Delaware City Council Regular Meeting - April 13, 2026

On April 13, 2026, the Delaware City Council held a regular meeting at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Key agenda items included a presentation on a comprehensive incentive policy update, third readings of zoning and e-bike ordinances, a second reading of an electric aggregation renewal ordinance, and approvals of several resolutions and ordinances. Extensive public comment focused on the electric aggregation program.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the motion summary from the March 23, 2026 council meeting.
• Approved consent agenda items including motion summaries from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (January 20, 2026), Shade Tree Commission (January 27, 2026), Civil Service Commission (March 4, 2026), and Planning Commission (March 4, 2026).
• Approved Resolution No. 26-22 canceling the May 25, 2026 regular meeting (Memorial Day).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Giebert (265 West Fountain Avenue) expressed concerns about the electric aggregation program, questioning the timing of the proposal and the role of middlemen (Energy Alliances, Dynergy, PJM). She argued these entities are rent seekers who do not help secure better prices.
• David Carpenter (607 Hills Miller Road) questioned why the default renewable option had only 34 households opt in, criticized the lack of a cheaper renewable option in the single offer from Dynergy, and noted inadequate data to evaluate the program. He acknowledged the program saved the city approximately $700,000 in its third year but argued the process was rushed.

Presentation: Comprehensive Incentive Policy Update

• Jeff Harris and Mike Jacoby of Bricker/Graydon presented recommendations to formalize the city's economic development incentive process. Key proposals included:
  • Adopting an approved comprehensive incentive strategy (replacing a 2018 draft).
  • Creating a scoring matrix to grade projects and streamline decision-making.
  • Establishing a city-owned Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) to gain site control and maintain confidentiality.
  • Revising the 2005 TIF policy to add specificity on eligible uses and expected returns.
  • Identifying projects that merit a quick "no" (e.g., point-of-sale retail, tax-exempt uses, market-rate single-family housing, self-storage facilities).
• Council members asked about the matrix's development, funding for a CIC, and how the policy would integrate with existing county entities. No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational.

Discussion Items

• Liquor License (Item 11): Police reported no objection to a D5 permit for Open Bottle Wine and Spirits (39 E William Street), extending alcohol sales to 2:30 AM. Council approved without objection.
• Ordinance 26-10 (E-Bikes): Third reading of an ordinance aligning local e-bike regulations with state law. Clarified that Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may operate on sidewalks only with motor disengaged; Class 3 must stay on streets; helmets recommended; downtown sidewalk restrictions remain. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-11 (Zoning – Corridor Company): Third reading to rezone 200.59 acres from A-1 Agricultural to MX-PUD Residential Planned Unit Development. Planning Commission recommended approval. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-12 (Zoning – Winkle Civil Engineering): Third reading to rezone 3.039 acres from PMU to C-PUD on Liberty Road and Belle Avenue. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-13 (Sawmill Parkway): Second reading authorizing an amended cooperative agreement with Delaware County. Staff explained the original TIF failed due to no development and misaligned repayment terms. The amendment carves out a 28-acre parcel and uses a residential TIF area (approx. 770 single-family attached/detached units) to repay the county. Council held the ordinance for final reading in two weeks.
• Ordinance 26-14 (Electric Aggregation Renewal): Second reading of an ordinance to authorize an agreement with Dynergy for competitive retail electric service. Extensive debate occurred over rates (proposed 10.7 cents/kWh vs. current 9.28 for AEP), the green energy option, and communication with residents. Council members expressed concerns about confusion, insufficient savings, and failure to honor the sustainability goals that led to voter approval in 2022. The city manager noted the program saved residents $5.2 million total ($530-$600 average per household) since 2023. The council did not take a vote; as a result, the aggregation program will expire by regulatory deadlines, and residents will be returned to standard utility service.
• Ordinance 26-16 (Easement to Ohio Power): Authorized granting an easement across DiGenova Way for buried electric service to serve Donovan Farms development. Suspended three readings and approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-17 (Supplemental Appropriations): Emergency ordinance to fund a debt payment due April 15, 2026, for notes issued late in 2025. Suspended readings and approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-18 (Annexation – Patel-Peachblow): Accepted annexation of 5.0 acres north of Peachblow Road, surrounded by existing city development. Property owner plans to construct two homes and install sidewalk as a condition. Suspended readings and approved unanimously.
• Resolution 26-20 (FOP Clerical Agreement): Approved negotiated changes for the FOP office and clerical employee unit (5 members), retroactive to January 1, 2026. Unanimous.
• Resolution 26-21 (Tri-Township Fire Agreement): Emergency resolution authorizing temporary, intermittent storage of a city medic unit at Station 331 during construction and potential traffic impacts from SR 37 closure. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent calendar, proclamation, new hires, liquor license, e-bike ordinance (26-10), zoning map amendments (26-11, 26-12), easement (26-16), supplemental appropriations (26-17), annexation (26-18), FOP agreement (26-20), and Tri-Township Fire agreement (26-21).
• Deferred: Ordinance 26-13 (Sawmill Parkway) held for third reading.
• No Action (Program Expires): Ordinance 26-14 (electric aggregation renewal) received no vote on second reading; consequently, the aggregation program will terminate by regulatory deadlines. The city may send informational letters to residents.
• Presentation Only: The comprehensive incentive policy update was presented for discussion; future council action may follow.