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, October 16, 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, October 16, 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 October 13, 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: None. D. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2023-0187 CN Minutes 10.2.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2023-0188 COTW Minutes 10.9.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. Resolutions: City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes October 16, 2023 RES-0033-2023 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2023 AS PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. 3. Ordinances for Second Reading: ORD-0068-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Water Meter Fees The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0070-2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Developers Escrow Fund and Capital Improvement 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. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk - None. 2. Council - None. F. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver Vice President Weaver informed Council that the regular meeting scheduled for the CIC had been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 24th, at 8:00 a.m. in the Committee Room. He reminded everyone that minutes from previous meetings could be accessed on the city's official website, Gahannacic.com. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Angelou 2023-0189 Councilmember Angelou's MORPC Report to City Council 10.13.2023 Councilmember Angelou provided a comprehensive update on the recent activities and discussions at the MORPC meeting. She began by expressing City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes October 16, 2023 her amazement at the various initiatives and opportunities presented at the MORPC meeting. She shared exciting news about a potential rail project involving Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton (CCCD), with hopes that rail services might eventually become available. The potential economic impact was emphasized, highlighting the state’s anticipation for this development. Councilmember Angelou noted MORPC’s impressive return on investment, stating that every dollar invested in MORPC initiatives yields $21 in return. She reported that Padmini Roy-Dixon is MORPC’s new Economic Development Director and Regional Innovation Officer, praising her expertise and background. Additionally, she discussed the Pro-Housing Grant, which amounted to $10 million, although specific details were not elaborated upon. She shared information about the Rapid 5 initiative, which involved a land trust, adding an element of interest to the initiative’s development. Councilmember Angelou encouraged attendance at the upcoming Summit on Sustainability, emphasizing the importance of the event and the opportunities it offered for learning and networking. She shared a historical picture from a past MORPC event, emphasizing the strong Gahanna representation at such forums. Transitioning to local matters, Councilmember Angelou presented the MORPC resolution that had been passed, establishing population estimates. She handed a detailed document to the clerk, indicating that copies could be made available to interested parties. Councilmember Angelou also highlighted another resolution authorizing the executive director to enter into an administrative contract worth up to $500,000. This contract supported the development of a comprehensive study focusing on water supply, demand, infrastructure management, and innovative reuse. She emphasized the importance of the study, revealing that it would span 10 to 12 months and involved an extensive financial commitment. Lastly, Councilmember Angelou expressed her gratitude for the opportunities afforded by her position and eagerly anticipated the MORPC initiatives that would benefit the community. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Padova reported that Visit Gahanna received three Ruby awards at the Ohio Travel Association's conference on tourism earlier in the month. These awards, standing for Recognizing Uncommon Brilliance Yearly, recognized excellence in advertising, marketing, and public relations efforts. The CVB was honored in the categories of marketing campaign, social media campaign, and event campaign, and also received a citation of excellence in the annual report category. Additionally, the CVB has prepared nearly 100 welcome bags for out-of-town guests visiting Gahanna for weddings and family reunions this month. She also reminded the community about Gahanna’s Holiday Lights celebration, which was scheduled for Sunday, November 19th, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Furthermore, she encouraged residents to register for the Santa Race, set to take place on Saturday, December 2nd. 4. School Board (SB) - Bowers Councilmember Bowers announced two items. First, she informed the community about a Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools (GJPS) coffee and conversation event scheduled for Wednesday, October 18th, from 8:00 a.m. City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes October 16, 2023 until 9:30 a.m. The event would be held at Upper Cup at Creekside, providing an informal setting for residents to ask questions to Dr. Deagle and members of the GJPS Board of Education. Additionally, Councilmember Bowers congratulated the undefeated Gahanna Lincoln Lions boys' football team, mentioning their upcoming game against Pickerington North on Friday night. She noted that the game would be the final regular season home game and encouraged the community to enjoy senior night celebrations while cheering for the Lions. Due to high demand, she hinted that acquiring tickets might be challenging, but she extended her congratulations and support to the team. G. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin provided an update on the various activities and events she participated in over the past week. She began by discussing a neighborhood meeting held in the Gahanna Heights neighborhood. Approximately 25 residents attended, raising questions and concerns about the Creekside Redevelopment strategy. While the project is still in progress, the Mayor assured the residents that their feedback was valuable and would be taken into account. The Mayor then highlighted her participation in the Big Table conversation organized by the Columbus Foundation. She attended a specific discussion about the future of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce in the region. Mayors from nearby cities, along with school representatives and officials from Jobs Ohio, discussed innovative ideas to inform students about STEM career opportunities. One suggestion involved a marketing campaign to raise awareness about STEM professions, particularly at the elementary school level. A groundbreaking ceremony for Orthopedic One at Crescent in Central Park was celebrated. The Mayor expressed excitement about this project and the economic benefits it would bring to the city. More than 200 physician and associate jobs are expected to be created, making it a significant development for Gahanna. Looking ahead, the Mayor announced a joint workshop with Council and the Planning Commission scheduled for Wednesday, October 18. The workshop focused on the ongoing zoning code rewrite, which has been in progress for nearly two years. The Mayor encouraged residents to attend or watch the live stream, emphasizing the importance of their input in this process. Additionally, an open house event was planned for November 1st, where residents, business owners, developers, and realtors would have another opportunity to provide input on the zoning code. The Mayor stressed the importance of public participation in shaping the city's policies. Mayor Jadwin also informed the council about the Mayor's Art Advisory Panel meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 18 at the senior center. Attorney Mularski and outside counsel would attend and participate in discussions on developing an Arts policy for the city. She shared details about the upcoming Columbus Business First networking breakfast, which the city was hosting at the Gahanna branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. The Mayor mentioned the popularity of the event and highlighted the importance of registration due to the expected high turnout. Finally, Mayor Jadwin provided updates on community events, including the Gahanna Goblin Fest, scheduled City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes October 16, 2023 for October 27th at Academy Park. She also confirmed that trick-or-treating in Gahanna would take place on October 31st. The Mayor concluded her update by expressing her excitement about supporting the Columbus Academy varsity girls golf team and encouraged attendance at the upcoming GLHS football game, indicating her confidence in the team's performance. 2. City Attorney - None. H. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember Angelou provided updates on her recent activities and engagements in the community. She began by acknowledging Mayor Jadwin's announcements, noting that the Mayor had already covered some of her points. Councilmember Angelou mentioned that Mayor Jadwin informed about MORPC's trick-or-treat date, specifying it as the 31st of October. Councilmember Angelou then shared her participation in a Columbus Realtors' invitation to the Government Affairs reception. The event took place on October 11th at the Athletic Club of Columbus in the Crystal Room from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. She expressed her enthusiasm about engaging with numerous attendees, including many from Gahanna. The reception provided an excellent opportunity to discuss various topics concerning the city and the community's well-being. Additionally, she highlighted her plans to attend the upcoming Columbus Business First event at the library. She encouraged her fellow council members to join her, especially considering the strong attendance with approximately 250 people anticipated to attend. Councilmember Bowers began by briefly discussing her September constituent report, which had been circulated among the council members. She requested that the clerk incorporate the report into the official minutes. In her report, she detailed the various activities and engagements she had undertaken in the month of September. Bowers expressed her gratitude to the City staff for their responsiveness and assistance in addressing several issues highlighted in her report. Specifically, she mentioned the prompt action taken to deploy a speed cart to residents in the Woodside Green South area, addressing concerns related to speeding in that neighborhood. Additionally, Bowers acknowledged the City staff's efforts in arranging a meeting with a resident from Taylor Road to discuss drainage issues in the area. She praised the staff and members of the administration for their dedication in resolving these matters. Councilmember Padova expressed her gratitude to her colleagues for passing the resolution recognizing October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Padova highlighted the prevalence of pregnancy loss, pointing out that one in four pregnancies ends in loss. She shared her personal connection to this cause, revealing that two out of her three pregnancies had ended in loss. Padova recounted her own experiences, sharing the emotional journey of her ectopic pregnancy and the subsequent removal of her right fallopian tube. She emphasized the importance of breaking the stigma around pregnancy loss and encouraged others to share their stories. Addressing societal norms, Padova urged people to refrain from City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes October 16, 2023 asking deeply personal questions about family planning, emphasizing the potential pain such questions could cause. She discussed the stigma associated with ending a pregnancy for any reason, recounting her own doctor's warning that her body was a "time bomb." Padova expressed gratitude for her doctor's guidance, which ultimately saved her life. She noted that had she listened to certain politicians, preachers, and pundits who state that ending a pregnancy is murder, she might have ended up being rushed to the emergency room. Padova stressed that instead, she listened to her doctor and her body and was able to be present in Chambers tonight. Lastly, Padova also shared a heartwarming experience of connecting with a stranger who had also experienced pregnancy loss. This connection provided comfort and support, leading to a valuable friendship. She extended her support to all individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss, assuring them that she sees them and is there for them, whether they are friends, acquaintances, or strangers. In closing, Councilmember Padova emphasized the importance of acknowledging and supporting those who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss, creating a space for healing and understanding within the community. President Renner expressed gratitude to Councilmember Padova for her courage in sharing her personal story and emphasizing the importance of a state issue currently before the electorate. Councilmember Schnetzer shared his excitement about the upcoming football game and the positive energy surrounding the Gahanna Lincoln High School football program. He mentioned checking the weather forecast on weatherbug.com and noted that despite a rainy forecast for Friday, it was anticipated to clear by kickoff. He expressed his anticipation, along with the majority of Council, to attend the game and cheer on the Golden Lions, hoping for a victory that would secure an undefeated season. Schnetzer highlighted the enthusiasm in the community for the football program, mentioning the growth in participation at the youth league level. He shared that this year, there were two teams for the grade 3-4 Junior League level, whereas there was only one team the previous year. Despite last year's team having 30 players, this year's turnout increased to 43 kids, showcasing the positive influence of the successful high school football program on the younger generations. He concluded his comments, expressing his eagerness to support the Lions at the upcoming game and his hope for even more participation in the youth league in the following seasons. Vice President Weaver began his comments by expressing his gratitude towards Make Gahanna Yours for organizing a litter cleanup event over the weekend. He acknowledged the excellent turnout and the collective effort in cleaning up trash throughout the community. He appreciated the event's success and expressed his enthusiasm for participating in similar initiatives in the future. Weaver then mentioned attending the neighborhood meeting with the residents of Gahanna Heights, along with some of his fellow council members. He emphasized the value of hearing directly from residents, highlighting his unique perspective as a council president appointee to the CIC (Community Improvement Corporation). He looked forward to continuing the dialogue with residents, aiming to address their concerns and work City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes October 16, 2023 collaboratively for the betterment of the community. In his final remarks, Vice President Weaver expressed heartfelt gratitude to his colleague and friend, Councilmember Padova. He thanked her for her dedication to the resolution and for bravely sharing her personal story of pregnancy loss. He acknowledged the emotional weight of such experiences, drawing on the challenges his own family had faced. He commended Padova for her courage and impactful story, expressing pride in their friendship and professional collaboration. President Renner mentioned that he and his wife would be participating in the senior night event on Friday. Specifically, they would be walking their son across the field during this event. As their last son to go through the school system, it marked a significant moment for them. 2023-0190 Councilmember Merisa K. Bowers' Constituent Report - September 2023 I. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Renner adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2023. Stephen A. Renner City of Gahanna Page 7