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, September 3, 2024 7:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Regular Meeting date moved to Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in observance of Labor Day. City offices were closed on Monday, September 2, 2024. A. CALL TO ORDER: Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call Gahanna City Council met in Regular Session on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the meeting to order at 7:01 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 August 30, 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: None. C. PRESENTATIONS: 1. Swearing in Ceremony by Division of Police Director of Public Safety, Tim Becker, introduced five new members of the Gahanna Division of Police during the meeting. He noted that the police division had been operating with a shortage of approximately 10% of its staff and expressed appreciation for the Council's support in filling these positions. The new officers are as follows: Daniel Gregg - Originally from Ontario, Ohio, Daniel attended Bluffton University where he majored in Business Administration. He previously worked in the insurance industry before joining the Gahanna Police and recently graduated from the Columbus Police Academy. Chase Carter - From Lewis Center, Ohio, Chase holds a bachelor’s degree in City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 Homeland Security and a master’s degree in criminal behavior from Tiffin University, where he was also an athlete. He worked for the Metro Nashville Police Department for five years before deciding to move to Gahanna. Jerry Brown - Jerry hails from the Village of McComb near Findlay, Ohio, and also attended Tiffin University. He was a police officer with the City of Toledo, where he served as a patrol officer, field training officer, and later as a vice and narcotics officer. James "Jimmy" Jackson - Jimmy is from Central Ohio and attended the Eastland Police Academy. He has two years of experience with the Buckeye Lake Police Department and Millersport Police Department. Prior to joining Gahanna, he worked for Ohio Health Protective Services, giving him 10 years of law enforcement experience. Nolan Goodman - Nolan holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada. He joined Gahanna from the Mansfield Police Department, where he gained nine years of experience. Director Becker expressed pride in these new officers and their families, who were present at the meeting, and he emphasized that they would be an excellent fit for the City. Mayor Jadwin then administered the Oath of Office to the new officers, followed by applause from those in attendance. Director Becker expressed pride in the five new officers recently introduced to the Gahanna Division of Police. He encouraged the officers to get to know the members of the City Council, noting that without their support, the officers would not be in their current roles. He emphasized that Gahanna is a great community and that the officers will likely encounter the Council members at various events. Director Becker thanked the community for their support and acknowledged the significant effort required to train so many new officers at once. He noted that the experience brought by these officers made the training process smoother. Chief Spence thanked the City staff, Human Resources Department, and internal training staff for their support. He highlighted the success of the lateral hiring process introduced a few years ago, which brought in experienced officers and added depth to an already excellent team. Chief Spence welcomed the new officers, expressing gratitude for their decision to join the Gahanna Police Division. Director Becker concluded by thanking the families of the officers for allowing their loved ones to serve. He assured them that the City would provide the best training, equipment, and support to ensure the officers can effectively protect and serve the citizens of Gahanna. City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 Comments from Council: Councilmember Jones congratulated the officers, acknowledging that the officers had other options, thanking them for choosing Gahanna. She expressed her excitement about seeing them serve in the community. Councilmember McGregor welcomed the new officers to Gahanna and thanked them for their service. Councilmember Padova thanked the officers for choosing Gahanna and encouraged them to reach out if they ever needed anything. Councilmember Renner echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, emphasizing the importance of the officers' role in the community and expressing gratitude to the families for their support. He acknowledged the significance of the officers taking their oath seriously and thanked them for their commitment to the City. Councilmember Schnetzer welcomed the new officers and remarked on Gahanna's strong community, stating that he believes the Gahanna Division of Police is the best in the land, observing the new officers have big shoes to fill. Vice President Weaver thanked the officers for joining the division, noting that they were in good hands and that this was an exciting time for the City. He looked forward to getting to know the new officers and seeing them in the community. President Bowers made a personal connection, noting that at least three of the officers had ties to Northwest Ohio, like her husband, who is also a first responder. She emphasized the City's commitment to 21st-century policing, including investments in evidence-based policies, technology, leadership, and facilities. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that public servants, including first responders, have the necessary resources and support to thrive in their roles. President Bowers congratulated the new officers and welcomed them to Gahanna. 2. Proclamation & Recognition Presentation by Mayor Jadwin Proclamation for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Mayor Jadwin declared September 2024, as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the City of Gahanna, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness, shifting perceptions, and spreading hope for those affected by suicide. She shared that more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022, with a report from the CDC, and that every 11 minutes, someone dies by suicide. Mayor Jadwin noted that the Gahanna Division of Police responded to 133 suicide-related calls last year, with one fatality in the City. She highlighted the importance of creating spaces for mental health discussions and healing, City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 stating that starting conversations could save lives. Over the past year, the City has collaborated with partners like Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools and the Wynyki Alston Foundation to facilitate community conversations about mental health. The City will continue to explore how these partnerships can provide resources to residents, families, and students. Mayor Jadwin welcomed Fran Gerbig, Executive Director of the Prevention Action Alliance, to the podium to receive the first Proclamation for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Mayor Jadwin expressed gratitude for Gerbig's guidance, insights, and resources that have been instrumental in expanding suicide prevention conversations in Gahanna. Presentation and Remarks by Fran Gerbig, Executive Director, Prevention Action Alliance Fran Gerbig thanked the Mayor, Council, and the City for the recognition and partnership. She shared that the Prevention Action Alliance, a statewide nonprofit, focuses on preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health wellness. The organization provides prevention education, resources, and advocacy to empower local communities to create solutions for local problems. Gerbig encouraged everyone to take QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and Mental Health First Aid training, which equip individuals with life-saving skills similar to CPR. She acknowledged the work of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and the 988 care line, highlighting their importance in saving lives daily. Gerbig expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Mayor Jadwin and Chief Spence, Alex Alston, Claudia Khourey-Bowers, Council President Bowers, and Councilmember Jones. She shared that a grant had been submitted to the One Ohio Recovery Foundation to establish a Community Coalition to meet the needs of Gahanna and serve the community. Gerbig looked forward to continuing to work alongside Gahanna residents in prevention efforts. Presentation and Remarks by Austin Lucas, Program Director, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Mayor Jadwin then introduced Austin Lucas, Program Director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, noting that they had first met during a panel discussion in collaboration with the Wynyki Alston Foundation in August of the previous year. The panel highlighted efforts to assist the community in addressing mental health needs. The City has continued to work with Lucas and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, along with Gahanna's Parks and Recreation Department, to further suicide prevention efforts. Austin Lucas thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to speak and receive the Proclamation. He explained that the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is a statewide nonprofit that provides resources, programs, and training for suicide prevention across Ohio. Lucas highlighted the importance of QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, emphasizing that suicide City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 prevention often starts with a caring friend, neighbor, or coworker. QPR training teaches individuals how to ask difficult questions about suicide, persuade individuals to stay alive, and refer them to appropriate mental health resources. Lucas shared his gratitude for the partnership with the City and expressed a personal connection to Gahanna, as his fiancée grew up in the city, and they will be getting married at the Gahanna Sanctuary next month. He concluded by thanking the Council and Mayor for their commitment to suicide prevention and for recognizing the importance of equipping community members with the tools to support those in need. Recreation Superintendent Brian Gill provided an update on an upcoming partnership with Austin Lucas and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to offer a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) class. The class will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Gahanna Senior Center. Gill noted that Parks and Recreation often utilizes its facilities and staff to facilitate programs, partnering with contractors and organizations for offerings they cannot provide directly. He expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the importance of promoting not just physical wellness but also mental wellness within the Gahanna community. Registration for the free program is open on the City’s website, and Gill encouraged community members to sign up online at gahanna.gov under Parks and Recreation programming. He reminded attendees that there is a limited capacity for the class, and more information will be provided to those who register. Mayor Jadwin expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation for the upcoming QPR class. She encouraged everyone to help spread the word about the event, noting that the class aligns with Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, which falls within the broader Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Mayor Jadwin emphasized the importance of continuing the conversation about mental health within the community, especially as it affects students, as highlighted in her discussions with Dr. Deagle. She expressed her commitment to collaborating with City Council and the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools Board of Education to continue sharing resources, educating the community, and ensuring that individuals receive the help. Gahanna 175 Committee Recognitions Mayor Jadwin reflected on the success of the Gahanna 175 celebration, held in early August, 2024, to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the City’s founding. She explained that the event was the culmination of a yearlong planning process led by a dedicated group of residents and community organizations. The Mayor expressed her gratitude to the Gahanna 175 Committee for their hard work and contributions to the event. She acknowledged the committee’s chair, Darlene Molitor, whom she had personally invited to take on the role. Mayor Jadwin praised Darlene for her leadership and passion, noting that she had embraced the challenge with City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 enthusiasm and dedication. The Mayor also highlighted Kari Hawk, leader of the Gahanna Historical Society, for her tireless efforts in promoting the City’s history. Kari organized various historical events, including the vintage baseball game, Pioneer Day, and Gahanna History Day, and played a key role in integrating the Historical Society into the yearlong celebration. Additionally, Mayor Jadwin recognized Mr. Ron Ransom, who became involved with the committee after presenting an idea for an event. His event was such a success that the City looks forward to continuing it in future years. She also acknowledged Leo McCann of the Lions Club for incorporating Gahanna 175 into the Fourth of July parade and for his leadership in that effort. Mayor Jadwin extended her appreciation to other committee members in attendance, including Donna Simmons and Bruce Massau, who were instrumental in planning and executing the celebration. She noted their commitment to attending meetings, sharing ideas, and working diligently to ensure the event’s success. In particular, the Mayor expressed her gratitude to Tim Courlas, a talented filmmaker and Gahanna resident, who donated his time and resources to create five short films that told unique stories of the City’s residents and history. These films are available on YouTube. Mayor Jadwin praised Tim for his dedication and generosity. Mayor Jadwin invited all Gahanna 175 Committee members present at the meeting to come forward and be recognized for their contributions, expressing her heartfelt thanks for their efforts in making the Gahanna 175 celebration an unforgettable success. Kari Hawk, representing the Gahanna Historical Society, spoke during the meeting to express her appreciation for the efforts behind the Gahanna 175 celebration. She began by praising Darlene Molitor, the committee chair, stating that Ms. Molitor had done "95% of the work" and had put in tremendous effort and love into the event. Hawk noted that they worked well together, with Molitor stepping in whenever needed, making the experience enjoyable and successful. Kari shared her excitement about working with Mr. Pearlman, the City’s Public Information Officer, to provide historical photos for the City's banners and mentioned her delight in seeing them displayed throughout Gahanna. She remarked on the fascinating history of the City and expressed her personal joy in sharing Gahanna’s history with the community. She extended her gratitude to the Council for their support, particularly recognizing Councilmember Nancy McGregor, who also serves on the Historical Society’s board. Hawk emphasized the importance of support for historical societies, explaining that it helps make history engaging and accessible to the public. In closing, Hawk mentioned the Gahanna Historical Society's bed and breakfast, located near the sanctuary, and encouraged anyone interested to reach out. She reflected on the success of the vintage baseball game, describing it as one of the most enjoyable events of the celebration and expressing her overall appreciation for the support and enthusiasm shown by the community. Mayor Jadwin recognized Councilmember McGregor and her husband, Former Mayor Jim McGregor, for their efforts in the Gahanna 175 Committee, and asked for Ms. McGregor to join the honorees in presentation of certificates. City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 Ron Ransom addressed the Council, expressing his gratitude for the recognition and praising Mayor Jadwin, whom he described as "top shelf." He shared a personal story about how the Mayor invited him to participate in the Gahanna 175 Committee. Initially visiting the City with the intention of writing his memoirs, Mr. Ransom wanted to meet the Mayor to discuss his plans to release the book in Gahanna. He was invited to a Committee meeting, and after attending, he became an active participant in the Gahanna 175 celebration. Mr. Ransom fondly recalled his 41 years as a Gahanna resident before moving to Arizona and spoke about how the City always treated his family and others like gold. He acknowledged the contributions of Darlene Molitor, highlighting how incredible she was as a leader of the committee. Mr. Ransom then introduced his friend, Sean Booker, whom he described as one of the greatest singers in the City, state, or possibly the country. He announced that Mayor Jadwin had asked him to organize Juneteenth Day again, for which he already started preparations. Mr. Ransom shared that Shepherd's Church would be involved, and Sean Booker would lead the spiritual singing portion of the event. Additionally, the event will include a special activity where children will write their own lyrics for a gospel song, with musicians helping to put their words to music. Mr. Ransom closed by expressing his enthusiasm for Gahanna's continued growth and success, declaring, "Gahanna is going to keep on rocking and stay number one." Comments from Council: Councilmember Jones began by congratulating and thanking the Gahanna 175 committee. She expressed appreciation for how the community rallies together for special events, which she believes is one of Gahanna’s greatest attributes. She thanked Mayor Jadwin for recognizing Suicide Prevention Month, emphasizing the importance of having such critical conversations. She encouraged everyone to participate in the QPR training and acknowledged the importance of kindness and compassion as preventative measures for mental health crises. She concluded by urging the community to continue taking care of one another. Councilmember McGregor reflected on the success of the Gahanna 175 Jubilee weekend, stating it exceeded her expectations in terms of attendance and engagement. She was impressed by the large turnout and the variety of activities offered, including the stilt walkers, jugglers, and drone show. On the topic of suicide prevention, she shared a personal story about her son’s mental health training from his 22 years in the military, which helped him identify students in need of assistance while he worked as a teacher. McGregor emphasized the importance of training and how it can save lives. Councilmember Padova expressed her gratitude to the Gahanna 175 Committee, echoing sentiments of surprise at the large turnout and appreciation for the range of activities, particularly those for children. She mentioned that her daughter treasured a Gahanna Banana pennant from the City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 event. Padova also thanked those involved in Suicide Prevention Month and acknowledged the importance of their work, recognizing the difficulty and gravity of their efforts in saving lives. Councilmember Renner thanked the Gahanna 175 Committee, highlighting the importance of history and how looking back enables the community to move forward. He commended the committee for fostering pride and unity within the community. Regarding suicide prevention, he expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing efforts, noting that the county deals with many residents in need of help. He described the QPR training as invaluable and emphasized the importance of kindness, compassion, and understanding that everyone faces challenges. Councilmember Schnetzer extended his thanks to those working on the QPR class and training, highlighting the increasing statistics related to mental health and suicide. He described the work as both timely and life-saving. He thanked the Gahanna 175 Committee for their efforts in promoting community spirit, which he believes helps create a strong sense of home for residents, encouraging them to put down roots and remain in Gahanna. Vice President Weaver thanked all guests for joining the meeting and commended Mayor Jadwin for her recognition of suicide prevention efforts. He acknowledged the difficulty in discussing suicide prevention but emphasized the importance of normalizing the conversation to better support those in need. He praised the QPR training and expressed his eagerness to learn more. Weaver thanked the Gahanna 175 Committee for their hard work and dedication, remarking on how he enjoyed learning new stories about the community through the event. He humorously mentioned that the mystery of who put the Big Boy on the roof had finally been solved. He ended by thanking Deputy Clerk McGuire for her work in preserving the City's historic records. President Bowers thanked Fran Gerbig and Austin Lucas for their presentations and looked forward to learning more about the coalition work related to suicide prevention. She underscored the importance of fostering a holistically healthy and well community, which starts with mental health awareness. Bowers acknowledged the incredible efforts of the Gahanna 175 Committee, with special thanks to Darlene Molitor, Dr. Bruce Massau, and Kari Hawk. She appreciated their work in bringing the community together and fostering a sense of pride and belonging. She concluded by saying that the presentations had effectively captured the essence of what makes Gahanna a special place to live. D. HEARING OF VISITORS: None. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS: City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 ORD-0053-2024 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE SUSTAINABLE OHIO PUBLIC ENERGY COUNCIL ("SOPEC") ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM, AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF JOINTLY ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING AN ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM President Bowers opened the public hearing at 7:48 p.m., noting the format of the Public Hearing as required pursuant to Council Rules 9.10 and 9.11. She provided a brief overview of the item under hearing, noting that the administration did not have a presentation to give, but there was a dedicated website with links to prior conversations on the topic of Community Choice Aggregation. The public hearing was opened for Ordinance 0053-2024, an ordinance approving the Plan of Operation and Governance for the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC) electric aggregation program. This ordinance aims to establish and implement an electric aggregation program for the City of Gahanna. President Bowers explained that municipal electric aggregation is a tool that communities can use to reduce energy costs for residents while achieving economic and environmental goals. Such programs leverage local purchasing power to secure electricity at specific prices and from specific sources, including renewable energy, to assist communities with greenhouse gas reduction goals. She provided background on the City’s process, noting that City Council and the administration began gathering information about municipal aggregation programs last year. Council passed a resolution authorizing a partnership with Power a Clean Future Ohio, demonstrating a commitment to reducing pollution and revitalizing the municipal aggregation program, originally approved by Gahanna voters in 2000. Earlier this year, the administration issued a Request for Information (RFI), and after a thorough review of four responses, Council pledged to become members of SOPEC. The Plan of Operation and Governance adoption is the next step in moving forward with the Community Choice Aggregation partnership with SOPEC. This hearing marked the first Public Hearing on adopting the plan, with the second Public Hearing scheduled for September 16, 2024. The plan was introduced at the Committee of the Whole meeting on August 26, 2024, and notices for the Public Hearings were published in The Columbus Dispatch on August 28, 2024, September 1, 2024, and that day, September 3, 2024, as well as posted on the exterior signboard of Gahanna City Hall and on social media. Seeing no commenters present for the public hearing, President Bowers closed the hearing on this item at 7:48 p.m. City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 F. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2024-0161 Council Regular Minutes 8.19.2024 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2024-0162 Committee of the Whole Minutes 8.26.2024 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption: ORD-0049-2024 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF GAHANNA 2023-2027 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AS ADOPTED BY ORD-0060-2023 AND SUBSEQUENTLY AMENDED BY ORD-0024-2024 The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. 3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Emergency Adoption: ORD-0051-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH VALUE RECOVERY GROUP II, LLC, FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ADJACENT TO 825 TECH CENTER DRIVE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted 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 G. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING: ORD-0052-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - General Fund Council Office Professional Services for Grant Award President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. ORD-0053-2024 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE SUSTAINABLE OHIO PUBLIC ENERGY City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 COUNCIL ("SOPEC") ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM, AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF JOINTLY ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING AN ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk 2024-0159 Ohio Division of Liquor Control Notice to Legislative Authority Permit TRFO 90521090010 - FROM BOWL FOR FUN INC, DBA GAHANNA LANES, TO TRIPLE SHIFT ENTERTAINMENT LLC, 215 W JOHNSTOWN RD Mr. VanMeter presented an item listed on the agenda from the Division of Liquor Control. It concerned a transfer of ownership from Bowl for Fun Inc., doing business as Gahanna Lanes, to Triple Shift Entertainment LLC, located at 215 West Johnstown Road. Mr. VanMeter noted that he checked with the Division of Police, and there were no objections to this application. President Bowers confirmed that it appeared a new entity would be taking over operations at Gahanna Lanes, and Mr. VanMeter confirmed this understanding. President Bowers then asked Chief Spence if he had anything to add, but there were no additional comments. President Bowers noted, as with other Liquor Control notices, unless there was a voted objection, the application would proceed without action. President Bowers asked if any of the Councilmembers wished to discuss the item further or move it back to Committee of the Whole. No further discussion was requested, and the Clerk certified for the record that no hearing was requested for the application. 2. Council Councilmember Jones reported that she and Councilmember Renner attended the Mayor's proclamation presentation to the Somali American Political Action Committee. This was in recognition of Somali Independence Week, which took place earlier in the summer. Jones and Renner also presented a certificate to commemorate the occasion. Councilmember Jones expressed her honor in celebrating the diversity of the community and looked forward to further engagement with those they met, including attending the festival in Columbus next year. Councilmember Renner added that it was a privilege to be part of the event, noting the large group of Somali American representatives present. He thanked Councilmember Jones and the Mayor for the opportunity to share the podium with them. President Bowers acknowledged the efforts of Councilmember Jones, City of Gahanna Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 Councilmember Renner, and Mayor Jadwin, and expressed gratitude for their work in recognizing the Somali American community. Additionally, President Bowers addressed another item under Council correspondence and actions, specifically regarding the Strategic Plan Steering Committee. She explained that two Councilmembers would serve on the committee alongside approximately 27 resident members. The committee will meet around five times, starting in early October 2024 and continuing through 2025. The meetings are expected to take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. President Bowers emphasized the importance of Councilmembers attending as many meetings as possible to ensure effective participation. She encouraged any interested members to contact her and expressed her own interest in serving on the committee. Recommendations for Council representatives will be made at the September 16, 2024, Regular Council meeting. I. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Weaver Vice President Weaver provided an update from the last meeting of the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). The CIC received a presentation from Expedient, which addressed cloud storage and common questions businesses may have about the topic. Additionally, Member Kelly Fox attended his final meeting as a trustee, and the Mayor presented him with a commendation recognizing his invaluable service to the CIC. He will be greatly missed. Vice President Weaver noted that, for the second consecutive year, Realtor.com has declared the 43230 zip code as the hottest in the country. Other updates included the 175th Jubilee, the Strategic Plan, and Citizens Academy applications, which were received, and participants will be selected soon. Regarding construction, there are lane closures along Hamilton Road due to ongoing projects; however, there will be no total closures, as communicated by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The Planning Commission approved an application for a Sheetz location off Tech Center Drive. Additionally, a zoning code rewrite has begun to improve existing codes and address any missed elements. The City also welcomed a new planning manager on August 26, 2024. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Weaver Vice President Weaver provided a brief update, noting that a more formal report would follow in the next meeting. On August 22, 2024, the Regional Policy Roundtable met, and Congressman Mike Carey spoke about his legislative priorities, with a focus on bipartisan work with Senator Brown to benefit Central Ohio and the state as a whole. The next MORPC Commission meeting will take place on September 12, and Weaver noted that "Money Monday" on September 9, 2024, will feature Office of Budget and City of Gahanna Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 Management (OBM) Director Kimberly Murnieks, who will discuss funding opportunities through the capital budget and the one-time Strategic Community Investment Fund. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Padova reported on upcoming events in the city, noting that the Fall and Winter Herbal Cocktail Trail is currently live, with photos of the drinks featured on Instagram. Creekside Hops and Vines will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., tickets were still available. The Collective Market will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Home Collective Supply from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Additionally, Midweek at the Creek will take place on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Padova mentioned that Director Kappes will return on September 16, 2024, to provide an update to the Council. 4. School Board (SB) - Jones Councilmember Jones acknowledged the presence of School Board Member Daphne Moehring at the meeting and thanked her for attending. Jones shared a reflection on the recent frustrations regarding traffic on Hamilton Road since the start of the school year, noting that many residents have voiced concerns, especially due to new school start times and ongoing construction. She called for patience and mindfulness, particularly regarding safety near the high school. She concluded by reminding everyone that while the situation may be challenging, it will ultimately be worth it in the end. J. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin provided several updates, beginning with a welcome to the five new police officers in the Gahanna Division of Police. The Mayor expressed her excitement about their service to the community and noted that with their hiring, the police force is nearly fully staffed. Another officer is currently in the academy and will graduate in December, 2024. The Mayor mentioned that while a few more positions might need to be filled, due to upcoming retirements or unexpected departures, recruitment efforts are ongoing. Next, the Mayor discussed the Aquatics Master Plan Survey, which is now available online. The survey, running until September 20, 2024, invites residents to provide input regarding the City’s three pools and potential future amenities. The survey is part of the City's broader comprehensive Parks Master Plan, adopted last year, and aims to guide future decisions about the City’s pool infrastructure. The Mayor noted the high engagement with the survey, particularly at the Gahanna 175 event, and encouraged more residents to participate. City of Gahanna Page 13 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 On the topic of Suicide Prevention Month, the Mayor reminded everyone of the resources available, including the 988 crisis hotline and the City’s mental health resources accessible through the website. The Mayor highlighted the upcoming QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) class on September 11, 2024 at the Senior Center, urging people to spread the word and help raise awareness. Additionally, the Mayor mentioned several upcoming events, including the Creekside Hops and Vines fundraiser on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., which supports scholarships for Parks and Recreation programming. The Doggy Dip at Hunters Ridge Pool is scheduled for Sunday, Sepotember 8, 2024 and the Senior Expo will take place on September 12, 2024 at the Gahanna Sanctuary. Lastly, the Shred and E-Recycle Event will be held on September 16, 2024, at City Hall, with Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN) present for donations. Regarding traffic concerns related to the Hamilton Road Bridge Project, the Mayor acknowledged the frustrations residents have expressed about traffic congestion. She emphasized the importance of the project, which is being handled by ODOT, and asked residents to plan accordingly, allow for extra time, and practice patience. The Mayor stressed the need for safety, particularly in light of recent traffic-related tragedies, and urged residents to remain mindful of speed limits, pedestrians, and bicyclists. 2. City Attorney City Attorney Tamilarasan followed up on a previous report about the Academy Ridge litigation. The City Attorney confirmed that the 45-day period for filing any Supreme Court appeals had passed, and the court’s decision in favor of the City is now final. K. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember McGregor announced that Saturday, September 7, 2024, the Historical Society, in collaboration with the Gahanna Area Arts Council, is sponsoring a performance by the state champion fiddler. She emphasized that this is not a violinist but a fiddler, promising a different kind of music. The performance will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Historical Society grounds. Councilmember McGregor encouraged attendees to bring chairs, blankets, and snacks and hoped for good weather. She mentioned that the fiddler and her husband, a guitarist who accompanies her, would be staying at the Lily Stone bed and breakfast the night before. Councilmember Padova shared that she would be hosting constituent hours on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the front conference room at City Hall. Councilmember Renner expressed gratitude to everyone who stayed through the meeting and gave special thanks to Luke Sulfridge and Philip Leppla from City of Gahanna Page 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC). He noted the importance of their presence and looked forward to seeing them again on September 16, 2024. President Bowers mentioned that she had attached her constituent report for the month of July, 2024. She announced that she would be hosting a constituent hour on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Council Office. She welcomed residents to join her or reach out to schedule a meeting if the time and date did not work for them. 2024-0165 Councilmember Merisa K. Bowers' Constituent Report - July 2024 L. EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Weaver, to go into Executive Session under authority of Section 5.40(a) of the Council Rules of Procedure to consider the appointment of public employees or officials. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver President Bowers announced that Council would meet in Executive Session in the Law Library. She added that there would be no legislative action would follow the Executive Session and Council would adjourn immediately thereafter. Council rose to report to Executive Session at 8:12 p.m. Council rose to report from Executive Session at 8:46 p.m. with no further action. M. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Bowers adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council City of Gahanna Page 15 City Council Meeting Minutes September 3, 2024 APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2024. Merisa K. Bowers City of Gahanna Page 16