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, June 10, 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 June 7, 2024. All members were present for the meeting. Chair Weaver requested a brief introduction of a special guest, provided by the administration, noting that the Flag Proposal discussion item would follow later in the agenda. There were no other additions or corrections to the agenda. B. DISCUSSIONS: 1. Introduction of Special Guest, Chris Isbill Mayor Jadwin invited Senior Deputy Director, Corey Wybensinger, to address the Committee regarding his work with the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA) Veterans Committee and introduce a special guest in attendance. Deputy Director Wybensinger noted that his involvement with the ICMA Veterans Advisory Commission included assisting veterans transitioning from military service into public service careers. Wybensinger introduced Chris Isbill, of the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, who is visiting Gahanna for the week. Isbill has visited the Gahanna Swimming Pool and Hunters Ridge Pool, meeting with staff in understanding what all is involved in the aquatics operations for the City, as well as the executive team, in understanding what all goes into the larger operations of the City, and meeting with public safety personnel. Wybensinger also mentioned that Isbill would be completing a variety of observations and interviews ranging from opening the Golf Course, meeting with Council President Bowers, to a police ride-along and volunteering at the admission gate at the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival. Wybensinger shared that Gahanna was the only city in the Midwest to have an Army Department of Defense member to shadow municipal operations. He indicated Mr. Isbill would stay for the duration of the meeting, to then meet informally with members afterwards. Chair Weaver and members of the Committee welcomed Mr. Isbill to Gahanna. City of Gahanna Page 1 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 2. Strategic Plan Update Senior Director of Administrative Services Miranda Vollmer provided a brief update on the Strategic Plan. She reported that requests for proposals had been issued in March, and three proposals were received by the April deadline. The committee, consisting of Chief Spence, Vollmer, Parks Superintendent Zac Guthrie, Mayor Jadwin, and with the Council declining participation, conducted interviews with two of the companies in May. Senior Deputy Director Wybensinger and Vollmer were currently working with the selected vendor to finalize the scope of work, the contract, and the timeline. This scope of work included not only the Strategic Plan but also the Economic Development Strategic Update and visioning. Vollmer explained that during the proposal review and interviews, it became evident that a visioning workshop was necessary to ensure a collective vision for the Strategic Plan. She stated that once the scope of work and contract were finalized, she would return to present the schedule and all related information from the vendor. President Bowers thanked Director Vollmer and inquired about the scope of work, visioning, and the assessment process. She asked if these elements had been established prior to submitting the RFP. Director Vollmer responded that the scope of work for the Strategic Plan, which included some visioning, had been issued in March. She noted that under procurement policy, the scope of work could be revised, and it had been revised to include the Economic Development Update as well. President Bowers asked if there would be an opportunity to revise the scope of work after presenting it to the Council. Director Vollmer stated that revisions to the scope of work could not be made after signing the contract without an addition to the contract. President Bowers requested any additional information that could be shared regarding the revised scope. Director Vollmer confirmed that they could send the Economic Development portion, which was revised after the initial publication. At the request of Mr. Spinelli, and with no objections from the Committee, Chair Weaver delayed the discussion on the flag proposal from The Gahanna Foundation, pending the arrival of Ms. Watson who was scheduled to speak on the item with Mr. Spinelli (see discussion item later in the minutes). C. ITEMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING: ORD-0042-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PROVIDE CONSENT AND ENTER A PARTICIPATORY AGREEMENT WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR ROADWAY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ON HAMILTON ROAD AND GRANVILLE STREET Director of Engineering Tom Komlanc requested an ordinance authorizing the City of Gahanna Page 2 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 Mayor to enter into a participation agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for an urban paving project on Hamilton Road (State Route 317). This project would extend from the southern part up to the Hamilton Road and Granville Street intersection, heading west on Granville Street to Lincoln Circle. Under the participation agreement, the City would be responsible for 100% of the costs associated with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, including wheelchair ramps, and 20% of the resurfacing costs related to the project. ODOT plans to further refine the program and put it out to bid in the spring of 2025. Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading on Regular Agenda on 6/17/2024; Second Reading/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 7/1/2024. ORD-0043-2024 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A DEED OF EASEMENT OF 0.044 +/- ACRES TO BSOH HQ LLC, A PRIVATE ENTITY ALSO KNOWN AS BURNS AND SCALO, FOR THE PURPOSES OF STORMWATER DRAINAGE ONTO CITY PROPERTY ADJACENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 1070 TECH CENTER DRIVE Director Komlanc discussed the Burns and Scalo development, which is tributary to a riparian reserve drainage area owned and controlled by the City of Gahanna. The development's drainage is tributary to this reserve. As part of the development, they are installing retention water quality measures, discharging into the riparian reserve area. This easement grants them the right to have the storm pipe, its headwall, and rock channel protection under their maintenance and control through City property, discharging their drainage into the drainage reserve. Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading on Regular Agenda on 6/17/2024; Second Reading/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 7/1/2024. ORD-0044-2024 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS - General Fund for Clark State Multi-Use Path Feasibility Study Director Komlanc reported that staff had been working with the Franklin County Engineer’s Office on trails and multimodal facilities throughout the region. An area identified within the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for trail connectivity is along Clark State Road, with two sections: one towards Hamilton Road up to and around Theori, and another connecting Headley to Hannah. The City is partnering Franklin County Engineer’s office to evaluate the feasibility, overall alignment, and understanding of rights-of-way for these trails. The City intends to participate in the County's efforts with a local share of $25,000 as part of the study and seeks a supplemental appropriation to cover these efforts. Councilmember McGregor raised concerns about the proportion of the $67,000 cost that the City was expected to pay, noting that the City's portion of the trail is relatively small, about 35% of the total length. Director Komlanc explained that the cost allocation considered the population served and the proximity of subdivisions feeding into the trail area, making the $25,000 contribution reasonable for the City. City of Gahanna Page 3 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 Mayor Jadwin added that Senior Director Schultz had calculated the mileage and prorated the amount, determining that $25,000 was a fair contribution when considering the number of impacted neighborhoods. Senior Director Schultz confirmed that the City's portion was approximately 33-35% of the total trail length, and both the county engineer’s office and the City concluded that $25,000 was a fair estimate, considering the additional services for drainage and other issues in unincorporated areas. Vice President Weaver expressed excitement about the project, recognizing it as a step forward in the process. He appreciated the partnership with Engineer Foster and the county team, noting that it would please many residents, particularly in Ward 4. Recommendation: Introduction/First Reading on Regular Agenda on 6/17/2024; Second Reading/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 7/1/2024. D. DISCUSSIONS (Continued): 3. New City Flag Proposal - The Gahanna Foundation 2024-0109 Flag Proposal Materials for Committee of the Whole 6.10.2024 John Spinelli introduced himself and shared his background, stating that he and his wife moved to Gahanna nine years ago as of August 28th. His wife, who was present at the meeting; she is the treasurer of The Gahanna Foundation. He mentioned that Sarah Davis, another vice president of the foundation, could not attend due to a scheduling conflict. Spinelli discussed his proposal, which he sent out the previous Monday. He has been considering this idea since moving to Gahanna. He expressed his passion for flags, noting that he has 61 flags flying at his house, including small state flags, country flags, and flags from cities he has visited. Since moving to Gahanna, he has felt that the city needs a new flag. He observed that while there is a City flag behind the Council and on a flagpole, there are no flags at the Senior Center, Police Department, or other facilities. He believes that a City flag is one of the most important symbols a city can have. Spinelli recounted his involvement with Make Gahanna Yours when Tom and Becky Kneeland were in charge. He suggested the idea of a new City flag then, feeling that the current flag was dull and boring. Although other projects took precedence over the years, he thought that the City's 175th birthday, from 1849 to 2024, was the perfect occasion to propose a new City flag. To assist with this project, Spinelli introduced Lori Watson, the proprietor of The Flag Lady Shop on North High Street. He mentioned that Watson's mother started the shop in 1980, and unfortunately, she passed away on December 4, 2024. Watson was invited to share more about The Flag Lady Shop. Lori Watson, the owner of The Flag Lady Store, addressed the Council. She expressed her pleasure in being present and shared that her store has been in operation for 44 years. Watson mentioned that her store has previously assisted other communities in developing their flags, specifically citing Worthington and Grove City. She noted that there are additional communities City of Gahanna Page 4 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 they have helped as well. Watson explained that John Spinelli had invited her to be part of the project to create and produce flags, which is a service her store provides at their High Street location. She suggested that if the Council decided to proceed with updating the City flag, they could visit flagladyusa.com to see examples of flags from all 88 counties in Ohio, as well as many cities. This could provide insight into what designs look good and which do not. Watson expressed her enthusiasm for potentially being involved in updating the Gahanna City flag and reiterated her willingness to help in any way possible. She concluded by noting that Gahanna has always been a valued customer and expressed her appreciation for the Council's efforts. Mr. Spinelli continued his presentation to the Council. He began by noting that earlier in the year, he recognized June 14, 2024 as National Flag Day. Leveraging his background in marketing, economic development, and public relations, he proposed that this would be an ideal time for Gahanna to retire its current flag, decommissioning it like a battleship, and placing it in the Historical Center. He suggested that the City could then involve the community in selecting a new flag that represents a future-oriented vision for Gahanna, especially with the planned move of the City complex to Tech Center Drive. Mr. Spinelli mentioned that he had sent out his proposal the previous Monday, hoping to initiate a discussion with the Council. He recalled meeting Councilmember Nancy McGregor's husband, Jim McGregor, when Mr. McGregor was newly elected as a State Representative from Gahanna. Mr. Spinelli also acknowledged the assistance he received from Clerk VanMeter in obtaining public records related to City flags. He highlighted the lack of visibility and availability of the current City flag, noting that it is not featured on the City's website or available for purchase. Mr. Spinelli saw this as an opportune moment for change. He thanked City Attorney Tamilarasan for allowing him to discuss a second component of his flag request during a previous meeting. He asked if all Councilmembers had read the proposal he sent and received confirmation from several members, including Councilmember Schnetzer. Mr. Spinelli provided a brief history of the current City flag, mentioning an Ordinance from 1984. He voiced his belief that Jim McGregor was appointed as Mayor after an incident involving the previous Mayor, John Breen. Councilmember McGregor corrected him, confirming that her husband was elected, not appointed. Mr. Spinelli acknowledged the correction and noted he would discuss the matter further with Jim McGregor. Mr. Spinelli continued his presentation on the proposal for a new City flag. He stated that in March 1984, the current flag was adopted under the mayoral term of Jim McGregor. The flag was designed by the secretary of the former Mayor, John Breen, along with other individuals, some of whom have since passed away, and one now resides out of state. The adoption of the flag was prompted by a request from Mayor Dana G. Rinehart of Columbus, who asked surrounding cities to send their city flags for display at the Columbus City Council. At that time, Gahanna did not have a City flag, leading to the creation and adoption of the current flag. Mr. Spinelli highlighted that all Councilmembers should have received links to the original Ordinance and press release regarding the flag's adoption. He emphasized that The Gahanna Foundation is proposing an opportunity to market the city and create a new image for the future through the introduction of a new City flag. The City of Gahanna Page 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 proposal included managing a flag design contest open to the community, with voting restricted to Gahanna residents. Mr. Spinelli underscored the importance of community engagement and transparency, noting that allowing the entire community to vote on a new flag would foster a strong sense of civic involvement. He confirmed that The Foundation would not proceed with the contest unless the City committed to adopting the chosen flag. Additionally, Mr. Spinelli requested that the City grant The Gahanna Foundation a license to sell merchandise featuring the new flag's design, including flags, t-shirts, hats, and banners. The sales would generate proceeds, a portion of which would be allocated to the City. The foundation would manage and fund the entire process, ensuring no cost to the City. He proposed the inclusion of a City Council or administration member on the selection panel. Mr. Spinelli introduced the proposed panel members, as follows: himself as the Foundation's representative, Lori Watson as the flag expert, Ed Lentz, a historian and columnist for The Columbus Dispatch, Ann Flaherty, a long-time advisor, and Jim McGregor, who agreed to participate contingent on the Council's adoption of the new flag image. Mr. Spinelli then invited Vice President Weaver to speak, asking him to speak loudly into microphone as he had left his hearing aids at home. Vice President Weaver thanked Mr. Spinelli for his presentation and acknowledged the detailed proposal provided. He opened the floor to questions and comments from the Councilmembers. Mr. Spinelli responded to a question from Vice President Weaver regarding the voting process for the new City flag. He explained that the proposal included creating a special website for voting, similar to the processes adopted by other cities like Toledo, Minnesota, Utah, Nevada, and Calgary. He mentioned that there is a current trend of redesigning city flags to modernize their appearance, making them almost like works of art. Mr. Spinelli emphasized the importance of community involvement, particularly encouraging participation from local youth. He noted that historically, significant designs, such as the Ohio state flag, were created by young individuals. He mentioned the potential collaboration with the City’s resources to ensure comprehensive outreach and engagement. Vice President Weaver interjected to keep the discussion focused on the specific flag proposal. He expressed appreciation for Mr. Spinelli's input and sought additional questions or comments from the Councilmembers regarding the flag proposal. Councilmember Jones asked about the history of the current City flag and how the visibility and awareness of a new flag would be increased, considering that the existing flag is not widely known. She inquired about the Gahanna Foundation's plans to ensure the new flag gains more recognition and visibility. Mr. Spinelli responded by explaining that the entire media, including television would be engaged. He emphasized the importance of communicating with every community group in Gahanna, utilizing the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), which receives funding to promote Gahanna, and the City of Gahanna Page 6 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 Chamber of Commerce. He shared his experience with the Short North district in Columbus as an example of successful promotion. He assured that all social media platforms, including the City's 12 different platforms, would be used to spread the word. The goal would be to create excitement about the new flag, portraying it as a symbol of the city's future. Ms. Watson added that other communities such as Grove City, Worthington, and Hilliard have had residents actively seeking to purchase their city flags. She highlighted the importance of the story a flag tells and its role in celebrating and rallying the community. She believed that with a strong design and community involvement, there would be significant interest in the new flag from residents and local businesses. Mr. Spinelli further elaborated on the potential for the new flag to be prominently displayed during community events such as the Blues and Jazz Festival, the Fourth of July parade, and Flag Day. He emphasized the role of the business community in supporting the new flag by incorporating it into their branding and promotional materials, such as menus and websites. Vice President Weaver thanked Mr. Spinelli for his presentation and enthusiasm, expressing a desire to open the floor for questions and comments. Councilmember Renner acknowledged Mr. Spinelli's proposal as thought-provoking but emphasized the importance of Gahanna's current flag and its historical significance. He mentioned that while he personally values the current flag with its three stars on a blue field, he recognized a need for better promotion and awareness of its existence among residents. Councilmember Renner suggested that efforts should focus on improving visibility and understanding of the existing flag rather than pursuing a new design. Mr. Spinelli responded by pointing out that the lack of awareness about the current flag is precisely why it might be beneficial to consider a new design that could resonate more with the community. He reiterated his belief in focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past. Councilmember Renner reaffirmed his support for the current flag, stating his belief that it is well-suited for Gahanna and advocating for efforts to enhance its recognition and appreciation among residents. President Bowers raised a question for Ms. Watson regarding the trademark or copyright status of flags, particularly historical ones, seeking clarification on whether they are typically protected. Ms. Watson responded that as a public symbol, she wasn't certain about trademark or copyright protections for flags. She noted that while Mr. Spinelli had recommended considering trademarking, it wasn't a legal requirement. President Bowers directed her next question to Ms. Watson about the process of stocking municipal flags in her store, referencing the variety City of Gahanna Page 7 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 available on her website. Ms. Watson explained that they stock flags based on community purchases, listing Worthington, Grove City, and Hilliard as current examples. She mentioned their ability to fulfill orders based on specific requests from municipalities, including printing and sewing flags in-house to accommodate varying quantities. President Bowers thanked Ms. Watson and acknowledged Mr. Spinelli's innovative approach and passion for various topics. She echoed Councilmember Renner's sentiment about improving the promotion of Gahanna's current flag. President Bowers highlighted the historical significance of the existing flag, referencing a 1984 press release describing its symbolism of past, present, and future unity within the community. President Bowers expressed enthusiasm for The Gahanna Foundation's potential role in enhancing awareness of the current flag and welcomed innovative efforts to promote it further. She noted that based on the available information, there appeared to be no intellectual property rights associated with the existing flag design. Councilmember McGregor appreciated the materials provided by Mr. Spinelli. She shared historical insights into the Gahanna flag, noting it was created for either the Centennial or Bicentennial celebrations, although the exact date of the design contest remains unclear. When Columbus Mayor Rinehart requested a flag, Jim McGregor consulted with Becky Breen, Isobel Sherwood, and Pat Froman, who rediscovered the existing flag design from that earlier contest. The Ordinance to adopt the flag (Ordinance 26-84) was presented to Council in 1984 shortly after Jim McGregor became Mayor. Councilmember McGregor expressed her personal appreciation for the flag's symbolism, drawing parallels between the three stars on the flag and the Three Creeks historical significance in Gahanna. Councilmember Padova thanked Mr. Spinelli for the detailed information provided about the flag. She acknowledged that the history and symbolism of the three stars on the flag were not widely known, including by herself. She agreed with President Bowers that the flag's message remains meaningful today. Councilmember Padova referenced a Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) Talk she had watched earlier, which outlined five criteria for redesigning flags, noting that the current Gahanna flag meets those criteria well. She highlighted the challenge of the flag not being widely recognized and suggested a campaign to raise awareness among residents and local businesses about the flag's significance. Councilmember Schnetzer began by referencing an apocryphal Chinese proverb, "may you live in interesting times," suggesting that recent years have indeed been tumultuous. He highlighted significant global and national changes since the 2009 financial crisis, including monetary policies that have exacerbated wealth inequality and spurred populist movements. Geopolitically, the world has shifted from a unipolar to a multipolar order, challenging American authority and contributing to notable inflation and societal upheavals. He expressed a commitment to his role on the Council, City of Gahanna Page 8 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 aiming to improve conditions from the grassroots level, albeit acknowledging this as a long-term endeavor rather than a quick fix. Councilmember Schnetzer emphasized the importance of upholding classic values such as liberty, justice, honor, and respect for history. Reflecting on the discussions surrounding the creation and adoption of the City's current flag, he noted that the flag serves to preserve these values, both conservative and liberal, echoing sentiments of liberty and justice for all. Councilmember Schnetzer concluded by affirming the flag's role as a connection to the City's past, emphasizing its significance as an emblem of history during uncertain times, advocating against its dismissal or redesign. Mayor Jadwin began by expressing gratitude to Mr. Spinelli for bringing attention to the historical significance of the Gahanna flag. She admitted to learning new details herself, particularly noting the 1984 press release, and emphasized that Gahanna's 175th anniversary provided an ideal opportunity to share the flag's meaningful history. Mayor Jadwin acknowledged the City's current efforts in promoting the flag and suggested enhancing these efforts further. President Bowers added to the discussion, noting that she recently observed the Gahanna flag flying at Hunters Ridge Pool against a clear blue sky alongside the US flag. She commended the picturesque display and expressed appreciation for Mr. Spinelli's passion and innovative approach to promoting the flag. President Bowers looked forward to collaborating on future initiatives to increase awareness of the flag among residents. Councilmember Padova inquired about obtaining a Gahanna flag. Councilmember McGregor humorously replied that one could acquire a Gahanna flag by becoming President of Council. Ms. Watson offered assistance in acquiring a flag and expressed enthusiasm for promoting Gahanna through its flag, citing personal fond memories of the city. She highlighted the flag's role in telling Gahanna's story and suggested there were various ways to utilize its design effectively that she could provide. She reiterated her admiration for Gahanna and encouraged the Council to capitalize on the flag's potential for promoting civic pride. Mr. Spinelli requested a brief moment to make closing remarks to the Committee of the Whole. President Bowers sought clarification if Mr. Spinelli's remarks pertained to the current subject. Mr. Spinelli acknowledged and requested another 60 seconds to speak. Vice President Weaver emphasized the need to stay on topic. Mr. Spinelli proceeded with announcements, inviting everyone to attend a fundraiser at his residence on August 17, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m., coinciding with his wife Kathy's 75th birthday celebration. He humorously encouraged City of Gahanna Page 9 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 attendance with a donation of $40, jokingly suggesting it as a token of appreciation for his wife's patience. He requested Mayor Jadwin to include the event on the City's calendar. Mayor Jadwin expressed reservations about promoting personal events on the City calendar due to existing guidelines. Mr. Spinelli continued, informing the Council about a community grant application for $9,700 aimed at hiring high school students to engage in door-to-door voter outreach, aiming to improve voter turnout in Gahanna. He mentioned upcoming events, including hosting Band Together Central Ohio at Gatsby’s on August 11, 2024, an initiative he supported as a pioneer sponsor, emphasizing its impact on the community. Mr. Spinelli concluded by urging Councilmembers to support these initiatives and highlighted the Gahanna Foundation's role in promoting community projects, including efforts to raise awareness about the City's flag. E. ITEMS FROM THE COUNCIL OFFICE: ORD-0041-2024 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORD-0088-2023 ESTABLISHING THE SALARIES FOR PERSONNEL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2024, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY President Bowers provided a brief overview of the amendment to the Salary Ordinance, mentioning that the issue had been discussed during an Executive Session on May 20, 2024. She explained that the Council staff salaries had not been audited for several years, highlighting the departure of the prior Clerk in 2022 due to salary concerns and community competition. President Bowers noted the ongoing review and restructuring of the Management Analyst position, which necessitated a comprehensive review and adjustment of salaries. Earlier in the year, she had requested support from Senior Director Vollmer to evaluate the Clerk and Deputy Clerk salaries. This evaluation was prompted by publicly available salary information from other communities. Director Vollmer facilitated a connection with Clemans Nelson, the City's Human Resources (HR) consulting firm, which conducted an extensive audit of the Clerk's duties and benchmarked current hourly rates from the region. The Clemans Nelson report, along with a Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) salary survey, was included in the meeting materials. President Bowers elaborated that Clemans Nelson recommended upgrading the Deputy Clerk position from a C14 to a C16 in the pay grade, with the Deputy Clerk's salary proposed at step three. She highlighted the Deputy Clerk's qualifications, including a Master of Fine Arts degree, professional achievements in records management, and conference presentations. Regarding the Clerk of Council, President Bowers mentioned that based on regional comparisons, adjustments were recommended to achieve salary uniformity. She proposed moving Mr. VanMeter, currently at a C20 and step four, back to step three at a C21 to align with regional averages and due to his tenure of two years with the City. Mr. VanMeter's master’s degree, professionalism, and involvement with the Ohio Municipal Clerks Association were also noted. The Salary Ordinance amendments were City of Gahanna Page 10 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 presented for first reading the previous week and were scheduled for second reading and adoption on June 17, 2024. President Bowers emphasized that the emergency measure was recommended by Director Vollmer to ensure a stable work environment. She also confirmed that no supplemental appropriations were required. Councilmember McGregor expressed her recollection of the discussion, questioning the retroactive aspect of the salary adjustments to January 1, 2024, despite acknowledging the exemplary work of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk. President Bowers responded that it was not retroactive and invited further clarification from Director Vollmer. Director Vollmer clarified the effective date for the pay change, explaining that it would commence from the first full pay period following the Council's vote. She emphasized that this procedure aligns with how Salary Ordinance changes are typically handled for all City employees, ensuring compliance with auditing standards. Councilmember McGregor acknowledged the explanation, noting her understanding of the process but raised a concern regarding the Ordinance's reference to the period from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Director Vollmer affirmed Councilmember McGregor's observation, explaining that despite the Ordinance mentioning the period from January 1, 2024, the effective date of the amended Ordinance would be reflected in the final version posted after the Council's decision on June 17, 2024. Councilmember McGregor expressed her understanding of the clarification thanked Director Vollmer. Recommendation: Second Reading/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 6/17/2024. RES-0025-2024 A RESOLUTION HONORING JUNETEENTH AND RECOGNIZING KEENA SMITH, CEO OF WOMEN'S CENTER FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, FOR HER EXEMPLARY WORK AND DEDICATION TO ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND EQUALITY Councilmember Jones introduced a proposal for a Resolution to honor Juneteenth, which falls on the upcoming Wednesday, June 19, 2024. She also highlighted the achievements of Gahanna resident Keena Smith, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Women's Center for Economic Opportunity. Councilmember Jones emphasized that Juneteenth embodies principles of liberation and empowerment for all, making it a fitting occasion to recognize Ms. Smith's contributions to the community. Vice President Weaver thanked Councilmember Jones for initiating and assembling the resolution. Recommendation: Introduction/Adoption on Consent Agenda on 6/17/2024. City of Gahanna Page 11 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 10, 2024 F. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Committee of the Whole, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 7:59 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 12