Delaware City Council Regular Meeting – March 9, 2026

The Delaware City Council held its regular meeting on March 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered new staff introductions, a proclamation for Procurement Week, approval of a consent agenda including multiple resolutions and public hearing dates, a liquor license transfer, second reading of a supplemental appropriations ordinance, discussions on bicycle/e-bike code updates and three zoning map amendments, and resolutions for community authority expansion and annexation. The City Manager reported on contract approvals and highlighted concerns regarding potential property tax reform. Council members shared updates on community events and initiatives. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.

New Staff Introductions

• Colton Sisler, Firefighter – Introduced by Chief Tim Pyle. Sisler holds a bachelor's in biology and chemistry from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, has part-time experience with Pleasant Township Fire Department, and is attending paramedic school at Grant Hospital. He expressed gratitude, calling employment with the City of Delaware "like winning the lottery for a young farm."
• Bailey Neal, Assistant City Attorney – Introduced by Law Director David Mosher. Neal has been with the city for six months and has been spearheading a revitalized tax collection program in civil court. She thanked council for the opportunity.
• Cindy Collins, Procurement Administrator – Introduced by Finance Director Alycia Ballone. Collins has over 20 years of public service, including roles with the state of Ohio, Columbus Regional Airport, and the Supreme Court of Ohio, and is a 20-year Delaware resident. She expressed honor in working for the city she has called home for many years.

Proclamation

• Procurement Week – The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing the role of public procurement professionals and their principles of ethics, impartiality, professionalism, service, and transparency. Cindy Collins accepted on behalf of the procurement team.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public came forward to speak.

Consent Calendar

Council approved the following items en bloc by unanimous voice vote (with prior confirmation that items 26-11 through 26-15 had been recommended by the Parking and Safety Committee):

• Acceptance of motion summaries from Civil Service (Dec. 3, 2025), Historic Preservation Commission (Oct. 29, 2025), and Planning Commission (Feb. 4, 2026) meetings.
• Resolution No. 26-11: Establishing a no-parking zone on the south side of Dogwood Drive.
• Resolution No. 26-12: Establishing a no-parking zone on the west side of Lake Street between Flax Street and Central Avenue.
• Resolution No. 26-13: Establishing one-way travel on the north side of Bernard Avenue between South Franklin Street and South Washington Street.
• Resolution No. 26-14: Approving installation of a traffic control signal at Glenn Parkway and Peachblow Road.
• Resolution No. 26-15: Modifying no-parking restrictions and defining the bus loading zone on East William Street between Union Street and Henry Street.
• Resolution No. 26-18: Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with ODOT for cooperative purchase of road salt.
• Setting March 23, 2026, at 7:10 PM as the date/time for the public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 26-10 (bicycle/e-bike regulations).
• Setting March 23, 2026, at 7:15 PM for the public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 26-11 (Corridor Company zoning map amendment – 200.59 acres from A-1 to MX-PUD).
• Setting March 23, 2026, at 7:20 PM for the public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 26-12 (Winkle Civil Engineering zoning map amendment – 3.039 acres from PMU to C-PUD).

Liquor License Transfer

• Transfer approved for a liquor permit (beer and wine for on-premises consumption and sealed takeout) from Meekers Rentals LLC (385 E. William Street) to Bentos Lunch LLC, doing business as Taranto's Delaware (64 Coughlin Lane). Police Chief Adam Moore reported that Taranto's has an existing location in Lewis Center (26 years) and that the police department found no statutory reasons to object. The new restaurant will be a pizza shop with in-store dining. Council voted unanimously to approve.

Second Reading of Ordinance No. 26-08 (Supplemental Appropriations)

• Ordinance 26-08, supplementing 2026 appropriations and declaring an emergency, was brought for second reading. Finance Director Alycia Ballone requested it go to another reading. Council agreed, so the ordinance will have a further reading at a future meeting.

Discussion: Ordinance No. 26-10 (Bicycles, Motorized Bicycles, Electric Bicycles)

• The ordinance would amend city code to align local regulations with state law for electric bicycles. Police Chief Moore stated that a strong public education campaign would accompany the changes. In response to questions, Chief Moore confirmed that it remains very difficult for officers to distinguish between Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 e-bikes from a cruiser windshield. The ordinance will have a public hearing on March 23, 2026, and will go to another reading.

Discussion: Ordinance No. 26-11 (Corridor Company Zoning Map Amendment)

• This ordinance would rezone 200.59 acres from A-1 (Agricultural) to MX-PUD (Residential Planned Unit Development). No additional discussion occurred. A public hearing is set for March 23, 2026; the ordinance will go to another reading.

Discussion: Ordinance No. 26-12 (Winkle Civil Engineering Zoning Map Amendment)

• This ordinance would rezone 3.039 acres from PMU (Planned Mixed-Use) to C-PUD (Commercial Planned Unit Development) on the northeast side of Liberty Road and Belle Avenue. No additional discussion. A public hearing is set for March 23, 2026; the ordinance will go to another reading.

Resolution No. 26-16 – Evans Farm New Community Authority Expansion

• A resolution of no objection to the expansion of the Evans Farm New Community Authority (NCA) under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 349. Law Director David Mosher explained the property is outside city limits but the city serves as a proximate community. The expansion adds a development called Ross Estates in Berlin Township, which was planned from the outset. The NCA cannot proceed to county commissioners without city approval. Council unanimously approved the resolution.

Resolution No. 26-17 – GTZ Bowtown Annexation Services

• A resolution indicating the services the City of Delaware will provide to 15.827 acres (five parcels) for the GTZ Bowtown annexation, located south of Bowtown Road in Brown Township (Buckeye Valley School District). Planning staff confirmed the parcels are within the city's service boundary and are under contract with GTZ; if annexed, they would be proposed for rezoning to a residential planned unit development. The applicant filed a petition with Delaware County, and the city had 20 days to respond. Council unanimously approved the resolution.

Committee Reports

• VCA (Vacation and Community Activities) – Councilmember Haynes reported that VCA meets Wednesday at 6:30 PM and has one case.
• Parking and Safety – Councilmember Bogan noted the committee met, with most items appearing on the consent calendar. Vice Mayor Frazier expressed interest in the upcoming e-bike ordinance discussion.
• Planning – Vice Mayor Frazier reported attending a planning meeting the prior week.

City Manager's Report

• City Manager Blake reported on February 2026 contract approvals, notably the Truco construction contract for Merrick Boulevard at $5.8 million (budgeted).
• He attended the Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) conferences. Key takeaway from OCMA was the potential impact of local property tax reform: the city generates approximately $3.1 million in local property taxes (7.5% of the general fund). Statewide, local property taxes total $24 billion—equivalent to the state's combined sales and income tax revenue. A citizen petition to repeal property taxes needs about 400,000 signatures and is reportedly close to that threshold. The manager warned that without a replacement plan, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) obligations could go into default, negatively affecting the city's credit rating.
• He also attended Black History Month events and First Friday.

Council Comments

• Councilmember Griffith – Noted International Women's Day (March 8) and urged caution on property tax repeal, noting only 52% of her generation own homes and replacement funding would shift burden to income/sales taxes, disproportionately affecting fixed-income and low-income residents. She highlighted Ohio's low rankings in maternal/infant mortality and school funding.
• Councilmember Haynes – Thanked Delaware City Schools for partnership, praised Police Chief Moore's Gazette article, attended Black History Month celebration and Sandusky Street Focus Area meeting, and visited St. Vincent New Beginnings open house (transitional housing for formerly incarcerated). He encouraged public education about the program and emphasized the city's support for all.
• Vice Mayor Frazier – Enjoyed downtown activity, acknowledged National Dentist Day, and participated in a MORPC panel for newly elected officials moderated by former City Manager Tom Holman. She also spoke at the Black History Month event and highlighted House Bill 306 (Ohio's hate crime bill) announced at the State House, noting the advocacy of a Delaware constituent. She expressed support for the bill.
• Councilmember McClellan – Added to property tax concerns, noting state leaders might increase sales/income tax by up to 20% if repeal passes, and that if it gets on the ballot, it will likely pass. He appreciated partnership with Delaware City Schools on soft skills training. He commended new hires for their positive remarks about the city and staff.
• Mayor Riggle – Reported attending civil service and the OCMAA (Mayors and Managers) meeting where property tax reform was discussed, and the 250th celebration planning meeting. She will share initial ideas with council. She then moved to adjourn, seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.