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, June 2, 2025 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, June 2, 2025, in Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the meeting to order at 7:08 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 30, 2025. Present 6 - Merisa K. Bowers, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova, Stephen A. Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver Absent 1 - Jamille Jones B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: None. C. PRESENTATIONS: 1. Resolution Presentation by Council - LGBTQ Pride Month GLHS United Club, Recipient Vice President Weaver introduced a resolution in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month. He welcomed representatives from the United Club at Gahanna Lincoln High School, including advisors Jeffrey Glitt, Jonathan Cinovec, Trina Langsenkamp, Louise Eberle, several student members, and school board member Dion Manley. He described the United Club as an anti-bullying, student-led organization dedicated to fostering acceptance and inclusivity through educational initiatives, community building, and advocacy, aligned with GLHS’s values of purpose, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence. Vice President Weaver commended the club for their meaningful advocacy and invited members for a group photo with Council. Following the photo, two students addressed Council. Oneita Bryson, a member of the LGBTQ+ community and the United Club, shared their City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 experiences and the impact of the Council’s previous Pride resolutions. Bryson expressed concern that certain identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, particularly those under the "plus," were not always explicitly recognized, referencing recent exclusions on the Stonewall Uprising Memorial website. Speaking on behalf of others within the broader LGBTQ+ community, Bryson urged the Council to continue inclusive recognition, emphasizing the need for municipal governments to support marginalized groups. Matt Miller then spoke on the importance of United Club, noting how challenging his freshman year had been until he discovered the group, which provided him with a supportive space where he could express his identity and connect with others who shared similar experiences. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the club for current and future students, regardless of their orientation. Vice President Weaver and President Bowers both thanked the United Club for attending and speaking, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and advocacy. D. HEARING OF VISITORS: Kristy Mishler of Gahanna, OH, spoke on the Parks & Recreation Department’s exemplary support for the Gahanna Middle School South 8th Grade end-of-year event. Joined by fellow Middle School South teacher Tamara Passa, Ms. Mishler expressed gratitude to Chris Simmons and the Parks and Recreation team for adapting end-of-year activities for students when poor weather prevented swimming at Hunter Ridge Pool. The Parks staff organized outdoor games, fire pits, and s’more-making, allowing students to celebrate and have a great experience despite the weather. Ms. Passa also conveyed her thanks. E. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2025-0118 Council Regular Minutes 5.19.2025 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. Resolutions: RES-0023-2025 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JUNE 2025 AS LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. 3. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption: City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 ORD-0022-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH AECOM FOR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE WEST GAHANNA SANITARY RELIEF SEWER PROJECT; AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda with an emergency declaration. ORD-0023-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH T&M ASSOCIATES FOR MAJOR UTILITY OWNER REPRESENTATION AND CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION AND INSPECTION SERVICES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda with an emergency declaration. ORD-0024-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH PROFESSIONAL PAVEMENT SERVICES FOR THE 2025 SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE LOOKBACK PROGRAM (ST-1115) The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. End of Consent Agenda A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Renner, to Pass the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Bowers, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver Absent: 1- Jones F. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk 2025-0120 Ohio Division of Liquor Control Notice to Legislative Authority Permit NEW 5926654 MICHELI HOSPITALITY LTD 101 MILL ST STE B105, GAHANNA, OH Mr. VanMeter presented communication number 2025-0120 from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control regarding a new permit for Micheli Hospitality Ltd at 101 Mill Street, Suite B105. The Police Department reported no issues or history for the applicant, and Council expressed no objections [Note: The Clerk returned the notice indicating no objections or request for a hearing]. 2. Council City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 2025-0117 Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) - Inaugural LinkUS Progress Report Received 5.21.2025 President Bowers added that she had requested the inclusion of the inaugural LinkUS progress report from COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority), noting a planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line through Gahanna. The Council Office had reached out to COTA for further information and planned continued engagement. G. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Padova Councilmember Padova reported on the Community Improvement Corporation’s May 20, 2025 meeting, which included welcoming Economic Development Director Jeff Gottke, finance updates, a strategic plan update from the Mayor, and an executive session. The next meeting was scheduled for June 17, 2025, with Council invited. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Weaver Vice President Weaver reported no formal update from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission but anticipated more information at the next meeting. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Padova also provided an update for the Convention and Visitors Bureau, reminding everyone about the upcoming Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival scheduled for June 13-15, with volunteer opportunities available through the event’s website. 4. School Board (SB) - Jones Councilmember Jones was absent. A school board report was anticipated for the next regular meeting. H. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin began by recognizing three retiring city employees: Jeff Tedrick (Public Service, 48 years), Rick Darst (Fleet Department, 23 years), and John Pizzurro (Parks Department, 20 years). She commended their decades of service to the city. The Mayor reported the completion of the Our Gahanna Vision Fest and announced that Planning NEXT and Director Vollmer would present an update at the next Council meeting. She also discussed May’s Mental Health Awareness Month activities, including citywide wellness events City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 for staff, and promoted an upcoming mental health panel discussion scheduled for June 18, 2025, at the Gahanna Golf Course. The event would feature panels on caregiving and parenting children with mental health needs. The Mayor further announced a Franklin County Auditor’s Community Connects event on June 18, 2025, at the Gahanna Library, to learn more about the services of the Auditor’s office. Next, she invited volunteers to participate in a community cleanup event on June 7, 2025. in preparation for the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. The Mayor commended the Gahanna Community Chorus for a recent performance titled Joy and recognized the director, chorus members, and guest performers. On a somber note, Mayor Jadwin addressed the recent injuries to two Mifflin Township police officers who were shot at during a routine traffic stop and the shooting death of a Morrow County deputy sheriff. She offered condolences to their families and emphasized the dangers first responders face daily, reiterating that violence against those who protect the city was unacceptable. 2. City Attorney City Attorney Tamilarasan provided an update on ongoing litigation. The court denied the city’s motion for judgment on the pleadings in the Taglia case, determining that a factual dispute remained regarding whether the incident occurred in a parking lot or public roadway. The case remains pending. I. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember McGregor reflected on the Memorial Day service, acknowledging the significant number of veterans honored at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and commending the Gahanna Veterans Plaza, which originated from a 1993 citizen request by George Kneeland. She expressed her gratitude to the Veterans Committee for holding a wonderful event. Councilmember Renner thanked the United Club for their courage and advocacy, shared his participation in the BAPS Charities walkathon, and encouraged community engagement and connection over the summer. He urged fellow residents to continue to look after each other. He also noted he would likely be absent from the next regular meeting due to upcoming shoulder surgery. Councilmember Padova thanked the students, parents, and school board member Dion Manley for attending and supporting inclusivity in the community. She wished everyone a Happy Pride Month. Councilmember Schnetzer also shared his appreciation for the Memorial Day ceremony, which he attended with his children to teach them the importance of sacrifice and freedom. Vice President Weaver echoed his colleagues' comments on the Memorial Day ceremony, noting particularly the importance of remembering the sacrifices made and to protect against what may come. On the topic of City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 summer and neighborhood events, he also advised residents to drive carefully through neighborhoods with many children out and about. Reflecting on Ms. Mishler and Ms. Passa’s comments, he also expressed gratitude to the Parks and Recreation staff for their assistance with school events. He extended special thanks to the United Club, Oneita Bryson and Matt Miller, and their advisors for fostering safe spaces for students. On a personal note, he announced the birth of his son, Otto, and shared his excitement to raise his child in the community where he grew up. President Bowers thanked the United Club for attending the meeting and for speaking to the impact of resolutions, while also calling upon Council to lean into inclusivity, greater understanding, and advocacy for the most vulnerable members of the community, who too often became the targets of bullying by fully grown adults, many of whom held positions that should have focused on protecting the community. President Bowers expressed hope that this act would serve as a small symbol showing that many stood with the United Club and would resist intrusions into privacy and individuality, which were unwarranted and failed to demonstrate dignity to all members of the community. President Bowers then announced a ribbon cutting for the mountain bike trail at Academy Park on June 6, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. On June 7, 2025, President Bowers and her neighborhood planned to host a community meetup at the pocket park in Rathurn Woods, featuring the Joy Local Coffee Truck. Community members were invited to join from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to meet and engage in conversation. She also reminded colleagues of the Pride celebration scheduled for June 26, 2025 at Headley Park. Discussions were ongoing regarding the number of tables the city would need for the event. President Bowers encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for this endearing event, which demonstrated how inclusive Gahanna is. President Bowers acknowledged Mr. Renner for mentioning the walkathon and shared that she had participated in the Columbus 10K the previous day, which raised $11,000 for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. She congratulated the Columbus Running Club for organizing another successful event, which took place in perfect running weather. Turning to a more somber matter, President Bowers expressed gratitude to Mayor Jadwin for addressing the recent incident involving the injury of two Mifflin Township police officers in the line of duty. She voiced concern that the suspect had been able to remain within civil society and hoped the situation would prompt discussions and further analysis to prevent similar tragedies. She extended gratitude to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals for taking the suspect into custody alive. President Bowers offered condolences to the family and community in Morrow County, noting that colleagues of her husband had been on the scene, making the incident feel especially close to home. President Bowers thanked the Veterans Memorial Committee for organizing a beautiful Memorial Day event. The keynote speaker had shared incredible stories of heroism and concluded with a call to peace, which President Bowers felt set the appropriate tone for the times. She gave special recognition to her husband, who was celebrating 25 years of service with Delaware County EMS. She acknowledged the difficulty and bravery involved in the work of first responders, emphasizing her appreciation for all who serve City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 on the front lines, whether as first responders, teachers, or in other critical roles. 2025-0119 Councilmember Merisa K. Bowers' Constituent Report - April-May 2025 J. EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Renner, seconded by Schnetzer, to go into Executive Session under authority of Section 5.40(c) of the Council Rules of Procedure to confer with the City Attorney for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are the subject of pending or imminent court action. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6- Bowers, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver Absent: 1- Jones President Bowers announced that Council would meet in Executive Session in the Committee Room with City Attorney Tamilarasan and Mayor Jadwin. She noted the Council would not have additional business following the Executive Session and would adjourn promptly thereafter. Council rose to report to Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. Council rose to report from Executive Session at 8:12 p.m. with no further action. K. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Bowers adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2025. Merisa K. Bowers City of Gahanna Page 8