City Council

200 South Hamilton Road City of Gahanna Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes City Council Merisa K. Bowers, President Trenton I. Weaver, Vice President Jamille Jones Nancy R. McGregor Kaylee Padova Stephen A. Renner Michael Schnetzer Jeremy A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council Tuesday, January 2, 2024 7:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Organizational Meeting began at 7:00 PM; Regular Meeting immediately followed. A. ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS OF OFFICE: 1. Laurie A. Jadwin, Mayor Administered by Hon. Michele Reynolds, State Senator 2. Priya D. Tamilarasan, City Attorney Administered by Hon. Mary Lightbody, State Representative 3. Merisa K. Bowers, Council at Large Administered by Hon. Stephen L. McIntosh, Judge, Common Pleas 4. Jamille Jones, Council at Large Administered by Hon. Kara Coates, Board of Education Member 5. Nancy McGregor, Council at Large Administered by Hon. Laurie A. Jadwin, Mayor B. CALL TO ORDER (Organizational): Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call Gahanna City Council met for its organizational meeting held pursuant to City Charter on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, in Council Chambers. Mayor Laurie A. Jadwin called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m., following the swearing in of newly elected and re-elected officials. Councilmember Nancy R. McGregor delivered an Invocation. The Gahanna Division of Police Honor Guard presented the colors, upon which Chief Jeff Spence led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda for the meeting was published on December 29, 2023. Present 7 - Merisa K. Bowers, Jamille Jones, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova, Stephen A. Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 C. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT: Mayor Jadwin opened the floor to nominations for President of Council for 2024. Councilmember Renner nominated Merisa Bowers for President of Council. Mayor Jadwin asked if there were any other nominations for President of Council. There were none. Jadwin asked whether Councilmember Bowers accepted the nomination. Bowers accepted the nomination. With no further discussion or nominations, Jadwin closed nominations for President of Council. A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Padova, to elect Merisa K. Bowers as President of Council for 2024. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver D. ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT: President Bowers opened the floor to nominations for Vice President of Council for 2024. Councilmember Padova nominated Trenton I. Weaver for Vice President of Council. President Bowers asked if there were any other nominations for Vice President of Council. There were none. Bowers asked whether Councilmember Weaver accepted the nomination. Weaver accepted the nomination. With no further discussion or nominations, Bowers closed nominations for Vice President of Council. A motion was made by Padova, seconded by Schnetzer, to elect Trenton I. Weaver as Vice President of Council for 2024. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 E. COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES & OTHER ASSIGNMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT: President Bowers announced representatives and other assignments as follows: 1. Community Improvement Corporation Board of Trustees (2 members) Mr. Renner, Mr. Weaver 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (1 member) Mr. Weaver 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors (1 member) Ms. Padova 4. Capital Improvement Plan Advisory Committee (1 member) Mr. Renner 5. Gahanna-Jefferson Board of Education Liaison (1 member) Ms. Jones 6. Incentive Advisory Board (2 members) Mr. Schnetzer, Ms. Bowers 7. Volunteer Peace Officers' Dependents Fund Board (2 members) Ms. McGregor, Mr. Renner 8. Finance Committee Chair (1 member) Mr. Schnetzer F. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: 1. James Mako, Planning Commission, Seat 1, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 2. Michael Suriano, Planning Commission, Seat 2, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 3. Alvin "Jamie" McKenna, Records Commission, Seat 2, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 4. Kevin Dengel, Landscape Board, Seat 1, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 5. Kylie Cooper Cyrus, Civil Service Commission, City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 Seat 2, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 6. Kylie Cooper Cyrus, Fair Housing Board, Seat 2, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 7. Eric Miller, Parks & Recreation Board, Seat 3, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 8. Chrissy Kaminski, Parks & Recreation Board, Seat 4, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 9. Betty Collins, Local Board of Tax Review, Seat 1, 2-year term ending 12/31/2025 10. Tricia Sprankle, Local Board of Tax Review, Seat 2, 2-year term ending 12/31/2025 A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, to appoint members to Boards and Commissions as nominated by President Bowers in items #1-#10. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver Board of Zoning & Building Appeals, Seat 3, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026: A motion was made by Jones, seconded by Renner, to appoint Michael Burmeister to the Board of Zoning & Building Appeals Seat 3 as nominated by Councilmember Schnetzer. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver Property Appeals Board, Seat 3, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026: A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Weaver, to appoint Monica Moran to Property Appeals Board Seat 3 as nominated by Councilmember Schnetzer. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver G. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 Confirming the following appointments (O.R.C. 5709.85(A)(2)): 1. Betty Collins, Tax Incentive Review Council, Seat 11, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 2. Scott Davis, Tax Incentive Review Council, Seat 12, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, to confirm the Mayor's appointments of Betty Collins and Scott Davis to the Tax Incentive Review Council. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver Other Mayoral Appointments (informational): 1. Sarah Pollyea, Planning Commission, Seat 7, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 2. Jane Allinder, Landscape Board, Seat 2, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 3. Obie Stillwell, Board of Zoning & Building Appeals, Seat 4, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 4. Sheila Vitale, Civil Service Commission, Seat 3, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 5. Elizabeth Smith, Property Appeals Board, Seat 2, 3-year term ending 12/31/2026 H. MOTION TO ESTABLISH TIME AND DAY OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL & COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETINGS: Regular Meetings for City Council A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Schnetzer, to establish the City Council regular meetings as to be held at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month (if the regular meeting falls on an observed City holiday, the meeting will occur the following Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.). The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver Regular Meetings for Committee of the Whole President Bowers noted action on the Committee of the Whole's City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 schedule for only quarter one (January, February, and March). The remainder of the year would be reviewed at a subsequent meeting. A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Renner, to establish Committee of the Whole meetings for the first quarter of 2024 as to be held at 7:00 p.m on the second and fourth Monday of each month (if the regular meeting falls on an observed City holiday, the meeting will occur the following Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.). The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver I. MOTION TO ESTABLISH BOARD & COMMISSION ORGANIZATIONAL MEETINGS FOR 2024: 1. Landscape Board, Wednesday, January 10 at 6:00 p.m. 2. Planning Commission, Wednesday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m. 3. Parks & Recreation Board, Wednesday, January 10 at 7:15 p.m. 4. Property Appeals Board, Thursday, January 18 at 6:00 p.m. 5. Board of Zoning & Building Appeals, Thurs., January 18 at 6:30 p.m. 6. Records Commission, Tuesday, January 23 at 4:00 p.m. 7. Civil Service Commission, Tuesday, January 23 at 6:00 p.m. 8. Fair Housing Board, Tuesday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m. A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Schnetzer, to set the organizational meeting dates and times for the boards and commissions listed in items #1-#8. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver J. ADJOURNMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING: With no further business before the Council, President Bowers adjourned the organizational meeting at 7:25 p.m. *********************************************************************************************** A. CALL TO ORDER (Regular): Roll Call Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Monday, January 2, 2024 in Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. The agenda for this meeting was published on December 29, 2023. Present 7 - Merisa K. Bowers, Jamille Jones, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova, Stephen A. Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: None. City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 C. HEARING OF VISITORS: None. D. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2023-0228 COTW Minutes 12.11.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2023-0229 FIN Minutes 12.11.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2023-0230 CN Minutes 12.18.2023 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. End of Consent Agenda A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, to Pass the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver E. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING / ADOPTION: ORD-0087-2023 AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING, APPROVING, AND RATIFYING THE SUBMITTED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA TAX INCENTIVE REVIEW COUNCIL FOR TAX YEAR 2022 A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, that the Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner and Schnetzer Abstain, COI: 1- Weaver F. RESOLUTIONS: None offered. G. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 2023-0227 Ohio Division of Liquor Control Notice to Legislative Authority Permit TRFL 8003702-0001 SEXTONS PIZZA LLC DBA SEXTONS PIZZA Mr. VanMeter reported on the notice received. There were no objections to the permit from the Division of Police. There were no requests from Council for a hearing. The Clerk certified the notice accordingly and returned it to the Division of Liquor Control. 2. Council - None. H. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver Vice President Weaver reported that the CIC met with members of Council Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the golf course. He pledged to provide a more detailed report at the next meeting. Councilmember Renner noted the next CIC meeting would be January 23, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. in the Committee Room. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Weaver No report. President Bowers requested Clerk VanMeter send a letter to MORPC on the recent appointment of Mr. Weaver to serve as one of the City's two representatives on MORPC. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Padova noted this year is the 175th anniversary of Gahanna. There are many events and activities being planned to celebrate this. The first event the CVB is helping to plan and promote is the soiree at The Sanctuary, which will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 8:00-11:00 p.m. Tickets will be available soon for this fundraiser. The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival will take place June 14-16, 2024. The CVB will be asking for volunteers in the ensuing months. Additionally, Padova noted that Herb Day would be held on May 4, 2024. Vendor spaces are available. Anyone interested in renting space should contact Visit Gahanna. 4. School Board (SB) - Jones None. City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 I. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin welcomed the new Council and expressed her hopes in working together in the new year. She noted that she would be re-instituting Mayor's reports. This was something she had started during COVID and believed to be valuable in updating Council on projects that were ongoing. These will occur once per month beginning in February. Jadwin also reflected on her first term, coming into office having been thrown curveballs right out of the gate in 2020. Despite the challenges, Jadwin believed the administration and Council achieved much by working together. Jadwin stated that her return to the office of Mayor was a vote of trust by the people in her leadership she had provided the last four years and pledged she would not take for granted each day for the next four years and continue to serve with integrity, professionalism, and keeping the best interests of Gahanna at the forefront. Jadwin stressed the need to always pursue the highest public value that benefits all residents in everything that the City does. She expressed her confidence in and appreciation for the professionals who work for the City and noted many of them in attendance during the meeting. Reflecting again on the past four years, Jadwin highlighted the economy was thriving, with new jobs for residents, investments in infrastructure, roads, parks, trails, and community programs. All of these strengthen the bonds of the community. Embarking on the next four years, Jadwin looked forward to working with new the city's newest councilmember (Jones) and city attorney (Tamilarasan). Jadwin said that as everyone works to build new relationships and collaborate to strengthen the City, challenges would certainly test everyone, there would be differences of opinion along the way, but she asked all to never lose sight of why everyone is here and to transcend differences and party lines to ensure the shared vision for a stronger and united Gahanna becomes a reality. She expressed hope in achieving more by working together. 2. City Attorney 2024-0016 City Attorney's Annual Report to City Council City Attorney Tamilarasan delivered an annual report to City Council pursuant to Charter; see attached report. J. COUNCIL COMMENT: President Bowers recognized current and former elected officials present within Chambers during the meeting: State Senator Michele City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 Reynolds, State Representative Mary Lightbody, Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Stephen McIntosh, Reynoldsburg City Councilmembers Stacie Baker, Kristin Bryant, and Meredith Lawson-Rowe, Reynoldsburg School Board member Angela Abram, former Southwestern City Schools Board member David Donofrio, former State Representative and Mayor Jim McGregor, and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools Board members Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, Daphne Moehring, Dion Manley, and Kara Coates. Councilmember McGregor thanked residents for the opportunity to serve the City of Gahanna for one more term. She was first elected in 2003, sworn into office in 2004. She did not have any grandchildren at that time. Now, she has nine, of which seven were present to attend and witness McGregor's swearing-in at tonight's meeting. McGregor is looking forward to a good year. Councilmember Jones remarked on the honor and responsibility to serve the City. She thanked all for the opportunity to serve and pledged to advocate for the needs of all residents. She looked forward to working side-by-side with Council colleagues and the administration, as well as with those sitting in the audience, to address the challenges and focus on the future together. Councilmember Padova looked forward to the ensuing year and working with the newly elected officials and returning officials. She wished all a Happy New Year and thanked all for attending the meeting this evening. Councilmember Renner congratulated everyone for sitting through Council's business, which can sometimes be a little mundane, such as setting meeting dates and times. He also congratulated and welcomed Councilmember Jones and Councilmember McGregor, as well as City Attorney Tamilarasan and Mayor Jadwin. Renner noted that families and friends who had joined this evening's meeting should be very proud and excited and hopeful for the elected members of Council for the City of Gahanna. He remarked on the oath of office and stressed its significance. Turning from campaigners to trustees of the City, Renner emphasized the return to the important work ahead for the benefit of the community. Renner stressed keeping service in front of everyone. Those who voted against individuals were equal to those who voted for individuals. He asked all to be mindful of stating above the fray and the noise in order to be respectful. Renner described the roles of those at the table as to build something better, solve issues, admit when wrong, and to ask for help when needed. He understood that the present society might put a damper on that approach, as some view leadership today as serving in a single regard, a single way, regardless of consequences or City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 consensus. This, he acknowledged, was ego. There were, however, many models of real leadership. He remained optimistic for the future and ended with a quote from philosopher Karl Popper, "Optimism is a duty. The future is open. It is not predetermined. No one can predict it, except by chance. We all contribute to determining it by what we do. We are equally responsible for its success." Vice President Weaver wished all a Happy New Year. He offered his congratulations to Mayor Jadwin, City Attorney Tamilarasan, Councilmember Jones, returning colleagues Councilmember McGregor and President Bowers. He appreciated everyone's trust in his continued service as vice president. He looked forward to the year ahead and working with colleagues and the administration to move the city forward. Councilmember Schnetzer echoed his congratulations to all newly elected and reelected city officials. He looked forward to working with everyone. He expressed a special thanks to all those who threw their hat into the ring for Council board appointments. Schnetzer remarked on his amazement of the amount of talent and great people in the community with a significant degree of interest in helping move the city forward. President Bowers also echoed her congratulations to Mayor Jadwin, City Attorney Tamilarasan, returning Councilmember McGregor, and newly sworn-in Councilmember Jones. Bowers noted that, as Mayor Jadwin indicated, they were all striving to act in the best interests of the Gahanna community. She knew everyone's dedication to that same mission would carry the city forward. Bowers expressed her thanks to Councilmember Renner for his service as Council's president, who had been a mentor and friend. She trusted that his continued service on various boards and committees would continue to lead the city forward. To all colleagues, she hoped for a productive, thoughtful, and hopefully, fun year ahead. Bowers reflected on working together the last couple years and shared that it has been an honor to serve alongside each member. She expressed her gratitude to Clerk VanMeter, Deputy Clerk Ripley, and Council's Records Analyst, Sophia McGuire for assisting all of Council and all boards and commissions in their mission every day. Bowers also echoed Councilmember Schnetzer's sentiments on those serving on boards and commissions and those desiring to serve. This is incredibly important work for the City. She acknowledged the attendance of many board and commission members during tonight's meeting and events. She emphasized the significance of the oversight, guidance, and steady hand offered by members of the City's boards and commissions. On a personal note, Bowers thanked her husband, parents, son, and dear friends who stayed the duration of the meeting and had supported her throughout. To all residents, Bowers asked for everyone's grace, City of Gahanna Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes January 2, 2024 accountability, and guidance. She pledged to give her best efforts in moving the city forward. K. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Bowers adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2024. Merisa K. Bowers City of Gahanna Page 12