Delaware City Council Regular Meeting - June 22, 2026

The Delaware City Council held a regular meeting on June 22, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM with an executive session and resuming at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a lengthy public comment period regarding OhioHealth's decision to close the maternity unit at Grady Memorial Hospital, followed by the introduction and unanimous passage of a resolution expressing concern. Council also considered several development plans, street vacations, a tax abatement, and budget amendments. Key votes and decisions were taken on multiple items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Grady Memorial Hospital Maternity Unit Closure: Over a dozen community members, including nurses, mothers, and local leaders, spoke in opposition to OhioHealth's announced closure of the Labor and Delivery Unit at Grady Memorial Hospital by July 31, 2026. Speakers shared personal stories and presented statistics: 257 babies were delivered in 2025; the unit's staff represents more than 500 years of combined OB experience; and closure would force families to travel 30+ minutes for care, increasing risks for obstetric emergencies. Speakers emphasized the loss of 37 jobs, the strain on EMS, and the lack of preparedness at receiving hospitals. Pastor Michael Curtis suggested that if OhioHealth will not invest, another organization should step in.

Discussion Items

• Resolution No. 26-49 (Grady Memorial Hospital): Councilwoman Linsey Griffith introduced a resolution expressing concern over the closure and calling on OhioHealth to halt plans, honor the 2005 affiliation agreement, and involve the Ohio Attorney General. After debate, council amended the resolution to replace "calls upon" with "requests" (passed 4-2). The emergency clause and the resolution as amended were both approved unanimously (6-0).
• Resolution No. 26-38 (DORA Renewal): The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in downtown Delaware received a 5-year review. City Attorney Moser noted no boundary changes; the DORA has been an economic benefit with no increase in crime. One public comment raised concerns about alcohol near campus. Council unanimously approved the renewal (6-0).
• Resolution No. 26-46 (Wendy's Development Plan): A development plan for a Wendy's restaurant on 0.92 acres in Glennwood Commons was presented. The plan includes a drive-thru with 12 stacking spaces, a walk-up pickup window, and a fee-in-lieu for a side path. Planning Commission and staff recommended approval. Council unanimously approved (6-0).
• Resolution No. 26-47 (McNett Meadows Townhomes): A plan for 210 townhomes on 44.05 acres east of Winterbrooke Place was approved. The development will have private streets (except one public continuation), a clubhouse, pool, and a path network. Council discussed tree canopy, maintenance responsibilities, and timeline (6-9 months before vertical construction). Unanimously approved (6-0).
• Ordinance No. 26-27 (OWU Street Vacation): Second reading to vacate Hayes Street, Walnut Street, Harrison Street, and four alleys on Ohio Wesleyan University property. Public Works Director Ferrigno explained these are largely unbuilt paper streets from 1870; vacation saves the city maintenance costs. A motion to suspend three readings failed (4-2), so the ordinance will go to third reading.
• Ordinance No. 26-28 (Jane Road Vacation): Second reading to vacate an undeveloped paper road from 70 years ago. No public participation; will go to third reading.
• Ordinance No. 26-29 (CRA for 4 N. Sandusky Street): Second reading for a 15-year, 75% property tax abatement on $450,000 in renovations to the upper floors of a downtown building. The applicant, Stephen Hartman, plans to create multi-purpose space (apartment, event space, or office). Economic Development staff recommended approval. Council discussed vacancy rates (25-30% upper floors) and the incentive policy; will go to third reading.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (6-0), including motion summaries from boards, a resolution appointing members, and setting public hearing dates for three TIF ordinances on July 13, 2026.
• Ordinance No. 26-26 (Grass/Weeds Code Update): Third reading to reorganize lawn care regulations. Unanimously approved (6-0).
• Ordinance No. 26-30 (GTZ Annexation): Second reading for annexation of 15.827 acres for retail development. Will go to third reading.
• Ordinance No. 26-32 (Mid-Year Budget Amendments): Second reading, as amended. Finance Director Hefner explained a $4M+ supplemental primarily for bond cleanup and $350,000 advance for downtown kiosks. Council suspended three readings (6-0), approved emergency clause (6-0), and approved the ordinance (6-0).
• Ordinances 26-33, 26-34, 26-35 (TIF Agreements): First readings; public hearings scheduled for July 13, 2026, at 7:15 PM, 7:20 PM, and 7:25 PM respectively.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution No. 26-49 (as amended): Unanimously approved (6-0) to formally request OhioHealth to halt the maternity unit closure and to transmit copies to state officials.
• Resolution No. 26-38 (DORA Renewal): Approved (6-0) for continued operation with current boundaries.
• Resolution No. 26-46 (Wendy's): Approved (6-0).
• Resolution No. 26-47 (McNett Meadows Townhomes): Approved (6-0).
• Ordinance No. 26-26 (Grass/Weeds Code): Approved (6-0).
• Ordinance No. 26-32 (Mid-Year Budget Amendments): Approved (6-0) after suspending three readings.
• Consent Agenda: Approved (6-0), setting public hearings for July 13, 2026, for ordinances 26-33, 26-34, and 26-35.
• Ordinances 26-27, 26-28, 26-29, 26-30: Advanced to third reading.