OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Gahanna City Council Regular Meeting, November 4, 2025

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, November 4, 2025
BodyGahanna, Ohio
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, November 4, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:07:50

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Good evening.

0:02

Thank you all for joining us this evening.

0:04

We'd like to call to order this meeting for the city council for the city of Gehana on Monday, November 3rd, 2025.

0:11

If you would please join me to stand for the invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered by Vice President Trenton Weaver.

0:18

Thank you.

0:19

As we gather, we are grateful for, appreciate, and use each day that comes before us for each day's duties and in each day's difficulties.

0:27

We are challenged to give our best always in service and unity to one another and to our community.

0:35

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:44

One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

0:52

Thank you, Mr.

0:53

Weaver.

0:54

Mr.

0:54

Van Meter, would you please call the roll?

0:56

Bowers.

0:57

Here.

0:57

Jones.

0:58

McGregor.

0:59

Here.

1:00

Padova.

1:00

Here.

1:01

Renner.

1:02

Here.

1:02

Schnitzer?

1:03

Here.

1:03

Weaver.

1:04

Here.

1:05

Thank you, Mr.

1:06

Van Meter.

1:07

Next item on this evening's agenda is to address additions or corrections to the agenda.

1:12

We do have one item.

1:15

We need to remove ordinance 0045-2025 from the consent agenda under second reading and adoption and move it to the state the regular agenda under G item number two.

1:31

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

1:37

Hearing none, we'll move on to hearing of visitors this evening.

1:41

Hearing of visitors is our standard process where any member of the public can address city council with regard to any issue for uh up to three minutes.

1:50

Uh speakers, if you would please approach the podium, provide your name and address, and you'll have three minutes, and we'll call these in the order in which they were received.

2:00

First uh speaker slip we have this evening is from Ross Goldsmith.

2:13

Good evening.

2:13

Uh I'm Ross Goldsmith, 276 Gary Lee Drive, uh, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you all this evening.

2:20

I wasn't able to be here earlier when folks offered comments on the uh our Gehana Strategic Plan, but I didn't want to miss the chance to talk a little bit about it before you vote.

2:29

I ran for City Council two years ago, and during that campaign that campaign, I talked extensively about the need for the city to adopt a strategic plan, that comprehensive guiding document that allows us all uh to adapt the landscape of our city while maintaining that which makes our community unique.

2:46

I was really truly excited when the city decided to embark on this project, and I'm sincerely thankful for being able to serve on the steering committee with so many other thoughtful neighbors.

2:55

Um, as part of the committee, I have to say the strategic process was very thoughtful.

3:00

It brought together so many things that Gehana is doing right, could be doing better, and needs some major work on.

3:06

But that's what a good process does by making it clear what needs should be tackled, how they should occur, and then ensuring it's broadly communicated.

3:14

Gehana faces the same issues as so many municipalities, a host of voices saying what should happen with little input on the steps needed to get there.

3:22

The Our Gehana plan creates thoughtful strategies to guide the work, implementation, and reporting to the community.

3:28

It won't always satisfy every neighbor, but it's creation and the mayor and the council's adherence to it will go a long way towards building more community throughout our city.

3:37

I'm pleased already to see a focus on a creekside redevelopment that follows this plan.

3:42

Lastly, I encourage the city to always note what parts of the plan certain legislation responds to uh in introducing ordinances.

3:50

It's a great way to keep the plan front and center and show your faithfulness to it.

3:54

Appreciate the work you all do and appreciate you all.

3:57

Thank you.

4:01

All right, thank you.

4:02

Next up, we have um Mr.

4:03

McClerg, and I understand that Mr.

4:05

McClure wishes to speak both during hearing of visitors and the public hearing.

4:10

So if you would constrain your comments just to the strategic plan for this item.

4:17

Name and address, please, sir.

4:21

Hi, Tim McClerg, 935 Leaflock Court, Gehana, Ohio.

4:26

I also was part of the steering committee.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Strategic Planning████████████████████20%
Public Engagement█████████████████17%
Economic Development███████████████15%
Planning And Development█████████████13%
Procedural████████████12%
Community Engagement█████5%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Capital Improvement█████5%
Public Health████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Gahanna City Council Regular Meeting, November 4, 2025

Note: The meeting agenda and minutes list the date as November 3, 2025, but the instruction for this summary specified November 4, 2025. The following summary reflects the content of the meeting as recorded.

The Gahanna City Council met in regular session. Key actions included a public hearing on a major Creekside redevelopment agreement, adoption of the "Our Gahanna" Strategic Plan, approval of the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan, and several consent items. Council also recognized Veterans Day 2025 and discussed community needs, including a 41% increase in demand at local food pantries.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved six sets of minutes (Council Special 10.20.2025, Council Regular 10.20.2025, Finance Committee 10.23.2025, Council Special 10.27.2025, Committee of the Whole 10.27.2025, Finance Committee 10.27.2025).
  • Adopted Resolution RES-0051-2025 authorizing the Mayor to execute the 2025 Supplemental Agreement with the Community Improvement Corporation of Gahanna.
  • Adopted Resolution RES-0052-2025 concerning services to property proposed for annexation (7.6+/- acres in Jefferson Township, two parcels owned by Jimmie & Darlene Toney).
  • Adopted Ordinances ORD-0044-2025 (easement with Columbia Gas for cell tower at Lower McCorkle Park), ORD-0047-2025 (sanitary sewer easement at 490 & 495 Crescent Circle), and ORD-0048-2025 (accept public sanitary sewer infrastructure along Crescent Circle).

Public Comments & Testimony

Hearing of Visitors (Strategic Plan):

  • Ross Goldsmith (276 Gary Lee Drive) expressed strong support for the Our Gahanna Strategic Plan, noting he served on the Steering Committee and campaigned for such a plan. He encouraged the city to map new legislation to the plan.
  • Tim McClurg (935 Leaflock Court) also supported the plan, praised city staff dedication, and called for more detail on implementation, particularly regarding the Reimagine Creekside project.

Public Hearing on ORD-0042-2025 (Creekside Redevelopment Agreement):

  • George Mrus (1217 Sanctuary Place), CIC secretary, asked Council to approve the development agreement with Connect Realty and Benson Capital, calling it "transformational" and aligned with the CIC's mission.
  • Betty Collins (917 Harmony Court), CIC president, expressed full support for the project, emphasizing its alignment with the city's strategic plan and the importance of economic development.
  • Tyler Abrams (105 Brookhill Drive), president of Visit Gahanna, supported the project, noting Creekside lacks activities and a new hotel is needed—the first in 20+ years.
  • Alveda Bates (100 Jahn Drive) proposed adding public art, specifically a mural of blues and jazz icons, to the revitalization.
  • Tim McClurg (returning speaker) voiced support for Creekside redevelopment but raised concerns about losing 50 parking spots, impact on the Blues & Jazz Festival, and Sanctuary events. He advocated for a river walk with shops and a hotel restaurant overlooking the creek.
  • Keisha Smith-Jones (business at 81 Mill Street, president of Gahanna Area Chamber) spoke as a business owner, supporting the project for its potential to revitalize commerce, build confidence, promote sustainable prosperity, and preserve Gahanna's walkability. She acknowledged parking and traffic frustrations but saw the project as an opportunity.

Discussion Items

  • Creekside Public Hearing Presentation: Mayor Jadwin and Economic Development Director Jeff Gottke presented the redevelopment plan for approximately 5 acres of CIC-purchased parcels. They outlined public engagement steps (four events, website, email, media coverage) and summarized feedback into four categories: parking (50 spots to be removed, offset study ongoing), traffic (impact studies required), construction phasing (aiming to keep businesses open), and economic necessity. Director Gottke described feedback as "cautiously optimistic" and noted two support letters received from Mifflin Township Trustees and a local business owner. The item is scheduled for a vote on November 17, 2025.
  • Resolution RES-0046-2025 – Adoption of "Our Gahanna" Strategic Plan: Councilmembers Padova, Schnetzer, and Bowers thanked the Steering Committee, Planning NEXT, and Senior Director Vollmer. The plan was adopted unanimously.
  • Resolution RES-0053-2025 – Veterans Day Recognition: A minor amendment added language to include veterans and active-duty service members. Vice President Weaver spoke to the resolution’s significance, calling service "an act of faith in the American promise." Adopted unanimously.
  • Ordinance ORD-0043-2025 – 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan: The council approved a substitute Exhibit A via amendment, then adopted the ordinance as amended unanimously.
  • Ordinance ORD-0045-2025 – Access Easement at 135 Serran Drive: This item was moved from consent to regular agenda. Council added emergency language (three amendments) due to a miscommunication timing issue for the grantors awaiting easement approval before selling their home. Councilmember Jones acknowledged the rarity of emergency passage but supported it for the residents' peace of mind. Adopted as amended unanimously.
  • Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) Report: Councilmember Renner reported the CIC met October 21, 2025. September ended with $268,000; a Heartland Bank loan is off the ledger. Treasurer Jeff Kessler provided a 2026 budget with increased legal fees and $16,000 in property taxes. Flood insurance was removed for buildings slated for demolition. The CIC entered executive session (8:37-9:17 a.m.). An update on the Amfield House resulted in no action. Next meeting: November 18, 2025.
  • MORPC Report: Vice President Weaver highlighted his written report; next commission meeting November 13.
  • CVB Report: Councilmember Padova announced Holiday Lights celebration November 23, 3-6:30 p.m. at Creekside District, and Santa Race 5k/Reindeer Dash December 6 at Academy Park.
  • School Board Report: Councilmember Jones noted upcoming board meetings (workshop November 6, Finance & Facilities November 18, regular November 20) and congratulated the high school girls cross country team on winning the OHSAA State Championship.
  • Mayor's Report: Mayor Jadwin reported a 41% year-over-year increase in demand at local food pantries (GRIN). Round two of the 2025 Community Grants Program will open November 5-14, focusing on food insecurity, using approximately $18,000 in remaining funds. She thanked participants in the Creekside public process and noted the Strategic Plan adoption as a milestone. Veterans Day events were announced (high school ceremony November 11 at 9:30 a.m., city ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park at 11:00 a.m.).
  • City Attorney's Report: Attorney Tamilarasan updated on the tobacco preemption litigation with Columbus; the Ohio Supreme Court has accepted jurisdiction after favorable trial and appeals court rulings.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda adopted unanimously (7-0).
  • RES-0046-2025 (Strategic Plan) adopted unanimously (7-0).
  • RES-0053-2025 (Veterans Day) adopted unanimously (7-0).
  • ORD-0043-2025 (Capital Improvement Plan) amended by substitution and adopted as amended unanimously (7-0).
  • ORD-0045-2025 (Access Easement) amended to include emergency declaration and adopted as amended unanimously (7-0).
  • Public Hearing on ORD-0042-2025 remains open; final discussion is scheduled for Council Committee of the Whole on November 10, 2025, and a vote is anticipated on November 17, 2025.
  • Councilmember Bowers will hold constituent hours on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Gahanna Library branch.
  • The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Thank you all for joining us this evening. We'd like to call to order this meeting for the city council for the city of Gehana on Monday, November 3rd, 2025. If you would please join me to stand for the invocation and pledge of allegiance delivered by Vice President Trenton Weaver. Thank you. As we gather, we are grateful for, appreciate, and use each day that comes before us for each day's duties and in each day's difficulties. We are challenged to give our best always in service and unity to one another and to our community. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mr. Weaver. Mr. Van Meter, would you please call the roll? Bowers. Here. Jones. McGregor. Here. Padova. Here. Renner. Here. Schnitzer? Here. Weaver. Here. Thank you, Mr. Van Meter. Next item on this evening's agenda is to address additions or corrections to the agenda. We do have one item. We need to remove ordinance 0045-2025 from the consent agenda under second reading and adoption and move it to the state the regular agenda under G item number two. Are there any other additions or corrections to this evening's agenda? Hearing none, we'll move on to hearing of visitors this evening. Hearing of visitors is our standard process where any member of the public can address city council with regard to any issue for uh up to three minutes. Uh speakers, if you would please approach the podium, provide your name and address, and you'll have three minutes, and we'll call these in the order in which they were received. First uh speaker slip we have this evening is from Ross Goldsmith. Good evening. Uh I'm Ross Goldsmith, 276 Gary Lee Drive, uh, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you all this evening. I wasn't able to be here earlier when folks offered comments on the uh our Gehana Strategic Plan, but I didn't want to miss the chance to talk a little bit about it before you vote. I ran for City Council two years ago, and during that campaign that campaign, I talked extensively about the need for the city to adopt a strategic plan, that comprehensive guiding document that allows us all uh to adapt the landscape of our city while maintaining that which makes our community unique. I was really truly excited when the city decided to embark on this project, and I'm sincerely thankful for being able to serve on the steering committee with so many other thoughtful neighbors. Um, as part of the committee, I have to say the strategic process was very thoughtful. It brought together so many things that Gehana is doing right, could be doing better, and needs some major work on. But that's what a good process does by making it clear what needs should be tackled, how they should occur, and then ensuring it's broadly communicated. Gehana faces the same issues as so many municipalities, a host of voices saying what should happen with little input on the steps needed to get there. The Our Gehana plan creates thoughtful strategies to guide the work, implementation, and reporting to the community. It won't always satisfy every neighbor, but it's creation and the mayor and the council's adherence to it will go a long way towards building more community throughout our city. I'm pleased already to see a focus on a creekside redevelopment that follows this plan. Lastly, I encourage the city to always note what parts of the plan certain legislation responds to uh in introducing ordinances. It's a great way to keep the plan front and center and show your faithfulness to it.

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