Committee of the Whole

200 South Hamilton Road City of Gahanna Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Meeting Minutes Committee of the Whole Trenton I. Weaver, Chair Merisa K. Bowers Jamille Jones Nancy R. McGregor Kaylee Padova Stephen A. Renner Michael Schnetzer Jeremy A. VanMeter, Clerk of Council Monday, January 22, 2024 7:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers A. CALL TO ORDER: Vice President of Council Trenton I. Weaver, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The agenda was published on January 19, 2024. All members were present for the meeting. There were no additions or corrections to the agenda. B. DISCUSSIONS: 1. Public Arts Policy - Status Update and Discussion Mayor Jadwin provided an update on the progress regarding the city's art policy. She informed the Council that she had been working with outside counsel after the Arts Panel had convened and provided a draft policy. The primary objective was to establish clear parameters for evaluating art to determine its suitability for public spaces. Mayor Jadwin clarified that the policy presented by the panel primarily addressed the mechanism for evaluation rather than the specific parameters. She shared that she had reviewed the minutes from the panel's discussions and communications and believed that the parameters were discussed among the panel members. The key question was whether it was necessary to reconvene the panel to focus more explicitly on the parameters or if the existing discussions could be utilized. To address this, Mayor Jadwin stated that she was collaborating with outside counsel to determine the best course of action. The goal was to incorporate the panel's discussions into a more legally articulated framework. She assured the Council that an update on the progress would be provided in the next meeting. Vice President Weaver sought clarification from Mayor Jadwin regarding the involvement of the same outside counsel in all the panel meetings. Mayor Jadwin confirmed that the outside counsel involved in the current discussions included a combination of Aaron Glasgow and Donald Brey. She mentioned that both attorneys had been present at the panel meetings and had also addressed the Council in the past. City of Gahanna Page 1 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes January 22, 2024 Vice President Weaver inquired about the timeline for completing the discussions and finalizing the policy. Mayor Jadwin responded that she couldn't provide a specific deadline but emphasized the urgency of completing the discussions as soon as possible. She mentioned the goal of having artwork ready for installation in the parks by spring once the weather permits. The Mayor highlighted the need for finalizing the policy to ensure the prepared artwork is suitable for outdoor display. President Bowers inquired about the panel's recommendations and whether they would be presented to the council. Mayor Jadwin responded affirmatively, stating that once the process with outside counsel is further developed, whether through reconvening the panel or direct collaboration, she intends to present the proposed recommendations to the council. The Mayor emphasized that nothing would be finalized without engaging in a conversation with the council to gather input. Vice President Weaver inquired about whether the outside counsel, who was present at the panel meetings, provided insights into why the evaluation parameters were not explicitly presented during those meetings. Mayor Jadwin responded that she had not specifically discussed that aspect with the outside counsel. She shared her hypothesis, suggesting that the counsel may have wanted the panel to engage in organic conversations and discussions to develop the parameters themselves. Councilmember Padova raised a concern about snow plows during the holidays, noting that the plows provided were not used, particularly the ones designed for Holiday Lights by Columbus Academy. Mayor Jadwin confirmed Councilmember Padova's statement, acknowledging that the plows were indeed provided but were not utilized as intended. Councilmember Padova also inquired about upcoming events and potential impacts on projects like the Herb N Arts Fair if there were delays in the discussed public art policy. Mayor Jadwin clarified that temporary events like the Herb N Arts Fair would not be significantly affected, as the policy primarily addresses more permanent installations of public art in public spaces. C. ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE: ORD-0004-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - Water Meter Fees Senior Director Schultz provided information on funds received by the Department of Public Services for water meter fees during the last quarter. The funds were unappropriated and unencumbered. He requested an ordinance for supplemental appropriations, specifically for $21,626 into the water account. Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading on Regular Agenda on 2/5/2024; Second Reading/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 2/19/2024. City of Gahanna Page 2 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes January 22, 2024 D. ITEMS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY: Traffic Code Review Update: ORD-0069-2023 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT AMENDMENTS TO TRAFFIC CODE SECTIONS OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA; TO PROVIDE FOR PENALTIES; TO PROVIDE FOR CODIFICATION; TO PROVIDE FOR SEVERABILITY; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES City Attorney Tamilarasan provided an update on the traffic code review. She mentioned ongoing efforts to comprehensively review the traffic code, with a specific focus on distracted driving ordinances and associated penalties. There are also considerations for updating bicycle ordinances and implementing an ordinance regarding golf cart usage in residential and low-speed commercial areas. City Attorney Tamilarasan has been gathering input from the community and plans to meet with Chief Spence. She expressed the intention to present a full comprehensive memo outlining options for Council discussion and requested guidance from Council on certain action items. City Attorney Tamilarasan requested that this matter return to committee after further review. Vice President Weaver inquired about the timeframe for bringing back the traffic code review. In response, City Attorney Tamilarasan stated that she believed the next Committee of the Whole meeting would provide sufficient time to complete the red lines. She mentioned that the redlining process was mostly complete and expressed the intention to gather input from everyone before finalizing the written document for Council consideration. Recommendation: Held in Committee; Further Discussion Scheduled 2/12/2024. E. ITEMS FROM THE COUNCIL OFFICE: MT-0004-2024 A MOTION TO APPROVE SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT OF CHARLIE SCHNEIDER AS COUNCIL OFFICE INTERN THROUGH THE MID-OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (MORPC) SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AT A RATE OF $15.99 PER HOUR Clerk VanMeter presented a motion for Council's consideration, proposing the approval of seasonal employment for Charlie Schneider as a Council Office intern through the MORPC summer internship program. The proposed rate was $15.99 per hour for an anticipated 32 hours per week, covering the period from May 14th to August 16th. MORPC offered training for interns selected through the host city, and if hired, the intern would be part of a cohort of three to four interns within the city. Clerk VanMeter suggested filtering specific questions through the Council President and any requests for the opportunity for an executive session to discuss employment purposes. City of Gahanna Page 3 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes January 22, 2024 President Bowers expressed gratitude to Clerk VanMeter and mentioned the positive interview experience with Mr. Schneider. She highlighted his preparedness, knowledge about the city, and relevant experience in Lima. President Bowers invited further discussions or questions offline or in executive session. Vice President Weaver thanked Clerk VanMeter and expressed appreciation for Senior Director Vollmer's coordination in facilitating the internship in the Council Office. Recommendation: Adoption on Consent Agenda on 2/5/2024. RES-0002-2024 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2024 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA Councilmember Jones shared that she collaborated with Clerk VanMeter to draft a resolution honoring Black History Month for the upcoming month. The resolution was extended to Dr. Donja Thomas, a high school teacher, and some students, with a focus on the theme "African-American in the Arts." Councilmember Jones also extended the invitation to students from Diaspora. The resolution text was ready for review, and Councilmember Jones welcomed feedback, noting a minor capitalization correction in the second "whereas" from the bottom. Vice President Weaver thanked both Councilmember Jones and Clerk VanMeter for their efforts, anticipating a special evening on the 5th. Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 2/5/2024. RES-0004-2024 A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MR. T's PIZZA LEGACY ON GAHANNA'S FOOD ECONOMY Councilmember Renner expressed his regrets for not having a completed draft for review but shared that Mr. T's Pizza would be closing its doors on Saturday, February 3rd. He mentioned having extensive discussions with the Armstrong family to understand their perspective and expressed sadness at the closure of a small family business. Councilmember Renner aimed to recognize the impact of Mr. T's Pizza on the City of Gahanna, noting their history and significance to the community. He highlighted the family's contribution to the Gahanna area, especially the west side and Mifflin Township. The Armstrong family was scheduled to be present on February 5th to share their story. President Bowers suggested titling the recognition "Mr. T's Pizza" in the resolution for clarity. Councilmember McGregor mentioned the connection of Marty Armstrong to the city. She was a longtime employee of the city who worked in the Finance department. Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 2/5/2024. City of Gahanna Page 4 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes January 22, 2024 F. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Committee of the Whole, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Jeremy A. VanMeter Clerk of Council APPROVED by the Committee of the Whole, this day of 2024. Trenton I. Weaver Chair City of Gahanna Page 5