August 18, 2026 City Council Meeting: Abundant Homes Annexation and Rezoning, Grant Report

The Columbus City Council met on August 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting was called to order with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Roll call showed seven members present (Chris Cartels, Elaine Hilbert, Jerome Wood, Kent Anderson, Jay Boyce, Josh Burnett, Tom Dell, Grace Kessler) – Frank Miller recused himself from voting on the annexation and rezoning items due to his residence across the street from the proposed development. The minutes from the August 4, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the August 4, 2026 meeting were approved by voice vote with all in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Farless (5145 Sannibill, Columbus) asked whether an HOA would be established to guarantee property maintenance and requested a conceptual drawing of the proposed homes to understand the future view.
• Wayne Cassidy (4982 Delray Drive) raised concerns about a floodplain on the property, a sinkhole problem, and high-voltage power lines (11 poles, some within 32 inches of the road) that would complicate widening Sawin Drive. He questioned the cost to the city of annexing this land.
• Alma Gal (5144 Central Drive, broker with Remax) argued that the new subdivision would depreciate property values in the Villas of Stone Crest, noting that residents there pay high taxes with few city amenities (only trash). She also cited traffic dangers on Sawin Drive, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Ian Winters (4992 Delray Drive) asked for clarification on the term "step up" – whether it meant stepping up from a $150,000 home to $250,000 or from $300,000 to $450,000.

Discussion Items

• Abundant Homes Annexation and Rezoning (Ordinances 2026-??): Melissa Bigley (Planning Department) presented the annexation of approximately 80 acres (plus a 65-acre option) from AP (Agriculture Preferred) to RT (Residential Two-Family) for Abundant Home Solutions. The site is contiguous to city limits, all city departments confirmed ability to serve, and the future land use map designates it residential. The Plan Commission voted 10-1 in favor. Key concerns from the public at the Plan Commission included Sawin Drive conditions and traffic. Council discussion focused on sprawl, housing needs, and road improvements. Councilmember Grace Kessler noted the need for 300 new homes per year for 10 years to keep up with demand. Councilmember Frank Miller (recused) stated that the city is nearing its growth limits and that this parcel is one of few remaining. Daryl Hodgson (Abundant Home Solutions) explained the project: a mix of 55+ twin homes and step-up single-family homes targeting the $350,000+ price range, with HOA, no initial concept plan, and engineering to start in about a year. He addressed concerns about floodplains, power lines, and buffering, and noted that the next step would be a preliminary plat submission to the Plan Commission. The council also discussed the fiscal plan, which would come at the second reading.
• Non-Agenda Public Comment – E-Bike Safety: Mike Kennedy (resident near Rocky Ford and Marr) complained about e-bikes and e-scooters on the People Trail, citing dangerous speeds and lack of yielding by teens. He noted a 5 mph speed limit that is ignored. Council members and Eric Fry (Executive Director of Administration) responded that a working group (planning, parks, police, council) is studying ordinances, education, and enforcement. Options include speed bumps, impoundment of bikes, and signage. The group will meet again on August 31, 2026.
• Grant Process Presentation: Claire Powell (Grant Writer/Administrator) presented a report on grant activities over the past year. She highlighted the creation of a priority needs plan, a grant database of 101 opportunities, and the submission of 16 grants (8 awarded, 5 pending, 3 not awarded). Total awarded: $4,878,111.26 (85% from Ready 2.0). Pending: $1,157,042.08. Not awarded: $76,032.05. The 2025 CEFA report covered 35 federal grants (34 reimbursement, 1 advance). 66% were entitlement/formula, 8% combination, 26% competitive. 43% direct from federal agencies, 57% pass-through from state. She also noted first clean audit in over seven years. Council commended her work.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Annexation (Item 3A): Motion to pass on first reading carried 6-0 (Frank Miller recused).
• Vote on Rezoning (Item 3B): Motion to pass on first reading carried 6-0 (Frank Miller recused).
• Next Steps: Both ordinances will have a second reading on September 1, 2026, at which the fiscal plan for annexation will be presented.
• Future Meetings: The next regular city council meeting is September 1, 2026. The e-bike working group will meet on August 31, 2026.