Delaware City Council Regular Meeting - October 26, 2026

The Delaware City Council held a regular meeting on October 26, 2026, at 7:01 PM in Council Chambers, following a 6:00 PM executive session. The meeting included public comments, a presentation on EMS billing, multiple public hearings, and votes on zoning, annexation, tax incentives, and budget-related resolutions. Key outcomes included approval of the Flats at Boulder Park development, a zoning map amendment for Trailhead Crossing, a residential PUD tabled to third reading, annexation of Vernon Avenue right-of-way, and referral of the 2027 budget to the Finance Committee. A resolution authorizing an impact fee agreement with Olentangy Local School District failed to pass the emergency clause.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the October 5, 2026 Joint School Board/City Council meeting, the October 5, 2026 Special City Council meeting, and the September 28, 2026 regular meeting (McClellan abstained on the September 28 minutes).
• Approved consent agenda as amended (striking duplicate item E) which included:
  • Acceptance of Civil Service meeting minutes (October 2, 2026) and Planning Commission meeting minutes (September 2, 2026).
  • Setting dates for public hearings and readings for the 2027 budget (Ordinance 26-61), EMS billing contract (Resolution 26-75, Ordinance 26-62), Curtis Street TIF (Ordinance 26-62, second reading), and Curtis Street TIF reimbursement agreement (Ordinance 26-63).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Giebert (265 W Fountain Ave) expressed concern about PJM Interconnection’s emergency order request (October 11, 2026) regarding electric reliability, citing that fossil fuel plants are being closed prematurely, threatening energy supply.
• Leslie Joyner (14 Noble St) reported a recurrence of racial slurs painted on pavement near a Chinese restaurant and a hostile encounter at the Board of Elections; asked what safety measures the city has for voters.
• Andy Mitchell (390 W Williams St) criticized council for ignoring his emails, questioned protections against overspending by officials, alleged constitutional violations in water shutoffs without notice, and complained about lack of response from the city attorney.

Presentation: EMS Billing RFP and Transition

City staff (Attorney Mosier, Procurement Specialist Cindy Collins, Fire Chief Pyle, Assistant Chief Needing) presented the transition to an EMS billing program after Delaware County ended the decades-old reimbursement contract (ending December 31, 2026). Key points:

• The county reimbursement averaged over $1 million per year (5–7% of Fire/EMS revenue).
• An RFP for third-party EMS billing services received seven responses; staff expects to recommend a vendor on November 9, 2026.
• Three billing models were outlined: insurance-only (no out-of-pocket for residents), soft billing, and hard billing. Staff recommends insurance-only for city residents and soft billing for non-residents.
• The estimated 2027 shortfall is $1.1–1.2 million; conservative billing revenue projections are $1.3 million.
• The goal is to have the billing program operational by January 1, 2027, contingent on council approval.

Public Hearing: Resolution No. 26-71 – Flats at Boulder Park Development Plan

• Applicant: TNR Properties (RJ Sabatino) for 252 multifamily units in seven three-story buildings, with clubhouse and amenities, located in the Donovan Farms Planned Mixed Use Overlay.
• Discussion: Councilman Haynes questioned density (252 of 280 permitted units) and screening from future single-family homes. Staff noted the site abuts industrial use and three stories are appropriate; additional landscaping will be added.
• Outcome: Approved 4–2 (Griffith, McClellan, Fraser, Riggle yes; Haynes, Bogan no).

Public Hearing & Second Reading: Ordinance No. 26-55 – Trailhead Crossing PUD Expansion

• Request: Expand existing Commercial PUD by 11.746 acres east of Skyview Lane on Sunbury Road; add daycare and hotel as permitted/conditional uses.
• Action: Motion to suspend rules for third reading failed 4–2 (needed 5; Griffith and Bogan voted no). The ordinance will return for third reading on November 9, 2026.

Public Hearing & Second Reading: Ordinance No. 26-56 – Bowtown Road Residential PUD

• Request: Rezone 12.417 acres from A-1 (Agricultural) to R-PUD for up to 252 residential units (multifamily and attached dwellings).
• Discussion: Councilman Bogan expressed concerns about density (30.1 units/acre) and traffic infrastructure timing. Staff noted a TIS is underway; Bixby Parkway extension (county project scheduled for 2027) and other road improvements will be conditioned at development plan stage.
• Action: Moved to third reading (due to Councilman Ryder’s absence and ward issues).

Public Hearing & Second Reading: Ordinance No. 26-53 (as amended) – Northwood TIF Districts

• Establishes 13 non-school residential TIF districts for the Northwood area to fund Bixby Parkway improvements (estimated $5.2 million). The TIFs are 30-year, trigger at $2 million assessed value, and keep school districts whole.
• Action: Public hearing held; no public comments. Will proceed to third reading on December 14, 2026 (required 30-day wait).

Annexation: Ordinance No. 26-59 – Vernon Avenue Right-of-Way

• Annexation of 0.427 acres (southern half of Vernon Avenue) to align corporate boundaries with a previously approved development.
• Outcome: Suspended rules and approved unanimously (6-0).

Third Reading: Ordinance No. 26-52 – Community Reinvestment Area Expansion

• Expanded CRA boundaries to include newly annexed territories, maintaining existing terms. Approved unanimously.

Budget and Finance Actions

• Ordinance 26-61 (2027 appropriations) – Referred to the Finance Committee without a vote.
• Resolution 26-73 – Authorized the Finance Committee to review the 2027 budget. Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 26-74 – Accepted tax levy rates for 2027 and certified to the County Auditor. Emergency clause and resolution approved unanimously.

Consideration of Ordinance No. 26-62 and 26-63 – Curtis Street TIF and Agreement

• Presented but no vote taken; these items will likely be addressed at a future meeting.

Resolution No. 26-76 – Olentangy Hyatts High School Impact Fee Agreement

• Proposal: Allow Olentangy Local School District to pay 50% of impact fees upfront and defer the remaining 50% pending appeal, to avoid construction delays.
• Discussion: Councilman Bogan opposed the arrangement, arguing the district should pay in full and seek refund if appeal succeeds. City staff noted the agreement allows for a bond or letter of credit.
• Outcome: Motion to approve the emergency clause failed 4–2 (Griffith, McClellan, Fraser, Riggle yes; Haynes, Bogan no). The resolution did not pass; the City Manager indicated the agreement will likely not proceed.

Reports and Comments

• Finance Director’s Report: Revenues through September were $157.3 million (2.3% decrease due to property tax settlement delays). Fire fund revenues down due to lack of county reimbursement. Progress on parking kiosk contract, paperless billing launch by year-end, and a new sweeper broom for the airport.
• City Manager’s Report: Attended ICMA conference; paving operations ongoing; ribbon cutting for the Point bridge postponed.
• Council Comments: Announcements about Veterans Day parade (Sunday, 3 PM), early voting reminder, and Halloween safety.

Executive Session

Council reconvened into executive session at the end of the meeting (ORC 121.22(G)(1)) to consider the appointment and employment of a public employee or official. The meeting then adjourned.