Delaware City Council Regular Meeting – August 24, 2026

The Delaware City Council held a regular meeting on August 24, 2026, beginning with a 6:30 PM executive session for pending court action, followed by the regular session at 7:00 PM. The council approved consent items, heard public comments, received presentations on public health and a major traffic study, approved several liquor licenses and economic development incentives, and discussed the city’s strategic action plan and infrastructure concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes: Motion summaries from the July 27, 2026 regular meeting and the August 15, 2026 special meeting were approved.
• Consent Agenda: Accepted committee and commission summaries (Public Works/Public Utilities, Shade Tree, Sister City Advisory Board, Civil Service Commission, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals) and set public hearing dates for ordinances 26-37 through 26-45 and resolutions 26-59, 26-60, all to be heard on September 14, 2026. These routine items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Gebert (265 West Fountain Avenue) argued that sea‐level rise is not accelerating and is not primarily caused by carbon dioxide, citing images of wealthy coastal properties to question climate change urgency.
• Lily Legando (177 Euclid) expressed serious concerns about Flock automated license plate readers in the city, stating they constitute 24/7 AI surveillance that reads license plates and cannot be opted out of. She noted 71% misread rates reported by NPR and warned of potential misuse, including stalking and wrongful arrests, especially affecting children walking to school.

Discussion Items

• Delaware Public Health District Update: Jeff Gibbs, Director of Environmental Health, reported on mosquito surveillance following recent flooding. Only 231 mosquitoes have been trapped in the city so far, but numbers are expected to rise. He announced a free tire drive on October 3 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds; last year 1,547 tires were collected, with 50% from the 43015 zip code. Tires are recycled by Willet Tire.
• Sandusky Street Corridor Traffic Study: City Engineer Jonathan Owen and Kevin Westbrook of GDP Group presented a feasibility study on converting Sandusky Street from a 4–5 lane roadway to a three-lane road diet (one lane each direction plus center turn lane). The study found 141 crashes in 2022–2024, with 75% potentially reduced by a road diet. Traffic volumes around 9,000 vehicles per day (projected to 2050) are well within the threshold for feasibility. Level of service would remain at A–C under the 2050 projections. The freed-up space (up to 13 feet per side) could be used for wider sidewalks, bike lanes, or angle parking. Council members asked about combining uses and the potential for a pedestrian mall downtown. Next steps include preliminary engineering in 2027, with public engagement to follow.
• Liquor License Requests: Two new C1/C2 permits (beer and wine for off-premises consumption) were considered. CVS at 1725 Central Avenue (previously lapsed license, minor violations 10 years ago) was approved 6–1 (Mr. Ryder dissenting). Kroger at 1650 Sunbury Road (new store) was approved 7–0. No statutory objections were identified.
• Ordinances Set for Public Hearing (September 14, 2026): First readings were held for ordinances 26-37 through 26-45, covering dangerous dog regulations (Avery’s Law), annexation of Price Farms II (175 acres), rezoning of multiple sites, creation of Sawmill Parkway TIF districts, and Community Reinvestment Area agreements for Snappy’s Automotive, Howald Industrial Park, and FedOne Airport project. All were scheduled for second reading and public hearing on September 14.
• Ordinance 26-46 (Third Quarter Budget Amendments): First reading held. The supplemental includes $110,000 for salt, fuel increase due to gas prices, a refuse truck (3–4 year lead time), and TIF surplus distribution. Will return for second reading.
• Resolution 26-61 (Five-Year Capital Improvement Program): Referred to the Finance Committee for detailed review starting September 2026.
• Resolution 26-63 (Wieland Onda Incentive Grant): Approved 6–1 (Mr. Ryder dissenting). This five-year income tax sharing agreement supports a new 100,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at 115 Innovation Court, with $24 million investment, 100 new jobs, and $6.7 million new payroll. The company manufactures heat exchangers for data centers.
• Resolution 26-64 (CRA Assignment): Approved 7–0 with emergency clause. Assigns the Community Reinvestment Area agreement for 2039 Pittsburgh Drive from TCC Delaware II to SRRT 2039 Industrial DST. The building is 255,000 sq ft, leased by Lubata and Vertive. The assignment preserves existing CRA terms.
• Resolution 26-65 (EMS Reimbursement Agreement): Approved 7–0. Renews 2026 intergovernmental agreement with Delaware County for EMS reimbursement, now funded through a new mechanism (not sales tax). Allows collection of over $1 million in billed but unremitted funds. Discussions for 2027 will begin later.
• Resolution 26-66 (Fincon Gregory Annexation Services): Approved 7–0 with emergency clause. Indicates the city will provide utility, fire, police, refuse, and road maintenance services to 116.665 acres (four parcels) south of Berlin Station Road, consistent with statutory requirements.
• Resolution 26-67 (Strategic Action Plan): Presented by City Manager Breck. The plan covers 2026–2028 priorities: fiscal sustainability, economic diversification, regional partnerships, community connectivity, and parking/mobility. Council members requested more measurable deadlines, clearer goals, addition of health care partner recruitment, and stronger infrastructure oversight. No vote taken; the plan will be revised and brought back.
• Finance Director’s Report: A redesigned report with graphs highlighted overall city finances, income tax collections (including $108,000 from new enforcement), major fund updates, water fund customer feedback, parking kiosk contract negotiations, and insurance trends. Council praised the new format.
• City Manager’s Report: Reported $1.7 million in July contracts and noted that Norfolk Southern has begun using the new permanent bridge at the Point Project; the old bridge will be removed soon, with intermittent lane closures.
• Council Comments: Councilman Haynes clarified that Flock cameras only capture vehicle rear/license plates, not faces. Police Chief Moore confirmed 17 city-owned cameras, no plans to expand, and a robust use policy. Councilwoman Griffith noted she and the Vice Mayor observed a demonstration. Councilman Ryder raised concerns about recent flooding (three “100-year storms” in six years) and asked for a stormwater infrastructure plan. City Manager Breck acknowledged the issue and promised a proactive dialogue. Ryder also questioned water use data discrepancies. Councilwoman Griffith praised the baby expo and Shade Tree Commission cooperation.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous): Motion summaries, consent agenda, liquor licenses (Kroger), resolutions 26-64, 26-65, 26-66 (all with emergency where needed).
• Approved (6–1): Liquor license for CVS (Ryder dissenting); Resolution 26-63 (Wieland Onda incentive grant).
• Set for September 14, 2026 hearings: Ordinances 26-37 through 26-45 and resolutions 26-59, 26-60.
• First reading held: Ordinance 26-46 (budget amendments).
• Referred to Finance Committee: Resolution 26-61 (CIP).
• No vote taken: Resolution 26-67 (Strategic Action Plan) will be revised and re-presented.