Public Meetings - Delaware, Ohio

The Delaware City Council held a regular meeting on September 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included an executive session, public comments, a public hearing on a Community Reinvestment Area agreement with Kroger, third readings of zoning ordinances, adoption of the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program, and a new Community Taxation Policy. Several key votes and decisions were made, including the approval of a Kroger CRA agreement and the adoption of a five-year capital plan. Consent Calendar - Approved the Motion Summary from the August 25, 2025 meeting on a 5-0-2 vote (Councilmembers Frazier and Mayor Riggle abstained). - Adopted the Consent Agenda (items a-h) unanimously (7-0), including acceptance of committee meeting summaries, resolution removing no-parking restrictions in several neighborhoods, and setting public hearing dates for future ordinances. Public Comments & Testimony - Edward Gifford (165 Beach Drive, President of Stratford Woods HOA) spoke against the ODOT overpass plan on Hawthorne Boulevard. He reported that 241 households (about 500 residents) sent letters to state officials opposing the project, citing traffic and safety concerns. He urged the council to protect the neighborhood. - Becky Brucato (45 Glenmark Circle, The Landings of Glenross) requested a crosswalk across Cheshire Road, citing safety issues for walkers, bikers, and dog walkers. Her petition was referred back to the Parking and Safety Committee for staff evaluation. - An email from Michael Young was received and entered into the record. Discussion Items - Ordinance 25-49 (Kroger CRA Agreement): Public hearing held for a Community Reinvestment Area agreement with Kroger for a new 120,000-square-foot marketplace at 1650 Sunbury Road. The project includes a fuel center, a single-lane roundabout at Mill Run (built by Kroger), and an estimated $39 million investment. 225 jobs (75 full-time, 150 part-time) with $6 million payroll. 15-year, 75% tax abatement. Council debated the need for the abatement; staff emphasized the roundabout as critical infrastructure. The ordinance passed 7-0 after a second vote (initial vote 5-2 with Griffith and Ryder opposed; final unanimous). - Ordinance 25-46 (Ohio Wesleyan University Rezoning): Third reading; applicant requested continuation to a fourth reading to finalize conditions. No vote taken. - Ordinance 25-47 (RiverbyBerlin Rezoning): Third reading; approved unanimously (7-0) to rezone 83.418 acres from Agricultural to R-PUD. - Ordinance 25-48 (T&R Glenn Parkway Rezoning): Third reading; approved 6-1 (Councilman Ryder opposed) to rezone 84.312 acres from Agricultural to R-PUD. - Resolution 25-59 (2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program): Presented by Budget Director Alicia Ballone. The $17 million out-year deficit was noted, with unfunded projects and equipment challenges. Council expressed concern about deferred maintenance and the need for long-term solutions. Approved unanimously (7-0). - Resolution 25-65 (Community Taxation Policy): Presented by financial consultant David Connolly. A comprehensive policy outlining principles for sustainable tax practices, equity, and transparency. Unanimously approved (7-0). - Other Items: Ordinance 25-50 (Winterbrooke Place bonds) set for public hearing on Sept 22. Ordinance 25-51 (Maranda-Peachblow annexation, 44.05 acres) was considered; a motion to suspend three readings passed 6-1 (Griffith opposed), and the ordinance was then adopted 7-0. Ordinance 25-52 (HelpLine rezoning) and 25-53 (BerlinStationRoad rezoning) set for public hearings on Sept 22. Resolutions 25-66 (FOP contract changes, 3.5% wage increases over 3 years) and 25-67 (tax levy certification) both approved 7-0. Resolution 25-68 (services for Price Trust annexation, max 319 units on 175.79 acres) approved 7-0. - Proclamations: Recognized September as National Service Dog Month and celebrated Woodland Cigar Company's 20th anniversary. - Delaware County District Library Update: Communications Manager Nicole Fowles reported on system statistics (106,501 cardholders, 81,000 in-person visits at Delaware branch) and announced expanded operating hours starting September 15, 2025. Key Outcomes - Kroger CRA Ordinance 25-49 adopted (final vote 7-0) with a 15-year, 75% tax abatement, including roundabout construction and job creation. - Rezoning approval for RiverbyBerlin (83.418 acres) and T&R Glenn Parkway (84.312 acres) passed, enabling residential development. - 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program adopted (7-0), though significant out-year funding gaps were acknowledged. - Community Taxation Policy adopted (7-0), formalizing principles for tax sustainability and transparency. - Annexation of 44.05 acres (Maranda-Peachblow) approved (7-0) after suspension of three readings. - Price Trust annexation services resolution approved (7-0) for up to 319 units on 175.79 acres. - FOP contract ratified (7-0) with 3.5% annual wage increases and administrative changes. - Petition for crosswalk on Cheshire Road referred back to Parking and Safety Committee for evaluation.

The Delaware Planning Commission met on September 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 1 South Sandusky Street. Commissioners present were Chairman Simpson, Vice Chair Hoffman, and Commissioners Cross, Stroud, Prahl, and Nana; Commissioner Feller was excused. The Commission approved the August 6, 2025 motion summary and considered two zoning amendments, one development plan, one conditional use, and one final subdivision plat. Consent Calendar - Approved a motion to excuse Commissioner Feller, moved by Commissioner Prahl and seconded by Vice Chair Hoffman, unanimously. - Approved the Motion Summary from the August 6, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, moved by Commissioner Nana and seconded by Commissioner Cross, unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - MX-PUD 25-12 (11 N. Franklin Street): No written comments were received. A potential purchaser said she plans to live in the house, preserve its historic character, and make historic restorations. Scott Cubberly, the commercial real estate broker representing HelpLine of Delaware and Morrow Counties, supported the rezoning, noting the existing building lacks a second-floor kitchen and bath and is better suited for full residential use; he added that the sale proceeds will greatly help HelpLine. - R-PUD 25-11 (Berlin Station Road): Emails from Bill and Melanie Woods and Bruce Babbitt were received into the record. Three neighboring property owners spoke: Dave Surfos (1815 Berlin Station Road) did not contest the zoning but requested attention to spring flooding and drainage, preservation of the tree screen, reduced light pollution, and future sewer taps for nearby homes; Mason Pillow (1675 Maryland Station) raised runoff and tree buffer concerns and asked for lower density and larger lots; Dean Smith (1631 Berlin Station) raised traffic safety concerns, citing prior road-safety promises associated with Terra Alta and asking that the developer be required to help fund road improvements. - No public comments were offered for the Kemba development plan, the Luvata conditional use, or the Kroger subdivision plat. Zoning Amendment: MX-PUD 25-12 – 11 N. Franklin Street - Staff said HelpLine of Delaware and Morrow Counties requested a map amendment from C-CC Community Commercial to MX-PUD Mixed-Use Planned Unit Development on 0.16 acres within the downtown historic district. Allowed uses would be those in the RNX district except certain uses such as schools, funeral homes, nursing homes, wireless telecommunications, and public or private recreation facilities. Staff recommended approval with conditions. - Commissioners discussed conformity; staff responded that the site would be conforming under the proposed PUD because the existing conditions would become the adopted development plan, and any larger future development would require a new development plan or variance. - The Commission unanimously recommended approval of MX-PUD 25-12 with staff conditions. Zoning Amendment: R-PUD 25-11 – The Farms at Berlin Station - Staff said BerlinStationRoad LTD requested approximately 66.75 acres be rezoned from Agricultural to Residential Planned Unit Development east of Berlin Station Road. The site is within Southeast Focus Area Plan sub-area 1, and the conceptual plan contemplates primarily suburban single-family residential development with a maximum density of four dwelling units per acre. Required features would include a traffic impact study completed before the development plan, tree preservation and buffer plantings, a mound with plantings along the railroad, multi-use paths, and sidewalks. - The applicant, Anthony Moore of Ferris Planning Design representing BerlinStationRoad LTD, had no concerns with the conditions and said sewer and water improvements would eventually be dedicated to the City. - Staff and the applicant addressed resident comments on traffic jurisdiction, the county roundabout project at Berlin Station and Braumiller Road, ODOT jurisdiction over US 23 and Pollock Road, stormwater detention requirements, and downlighting standards related to Perkins Observatory. - The Commission unanimously recommended approval of R-PUD 25-11 with staff conditions. The case will have a first reading at City Council on September 8, 2025, a public hearing on September 22, 2025, and a possible third reading in October before the development plan stage. Development Plan: PC 25-12 – Kemba Financial Credit Union - Staff described a proposed 2,700-square-foot Kemba Financial Credit Union on 0.82 acres of a 1.62-acre parcel at 900 Sunbury Road within the Glennwood Commons Planned Mixed Use Overlay. The plan includes about 25 parking spaces, compared to a minimum requirement of 14, a two-lane drive-through plus exit-only bypass lane, shared access with the adjacent Tim Hortons, a one-story building about 30 feet high, landscaping, pedestrian connectivity, and approved lighting. - The applicant said Kemba is the largest credit union in central Ohio and is excited to serve the Delaware community. No public comments or emails were received. - Commissioners supported the use, but several commented that 25 parking spaces seemed high and expressed general concerns about parking minimums. Staff noted the code now includes parking maximums and shared parking provisions. - The Commission unanimously approved PC 25-12 with staff conditions; City Council action is scheduled for September 22, 2025. Conditional Use: PC 25-13 – Luvata Ohio Inc. - Staff recommended approval of a conditional use for an aboveground storage tank at 2039 Pittsburgh Drive on I-2 General Industrial zoned property. The tank would be located at the southeast corner of the existing building on a reinforced concrete pad, enclosed with a black vinyl-coated chain-link fence, and protected by bollards and other vehicular protection; no additional signage would be allowed. - The agenda described the request as an aboveground fuel storage tank, but the applicant's project administrator clarified it is a liquid nitrogen storage tank used to create an inert atmosphere in the copper cold-forming process. Staff acknowledged copying "fuel" from a prior report, and a revised resolution corrected a typo. - During discussion, the applicant explained that cold forming reduces scrap from up to 80 percent to 10-20 percent compared with machining-away material, and the nitrogen is needed for the inert furnace atmosphere. - The Commission unanimously approved PC 25-13 with staff conditions as a final decision. Final Subdivision Plat: S 25-11 – Kroger at Glenn and Sunbury - Staff presented a final subdivision plat for the 17.753-acre Kroger parcel at the southeast corner of Glenn Road and Sunbury Road, required as a condition of a City Council ordinance approved in April 2025 to show right-of-way and easements. Staff initially referred to the case as S 25-12 before correcting it to S 25-11. - The Commission unanimously approved S 25-11 with staff recommendations as a final decision. Planning Director's Report - Staff introduced intern Laney Seller, a senior at Hayes High School and a student at Ohio State University, who is completing an internship for a public policy course and will assist the department. Commission Member Comments and Discussion - Commissioners thanked staff, commented on road improvements and parking, and discussed the Delaware South New Community Authority millage, which City Council recently lowered by half a mill with an anticipated payoff at the end of 2026. - Staff said the City is considering changing its residential street lighting standard to reduce public infrastructure, potentially using lamp posts at each parcel, and is reviewing the light-temperature effects of LED conversions. - Staff also provided an update on the long-planned Racetrack gas station, noting a spring 2025 inquiry about advancing the project next year and that engineering plan approval is in place. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved the August 6, 2025 motion summary and excused Commissioner Feller. - Unanimously recommended approval to City Council of MX-PUD 25-12 and R-PUD 25-11. - Unanimously approved PC 25-12 development plan, PC 25-13 conditional use, and S 25-11 final subdivision plat. - Next regular Planning Commission meeting: October 1, 2025. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM.

The Finance Committee of Delaware, Ohio, met on August 28, 2025, at 3:03 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, adjourning at 4:08 PM. The meeting focused on presentations and discussion of the proposed 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) from the Public Works and Engineering departments. No public comments were received. The committee approved the motion summary from the August 19, 2025 meeting by voice vote. Consent Calendar - Approval of Motion Summary (August 19, 2025): Approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public participation; no emails, letters, or petitions were submitted. Discussion Items - Airport Improvements (Director Bill Ferrigno): - Current projects: Paving of taxi lanes around hangars D, E, F (under construction); Hangar C1C2 paving (pending state funding). Future projects are largely dependent on FAA and state grants. - Jet A Fuel Farm: Not currently in CIP but a new state grant program offers 100% funding (up to $750,000) for above-ground fuel storage. Staff will apply in October; if awarded, construction would begin in early 2026. - Runway Broom Replacement: Current broom is at end of life. Budget requests $250,000 for a used replacement; staff is actively seeking equipment. - Runway Lighting: Estimated $2.6 million project with $193,000 local contribution. Eligible for federal/state grants; design ongoing, construction targeted for 2027. - Joint County Venture: City Manager Paul Brake noted preliminary conversations with the county about forming a new airport authority (similar to Columbus/John Glenn model). Process is long-term; further reporting expected after budget process. - Solid Waste Equipment: - Pac-Mac Grapple Truck: Delivered in 2025; used for bulk collection. Currently at full weekly schedule with over 100 pickups per month. $50 fee for up to three items. - Automated Side-Load Trucks: All nine trucks will be automated by 2026; two backup rear-load trucks remain. Reduced injuries and increased efficiency. New trucks cost $500,000; tariffs have not yet impacted costs. - Future Fleet: Plans to cycle out oldest automated trucks after 10-12 years; a drive-through truck wash could extend equipment life. - Street & Traffic Division Equipment: - Mini Excavator: For sidewalk and curb ramp repairs; more versatile than existing backhoe. - Emergency Response Vehicle: A pickup truck with protected cab for cone/deployment; to improve safety and efficiency. - Front Wheel Loader: Replacement planned for 2029; needed for salt loading and pavement zipper operation. - Fleet Expansion: Not in current CIP but a high priority. Current five service bays are insufficient (400+ pieces of equipment). Staff is exploring design-build expansion at the public works facility, contingent on Parks Department moving to a new location. - Infrastructure Maintenance (Existing): - Sidewalk Repairs: $200,000 proposed for 2026; 90% of repairs are city responsibility due to street tree damage. Backlog of ramp repairs estimated at $500,000. - Shared-Use Paths: 21 miles of paths; $500,000 backlog. Annual need is $150,000; budget only $60,000. - Public Parking Lots: 36 lots; annual maintenance need $350,000; budget only $40,000 (primarily for metered lots). Franklin Street lot alone requires $100,000. - Engineering Projects (City Engineer Jonathan Owen): - Unfunded Priority – Central & Lake Intersection: $6 million project, top priority. 100+ crashes in 5 years. Awaiting grant opportunities. - Annual Resurfacing Program: $0.7–$2.1 million per year from OPWC, CDBG, and local matches. No purely local program. - ODOT Urban Resurfacing: Now competitive; first successful application for West Central (SR 37) resurfacing in 2027. US 23 resurfacing guaranteed in 2028. - Pedestrian Connectivity Grant: $2 million (90% grant) for filling sidewalk/path gaps on William St, South Sandusky, London, East William, Lake. Construction anticipated 2027. - Columbus Avenue Neighborhood Revitalization: Application for up to $750,000 CDBG grant to combine water main replacements, drainage, restroom at Blue Limestone Park, and pedestrian connectivity. - Glenn Parkway Railroad Overpass: $13 million in TIF funds accumulated; proactive design and grant application to advance project, with potential construction in 2030. - West Central CSX Bridge Clearance (Can Opener): $6 million project to lower road beneath bridge (total 12’7” clearance). No state funding identified; alternatives include interim detection improvements or turnarounds. - Merrick Boulevard Extension: Two phases: extension to Troy Road with roundabout ($8.3M, construction 2026); rail overpass later ($15.7M, 2029). Funded via TIF/NCA. - East Central Avenue Reconstruction: From Point project east; funded with MORPSE, OPWC, county grant, and general fund. Construction planned for 2028; combining with Central/Lake intersection under consideration. - Other Projects: 23 drainage/bridge rehab, Bell Avenue stream restoration, 36/Section Line Road intersection (outside city limits, developer-funded), downtown streetscape design, SS4A safety study, Cheshire Road extension, Bixby Parkway water main, and Glenn Road improvements (now part of Kroger Marketplace development with roundabout). Key Outcomes - Approval: Motion summary from August 19, 2025, approved. - No Formal Decisions: The committee did not vote on the CIP; presentations were informational. Directors acknowledged funding gaps in infrastructure maintenance and unfunded priority projects. - Next Steps: Staff will pursue grant applications for Jet A fuel farm, pedestrian connectivity, Columbus Avenue neighborhood, and Glenn Parkway overpass. Further discussions on fleet expansion, airport joint venture, and alternative funding for CSX bridge clearance will continue.

The Parking and Safety Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on August 26, 2025, in Council Chambers at 1 South Sandusky Street. Members present were Chairman Kent Shafer, Councilwoman Frazier, and Councilman Kevin Rider. Staff included Police Chief Adam Moore, Fire Chief Tim Pyle, Public Works Director Bill Ferrigno, and Assistant City Manager Andy Bear. The committee approved the previous motion summary, heard public comment on a crosswalk petition and traffic signal concerns, endorsed signage for a new East Central Avenue parking lot, voted to forward adjustments to neighborhood no-parking zones to City Council, and received updates on e-bikes, golf carts, and street projects. The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the Motion Summary from the June 24, 2025 Parking and Safety Committee meeting by a 3-0-0 vote (motion by Councilman Rider, second by Councilwoman Frazier). Public Comments & Testimony - Becky Brucato, 45 Glen Mawr Circle, spoke on behalf of neighbors in the 53-unit Landings condo complex in the Glen Ross Golf Community. She submitted a petition asking for a marked crosswalk across Cheshire Road at Glen Mawr Circle and Tara Glen Drive. She said south-side residents have no sidewalks and face unsafe walking conditions to reach north-side amenities, and that traffic and speeding make crossing Cheshire Road dangerous. - Stanley Michnowicz, 79 Glen Mawr Circle, a Landings at Glen Ross resident, supported the petition and asked that the crosswalk include a flashing beacon. He said residents are mostly retirees, average age over 70, and that traffic commonly exceeds the 35 mph speed limit by 10-15 mph. - Jim Keefer, 166 Hanover Court, commented that traffic signals at Central Avenue/Warrensburg Road and Wakefield Center often do not appear to trigger for traffic on the north-south approach. He also asked whether heavy-duty trucks would be permitted on the proposed Merrick Boulevard extension, saying it could be a problem if they could not. Discussion Items - New City Parking on East Central Avenue: Staff reported that during the full closure of Central Avenue for a construction project, city crews built a public parking lot on the city-owned parcel at the northeast corner of Central and Lake Street. The lot includes 14 spaces, a handicapped space, and motorcycle parking. Chief Moore recommended posting the lot as free public parking with city parking regulations enforced and using officer discretion on overnight parking rather than an automatic enforcement approach that could discourage impaired drivers from leaving their cars. Councilman Rider suggested making the 24-hour parking prohibition clear from the start. The committee agreed to post initial signage for free public parking, no overnight parking, enforcement of city parking regulations, marked handicapped and motorcycle spaces, and right-in/right-out movements because of the nearby intersection. Members also agreed the lot should remain free for now, with paid parking possible in the future if demand increases. - Adjustments to No-Parking Zones in Various Neighborhoods: Public Works Director Bill Ferrigno explained that no-parking signs in sections of six subdivisions resulted from a 2018 engineering-standards change that unintentionally limited parking to one side of certain 28-foot streets. Staff, police, and fire reviewed the issue and agreed to return to parking on both sides of residential streets except in cul-de-sacs and tight radii where fire apparatus needs clearance; implementation was delayed by COVID. The draft resolution would remove restrictions on approximately 30 streets. An example in Springer Woods showed a sign placed at a property line that left only 29 feet to an intersection, shorter than the 30-foot stop-sign requirement, which restricted parking in front of a home and led to resident complaints. Staff recommended forwarding the resolution to council without mass notifications, handling any concerns case-by-case. The committee voted 3-0 to forward the resolution to City Council. Staff Comments - Bill Ferrigno reported completion of a new North Sandusky crossing with flashing beacons and a pedestrian bump-out in front of the courthouse; the county contributed $25,000. He also said Central Avenue was expected to reopen by the end of the following week, barring unforeseen circumstances. - Police Chief Adam Moore said the city's code currently addresses bicycles but not e-bikes. He explained state e-bike classifications and the difficulty of enforcing them because the bikes look alike from a cruiser. Committee members raised concerns about young children riding at high speeds, sidewalk use, and reckless behavior such as wheelies. No formal action was taken, but the issue is expected to return to the committee. - Chief Moore asked whether the committee wanted to revisit allowing golf carts on city streets. Members were generally open to continued discussion, but at least one member was not inclined to support citywide approval and viewed downtown as out of the question, while another cautioned against creating momentum toward approval. - Fire Chief Tim Pyle reminded everyone of the upcoming fair and increased air traffic in the area. Member Comments - A committee member thanked staff for work around Smith Elementary School on blocked driveways, noting positive feedback from a neighbor and engagement from the new principal. Key Outcomes - Approved the June 24, 2025 motion summary by a 3-0-0 vote. - The committee agreed staff should sign the East Central Avenue lot as free public parking with city regulations enforced, no overnight parking, and appropriate handicapped and motorcycle markings. - Voted 3-0 to forward the resolution adjusting no-parking zones in various neighborhoods to City Council. - The Cheshire Road crosswalk petition will be placed on the September 8 City Council agenda for consideration and referral back to the committee; staff information is expected to be presented at the October Parking and Safety Committee meeting. - No formal action was taken on e-bikes or golf carts, but both topics are expected to continue in future committee discussions.

The Delaware City Council met at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, in Council Chambers. After an invocation by Pastor Danny Boodoo of Delaware Christian Church and the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Riggle and Councilwoman Frazier were excused on a 5-0 vote; Councilmembers Griffith, Haynes, Hoffman, Rider, and Vice Mayor Shafer were present. The agenda covered consent items, a TREX liquor-permit application, four public hearings and second readings, the second reading of the Capital Improvement Program, resolutions on a New Community Authority and tax incentives, and financial and traffic reports. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the City Council motion summary from August 11, 2025, on a 5-0 vote. - Took up the consent agenda, which included the Finance Committee motion summaries from August 5 and 13, 2025; Resolution No. 25-63 appointing members to a New Community Authority and specifying terms; Resolution No. 25-64 authorizing the City Manager to apply for FFY2025 Certified Local Government Grant funds through the Ohio History Connection to update the Downtown Historic District Architectural Standards; and scheduling September 8, 2025, at 7:10 p.m. for the public hearing and second reading of Ordinance No. 25-49, the Kroger Community Reinvestment Area Agreement for approximately 120,000 square feet at 1650 Sunbury Road. - The transcript's roll call for the consent agenda records Councilwoman Griffith's response as 'No' while the other four members voted 'Yes'; no separate vote tally was announced before the meeting moved to the next item. Public Comments & Testimony - In the general comment period, Roger Smith, president of the Riverby Estates Homeowners Association, said the HOA is not interested in fighting development but wants to partner with local governments and the developer to consider realistic and positive alternatives regarding Kingsbury Farms as it relates to Riverby Estates. - On Ordinance No. 25-47, Connie Shear, 1155 Village Drive, said residents are not trying to stop development but asked that Riverby Lane be limited to emergency access because the street has no sidewalks, has cars parked on both sides, has about 75 existing homes, and would be joined by roughly 225 new units and about 450 cars. She also questioned whether tree-preservation markings matched prior assurances about saving trees. - Kathy Hobby, 1346 Berlin Station Road, whose property has sat next to the right-of-way for 40 years, asked for copies of the plans and for contact information for the right-of-way manager. She said there are other considerations besides people, including the deer and wildlife on the property. - Paul Elder, 699 Riverby Lane, said the narrow road is not ready for a large development and asked that earlier access alternatives be revisited; he said residents do not want the road made unsafe for children. He also described the history of the end parcel, saying it was originally intended for only about 18 additional houses. - Darren Huff, 500 Churchview Court, supported the proposed multi-use path and safe bicycle access connecting neighborhoods to the city, and said he does not want to ride a bike on Pollock Road. - At the RiverbyBerlin hearing, the clerk noted emails from Roger Smith and from a 'concerned Riverby resident' had been received. - No public comments were offered on the Ohio Wesleyan University rezoning, the T&R Glenn Parkway rezoning, or the Graeter's development plan. Discussion Items - TREX application - Espirito, LLC: Police Chief Adam Moore presented a TREX application for three liquor permits, D1, D2, and D3, at 1003 U.S. 23 North, describing it as a reuse of a vacant restaurant site. He said the background check found no statutory reason for Council to object. Economic development staff confirmed the project was expected to create 25 jobs, with $20,000 in unemployment tax, $75,000 in sales tax, and $25,000 in state withholding tax. Council approved the application without objection on a 5-0 roll call. - Ordinance No. 25-46 - Ohio Wesleyan University rezoning: Planning staff presented a request to rezone approximately 109 acres of Ohio Wesleyan University property, including central campus and Perkins Observatory, from various zoning districts to MX-PUD. Permitted uses would include educational, cultural, daycare, indoor/outdoor entertainment, and parking uses; conditional uses would include hotel and solar field. The PUD would use existing conditions as the development plan and create modification thresholds: buildings up to 10,000 square feet for staff approval, 10,000-40,000 square feet for Planning Commission review, and larger projects for Planning Commission and Council review. Staff recommended approval but requested a third reading to finalize a condition involving the vacation of Hayes Street and paper alleys. OWU Facilities Director Darren Lehman said the process had been smooth. No public comments were made. Council continued the ordinance to a third reading. - Ordinance No. 25-47 - RiverbyBerlin, LLC rezoning: Staff presented a request to rezone 83.418 acres between Pollock Road and Berlin Station Road from Agricultural to R-PUD. The proposal allows one- and two-family residential and recreational uses, with a maximum density of four dwelling units per acre, access via an extension of Riverby Lane and Berlin Station Road, an emergency access near New Start Church, required buffers of 25 to 30 feet, and an 11-foot multi-use path along the abandoned railroad right-of-way. A traffic impact study is underway and must be finalized before platting. The developer said conditions were agreed and a resident meeting was being scheduled. Public comments were heard as listed above. Staff clarified that tree-preservation requirements apply to buffers, identified preservation zones, and stream corridors, and that off-site roadway improvements would be addressed during development plan review. Council discussion also covered traffic, road jurisdiction, wildlife corridors, waterway preservation, and the Pollock Road/Route 23 intersection. The ordinance was continued to a third reading. - Ordinance No. 25-48 - T&R Glenn Parkway LLC rezoning: Staff presented a request to rezone 84.312 acres from Agricultural to R-PUD, divided into four sub-areas with decreasing intensity to the north. Proposed uses include one-family residential in all sub-areas and potential three-/four-family dwellings in the southern sub-area. Maximum net density would be five dwelling units per acre, with lots abutting Braumiller Estates at least 70 feet wide unless buffered. Access would include an extension of Silverbrook Lane, Glen Parkway, and Braumiller Road, with final access points left to the traffic study, county coordination, and the City Engineer. No public comments were made. Council asked about an amended access-point condition, and staff explained it had been revised with the applicant. The ordinance was continued to a third reading. - Resolution No. 25-60 - Graeter's development plan: Staff presented KZF Design's development plan for a Graeter's restaurant and drive-thru on 1.234 acres at 541 Preakness Way within the Belmont Place Planned Mixed-Use Overlay. The proposed building is about 2,600 square feet, with a drive-thru, patio, 38 parking spaces, full access from Preakness Way, no direct access to Glen Parkway, cross access with an adjacent outlot, and brick/stone four-sided architecture. Staff recommended approval. No public comments were made. Council members expressed enthusiasm for the project, and the resolution was approved on a 5-0 roll call. - Resolution No. 25-59 - 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program: The second reading was held, but no vote was taken; discussion indicated the ordinance would return for third and fourth readings on September 8 and September 22, after the Finance Committee meeting. - Ordinance No. 25-49 - Kroger Community Reinvestment Area Agreement: The item was called, but no consideration occurred because the public hearing and second reading had been scheduled for September 8, 2025, at 7:10 p.m. - Resolution No. 25-61 - South New Community Authority millage reduction: Staff reported that the Authority is ahead of schedule on its debt; the resolution authorizes the City Manager to affirm reducing the millage to 4 mills for the next collection year, with further reductions expected before collections cease. Staff noted the millage started at 7.5 mills and was reduced to 4.5 in 2021. The resolution passed on a 5-0 roll call. - Resolution No. 25-62 - Tax Incentive Review Council recommendations: Economic development staff reported that the Council reviewed active Community Reinvestment Area, Enterprise Zone, and Tax Increment Financing programs. Findings included 13 CRA agreements, with 7 fully compliant and 6 noncompliant but recommended for continuation; 12 TIF agreements fully compliant; and 31 residential CRAs recommended for continuation. The resolution passed on a 5-0 roll call. - Finance Director's report: Rob Alger presented the July 2025 financial report, correcting the income-tax comparison to approximately 7.7 percent above the prior year rather than the 9 percent shown in written materials. He also said investment portfolio restructuring had eliminated all instruments below 3 percent interest and was expected to more than triple investment earnings over the next few years. - City Manager's report: Paul Brake reported that Central Avenue between Lake Street and the railroad bridge will reach its 30-day closure point on September 3 but is not expected to reopen until about September 5. He also gave tentative notice that the State Route 521/3637 intersection would close from September 26 at 9 p.m. to September 29 at 6 a.m., with the highway remaining open and detours coordinated with ODOT and the county engineer's office. Staff Introductions, Committee Reports, and Council Comments - Staff introduced engineering and public works hires: Adia Kirkhart, Roadway Project Manager; Nancy Seger and Tyler Bicknell, Project Engineers; and Benjamin Muether, Right-of-Way Manager. Budget, Management & Procurement introduced Mike Day, Budget & Management Analyst, a former federal employee with more than 14 years at the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Office of Inspector General. - Committee reports noted planning-related items on the agenda, a parking and safety committee meeting the following evening, a Finance Committee meeting Thursday at 3 p.m., and no current Historic Preservation Commission meeting. - Councilmember Rider asked about detours for the State Route 521/3637 closure; staff said the regional detour would use an old state route in Kilbourne between 521 and 36, with local access maintained for businesses and Biltmore Drive/Bowtown Road. - Councilwoman Griffith relayed a constituent's interest in a west-side dog park and promoted Main Street Delaware's Back to School Bash on September 5. Councilman Hoffman noted he recently became a grandparent for the first time. Key Outcomes - Approved the August 11 motion summary. - Handled the consent agenda as reflected in the roll call, including scheduling the September 8 Kroger hearing. - Approved the TREX application for Espirito, LLC by 5-0. - Continued Ordinance No. 25-46 to a third reading. - Continued Ordinance No. 25-47 to a third reading. - Continued Ordinance No. 25-48 to a third reading. - Approved Resolution No. 25-60, the Graeter's development plan, by 5-0. - Deferred Resolution No. 25-59 to future readings on September 8 and September 22. - Deferred Ordinance No. 25-49 to September 8 at 7:10 p.m. - Approved Resolution No. 25-61 by 5-0. - Approved Resolution No. 25-62 by 5-0. - Adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

The Finance Committee of the City of Delaware met on August 19, 2025, at 3:04 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was chaired by Chairman Shafer, with Mayor Riggle present. The primary agenda item was the presentation of the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) by the Police Chief and the Public Utilities Director. No public comments were received, and the committee approved the motion summary from the previous meeting. Consent Calendar - Approved the Motion Summary from the Finance Committee meeting held on August 13, 2025, by voice vote (all aye). - Excused Councilman Hoffman from the meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made or submitted. Discussion Items 1. Police and Parking (Chief Adam Moore) - Chief Moore reported on 2025 CIP achievements: upgrade of body-worn cameras to M700s (now issued to all sworn officers), additional tasers for all sworn officers, and acquisition of two new police canines (Ziva and Malo). - The replacement of the drone main airframe (budgeted $40,000) was delayed due to a 20% cost increase from tariffs; the current airframe remains flyable. Future drone technology developments were discussed, including the potential for "Drone First Responder" programs. - Proposed 2026 CIP requests: $373,000 for four replacement frontline cruisers and one unmarked vehicle (total five vehicles), with upfitting costs. The cruisers are on a three-year rotation cycle. - Future needs include a specialty drone vehicle replacement (budgeted $80,000 for 2027-2028), speed enforcement technology ($30,000 each in 2027 and 2028), replacement of an off-site evidence storage facility (climate control needed, 2027 budget), and long-term planning for the Justice Center replacement (tied to a citywide space needs study). - Parking improvements: $50,000 budgeted for 2026 to replace aging meters and bring regulatory signage into compliance, following a recent parking consultant report. 2. Public Utilities (Director Blake Jordan) - Director Jordan highlighted the 2026 CIP plan for water, sewer, and stormwater funds, totaling approximately $22 million in planned spending. - Key stormwater projects: US 23 drainage rehabilitation (ODOT-dependent, moved to 2027), Bell Avenue stream restoration (design in 2026, construction in 2027), and continued pursuit of CDBG grants for the Columbus/Montrose/Toledo area. - Water fund maintenance: Process floor coating at the water plant (deferred from 2014-2015 construction), water line replacements based on break history (e.g., Well Street already under emergency replacement in 2025), and capacity projects including South Industrial Loop water line (60% design, moved to 2026), Bixby water line (phase 2), Merrick Boulevard extension, and planning for a fourth elevated water tower (northwest area, with potential land donation from developers). - Sewer fund maintenance: Primary settling tank repairs (two tanks per year in 2026 and 2027), cast-in-place pipe repairs (lumped for better pricing), David Street lift station replacement (30 years old), and Stratford Road lift station upgrades (larger pumps and electrical components). - Sewer capacity: South Industrial Loop sewer line (moved to 2026, deep excavation), Northeast Old and Tangie Interceptor (under feasibility study, with design and construction broken out), and capacity improvements on London Road and Bell Avenue. Key Outcomes - The committee received and discussed the presentations from the Police Chief and the Public Utilities Director. No formal votes were taken on the CIP proposals; the items are part of the ongoing budget planning process. - The meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM, with the next steps including continued budget review and potential future committee meetings.