OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Gahanna City Council Regular Meeting - May 20, 2026

City Council & Commissions — Wednesday, May 20, 2026
BodyGahanna, Ohio
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateWednesday, May 20, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:36:18

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Good evening, everyone.

0:03

Today is Monday, May 18th, 2026.

0:06

I've got 7 p.m., so I'd like to go ahead and call to order this regular meeting of Gehana City Council.

0:12

We will get started with the invocation and pledge of allegiance led by Vice President Jones.

0:17

Please join me in standing if you're able.

0:21

We gather today as neighbors and fellow citizens, each bringing our own experiences and perspectives to this shared space.

0:28

In these chambers, the voices of our community meet the work of governance.

0:32

May this meeting be marked by respectful dialogue, thoughtful deliberation, and a commitment to our common future.

0:38

Let us remember that though we may differ in our views, we are united in our care for this place we call home.

0:44

May the decisions made here today serve the well-being of all who live, work, and dream in our city.

0:52

I pledge the flag of the United States of America.

0:57

And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, individual.

1:07

Thank you, Ms.

1:09

Jones.

1:10

Mr.

1:10

Clerk, would you please call the role?

1:12

Bowers?

1:13

Here.

1:13

Jones.

1:14

Here.

1:14

McGregor.

1:15

Here.

1:16

Adova.

1:17

Here.

1:17

Renner.

1:18

Here.

1:18

Schnitzer?

1:19

Here.

1:19

Weaver.

1:20

Here.

1:21

All right.

1:22

Thank you, Mr.

1:22

Clerk.

1:23

Section B, are there any additions or corrections to the agenda this evening?

1:28

All right, seeing none.

1:30

We have a couple of presentations this evening.

1:32

We will get started first with Parinatal Mental Health Month, a presentation featuring Dr.

1:38

Scott Goshbondel.

1:40

Is that correct, sir?

1:41

And I'd like to turn things over to Ms.

1:43

Bowers for that one.

1:44

Sure, great.

1:45

Thank you very much, President Weaver.

1:47

This month, the City of Gehanna recognizes May as perenatal mental health awareness month.

1:52

And we continue an important conversation about supporting families in our community.

1:57

In our resolution, we've recognized recognize that while the arrival of a child brings joy and hope, it can also be a season of profound change and vulnerability.

2:06

And while the burdens of pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery may not fall equally, the journey belongs to us all, reflecting the shared weight and responsibility of welcoming and caring for a new child.

2:17

As a community of villagers, we recognize that supporting children also means supporting mothers, fathers, partners, and caregivers who raise them.

2:24

We're grateful this evening to have with us a local expert who can help deepen our understanding of perenatal mental health and the resources available to our region.

2:32

Dr.

2:33

Scott Goshbondel is a board sporttified psychiatrist and clinical lead for outpatient behavioral health at Ohio Health.

2:41

He earned his medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine, completed his psychiatry psychiatry residency at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where he served as chief resident, and later earned his MBA from the Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business.

2:57

In his role at Ohio Health, he collaborates across the healthcare system to develop behavioral health programs tailored to meet the needs of patients and families.

3:06

Dr.

3:06

Dr.

3:07

Gashbondel, thank you for being here tonight.

3:16

Good evening, Council.

3:18

Is this working?

3:19

Can you all hear me?

3:19

Yes, sir.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████17%
Mental Health Awareness██████████████14%
Environmental Protection████████████12%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Capital Improvement███████7%
Technology and Innovation██████6%
Political Engagement██████6%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Political Signage Regulation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Gahanna City Council Regular Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Gahanna City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting featured presentations on perinatal mental health and an update on the Gahanna Civic Center project, public comments on political signage and arts funding, and several legislative actions including adoption of a supplemental appropriation for arts programming and a major zoning code update.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved four sets of meeting minutes (Council Special 2026-05-04, Council Regular 2026-05-04, Council Special 2026-05-11, Committee of the Whole 2026-05-11) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Robert Mullins (122 Nob Hill Drive North) expressed concerns about political yard signs, asking about duration limits, nuisance regulations, and rules for divisive speech. He requested the city consider code enforcement.
  • Christian Peck (speaking for Gahanna Area Arts Council Board of Directors) thanked the administration and council for their work on the ordinance supporting cultural programming, regardless of the vote outcome, and expressed excitement about future collaboration.

Presentations

  • Perinatal Mental Health Month: Councilmember Bowers introduced Dr. Scott Gspandl (OhioHealth), who presented statistics: 1 in 5 women experience perinatal mental health conditions, which are the leading preventable cause of pregnancy-related mortality. Over 50% of diagnosed women do not receive treatment, and Black and Indigenous women are 2-3 times more likely to experience conditions but less likely to receive care. He discussed biologic, psychologic, and social causes, treatment options, and local resources including OhioHealth's Fourth Trimester Clinic and partnerships with LifeStance Health. The presentation aimed to reduce stigma.
  • Gahanna Civic Center (825 Tech Center Drive) Update: Kevin Schultz (Senior Director of Operations) and Mike Fitzpatrick (CEO, Elford) provided an update. The project was originally scheduled for completion November 4, 2025, later revised to Q1 2026, and is now targeting mid-July 2026 due to failure and termination of the electrical subcontractor. Fitzpatrick accepted full responsibility for the delay and associated costs. The project remains on budget. The team is inspecting and repairing all previously installed electrical work. Councilmember Bowers asked about the scope of electrical flaws; Schultz explained they are floor-by-floor and phased move-in is not viable. Life safety inspections push completion to mid-July.

Discussion Items

  • Appointments:
    • Mike Moseley appointed to Parks and Recreation Board, Seat 7, for unexpired term ending December 31, 2027 (motion by Schnetzer, second by Renner). Schnetzer cited Moseley's qualifications and involvement in youth sports. Approved 7-0.
    • Nicolas Tomassilli appointed to Gahanna New Community Authority, Seat 1, Citizen Member, for unexpired term ending December 31, 2027 (motion by Bowers, second by Schnetzer). Bowers noted Tomassilli represents the intended audience of The Crescent apartments. Approved 7-0.
  • ORD-0019-2026 (First Reading): Authorizing pre-annexation agreement with K C Real Property Investments, LLC and Trivium Development LLC for parcel at 4710 East Johnstown Road. No action taken.
  • ORD-0012-2026 (Second Reading/Adoption): Supplemental appropriation from General Fund for contract services to support cultural and artistic programming. Councilmember Padova spoke in strong support, emphasizing the importance of art and creativity, especially in the age of AI. She requested the Arts Council be involved in Creekside revitalization discussions. Councilmember McGregor expressed reservations about government funding of arts but supported due to matching fund opportunities. President Weaver voiced optimism about cost savings and community benefit. Councilmember Bowers abstained due to her father's service on the Gahanna Area Arts Council Board (fiduciary conflict per Ohio Ethics Commission). Adopted 6-0-1 (Bowers abstaining).
  • ORD-0018-2026 (Second Reading/Adoption): Zoning code amendments to update and clarify provisions, reinstate omitted standards, and implement adopted plans. Councilmember Renner raised concerns about the flexibility pathway and environmental/ecological standards. Director Blackford explained that the deviation process is similar to existing variances and would allow staff to reference the land use plan and strategic plan for additional guidance, particularly for Big Walnut Creek protections. He noted that the Chapter 9 rewrite (stormwater/environmental code) is planned for Q4 2026 or Q1 2027. President Weaver proposed an amendment to Section 1109.01(j)(4) to include "or a mixed-use development that contains residential units" for EV charging requirements, to strengthen sustainability goals. The amendment was approved 7-0. The amended ordinance was then adopted 7-0.
  • Ohio HB 413: Councilmember Bowers alerted council to House Bill 413, which would mandate an Ohio Local Government Expenditure Database using "Open Checkbook". Mayor Jadwin reported the city previously used and discontinued the system due to burdens and costs. She noted the Ohio Mayors Alliance has submitted opposition testimony. Bowers suggested council send a letter opposing the unfunded mandate; the Mayor offered to coordinate with Finance Director Bury.
  • Representative Reports:
    • CIC (Padova): Meeting on April 15 approved minutes, financials, virtual meeting policy, and right-of-access agreements. Executive session occurred. Next meeting May 20 at 8:00 AM. Renner reported ongoing email access issues.
    • MORPC (Weaver): Commission met May 14. Discussion on data center concerns. New executive leadership: Mayor Kessler (Chair), Mayor Jadwin (Vice Chair), Mayor Starr (Secretary). New members welcomed. Next meeting June 11. Upcoming events: Ohio Association of Regional Councils candidate forum July 31; Conference on Freight August 24-26.
    • CVB (Padova): Participated in Ohio Tourism Day and Columbus Monthly cocktail competition. Ohio Herb Center hosted homeschool group. Volunteers needed for Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival; nonprofits can earn stipends.
    • School Board (Jones): Finance and Facilities committee meeting May 19; regular board meeting May 21. Four days of school remain; reminded community of increased youth activity and safety during summer.
  • Official Reports:
    • Mayor Jadwin: Thanked OhioHealth and Bowers for perinatal mental health focus. Reported 100+ attendees at May 8 economic development event; recognized legacy businesses (Grote Company, ADB Safegate, Gahanna Grill). Elected Vice Chair of MORPC executive committee. Participated in Ohio Realtors panel on development/housing. Announced Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park at 1:00 PM.
    • City Attorney Tamilarasan: Charter Review Commission is progressing with draft language, on track to meet deadlines. Traffic and criminal code updates will follow completion of charter review.
  • Council Comment:
    • Renner praised arts contract as long-awaited and thanked administration and Arts Council. Also reminded residents to check on elderly and pets during heatwave.
    • McGregor announced grandson's high school graduation.
    • Schnetzer spoke against political tribalism, citing Pew Research and a USA Today article on California primary system. Encouraged residents to focus on local nonpartisan issues like public safety, infrastructure, parks.
    • Padova attended a mental health event at Joy Local with Jeannette Birchfield. Encouraged residents to view Creekside as a district, not just three buildings. Thanked Parks and Rec for splash pad operation.
    • Bowers announced KEMBA Financial Credit Union $2,500 video scholarship for students.
    • Jones shared personal experience with postpartum depression, thanked Bowers and Dr. Gspandl. Announced Gahanna Juneteenth celebration on June 19 at Creekside Community Stage (doors 5:30 PM, program 7:00 PM) with free tickets and volunteers needed.
    • President Weaver thanked OhioHealth, speakers, and encouraged Blackford to follow up on signage concerns. Noted next meeting June 1.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved 7-0.
  • Motion to appoint Mike Moseley to Parks and Recreation Board approved 7-0.
  • Motion to appoint Nicolas Tomassilli to Gahanna New Community Authority approved 7-0.
  • ORD-0012-2026 (Arts programming supplemental appropriation) adopted 6-0-1 (Bowers abstained).
  • ORD-0018-2026 (Zoning code amendments) amended to add residential mixed-use EV charging requirement, then adopted as amended 7-0.
  • Council will send a letter opposing HB 413 regarding the Open Checkbook mandate.
  • Next regular meeting scheduled for June 1, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Today is Monday, May 18th, 2026. I've got 7 p.m., so I'd like to go ahead and call to order this regular meeting of Gehana City Council. We will get started with the invocation and pledge of allegiance led by Vice President Jones. Please join me in standing if you're able. We gather today as neighbors and fellow citizens, each bringing our own experiences and perspectives to this shared space. In these chambers, the voices of our community meet the work of governance. May this meeting be marked by respectful dialogue, thoughtful deliberation, and a commitment to our common future. Let us remember that though we may differ in our views, we are united in our care for this place we call home. May the decisions made here today serve the well-being of all who live, work, and dream in our city. I pledge the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, individual. Thank you, Ms. Jones. Mr. Clerk, would you please call the role? Bowers? Here. Jones. Here. McGregor. Here. Adova. Here. Renner. Here. Schnitzer? Here. Weaver. Here. All right. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Section B, are there any additions or corrections to the agenda this evening? All right, seeing none. We have a couple of presentations this evening. We will get started first with Parinatal Mental Health Month, a presentation featuring Dr. Scott Goshbondel. Is that correct, sir? And I'd like to turn things over to Ms. Bowers for that one. Sure, great. Thank you very much, President Weaver. This month, the City of Gehanna recognizes May as perenatal mental health awareness month. And we continue an important conversation about supporting families in our community. In our resolution, we've recognized recognize that while the arrival of a child brings joy and hope, it can also be a season of profound change and vulnerability. And while the burdens of pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery may not fall equally, the journey belongs to us all, reflecting the shared weight and responsibility of welcoming and caring for a new child. As a community of villagers, we recognize that supporting children also means supporting mothers, fathers, partners, and caregivers who raise them. We're grateful this evening to have with us a local expert who can help deepen our understanding of perenatal mental health and the resources available to our region. Dr.

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