Columbus City Council Meeting - April 7, 2026
Columbus City Council Meeting - April 7, 2026
The Columbus City Council held a regular meeting on April 7, 2026, with seven members present. The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the prior meeting's minutes. The council then conducted a swearing-in ceremony for four members of the Human Rights Commission. The agenda included second readings of a salary ordinance and an additional appropriation, an annexation and rezoning package, first readings for a rezoning for affordable housing and a golf cart/UTV ordinance, and a resolution to fund the new animal care facility. The council also received a comprehensive update from the Columbus Redevelopment Commission (CRC) on its active projects. Public comments were heard on several items.
Swearing-In of Human Rights Commissioners
- Mayor introduced and swore in three new commissioners (Ethan Crow, Blake Fields, Felicia Garr) and one reappointed commissioner (Janae Garner Kelly). Each briefly spoke about their background and commitment to the role.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes Approval: The minutes from the prior meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.
Salary Ordinance (Item A) – Second Reading
- Discussion: Councilor Jay Foy recused himself because his son applied for a related position. The proposal replaces a part-time Community Development Assistant Administrator with a full-time Community Development Specialist and transitions a shared Office Administrator role to the Redevelopment Department (budget-neutral). Public comment: Brad asked about salary alignment and reclassification timeline. Staff clarified that the reclassification request for the redevelopment specialist role would not take effect until 2027, pending approval.
- Key Outcome: Ordinance passed on second reading 6-0 (Foy recused).
Additional Appropriation (Item B) – Second Reading
- Discussion: This ordinance appropriates $44,195 from the CRC general fund to cover the Office Administrator salary through 2026. Public comment: Brad questioned why the salary wasn't adjusted immediately given expanded duties. Staff explained that the reclassification process is underway and will align with the next budget cycle.
- Key Outcome: Ordinance passed on second reading 6-0 (Councilor West abstained).
Annexation Fiscal Plan (Item C), Annexation (Item D), Rezoning (Item E) – Second Readings
- Discussion: Jeff Bergman presented the three items for Arbor Homes' Timberland Springs development – annexation of ~140 acres and rezoning of ~107 acres from agriculture to RT (residential two-family) at Deaver Road and 150 West. The property is 39.5% contiguous with city limits. The plan commission recommended unanimously. Council discussed road improvements, floodplain, and public works capacity. The fiscal plan noted that the property is currently agricultural; DPW estimated $120,000–$140,000 in additional costs for new homes. Public comments: none.
- Key Outcomes: All three items passed unanimously on second reading (7-0).
Rezoning for Volunteers of America (Item A) – First Reading
- Discussion: Jeff Bergman presented a request to rezone 0.57 acres from PUD to RM (multifamily) at 14th and Hutchins for a 17-unit affordable housing development serving vulnerable populations, including veterans and those with housing instability. The project secured $2.5 million in non-competitive HUD/IHCDA funding. Construction is projected to start Q1 2027. Public comment: none.
- Key Outcome: Ordinance passed on first reading 7-0.
Golf Cart and UTV Ordinance (Item B) – First Reading
- Discussion: Austin Witting and Deputy Chief Matt Martindale presented the ordinance to allow golf carts and UTVs on city streets with speed limits ≤30 mph, subject to safety equipment, driver's license, and insurance requirements. The council debated definitions, enforcement, and the distinction between golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs). Public comments included:
- Russ Jones: Explained the difference between LSVs (registered) and golf carts.
- Keith Aiker (Ach Reality Carts): Supported the ordinance, noting similar ordinances in Madison and other towns.
- Larry: Supported the ordinance but argued it is too restrictive; suggested more input from dealers and owners. He also raised concerns about underage drivers and enforcement on the People Trail.
- Councilors expressed mixed views on stringency and enforcement. The ordinance passed first reading 7-0 with plans to refine definitions before second reading.
- Key Outcome: Ordinance passed on first reading 7-0.
Animal Care Facility Funding Resolution
- Discussion: Heather Pope and Doug Sunghole presented a resolution authorizing up to $750,000 in TIFF funds (from central and midtown allocation areas) for construction of the new animal care facility, plus $450,000 for sewer relocation. Total project cost is $9.75 million, with funding from city general fund ($5M), grants ($1.3M), donations ($2M), and TIFF. The building will use a BOT procurement method. Council discussed the need for ongoing maintenance funding. Public comment: none.
- Key Outcome: Resolution passed 7-0.
CRC Update Report (Informational)
- Presentation: Heather Pope gave a detailed update on CRC projects, including:
- Arcadia Drive (ribbon cutting next month)
- Riverfront project (20% complete, ribbon cutting Oct 23, 2026)
- Second Street Thoroughfare (on budget, completion July 2026)
- Downtown housing projects (Hall Creek Meadows, Taylor Uptown, 1020) leveraging $28M in TIFF for $115M private investment, adding 439 units
- Downtown Entrance Plaza (RFPQ in April 2026)
- Former county highway garage property (demolition underway)
- Workforce development grants (Ambit, control tower operator program)
- No council action required.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.
Meeting Transcript
I know all Saturday. My gosh, this is why Jody does this. See, I have party. I didn't know. I was like, it's me, is it not the time of the air? I go to church and pass the two. So I mean, I'm then usually we go and Joey will go out to lunch with him and his family. But you don't get the like two o'clock. I didn't want to change anything. Change Williams based on the quiet. Hi, Frank. I also have not had any policies. I don't know if Roger did find your email. No. They had uh to each their position posted. That's why you got a hammer. Yeah. But we have somebody for the move forward with getting. Yeah. Good evening, everyone. I know we've got a packed house, but I'm assuming a lot of people here this evening are here to see our swearing in ceremony. So I think chairs will open up probably after it's on. Is it okay? Oh, I did. Sorry. So there will probably be chairs open up after the swearing in, and our friends and family depart after that. So we'll go ahead and call this uh April 7th City Council meeting to order. First item on the agenda is indication, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Jay. Yes. The indication tonight will be given by Pastor Paul Burton from Christ Fellowship Church in Edinburgh. If you're able to please rise and we'll follow that with the pledge of regions. Thank you for allowing me to offer the invocation tonight. I appreciate of you. Uh so let's pray together. Gracious Lord, uh, we come to you this evening thinking about both uh the remarkable capacities and the deep needs of humanity. In our own day, we've seen extraordinary achievements, men and women exploring beyond our world this very evening circling the moon. And yet we also see that our world is marked by conflict and division and suffering. So we come to you tonight, uh acknowledging both the dignity you have given to humanity and the great brokenness that marks our world, and we confess our need for you and your wisdom and mercy and guiding hand. It's a time in our nation that we face uncertainty and the threat of conflict. And so we ask for your restraining hand. Have compassion, O Lord, upon the ones who stand in harm's way upon innocent lives, upon all who bear the weight of decisions in these days. According to your will, bring an end to violence and establish peace among the nations. We ask you, Lord, to be present in this place tonight. Grant to these leaders clarity of mind, give them integrity of heart, and grant them a sincere, heartfelt desire to serve the good of everyone in this community. Give them wisdom in their deliberations, patience in their discussions, and unity where there is disagreement. And above all, Lord, we ask you would turn our hearts both as individuals and as a people to yourself. Grant that we would find true peace, not merely in the absence of conflict, but in reconciliation with you through Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace and the King of Kings. So we entrust this time to you, asking for your blessing upon these proceedings, upon all those who serve the public good tonight. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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