Delaware City Council Regular Meeting – February 9, 2026

The Delaware City Council met on February 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Josh Wilson, Lead Pastor of Connect Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. An oath of office was administered to Finance Director Alycia Ballone by City Manager Paul Brake. Council approved several ordinances and resolutions, including emergency measures for bond and note issuances, and addressed a snow storm emergency and sidewalk plowing concerns.

Consent Calendar

• The Motion Summary from the rescheduled City Council meeting of February 2, 2026, was approved unanimously.
• The consent agenda included acceptance of Motion Summaries from the Shade Tree Commission (July 22, 2025 and November 25, 2025) and the Planning Commission (January 7, 2026), as well as establishing February 23, 2026 at 7:10 PM as the date for the public hearing and second reading of Ordinance No. 26-06 (zoning code amendments). All were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public came forward during the designated public comment period, and no public testimony was offered during the three scheduled public hearings (Ordinances 26-03, 26-04, 26-05).

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 26-03 (Rules of Council Procedure): City Manager Paul Brake explained that the change moves public comment earlier on the agenda to improve transparency and public input. Council suspended the three-reading rule and passed the ordinance as an emergency measure unanimously (6-0).
• Ordinances No. 26-04 and 26-05 (Note and Bond Issuances): Finance Director Alycia Ballone and municipal advisor David Conley (Rockmill Financial) presented a detailed rationale. Ordinance 26-04 authorizes up to $11,700,000 in notes to refund prior road improvement securities. Ordinance 26-05 authorizes up to $20,250,000 in bonds for fire safety facility improvements ($15.5 million for Station 305) and transportation system projects (Merrick Boulevard and Bixby Parkway). Conley noted the city's AA1 credit rating, current interest rates around 4%, and the need for two readings to allow timely market entry and avoid IRS averaging rules if sales occur within 15 days. Council discussed interest rate language (6% cap in the ordinance) and long-term debt amortization versus pay-as-you-go. Ballone emphasized that debt service is supported by dedicated revenue streams (fire levy, impact fees, TIF revenues) minimal General Fund impact.
• Ordinance No. 26-02 (Lease Amendment with Second Ward Community Initiative): The second reading was presented; council suspended the three-reading rule and approved the ordinance unanimously.
• Ordinance No. 26-06 (Zoning Code Amendments): Assistant City Manager (unidentified by name) noted the proposed changes are primarily typographical and reference corrections; a detailed presentation will occur at the public hearing on February 23, 2026.
• Resolution No. 26-08 (AFSME Clerical Employee Agreement): The resolution accepts a new agreement with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Local 3934. Key changes include a 4.5% wage table adjustment (retroactive to December 21, 2025) and updated residency language to align with city ordinance 23-46. The contract was previously expired. Council approved unanimously.
• City Manager's Report: Paul Brake reported that the city is collecting cost data from the recent winter storm event (multiple water main breaks) for potential reimbursement via Delaware County Emergency Management, though no state or federal emergency has been declared. He also noted attending the Delaware County Chamber event.
• Council Comments: Councilman Haynes recognized Officer Crosby as Officer of the Year. Councilman Bogan praised the Chamber event. Vice Mayor Fraser announced the upcoming 2026 Citizen Academy. Councilman Ryder discussed snow plowing challenges around schools, noting that plows often deposit snow onto sidewalks (especially where curbs abut sidewalks). He mentioned a possible pilot policy to plow snow from one side of the street to the other near schools, with parking adjustments, and that the Parking Safety Committee is addressing the issue.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Motion Summary from February 2, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved: Consent Agenda items (unanimous).
• Approved: Ordinance No. 26-03 (rules of council procedure) as an emergency measure (6-0).
• Approved: Ordinance No. 26-04 ($11,700,000 note issuance) as an emergency measure (6-0).
• Approved: Ordinance No. 26-05 ($20,250,000 bond issuance) as an emergency measure (6-0).
• Approved: Ordinance No. 26-02 (lease amendment with Second Ward Community Initiative) after suspending three readings (6-0).
• Approved: Resolution No. 26-08 (new AFSME clerical agreement) (6-0).
• Set: Public hearing and second reading for Ordinance No. 26-06 (zoning code amendments) for February 23, 2026 at 7:10 PM.
• Next Steps: City staff will collect winter storm cost data for potential reimbursement; Parking Safety Committee will explore sidewalk plowing solutions.