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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Whitehall City Council Committee Meeting Summary – November 18, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, November 18, 2025

BodyWhitehall, Ohio

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, November 18, 2025

StatusFILED

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Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:27

Good evening, everybody.

0:28

Welcome to the White Hall City Council agenda meeting for Tuesday, November 18th, 2025.

0:33

As is our usual custom, we'll go over the agenda for this evening prior to our meeting at 7 p.m.

0:38

We'll start with a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, then have our roll call.

0:43

I will need somebody to make a motion to excuse the absent members.

Speaker 2

0:46

I'll make a motion.

Speaker 1

0:47

Thank you, Ms.

0:49

Thank you, Ms.

0:53

Yeah, and we'll get you down for a second.

0:56

Then we've got the approval of the minutes, which includes a November 5th, 2025 agenda and regular meeting minutes, the November 12th, 2025 agenda and emergency special meeting minutes, as well as the November 12th, 2025 agenda and committee meeting minutes.

1:09

Those two will need somebody to introduce.

Speaker 3

1:11

I'll uh

Speaker 1

1:12

make a motion.

1:13

Thank you.

1:14

And who would like to second?

1:16

Thank you, Mr.

1:17

Morrison.

1:20

We'll then move into our standing committee reports, followed by our officials' reports.

1:25

Uh there have been no official reports filed in the council office since our last meeting.

1:29

Under communications, petitions and claims, we have got two items.

1:32

Uh the November 17th, 2025, uh Whitehall Park Agenda, as well as the notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a new C2 license for Atis Ababa, Grocery LLC, DBA, convenience store, 157 Fairway Boulevard, Whitehall, Ohio, 43213.

1:53

We do have a public hearing this evening on orders 112, 2025, and or it's amending the use regulations and tables of 1103.02, table 1103.03, and table 11.08 of part 11 plan and zoning code.

2:07

Who will be speaking as the proponent on this this evening?

Unassigned speaker

2:10

Sorry,

Speaker 4

2:11

what's on that

Speaker 5

2:12

one?

Speaker 4

2:12

The

Speaker 1

2:12

public

Speaker 4

2:12

hearing.

Speaker 5

2:15

Uh Jackie, is that the one that went to planning commission?

Speaker 1

2:18

You'll thank you.

2:26

Unassigned speaker

2:27

then

Speaker 1

2:27

we'll move on to verification of copies.

2:30

Uh under third reading, we have got no legislation.

2:33

Under second reading, we have ordinance one twelve twenty twenty-five.

2:36

They'll be read by title only.

2:37

In ordinance amending use regulations in tables 11.03.02, table 1103.03, and table eleven point oh one of part eleven planning and zoning code again, title only.

2:50

Ordinance 113, 2025, title only.

2:53

An order to authorize the mayor to execute necessary conveyance documents to acquire property from Columbus Housing Partnership Incorporated, located at Zero Etna Road, Whitehall, Ohio, and declaring an emergency.

3:04

Also by title only is ordinance one fourteen, twenty twenty-five authorizing the appropriation, the amount of three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars from unappropriate monies and the Wimpetty Fund 279, the Etna Road Expense Road TIFF expense account 279.000.5008 and declaring an emergency.

3:24

Moving on, we have then got under first reading ordinance 118, 2025, making appropriation for current general fund 101 expense street 201 expenses and state highway materials 211 expenses during the period from January 1st, 2026 to December 31st, 2026, in a total sum of 44,959,351 dollars and thirty-one cents.

3:50

Uh this is title only.

3:52

Ordinance 119, 2025, be title only.

3:56

Authorizing appropriation for special revenue, internal service, and fiduciary expense accounts for the calendar year 2026, and the total sum of 36 million one hundred and seventy-four thousand five hundred and ninety-nine dollars and twenty-two cents.

Unassigned speaker

4:10

Speaker 1

4:11

then have ordinance one twenty-2025, which is title only, which is referred to the planning commission for their meeting on December 4th, and then we'll have a public hearing in council uh on December 2nd, allowing a special permit under 112504 to allow drive-through facilities on property located at zero South Hamilton Road, Plus number 090-008433, property owned by Wright Pack Credit Union Inc.

4:36

and declaring an emergency.

Speaker 6

4:37

Are those dates correct?

Speaker 1

4:39

I'm sorry.

4:39

Yeah, are those dates correct?

4:41

We're gonna be having the public hearing after

Unassigned speaker

4:44

Speaker 1

4:45

the public hearing before the

Speaker 4

4:48

candidates will be on the second reading.

Speaker 7

4:54

We're having it before the party commission.

4:56

Yeah.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

We could move it back to be public hearing on the third reading, but I think we heard from council that we'd like more time to have the public hearing before a vote rather than having the public hearing on the day of the vote.

Speaker 1

5:08

Okay.

Speaker 8

5:08

Um so that was the kind of rationale behind moving it to December 2nd.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural██████████████████████████████████████████42%

Food Security████████████████████████████28%

Community Engagement█████████9%

Economic Development█████5%

Elections█████5%

Zoning And Land Use████4%

Budget Equity Analysis███3%

Public Engagement██2%

Youth Programs██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Whitehall City Council Committee Meeting Summary – November 18, 2025

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the Whitehall City Council held its agenda review at approximately 6:42 p.m. and its regular committee/council meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 7:44 p.m., chaired by President Thomas M. Potter. Council approved prior minutes, received committee and official reports, held a public hearing on proposed ADU zoning changes, adopted six appropriations/fund transfer ordinances and two resolutions, and advanced 2026 budget and other legislation. Councilmembers Devin Brown and Amy Smith were absent and excused.

Consent Calendar

Council approved the November 5, 2025 agenda and regular meeting minutes, and the November 12, 2025 emergency special meeting and committee meeting minutes. Motion by Councilmember Dixon, seconded by Councilmember Morrison; all present members voted yes.

Agenda Review (Pre-Meeting)

Staff reviewed the evening’s agenda. For Ordinance 120-2025 (Wright-Patt Credit Union drive-through at 0 S. Hamilton Road), Council confirmed the public hearing would be held December 2, the Planning Commission would review it December 4, and the vote would occur December 16.
Economic Development Director Jackie Russell explained that Ordinance 128-2025 would make a combined payment to Whitehall City Schools of $957,684.43 owed under TIF and other tax incentive agreements. The payment would be split between Fund 279 ($331,130.74) and the Economic Development Fund ($626,553.69) because of statutory TIF compensation requirements.

Public Comments & Testimony

Pastor Julius Lancaster of 314 Church (175 Fairway Boulevard) reported on the church’s “Buy One, Give One” food initiative, saying it had served almost 250 Whitehall residents over the last three Sundays and was wiped out this past Sunday. He announced a Thanksgiving giveaway on Monday, November 24 at 6 p.m. and donation times Tuesday 6–8 p.m., Wednesday 6:30–8 p.m., and Thursday 7–9 p.m.; monetary donations and baby formula are also accepted.
Councilmember Dixon read an emailed public comment from Duana Boyman. Boyman thanked councilmembers who attend meetings but expressed concern that some on the dais have prioritized “tantrum and name calling” over city business; she urged council to check egos at the door and called on the Council President to maintain order consistently and fairly.
A second public speaker asserted that Ordinance 112-2025 violates and is noncompliant with “charter section and C” and said the city should hold a new public hearing and go back to the Planning Commission.
A community calendar speaker announced the December 5 Winter Wonderland event from 6–8 p.m. and Snow Gold Social adult event from 5–8 p.m., plus a December 13 Breakfast with Santa from 9–11:30 a.m.

Public Hearing: Ordinance 112-2025

Council opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Proponent Jackie Russell, Economic Development Director, testified that the ordinance would amend Part 11 of the Zoning Code (Tables 1103.02, 1103.03, and 1108.01) to make accessory dwelling units (ADUs) a by-right use rather than requiring a special use permit. ADUs include mother-in-law suites, carriage homes, and attached or detached living quarters.
Russell said by-right approval would require only a building permit (approximately two weeks), while the current special use permit process takes at least six and a half weeks plus another two weeks for permitting. The Planning Commission gave a favorable recommendation.
In response to Council questions, Russell said ADUs may be rented to long-term tenants, but short-term rentals such as Airbnb/VRBO would still require a special permit. ADUs may be located anywhere on a property if zoning regulations such as setbacks and lot coverage are met; variances are possible. Russell did not know the maximum number of ADUs allowed per property and agreed to follow up.
No opponents spoke. The hearing was closed at 7:19 p.m.

Standing Committee and Officials’ Reports

Standing committee chairs reported that the Administration and Financial Management, Community and Elder Advocacy, Community Standards and Enforcement, Economic Development, Infrastructure/Maintenance/Services, Public Safety, and Parks and Recreation committees each met the prior week; minutes are on file and next meetings are scheduled.
Mayor Michael T. Bivens reported that the Board of Elections was expected to certify the 2025 election by November 24; congratulated successful candidates and the Fairway overlay initiative petition committee; and said the city will honor the initiative petition despite the City Attorney’s advice to challenge it on constitutional grounds. The city is mapping the overlay, notifying impacted residents, and planning town halls.
The Mayor also announced a Thanksgiving giveaway on November 20 at John Bishop Park with NBC4 and Urban One, expecting 1,000–1,500 people; Antonio Gordon’s community dinner at the YMCA on Saturday; and recognized Pastor Lancaster’s service to more than 240 food-insecure Whitehall residents. He highlighted the youth advisory council’s State House trip, the Legal Rams mock court team, and the MLK Scholarship theme supplied by Councilmember Elmore.
Treasurer Shaquille Alexander called the 2026 budget strong and balanced, stated the city is projecting a 2025 General Fund surplus not including the $1.5 million budget stabilization reserve, and thanked the Auditor and Mayor.
Director of Public Service Casey Rowlands said residents should see significantly fewer cones and barrels by December 1, and noted police seized illegal firearms after a speeding stop on Yearling Road.
City Attorney Bradley Nicodemus and Director of Economic Development Jackie Russell gave brief reports; Auditor Steve Quincel and Public Safety Director Van Gregg were absent. Russell reminded Council of the ED411 economic development forum on December 5/6 with networking starting at 8 a.m. and programming from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Under communications, Council noted the November 17 Whitehall Parks agenda and an Ohio Division of Liquor Control notice for a new C2 license for Addis Ababa Grocery LLC, 157 Fairway Boulevard.

Legislation Readings

No legislation was on third reading.
Second reading (by title only): Ordinance 112-2025 (ADU zoning amendment), Ordinance 113-2025 (acquisition of 0 Etna Road property from Columbus Housing Partnership, Inc.), and Ordinance 114-2025 ($375,000 appropriation from Fund 279 to the Etna Road TIF expense account).
First reading (by title only): Ordinance 118-2025, appropriating $44,959,351.31 for 2026 General Fund, Street, and State Highway Materials expenses; Ordinance 119-2025, appropriating $36,174,599.22 for 2026 special revenue, internal service, and fiduciary accounts; Ordinance 120-2025, special permit for drive-through at 0 S. Hamilton Road (Wright-Patt Credit Union); Ordinance 127-2025, creating the Department of Neighborhoods; Ordinance 128-2025, school compensation appropriations; and Resolution 48-2025, authorizing a school compensation agreement with Whitehall City Schools.

Key Outcomes

Adopted unanimously (5-0, with all present members voting yes) after suspension of rules:
- Ordinance 121-2025: $77,648.85 transfer from General Fund 101 to Debt Service Fund 401.
- Ordinance 122-2025: $141,620.00 transfer from Fund 279 to Debt Service Fund 401.
- Ordinance 123-2025: $13,651.75 transfer from General Fund 101 to Debt Service Fund 401.
- Ordinance 124-2025: $456,623.32 transfer from Water Utility Fund 841 to Debt Service Fund 401.
- Ordinance 125-2025: $35,000 supplemental appropriation from State Highway Fund 211 to State Highway Material and Miscellaneous Expense Account 211.000.51100.
- Ordinance 126-2025: $20,000 supplemental appropriation from COBRA Extended Benefits Fund 501 to the COBRA Expense Account 501.000.50000.
- Resolution 46-2025: authorizing a real estate transfer agreement for 494 S. Yearling Road and 559 S. Elaine Road.
- Resolution 47-2025: authorizing agreements with the Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation to apply for and receive state demolition funds.
Next steps: Ordinance 120-2025 is scheduled for Planning Commission December 4, public hearing December 2, and Council vote December 16. Ordinance 112-2025 received second reading; remaining first-reading legislation is expected to continue through the legislative process. Council stood adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everybody. Welcome to the White Hall City Council agenda meeting for Tuesday, November 18th, 2025. As is our usual custom, we'll go over the agenda for this evening prior to our meeting at 7 p.m. We'll start with a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, then have our roll call. I will need somebody to make a motion to excuse the absent members. I'll make a motion. Thank you, Ms. Thank you, Ms. Yeah, and we'll get you down for a second. Then we've got the approval of the minutes, which includes a November 5th, 2025 agenda and regular meeting minutes, the November 12th, 2025 agenda and emergency special meeting minutes, as well as the November 12th, 2025 agenda and committee meeting minutes. Those two will need somebody to introduce. I'll uh make a motion. Thank you. And who would like to second? Thank you, Mr. Morrison. We'll then move into our standing committee reports, followed by our officials' reports. Uh there have been no official reports filed in the council office since our last meeting. Under communications, petitions and claims, we have got two items. Uh the November 17th, 2025, uh Whitehall Park Agenda, as well as the notice from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control for a new C2 license for Atis Ababa, Grocery LLC, DBA, convenience store, 157 Fairway Boulevard, Whitehall, Ohio, 43213. We do have a public hearing this evening on orders 112, 2025, and or it's amending the use regulations and tables of 1103.02, table 1103.03, and table 11.08 of part 11 plan and zoning code. Who will be speaking as the proponent on this this evening? Sorry, what's on that one? The public hearing. Uh Jackie, is that the one that went to planning commission? You'll thank you. Um then we'll move on to verification of copies. Uh under third reading, we have got no legislation. Under second reading, we have ordinance one twelve twenty twenty-five. They'll be read by title only. In ordinance amending use regulations in tables 11.03.02, table 1103.03, and table eleven point oh one of part eleven planning and zoning code again, title only. Ordinance 113, 2025, title only. An order to authorize the mayor to execute necessary conveyance documents to acquire property from Columbus Housing Partnership Incorporated, located at Zero Etna Road, Whitehall, Ohio, and declaring an emergency. Also by title only is ordinance one fourteen, twenty twenty-five authorizing the appropriation, the amount of three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars from unappropriate monies and the Wimpetty Fund 279, the Etna Road Expense Road TIFF expense account 279.000.5008 and declaring an emergency. Moving on, we have then got under first reading ordinance 118, 2025, making appropriation for current general fund 101 expense street 201 expenses and state highway materials 211 expenses during the period from January 1st, 2026 to December 31st, 2026, in a total sum of 44,959,351 dollars and thirty-one cents. Uh this is title only. Ordinance 119, 2025, be title only. Authorizing appropriation for special revenue, internal service, and fiduciary expense accounts for the calendar year 2026, and the total sum of 36 million one hundred and seventy-four thousand five hundred and ninety-nine dollars and twenty-two cents. We then have ordinance one twenty-2025, which is title only, which is referred to the planning commission for their meeting on December 4th, and then we'll have a public hearing in council uh on December 2nd, allowing a special permit under 112504 to allow drive-through facilities on property located at zero South Hamilton Road, Plus number 090-008433, property owned by Wright Pack Credit Union Inc. and declaring an emergency. Are those dates correct? I'm sorry.

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Whitehall City Council Committee Meeting Summary – November 18, 2025

Consent Calendar

Council approved the November 5, 2025 agenda and regular meeting minutes, and the November 12, 2025 emergency special meeting and committee meeting minutes. Motion by Councilmember Dixon, seconded by Councilmember Morrison; all present members voted yes.

Agenda Review (Pre-Meeting)

Staff reviewed the evening’s agenda. For Ordinance 120-2025 (Wright-Patt Credit Union drive-through at 0 S. Hamilton Road), Council confirmed the public hearing would be held December 2, the Planning Commission would review it December 4, and the vote would occur December 16.

Economic Development Director Jackie Russell explained that Ordinance 128-2025 would make a combined payment to Whitehall City Schools of $957,684.43 owed under TIF and other tax incentive agreements. The payment would be split between Fund 279 ($331,130.74) and the Economic Development Fund ($626,553.69) because of statutory TIF compensation requirements.

Public Comments & Testimony

Pastor Julius Lancaster of 314 Church (175 Fairway Boulevard) reported on the church’s “Buy One, Give One” food initiative, saying it had served almost 250 Whitehall residents over the last three Sundays and was wiped out this past Sunday. He announced a Thanksgiving giveaway on Monday, November 24 at 6 p.m. and donation times Tuesday 6–8 p.m., Wednesday 6:30–8 p.m., and Thursday 7–9 p.m.; monetary donations and baby formula are also accepted.

Councilmember Dixon read an emailed public comment from Duana Boyman. Boyman thanked councilmembers who attend meetings but expressed concern that some on the dais have prioritized “tantrum and name calling” over city business; she urged council to check egos at the door and called on the Council President to maintain order consistently and fairly.

A second public speaker asserted that Ordinance 112-2025 violates and is noncompliant with “charter section and C” and said the city should hold a new public hearing and go back to the Planning Commission.

A community calendar speaker announced the December 5 Winter Wonderland event from 6–8 p.m. and Snow Gold Social adult event from 5–8 p.m., plus a December 13 Breakfast with Santa from 9–11:30 a.m.

Public Hearing: Ordinance 112-2025

Council opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Proponent Jackie Russell, Economic Development Director, testified that the ordinance would amend Part 11 of the Zoning Code (Tables 1103.02, 1103.03, and 1108.01) to make accessory dwelling units (ADUs) a by-right use rather than requiring a special use permit. ADUs include mother-in-law suites, carriage homes, and attached or detached living quarters.

Russell said by-right approval would require only a building permit (approximately two weeks), while the current special use permit process takes at least six and a half weeks plus another two weeks for permitting. The Planning Commission gave a favorable recommendation.

In response to Council questions, Russell said ADUs may be rented to long-term tenants, but short-term rentals such as Airbnb/VRBO would still require a special permit. ADUs may be located anywhere on a property if zoning regulations such as setbacks and lot coverage are met; variances are possible. Russell did not know the maximum number of ADUs allowed per property and agreed to follow up.

No opponents spoke. The hearing was closed at 7:19 p.m.

Standing Committee and Officials’ Reports

Standing committee chairs reported that the Administration and Financial Management, Community and Elder Advocacy, Community Standards and Enforcement, Economic Development, Infrastructure/Maintenance/Services, Public Safety, and Parks and Recreation committees each met the prior week; minutes are on file and next meetings are scheduled.

Mayor Michael T. Bivens reported that the Board of Elections was expected to certify the 2025 election by November 24; congratulated successful candidates and the Fairway overlay initiative petition committee; and said the city will honor the initiative petition despite the City Attorney’s advice to challenge it on constitutional grounds. The city is mapping the overlay, notifying impacted residents, and planning town halls.

The Mayor also announced a Thanksgiving giveaway on November 20 at John Bishop Park with NBC4 and Urban One, expecting 1,000–1,500 people; Antonio Gordon’s community dinner at the YMCA on Saturday; and recognized Pastor Lancaster’s service to more than 240 food-insecure Whitehall residents. He highlighted the youth advisory council’s State House trip, the Legal Rams mock court team, and the MLK Scholarship theme supplied by Councilmember Elmore.

Treasurer Shaquille Alexander called the 2026 budget strong and balanced, stated the city is projecting a 2025 General Fund surplus not including the $1.5 million budget stabilization reserve, and thanked the Auditor and Mayor.

Director of Public Service Casey Rowlands said residents should see significantly fewer cones and barrels by December 1, and noted police seized illegal firearms after a speeding stop on Yearling Road.

City Attorney Bradley Nicodemus and Director of Economic Development Jackie Russell gave brief reports; Auditor Steve Quincel and Public Safety Director Van Gregg were absent. Russell reminded Council of the ED411 economic development forum on December 5/6 with networking starting at 8 a.m. and programming from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Under communications, Council noted the November 17 Whitehall Parks agenda and an Ohio Division of Liquor Control notice for a new C2 license for Addis Ababa Grocery LLC, 157 Fairway Boulevard.

Legislation Readings

No legislation was on third reading.

Second reading (by title only): Ordinance 112-2025 (ADU zoning amendment), Ordinance 113-2025 (acquisition of 0 Etna Road property from Columbus Housing Partnership, Inc.), and Ordinance 114-2025 ($375,000 appropriation from Fund 279 to the Etna Road TIF expense account).

First reading (by title only): Ordinance 118-2025, appropriating $44,959,351.31 for 2026 General Fund, Street, and State Highway Materials expenses; Ordinance 119-2025, appropriating $36,174,599.22 for 2026 special revenue, internal service, and fiduciary accounts; Ordinance 120-2025, special permit for drive-through at 0 S. Hamilton Road (Wright-Patt Credit Union); Ordinance 127-2025, creating the Department of Neighborhoods; Ordinance 128-2025, school compensation appropriations; and Resolution 48-2025, authorizing a school compensation agreement with Whitehall City Schools.

Key Outcomes

Adopted unanimously (5-0, with all present members voting yes) after suspension of rules:

Ordinance 121-2025: $77,648.85 transfer from General Fund 101 to Debt Service Fund 401.
Ordinance 122-2025: $141,620.00 transfer from Fund 279 to Debt Service Fund 401.
Ordinance 123-2025: $13,651.75 transfer from General Fund 101 to Debt Service Fund 401.
Ordinance 124-2025: $456,623.32 transfer from Water Utility Fund 841 to Debt Service Fund 401.
Ordinance 125-2025: $35,000 supplemental appropriation from State Highway Fund 211 to State Highway Material and Miscellaneous Expense Account 211.000.51100.
Ordinance 126-2025: $20,000 supplemental appropriation from COBRA Extended Benefits Fund 501 to the COBRA Expense Account 501.000.50000.
Resolution 46-2025: authorizing a real estate transfer agreement for 494 S. Yearling Road and 559 S. Elaine Road.
Resolution 47-2025: authorizing agreements with the Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation to apply for and receive state demolition funds.

Next steps: Ordinance 120-2025 is scheduled for Planning Commission December 4, public hearing December 2, and Council vote December 16. Ordinance 112-2025 received second reading; remaining first-reading legislation is expected to continue through the legislative process. Council stood adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

Meeting Transcript