OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Meeting - May 20, 2026: Budget, Public Safety Technology, and Community Recognitions

City Council — Wednesday, May 20, 2026
BodyColumbus, Ohio
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, May 20, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:58:42

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Playing of the national anthem.

1:13

Council Member Green, would you lead us in the pledge?

1:23

One nation.

1:26

Liberty and justice for all.

1:29

This evening, Council is grateful to have Bishop Geis from New Fellowship Baptist Church here to pray with this.

1:35

Bishop, welcome back to Council, and thank you so much for being with us this evening.

1:45

Good evening, everyone.

1:47

Good evening.

1:48

I appreciate this opportunity to come to all civil leaders and the city council.

1:55

Let us pray.

2:00

To our Lord, our God and our Creator, we bow our heads today in gratitude for the privilege of gathering in this chamber today.

2:17

We give thanks for the rich blessings you have given to our community, for the strength of our neighborhoods, the dedication of our workforce, and the diversity of people who call this city their home.

2:36

As this city council begins to work, we ask, Lord, that you pour out your wisdom, your discernment, and your guidance upon these elected leaders.

2:51

Because the responsibility that they bear is very heavy.

2:56

And the decisions that they make will shape the lives of these residents.

3:03

Grant them, Lord, the clarity of mind to weigh issues, give them the patience to listen to one another.

3:13

In a time when voices can be fractured and divided, we pray that this chamber remains a sanctuary of respect and constructive dialogue.

3:35

Guide us, O Lord, with love and compassion.

3:40

And finally, may the deliberations of this meeting be anchored in a spirit of unity and steadfast and commitment to truth.

3:52

And let the work that is part of this great city.

4:03

Lord, we ask that you allow the legacy of peace and unity.

4:10

These things we ask.

4:12

Amen.

4:13

Amen.

4:14

Thank you so much, Bishop.

4:15

Clerk, please call the row.

4:17

Thank Ston Barossa de Padilla, de Arcara Dorns Green, Remy, Ross Weich, President Harden.

4:23

Any person who takes any action to obstruct or interfere with the conduct of tonight's meeting may be charged with disturbing a lawful meeting pursuant to Columbus City Code 2317.

4:35

Any person who enters those areas of City Council chambers reserved for city officials or invited guests may be charged for criminal trespass pursuant to Columbus City Code 2311.

4:47

Can I get a motion to speak for the reading of the journal?

4:51

Clerk, please call the row.

4:52

Bangston, Barosa De Padilla, they are Carodor and Screen.

4:58

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

5:00

Are there any additions to the journal?

5:01

Hearing none this week's communication received by the city clerk's office are listed on the agenda we publish in the city bulletin.

5:06

Are there any other communications to be read into the record?

5:09

Not at this time.

5:10

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

5:11

We'll go around the dais for resolutions and uh announcements by my colleagues, German Councilman Banksman.

5:17

Uh thank you, um Council President.

5:20

Uh I have one resolution and one announcement this evening.

5:22

Uh really excited about uh this resolution, and as I read it, I'm gonna have uh Deontay Johnson, owner and operator of Soul Classes to come up to the podium uh as I introduce uh resolution 0135 X-2026 to recognize Soul Classics on its 20th anniversary.

5:41

Established in 2006, Soul Classics has grown into a nationally recognized sneaker boutique and cultural institution in downtown Columbus, rooted in community creativity and entrepreneurship.

5:54

Thanks to the tireless work and passion of the Soul Classics team led by Deontay, Soul Classics has helped elevate Columbus as a destination for sneaker culture and independent retail excellence while demonstrating the power of black owned businesses to inspire economic growth and cultural connection.

6:13

Anyone with any experience owning, managing or supporting small businesses knows how hard it is for a small business to make it past uh year three, let alone be in business for 20 years.

6:26

Uh so I am so proud of this homegrown black owned business for reaching this incredible milestone.

6:33

Uh Deontay is here with us tonight, the man, the myth, and the legend.

6:37

Uh I'm gonna let him turn the microphone over to him uh before I pass this resolution.

6:42

Deontay.

6:43

This yep, that's on.

6:46

You can bring up y'all can you can bring up your crew now if they want to come.

6:49

By all means, staff, please, family, friends.

6:52

It's about half of everybody in the back.

6:56

Um I don't take this lightly.

6:58

Um 20 years here in in Columbus, Ohio is a pen uh a point of pride.

7:03

I'm excited for you know what's to come, but also super proud of what's been accomplished thus far.

7:09

And it wouldn't have been accomplished without um my beautiful wife, Jessica, my my family, my mother, and all these people, different all these different people, staff and and friends and support group.

7:20

Um so with all of us, that's how it's been that's how we've gotten to 20, and prayerfully we'll keep going from here.

7:26

Thank you.

7:27

Well, I just want to say thank you, Deontay.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety████████████████████████████28%
Procedural██████████10%
Technology and Innovation██████████10%
Community Engagement████████8%
Economic Development███████7%
Fiscal Sustainability███████7%
Active Transportation█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Arts And Culture████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Meeting – May 20, 2026

The Columbus City Council met on May 20, 2026, to consider a wide range of legislation including capital improvement projects, public safety technology contracts, affordable housing funding, and community recognitions. The meeting featured a lengthy discussion on the use of Flock automated license plate readers and ShotSpotter gunfire detection, with the council chair announcing a future public hearing on surveillance technology policies. Several resolutions celebrated local businesses and organizations, and the council passed an emergency measure opposing a statewide property tax repeal effort.

Consent Calendar

  • Consent Agenda Items: The council approved a slate of routine ordinances and resolutions by consent, covering finance, economic development, public service, recreation, workforce, health, public safety, and zoning matters. One item, Ordinance 1229-2026, was passed with a note of abstention by Council President Harden.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Kaden Asifa (speaking against Pride Month resolution): Expressed strong opposition to the city’s recognition of Pride Month, stating that the American flag should be the only flag honored in June and July, and that the celebration dishonors military veterans and the nation. His comments were rebutted by Council President Harden, who emphasized that the freedom to celebrate Pride is protected by the very flag Mr. Asifa championed.
  • Iseta Thomas (Columbus Education Justice Coalition): Spoke in support of the Northland Community School Pilot Program (Ordinance 1600-2026), highlighting the success of the community schools model in increasing attendance, lowering suspension rates, and fostering student leadership. She urged the council to invest in the coordinator position funded by the ordinance.

Discussion Items

  • Property Tax Repeal Opposition (Resolution 0133 X-2026): Council President Harden presented a resolution opposing a ballot initiative to completely eliminate property taxes in Ohio. Kent Scarrett (Executive Director, Ohio Municipal League) detailed the potential impacts, including the loss of $24 billion in local revenue, 32,000 first responder positions, 50,000 teachers, and severe cuts to senior services. He noted that while the initiative had until July 1, 2026, to submit signatures, polling showed 67% support without a public education campaign. Councilmembers expressed concerns, with Councilmember Barroso de Padilla citing California’s Proposition 13 as a cautionary example. The resolution passed unanimously.
  • Pride Month Resolution (0134 X-2026): Council President Harden presented a resolution celebrating June as Pride Month and the upcoming Pride Festival. Leo Rodriguez (Stonewall Columbus) thanked the council and noted that Columbus Pride draws 750,000 attendees and generates $7.5 million in economic impact. Public commenter Kaden Asifa spoke against the resolution. Councilmembers reaffirmed their support, and the resolution passed.
  • Public Safety Technology Oversight: A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the renewal of the ShotSpotter contract (Ordinance 1225-2026) and broader concerns about police surveillance technologies, particularly Flock automated license plate readers. Deputy Chief Tim Myers answered questions on data retention, geographic deployment, and steps taken to limit access by federal agencies. He reported that the division is developing a formal surveillance technology policy, expected by September 30, 2026, and has implemented filters to prevent immigration enforcement-related searches. Councilmembers voiced concerns about potential misuse by third parties, with several calling for a dedicated public hearing. Councilmember Remy announced her intent to hold such a hearing and to codify the policy into law. The ShotSpotter contract was ultimately passed.
  • Community Recognitions and Announcements: The council adopted resolutions honoring Soul Classics (20th anniversary), the Junior League of Columbus (50th anniversary of stewardship of Kelton House), and acknowledged the retirement of city employee Sheree Ilhami (Department of Technology). Several councilmembers made announcements about upcoming community events, including a joint city-school board hearing on June 15, 2026, a public utilities committee hearing on June 3, 2026, and summer reading programs at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted Resolutions:
    • Resolution 0135 X-2026 (Soul Classics 20th anniversary) – Unanimous.
    • Resolution 013x-2026 (Junior League 50th anniversary) – Unanimous.
    • Resolution 0133 X-2026 (Opposing property tax repeal) – Unanimous.
    • Resolution 0134 X-2026 (Pride Month) – Unanimous.
  • Passed Ordinances (selected):
    • Ordinance 1430-2026: Easton Police Substation – Construction manager at risk contract for $10 million. Unanimous.
    • Ordinance 1464-2026: Mount Vernon Avenue Phase 1 multimodal improvements – $7.1 million. Unanimous.
    • Ordinance 1230-2026: After-school programming for 1,300 middle school students – $2 million. Unanimous.
    • Ordinance 1600-2026: Northland Community School Pilot Program – Funding for a full-time coordinator. Unanimous.
    • Ordinance 1041-2026: Contracts with six FQHCs for primary care services – $3.8 million. Unanimous.
    • Ordinance 1225-2026: Renewal of ShotSpotter gunfire detection contract – $661,500 (one year). Unanimous.
    • Ordinance 1356-2026: Affordable housing grant for Barthman Family Homes (150 units) – $5 million. Unanimous.
    • Ordinance 1328-2026: Wilson Bridge Booster Station improvements – $1.285 million. Unanimous.
  • Future Actions: Councilmember Remy announced a forthcoming public hearing on police surveillance technology policies and an audit of Flock camera use. The joint city-school board committee will hold its first hearing on June 15, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Playing of the national anthem. Council Member Green, would you lead us in the pledge? One nation. Liberty and justice for all. This evening, Council is grateful to have Bishop Geis from New Fellowship Baptist Church here to pray with this. Bishop, welcome back to Council, and thank you so much for being with us this evening. Good evening, everyone. Good evening. I appreciate this opportunity to come to all civil leaders and the city council. Let us pray. To our Lord, our God and our Creator, we bow our heads today in gratitude for the privilege of gathering in this chamber today. We give thanks for the rich blessings you have given to our community, for the strength of our neighborhoods, the dedication of our workforce, and the diversity of people who call this city their home. As this city council begins to work, we ask, Lord, that you pour out your wisdom, your discernment, and your guidance upon these elected leaders. Because the responsibility that they bear is very heavy. And the decisions that they make will shape the lives of these residents. Grant them, Lord, the clarity of mind to weigh issues, give them the patience to listen to one another. In a time when voices can be fractured and divided, we pray that this chamber remains a sanctuary of respect and constructive dialogue. Guide us, O Lord, with love and compassion. And finally, may the deliberations of this meeting be anchored in a spirit of unity and steadfast and commitment to truth. And let the work that is part of this great city. Lord, we ask that you allow the legacy of peace and unity. These things we ask. Amen. Amen. Thank you so much, Bishop. Clerk, please call the row. Thank Ston Barossa de Padilla, de Arcara Dorns Green, Remy, Ross Weich, President Harden. Any person who takes any action to obstruct or interfere with the conduct of tonight's meeting may be charged with disturbing a lawful meeting pursuant to Columbus City Code 2317. Any person who enters those areas of City Council chambers reserved for city officials or invited guests may be charged for criminal trespass pursuant to Columbus City Code 2311. Can I get a motion to speak for the reading of the journal? Clerk, please call the row. Bangston, Barosa De Padilla, they are Carodor and Screen. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Are there any additions to the journal? Hearing none this week's communication received by the city clerk's office are listed on the agenda we publish in the city bulletin. Are there any other communications to be read into the record? Not at this time. Thank you, Madam Clerk. We'll go around the dais for resolutions and uh announcements by my colleagues, German Councilman Banksman. Uh thank you, um Council President. Uh I have one resolution and one announcement this evening. Uh really excited about uh this resolution, and as I read it, I'm gonna have uh Deontay Johnson, owner and operator of Soul Classes to come up to the podium uh as I introduce uh resolution 0135 X-2026 to recognize Soul Classics on its 20th anniversary. Established in 2006, Soul Classics has grown into a nationally recognized sneaker boutique and cultural institution in downtown Columbus, rooted in community creativity and entrepreneurship. Thanks to the tireless work and passion of the Soul Classics team led by Deontay, Soul Classics has helped elevate Columbus as a destination for sneaker culture and independent retail excellence while demonstrating the power of black owned businesses to inspire economic growth and cultural connection. Anyone with any experience owning, managing or supporting small businesses knows how hard it is for a small business to make it past uh year three, let alone be in business for 20 years. Uh so I am so proud of this homegrown black owned business for reaching this incredible milestone. Uh Deontay is here with us tonight, the man, the myth, and the legend. Uh I'm gonna let him turn the microphone over to him uh before I pass this resolution. Deontay. This yep, that's on.

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