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, April 17, 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, April 17, 2023, in Council Chambers. President of Council Stephen A. Renner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Vice President of Council Trenton I. Weaver asked those in attendance to join in a moment of silence for victims of gun violence in Dadeville, Alabama, and Kansas City, Missouri and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was published on April 14, 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. Proclamation Presentation by Mayor Jadwin 2023-0072 Mayoral Proclamation - National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2023-04 Mayor Jadwin welcomed members of the Center for Healthy Families, led by Chief Program Officer Mallory Donaldson, to the meeting and acknowledged their work in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month was created by President Reagan in 1983 to raise awareness about the need for families and communities to work together to prevent child abuse and neglect, protect children, and strengthen families. Nearly 13,000 active cases of child abuse were reported in Franklin County from 2020 to 2021, with 47% of cases involving physical abuse and 9% of cases involving sexual abuse. Disproportionately, black girls and young women represented more than 7,200 of those active cases, which is 60% of the total cases. The Center for Healthy Families does not only identify the signs of child abuse and neglect, but also takes proactive measures to help families get the resources they need before it becomes a problem. Mayor Jadwin shared that the creation of the community liaison officer position was done with the intent of having an officer who can be proactive in identifying those who City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 need resources before it becomes a reactive situation. The Mayor invited Mallory Donaldson and her team up to the podium to present the Proclamation and acknowledged the importance of being proactive in identifying and helping families in need, particularly in preventing child abuse and neglect. Students connected with the Center shared comments with Council on the proclamation, asking for people to support the Center in recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month, noting that preventing child abuse is a responsibility shared by everyone. Students also noted the work of Franklin County Children Services in protecting children by strengthening families through prevention, protection, placement, and permanency programs. Child abuse, endangerment, and maltreatment is defined as any act or failure to act that results in actual or potential harm to a child, which can occur in various settings such as homes, organizations, schools, or groups that children interact with. Students explained that blue is the designated color to support Child Abuse Prevention, and pinwheels are the symbol for this cause as they represent the bright future that all children deserve. The Center for Healthy Families will partner with community organizations and co-sponsor events throughout April to engage and educate the public about these important issues. The Center provides direct services to pregnant and parenting youth and advocates for policy changes that impact these groups critical to the community's future. Mallory Donaldson said the pinwheels are a symbol of hope for children and the winds of change. Donaldson distributed the pinwheels to members of Council. She thanked everyone for their commitment to youth and advocacy. Joined by Donaldson were Center for Healthy Families staff, including Toshia Safford, President and CEO, LaChelle Simmons, Chief Administration Officer, Tanya Scott, Youth Program Manager, Vanessa Butler, Executive Assistant, and Tonia Still, Director at Franklin County Children Services. 2. Resolution Presentation by Council Councilmember Padova announced that April 22nd is Earth Day and that the City Council has a resolution reaffirming the City of Gahanna's commitment to environmental action and recognizing April 22nd as Earth Day. The resolution acknowledges the critical issue of climate change faced by Earth's family of nations and the challenges it poses to the City of Gahanna. Padova introduced Mr. Mark Tinus, the owner of Simple Times Mixers company located in Gahanna, who has seen a huge amount of growth in the last six years and has a goal for his company of zero waste. Padova said Mr. Tinus is doing a great job at remaining committed to this goal, providing reusable glassware, and partnering with local businesses to make sure that none of his fruits go to waste. Padova encouraged residents and businesses to invest in our planet by taking steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing pollution, and protecting our vital natural resources. Members of Council joined Councilmember Padova in presenting the Resolution to Mark Tinus. Mr. Tinus said Simple Times mixers has been in Gahanna for close to 4 years out of their 6 years of existence and has grown quite a bit. Major sustainability initiatives have been energy and glass focused, as they use a lot of glass and have created return programs that have put back into use over 20,000 pounds of glass to date. They process close to 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of fruit per week, and work with local distilleries and breweries to recirculate waste back into use rather than sending it to landfills. They are working with Mayor Jadwin on a few initiatives to further improve waste reduction. Simple Times mixers aims to create a haven for people to come out to Gahanna and attract talent. They have close to 30 people working at their facility, with an average age under 30 years old. The business believes that supporting City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 sustainability initiatives aligns with the values of the individuals they are trying to recruit and is a daily topic of discussion. Tinus said Earth Day is a great way to commemorate sustainability and thanked Council for the recognition. D. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2023-0068 CN Minutes 3.20.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2023-0069 COTW Minutes 3.27.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2023-0070 CN Minutes 4.3.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. Motions: MT-0009-2023 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT OF SOPHIA MCGUIRE AS MANAGEMENT ANALYST I (RECORDS) FOR THE COUNCIL OFFICE The Motion was approved on the Consent Agenda. MT-0010-2023 A MOTION TO CONFIRM THE EMPLOYMENT OF PAMELA RIPLEY AS DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL The Motion was approved on the Consent Agenda. 3. Resolutions: RES-0014-2023 A RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING THE CITY OF GAHANNA'S COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION AND RECOGNIZING APRIL 22, 2023, AS EARTH DAY The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. 4. Ordinances for Second Reading: ORD-0017-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS AND ASSOCIATED EASEMENTS FOR THE EVERETT APARTMENTS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LOCATED AT 307-319 WEST JOHNSTOWN ROAD City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0018-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING TO AWARD AND ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH DIRT DAWG EXCAVATING LLC FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR HAVENS CORNERS WATERLINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0019-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTH O R I Z I N G A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - Water Capital Fund for Havens Corners Waterline Replacement The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0020-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FOR THE PURPOSES OF MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN COST-SHARING 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-0021-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) CONTRACT WITH THE GAHANNA-JEFFERSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR President Renner introduced the Ordinance and read it by title. ORD-0022-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF PORTABLE RADIOS AND FIRMWARE UPGRADES FROM MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS PURSUANT TO STATE TERM CONTRACT President Renner introduced the Ordinance and read it by title. F. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk Clerk VanMeter welcomed new records analyst Sophia McGuire to the City of Gahanna and the Council Office. He noted that McGuire has 13 years of records and City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 archival experience, 7 years of professional local government experience, and a master's degree in library and information science. McGuire was the records manager for Licking County and most recently served as assistant director of archives for the Dominican Sisters of Peace. VanMeter expressed gratitude for McGuire's expertise and looked forward to seeing how she can help streamline and make processes more efficient for Gahanna residents. President Renner welcomed McGuire to the City. 2. Council - None. G. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver President Renner reported on the recent CIC meeting on March 21 held at 7:30 am in the Committee Room. The website of Gahanna CIC has been updated to include the 2023 minutes and the 2022 year-end financials and more updates are coming soon. The CIC Board President Betty Collins, Treasurer Jeff Kessler, and Secretary George Mrus presented the CIC 2022 annual report to Council on Monday, March 27. Renner thanked each of them for their time and dedication to keeping CIC running professionally and openly. Renner said that Director Blackford briefed the board on the zoning re-write code project under Planning and noted that Blackford aims to complete it by the end of the year. Council will be engaged on this project with details coming soon. Under Economic Development, Mr. Strum reported that he continues to receive interest in small and mid-sized businesses interested in Gahanna due to the coming Intel project. Under the Real Estate Committee, Mr. Kessler received notification of tenants that are moving out at the end of April, so the CIC will have a vacant property as of May 1. Mr. Strum presented three right-of-entry requests from Blank Slate Coffee, Mobile Nail Salon, and Make Gahanna Yours. The board provided Make Gahanna Yours a temporary parking on a month-to-month basis at 110 N. High Street in support of the Gahanna Farmers Market. Mr. Strum reviewed the status of the contract and outstanding needs agreed upon by the preferred developer associated with the master development agreement. The meeting adjourned at 9:16 am, and the next meeting is on Tuesday, April 18th, at 8:00 am in the Committee Room. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou 2023-0073 Councilmember Angelou's MORPC Report to City Council 4.17.2023 Councilmember Angelou reported that the Nominating Committee came up with the commission’s leadership slate last Thursday. Angelou was the immediate past chair, and Eric Janus is the current chair, while Chris Amorose Grooms is the vice-chair, and Michelle Crandall is the secretary. Two new members joined the commission: Mayor Hall of Newark, representing the second-largest city at MORPC, and Mayor Tom Ramsay of the Village of South Bloomfield, which has a population of about 2,166. Angelou mentioned a lunch meeting with a distracted driving talk presented by Michelle May, ODOT's presenter, who is “the first lady of safety.” May has been campaigning to educate all on safety for 34 years. Angelou also met Sharon Montgomery, who she called the City of Gahanna’s “Lady of Safety,” and they had a conversation about various ways to do things. Angelou noted that traffic deaths have been rising, and Ohio traffic deaths are increasing because of distracted driving, City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 which is evolving. Phones used to be limited to texting, but now they are like handheld computers. Interactive technologies like touch screens, maps, and integrated audio are present in cars. Angelou shared two examples of distracted driving leading to accidents: a man was killed while watching a TikTok video on his cell phone while driving, and a woman caused an accident while shopping online, killing a man who was ejected from his tractor and died at the scene. Angelou added that lack of seatbelt use, speeding, aggressiveness, distraction, and drugs and alcohol are all reckless driving behaviors. Pedestrian and cyclist deaths are also rising. She said that she would like to invite the speaker to speak to Council and encouraged all to respect distracted driving laws. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Padova reminded everyone that Herb Day is on May 6. The event will be held from 10 AM to 3 PM. The event is taking place at Creekside Plaza this year, and not at Veterans Park as it was last year. She encouraged anyone interested in volunteering to sign up. There are a few more volunteer slots open. Interested individuals can go to the website ohioherbcenter.org to sign up to volunteer. 4. School Board (SB) - Bowers Councilmember Bowers said the State of the Schools address was held last Thursday, the first one since 2014. The district and Dr. Deagle intend to make this an annual event going forward. Dr. Deagle's address focused on three themes: reflect, envision, and ignite, as the district took stock of where they are, explored and set goals, and paved a path to align and move forward as a cohesive district. The second part of the presentation was a Q&A discussion facilitated by two high school students, a senior and a sophomore, who presented questions to district leadership. The students asked pointed questions about the financial health of the district. The financial officer, Mr. Gooding, was able to respond clearly and articulate some information about how the district is financed and what their financial position is. Bowers noted the new chief of operations, Cliff Hetzel, was introduced and shared more about phase two capital projects. The turf is down at the new stadium, and they are on track with construction and being able to move forward in a timely manner. H. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin commended Dr. Deagle for presenting the State of the Schools address last week and praised the work done by the district over the past year. She noted that the future of the City of Gahanna and its residents is bright due to the success they are experiencing. Jadwin had a critical discussion with representatives of the state government, which included the governor’s office, the attorney general’s office, Senator Vance’s office, the state treasurer’s office, with the mayors of Whitehall, Reynoldsburg, and Bexley, on the challenges that mayors of largely built-out communities are facing, such as increasing pressure for housing, growth to the north, and limited availability of infrastructure dollars. They plan to continue to meet regularly to discuss housing, infrastructure, and statehouse matters to coalesce and collaborate on what they need together. Jadwin talked about the city's sidewalk program, which is still in its infancy, and how it is intended to operate as an affordability tool. She mentioned that it is similar to Westerville's program from 15 years ago, which has advanced to a point where the city can absorb the cost of doing minor repairs throughout the city. She reminded everyone to direct any questions about the program to the website and that updates on the recent communications City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 regarding the 2022 program are available on the site as well. Jadwin also announced several upcoming events in Gahanna, such as the annual shred and e-recycle event, which offers a great opportunity for residents to safely dispose of their documents, cell phones, tablets, and monitors. She encouraged everyone to check the list of accepted and non-accepted items on the city's website. GRIN will be at the event accepting non-perishable, nonexpired food donations, toiletries, and monetary donations as well. Make Gahanna Yours community clean-up event will be held the same day. In honor of Arbor Day, residents can pick up tree seedlings at City Hall during the week of April 24th. Finally, the first Walk In Our Boots 5k will be held Saturday, April 29th with the goal of raising funds for vets. 2. City Attorney City Attorney Mularski made two comments he wished to address. First, regarding the Primary Election, despite efforts to find a way around the need for a primary, it is necessary due to the language at the beginning of the second paragraph of section 3.01 of the Charter, which has been in effect since 1976. This states that a non-partisan primary election for the mayor shall be held prior to the municipal election, making it necessary to have a primary even when only two candidates are running. Mularski did his best to avoid this, and he intends to address this issue in the next Charter Commission in 2026. Second, Mularski addressed the Academy Ridge lawsuit. The developer has been trying to develop a property on Hamilton and Beecher Road since 1999, and the last two attempts in 2017 and 2019 were approved by the Planning Commission but were appealed by the Academy Ridge Homeowners Association, and the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals (BZBA) overturned these decisions. In January 2020, the developer appealed the decision, which was filed in 2019, and the attorney for the homeowners was aware of the appeal as Mularski and the attorney had discussed it. Due to court closures in 2020 and a backlog in 2021, the appeal sat idle until 2022, when the attorneys for the developer sent a demand letter setting forth the reasons that they believed they were being deprived of the ability to lawfully develop their land due to alleged arbitrary and capricious decisions of the BZBA. They were preparing a federal lawsuit to sue the city on this basis. After a thorough evaluation with outside counsel, Mularski said they concluded the developer had a strong case. The City of Gahanna settled the case in good faith as there was a strong chance that they would lose the lawsuit, which would cost hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars. The City of Gahanna, through its legal counsel, settled these claims raised by the developer of the property. It was in good faith and in the best interests of the city. Mularski noted that as part of the settlement, it was agreed that the developer could proceed with the final development plans that were previously submitted to the Planning Commission in 2017 and approved by them in 2018. The development was properly zoned. He noted further that the only reason why the BZBA overturned Planning Commission was based on design review of roof lines and the color of the building. During the 2020 BZBA hearing, which was to allow the Mount Carmel Urgent Care facility on the parcel, the attorney for the HOA was asked by the board what would satisfy them. Mularski noted the attorney responded, “a shopping center.” A shopping center is what is being agreed to now. The settlement included provisions that would address the residents' concerns, such as prohibiting public outdoor seating on the westernmost side of the buildings, installing signage to direct all traffic out to Hamilton Road, and adding a barrier along the west side of the building to help insulate the residents. The settlement was a public record for all to see and was not secretive. In exchange for this settlement, the appeal was dismissed, and the developer waived their right to file a federal lawsuit against the city. Mularski said that the City Charter sets forth that the City Attorney has the sole authority to prosecute and defend all claims on behalf of the city. Mularski is confident that the court will ultimately find the City’s actions to be lawful and appropriate. City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 I. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember Angelou wished everyone a nice day and week. Councilmember McGregor recommended driving over to Empire Drive to see the sidewalk being constructed. She noted that it's quite an operation. She described that it looks really nice on the east side of the street. McGregor mentioned that they were able to see the panels that needed to be replaced. Councilmember Bowers thanked the Center for Healthy Families and the young women who spoke about child abuse prevention. Bowers emphasized the need to invest in data-driven prevention efforts, including ensuring food and housing security, mental health care and common-sense gun violence prevention policies. She thanked Mr. Weaver for the moment of silence for victims of gun violence and urged people to be aware of the direct correlation between the timing of the expiration of federal gun regulations and the exponential increase in mass shootings. Bowers believes that hard problems can be fixed if people work together. She also thanked Ms. Padova for her work on the Earth Day resolution. As Mark Tinus underscored in his remarks, Bowers encouraged investment in environmental values and living them. Lastly, she congratulated Gahanna resident Amy Parker for being the first-place female finisher in the London, Ohio marathon. Councilmember Padova thanked Mark Tinus for staying until the end of the meeting. She encouraged people to come to the Earth Day litter cleanup at Friendship Park and invited people to attend the last winter Farmers Market at the Gahanna Sanctuary. There will be many good vendors and food available. Lastly, she recommended cash donations for the Shred-It Day donations for Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN). GRIN can make dollars go further with their spending capabilities. Vice President Weaver thanked everyone for attending the meeting. He also thanked the Center for Healthy Families and the mayor for recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month. He expressed gratitude for Ms. Padova’s work on the Earth Day resolution and emphasized that everyone has a role to play in leaving the world cleaner and greener. He acknowledged that climate change is real. Weaver noted that he had also attended the State of the Schools address. Lastly, he welcomed Ms. McGuire to the city. President Renner said he did not have much to add to what his colleagues have said. He offered a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh: "walk as if you're kissing the Earth with your feet." J. EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Schnetzer, to go into Executive Session under authority of Section 5.40(c) of the Council Rules of Procedure to confer with the City Attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Angelou, Bowers, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes April 17, 2023 President Renner announced that Council would meet in the Committee Room for executive session with no action to follow. City Attorney Mularski, Mayor Jadwin, and Mr. Aaron Glasgow, Attorney with Isaac Wiles Law, were invited to attend the executive session. Council rose to report to executive session at 7:52 p.m. Council rose to report from executive session at 8:47 p.m. with no further action. K. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Renner adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2023. Stephen A. Renner City of Gahanna Page 9