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, July 7, 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, July 7, 2025, in Council Chambers. President of Council Merisa K. Bowers called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 July 3, 2025. Present 7 - Merisa K. Bowers, Jamille Jones, Nancy R. McGregor, Kaylee Padova, Stephen A. Renner, Michael Schnetzer, and Trenton I. Weaver B. ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: President Bowers announced a correction to the agenda: Ordinance 0027-2025 was moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda under Section F. Ordinances for Second Reading / Adoption and would be considered first under that section. No additional changes were noted. C. HEARING OF VISITORS: Patricia Kovacs of Gahanna, OH, spoke on the Disability Pride Month Resolution/Proclamation. Ms. Kovacs expressed her gratitude for the recognition of Disability Pride Month and for the City’s continued inclusion efforts. She thanked the Council for updating the transition plan in 2022 and incorporating disability accommodations into the Transportation and Mobility Plan. She believed these actions set a precedent for other central Ohio cities. Ms. Kovacs requested an update on the accomplishments of the transition plan and closed by thanking the city and Council for their work. Craig Clawson of Gahanna, OH, spoke on the proposed tax abatement for Velocis. City of Gahanna Page 1 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 Mr. Clawson expressed his concerns regarding the proposed tax abatement agreement with Velois. He urged Council to reconsider the pace at which the City had been proceeding with the proposal. He stated that the deal would result in approximately $310,000 per year in foregone revenue, totaling $3.7 million over the life of the agreement. Mr. Clawson described this as a significant public investment that, in his view, required thorough scrutiny before approval. He questioned the justification provided for the expedited process, noting that the urgency appeared to stem from a developer-imposed signing deadline. Mr. Clawson emphasized that such a deadline constituted a private emergency, not a public one, and should not drive the City’s policy decisions. He informed Council that Velois had been involved in litigation in Bee Cave, Texas for allegedly violating a prior development agreement. He argued that this legal history warranted caution, not urgency, from City leaders. Mr. Clawson insisted that Gahanna residents deserved a full review of the developer’s track record rather than relying on promises alone. He noted that proponents of the deal had cited the creation of 37 full-time jobs with an average salary of $55,000 as justification for the abatement. However, Mr. Clawson stated that no independent analysis had been conducted to evaluate the potential infrastructure costs associated with the development, which could affect roads, utilities, and emergency services. Without this analysis, he stated, it was impossible to accurately assess the return on investment for the community. Mr. Clawson reflected on Gahanna’s history of offering generous abatements and noted a shift in public sentiment. He referenced the Creekside project as a cautionary example, describing it as an ambitious initiative that promised a vibrant city hub but ultimately resulted in vacant storefronts and overpriced condominiums. He described that experience as a costly lesson in blind optimism. Concluding his remarks, Mr. Clawson urged City Council to pause the process, demand a full due diligence review, and prioritize the long-term interests of Gahanna residents over the convenience of venture capitalists. Dr. Joseph Herrington of Gahanna, OH, spoke on Woodside Green Park and foot traffic crossing Stygler Road. Dr. Herrington, a retired mental health counselor with a doctorate in psychology, addressed Council. He brought two issues to Council that he had previously raised with various individuals and now wanted to formally present. First, Dr. Herrington expressed concern about pedestrian safety at the intersection where Sandburr and Ridenour cross Stygler Road near Woodside Green Park. He explained that no crosswalk markings, flashing signals, or signage existed at that location despite heavy foot traffic. He described the area as particularly dangerous due to fast-moving vehicles coming from Morse Road around a bend, making the crossing semi-blind for City of Gahanna Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 both drivers and pedestrians. He stated that he crossed Stygler daily to access the park and had personally witnessed parents pushing strollers and children riding bicycles across the street. He urged Council to consider implementing safety measures to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians. Second, Dr. Herrington raised concerns regarding chemical spraying on the grass in Woodside Green Park. He questioned the purpose of the spraying, speculating that it might target dandelions or clover, and noted that the small flags marking the treated areas indicated widespread application beyond just the ball fields. He questioned the need for such treatment on recreational grass and expressed concern about the type of grass being maintained. Dr. Herrington cited existing research suggesting that some of the chemicals being used may be carcinogenic, according to sources including the World Health Organization. Although he did not bring specific studies with him, he emphasized that many people had voiced similar concerns. Dr. Herrington concluded his remarks by stating that he and his family had moved to Gahanna four years prior and greatly appreciated the green space, the residents’ enthusiasm for their community, and the city’s diversity. He thanked Council for the opportunity to speak. Brigitte Christmon of Blacklick, OH spoke on a proposed community banner initiative. Mrs. Christmon introduced herself as a parent of current and former Gahanna-Jefferson students, as well as a member of a family of U.S. veterans. She proposed a seasonal banner initiative to honor both students and military service members by featuring their images or symbols on city signposts throughout Gahanna. She explained that the banners could display school colors, lion logos, and images of athletic teams without necessarily showing personal photos, thereby boosting school spirit and showcasing the new school building along North Hamilton and Granville Streets. Mrs. Christmon likened the banners to a free marketing campaign for the schools. She also suggested creating veterans’ banners that include names, service branches, or photographs to express everyday gratitude beyond Veterans Day and to remind youth that veterans live in their neighborhoods. She noted that neighboring cities already display similar banners, which bring communities together and spark intergenerational conversations. Mrs. Christmon offered a personal example: if her son spotted a banner of his grandfather and asked about it, she could share family history in that moment. She respectfully asked the city to explore a pilot program in partnership with Gahanna-Jefferson schools, local veterans groups, and community families to reflect Gahanna’s values of education, service, and community. She concluded by thanking Council for considering her proposal and for continuing to make Gahanna a community worth celebrating both in the stands and on the fields. City of Gahanna Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 Jon Handler of Gahanna, OH, spoke on a proposal to designate May as Jewish American History Month through a resolution. Mr. Handler explained that he and his wife, both third-generation American Jews, sought a way to honor all local Jewish residents of Gahanna and to educate others. He noted increased anti-Semitism and praised New Albany City Council’s resolution declaring May Jewish American Heritage Month. Mr. Handler recalled that, at his previous appearance, Council had considered honoring a group that promoted anti-Israel and anti-Jewish content on social media. He described that prospect as frightening and upsetting for his family and community. He emphasized his goal to ensure that Gahanna’s Jewish families felt fully supported by local leaders. He reported that he had repeatedly requested meetings with President Bowers and his ward representative, Councilman Weaver. He appreciated Bowers’s email response but expressed bewilderment that Councilman Weaver had only provided a short response in late May and had not agreed to meet. Mr. Handler stated that his correspondence to Council began on May 21, 2025, and included the Mayor and his rabbi, Benjy Bar-Lev of Temple Beth Shalom in New Albany. He mentioned Superintendent Deagle’s outreach to Rabbi Bar-Lev after the October 7th atrocities to support Jewish students in Gahanna schools. While he thanked Councilwoman Bowers for her willingness to engage by email, he said he remained unclear where the Council stood on his request. He noted that it seemed at first there was an unwillingness to bring his request up for Council discussion. New Albany, he added, was able to do their resolution but he said President Bowers cited legal and public safety advice against religious-based resolutions. Mr. Handler requested additional time to speak. President Bowers reminded him of the strict three-minute speaking policy for all speakers and offered Mr. Handler submit written comments to Council. Mr. Handler closed by thanking Council for listening to his comments this evening. D. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Minutes - To Approve: 2025-0139 Council Regular Minutes 6.16.2025 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2025-0140 Council Special Minutes 6.23.2025 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2025-0141 Committee of the Whole Minutes 6.23.2025 City of Gahanna Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 The minutes were approved on the Consent Agenda. 2. Ordinances for Second Reading and Adoption: ORD-0026-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 - Various Funds for Retirement Expense Purposes and Real Estate Settlement Fees The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. ORD-0028-2025 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDING AWARDED BY THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (ODNR) AND TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE BOAT SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM The Clerk read the Ordinance by title. The Ordinance was adopted on the Consent Agenda. 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 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 E. RESOLUTIONS: RES-0031-2025 A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION HONORING DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH AND RECOGNIZING THE 35th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT President Bowers noted the resolution had not previously gone through Committee of the Whole, so it appeared on the regular agenda. Mayor Jadwin confirmed her satisfaction with the resolution language. A motion was made by Weaver, seconded by Jones, that the Resolution be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver City of Gahanna Page 5 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 F. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING / ADOPTION: 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) The Clerk read the ordinance by title. Councilmember Schnetzer reported that, following the Council’s previous review of the Sunpoint Park parking access easement, residents had raised questions that prompted further discussion with the administration. He asked the administration to clarify the estimate range and explain how the figures before Council had been derived. Stephania Ferrell, Director of Parks and Recreation, explained that Sunpoint Park’s existing lot provided 34 parking spaces, and the proposed easement would grant access to an adjacent lot with 120 additional spaces. She noted that constructing a comparable lot on park property would require removing a substantial portion of green space, undermining the park’s use for open fields. Using 2023 cost data, she said a full build of the equivalent lot would cost approximately $800,000. She added that repaving the surface (an overlay) would cost about $300,000, and annual crack sealing could run around $40,000, depending on surface conditions. These figures reflected multiple years of discussions with the neighboring landowner. Councilmember Schnetzer summarized that, for $300,000, the City could secure access to 120 spaces, at a lower cost than building the lot itself, while preserving park green space. He observed that those estimates had aged two years and noted the impact of construction inflation since 2023. Director Ferrell confirmed his summary. President Bowers asked for clarification on payment terms. Director Ferrell affirmed that the $300,000 total would be payable in two installments. Councilmember Renner asked whether the property owner would remain responsible for all maintenance of the parking facility. Director Ferrell confirmed that the owner would handle crack sealing and any required parking maintenance, relieving the City of those obligations. A motion was made by Schnetzer, seconded by Renner, that the Ordinance be Adopted. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Gahanna Page 6 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver Recommended Amendment - Removal of Emergency Declaration 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 Councilmember Schnetzer moved to adopt. Councilmember Renner seconded. Councilmember McGregor moved to table the ordinance and return it to Committee of the Whole for discussion on July 21. Councilmember Renner seconded. Councilmember McGregor cited information Council had received and expressed her need for additional time to review. President Bowers requested a roll call. Clerk VanMeter asked for clarification on whether the motion to table was a motion to postpone to a date certain or indefinitely. Councilmember McGregor, Councilmember Renner, Councilmember Schnetzer, and Mayor Jadwin discussed the postponement options. Mr. Underhill, counsel for the applicant, interjected to request the Council entertain an opportunity for the applicant to address issues raised in email communications, as the applicant considered the timeliness of the vote as very important in the request. President Bowers informed Mr. Underhill that there was no opportunity to hear from visitors at the moment. She added that she believed what was being entertained by Council was an additional opportunity for Mr. Underhill and/or the applicant to address some of the concerns at a future Committee meeting. After clarification on the motion, whether it was to postpone to a date certain or postpone indefinitely, Councilmember McGregor agreed her motion was to postpone the ordinance indefinitely and refer it to the July 21, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting for further discussion. Councilmember Renner expressed his second in support of postponing indefinitely and the referral to Committee of the Whole on July 21, 2025. At the request of Mayor Jadwin, President Bowers requested Clerk VanMeter to enter into the record the memo and emails distributed earlier that day related to the matter; see correspondence and memo attached to the ordinance. A motion was made by McGregor, seconded by Renner, that the Ordinance be Postponed Indefinitely, with further discussion referred to Committee of the Whole on July 21, 2025. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Bowers, Jones, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Schnetzer and Weaver City of Gahanna Page 7 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 G. CORRESPONDENCE AND ACTIONS: 1. Clerk - None. 2. Council - None. H. REPRESENTATIVES: 1. Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) - Renner, Padova Councilmember Pedova reported that the CIC met on June 17 and discussed the strategic plan, mental health events, House Bill 335, and a potential switch from 501(c)(4) to 501(c)(3) status. The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025. 2. Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) - Weaver 2025-0138 Councilmember Weaver's MORPC Report to City Council 7.7.2025 Vice President Weaver referred members to the attached report. There was no July commission meeting; the next was scheduled for August 14, 2025. 3. Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) - Padova Councilmember Pedova reported that Creekside Blues & Jazz Fest (CBJF) financials would be finalized by late August or September. She also highlighted the Safe Space initiative launched in partnership with Gahanna Pride Network, the July 23, 2025, music event at Gahanna Market, and the partnership with Make Gahanna Yours for the August 2, 2025, Pelotonia Spirit Station. 4. School Board (SB) - Jones Councilmember Jones shared updates on the GRIN Summer Lunch Program at Royal Manor and Goshen Lane Elementary open Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Also, she noted that Governor DeWine had vetoed the 40% school carryover cap in the state budget. The next school board meeting would be July 9, 2025, followed by the finance and facilities committee meeting on July 15, 2025. I. OFFICIAL REPORTS: 1. Mayor City of Gahanna Page 8 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 Mayor Jadwin began by expressing her deepest gratitude to the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Division of Police, and the Department of Public Service for their outstanding work over the past few days in support of the Fourth of July events. She noted that their efforts, from ensuring resident safety and preparing parks for fireworks to managing behind-the-scenes logistics, demonstrated professionalism, teamwork, and dedication throughout July 3rd and 4th. Thanks to their collective efforts, the community enjoyed safe celebrations and joined together in patriotic spirit. Even afterward, residents approached her, some in grocery stores, to express appreciation for the fireworks display and the parade. She also thanked the Gahanna Lions Club, parade participants, float organizers, and spectators lining the streets, observing that their smiles and enthusiasm exemplified why everyone loves calling Gahanna home. Mayor Jadwin commended city staff for their hard work not only on holidays but every day, noting that they embody the true meaning of public service. Earlier that day, the Division of Police received notice that it had passed the online assessment for advanced certification through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The assessment reviewed 463 standards and represented three years of work by CALEA Coordinator Stacy and Deputy Chief Lawless, who developed policies, audits, source documents, and compliance measures. Mayor Jadwin explained that the next step would occur on August 18th, when assessors would conduct an on-site visit to verify the online findings. She praised the division’s achievement, noting that completing the online assessment constituted one of the most challenging phases of accreditation. Mayor Jadwin then highlighted the rollout of the “Handle With Care” program. She explained that School Resource Officer Crystal Jones and Sergeant Kaylea Pertz had met with administrators from Gahanna-Jefferson public schools and local private schools to launch the initiative. Under the program, police officers who respond to calls involving a child who has experienced trauma notify school administrators so that teachers can recognize and support those students with appropriate care. Mayor Jadwin commended Officer Jones and Sergeant Perz for organizing and implementing it. Mayor Jadwin welcomed new Officer Brycyn Williams, a lateral hire from the Las Vegas Police Department, who joined the force that day and toured City Hall and police headquarters. She announced that he would take the oath of office at an upcoming Council meeting. Mayor Jadwin celebrated the Human Resources Department’s receipt of the Pacesetter Award from the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (NPELRA). Senior Director Miranda Vollmer and HR Manager Ben Nolan traveled to Portland to accept the award, which honors innovation and leadership in public-sector labor relations. Mayor Jadwin credited the HR City of Gahanna Page 9 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 team with fostering a positive workplace culture through modernized policies and employee-focused programs, noting that the City’s retention rate had risen as turnover had declined and that interdepartmental camaraderie had significantly improved. Mayor Jadwin informed Council that the next edition of Uniquely Gahanna had gone to print and would arrive in residents’ mailboxes within the next one to two weeks. The issue would feature project updates, resident stories, an article on the upcoming alumni musical, business spotlights, and event listings. She also reminded Council that Gahanna Pioneer Day, hosted by the Gahanna Historical Society, would take place on July 12th. Finally, Mayor Jadwin addressed the Council’s recent decision to postpone action on the Velocis tax abatement agreement. She emphasized the importance of transparency and open communication about behind-the-scenes developments and expressed her hope that Council would conduct a fully vetted discussion on July 21st. She acknowledged that the company and the property owner required an answer while noting that the timing and manner in which Council approached the issue sent a message to the development community about how Gahanna conducted business. She invited Councilmembers to reach out to Director Gottke or herself with any questions and pledged to provide any additional information needed to ensure that Council made the most informed decision possible. 2. City Attorney - None. J. COUNCIL COMMENT: Councilmember McGregor reminded Council and the public that Gahanna Pioneer Day would take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the historic settlement. She outlined the family-friendly activities planned for the event, including visits from farm animals and demonstrations of pioneer-era tasks. She recalled that, at last year’s celebration, children lined up all day to use a hand-crank ringer washer, an activity overseen by Ms. Kovacs, in which they soaped, wrung out, and hung cloth on a clothesline. She noted that Pioneer Day would also feature craft stations where attendees could make rag dolls and other period-appropriate items. Councilmember McGregor encouraged residents to attend and experience the hands-on history lessons. Councilmember Jones referred colleagues to her May-June constituent report. Councilmember Padova echoed appreciation for city staff and volunteers for July 4 events and expressed gratitude for the community. City of Gahanna Page 10 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 Councilmember Renner applauded HR for the award they received and highlighted the police achievement. He invited Mayor Jadwin to discuss more on the accomplishment for CALEA. Mayor Jadwin invited Chief Spence to review the accreditation. Chief Spence explained that CALEA accreditation represents an international standard for law enforcement. He noted that only 11 percent of U.S. agencies hold accreditation. He recalled that, upon his arrival in 2018, the department embarked on extensive policy improvements and audits and had already met approximately 90 percent of the standards. Chief Spence credited three years of dedicated work for bringing the department to its current point. He said he anticipated traveling to Jacksonville in November to receive the final accreditation and to demonstrate that the department followed through on its stated practices. When Councilmember Renner asked whether CALEA accreditation applied beyond the United States, Chief Spence confirmed that several other countries recognize the standard. Councilmember Renner congratulated the department again on its progress and praised everyone involved in the Independence Day fireworks and parade. He and Councilmember Schnetzer had carried placards representing Council as they marched among the crowds, and he remarked that the event felt especially “homey” this year. Turning to a separate topic, Councilmember Renner addressed the recent flash floods in central Texas. He expressed sympathy for the victims and their families and underscored the importance of resilience planning. He observed that, while NOAA had issued timely weather alerts, communications in some communities had broken down, despite living well into the 21st century. He urged Council to review and strengthen the City’s emergency communication protocols so that every resident, from those facing floods to those preparing for heatwaves or other natural disasters, received clear, actionable information. Councilmember Schnetzer thanked everyone who organized the Fourth of July fireworks. He said he walked from his house to Stonybrook to watch the display and enjoyed a good view, noting it compared favorably, though not quite as grandly, to the golf course. He reported that neighbors described the fireworks as the “best ever,” and he observed that each Independence Day spectacle raised the bar higher. He also praised the Fourth of July parade, saying it felt “homey” and that he and Councilmember Renner had carried signs representing Council as they mingled with smiling crowds. He remarked that the patriotic red, white, and blue decorations and the shared sense of celebration made Gahanna feel like a small-town community united on the same team. Councilmember Schnetzer expressed gratitude to Director Ferrell, Mr. Gill-Huston, the Parks and Recreation Foundation, and the American Red Cross for supporting the city’s holiday events. He then announced that the local youth football league offered first aid, CPR, and City of Gahanna Page 11 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 AED training and said he planned to enroll immediately. He explained that USA Football certification for coaches addressed concussion protocols, heat stroke, and cardiac arrest, but lacked CPR training. As a parent of two student athletes, he welcomed the opportunity and believed mandatory CPR skills would benefit coaches and families alike. He concluded by thanking everyone for making the training available. Vice President Weaver echoed his colleagues’ gratitude to everyone who contributed to a successful, happy, fun, and safe Fourth of July celebration. He thanked the Division of Police, Parks and Recreation, Public Service, the Gahanna Lions Club, all community volunteers, and Mifflin Township for their support. He noted the weekend’s high temperatures but affirmed that the events proceeded smoothly. He also expressed appreciation for the Pride Month celebration and congratulated the Police Division and the HR team on their recent achievements. Turning to earlier remarks, Vice President Weaver affirmed his respect for all residents’ faiths, noting that the City had not, and would not, elevate one religion over another. He explained that he had grown up Baptist but declined to introduce any faith-specific resolution. He described Gahanna’s government as a seven-member legislative body, with each resident represented by one ward member and three at-large members, alongside an elected mayor and city attorney. He concluded by reaffirming his respect for the depth of individual faith without favoring any particular group. President Bowers explained that her role required her to maintain a consistent, fair process for all Council business. She acknowledged that strict adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order and the three-minute speaking limit sometimes seemed rigid, but she emphasized that these procedures ensured equal treatment for everyone. She thanked Mayor Jadwin for recognizing the need to continue discussion on the Velocis tax abatement application. President Bowers agreed that the Council needed additional information before making a decision. She reported that she had learned of a lawsuit filed against Velocis and KBC Advisors and had reviewed portions of the legal filings. She said she did not yet know the full extent of the litigation and looked forward to exploring the issue in greater depth at a future Committee of the Whole. President Bowers thanked the members of the public who spoke during the Hearing of Visitors, noting that several comments raised operational matters that departments would address. She specifically mentioned anticipating that Parks and Recreation would follow up on Dr. Herrington’s questions about pesticide spraying and that staff would respond to Mrs. Christmon’s banner initiative proposal. She closed by thanking everyone for their engagement. 2025-0137 Councilmember Jamille Jones' Constituent Report - May-June 2025 City of Gahanna Page 12 City Council Meeting Minutes July 7, 2025 K. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, President Bowers adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the City Council, this day of 2025. Merisa K. Bowers City of Gahanna Page 13