Whitehall City Council Committee Meeting - July 14, 2026

The Whitehall City Council Committee of the Whole met on July 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss multiple draft pieces of legislation, receive committee reports, and address ongoing community issues. Key topics included an infrastructure grant application for the final segment of East Broad Street, proposed acquisition of a property at 3791 East Broad Street for $320,000, rezonings to support industrial development, limitations on new gasoline stations, and public safety tools including a RAP restraint device and open-source intelligence software.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident, through a council member, asked about the timeline for paving Fairway Boulevard. The Public Service Director responded that the repaving project is separate from a trail project and the goal is to bid both together in spring 2027, with construction to commence in summer 2027.
• Council members read written questions from residents regarding the proposed purchase of 3791 East Broad Street. Questions covered the lack of an appraisal, the assessed value ($90,000 by Franklin County) versus purchase price ($320,000), specific plans for the property, and why the matter was presented as an emergency. City staff explained that the owner initially sought a higher price, the city negotiated down, and no specific plan exists yet—the intention is to control redevelopment and attract suitable business.
• A resident raised concerns about a drone flying over their home. The Police Chief explained that drones are used for incident response, travel at 200–300 feet, do not record while moving, and any data is secure; officers are held accountable.

Discussion Items

Draft Resolution 030-2026 – OPWC Grant for East Broad Street Phase 5

• The resolution authorizes the Mayor to apply for Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) funding for the final leg of East Broad Street (from approximately Pinewood to Maplewood). The funding is structured as 75% grant and 25% loan; if the full grant is not used, only the grant portion is taken. Construction is anticipated for 2028. Council also confirmed that Phase 4 (Eastway Village to Beech Tree) is already bid and starting soon.

Ordinance 060-2026 – Property Acquisition at 3791 East Broad Street

• This third-reading ordinance authorizes the purchase of property from She Buys Houses 365 LLC for $320,000. City staff indicated no appraisal has been completed yet; the property owner had proposed a higher price, and the land value—not the building—is considered the primary asset. The city intends to work with a developer to redevelop the site in alignment with the city's strategic plan, with potential demolition costs possibly offset by programs such as COSIC. Multiple council members emphasized that owning the property gives the city control over development and the ability to generate future income tax. The ordinance includes an emergency clause to allow immediate next steps.

Resolution 031-2026 – “Then and Now” Certificates

• This resolution, under the Administration and Financial Management committee, is standard operating procedure to approve payment certificates within 30 days of receiving acquisitions. It was introduced and seconded without further debate.

Resolution 032-2026 – JAG Grant for Open Source Intelligence Tools

• This resolution authorizes applying for and accepting a 2026 OCJS JAG grant of $19,000 to purchase open-source intelligence tools for the police department. The Police Chief explained the tools will aid crime analysts in investigations, including the ability to access dark web information without a warrant. The resolution also prompted discussion on the RAP (restraint) device previously approved. The Chief confirmed that a policy will be developed after equipment is received and training completed, and that the department will review policies from other agencies. He also noted that body camera footage will be reviewed using an AI-based system (Polis) to ensure proper use.

Economic Development Committee – Three Draft Ordinances

• Ordinance 064-2026: Rezoning 4870 Poth Road (parcels 090-008399 and 090-007555) from Community Crossroads District (CCD) to Industrial District (INDD) to allow a 36,000-square-foot industrial expansion by the neighboring property owner, bringing more jobs and income tax revenue. Planning Commission meeting set for August 6, public hearing on August 18.
• Ordinance 065-2026: Rezoning 265 North Hamilton Road (parcel 090-008397) from CCD to INDD, owned by BCore Defender OH1M05 LLC, for similar industrial purposes. Same hearing schedule.
• Ordinance 066-2026: Amending the Planning and Zoning Code to limit construction or operation of gasoline stations. New stations will be prohibited on East Main Street (due to planned transit-oriented development) and allowed on Broad Street only with a special use permit from the Planning Commission. Existing stations are grandfathered. Public hearing August 18.

Public Safety Committee – Discussion and Debate

• Council discussed the issue of children brought into a previous meeting. Councilmember Morrison stated that daycares are licensed by the Department of Child and Youth, not the city, and complaints should go to that department. Councilmember Harcar linked the matter to an alleged sexual predator investigation materials provided to council in January, urging colleagues to review that information as well.
• A lengthy debate occurred regarding language used to describe a silent protest at the prior meeting, with some members expressing that calling it “intimidation” could perpetuate negative stereotypes. Councilmembers shared personal experiences of feeling unsafe during the recall effort and called for careful language and unity.
• Councilmember Dixon raised a procedural issue: at the previous meeting, his motion to postpone was denied by the chair. The City Attorney later confirmed that the council rules (recently amended) do allow a motion to postpone, and that councilmembers should appeal any improper chair ruling at the time.

Community Standards and Enforcement Committee – Landlord Issues

• Councilmembers reported receiving complaints about multi-unit rental properties lacking air conditioning during extreme heat. The Chief Building Official (Don Day) handles multi-unit inspections and has authority to contact landlords. Councilmembers noted that legal aid resources and potential future legislation may help address non-responsive landlords, while cautioning against inadvertently raising rents.

Infrastructure, Maintenance and Services Committee

• Updates were provided on upcoming construction: driveway closures on Doney Street starting July 17 for curb removal (project length 180 days), water line work at Norton Field starting soon, and completion of the Hamilton Road/Broad Street intersection configuration pushed to November 2 due to utility delays. Council also encouraged residents to report speeding concerns.

Parks and Recreation Committee

• Upcoming events were highlighted: a Kids Market at Community Park, a Food Truck Fest on July 18, a “Pixels Live” Lambie Lane Park Party on July 15 (featuring slot car racing, face painting, and other activities). Council praised the recent Music in the Park event and encouraged community participation.

Key Outcomes

• No final votes were taken during this Committee of the Whole meeting; most items will proceed to formal readings and adoptions at future city council meetings.
• The OPWC resolution is set for first reading and possible suspension/adoption on July 21, 2026.
• The property acquisition ordinance (Ordinance 060-2026) is at third reading and will be considered for adoption on July 21, 2026.
• The three economic development ordinances (064-2026, 065-2026, 066-2026) have third readings and public hearings scheduled for August 18, 2026, with a Planning Commission meeting on August 6, 2026.
• The JAG grant resolution (032-2026) was introduced and will be further considered; the RAP device policy will be developed after equipment and training.
• Councilmembers acknowledged the need for improved hearing accessibility in chambers, with a CART (closed captioning) program being explored by Councilmember Harcar.
• The procedural ruling regarding motions to postpone was clarified: the council rules do allow such motions, and future points of order should be appealed immediately.