OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Committee of the Whole Meeting Summary – December 10, 2025

City Council & Commissions — Wednesday, December 10, 2025
BodyGahanna, Ohio
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateWednesday, December 10, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:36:24

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Good evening, everyone.

0:01

Today is Monday, December 8th, 2025.

0:04

I've got just past seven o'clock.

0:06

So we will go ahead and call this meeting of the committee of the whole to order.

0:10

One quick note.

0:12

For the agenda, we will add a resolution under H from Councilmember Padova following the item from Council Members Jones and Mr.

0:23

Renner.

0:25

But we will get started first with items from the Department of Economic Development.

0:34

Good evening, Director.

0:37

Good evening.

0:39

Thank you, Council.

0:42

What you have from my department this evening is the first in a series of related documents that you'll get over time that are generated because of the uh development agreement with Connect Real Estate.

0:59

So there's a number of documents and things that come from that.

1:03

This is the first of those.

1:04

It's a procedural item because a TIFF will be created.

1:12

The type of TIFF that's being created requires that the city be in the chain of title for those properties that are subject to the development agreement.

1:24

So the piece of legislation that you have there does two things.

1:30

It allows the city to receive those properties from the CIC and then transfer them back after they have uh uh been recorded and and and the city is in the chain of title.

1:45

Um that's it.

1:46

It doesn't create the TIF, it doesn't do anything else other than transfer in and transfer out those parcels that are subject to the development agreement.

1:54

Um there was some discussion about uh the process if this would require a waiver or emergency or both or neither.

2:02

It's neither as long as this process happens by the time of the closing on those properties, which won't be for um a number of months uh up to six after the development agreement is effective, um then that's that's fine.

2:21

So this can go through the regular legislative process.

2:24

Um short item, like I said, procedural transfer in, transfer out, uh, so that a TIFF can be set up at a later date.

2:32

That of course will come to you, and we'll have a full discussion and presentation on the TIFF itself.

2:37

Uh that's all that I had tonight.

2:39

Thank you.

2:40

All right, thank you, Director.

2:41

Any discussion from my colleagues?

2:43

Mrs.

2:43

McGregor.

2:44

So the only the only properties that are transferred to to the city, and they're just those same ones or the transferred back, like 10 in, 10 out.

2:52

I don't know the number, but that's right.

2:54

Okay.

2:54

Yes.

2:56

Thank you.

2:58

Any other discussion on this item?

3:01

And director, just confirming that this is a routine practice under these dot 41 TIFFs that other communities would also do the similar practice that this is Yes, sir.

3:14

This is uh standard practice uh for these types of TIFS.

3:18

All right, thank you, sir.

3:19

Uh seeing no further discussion on this item.

3:22

Uh, are folks okay with the consent agenda on the second?

3:27

So on for first on the 15th, and then on the second.

3:31

All right, thank you.

3:32

Regular.

3:32

You regular, okay.

3:34

Regular agenda on the on the second, please.

3:38

Thank you, Director.

3:39

Thank you.

3:40

All right, next up we have items from the Department of Parks and Recreation.

3:44

Good evening, Director.

3:49

Good evening.

3:50

Thank you.

3:51

I have one item for this evening.

3:53

Uh the pricing policy is a document that outlines and guides the establishment of fees for the parks and recreation department.

3:59

And by code, this is required to be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Board annually.

4:04

Uh with that, there are some changes that were made.

4:07

Most of them are formatting uh to improve the document.

4:10

Um there was a uh language that was added to help outline what the expectations are for residency and proof of residency.

4:18

And that is an uh a standing policy that the language was added to help improve the document.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████████████████26%
Racial Equity█████████████████17%
Community Engagement████████████████16%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Personnel Matters██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Technology and Innovation█████5%
Public Health███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Committee of the Whole Meeting Summary – December 10, 2025

Note on date discrepancy: The official agenda, minutes, and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on Monday, December 8, 2025. However, the user instruction specifies December 10, 2025. This summary uses the date provided by the user instruction for the title, but all references to dates within the meeting are based on the source materials.

The Gahanna City Council Committee of the Whole met on December 8, 2025 (as per agenda) at 7:02 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Vice President Trenton I. Weaver chaired the meeting. All council members were present. The agenda included items from Economic Development, Parks & Recreation, Operations, Engineering, Administrative Services, Finance, and Councilmembers. An additional resolution from Councilmember Padova was added.

Consent Calendar

The following items were placed on the consent agenda for introduction/adoption at the December 15, 2025 regular meeting:

  • RES-0057-2025: Adoption of the 2026 Parks and Recreation Pricing Policy (recommended by Parks & Recreation Board)
  • RES-0058-2025: Adoption of the City of Gahanna Cybersecurity Program (required by Ohio HB 96)
  • RES-0059-2025: Authorization for 2026 Public Health Services contract with Franklin County Public Health ($361,186, 1.9% increase)
  • RES-0061-2025: Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Pinnell Christmas Extravaganza
  • ORD-0055-2025 (second reading/adoption on consent on Jan 2, 2026, pending contract amendment)
  • ORD-0056-2025 (second reading/adoption on consent on Jan 2, 2026)

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments were made during this meeting.

Discussion Items

Economic Development – ORD-0060-2025

Director Jeff Gottke presented a procedural ordinance to accept and transfer real property parcels at 110 N. High St., 120 N. High St., 130-140 Mill St., 152 Mill St., 153-155 Mill St., 161-167 Mill St., 169 Mill St., and 170 Mill St. as part of a development agreement with Connect Real Estate. The transfer is required to place the City in the chain of title for a future Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. Gottke confirmed that this is standard practice and that the TIF itself will come before Council separately. Councilmember McGregor clarified that the same properties received will be transferred back ("10 in, 10 out"). The ordinance will proceed through regular legislative process with first reading on December 15, 2025 and second reading/adoption on January 2, 2026.

Operations – Gahanna Civic Center (825 Tech Center Drive) Update

Senior Director Kevin Schultz provided an update covering construction progress through November 2025. Key points:

  • Exterior: All three solar arrays installed; passive security measures (walls, seat walls) complete; asphalt parking lot finished; most landscaping done except near building; multi-use trail paved.
  • Interior: Terrazzo flooring complete in public first-floor spaces; third floor in "punch list" stage; exterior doors being installed; police locker room nearing completion; technology installations (networks, radio, 911 systems) underway; furniture installation to begin early January 2026 on third floor.
  • Financials (as of October 31, 2025): Total construction contracts (GMP1+GMP2) $59.6 million; invoiced $51 million (86%); allowances $1 million (59% spent); contingencies $3.7 million (67% spent); overall contingency usage 65% considered healthy.
  • Move-in timeline: Slightly behind schedule; anticipated move in March 2026, with more specific date expected within 30 days. Some trades struggling to keep pace. A moving/logistics company is being brought on board.
  • Future of current City Hall: Montrose Group is completing a highest-and-best-use ROI analysis; discussions expected in January/February 2026. Senior Center will continue to be maintained and programmed.
  • Councilmembers asked about utility costs for vacant buildings (Schultz confirmed they must be maintained) and handling of items for auction (separate from property disposition decisions).

Engineering – ORD-0055-2025 (Street Rebuild & Waterline Program)

Director Schultz presented the contract award for waterline replacement and full street reconstruction on Laura Drive, Heil Drive, and Rocky Fork Boulevard (Rocky Fork Drive North from Flint Ridge to Cliffview Drive). Seven bids received; Elite Excavating Company of Ohio, Inc. was lowest and most responsive. Total contract cost approximately $2.9 million, including a $123,000 alternate bid for highly recycled asphalt and a 10% contingency ($272,000). A small amendment is needed to adjust retainage from 8% to 4% per recent Ohio law change. Waterline work expected to begin January 2026; street reconstruction after school ends in May 2026, with approximately two-week turnaround per street. Sidewalk installation on Heil and Laura failed a resident petition process (weighted by frontage, required 60% approval). Council discussed the petition process, notice to residents (letters, visits, community meeting), and communication plan for upcoming work. First reading December 15, 2025; second reading/adoption on consent January 2, 2026.

Engineering – ORD-0056-2025 (Taylor Road Water Main Replacement)

Contract award to Shelly & Sands, Inc. for replacing an existing 12-inch water main installed in 1964 with a new 16-inch water main between Morrison and Helmbright. Includes valves, hydrants, site restoration, and updating 1,600 feet of sidewalk to PROWAG standards. Seven bids received; contract price just over $2.5 million with 10% contingency. Fully funded through 2025 capital budget. Timeline: January to September 2026. Road will remain open but restricted; center turn lane will become travel lane. Council requested extended notification to nearby neighborhoods (Rathburn Woods, Hunters Ridge) and use of social media. First reading December 15, 2025; second reading/adoption on consent January 2, 2026.

Administrative Services – ORD-0058-2025 (2026 Salary Ordinance)

HR Manager Ben Nolan presented the annual salary ordinance for non-union personnel. Changes include: deletion of Manager of Marketing position (paygrade C19), reclassification of Supervisor of Recreation from C15 to C16, and continuation of 4% pay increases for employees above midpoint of pay grade. Waiver of second reading and emergency adoption requested to align with 2026 budget. First reading on regular agenda December 15, 2025.

Administrative Services – ORD-0059-2025 (2026 Benefits Ordinance)

Nolan presented the companion benefits ordinance for unclassified personnel. Key updates: Article 3 – service credit payment amounts aligned with union contracts; Article 4 – new vacation accrual tier for 26+ years of service; Article 6 – clarification that short-term disability begins first day of month after hire, EAP ends last day of month of separation; Article 7 – donated leave now allowed in 8-hour increments with minimum 240 hours sick leave retained; Articles 10 and 21 – spouse removal from wellness incentive program (new vendor cannot combine spousal activity toward $400 incentive; employee earns $400 individually; many new earning opportunities). Waiver and emergency requested. First reading on regular agenda December 15, 2025.

Finance – ORD-0057-2025 (Supplemental Appropriations FY2025)

Director Joann Bury presented year-end supplemental appropriations for General Fund, TIF Fund, Parks and Recreation Fund, and Leave Pay-Out Fund. Reasoning provided in accompanying chart. First reading with waiver of second reading on regular agenda December 15, 2025.

Councilmember Items – RES-0060-2025 (Resolution Affirming Human Dignity)

Councilmembers Jones and Renner introduced a draft resolution affirming human dignity and standing with Somali residents and all community members targeted by hate. The resolution was in response to increased harmful rhetoric at the national level that impacts local residents, particularly the Somali community, and recognizes December as Universal Human Rights Month. Councilmembers and the Mayor provided extensive feedback:

  • Mayor Jadwin suggested broadening language to include all groups targeted by hate, and adjusting the title to avoid implying hate crimes are occurring in Gahanna.
  • Councilmember Schnetzer suggested starting with positive language from the city's strategic plan (e.g., "welcoming, supportive, and safe community").
  • Councilmember McGregor expressed concern about reacting to every national statement and preferred focusing on positive local aspects.
  • President Bowers emphasized the impact of rhetoric that leads to policy, citing ICE enforcement in Minneapolis (largest Somali population in U.S.) and noting central Ohio has the second-largest Somali population. She supported inclusive language but did not want to lose sight of the specific impetus.
  • Councilmember Padova supported the resolution and agreed on title adjustment.
  • Councilmember Renner stated the resolution is long overdue, sets civic standards against dehumanizing speech, and affirms human dignity for all residents regardless of status.
  • Councilmember Jones acknowledged the Somali community was specifically targeted and that silence implies acceptance; she is willing to make changes for consensus.
  • Vice President Weaver shared personal connection as child of immigrants and supported a joint statement reaffirming commitment to all residents. The group agreed to revise the draft and circulate an updated version for consideration at the December 15, 2025 regular meeting. Mayor Jadwin was invited to join as a joint resolution.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved for Consent Agenda (Dec 15): RES-0057-2025, RES-0058-2025, RES-0059-2025, RES-0061-2025.
  • First Reading (Dec 15) with Second Reading/Adoption on Consent (Jan 2): ORD-0055-2025 (pending contract amendment), ORD-0056-2025.
  • First Reading on Regular Agenda (Dec 15) with Waiver/Emergency: ORD-0058-2025, ORD-0059-2025, ORD-0057-2025.
  • First Reading/Adoption on Regular Agenda (Dec 15): ORD-0060-2025, RES-0060-2025 (revised draft to be circulated).
  • No Committee of the Whole meeting on December 22, 2025.
  • Next steps: Revised resolution on human dignity to be circulated and voted on Dec 15; amended contract for ORD-0055 to be attached for first reading.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Today is Monday, December 8th, 2025. I've got just past seven o'clock. So we will go ahead and call this meeting of the committee of the whole to order. One quick note. For the agenda, we will add a resolution under H from Councilmember Padova following the item from Council Members Jones and Mr. Renner. But we will get started first with items from the Department of Economic Development. Good evening, Director. Good evening. Thank you, Council. What you have from my department this evening is the first in a series of related documents that you'll get over time that are generated because of the uh development agreement with Connect Real Estate. So there's a number of documents and things that come from that. This is the first of those. It's a procedural item because a TIFF will be created. The type of TIFF that's being created requires that the city be in the chain of title for those properties that are subject to the development agreement. So the piece of legislation that you have there does two things. It allows the city to receive those properties from the CIC and then transfer them back after they have uh uh been recorded and and and the city is in the chain of title. Um that's it. It doesn't create the TIF, it doesn't do anything else other than transfer in and transfer out those parcels that are subject to the development agreement. Um there was some discussion about uh the process if this would require a waiver or emergency or both or neither. It's neither as long as this process happens by the time of the closing on those properties, which won't be for um a number of months uh up to six after the development agreement is effective, um then that's that's fine. So this can go through the regular legislative process. Um short item, like I said, procedural transfer in, transfer out, uh, so that a TIFF can be set up at a later date. That of course will come to you, and we'll have a full discussion and presentation on the TIFF itself. Uh that's all that I had tonight. Thank you. All right, thank you, Director. Any discussion from my colleagues? Mrs. McGregor. So the only the only properties that are transferred to to the city, and they're just those same ones or the transferred back, like 10 in, 10 out. I don't know the number, but that's right. Okay. Yes. Thank you. Any other discussion on this item? And director, just confirming that this is a routine practice under these dot 41 TIFFs that other communities would also do the similar practice that this is Yes, sir. This is uh standard practice uh for these types of TIFS. All right, thank you, sir. Uh seeing no further discussion on this item. Uh, are folks okay with the consent agenda on the second? So on for first on the 15th, and then on the second. All right, thank you. Regular. You regular, okay. Regular agenda on the on the second, please. Thank you, Director. Thank you. All right, next up we have items from the Department of Parks and Recreation.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com