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, July 24, 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, July 24, 2023, in Council Chambers. President of Council Stephen A. Renner called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Councilmember Karen Angelou delivered an Invocation and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was published on July 21, 2023. Councilmember Merisa Bowers asked for a moment of silence in honor of community leader Nancy King and her life’s service to the community. Members joined Bowers in the moment of silence. Present 6 - Karen J. Angelou, Merisa K. Bowers, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova, Stephen A. Renner, and Michael Schnetzer Absent 1 - Trenton I. Weaver B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: Councilmember Bowers requested to remove two items off of the consent agenda in order to permit additional discussion: MT-0014-2023, the motion authorizing the Director of Public Service to enter into contract and waive competitive bidding and ORD-0054-2023 regarding the repeal and replace of the sidewalk program. President Renner announced that MT-0014-2023 would become new Item E, ORD-0054-2023 would become new Item G, with the remaining items re-lettered accordingly. C. HEARING OF VISITORS: Brenda Hoffman of 279 Highmeadow Drive, Gahanna, OH, spoke on sidewalks and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Ms. Hoffman expressed her concerns about the sidewalk program and shared her frustrations with the handling of past issues related to sidewalks. City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes July 24, 2023 She mentioned the difficulties faced with code enforcement and the lack of adherence to regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and PROWAG (Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines). She also expressed dissatisfaction with the 15-year-old street program map, which caused delays in the sidewalk program. Ms. Hoffman expressed her disappointment with the engineering department, except for Caitlyn Ridge and Angela Roth, stating that she has often been lied to or ignored when dealing with them. She raised issues with the communication and response times from the department and criticized the lack of flexibility in the opt-in period for sidewalk repairs, leading to inconvenience for residents. She proposed that the city should provide clear and detailed information to residents about the issues with their sidewalks and give them ample time to opt into the program. She also suggested that contractors should be allowed to negotiate the frost line to avoid scheduling conflicts during challenging weather conditions. Additionally, Hoffman disagreed with extending zero-interest loans to commercial organizations, arguing that they should be charged at least four percent interest, as it is the residents who are majorly affected by the program. She concluded by expressing appreciation for the council members' attention to her concerns. D. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2023-0130 CN Minutes 7.10.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2023-0131 FIN Minutes 7.10.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2023-0132 COTW Minutes 7.17.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2023-0133 FIN Minutes 7.17.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. Ordinances for Second Reading: ORD-0052-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY OR THE CITY ATTORNEY'S DESIGNEE TO FILE FOR APPROPRIATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT AT 926 TAYLOR STATION ROAD; VANDELAY IMPORTS & EXPORTS, LLC, OWNER; IN FURTHERANCE OF THE TAYLOR STATION AND CLAYCRAFT ROAD ROUNDABOUT PROJECT City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes July 24, 2023 The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0053-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY OR THE CITY ATTORNEY'S DESIGNEE TO FILE FOR APPROPRIATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT AT TAYLOR STATION ROAD, LOT 3; CAMP EZK, LLC, OWNER; IN FURTHERANCE OF THE TAYLOR STATION AND CLAYCRAFT ROAD ROUNDABOUT PROJECT The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0055-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AGREEMENT WITH ROMANOFF GROUP TO FACILITATE REDEVELOPMENT OF AN EXISTING INDUSTRIAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 977 GAHANNA PARKWAY, PART OF COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA #1 The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. End of Consent Agenda A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Padova, to Pass the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Angelou, Bowers, McGregor, Padova, Renner and Schnetzer Absent: 1- Weaver E. MOTIONS: MT-0014-2023 A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT AND WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING PURSUANT TO CODE SECTION 133.02(c)(4)(A)(2) FOR EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABINET AT GRANVILLE STREET AND FLINT RIDGE DRIVE A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Angelou, that the Motion be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Angelou, Bowers, McGregor, Padova, Renner and Schnetzer Absent: 1- Weaver Additional Discussion after the vote: Councilmember Bowers apologized for not speaking up earlier and requested that the vote on motion MT-0014-2023 be suspended to allow for a brief discussion. President Renner confirmed that he had called for discussion on the item. Councilmember Bowers explained that she wanted to City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes July 24, 2023 have a conversation about motion MT-0014-2023 and acknowledged that Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz was prepared to speak on the matter. Director Schultz clarified a statement he had made in the previous week's discussion. He stated that there were traffic detection cameras at all four parts of the intersection, not loop detectors as previously mentioned. The loop detector that needed to be fixed was actually located one intersection away at Lincoln Circle and Shull Park, and it affected the left turn signal into the library parking lot. He confirmed that the replacement of the traffic cabinet would address the issue with the left turn signal at the library. Additionally, Councilmember Bowers requested that two detection cameras be added at the intersection of Lincoln Circle and Granville to address any issues related to the post office or Coaches or Shull Park. Mr. Schultz confirmed that this request would be added to the list of considerations for the project. F. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING: ORD-0056-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTH O R I Z I N G A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - General Fund and Streets Fund for Traffic Signal Cabinet Repairs President Renner introduced the Ordinance and read it by title. G. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING / ADOPTION: ORD-0054-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL AND REPLACE CODE SECTION 521.06 - CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, AND REPLACEMENT OF SIDEWALKS, INTEGRAL APPROACHES/APRONS AND RELATED AREAS; AND TO REPEAL AND REPLACE CHAPTER 903 - SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Councilmember Bowers began by expressing her gratitude to Director Komlanc and Director Schultz for their time in addressing the outstanding questions from the previous week's Committee of the Whole discussion. She wanted to clarify a point about adding sidewalks in neighborhoods where there are currently none. She confirmed with Director Schultz that the petition process, established through the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), allows homeowners and property owners to petition for new sidewalk installations. The cost-sharing arrangement proposed by the city would be similar to that of the sidewalk program, with the city covering 50% of the cost for new construction. Director Schultz confirmed Councilmember Bowers' understanding and clarified that while the ORC doesn't have a cost-sharing provision, the city's code revision before the council includes a 50% cost-share for petitioned new sidewalk installations. Councilmember Padova acknowledged Director Schultz's efforts in providing City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes July 24, 2023 information about the Rocky Fork North street rebuild and sidewalk project. She sought clarification that since the city had already committed to building sidewalks in that project, the residents would not be subjected to the 50% cost-share, and the city would cover the entire cost of the sidewalk. Director Schultz confirmed that this was correct. President Renner asked if there was a letter stating the commitment to cover the sidewalk cost, and Director Schultz confirmed that such a letter exists and expressed his willingness to share it with all council members. A motion was made by Bowers, seconded by Schnetzer, that the Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Bowers, Padova, Renner and Schnetzer No: 2- Angelou and McGregor Absent: 1- Weaver Additional Discussion after the vote: The clerk confirmed the result of the vote as 4 yes, 2 no, and 1 absent. President Renner asked if this meant that the ordinance failed or just the emergency failed. Attorney Mularski confirmed that just the emergency failed. President Renner said the ordinance passed but there would be no emergency declaration. Attorney Mularski added that emergency is a procedural aspect on whether or not the ordinance skips a 30-day effective date period - that is in addition to the ordinance. He said the ordinance passing is a majority vote. Emergency, in this case, would have taken 5 affirmative votes (due to the absence of one member). H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk - None. 2. Council - None. I. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver No Report. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou No Report. City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes July 24, 2023 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Padova provided updates on various community events and activities. She reminded everyone about the upcoming volunteer picnic for those who volunteered for the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. The picnic was scheduled for Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 PM behind the Visit Gahanna Herb Center building at 110 Mill Street. Guests were encouraged to attend the Farmers Market and Midweek at the Creek event on the same day. During the volunteer picnic, checks were to be presented to the non-profit groups that volunteered for the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. Additionally, Councilmember Padova mentioned that the upcoming Midweek at the Creek event would feature the musical performance of Honey and Blue from 6 to 8 PM at the plaza on Creekside. Councilmember Padova highlighted that Visit Gahanna was promoting the Gahanna Area Arts Council event, "Columbus Symphony Live at Headley Park," taking place on Saturday, August 5th at 7 PM. Tickets for the event were available for purchase at the Gahanna Area Arts Council Facebook page. Furthermore, Councilmember Padova shared information about a new historical walking tour brochure of Gahanna released by the Convention & Visitors Bureau, with input from the Gahanna Historical Society. The brochure provided a brief history of Gahanna and featured 16 different historic places and sites in the city. Councilmember Padova also mentioned the Ohio Herb Center, which is managed by Visit Gahanna, and highlighted its success in hosting many sold-out classes and workshops throughout the year. She encouraged interested individuals to check the Visit Gahanna website for upcoming classes and events. 4. School Board (SB) - Bowers Councilmember Bowers announced a joint City Council and school board meeting scheduled for September 19th at 6:30 PM. The meeting aimed to discuss finances, financial funding structures, and revenue sources for both the school district and the city. The goal was to understand the differences and similarities in how the two entities are funded. Councilmember Bowers expressed gratitude to Director Vollmer, Director Schultz, Director Bury, and her fellow council colleagues, Mr. Renner and Mr. Schnetzer, as well as the mayor, for attending a previous meeting with Superintendent Dr. Tracey Deagle, the district’s CFO, Mr. Gooding, and school board members Beryl Piccolantonio and Daphne Moehring. The purpose of the meeting was to address financial matters and set the stage for what she believed would be a productive and beneficial conversation not only for their respective entities but also for the larger community. J. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin expressed gratitude to the council for approving the CRA agreement for Romanoff Electric, allowing the company to continue its City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes July 24, 2023 growth in Gahanna. She also reintroduced the new Economic Development Director, Shannon Hamons, and praised his extensive experience in the field. Mayor Jadwin shared that Hamons' focus would include the ongoing Creekside Redevelopment project. Despite being in the position for only two weeks, he had already engaged in positive conversations regarding the project. The mayor mentioned the successful Economic Development event held at the ADB Safegate offices, which showcased the company's North American headquarters and featured Steve Stivers, former Congressman and CEO of the Ohio Chamber, as the keynote speaker. She would provide the council members with an executive summary of the Ohio blueprint for economic growth discussed during the event. Mayor Jadwin had participated as a panelist at Obie's Breakfast Club, where she and other community leaders discussed the impacts of Intel and how to prepare for future challenges. She reminded everyone about the upcoming National Night Out on August 1, promoting police and community partnerships to create safer and more caring neighborhoods. The event would take place at Sunpoint Park. Furthermore, she mentioned the annual car show, organized by the Capital Corvette Club, which would be held at the Creekside District on August 5. The event offered an opportunity to enjoy classic cars before attending the Columbus Symphony performance at Headley Park in the evening. 2. City Attorney - None. K. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember Angelou shared about receiving a call from Kevin Dengel and her plans to attend an event with children learning to play musical instruments. She mentioned the ongoing camp and asked if Mayor Jadwin had attended the event earlier that day. Mayor Jadwin clarified that she had not been present at the event that day but expressed a possibility of attending later in the week. Councilmember Angelou expressed excitement about attending the event due to her lifelong involvement in music and looking forward to witnessing the young participants' progress. She concluded her comments, mentioning a potential discussion about Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) in the future and thanked everyone for their time. President Renner clarified whether that discussion was scheduled for a date in September. Clerk VanMeter confirmed that the dates offered were September 5 and 18. Councilmember Angelou said that if these did not work for the representative, she let her know that we could work around and find a different date. Councilmember Bowers acknowledged that this was the last regular council meeting for July and took the opportunity to appreciate the Parks & Recreation Department for their efforts during Parks & Rec month. She praised the counselors for their dedication and patience in working with the children attending the camps and expressed gratitude for their work in both regular programming and special events throughout the city. She also thanked Brenda Hoffman for her comments and contributions to the community. Councilmember Bowers reminded everyone to mark their calendars for the Gahanna Historical Society Founders Day on Saturday, City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes July 24, 2023 August 12th. She concluded her comments by encouraging the support of the Gahanna Farmers Market, which takes place every Wednesday afternoon from 4:30 to 7 at The Sanctuary and the public lot on High Street, featuring various produce, crafts, and food vendors. Councilmember Padova expressed her gratitude to the mayor for inviting her to the economic development event at ADB Safegate. She mentioned that the event seemed like a long time ago, but it was indeed a notable experience. She expressed her excitement to see the new headquarters and how it lived up to her expectations. She remarked that the building was constructed quickly and was quite large. One of her main takeaways from the visit was the company's investment in art within their space. She highlighted how ADB Safegate specifically hired local artists for all the artwork in the building, demonstrating their commitment to supporting local talent. She emphasized the significance of art in the community and its connection to economic development. She noted that it's not just about decorating the building's exterior but also creating vibrant spaces where employees come to work. She mentioned ADB Safegate took pride in explaining the artwork and suggesting the best view to appreciate it. She encouraged others to visit the building as well to experience the unique and vibrant space firsthand. 2023-0135 Councilmember Merisa K. Bowers' Constituent Report - June 2023 L. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Renner adjourned the meeting at 7:34 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2023. Stephen A. Renner City of Gahanna Page 8