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 16, 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 16, 2025, in Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the meeting to order at 7:04 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 June 13, 2025. Present 5 - Merisa K. Bowers, Jamille Jones, Kaylee Padova, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver Absent 2 - Nancy R. McGregor, and Stephen A. Renner B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: None. C. PRESENTATIONS: 1. Joint Resolution/Proclamation Presentations by Council and Mayor a. Honoring KyLee Tibbs, GLHS First-Ever Wrestling State Champion Councilmember Schnetzer stated that the Council had the privilege of being joined that evening by an impressive student-athlete, Miss KyLee Tibbs, along with her family and coaching staff. He explained that there was a joint proclamation and resolution recognizing Miss Tibbs’ outstanding achievement as Gahanna Lincoln High School’s (GLHS) first-ever state wrestling champion. Although he did not read the resolution in its entirety, he highlighted several of her achievements for the record. He noted that during the past season, as a sophomore, Miss Tibbs compiled a perfect record of 47-0 with 68 takedowns and 40 pins, leading her team in both metrics. In addition to winning the Ohio High School Athletic Association Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) State Championship, she also won the Central City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Regional Wrestling Championship last month in Louisville, Kentucky. He stated that Miss Tibbs had become quite the international sensation, having earned invitations and trained in France, Germany, and Switzerland, and that she would soon travel to train in Japan. He added that in addition to being a superlative athlete, Miss Tibbs was also an exceptional student, being one of eight young women on the GLHS wrestling team to earn academic honors for maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher. He noted that she had two more years of eligibility and that the Council looked forward to following the remainder of her Gahanna Lions athletic career. He then invited his colleagues and Mayor Jadwin to join him for the presentation and photo, and welcomed any comments from Miss Tibbs, her family, or her coaching staff. He concluded by offering his congratulations. Miss Tibbs thanked her coaches for their help and stated that she felt very supported throughout the entire season, especially by her coaches, including her father. She said he pushed her through the season, and her partners pushed her as well, remarking that “iron sharpens iron.” She explained that one of her partners was also a state champion who helped her warm-up. She added that the opportunities continued to make her better, especially as she would be leaving for Japan the following day. Mr. Jeffrey Tibbs, speaking as both her coach and father, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to recognize KyLee and her hard work. He described her as a “worker bee,” a quality she had shown since she was eight years old when there were no other girls to wrestle on the mat. He said she embodied an explosion of women’s wrestling in Ohio and stood on the shoulders of the hard work of the women who came before her. He stated that he was always proud of her and the fire she had for the sport and for getting better, adding that her motivation inspired him. Mr. Jamie Leeseberg, coach, added that KyLee made everyone in the room better through her level of competition. He said everyone tried to be like her and that everything turned into a competition. He shared an example of doing pull-ups where someone wanted to add weight between their knees, and when he looked at her, she responded, “Yeah, I’m doing that,” showing that she never let anyone get the upper hand and always pushed others. b. Honoring Juneteenth & Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration with commendation by State Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio Councilmember Jones stated that the Council had the honor of recognizing Juneteenth in the city as a holiday and also honoring the first-ever Gahanna Juneteenth celebration, which took place over the weekend. She believed it was an awesome event that involved history, joy, culture, and community, and said she felt very proud of what the community created together. She took a moment to acknowledge key partners who helped make the weekend possible. She thanked Visit Gahanna with special appreciation to Jarod White and Lori Kappes for believing in the vision as much as she did, the Gahanna City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Parks and Recreation staff, the Gahanna Division of Police for their hands-on support in making the event safe, welcoming, and smooth, and offered special thanks to Tia Ramey, the city’s communications manager, for helping spread the word and serving as “paparazzi extraordinaire” during the event. Councilmember Jones stated that at the center of the event’s success was the Juneteenth Committee, describing them as a passionate group of residents who volunteered alongside her since October 2024, to make the weekend happen. She explained that she started with just a glimpse of a vision and they helped fill in the gaps, bringing ideas, heart, and a real sense of purpose that made the celebration more meaningful than she could have imagined. She said they not only created a program that honored Black history and celebrated the arts, culture, and resilience of the community, but also helped support Black-owned small businesses through the passport initiative, adding an intentional economic layer to the celebration. She noted that over 160 community members attended, participated, and celebrated. She thanked the committee, saying they were the reason it was possible, and expressed that she was very grateful. She then invited the committee members to come forward for a photo and to receive the joint resolution/proclamation, naming them as Kelly Braun, Kara Coates, Sophia McGuire, Dr. Sidney Jones, Jr., Jebel Jones, and Ifrah Aliawl. She also noted that State Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio would present a commendation as well. State Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio thanked the Council for allowing her to speak. She explained that she was not able to attend the event on Saturday but wanted to present, on behalf of the members of the House of Representatives of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, special recognition to the City of Gahanna on its inaugural Juneteenth event. She provided historical context, stating that on September 2, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation notifying the southern states that if they did not return to the Union by January 1, 1863, he would declare the slaves “forever free,” leading to the Emancipation Proclamation. She added that on June 19, 1863, news of freedom finally reached Texas. She remarked that Juneteenth was now celebrated across the country to memorialize this important moment in history and said that the City of Gahanna was worthy of recognition for honoring this occasion with an inaugural community celebration. She explained that Gahanna’s Juneteenth event provided a unique opportunity for residents to gather and celebrate the freedom of all Americans. She praised all those involved with preparations, including the members of the Gahanna Juneteenth Committee, for their outstanding work, noting their support for initiatives such as the Gahanna Black-Owned Business Passport, which focused attention on local Black-owned businesses and brought the community together in a spirit of pride, partnership, and unity. She concluded by offering best wishes for the event’s continued success. President Bowers congratulated all involved and thanked them for an incredibly successful and uplifting event over the weekend. She stated that their hard work was evident and that many enjoyed being there to celebrate City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 with them. D. HEARING OF VISITORS: Kathy McCorkle of Gahanna, OH, spoke on bias against Gahanna Natural Families. Ms. McCorkle addressed Council, stating she would offer a prayer because Councilman Trenton Weaver did not pray during invocation. She then characterized Mayor Jadwin and Council as acting with hypocrisy and hate. She shared her perception that city leadership favored certain identity groups with proclamations and resolutions while excluding and discriminating against a group she identified as “natural families.” Ms. McCorkle elaborated that she requested public recognition for “natural families.” She conveyed her disappointment with the Council’s response to her request. She stated her belief that no clear reason for the refusal was made and characterized this exclusion as biased and prejudiced. She urged Mayor Jadwin and Council to not claim they were diverse and inclusive, and called on them to provide fair and impartial treatment to all groups, not favoring selected identity groups. Ralph Griffith of Columbus, OH, spoke on ORD-0030-2025. Mr. Griffith stated that he represented Value Recovery Group II (VRG II), a developer that worked in Gahanna for 20 years, specifically in Central Park. He explained he was there to address two issues raised in the previous week’s Committee of the Whole discussion: the concept of “highest and best use” of property and the suggestion that speculative development was less valuable than a corporate headquarters. He described VRG II’s longstanding commitment to Gahanna since 2005, including cleaning and capping the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nuisance site known as the Bedford II Landfill, extending Tech Center and Science Boulevard, raising funds, and being responsible for the development or sale of over 700,000 square feet across various uses and tenants. He discussed the Velocis site, explaining it involved splitting an 18-acre parcel that was difficult to develop. Burns and Scalo acquired the left portion. He clarified that although there were misconceptions about marketing the property as office space, VRG II owned the site since 2007 and managed its challenges through the Great Recession, slow growth in the 2010s, the pandemic, material shortages, and high interest rates. He noted that significant topography issues required marketing the land in two parcels and that VRG II did not rely solely on brokers, but engaged prospects directly. He emphasized that the city had not produced tangible prospects for the parcel, underscoring VRG II’s efforts to promote Gahanna to the broader development community. He concluded by explaining that VRG II strategically split the site, reduced the price on the left side, and marketed both portions independently, which attracted Burns and Scalo because VRG II was able to offer them a market-rate deal. Robert Lockett of Dublin, OH spoke on ORD-0030-2025. City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Mr. Lockett addressed Council, reminding members that the incentive package for Burns and Scalo, originally proposed at 80% for 12 years, underwent what he described as an unusually detailed review and was negotiated on the floor, a process he stated was unprecedented in the city's recent economic development efforts. He noted that Council deliberations reconsidered the rate at 50% before agreeing on a renegotiated 70%, which differed from the 100% abatements provided to other corporate headquarters projects such as ADB Safegate, Franklin Peak, and Reliant Capital. He expressed hope that future headquarters proposals delivered by staff using data and expertise would be considered on their merits without renegotiation. He asked the Council to thoughtfully consider whether speculative development, which often served as a catalyst for long-term business growth, should be viewed as less deserving of incentive support than headquarters projects. He addressed comments about "highest and best use," stating that the committee suggested speculative users lacked the prominence of corporate citizens who owned their facilities. He clarified that both owner-occupied and speculative buildings were typically owned through single-purpose entities leasing to users. He pointed to the city's support for speculative development in the 2021 Taylor Industrial Park project, which received a 15-year, 100% abatement. He provided an example at 870 Claycraft Road, where they co-developed a speculative warehouse with InSpanos that attracted ADB Safegate when it needed to expand. He explained that this led to a build-to-suit leased headquarters without ownership by the user, demonstrating that speculative development could deliver significant community benefits. He also noted that ADB’s former headquarters were acquired by Romanoff with city incentives for renovations. Jordan Fromm of Columbus, OH, spoke on ORD-0030-2025. Mr. Fromm explained that VRG II was under contract several times for the site but deals fell through due to site constraints and broader economic and market challenges. He cited Bob Evans as a notable example, stating that their corporate headquarters chose New Albany over this site because of a more aggressive incentive package. In 2014, he noted that after several years in New Albany, Bob Evans faced challenges that put their headquarters at risk of sale, divestiture, or downsizing. He suggested that if Gahanna had landed Bob Evans and the company exited, the city would have been left with a large vacant building requiring renewed marketing, multi-jurisdictional competition for new users, a stale listing, and likely new city incentives. He argued that even headquarter projects carried risk, making speculative development vital for flexibility and long-term growth. He explained that they ultimately split the site, with Burns and Scalo moving forward, but it took another year to secure Velocis for the remainder. He asked Council to consider whether a tax-exempt municipal maintenance facility generating little job growth or income tax was the best use for the land, noting that the city seriously contemplated that use under the council-approved 23-27 Capital Improvement Plan. He stated that the Velocis deal underwent thorough staff review and came to Council with a staff recommendation. He described the City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 city's staff as talented and experienced and characterized the deal as a success for both parties, even with incentives 20% lower and three years shorter than the Taylor project. He argued that this showed skilled negotiation could yield balanced results. He asked the Council to trust staff expertise and consider proposals as delivered to avoid renegotiation, which would help the business community know what to expect when working with Gahanna. He concluded by urging the city to continue its momentum, uphold its reputation as a regionally competitive, business-friendly, and family-friendly city, and emphasized that speculative development was key to fostering growth and adaptability. E. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2025-0124 Council Special Minutes 6.2.2025 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2025-0125 Council Regular Minutes 6.2.2025 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2025-0126 Committee of the Whole Minutes 6.9.2025 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. Resolutions: RES-0024-2025 A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION HONORING AND RECOGNIZING KYLEE TIBBS, GAHANNA LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL'S FIRST-EVER OHSAA STATE WRESTLING CHAMPION The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. RES-0025-2025 A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION HONORING JUNETEENTH & THE INAUGURAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. RES-0026-2025 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, OHIO, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2026 The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. RES-0027-2025 A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION HONORING DR. PAUL City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 KAUFMAN, MD, FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO UROLOGIC CARE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. RES-0028-2025 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR ALTERNATIVE FUNDING FROM THE OHIO URBAN FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF FORESTRY The Resolution was adopted on the Consent Agenda. End of Consent Agenda A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Jones, to Pass the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Bowers, Jones, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver Absent: 2- McGregor and Renner F. RESOLUTIONS: RES-0029-2025 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE GAHANNA CITY ATTORNEY TO JOIN AN AMICUS BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF CINCINNATI IN A CASE PENDING BEFORE THE OHIO SUPREME COURT CONCERNING TAXPAYER STANDING President Bowers introduced Resolution 0029-2025, a resolution authorizing the Gahanna City Attorney to join an amicus brief in support of the City of Cincinnati in a case before the Supreme Court concerning taxpayer standing. She noted that Council discussed the matter at Committee of the Whole the previous week. City Attorney Tamilarasan added that the number of communities approving similar resolutions was growing, mentioning that Bexley most recently joined in supporting the amicus brief. President Bowers further noted that Council engaged in important dialogue on the resolution the previous week. She explained that her vote in favor of the resolution was based on the understanding that it would not impact residents’ ability to file a 30-day referendum action, nor prevent a taxpayer from asserting standing if they could articulate a harm and reside in the jurisdiction. A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Schnetzer, that the Resolution be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Bowers, Jones, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver Absent: 2- McGregor and Renner RES-0030-2025 A JOINT PROCLAMATION AND RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 CITY OF GAHANNA'S OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 309, HOUSE BILL 335, AND OTHER EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE OR RESTRICT THE USE OF INSIDE MILLAGE FOR MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, CAPITAL PROJECTS, OR DEBT SERVICE President Bowers introduced Resolution 0030-2025, a joint proclamation and resolution expressing the City of Gahanna’s opposition to House Bill 309, House Bill 335, and other efforts to eliminate or restrict the use of inside millage for municipal government operations, capital projects, or debt service. She explained that the Ohio Municipal League and State Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio brought the issue to the city’s attention, and that Mayor Jadwin also engaged in related discussions. She stated that eliminating inside millage would reduce Gahanna’s revenue by an estimated $3.6 million annually, eliminating approximately two mills of property tax without meaningfully lowering residents’ property tax bills. Councilmember Schnetzer described the legislation as a massive, sweeping change that was highly disruptive. He noted that guidance from the Ohio Municipal League suggested the legislation could move quickly, making time critical for the city to act. He acknowledged that the resolution draft came together quickly, thanking everyone involved. He emphasized that Ohio cities were already outliers compared to cities in other states because they relied more heavily on economically sensitive income taxes rather than more stable property taxes. He suggested language for an additional "whereas" clause to highlight that eliminating inside millage would increase reliance on income taxes, increasing revenue volatility and impairing the city’s ability to plan for the future. President Bowers worked with Councilmember Schnetzer to refine the wording of this clause during discussion. Mayor Jadwin expressed support for the proposed language. Councilmember Schnetzer also proposed another "whereas" clause noting that eliminating inside millage risked lowering the city’s credit rating and increasing borrowing costs. He explained that losing revenue flexibility could negatively affect the city’s credit rating, which would in turn increase costs for taxpayers. He noted that cities with greater financial autonomy historically achieved higher credit ratings and lower borrowing costs. President Bowers recommended inserting the two new "whereas" clauses after the existing seventh clause in the resolution. She read the proposed wording into the record as follows: “Whereas, cities in Ohio are already in a vulnerable position compared to cities in other states. Income tax revenue, the principal revenue source for Ohio cities, is more economically sensitive and is a more volatile revenue source than property tax. By eliminating inside millage, this increases our reliance on income taxes, increasing volatility of revenue sources and impairing cities’ ability to plan long-term; and Whereas, eliminating cities’ inside millage risks lowering credit ratings thereby driving up City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 borrowing costs, costing taxpayers more to complete the same work. Historically, cities with greater financial autonomy to raise funds have higher credit ratings and lower borrowing costs; and”. A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Weaver, that the Resolution be Amended with the insertion of two "Whereas" clauses in the preamble: "WHEREAS, cities in Ohio are already in a vulnerable position compared to cities in other states. Income tax revenue, the principal revenue source for Ohio cities, is more economically sensitive and is a more volatile revenue source than property tax. By eliminating inside millage, this increases our reliance on income taxes, increasing volatility of revenue sources and impairing cities’ ability to plan long-term; and WHEREAS, eliminating cities’ inside millage risks lowering credit ratings thereby driving up borrowing costs, costing taxpayers more to complete the same work. Historically, cities with greater financial autonomy to raise funds have higher credit ratings and lower borrowing costs; and" The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Bowers, Jones, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver Absent: 2- McGregor and Renner Vice President Weaver thanked Councilmember Schnetzer and President Bowers for their dialogue. He stated that he wanted to be very clear for residents, describing the legislation from the Statehouse as another attack on municipalities. He said it would hamper cities across the state in their ability to pursue projects that directly impacted residents and added that those projects would ultimately become more expensive. He expressed his support for the resolution. President Bowers noted that opponent testimony was scheduled before the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. She encouraged Councilmembers to present the resolution in person if available and to further speak in opposition to the legislation. Mayor Jadwin asked about the plan for submitting the resolution and whether that would be handled through the Council Office. President Bowers confirmed that the Council Office would handle submission. She explained that Section Three of the resolution requested the Clerk of Council forward the resolution and proclamation to the chair and members of the House Ways and Means Committee, the district’s House and Senate representatives, the Speaker of the House Matt Huffman, Senate President Rob McColley, and Governor DeWine. She also noted that the resolution encouraged residents to contact Representative David Thomas, the primary sponsor of House Bills 335 and 309, and Representative Bill Roemer, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, to express their concerns about the harmful impacts of the legislation on local governments, schools, and community services. City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Mayor Jadwin stated that, unfortunately, she had a preexisting commitment on Wednesday and could not testify in person, but would submit written testimony. She explained that discussions took place at the Central Ohio Mayors and Managers Association meeting and that individual mayors continued conversations afterward. She noted that the association circulated a letter for municipal members to sign and that she approved including the City of Gahanna on that letter. President Bowers thanked Mayor Jadwin and added that other communities, such as Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights, also issued statements or resolutions opposing the legislation. She said Gahanna stood with those colleagues and emphasized they were stronger together on this issue. Vice President Weaver briefly noted that Wednesday’s session was for invited and written testimony only and confirmed this with Representative Brown Piccolantonio. President Bowers concluded that unless invited, the city would offer written opponent testimony. She noted there was concern that the language might be added to the budget bill, House Bill 96, bypassing committee processes. She said it was important to address this with Finance Chair Brian Stewart of Pickaway County and Speaker of the House Matt Huffman. She noted the amendment language was ready to share with Clerk VanMeter for the final record. A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Jones, that the Resolution be Adopted as Amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5- Bowers, Jones, Padova, Schnetzer and Weaver Absent: 2- McGregor and Renner G. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION / FIRST READING: ORD-0026-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 - Various Funds for Retirement Expense Purposes and Real Estate Settlement Fees President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. ORD-0027-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN ACCESS EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH CENTERPOINT CHURCH FOR THE USE OF PARKING LOT LOCATED AT 670 MCCUTCHEON ROAD; AND AUTHORIZING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND (3250) President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. ORD-0028-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDING AWARDED BY THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (ODNR) AND TO AUTHORIZE THE City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 TRANSFER OF MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE BOAT SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. ORD-0029-2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KLEINFELDER ENGINEERING, LLC FOR DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE WOODSIDE GREEN AND HANNAH PARK POND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. ORD-0030-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA AGREEMENT WITH VELOCIS GAHANNA JV, LP TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING ON PARCELS 027-000110-00 AND 025-13634-00 ON TECH CENTER DRIVE, PART OF COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT AREA #3; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY President Bowers introduced the Ordinance and the Clerk read it by title. H. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk 2025-0129 Ohio Division of Liquor Control Notice to Legislative Authority Permit TRFO 8467121 FROM BARREL & BOAR CREEKSIDE LLC TO SPUR CBUS INC DBA BARREL & BOAR 121 MILL ST, STE 130, GAHANNA, OH 43230 Mr. VanMeter reported that there was one Liquor Control notice to share. He stated that he consulted with the Division of Police regarding the transfer of ownership application from Barrel & Boar Creekside LLC to Spur CBUS Inc, doing business as Barrel & Boar at 121 Mill Street. He noted that the Division of Police had no objections. He explained that, pursuant to the notice, unless there were objections, the city would submit its return correspondence indicating no hearing requested. President Bowers thanked Mr. VanMeter and asked if there were any objections to the liquor permit transfer. Hearing none, the Clerk returned the notice indicating no hearing was requested. 2. Council Sign up for City Council Newsletter here: https://www.gahanna.gov/list.aspx 2025-0128 Your City Council at Work Newsletter - March-April 2025 City of Gahanna Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 President Bowers noted that the Council included a copy of the latest newsletter produced by the Council Office. She thanked her colleagues for submitting information, activities, and photos to help document the work of the Council and the Council Office team. She highlighted a section titled “From the Archives,” compiled by Deputy Clerk Sophia McGuire, which included a resolution from 1981 along with other historic details. She thanked Ms. Hilts, Council staff, for preparing the newsletter on a bimonthly basis and encouraged residents interested in signing up to use the link provided on the evening’s agenda. I. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Padova Councilmember Padova announced that the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) would meet the following morning, June 17, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. in the Committee Room. She noted that the meeting was open to the public but that they anticipated going into Executive Session at some point. She welcomed anyone to attend prior to the Executive Session, and added that they might invite the Council in July 2025, promising to provide updates. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Weaver 2025-0127 Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 6.16.2025 Vice President Weaver thanked the Council Office for their assistance in preparing his report. He noted that the report attached to the agenda was lengthy and chose not to review it item by item, but encouraged everyone to read it, highlighting that it contained many useful links. He reported that the commission met on June 12, 2025, and that the luncheon conversation featured Jason Hall, the new CEO of the Columbus Partnership. He mentioned that the June legislative update from Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s (MORPC’s) Director of Government Affairs and outside government affairs counsel was also linked in the report, acknowledging that developments at the Statehouse were changing daily. He highlighted upcoming events, including: 1) July 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.: Funding and resource opportunities to build energy projects, covering local, state, and federal funding tools such as Community Reinvestment Area (CRA), Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) programs, 2) August 5, 2025: Annual Social Media Summit, “Talk of the Town: Bold Strategies for Local Voices,” 3) August 27, 2025: Emerging Energy Technologies and Future Proofing the Region, and 4) September 30, 2025: 2025 Summit on Sustainability, for which he believed Council Office was procuring a table. He noted that the commission approved two resolutions last week: one authorizing the executive director to enter into agreements with the Ohio Department of Development for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program, and another authorizing submission of City of Gahanna Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 an application to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners for Community Development Block Grant funding for the Home Repair Program. Vice President Weaver also highlighted the Money Mondays series, including a session from that day, June 16, 2025, featuring Preston Frick, Grants Coordinator with MORPC; the July 7, 2025, session on Capital Budget Update or Clean Ohio Fund Green Space conversation; the July 14, 2025, session with Jeremy Faust, Vice President and Director of Environmental Sustainability from Fifth Third Bank Foundation; and the July 21, 2025, session with Mayor Jadwin discussing funding and local projects. He noted these dates were subject to change and commended city staff for their willingness to pursue outside funding opportunities, praising MORPC as a valuable resource for grants and funding information. He concluded his report. President Bowers thanked Vice President Weaver and reiterated that everyone save the date for the Summit on Sustainability on September 30, 2025, noting that Council reserves a table for that event. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Padova stated that she did not yet have any numbers or data from the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. She noted that Lori Kappes typically provided an overview after the festival and visited in July 2024, the previous year. She said she would follow up with Ms. Kappes to coordinate with Mr. VanMeter on arranging a presentation of the festival results. She shared that she was unfortunately unable to attend the festival, but thanked everyone who came out to support it over the weekend. She especially thanked the volunteers, the Gahanna Police Department, and Gahanna Parks and Recreation staff for their work throughout the weekend, noting the humid conditions. She expressed appreciation for the community’s support and said more details about the festival would be available soon. 4. School Board (SB) - Jones Councilmember Jones noted that due to the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the school board meeting would be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Clark Hall. J. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor Mayor Jadwin began by offering several congratulations. She thanked Councilmember Schnetzer for the proclamation recognizing KyLee Tibbs, noting it marked not only a remarkable achievement but also a historic one as Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools’ first-ever wrestling champion and first female champion. She praised Tibbs for her hard work, commitment, and dedication, emphasizing that she was setting an example for her teammates. City of Gahanna Page 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 She congratulated Councilmember Jones and the members of the Gahanna Juneteenth Committee for organizing the city's first Juneteenth event. She explained that she was unable to attend because she was returning from a conference representing the city, but followed the event and heard that it was a wonderful community celebration of culture, history, education, and shared spirit. She expressed confidence that it would become a valued tradition in Gahanna. She also congratulated Visit Gahanna and all involved with the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. She noted that she attended on Saturday June 14, 2025, and volunteered with Rotary and Kiwanis at beverage stands. She described the weekend as very muggy but highlighted the smiles on attendees’ faces and praised the festival as a cherished tradition that officially kicks off summer in the community. She thanked the sponsors, Visit Gahanna’s team and board, volunteers, vendors, the Gahanna Division of Police, and Parks and Recreation staff, noting that cleanup and transition work for the July 4th events would continue all week. Mayor Jadwin reported that she represented the city and region at the Congress for the New Urbanism, a national conference focused on transportation and mobility. She noted that she was invited to speak about the collaborative effort behind the successful passage of LinkUS, which would fund historic investments in public transit, sidewalks, trails, and bikeways across the Columbus region. She reminded Council that LinkUS would fund two projects in Gahanna in its first five years: completing the last section of the Big Walnut Trail and constructing the Hannah - Headley Park connector trail. She shared that, as a member of the Transit Supportive Infrastructure Committee through MORPC, she would attend a meeting that week to hear updates on these projects. She emphasized the bipartisan effort behind LinkUS and its benefits to all communities. She also shared reminders about upcoming events: 1) June 18, 2025: “In This Together: A Conversation on Mental Health” at the Gahanna Golf Course Clubhouse from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., featuring a panel on caregiver support and family resources. She noted no registration was needed to attend, though childcare required advance registration. 2) June 21, 2025: The Wynyki Alston Foundation would host a “Mental Health Summit for the Mind, Body, and Spirit” at The Peak at Edison, starting at 10:00 a.m., with speakers including Gahanna resident Judge James Green. She noted that this event was partially funded through the city's 2024 Community Grants Program. 3) Also on June 18, 2025: From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., the Franklin County Auditor’s Office would hold an event at the Gahanna Library to share information about its services. She invited all residents to attend these opportunities to get informed and engaged and noted that details on these events were available at gahanna.gov. 2. City Attorney City Attorney Tamilarasan reported that it was 90 days since the Federal Court of Appeals affirmed the decision in the Speed Way Towing case in favor of the city. She noted that the time to appeal had expired, closing that chapter. City of Gahanna Page 14 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 K. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember Padova offered congratulations to Councilmember Jones for organizing a lovely Juneteenth festival. She shared that she suffered from FOMO “fear of missing out” over the weekend while home sick on Friday and Saturday and enjoyed seeing photos of the celebrations at both Juneteenth and the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. She said she looked forward to attending the second Juneteenth festival and thanked Councilmember Jones for her hard work. Councilmember Schnetzer thanked President Bowers for her effort in amending the Joint Resolution and Proclamation (RES-0030-2025) and expressed his appreciation. Vice President Weaver congratulated Ms. Tibbs and her coaches, praising her impressive record and grade point average (GPA), and wished her well while competing in Japan. He thanked the Juneteenth Committee and offered special recognition to Councilmember Jones for her leadership and work on the event, noting that he enjoyed the cultural experience and even dancing at the festival. He described it as a special event and said he looked forward to many more. He also congratulated Visit Gahanna, Parks and Recreation, and the Gahanna Division of Police for a successful Blues and Jazz Festival, sharing that he enjoyed volunteering on Friday night and staying afterward to enjoy the event. President Bowers reminded everyone that before the mental health event hosted by the Gahanna Division of Police at the golf course club house, Council would meet at the Central Ohio Urology Group to present a joint resolution and proclamation in honor of Dr. Paul Kaufman on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. She noted the event was important, recognizing Dr. Kaufman’s contribution to medical office development in the community. She offered further thanks to those already recognized, mentioning the Gahanna Police Department for their friendly interactions and Parks and Recreation for doing an incredible job at the festival. She shared a personal highlight of riding the paddle boats twice with her son during the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival, describing it as a fun and engaging activity. She thanked Visit Gahanna and all the volunteers, with special recognition for volunteer coordinator Theresa Emch for her significant effort supporting the event. President Bowers also reflected on the connection between celebrating Juneteenth and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month. She recounted listening to spoken-word poet Cynthia Amoah at the festival, who spoke about freedom as something inherent but sometimes needing to be asserted. She shared that it reminded her of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in America, who was assassinated after less than a year in office. She quoted Milk, saying, “Freedom is too enormous to be slipped under a closet door,” and reflected on how all people yearn to be free and help others achieve freedom as well. City of Gahanna Page 15 City Council Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 L. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Bowers adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2025. Merisa K. Bowers City of Gahanna Page 16