OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, March 3, 2026
BodyColumbus, Ohio
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, March 3, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:37:44

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Eleven will now come to order.

0:02

Please stand for the playing of the national anthem.

1:17

Press 10, would you leave this in the pledge?

1:29

Indivisible with liberty and justice.

1:32

This evening council is grateful to have uh Bishop Hezekiah Martin of Southfield Missionary Baptist Church to pray with us.

1:39

Uh, we were able to celebrate him lat yesterday for his 20th pastoral anniversary serving Southfield in our community.

1:47

Pastor, welcome to council.

1:49

Good evening, President Harden.

1:51

Good evening to all councilmen and councilwomen.

1:53

Let us go before God and pray.

1:55

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shallow bottom of the shadow of the Almighty.

2:00

Heavenly Father, we thank you tonight that you allowed us to be able to assemble together in the midst of trials and tribulations.

2:08

You've been good.

2:10

In the midst of going through valleys and mountains, you've been good.

2:13

And even though our world is in a place of uncertainty, tonight we place all our cares in your hands.

2:21

Because things may be out of our control, but they're still in God's hands.

2:26

And so, God, we're thankful that through it all that you've been so good.

2:31

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.

2:42

God and you is love and in God and Jewish peace.

2:45

So tonight, in the time of war, we ask God that you'll be a God of peace.

2:51

Yeah, and that you'll continue to cover our troops and those who are serving overseas to protect us from hurt, harm, and danger.

2:58

But we give you the praise because last night wasn't our last night.

3:03

In Jesus' name.

3:04

Amen.

3:05

Amen.

3:05

Thank you so much, Bishop.

3:06

Clerk, please call the road.

3:08

Bangston, Barosa de Padilla, de Aka or Dorns Green, Remy Ross, Weiss President Harden.

3:13

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.

3:23

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.

3:40

Clerk please call the row.

3:42

Bankston, Barosa de Podilla, de Achoward Dorns Green, Remy Ross Weich, President Harden.

3:47

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

3:48

Are there any um additional corrections to the journal?

3:51

Hearing none, the journal is approved.

3:53

This week's communications received by the city clerks also are listed on the agenda and will be published in the city bullets.

3:58

Are there any other communications we ran into the record?

4:00

Not at this time.

4:01

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

4:02

We will go around the dais for announcements and resolutions by our colleagues, by my colleagues, starting with Council Member Bankston.

4:08

Thank you, sir.

4:09

Councilmember Brosa de Padilla.

4:12

Thank you, Council President.

4:13

I do have one announcement.

4:14

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.

4:29

March has been designated as a time to honor, acknowledge, and study women's accomplishments throughout history.

4:54

This year we'll focus on entrepreneurs in our community.

5:00

Women are and have been the fastest growing segment of entrepreneurs throughout the country.

5:03

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.

5:14

It'll be the very best girls' night out.

5:17

So tell a friend, bring a friend.

5:19

Space is limited, tickets are free, open to all.

5:22

We currently have 150 RSVPs.

5:24

So please, please, please get those RSVPs in.

5:28

I hope to see you there as we celebrate and uplift women and uh the incredible women in our community.

5:33

And as I say, with all of these months, women's history, black history, Latino Heritage happens every day.

5:41

But this is the month that for 30 days we ask people to join the party.

5:45

So happy Blue Women's History Month to everyone, and I hope to see you on the 26th.

5:52

Thank you, Councilmember.

5:53

Councilmember De Ocar.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Youth Programs███████████████████████████27%
Procedural████████████12%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Public Safety█████████9%
Transportation Safety█████████9%
Arts And Culture██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Water And Wastewater Management██████6%
Zoning And Land Use████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026

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.

Consent Calendar

  • The council approved the consent agenda, which included resolutions of expression and numerous ordinances from various committees. Councilmember Green abstained from ordinance 0588-2026.
  • A speaker, Jordan, CFO of The Refuge, testified in support of funding for a clinical services building. Jordan shared his personal recovery story and noted that the Refuge helped save the community over $2.5 million from 2018-2020. The council acknowledged the impact of the program.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Sunny Fan (Ohio State student) spoke on the need for improved crosswalk safety on North High Street near campus. She cited 14 pedestrians struck by vehicles in 2025 within one mile of OSU and requested illuminated warning lights, noting a cost of $50,000. Councilmember Ross and Deputy Director Bourn Treger responded that improvements are underway, including resurfacing, repainting, and collaboration with the university on a long-term plan.
  • Nate Wilkins spoke during the Finance and Governance committee discussion on ordinance 0731-2026, advocating for summer jobs and workforce development programs rather than just youth programming. Councilmember De Acker clarified that the ordinance includes $850,000 for recreation and parks to fund summer pool, camps, and 350 youth job positions with workforce development wraparound services.

Recognition & Resolutions

  • Resolution 0052X-2026 recognized Emily Ramirez as the 2026 Youth of the Year from the Boys & Girls Club of Central Ohio. Emily, a 17-year-old senior at Columbus Epicentric, received a $10,000 scholarship and shared her journey from depression to becoming Keystone president, aspiring to be an immigration lawyer. Councilmembers praised her leadership and offered mentorship opportunities.
  • Coach Mike Bale of East High School was recognized for saving a student's life during a shooting. Bale applied pressure to the victim's wound and performed the school chant to keep him awake. Councilmembers commended his bravery and highlighted the need for mental health support and resilience among youth. Bale emphasized changing perceptions and investing in neighborhoods.
  • Dress to Dream program was presented by founder Marlene Drayton and Bishop Hezekiah Martin. The program provides free prom dresses, shoes, and accessories to high school students. This year they have over 700 dresses. The council encouraged public outreach.

Discussion Items

  • Finance and Governance Committee (Chair Bangston):
    • Ordinance 0086-2026: Established authorized strength levels for city departments in alignment with the 2026 operating budget. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0318-2026: Authorized purchase orders for vehicle fuel and fueling services with Wex Bank, up to $2 million. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0587-2026: Authorized $11,050,000 from admission tax proceeds for the Greater Columbus Arts Council. New CEO Mitch Minchaka highlighted a $13 return for every dollar invested and support for 1.2 million Franklin County kids and families. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0591-2026: Authorized $3,475,000 from arena admission tax proceeds for Nationwide Arena infrastructure. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0731-2026: Amended the budget to transfer $850,000 within recreation and parks for summer youth programming, and established $3.6 million in appropriations from the cannabis excise tax fund for Elevate Grants. Also corrected revenue estimates. Passed.
  • Public Service and Transportation Committee (Chair Ross):
    • Ordinance 0431-2026: Authorized $8,074,002.35 for resurfacing 36 streets and ADA curb ramps. Deputy Director Bourn Treger expressed condolences for a worker killed in a hit-skip on I-70. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0487-2026: Authorized $1.9 million for traffic management commodities (signs, signals, markings). Passed.
    • Ordinance 0572-2026: Authorized property acquisition for the Fourth Street Signals Phase 1 project (replacement of traffic signals at five intersections). Passed.
  • Zoning Committee (Chair Dorans):
    • Ordinance 0537-2026: Rezoned 18.6 acres at 1854 Selta Road to allow up to 384 dwelling units (expanding previously approved 264 units). Passed.
    • Ordinance 0538-2026: Granted variances for development standards on the same property. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0562-2026: Granted a variance to allow a manufactured home at 2734 Fairwood Avenue in an R2 district. Passed.
  • Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee (Chair Remy):
    • Ordinance 0446-2026: Transferred $1,421,087.55 from a CDC overdose grant fund to the general fund for grant closeout. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0447-2026: Authorized $1,518,445 for a new explosive ordnance disposal vehicle for the fire bomb squad, replacing a 20-year-old vehicle that serves 33 Ohio counties. Passed with a bid waiver.
  • Housing, Homelessness, and Building Committee (Chair Ross):
    • Ordinance 0534-2026: Authorized $1,054,650 in HOPWA funds for Equitas Health to provide rental assistance and supportive services for low-income individuals with HIV/AIDS. Passed.
  • Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee (Chair Weiss):
    • Ordinance 0172-2026: Authorized $3,205,500 for parts and services for the Southerly Water Reclamation Plant. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0391-2026: Authorized $2,905,749 for residuals removal at Hap Cremean Water Plant Lagoon 2. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0422-2026: Authorized $11,111,848.45 for annual lining of sanitary sewers to reduce leaks and overflows. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0429-2026: Authorized $57,500,000 for professional engineering services for the Home Road Water Plant (1.6 billion project). Construction to begin in Q4 2026, lasting 60-72 months. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0441-2026: Authorized $1,483,646.40 for construction administration services for the annual lining contract. Passed.
    • Ordinance 0471-2026: Authorized $5,945,675.50 for a customer information system upgrade for Columbus Water. Passed.

Key Outcomes

  • All ordinances presented were passed unanimously, with the exception of Councilmember Green's abstention on ordinance 0588-2026 on the consent agenda.
  • The council approved the consent agenda, including the resolution recognizing Emily Ramirez and other routine items.
  • The council recognized Coach Mike Bale and the Dress to Dream program, with commitments to continued partnership and investment.
  • The council recessed for zoning and returned to complete the agenda, adjourning after the final committee reports.

Meeting Transcript

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.

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