Public Meetings - Delaware, Ohio

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met in the Mingo-Byxbe Room at 500 East Lincoln Avenue in Delaware, Ohio. The agenda listed the meeting date as March 17, 2026, while the date supplied for this summary is March 18, 2026. The board took roll call, excused an absent member, approved the January 20, 2026 motion summary, received updates on the Delaware Area Community Center YMCA and city parks and recreation projects, and adjourned at 6:46 p.m. Consent Calendar - Roll call was completed, and a motion to excuse the absent board member was made by Mr. Burker, seconded, and approved by roll call vote. - The board approved the Motion Summary from the January 20, 2026 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting by a motion made by Ms. Himinger, seconded, and approved by roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. Delaware Area Community Center YMCA Update - A YMCA representative reported first-quarter membership of approximately 3,800 units, more than 1,000 above pre-COVID levels, and nearly 90,000 visits this year (transcribed as scams). - The representative described a new association-wide baby sports program for children ages 3 to 5, with different sports every six weeks, and reported that social nights have been successful. - The YMCA’s mission, vision, and core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility were reviewed. Parks and Recreation Update - Staff will begin sending bi-weekly written updates to the board covering parks, urban forestry, golf course, and cemetery operations. - ParkRun Program: Randall Giebert proposed a free, weekly, timed 5K community run at Mingo Park. Board members expressed support and asked about conflicts with existing programs, parking, and children walking through parking lots. Staff said they would coordinate the schedule so runners finish before soccer and swimming programs start at 9 a.m. No objections were raised, and staff will continue moving the program forward. - Unity Community Center / Unity Park: Staff reported that initial bids for a splash pad and restroom came in at about $1.3 million, above budget. A re-bid with only the splash pad came in lower, but staff concluded it was not the best use of city funds without a restroom. The new plan is to self-perform much of the work using public utilities and planning staff and to use part of the building for a restroom. Utility work is expected to be staked and placed in the ground within the next two weeks. An open house is scheduled for March 30 at 6 p.m. at the Unity Community Center to present the master plan, building plans, an OSU study of the Southwest community neighborhood, and an OWU study of the Springfield Branch Trail. - Staff mentioned a possible future STEAM lab at Unity Community Center, potentially funded by combining several grants. - The community garden at Smith Community Gardens is at capacity, so new gardeners are being directed there because Unity Park has no more room. - Staff applied for capital funding for a restroom at Mill Run Park planned in next year’s budget, and disc golf course installation at that park will begin soon. - Staffing: Jessica was promoted from recreation coordinator to recreation superintendent after Bridget left the department; the city is advertising for a recreation coordinator to fill Jessica’s previous role. Member Comments & Storm Impact Discussion - Board members asked about storm damage from the prior Friday’s high winds. Staff said parks and urban forestry crews worked late Friday and again Saturday morning clearing downed trees. Damage was mostly limited to trees, with one tree lost near a tennis court and a pool roof issue covered under warranty. - A member reported power flickering and nearby AEP outages and thanked city crews and line workers for their storm response. Key Outcomes - The board approved the January 20, 2026 motion summary and the motion to excuse the absent member. - No formal opposition was raised to the ParkRun program; staff will continue developing it and coordinate with existing park programs. - The Unity Community Center open house will be held March 30 at 6 p.m., and utility work for the splash pad and restroom is expected to begin within two weeks. The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) held its regular meeting on March 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, Delaware, Ohio. The board considered one variance request and unanimously approved the consent calendar and the agenda item. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (February 11, 2026): The board reviewed and unanimously approved the motion summary from the previous meeting, with one member abstaining due to absence. Discussion Items - Variance V26-3 – Stephen Hering, 659 Presidential Way: The applicant requested a variance from the required rear setback of 40 feet to allow a nine-foot addition, which would encroach two feet into the setback. The applicant explained that the addition would create a home office and improve backyard access for their family. Staff reported that the encroachment was minor (5% of the required setback), would not affect neighboring properties or city services, and recommended approval because the variance is the minimum necessary to achieve the intended use. The applicant stated they initially planned a larger addition but scaled it down after learning of the setback requirements. The board noted that the zoning code does not define "minor" variance, and staff agreed to consider adding such definitions in future code updates. Key Outcomes - Variance V26-3 Approved (6-0): The board voted unanimously to approve the variance for the rear setback encroachment of two feet at 659 Presidential Way. The motion was made, seconded, and passed with all present members voting in favor. - The next regularly scheduled meeting is April 8, 2026.

The Delaware Records Commission met on March 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The commission approved the motion summary from the previous meeting, elected officers, and approved updates to records retention and disposition schedules for multiple city departments. The meeting adjourned at 2:24 PM. Consent Calendar No consent calendar items were on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were offered. No emails, letters, or petitions were submitted. Discussion Items - Approval of Motion Summary: The commission voted to approve the motion summary from the meeting held on March 4, 2025. The vote was 3-0-1 (Ms. Joyner yes, Mr. Moser abstained, Ms. Vallone yes, Mr. Burke yes). - Election of Chair and Vice-Chair: The commission voted unanimously to retain the current slate of officers (Chair and Vice-Chair) with no changes. - Review of Proposed Changes to Retention Schedules: - Public Works Department: Director Bill presented changes including removal of duplicate records no longer managed by Public Works (e.g., payroll, personnel), consolidation of project records into master files with a 15-year retention period (reduced from 25), and addition of new categories for text messages, vehicle/equipment records, airport property lease agreements, and engineering standards. The schedule was approved with typographical corrections on page 14. - Finance Department – Finance Division: The only change was adding a retention policy for text messages (remove when no longer of administrative value). Approved unanimously. - Finance Department – Income Tax Division: Same change as Finance Division. Approved unanimously. - Finance Department – Utility Billing Division: Same change. Approved unanimously. - Fire Department: Chief Pyle presented the sole addition of text message retention. Approved unanimously. - Department of Administrative Services: Director presented additions including text messages, voicemails, correspondence, OCRC and EEOC investigation files (retained 5 years after resolution), collective bargaining files (10 years), grievance forms/responses/mediation reports, and employee photographs (retained until separation). Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved motion summary from March 4, 2025, with one abstention. - Unanimously re-elected current Chair and Vice-Chair. - Approved updated retention schedules for Public Works, Finance (three divisions), Fire, and Administrative Services, all with unanimous votes. - The commission agreed to schedule the next meeting within six months, likely in early fall 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 2:24 PM.

The Delaware City Council held its regular meeting on March 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered new staff introductions, a proclamation for Procurement Week, approval of a consent agenda including multiple resolutions and public hearing dates, a liquor license transfer, second reading of a supplemental appropriations ordinance, discussions on bicycle/e-bike code updates and three zoning map amendments, and resolutions for community authority expansion and annexation. The City Manager reported on contract approvals and highlighted concerns regarding potential property tax reform. Council members shared updates on community events and initiatives. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM. New Staff Introductions - Colton Sisler, Firefighter – Introduced by Chief Tim Pyle. Sisler holds a bachelor's in biology and chemistry from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, has part-time experience with Pleasant Township Fire Department, and is attending paramedic school at Grant Hospital. He expressed gratitude, calling employment with the City of Delaware "like winning the lottery for a young farm." - Bailey Neal, Assistant City Attorney – Introduced by Law Director David Mosher. Neal has been with the city for six months and has been spearheading a revitalized tax collection program in civil court. She thanked council for the opportunity. - Cindy Collins, Procurement Administrator – Introduced by Finance Director Alycia Ballone. Collins has over 20 years of public service, including roles with the state of Ohio, Columbus Regional Airport, and the Supreme Court of Ohio, and is a 20-year Delaware resident. She expressed honor in working for the city she has called home for many years. Proclamation - Procurement Week – The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing the role of public procurement professionals and their principles of ethics, impartiality, professionalism, service, and transparency. Cindy Collins accepted on behalf of the procurement team. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public came forward to speak. Consent Calendar Council approved the following items en bloc by unanimous voice vote (with prior confirmation that items 26-11 through 26-15 had been recommended by the Parking and Safety Committee): - Acceptance of motion summaries from Civil Service (Dec. 3, 2025), Historic Preservation Commission (Oct. 29, 2025), and Planning Commission (Feb. 4, 2026) meetings. - Resolution No. 26-11: Establishing a no-parking zone on the south side of Dogwood Drive. - Resolution No. 26-12: Establishing a no-parking zone on the west side of Lake Street between Flax Street and Central Avenue. - Resolution No. 26-13: Establishing one-way travel on the north side of Bernard Avenue between South Franklin Street and South Washington Street. - Resolution No. 26-14: Approving installation of a traffic control signal at Glenn Parkway and Peachblow Road. - Resolution No. 26-15: Modifying no-parking restrictions and defining the bus loading zone on East William Street between Union Street and Henry Street. - Resolution No. 26-18: Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with ODOT for cooperative purchase of road salt. - Setting March 23, 2026, at 7:10 PM as the date/time for the public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 26-10 (bicycle/e-bike regulations). - Setting March 23, 2026, at 7:15 PM for the public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 26-11 (Corridor Company zoning map amendment – 200.59 acres from A-1 to MX-PUD). - Setting March 23, 2026, at 7:20 PM for the public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 26-12 (Winkle Civil Engineering zoning map amendment – 3.039 acres from PMU to C-PUD). Liquor License Transfer - Transfer approved for a liquor permit (beer and wine for on-premises consumption and sealed takeout) from Meekers Rentals LLC (385 E. William Street) to Bentos Lunch LLC, doing business as Taranto's Delaware (64 Coughlin Lane). Police Chief Adam Moore reported that Taranto's has an existing location in Lewis Center (26 years) and that the police department found no statutory reasons to object. The new restaurant will be a pizza shop with in-store dining. Council voted unanimously to approve. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 26-08 (Supplemental Appropriations) - Ordinance 26-08, supplementing 2026 appropriations and declaring an emergency, was brought for second reading. Finance Director Alycia Ballone requested it go to another reading. Council agreed, so the ordinance will have a further reading at a future meeting. Discussion: Ordinance No. 26-10 (Bicycles, Motorized Bicycles, Electric Bicycles) - The ordinance would amend city code to align local regulations with state law for electric bicycles. Police Chief Moore stated that a strong public education campaign would accompany the changes. In response to questions, Chief Moore confirmed that it remains very difficult for officers to distinguish between Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 e-bikes from a cruiser windshield. The ordinance will have a public hearing on March 23, 2026, and will go to another reading. Discussion: Ordinance No. 26-11 (Corridor Company Zoning Map Amendment) - This ordinance would rezone 200.59 acres from A-1 (Agricultural) to MX-PUD (Residential Planned Unit Development). No additional discussion occurred. A public hearing is set for March 23, 2026; the ordinance will go to another reading. Discussion: Ordinance No. 26-12 (Winkle Civil Engineering Zoning Map Amendment) - This ordinance would rezone 3.039 acres from PMU (Planned Mixed-Use) to C-PUD (Commercial Planned Unit Development) on the northeast side of Liberty Road and Belle Avenue. No additional discussion. A public hearing is set for March 23, 2026; the ordinance will go to another reading. Resolution No. 26-16 – Evans Farm New Community Authority Expansion - A resolution of no objection to the expansion of the Evans Farm New Community Authority (NCA) under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 349. Law Director David Mosher explained the property is outside city limits but the city serves as a proximate community. The expansion adds a development called Ross Estates in Berlin Township, which was planned from the outset. The NCA cannot proceed to county commissioners without city approval. Council unanimously approved the resolution. Resolution No. 26-17 – GTZ Bowtown Annexation Services - A resolution indicating the services the City of Delaware will provide to 15.827 acres (five parcels) for the GTZ Bowtown annexation, located south of Bowtown Road in Brown Township (Buckeye Valley School District). Planning staff confirmed the parcels are within the city's service boundary and are under contract with GTZ; if annexed, they would be proposed for rezoning to a residential planned unit development. The applicant filed a petition with Delaware County, and the city had 20 days to respond. Council unanimously approved the resolution. Committee Reports - VCA (Vacation and Community Activities) – Councilmember Haynes reported that VCA meets Wednesday at 6:30 PM and has one case. - Parking and Safety – Councilmember Bogan noted the committee met, with most items appearing on the consent calendar. Vice Mayor Frazier expressed interest in the upcoming e-bike ordinance discussion. - Planning – Vice Mayor Frazier reported attending a planning meeting the prior week. City Manager's Report - City Manager Blake reported on February 2026 contract approvals, notably the Truco construction contract for Merrick Boulevard at $5.8 million (budgeted). - He attended the Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) conferences. Key takeaway from OCMA was the potential impact of local property tax reform: the city generates approximately $3.1 million in local property taxes (7.5% of the general fund). Statewide, local property taxes total $24 billion—equivalent to the state's combined sales and income tax revenue. A citizen petition to repeal property taxes needs about 400,000 signatures and is reportedly close to that threshold. The manager warned that without a replacement plan, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) obligations could go into default, negatively affecting the city's credit rating. - He also attended Black History Month events and First Friday. Council Comments - Councilmember Griffith – Noted International Women's Day (March 8) and urged caution on property tax repeal, noting only 52% of her generation own homes and replacement funding would shift burden to income/sales taxes, disproportionately affecting fixed-income and low-income residents. She highlighted Ohio's low rankings in maternal/infant mortality and school funding. - Councilmember Haynes – Thanked Delaware City Schools for partnership, praised Police Chief Moore's Gazette article, attended Black History Month celebration and Sandusky Street Focus Area meeting, and visited St. Vincent New Beginnings open house (transitional housing for formerly incarcerated). He encouraged public education about the program and emphasized the city's support for all. - Vice Mayor Frazier – Enjoyed downtown activity, acknowledged National Dentist Day, and participated in a MORPC panel for newly elected officials moderated by former City Manager Tom Holman. She also spoke at the Black History Month event and highlighted House Bill 306 (Ohio's hate crime bill) announced at the State House, noting the advocacy of a Delaware constituent. She expressed support for the bill. - Councilmember McClellan – Added to property tax concerns, noting state leaders might increase sales/income tax by up to 20% if repeal passes, and that if it gets on the ballot, it will likely pass. He appreciated partnership with Delaware City Schools on soft skills training. He commended new hires for their positive remarks about the city and staff. - Mayor Riggle – Reported attending civil service and the OCMAA (Mayors and Managers) meeting where property tax reform was discussed, and the 250th celebration planning meeting. She will share initial ideas with council. She then moved to adjourn, seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.

This joint meeting of the Delaware City Council and the Delaware City Schools Board featured updates on residential and economic development within the city, as well as a presentation on the school district's strategic priorities, challenges, and financial outlook. Key topics included the city's housing pipeline, commercial and industrial projects, and the district's focus on community, staffing, and facility needs. Discussion Items - City of Delaware Development Update: A staff member presented an overview of the housing pipeline. As of the meeting, there were 1,273 approved but unbuilt single-family units across the city (including in all school districts), and 1,364 unbuilt multifamily/condo units. Since the last joint meeting, no new residential developments had been approved within the Delaware City School District; new projects were primarily in the Olentangy and Buckeye Valley districts. In 2025, 526 single-family dwellings received occupancy, 161 were under construction as of February 13, 2026, 302 multifamily/condo units received occupancy, and 774 were under construction. An additional 3,911 units had preliminary zoning approval but no development plans. - Economic Development Update: Economic Development Director Nick Langford provided an update on commercial and industrial projects. Under construction: 200,000 square feet of industrial flex space at Sawmill and Innovation Court, and 50,000 square feet at 2044 Pittsburgh Drive (Pioneer Flex). In the pipeline: 45,000 square feet at Howeld Industrial Park and 10–15,000 square feet at Bell Avenue. On the horizon: Gateway Commerce Park (135–200 acres for biotech/advanced manufacturing, projected 500–1,000 jobs), and a new 60-acre industrial park adjacent to Pittsburgh Industrial Park. Commercial projects included the Kroger Marketplace (120,000 sq ft, opening Q3 2026), a 90–100 room senior living facility on Glenn Road, a mixed-use downtown building (16,000 sq ft), and a potential hotel on Spring Street. The Sunbury Road corridor (3637) may see a Chick-fil-A, daycare, Chipotle, and two to three big-box stores. Major expansions included PPG's $280 million investment and another unannounced $200 million project. Langford also noted ongoing work on a comprehensive incentives policy, affordable housing initiatives, and land-planning to accommodate school needs. - Delaware City School District Update: A district representative (likely the superintendent) presented strategic priorities emerging from community conversations. The top two themes were "community/family feel" (the word "family" was repeated frequently) and "exceptional people" (dedicated teachers and principals). Challenges identified included social-emotional support for students, technology integration, and operational processes. Financially, the district noted that state revenue share has been declining over the past 10 years, and substitute levies have not been added, limiting revenue growth. The representative mentioned a need for a new high school facility (approximately 100 acres) and discussed student enrollment projections. A school board member suggested exploring the possibility of having a student representative at city council meetings to improve communication and understanding between the city and schools. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the meeting. The updates were informational, with follow-up discussions to continue between city staff, council, and school board members. The city and school district will work collaboratively on the incentives policy and land-use planning to address school facility needs. Other Discussion - A council member suggested that a student representative from the school district could attend city council meetings to provide a youth perspective, noting that it would help the community understand school issues. The idea was received positively, though no formal action was taken.

The Civil Service Commission held its regular meeting on March 4, 2026, at 3:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered updates on firefighter recruitment, approval of the March 2026 police officer certified list, and staffing reports. All agenda items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Motion Summary (December 3, 2025): Approved unanimously after a correction noted a hyphenation error in a commissioner's name. Roll call: Commissioner Hollingshead Mansell (yes), Vice Chair Hurley (yes), Chair Santos (yes). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. One audience member was present but declined to speak. No emails, letters, or petitions were received. Discussion Items - 2026 Firefighter Recruitment Process Update: Fire Chief Pyle and Human Resources representative Whitney Faust presented proposed changes to the recruitment process. Key adjustments include: - Application-first model: Previously, candidates submitted written exam scores before applying, leading to disengaged candidates. Under the new process, candidates will apply first, then be invited to take the exam, ensuring interest in Delaware. - Order of steps corrected: The physical agility test and background self-report were historically done out of order. The new process moves the background self-report before the physical agility test, allowing early disqualification of unfit candidates and saving resources. - Chief Pyle noted that of the top 30 candidates pulled for the current cycle, only 20 remain; the changes aim to improve engagement and yield. - Approval of March 2026 Police Officer Certified List: Chief Moore reported that physical agility tests were held on February 14, 2026, and interviews on February 19, 2026. Six candidates passed the interview and are recommended for addition to the list. Six candidates were removed (hired, disqualified, etc.), resulting in a net of 18 viable candidates. The department has six current openings, with four officers already in the academy. Three additional positions were created via the 2026 operating budget, raising authorized strength to 63. Chief Moore praised the monthly hiring refresh process for maintaining candidate engagement. Key Outcomes - Firefighter Recruitment Process Update: Approved unanimously (roll call: yes from all three commissioners). - Police Officer Certified List (March 2026): Approved unanimously (roll call: yes from all three commissioners). Staff Comments - Fire Chief Pyle reported the fire department was fully staffed at the end of 2025 but has 10 additional authorized positions for 2026 due to the budget and the planned Station 5 (expected online between April and July 2027). Three additional lieutenant promotions are planned for late 2026. - Police Chief Moore noted anticipated retirements: at least one officer has announced intention to retire; several officers are in the deferred retirement option plan (DROP) and could retire at any time. Nationally, many officers hired in the 1990s under the COPS grant are now retirement-eligible. Commissioner Comments - Commissioners thanked the chiefs for hosting swearing-in ceremonies, noting the positive community engagement and family involvement. - A commissioner highlighted the January 2026 Fire Department report posted on the city's website, commending its statistics and suggesting better promotion to residents.

The Delaware Planning Commission met on March 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to consider several zoning amendments, a conditional use for a new high school, and two final subdivision plats. All items were approved with conditions, and the meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of the motion summary from the February 4, 2026 meeting was approved unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Eric Castor (154 Marblewood Drive) asked about the certainty of the Connet Road extension and its impact on the wooded area and eagle nest. He expressed neighbor concerns. - Email comments were received from Eric and Deborah Castor, Jim McCurdy, Gabe Franklin, Deanna Crawford, and Caitlin Trowbridge, but were not read aloud. - No other public comments were made. Discussion Items Zoning Amendment MX PUD 26-2 (Corridor Company, LTD.) - Staff presented a request to rezone 200.59 acres from A-1 Agricultural to MX-PUD (Mixed-Use Planned Unit Development) east of Lantern Chase. The comprehensive plan designates this area as suburban residential. The concept plan includes a mix of single-family, townhomes, and multifamily, with a maximum of 319 units initially due to sanitary sewer constraints, and a potential total of 1,500 units over 10-12 years. The plan includes extensions of Hauk Road and Connet Road, preservation of a treed area with a bald eagle nest, and a future east-west trail connecting to Smith Park. Staff recommended approval with conditions. - Applicant Todd Foley (Pod Design) and Bill Keithler (Corridor Company) expressed support for the project, emphasizing a 10-12 year buildout and collaboration with Delaware City Schools for a potential school site. - Public hearing: Eric Castor asked about Connet Road extension and tree preservation. Staff confirmed the connection is required and will be designed to minimize tree impact, with a tree preservation zone. - Commission discussion: Questions about road connections, density, housing types, and traffic. Commissioner Nana requested consideration of the eagle nest timing. The commission approved the motion unanimously (7-0). - Motion to approve with staff conditions carried. Zoning Amendment C PUD 26-3 (Winkle Civil Engineering & Surveying LLC) - Staff presented a request to rezone 3.039 acres from PMU to C-PUD for an automotive repair facility (Snappy's Automotive) on the northeast corner of Liberty Road and Belle Avenue. The site was previously rezoned for light industrial but not developed. The concept plan includes a 25-foot setback, a private road, and detention pond. Staff recommended approval. - Applicant Chris Winkle and Brooke Dietrich (landowner) spoke, noting the sanitary sewer trunk line alignment and future plans for the remainder of the property. - No public comments. - Commission discussion: Clarification on minor vs. major auto repair; applicant indicated it is likely major but will be addressed at development plan stage. Commissioner Nana noted potential buffering concerns. Motion to approve with staff conditions unanimously (7-0). Conditional Use PC 26-2 (Olentangy High School 5) - Staff presented a request for conditional use approval for a new high school on 139.66 acres north of Bunty Station and west of Sawmill Parkway. The site is currently in Liberty Township but will be annexed. The plan includes two access drives, 1,200 parking spaces, a 25-foot buffer, and lighting compliant with code. Staff recommended approval. - Applicant Todd Boyer (Fanning Howey) and Jeff Gordon (Olentangy Schools) spoke, noting the school is similar to Berlin and Liberty high schools. - No public comments. - Commissioner Nana disclosed his roles with Olentangy levy campaigns but did not abstain. Commission discussed parking, noise, lighting. Commissioner Feller noted practice fields and tennis courts near residential areas will not be lighted. Motion to approve with staff conditions: 6-0-1 (Mr. Cross abstained). Final Subdivision Plat S 26-1 (Sawmill Farms Section 1) - Staff presented a plat for 53 single-family lots on 21.284 acres, part of the Sawmill Farms development. The plat meets development plan conditions. Staff recommended approval with engineering conditions. - Motion to approve: 6-0-1 (Mr. Cross abstained citing transmission line concerns). Final Subdivision Plat S 26-2 (Sawmill Towns Section 1) - Staff presented a plat for 101 townhome lots on 14.870 acres. Staff recommended approval with conditions. - Motion to approve: 6-0-1 (Mr. Cross abstained). Key Outcomes - All items were approved as recommended by staff. - MX PUD 26-2 will have first reading at City Council on March 9, 2026, and public hearing on March 23, 2026. - C PUD 26-3 will follow the same council schedule. - The conditional use for Olentangy High School 5 is contingent on successful annexation. - The next Planning Commission meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 8, 2026, due to lack of quorum on April 1. Planning Director's Report - Upcoming zoning code updates, architectural standards review for historic preservation, and South Sandusky focus area plan. Commission Member Comments - Commissioner Nana announced expecting a baby around April 9, may miss next meeting. - Commissioner Feller noted Route 23 connector public comment opportunities. - Meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.

The Historic Preservation Commission met on February 25, 2026, at 6:32 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included the welcome of new member Tom Watts, election of officers, approval of previous minutes, an informal review of a ghost sign restoration concept, and updates on a certified local government (CLG) grant. No formal votes were taken on the ghost sign project, which remains in concept phase. Consent Calendar - The motion summary from the October 29, 2025 meeting was approved. Votes: Bolton abstained, Fagan yes, Smiles abstained, Watts yes, Ryder yes, Chair Rivera yes. Election of Officers - Sherry was nominated and elected Chair (unanimous). - Danny was nominated and elected Vice Chair (unanimous). Discussion Items - Ghost Sign Restoration Project (2026-0135): Benjamin Kaster, a political science student at Ohio Wesleyan University and executive of the Historic Downtown Ghost Sign Project, presented a concept plan to restore up to seven ghost signs (historic painted advertisements) along Sandusky Street in the Downtown Historic District. The project aims to reproduce fading signs with a 10-step process developed by building owner Steve Hartman. Co-executive Heather Reese and lead muralist Adam Hernandez (corrected from earlier misstatement) are part of the team. Staff expressed 100% support. Commissioners raised several points: need to consider whether all seven signs should be restored (e.g., one sign reads "Vote Against Prohibition"), maintenance responsibility in perpetuity, funding security before work begins, potential impact on current tenant signage (particularly the beehive sign at 5 East Williams Street on a primary facade), and regulatory distinction between ghost signs and murals. Staff noted that supergraphics (including ghost signs) are currently regulated under the same code as murals, but they cannot regulate content. The commission discussed updating architectural standards to better differentiate ghost signs. The applicant indicated willingness to work with building owners and ensure no negative impact on tenants. The informal review is the first step; each sign will require a separate certificate of appropriateness application. Key Outcomes - No formal action was taken on the ghost sign project; it remains in concept phase. Commissioners provided feedback and the applicant will return for a formal review after further development. - The commission discussed topics to consider in the upcoming architectural standards update, funded by a $25,000 CLG grant from the State Historic Preservation Office/Ohio History Connection. Items include: modern standing seam metal roofs, fence height regulations, uplighting, and clarifying ambiguous terms like "non-garish" colors. - Next regular meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2026. - The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

The Parking and Safety Committee of the City of Delaware met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Members present: Dr. Bogan, Mr. Ryder. Vice Mayor Frazier was excused. The meeting covered e-bike ordinance updates, parking restrictions, a right-of-way vacation, a pedestrian crossing request, and a discussion on snow and ice removal policy. Several public comments were heard. Consent Calendar - The motion to approve the Motion Summary from December 30, 2025 was tabled due to procedural concerns (Vice Mayor Frazier and a committee member absent). No vote was taken. Public Comments & Testimony - Jim Irwin (85 Glenmarr Circle) – Expressed support for a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crosswalk on Cheshire Road at Glen Mawr, citing high traffic speeds and lack of sidewalks on his side of the road. - Jeff Carl (119 Glenmark Circle) – Supported the RRFB, noting safety concerns for grandchildren crossing to play areas on the other side. - April Horn (222 Dogwood Drive) – Supported some form of parking restrictions on Dogwood Drive due to congestion, bus service threats, and safety issues. She suggested further study and better enforcement of nuisance vehicle rules rather than a simple one-side parking ban. - John Lewis (167 Dogwood Drive) – Supported restricting parking to the north side only, citing emergency access, school bus issues, and problems with a few addresses taking up multiple spots. He noted enforcement difficulties with the 72-hour rule. - Dave Smith (32 Somerset Road) – Questioned how the Winston Road right-of-way vacation would affect his property taxes. The committee indicated the property would increase marginally in size, with a corresponding minor tax adjustment. Discussion Items - a. E-Bikes – Chief Moore presented an ordinance to modernize bicycle definitions, incorporate e-bikes (Class 1, 2, 3 per federal classifications), restrict motor engagement on sidewalks, require labels, and repeal outdated bicycle licensing laws from the 1950s. The ordinance aligns with state law. Enforcement will focus on education first, with traffic citations for violations. The committee voted unanimously to forward the ordinance to City Council. - b. Dogwood Drive Parking Restrictions – Public Works Director Bill reported that the school system is seriously considering eliminating bus service on Dogwood due to double-parking congestion. Staff recommended restricting parking to the north side only (fire hydrant side). The committee voted unanimously to prepare a resolution for Council. - c. Bernard Avenue One-Way Designation – Following prior discussion, the committee proposed continuing the one-way westward movement from South Franklin to South Washington Street to eliminate driver confusion. The committee voted unanimously to prepare a resolution for Council. - d. Winston Road Right-of-way Vacation – The city received a request from a property owner to vacate an undeveloped paper street. The committee voted unanimously to proceed with a survey and prepare an ordinance for Council. Abutting property owners would receive half of the right-of-way acreage. - e. Lake Street Parking Restrictions – To improve the southbound right-turn lane at Central Avenue, five on-street parking spaces would be removed. Two of three affected properties have off-street parking alternatives, and a new public lot exists nearby. The committee voted unanimously to prepare a resolution for Council. - f. Glen Mawr (Cheshire Road) RRFB Request – Staff reported that the 85th percentile speed on Cheshire Road is 42 mph (signed 35 mph). An RRFB crossing would cost $35,000–$40,000, but concerns included: false sense of security, limited pedestrian demand, high speed, long crossing distance, and liability. The golf course walking path is not available for resident use. No vote was taken; the committee decided not to forward the request at this time, but staff will explore alternative connections. - g. Discussion of Snow & Ice Removal Policy – Staff reviewed the current policy, which prioritizes road clearing and leaves sidewalk clearing to property owners. Heavy snow (12+ inches) creates sidewalk obstructions, but the city lacks equipment and manpower to clear them. Potential solutions discussed include creating a volunteer/paid portal to connect residents needing help with those offering snow shoveling (e.g., school students). No formal action was taken. - h. New Complaints Received – Chief Moore and Bill updated on three new complaints: - E. William Street: Large trucks speeding (60-70 mph) in evenings; speed studies planned. - Colomet RR Crossing: A vehicle was struck by a train; additional signage and pavement markings have been added. - Vernon Ave/Wallace Drive: Complaints about stop sign violations; staff will investigate speeds and accident history. Staff also provided a disposition list of resolved traffic concerns, showing progress on previous complaints. Key Outcomes - E-bike ordinance: Unanimously moved to City Council (Dr. Bogan: Yes, Mr. Ryder: Yes). - Dogwood Drive parking restrictions: Unanimously voted to prepare a resolution for Council (Yes, Yes). - Bernard Avenue one-way: Unanimously voted to prepare a resolution for Council (Yes, Yes). - Winston Road right-of-way vacation: Unanimously voted to proceed with survey and ordinance (Yes, Yes). - Lake Street parking restrictions: Unanimously voted to prepare a resolution for Council (Yes, Yes). - Glen Mawr RRFB: No action; discussion only. Staff to explore alternative routes. - Snow & ice policy: No formal action; staff to investigate a resident-help portal. - Upcoming closures: East William Street bridge replacement (CSX) from March 16–31 with full weekend closure; Central Avenue closure for 45–60 days starting late March. Detours will be in place.