OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Gahanna City Council Meeting - October 6, 2025

City Council & Commissions — Friday, October 10, 2025
BodyGahanna, Ohio
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateFriday, October 10, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:01:25

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Good evening.

0:01

We'll call to order this meeting for the City Council of Gehana on October 6, 2025.

0:07

If you would please join me in stand as Mr.

0:10

Weaver delivers the invocation and pledge of allegiance.

0:13

Thank you.

0:15

As we come together, may we approach our work with patience and openness of heart.

0:20

Let us listen not only to respond, but to understand seeking common ground even when perspectives differ.

0:28

In doing so, may our shared purpose guide us toward thoughtful and compassionate decisions for the good of our community.

0:43

And to the Republic for which it stands one nation on God.

0:48

Indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:55

Thank you, President Weaver.

0:56

Mr.

0:57

Van Meter, would you please call the role?

0:58

Bowers.

0:59

Here.

1:00

Jones.

1:00

Here.

1:00

McGregor.

1:01

Here.

1:02

Padova.

1:02

Here.

1:03

Renner.

1:04

Here.

1:04

Schnitzer.

1:05

Here.

1:05

Weaver.

1:06

Here.

1:06

Thank you, Mr.

1:07

Van Meter.

1:08

Section B additions or corrections to the agenda.

1:11

This evening we do have two editions under our presentation section.

1:16

We are very pleased to be joined by the American Legion Post 797 this evening in order to receive the joint resolution proclamation honoring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall that was here in Gehana from October 2nd to October 6th.

1:32

We'd also like to recognize Director of Economic Development, Jeff Gottke to give a brief presentation at the conclusion of the presentation section on the creekside redevelopment plan.

1:44

Are there any other additions or corrections to this evening's agenda?

1:48

All right.

1:49

With that, we will move on to our first item this evening a joint resolution and proclamation presenting uh to and honoring Killian Sullivan, who is the 2025 Young Birder of the Year.

2:01

This year we are celebrating and recognizing Mr.

2:04

Sullivan in conjunction with World Animal Day and World Habitat Month.

2:09

Killian is a Gehana Middle School East student and was recognized by the American Birding Association as the young birder, a young birder of the year, a national recognition honoring his exceptional skills and leaderships, leadership in birding.

2:24

While documenting nearly 700 bird species across the U.S., uh Killian also founded Buckeye Birding, which enhances education, conservation, and the community enjoyment of birding.

2:38

One of the things that we like to do is to recognize uh individuals in Gehana in conjunction with uh other months or or um special times that that could coincide with each other.

2:50

And uh the reason why we chose October to recognize Killian is because it coincides with World Animal Day and World Habitat Month.

2:59

Umlift humane and ethical care of animals while World Habitat Month looks at habitat uh conservation both for humans and for uh animals across the world.

3:11

Uh Gahana has demonstrated its commitment uh to recreation and conservation across its nature preserves, woods, streams, and our arboretum, and recognizing environmental stewardship through expanding the tree canopy and uh ensuring uh green energy aggregation for our residents.

3:29

So, with that, it is our honor to recognize uh Mr.

3:33

Sullivan in partnership and in coordination with World Habitat Day and World Animal Month here in the City of Gehana.

3:40

If Mr.

3:40

Sullivan and his family would like to join council and Mayor Jadwin in front of the uh Dais, we'll go ahead and take a picture and then invite Mr.

3:48

Killian to deliver a few remarks.

4:26

Sorry.

4:31

Three, two.

5:10

Five years ago, my family traveled to Lake Tahoe in California.

5:14

We hope to climb, hike, and enjoy the beautiful mountains in Redwoods.

5:19

Early on our trip, we saw these large blue and black birds at our campground.

5:23

I asked my parents what they were, but like me, they were unsure.

5:28

I made some notes, and days later, when we had reception, I borrowed their phone and searched for the common birds of the state.

5:36

Our guests were Stellar's Jays.

5:38

I was hooked on birding.

5:40

On the cross-country drive home, I wrote a birthday list: binoculars, field guide, and field notebook.

5:46

My new hobby escalated quickly, in part because of my passion, but also because I had access to amazing resources.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement█████████████████████████25%
Environmental Protection█████████████████████21%
Heritage And Culture█████████████████17%
Procedural█████████████13%
Economic Development██████████10%
Pending Litigation█████5%
Affordable Housing███3%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Planning And Development██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Gahanna City Council Meeting - October 6, 2025

The Gahanna City Council met on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations honoring Killian Sullivan as the 2025 Young Birder of the Year and recognizing the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, a detailed presentation on the Creekside Redevelopment plan, public comments on the redevelopment, adoption of the consent agenda, passage of a resolution for opioid settlement funds, and introduction of three ordinances. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss appointments.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved Council Regular Minutes (9.15.2025), Council Special Minutes (9.22.2025), and Committee of the Whole Minutes (9.22.2025).
  • Adopted Motion MT-0011-2025 authorizing bidding for the Hamilton Road and Granville Street and East Johnstown Road Sanitary Sewer Improvement Projects.
  • Adopted Motion MT-0012-2025 authorizing bidding for the Annual Sanitary and Storm Sewer Cleaning and CCTV Program.
  • Adopted Resolution RES-0041-2025 accepting tax levies and rates as determined by the Budget Commission.
  • Adopted Joint Resolution RES-0042-2025 honoring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall.
  • Adopted Joint Resolution RES-0043-2025 honoring Killian Sullivan, 2025 Young Birder of the Year.
  • Adopted Ordinance ORD-0039-2025 authorizing a temporary construction easement with Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc. (second reading and adoption).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Mr. McClerg (935 Leaflock) expressed concerns about the Creekside redevelopment: urged keeping the parking lot near the sanctuary for events; suggested businesses that close at 5 PM allow parking; questioned the hotel location (preferred creekside view); asked about the design of a planned bridge; inquired about flood mitigation costs vs. new improvements and recourse against original builders; asked about guarantees for new fixes; noted current high rents and lack of control over existing buildings; asked whether the city would sell properties acquired via CIC to the developer at the same price; and commented on the success of the 825 opening.
  • Arlene Sheik (1410 Sedgefield Drive) commended the redevelopment planning, appreciated public involvement, and specifically praised the inclusion of 10% affordable housing units as a great precedent.
  • Chris Corter (184 Brookhill Drive) expressed general support for the Creekside plan but raised concerns about parking and the proposed TIF (Tax Increment Financing), asking what recourse exists if the TIF collapses due to potential state legislation eliminating property taxes.
  • Justin Yafenaro (694 Kenilworth Court) voiced strong support for the Creekside plan, stating it is the type of development needed to increase vibrancy; argued that adding residents will allow walking to local businesses and not require additional parking; noted that the loss of a small parking lot can be mitigated with additional garages or modifications.

Discussion Items

  • Presentations:
    • Killian Sullivan, a Gahanna Middle School East student, was recognized by the American Birding Association as Young Birder of the Year after documenting nearly 700 bird species and founding Buckeye Birding. He spoke about his passion for birding and conservation.
    • The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall (three-fifths scale, with 58,470 names, including two Gahanna residents) was displayed at VFW Park from October 2–6. Mayor Jadwin and American Legion Post 797 were recognized for organizing the event. Councilwoman McGregor shared a personal reflection on military service and sacrifice.
    • Economic Development Director Jeff Gottke presented the Creekside Reimagined plan, detailing two separate projects: a city-funded plaza revitalization (flood mitigation, FEMA compliance, improved amenities) and a privately financed mixed-use development ($100 million from developers) including 263 apartments, a 55–70 room hotel, two restaurants, a parking structure (Phase 1), and townhomes on High Street (Phase 2). Construction will use modular design, and performance guarantees are included. The next public engagement session is October 9 from 4–7 PM at Creekside Plaza.
  • Resolution RES-0044-2025: City Attorney Tamil explained that this resolution authorizes the city to enter into secondary manufacturer opioid settlements (separate from the primary Purdue settlement). The resolution was adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinances for First Reading: Three ordinances were introduced: ORD-0041-2025 (accepting Crescent Circle public infrastructure improvements), ORD-0042-2025 (authorizing a development agreement for Creekside redevelopment), and ORD-0043-2025 (adopting the 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan). Council members were reminded to submit questions on ORD-43 by October 8.
  • Reports:
    • CIC (Councilman Renner, Councilwoman Padova): Met October 2; monthly financials normal; work on Anfield House progressing; exploring options for Harry Bauer House (relocation or preservation of architectural elements). Next meeting October 21.
    • MORPC (Councilman Weaver): Reported on the September 30 Sustainability Summit, including Mayor Jadwin's presentation; discussion of Ohio HB 15 and community-driven sustainability projects.
    • CVB (Councilwoman Padova): Announced a Ruby Award for the tourism conference; a welcome discount card with 15 businesses; holiday lights event on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
    • School Board (Councilwoman Jones): Upcoming board meetings October 9, 14, 16; new high school unveiling on January 10.
    • Mayor Jadwin: Thanked volunteers for the Vietnam Wall; shared details of her MORPC sustainability presentation; reminded of upcoming events (litter pickup October 18, Goblin Fest October 24, Shred/E-Recycle Day October 25, Trick or Treat October 30).
    • City Attorney: Thanked council for passing the opioid resolution; noted oral arguments scheduled for December 9 in a property-related amicus brief case.
  • Council Comments: Several members expressed gratitude to the American Legion, Killian Sullivan, and the public for participation. Councilman Weaver announced a constituent hour on October 16 and addressed National Suicide Prevention Month, urging community support and sharing the 988 hotline. President Bowers noted the importance of partnership and addressed concerns about the TIF and potential legislative impacts.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution RES-0044-2025 (secondary manufacturer opioid settlements) adopted unanimously (7-0).
  • Ordinances ORD-0041, ORD-0042, ORD-0043 introduced for first reading; will be subject to further committee and council meetings (October 13 and 20).
  • Executive Session approved (7-0) under Section 5.40(a) to discuss appointment of public employees or officials; no legislative action was taken afterward.
  • Next public engagement for Creekside: October 9, 4–7 PM at Creekside Plaza.
  • Next committee meeting: October 13; next council meeting: October 20.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. We'll call to order this meeting for the City Council of Gehana on October 6, 2025. If you would please join me in stand as Mr. Weaver delivers the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Thank you. As we come together, may we approach our work with patience and openness of heart. Let us listen not only to respond, but to understand seeking common ground even when perspectives differ. In doing so, may our shared purpose guide us toward thoughtful and compassionate decisions for the good of our community. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation on God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, President Weaver. Mr. Van Meter, would you please call the role? Bowers. Here. Jones. Here. McGregor. Here. Padova. Here. Renner. Here. Schnitzer. Here. Weaver. Here. Thank you, Mr. Van Meter. Section B additions or corrections to the agenda. This evening we do have two editions under our presentation section. We are very pleased to be joined by the American Legion Post 797 this evening in order to receive the joint resolution proclamation honoring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall that was here in Gehana from October 2nd to October 6th. We'd also like to recognize Director of Economic Development, Jeff Gottke to give a brief presentation at the conclusion of the presentation section on the creekside redevelopment plan. Are there any other additions or corrections to this evening's agenda? All right. With that, we will move on to our first item this evening a joint resolution and proclamation presenting uh to and honoring Killian Sullivan, who is the 2025 Young Birder of the Year. This year we are celebrating and recognizing Mr. Sullivan in conjunction with World Animal Day and World Habitat Month. Killian is a Gehana Middle School East student and was recognized by the American Birding Association as the young birder, a young birder of the year, a national recognition honoring his exceptional skills and leaderships, leadership in birding. While documenting nearly 700 bird species across the U.S., uh Killian also founded Buckeye Birding, which enhances education, conservation, and the community enjoyment of birding. One of the things that we like to do is to recognize uh individuals in Gehana in conjunction with uh other months or or um special times that that could coincide with each other. And uh the reason why we chose October to recognize Killian is because it coincides with World Animal Day and World Habitat Month. Umlift humane and ethical care of animals while World Habitat Month looks at habitat uh conservation both for humans and for uh animals across the world. Uh Gahana has demonstrated its commitment uh to recreation and conservation across its nature preserves, woods, streams, and our arboretum, and recognizing environmental stewardship through expanding the tree canopy and uh ensuring uh green energy aggregation for our residents. So, with that, it is our honor to recognize uh Mr. Sullivan in partnership and in coordination with World Habitat Day and World Animal Month here in the City of Gehana. If Mr. Sullivan and his family would like to join council and Mayor Jadwin in front of the uh Dais, we'll go ahead and take a picture and then invite Mr. Killian to deliver a few remarks. Sorry.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com