Delaware City Council Regular Meeting – July 13, 2026

The City Council of Delaware held a regular meeting on July 13, 2026, starting with an executive session at 6:00 PM and resuming in open session at 7:00 PM. The agenda included public hearings and second readings of three tax increment financing (TIF) ordinances, a development plan resolution, third readings of street vacation and annexation ordinances, and several other resolutions. Key decisions approved TIF funding for a roundabout, road improvements for Kroger, and a youth hockey arena, as well as a 83-home subdivision, street vacancies, and a no-parking zone. One item (CRA for downtown building) was postponed.

Consent Calendar

• Approved motion summaries from the Historic Preservation Commission (May 27, 2026), Parking and Safety Committee (Dec 30, 2025; Feb 24, 2026; Apr 28, 2026), Civil Service Commission (Jun 3, 2026), Planning Commission (Jun 3, 2026), and Board of Zoning Appeals (Jun 10, 2026).
• Set dates for public hearings and second readings on July 27, 2026: 7:15 PM for Resolution No. 26-51 (Chick-fil-A development plan on 1.895 acres in Trailhead Crossing PUD), 7:20 PM for Resolution No. 26-52 (John Howald’s 40,000 sq ft industrial building on 4.62 acres in Howald Industrial PUD), and 7:25 PM for Resolution No. 26-53 (Terra Alta Section 14 with 80 fee-simple townhome units on 13.263 acres in Terra Alta PMUD).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Guebert (265 West Fountain Avenue, Delaware) spoke about the role of carbon dioxide as essential plant food, noting that current atmospheric CO2 levels are near an all-time low and far below the 1,000 ppm that increases photosynthesis by 50%. She urged the council not to make decisions based on fear of CO2, as it is vital for life.
• Scott McVicker (1935 Ashburn Drive, Delaware) questioned the non-school TIF structure (ordinance 26-33) and raised concerns about using TIF to fund roads that primarily serve Kroger’s distribution center. He also expressed safety concerns regarding the connector road in ordinance 26-34, noting the lack of an acceleration lane from the Kroger marketplace.

Discussion Items

Public Hearing: Ordinance 26-33 – Glenn Road Commercial Non-School TIF

• Purpose: Create a TIF for a roundabout at Mill Run Crossing and Glenn Road. It is a non-school TIF, meaning school taxes are not captured; only county and other entity millage are used. Emergency passage was requested to align with Kroger’s construction schedule.
• Council Questions: Scott McVicker questioned the need for city-funded road improvements for Kroger. Staff clarified the roads are public right-of-way and will serve future development. Council members asked about the definition of “non-school TIF” – staff explained that schools are held harmless (none of their tax bills are taken).
• Vote: Motion to suspend rules (passed), emergency clause (passed), final ordinance (passed 7-0).

Public Hearing: Ordinance 26-34 – TIF Reimbursement for Kroger Road Improvements

• Purpose: Authorize a TIF reimbursement agreement for Kroger to mill and repave Davidson Lane and Nutter Farm Lane. Cost: $377,000, no interest. Only TIF from the Kroger parcel will be pledged; city engineer and finance director must approve payments. Kroger is already mobilized and the work is needed before the new marketplace opens (target: September 2026).
• Council Questions: Scott McVicker reiterated safety concerns about the connector road. Staff responded that Nutter Farm Lane also serves a separate 20-acre parcel behind Kroger, making it a public road. Councilman McClellan confirmed that the cap of $377,000 and the city’s approval process prevent a blank check. The 30-year TIF will revert to the city after Kroger is repaid.
• Vote: Suspension of rules (passed), emergency clause (passed), final ordinance (passed 7-0).

Public Hearing: Ordinance 26-35 – Ohio AAA Blue Jackets Youth Hockey Arena TIF

• Purpose: Establish a TIF for a 150,000 sq ft, 3-4 sheet ice arena on 28 acres at US 42 and Sawmill Road (first phase of a 260-acre master plan). Estimated value: $30 million. The TIF will be used to issue a conduit bond through the port authority to pay for on-site infrastructure. Includes a school compensation agreement with Delaware City Schools (approved Oct 6, 2025). After debt service, remaining funds: 50% to schools, 50% to bond reserve. Also includes 25% income tax sharing and in-kind benefits (e.g., school field trips, public skate nights).
• Council Questions: Deborah Guebert asked about ongoing security costs; staff stated no additional city costs are expected because it operates like a YMCA. Councilman Bogan questioned the financial package relative to what the school would normally receive; staff noted the developer agreed after a year-long negotiation. The arena is expected to generate about 30 jobs. Councilman Haynes supported it as an anchor for the corridor and youth opportunities. Councilwoman Griffith asked about the location of a potential outdoor music venue on the site; staff indicated it may be moved to the far side for better traffic flow and noise control.
• Vote: Emergency clause passed 6-1 (Bogan no); final ordinance passed 7-0.

Public Hearing: Resolution 26-50 – Boulder Farms Sections 1 and 2 (83 Single-Family Homes)

• Purpose: Approve a development plan for 83 single-family homes on 35.68 acres at the southeast corner of South Section Line Road and Marysville Road (US 36). Access via US 36 (across from Limestone Ridge) and through Lanar Woods (at Benjamin Street). All streets will be public. Conditions include temporary drainage improvements, restriction of left turns on US 36 to be implemented in future phases (to avoid a traffic signal), decorative street lights at intersections, and lamp posts on individual lots. Construction traffic to use US 36 primarily.
• Council Questions: Councilman McClellan inquired about temporary drainage during construction to prevent flooding in adjacent neighborhoods – staff confirmed new storm sewers and retention basins will replace the existing swale. He also asked about the eventual US 36 access restriction, similar to Hall Drive and US 23. The restriction will be required in the next phase. Councilwoman Griffith asked about light poles – they will match the adjacent neighborhood style. Councilman Haynes asked about construction traffic routing – staff will work to keep it on US 36, but acknowledged imperfect enforcement. Councilman Rider questioned the traffic study’s basis (2022) and safety of the intersection; staff stated a separate study for the 83 lots showed no warrant for a signal now, and future phases will provide alternative connections (via Boulder Drive to Section Line and Hawk Road). Tree preservation was discussed – the existing plan from 2022 rezoning was carried forward, and open space exceeds requirements.
• Vote: Emergency clause failed 5-2 (Rider and Bogan no); final resolution passed 7-0.

Third Reading: Ordinance 26-27 – Vacation of Streets on OWU Campus

• Purpose: Vacate Hayes Street (between Henry and US 23, now a private service drive), plus paper alleys on both sides of Henry Street. All are owned by Ohio Wesleyan University. Public hearing at last meeting had no objections. Passed unanimously.

Third Reading: Ordinance 26-28 – Vacation of Jane Road

• Purpose: Vacate an undeveloped paper street (Jane Road) west of Winston Road. Adjacent residents had no objections. Utilities will retain easements. Passed unanimously.

Third Reading: Ordinance 26-29 – CRA for 4 N. Sandusky Street (Beehive Building)

• Purpose: Authorize a 15-year, 75% Community Reinvestment Area tax abatement for Stephen P. Hartman LLC for adaptive reuse of a ~20,000 sq ft building. Potential uses include office, event space, or apartments.
• Council Discussion: Council members expressed concern that the abatement could be used for luxury apartments, which they felt was not optimal use of taxpayer subsidies and could set a precedent. Director Langford noted the developer included all possible uses but anticipates commercial. Council considered amending to exclude residential use or postponing. After debate, council opted to postpone to a fourth reading at the July 27, 2026 meeting to allow staff to bring back amended language stipulating commercial use or a clawback mechanism. (No motion was needed; council simply chose to continue to fourth reading.)

Third Reading: Ordinance 26-30 – Annexation of GTZ Property

• Purpose: Accept annexation of 15.827 acres on Bowtown Road (GTZ annexation) to align with the Chick-fil-A development schedule. Staff recommended approval. Passed unanimously.

Second Reading (as first reading): Ordinance 26-36 – Pay Plan Amendment for Grants Administrator

• Purpose: Add a Grants Administrator position at M8 level to manage city-wide grants, offset by grant revenue. Also removes obsolete “airport operations supervisor” title (renamed to airport manager). Staff requested passage at first reading to begin recruitment. Passed unanimously.

Consideration: Resolution 26-54 – Mutual Aid Agreement with Columbus

• Purpose: Renew a three-year limited automatic mutual aid agreement with the City of Columbus for fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services. No fiscal impact. Passed unanimously.

Consideration: Resolution 26-55 – Services for Vernon Avenue Right-of-Way Annexation

• Purpose: Indicate city services for a 0.427-acre strip of Vernon Avenue roadway being annexed to clean up corporate limits. Developer will pay for repaving; future maintenance will be shared with the township. Passed unanimously.

Consideration: Resolution 26-56 – No Parking Zone on Lake Street

• Purpose: Establish a no-parking zone on the west side of Lake Street from 305 to 339 Lake Street. A parking study showed less than 10% occupancy. All affected homes have off-street parking. Driveway aprons were widened as part of the road improvement project. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• TIF for Roundabout (Ordinance 26-33): Passed 7-0. Enables non-school TIF to fund Glenn Road roundabout.
• TIF Reimbursement for Kroger (Ordinance 26-34): Passed 7-0. Kroger will be reimbursed $377,000 for road improvements.
• TIF for Youth Hockey Arena (Ordinance 26-35): Emergency clause passed 6-1; final passed 7-0. Establishes 30-year TIF bond for arena infrastructure.
• Boulder Farms Development (Resolution 26-50): Emergency clause failed 5-2; final passed 7-0. Approves 83 single-family homes.
• Street Vacations (Ordinances 26-27, 26-28): Both passed unanimously.
• CRA for Downtown Building (Ordinance 26-29): Postponed to July 27, 2026 for fourth reading due to concerns over residential use.
• Annexation (Ordinance 26-30): Passed unanimously.
• Pay Plan Amendment (Ordinance 26-36): Passed unanimously.
• Mutual Aid Agreement (Resolution 26-54): Passed unanimously.
• Vernon Avenue Annexation Services (Resolution 26-55): Passed unanimously.
• No Parking Zone on Lake Street (Resolution 26-56): Passed unanimously.