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.

Thank you very much, Council President.

I have one announcement in one resolution this evening.

I just want to give a huge thank you to everyone who participated in our fifth annual Cleaner Columbus Citywide Cleanup on Saturday.

We had more than 300 people come out to help show what it means to have respect for our neighborhoods and to help clean up all across the city.

Together, we picked up nearly 10,000 pounds of litter off our streets.

So thank you so much to our partners, including the Harmony Project, the Southeast Lions Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland, and so many others.

And it's a big shout out to the Department of Public Service and Keep Columbus beautiful team for working with us in ensuring the day went smoothly smoothly.

Deputy Director McGinnis, I appreciate you and your department's commitment to cleaner to a cleaner Columbus.

And next, I'd like to invite Deputy Chief Mark Denner to the podium as I introduce Resolution 0123X 2026 to recognize May 15th, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and to recognize this week as National Police Week.

It's hard to put into words how important it is to recognize the ultimate sacrifice that some peace officers have made in their duty to keep our residents safe.

This resolution gives council the opportunity to pause and honor those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to recognize the weight of the sacrifice, not only for their departments and colleagues, but especially for their families and loved ones.

It also gives us a chance to recognize the officers who continue to serve every day, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances, and to acknowledge the seriousness of the responsibility that they carry on behalf of our community.

In Columbus, the members of the Division of Police show up each day to serve neighborhoods across the city.

And this week is an important opportunity to reflect on that service and to remember those who gave everything in the line of duty.

At this time, I'd like to turn the podium over to Deputy Chief Tenner.

Thank you, Councilman Reemy.

Thank you, everyone.

On behalf of Public Safety Director Kate Pashotti and Chief Elaine Bryant and the men and women of the Columbus Division of Police, I just want to say thank you for for allowing us for recognizing the Columbus Police Department and the hard work that the men and women do every single day.

May 15th is National Uh Police Officer Memorial Day, and that was signed back in 1962 when it was recognized.

And every uh every May 15th in the United States Capitol, uh, all the officers who were killed in the line of duty are recognized.

Um so everybody who gets to take part of that is a special time, uh, but not only throughout the United States, but here in Columbus, we recognize uh our honor guard has a ceremony, which will be on May 22nd, and uh throughout this week and next week uh to be able to pay respect to the officers who uh gave the ultimate sacrifice who do one of the hardest jobs in America and uh thank their families uh for their sacrifice.

Um it's uh it's an honor and it's an honor for uh for us to stand or for me to stand before you and say thank you uh for your guys' support.

So thank you again for having me.

And uh I'll accept this on behalf of Chief Bryan and Safety Director of Bashadi.

Thank you, Deputy Chief, for being here tonight, and thank you as well to everyone joining us for this recognition.

As we consider this resolution, I hope we do so with a spirit of gratitude, reflection, and remembrance.

Peace officers Memorial Day and National Police Week are about making sure that those who have made the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten, and that their service is honored with the respect it deserves.

Are there any comments from my colleagues this evening?

Council President.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair, and thank you, Chief, for being here.

Um it's not just this Monday that we remember uh our fallen officers and those who've given the uh ultimate sacrifices each and every day.

Uh we are a better and safer community because of the division of the Columbus Division of Police and its officers and all those who um leave their homes every day to go out and do one of the hardest jobs uh that there is.

And so, on behalf of this council, but more so I think on behalf of a grateful city, we we do say thank you.

We do remember, uh, and we do have a responsibility to make sure that uh our division of police continues to be the most well best trained uh and best supported divisions in our our country so that it can continue to keep us all safe.

So thank you uh for being here uh with us today.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

Thank you very much.

With that, I move for adoption.

Click please call the role.

Thank Ston Day Aukara, Dorance Green, Remy Ross Weiss, President Harden.

Adopt it.

That's all I have.

Thank you, Council President.

I just have one resolution today before I read off the resolution.

I would like to ask Bishop Charles Berger, or Bishop Dr.

Charles Berger and the whole clan to uh come up to the podium.

And while you are coming, I will read off resolution number 0125x-2026.

And this is to recognize and honor the legacy of Bishop Dr.

Charles Berger E.

Berger Sr.

in his transition into the role of Bishop Emeritus.

I'll wait till he gets up here before I read off his uh extensive bio.

Thank you, Bishop Breger, for being here.

Uh Bishop Brigger has a passion for spreading the gospel with great love for God's people.

Having received his mandate from God, Bishop Burger committed to the pastoral call with the vision of a healing church for hurting people.

The church opened the doors to the community in October of 2000.

Before receiving the call to pastor, Bishop Burger was blessed to train and serve at the Greater Bethlehem Temple Church under the late Bishop Walter Jones.

During the 27 years, Bishop Berger served the youth department and Sunday school and the ministry staff.

Bishop Brigger studied under Dr.

Isaiah A.

Cott at the Ohio School of Biblical Theology and went on to receive his doctorate degree in theology from Union University in Pasadena, California.

On July 2012, Bishop Charles Berger was ordained to the office of Bishop and the Abundant Life Christian Fellowship International.

Bishop Charles Berger is the husband to evangelist Lillian Berger for over 55 years.

They have six children that they are serving in ministry with, and it is their desire, and it is the desire of Bishop Charles Berger to see the law the lost and hurting humanity healed through the love of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Berger has been elevated as the presiding bishop of the Abundant Life Christian Fellowship International and is now taking emeritus status.

I know that Bishop Dr.

Berger was uninterested in speaking before council today.

So he has uh appointed his daughter, uh Latoya Berger, who uh is a good friend of mine and who I also share uh the responsibilities of speaking on behalf of a of a grandfather who also often designates me as the appropriate speaker.

So I certainly thank you for stepping in on behalf of your father to speak, and we'll offer you a moment to provide remarks.

Yes, ma'am, thank you.

Um, on behalf of my father-in-love, actually, Bishop Dr.

Charles E.

Berger, and my mother-in-love, Lady Lillian Berger.

I want to express our family's profound gratitude for this moment to be gathered here in City Hall.

It is a testament to the fact that when you serve God faithfully, he ensures your light is seen by the world.

First, we would like to formally acknowledge and thank Mayor Ginther as well as City Council President Shannon Harding, Councilwoman Miss Ross, and all of the other Columbus City Council men and women today.

Um, thank you for the incredible honor and recognizing the decades of the labor of my father in love has as he's poured into the soil of this city.

Um his decade of love and collective leadership in Columbus is appreciated, and we are humbled that you have taken the time to pause and celebrate this milestone to us.

The life of Bishop is often seen through the lens of a title, but Charles Berger has always been not seen as a task.

His ministry is anchored in the spirit of Matthew 20 and 28.

Following the example of Christ, Bishop has spent his years not looking forward to a seat at the head of the table, but looking for the person who didn't have a seat at all.

Whether on the streets of Columbus or in the halls of the church, his mission has been bad to be an ambassador of reconciliation and love.

Now we see the word retirement, like you talked about earlier with your grandfather on the program today or the agenda.

Um, while he's sunsetting his tenure as the presiding prelate, he is still going to be in his emeritus status.

He wants to make it very clear to everyone in the room that Bishop is not putting down his Bible.

He has made it clear that he will continue to stand in the pulpit and preach the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ and to the Lord himself tells him it's time to officially officially formally retire.

The office may change, but the calling remains.

The recognition is a beautiful tribute of a man of God who would first tell that the honor belongs to just not just to him, but to the woman standing right beside his sides.

My mother in love, Lady Lillian Berger has been the silent strength, the prayer warrior, and the partner in every victory one.

The word tells us in Proverbs 18 and 22.

Who he who findeth the good wife findeth the good thing and obtain the favor of the Lord.

Bishop found his good thing many, many years ago, as you mentioned, and the favor of his life is a direct reflection of his devotion.

Mom and love, thank you for serving alongside dad for your sacrifices and your grace to this day.

But we wouldn't do it right without us as the family sharing a word of God with you all.

In closing, as family, we want to leave a final word of encouragement for all of the members of City Council.

We would we know the weight of leadership is heavy, and the decisions you make impact the lives of millions.

Our prayer is is you find as you find in James 1 and 5.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God that giveth all men liberally and unbraideth not, and it shall be given in him.

May your meeting this evening in every session is deliberation going forward, be blessed with divine wisdom and peace.

May the decisions made in these chambers continue to move our city forward of future justice and prosperity for all to the family and the grandchildren and children and clergy.

Thank you for your labor of love to the Slumbus again to the Columbus City Council.

Thank you for being the mission field for Bishop and he's love dearly.

May God continue to bless the city and may he continue to strengthen the legacy of Bishop and Lady Burger.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you, Latoya.

Again, um, generally the office, the title of bishop comes second to uh the responsibility of service, and so we certainly thank you for your service to this community, your lifelong service to this community.

And if there are no further comments from my colleagues, I will move for adoption.

Bankston Day Aukar, Dorns Green, Remy, Ross Weiss, President Harden.

Adopted Thank you, Councilmember.

Councilmember White.

Thank you, Council President.

Two quick announcements this evening.

Uh, first, I'm excited to share that our next edition of Wednesdays with Whites will be taking place on May 20th from 3 to 7 p.m.

at the Glenwood Community Center is a great opportunity to discuss issues in the community that concern you or to provide feedback on policy initiatives that I'm currently working on.

RSVPs are encouraged, but walk ins are always welcome to RSVP.

Please visit bit.

Chelsea Goltriman at C L G O L T E R M A N at Columbus.gov.

Hope to see everyone there.

Um, and while I have the mic, I just want to wish my daughter Lulu Elizabeth a happy early birthday.

Although it feels like she's going from 9 to 22.

She's actually only turning 10 on Thursday.

Um, but wanted to wish her a happy birthday.

I love you, baby.

That's it for me, Council President.

Happy birthday.

Thank you, Councilmember.

Are there any comments from our elected officials uh offices?

Seeing none.

At this time, we request the following ordinance to be removed from the consent portion of the agenda.

In economic development and small and minority business committee, we have ordinances 0999-2026, ordinance 1311-2026, 1312-2026, 1315-2026, and 0316-2026.

Are there any other requests by sorry instead of 0316?

It should be 1316-2026.

We good.

Okay.

See none, may we now have a motion of waiving these titles of 30 day legislation by the clerk.

Clerk please call the role.

Bankston, Day Akar, Dorns Green, remote Ross Weish, President Harden.

Well, the clerk now read to the records or order numbers of 30 day legislation on tonight's agenda for first reading.

Zero resolution 0121x dash 2026.

Public Service and Transportation Committee 1170, 1163 2026.

Neighborhoods Restoration and Parks Committee 666 921068 1069 1074 1087 1092-2026 Health Human Services and Equity Committee Ordinance 1225 or 1226-2026 Housing Homeless and Building Committee Ordinances 1012 1213 1298 1303-2026 Public Utilities and Trans and Sustainability Committee 882 1025 1058 1117 1125 1133 1142 1149 1164 1206 1223 1240 1247 1254 2026 Rules and Policy Ordinances 1392 and 1265-2026 Zoning Committee Rezonings and Amendments 0290 1035 and 1294-2026 Variances 291031036 1295 1346 and 1350-2026.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

We have three speakers on the uh first reading portion of the agenda speaking on orders 0121 X-2026.

Um actually two speakers, not three.

I apologize.

The first speaker to come before council is Jennifer Creighton.

Ms.

Craight, welcome to council.

Okay, thank you.

Um good evening, President Harding, members of council.

My name is Jennifer Creaton, and I'm here to urge you not to allow this resolution to advance to a second reading.

This is not a harmless procedural step.

This is a moment when the city's written consent to give away 555 Green Lawn Avenue becomes official.

Once you approve this resolution, the chapter 349 expansion process is activated.

The notices go out, the hearing is set, and the expansion gains legal momentum that becomes extremely difficult to stop later.

Because this is only the first reading, and since you do not intend to vote tonight, I am asking you to take the one action that protects this community.

Do not allow this resolution to move forward.

Tonight is the only part point in this process where you can prevent irreversible momentum.

And we need to talk about 555 Green Lawn Avenue, the parcel included in this resolution.

From the beginning, residents were adamant that 555 Green Lawn should remain with recreation and parks.

When the city was willing to give away the only major green space in this area, it sent a message.

So residents have no reason to believe Castle Court will be protected in the future.

It feels like only a matter of time before this 75-year-old manufactured housing community is targeted for absorption into the CCA as well.

That fear is not theoretical.

It is based on lived experiences.

Castle Court is not just land.

They would be so appalled to see their life's work treated as disposable.

And this is happening after the rushed McCoy Park deal, done with no transparency, no meaningful engagement, and no respect for the people who live there.

And after that harm, the city promised to rebuild trust.

Advancing this rep resolution breaks that promise.

This neighborhood has already lost McCoy Park.

Do not put Casil Court at risk next.

Thank you.

Thank you so much, Ms.

Creighton, for being here.

And I'm going to ask Ms.

Lees Reed to come forward.

And then I'll ask the director Stevens to talk about what this is and what it is.

I think you have a good understanding that there is no vote tonight necessarily.

Um that this uh still gives us time to have that very, very uh specific conversation that you have that I I certainly support, but I want to let um Chair Reid speak and then uh have some uh have Director Stevens speak.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Yep.

Uh members of council, get to see you again today.

Um the working group formed from ordinance 1112 2026 to replace what was envisioned for McCoy Park was formed on April 30th, 2026.

Today, we have 49 days left to have 49 days left to create the community, the community.

I'm sorry, to create to finish the work that we are that we are intended to do, as well as have the community comments and the proposal with the report.

During the first meeting, the Southwest Area Commission uh stated on the proposal that it was important that the parcels of land north of McCoy Park and south of Greenlawn Avenue, that these parcels owned by the city should remain as public park space and developed into therapeutic and recreation community park with a splash pad.

Keeping these parcels public will go far in meeting the mission of the amendments in ordinance 1112 2026.

Additionally, these parcels are not needed for the training facility to field an NWSL team by 2028.

On May 1st, the very day after our first meeting and making those statements, this resolution was created.

The legislation not only includes all the parcels north of McCoy Park, it appears to include non-city land, which holds the homes of 18 families.

These are parcels in the city.

These are the parcels in the city that they are recommending to be included with the Confluence Community Authority to become part of the giveaway lease property to the NWSL.

During the second group meeting on May 7th, I brought up these parcels north of McCoy Park and south of Greenlawn Avenue.

I reminded them of the importance of discussing these parcels as part of the solution.

In response, Elon Sims, the mayor's chief of staff, insisted that discussion be placed on hold.

At no point did anyone mention this legislation was moving forward.

Usurps the working group you created on March 21st.

The members who voted on this ordinance stated again and again your amendment will give teeth to everything envisioned for McCoy Park.

And that this will be done in a timely fashion.

And that you would hold them accountable through future ordinances.

Well, this is one of those ordinances.

Ordinance 0121X-2026 is a sneaky attempt to give away land, making it impossible to meet the vision of your amendment.

Take this opportunity to keep the mayor's administration honest.

The city team is not working in good faith during the working group meetings.

Decline to allow 0121x 2026 for a second reading.

You have the power and you have the authority to keep the mayor's office in check.

To demand the work they do is in good faith towards fulfilling this amendment.

So on page two, you'll see the parcels that we're talking about as pretty much as they exist today.

On page two, you'll see the park redesign, which includes that same layout of land.

And you'll also see where the adaptive park, all the uh trees were going to be, and where the green space was going to be based upon the 2026 proposed design.

On the very next page, you will see the layout for the proposed training facility.

Is everyone following?

Okay.

So then on page five, what you're going to see is a overlay of those two together.

And in the red outline is essentially what they have proposed for the training facility.

You'll see that the majority of the land that is north of McCoy Park and south of Green Lawn Avenue would be available for a public park.

And in fact, if you look on the following page with the red line, and you can see more clearly the original design of the park, the majority of the things that were designed for the adaptive park and the therapeutic park could be moved and fit within that parcel and still have the full training facility as proposed.

Um that is already in staff is looking at that, that's already being proposed.

The following page is what you'll see from today's legislation.

The green indicates additional properties that they want to add to this community, I'm sorry, the confluence community authority.

If you look at the green based upon the map that they submitted with this legislation, it includes the parcels down where there are homes, and it includes all of the space north of McCoy Park.

So what I propose, or what I would recommend is to table this today, um, to not see it next week, to not have a vote on it at all, um, to let whoever put this forward to let them know that we're not going to look at these things until after the working group has had an opportunity to consider the public use of this space north of Green Lawn and to ensure that the mobile home community is not going to be affected by this legislation.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Um, are there any questions for the the chair before we um uh ask uh director Stevens to talk about uh what this is in front of us right now for direct step?

Me too, yeah.

Sure.

Thank you, Chair.

And and like I said, I'll say this before, and then as we move through there's no vote today.

And so I think that there's nothing that you said.

I mean, I want clarification because uh I want to know for sure if these bottom left corner is in this resolution or not, because that's different from what I what I'm hearing, but regardless, there is no vote today.

And we still have a lot, we have the opportunity to continue this conversation.

And so we are working in good faith.

We are trying to work as council is working in good faith.

And we just want to make sure that you have all the information when we have it.

And so well, I'm going to ask Director.

And I really prefer that you table it today so it doesn't come to a vote next week.

I hear you.

Um it should just be stopped right here, tabled, and then deal with it when it's when it should have been coming forward, which is after the working group submits their report.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you.

All right.

Director, would you like to speak on uh what this resolution would do?

Yeah, thank you, President Harden, members of council.

This resolution is required by uh Chapter 349 of the Ohio Revised Code to add properties through written consent to the existing confluence community authority.

It sets a time and place for a public hearing.

After the public hearing, City Council will then have in front of them a second resolution that will accept the properties into the new community authority.

The second reading of the of this second resolution will occur after that public hearing that was uh that's established in this resolution.

Uh this is in Section 9 of ordinance 1112-2026 called out the requirement of subsequent legislation needed to expand the NCA as well as um the increase in the emissions fee, and the third piece in section nine is the actual funding of the contribution.

So this is that step in the ordinance of moving forward and expanding the NCA.

Is would there would anything again we're not even voting to we're not at the state the part where we would vote on this resolution, but per were we to vote on this resolution next week, an affirmative vote, would that you serve or would that would that override uh any other conversations that are happening in the working group?

So uh trying to be more specific, if the working group comes up with a recommendation to use a the portion of this land differently, would would this resolution prohibit that?

Uh thank you, Council President.

Uh, this resolution would not prohibit that.

This resolution doesn't even accept it into the community authority.

This resolution just provides the notice of written consent for the public hearing.

Okay.

Council members.

Sorry, Chair.

Um and Director Stevens, just a couple other clarifying questions.

Even if parcels move into the new community authority, it doesn't change the ownership structure of the actual parcels.

Is that correct?

Yeah, thank you, Chair Banks.

And that's a um a good distinction.

The ownership will not change as a result of the boundary of the new community authority changing.

The ownership will remain in of the City of Columbus.

The long-term lease is the instrument where we will finalize um the the real estate transaction, and that will be a the city will continue to own the underlying land and do the performance center will be built through that lease.

And part of that is that these parcels need to be subject or at least included in the NCA in order for that debt to be issued, right?

An NCA has the ability to issue debt uh to make improvements, but those parcels the money can only be used inside of parcels that are inside the NCA.

That's why we have to transfer those parcels over.

That is correct, Chair Bankston.

Last month's ordinance um it re refers to the NC, the new community authority as that uh funding source.

That's where the city will make its contribution to, and that's is and then the new community authority will also issue debt on behalf of the county to provide their contribution.

And so regardless, I think that you know there is a pending legislation on the EDA that came before very contentious, and I get that.

Uh but there is the ownership group at the table as well as residents as well as city folks.

Say again in the scenario where all those entities come together and say we want to utilize this land to the north.

That doesn't ch that won't change within this, right?

I mean, that's still an option.

That's correct.

That would change, I think the economic development agreement and some other things, but it won't change that this land can be used for that regardless of if it's in the NCA or not.

That is correct.

And then just for clarification purposes, I believe in the background of the legislation, uh, part of his attachment of this is a map, but also I think you clearly spell out which parcel numbers is that correct and from my reading of this map, it's what's outlined in green and also dotted in green, not just what's outlined in green.

Uh Chair Bankston, you are correct.

What is included in the NCA expansion is the dotted portion of the green outline, and that corresponds to the list of parcels that are included in the resolution.

So specifically the property in the southwest corner that where the mobile homes are currently located are not included in the NCA expansion.

Okay.

Thank you for that clarification.

Because I just want to make sure that in this heightened moment that we find ourselves in, uh clarity and information is the most key to that.

And so when we use our platforms and our megaphones to spread information without clarifying it, it muddies up a lot of things.

And so I just want to make sure that as we move through this, that if we're going to rebuild trust, it has to be all of us coming to the table.

So thank you for uh uh clarifying that.

And my hope is that what's happening at that table uh is again uh everyone coming there working in good faith to get to a solution to deliver what we say it.

So thank you again for the answer my questions.

I have a question.

Um the area that was referred to by Ms.

Reed between Green Lawn and McCoy Park, that's the um the property through our deal with the Yunkins.

Have you met with them and addressed the contract issues regarding this property?

Because there is a contract about how the when we differ from the original plan.

Um has that been addressed?

Thank you, President Hardin, members of council.

Um the city purchased that land from the Yuncan family a little over two years ago.

I believe.

Um as part of that purchase agreement, there were commitments made on naming and use of the space.

Um is our full intention to make sure that is incorporated in the lease agreement with the ownership group.

I'm sorry, I should answer your question.

I've spoken to uh members of the Yunkin family and it shared with them that commitment uh and that was part of the negotiations with the ownership group.

But it has not been finalized with the Yunkin family, correct?

The purchase has been finalized.

We we're I know the purchase, but the the contract that we have with the Yunkins.

That that has been finalized.

We used the purchase agreement to buy the land.

We are not referring to that.

I'm talking the contract that we had with the Yunkins.

If we change the way we're going to use the property, there had to be agreement with the Yunkin family if we change the plan.

And so I want to know have you actually had the meeting with them and received their approval for using this property in a way other than it was intended in that contract.

Councilmember, I'll say again, the intention is to honor the city's commitment in the purchase agreement.

The Youncan family um we made them aware of our discussions around the NWSL and that piece of land.

We will continue to engage with them to show them that we are honoring the purchase agreement commitment.

Um they do not have right of approval, but we are it's clear what is required in that purchase agreement around some naming and use of the space around some adaptive sports.

So I know the real estate team and the ownership group, we have provided dates to members of the family to sit down and walk through them what the um extended the additional phases of the development would look like and talk through that with them.

Okay, so it's in progress.

Yes.

Council President.

Please.

Thank you.

Um, Director, uh picking up on that point, so you mentioned the the agreement that's in place with the Yunkin family, uh, that they don't have final approval.

Um but there is a contract in place between the city and that family uh of what the intention of was that property be utilized.

So while I'm hearing from you that you know that was memorialized or part of the discussions with the ownership group, certainly that family, if they disagree with that assessment, they would have the opportunity to enforce their contractual obligations in court.

Is that is that fair assessment?

Um thank you, Councilmember Dorns.

Uh from a layman perspective, I think that is a fair assessment.

Um, but I would defer to my colleagues in the city attorney's office on any legal judgment on that.

Um this isn't a question, it's more of a request.

So I'm hearing from Chair Reed that yet again there's something else that's moving alongside of the discussions with that working group that they felt pretty blindsided about that that's here with us tonight.

As a council member, that that's pretty frustrating considering we've had lots of back and forth with you know in this room and others about the expectations of wanting those negotiations to be had in good faith.

And I certainly, as Councilmember Bateson said, everyone needs to show up, you know, in that in that way, trying to seek a solution that hopefully addresses these issues long term.

Um I would ask if there's anything that's pending.

That those be brought to that table.

Because I can certainly sympathize with the folks that are here tonight saying, hey, this is yet again of a moving piece to this that we weren't aware of, or at least substantively we're not brought up to speed on.

And that that does not land well.

Um I think certainly for them and certainly for for us here at the body of seeing yet again, hey, we're we're not being as as upfront with these people as they deserve to be sure.

Sure, then we'll move forward.

Appreciate it.

Just one question around the timing, right?

Is there a reason for the urgency for this to be on the agenda today?

Um Councilmember Weish, what we are working on since the NWSL has announced the 18th expansion franchise for Columbus, we are working to move forward so we can get the practice facility built and delivered in time for the start of the 2028 season.

So, yes, there is urgency to continue to move forward so construction can begin in fourth quarter of 26.

So the feeling would be then it's a year from or a year and a week from the day in which we would pass this resolution that needs to be completed for the NWSO.

Is that correct?

I'm sorry, Councilmember, I I wasn't tracking on your timing.

You're saying that you need to start this process now so that the facility can be ready for the team a year from today.

Is that correct?

I don't um I'm sorry, Councilmember, I don't have the date that they're looking to have the facility opened.

I know they're trying to hit the 28th season, and I I do not have that information off the top of my head.

So I I sorry I can't answer that.

I will follow up with you.

Seems like there seems to be some flexibility on when this process could start.

What I think what we're trying to do is continue to move forward on what was approved in the ordinance last month.

Uh we will also be preparing the emissions fee increase, and then eventually we'll be bringing forward the uh contribution.

Okay.

I'm sure thank you, Council President.

Um just two quick questions.

So on the map, I also was confused by the map too.

You have to zoom in uh a lot to kind of see the difference, at least on my phone, of where the dots are and where they're not.

But the section that was in green that currently is occupied with the mobile homes, um, that does not have the overlay of dots over it.

I I recognize you've said that that that is not included in the site plan.

I'm curious to get um your insight into why it was included in green, though, that was designated as additional parcels.

And um I I'm hoping that you can um tell definitively whether or not there are any plans whatsoever.

Maybe it's not on the current site plan, but is would there have been a reason why that was in green and not in red is the rest of the areas excluded from the site plan is?

Uh thank you, Councilmember Green.

Uh the red on that map shows uh city corporate limits.

So the distinction there is what's within the city and what's out.

Um as it was explained to me, the green showed right away surrounding it and kind of boxed it out.

Um and and but the as you look at the key on the map, it's got the green with the dots in the center to show the expanded boundary.

Correct.

So there's no plans whatsoever for that mobile home park to be included in the new community authority or in anything related to this.

That's correct.

Okay.

And then the um the last thing is just like a technical question for um creating the new community or expanding the new community authority in the hearing process.

What would be the goal of the hearing?

Um, you know, if there are we've received a lot of feedback through this process.

I'm assuming that you will be soliciting feedback through that hearing.

Um what's the what's the goal of the hearing?

Or is it just to meet the provisions of the IR advised code?

Councilmember, it is required through the high revised code.

We've done these for a number of the um community authorities that we have either created or expanded.

Um it's to make that opportunity for the public come and give comment to the potential expansion.

Thank you.

I would like to move on to the consent agenda, understanding that again there's no vote taken tonight.

And if there was, truthfully, I would vote to uh table because there's a lot of conversation that need to happen this week.

But since this is first reading, we still get to have those conversations this week.

And so I there is nothing that was raised well from my vantage point, there was nothing was raised from Chair Reed that was crazy that we shouldn't be talking about.

And I we still have those opportunities to have to not opportunities, but I'm sure those conversations will be happening throughout the week.

Uh and if they are not satisfied, then we have an opportunity on Monday to table this legislation.

Chair.

Please I just want to share with you a little bit more about what is happening in the working groups.

Um, the working group, you set a mission for that working group, and everyone around that table should be working towards that mission.

Instead, what's happening is it's a negotiation.

It's the communicate, it's the community trying to negotiate for all the things that you put in the amendment.

And leadership from this mayor's administration and leadership from the uh Haslam Sports Group nationwide, as well as the ownership group, they are silent in those meetings.

When we bring things up that are important that will help make those provisions move forward, they are not offering anything that's going to help make that happen.

Instead, they silence any kind of discussion, for example, around Green Lawn, those green lawn properties.

They were unwilling to have a meeting between last week's meeting and this week's meeting to discuss that.

They were unwilling to talk about it during the meeting.

Will they talk about it again next week?

Probably not, especially if you don't table this, because they'll think they have the leg up that you are willing to go ahead and give them that without this negotiation.

Because that's what it is.

We are negotiating and fighting to the nail with that group to make your amendment come true within the next 49 days.

There is no reason that we cannot table this because there's no urgency over the next 49 days to get this done.

This can be done after that.

They have time to do this legislation then.

Let it be tabled so we can have true conversation about the properties on greed lawn.

Because if you move forward with this and let it sit, we go to that meeting on Thursday, we lose seven more days from the day we have here, where we're not talking about that very piece, that very part of the properties that are extremely important to the community, and you have given them the leg up on those negotiations because I can tell you this.

There is nothing that they have shown the community whatsoever that's going to get them there unless they include those parcels.

I can tell you that right now, nothing has been brought up to even get us close.

Thank you, Chair Reeves.

Thank you.

I I the only thing I disagree with you is I think we still have you still have the leverage.

We can table this next week.

We can table this next week.

You still go into those.

It shouldn't be about leverage.

Chair Before, but it is unfortunately.

And this comes sneak, keep in mind this came sneakily to you.

They didn't mention it in either one of those meetings, even though they created it the day after the first meeting, and then after the second one, I only learned about it because I wanted to give you an update, so I looked at the agenda items for something that might be relevant that I can give you an update of the working group meetings.

And here I find this.

Table it, table it today.

It doesn't have to be voted on next week.

Table it.

Chair, just one question before you leave.

Um I I remember in the initial meeting, we talked about making sure that there were minutes from these work group meetings or there was a report out back to council.

I haven't received anything with regard to that.

Do you are you receiving meetings?

Or anything.

I have the first meeting minutes from the from the very first week.

We don't have the meeting minutes as of yet from last Thursdays.

Um, in the first meeting minutes, I did have to make edits to the draft because they didn't include the same information about Green Lawn that we were adamant about.

So I had to make sure that that was in there.

So what I'm telling you is even in the meeting minutes, they're not being forthright in terms of our position in terms of unfortunately we have to take positions, but we should be working together towards a solution, and that is not happening.

Can I make that as just that we stay updated on what is discussed in these meetings just to make sure that we understand what is the true conversation that is happening there?

Thank you.

I appreciate thank you.

The following words appear on our agenda as consent action with the clerk now read those into the record.

Finance and governance committee, 458, 995, 1062, 1129, 1144, 1150, 1181, 1192, 1217, 1219, 1263, 1290, and 1340-2026, economic development and small minority business committee, ordinances 985, 1249, 1259, 1317, 1347, 2026, Public Service and Transportation Committee, Ordinances 965, 1110, 1148, 1165, 1183, 1203, 1237, 1238, 1242, 1246, 1252, and 1287-2026, Neighborhoods Recreation and Parks Committee, Ordinances 932, 1071, 1072, 1073, 1078, 1079, 1080, 1081, 1084, 1085-2026, Workforce Education and Labor Committee, Ordinances 988 and 1167-2026, Health Human Services and Equity Committees, Ordinances 1050, 1155, 1196, 1214, 1232, and 1243-2026, Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee Ordinances 255, 1004, 1152, 1153, and 1190-2026, Housing Home Assistant Building Committee, Ordinances 1250, 1293-2026, Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee, Ordinances 872, 989, 1023, 1039, 1093, 1151, 1156, 1264, 1267, 1282, and 1313-2026, rules and policy appointments, appointment 84, 85, 86, and 87-2026.

Are there any questions or comments on the consent portion of the agenda?

So you know, maybe we have a motion to approval these items as many as consent.

Clerk please call the row.

Thanks, then they Akkara, Dorans Green, Remy, Ross, Wice President Harden.

Consent portion of the agenda is passed.

We'll now proceed with the second reading and third and postponed emergency legislation.

However, we'll go out of order this evening and start with ordinance 0944-2026 and rules and policy.

I chair that committee, but I'll turn the floor over to Castlemar Day Okauer.

Thank you, Council President.

Um on page 27, we have ordinance 0944-2026 to enact section 2327.21 of the Columbus City Codes to prohibit feeding deer.

For the past two years, my team has been leading internal and external discussions around the deer population in our city.

When I first took office, we noticed that numerous residents in certain parts of the city were complaining about excessive deer in their neighborhoods.

And when we looked internally to see who we could refer them to, we discovered there is no one in our city who handles these types of complaints.

Given this fact and seeing momentum from neighboring jurisdictions tackling the topic of deer in their cities, we decided to take the initiative and start looking into this issue ourselves.

Like those neighboring jurisdictions, staff worked with the Ohio State University School of Environmental and Natural Resources to develop and release a community survey to gauge community feelings around deer and their comfortability with different deer management strategies.

Once the survey was complete, OSU worked with ODNR to analyze the survey results and present a findings report, which can be found on the City Council website at Columbus.gov dash Deer Survey.

This survey made um clear many things.

First, this issue does not affect every neighborhood equally.

Of the nearly 4,000 responses submitted, over two-thirds came from residents of Clintonville and communities along the Old Tangy River corridor.

Secondly, these deer are more than a nuisance.

They can be considered a threat to public safety with multiple reports of deer attacking pets and interacting with humans and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damages, not to mention the threat of deer vehicle collisions.

Finally, we found there to be broad support for the city implementing deer management strategies to address overpopulation in dense areas with majority support for both lethal and non-lethal methods.

The research team also provided my office with policy recommendations informed by these survey results on ways the city can begin addressing the problem of overpopulation of deer in neighborhoods.

The low-hanging fruit that was immediately identified is a so-called no-feed ordinance seen in many neighboring cities and statewide, which is what I'm bringing up for a vote tonight.

This ordinance will prohibit the intentional feeding of white-tailed deer within city limits and makes a violation a minor misdemeanor.

Those in violation can be reported anonymously to the police using the non-emergency phone number, and police will be tasked with issuing those tickets.

It is important to understand that this ordinance, what this ordinance does and does not do.

This ordinance does not prohibit residents from using bird or squirrel feeders, and it does not limit what residents can plant or compost in any way.

This ordinance only bans the intentional, purposeful feeding of deer.

We have reports of people who leave out troughs of food and salt lakes to attract and feed deer.

When residents feed deer, it leads to deer congregating on private property and expecting food on those properties, increasing risk of property damage and deer-human conflict.

To be transparent, this ordinance will not reduce the deer population in our city.

This is but one of many tools that the city can use to start addressing this issue.

We know there is a lot of resident interest in a deer culling program, specifically via professional sharpshooting.

I will not go into all the details of such a program this evening, but our own research and the policy recommendations from OSU show that implementing such a program will not be an easy feat.

There are plethora of administrative and bureaucratic steps that the city would need to take, such as finding the funding in a tight city budget, deciding which department could hire a wildlife manager for the city to oversee the program, and building the infrastructure to sustain such a program for many years so as to be truly effective.

All of this is something that will need to be done in partnership with the mayor's administration.

So while this may seem like a small step we are taking this evening, this is just the first step.

Now that we understand the roadmap of what it would take for a true deer management program to happen, we are beginning those conversations with the mayor's office this week to try and figure out what is achievable in the near future.

With that, I will pause and see if there are any questions or comments for my colleagues.

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Clerk, please call the role.

Thank you.

That's all for me in policy and rules and policy.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The next committee comes before council is the Finance and Governors Committee Chair by Councilman Banks and Company Forzers.

Thank you.

First up tonight in the Finance and Governance Committee, we have ordinance 0986-2026 to authorize the director of the Department of Finance and Management on behalf of the facilities management division to enter into a contract with Schaezinger Corporation for Pest Control Services to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes Chapter 329 and to authorize the expenditure of $55,152 from the general fund.

This ordinance is our annual pest control contract for city facilities.

Are any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing that I move for passage.

Bangston, De Akarra, Dorns Green, Remy Ross Weiss, President Harden.

Next we have ordinance 1094-2026 to authorize the director of the Department of Finance and Management to negotiate and enter into contracts for energy supply to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes to authorize expenditure of one dollar from the general fund and to declare an emergency.

This ordinance gives our Department of Finance and Management the ability to procure electricity on the market through competitive supply.

The benefits of procuring power through competitive supply are twofold.

One, it allows the city to time the procurement during the time of low energy prices, and two, there are a number of competitive suppliers who bid on the city's load so we can ensure that we always get the most competitive price.

The broker will ensure we receive competitive comparable offers from enough large respectable established suppliers with large portfolios.

Any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing none, I'm for passage.

Second.

Bankston, they are carried, Dorans, Green, Rembech, President Harden.

Pass.

Next, we have ordinance 1154-2026 to authorize the director of the Department of Finance Management on behalf of the Division of Fleet Management to renew a contract with Asset Works LLC for fleet management software services for the city's fleet vehicles to authorize expenditure of $1,100,000 from the fleet operating fund and to declare an emergency.

This legislation authorizes a contract renewal with asset works LLC for fleet management software services.

It provides a dedicated suite of managing fleet vehicles, fuel tracking, GPS, telem telematics, and maintenance.

Are there any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Clerk, please call the role.

Bankston, they are carried, Dorance Green, Remy Ross, Rice White, President Harden.

Passed.

Thank you.

Next we have ordinance 1235-2026 to authorize the director of the finance and management on behalf of the Office of Construction Management to enter into a contract with Elford Inc.

to provide construction manager at risk services for the Department of Public Services South Outpost Project to authorize an expenditure up to 10 million dollars within the streets and highways voted capital fund and to declare an emergency.

This new public service facility will replace the current outpost located at 2260 Lockborn Road.

The project will include building a new administration building, a vehicle storage building, a brine vehicle wash station, a salt storage barn, a material storage structure, and a fuel uh island.

Elfford Inc.

is the construction manager at risk for the project.

The project intends to have the salt barn constructed before the 2027 winter season, so 10 million dollars of the project is currently being legislated to expedite the building process.

The total cost of construction will be approximately 19 million seventy uh 1,1471 dollars.

Are any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Clerk, please call the role.

Bankston, they are carry, Dorans Green, Remy Ross Weich, President Hardin.

Passed.

Next, we have ordinance 1251-2026 to authorize the city auditor to modify the existing contract with Microsoft Corporation and Dell Marketing LP and provide funding for the support hosting, including monthly Azure usage and maintenance of dynamics 365 to authorize the expenditure of up to $1,084,000 from the Department of Technology Operating Fund and to declare an emergency.

This ordinance extends existing contracts with Microsoft Corporation and Dale Marketing LP for the support hosting and maintenance of Microsoft Dynamics 365, but D 365 as we know it.

Microsoft is the software manufacturer of D 365 and the Azure platform used by the city for its financials and operations.

Are there any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Okay.

Clerk, please call the row.

Bankston, De Aqara, Dorns Green, Remy Ross White, President Hardin.

Pass.

Thank you, Council President.

May I move to the economic development small minority business committee.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Next committee to come before council, the public service and transportation committee.

Oh, please.

First, in the economic development and small minority business committee, we have ordinance 1170-2026 to dissolve the Enterprise Zone Agreement with RM Built Wright LLC, Watkins Road LLC, and QRRI, Inc., collectively referred to as Enterprise, and to direct the director of the Department of Development to notify as necessary the local and state tax authorities of the dissolution.

This ordinance, uh, as well as the following ordinances, uh ordinance, excuse me, are dissolutions of previously approved enterprise zone agreements between the city and the listed entities.

Uh, for those who are not or who are unfamiliar with our economic development process annually, annually, the TAC, the tax incentive review council, or formally known as the TURC, meets to review all of the city's property tax abatements and tax increment financing districts.

As part of that process, the TURC contacts all entities whose reporting indicates that they will not meet their commitment to retain an abatement.

The TURC will then recommend agreements that should be dissolved.

In this case, RM Built Wright LLC has not met its job creation and job retention commitment, so the enterprise zone agreement will be dissolved.

Again, pulled this off of consent just to highlight this that again there are these mechanisms in place when we talk about economic development tools that we have.

Every single year, the Turk meets it is a public meeting where folks are able to go and see us go through this.

At that table are our friends at the Columbus City School Districts and all other agencies who are affected by these issues, and they have the ability to weigh in as well.

Again, we take this very, very seriously.

I know in my time here on council, I've been here four years.

We've done a think over eight disillusions since I've been on council because again, we look at this very, very seriously, and there are mechanisms in place for us uh to uh uh either amend or in this case dissolve, which means in the agreement with folks who aren't performing.

Uh Director Stevens, I know we have another one to go through, so I'll go through that one if there's anything or if there's anything in particular about this one that you wanted to chime in on, um, or you can just speak to it after the next one.

Okay, thank you.

Are there any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Bankston, De Akira, Dorans Green, Remy Ross White, President Harden.

And to add to my tally of disillusions, we have ordinance 1171-2026 to dissolve the Enterprise Zone Agreement with JBG Enterprise LLC and Americans Floor Source, LLC, collectively referred to as Enterprise, and to direct the director of Department of Development to notify as necessary to local and state tax authorities of the disillusioned.

American Floor Source, which was the original principal party for the this EZA, went above and beyond their commitment.

So much so that they further expanded and moved their headquarters to a neighboring parcel in Wonderful District 5.

As a result, they sold this parcel to another entity that was unable to meet the reporting requirements for the abatement.

So the EZA is slated for disillusion.

I'm going to ask Director Stevens to chime in here, but I just want to note this as another mechanism is that the abatement follows the property.

So even when it changes ownership's hands, whatever agreement was in place, the new ownership has to meet that.

And if they don't, then again, they are held responsible at the Turk.

Uh, Director, do you want to speak to this a little bit?

Because I think one, we want to uplift uh American floor source.

They want to get them confused here.

Uh, they're doing very, very well, but this is uh one of those cases where the property was sold.

Thank you, Chair Bankston.

Uh yeah, it's really important for council and the community to know that the investment that was committed on this site happened.

American Floor Source built the facility they committed to and they created the jobs.

Uh their success resulted in their expansion and relocation within Columbus.

Unfortunately, the um they sold the property to someone who wasn't able to meet the job commitment, and that is why the tax incentive review council is recommending dissolution.

Thank you for that.

And director, just you pointed out a point that I didn't highlight is even in a case, say where they don't meet one part of the agreements a new jobs created, uh, but there's always other components like jobs retained or capital investment.

Uh so even in cases where there's a disillusion, there's still a net benefit in many times to the city and to the public.

Is that correct?

That is correct.

In the previous ordinance, um, there is still an investment made by uh the company.

Unfortunately, it was short of what the original commitment was.

So this was one where we moved pretty quickly at the end of the three-year period that they had to make the investment and add the jobs.

Um they did not do that in the tax incentive review council recommended dissolution.

But we still have a investment of a little over seven million dollars on that parcel.

Yeah, and and now that parcel is worth more.

Now that the disillusion is gone, 100% of that property tax will be going back to all of the different taxing agencies.

So just again, I want to highlight that there are mechanisms in place for us to ensure that we're holding folks accountable when we talk about our economic development incentives.

Are there any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing that I move for passage.

Bangston, De Aqara, Dorns Green Remy Ross White, President Harden.

Thank you.

Next, we have ordinance 1262-2026 to amend the 2025 capital improvements budget to authorize the transfer and appropriations between projects within the development taxable bond funds to authorize the director of the department of development to enter into the grant agreement with the Columbus Printed Arts Center for the purpose of funding planning, design, and construction related costs, including those incurred prior to the purchase order to redevelop their new facility located at 705 and street to authorize the expenditure in an amount up to 197,000 dollars within the development taxable bonds funds and to declare an emergency.

This ordinance, uh, which I'm really excited about, I know we have a guest here to speak more about it.

This order provides 197,000 capital grant to the Columbus Printed Arts Center to support the completion of their new facility at 705 and Street.

Affordable artist run and managed studio space is hard to find nowadays in our city.

And access to that space is pivotal for young, budding artists trying to find their footing.

The Columbus Printed Arts Center aims to help fill that gap.

So I am so proud to sponsor this legislation tonight.

And with us tonight to discuss the project and its benefits to the artist community is Alyssa Smith, who is with us.

I think she's the co-founder.

There you are.

Lisa, come on up.

And she's the co-founder and co-director, so she got two jobs of the Center for Print and Collaborative Arts.

So Melissa, come on up to the podium and thank you for being here and provide your testimony.

Thank you.

Good evening, President Hard and Council members.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight, and thank you for considering this investment in the Center for Print and Collaborative Arts.

I I should say I co-founded the center with my husband Sean.

We both grew up around in and around Columbus, so it is especially meaningful to have the opportunity to share with you all about the work we do at the center and shine a light on our beautiful and rich arts community here in the city.

Our mission at CPCA is to build and strengthen systems of support for artists in our region and to sponsor and to foster the conditions for sustaining creative community-centered practices through affordable studio access, paid artist residencies, cross-disciplinary exchange, and socially responsive education exhibitions and public programs.

CPCA serves as an arts hub where people can create, connect, and feel fully supported.

In Columbus, as you mentioned, affordable artist workspace is becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially for printmakers and artists who require specialized equipment, ventilation, large presses, and shared facilities that are financially impossible for most individuals to build on their own.

Printmaking in particular has traditionally relied on communal studio models because the equipment and facilities are meant to be shared, which is one of the reasons our organization is rooted in print.

Print is by nature a collective and democratic and accessible medium whose original function was to share information and connect people to one another.

This investment will directly impact the arts community by helping us complete a facility that houses the resources and opportunities that we need in order to retain more artists in the city.

Shared artist-run spaces are often where experimentation, collaboration, intergenerational mentorship, and innovation happen.

They are places where artists learn from one another, organize exhibitions and projects, and build the cultural fabric of the city from the ground up.

Artists at every stage of their careers, from students and emerging artists to working professionals, will have a place where they can develop their practice, build community, and sustain creative careers here in Columbus.

It's also important to emphasize that artists are not only making work as a form of personal expression, they are running small businesses and clothing design, making and selling jewelry.

They are graphic designers, musicians, painters, they are organizing their own community events, they are doing advocacy work.

They are performers, they're doing creative labor for much larger companies.

So this is an investment in creative small businesses as well as in the arts community.

Beyond supporting artists directly, we are excited about how this facility can contribute to the surrounding neighborhood's vitality and to Columbus more broadly.

We envision CPCA as an active, welcoming community resource that activates an underutilized building, increases foot traffic for surrounding businesses, and helps create a neighborhood where people want to live, work, and gather.

After meeting with our neighbors in Southern Orchards, we know they are particularly excited about future youth and family programs at the center and the idea of having a safe and inclusive community space that reflects their vision for the future of their neighborhood.

Personally, what excites me is the potential of this space to become something truly lasting for Columbus.

Artists-run organizations often begin with uh people simply trying to solve a problem for their own community, but over time they can grow into important cultural institutions that shape a city's identity for decades.

We hope CPCA becomes one of those spaces.

What started as a way for Sean and I to create something that didn't yet exist in Columbus when we were growing up here has turned into a lifelong project to make Columbus an even more dynamic, equitable, and culturally significant anchor in the Midwest and a model for how artist-centered infrastructure can contribute meaningfully to a city's economic growth, neighborhood vitality, and civic identity.

We are currently in the final stages of construction over at Ann Street, and we plan to open to the public in June.

This funding will help us complete critical components of the facilities, such as life safety and ADA upgrades and move us closer to fully realizing what this space can offer the city.

Again, thank you for your support.

Your belief in the importance of the arts and your investment in the future of Columbus Artists.

We are incredibly grateful, and we are excited to continue building something that will serve this city for many years to come.

Thanks for your time.

Yeah, and thank you, Alyssa.

And if I could just put some color on this story and how this got to us, I mean, this organization really fundraised philanthropically everything to get uh to this point.

Uh and then it was a lot of things that you mentioned ADA and sprinkler systems and all those pesky building things.

I'm looking at Tony Celebrizi back there.

All things that we need.

We joke and say that.

But again, it's kind of those some of those hurdles that you get in construction, any construction project goes through that our nonprofit partners and grassroots partners aren't able just to pick up the bill for.

And so this is great, one of those things where we can really have this type of partnership.

And so, really looking forward to what's going to happen over there.

Uh, this plus the investment of Ronald McDonald's house, as folks know this is right behind Ronald McDonald House.

A lot of investment happening over there on the south side.

Um, and so really excited to invest in our creative community.

Because our creative community, which you all are doing, is not just simply art or something or a commodity.

It is a part of our economic development strategy.

It is part of our economic development stuff.

Artists are a part of this economy and a part of our ecosystem.

And so we have to make sure that they have spaces to be able to continue to create, continue to grow because at the end of the day, they are small businesses.

And we want to continue to see them flourish and grow.

So we look forward to the next great artists coming out of uh the Columbus printed art center over there.

So again, thank you for all you're doing.

Any questions or comments from my colleagues?

All right.

Seeing that I move for passage.

Second.

Bankston, De Akarra, Doris Green, Remy, Ross White, President Harden.

Thank you, uh, Council President.

Um, I know we have a couple ordinances that were taken off of uh uh the consent agenda on pages 13 and 14.

Council President, may I proceed to those now?

All right, thank you.

First, we have ordinance 0999-2026 to accept the application uh AN25-027 of Joseph R.

and Lexi C.

Bollock, Richard C.

Wolf, and Bruce Ayle uh Andrea V, Robert B.

and Karen L Mento for the annexation of certain uh territory containing 15.4 plus or minus acres in Jefferson Township.

Uh at this point, by the applicant's request, I move to postpone uh this until the May 18th council meeting.

Questions Paul.

Bankston, De Akarra, Dorans Green, Remy Ross White, President Harden.

Thank you.

Next we have ordinance 1311-2026 to approve the downtown Central Special Improvement District of Columbus Inc.

petition and articles of incorporation to include the properties owned by the City of Columbus and said district and to declare an emergency.

And as I read on this, I'm gonna ask Robin Davis if she would come at this time.

Um this ordinance in 1311-2026, uh, just as a refresher of special improvement districts are commonly referred to as SIDs, are self-help tools governed by Chapter 17.10 of the Ohio Revised Code, allowing property owners within a self-defined district to organize and assess themselves the cost of providing area-wide services.

The assessment funds are collected by the Franklin County Auditor's Office along with property taxes.

Then those funds are turned over to the CID.

The ordinance and the following three ordinances are the first legislative steps to establish downtown's two new seeds, the downtown central seed and the downtown east seed.

The previous two SIDs dissolved at the end of 2025 in the city, along with a few downtown property owners have supported clean and safe services downtown in the interim, while Safer Downtown, the new entity overseeing the CIA services was going through the process.

With us here tonight to talk more about these two SIDS, we have Ms.

Robin Davis, the executive director of Safer Downtown.

And with that, Ms.

Robin, I'll turn it over to you.

Thank you so much, Councilmember, Council President, Council President Pro Tem, and to all of the council members, thank you so much for inviting me to be here with you tonight.

My name is Robin Davis, and I am the executive director of Safer Downtown, which is a subsidiary of Downtown Columbus Inc.

Our mission at Safer Downtown is laser focused to create, maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming downtown.

And that's more important than ever as our businesses, our residents, and our visitor population downtown continues to grow.

So we do this in six ways.

First of all, we have supplemental security.

You probably see our ambassadors who are unarmed, but they are uniformed and they patrol our streets.

They offer wayfinding assistance, walking escorts, de-escalation services when needed, and also those first touches with some uh folks downtown experiencing homelessness.

Second, we have cleanliness initiatives within the downtown core, and that includes picking up overflowing trash, cleaning sidewalks, maintaining the three public restrooms we have, and changing pet waste stations.

Next, we have homeless outreach.

We have four outreach specialists who we've hired from Mount Carmel who do the longer term work with those experiencing homelessness.

And that means building trust, getting them the necessary documentation they may need to receive benefits, and it's also to getting them into permanent supportive housing.

Fourth, we hire special duty police officers.

We hire them to patrol downtown specifically, to focus on hot spots where we have seen criminal activity and to add enforcement where our ambassadors cannot.

And finally, streetscapes.

We provide the flower and tree maintenance along the right of ways in the district, such as on high street and nationwide, as well as maintaining pedestrian and vehicular wayfinding uh signage in the downtown area.

Safer downtown began uh providing these services in November of 2025 right away.

We were able to increase ambassador patrols by 25 percent.

We now have 26 full-time ambassadors are in the process of hiring two more.

Calls for service come into our hotline number, and you should all have this, everyone should know this.

614 227 uh 3788, and those calls are monitored 24-7.

From there, our dispatchers send out whatever the appropriate response would be.

Our homeless outreach team works closely with dozens of individuals this year alone through April.

They've moved 69 people off the streets permanently.

Our camera network continues to grow.

CPD credits cameras, not just ours, but any camera system throughout the city with helping them solve crimes.

Everything we do is a collaborative effort.

We're in constant communication with CPD about hot spots they see and what our ambassadors, what our residents, what our property owners see.

We work closely with the city attorney's office and with the department of neighborhoods to work with properties where crimes may be occurring.

Our homeless outreach staff work with the community shelter board and with the city's core program on addressing homelessness.

And we meet regularly with downtown businesses and stakeholders, which include Huntington, Edwards, uh, NRI, many others, uh, to share information, the information we have and the information they have as well.

In November, when we began offering our services, we also began petitioning property owners uh to create two new special improvement districts, which is what's before you tonight.

In just a few short months, we were able to get property owners who represent more than 60 percent of frontage downtown to sign on to uh creating new special improvement districts to assessing themselves uh the funding that we will need to operate from 2027 through 2031.

Downtown East uh has essentially the same boundaries as the former Discovery District, with the except uh exception of the Liberty Mutual property, which is for sale.

Um they didn't want to be included, they didn't want to add that to their uh sales price.

Um, but because we um if when it gets a new buyer, we could contract them in for services if they like.

And then downtown central has expanded.

We are able to include um the peninsula and some properties in the fourth and main street corridor.

So thank you for the opportunity to speak with you, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Thank you, uh Robin.

Any questions from my colleagues?

All right.

Uh well again, thank you for being here and look forward to the work of Safer Downtown.

I know when the Capitol line is done, you have a lot more plantings to take care of.

Absolutely.

Thank you again.

So at this time I will move for passage by voice.

Second.

Bangston.

Yes.

De Akar.

Dorans?

Yes.

Green, abstain.

Remy?

Yes.

Ross, yes.

White?

Yes.

President Harden.

Yes.

Ordinance is passed.

Thank you.

And then the next ordinances are just tied to that.

So I'm just going to read through them and then move for passage.

Uh so next, uh, again, again with the SID ordinances, ordinances 1312-2026 to approve the plan of service to be provided by the downtown central special improvements district of Columbus Inc.

and to declare an emergency.

So this basically is the plan of service meeting what services they will actually carry out within those boundaries.

I heard any questions or comments from my colleagues.

Seeing none, I move for passage by voice.

Clark, please call the row.

By voice.

Bangston.

Yes.

De Aukara.

Dorens.

Yes.

Green, abstain.

Remy?

Yes.

Ross, yes.

Whitech?

Yes.

President Harden.

Yes.

Ordinance is passed.

Thank you.

Next we have ordinance 1315-2026 to approve the downtown East Special Improvement District of Columbus Inc.

petition and articles of incorporation to include the properties owned by the City of Columbus in said district and to declare an emergency.

Seeing no questions or comments from my colleagues, I move for passage by voice.

Clerk, please call the row by voice.

Bangston.

Yes.

De Aukar.

Dorren's Green.

Abstain.

Remy?

Yes.

Ross.

Yes.

Whitech.

Yes.

President Harden.

Yes.

Ordinance is passed.

And then lastly, we have ordinance 1316-2026 to approve the plan of services to be provided by the downtown East Special Improvements District of Columbus Inc.

and to declare an emergency.

See no questions or comments from my colleagues.

I move for passage by voice.

Second.

Clerk is called the row by voice.

Bangston.

Yes.

De Akar.

Yes.

Dorans.

Yes.

Green.

Abstain.

Remy.

Yes.

Ross.

Yes.

White?

Yes.

President Harden.

Yes.

Or this is passed.

Thank you, Council President.

And lastly, on page 27 of the rules and policy committee, I have one quick um ordinance there as well.

May I move there?

Please.

Thank you.

Last for me this evening in the rules and policy committee.

We have ordinance 1000-2026 to amend chapter 153 of the Columbus City Codes to provide technical corrections and clarify the role and operations of the information technology investment and planning committee.

This most recent change to the city's chapter of chapter of city code were made prior to the full understanding of Ohio Revised Code 9.64.

As many know that Ohio Rise Code 9.64 put in new stipulations around cybersecurity.

And so all of us as cities and municipalities are adapting to that.

So this ordinance here is the operational changes will include in this code change were made in order for us to comply with an updated understanding of the obligations under the ORC 9.64.

So just a clean up language there.

Any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Second.

Clerk please call the row.

Bangston, De Acar, Dorans, Green, Remy, Ross Whitech, President Harden.

Pass.

Thank you.

And that's all I have in my committee.

Thank you, Mr.

Chairs.

Is there a motion to uh adjourn for recess for please call the row?

Bangston, De Acar, Doris, Green, Remy, Ross, Whitech, President Harden.

We are in recess.

We'll reconvene for zoning in five minutes.

Please call the roll.

Bangston, De Akarra, Dorans, Green, Remy, Ross, Whitech, President Harden.

Can I get a motion to dismiss with the journal?

Please call the roll.

Bangston, Day Akar, Dorran's Green, Remy Ross, Whitech, President Harden.

Are they any additions or corrections to the journal?

Hearing none of the journals approved.

We'll now go to the zoning committee.

Councilmember Dorans chairs that committee.

Council Member Cloers.

Thank you.

Council President.

Before we begin tonight's agenda, first a little bit of housekeeping with the clerk, please.

Read the number of uh let the numbers of legislation in the zoning committee tonight that require waiver of second reading.

1271, 1272, and 1292-2026.

Thank you.

Uh I now move to waive second reading on those items.

Second.

Bangston, Day Akkara, Dorans Green, Remy Ross White, President Harden.

Uh waived.

Thank you.

Uh as always, I'll uh briefly explain our rules speak uh pertaining to speak for council rezonings and variances.

We'll hear a staff presentation for ordinances to have a disapproval from a recommending body, or if we have a public speaker to sign to speak against an ordinance.

We permit three speakers on each side, three proponents, three opponents.

We ask those speakers to limit their marks of three minutes per the standard rules to the city council.

All speakers in the council variants, including city staff, area commissioners, applicants, and members of the public will be sworn in before they give testimony.

A representative of the area commission is always able to speak on an ordinance that do not need to fill out a speaker slip, but we do you ask you alert city staff and your intention to speak at this hearing.

Uh one note a representative of civic association uh does need to fill a speaker slip because civic associations are not formally recognized under Columbus City Code.

This evening's uh zoning agenda does not have any public speakers signed up to speak on any particular piece of legislation.

On the advice of the city attorney's office, I will now swear in city staff.

Please stand, raise your right hand and be sworn in.

Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to give?

Shall be the truth, nothing but the truth that you should as you shall answer in a pain's penalty perjury.

So please say I do.

Thank you.

Please let the record reflect that elicit saltsmen for the Department of Building Zoning Services have been sworn in.

First, we have ordinance number 1271-2026 to rezone 4860-490 East Dublin Grandville Road, being 24.71 plus acres located on the north side of East Dublin Grandville Road at the northern terminus of Old Hamilton Road from CPD Commercial Plan Development District to CPD Commercial Plan Development District.

Site consists of one parcel developed with an office campus, and the request of rezoning allows the existing building to be repurposed with the hospital and accessory uh uses.

Second.

Clerk, please call the row.

Bangston, Day Akar, Dorran's Green, Remy Ross White, President Hardin.

Passed.

Thank you.

Moving the Council Variances portion of the edge of our agenda.

First, we have ordinance 1272-26 or advanced provisions of section 3356.03.

C4 permitted uses 3361.02 CPD permitted uses 3312.49 C require parking in 3361.04B.

Uh performance criteria of the Columbia City decodes for properly located at 4991 East Dublin Grandville Road to allow an assisted living facility with reduced development standards in the CPD Commercial Plan Development District.

This site consists of a portion of one undeveloped parcel and the requested council variants will allow an assisted living facility with a maximum of 120 units.

Additionally, variance is to allow increase in building height, density, and to reduce required parking from 90 to 70 spaces are also included in the request.

Second.

Clerk was called the row.

Bangston, De Akarra, Dorans Green, Remy Ross, Whitech, President Hardin.

Accept it.

Thank you.

Next move to adopt the finance of staff, the finance of council.

Second.

Clerk, please call the row.

Bangston, De Akkara, Dorans Green, Remy, Ross, Weich, President Hardin.

Adopted.

Thank you.

Finally move for passage.

Second.

Clerk, please call the row.

Bangston, De Akarra, Dorans, Green, Remy, Ross, Whitech, President Harden.

Pass.

Thank you.

Next we have ordinance 1291-26 granted variance provisions of Section 333 2.029.

SR suburban residential district and 3312.49 C require parking of the Columbus City Code, so the property located at 430 East Kawana Avenue to allow a beauty salon with reduced parking in the SR suburban residential district.

Requested council variants will allow a 603 square foot addition above a detached garage to be used as a beauty salon.

Council variance is required because commercial uses are not allowed in the current zoning district.

Also including this council variance request is to reduce uh uh uh reduced from five to two parking spaces.

Proposal is approved from city staff and the Clintonville Area Commission.

I first moved to accept the entire staff report into Evans as an exhibit.

Second.

Bangston, De Akar, Dorran's Green, Remy, Ross, Whitech, President Hardin.

Accept it.

Thank you.

Next move to adopt the finance staff of the finance of council.

Second.

Clerk, please call the row.

Bangston, De Akar, Dorans, Green, Remy, Ross, Whitech, President Harden.

Adopt it.

Thank you.

Um next move to amend to emergency.

Second.

Clark, please call the row.

Bangston, De Akar, Dorans, Green, Remy Ross, Whitech, President Hardin.

Amend it.

Thank you.

And finally move for passage as amended.

Second.

Clark, please call the row.

Bangston, De Akar, Dorrans, Green, Remy, Ross, Whitech, President Harden.

Passed.

Thank you.

And finally, we have ordinance 1292-2026 granted variance provisions to section 3332.035 R3 residential district and 3312.49 require parking of the Columbus City Coast for Property Locate at 1309 Lee Avenue to allow a type A child care home with reduced parking in the R3 residential district.

Site consists of one parcel, devote a singular dwelling.

The requested council variants will allow a type A child care home with reduced require parking.

Council variance is required because although the current district allows type B child care homes for up to six children and daycare centers in conjunction with schools or religious facilities, it does not allow type A child care homes.

A type A child care facility allows a maximum of 14 children per stable how guidelines.

North Central Area Commission, I apologize.

I first moved to accept the entire step in into evidence I was an exhibit.

Second.

Bangston, De Akar, Dorans Green, Remy Ross White, President Harden.

Accept it.

Thank you.

Next move to adopt the final staff finance council.

Second.

Clerk is called the row.

Bangston, De Akar, Dorans Green, Remy Ross Weich, President Harden.

Adopted.

Thank you.

If I move past a second.

Second.

Bangston, Day A Carver, Dorans Green, Remy, Ross, Whitech, President Harding.

Thank you, Council President.

That's all we have tonight's zoning agenda.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

So you know for the business for the zoning committee is their motion to adjourn.

Please call the role.

Bangston, Day Akar, Dorans Green, Remy Ross White, President Harden.

Meeting is adjourned.

We'll reconvene when the directors get back.

Is there a second?

Clerk, please call the row.

Bangston Day A Carver, Dorans Green, Remy Ross White, President Harden.

Thank you.

The next committee to come before Council is the public service and transportation committee.

Councilmember Brosa Deputy is the chair in her absence.

Councilmember Day Akar will uh the floor is yours.

Okay.

Thank you, Council President.

Tonight we have two items on second reading for public service and transportation.

First is ordinance 0966-2026 to amend the 2025 capital improvement budget to authorize the transfer of funds within the street and highway improvement fund to appropriate funds within the street and highway improvement fund to authorize the director of public service to enter into contract with A.

Morton Thomas and Associates Incorporated for the roadway Nelson Road, Livingston Avenue to Main Street Project to authorize the expenditure of up to one million dollars from the Street and Highway Improvement Fund to pay for the project and to declare an emergency.

This contract provides the Department of Public Service with continuing contractual access to additional resources to various professional engineering survey and technical expertise.

This project includes narrowing Nelson Road and installing new sidewalks along the east side from Livingston Avenue to Main Street.

This will include relocation and replacement of the existing curb store structures and curb ramps.

Existing driveways will be reconstructed throughout the project, and Nelson Road will be resurfaced full width.

Are there any questions or comments from my colleague?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Clerk, please call the road.

Bankston, Day Acar, Dorans Green, Remy Ross White, President Harden.

Thank you.

Next we have ordinance 1205-2026 to amend the 2025 capital improvement budget to authorize the city auditor to transfer funds between projects within the streets and highways bond fund to authorize the city attorney's office real estate division to contract for professional services relative to the acquisition of fee simple title and lesser interests in and to property needed for the roadway, Livingston Avenue, 18th Street to Nelson Road project to authorize the City Attorney's Office Real Estate Division to negotiate with property owners to acquire the additional rights away necessary to complete this project to authorize the expenditure of 1,200,000 from the ODOT Highway Safety Improvement Program and the Streets and Highways Bond Fund to pay for the project to authorize the director of public service or a designee to execute a construction contract or a similar instrument and any amendments or modifications thereto as may be necessary with Norfolk Southern to facilitate the construction of the roadway, Livingston Avenue, 18th Street to Nelson Street Road project, and to declare an emergency.

This project includes design improvements to the Livingston Avenue corridor from 18th Street to Nelson Road.

A safety study was initiated by the city that included public engagement with a steering committee made up of community members.

This project plans to reconstruct approximately 9,100 feet of roadway and sidewalks that will run between 18th Street and Nelson Road, including lane relocation, addition of bike lanes, replacement of traffic signals, and street lighting.

This ordinance allows the city to negotiate with property owners to acquire the right of way needed to complete the project and to execute agreements with Norfolk Southern Railway Company for the construction of this project.

Are there any questions or comments for my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Bangston, Day A Carver, Dorans Green, Remy Ross White, President Hardin.

Thank you, Council President.

May I now move to the neighborhoods recreation and parks committee?

Thank you.

Um, as I am reading the title of our first ordinance in this committee, I would like to invite Stephanie Baker, Executive Director of Clintonville Beachwald Community Resource Center up to the podium.

The ordinance is number 0941-2026 to authorize and direct the city clerk to enter into grant agreements with At Home by High, Clintonville Beachwald Community Resource Center, DBA Village in the Ville, Central Community House of Columbus, DBA Village Central, and Village Connections to support in support of their age in place village programs to authorize an appropriation and expenditure from the neighborhood initiative subfund and to declare an emergency.

Every year since arriving on council, I've been proud to advocate for and secure funding in the budget to support aging in place villages in our city.

For those unfamiliar, these programs create mutual support networks in neighborhoods that allow older adults to age in their homes without the need to move to a senior living facility or development.

The program's membership is made up of residents 50 and older, and the program relies on volunteers, program administrators, and fellow members to provide services such as grocery and medication pickup, doctor's office transportation, social outings, and home maintenance to name a few.

These services allow residents to age healthily and in dignity while remaining in their communities that they have lived in there that lived their life within.

Residents in these programs not only are able to stay in their homes, but they're able to stay in community with neighbors and thus are less likely to feel isolated.

This funding will be going to the four villages in operation currently in Columbus, Village in the Ville in Clintonville, Village Connections in German Village, Village Central on the Near East Side, and at Home by High, an Italian village, Victorian Village and University District.

I'd now like to turn the floor over to Stephanie from CRC, who runs Village in the Ville to talk more about these programs and their impact.

Stephanie, the floor is yours.

Thank you.

Good evening, Council President Harden and Council members.

I want to extend a special thank you to Councilmember Doug Akauer for her supportive village programs to care for older adults and for allowing me the opportunity to speak.

I also want to thank my wonderful colleague Donald Wiggins, Director of Village Connections, for being here with me this evening.

I have two stories to illustrate why village programs are essential safety net for our older adults.

First.

So most of you have been to CRC, but for those of you that have not, our agency is right on North High Street in Clintonville.

In our admin building, the building where I work, it has a covered porch with picnic tables on it.

And in the winter time, on the coldest days, I try to get to work as early as I possibly can because unfortunately there are times when I show up and one of our unhoused neighbors is freezing literally to death on our front porch.

This past winter I showed up and one of those individuals was an older adult.

I brought him across the street to our food pantry to warm up with a cup of coffee and to get something to eat.

And I had the incredibly difficult conversation with him, where I talked to him about the importance of going into the shelter system because I didn't want him to die.

Fortunately, he listened to me and my wonderful staff, got him a bed in the shelter and a bus pass to be able to get there.

Fast forward to two weeks ago, where I was working with one of our village members who needed minor home repairs that she couldn't afford just to be able to stay in her home.

I partnered with a wonderful volunteer team at North Broadway United Methodist Church to repair a step, tighten a very loose handrail, and repair her gate so that she could safely get in and out of her home.

One of the volunteers on this project was my 13-year-old daughter Maddie.

And after spending a short amount of time in this older adult's home, she yelled at me, Mom, everyone knows you.

The older adult knows you, all the volunteers know you.

It's so annoying.

And she's watching, so I'm sure she's really happy with me right now.

But contrary to my daughter's belief, I don't know everyone.

But the Village Network, including Village Connections, Village in the Ville, At Home By High, and Village Central, are built on extensive volunteer networks, older adults, and community partners that work closely together to make sure our most vulnerable residents are taken care of.

Prevention services are key.

I was working with two older adults with very different life outcomes.

One had no belongings except what he could carry and was struggling to survive.

The other had extremely limited means, had put off repairs for years because she couldn't afford them, but was safe and happy in her home, baking incredible chocolate chip cookies to thank the volunteers because it's what she had to give.

Thank you for supporting the village programs.

It's incredible, and I can't have words to express my gratitude, but please know we have more work to do.

I want to live in a world where I don't have to fear showing up at my workplace on the coldest day to find someone that it was too late for me to help.

Thank you.

Thank you, Stephanie, and thank you also to your fellow directors, Donald Wiggins, Tamar Forrest, and Katie Beaumont for all the work you do to help our aging Columbus residents.

Are there any questions or comments for my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Bankston, De Akaur, Dorans Green, Remy, Ross Weich, President Harden.

Thank you.

Next we have ordinance 1070-2026 to authorize the Director of Recreation Parks to enter into contract theatrical payroll service of Central Ohio Incorporated for professional stagehand services for events and programs, including the 2026 Jazz and Ribfest and 2026 C Bus Sol Fest to authorize the expenditure of $78,000 from the Recreation Parks Operating Fund and to waive competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code.

The vendor for this contract will be providing these stage hand services through the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, also known as IATSE.

IATSE is a labor union representing the highest caliber of technicians, artisans, and craft persons in the entertainment industry.

Services to be rendered include the transportation, installation, operation, and maintenance of city-owned audio, video, lighting consoles, and systems and staging equipment.

IASTE will be responsible for representing and referring qualified skilled professional labor to the recreation parks department as needed for all aspects of events and programs produced by the Office of Special Events.

A bid waiver has been requested as theatrical payroll services is the sole local payroll servicer for the union.

Are there any questions or comments for my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Bankston, De Akawa, Doris Green, Remy Ross White, President Harden.

Thank you.

Next, we have ordinance 1075-2026 to authorize the Director of Recreation Parks to enter into contract with the Yamara Restaurant and Downtown Columbus Inc.

to temporarily extend Amara's liquor permit to bicentennial park property for up to 19 CRPD and DCI community events being held in the park during 2026 to waive the competitive bidding requirements of the Columbus City Code and to declare an emergency.

Amara is the new restaurant replacing Milestone 239 at Bicentennial Park downtown.

CRPD shares maintenance and operational responsibilities with DCI for Bicentennial Park, requiring a tripartite tripartite partnership agreement with DCI to authorize Amara to temporarily extend their liquor permit premises to Bicentennial Park.

Amara is looking to extend their liquor licenses on certain dates for the purpose of making Dora beverages available in a convenient location to enhance attendee experiences at these events.

A bid waiver is requested because ORC will only authorize qualifying license holders to temporarily expand onto adjacent public property.

Due to geographical location of the restaurant, Amara is the only qualifying license holder that can fulfill this service.

Are there any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Bankston, De Acharber, Dorans Green, Remy Ross Weich, President Harden.

Thank you.

And finally, we have ordinance 1082-2026 to authorize Director of Russian Recreation and Parks to enter into a grant agreement with the Central Ohio Transit Authority, CODA, for design of the Big Walnut Trail, Helsill Park to Refugee Road Project and accept a grant in the amount of $4,082,250 to authorize the appropriation of $4,082,250 in the Recreation Parks Grant Fund and to declare an emergency.

In 2025, the Recreation Parks Department successfully applied for grant funds towards the construction of the Big Walnut Trail from Hillsell Park to Refugee Road at NAFSCAR Park.

This project is located in the mid-east area of the city.

The project will construct a 1.25 mile segment of the regional trail.

It will include trail underpasses beneath Hamilton Road and Refugee Road.

The project will also include a pedestrian bridge over Big Walnut Creek and trailhead access at both parks.

This grant funding will provide funds towards construction in 2026.

A second grant agreement authorized with a separate ordinance is anticipated to be awarded to the Recreation Parks Department in 2027 for construction of the next segment of the trail from Hellsell Park to Winchester Pike.

Are there any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Bankston, De Akawa, Dorance Green, Remy, Ross Weich, President Harden.

Thank you.

That's all in my committee this evening.

Next committee coming before council is the Workforce Education Labor Committee Chair by Pressbooks and Press President Floor is yours.

Thank you, Council President.

And the Well Committee, first we have ordinance number 1120-2026 to authorize the Director of Office of Education and Direct Construct and Learning Circle Software, LLC to provide ongoing technical support for the Seahive Data Platform, a program necessary to achieve the mayor's goal that uh every four-year-old in Columbus has access to high quality pre pre-kindergarten education to waive the committee and bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes and to authorize the expenditure of 226, 375 doll from the general fund.

Uh this ordinance will provide ongoing technical support for the Seahive Data Platform, a cloud-based web application that pre-kindergarten uh providers use to uh assemble enroll, uh assess and uh provide attendance data while allowing teachers to make real time uh decisions on instruction in the classroom.

Uh CHIV can uh help improve program outcomes and increase effectiveness.

There is unique dashboard of reporting capabilities.

The office is also requested to waive competitive bidding uh per Columbus City Code, Section 329.15 as HBM Learning Circle Software LLC was selected due to the prior experience and success in providing the same services going back to 2018.

Don't my colleagues have any questions or comments?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Bangston, Day Akkara, Doris Green, Remy, Ross White, President Hardin.

Thank you.

Next we have ordinance 1266-2026 to authorize the exec director of the Civil Service Commission on behalf of the Department of Public Safety to enter a service contract with Ohio Health Corporation doing business as Ohio Health Employer Services, LLC for the purchase of police fire uh surgeon pre-employment physical and or cardiovascular screening of police and fire candidates to waive the committee and bidding provisions of Columbus City Codes who authorize expansion of 207,000, 200 from the general fund and declared emergency.

Uh this ordinance authorized the executive director of the Civil Service Commission on behalf of the Department of Public Safety to establish a contract with Ohio Health Corporation doing business as Ohio Health Employer Services LLC for the purchase of services for police fire uh preemployment physical and cardiovascular screening of police and fire candidates.

Uh the pre-employment physicals and cardiovascular stress testing of public safety recruits are for the upcoming police and fire academy classes, of which there are two police and one fire academy classes scheduled for this year.

This require approximately 250 to 300 police candidates and 125 uh fire candidates to be tested to ensure that each class has 50 to 60 recruits.

Uh 57 vendors were solicited, and one bid was received, renewed, and determined to be responsive and a responsible bidder.

Uh, due to the fact that the Civil Service Commission respectfully requests this legislation be considered for a waiver of competitive bidding and emergency action to allow the purchase of the necessary services to administer the medical exams beginning in May of this year to allow for the timely testing and selection of the necessary recruit candidates for these upcoming academy classes.

Uh do my colleagues have some questions and comments.

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Second.

Bangston, Day Aka, Dorans Green, Remy, Ross White, President Harden.

That's all I have at this time.

Thank you.

Mr.

Chair, committee for Council of the Health and Well, Health Human Services and Equity Committee chair by Councilmember Green, Cousin Floor is yours.

Thank you so much, Council President.

Tonight in our Health Human Services and Equity Committee, we have one ordinance on second reading.

Um it is ordinance um 1040-2026 to authorize the appropriation of 1 million 172,278.92 cents from the unappropriated balance of the health special revenue fund to support primary one health uh care service costs to authorize the transfer of appropriations between object classes of the health special revenue fund and to declare an emergency.

Um these funds will allow for the provision of high quality health care services to some of Columbus's most vulnerable residents in Columbus's most vulnerable neighborhoods.

Um be utilized through a contract with primary one health for primary health care services.

Um I don't have to tell all of you guys how important this work is right now, how important it is for us to support this type of work across our continuums of care, uh, primary one health as well as other FQHCs are required uh to provide health care services to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of an ability to pay.

Um, and because of so many economic challenges that our community um, much like communities across the United States are experiencing right now because of policy changes at the state and the federal level that are rolling back people's access to critical life keeping saving health care services and health coverage.

Um the investments that we're making in programs like primary one health could not be more important.

Um so um in order to ensure that the services are able to be delivered without any delay.

Um we're seeking emergency action for this legislation.

Um questions.

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Bangston, Day Achar, Dorans Green, Remy, Ross White, President Harden.

Thank you so much.

That's all for me tonight, Council President.

Thank you very much, Council President President.

Tonight in public safety and criminal justice committee, I have four ordinances on for second read.

First is 496, 2026 to authorize and direct the city auditor to transfer 1,263,945 between various projects within the safety voted bond fund to amend the 2025 capital improvement budget to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code, Chapter 329 to authorize the finance and management director to enter into a contract with an issue a purchase order to the Sutfin Corporation for the purchase of one Sutfin Monarch Custom Pumper to authorize the expenditure of 1,263,945 from the safety voted bond fund and to declare an emergency.

So first, I want to briefly address this ordinance, including an amendment and that I have submitted to the clerk, and then talk a little bit about some of the dialogue that's been happening in the press.

No one on this council is questioning the need for this truck.

The question has been whether or not Sutfin can meet the timeline it used to win the bid, especially given ongoing labor issues.

Last year, as council considered the purchase of a fire um fire apparatus, we learned that delivery promises can mean very little if they are not backed up in the contract.

So tonight we are moving forward, but we are also adding the protections that should have been part of this process from the beginning.

The amendment requires a stipulated damages clause and a cancellation opt-out if the truck is delivered late, including delays caused by strikes or labor disputes.

We owe our firefighters equipment they can count on, and we owe taxpayers a contract the city can enforce.

It is disappointing to me how this legislation has been discussed publicly without all of the relevant context being shared.

Before the administration publicly called for action on this legislation, I had already shared a week earlier that this legislation would be on tonight's agenda.

I had shared my concerns about delivery assurances and the impact ongoing labor disputes could have on meeting the promised timeline.

The urgency here is real.

Our current engine fleet averages roughly 11 and a half years compared to an industry best practice closer to eight and a half.

That gap didn't did not happen overnight.

For years, the apparatus line item was effectively flat funded while costs continue to rise, and now we are working to catch up.

This has been and will continue to be about the responsible acquisition of the of a fire apparatus that our firefighters and residents deserve.

So I wanted to give the opportunity for my colleagues to Councilmember Dorrance.

Uh thank you, Chair.

I appreciate the opportunity.

One of my thank you for amending the legislation.

Again, it's surprising that those uh provisions were not included to begin with, considering the dialogue that I think this body and the Department of Public Safety have had for months with this particular vendor.

Um so one appreciate you you doing that.

Uh think it certainly protects the the taxpayers here.

It's also a bit frustrating, again, for us to be here with a vendor that we've all had concerns with that still has active labor strife, um, could have a strike literally any day given the conditions that exist there.

And the price difference between this product and the other product that um responded.

If I've done my math correctly, and I was like to joke, I went to law school because I can't do math, so but uh I did put this in the calculator.

The price difference is 0.002 percent of the city's budget.

A small difference, which I think is a small price to pay for taxpayers not to be working with folks that are behaving in a way that in my estimation um is incredibly disrespectful to the workforce.

So I appreciate what you've done here uh to make this legislation as best as it can be, uh, because again, we need to buy fire trucks.

That's not in dispute here.

We need to make sure that our firefighters have the best equipment that they can have.

I also think it's this body's duty to ask who are we doing business with?

And I think this instance again brings up to mind that unless this body takes that seriously, um, we will be back in places like this.

So, you know, I'm hopeful that I can work with you and with others actually bring a more proactive way for our procurement to address these kinds of issues, because I don't like being no votes on legislation like this.

I don't um it is not where I would like to be, but ultimately that's where I'm at right now, considering the conduct of this vendor has continued, continued to put their workers last in this.

And we should not be in this situation here tonight.

So again, I respect the your work chair and certainly uh would like to work with you in the future to make sure that uh these kinds of things don't have to get solved in the back end that we can do we can do this proactively and have a better way for us to contract with folks that takes into account workers' rights.

Thank you, President Pro Tim.

Are there any other questions or comments or questions by my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move to amend a submitted to the clerk by voice.

Bankston.

De Aukar?

Dorrance?

Green.

Yes.

Remy?

Yes.

Ross.

Weich.

Yes.

President Harden.

Yes.

And now I move for passage as amended by voice.

Second.

Who's called the Robot Voice?

Bankston.

De Akar?

Dorrance.

Green?

Yes.

Remy?

Yes.

Ross?

Yes.

Weich.

Yes.

President Harden.

Yes.

Thank you very much.

Now I have 929, 2026 to authorize the director of the Department of Public Safety to enter into contract with Lexapool LLC to provide access to the Cortico Wellness Application to authorize the expenditure of 125,000 from the general fund to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Code and to declare an emergency.

A bid waiver was requested to continue service with Lexapool, who was was previously selected through a competitive bid process as rebidding would cause unnecessary delays and access to the application.

Emergency action is necessary to continue the regular use of the wellness app, providing critical mental health services to first responders.

Are there any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Bankston, Day Acar, Dorans Green, Remy, Ross White, President Harden.

Next is 1042, 2026 to authorize Department of Finance and Management on behalf of the municipal court judges and the municipal court clerk to enter into contract with mission critical partners, LLC for the provision of a justice ecosystem study to authorize the appropriation of 234,169 within the general permanent improvement fund to authorize the expenditure of 84,169 from the general permanent improvement fund to authorize the transfer of 234,169 within the general permanent improvement fund to amend the 2025 capital improvement budget to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of Columbus City Codes and to declare an emergency.

This ordinance authorizes phase two of the city's contract with mission critical partners, LLC, to support the municipal court and judges in selecting a new case management system in time for the new municipal court building.

This ordinance also appropriates an expense 234, 169 for the general permanent improvement fund.

Um we we already went through that.

A bid waiver is requested because mission critical partners is the sole authorized dealer under Ohio State term schedule.

The state term schedule is deemed the most effective procurement method available.

Emergency action is requested to prevent delays in the current project schedule and ensure compliance with the legislative mandates.

Are there any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Seeing that I move for passage.

Second.

Bankston, De Akar, Dorrance Green, Remy, Ross White, President Harden.

And finally, I have 1220, excuse me, 1245, 2026, to authorize and direct the municipal court clerk to enter into the third year of a five-year contract with the Ohio State University, OER net for the provisions of VMware software licenses and maintenance services to weigh the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code to authorize an expenditure of $15,182.40 cents from the municipal court computer fund and to declare an emergency.

This ordinance authorizes the Miss Municipal Court Clerk to enter into year three of a five-year contract with OARNET for VMware software licenses and maintenance, which support the office's virtualized server infrastructure.

A bid waiver is requested because OARNET offers the best available pricing under VMware's updated licensing model following broadcast Broadcom's acquisition.

Emergency action is requested to ensure the infrastructure remains secure, operational, and compliant with the new licensing requirements.

Are there any questions or comments for my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Second.

Bankston, Day Akkara, Dorren's Green, Remy, Ross Weich, President Harden.

Thank you very much.

That is all I have this evening.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Next committee come before council is the Housing Homelessness and Building Committee.

Councilmember Ross chairs that committee.

Thank you, Council Presidents.

Two ordinances on second read for tonight.

I will give a brief description of both before I read into the record.

They are two pieces of legislation, each for affordable housing projects in the Discovery District developed through a partnership between Woda Cooper and Columbus State Community Partners, which is the development arm of Columbus State Community College.

Together, their projects are creating 166 affordable apartments near downtown employment centers, education, transit services, and amenities.

The development also helps meet a major goal of the 2022 downtown Columbus Strategic Plan to bring more residents downtown, which recognizes that residents are the cornerstone of downtown Columbus's growth.

The project is funded by a total of 2.4 million dollars in home funds, 1.2 for each opportunity point one and opportunity point two projects.

Opportunity point one will consist of 82 affordable units.

Opportunity point two will consist of 84 affordable units.

Both projects target housing or households earning 30 to 80 percent of the area median income with units rent restricted at or below 3050, 60 and 80 percent AMI.

With that, I am reading um ordinance number 1189-2026, which is to authorize the expenditure in an amount up to 1.2 million of home investment partnerships program grant funds, 200,000 from the 2023 grant, and 100,000 from the I'm so sorry, two yeah, 200,000 from the 2023 grant and one million from the 2024 grant from the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development, and also authorizes the director of the Department of Development to execute a commitment letter, loan agreement, promissory mortgage, and restricted covenant with opportunity point one limited partnership for the opportunity point one project.

Are there any comments or questions from my colleagues?

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Second, Ms.

Carl Row, Bengston, De Akar, Dorans, Green, Remy, Ross White, President Harden.

Thank you.

Lastly, I have ordinance number 11 91-2026.

This ordinance authorizes the expenditure in an amount up to 1.2 million of home investment partnerships programs, grant funds, 200,000 from the 2023 grant, and 1 million from the 2024 grant from the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development, and also authorizes the director of the Department of Development to execute a commitment letter, loan agreement, promissory note, mortgage, and restricted covenant with the Opportunity Point two limited partnership for the Opportunity Point One project.

Any questions or comments from my colleagues?

Oh, I think we do have I am so sorry.

We have that one speaker, Mr.

Nathaniel Wilkins.

He is here to speak in support of this ordinance.

1612 All Lynch Avenue, Mr.

Rosan George Wilkins.

First of all, let me say if I'm gonna be speaking in favor of this, I know a lot of times we are leaving out the multiple disability people.

But there's a lot of time we leave out the multiple disability and visually impaired population in here and here.

I would like to see something that's set aside for disability, the blind, people that's going to college that have more uh affordable home affordable apartments set aside for people that's going to Columbus State.

So again, I think that this that this money needs to be 1.5 million dollars because we have got to understand we're leaving out the other people that reside here in Columbus, Ohio, uh for its disability people that's hearing impaired and all the way blind.

And if we are talking about college students and not talking about other people, just like my wife said, we don't think about the other people.

We don't, and we're tired of getting left out.

What if a blind person or visually impaired person wants to go to college?

Where is the money for that agency?

We're tired of leaving those kind of people out.

There's people in wheelchairs or special needs.

We have to have this money to set allocated for those type of people that want to go to college.

You know, sometimes we have to realize it's not we are the people.

We have to look at other individuals that wants to go to college.

And so we can not leave out other institutions that has an educated mind or a college mind.

I'll remind you me and my wife went to a diner and function, and um there was a teeth totally blind man knows the whole system.

And so we have to understand what are we doing with those other sets of people that lives in our state of Ohio or around the state of Columbus.

So again, I would love to see more money set aside for this.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you, Mr.

Wilkins.

Any questions or comments from my colleagues other than a we agree?

All right, seeing that move for passage.

Ms.

Collarow.

Bangston, they are carried.

Remy Ross White, President Hardin.

Thank you.

That is it from my committee, Council President.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Final committee coming before council, the public utilities and sustainability committee, chair by Councilmember Weich.

Councilmember, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Council President.

First, in public utilities and sustainability, I have 950-2026 to authorize the director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a professional engineering services contract with Arcadis U.S.

Incorporated for the Division of Storage and Drainage Storm Pump Stations Construction Project to authorize an amendment to the 2025 capital improvement budget to authorize the appropriation of funds within the storm revolving loan fund to authorize this contract to be funded with a loan from the water pollution control loan fund to make this ordinance contingent upon the Ohio Water Development Authority approving a loan for this project and to authorize an expenditure of up to 1,040,794 and 17 cents from the storm revolving loan fund for the contract.

The work to be completed under this contract includes necessary repairs and improvements to the Division of Water Reclamation's stormwater pump stations, which are essential for the removal of rainwater following heavy storms.

This work will ensure that the pump stations have the capacity to keep up with demand and maintain peak operational performance.

Let me stop there, see if any questions are comments from my colleagues.

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Clerk, please call the row.

Bangston, they are covered, Dorans Green, Remy, Ross White, President Hardin.

Passed.

Thank you.

Next I have ordinance 1060-2026 to authorize the director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a planned contract modification of professional services contract with Murphy Epson Incorporated for the lead service line outreach project to authorize an amendment to the 2025 capital improvement budget to authorize the director of the Department of Public Utilities to apply for a water supply revolving loan account loan and to enter into a loan agreement with the Ohio Water Development Authority and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to appropriate funds in the Water System Reserve Fund and the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account Fund to authorize a transfer of cash between the water system reserve fund and the water supply revolving loan account fund to authorize an expenditure of up to 2,527,488 and six cents from the water supply revolving loan account fund to pay for this contract modification and to declare an emergency.

This work includes the implementation of a comprehensive community outreach program for the city's led service line replacement program.

Outreach will include the development of educational materials, door-to-door resident engagement, public meetings, and community education forums.

Let me stop there, see if any questions are comments from my colleagues.

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Clerk please call the row.

Bangston, they are cowards green, remi Ross White, President Hardin.

Passed.

Thank you.

Next, I have ordinance 1134-2026 to authorize the Earth Director of Columbus Water and Power to pay the State of Ohio Treasurer, Department of Natural Resources for Operation and Maintenance Services with water entitlement costs for withdrawing water from the Allen Creek Reservoir for the Division of Water to authorize the expenditure of 1,383,585.54 cents from the water operating fund.

The City of Columbus maintains an agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which enables the Division of Water to withdraw water from the Alam Creek Reservoir.

This ordinance provides the annual payment of a uh proportionate maintenance and operational costs in accordance with that agreement.

Let me stop there.

See if any questions are comments from my colleagues.

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Clerk Peace Collarow.

Bangston, they are covered, Dorans Green Remy, Ross White, President Harden.

Passed.

Thank you.

And last I have ordinance 1161-2026 to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of 14,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary from the general funds income tax set aside subfund to pay 2026 waste disposal tipping fees for the division of refuse collection to authorize the director of public service to establish an encumbrance of 14 million five hundred thousand to pay refuse tipping fees to the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio for the division of refuse collection pursuant to an existing lease agreement and to declare an emergency.

This ordinance provides the funding necessary to pay waste disposal tipping fees to SWACO, which are necessary so that the city can continue to provide regular residential refuse collection services in bulk and a legal dumped item pickup as needed.

The amounts specified in this ordinance is based on an estimated waste stream of 305,000 tons in 2026.

Emergency designation is requested in order to avoid delays of payment, which could result in the city's incurring interest and penalties.

Let me stop there.

See if any questions or comments from my colleagues.

Seeing none, I move for passage.

Clerk please call the row.

Bankston, day alcar, dorms green, reamy Ross Weich, President Hardin.

Thank you.

That is all I have for my committee this evening.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

See no further business come for council.

Is there a motion to adjourn?

Clerk, please call the row.

Bangston, De Akar, Dorrance Green, Remy, Ross Weich, President Harden.

Meeting is adjourned.

We have uh