the attorney for the neighborhood association tomorrow afternoon, so they hope to know more then. City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes March 20, 2023 President Renner called for Howard Zitsman to come forward to speak as indicated on the speaker slip. Mayor Jadwin noted that Mr. Zitsman had left Chambers earlier. D. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2023-0046 COTW Minutes 2.27.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2023-0047 CN Minutes 3.6.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. Resolutions: RES-0011-2023 A RESOLUTION STRONGLY URGING THE OHIO GOVERNOR AND MEMBERS OF THE OHIO GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO RESTORE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND TO PRE-RECESSION LEVELS The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. RES-0012-2023 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING MARCH 2023 AS THEATRE IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. 3. Ordinances for Second Reading: ORD-0011-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT EASEMENTS OF 0.011 +/- ACRES FOR GENERAL UTILITY, 0.093 +/- ACRES FOR ADDITIONAL RIGHT-OF-WAY, 0.189 +/-ACRES FOR SANITARY SEWER, AND ACCEPT PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALDER PARK DEVELOPMENT AT THE INTERSECTION OF MORRISON ROAD AND WATERBURY COURT The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0013-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Damage to City Property The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0014-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Water Meter Fees The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes March 20, 2023 ORD-0015-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Reduction in Capital Improvement Fund and Increase in State Capital Grant Fund The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. End of Consent Agenda A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Bowers, to Pass the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Angelou, Bowers, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver E. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING: ORD-0016-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH STRAWSER PAVING COMPANY, INC., FOR THE 2023 STREET PROGRAM ST-1101 President Renner introduced the Ordinance and read it by title. F. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk - None. 2. Council - None. G. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver President Renner sent an email to all of Council for the 2023 financial statements from CIC; they have been approved. The Gahanna CIC website (gahannacic.com) has 2019 through 2022 minutes and financial statements; they intend to post the 2023 items in the future. Vice President Weaver noted they will be meeting tomorrow morning at 7:30 in the Committee Room. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou 2023-0049 Angelou MORPC Report to City Council 3.17.2023 Councilmember Angelou said she attended the executive committee retreat for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. The retreat was at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, where they talked about the things they wanted to be working on. They talked about the strategic framework review and the strategic messaging, which was facilitated by Hunter Marketing and was extremely well done. They also had the joy of going in the rain for a tour of the Intel site and seeing the New Albany projects. City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes March 20, 2023 They had a conversation and lunch with Kenny McDonald from the Columbus Partnership and had a leaders' conversation on housing, facilitated by Jamie Greene. It was a wonderful day for the executive committee and to see New Albany and all the things that are there. She hopes New Albany is always a good neighbor to Gahanna. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Padova attended the Visit Gahanna annual meeting with Councilmembers Weaver, Angelou, and McGregor. The speaker talked about tourism to Ohio and expanding the reach with getting people to come to visit Ohio. Herb Day is Saturday, May 6, from 10 am to 3 pm at Creekside Plaza. Celebrate Gahanna's Herb Capital status, enjoy the plant sale, urban plant-themed activities, and support local artists and herb-based vendors. They are looking for more volunteers to help with Herb Day. 4. School Board (SB) - Bowers Councilmember Bowers congratulated Jordan Mills for placing seventh at the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s girls' wrestling tournament, the first girls' wrestling state tournament in Ohio. She mentioned there was a conversation last week hosted by the school district in collaboration with the city and law enforcement, Chief Spence, on supporting the youth. The school district hosted a vulnerable and insightful conversation and is seeking to improve. Chief Spence talked about what the department is doing to collaborate with the school district to ensure safety and support for the students. The district has adopted a policy to participate in Real Property Tax valuation proceedings; no property owner complainant would be singled out for special or different treatment. There are facilities updates posted online. The high school stadium is on track for completion in September. The high school is projected to be completed in the fall of 2025, a two- or three-month delay from the original plan. The State of the Schools address will be April 13, 2023, at 7:00 pm at the Gahanna Lincoln High School auditorium. H. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin stated thanked Councilmember Bowers for referencing the community forum that was held last Wednesday called Supporting Our Youth. Jadwin and Chief Spence partnered with Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools in organizing the forum. It began with Dr. Deagle's idea last summer. She noted that the forum was a response to the increasing mental health issues faced by the community, including youth, and how parents and the community can support them. Jadwin acknowledged that it is not a school issue or a city issue, but a societal issue that is prevalent nationwide. She praised the mental health clinician from the school, Lisa Kelly, for providing a lot of statistics and resources during the forum. Jadwin indicated that the conversation on this topic will continue, and that an FAQ will be put online with answers to the questions posed at the forum. Jadwin updated Council on the progress made regarding the Council space and how Director Schultz and his team have been meeting with senior members at the Senior Center to get their input on new facilities at 825 Tech Center Drive. Focus group meetings will be held with individual departments and the seniors as well. Jadwin commended Lori Kappes and her team at Visit Gahanna for their work in marketing and promoting the city to draw visitors and generate economic City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes March 20, 2023 impact. She said that they will be having a series of sessions to work with the Economic Development Department, Visit Gahanna, and the Chamber of Commerce to align their interests and work together effectively. Jadwin invited Councilmember Padova, who had expressed interest in being a part of the conversation, to join in. Jadwin reported that Betty Collins, President of the Board of CIC, will present the annual report for CIC on the following Monday. Lastly, the Mayor reminded Council and members of the public that Thursday will be the State of the City address at 825 Tech Center Drive. Doors will open at 5:30 pm. Multiple community organizations, including local restaurants, will be present for the event. She invited all to come and hear about the work the City has been doing to build the foundation for the future. 2. City Attorney Assistant City Attorney Matt Roth said that he had nothing further to add from the law department. I. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember Angelou: Attended Visit Gahanna’s event and found it to be a wonderful place, with a nice sanctuary and good food. She also attended an event where the speaker mentioned Ohio was not growing well but disagreed since Central Ohio is growing very quickly and will have 3 million people soon. Angelou thanked everyone for supporting the community. Councilmember McGregor: Shared a story about meeting the young man in the theatre department who spoke tonight. Attended Varsity Varieties and saw a great performance with an appreciative and supportive audience. Attended a choir event where they prepared for their first out-of-state trip to New York City, with lots of people showing support. McGregor appreciated the community for supporting the students' activities. Councilmember Bowers: Attended the Columbus Metropolitan Club forum on Amtrak expansion in Ohio, featuring a panel including the executives from MORPC, All Aboard Ohio, and Amtrak. Bowers noted Mayor Jadwin and Councilmember Angelou were also in attendance. She learned that real Amtrak rides are expected within the next five years, with plans to use existing rail to connect Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton. The hope is that high-speed rail in Ohio will improve business productivity and reduce reliance on vehicles. She congratulated Mark Tinus and the staff of Simple Times for their expansion and praised their innovative technology and growth from a previous business experience. She attended the business’s ribbon cutting with Councilmember Padova. Councilmember Padova: Thanked Vice President Weaver for the resolution on Theatre in Our Schools and appreciated the students and teachers who attended. She was impressed by the students who spoke and thanked everyone for their support. Padova said it is amazing how much work was put into the Simple Times business. She recalled Tinus saying that five or six years ago he was making batches of his mixers in a pot in his kitchen and taking them to farmers markets. Now, Tinus is in a huge building and has product City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes March 20, 2023 in hundreds of stores. Padova remarked this takes a lot of grit to get to that point and is nice that the expansion is happening right here in Gahanna. Councilmember Schnetzer: Followed up on Councilmember McGregor's comments about the history display at the library. He visited the new library for the third time and went upstairs to look at the history display. He mentioned various items on loan from the Gahanna Historical Society, including Civil War correspondence, pictures from the 1959 flood, and newspaper clippings. He appreciated the display because history comes alive when you see photographs from a bygone era. Schnetzer reminded others to check out the history display, which will be there for quite a while and will be refreshed periodically. Vice President Weaver: Thanked colleagues for their support of the resolution. Weaver appreciated seeing young people in Chambers and thanked all the teachers in their lives. He relayed a special thanks to Ms. Macioce for her career at the high school and looks forward to the next chapter. Weaver attended the Visit Gahanna annual meeting and was glad to see so many active individuals from the community, including businesspeople, volunteers, and councilmembers. He learned from the speaker that tourism videos target surrounding states with commercials even though they might not be shown in Ohio. He stated he is thankful for everyone reaching out regarding recent development projects throughout the community, such as the proposed Sheetz development. Weaver emphasized the importance of the process and the responsibility of everyone involved, including Council and other boards and commissions. He appreciated the community's input. President Renner: Expressed gratitude for the resolution passed during the meeting. Thanked Ms. Padova for bringing up Simple Times, a company the city has been working with to find a place. Renner mentioned missing the event but praises Simple Times' products and their environmental practices, such as salvaging peels and working with other distilleries to achieve zero waste. Mayor Jadwin shared that she has been working with Mr. Tinus around a business food composting program as part of the city's sustainability plan. Renner acknowledged the stress the city is experiencing due to recent developments and encouraged people to attend the State of the City to learn about the positive things happening in the city. J. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Renner adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes March 20, 2023 APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2023. Stephen A. Renner City of Gahanna Page 8