OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Gahanna Committee of the Whole Meeting – March 9, 2026

City Council & Commissions — Wednesday, March 11, 2026
BodyGahanna, Ohio
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateWednesday, March 11, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:59:41

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

All right, good evening, everyone.

0:03

It is March 9th, and we are gonna get our committee meeting started.

0:07

One note that we do have in addition to tonight's agenda update on the community grant program, which will be our second item on the agenda.

0:17

But at first, we are going to talk through our I think we have a presentation or questions from Mr.

0:23

Fisher around the annexation.

0:25

So that is our first item up.

0:29

Thank you.

0:30

Thank you very much.

0:31

No problem.

0:31

David Fisher, I'm my partner Tim Spencer here with me tonight.

0:34

First of all, I want to thank you for allowing us a little bit more time to come in and meet with the committee of the whole.

0:40

I was out of town at the last meeting, and I just felt it was important that I personally be here and talk this thing through with you before it goes to a final bill in the annexation.

0:51

I'm David Fisher.

0:53

I've been a Gehana resident for I don't know, like 33 years now or something like that.

0:57

Live over on Cherry Bottom Road.

0:59

Um I'm a lawyer, but also do a little bit of real estate development.

1:04

And I kind of get it that the old biblical saying about a prophet has no honor in his own land, but here I am in the in the Gehana, the city I live in and love, asking you to consider something that I think could be a very exciting project for the city of Gehana.

1:18

Um I think, unless somebody can correct me, I think I'm the only developer that comes before you that lives here, pays taxes here, and has the love for Gehana that my wife and I do over a period of a long period of time.

1:31

Um I think that the stuff that we've done in the past that I've been involved in, including the old FOP site over on 62 in Cherry Bottom, was a hard fought fight.

1:42

Took a long time.

1:43

I had a lot of wounds from that, a couple of lawsuits, a couple of threats that my license as a lawyer was going to be removed.

1:50

But I knew that if we still stuck with it and did the right thing, we could have the community park we have there now, which I'm hoping everybody's going over there because it's pretty awesome.

1:59

My wife and I go over there all the time, and it connects so much of Gehanna, and I can't believe how many people I now see walking the paths over there past my house and down in there every day.

2:09

It's really really a community amenity that is really fabulous.

2:12

And I'm I'm very proud that that I stuck with it and took the wounds I did to get that done.

2:17

So anyway, Jim and Darlene Tony have been friends of mine for years, and we've talked about when they got ready to retire and what they could do with their property, and I offered to help them at that point in time.

2:28

And so we didn't end up a contract.

2:30

Now, a couple of years ago, as we worked through this process, by the way, I think a couple of years ago shows you how deliberative we are about this, not trying to rush anything through the city with you or the residents or anybody else.

2:41

Um it's currently in Jefferson Township.

2:44

We worked through a pre-annexation agreement with the city months ago.

2:49

Uh the annexation was approved by the county commissioners.

2:53

It's now up to you for consideration.

2:56

It's, I think, up for a second and perhaps final reading and vote in next week, I believe next Monday night.

3:03

Uh, under the pre-annexation agreement, we could have rushed to get a zoning done at the same time in terms of what was going to go there.

3:09

But after some discussion among our team and with some residents, we thought, let's not rush that.

3:15

Let's make sure we get the right input.

3:17

Let's make sure we do the right thing along the way, so that at the end of the day, we, you, and the citizens of Gahana can be very proud of what we put there.

3:27

We're putting a project there that is gonna be something that we can be proud of.

3:33

We're not building it to sell it, we're building it to own it as a long-term legacy product.

3:38

Um, and I've told my partners, I live here, and I want something that I can drive by every day in Gehana and be proud of, just like I'm proud of other things at Gehana that are getting done.

3:48

As so we want to work with you, not just try to push some project in front of you and through you.

3:54

Um, if you see fit to pass the annexation next week, I hope you do.

3:59

Hope we can garner your support in that regard.

4:01

Uh we'll continue to work with your planning staff and with neighbors and with others throughout the city of Gehana, as we've done before on other projects and other incentives to come up with something that we know will never please you never please everybody, right?

4:15

I mean, and a lot of people just don't like change.

4:17

We know we're not gonna please everybody, but we think by the time we're done, we hope we please the majority of citizens.

4:23

We hope you please planning commission, we hope he please you with something we end up with.

4:27

Like I say, it's something we want to be proud of, something my family and I can drive by each day and say, look at this, isn't this cool?

4:34

We just were talking today about we'd be willing to, for example, put a sign there as another gateway to Gehana, like you have over by the UDF.

4:42

When people are coming in, they know that you're coming to Gehana.

4:45

A lot of traffic comes through that area.

4:48

Uh a lot of people, I think that will want to stop and if we put a restaurant there, for example, eat there like they do at the barn next door.

4:56

Um, yes, we want to do a mixed-use project with some retail in it.

5:00

Not a lot, probably a restaurant, maybe uh a workout facility, maybe a medical facility, things like that, not high-intense uses, and then we do want to put um some apartment dwellings in there that we'll do in a way that is sustainable, good looking, it stands the test of time.

5:19

I think you know there's a big pond in the back that we can't do anything with.

5:22

I know some of you would like to see us amenitize and do something with that, and we're gonna work with you to accomplish that and work with the neighbors as well.

5:30

Um we're excited about this, and we're excited to work with you, and we're not gonna rush anything here.

5:36

The pre-annexation agreement is in place.

5:39

Um we hope we can count on your votes next week to move that forward, and we hope that we can work with you and the planning commission and the citizens in the months to come to arrange for a development plan and a zoning that we can all be proud of.

5:54

I think that it's I personally feel it's important to the city of Gehana to control that lot, that area, as opposed to staying in the township and whatever would happen there.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procurement████████████████████████24%
Community Engagement██████████████14%
Strategic Planning██████████10%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Economic Development███████7%
Board And Commission Operations███████7%
Zoning And Land Use██████6%
Public Safety████4%
Workforce Development████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Gahanna Committee of the Whole Meeting – March 9, 2026

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript all identify the meeting date as March 9, 2026, contrary to the initially provided date of March 11, 2026. This summary reflects the actual meeting date.

The Gahanna City Council Committee of the Whole met on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7:01 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Councilmember Michael Schnetzer was absent. The agenda included an annexation ordinance, a community grant program update, a school resource officer contract, finance items, an economic development resolution, a procurement code discussion, honorary resolutions planning, and a settlement authorization. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • RES-0008-2026: School Resource Officer contract with Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools for 2026-2027 – recommended for introduction/adoption on the Consent Agenda on March 16, 2026.
  • ORD-0009-2026: Supplemental appropriation ($90,000) for body-worn camera grant – recommended for first reading March 16 and second reading/adoption on Consent Agenda on April 6, 2026.
  • RES-0007-2026: Then-and-now purchase order for stop loss insurance – recommended for introduction/adoption on Consent Agenda March 16, 2026.
  • RES-0010-2026: Selection of successor members for the Gahanna New Community Authority Board of Trustees – recommended for introduction/adoption on Consent Agenda March 16, 2026.
  • RES-0009-2026: Authorization to enter the Six Remnant Defendants Settlement (opioid settlements) – recommended for introduction/adoption on Consent Agenda March 16, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • David Fisher (counsel for annexation applicant, resident and developer) spoke in favor of ORD-0007-2026, the annexation of ~7.6 acres at 4736 and 4722 Johnstown Road. He emphasized his long-term commitment to Gahanna, past redevelopment projects (e.g., the former FOP site community park), and his intention to create a mixed-use project with limited retail and sustainable apartments. He noted the parcel includes a wetland pond that cannot be filled but could become a community amenity. He requested council approval of the annexation, with detailed zoning discussions to follow.

Discussion Items

  • ORD-0007-2026 (Annexation): Council President Weaver thanked Fisher for meeting with neighboring Creekway Court residents, who raised concerns about the pond, traffic, and overall change. Fisher reiterated his commitment to working with the city and neighbors, and noted traffic along State Route 62 will increase regardless. No vote was taken; second reading/adoption scheduled for the March 16, 2026 regular meeting.
  • Community Grant Program Update: Senior Deputy Director Corey Wybensinger presented the 2026 program. Since 2023, the program has funded 43 projects across 25 nonprofits. The 2026 cycle will launch March 16, 2026 with a virtual information session on March 24, applications due April 13, and awards around April 23. Changes include an initial eligibility review by the Department of Administrative Services (not the Grant Review Committee) and continued use of the OpenGov platform. Grants are reimbursable up to $10,000. Priorities: human necessities (food/clothing), mental health, safety/health/welfare, and general community improvement. Council discussed deadlines, eligibility review, clerical corrections, and alignment with the City’s strategic plan.
  • RES-0008-2026 (SRO Contract): Chief Spence explained the revision moves from a 75%/50% cost-share for two SROs to an equal 50% cost-share for three SROs for 2026-2027. The district’s total contribution increases from ~$40,000 to $48,735.32. The change reflects the addition of a third SRO at Gahanna Lincoln High School. The Board of Education had already approved. Councilmembers expressed support and gratitude for the SROs.
  • ORD-0009-2026 & RES-0007-2026 (Finance): Director Bury presented the supplemental appropriation for body-worn camera maintenance and the then-and-now purchase for stop loss coverage. Minimal discussion; both placed on consent.
  • RES-0010-2026 (NCA Board): Director of Economic Development Jeff Gottke reviewed the proposed resolution to make the New Community Authority’s placeholder board structure permanent, define board terms (January 1 to December 31), and express preference for residents of the Crescent District as appointees. The resolution removes the sunset provision. Council discussed outreach to district residents and alignment with existing boards and commissions processes. No concerns raised; placed on consent.
  • Procurement Code Discussion: Councilmember Bowers initiated discussion on lowering the contract authorization threshold from $250,000 to $100,000 to increase council oversight. The administration presented a counterproposal: maintain micro-purchase at $10,000, raise small purchase threshold to $149,999, and create a competitive solicitation threshold at $150,000 (requiring council authorization for any purchase over $150,000). This would streamline procurement by merging sealed bid and competitive proposal processes. Council debated the appropriate threshold ($100,000 vs. $150,000), the impact on project timelines, vendor participation (including small/minority/women-owned businesses), and how to balance transparency with operational efficiency. Vice President Jones requested an updated procurement decision tree to visualize the options. The discussion will continue at a future meeting.
  • Honorary Resolutions (Q2 2026): Council planned honorary resolutions for April–June 2026. Councilmember Renner will lead a forward-looking Earth Day resolution (theme: “Our Power, Our Planet”) encouraging community environmental actions. Councilmember Padova will coordinate Herb Week recognition (first Saturday in May). Councilmember Bowers proposed a Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation for May, which Mayor Jadwin agreed to join as a joint proclamation. Vice President Jones will lead Juneteenth recognition. President Weaver noted additional recognitions may arise, and encouraged coordination with the Clerk and the Mayor.

Key Outcomes

  • ORD-0007-2026: Second reading and possible adoption scheduled for the Regular Agenda on March 16, 2026.
  • Community Grant Program: Staff will proceed with the timeline (NFO March 16, virtual session March 24, applications due April 13). Council requested a list of 2025 second-round recipients.
  • RES-0008-2026, RES-0007-2026, RES-0010-2026, RES-0009-2026: All recommended for introduction/adoption on the Consent Agenda on March 16, 2026.
  • ORD-0009-2026: First reading on March 16, 2026; second reading/adoption on Consent Agenda on April 6, 2026.
  • Procurement Code: Administration will prepare an updated decision tree for the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Discussion ongoing.
  • Honorary Resolutions: Council members will coordinate with the Clerk to finalize Q2 proclamations.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good evening, everyone. It is March 9th, and we are gonna get our committee meeting started. One note that we do have in addition to tonight's agenda update on the community grant program, which will be our second item on the agenda. But at first, we are going to talk through our I think we have a presentation or questions from Mr. Fisher around the annexation. So that is our first item up. Thank you. Thank you very much. No problem. David Fisher, I'm my partner Tim Spencer here with me tonight. First of all, I want to thank you for allowing us a little bit more time to come in and meet with the committee of the whole. I was out of town at the last meeting, and I just felt it was important that I personally be here and talk this thing through with you before it goes to a final bill in the annexation. I'm David Fisher. I've been a Gehana resident for I don't know, like 33 years now or something like that. Live over on Cherry Bottom Road. Um I'm a lawyer, but also do a little bit of real estate development. And I kind of get it that the old biblical saying about a prophet has no honor in his own land, but here I am in the in the Gehana, the city I live in and love, asking you to consider something that I think could be a very exciting project for the city of Gehana. Um I think, unless somebody can correct me, I think I'm the only developer that comes before you that lives here, pays taxes here, and has the love for Gehana that my wife and I do over a period of a long period of time. Um I think that the stuff that we've done in the past that I've been involved in, including the old FOP site over on 62 in Cherry Bottom, was a hard fought fight. Took a long time. I had a lot of wounds from that, a couple of lawsuits, a couple of threats that my license as a lawyer was going to be removed. But I knew that if we still stuck with it and did the right thing, we could have the community park we have there now, which I'm hoping everybody's going over there because it's pretty awesome. My wife and I go over there all the time, and it connects so much of Gehanna, and I can't believe how many people I now see walking the paths over there past my house and down in there every day. It's really really a community amenity that is really fabulous. And I'm I'm very proud that that I stuck with it and took the wounds I did to get that done. So anyway, Jim and Darlene Tony have been friends of mine for years, and we've talked about when they got ready to retire and what they could do with their property, and I offered to help them at that point in time. And so we didn't end up a contract. Now, a couple of years ago, as we worked through this process, by the way, I think a couple of years ago shows you how deliberative we are about this, not trying to rush anything through the city with you or the residents or anybody else. Um it's currently in Jefferson Township. We worked through a pre-annexation agreement with the city months ago. Uh the annexation was approved by the county commissioners. It's now up to you for consideration. It's, I think, up for a second and perhaps final reading and vote in next week, I believe next Monday night. Uh, under the pre-annexation agreement, we could have rushed to get a zoning done at the same time in terms of what was going to go there. But after some discussion among our team and with some residents, we thought, let's not rush that. Let's make sure we get the right input. Let's make sure we do the right thing along the way, so that at the end of the day, we, you, and the citizens of Gahana can be very proud of what we put there. We're putting a project there that is gonna be something that we can be proud of. We're not building it to sell it, we're building it to own it as a long-term legacy product. Um, and I've told my partners, I live here, and I want something that I can drive by every day in Gehana and be proud of, just like I'm proud of other things at Gehana that are getting done. As so we want to work with you, not just try to push some project in front of you and through you. Um, if you see fit to pass the annexation next week, I hope you do. Hope we can garner your support in that regard. Uh we'll continue to work with your planning staff and with neighbors and with others throughout the city of Gehana, as we've done before on other projects and other incentives to come up with something that we know will never please you never please everybody, right? I mean, and a lot of people just don't like change. We know we're not gonna please everybody, but we think by the time we're done, we hope we please the majority of citizens. We hope you please planning commission, we hope he please you with something we end up with. Like I say, it's something we want to be proud of, something my family and I can drive by each day and say, look at this, isn't this cool? We just were talking today about we'd be willing to, for example, put a sign there as another gateway to Gehana, like you have over by the UDF. When people are coming in, they know that you're coming to Gehana.

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