Gahanna City Council Regular Meeting - February 16, 2026

The Gahanna City Council met in regular session on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. All members were present except Merisa K. Bowers. President Trenton I. Weaver presided. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, appointment of a new board member, adoption of an alternative meeting schedule for April, first reading of an annexation ordinance, postponement of two ordinances, updates on the Charter Review Commission, and reports from council members and city officials.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes approved: Council Regular Minutes (2026-02-02) and Committee of the Whole Minutes (2026-02-09).
• Motion approved: Seasonal employment of Caris Lantz as Council Office Intern through MORPC at $15.99/hour.
• Ordinance adopted: ORD-0005-2026 authorizing supplemental appropriations for Central Park TIF Fund, General Fund, and Cul-de-sac Maintenance Fund.
• The consent agenda passed unanimously (6-0).

Motions

• MT-0007-2026: Motion to appoint Evan Ecos to the Civil Service Commission (Seat 4) and Fair Housing Board (Seat 1) for unexpired terms ending December 31, 2027. Approved 6-0. President Weaver thanked all who applied for boards/commissions.
• MT-0008-2026: Motion to suspend Council Rules to adopt an alternative April meeting schedule due to relocation to the new Gahanna Civic Center at 825 Tech Center Drive. Final meeting at 200 S. Hamilton Road on April 6, 2026; April 13 Committee of the Whole and April 20 regular meeting canceled; first meeting at new location on April 27 at 7:00 PM, followed by Committee of the Whole. Approved 6-0. President Weaver thanked the administration for coordination.

Ordinances for Introduction / First Reading

• ORD-0007-2026: Ordinance to accept annexation of approximately 7.6 acres from Jefferson Township (4736 and 4722 Johnstown Road). No action taken; vote scheduled for March 2, 2026.

Ordinances for Second Reading / Adoption (Postponed)

• ORD-0002-2026: Ordinance accepting Tax Incentive Review Council recommendations for tax year 2024. Postponed to March 2, 2026; will return to Committee of the Whole on February 23.
• ORD-0006-2026: Ordinance amending purchasing procedures (Section 133.02). Postponed to March 2, 2026; will return to Committee of the Whole on February 23. Both postponed unanimously (6-0).

Correspondence and Actions

• Charter Review Commission: Clerk VanMeter reported the Commission met February 12, elected Ethan Barnhardt as Chair and Carrin Wester as Vice Chair. Approved meeting dates through June 18 (February 26, March 12, 26, April 9, 23, May 7, 21, June 4, 18). Public comment accepted in person or via video; proposals can be emailed to CRC@gahanna.gov. Meetings livestreamed. Mayor Jadwin confirmed schedule works with the upcoming move.
• Endorsement Letters: Draft letters for posthumous nomination of Cora Thurman to Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame and City of Columbus Hall of Fame. Council authorized submission without objection. Vice President Jones offered printed copies for signatures.

Reports from Representatives

• Community Improvement Corporation (CIC): Councilmember Padova announced CIC meeting February 18 at 8:00 AM in the Committee Room, open to public.
• Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC): President Weaver reported MORPC received GFOA Certificate of Achievement for 37th year. Mayor Jadwin traveled to D.C. with MORPC for advocacy. Announced "Map of the Month" (land use data at MORPC.org/data, search "M.O.O.D"). Highlighted Senate Bill 361 prohibiting eminent domain for trails/paths. Norwich Township and Hamilton Township added as members (now 93 and 94). Federal community project funding applications due March 9, state capital budget due March 12. SWOT survey open through February 26. State of the Region event March 20.
• Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB): Councilmember Padova reported Creekside Charity Chocolate Walk drew ~200 people; sixth year event benefiting Give to Gahanna. Visit Gahanna and Ohio Herb Center collaborating with SGT Coffee on herb-infused drinks. Spring Showcase on April 14, 5:30-7:30 PM at Noble Cut Distillery (open house format).
• School Board: Vice President Jones noted upcoming meetings (Finance & Facilities Feb 17, Regular Board Feb 19 at Clark Hall). Shared that the school district updated rental fee policy for facilities; if approved, reduced rates for private programs that enrich student learning. Recognized National SRO Appreciation Day (Feb 15), thanking Officers Bills, Gillespie, Jones, and Lawrence.

Official Reports

• Mayor Jadwin: Reported on Washington D.C. trip with MORPC and central Ohio mayors; held eight meetings with Ohio congressional delegation advocating for local priorities. Announced receipt of a $250,000 congressional earmark for flood mitigation improvements at Creekside garage, championed by Congresswoman Beatty. Warned residents about phishing emails impersonating city staff requesting wire transfers; reminded that official emails end in @gahanna.gov. In response to President Weaver's question, stated the city will issue informational posts and continue community liaison efforts with Detective Thomas and Officer Jodon.
• City Attorney Tamilarasan: Provided litigation update on the Taglia case (trip and fall at Academy Park). The Court of Appeals granted appellant an extension; appellant’s brief due in March, city will file thereafter. Encouraged input on Charter Review Commission focus areas.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (6-0).
• Evan Ecos appointed to Civil Service Commission and Fair Housing Board (6-0).
• Alternative April meeting schedule for relocation adopted (6-0).
• Annexation ordinance introduced; vote set for March 2.
• Two ordinances postponed to March 2, 2026 (both 6-0).
• Charter Review Commission meeting schedule announced; public submissions accepted via CRC@gahanna.gov.
• Council authorized submission of endorsement letters for Cora Thurman's posthumous nominations.
• Mayor reported $250,000 federal earmark for Creekside garage flood mitigation.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.