Gahanna City Council Regular Meeting - May 1, 2026

The Gahanna City Council held its regular meeting on May 1, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on zoning code amendments, approval of consent agenda, introduction of several ordinances, reports from representatives and city officials, and councilmember comments.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approved: Council Regular Minutes and Committee of the Whole Minutes from April 6, 2026, were approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing (ORD-0018-2026): A public hearing was held on an ordinance to amend various sections of the Gahanna Zoning Code. No members of the public spoke for or against the item. The item is scheduled for first reading on May 4, 2026, a Committee of the Whole meeting on May 11, 2026, and a tentative vote on May 18, 2026.

Discussion Items

• Ordinances for Introduction / First Reading: Four ordinances were introduced and read by title: ORD-0013-2026 (contract with Decker Construction for 2026 Sidewalk Lookback Program), ORD-0014-2026 (contract with Decker Construction for 2026 Street and Sidewalk Maintenance Program), ORD-0015-2026 (amending purchasing procedures), and ORD-0017-2026 (repealing tax increment financing ordinance). No action was taken.
• Ordinance for Introduction, Waiver & Adoption (ORD-0016-2026): An ordinance authorizing supplemental appropriations for bond interest related to the Gahanna Civic Center Project was introduced. Council waived second reading and adopted the ordinance unanimously (7-0).
• Representative Reports:
  • Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC): Councilmember Weaver reported that MORPC canceled its April full commission meeting and held regional breakout meetings; the next full commission meeting is May 14, 2026. He encouraged review of the written report.
  • Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB): Councilmember Padova announced Herb Day on May 2, 2026, at Creekside Plaza (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) with approximately 30 vendors, and Herb’n Restaurant Week with 11 participating businesses. She also promoted International Jazz Day (April 30) with $5 discount on Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival tickets using promo code “Jazz Day,” reducing a one-day ticket to $10. She noted the festival still needs volunteers, who receive free admission, a T-shirt, snacks, and an invitation to a volunteer picnic.
  • School Board: Vice President Jones provided upcoming meeting dates: board workshop May 7, finance and facilities meeting May 19, and regular board meeting May 21, all at 6:30 p.m. in Clark Hall. She reminded that the entire district is closed on May 1 for staff professional development.
• Official Reports:
  • Mayor Jadwin: Reported that the 2026 Community Grant Program received 24 applications from 21 entities, a significant increase; the committee is evaluating applications and will announce recommendations. Highlighted recent events: Gahanna Bike Rodeo (second year) with a 50% increase in participation, Arbor Day tree planting (100+ saplings at Sycamore Woods to prevent erosion), Make Gahanna Yours spring litter cleanup, and a planned promotional campaign to keep Gahanna clean. Announced the fourth annual Walk In Our Boots 5K to benefit homeless veterans. Announced an economic development event on May 8 (National Economic Development Week) at 8 a.m. at The Menlo, featuring Director of Economic Development Jeff Gottke and relaunch of Gahanna Business Excellence Awards. Announced the hiring of Dr. Hossein Naraghi as new Director of Engineering (Ph.D. in civil engineering, extensive public sector experience).
  • City Attorney Tamilarasan: Provided an update on tobacco litigation pending before the Ohio Supreme Court; the case is fully briefed and oral argument is scheduled for June 9, 2026. Briefs are available on the Ohio Supreme Court’s website.
• Council Comment:
  • Councilmember Renner thanked colleagues for the Earth Day joint resolution and emphasized caring for shared spaces.
  • Councilmember Schnetzer shared insights from a 60 Minutes interview with former Senator Ben Sasse, who is battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He highlighted Sasse’s comments on performative politics, thin community, and the importance of neighborhood and family.
  • Councilmember Padova described a litter cleanup with her daughter at Creekside (finding little litter) and subsequently at a Wendy’s parking lot; thanked volunteers.
  • Councilmember Bowers thanked Schnetzer, noted a Columbus Metropolitan Club Forum on data centers (energy, infrastructure, land use), and announced a “Breaking the Silence” panel on domestic violence on April 29 at ETSS. She referenced her constituent report highlighting volunteer recognition, including an Eagle Scout.
  • Vice President Jones thanked Schnetzer for the interview reference.
  • President Weaver acknowledged the success of the community grant program and the ongoing community needs.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: 7-0.
• ORD-0016-2026 Adopted: Supplemental appropriations for Civic Center bond interest; second reading waived; adopted 7-0.
• Future Meeting Dates: Public hearing item (zoning code) to have first reading on May 4, Committee of the Whole on May 11, tentative vote on May 18. MORPC commission meeting on May 14. School board workshop May 7, finance meeting May 19, regular board meeting May 21. Economic development event on May 8. Oral argument in tobacco litigation on June 9.