[0:01] Good evening. This is the May 6, 2025 regular meeting, Westerville City Council. At 6 p.m., after noting who was here, we had a motion to adjourn into executive session to have a conference with attorneys for the public body concerning disputes involving the public body that are subject to pending and imminent court action. It was moved and seconded. The motion was unanimous at 6.34, we adjourned out of executive session. If the clerk would please call the roll.

[0:28] Mayer Wright, Mr. Washburn, Dr. Cumes,

[0:33] Mr. Grimes, Mr. Glasgow, Vice-Chair Reinsider.

[0:37] Glad to be here.

[0:39] Next, we have the Invocation and Pledge.

[0:41] The Invocation will be given by Nikki Ransom,

[0:44] followed by the pledge of allegiance.

[0:49] Please join me for a moment of silence

[0:52] for a moment of reflection, introspection, prayer, or as you wish.

[1:25] All

[1:30] right, next up we have the minutes of the April 15th, 2025 regular meeting,

[1:34] pleasure of council.

[1:35] Thank you.

[1:37] It's been moved and seconded any comments.

[1:40] Clerk, please call the roll.

[1:42] Mr. Grimes.

[1:43] Dr. Cumes.

[1:45] Ms. Dane.

[1:47] Mayor Wright.

[1:48] Yes.

[1:49] Mr. Glasgow.

[1:50] Yes.

[1:50] Mr. Washburn.

[1:54] Yes.

[1:54] Vice-chair Reem Center.

[1:56] Yes.

[1:56] The minutes are adopted with one of St. Shen.

[1:59] Next up we have the mayor's report.

[2:01] Mayor Wright.

[2:03] Thank you.

[2:04] We're, as it is, one of the responsibilities of the mayor of the city of Westerville to

[2:09] recognize occasions about standing certificates.

[2:12] We have seven such occasions tonight.

[2:15] National Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Taiwanese American Heritage

[2:22] Week, 26th Annual World Fall and Daffa Day, National Wetlands Month, Older Americans Month,

[2:31] National Police Week and Emergency Medical Services Week.

[2:38] The City of Westerville recognizes the rich and diverse history, culture, and contributions

[2:43] of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders to our nation and to our community.

[2:49] And the month of May is designated as Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

[2:55] by the United States Congress, so honor the achievements and heritage of this important community.

[3:01] And this year's theme for Asian American at Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a legacy

[3:08] of leadership and resilience, which honors the leaders who established a foundation for future

[3:14] generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity.

[3:20] Westerville values inclusion, diversity, and the celebration of all cultures with and our

[3:27] community.

[3:27] Now, therefore, I, Kenneth O. Wright, may have the city of Washingtonville, do hereby proclaim

[3:33] the month of May, 2025, as Asian-American at Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Westerville,

[3:41] and I encourage our residents, businesses, and organizations to participate in educational

[3:47] and cultural activities throughout the month to learn more about the heritage and celebrate

[3:53] the contributions of these communities.

[3:55] This proclamation was accepted earlier by Dr. Hong Iku, a member of the Columbus Tywinies Association of America,

[4:05] who I invite to the podium to offer a few remarks.

[4:19] The city council member and follow community members.

[4:26] Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak here.

[4:30] during the Taiwanese American Heritage Week

[4:33] and the celebration of Asian American

[4:36] and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

[4:40] As part of the Taiwanese American,

[4:43] it's a joy to see our stories, cultures,

[4:48] and contribution, recognize and embraced,

[4:51] especially here in the Westerville.

[4:53] A city that continued to show is commitment,

[4:57] with diversity and inclusion. It really means a lot. AAPH heritage month is about more than

[5:06] just both festivals or dragon dances though that's to be honest. We do so a great celebration.

[5:18] It's also a good time to honor the strengths, perseverance, and diverse spirit to our community.

[5:26] From the earlier real-world workers to today's entrepreneurs, artists, teachers and public

[5:35] service, Asian-American and public and Pacific Islander, I have helped build this field of

[5:44] fabric of this country, straight back straight.

[5:46] We know that today's political environment can be sometimes feel diverse or uncertain,

[5:55] but events like this remind us that community and shared with respect are powerful.

[6:07] That visibility matters, and that unity doesn't mean uniformity.

[6:14] It means celebrating each other's stories.

[6:17] Thank you, Western reveals, for recognizing the value of those stories, for a lifting up voices that haven't always been heard, and for showing that is City belong to all others.

[6:34] Here's more learning, more listening, and yes, more dumplings. Thank you.

[6:40] Thank you.

[6:48] There are more than 500,000 Taiwanese Americans in the United States, with a significant Taiwanese

[6:54] American population in Ohio.

[6:57] And Taiwanese Americans have made enormous contributions to the diversity and prosperity of American

[7:03] society, consistently contributing to the promotion of democracy and security of their

[7:09] homeland.

[7:09] And Taiwanese Americans have successfully and been successful in notable artists, Nobel laureates,

[7:18] scientists, researchers, scholars, professors, human rights activists, and business leaders.

[7:25] Taiwanese Americans are proud of their roots and of their vital role in the growth of our nation.

[7:31] This week recognizes the longstanding friendship between United States and Taiwan.

[7:35] And during this special week, Taiwanese Americans are able to embrace America's diversity and celebrate the community that binds us all together as one nation.

[7:47] Now, therefore, I can at the right mayor of the city of Westeville.

[7:51] Do hereby proclaim the week of May 11th through 1825 as Taiwanese American Heritage Week in Westeville,

[7:58] and I encourage residents to join in this observance.

[8:03] This proclamation was accepted earlier by Nancy Ho,

[8:06] who was a president of the Columbus Taiwanese American Association,

[8:11] and I invite President Ho to the podium to offer a few remarks.

[8:22] Thank you, Mayor Wright,

[8:26] and thank you, Vice Mayor.

[8:30] And thank you, City Council of Westerville.

[8:33] My name is Nancy Ho.

[8:35] I am the chapter president of Taiwanese American Association, Columbus chapter, and I want to thank Mr. Mayor Wright for

[8:53] continues authorize us the proclamation of Taiwanese American heritage. It's really appreciated.

[9:06] And also, Mayor Wright attended, we had honored to invite him to attend our Lunar New Year celebration

[9:17] last year. It was quite a very thrill to all my members. Today I'm here. I'm so honored

[9:30] to be here to have a chance to speak something about Taiwan and America.

[9:41] With the Asian America

[9:43] And Pacific Islander Heritage Months celebrated in May, 2025.

[9:52] I am so proud that I am part of the American,

[9:59] Taiwanese American community.

[10:03] I have been living in West Havel for 15, 15 years.

[10:10] And I love the environment here,

[10:16] the celebration of the Taiwanese American Heritage Week was advocated by also a Taiwanese community.

[10:28] It's called Formosian Association for Public Affairs.

[10:33] And this Taiwanese American heritage week was proclaimed by President Clinton in 1999, and in

[10:49] year 2000 was the first time we ever celebrate Taiwanese American heritage week, which

[10:57] starting from the Mother's Day each year for a week. It's about eight days actually.

[11:10] So, why we need, why do we want to this? Because we feel we hear.

[11:17] Taiwanese American, we are rooted here in America and we have our heritage mixed in harmonious

[11:30] way with American heritage.

[11:35] The celebration of Taiwanese American heritage work has been well received and I would like

[11:43] ask that American people will be aware of this. Many, many people when I speak about

[11:54] what is this heritage work about. So beside the political side, such as the 1979 Taiwan

[12:11] relations act, along with the 1982, the six assurances,

[12:18] they are the cornerstone of U.S. and Taiwan relations

[12:22] and continues to provide a strong foundation

[12:26] of the bond between our peoples.

[12:29] This bond is strengthened each day by the Taiwanese American

[12:35] community.

[12:37] This heritage week of servants provides

[12:40] and opportunity to learn more about the outstanding contributions

[12:46] in the videos of Taiwanese heritage,

[12:50] have made to our nation and the world.

[12:54] During this special week,

[12:56] we can embrace America's diversity

[12:59] and celebrate the spirit of community that binds us together

[13:04] as one nation.

[13:08] And other than that, I would like to say something about the little island is not little.

[13:17] We, there are 200 and the 3,000, 203 people on the island.

[13:29] And we are becoming the global center of artificial intelligence,

[13:42] and we are a solid partner of the US and is the key to the North American country's future.

[13:49] Taiwan's security is global security. We are developing itself a defense capability by

[13:58] procuring weapons from the U.S. and advancing our domestic defense industry. The Taiwan

[14:08] government is dedicated to build a whole of society defense resilience and the leveraging

[14:15] domestic technology and manufacturing strengths such as drones and next-generation communications

[14:23] to support the country's security needs.

[14:31] Taiwan's security is a global security and we are

[14:36] developing its south defense capabilities by procuring weapons from the US and advancing the

[14:45] domestic defense industry.

[14:53] Taiwan can contribute more to the U.S.

[15:00] In industrial revitalization, domestic industries are reliable source of key high-tech components and

[15:10] decisions, machine tools, et cetera, et cetera.

[15:16] In short, we as Taiwan Taiwanese community,

[15:24] we have all the talents coming, young talents

[15:29] coming from Taiwan to study here.

[15:33] And they might possibly stay here to contribute

[15:38] what they can do.

[15:39] So this is the other part of our community who can contribute to the American society as of today.

[15:54] And I want to thank you again for this opportunity for me to represent my community to

[16:03] that everybody know we are Taiwanese, American, and we are the grassroots friends.

[16:17] Thank you.

[16:18] Thank you.

[16:23] And I hope if you haven't visited Taiwan, it's a very friendly country.

[16:30] It's known for its friendliness and safety and trust worthy, there are surveys that Taiwan

[16:40] stand very top on this, it's kind of a so power too, and thank you very much again.

[16:51] Thank you.

[16:51] Thanks.

[16:52] Following

[17:02] Dafa is an advanced exercise and spiritual practice for mind and body that honors the universal values of truthfulness, compassion, and for parents.

[17:14] And Fawlin Dafa has benefited the physical and spiritual well-being of tens of millions of people from diverse cultural backgrounds in more than 100 countries, including the United States, since his public introduction in China in May in 1992.

[17:30] and Fallen Daffa, Transants, Cultural and Racial Boundaries, and contributes to a more peaceful, tolerant, and compassionate society.

[17:41] And Fallen Daffa practitioners worldwide in a community, communities across our nation are celebrating the 26th Annual World Fallen Daffa Day when May 13, coinciding with the 33rd Anniversary of the Public Introduction of Fallen Daffa.

[17:59] Now, therefore, I can at the right mayor of the city of Westerville, do here by proclaim Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, as Fallen Daffa Day in Westerville.

[18:11] This proclamation was accepted earlier by Ms. Arjun Chen, who was an instructor at the Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning.

[18:18] I invite Ms. Chen to the podium to offer a few remarks.

[18:21] Thank

[18:29] you, the Honorable Mayor, Wright, and thank you City Manager, Dupini, and then also the All of the Council members.

[18:38] And thank you so much for the City of Westerville's, continue to recognize the Nation of the 26th Annual Fallen Dabba Day on May 13, 2020.

[18:49] by, and called Insighting with the 33th anniversary of Valdandava's public introductions.

[18:57] This occasion holds profound significance for millions, or wild, who celebrate the core values

[19:05] of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance principles that lie at the heart of Valdandava.

[19:13] More information you can see in this magazine.

[19:16] and followed up by empowers individual to cultivate at virtues and enhance their holistic

[19:23] well-being. Since its introduction China on May 13, 1992, it has touched the lives of

[19:32] countries, millions across more than 90 countries, offering profound benefits through its teachings.

[19:40] Tragically, it's popularity in China led to a severe direct down and persecution by the Chinese

[19:50] community party, Communist Party.

[19:53] Beginning on July 20, 1999, despite this challenges, volunteer practitioners have preserved

[20:01] transcending cultural and national boundaries to inspire individuals worldwide to embrace

[20:09] virtues and pursue self-improvements. The real-violence of practitioners who peacefully

[20:17] resist persecution and humorizing abuses is a testament to their steadfast commitment to

[20:27] trichfulness compassion and tolerance. By recognizing world-followed Daba Day, we honor

[20:35] this principles, reaffirm our communities, the dedication, to justice,

[20:42] legends, freedom, and human rights, and then a powerful message of solidarity

[20:49] to those who continue to endure persecution China.

[20:55] Additionally, thank you for accepting the subscription of the

[21:05] appreciate and we'll undoubtedly resonate it with our community and far beyond.

[21:12] Thank you again and God bless you.

[21:14] Thank you.

[21:22] Wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide numerous ecological and societal benefits, including

[21:30] flood protection, water quality improvement, wildlife habitat, and climate change mitigation.

[21:36] And Wetlands act as natural sponges, buffered against floods and droughts, and filtering pollutants, and enhancing water quality.

[21:47] And Wetlands also support diverse plant life and animal life, contributing to biodiversity and providing essential habitats for various species.

[21:57] And Wetlands play a significant role in the health of Ohio's ecosystem, and the Society of

[22:04] West and the City of Westerville remains firmly committed to preserving the natural environment

[22:09] while actively integrating green practices into our physical footprint, and the Westerville

[22:16] parks a recreation department has identified environmental stewardship as one of its core values.

[22:22] And this core value drives the city's commitment to treating the natural environment with care and respect,

[22:31] while promoting a sustainable lifestyle for today and generations to come.

[22:36] And Westerville's Pops and Recreation Department remains dedicated to the protection of wetlands, floodplain, woodlots, ravine,

[22:45] and other natural corridors to ensure the availability of wildlife habitat, water quality,

[22:53] and public access for both enjoyment and education. Now, therefore, I, Kenneth Olroy,

[22:59] May of the City of Westerville, do hereby proclaim May as Wetlands Month in Westerville.

[23:06] This proclamation was accepted earlier by Vice President Beth Thornton and staff scientists

[23:11] It's Brown, of Stone Environmental, who I invite to the podium to offer a few remarks.

[23:31] Mayor, Vice Mayor and members of Council.

[23:35] Thank you for recognizing wetlands and their importance in our communities.

[23:41] Again, my name is Beth Orton, with Stone Environmental, and we are pleased to accept this

[23:45] wetland's proclamation as we continue to be partners for a better environment.

[23:50] Our mission at Stone is to improve the environment around us,

[23:53] Both natural and man-made, wear a diverse, compassionate group of engineers, ecologists, scientists, archaeologists who solve challenging problems.

[24:05] We perform a wide variety of environmental, ecological, cultural, and civil engineering design services working together with our clients to understand a meet their unique individual needs.

[24:17] Which means wetlands are very important to us just as they're very important to you.

[24:22] I am a civil engineer focused on roadway design which often impact existing wetlands, which

[24:30] requires mitigation and folks like Alex to, and sometimes those projects even provide an

[24:38] opportunity to create new wetlands to counter the impacts to existing ones.

[24:45] Again, Alex is with me today, he is an environmental scientist specializing in field

[24:50] botany, urban forestry, and ecosystem restoration.

[24:56] That means he's the guy who puts him back together

[24:59] after I tear him apart.

[25:02] Alex has conducted numerous wetland delineations

[25:05] and aquatic vegetation assessments.

[25:07] And in his work as an aquatic biologist,

[25:10] he identifies and manages nuisance and invasive aquatic species,

[25:14] which can destroy the habitat of a wetland.

[25:19] And we don't want that.

[25:21] More importantly, he is leading the Westerville Parks and Recreation Nature

[25:25] Knights program, and I was going to share a few words about the importance of

[25:30] wetlands in our environment.

[25:42] We are happy and honored to accept this proclamation on behalf of the City of

[25:45] Westerville.

[25:46] We have had the privilege to work closely with the city, especially with the

[25:50] Parks and Recreation Department, assisting with the city's

[25:53] of protecting wetlands and other natural spaces. Recently, it has been rewarding to educate

[25:59] the city's youth about what plants and animals in our community are integral parts of

[26:05] our healthy wetlands. It is important to foster interest in the natural world and we are

[26:10] proud to contribute to the cause. The city of Westerville serves as model of best practice

[26:16] by maintaining beautiful parks, many of which feature wetlands. I want to particularly highlight

[26:23] Highland Park, Boyer Nature Preserve, and Hoffwood's Park,

[26:26] home of the Nature Nights programs presented by Stone

[26:29] and sponsored by the City of Worcesterville.

[26:31] Each of these parks feature wetlands,

[26:33] and we encourage you to experience them

[26:35] and discover their importance firsthand.

[26:39] Wetlands provide values that know other ecosystem

[26:41] can, including flood risk mitigation,

[26:44] which is all too important in the fall of this rain.

[26:47] And we will continue to work hand in hand

[26:49] with the City of Worcesterville

[26:50] to meet their environmental goals.

[26:52] Thank you for inviting us to accept this proclamation, and please keep an eye out for the next nature

[26:57] nice program on July 18th.

[27:00] Thank you.

[27:09] May is older Americans month, a time to recognize and honor Westerville's older adults for

[27:16] their influence and contributions to our community, our state and our nation.

[27:21] And this month we celebrate the theme of Flip the Script on Aging, encouraging a positive and vibrant view on older age where opportunities for continued engagement and well-being are highlighted.

[27:38] And older Americans are vital to our community enriching us through their wisdom, experience and active participation in civic life, volunteerism and intergenerational connections.

[27:51] And we must continue to support older adults in maintaining their independence, accessing the resources they need,

[27:59] and fostering a sense of belonging and connection.

[28:03] Now, therefore, I, Kenneth L. Wright, Mayor of the City of Westerville,

[28:07] do hereby proclaim May as older Americans month in Westerville,

[28:12] and I encourage all residents to join me in honoring our older adults,

[28:17] promoting positive messaging about aging and fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and support for all ages.

[28:27] This proclamation was accepted earlier by Mr. Gary Gardner, who I invite to the podium to offer a few remarks.

[28:40] I'm not going to have a lot to say, but I'm going to speak extemporaneously, which is pretty much the way I live my life.

[28:48] I think extemporaneous is really great because you get to prepare for things and you don't know what's going to happen.

[28:53] You go forward anyway.

[28:55] When I was a young man in the middle of last century, I wondered whether or not I was going to make it to the year 2000.

[29:04] I'm not being sure if you could saw that, but I lived through the Vietnam War.

[29:10] I didn't go to Vietnam, but I survived in 1968, I survived, 75, I survived, I survived the financial disaster with homeless savings loan and Westerville in the mid-90s.

[29:23] Even though my wife did, because her first credit card was through that company, and it got canceled.

[29:27] first time she bought something, she couldn't bear bill, had no money.

[29:34] I've enjoyed

[29:35] doing exactly what I do which is enjoying being extemporaneous, preparing yourself,

[29:42] to be able to participate in everything in some manner, shape, or form. Sometimes you become

[29:48] better at something, you'll participate in better. And I really feel lucky tonight

[29:54] the idea that I'm fortunate to be here.

[30:00] This is a part of me that imagined tonight where Mayor Wright said, well, here's the proclamation, and my intention was, in regard to come in and accept this proclamation.

[30:14] But as you know, two days ago he had a car crash. I'm happy to be here. It's wonderful to be here. Thank you very much, letting me be the person. Enjoy yourself.

[30:26] Thank you.

[30:27] All right.

[30:28] All right.

[30:29] All right.

[30:33] Now, when I asked you to accept the confirmation, I told you that last year, I recognized

[30:43] the AARP tax aid of Westerville, a group of seniors that provide tax preparation services

[30:51] for other seniors.

[30:52] Now, what I didn't say, that my attention was to recognize your service as Westerville's

[30:59] photojournalist in cinematographer, which I'm playing to do right now.

[31:04] So it is with a great deal of respect and admiration that I recognize and commend Mr. Gary Gardner

[31:13] for his outstanding contributions and dedication as a photojournalist.

[31:20] and cinematographer at the Westerville News. rarely seen in public without one and

[31:27] more cameras in hand or drone circling overhead, Mr. Gardner leverages his more than

[31:34] 50 years of experience in journalism to report on the latest happenings in Westerville and

[31:40] capture breaking news and special occasions through visual storytelling. A consummate

[31:47] professional. Mr. Gardner is also a photojournalist in cinematographer at I push news and his

[31:55] former work includes photographer at the Associated Press, photo editor at the Claren

[32:01] Ledger in Mississippi and photographer at Fort Laudado News in Orlando, Sentinel. Mr. Gardner's

[32:10] All right, dedication and service as Westerville's reporter, correspondent, photojournalist

[32:17] and cinematographer make him an invaluable news resource for our residents and our community.

[32:25] Therefore, I desire to publicly recognize and show my appreciation to Mr. Gary Gardner

[32:32] for the wonderful impact he has made and continues to make in Westerville.

[32:47] I did not. Thank you so much. I don't know. I don't know. I love what I do. I've over the years.

[33:04] I can't really get asked question. Why do you think you do it? Why do you make fun of it?

[33:09] What do you think you do? And I think it's the fact that people get to see something they don't get to see for themselves.

[33:16] It's that moment where someone says,

[33:19] Wow, how did you do that? Where did you get that?

[33:21] I don't remember seeing that.

[33:22] And I really love those moments

[33:24] because it speaks to the craft,

[33:27] speaks to finding something that I'm lucky enough

[33:30] to get to do. Don't misunderstand.

[33:32] I don't think a lot of myself. Maybe I do.

[33:36] I don't think a lot of myself.

[33:37] I just happen to be the one that is fortunate

[33:40] to make really good photographs of sex people's lives.

[33:44] And I'm happy to do it in Western New York.

[33:47] Oh, and by the way, I forgot to tell you earlier.

[33:50] You're 2000 and midnight?

[33:53] I was at a waffle house.

[33:54] What I'm having people eating midnight,

[33:57] I'm very interested in waffle house.

[33:59] I thought it was the best night of my life.

[34:02] I made it to the new century, and it was at a waffle house.

[34:16] The members of the Westernville Division of Police

[34:19] Playing a central role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Westable citizens.

[34:24] It is important that all citizens understand the responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of Westable division of police.

[34:33] The Westable division of police recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property,

[34:40] by protecting the community against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression.

[34:49] And the west of the vision of police unceasingly provide a vital public service to the citizens

[34:56] of this community and strongly invite embrace the philosophy of community policing in all its daily

[35:03] operations and functions. All west of the public buildings will turn their exterior lights

[35:10] bloom and encourage the city of west of the community to do the same in recognition of law enforcement

[35:17] officers from May 11th through May 17th.

[35:21] And the Westville Division of Police has developed a partnership between the police and

[35:26] the community that share responsibility for identifying, reducing, eliminating, and preventing

[35:32] problems that impact community safety and order.

[35:36] Now, therefore, I can't at all write near the city of Westville, Ohio.

[35:41] Do hereby proclaim May 11th through 1725 as National Police Week in Westerville and I ask all residents and businesses to light Westerville Bloom by placing blue bulbs and exterior lights and displaying visible blue ribbons during police week.

[36:01] I further call upon all citizens to observe Thursday May 15th 2025 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.

[36:09] In honor of those long-force and officers who, through their courageous deeds, had made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or become disabled in the performance of their duty.

[36:22] And let us recognize and pay respects to survivors of our fallen heroes.

[36:28] This proclamation was accepted earlier by Acting Chief Holly Merchland and several WPD officers, who were invited to the podium to offer a few remarks.

[36:53] First I wanted to thank you for allowing us to come before what we lovingly consider the second responders of the fire department.

[37:03] So we appreciate that.

[37:06] Mayor and Council on behalf of the Westerville Division of Police and with sincere gratitude.

[37:12] We accept this proclamation recognizing national police week.

[37:15] We appreciate this recognition of the dedication and sacrifices of all the men and women who serve the city of Westerville.

[37:22] We remain committed to serving and protecting our community with honor, professionalism, and integrity.

[37:30] We thank you for your continued support.

[37:33] And I would also like to take a moment and ask for continued thoughts and prayers for the family and co-workers of slain Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson,

[37:43] who was targeted and tragically killed while directing traffic for the University of Cincinnati's graduation ceremony last week.

[37:59] And last but not least, emergency medical services are vital public service and National Emergency Services Week is a time to appreciate and recognize the dedicated work of EMTs,

[38:15] Paramedics and other EMS professionals who provide life-saving care to those in need 24 hours a day seven days a week

[38:25] Access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury

[38:36] And emergency medical services have grown to fill a gap by providing important out of hospital care

[38:42] including preventive medicine, follow-up care, and excess to telemedicine, and the emergency

[38:50] medical services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians,

[38:57] paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators,

[39:04] administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, train members

[39:10] of the public and other out-of-hospital medical care providers.

[39:14] And the members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage

[39:21] in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their

[39:28] life-saving skills.

[39:32] It is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services

[39:37] providers by desiccinating the emergency medical services week. The National Medical

[39:45] Medical Services Week theme for 2025 is week hair for everyone and it captures the

[39:52] dedication of Westerville's emergency medical services professionals. Now therefore I

[39:59] can't have the right mayor of the city of Westerville, do hear about the claim the week

[40:03] of May 18th through 24th, 2025 as emergency medical services week in Westerville.

[40:11] This proclamation was accepted earlier by Deputy Chief Robert Morton and station 112 medical

[40:18] medical crew who are invited to the podium to offer a few remarks.

[40:27] Thank you, Mayor.

[40:28] City Council, City Leadership.

[40:30] It truly is a privilege to be able to stand up here tonight and accept this

[40:34] information on behalf of all the women and men of Western

[40:37] building vision and fire.

[40:39] Every day they put the boots on the ground and do an amazing job,

[40:43] amazing work for the citizens, visitors, and community.

[40:48] So we thank you very much.

[40:50] Keep it short.

[40:51] So I control the police and we'll get on with the meeting.

[40:54] So thank you very much.

[41:01] That concludes the Mayor's report.

[41:03] I'm offering the answer to the questions.

[41:05] Any questions?

[41:07] Next up, we have the City Manager Support, Mrs. Dupy please.

[41:12] Thank you, Ms. Vice Chair and members of Council. It's a great evening to be here.

[41:17] We are in the month of May if you believe it or not.

[41:21] So I'd like to start with a couple of updates.

[41:24] This last Saturday, our Westfield Division of Police,

[41:27] participated in what we called Project Unity, which was a central

[41:32] Ohio-peractive traffic enforcement effort to identify

[41:36] reckless drivers on our streets. The operation involved law enforcement

[41:40] agencies across the region and resulted in significant

[41:43] enforcement on our roads. This included 696 traffic steps,

[41:51] resulting in 365 citations. There were 71

[41:56] Ms. demeanor arrest, 12 felony arrests, removal of 27 impaired

[42:03] drivers off our roads, and a combined 38 arrests with the head a combined

[42:10] misdemeanor and felony warning. So, ensure the result obviously emphasizes the

[42:18] need for traffic stops in our community and across the region, it reduced

[42:24] traffic crashes and clearly is a deterrent to crime in our region. So I just want to

[42:29] think all the agencies and central Ohio that work together to make our streets a little

[42:34] bit safer this weekend. And since we're talking about traffic, let's give you an update on

[42:41] east of Africa. I wanted to provide a heads up that there will be some traffic maintenance

[42:47] scheduled for Ferris Parkway sometime in the coming weeks. We're a little bit behind schedule

[42:53] things to the consecutive days of rain. So, the plan right now is that we will hopefully

[43:01] in the next few days will proceed with plans on the intersection of Polaris and Africa

[43:06] Road. This actually will require two lanes of closure on eastbound Polaris. So I'm making

[43:15] it publicly known that at some point two lanes on eastbound Polaris will have to be shut down.

[43:21] We're looking at mid-May and reopening on Memorial Day weekend.

[43:27] But again, it depends on if it continues to rain.

[43:30] So, keep your eye out at westerville.org slash go westerville,

[43:35] which updates all of our construction projects across our community with maps and images.

[43:40] And you can also keep up on social media.

[43:43] We'll give you the up-to-date information as we know it.

[43:46] So with that, I am happy to answer any questions.

[43:50] Any questions?

[43:52] Okay.

[43:53] We are going to move on to Council Representative Report.

[43:56] We have our Planning Commission report from Council Member Glasgow.

[44:03] Third meeting of Planning Commission.

[44:05] We heard two cases.

[44:07] The first is 2025-08.

[44:09] This dealt with the relocation and necessary relocation for the farmers'

[44:15] market for the summer farmers' market.

[44:17] So this is a request for a conditional use permit to operate a seasonal farmers market by the

[44:23] up-town Westerville Inc.

[44:25] The new location that they are asking for is the parking lots between Co-Hatch and North

[44:34] High Brewing at 240 South State Street.

[44:39] We talked through the logistics parking for that location is proposed to be at 64 East

[44:46] on that, and at the Cornerstone Church, which is across the west, across the state street,

[44:53] that's accessible through Bishop.

[44:57] UWI.

[45:00] I will provide signage for parking and circulation,

[45:05] and the condition we use permit will cover for the season

[45:07] and through 2026. There were concerns raised about parking, and how that's actually going to work.

[45:16] The idea is for people to park at 64 and walk down the bike path, which is not too far, and for people to park at the church and cross at Bishop.

[45:25] I had concerns, others had concerns about people walking across state streets and how that's going to work.

[45:34] So Lynn from U-W-I said that they would have volunteers working at least the first two meetings

[45:40] so you kind of direct people and make sure they knew where to cross and they weren't sort of drifting across state street and having those issues.

[45:49] And in general, I guess we had somebody come from the funeral home next door who was concerned about parking, as well, so Lynn indicated that she would have sort of continuous dialogue with them to make sure there was, you know, not going to have any conflict between the market and whatever there, whatever the funeral home is doing.

[46:11] So based on that, it was past the Commission's permit was issued about 70.

[46:21] The second matter we heard, as you can see there on the map, is further down on Safe Street,

[46:28] State Street, 769 South State Street.

[46:31] This is a request for a site plan modification with variances.

[46:35] And this is the user's no soliciting social club, so we actually heard this, I think a

[46:40] months ago. Here we had a matter regarding this here. This is a private restaurant bar in a 3333

[46:50] hundred sixty square foot building. If you drive by there right now it says kitchen and

[46:56] flooring I believe and it looks a lot different than what you see up there. On the top right corner

[47:02] is what was proposed by no soliciting the image is consistent with their, there are

[47:10] other business downtown and they sort of had a uniform branding which is the dark, I think

[47:16] it's called caviar is actually that color but it's black.

[47:21] So the overlay for this district

[47:23] calls for retaining or having bread brick as you can see that throughout the area. So there

[47:29] There was a fairly robust conversation about their plan not retaining the red brick, which

[47:36] would be inconsistent with surrounding properties.

[47:39] We've heard in the past recently, we've insisted that our bees was going to have red brick.

[47:44] We made that.

[47:45] We didn't enforce them against Bob Evans to make them take them back to red brick.

[47:49] So there's a lot of conversation about that.

[47:51] Ultimately, the applicant agreed to modify the plan so that the top bees on the building

[47:57] will be red brick and there will be a red brick wall in the front and some red brick on

[48:02] the signage.

[48:04] So ultimately the proposal was approved 7-0 with the conditions that the brick remain on

[48:12] the building that they would install a landscape buffering install the brick stream that I just

[48:19] mentioned and the other issue with parking, there's not a lot of parking on this site.

[48:24] The parking proposal is actually 17 spots, less than it is required to be by code.

[48:31] My opinion that was a lot.

[48:32] However, they are negotiating right now with the firestone business next door to

[48:39] for a shared parking agreement, because firestone won't use their spots likely at the same

[48:44] time that no soliciting will be at peak hours.

[48:47] One of the conditions they agreed to was that they would have to provide that shared parking

[48:51] agreement before they could occupy the building.

[48:54] So on that basis, the application was approved 7 to 0.

[49:00] And that is all I have.

[49:01] And there are any questions?

[49:03] Comments or questions?

[49:06] I've got two things.

[49:08] I like the shared parking agreement.

[49:09] I think we should be doing that, citywide.

[49:11] And we've got uses that are complementary to each other.

[49:13] So we're not building extra parking that's just going to be empty pavement, essentially.

[49:17] The other thing I wanted to go back to, and this might be more for City Manager, the bike path when you're walking to the farmer's market.

[49:26] You know, sometimes in uptown they've had the signs like the farmer's market with directions.

[49:30] If we could get some signage on that entrance to the bike path on Walnut, that directs people visually to the farmer's market, they'd be great.

[49:37] You think people are driving down Walnut, it's a reminder that you can get there from that bike path.

[49:43] And also the bike path you wouldn't sort of like look at it and be like that's naturally where I go to the farmers market so we could work with UWI or just like that would be great.

[49:52] That's all I have.

[49:52] And then I will say the other issue just to bring it up here that I had.

[49:55] But I don't think really was UWI or Lynn's really there.

[49:59] They couldn't say anything about it in the Bayley way but I do have concerns about the folks on Bishop and the people are going to just park along Bishop and that's going to be an issue.

[50:08] So, yeah, as much as we can, say, go to the church, go to 64, I think that'll help deal with the issues on Bishop, hopefully.

[50:22] Can we do what we do for fourth Friday, like where we put the temporary, don't park on Bishop, like how we put them in certain of town streets?

[50:32] So, I am not in the total details of what we have agreed to and have an agreed to without

[50:39] Thomas Jerville.

[50:40] So, I would go back to her team and talk to him about all your concerns and have response

[50:46] back to you guys in the next couple of days.

[50:49] Yeah, from my perspective, based on the conversation, because we're actually on the meeting

[50:53] and going to expedite this, and the person from the funeral came, funeral home came up

[50:57] and had comments.

[50:57] So, we asked when to come up and give her an opportunity to address the stuff.

[51:01] I have full faith that Lynn will be monitoring all the other issues, but I think who parks on Bishop or where people park outside of what they've provided for spillover?

[51:12] She can't really control that or deal with that, but I think that's something that's got to be least monitored.

[51:18] The only thing I would add for the Bishop parking is residents only instead of no parking.

[51:22] I don't think that we should penalize the people who live there from parking in their own street.

[51:28] So if that's an option, if we could explore that,

[51:31] I'd be great.

[51:31] I mean, I know that there might be things

[51:32] that we're not thinking of right in this moment,

[51:34] but if you get back to us, that'd be great.

[51:38] Is there anything else?

[51:40] Okay, we are gonna move on to citizen comments.

[51:45] City Council welcomes you and thanks to for your time

[51:47] and concerns.

[51:48] If you wish to address City Council,

[51:50] this is the time set on the agenda for you to do so.

[51:52] When you recognize, please step to the podium,

[51:54] state your name, and if you wish or address,

[51:56] and provide your comments to City Council.

[51:58] Please add your name and address to the sign-in sheet next to the podium.

[52:02] Your comments will be limited to three minutes.

[52:04] The City Council may not respond to your comments this evening,

[52:07] rather they may take your comments and suggestions under advisement,

[52:10] and your questions may be directed to the appropriate staff person for follow-up.

[52:13] Any materials for Council should be given to the clerk?

[52:16] Do not approach the Council Dias unless invited. Thank you.

[52:23] Anyone wish him to speak there, we go. I knew there was some more.

[52:32] Yeah, I was in White Hall for a few weeks, John Gattis,

[52:36] 2.93 across from the loop.

[52:37] I'm going to take a page from Mr. Gardner and be able to

[52:41] accept for any of this tonight.

[52:43] I was in White Hall watching them pass their

[52:45] resolutions protecting immigration immigrants

[52:49] and gender affirming care.

[52:52] And we have people come to council,

[52:53] speak in favor of those in November and December and January

[52:57] And I still hope that we can have the council bring those up and do something similar here.

[53:03] The main thing I was going to talk about tonight was the purchase plans for the solar and the natural gas plants.

[53:10] I'm really glad to see that the city is moving forward on the solar project.

[53:15] You know, I think the city was poised to do solar on the community center in 2020 and then COVID hit and it was one of the results of that was the project was cancelled.

[53:26] The other thing I would say about that is there's a lot of things happening in Washington, Congress is trying to cut things to give billionaires tax cuts and one of the things on the table is the credits for renewable energy and I would encourage the city to track that closely and if you can, if you need to accelerate or expand the investment in renewable energy to take advantage of those credits if necessary.

[53:54] The other thing I was going to talk about was the natural gas plant.

[53:59] I said to email to Council, I think back in January of February after the work session

[54:02] with some thoughts about how the city had planned to buy a coal plant about 15, 20 years ago

[54:08] and that was stopped and how that was a good thing because Westerville would have ended up

[54:13] on the hook with a dirty polluting coal plant for 50 years.

[54:17] I think in one of the articles I found at that time, former council member, Kakuzie was quoted as saying the only thing I'm committed to for 50 years as my marriage.

[54:28] So that was that was that. And I think one of my concerns about the natural gas plant has been the length of the contract.

[54:38] And I was just hoping tonight that one of the questions I had when I was preparing remarks for tonight was how long is that contract going to be at the work session.

[54:46] it sounded to me it was going to be about 22, 23 years now because of the things on tonight's

[54:51] agenda it looks like that's being pushed out to start in 2027 and something the staff

[54:55] memo says it's supposed to be paid off in 2042 so it looks like it's down to 15 years

[55:01] or 20 years so I just get some clarification on that that would be great but thank you so much

[55:10] anyone else? Seeing no one else this is comments you're not closed.

[55:15] We'll move on to items of a legislation if the clerk would read resolution 202505 by title please.

[55:24] To amend the bylaws of the Westerville City Council.

[55:30] This is the first reading Mr. Winkel.

[55:34] Good evening members of Council. Thank you for the opportunity to provide the first reading for resolution 2025-05.

[55:45] As Ms. Einger says, and this slide shows, this is an amendment to council's bylaws.

[55:52] So, before we dive into potential amendments, let's do a refresher on what the bylaws are.

[56:01] So, the charter requires council to adopt its own rules, regulations, or bylaws.

[56:06] That's an article three section three of the charter, and consistent with that directive

[56:11] Council was done that. They have adopted by laws which govern

[56:15] Council's operations, it's procedures, it's conducts.

[56:19] It essentially fills in the gaps from the charter, from the code,

[56:22] and amplifies the intent of those authorities.

[56:26] So the last amendment to the by laws was in 2021.

[56:30] May 18th, so about four years ago, this month.

[56:34] And before that, the previous amendment was in June of 2015.

[56:38] So the bylaws are periodically updated, reviewed, revised, based on changes in state law,

[56:45] changes in the charter, or council preferences.

[56:48] And for anybody in the public or council or on staff, or anybody interested in reading

[56:52] the bylaws, they're available on the council page of these cities website.

[57:01] So let's flash back to March 4th at the request of the chair of council.

[57:06] We had an additional business section where we discussed potential amendments to the

[57:11] And during that additional business session discussion, Council identified several consensus amendments to the bylaws that they had staff in the team to prepare.

[57:23] So between March 4th and today the law department worked with the chair and vice chair of council.

[57:29] The city manager's office in the clerk of council to prepare what is exhibit A to resolution 2025-05.

[57:42] So the majority of amendments that are reflected in the exhibit to the resolution are directly driven by Council's comments and suggestions from the March 4th meeting.

[57:54] And if you wanted to look at it, you could go to Council's packet, look at exhibit A, you'd see a 21 page document.

[58:01] And essentially anything in that document that is in blue would be new.

[58:05] So, blue, new, anything in black is called directly from the existing bylaws, and then anything

[58:11] that's struck through would potentially be removed from the current bylaws.

[58:17] So, what we're going to do is go page by page line, line by line, through that 21-page document.

[58:24] Mr. Bechtold told me he has a date with the Cavaliers Pacer's game, so he asked me to expedite the review.

[58:30] So what I would do is I'd point Council to the table on the slide or you could look at the

[58:36] appendix to the staff report and essentially the major changes are there and the table

[58:41] on the broken out into three categories which are technical, so the process for Council

[58:46] number resignation, the listing of all 12 committees, the Council members are appointed to

[58:51] and serve on procedural. So this was mentioned by the chair at the last meeting, the March

[58:58] forth meeting, but to ensure that he doesn't have gone to some distant fall off land,

[59:03] and so on the beach and up cocktails in the city's dime, the vice chair would be required

[59:07] to review and approve his request for travel reimbursement, conference expenses.

[59:13] Council, I'd quite a robust discussion about committee attendance.

[59:17] So what the amendments of the bylaws would do would be to adopt the same standard for

[59:22] attendance to council committees as the rest of the city boards and commissions.

[59:25] So essentially, if you missed more than a quarter of the meetings in a calendar year for that committee,

[59:32] that would exceed the threshold, or if you missed one-third of the meetings in a calendar year,

[59:37] for any committee that meets at least four times, that would exceed the threshold as well.

[59:43] Optional electronic voting for council committees, boards and commissions was something council expressed,

[59:48] Support 4, Council Officers, Chair, Vice Chair, Mayor, and Vice Mayor would still be done by voice vote.

[59:56] So that was consistent with...

[1:00:00] Council's directive. And then the fall right column is stylistic. So if you were to look at the exhibit to the resolution,

[1:00:06] what you'd see is that the format has changed pretty significantly. The bones from the existing

[1:00:12] bylaws are pulled over. But you'd see a table of contents. You'd see definitions for standard terms,

[1:00:19] the conditions you use throughout the document. And then sections that are in the current bylaws are kind of

[1:00:33] So I'll pause there and if there's any questions about the exhibit, about the amendments, about anything, I would be happy to answer them.

[1:00:45] Does Council want to do a quick trivia question?

[1:00:49] All right, we'll just do one because the Cavaliers are playing right now.

[1:00:52] So there was a significant birthday yesterday.

[1:00:59] May 5th, 1961.

[1:01:02] Anybody want to guess what birthday it was?

[1:01:04] This

[1:01:08] has like a trick question.

[1:01:10] Yeah.

[1:01:11] Which start?

[1:01:14] It was not Bruce Bailey's birth.

[1:01:17] It was the 64th birthday of Westerville's charter.

[1:01:22] So, 64 years, the city's constitution.

[1:01:26] So, it was so difficult.

[1:01:30] I had, I came with a question and now I can't find the second word.

[1:01:34] lays out the process for if some of our attendance.

[1:01:39] Sure, okay, can you tell me where that is again?

[1:01:43] I'm in your council meeting ground to talk about council attendance or board and

[1:01:47] committees.

[1:01:47] So the process if we're not attending, that was in blue, it wasn't there.

[1:01:52] Right.

[1:01:52] So it would be in the new bylaws or the exhibit to the resolution to be section 3b on page 10.

[1:02:00] Thank you.

[1:02:01] I was on seven.

[1:02:07] So, the chair, the chair notifies one of us that weren't notifies me that I'm not attending, right?

[1:02:17] So, the clerk would notify the chair, presumably, after contact from the chairperson of the committee.

[1:02:24] The chair would then speak with a member about whether or not they've exceeded the attendance, excuse me, absence threshold.

[1:02:32] So, if that threshold's been exceeded,

[1:02:35] that member would four-fifth or C.

[1:02:38] And then that would create the vacancy,

[1:02:39] which is filled by the chair,

[1:02:41] which I think was consistent with what council

[1:02:42] talked about on March 4th.

[1:02:45] So, my question is, is that automatic,

[1:02:47] or is that the prerogative of the chair?

[1:02:50] So, similar to council absences under the charter,

[1:02:53] would be automatic for a feature.

[1:02:55] If you were to miss one-quarter,

[1:02:58] excuse me, three consecutive meetings in a calendar year, or one-third of the overall meetings for

[1:03:04] a committee that meets at least four times in a calendar year. And as you know, the committees,

[1:03:09] the board's commissions of the city meet at different frequencies, so I try to do a math

[1:03:15] a chart for this, but it wasn't proven very useful. So I guess it would depend on the specific committee

[1:03:20] or board commission. That was helpful. Thank you. Sure.

[1:03:28] Okay, so the resolution to amend the

[1:03:33] Typically, resolutions received one rating, ordinances received three, motions are heard once,

[1:03:39] counsel in 2021 and previously said that the resolution to amend the bylaws requires two

[1:03:43] reads.

[1:03:45] So, this is the first reading tonight.

[1:03:47] The second reading would be May 20th.

[1:03:51] And with that, thus concludes the first reading of resolution 2025-05.

[1:03:58] There are any additional questions or comments.

[1:04:02] Okay?

[1:04:03] Thank you.

[1:04:04] We'll move on to ordinance number 20,

[1:04:06] 20, 506 of the Clerk would read that by title please.

[1:04:12] To approve the form and authorize and direct the city manager

[1:04:15] to execute a power sales contract with American Municipal Power

[1:04:20] Incorporated Amp regarding the Amp Freemont Energy Center

[1:04:23] and agreements for the assumption of an interest

[1:04:26] from Brewster, Ohio, Philopi, West Virginia, Columbia, Ohio,

[1:04:31] Niles, Ohio, Hubbard, Ohio, and Williams Town, Kentucky,

[1:04:36] and or other AMP members in that power sales contract

[1:04:40] and to take other actions in connection there with.

[1:04:44] This is the time of the third reading, Mr. Moncelli.

[1:04:47] Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair, Members of Council.

[1:04:49] There have been no changes since first reading,

[1:04:51] which is just as a brief reminder,

[1:04:52] the American, I'm sorry, the American Municipal Power

[1:04:55] Fremont Energy Center, or AFEC, is a six hundred and eight five

[1:04:59] megawatt, combined cycle natural gas power plant that

[1:05:03] fulfills a very specific need that we've got in our

[1:05:06] diversify power supply portfolio.

[1:05:09] I'm struggling to get this out tonight, and that need is our

[1:05:13] intermediate resources.

[1:05:15] So we're seeking 15 megawatt's of energy and historically

[1:05:18] we had a very competitive rate through a fact.

[1:05:21] With that, I would be happy to answer any questions.

[1:05:24] Any questions or comments?

[1:05:27] Pleasure of Council and Nourdinance.

[1:05:31] It's been moved in seconded.

[1:05:32] Any additional comments or questions?

[1:05:35] I'll just say, I appreciate how much work you did

[1:05:38] for the council to get us educated on this.

[1:05:40] I know I mentioned it before, but having us go on the tour.

[1:05:43] I mean, all of the educational opportunities

[1:05:45] is very helpful.

[1:05:45] I think that's part of why we don't have too much discussion

[1:05:48] up here is the really was front loaded with a lot of education. So the clerk would please call the

[1:05:53] role. Mr. Glasgow. Yes. Mr. Grimes. Yes. Mr. Washburn. Yes. Dr. Coobs. Yes. Mayer Wright. Yes. Vice Chair

[1:06:01] Reemciner. Yes. Ordnance number 202506 passes unanimously. The clerk would read ordinance

[1:06:09] 202507 by title please. To approve the form and authorize and direct the city manager to

[1:06:14] secure power, purchase agreements with clean energy ventures to provide for solar-powered

[1:06:20] electric generating projects within the city of Westerville, and to take other actions

[1:06:25] in connection therewith.

[1:06:27] All right, this is the time of the third reading, Mr. Montescalia again.

[1:06:32] Thank you again.

[1:06:33] There is a change to this ordinance, as you may have seen in the staff memo that I provided.

[1:06:39] And our conversations are ongoing, productive conversations with clean energy vent, energy ventures.

[1:06:44] We realized that as we set the structure of the agreement up over 20 years, there was going to be some price escalation built into there.

[1:06:52] And what we noticed in our initial ordinance language is we set the cap at eight cents per megawatt hour.

[1:06:59] Kill a lot of our excuse me, eight cents per kilowatt hour.

[1:07:02] And throughout the course of that's one of your period, we were actually going to exceed that.

[1:07:06] So what we're asking for is a change to the language that allows us to not to exceed 12 cents.

[1:07:12] I do want to add a little context to that conversation because that does seem like a higher rate than what we're accustomed to see.

[1:07:19] It is really important that we emphasize that the not to exceed a plus to the energy price at any point in that 20 year period.

[1:07:26] We are still targeting those same six to eight sent mega per kilowatt hour prices on the first year of the agreement

[1:07:33] But as we add some of those escalators throughout the course of the 20 years we might exceed that

[1:07:39] But I do want to spend just a minute walking through the economics of these deals a little bit too

[1:07:43] Just to emphasize the value because these do even with the increase not to exceed them. I'll offer a very competitive rate at one of our power supply needs

[1:07:52] So what I did, you saw a slide similar to this, I think, at first reading, where I walked

[1:07:58] through the economics, because these are placed behind the Westerville's meter, we actually

[1:08:02] see some reduced use during our peaks.

[1:08:05] So that really has a nice offset to some of the costs on the front end, and you can see here.

[1:08:10] So in this exercise, I actually walked through the average cost over the course of that

[1:08:13] 20 years.

[1:08:14] This assumes an eight cent per kilowatt hour price on your one with a 2% escalation throughout

[1:08:20] that contract.

[1:08:20] When you look at that, the average price per kilowatt hour over the course of that 20 years is 9.7 cents.

[1:08:27] We also assume that we'll get some offsets through our capacity costs, as you've heard throughout our education process, our capacity prices are rising pretty rapidly.

[1:08:37] And similarly, transmission. So you'll see some pretty significant offsets there.

[1:08:41] Bringing that average total cost over course of that 20 years down to about 3.7 cents per kilowatt hour.

[1:08:47] And similarly, that same exercise with a 6% PPA with a 2% escalation brings that total cost

[1:08:54] down to about 1.3% over the course of that's 1 year.

[1:08:58] So as you can see, a very competitive rate, traditionally the type of energy that you need

[1:09:04] for that solar provides is peak energy, some of the most expensive, and these are a very competitive

[1:09:09] rate.

[1:09:10] So with that, I would be happy to answer any questions.

[1:09:13] Any questions or comments?

[1:09:16] Well, I just want to move this one.

[1:09:20] I want to be the first one.

[1:09:21] I shouldn't get up.

[1:09:23] Pleasure of Council on the Ordnance.

[1:09:26] It was me.

[1:09:27] It was me.

[1:09:28] It was him.

[1:09:28] I was second.

[1:09:29] There we go.

[1:09:31] Any other questions or comments?

[1:09:34] I think my comments on this would be very similar to the comments just a second ago.

[1:09:39] But thank you so much for the education that you gave us for this.

[1:09:42] We did the snack and study.

[1:09:44] We've had a lot of conversations about this.

[1:09:45] is a really cool project. I'm really excited to see this. I know we've talked about that a lot,

[1:09:50] but this is really unique and this is really good for the city. So the clerk would please call the roll.

[1:09:55] Dr. Cumes. Yes. Mayor Ray. Yes. Mr. Glasgow. Yes. Mr. Washburn. Yes. Mr. Grimes. Yes.

[1:10:02] Nice to meet you. Yes. Born in December 2025. Oh, seven passes unanimously.

[1:10:08] The clerk would read ordinance number 2025. Oh, eight by title please.

[1:10:13] To establish the uptown entertainment district, a community entertainment district under Ohio revised co-section 4301.80.

[1:10:24] This is the time of the third reading of Mr. Ayo.

[1:10:28] Madam Vice Chair, members of the City Council.

[1:10:30] Thank you, excited to be here again this evening for the third read of community entertainment districts.

[1:10:35] As mentioned, the first one here, ordinance 2025-08, would establish the uptown CED.

[1:10:45] We've had no changes to this ordinance from the second reading, but wanted to take a minute, Council did see this slide at the February work session, but wanted to bring it back as a refresher.

[1:10:57] As we hopefully introduce a couple of community entertainment districts into Westerville this evening.

[1:11:03] How that's going to operate and the good news is it operates no different than how we currently deal with liquor permits here in the city of Westerville.

[1:11:12] So once the community entertainment districts are created applicants will apply to the division of liquor control and they'll send notice to our clerk of council for submitting for D5J liquor permit.

[1:11:24] So that's that special liquor permit for community entertainment districts.

[1:11:28] Clerk of Council will work with the economic development team and our legal team to determine the eligibility and availability.

[1:11:35] And if eligible, Clerk of Council will submit paperwork back to the division of liquor control.

[1:11:41] It's at that moment that the division of liquor control starts working with a board of elections to determine the wet status.

[1:11:47] If they're wet, they can continue in the permitting process.

[1:11:50] If they're dry, they get to go to the local option, which Westerwell got to see two today,

[1:11:56] Cardinal Pizza, who's looking to expand to their space next door, and then no soliciting

[1:12:00] as well was on the ballot today. So looking forward to seeing how those results went.

[1:12:06] But with that, staff's recommendation is City Council approval of ordinance 2025,

[1:12:11] just 08, to establish the Uptown Entertainment District.

[1:12:15] With that, I'm happy to answer any questions.

[1:12:20] I guess it's related, but not about the community entertainment district.

[1:12:25] Do we get any tax income from alcohol sales or does it all go to the state?

[1:12:32] It is what funds jobs Ohio, so the spirit is lickers only, not beer and wine,

[1:12:39] spirit slickers, funds jobs Ohio, which is the economic development engine of Ohio, so you

[1:12:46] and straight to my follow-up questions. Thank you.

[1:12:52] Vice your counsel on your nits.

[1:12:53] So moved. Second.

[1:12:55] Any other comments or questions?

[1:12:58] Clerk will please follow the wrong.

[1:12:59] Mr. Washburn.

[1:13:00] Yes.

[1:13:01] Mr. Grimes.

[1:13:02] Dr. Cumes.

[1:13:03] Yes.

[1:13:03] Mayor Wright.

[1:13:04] Yes.

[1:13:05] Mr. Glasgow.

[1:13:06] Yes.

[1:13:08] Ordnance number 202508 passes unanimously.

[1:13:12] The clerk could read ordnance number 202509 by title please.

[1:13:16] to establish the West Star Entertainment District, a community entertainment district under Ohio revised

[1:13:22] code section 43-01.80.

[1:13:27] So the time of the third reading, Mr. Gael again.

[1:13:30] Thank you very much.

[1:13:31] So ordinance 2025-09 would establish the West Star Entertainment District.

[1:13:36] You can see that area on the map, which is on the screens.

[1:13:40] This would create the maximum 15 liquor permits allowed in a CED.

[1:13:45] I did want to take a moment and just provide council with an update, based off of what we heard from the public hearing at the last reading at City Council, concerns around development traffic and noise.

[1:13:59] So for development, just a reminder, establishing a CED doesn't change zoning laws, it doesn't change land use planning permit requirements, setbacks, or any other laws related to how a property is developed.

[1:14:12] Any new property that is looking to be developed in the area will still go through are public processes including planning commission and also city council review which we saw earlier this evening.

[1:14:26] For traffic, our engineering department completed a traffic study in early 2024 and used that traffic study to design the roadway infrastructure to accommodate not only the existing uses that are there today.

[1:14:41] but also the approved devices listed in the approved development text in similar uses.

[1:14:48] And then finally for noise, the City of Westerville does have noise control ordinances in chapter 5-18 of our codified ordinances.

[1:14:57] If neighbor...

[1:15:00] Members have concerns around the level of noise they can always reach out to the last one. Not emergency number at 614-8827444 or they can call our code enforcement team at 614-9016816.

[1:15:16] There have been no other changes to the ordinances since the second reading.

[1:15:19] And with that staff's recommendation is approval of ordinance 2025 to establish the West sorry 2025-09 to establish the West start entertainment district.

[1:15:30] Any questions or comments?

[1:15:33] Yeah, thank you.

[1:15:36] I appreciate you coming back and addressing some of those concerns that residents brought up.

[1:15:40] I know we received comments and also written comments.

[1:15:44] So I just appreciate you addressing that and also talking about some of the avenues to take care of complaints.

[1:15:50] And then just in the future, I'd like to learn how we benefit from jobs of high-oing, that economic development from the state.

[1:15:59] Yeah.

[1:15:59] Pleasure of Council on the ordnance.

[1:16:00] No doubt.

[1:16:02] I'd been moved in seconded.

[1:16:04] Are there any additional questions or comments?

[1:16:07] Okay, please call the roll.

[1:16:09] May I?

[1:16:10] Yes.

[1:16:10] Mr. Washburn.

[1:16:11] Yes.

[1:16:12] Yes, Mr. Grimes.

[1:16:15] Yes.

[1:16:15] Mr. Glasgow.

[1:16:16] Yes.

[1:16:16] The Vice Chair Reamsider.

[1:16:18] Ordnance number 202509 passes unanimously.

[1:16:21] Thank you so much.

[1:16:23] If the clerk would please read ordnance number 2025-10 by title please.

[1:16:29] To amend Section 1 in Section 2 of Ordnance 2020-19 to extend the city managers authority to conduct ongoing competitive procurement process.

[1:16:40] To fulfill the city's electric power supply requirements, utilizing a block and indexed strategy to provide flexibility and diversity and to award such power supply contracts by motion of council through 2,035 and to declare an emergency.

[1:16:56] This is the time of the first reading, Mr. Moncille.

[1:16:59] Thank you.

[1:17:00] You're going to be done hearing about power supply for a little bit.

[1:17:03] But here I am again.

[1:17:04] I'm excited for everyone I know.

[1:17:07] As you all know, the city manager's authority to seek power supply pricing is extended currently

[1:17:14] through 2030.

[1:17:16] During our last meeting, when we passed the motion to enable us to secure power supply through

[1:17:22] 2030, Council asked about what does 2031 to 2035 look like.

[1:17:28] So at the time, of course it did look pretty strong.

[1:17:31] We were seeing prices in the low to mid-40s, which is very attractive for us, but the market

[1:17:36] is volatile, which is really why we're here tonight to pass this ordinance.

[1:17:41] So that way, when the market dips again, we do have that authorization you need to seek

[1:17:47] power supply pricing just as by way of up the prices have been trending upwards since I

[1:17:53] was your last.

[1:17:54] Unfortunately, the latest pricing, I saw was quite a bit higher at about $47 or above.

[1:18:00] So we are keeping a close eye on that.

[1:18:02] And if the market does differ again, we'll bring back a legislation that would enable us

[1:18:07] to move a little bit more quickly.

[1:18:09] For now, we'll seek these three readings and then move forward with a motion for any contracts

[1:18:14] that meet our power supply threshold.

[1:18:17] With that, I would be happy to answer any questions.

[1:18:20] Great.

[1:18:20] Any questions or comments?

[1:18:23] All right.

[1:18:23] That concludes the first reading.

[1:18:26] We're moving on to motions and I will entertain a motion to amend the City Council budget

[1:18:31] work session from Saturday, October 11th, 2025 to Saturday, October 18th, 2025.

[1:18:38] Thank you.

[1:18:42] Thank you.

[1:18:43] All right.

[1:18:44] It's been moved in the second and the clerk, please call the roll.

[1:18:49] Mr. Grimes.

[1:18:50] Dr. Kumes.

[1:18:51] Yes.

[1:18:51] Mayor Wright.

[1:18:53] Mr. Glasgow.

[1:18:54] Mr. Washburn.

[1:18:55] Yes.

[1:18:56] Yes.

[1:18:56] Yes. Motion passes unanimously. Move on to additional businesses. Is there any additional business

[1:19:03] by staff? Any additional business by council? All right. Council comments. Mr. Washburn,

[1:19:11] you're up. It's very happy to see Mr. Gardner receive that

[1:19:15] proclamation tonight. I've been following you for a long time and I learn all kinds of stuff

[1:19:20] about the city for you. So I'm thankful that you're here and just glad you're okay from your

[1:19:25] in the day. It's all I have. Mr. Grimes.

[1:19:31] No comments. All right Mr. Glasgow. Gary, I'm always amazed

[1:19:36] at the pictures that you guess. And as you said, where do you get those pictures? I'm sorry. It's

[1:19:41] nice to see you. I'm honored for what you do. Speaking of that, I have to commend you Mr. Mayer

[1:19:48] for the endurance. He eats proclamation today. It's a water. Yes. No, that's it. That's all.

[1:19:56] So anyway, that's all I got.

[1:19:59] All right, Vice Mayor Cumes.

[1:20:01] Yes, first, I want to congratulate the students.

[1:20:07] I'm up to 150 now, the seniors for graduating.

[1:20:11] Sunday, afternoon, I am so very proud of them,

[1:20:15] and they are proud of themselves.

[1:20:18] And the parents were very congratulatory of the city

[1:20:25] for taking care of their young people.

[1:20:29] And so two commitments, it's a lot.

[1:20:33] But we got through that and we're sending those young people

[1:20:36] forward, additionally, my son passed the California bar,

[1:20:44] which we're very proud of him in sunny California,

[1:20:48] Los Angeles, you will see, of course.

[1:20:52] And so, with that happening, we found out last night, I've been very reflective of his success.

[1:21:03] And it all goes back to, he is the proud product of a public school system.

[1:21:12] And I think that if we want our young people to be very successful,

[1:21:19] It lives to have a really, really good start, because now they're not just competing against

[1:21:24] their fellow classmates across the nation, but they're competing against four jobs from

[1:21:34] a lot of adults that have been returned to the, I'm looking for a job status.

[1:21:40] But I think they're really prepared.

[1:21:44] I think Westerville should be very, very proud of our graduates from our three high schools.

[1:21:52] I think they are prepared and ready to go out there and compete.

[1:21:56] But I think we really need to put some more time into things that maybe we can do to help the school system turn out really bright young people with promising futures.

[1:22:11] so that's my comment tonight. Thank you Mayor Wright. Look on it. Okay. Tonight, a couple of things.

[1:22:19] I did not know about the nature of Knights program, so I'm very excited about that. So just a quick reminder for everyone to go on the events calendar for the city.

[1:22:27] Especially as we enter the summer because there's a lot of cool stuff going on, that even when I was looking at the events calendar, I was like, oh, I forgot about that.

[1:22:33] Let's go look at that.

[1:22:34] And I did want to briefly touch on the Whitehall Resolution that came up in CIS and Comments

[1:22:40] tonight.

[1:22:41] When I was reading that, one thing I found interesting was they had some language in there

[1:22:45] about the right of trans and non-binary people to use municipal bathrooms with the outlines

[1:22:50] with their gender identity.

[1:22:52] So I was discussing that with our law director who actually informed me that we don't have

[1:22:57] to do anything additional.

[1:22:59] So I just want to kind of highlight that.

[1:23:00] So our non-discrimination ordinance already covers that.

[1:23:04] So just to reaffirm in the city of Westerville, if it's a public building, our buildings,

[1:23:09] you're free to use the bathroom that aligns with your gender expression.

[1:23:12] I thought that was something really cool that we could highlight that our non-discrimination

[1:23:16] ordinance already covers that.

[1:23:17] So that is all I have tonight.

[1:23:19] I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

[1:23:21] Oh, go ahead.

[1:23:25] I just wanted to remind people that the field of heroes is coming up and the Westville

[1:23:31] Sunrise Rotary is looking for lots of volunteers so go online and sign up. We

[1:23:39] really need you this year we're having the Vietnam veteran wall brought in. So

[1:23:46] look forward to that and that is that was worthwhile all right I'll entertain a motion to

[1:23:51] adjourn.

[1:23:53] Second, please call her all.

[1:23:55] Mr. Glasgow.

[1:23:56] Yes.

[1:23:57] Yes.

[1:23:58] Mr. Washburn.

[1:23:59] Yes.

[1:23:59] Mr. Grimes.

[1:24:00] Yes.

[1:24:01] Yes.

[1:24:02] Yes.

[1:24:02] We are adjourned.

Council Agenda

Agenda

Transcript