The Columbus City Council convened on May 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM (estimated) to consider a wide-ranging agenda including resolutions, ordinances on first and second reading, consent agenda items, and zoning matters. Key topics included the first reading of a resolution to expand the Confluence Community Authority for a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) training facility, a deer feeding prohibition, recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day, funding for affordable housing and arts facilities, and the purchase of a fire apparatus with enhanced contract protections. Public testimony was heard on the NWSL expansion and on affordable housing.
23 will now come to order. Please stand for the playing of the national anthem. Councilmember Diocler, would you leave us in the pledge? I pledge the United States there. This evening, Council is grateful to have Pastor Joe Dunlap Jr. of Bethle Temple Ministries to pray with us. Pastor, welcome back to Council. Good evening, President Harden and Council members and all of you. Um the government and Isaiah 9, 6 and 7, referring to Jesus Christ. It talks about the government will be on his shoulders, is a prophecy from that scripture referring to Jesus Christ, symbolizing that he bears the absolute responsibility of leadership, sovereignty, and authority. It signifies that he is the ultimate ruler whose reign brings peace, justice, and righteousness rather than relying on human strength alone. And so God, we just thank you for knowing God that this council, God, the City of Columbus, the state of Ohio, our nation, our world. God is upon your shoulders, God, and because of that, you have made uh President Hardin and these council members. You said their yoke will be easy and their burdens are light. So we thank you for giving them continued wisdom, discernment, and direction for this city and even what will take place this evening. God, we thank you for just supernatural wisdom and understanding and revelation that will be applied to their duties. We just thank you. Thank you, Father Lord, for the outcomes that have already happened, those that are yet to come, the great things that you are doing through your designated members here on this day. We just thank you for this opportunity, and we give you all glory, honor, and praise. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. Clerk, please call the role. Bangkson, Deakar, Dorns Green, Remy, Ross Weiss, President Harding. Any person who takes actions to obstruct or interfere with the conduct of tonight's meeting may be charged with distarving a lawful meeting pursuant. Any person who enters those areas of city council chambers reserved for city officials or an invited guest may be charged with criminal trump trespass pursuant to Columbus City Code 2311. Can I go to motion to distance with the reading of the journal? Clerk, please call the row. Bangston, they are covered, Dorans Green, Remy, Ross Weiss, President Harden. Are there any additions or corrections to the journal? This week's communication received by the city clerk's officer listed on the agenda and we publish in the city bulletin. Are there any other communications we ran into the record? Not at this time. We'll go around the dais with uh updates and resolutions from members of council, starting with Councilmember Bankston. Thank you, Councilmember. Councilmember Dayakau. Thank you, Council President. I have just one announcement this evening. It's a reminder that the city will be hosting its second annual Memorial Day ceremony on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th at 1 p.m. at the Linden War Memorial in Linden Park, which is next to the community center. As we did last year, we're excited to have members of the Linden community there to participate in the service. And we also have the Fort Hayes Air Force Junior ROTC joining us to present the colors, lay the ceremonial wreath, and do the flag folding ceremony. Our guest speaker will be Army Veteran Danny Eekins from the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. And this year we are doing a special tribute to Columbus Native Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons. The tribute will be made by Major Jennifer Green. I encourage all community members to join us on Memorial Day for this special ceremony as we honor Master Sergeant Simmons and all those who've given their life in service to our country. Thank you. President O'Toam. Councilmember Green. Councilmember Reamy.