Public Meetings - Delaware, Ohio

A special meeting of the Delaware City Council was held on February 23, 2026, beginning at 6:35 PM (originally scheduled for 6:30 PM). The sole purpose was to administer the oath of office to Matt McClellan as the newly appointed Third Ward council member. All council members were present, including Mayor Riggle, Vice Mayor Frazier, and members Griffith, Haynes, Ryder, and Dr. Bogitt. Consent Calendar - No items were considered. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Swearing‑In of Matt McClellan: Council President pro‑tem administered the oath. McClellan recited the oath, pledging to support the U.S. and Ohio constitutions, comply with the city charter, and faithfully discharge the duties of Delaware City Council, Third Ward. Key Outcomes - Matt McClellan was officially sworn in as the Third Ward council member. The meeting adjourned immediately afterward.

The City of Delaware held a special council meeting on February 16, 2026, starting at 4:30 PM, to interview candidates for the Third Ward council vacancy. After an initial debate about whether to interview applicants who missed submission deadlines, the council interviewed six candidates. Following two rounds of interviews and two executive sessions, the council appointed Matt McClellan to the Third Ward seat by a 4-2 vote. Discussion Items - Motion to interview late/submission candidates: Councilman Ryder moved to interview three applicants (Acker, Harris, Kasperg) who had not returned questionnaires on time or were not scheduled for interviews. He argued that excluding candidates on technicalities could deprive the city of the best candidate. Vice Mayor Frazier and Councilman Haynes opposed, emphasizing the importance of the deadline and the questionnaire as a tool for evaluation. The motion lacked a second and died. - Interview order: The council attorney, David Moser, drew names to determine the interview order: 1. Brooke Diedrick, 2. Matt McClellan, 3. John Sylvestri, 4. Jacob Jankowski, 5. Sharis Fell, 6. Daniel Sanchez. (One applicant, Joy Scott, had withdrawn.) Candidate Interviews Each candidate gave a two-minute bio and then answered five questions from council members (Griffith, Haynes, Ryder, Bogan, Frazier) on: handling competing interests, responding to constituent opposition to a commercial development project, distinguishing qualities, views on annexation, and three priorities for the Third Ward. Key positions included: - Brooke Diedrick: Emphasized checking personal biases, listening to constituents, balancing growth with identity, and streamlining development processes. - Matt McClellan: Prioritized thoughtful growth, connecting the Third Ward to the city, economic development leveraging state government experience, and core safety/services. - John Sylvestri: Advocated unbiased, fact-based decisions; raised concerns about Route 23 traffic, privacy (flock cameras), and preserving community character. - Jacob Jankowski: Focused on community engagement, understanding the "why" behind development, advocating for defense industry/manufacturing, and filling vacant industrial spaces. - Sharis Fell: Highlighted the large ward size, infrastructure strain, supporting local businesses, and connecting residents through annexation. - Daniel Sanchez: Stressed balanced, game-changing growth, open communication, and collaborative decision-making with stakeholders. Key Outcomes - Executive session: At 6:38 PM, council entered executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(1) to discuss appointment of a public official. - Nomination for second round: Councilman Ryder nominated Matt McClellan and Daniel Sanchez for further consideration. The other four candidates were thanked but not advanced. - Second-round interview questions: Both finalists answered three additional questions: 1. How would you explain the council-manager system to a constituent? 2. What is the most cost-effective way to educate the entire city on an initiative? 3. What are your thoughts on the future direction of the city’s tax base? - Matt McClellan gave specific responses: explaining the system with staff expertise, using proactive mailers/office hours for education, and considering revenue adjustments as a last resort. - Daniel Sanchez gave more conceptual answers: acknowledging he needed to study the council-manager system, engaging social media and word-of-mouth for education, and keeping all options open on tax policy. - Second executive session: Council voted to re-enter executive session (6-0) for further deliberation. - Final vote: Councilman Ryder nominated both finalists. Roll call vote for the appointment: - Ms. Griffith: Sanchez - Mr. Haynes: McClellan - Mr. Ryder: McClellan - Dr. Bogan: McClellan - Vice Mayor Frazier: McClellan - Mayor Rickle: Sanchez - Result: Matt McClellan received 4 votes (Haynes, Ryder, Bogan, Frazier), Daniel Sanchez received 2 votes (Griffith, Rickle). Matt McClellan was appointed to the Third Ward seat. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:01 PM.

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met on February 11, 2026, to consider a single variance request. The meeting began with roll call and unanimous approval of the previous month's minutes. The main agenda item was a request by K. Hovnanian Homes for a 0.7-foot (8.4-inch) variance to the 25-foot front yard setback at 860 Heritage Boulevard, a property already constructed on a corner lot. No members of the public spoke. The board unanimously approved the variance. Consent Calendar - Approval of Motion Summary: The board unanimously approved the motion summary from the January 14, 2026 BZA meeting. (Motion by Haynes, seconded by Rosenthal; vote: 6-0) Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony. Discussion Items - V 26-2 – K. Hovnanian Homes Setback Variance: Applicant Drake Whitaker (K. Hovnanian Homes) requested approval of a 0.7-foot variance to the 25-foot front yard setback at 860 Heritage Boulevard (parcel 519-422-09-003-000, zoned PMU Planned Mixed Use with underlying R-SF). He stated that the single-family home was permitted and constructed in good faith but inadvertently encroached 0.7 feet into the required front yard setback on Beacon Road (a corner lot, which the code treats as having two front yards). No ill will was intended. City staff reported that the home was approved and constructed in 2024-2025 due to a city permitting error. The encroachment was discovered by a prospective buyer's lender during an as-built survey, preventing the sale. Staff noted that the variance is necessary but has no practical impact on adjacent properties—no impairment of light, air, access, drainage, or safety/nuisance concerns. Staff recommended approval. Board members asked about the timing of the permit and construction. No public testimony was offered. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Variance: The board voted unanimously (6-0) to approve the 0.7-foot variance, finding beyond a reasonable doubt that the decision factors for a variance under Chapter 1128 of the Planning and Zoning Code were met. (Motion by Rosenthal, seconded by Bonus; vote: Rosenthal yes, Bonus yes, Eggerwall yes, Fisher yes, Haynes yes, Darion yes.) - Next Meeting: Staff noted that a meeting is likely in March 2026 for a similar setback issue, though an application had not yet been submitted. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:45 PM.

The Delaware City Council met on February 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Josh Wilson, Lead Pastor of Connect Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. An oath of office was administered to Finance Director Alycia Ballone by City Manager Paul Brake. Council approved several ordinances and resolutions, including emergency measures for bond and note issuances, and addressed a snow storm emergency and sidewalk plowing concerns. Consent Calendar - The Motion Summary from the rescheduled City Council meeting of February 2, 2026, was approved unanimously. - The consent agenda included acceptance of Motion Summaries from the Shade Tree Commission (July 22, 2025 and November 25, 2025) and the Planning Commission (January 7, 2026), as well as establishing February 23, 2026 at 7:10 PM as the date for the public hearing and second reading of Ordinance No. 26-06 (zoning code amendments). All were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public came forward during the designated public comment period, and no public testimony was offered during the three scheduled public hearings (Ordinances 26-03, 26-04, 26-05). Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 26-03 (Rules of Council Procedure): City Manager Paul Brake explained that the change moves public comment earlier on the agenda to improve transparency and public input. Council suspended the three-reading rule and passed the ordinance as an emergency measure unanimously (6-0). - Ordinances No. 26-04 and 26-05 (Note and Bond Issuances): Finance Director Alycia Ballone and municipal advisor David Conley (Rockmill Financial) presented a detailed rationale. Ordinance 26-04 authorizes up to $11,700,000 in notes to refund prior road improvement securities. Ordinance 26-05 authorizes up to $20,250,000 in bonds for fire safety facility improvements ($15.5 million for Station 305) and transportation system projects (Merrick Boulevard and Bixby Parkway). Conley noted the city's AA1 credit rating, current interest rates around 4%, and the need for two readings to allow timely market entry and avoid IRS averaging rules if sales occur within 15 days. Council discussed interest rate language (6% cap in the ordinance) and long-term debt amortization versus pay-as-you-go. Ballone emphasized that debt service is supported by dedicated revenue streams (fire levy, impact fees, TIF revenues) minimal General Fund impact. - Ordinance No. 26-02 (Lease Amendment with Second Ward Community Initiative): The second reading was presented; council suspended the three-reading rule and approved the ordinance unanimously. - Ordinance No. 26-06 (Zoning Code Amendments): Assistant City Manager (unidentified by name) noted the proposed changes are primarily typographical and reference corrections; a detailed presentation will occur at the public hearing on February 23, 2026. - Resolution No. 26-08 (AFSME Clerical Employee Agreement): The resolution accepts a new agreement with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 3934. Key changes include a 4.5% wage table adjustment (retroactive to December 21, 2025) and updated residency language to align with city ordinance 23-46. The contract was previously expired. Council approved unanimously. - City Manager's Report: Paul Brake reported that the city is collecting cost data from the recent winter storm event (multiple water main breaks) for potential reimbursement via Delaware County Emergency Management, though no state or federal emergency has been declared. He also noted attending the Delaware County Chamber event. - Council Comments: Councilman Haynes recognized Officer Crosby as Officer of the Year. Councilman Bogan praised the Chamber event. Vice Mayor Fraser announced the upcoming 2026 Citizen Academy. Councilman Ryder discussed snow plowing challenges around schools, noting that plows often deposit snow onto sidewalks (especially where curbs abut sidewalks). He mentioned a possible pilot policy to plow snow from one side of the street to the other near schools, with parking adjustments, and that the Parking Safety Committee is addressing the issue. Key Outcomes - Approved: Motion Summary from February 2, 2026 (unanimous). - Approved: Consent Agenda items (unanimous). - Approved: Ordinance No. 26-03 (rules of council procedure) as an emergency measure (6-0). - Approved: Ordinance No. 26-04 ($11,700,000 note issuance) as an emergency measure (6-0). - Approved: Ordinance No. 26-05 ($20,250,000 bond issuance) as an emergency measure (6-0). - Approved: Ordinance No. 26-02 (lease amendment with Second Ward Community Initiative) after suspending three readings (6-0). - Approved: Resolution No. 26-08 (new AFSME clerical agreement) (6-0). - Set: Public hearing and second reading for Ordinance No. 26-06 (zoning code amendments) for February 23, 2026 at 7:10 PM. - Next Steps: City staff will collect winter storm cost data for potential reimbursement; Parking Safety Committee will explore sidewalk plowing solutions.

The City of Delaware Planning Commission met at 6:30 p.m. on February 4, 2026, in Council Chambers at City Hall. The commission approved the January 7, 2026 meeting minutes, considered a tabled request to change the approved buffer mound at Redwood at Addison Farms, and approved the city's zoning code amendments. PUD 26-1 was pulled from the agenda and will be heard in March. The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the Motion Summary from the January 7, 2026 Planning Commission meeting by unanimous vote of the members present. Commissioner Cross was not present for roll call and arrived at 6:33 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - PC 25-18 public comment (not a public hearing): Tony Bonafiglio of 321 Kensington Drive described a February 2024 incident in which survey stakes were placed on his property, his subsequent complaints to the city, and the city engineer's confirmation that stakes had been located two to three feet within the rear of Kensington property lots. He said the city adopted the Delaware Together Plan in May 2021 at a cost of approximately $222,000 and cited later approvals of a PMU designation, a TIF, and $7 million in waived shade tree dollars as background for why he was not grateful for the current buffering solution. He also asked whether buildings could be removed or moved to preserve the tree line. - Susan McGrail of 268 Sylvan Drive said she was concerned about the plan to mitigate light and noise, noting that an eight-foot mound with Norway spruce had been agreed when she served on the Shade Tree Commission. She argued the trees would tolerate drainage conditions, citing standing water behind her home that had not harmed her trees, and she suggested alternatives such as drainage underneath the mound or a middle-ground height. - John McGrail of 268 Sylvan Drive said the eight-foot mound was the final compromise insisted on by Addison and by council members to address noise and light for Oakhurst residents. He expressed concern that Redwood had encroached on the thin tree line, perhaps by 20 to 30 feet, and said he did not see the situation as the city's fault. - PC 26-1 public hearing: No members of the public spoke and no emails were received. Discussion Items - PC 25-18 (Redwood at Addison Farms buffer mound modification): Staff continued to recommend approval of the request to amend the approved buffer mound and landscaping plan. Applicant representative Michael McClellan of Redwood said Redwood had been approached about changing the mound because a larger mound and storm sewer installation could damage existing trees. Staff explained that the city engineer raised concerns after investigating Mr. Bonafiglio's complaint and that the request was not initiated by the applicant. The city forester recommended a three-foot mound in combination with stormwater management, six-foot trees at minimum planting, and additional staggered plantings. Public notice was expanded to the full 200 feet even though notification was not technically required for the modification. Commissioners discussed the conflict between honoring the prior eight-foot commitment to residents and following staff advice about preserving mature trees. Commissioner Feller noted that of the 12 homes backing onto the mound, three residents or families had provided input, at least 25 percent, and none supported changing the mound. Several commissioners also raised concerns about future liability if trees were to die and about the lack of support from affected residents. - PC 26-1 (City of Delaware zoning code amendments): Staff presented roughly 80 pages of zoning code text with tracked edits, mostly correcting incorrect references and clarifying language adopted in the summer 2025 comprehensive update. Notable changes included a new quorum procedure for the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission: if a case lacks a quorum or cannot reach a decision after two meetings, it automatically moves to city council without a recommendation. The temporary sign section was rewritten to be content-neutral and clearer, including time limits tied to sales milestones for construction signs, residential signs with no time limit but size limits, and maintenance requirements. Staff also corrected inconsistencies between the use appendix and district chapters, clarified open space, green space, and parkland requirements, fixed maximum/minimum errors, added accessory structure allowances in mobile/manufactured home parks, and added missing uses such as a Masonic lodge. Key Outcomes - PC 25-18: A motion to approve the requested three-foot buffer mound modification failed on a 3-3 vote with one abstention (Feller no, Cross abstain, Stroud yes, Prahl yes, Riggle no, Nana no, Simpson yes). Because the vote was tied, the motion failed. Staff said the applicant could return with the previously approved eight-foot mound through the standard approval process or bring a different alternative back to the commission. - PC 26-1: The zoning code amendments were approved unanimously with staff recommendations (7-0). - PUD 26-1: The request by Delaware Development Plan, Ltd. for a zoning map amendment on 37.4 acres within Coughlin's Crossing was pulled/tabled from the February 4 agenda and will be heard at the next regular meeting on March 4, 2026. - The Planning Director gave no report; commission members thanked city snow crews and staff for their work during the recent winter storm. - Next regular meeting: March 4, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.; adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

The Delaware City Council held its regular meeting on February 2, 2026 (rescheduled from January 26 due to a snowstorm). The meeting included the oath of office for new City Attorney David Moser, approval of several development plans and zoning changes, public comments on emergency access and school impacts, and a detailed report on the city's snow response. Key actions included approval of a 251-home development plan, three zoning map amendments, and setting public hearings for bond issuances and a rules change. A lease amendment for the Second Ward Community Initiative failed to pass due to a procedural voting requirement. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the motion summary from the January 12, 2026 City Council meeting (Roll call: 5 yes, 1 abstain). - Unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included: - Acceptance of motion summaries from the Sister City Advisory Board (July 8, 2025 and October 14, 2025), Board of Zoning Appeals (October 8, 2025), and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (November 18, 2025). - Setting February 9, 2026 at 7:10 PM, 7:15 PM, and 7:20 PM as dates and times for public hearings and second readings of Ordinances 26-03, 26-04, and 26-05, respectively. Public Comments & Testimony - Scott McVecker (1935 Ashburn Drive, Delaware) expressed concerns about Ordinance 25-78 (GTZ Properties zoning amendment). He stated that the proposed development area has only one vehicular access point, and an emergency access on Bowtown Road was obstructed by snow and a temporary guardrail. He argued that this could delay fire department response times beyond the six-minute target, potentially endangering lives. He requested that the ordinance require an additional public access point, such as extending Biltmore Drive west or east, before any development begins. - Bill Henderley (2310 Home Road, Delaware, Liberty Township) spoke during the public hearing on Resolution 26-07 and also referenced Ordinance 25-79. He urged the city to involve Delaware City Schools early in the development process, noting that schools are already overcrowded and that property taxes are rising. He expressed concern about the use of TIFs and tax abatements that reduce school funding. He also criticized a past refusal of a referendum petition from Brown Township residents, suggesting that citizens' rights were suppressed, which may discourage public participation. He emphasized that development impacts schools, police, fire, and EMS, and that the public bears the costs. Discussion Items - Resolution 26-07 – Northwood Sub-Area B Development Plan: Planning Director Ms. Pereira presented the request from M/I Homes of Central Ohio, LLC for approval of a development plan for 251 single-family homes on 95.284 acres in the Northwood subdivision (Sub-Area B). The plan includes 75 smaller lots (5,250 sq ft) in sections 2-3 and 176 larger lots (6,240 sq ft) in sections 6-12. Features include five-foot sidewalks on both sides of all roads, connections to future Bixby Parkway and bike paths, and street trees approved by the Shade Tree Commission. The development is within the Buckeye Valley School District and has a non-school TIF. Council discussed construction traffic management, the $1,000 transportation impact fee (which was omitted on earlier sections but included here), and the lack of designated parks (only HOA green space). The resolution was approved with 10 conditions. - Ordinance 25-77 – Zoning Map Amendment (Fincon Epic Ventures): Third reading. Request to expand MX-PUD 24-2 by 4.468 acres at the northeast corner of South Section Line and Marysville Roads. No public comments. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 25-78 – Zoning Map Amendment (GTZ Properties): Third reading. Request to rezone 10.3 acres along Sunbury Road (US36/SR37) from C-CC to C-PUD. Council discussed that the current zoning change only addresses land use; detailed traffic and access plans will come later during development review. Several council members expressed interest in extending Biltmore Drive (west or east) to improve access, and noted that the city wants the road built with developer contributions. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 25-79 – Rezoning (101.5 acres): Third reading. Request to rezone approximately 101.5 acres east of Glenn Parkway and Berlin Station Road from A-1 to R-PUD. No discussion. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 26-02 – Lease Amendment with Second Ward Community Initiative: Parks and Recreation Director Ted Miller explained that the city is making improvements to the Unity Community Center, including a splash pad (targeting Memorial Day 2026) and more lighting. The lease amendment would give the city more ownership of the building and grounds. A motion to suspend the rules (requiring three readings) was made, but the vote was 4-2 (Griffith and Bogan voted no). Mr. Ryder noted that suspending rules requires five votes per City Charter Article 4, Section 20, so the motion was null and void. Consequently, the ordinance itself did not pass and will be added to the next meeting's agenda. - Ordinance 26-03 – Procedural Rules of Council: First reading. City Manager Brake explained that the change would move public comments before the consent agenda on the meeting order, allowing council to remove items from consent based on public input. A public hearing is set for February 9, 2026. - Ordinance 26-04 – Note Issuance ($11,700,000): First reading. Finance Director (incoming) explained that this is a refunding of notes for roadway improvements (Sawmill Parkway, Bixby, and Merrick). No new money. Public hearing set for February 9. - Ordinance 26-05 – Bond Issuance ($20,250,000): First reading. This converts bond anticipation notes for Fire Station 305 and transportation improvements into long-term (20-year) debt. A call feature allows refinancing after 10 years. Public hearing set for February 9. Key Outcomes - Resolution 26-07 approved (6-0) to allow development of 251 single-family homes in Northwood Sub-Area B. - Ordinance 25-77 approved (6-0) for zoning map amendment on 4.468 acres. - Ordinance 25-78 approved (6-0) for zoning map amendment on 10.3 acres on Sunbury Road. - Ordinance 25-79 approved (6-0) for rezoning 101.5 acres to R-PUD. - Ordinance 26-02 (lease amendment with Second Ward Community Initiative) did not pass because the motion to suspend rules required five votes but received only four. The ordinance will be re-considered at the next meeting. - Ordinance 26-03, 26-04, and 26-05 were introduced and public hearings scheduled for February 9, 2026. - City Manager’s Snowstorm Report: The city received 12 inches of snow in 24 hours. Crews worked 1,100 hours, drove over 7,000 miles, used 31,000 gallons of brine and 85 tons of salt, and cleared all streets within 36 hours (exceeding the 48-hour goal). 120 loads (700 tons) of snow were removed from downtown. Total cost: $118,000. Council and staff praised the snow response. - Finance Director’s Report: The December 2025 financial report was presented but not discussed in detail. - Council Comments: Members thanked city staff for snow removal, recognized the new VA clinic opening, and noted the police awards ceremony. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM.

The Shade Tree Commission of Delaware, Ohio, met on January 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Mingo-Byxbe Room. The meeting included approval of past minutes, election of officers for 2026, staff updates on tree maintenance and service requests, and approval of a revised street tree plan for Sawmill Farms. Consent Calendar - Approved the motion summary of the July 22, 2025 meeting (motion passed with Ms. Griffin abstaining; others in favor). - Approved the motion summary of the November 25, 2025 meeting (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were received or presented. Discussion Items - Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: Following discussion, Steve Harvey was nominated and elected as Chairperson for 2026 (unanimous). Nathan Anders was nominated and elected as Vice-Chairperson (unanimous). The new officers assumed their roles immediately after the election. - January 2026 Arborist Report: City staff reported pruning 843 trees in the right-of-way in-house, with 108 contracted, for a year-to-date total of 951. Service requests: 5 completed, 4 pending. The city is well caught up on service requests due to mild winter weather. - Plan Review – Sawmill Farms Section 1 (Revised): A revised street tree plan for Sawmill Farms, previously approved in July 2025, was presented for reapproval due to changes in planting locations to avoid sight-line obstructions at intersections. The required setback from intersections is 35 feet per code, but staff recommended at least 100 feet for stop signs. The commission discussed the practicality and discretion involved. The plan was approved by unanimous vote. - Other Business: - Staff updated on tree pre-order status and storage of trees at the city service facility. - A honeysuckle removal event in the Lantern Chase area was canceled due to cold weather and will be rescheduled. - The commission discussed social media presence and sharing events through the city's communication office. - Upcoming events were noted: Arbor Day (April 24) and Earth Day (April 22) plantings at Oak Grove Cemetery; River Fest (June 21); Lincoln Mile/Unity Festival (August 14-15). The commission considered staffing tables at these events and distributing leftover trees. - The commission discussed reviving annual reports as recommended by former member Tom Hellman. The chair will research past reports. Key Outcomes - Elections: Steve Harvey elected Chair; Nathan Anders elected Vice-Chair. - Sawmill Farms Revised Plan: Approved unanimously. - Action Items: - Chair Harvey will forward event information from Lisa Roberts for River Fest and Unity Festival. - Staff will provide copies of old annual reports for reference. - Commission members to inventory giveaway items and coordinate with staff. - Upcoming meeting schedule reminders will be sent.

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was held on January 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM, but the user-provided date is January 21, 2026 at 14:15 UTC. This summary uses the user-provided date but notes the discrepancy. The meeting was called to order at approximately 6:30 PM. Roll call was taken: all members present except three absent with valid excuses. The board approved minutes from November 18, 2025, elected new officers, and received updates on the YMCA and upcoming park events. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The motion summary from the November 18, 2025 meeting was approved unanimously, with one abstention (Chandler White, who was absent at that meeting). - Excused Absences: A motion to excuse the three members not present this evening passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson - Chairman Breaker and Vice Chairwoman Hibinger announced they would step down after 12 years of service, effective June 2026. - Chandler White was nominated for Chairperson and Zach Summers for Vice-Chairperson. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). New officers are effective immediately. Update on Delaware Area Community Center YMCA (Roger Hampton) - Membership: Nearly 15,000 members; 13-month retention rate increased by statistically significant points. - Usage: 33,000 group exercise reservations, 281 new member roadmaps (wellness consultations), and approximately 44,000 monthly scans (visits) last year. - Satisfaction: Net Promoter Score (NPS) increased by 2 points, reaching a high level. - Community Impact: Over $80,000 raised for scholarships and membership programs. - Roger Hampton expressed gratitude for the city partnership and noted ongoing efforts to maximize facility use (e.g., simultaneous basketball, martial arts, and swim tournaments). Update on Parks and Recreation (Staff Presentation) - Unity Fest & Lincoln Mile: A new community event announced for August 15, 2026 (Saturday). The Lincoln Mile is a one-mile run from He\'s Tennis Courts to Mingo Park. Unity Fest will follow with food trucks, live music, a beer garden, and a kids zone in partnership with the YMCA. Proceeds benefit the Unity Community Center. Vendor tables are $25. Local food trucks and Oak & Brayson have already expressed interest. - Unity Community Center Lease Amendment: The city will amend the lease to take on more building maintenance and support. The board expressed support for the partnership, noting a splash pad will be installed this year and restroom improvements are being planned. - 2025 Year in Review: Staff report highlighted a successful year; the board commended staff for their wide-ranging work (cemetery, parks, events). Key Outcomes - Elections: Chandler White elected Chairperson, Zach Summers elected Vice-Chairperson (unanimous). - Unity Fest/Lease Amendment: The amended lease agreement will be presented to City Council on the next Monday. The event is set for August 15, 2026. - Splash Pad: Installation confirmed for 2026 at Unity Community Center. - Staff Comments: No further staff comments; board members had no additional items. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:43 PM.

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met on January 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of the previous meeting summary, election of officers, and one variance request for a driveway expansion. The board approved the variance with a condition. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing for variance case V26-1. Discussion Items - Approval of Motion Summary (October 8, 2025): The board approved the motion summary from the previous meeting with a vote of 5-4-1 (one abstention). Member Rosenthal clarified that a denial from the Historic Preservation Commission cannot be appealed to City Council, recording that statement for accuracy. - Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson: Ben Dariano was nominated and elected as Chair by a unanimous vote. Brett Latta was nominated and elected as Vice-Chair by a unanimous vote. - Variance Case V26-1 (Judy Hamilton, 28 Berne Street): The applicant requested a variance from Schedule 1130.04(m) to widen an existing driveway by one foot to the property line. The driveway is currently two feet from the south property line, exceeding the required three‑foot setback. Staff (John White) recommended approval, noting that the expansion would align with the existing driveway apron and that no neighbor feedback was received. The applicant stated the neighbor preferred use of an alley, but the alley was found unsuitable due to encroachments. The board discussed the need to restore the neighbor’s yard if any disturbance occurred during construction. The variance was approved unanimously with the condition that any damage to the adjacent property be repaired and returned to grass. Key Outcomes - Approved motion summary from the October 8, 2025 meeting (5-4-1). - Elected Ben Dariano as Chair and Brett Latta as Vice-Chair (unanimous). - Approved variance V26-1 with the condition that the neighbor’s yard be restored if disturbed (unanimous). - Next meeting scheduled for February 11, 2026. - Adjourned at 6:56 p.m.