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.
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.