Delaware City Council Regular Meeting – November 24, 2025

The meeting covered budget presentations, multiple ordinance readings, public hearings, and approvals. Key topics included the municipal court budget, economic development incentive policy, building code updates, and year-end appropriations.

Consent Calendar

• Approved motion summaries from November 10 and November 17, 2025.
• Resolution 25-87: Canceled the December 22, 2025 regular meeting.
• Resolution 25-88: Appointed members to various boards, commissions, and New Community Authorities (as amended).
• Resolution 25-89: Appointed members to the Berkshire Township Joint Economic Development District No. 1 and No. 2 boards.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments during the public comment period.
• During the public hearing on Ordinance 25-68, Port Lana (376 North Sandusky) expressed support for the vacant property registry but asked about registration obligations for new owners upon property transfer. Staff responded that new owners must register if the property remains vacant, and outreach efforts will inform code changes.

Presentations

• Municipal Court Budget (Justin Cadella, Clerk): Presented the 2026 budget requiring a $775,000 transfer from the city, while the court contributes nearly $1 million from special revenue funds to keep the city’s share low. Highlighted the impact of House Bill 29 (removing license suspension for nonpayment), which will likely reduce collections. The court is implementing text reminders, faster collections, and revocation of driving privileges for nonpayment. The court’s cost per employee remains below city average. Council discussed potential recovery of $40,000–$50,000 from other municipalities in the county; a request was made to explore that option.
• Comprehensive Incentives Policy (Jeff Harris & Mike Jacoby, Bricker & Graydon): Presented findings that the city’s economic development team is effective, but improvements are needed in the CRA ordinance and in clearly stating which projects the city will or will not support. Discussed fiscal impacts of different development types: industrial/office/multi-family have positive impacts; single-family and big-box retail often have negative fiscal impacts. Recommended developing a transparent matrix to prioritize incentives. Council expressed support for a more selective approach.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 25-73 (Municipal Court Employee Benefits): Moved to third reading without a vote.
• Ordinance 25-65 (2026 Appropriations as Amended): Third reading and public hearing. Amendments included $24,000 increase for IT Rotary, $150,000 for parks refunds, $46,000 decrease in court rotary, $50,000 for probation case management software, $80,000 for cemetery expansion, and $100,000 correction for professional services. Continued to fourth reading on December 8.
• Ordinance 25-68 (Building Code Amendments & Property Registries): Second reading and public hearing. New chapter 1304 creates registries for abandoned foreclosures, long-term rentals (4+ units), and vacant properties. Removed contractor registration, moving buildings, and fence chapters. Council suspended rules and passed (6-1; Ms. Griffith opposed).
• Ordinance 25-69 (Zoning Map Amendment): Second reading. Corrects nine errors from the earlier zoning map update, including re-designations for St. Mary’s Church, Buyers Auto, and other properties. Continued to another reading.
• Ordinance 25-63 (Repeal and Replace Title Three – Utilities): Third reading – passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 25-64 (Fee Schedule Update): Third reading – emergency clause and ordinance passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 25-70 (Management Pay Plan): Second reading – suspended rules, emergency clause, passed.
• Ordinance 25-71 (Part-Time/Seasonal Pay Plan): Second reading – added tool stipend for part-time mechanic and uniform provision. Suspended rules, emergency clause, passed.
• Ordinance 25-72 (Council Clerk Salary and Benefits): First reading – amended ordinance number from 25-87 to 25-72, provided 4% salary increase and cell phone stipend. Suspended rules, emergency clause, passed.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent agenda items, Ordinance 25-63, 25-64, 25-68 (with one no vote), 25-70, 25-71, 25-72.
• Continued: Ordinance 25-65 to fourth reading (Dec 8), Ordinance 25-69 to another reading, Ordinance 25-73 to third reading.
• Referral: Council requested staff explore recovering court cost funds from other municipalities.
• Policy Direction: Council expressed support for developing a transparent incentive matrix and being more selective with economic development incentives.
• Appointments: Approved appointments to boards and commissions via Resolution 25-88 and Berkshire JEDD board via 25-89.
• Next Meeting: The December 22, 2025 meeting was cancelled; the next regular meeting is scheduled for December 8, 2025.