OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Regular Meeting – May 1, 2026

City Council — Friday, May 1, 2026
BodyColumbus, Ohio
SessionCity Council
DateFriday, May 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:20:34

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

23 will now come to order.

0:01

Please stand for the playing of the national anthem.

1:14

Councilmember Diocler, would you leave us in the pledge?

1:16

I pledge the United States there.

1:29

This evening, Council is grateful to have Pastor Joe Dunlap Jr.

1:33

of Bethle Temple Ministries to pray with us.

1:35

Pastor, welcome back to Council.

1:45

Good evening, President Harden and Council members and all of you.

1:48

Um the government and Isaiah 9, 6 and 7, referring to Jesus Christ.

1:56

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.

2:09

It signifies that he is the ultimate ruler whose reign brings peace, justice, and righteousness rather than relying on human strength alone.

2:20

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.

2:29

God is upon your shoulders, God, and because of that, you have made uh President Hardin and these council members.

2:37

You said their yoke will be easy and their burdens are light.

2:40

So we thank you for giving them continued wisdom, discernment, and direction for this city and even what will take place this evening.

2:47

God, we thank you for just supernatural wisdom and understanding and revelation that will be applied to their duties.

2:54

We just thank you.

2:55

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.

3:04

We just thank you for this opportunity, and we give you all glory, honor, and praise.

3:08

It's in Jesus' name we pray.

3:09

Amen.

3:10

Thank you, Pastor.

3:11

Clerk, please call the role.

3:12

Bangkson, Deakar, Dorns Green, Remy, Ross Weiss, President Harding.

3:19

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.

3:30

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.

3:41

Can I go to motion to distance with the reading of the journal?

3:45

Clerk, please call the row.

3:46

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

3:51

Are there any additions or corrections to the journal?

3:53

This week's communication received by the city clerk's officer listed on the agenda and we publish in the city bulletin.

3:57

Are there any other communications we ran into the record?

4:00

Not at this time.

4:01

We'll go around the dais with uh updates and resolutions from members of council, starting with Councilmember Bankston.

4:07

Thank you, Councilmember.

4:08

Councilmember Dayakau.

4:10

Thank you, Council President.

4:11

I have just one announcement this evening.

4:13

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.

4:23

at the Linden War Memorial in Linden Park, which is next to the community center.

4:29

As we did last year, we're excited to have members of the Linden community there to participate in the service.

4:37

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.

4:47

Our guest speaker will be Army Veteran Danny Eekins from the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

4:54

And this year we are doing a special tribute to Columbus Native Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons.

5:01

The tribute will be made by Major Jennifer Green.

5:04

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.

5:16

Thank you.

5:19

President O'Toam.

5:22

Councilmember Green.

5:24

Councilmember Reamy.

5:25

Thank you very much, Council President.

5:27

I have one announcement in one resolution this evening.

5:30

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

5:38

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.

5:46

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

5:50

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.

5:57

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.

6:06

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

6:13

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.

6:28

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.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████████26%
Economic Development███████████████15%
Parks and Recreation████████████12%
Public Safety███████████11%
Community Engagement████████8%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Arts And Culture████4%
Affordable Housing████4%
Public Health███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Regular Meeting – May 1, 2026

The Columbus City Council convened on May 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM (estimated) to consider a wide-ranging agenda including resolutions, ordinances on first and second reading, consent agenda items, and zoning matters. Key topics included the first reading of a resolution to expand the Confluence Community Authority for a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) training facility, a deer feeding prohibition, recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day, funding for affordable housing and arts facilities, and the purchase of a fire apparatus with enhanced contract protections. Public testimony was heard on the NWSL expansion and on affordable housing.

Consent Calendar

  • Finance and Governance Committee: Ordinances 458, 995, 1062, 1129, 1144, 1150, 1181, 1192, 1217, 1219, 1263, 1290, and 1340-2026 (various financial authorizations).
  • 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, 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, 1167-2026.
  • Health Human Services and Equity Committee: Ordinances 1050, 1155, 1196, 1214, 1232, 1243-2026.
  • Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee: Ordinances 255, 1004, 1152, 1153, 1190-2026.
  • Housing Homeless and Building Committee: Ordinances 1250, 1293-2026.
  • Public Utilities and Sustainability Committee: Ordinances 872, 989, 1023, 1039, 1093, 1151, 1156, 1264, 1267, 1282, 1313-2026.
  • Rules and Policy Appointments: Appointments 84, 85, 86, 87-2026. All consent items were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jennifer Creighton urged council not to allow Resolution 0121X-2026 (Confluence Community Authority expansion) to advance to second reading, stating it would give away the only major green space in the area (555 Green Lawn Avenue) and put the Castle Court manufactured housing community at risk. She described the process as lacking transparency and breaking promises made after the McCoy Park deal.
  • Nathaniel Wilkins spoke in support of affordable housing ordinances for Opportunity Point 1 and 2, but called for more funding (suggesting $1.5 million instead of $1.2 million) and for set-asides for people with disabilities, including the blind and visually impaired, who he said are often left out.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 0121X-2026 (First Reading) – To expand the Confluence Community Authority (NCA) by adding parcels for the NWSL training facility. Director Stevens explained the resolution sets a public hearing date and is a procedural step; it does not transfer ownership. Councilmember Reed (Chair of the working group formed per Ordinance 1112-2026) objected, stating the administration had not acted in good faith during working group meetings and that the legislation was introduced without community discussion. She presented maps showing the proposed overlay and argued the land north of McCoy Park and south of Greenlawn Avenue should remain public park space. Councilmembers Bankston, Dorns, and others sought clarifications on parcel boundaries (mobile home areas are not included) and on timing. No vote was taken; the item will return for second reading.
  • Resolution 0123X-2026 (Adopted) – Recognizing May 15, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week as National Police Week. Deputy Chief Mark Denner accepted the resolution on behalf of the division, noting a ceremony on May 22nd.
  • Resolution 0125X-2026 (Adopted) – Honoring Bishop Dr. Charles Berger Sr. upon his transition to Bishop Emeritus. His daughter Latoya Berger delivered remarks thanking the council.
  • Ordinance 0944-2026 (Passed) – Prohibiting intentional feeding of white-tailed deer within city limits (minor misdemeanor). Councilmember Dayakauer summarized the process: a survey of nearly 4,000 responses (two-thirds from Clintonville and the Olentangy River corridor) found broad support for deer management. The ordinance does not affect bird/squirrel feeders or composting. It is a first step; conversations with the mayor's office on a more comprehensive culling program have begun.
  • Ordinance 0999-2026 – Annexation request (15.4 acres in Jefferson Township) postponed to May 18, 2026 at the applicant's request.
  • Ordinances 1311, 1312, 1315, 1316-2026 (Passed) – Establishing two new downtown Special Improvement Districts (SIDs): Downtown Central and Downtown East. Executive Director Robin Davis of Safer Downtown testified that property owners representing more than 60% of frontage signed on. Services include ambassador patrols (26 full-time, 2 hiring), cleanliness, homeless outreach (69 people permanently housed since January), and special duty police. Councilmember Green abstained on all four.
  • Ordinance 0966-2026 (Passed) – Contract for engineering services for Nelson Road improvements (Livingston Avenue to Main Street), including lane narrowing, sidewalks, and resurfacing.
  • Ordinance 1205-2026 (Passed) – Livingston Avenue corridor project (18th Street to Nelson Road), including right-of-way acquisition and agreements with Norfolk Southern for roadway reconstruction, bike lanes, and signal upgrades.
  • Ordinance 0941-2026 (Passed) – Grant agreements totaling funding for four “aging in place” village programs (Village in the Ville, Village Connections, Village Central, At Home by High). Stephanie Baker of Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resource Center described prevention services that help older adults remain safely in their homes.
  • Ordinance 1070-2026 (Passed) – Contract with Theatrical Payroll Service for stagehand services (IATSE union) for the 2026 Jazz & Ribfest and Cbus Sol Fest, $78,000.
  • Ordinance 1075-2026 (Passed) – Temporary extension of Amara Restaurant's liquor permit to Bicentennial Park for 19 community events in 2026.
  • Ordinance 1082-2026 (Passed) – Grant agreement with COTA for design of the Big Walnut Trail (Hillsell Park to Refugee Road), a 1.25-mile segment with underpasses and a pedestrian bridge, funded by a $4,082,250 grant.
  • Ordinance 1120-2026 (Passed) – Technical support for the Seahive data platform (pre-K education), $226,375.
  • Ordinance 1266-2026 (Passed) – Contract with OhioHealth for pre-employment physical/cardiovascular screening of police and fire candidates, $207,200.
  • Ordinance 1040-2026 (Passed) – Appropriation of $1,172,278.92 for PrimaryOne Health to provide primary care services to vulnerable residents, especially given federal/state policy changes.
  • Ordinance 496-2026 (Passed as Amended) – Purchase of a Sutfin Monarch Custom Pumper fire apparatus for $1,263,945. Councilmember President Pro Tem Dorns introduced an amendment adding a stipulated damages clause and cancellation opt-out if delivery is late (including strikes). The amendment passed; the ordinance was then adopted. Discussion noted that the current engine fleet averages 11.5 years old vs. industry best practice of 8.5 years. Councilmember Dorns expressed concerns about the vendor's labor issues and a 0.002% price difference from the other bid.
  • Ordinances 1189 and 1191-2026 (Passed) – $2.4 million in HOME funds (combined) for Opportunity Point 1 (82 units) and Opportunity Point 2 (84 units) – affordable housing downtown in partnership with Woda Cooper and Columbus State Community Partners. Units are rent-restricted for households earning 30–80% AMI.
  • Ordinance 1042-2026 (Passed) – Contract with Mission Critical Partners for a justice ecosystem study to support the new municipal court building, $234,169.
  • Ordinance 1245-2026 (Passed) – Third year of a five-year contract with OARnet for VMware software licenses, $15,182.40.
  • Other public utility ordinances (Passed) – Contracts for storm pump station repairs ($1,040,794), lead service line outreach ($2,527,488), Alum Creek Reservoir water withdrawal annual payment ($1,383,585.54), and waste disposal tipping fees ($14.5 million for 305,000 tons estimated).

Key Outcomes

  • Resolution 0121X-2026 – First reading only; no vote. The item will return for second reading and public hearing. Councilmembers indicated they could vote to table if concerns are not resolved.
  • Deer feeding ban (0944-2026) – Passed unanimously.
  • Downtown SIDs (1311, 1312, 1315, 1316) – Passed (Councilmember Green abstained on all).
  • Fire apparatus purchase (496-2026) – Passed as amended with late-delivery penalties.
  • Affordable housing (1189, 1191) – Passed.
  • All other ordinances on second reading – Passed unanimously except where noted.
  • Consent agenda – Approved unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

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.

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