City of Gahanna Committee of the Whole Meeting – May 13, 2026

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate the meeting was held on Monday, May 11, 2026, but the instruction for this summary specifies the date as May 13, 2026. The summary below follows the instructed date.

The Gahanna City Council Committee of the Whole met on May 13, 2026, at 7:06 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. All council members were present. The agenda was published on May 8, 2026, with no additions or corrections. Three substantive items were discussed: a pre-annexation agreement, a comprehensive zoning code amendment, and a supplemental appropriation to support cultural programming.

Consent Calendar

• No items were placed on the consent calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were recorded.

Discussion Items

• ORD-0019-2026 – Pre-Annexation Agreement (East Johnstown Road)
  Economic Development Director Gottke introduced a pre-annexation agreement with K C Property Investments, LLC and Trivium Development LLC for a 0.5‑acre parcel adjacent to previously annexed Toney parcels. Applicant’s counsel David Fisher stated the agreement mirrors the earlier Toney agreement and will provide additional buffering for neighboring properties on Pamela Drive. Council had no questions and determined the item should return for first reading on May 18 on the regular agenda, with second reading and adoption on June 1.

• ORD-0018-2026 – Zoning Code Amendments (Sections 1117.07, 1109.01, 1103.17)
  Planning Director Michael Blackford presented proposed amendments to update and clarify zoning provisions. Councilmembers raised several concerns: Councilmember Renner expressed concern about Section 1117.07, which gives the Planning Commission flexibility on master development plans. He argued that deviations from strict standards should require written findings and must not reduce environmental, stormwater, or ecological performance. Director Blackford responded that most environmental standards are in Chapter 9 and cannot be varied; he offered to consider additional language. President Weaver questioned Section 1109.01 changes reducing EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) requirements in favor of EV‑ready spaces (underground conduit). He noted that variance requests often seek to eliminate EV infrastructure entirely. Director Blackford explained that allowing EV‑ready as a compliance option would likely result in more infrastructure than the current variance process, which often grants exemptions for no EV at all. President Weaver expressed a preference for keeping stronger requirements and having applicants seek variances, but acknowledged Director Blackford’s point. Mayor Jadwin offered to research model language through MORPC. Councilmember McGregor expressed concern about Section 1103.17(c) allowing deviations in the Creekside Mixed‑Use District if a business is deemed desirable. She feared unfairness to past businesses that complied strictly. Director Blackford argued that the variance process already creates de facto precedent and that the proposed change would allow evaluation based on land use and strategic plan goals rather than ad hoc variances. He cited his 12 years of experience and noted no new construction has occurred in Creekside during that time. Councilmember Bowers asked about practical implementation. Director Blackford confirmed that applicants would still submit a deviation matrix with justifications tied to strategic and land use plans, and that staff could withhold approval if a project did not holistically meet those goals. He stated that the new process would streamline permitting and yield greater community benefits (e.g., structured parking, public art). Council decided to place the ordinance on the regular agenda for second reading and adoption on May 18.

• ORD-0012-2026 – Supplemental Appropriation for Cultural Programming ($100,000)
  Senior Director of Administrative Services Miranda Vollmer presented a proposal to appropriate $100,000 from the General Fund for a contract with the Gahanna Area Arts Council (GAAC). The partnership would allow GAAC to serve as the city’s official arts agency, making programs eligible for state and federal grants. Councilmember Schnetzer asked whether $100,000 worth of programs had been identified for the remaining seven months of the fiscal year; Senior Director Vollmer explained that the scope of work includes five focus areas, some difficult to quantify, and that the funding would help build the infrastructure to leverage outside dollars. Mayor Jadwin clarified the contract would run 12 months due to GAAC’s state fiscal year (July–June). Councilmember Schnetzer also asked about risk mitigation; Senior Director Vollmer noted the contract includes a 90‑day termination clause and 30‑day termination for material breach, and was approved by the City Attorney’s Office. Councilmember McGregor questioned whether the Arts Council board is volunteer (confirmed by an audience member) and whether the city would reimburse via invoices (yes). Vice President Jones noted the arrangement could free up Parks and Recreation staff time. Council placed the item on the regular agenda for second reading and adoption on May 18.

Key Outcomes

• ORD-0019-2026: Scheduled for first reading on May 18 (regular agenda); second reading and vote on June 1.
• ORD-0018-2026: Scheduled for second reading and adoption on May 18 (regular agenda). Councilmember Renner will offer suggested amendments to Section 1117.07; Mayor Jadwin will investigate model EV ordinance language through MORPC.
• ORD-0012-2026: Scheduled for second reading and adoption on May 18 (regular agenda). No amendments proposed; the contract will be funded by invoices with annual reporting.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.