Delaware City Council Regular Meeting - March 23, 2026

The Delaware City Council held its regular meeting on March 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, presentations on public health and electric aggregation, public hearings on bicycle ordinance updates and two zoning map amendments, consideration of multiple ordinances and resolutions, and reports from the Finance Director and City Manager. Several items were moved to later readings due to absent council members, while others were approved with emergency clauses.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the motion summaries from the Joint School Board meeting (March 9, 2026) and the City Council meeting (March 9, 2026) unanimously.
• Accepted the motion summaries from the Records Commission meeting (March 4, 2025) and the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting (February 11, 2026) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chief of Police Adam Moore announced that Safety Town registration is open for children entering kindergarten or first grade. The program will be held at Dempsey Middle School from June 8-12, 2026, with morning and afternoon sessions. Registration is available online at cityofdelawareoh.gov.
• No other public comments were made during the public comment period.

Presentations

• Jeff Gibbs, Director of Environmental Health, Delaware Public Health District: Provided updates on suicide prevention grants (free gun lock boxes), safe sleep program (free cribs), vaccine clinics, nutrition education, car seat safety, and environmental health programs including community shred day (May 2, 2026, 9-11:30 AM), special waste collections (first and third Wednesdays), and tire drives (July 18 at Berkshire Middle School). Noted that in 2024, 21 tons of tires were collected; in 2025, 22 tons. Emphasized mosquito-borne disease prevention.
• Rich Surace, Energy Alliances: Presented on electric aggregation program renewal. Since program inception, AEP residents saved approximately $534 (26% savings) and Ohio Edison residents saved over $600 (27% savings). Current market prices are higher due to capacity costs. Recommended a 24-month contract with non-renewable default and renewable opt-in. Prices are near 10.3 mils/kWh (AEP) and slightly higher for Ohio Edison; adding renewables adds ~2.5 mils/kWh.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 26-10 (Bicycle/E-Bike Code Update): Second reading. Chief Moore presented updates aligning local codes with state law: e-bikes classified as bicycles, three classes defined, labeling requirements, sidewalk restrictions (class three prohibited, others motor disengaged), helmet requirement for class three, and repeal of bicycle licensing. Council discussed enforcement and education. A motion to suspend three readings failed (4-1, needing 5 votes), so it will go to a third reading.
• Ordinance 26-11 (Zoning Map Amendment, Corridor Company): Public hearing for rezoning ~200 acres from A-1 to MX-PUD for residential development north of Merrick Boulevard. Projected 10-12 year buildout with up to 319 units initially due to sanitary facility limits. Includes potential school site donation, trail connectivity, and protection of an eagle's nest. Planning Commission and staff recommend approval. Council expressed excitement and concerns about density and greenspace. Moved to third reading for full council attendance.
• Ordinance 26-12 (Zoning Map Amendment, Winkle Civil Engineering): Public hearing for rezoning 3.039 acres from PMU to C-PUD for a Snappy's Automotive repair shop. Includes private road, buffer, and conservation easement. Planning Commission and staff recommend approval. Council praised local business growth. Moved to third reading.
• Ordinance 26-14 (Electric Aggregation Agreement): Considered for emergency passage to lock in rates before AEP deadlines. Council debated urgency vs. need for full council. Motion to suspend three readings failed (4-1), so will return on April 13.
• Item 11 (Liquor License Transfer): Unanimously approved transfer from Huy Tran to Perfect 10 NKL LLC for a nail spa and bar at 820 Sunbury Road. Police recommended no objection.
• Ordinance 26-08 (Amended Appropriations): Third reading. Increased appropriations by $71,700 (mostly reimbursable). Emergency clause and ordinance approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-13 (Sawmill Parkway Extension): Presented as an amendment to an 11-year-old agreement. City Manager requested multiple readings; more information at April 13 meeting.
• Ordinance 26-15 (Opioid Settlement): Authorizes participation in the Six Remnant Defendants Settlement. Deadline May 4, 2026. Council approved suspension of three readings, emergency clause, and the ordinance unanimously. Police Chief noted existing opioid settlement funds (~$159,000) could support school resource officers.
• Resolution 26-19 (Olentangy School District Annexation): Approved emergency clause and resolution unanimously (5-0) to allow the city to collect income tax from school employees. The district will file annexation immediately.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent agenda, liquor license transfer (Perfect 10 NKL LLC), Ordinance 26-08 as amended (appropriations), Ordinance 26-15 (opioid settlement), Resolution 26-19 (annexation agreement).
• Failed motions: Suspension of three readings for Ordinance 26-10 (bicycles) and Ordinance 26-14 (electric aggregation) due to 4-1 votes (needed 5).
• Continued: Ordinance 26-10, 26-11, 26-12, and 26-14 to a third reading on April 13, 2026.
• Council comments: Vice Mayor Frazier recognized nine women who have served on council since 1954. Councilwoman Griffith emphasized infrastructure funding and maternal health bills. City Manager Brake reported a successful State of the City (over 100 attendees), Moody’s rating reaffirmation (AA1), and early completion of the William Street CSX bridge repair.