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, May 15, 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, May 15, 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 delivered an Invocation and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was published on May 12, 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. PRESENTATIONS: 1. 2023 Property Reappraisals - Franklin County Auditor's Office 2023-0093 2023 Property Reappraisal Overview Materials - Franklin County Auditor's Office Monica Moran with the Franklin County Auditor’s Office thanked the Council for having her. She stated the goal in her presentation is to update City Council on the 2023 property reappraisals. Every six years county auditors are required by law to do a full reappraisal. Every three years in between they do a triennial update. In 2020 , they did an update. This year, they are reassessing every property, every parcel, within Franklin County. Large value increases are expected, which will be communicated with every property owner across Franklin County. During this process, the office looks at recent home sales in the neighborhood, neighborhood data, and the exterior of properties. A separate website through the Franklin County Auditor’s website called “Know Your City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 Home Value” has been set up. It includes resources for property owners. A common question is, “What will happen, and when?” Currently, there is a timeline of July/August for homeowners to receive their property value via mail. A “sticker shock” is expected, which is the purpose of the advance notice. If a property owner disagrees with the assessment, they can schedule a time to speak with the appraisal team in-person or virtually. In October, values will be finalized, and by December, the final property values will be sent to homeowners. Moran stated that most Franklin County property owners will see value increases. Most people want to know if their taxes will go up. Moran cited a "perfect storm" of events, including demand for property, population growth, and lack of affordable housing, which combined may cause a value increase of about thirty-five percent on average. The 2020 triennial update saw about a twenty percent increase. For homeowners, this is a significant property value increase over time. Franklin County is not alone in this. Moran shared a chart of other counties, ranging from a twenty percent increase to a forty-three percent increase. Moran stated that taxes will likely go up, though value and taxes are not a one-to-one ratio. An increase in property value does not indicate an equal increase in taxes. A tax projection tool is being developed, which will help homeowners calculate this number. In 2020, when there was an average twenty percent increase in value, there was an average 7.8% increase in taxes. Depending on ballot issues, voters will have the final say in what taxing districts look like. Homeowners can check their current home data on the “Real Estate” section of the Franklin County Auditor’s website. If information is inaccurate, requests for changes can be submitted on the website. Additional information can be found on the Franklin County Auditor’s website, such as frequently asked questions and links for tax resources. President Renner asked about the review process: is there a resolution during that process; how long does it take to provide a resolution? Moran replied that all resolutions are done in October. If the issue is still unresolved, homeowners may go to the Board of Revision. Councilmember Schnetzer asked what the technical difference between the 2020 review and the 2023 review is. Moran replied that the triennial review is done with sales data only, and not the in-person, visual site visit. Councilmember McGregor asked for the slides to be sent; Moran confirmed that the Clerk has a copy. 2. Gahanna Branch Updates - Columbus Metropolitan Library City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 2023-0097 CML - Gahanna Branch Updates and Programming Opportunities 5.15.2023 Columbus Metropolitan Library’s CEO Patrick Losinski provided updates on the Gahanna Branch. The new branch was opened on March 4th, which was also the sesquicentennial anniversary of the library. Four thousand people attended the opening event and seventy thousand people have visited since March 4th. One thousand two hundred new library cards have been issued and more than 2,100 reading buddy sessions have been scheduled for school children. Story times are generally anticipated to have twenty to thirty children, but now sixty to seventy are showing up. Losinski drew council members’ attention to a map he provided, showing that people from all over the area, not just Gahanna, are regularly visiting the library. He highlighted the importance of this fact because it correlates with business as well; patrons are visiting local businesses while in the area to visit the library. Losinski shared some history about the library. The first Columbus Metropolitan Library was opened in the city hall on March 4, 1873. A former library CEO visited Andrew Carnegie in 1901, who committed $200,000 for the construction of the first library branch. That library opened in 1907, with local demand for branches beginning in the 1930s and 40s. The Gahanna branch opened in 1969. Upcoming events include the first ever book festival on July 15-16 at the main library branch. One hundred thirty-five national authors are coming in. Central Ohio libraries and bookstores will be participating, not just CML. The goal is to celebrate the literary ecosystem; information science is strong in the community. Other events include a sesquicentennial author series, an enhanced eight-week summer reading challenge, and library passports. The idea of the passports is to encourage residents to visit all twenty-three libraries throughout Franklin County. Losinski acknowledged other services that have grown in the library. One focus is out of school time for students, which includes preschool, after school, weekends, and summer. Program offerings are made to teachers and book collections are delivered to schools. For adults, job searches, digital equity, and social services are growing. Ohio State interns have been providing social services for adults. LinkedIn Learning is another program that is growing. There are 17,000 how-to videos, which guide users on topics such as Microsoft Office and finance documents. Potential connection to Shull Park is exciting; Losinski cited other parks in the area that have CML connections. Losinski mentioned that the library will probably be on the ballot this November. The last time this happened was 13 years ago, in 2010. City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 Councilmember Padova commented on her family’s participation in story time and complimented the library’s ability to conduct such a wonderful event. She thanked Mr. Losinski, who commended the library staff’s abilities. Councilmember Bowers reiterated Padova’s comments and asked how Council can be good partners to the library. Mr. Losinski stated that continuing to be the partners that they have been so far and highlighted some of the ways in which the city has been helpful. He added that communicating with the community to promote the library’s resources and programs is another way Council can help. D. HEARING OF VISITORS: None. E. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2023-0080 COTW Minutes 4.24.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2023-0094 CN Minutes 5.1.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. Resolutions: RES-0017-2023 A RESOLUTION OF AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR NATUREWORKS PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. 3. Ordinances for Second Reading: ORD-0024-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - TIF Fund, Bond Retirement Fund, and Police Pension Fund The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0025-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - General Fund, Streets Fund, and Water Fund for Damage to City Property City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0026-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Water Meter Fees The Ordinance was 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- Angelou, Bowers, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver F. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING: A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Schnetzer, to suspend the Council Rules of Procedure section 8.20 and accept the titles as they are published on the agenda as the formal first reading of each of the Ordinances listed. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Angelou, Bowers, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver ORD-0023-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART NINE STREETS AND PUBLIC SERVICES CHAPTER 914 - TREE PRESERVATION, PLANTING AND REPLACEMENT - Defining Hazardous Tree and Allowing for Hazardous Tree Removal without Permit President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0027-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER 1106 - SUBDIVISION WITHOUT PLAT - Allowing Applications to be Approved Administratively President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0028-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER 1123 - DEFINITIONS - Defining the Planning and Zoning Administrator President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0029-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1136.08 - YARD REQUIREMENTS - Clarifying Setback Language for ER-1 Estate Residential Districts President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 ORD-0030-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1137.08 - YARD REQUIREMENTS - Clarifying Setback Language for ER-2 Estate Residential Districts President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0031-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1139.08 - YARD REQUIREMENTS - Clarifying Setback Language for SF-1 Residential Districts President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0032-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1141.08 - YARD REQUIREMENTS - Clarifying Setback Language for SF-2 Residential Districts President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0033-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1143.08 - YARD REQUIREMENTS - Clarifying Setback Language for SF-3 Residential Districts President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0034-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1145.06 - YARD REQUIREMENTS - Clarifying Setback Language for R-4 Residence Districts President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0035-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1147.08 - YARD REQUIREMENTS - Clarifying Setback Language for MR-1 Residential Districts President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0036-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1151.15 - PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS - Clarifying Setback City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 Language for Accessory Use Structures President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0037-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1155.03 - CONDITIONAL USES - AND CHAPTER SECTION 1155.08 - UTILITIES AND LIGHTING - Regarding Outdoor Storage and Storage Tank Size Requirements in OCT Office, Commerce, and Technology District President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0038-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1163.08 - INTERIOR LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS - Revising Requirements for Parking Areas President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0040-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1165.11 - PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND REVIEW PROCESS - Allowing Multi-tenant Signage without Master Sign Plan under Certain Circumstances President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0041-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART ELEVEN PLANNING AND ZONING CHAPTER SECTION 1169.05 - CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL - Extending Permit Validity Timeframe from One Year to Two Years President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0042-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL THE CITY OF GAHANNA CODE PART THIRTEEN BUILDING CODE CHAPTER 1311 - REGISTRATION - Removing Requirements of Certain Contractors to Register with the City President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. ORD-0043-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING TO AWARD AND ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH DIRT DAWG EXCAVATING LLC FOR THE EAST JOHNSTOWN ROAD DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (ST-1078) President Renner introduced the Ordinance. Council accepted the first reading by title as it was published on the agenda. City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 G. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & EMERGENCY ADOPTION: ORD-0044-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORD-0078-2022 ESTABLISHING THE SALARIES FOR PERSONNEL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2023, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023, WAIVING SECOND READING, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Councilmember Bowers invited directors Vollmer and Wybensinger to give a presentation regarding new positions and how are to be funded. The positions include Supervisor Customer Service, Manager Public Service, Manager Planning, and Management Analyst - Police Records. Supervisor - Customer Service is funded by the proprietary funds: 50% Water (6510), 50% Sewer (6610). Manager of Public Service is split four ways between General Fund (1010), Stormwater (6310), Water (6510), and Sewer (6610). Manager of Planning and Management Analyst are fully funded by the General Fund. The grand total is $474,162, with $283,472 from the general fund, $21,506 from the stormwater fund, $84,592 from the water and sewer funds. Vollmer went over the impact to fund balance, noting that the new positions account for about 1% of the unencumbered fund balance for 2023. Because of funds being added back to the General Fund (about $500,000), Vollmer said there is no anticipated actual use of the general fund monies. The increase next year is expected to be about 1%. Councilmember Bowers asked for clarification as to whether the expense will actually be lower than what is shown on the slide. Vollmer confirmed that no actual use of the General Fund is anticipated this year because of projected revenue. Bowers asked if next year salary costs of roughly $283,000 will be added to the General Fund. Vollmer stated that it would be about a 1% increase to the General Fund next year, which includes some reclassifications she discussed at the last meeting. Bowers asked if there are any updates on income or revenue projections for the first quarter. It was stated the Q1 budget report is on the website and Director Bury would do a mid-year review in July. Councilmember Bowers asked for additional description of the positions. Vollmer started with the Management Analyst position in the Division of Police. The request for this position stems partly from revisions in Marsy’s Law, which added requirements for redaction and restriction to victim records, the processing of records, records management, and centralization of records. The position would work with the Council’s records team. There is a lot of video and audio redaction requirements. Currently , this task is being fulfilled by multiple police department staff. The Manager of Planning would oversee the day-to-day operations of the department, providing direct support to employees and coordinating the customer service facing employees in the department of planning and code enforcement. Currently, all employees in Planning report to Director Blackford. This would allow for succession planning, handle the rental registration program oversight, and provide action on decision points. A job audit was conducted. Currently, decision points for that program are carried out by Director Blackford or Ken Fultz. The new position would add a layer for employees. The City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 Customer Service Supervisor would help with enhanced oversight and consistency of public interactions to improve customer service, reimplementation of meter replacement program, direct support of the water rate calculations and projections, supervisory-level support, and training for the utility billing specialists. Additionally, a customer-service model is expected in the new building, and having this position hired and onboarded will be helpful in that transition. The Manager of Public Service was fulfilled by a retired part-time employee and will now be a full-time position. The duties include assisting with aligning the operations of fleet, streets, and utilities; to oversee pavement repairs from snow and ice operations, assist with emergency operations of the city; assist with the CIP program from the Dept. of Public Service; realigning fleet purchases to ensure timely delivery of police cruisers and other fleet; assist with food waste and sustainability programs; succession planning; traffic signal management; and lead for utility management. The EPA added an additional requirement, and the city must have a wastewater collections class 2 operator license. The manager would be responsible for this license and the record for the water distribution class 2. This position is also responsible for consumer confidence report, water quality, managing public contracts, and managing customer service operations. Councilmember Bowers asked Vollmer to clarify why the request is coming mid-year rather than later for next year. Vollmer explained that when there are vacancies the staff looks at the positions to see how they can be realigned, or jobs can be shifted. During the budget discussion last fall it was noted that a mid-year staffing request would be made. Vacancies and promotions occurred, and the transition to 825 Tech Center will be here soon, which are both prompting the staffing request. Vollmer also noted that it takes 60-90 days to hire and onboard new staff members, and it is best for this to happen before the transition to the new facility. Additionally, Director Bury has been working on the ACFR, which has a deadline of May 31. Councilmember Bowers noted that a Q1 report was not available yet. She said that when going through budget discussions last year, there was projected spenddown of unreserved fund balance, even with the then-existing staffing positions being created. She added that being in May, there has not been adequate time to see how staffing is working yet, and additional spending is being created. She appreciated that there is optimism with revenue, but she had concerns from the perspective of the spenddown on the fund balance by creating new positions. Councilmember Schnetzer asked Bowers if it would be helpful to request a snapshot from staff, including Director Bury, and then bring the discussion back to the table. Bowers clarified if he meant to table the motion. Schnetzer agreed that bringing it back for further discussion at the next meeting. Council is looking at data given in February as of December 31, 2022. In mid-May, the data is about 5.5 months old. Schnetzer asked for data that is more recent, not necessarily audited or a full report, but simply updated data to show what the expenditures are. He acknowledged the time that it takes to hire, adding that the expenditure will not be the expected $300,000 today, but eventually it will be. Senior Deputy Director Wybensinger offered to follow up with City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 Director Bury to find out when the presentation of the Q1 report will be shared. Councilmember Angelou asked what the overall delay and subsequent implications will be of tabling the motion until further discussion can happen. Vollmer replied that it will delay every aspect by about three weeks - posting, hiring, onboarding. It becomes a bit more difficult to train because many of the positions will work directly with directors. None of the positions are currently posted. President Renner asked again what the impact is of waiting three weeks to post the position. Vollmer said a three-week or thirty days in hiring, so delaying the start date. She added that there are similar positions posted throughout Ohio right now, so when recruiting the City may miss out on qualified individuals to fill those positions. Renner asked if there are operational delays. Director Shultz stated that for the public service position, that department is particularly challenged right now because of the promotion of an employee. One of the reasons for the adjustment is the reassessment of a vacant position and servicing the customers, how can it be realigned for both right now and in the future. Councilmember Angelou asked about the police position. The police chief stated that the PD currently has one records person. Westerville, which is similarly sized, has eight, including a manager and a supervisor. Whitehall has four , plus two part-time. Reynoldsburg has four. Similarly positioned in terms of staff and calls for service. Two issues right now: Marsy’s Law updates were passed April 6th. The additional redactions that must be made to records must be kept up with. The office also needs to continue learning the implications of Marsy’s Law. For example, if there is a burglary, there is an automatic belief that a victim wants their information redacted. If insurance is involved, this can pose a challenge for the insurance agency to get the information for the claim because the report is subject to redaction. The second piece, is a replacement of the records management system approved by Council. Having someone on board day one from that process is critical. Selection and scoring of the vendor will happen in early June and having a staff member integrated into that process is critical. Director Schultz discussed the operations manager side. That position is critical on the EPA reporting and compliance reporting filed by the end of the year. Having an operator of record is critical to water and sanitary sewer. The supervisor of utility division is leaving at the end of the week. This area needs addressed immediately. Schultz feels the financial aspect was presented accurately and there would be no dipping into the fund reserve of $20 million. Councilmember Bowers asked a follow-up. Are the EPA regulations new or changed? Shultz said it is both, and the person handling this is leaving. Vollmer added that the requirement to have a class 2 is a new requirement, and the city has no one currently with that licensure. City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 President Renner said that he is struggling to understand exactly what some members of Council are requesting. Is it that they want to see more evidence that Q1 followed along the projections? His understanding was that Ms. Vollmer said that revenues were coming in higher. Vollmer clarified that 2022 came in higher than projected and Q1 revenue projections are still being finalized. Schnetzer added that he is asking for a snapshot of current finances. A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Weaver, that the Ordinance be referred to Committee of the Whole for further discussion on May 22, 2023, and tabled until June 5, 2023. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Bowers, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver No: 3- Angelou, McGregor and Renner H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk 2023-0092 Ohio Division of Liquor Control Notice to Legislative Authority Permit STCK 8142388 - SIGNATURES TAVERN LLC DBA SIGNATURES TAVERN AND PATIOS; 94 MILL ST, GAHANNA, OH 43230 Mr. VanMeter noted that there were no objections by the Division of Police. There was no request for a hearing on the matter. 2. Council - None. I. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver President Renner noted there is a meeting scheduled for May 16, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. in the Committee Room. There will be a report at the next meeting. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou 2023-0095 Councilmember Angelou's MORPC Report to City Council 5.12.2023 Councilmember Angelou reported that there was a May 11th commission event recognizing a retirement. MORPC has 53 interns this year and Gahanna will have 3. She reported on a presentation regarding the Columbus Regional Federal Fund Initiative. The grants opportunities tool will be sent out on MORPC’s monthly newsletter. A terrific amount of work is being done in this area. MORPC also achieved a certificate of excellence in financial reporting for the 34th consecutive year. MORPC City of Gahanna Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 also has “Money Monday,” where the city can look for grants. Dr. Amy Acton is leaving Rapid 5. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Padova said Herb Day was a great event and sold out of almost all its plants. Padova volunteered for the “Plant Parking Lot” where visitors could leave their plants and shop other vendors. She thanked the volunteers and Gahanna Parks & Rec. Visit Gahanna was an exhibitor at the Statehouse for National Tourism Day with about 100 other CVBs. Hundreds of attendees visited to learn about fun things to do in Ohio. Visit Gahanna handed out information and promoted events such as Herb N’ Restaurant Week. The Ohio Department of Development announced they are returning to the slogan “Ohio - The Heart of It All!” Volunteers are still needed for Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival. Individuals are needed and there are also slots for groups. This is a great way for orgs and groups to earn money. Beverage stations will also receive tips. 4. School Board (SB) - Bowers Councilmember Bowers noted the City / School Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18th. The school district is working on a set of capital improvement projects through the summer. These include secured entries at Goshen Lane, Royal Major, Jefferson, Royal, Chapelfield, and MS West. This will increase safety and give staff a second chance to vet visitors before they enter the school hallways. At Chapelfield and Royal Manor, there will be crews paving bus lanes and parking lots including between Chapelfield and MS West. Exterior improvements , such as wheelchair-accessible swings, will continue at Goshen Lane, High Point, and Chapelfield. Continued permanent improvement funds will be used for a sound system and aid in the installment of permanent lighting in the Blacklick Athletic Complex. There will also be new buses added to the district’s fleet. The district was awarded $1.3 million in grants to boost security, access, and radio networks in the buildings. The last day of school is next week. Bowers wished the Gahanna students a happy summer. She congratulated Ms. Macioce on a sold-out GLHS theater show over the weekend. It was Disney’s Newsies. She also congratulated the GLHS community arts on their Herb N’ Arts program and ribbon cutting. J. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin expressed her gratitude for Mr. Losinski’s updates. She receives positive City of Gahanna Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 feedback daily. According to her calculations, about 1,000 visitors pass through the library each day. The office just submitted a grant application for the Link to Literacy project he mentioned. She extended her congratulations to Visit Gahanna for a successful Herb Day, and Parks & Rec for their assistance in planning the event. A city booth was set up at the event to share information with residents; she thanked the city team for providing support for that. The Gahanna 175 Committee is being formed, which will celebrate the 175th anniversary of Gahanna’s founding. Last week was public service employee week. It was established in 1985 to honor those who serve constituents at all levels of government. She thanked Gahanna’s employees for their service. The 2023 street program is underway, with $4.8 million Issue 12 dollars being invested in this year’s program to rebuild roadways. May 15th is National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, proclaimed by President Kennedy in 1962. It falls in National Police Week and commemorates officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We pay tribute to Officer Charles DuVernay, who was killed while directing traffic on Havens Corners Road in 1982. The Mayor recognized the bravery of the men and women who make up Gahanna’s Division of Police. She highlighted the city’s fourth annual Bikes and Badges bike drive. Community members are invited to consider donating new and used bicycles. Bikes will be refurbished, safety tested, and distributed to children in need. Bikes can be dropped off at the police station on Saturday, May 20 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The Mayor also commended Mrs. Macioce’s production of Newsies. She noted that the ribbon-cutting event for the murals was well-attended, and students were thrilled to share the art with their families. She thanked Council for their discussions regarding the murals in the preceding two weeks and added that her team has begun researching firms to assist the city in creating a legally-sound public arts policy. Mayor Jadwin concluded by sharing Mother’s Day wishes. 2. City Attorney - None. K. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember Bowers shared that there is a send-off show for the Gahanna Lincoln Orchestra in combination with their spring finale concert May 16th at 7:00pm. She acknowledged Law Enforcement Appreciation Week and shared a positive encounter she witnessed between a Gahanna police officer and two school-aged children. Bowers also commented that she is looking forwarding to funding the records analyst position and appreciates other law enforcement support. Bowers also shared Mother’s Day wishes. Councilmember Padova thanked Chief Spence for setting up Council’s tour of the Westerville police department. She noted the benefit of seeing what Gahanna currently has and what is needed in the future facility. She wished the students and teachers of GJPS a happy summer. Councilmember Schnetzer shared that Memorial Day will fall in between this Council City of Gahanna Page 13 City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2023 meeting and next, and while many will be celebrating, he hoped the importance of the day is not lost. He shared information on National Poppy Day from the American Legion’s website. The poppy is the official flower of the American Legion family and symbolizes the bloodshed that occurred during WWI. This year National Poppy Day falls on Friday, May 26th, and he encouraged all to wear a red poppy to honor those who have served. More information can be found on the American Legion’s website, www.legion.org <http://www.legion.org>. Vice President Weaver thanked Schnetzer for his remarks. Over the past couple weeks, Weaver has been communicating with the YMCA board and attending board meetings to discuss opportunities for partnership with the city and other local non-profits as well. The YMCA is anticipating releasing their annual report this week or next. Weaver echoed Padova’s thanks to Chief Spence for setting up the Westerville facility tour. He highlighted the need of being intentional and thoughtful in providing Gahanna’s Division of Police with what they need for their new facility. He commented on the success of Herb Day, Mrs. Macioce’s final show, and the mural cutting at the Herb N’ Arts Fair. His final comment acknowledged National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, in which he expressed gratitude for our officers. L. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Renner adjourned the meeting at 8:33 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2023. Stephen A. Renner City of Gahanna Page 14