OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Meeting - January 27, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, January 27, 2026
BodyColumbus, Ohio
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, January 27, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:09:13

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Meeting number five will now come to order.

0:01

Please stand for the playing of the national anthem.

1:17

Councilman Banks, can we lead us in the pledge?

1:19

I pledge your speeches to the flag.

1:24

And to the republic for which it is one nation.

1:33

This evening, Council is grateful to have the Reverend John Edgar, the founding pastor of United Methodist Church for all people here to pray with us.

1:41

Pastor, welcome to council.

1:42

Back to Council.

1:49

President Harden and members of City Council, I appreciate the opportunity to be with you this evening.

1:55

Let us pray.

1:56

Almighty God, as we assemble for the proceedings of the City Council meeting, we humbly ask that each of us may feel your presence and be guided by your righteousness.

2:08

Tonight, pour forth, O Lord, your whispered words of wisdom into the waiting ears of our council members and their president.

2:17

Continue to weave them together as an effective force for positive change.

2:23

Guide them in their deliberations, ensuring that they make decisions that provide and promote the unfolding of your kingdom here in the city of Columbus, even as it is in heaven.

2:35

May your amazing grace flow outward, washing over all who have gathered in these chambers, be especially close to those who make presentations or speak about various matters.

2:48

Temper their words with civility and shape their requests to be in harmony with your desires.

2:55

Awaken us a fresh, dear God, to the truth that we are stewards of the manifold resources you have entrusted to us.

3:03

Guided by your grace, may we share forward the best we have received, trusting that you, O Lord, will take whatever we offer and use it to further build an opportunity-rich community where all may thrive.

3:19

Direct each of us, council members, and individual citizens to do everything we can to care for those who are vulnerable and most at risk.

3:29

All this we pray, trusting that your Holy Spirit is already at work within each of our hearts and souls.

3:39

Amen.

3:40

Amen.

3:40

Thank you, Pastor.

3:41

Clerk, please call the row.

3:43

Thanks, Tim Barosa de Padilla, de Akaward Dorans Green, Remy Ross, Weiss, President Hardin.

3:48

Any person who takes any action to obstruct or interfere with the conduct of tonight's meeting may be charged with disturbing a lawful meeting pursuance of Columbus City Code 2317.

3:59

Any person who enters those areas of City Council Chambers reserved for city officials or invited guests may be charged with criminal trespass pursuance of Columbus City Code 2311.

4:10

Can I get a motion to send the reading of the journal?

4:13

Clark, please call the row.

4:14

Banks Timberwolves depadilla, de accountorance green, reamy Ross, Weiss, President Harden.

4:19

Are there any additions or corrections to the journal?

4:21

Hearing none of the journals approved.

4:22

This week's communication received by the city clerk's office are listed on the agenda will be published in the city bulletin.

4:27

Are there any other uh communications we ran to the record?

4:32

Madam Clerk.

4:33

No, not at this time.

4:39

Um to take a moment to uh reflect on the life of and celebrate the service of longtime city auditor.

4:51

Uh and uh person of service, Mr.

4:54

Hugh Dorian.

4:55

Uh Mr.

4:56

Dorian served our city for more than 50 years.

5:00

Um and they they truly don't make them like that anymore.

5:04

Um Mr.

5:05

Dorian would be someone who would not want a lot of fanfare, but because of the person he was, how much humility he had, how he served without wanting um the focus on him.

5:17

I think it's important that we actually do put the focus on him, not just to celebrate his service, but to remind us who currently serve and those who will serve after us what true service, um, humble service.

5:32

Um first service is really like, and that was Mr.

5:37

Dorian.

5:38

Um we will over the next week as we celebrate Mr.

5:42

Dorian, um, have many different opportunities, but I wanted to turn the floor over to Tom from uh Mr.

5:49

Dorian's office or from this the auditor's office.

5:52

Yeah, it was Mr.

5:52

Dorian's office.

5:54

Uh to say a few words.

5:56

Tom.

5:57

Thank you, President Harden, uh, Pro Tim Dorians, members of the council and city colleagues.

6:02

On behalf of Auditor Kilgore and the staff at the Columbus City Auditor's Office, we would just like to express our condolences to the Dorian family, but also celebrate the life of former auditor Hugh Dorian.

6:14

Mr.

6:14

Dorian was a shining example of a public servant whose career was defined by service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Columbus.

6:23

For more than five decades, Mr.

6:25

Dorian dedicated his life to this city.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████17%
Affordable Housing██████████████14%
Zoning And Land Use██████████10%
Youth Programs████████8%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Water And Wastewater Management██████6%
Public Safety██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Meeting - January 27, 2026

The Columbus City Council held its fifth regular meeting of the year on January 27, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:00 PM with opening ceremonies and concluding with adjournment after 10:00 PM. The meeting included tributes, public comments, numerous ordinance approvals, and the establishment of the Yes in God's Backyard pilot program.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved resolutions of expression and consent agenda ordinances from multiple committees (finance, public service, neighborhoods, workforce, health, public safety, housing, public utilities, and rules). The consent agenda included over 60 items covering routine appropriations, contract authorizations, and administrative actions, all passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • George Wilkins (North Linden resident, 20 years) expressed support for ordinance 0005-2026 (TB medication contract with Crosby Drugs) and requested the contract term be extended through 2027 or 2028.
  • Rick Kitchen (Greater Hilltop Area Commissioner and HOA trustee) opposed the rezoning at 1100 Georgesville Green (3000-2025), citing safety concerns from increased traffic, lack of recent traffic studies, and neighborhood opposition. He urged the council to respect the area commission's disapproval.
  • Adam Troy (Director of New Salem Baptist Church Foundation) spoke in favor of the Yes in God's Backyard (YIGBY) ordinance, highlighting faith institutions' role in affordable housing and urging streamlined processes for faith-based development.
  • Johnny Pitts (President, Day Spring Christian CDC) supported YIGBY, noting Day Spring's 30 years and over 1,500 units of affordable housing, and emphasized the need for greater capacity and debt forgiveness.
  • Rev. John Edgar (Founding pastor, United Methodist Church for All People) supported YIGBY, citing his experience with Habitat for Humanity and Community Development for All People, and mentioned Bethel International United Methodist Church's plans to develop apartments on two acres.
  • Anna Tekasongo (Assistant Executive Director, Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio) supported YIGBY, noting 85% of Central Ohio residents favor simplified permitting for faith-based affordable housing, and announced a March 4 educational workshop co-hosted with PACT.

Discussion Items

  • Tribute to Former City Auditor Hugh Dorian: Council members and staff celebrated Mr. Dorian's 50+ years of service, emphasizing his integrity, financial stewardship, and impact on the city's infrastructure. A moment of silence was observed.
  • Rental Registry Hearing: Councilmember Bankston announced the third hearing on the proposed rental registry ordinance on February 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM, with speaker sign-up deadlines and updated draft language available online.
  • Snow Operations Update: Public Service Director reported on the unprecedented snowstorm: all 4,600 miles of snow plan routes were covered (priority roads multiple times), with contractor and Franklin County Engineer's Office assistance. Reminded residents of sidewalk clearing responsibility.
  • Water Main Breaks: Deputy Director for Water reported that 70 main line breaks and about as many service line breaks were completed; with 12 crews working, six still needing investigation. Temperatures rising are expected to reduce further breaks.
  • Recognitions:
    • Columbus Underground (25th anniversary) – Resolution 0021-2026.
    • Duane Casares (retirement from Directions for Youth and Family after 33 years) – Resolution 002X-2026.
    • Judge James Edward Green (retirement from Franklin County Municipal Court after 31 years) – Resolution 0020X-2026.
    • 8U and 9U Legacy Gators – American Youth Football Division II national champions (2025).
  • Yes in God's Backyard Pilot Program: Council President Harden introduced ordinance 0245-2026 to streamline approvals for faith-based, educational, and nonprofit organizations to develop affordable housing on land owned as of January 1, 2025. The program provides expedited reviews and no additional costs, requiring CRA affordability standards. Pilot aims to reduce barriers and produce data for future zoning reform.
  • Rezoning and Variance Hearings: The council considered several rezoning and variance requests, including a controversial rezoning at 1100 Georgesville Green (from LC3 to AR1 for 48-unit apartment development) which was approved despite the Greater Hilltop Area Commission's disapproval. Other rezonings included 5357 Cleveland Avenue, 7825 Flint Road, 2575 West Dublin Granville Road (474 units), and 1981 South High Street (455 units).

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Ordinances: All ordinances on the agenda were passed, including:
    • Annual lease payments through River South Authority ($4.6 million debt retirement, $1.84 million mobility enterprise).
    • Automotive parts for fleet management ($2.8 million).
    • Municipal court building demolition contract modification ($10.99 million).
    • Sidewalk installations in South Linden, on Wafford/Sharbot/Northtown, and resurfacing/slurry seal of over 100 streets ($1.89 million for sidewalks, $1.83 million for resurfacing).
    • Speed limit reduction on Parsons Avenue (Whittier to Broad) from 35 to 25 mph – effective 30 days after passage.
    • East Side Rail Trail design ($100,000 grant from COTA) and Alum Creek Trail Mock Road connector ($3.92 million, construction expected by summer 2027).
    • Human Resources modernization contract with August 20 ($458,500).
    • Tuberculosis medication distribution contract with Crosby Drugs ($110,000).
    • Ryan White Part A HIV care grant contracts ($3.15 million).
    • Epic Electronic Medical Record single sign-on software contract ($165,903).
    • Crosswalk nurse health navigation line – no cost to city, expected operational later in 2026.
    • Safety camera maintenance contract ($285,000).
    • Police continuing professional training fund ($1.52 million).
    • Legal counsel contract for lead water line litigation (Edelson PC, no cost).
    • Debt forgiveness for home loans: Fairview Homes ($1.98M), Level Green Homes ($1.30M), Kingsford Homes ($1.46M), South Side Homes ($2.13M), Joyce Avenue Homes ($1.36M).
    • Roof replacement program contract with Revere Roofing ($150,000).
    • Yes in God's Backyard Pilot Program – established ordinance 0245-2026.
    • Various public utilities contracts and modifications (blueprint permeable pavement, Jackson Pike digester improvements, Southerly upgrades, water meter reading, sewer chemicals, elevator improvements, etc.), totaling over $30 million.
    • Recycling services regulation for city facilities (effective January 1, 2027).
    • Municipal income tax code updates to align with state House Bill 96.
  • Zoning Decisions: Rezonings and variances passed as noted, with the Georgesville Green project approved despite community opposition (vote: 8-1 with Councilmember Green dissenting on the variance). Conditions included 30% of units at 80% AMI and a commitment to site plan with buffering.
  • Next Steps: The rental registry hearing scheduled for February 19, 2026. YIGBY pilot implementation rulemaking to follow. Parsons Avenue speed reduction signage to be installed within 30 days.

Meeting Transcript

Meeting number five will now come to order. Please stand for the playing of the national anthem. Councilman Banks, can we lead us in the pledge? I pledge your speeches to the flag. And to the republic for which it is one nation. This evening, Council is grateful to have the Reverend John Edgar, the founding pastor of United Methodist Church for all people here to pray with us. Pastor, welcome to council. Back to Council. President Harden and members of City Council, I appreciate the opportunity to be with you this evening. Let us pray. Almighty God, as we assemble for the proceedings of the City Council meeting, we humbly ask that each of us may feel your presence and be guided by your righteousness. Tonight, pour forth, O Lord, your whispered words of wisdom into the waiting ears of our council members and their president. Continue to weave them together as an effective force for positive change. Guide them in their deliberations, ensuring that they make decisions that provide and promote the unfolding of your kingdom here in the city of Columbus, even as it is in heaven. May your amazing grace flow outward, washing over all who have gathered in these chambers, be especially close to those who make presentations or speak about various matters. Temper their words with civility and shape their requests to be in harmony with your desires. Awaken us a fresh, dear God, to the truth that we are stewards of the manifold resources you have entrusted to us. Guided by your grace, may we share forward the best we have received, trusting that you, O Lord, will take whatever we offer and use it to further build an opportunity-rich community where all may thrive. Direct each of us, council members, and individual citizens to do everything we can to care for those who are vulnerable and most at risk. All this we pray, trusting that your Holy Spirit is already at work within each of our hearts and souls. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. Clerk, please call the row. Thanks, Tim Barosa de Padilla, de Akaward Dorans Green, Remy Ross, Weiss, President Hardin. Any person who takes any action to obstruct or interfere with the conduct of tonight's meeting may be charged with disturbing a lawful meeting pursuance of Columbus City Code 2317. Any person who enters those areas of City Council Chambers reserved for city officials or invited guests may be charged with criminal trespass pursuance of Columbus City Code 2311. Can I get a motion to send the reading of the journal? Clark, please call the row. Banks Timberwolves depadilla, de accountorance green, reamy Ross, Weiss, President Harden. Are there any additions or corrections to the journal? Hearing none of the journals approved. This week's communication received by the city clerk's office are listed on the agenda will be published in the city bulletin. Are there any other uh communications we ran to the record? Madam Clerk. No, not at this time. Um to take a moment to uh reflect on the life of and celebrate the service of longtime city auditor. Uh and uh person of service, Mr. Hugh Dorian. Uh Mr. Dorian served our city for more than 50 years. Um and they they truly don't make them like that anymore. Um Mr. Dorian would be someone who would not want a lot of fanfare, but because of the person he was, how much humility he had, how he served without wanting um the focus on him. I think it's important that we actually do put the focus on him, not just to celebrate his service, but to remind us who currently serve and those who will serve after us what true service, um, humble service. Um first service is really like, and that was Mr. Dorian. Um we will over the next week as we celebrate Mr. Dorian, um, have many different opportunities, but I wanted to turn the floor over to Tom from uh Mr. Dorian's office or from this the auditor's office.

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