Delaware City Council Regular Meeting – February 2, 2026

The Delaware City Council held its regular meeting on February 2, 2026 (rescheduled from January 26 due to a snowstorm). The meeting included the oath of office for new City Attorney David Moser, approval of several development plans and zoning changes, public comments on emergency access and school impacts, and a detailed report on the city's snow response. Key actions included approval of a 251-home development plan, three zoning map amendments, and setting public hearings for bond issuances and a rules change. A lease amendment for the Second Ward Community Initiative failed to pass due to a procedural voting requirement.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the motion summary from the January 12, 2026 City Council meeting (Roll call: 5 yes, 1 abstain).
• Unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:
  • Acceptance of motion summaries from the Sister City Advisory Board (July 8, 2025 and October 14, 2025), Board of Zoning Appeals (October 8, 2025), and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (November 18, 2025).
  • Setting February 9, 2026 at 7:10 PM, 7:15 PM, and 7:20 PM as dates and times for public hearings and second readings of Ordinances 26-03, 26-04, and 26-05, respectively.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Scott McVecker (1935 Ashburn Drive, Delaware) expressed concerns about Ordinance 25-78 (GTZ Properties zoning amendment). He stated that the proposed development area has only one vehicular access point, and an emergency access on Bowtown Road was obstructed by snow and a temporary guardrail. He argued that this could delay fire department response times beyond the six-minute target, potentially endangering lives. He requested that the ordinance require an additional public access point, such as extending Biltmore Drive west or east, before any development begins.
• Bill Henderley (2310 Home Road, Delaware, Liberty Township) spoke during the public hearing on Resolution 26-07 and also referenced Ordinance 25-79. He urged the city to involve Delaware City Schools early in the development process, noting that schools are already overcrowded and that property taxes are rising. He expressed concern about the use of TIFs and tax abatements that reduce school funding. He also criticized a past refusal of a referendum petition from Brown Township residents, suggesting that citizens' rights were suppressed, which may discourage public participation. He emphasized that development impacts schools, police, fire, and EMS, and that the public bears the costs.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 26-07 – Northwood Sub-Area B Development Plan: Planning Director Ms. Pereira presented the request from M/I Homes of Central Ohio, LLC for approval of a development plan for 251 single-family homes on 95.284 acres in the Northwood subdivision (Sub-Area B). The plan includes 75 smaller lots (5,250 sq ft) in sections 2-3 and 176 larger lots (6,240 sq ft) in sections 6-12. Features include five-foot sidewalks on both sides of all roads, connections to future Bixby Parkway and bike paths, and street trees approved by the Shade Tree Commission. The development is within the Buckeye Valley School District and has a non-school TIF. Council discussed construction traffic management, the $1,000 transportation impact fee (which was omitted on earlier sections but included here), and the lack of designated parks (only HOA green space). The resolution was approved with 10 conditions.
• Ordinance 25-77 – Zoning Map Amendment (Fincon Epic Ventures): Third reading. Request to expand MX-PUD 24-2 by 4.468 acres at the northeast corner of South Section Line and Marysville Roads. No public comments. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 25-78 – Zoning Map Amendment (GTZ Properties): Third reading. Request to rezone 10.3 acres along Sunbury Road (US36/SR37) from C-CC to C-PUD. Council discussed that the current zoning change only addresses land use; detailed traffic and access plans will come later during development review. Several council members expressed interest in extending Biltmore Drive (west or east) to improve access, and noted that the city wants the road built with developer contributions. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 25-79 – Rezoning (101.5 acres): Third reading. Request to rezone approximately 101.5 acres east of Glenn Parkway and Berlin Station Road from A-1 to R-PUD. No discussion. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-02 – Lease Amendment with Second Ward Community Initiative: Parks and Recreation Director Ted Miller explained that the city is making improvements to the Unity Community Center, including a splash pad (targeting Memorial Day 2026) and more lighting. The lease amendment would give the city more ownership of the building and grounds. A motion to suspend the rules (requiring three readings) was made, but the vote was 4-2 (Griffith and Bogan voted no). Mr. Ryder noted that suspending rules requires five votes per City Charter Article 4, Section 20, so the motion was null and void. Consequently, the ordinance itself did not pass and will be added to the next meeting's agenda.
• Ordinance 26-03 – Procedural Rules of Council: First reading. City Manager Brake explained that the change would move public comments before the consent agenda on the meeting order, allowing council to remove items from consent based on public input. A public hearing is set for February 9, 2026.
• Ordinance 26-04 – Note Issuance ($11,700,000): First reading. Finance Director (incoming) explained that this is a refunding of notes for roadway improvements (Sawmill Parkway, Bixby, and Merrick). No new money. Public hearing set for February 9.
• Ordinance 26-05 – Bond Issuance ($20,250,000): First reading. This converts bond anticipation notes for Fire Station 305 and transportation improvements into long-term (20-year) debt. A call feature allows refinancing after 10 years. Public hearing set for February 9.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-07 approved (6-0) to allow development of 251 single-family homes in Northwood Sub-Area B.
• Ordinance 25-77 approved (6-0) for zoning map amendment on 4.468 acres.
• Ordinance 25-78 approved (6-0) for zoning map amendment on 10.3 acres on Sunbury Road.
• Ordinance 25-79 approved (6-0) for rezoning 101.5 acres to R-PUD.
• Ordinance 26-02 (lease amendment with Second Ward Community Initiative) did not pass because the motion to suspend rules required five votes but received only four. The ordinance will be re-considered at the next meeting.
• Ordinance 26-03, 26-04, and 26-05 were introduced and public hearings scheduled for February 9, 2026.
• City Manager’s Snowstorm Report: The city received 12 inches of snow in 24 hours. Crews worked 1,100 hours, drove over 7,000 miles, used 31,000 gallons of brine and 85 tons of salt, and cleared all streets within 36 hours (exceeding the 48-hour goal). 120 loads (700 tons) of snow were removed from downtown. Total cost: $118,000. Council and staff praised the snow response.
• Finance Director’s Report: The December 2025 financial report was presented but not discussed in detail.
• Council Comments: Members thanked city staff for snow removal, recognized the new VA clinic opening, and noted the police awards ceremony. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM.