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 Monday, May 20, 2024 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 20, 2024, in Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the meeting to order at 7:02 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 17, 2024. 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: President Bowers noted there would be a presentation of a certificate of recognition by Mayor Jadwin at the conclusion of the Neighborhood Bridges presentation. C. PRESENTATIONS: 1. Resolution Presentation by Council - Collective Home Supply Councilmember Padova introduced Tracey Girard of Collective Home Supply, who was present to accept the resolution for Small Business Month. Padova emphasized the importance of small businesses in the community and noted that many small businesses are driven by the passions and dreams of their owners. She highlighted that Girard is not only a small business owner but also a resident of Gahanna. Padova expressed excitement over the growth and success of Collective Home Supply, particularly mentioning the collective markets that the business has organized. She extended her thanks to Girard and all small businesses in Gahanna, encouraging the community to support them. Ms. Girard acknowledged and thanked Rose Hawk, a vendor who assisted significantly with the organization of the market. She credited Hawk with helping to resolve issues and taking on the majority of the work to make the City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 event successful. President Bowers expressed her appreciation for Ms. Hawk, and Mr. and Mrs. Girard. She praised Collective Home Supply for consignment efforts that support other local makers, artists, crafters, and creators who may not yet have their own brick-and-mortar stores. Bowers also highlighted the generosity of not charging booth fees for local vendors at the market, underscoring the positive impact on the community. She thanked them for their contributions and support. 2. Neighborhood Bridges - Ron Smith 2024-0104 Neighborhood Bridges Presentation to City Council 5.20.2024 Mr. Ron Smith, Area Director of Neighborhood Bridges in Gahanna, addressed President Bowers, members of Council, and Mayor Jadwin. He began by showing a picture that he described as one of his favorite examples from his seven years of running Neighborhood Bridges in Gahanna. The picture depicted a family with three young girls, ages 13, 10, and 7, living in poor conditions with deflated air mattresses as beds. He explained that the situation was brought to their attention by a guardian ad litem, an advocate for the family, and Neighborhood Bridges stepped in to help. The "before" picture showed the dire conditions, and the "after" picture demonstrated the positive impact of their intervention. Mr. Smith provided an overview of Neighborhood Bridges, which began on Martin Luther King Day in 2017 in Westerville, with a mission to bridge communities with schools by providing basic needs, removing barriers, and seeking equity for students to succeed in school and life. By October 2017, the program had expanded to its first additional community in Gahanna. Since then, Neighborhood Bridges has grown to 51 communities across three states: Ohio, Alabama, and Mississippi. The organization is entirely volunteer run. Mr. Smith shared the results of a recent survey completed by nearly 250 advocates and subscribers across 40 of their 51 communities. The survey indicated broad-based success in serving communities despite varying student enrollment, free and reduced lunch percentages, and geography. Key findings included: 1) 96% rated the importance of removing non-cognitive barriers to learning as critically or very important. 2) 97% rated Neighborhood Bridges as effective in removing those barriers, helping students feel more valued and accepted, and building relationships and trust between students, families, school counselors, and social workers. 3) The program helped school staff reduce their workload, allowing them to focus more on students, and was appreciated for its ease, convenience, and immediate response to needs. 4) 97% of respondents gave the program a high impact score, with 20% wanting their school and community to do even more with Neighborhood Bridges, partly due to an observed increase in students with basic needs (75%). Mr. Smith thanked the city council for the opportunity to share the mission of City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 Neighborhood Bridges. He explained that the organization addresses real and unmet needs in the community by tapping into the kindness of people who want to help but don't know how. Those who receive help often want to pay it forward. He provided a personal anecdote about a former college quarterback who received a couch and subsequently offered to help with future deliveries. Mr. Smith emphasized that Neighborhood Bridges collaborates with existing programs within schools, churches, and service organizations like GRIN. The program steps in where others might not be able to provide or meet specific needs. He described the process: advocates identify needs within the community and notify Neighborhood Bridges, which then posts the needs on its website. Alerts are sent out every morning at 10:00 AM to inform the community. He gave an example of a need posted at 2:15 PM for a family of nine requiring various items, all of which were filled by 2:30 PM, demonstrating the program's efficiency and the community's willingness to help. He expressed his enthusiasm for his volunteer role, noting that he loves helping out and considers it the best job in the world. Mr. Smith continued his presentation, emphasizing the organization's growth and the involvement of the community through their steering committee. This committee included the fire chief, police chief, chamber president, local high school representatives, superintendent, mayor, and Convention and Visitors Bureau director. Mr. Smith highlighted the importance of having stakeholders involved in directing the organization's efforts. He reported that in 2023, Neighborhood Bridges impacted 1,000 people in need across 51 communities. He noted that a nonprofit is considered to run smoothly with an administrative rate under 20%, while Neighborhood Bridges operated at a remarkable 4%. Specific areas where the organization provided assistance included clothing for 22,000 children, personal care items through hygiene closets in schools, automobile repairs, and financial assistance. Mr. Smith recounted a notable example during the COVID-19 pandemic. A scientist at Battelle wondered about reusing masks. Within 48 hours, she and two other doctors developed a method to repurpose semi-trailers as sanitation units capable of sanitizing 70,000 masks for reuse up to seven times. This highlighted how one person could make a significant difference. He encouraged everyone in the community to consider how they could make a difference, whether through Neighborhood Bridges or any of the other 27 service organizations in the community. Mr. Smith expressed gratitude to the council for the opportunity to share the mission, purpose, and impact of Neighborhood Bridges. He mentioned that the organization helps over 74 students weekly and looks forward to continued partnership with Council to bring kindness to Gahanna. Mayor Jadwin addressed Mr. Smith and Council. She began by noting that Mr. Smith was unaware of her planned remarks and humorously mentioned that he often became emotional when discussing Neighborhood Bridges. Mayor Jadwin shared her perspective as a member of the steering committee for Neighborhood Bridges since 2017. She emphasized the importance of the community being aware of this organization and its impact. She highlighted that those in need should know there is a resource available and that City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 community members who wish to help have a way to connect and help. Mayor Jadwin recounted a recent house fire on the west side of Gahanna, noting how quickly the community responded with offers of donations and support. She praised Neighborhood Bridges for providing a conduit to organize and direct these offers to those who need them most. She acknowledged the various community members-teachers, school counselors, police officers, firefighters, EMS, and neighbors-who reached out to Mr. Smith to fulfill needs, truly making kindness a core value of the community. Mayor Jadwin then presented a certificate of recognition to Gahanna Neighborhood Bridges. She read the certificate aloud, recognizing the organization's outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to providing essential support, resources, and hope to individuals and families in need within the community. She commended Mr. Smith and Neighborhood Bridges for their compassionate service and impactful program, which made a significant and lasting difference in the city, embodying the true spirit of the community. The certificate expressed the City's heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for their exemplary service and demonstrated acts of kindness. Mayor Jadwin thanked Mr. Smith and acknowledged the work of Neighborhood Bridges. Mr. Ron Smith expressed his gratitude for the recognition. He remarked on the recent incident involving a fire, sharing that he had received a call from Mayor Jadwin on Friday morning, the day after the fire. After determining the specific needs of the affected family, they posted these needs at 1:00 PM. By 1:30 PM, donations had already started coming in. By Sunday afternoon, they had delivered all the donations to the mother. Mr. Smith expressed amazement at how quickly the Gahanna community responded and thanked everyone again. President Bowers thanked everyone and remarked on the positive start to the meeting with the presenters. She expressed her gratitude to Mr. Smith and the Girard family for their presence and contributions. D. HEARING OF VISITORS: Kathy McCorkle, Gahanna, OH spoke on RES-0021-2024. Ms. McCorkle addressed the council regarding Resolution 0021. She referenced a statement made by Councilmember Bowers, noting that this would be the fourth year recognizing the LGBTQ+ population in Gahanna. Ms. McCorkle recounted that when Ms. Bowers first ran for City Council in 2019, the LGBTQ Victory Fund website highlighted Ms. Bowers' candidacy as she would be the first openly bisexual person elected to Gahanna City Council. Ms. McCorkle questioned why this qualification was relevant to running a government, suggesting that it was used to change the culture and landscape of the city. She further criticized the role of Dion Manley, a transsexual school board member mentioned by Ms. Bowers, asserting that he was not a suitable role model for students. Ms. McCorkle claimed that the Democrat-led school board encouraged students to engage in behavior she deemed sinful City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 while simultaneously preventing them from receiving religious instruction during school hours, which she stated is permitted by law. She expressed concern that students might learn to discern right from wrong and good from evil through religious instruction, which she felt was being deliberately withheld. Ms. McCorkle concluded her remarks by citing a biblical reference about causing a child to sin, implying severe consequences for those who celebrate and congratulate people who, in her view, engage in unrepentant behavior. E. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2024-0099 Council Regular Minutes 5.6.2024 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2024-0100 Committee of the Whole Minutes 5.13.2024 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2024-0101 Finance Committee Minutes 5.13.2024 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. Resolutions: RES-0022-2024 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING SMALL BUSINESSES IN GAHANNA The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. 3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption: ORD-0027-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Water Meter Fees The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0028-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO AWARD AND ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH BURGESS & NIPLE, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO THE 2025 THOROUGHFARE PLAN The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0029-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - State Capital Grant Fund and Capital Improvement Fund for Trailhead City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 Construction at Academy Park The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0030-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Manor Homes TIF Fund for Dredging Ponds at Hannah Park The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0031-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) CONTRACT WITH THE GAHANNA-JEFFERSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0032-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Attorney General Training Fund for Training Expenses The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. End of Consent Agenda A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, to Pass the items under the Consent Agenda as published. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver F. MOTIONS: MT-0014-2024 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT OF JESSICA HILTS AS MANAGEMENT ANALYST I (COMMUNICATIONS & LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH) FOR THE COUNCIL OFFICE President Bowers noted the impressive array of candidates who applied for the vacant position. She extended thanks to Mr. Nolan, the HR Manager, and Mr. VanMeter for their time and effort in interviewing numerous candidates with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. She highlighted that Hilts' most recent position was with the City of Westerville as their Clerk of Council, bringing directly relevant experience to the role. Additionally, Hilts is a resident of Gahanna. President Bowers announced that Jessica's start date is slated for June 10th and expressed excitement about her joining the team in a few weeks. A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Padova, that the Motion be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver G. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING: City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 ORD-0034-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Real Estate Taxes and Fees for TIF Funds and Board of Elections President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. ORD-0036-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH CENTRAL SQUARE TECHNOLOGIES LLC FOR A MULTI-AGENCY LAW ENFORCEMENT COMPUTER-AIDED DISPATCH AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SOLUTION TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DIVISION OF POLICE; AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATION AMENDMENTS TO ARPA FUND (2330) AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND (3250); AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. ORD-0037-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - State Law Enforcement Trust Fund (2250) for Contract Services and Capital Equipment President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. ORD-0038-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AMENDED AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN STRUCTUREPOINT, INC. FOR DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE BIG WALNUT TRAIL SECTION 8 President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. ORD-0039-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Risk Insurance Fund (9010) President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. H. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & ADOPTION: ORD-0035-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATION AMENDMENTS FOR FY 2024 AND WAIVING SECOND READING - Reducing Appropriations for Public Safety Fund (CAD Administrator) and Increasing Appropriations for General Fund (IT Support Specialist II) A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Jones, that the Ordinance be Waived for Second Reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Schnetzer, that the Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 I. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION, WAIVER & EMERGENCY ADOPTION: ORD-0033-2024 AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE FINAL PLAT FOR CRESCENT WOODS CONSISTING OF 40.807 +/- ACRES LOCATED ON HAMILTON ROAD; PARCELS 025-017173, 025-014172, AND 025-013767; CURRENT ZONING MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (L-MFRD) AND SELECT COMMERCIAL PLANNED DISTRICT (SCPD); GRIFFIN CALDWELL, APPLICANT, FOR CP CRESCENT LLC; WAIVING SECOND READING AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, that the Ordinance be Waived for Second Reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Schnetzer, that the Ordinance be Adopted as an Emergency. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver ORD-0040-2024 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORD-0009-2023 SUBSEQUENTLY AMENDED BY ORD-0023-2024 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AMENDED AGREEMENT WITH ELFORD, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK SERVICES RELATED TO THE RENOVATION AND EXPANSION OF 825 TECH CENTER DRIVE TO INCLUDE SERVICES IN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT 2; WAIVING SECOND READING, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, that the Ordinance be Waived for Second Reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver President Bowers expressed her gratitude to Senior Director Schultz and Mr. Brandt Quinn from Elford for their exceptional work. She acknowledged their outstanding efforts in considering input from Council and prioritizing what is best for the community while advancing the project. She extended her thanks on behalf of Council. A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, that the Ordinance be Adopted as an Emergency. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver J. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk - None. 2. Council President Bowers reminded everyone about the upcoming Committee of the City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 Whole schedule. She noted that there would be no committee meeting next week due to Memorial Day, giving everyone a week off to celebrate the holiday. In July, Council and committee meetings were planned for July 1st and July 15th, with anticipated items from the administration for committee on both dates. These meetings were subject to potential cancellation, but regular Council meetings would still be required on July 1st and July 15th. Going forward, the schedule was expected to follow a normal pattern with regular Council meetings on the first and third Mondays and committee meetings on the second and fourth Mondays. If a holiday fell on a Monday, the meeting would occur on the following Tuesday. Councilmember Jones acknowledged an email received by all councilmembers regarding ALS Month in May. She thanked the resident for notifying the Council and bringing it to their attention, and she also thanked Councilman Schnetzer for reaching out. She asked that Council consider this for resolutions for the next year. Even though there was no formal recognition this year, she encouraged everyone to take the opportunity to learn more about ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, this month. K. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver Councilmember Renner noted there would be a meeting at 8:00 a.m. in the Committee Room on May 21, 2024. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Weaver 2024-0102 Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 5.20.2024 Vice President Weaver provided an update on the recent MORPC commission meeting held on Thursday, May 9th. He expressed gratitude to Clerk VanMeter for compiling the MORPC report for the agenda. Weaver highlighted a couple of bills at the state house that may be of interest, including HB 344, which focuses on local replacement property tax levies and property tax complaint laws, and HB 197, which proposes a community solar pilot program. Weaver mentioned MORPC's unique grant finder tool, accessible to member governments, which tracks over 10,000 grants worth over $60 billion available to local governments and their community partners. He also shared information about "Money Mondays," where archived videos are available on YouTube for streaming in case of missed sessions. He then outlined upcoming Money Mondays, including discussions with Jeffrey Arkin on June 3rd regarding government accountability, a session with Small Nation and affordable housing with Jason Duff and Nick Davis on June 10th, and a discussion on broadband funding with Brian Gorenflo on June 17th. Weaver concluded his report, stating that additional items could be found in the attached report to the agenda. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 Councilmember Padova announced that the current week is National Tourism Week. She informed Council that Visit Gahanna would be promoting the city at Tourism Ohio Day on the Statehouse lawn the following day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Padova encouraged individuals to volunteer for the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival (CBJF), stating that volunteers could sign up on the CreeksideBluesAndJazz.com website. She emphasized that volunteering at the festival is enjoyable and provides an opportunity to connect with members of the community. Furthermore, Padova mentioned that there are still plants available at The Herb Center from Herb Day, which are now being sold at discounted prices. She shared her own positive experience of visiting The Herb Center that day and encouraged others to do the same. Padova highlighted the assistance provided by Amanda at The Herb Center in selecting plants suitable for different environments. She encouraged residents to visit The Herb Center to explore the available plants. 4. School Board (SB) - Jones Councilmember Jones provided several updates from the recent school board meeting. She noted that Oakland Nursery was recognized as part of the Ohio School Board Association 2024 business honor roll for their support of the school district, particularly in hosting theater productions. Jones mentioned that two additional businesses would be recognized next month and encouraged the community to stay informed through the school board. She also announced that nominations are being accepted for the Alumni Hall of Fame and Cornerstone Awards until May 30th. The Hall of Fame award recognizes graduates who have achieved success in their careers or communities, while the Cornerstone award acknowledges supporters of the school district or employees. Jones reminded everyone that the last day of school for the district was approaching, with graduation scheduled for Saturday. She urged the community to practice gun safety during the summer months, as unintentional shootings tend to increase during this time. Finally, Jones congratulated teachers, students, staff, administrators, and parents for successfully completing another school year. She extended her best wishes to the graduating class of 2024, expressing confidence that they would make the community proud in their future endeavors. L. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin began by expressing gratitude to councilmembers and community partners for their participation in the informal groundbreaking ceremony for the 825 Tech Center Drive project held last week. She emphasized the project's significance, which has been a collaborative effort over the past two years, marking a significant step forward for the community's growth and future development. The project aims to create a space that will serve the community for generations to come, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective service delivery. Jadwin also took a moment to acknowledge Officer Kelie Moffitt, who will be retiring next month after making significant contributions to the community, particularly through the Starfish City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 Books and Badges program. She noted Moffitt's dedication to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and community members, leaving behind a strong legacy. In light of Moffitt's retirement, Jadwin announced that Officer Kaylea Pertz would be stepping into the role of community liaison officer. Pertz began her transition into the role starting that day and expressed excitement about the opportunity to continue building connections within the community. Additionally, Jadwin shared information about the upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, in which members of the Division of Police, firefighters, and medics from Mifflin Township will participate. She encouraged support for the Gahanna team's fundraising efforts, as a significant portion of the proceeds would benefit Gahanna Special Olympics. Moving on to community updates, Jadwin reminded residents that the splash pad is open, and the pools will open soon. She mentioned the recruitment of seasonal associates for various positions and encouraged caution while driving, especially in areas where roadwork is underway. She stressed the importance of exercising caution and awareness to ensure the safety of road workers. Finally, Jadwin recognized National EMS Week and Public Works Week, expressing appreciation for the professionals who contribute to the city's infrastructure and services. She commended their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the importance of their roles in maintaining the city's functionality and quality of life for residents. 2. City Attorney City Attorney Tamilarasan provided an update on the tobacco preemption litigation case, reporting that a trial was held on Friday. She shared the good news that the city was successful in obtaining a permanent injunction against the state, specifically for the named plaintiffs, which includes Gahanna. Tamilarasan explained that this development allows the city to proceed with its intended actions. She noted that while the state has 30 days to appeal, the injunction remains in effect despite any potential appeal. M. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember Jones expressed gratitude to Councilmember Padova for introducing the resolution honoring Collective Home Supply. Jones shared her positive experience at the market and thanked Ron Smith for shedding light on the impactful work of Neighborhood Bridges. She emphasized the importance of individual action in making a difference within the community. Councilmember McGregor acknowledged her granddaughter's upcoming graduation from Gahanna Lincoln High School, noting the significant number of graduates expected. She also thanked Brandon McCorkle for assisting her with her email issue. McGregor reminded everyone about Memorial Day, suggesting visiting a cemetery where veterans' graves are marked with flags. She shared a personal story about her uncle, who was killed in World War II, emphasizing the importance of remembering and honoring those who served and sacrificed for the country. Councilmember Renner shared a personal note, expressing his pride as his son prepared to graduate from Gahanna Lincoln. Reflecting on his journey City of Gahanna Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 since being elected, Renner remarked on the joy of watching his children grow within the community. Vice President Weaver offered his gratitude to various individuals and organizations, including Ms. Padova and Collective Home Supply, as well as Mr. Smith and Neighborhood Bridges, for their support of small businesses and community initiatives. Weaver emphasized the generosity and unity of the Gahanna community in times of need. Additionally, he extended congratulations to Ms. Hilts and expressed anticipation for a fully staffed Council Office. Weaver discussed his participation in a discussion with Bricker Graydon and the Ohio Economic Development Association, featuring Senator Michelle Reynolds. He encouraged others to review pending bills related to housing policy. He also praised the progress on the 825 Tech Center Drive project, acknowledging the collaborative effort of staff and officials and expressed his pleasure in seeing the project develop with the groundbreaking ceremony. Lastly, Weaver acknowledged the monthly meetings with the administration, Mayor, City Attorney, Clerk, and Council President. He noted that these meetings helped foster a dialogue about upcoming items and keeping lines of communication open between the branches of government. President Bowers began her remarks by attaching her Council constituent report for April to the agenda, requesting its inclusion in the records. She then expressed appreciation to City Attorney Tamilarasan for her efforts in upholding the city's home rule, emphasizing the importance of his defense in crafting policies that best suit the community's needs. Continuing, Bowers shared her participation in welcoming remarks at a recent Summit of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, held at The Peak at Edison. She highlighted Gahanna's strengths, including its skilled workforce, quality education, and commitment to community and environment, promoting it as an ideal location for future business growth. She made sure to reference Gahanna's tagline to reinforce the city's welcoming stance to potential businesses. Transitioning to a previous discussion on aggregation, Bowers delved into its history, mentioning Gahanna voters' approval of electric aggregation in 2000 and natural gas aggregation in 2003. She explained how aggregation enables communities to secure better energy prices and noted improvements in consumer flexibility and energy sourcing. Drawing from a recent podcast featuring Dr. Ayanna Johnson, a marine biologist and climate policy expert, Bowers cited a Yale study indicating Americans' growing sense of personal responsibility to combat climate change. She emphasized the need for collective action and hope for future generations, citing aggregation as a win-win solution that empowers residents while promoting sustainable energy practices and savings. Bowers concluded by expressing her aspirations for continued dialogue and action, aiming to make a lasting positive impact on the environment and future generations through collective efforts and thoughtful policymaking. 2024-0103 Councilmember Merisa K. Bowers' Constituent Report - April 2024 N. EXECUTIVE SESSION: City of Gahanna Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2024 A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Jones, to go into Executive Session under authority of Section 5.40(a) of the Council Rules of Procedure to consider the compensation of a public employee or official. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver President Bowers noted there would be no legislative action at the conclusion of the executive session. The Council would meet in the Law Library for the session. Council rose to report to executive session at 8:02 p.m. Council rose to report from executive session at 8:18 p.m. with no further action. O. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Bowers adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2024. Merisa K. Bowers City of Gahanna Page 13