OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Regular Meeting – June 2, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, June 2, 2026
BodyColumbus, Ohio
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, June 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:04:21

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Council meeting.

0:00

We wanted to, we're going to go a bit out of order.

0:04

Columbus City Council is joining with the city attorney's office to make sure that we are highlighting the life legacy of Caitlin Sparr.

0:13

And to start us off, we have the color guard uh here to present uh the colors.

0:54

Mark.

1:00

Please.

1:05

Play the national anthem.

2:18

Councilmember Ross, would you lead us in a pledge?

2:22

To the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

2:34

Order all.

3:08

Minister, we've come forward.

3:18

Good afternoon, Council.

3:20

Let us have a word of prayer.

3:22

Oh, most gracious and all-wise God, creator of heaven and of earth, we first come before you to say thank you.

3:28

We thank you for this day.

3:29

We thank you for the meeting that is getting ready to transpire.

3:32

We pray and ask that you be with us during this time and all others.

3:36

May we lead with integrity, may we lead with a shaped purpose and mission, and may we lead in a way that would be acceptable unto thy sight.

3:42

We ask that you bless this council, be with those who are forming and making policies, ordinances, and resolutions.

3:49

Grant them with wisdom, discernment, and a heart for the people whom they have been called to serve.

3:54

May the decisions made in this chamber promote justice, fairness, and the common good.

3:58

May you touch the hearts of all those whom council seeks to help, support, protect, and serve.

4:04

As the lily of the valley and the bright and morning star, we ask that you lift up every head, encourage the discouraged, strengthen the weary, for you are a rock in the weary land, and provide hope to those who may feel hopeless.

4:15

We pray and acts that your joy shall abound in this place and within us, that we may be able to go forth and carry out righteous legislation.

4:23

For we know that the plans of the diligent lead to profit, surely as haste leads to poverty.

4:28

Meaning that when we take the time to think things through, to plan carefully, and to move with wisdom and discernment, we're more likely to produce good fruit and lasting results.

4:38

But when we act too quickly and without proper consideration, we risk missing the mark and falling short of what can truly benefit the people we serve.

4:46

As the word declares, give justice to the weak and the fearless, maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

4:52

May that charge remain before us as we seek to serve this great city and its people.

4:57

In your name we pray, and let all of those who are also in agreement say Amen.

5:00

Amen.

5:01

Clerk, please call the row.

5:08

This is when after you give the resolution.

5:17

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 2317.12.

5:29

Any person who enters those areas of city council chambers reserved for city officials or invited guests may be charged with criminal trespass pursuance of Columbus City Code 2311.21.

5:43

Clerk, please call the role.

5:44

Banks Timberosa de Podia, De Aka or Dorans Green, Remy Ross, Vice President Harden.

5:50

Are there any additions or corrections to the journal?

5:52

Hear none of the journal is approved.

5:54

This week's communications received by a city clerk's office are listed on the agenda and will be published in the city bulletin.

5:58

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

6:00

Not at this time.

6:02

We're going to go around the dais, but again, um, because of this day, uh that we we slow down to honor uh one of our own.

6:12

I'm going to go out of order and um turn the podium over to Councilmember Ross.

6:19

Thank you, Council President Harden.

6:20

And today we have resolution number 0137x-2026 to recognize and honor the life, service, and legacy of Caitlin Svar.

6:31

Thank you.

6:32

Um we have several speakers that have come tonight to honor and recognize the service of our fallen colleague at the Columbus City Attorney's Office.

6:42

And so at this time, I would like to call to the podium for remarks on behalf of the courts, Judge Zach Gwynn, on behalf of the Columbus City Attorney's Office, Melanie Tobias, and on behalf of the Division of Police, Deputy Chief Convice.

7:04

As they are coming forward, I would like to introduce Resolution 0137X-2026 to recognize and honor the life, service, and legacy of Caitlin Sfarr tonight as we gather to recognize Caitlin's life and commitment to service.

7:18

I extend my deepest condolences to the family.

7:21

I wish you strength in the days ahead and memories that provide comfort during this difficult time.

7:27

Whereas Caitlin Sfarr was born on April 10th of 1994 to Tammy and Eric Sparr, and from an early age demonstrated compassion, intelligence, and a deep commitment to helping others.

7:40

Whereas Caitlin dedicated her professional life to serving the ends of justice, graduating from Miami University in 2016 and Case Western University School of Law in 2019, before beginning her prosecutorial career in Athens, Ohio.

7:56

Whereas Caitlin continued her service to the public as a prosecutor for the City of Columbus beginning in 2022, where she brought diligence, integrity, and unwavering dedication to every case she handled.

8:08

Whereas Caitlin's colleagues remember her not only for her sharp legal mind, but also for her kindness, determination, and genuine care for others.

8:16

Whereas Caitlin's commitment to victims of crime, her professionalism, and her ability to work collaboratively earned the respect of law enforcement officers, defense counsel, judges, witnesses, and all who interacted with her.

8:31

Whereas during her four years with the city attorney's office, Caitlin exemplified the highest standards of teamwork, always ready to offer guidance, support, or simply a listening ear to her co-workers during challenging times.

8:42

Whereas Caitlin brought people together, whether encouraging colleagues to join the Columbus Recreation and Park Softball League, just join the team for fun.

8:51

You don't even have to know how to play.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing███████████████████████████27%
Procedural██████████████████18%
Community Engagement████████████12%
Miscellaneous███████████11%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%
Public Engagement███████7%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Economic Development███3%
Transportation Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Columbus City Council Regular Meeting – June 2, 2026

Columbus City Council met on June 2, 2026, beginning at approximately 4:00 PM. The meeting opened with a color guard presentation, the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Ross, and an invocation by intern Joshua Gaucher. The council then proceeded through roll call, approval of the journal, and adoption of a resolution honoring the life and service of Caitlin Sparr, a prosecutor in the City Attorney's Office who passed away. Following a brief recess, the council took up regular legislative business, including consent agenda passage, multiple ordinance readings and votes, and a lengthy zoning committee session featuring public testimony on a controversial rezoning on Hard Road.

Consent Calendar

  • The clerk read into the record several resolutions of expression and ordinances from multiple committees (Economic Development, Public Service, Neighborhoods, Workforce, Health, Public Safety, Housing, Public Utilities, Rules and Policy). No speakers came forward. The consent agenda was approved unanimously by roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • 2100 Hard Road Rezoning (0290-2026): Eight speakers signed up; after two withdrew, six spoke (three opposed, three in favor). Opponents included residents Scott Frederickson, Deborah Link (via video), Lisa Castler, and later on the variance, Jennifer De Blaze and Kevin Craig. They argued the proposed three‑story, 112‑unit apartment complex is too dense and tall for the surrounding single‑family neighborhood, raised traffic safety concerns (including a child fatality and a daughter’s accident on Hard Road), and criticized the developer’s process and lack of compromise. Proponents Jonathan Beshears and his daughter Julia Beshears (a rising ninth‑grader) argued that the city faces a severe housing shortage, that 30% of units would be affordable at 80% AMI, and that the development would provide homes for teachers, nurses, and other working families. Julia Beshears urged the council to “do what’s right” to prevent homelessness among young people.
  • 2100 Hard Road Variance (0291-2026): Two speakers originally signed up; Jennifer De Blaze and Kevin Craig testified against the variance, reiterating concerns about density and insufficient setbacks.
  • No other public speakers appeared on other agenda items.

Discussion Items

  • Honoring Caitlin Sparr (Resolution 0137X-2026): Councilmember Ross introduced the resolution. Remarks were given by Judge Zach Gwynn, Deputy Chief Convice of Columbus Police, and Assistant City Attorney Melanie Tobias. Speakers highlighted Ms. Sparr’s competence, compassion, dedication to justice, and her role in building office culture (e.g., organizing Chipotle lunches, mentoring junior prosecutors). The resolution was adopted unanimously by voice vote followed by a roll call.
  • Councilmember Announcements:
    • Councilmember Bangston acknowledged intern Joshua Gaucher who gave the invocation.
    • Councilmember Rosa DePadilla proclaimed June as Immigrant Heritage Month and Caribbean Heritage Month, encouraging residents to visit immigrant‑owned businesses.
    • Councilmember Dey Akaur announced the next “Rise Up Cbus” event on June 4 at Galloway Ridge Intermediate School.
    • Councilmember Prezbót announced a joint Columbus City Schools Committee hearing on June 15 at 5:30 PM in City Hall.
    • Councilmember Remy announced a hearing on the Division of Fire’s apparatus and capital budget on June 25 at 2:30 PM.
    • Councilmember Ross announced the Columbus Fashion Alliance 614 Day celebration on June 14 and a Juneteenth illumination ceremony on June 15.
    • Councilmember Weiss thanked participants in the Public Utilities Committee hearing on water discount programs and wished Councilmember Remy a happy birthday.
  • Ordinance Readings (First Reading, Consent, Second Reading):
    • First reading ordinances were read by the clerk; no speakers.
    • Consent agenda passed unanimously.
    • Second reading items were taken up by committee chairs.
    • Finance Committee: Ordinance 1468-2026 (UNA Solutions procurement software) passed. Ordinance 1572-2026 (Habitat for Humanity) postponed to June 22. Ordinance 1715-2026 (roof replacements at fire stations and Reeb Center) passed.
    • Economic Development Committee: Ordinance 1361-2026 (Priscilla Tyson Consulting for Poindexter Village Museum) passed. Ordinances 1508-2026 and 1511-2026 postponed to June 22. Ordinance 1530-2026 (Paul Worth Associates communications contract) passed.
    • Public Service Committee: Ordinance 1418-2026 (ADA curb ramp project) passed.
    • Neighborhoods Committee: Ordinance 1436-2026 (Exercise is Medicine partnership with OSU) and Ordinance 1744-2026 ($25,000 grant to Step in the Right Direction hygiene program) passed.
    • Workforce Education Committee: Ordinance 1301-2026 (Hilltop Early Learning Center pre‑K program) passed as amended (voice vote, with President Harden abstaining).
    • Health & Human Services Committee: Ordinance 1692-2026 (Celebrate One supplies) passed.
    • Public Safety Committee: Ordinance 1391-2026 (police uniforms) passed.
    • Public Utilities Committee: Ordinances 1386-2026 (Wahala Ravine stream restoration), 1393-2026 (Big Walnut trunk sewer), 1470-2026 (Fourth Water Plant land acquisition), 1471-2026 (legal services for PFAS plan), and 1589-2026 (Impact Community Action solar training) passed. Ordinances 1387-2026 (janitorial services – recycling concerns), 1546-2026 (Keep Columbus Beautiful fund), and 1570-2026 (Sustainable Columbus operations) were referred back to committee.
  • Zoning Committee (chaired by Councilmember Dorans):
    • 2100 Hard Road Rezoning (Ordinance 0290-2026): Staff from Building & Zoning, Planning, Traffic Management, and Housing Strategy presented. The proposal rezones 5 acres from LRR to AR1 to allow a 112‑unit apartment complex with 30% affordable at 80% AMI. Staff recommended approval, noting consistency with the Northwest Plan’s medium‑density recommendation, the Columbus Growth Strategy, and the severe housing shortage (vacancy effectively zero, rents up 45% since 2020). The Far Northwest Civic Association and Development Commission had disapproved. After extensive public testimony and council discussion, Councilmember White stated he would vote no based on constituent opposition; other councilmembers voiced support, citing the need for housing and the developer’s commitments. Motion to amend (site plan) passed 7‑1 (White no). Motion to pass as amended passed 7‑1 (White no).
    • 2100 Hard Road Variance (0291-2026): Concurrent variance to reduce perimeter yards and building setbacks. Staff recommended approval, noting the requested reductions allow more buffer for western single‑family homes and better site design. Public speakers opposed. Council passed the variance (7‑1, White no).
    • Other Zoning Items:
      • 1612-2026 (East Fifth Avenue – LM2 limited manufacturing) passed unanimously.
      • 1582-2026 (988 Dublin Road – automatic car wash) passed unanimously.
      • 1599-2026 (3110 Jet Stream Drive – Type A child care home) passed unanimously after applicant Anelise Santiago Day Carter addressed Northland Community Council concerns.
      • 1610-2026 (190 King Avenue – apartment building) passed unanimously.
      • 1613-2026 (2006 East Fifth Avenue – mixed‑use building) passed unanimously.
      • 1614-2026 (3920 Hampton Square Boulevard – drive‑through coffee shop) passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Resolution 0137X-2026 adopted unanimously to honor Caitlin Sparr.
  • Consent Agenda approved.
  • Hard Road Rezoning (0290-2026) and Variance (0291-2026): Approved by a 7‑1 vote (Councilmember White dissenting). The rezoning allows a 112‑unit apartment complex with 30% of units affordable at 80% area median income.
  • Postponements: Three ordinances (1572-2026, 1508-2026, 1511-2026) postponed to the June 22 council meeting.
  • Referrals to Committee: Three ordinances (1387-2026, 1546-2026, 1570-2026) referred back to the Public Utilities Committee for further discussion.
  • All other second‑reading ordinances and zoning items passed as detailed above.
  • Council recessed briefly after the Caitlin Sparr resolution for bagpipe remembrance, then resumed regular business.

Meeting Transcript

Council meeting. We wanted to, we're going to go a bit out of order. Columbus City Council is joining with the city attorney's office to make sure that we are highlighting the life legacy of Caitlin Sparr. And to start us off, we have the color guard uh here to present uh the colors. Mark. Please. Play the national anthem. Councilmember Ross, would you lead us in a pledge? To the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Order all. Minister, we've come forward. Good afternoon, Council. Let us have a word of prayer. Oh, most gracious and all-wise God, creator of heaven and of earth, we first come before you to say thank you. We thank you for this day. We thank you for the meeting that is getting ready to transpire. We pray and ask that you be with us during this time and all others. May we lead with integrity, may we lead with a shaped purpose and mission, and may we lead in a way that would be acceptable unto thy sight. We ask that you bless this council, be with those who are forming and making policies, ordinances, and resolutions. Grant them with wisdom, discernment, and a heart for the people whom they have been called to serve. May the decisions made in this chamber promote justice, fairness, and the common good. May you touch the hearts of all those whom council seeks to help, support, protect, and serve. As the lily of the valley and the bright and morning star, we ask that you lift up every head, encourage the discouraged, strengthen the weary, for you are a rock in the weary land, and provide hope to those who may feel hopeless. We pray and acts that your joy shall abound in this place and within us, that we may be able to go forth and carry out righteous legislation. For we know that the plans of the diligent lead to profit, surely as haste leads to poverty. Meaning that when we take the time to think things through, to plan carefully, and to move with wisdom and discernment, we're more likely to produce good fruit and lasting results. But when we act too quickly and without proper consideration, we risk missing the mark and falling short of what can truly benefit the people we serve. As the word declares, give justice to the weak and the fearless, maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. May that charge remain before us as we seek to serve this great city and its people. In your name we pray, and let all of those who are also in agreement say Amen. Amen. Clerk, please call the row. This is when after you give the resolution. 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 2317.12. Any person who enters those areas of city council chambers reserved for city officials or invited guests may be charged with criminal trespass pursuance of Columbus City Code 2311.21. Clerk, please call the role. Banks Timberosa de Podia, De Aka or Dorans Green, Remy Ross, Vice President Harden. Are there any additions or corrections to the journal? Hear none of the journal is approved. This week's communications received by a city clerk's office are listed on the agenda and will be published in the city bulletin. Are there any other communications to be read into the record? Not at this time. We're going to go around the dais, but again, um, because of this day, uh that we we slow down to honor uh one of our own. I'm going to go out of order and um turn the podium over to Councilmember Ross. Thank you, Council President Harden. And today we have resolution number 0137x-2026 to recognize and honor the life, service, and legacy of Caitlin Svar. Thank you. Um we have several speakers that have come tonight to honor and recognize the service of our fallen colleague at the Columbus City Attorney's Office. And so at this time, I would like to call to the podium for remarks on behalf of the courts, Judge Zach Gwynn, on behalf of the Columbus City Attorney's Office, Melanie Tobias, and on behalf of the Division of Police, Deputy Chief Convice. As they are coming forward, I would like to introduce Resolution 0137X-2026 to recognize and honor the life, service, and legacy of Caitlin Sfarr tonight as we gather to recognize Caitlin's life and commitment to service.

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