The Columbus City Council held its regular meeting on March 3, 2026, beginning with the national anthem, pledge, and a prayer by Bishop Hezekiah Martin of Southfield Missionary Baptist Church. The council approved the journal, received communications, and proceeded with announcements, recognitions, and legislative items. The meeting included a consent agenda, public testimony, and second readings of ordinances from multiple committees. All votes were unanimous unless noted otherwise.
Eleven will now come to order. Please stand for the playing of the national anthem. Press 10, would you leave this in the pledge? Indivisible with liberty and justice. This evening council is grateful to have uh Bishop Hezekiah Martin of Southfield Missionary Baptist Church to pray with us. Uh, we were able to celebrate him lat yesterday for his 20th pastoral anniversary serving Southfield in our community. Pastor, welcome to council. Good evening, President Harden. Good evening to all councilmen and councilwomen. Let us go before God and pray. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shallow bottom of the shadow of the Almighty. Heavenly Father, we thank you tonight that you allowed us to be able to assemble together in the midst of trials and tribulations. You've been good. In the midst of going through valleys and mountains, you've been good. And even though our world is in a place of uncertainty, tonight we place all our cares in your hands. Because things may be out of our control, but they're still in God's hands. And so, God, we're thankful that through it all that you've been so good. But we pray for all these council women and council men that you put continue to protect them from hurt, harm, and danger, that you will give them the wisdom and guidance to lead our city to great places of destiny and healing. God and you is love and in God and Jewish peace. So tonight, in the time of war, we ask God that you'll be a God of peace. Yeah, and that you'll continue to cover our troops and those who are serving overseas to protect us from hurt, harm, and danger. But we give you the praise because last night wasn't our last night. In Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Thank you so much, Bishop. Clerk, please call the road. Bangston, Barosa de Padilla, de Aka or Dorns Green, Remy Ross, Weiss President Harden. Any person who takes any action to obstruct or interfere with the conduct of tonight's meeting may be charged with serving a lawful meeting pursuant to Columbus City Code 2317.12. Any person who enters those areas of city council chambers reserved for city officials or invited guests may be charged with criminal trespass pursuant to Columbus City Code 2311.21. Clerk please call the row. Bankston, Barosa de Podilla, de Achoward Dorns Green, Remy Ross Weich, President Harden. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Are there any um additional corrections to the journal? Hearing none, the journal is approved. This week's communications received by the city clerks also are listed on the agenda and will be published in the city bullets. Are there any other communications we ran into the record? Not at this time. Thank you, Madam Clerk. We will go around the dais for announcements and resolutions by our colleagues, by my colleagues, starting with Council Member Bankston. Thank you, sir. Councilmember Brosa de Padilla. Thank you, Council President. I do have one announcement. First, I would like to officially say Happy Women's History Month and a belated happy International Women's Day since 1995 through the efforts of historians, activists, and women's organizations across the country and through presidential proclamation. March has been designated as a time to honor, acknowledge, and study women's accomplishments throughout history. This year we'll focus on entrepreneurs in our community. Women are and have been the fastest growing segment of entrepreneurs throughout the country. At the event, you will hear stories from entrepreneurs, have an opportunity to network, listen from about resources for turning your side hustle into your main hustle, and shop local women-owned businesses. It'll be the very best girls' night out.