City Council - Regular Meeting

says okay. Uh, good evening. This is a call to the order of the February 2nd Canal and Chester City Council work session. Uh, roll call, please. Miss Ame, present. Mr. Bennett, here. Miss Statweiler, here. Mr. McGofflin, here. Mr. Moore, here. Mr. Payne, here. Mr. Sheay,

present. Thank you. Um, also in attendance we have Amanda Jackson, Matthew Peoples, Jesse Champ, sorry, messed up that name. Uh, and Lucas Hair. And we'll go to request for council action. First on the docket, we have resolution 26-008. Cler, will you please read? a resolution approving and adopting an economic development plan stating that the city may hereafter proceed with approval of a tax increment financing incentive district. Mr. Hair,

thank you, Mr. Moore. Um, this is the first step in creating a TIFF associated with the Miller Farms development. Um, so this is a different type of tiff than the city's adopted previously. This is known as an incentive district tiff and because it includes single family residential, it needs to be done that way. Typically in the past, we've done parcel tiffs. And so with an incentive district tiff, you need to um produce an economic development plan. Uh this really focuses on the opportunity because we're creating new housing, new housing opportunities and the economic impacts that that would have on the city. Uh there are three separate incentive districts here uh because there'll be single family, multifamily, and then the the town houses. And those are all separate. Um one of them being separate, the town houses because that's a separate owner. And so because there are multiple owners here as well, those are created into into different districts which are laid out and have legal descriptions on each of those. There's also a description in there of public infrastructure improvements that would be associated uh with this economic development plan and that ultimately will be associated with the tiff that'll come at a later meeting that we'll create. Uh but that lays out all the improvements that would be eligible cost to be reimbursed through the tiff. Um so as I mentioned this is the first step in in this process. We'll be back um in March with the actual ordinance to create the VTF district. So be happy to answer any questions you have in regards to this

questions. Is the language of is the language of what's included like or for that you could spend money on is that a standard one that you use for all of them? It's pretty standard. Yeah, we write we try to write them broad um and basically put any cost that is an eligible public expense in there. So that way if we have some expense in the future that we wanted to do [snorts] that wasn't contemplated in initial, we just try to be very broad with it. Thank you. I have a question. No. Um is there a time limit that this tiff will be effective or is it an indefinite?

Um tiffs are typically for 30 years. So that's what the tiff will create will be a 30-year tiff. Okay, thank you. Can we add um can we add neighboring existing properties to the tiff to capture uh more tax revenue with the incentive district tiff? Do we have to create a new tiff? I think we probably would. Yeah,

I think we have to create a the way the incentive district tiffs because they're single family. I believe we'd have to create a new tiff um to address a new parcel. So the parcel the parcel tiffs we can always add and expand those but with incentive districts I think you have to do a new tiff.

Okay. So I guess my question is is if we hit pause on this go back and add some of those extra parcels out there to kind of goose up the tiff a little bit. Would that work or do you still have to do something different? It wouldn't change anything because be because you're adding you're you're creating and putting more parcels in later, but tiffs only collect when there is new value created on those parcels. Okay. So, yeah, we we could do it in the future and still not miss any value capture. Thank you.

And so, Mr. here. Does this um this excludes Miller Farm Estates at this time? Correct. Okay. So, they would have a we would see another like agreement at perhaps at some point in the future if it's council's desire to have a tiff on on those parcels as well. That that could be possible. Yes. All right. Thank you. Can we like tiff the whole city and then every time we get a tax increase use it for the benefit of the city rather than sharing it with those taxing uh agencies?

I don't know the answer to that question. Um you know it's it's something that you need to be considerate of the other taxing entities in your community uh because this does redirect their uh potential revenues or revenue increase they would receive from these parcels. So you have to consider the impacts it would have on other entities. So like with this Miller Farms TIFF, there's you have to seek the county's approval um to do this and then there's protected levies. So we'll actually be paying payments in the 10th year through the 30th year to the county to offset them for their potential losses on this. Who are the protected levies?

Uh there are a number of protected levies. Um many of them are county levies. Some of them are Madison Township levies for the fire department. So, anything that there's that are associated with capital improvements like bond issues. Those are protected levies. Thank you. And these are non-school tiffs that the schools made whole. Um so they receive everything they would have received but for the tiff being in place. Mr. Bennett, you look like you're thinking. General. Sorry. Fair enough. Uh, do I have a motion to move resolution 26-008 to full counsel? So moved.

Uh, motion by Miss Aik, second by Mr. McLolin. Roll call. Miss Aik. Yes. Mr. Mclofflin. Yes. Mr. Moore. Yes. Mr. Payne? Yes. Mr. Sheay? Yes. Mr. Bennett? Yes. Miss Stweiler? Yes. Thank you. Next up, we have uh resolution 26- 009. clerk, will you please read a resolution for a moratorum on adult use in medical cannabis dispensaries, cultivators, processors, and other operations in the city of Canal Winchester? Would you like to go, Jesse?

Sure. Uh, so my understanding is we had the moratorum in place. It expired at the end of the year, and so we just want to extend that while we're uh finishing up the code rewrite so that we capture it all appropriately. I don't see an expiration date on this ordinance or resolution.

So, it's written so that um it goes it basically would change when we adopt an updated [cough] code that addresses this item. And so with the zoning code rewrite, we would write in where marijuana related businesses are permitted and if there are any additional restrictions on their location in terms of buffering from certain other [clears throat] types of land uses or from residential uses. Um so we would include that within our code rewrite. Thank you. And we're still on pace assuming for the end of the year for the rewrite to be finished. My hope would be summer. Perfect.

Will there be um options for the public to comment on the reszoning when it comes specifically to talking about this kind of property? There would be options to discuss any of the zoning code rewrite including this. Um so yes, we'll have the draft code. We'll have public hearings on that. Okay. So there'll be opportunities to do that. I have one more question. Um the other operations is that just covering what we don't know or are there specific entities that fall under that category.

Cultivators, cultivators, uh dispensaries, cultivators, processors, and other businesses. So yeah, it is a catch all just to Yep. Anything else? Do I have a motion to move resolution 26-009 to full counsel? Some moved. Second. Motion made by Mr. Bennett, second by Mr. McGlaughlin. Roll call. Mr. Bennett. Yes. Mr. McGofflin. Yes. Mr. Moore? Yes. Mr. Payne? Yes. Mr. Shay? Yes. Miss Ame? Yes. Miss Deweiler? Yes.

Next up, we have resolution 26-010. Uh, clerk, will you please read? a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an intergovernmental agreement concerning the financing of regional infrastructure at Basil Western. Uh Jessica, are you taking this one or is Lucas doing this one?

Um I'll handle this one. So this is essentially the the third step and a process we've been working through with u many governmental entities, but mainly but with Fairfield County. Um, this allows us to enter into an intergovernmental agreement that sets forth the terms of financing and paying for and repaying debt on improvements to Basil Western Road, Kings Crossing and Hill Road intersection. And so the roundabout that's looking to be installed at at King's Crossing and Hill Road and then Basil Western Road being widened to three lanes um from Amanda Northern back west and then relocating to to north of King East to tie into this new roundabout. And so back in 2023, we established and adopted through council uh anou with uh Violet Township, with the county, with the T that basically set forth uh that we were going to require developers to pay for the infrastructure improvements out here um through certain commitments they made. So uh we have a commitment that each developer will pay a $1.50 50 square foot impact fee that would go towards this infrastructure improvements. Um that they'll work with the uh Fairfield County Port Authority on financing. Um so that there's there's a capital lease program which is a sales tax give provides a sales tax exemption on building materials. Um and then half of those savings will be passed on to the TI which is the contracting entity that will construct these improvements. We set forth all that back in anou and then we adopted an intergovernmental agreement in uh 2024 the first phase that said yes we're going to work on financing we understand that we'll have some financial obligations as part of that but we agree that we're going to work with the county the t the port

authority to work through the details of that um so now we're at the stage where we're ready to issue debt so the designs the the engineering design is done uh that we've identified the rightway that is necessary to be taken out there or to be purchased. And um this is the next state step in that phase. And so this interal agreement essentially says that uh we're going to split the cost of this with the county in terms of backing up anything that is not contributed by developers or if development doesn't materialize as quickly as we anticipate. There's going to be debt service payments that need to be made and the city will be responsible for 39% of those payments. The county will be responsible for 61%. And that's based on the frontage of the benefiting properties that are part of these improvements. And so there are two different debt sources here. Um they received a approval for a state infrastructure bank loan. Uh that's $4 million at 3%. That's a 20-year loan. And then there'll be general obligation bonds that are issued by the county. Uh we believe those are going to be about $6.5 million um that will be done there. In total, this is about a $12 million improvement the project and about 10.5 million will be borrowed. Uh it's likely that those general obligation bonds will be somewhere right around 4.5% is what they'll be issued at. We don't know that until the time that they're actually issued. Uh which will likely be in March or April pending the approval of these intergal agreements by all the parties that need to approve them. Um so we're committing to repaying 31% of the debt associated with those two. um bonds and loans 39. Now each developer that comes in

Did you say 31? 39 I'm sorry. 39 the county of 61. That's correct.

And so each developer that comes in will contribute their portion of that. So through the $150 fee then any tax savings they have. There will also be tiffs that are established. There's already one currently with the county that they've established that captures the DHL project. Uh there's also a $1.2 million state development department grant called a $629 grant that was approved um that's that's still out there. And then um there's some T funding that they received about $350,000 in a grant that's out there as well. And so all those will be contributed to into the project as other sources uh to bring down that that debt. So that's how we're able to get those $12 million of improvements for about 10.5 million of debt issued. Um, so as everyone pays in, that will reduce the amount that each party owes the next year. And so our hope is that development materialize quick enough that there'll be very few times where we'll owe anything. Um, that development will pay for all of this. But if the development doesn't pay for all of it or it doesn't come quick enough, then the city will be on the hook for um approximately $300,000 a year is our maximum that we would have to pay if development doesn't move forward. And so that will be for the general obligation bonds are 24 years, the civ loans 20 years. And so, you know, during that 20 year, first 20-year period, that would be the the maximum is about $300 or $300,000 that the city would be responsible for paying.

Mr. Mr. Yeah, Mr. Hair from [cough] So, first of all, when when would this go into effect? Let's hypothetically if the debt would be issued this year, uh the first bond payments would likely be at the beginning of 27. Um the Sib loan that the first payments on that there's a three-year grace period, so they wouldn't be due until 2029, I believe.

So it's it's conceivable that development would occur. I know that's kind of a I don't know a hot development area. Um if so if that development were to start happening in 2026 early 2027 we would never like you said I guess I'm answering my own question. We would never have to pay anything if that development covers our part of the deal. Correct. And that could happen very quickly.

Yeah. So there's already revenue Well, they haven't collected the first payment, but there's already a tiff in place for DHL. Those are always collected in a rear. So, in the first quarter of this year, they'll reserve the fir receive the first funds into that tiff. And so, that will offset our cost already. So, that 300,000 is going to be offset by whatever comes in off the tiff off DHL, um, which exists currently. Uh, LEC has already been approved for 96,000 square feet of industrial space. That's in six buildings. That's going right beside CEC. Um, so that's in the township. And then, uh, Roling Development or Hemmer, uh, they've been approved for 600,000 square feet of buildings on the north side. Uh, incentive agreements are already completed. Uh, likely will break ground in the spring summer of this year. And so, we know those projects are likely to move forward this year. So, yes, it's there could be, you know, over the next if our first payments are due in 27 or 28, we could have enough revenue there. We could offset that completely. So, our risk posture is extremely low

unless barring some unforeseen circumstances. I'm I'm confident that there'll be enough revenue here if development does happen, the TIFFs will generate enough money that it'll cover the whole thing in the later years. Even the DHL tiff would cover the majority of the cost after the 15 years are done. Okay. Just on that one building. Thank you, Mr. Shay. Are there there are two tiffs there? There's a county tiff and a city tiff. Correct. They don't overlap though. Correct. They don't overlap. No, the county's tiffs on parcels that are within Violet Township still. Our tiff will be is not established yet. It's to be created.

So, [clears throat] okay, that was going to be my next question. What's our balance in there? But we don't have one yet. So, no, we'll create it once we have a development project moving forward in the city. So, that way we're not missing any years of collection. Are there any adjacent tiffs that could be could support that project like the Meyer tiff or the dway king's crossing tiff or anything like that? No. Okay. Thank you. Oh, one more question. The county tiff, does the county tiff cover everybody's share like our 39 and their 61?

Yeah. So regardless of which jurisdiction development would move forward, it applies in total. So all the money would go to the county. The county would then apply it to the debt equally so that you know their portion is reduced by the same percentage. So that that 3961 break stays the same of what's left to pay. So say you know there's a million [snorts] dollars due in a year and we get development for $500,000 then they take that 500,000 and split that up 61 to 39 on what's left to pay. So technically, if we never developed anything and they developed everything on their side, they could technically pay off all the debt in our name.

Yes. The debt will all be in their name. So we're not taking on any obligation. So the county is taking on all the obligation for the debt. So it's not any of our general obligation debt that we would have due. This is just an intergoal agreement that allows for the repayment and saying that yes, we'll take on our share of that. Got it. So, we're on the hook, but not on the hook. Correct. Yeah, we're still paying through that intergovernment agreement. Yeah. I mean, we're not going to do our neighbors wrong,

but yeah, this this project, you know, it's kind of you build it and they'll come, but it's like we we know that's a development corridor that's going to see development. Um, you know, you you've got two miles between the DY Road and the Pickerington Road interchange with a parallel roadway that's really set up for development, you know, for industrial development. You see, you know, truck traffic, all that. Right now, it's not the best roadway for truck traffic to be on. And so, getting Basil Western three lanes makes a much safer experience. There'll be pedestrian paths on both side. I know since I've been here, we've had a a bicycle fatality on that stretch of roadway and so it makes a much safer experience for everyone.

Any other questions? All right. Chair moves to move resolution 26-010 to full counsel. Second. Uh motion made by Mr. Moore, second by Mr. Bennett. Roll call, please. Mr. Moore. Yes. Mr. Bennett. Yes. Miss Statweiler. Yes. Mr. McGlaughlin. Yes. Mr. Payne. Yes. Mr. Shay. Yes. Miss Amit. Yes. All right. And last resolution, we have resolution 26-011. Clerk, will you please read a resolution to authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement for the legal purchase of a street sweeper and accessories? M. Jackson.

Thank you, Mr. Moore. Um, so as you may recall when I did budget presentation last fall, um, we spoke about needing a new street sweeper. The one we currently have in our fleet is almost 20 years old. Um, and so we had included in the 2026 budget um, lease payments uh, through Huntington Public Capital Corporation, who we have used before. Um, they would, this would be a three-year lease. We do already have on the books a master lease agreement with uh, the bank, but we are coming to council to get formal approval to use that master lease agreement to lease finance this um, new street sweeper. So, we got a quote in last Thursday of just under $245,000. Um, which I will say is about $100,000 less than what we were expecting, which is fantastic. Um, so we are looking to move forward with this purchase as soon as we can. We were told [snorts] it's anywhere from 90 to 120 days to build this thing out. It is not readily available. Um, so the interest rate that I was quoted last Friday is 4.15, which is exactly what it was when I went to them in the fall when I was doing my budgeting. So nothing has really changed there from their perspective. Um, again, this will be a three-year lease, so total interest, we're looking at about $18,000 over those three years. Um, and it'll be about $88,000 in principal and interest each year. Um, we will likely make our first payment this year. Uh, and then we'll have two payments starting next year. Um, this is a TMCO brand uh, street sweeper, which is the same brand we currently have. So, the hope is that maybe this one will last us another 20 years like the current one has. Um, so that's why we uh, we're very happy with the pricing that we got in. So, be happy to answer any other questions. Will we keep the existing street sweeper? Will that be something that we auction or sell or

um so we have a couple different options that we are discussing. One is trade in and one is selling outright to another municipality. So um we're kind of looking at those. Uh I think regardless of which way we go, we're going to get the same dollar amount for it. Um so the legislation is written as a not to exceed number. So if we do move forward with the trade, the total financing will go down based on the value of the trade. Perfect. Thank you. Since they're so cheap, compare compare compare to what you expect. Patrick wants two.

I was going to say, is it is there any benefit to buying two of them since the price is reasonable, our road mileage has increased, and I do believe I've heard you say they were a maintenance nightmare over the years. So may maybe a couple different things to to unpackage from that. Um with given our our current budget or and fund balance, we got a couple other projects as well. I don't think they're paying for a second one. Um we we are able that that thing does run quite a bit, but we only have 37,000 miles, I think, on the one we have. Do you have that on the tree?

I do not. Um it's got a ton of hours on it. Um the the maintenance nightmare they've addressed with this new piece of equipment with the updated model. Um we had there was a lot of just straight steel components uh as part of that especially back in the hopper. Uh we've replaced the hopper hopper hopper. Uh we replaced that uh about five five to seven years ago. Um, and there the opera now and the components inside are all now stainless steel where it was just straight carbon steel, rusted out quite a bit. We we actually had guys welding steel plates on the outside um a couple years ago getting a couple getting more um getting more [snorts] longevity out of that before we replaced it.

Okay. So, I I think we're good with the operation. I appreciate the uh thinking about uh that going forward. Um, but I definitely wouldn't want to have to maintain two of those either.

To piggy back off of what Mr. Peoples is saying, this is going to be paid from our storm water fund, which is one of our smaller funds. Um, we are currently undergoing the East Waterlue storm sewer project that is also going to come out of this fund. Um, and we've talked about the Ashbrook Village drainage project. So, we want to be very conscious of how much money we're spending out of this fund in any given year because it does not build up as quickly as our other two utility funds. So, um that's part of the reason too that we're looking at the lease uh financing option rather than just paying straight cash for it. Thank you. Any other questions? Do I have a motion to move resolution 26-01 to full counsel? So moved.

Second. Motion made by Miss A, second by Mr. Shay. Roll call. Miss Amit. Yes. Mr. Sheay, yes. Mr. Bennett, yes. Miss Steweiler, yes. Mr. McGofflin, yes. Mr. Moore, yes. Mr. Pay, yes. All right. Uh, next we'll go to old and new business. Um, start with OT26-001 2026 capital improvements plans.

Mr. Peoples, sorry. uh presented at last uh at the last meeting just for to gain some comments. I have not heard anything uh regarding that specific to the the projects itself. Uh I know we've discussed with uh uh Miss Amic and Mr. Moore um about some of the the projects in there. There's um it's quite an extensive list um and looking to get a little bit more detail on those. it would be kind of a a separate document that goes along with it with a a one pager uh that that just kind of explains what it is, where it's at, um some maybe some of the funding sources in a little bit more detail uh as well. But uh I guess nothing specific to this um in order to get this up and running or to get those fact sheets, if you will, uh up and going, it's probably going to take some time to do. Uh and well I this I think as we talked last meeting this is typically done uh in September time frame August September uh if especially if we're going for Ohio Public Works Commission funding um we will present this and it has to be adopted included in that uh in those application materials. So um if it's all right I will target that time frame to have these fact sheets up and u operational. uh we we talk about having them on our website uh so they can be viewed from from our by our residents and not just a a generic name behind it. Some of these things are the the names that we give it are uh we know what we're talking about sometimes other people don't.

Perfect. Did anybody have any questions? Just a couple things. Fire. Mr. Peoples. Um, the wayfinding signage is number 68 on the list and so I don't know if that is something that is targeted for 2026 or not. It's uh I I dare say it's only 100,000. Is there something more to that um conversation than just getting the signage up? Is it a bigger conversation [snorts] about rights of way and and all of that? Okay.

The the the property acquisition [clears throat] uh where it's going. We've we've had anywhere from um putting it on the I'll call it the bell tower at the Kroger um the big monument there putting up a big screen uh that type of thing which I I believe goes against our zoning code uh for allowing big screens and that type of thing. Uh to to kind of even um taken us a little bit down a different path. Um we we kicked around some ideas of maybe not a wayfairing sign out there but uh a kiosk downtown in Stradley um that would have just some events pop up on it. Um Mr. Moore uh found a found a sign or uh it was um Andrew Moore, I'm sorry, uh had found one uh that Rick Brown had sent him. Uh just had had some ideas on that that it could be a little bit more interactive pop up for our pedestrian. Um there's so much uh uh activity in Straley now having some events that are down there. Um future events um even you could even sell advertising on it type of thing uh if wanted to. Um but so we we've kind of moved around uh what that exactly is. Um, you know, it was similar. I guess the the original thought it was similar to something that the school has uh out in front of their um um the high school there just had the marquee uh that type of thing to again a large video board on on a a very large monument that is not ours type of thing. So, we're thinking um primarily digital signage versus just arrows like

you know city halls that way, Straley Park is that way. Is that something that's been discussed at all? Just those type of non-digital signage. Uh we have not I don't recall any more than like we put the parking signs up uh that type of thing. Okay. All right. Thank you. And then um number 78 I think is Winchester Village. Um the signage out front continues to be a problem in that. Is that the responsibility? I'm not even sure if that's an HOA community or not, but it is not. So is that frontage our responsibility?

Those are both on private property. Um the property owner I believe on the the east side allowed them to take that one down or at least partially take it down. I I don't believe the property on the west, if it's still that same way, um allow them to get in there. Okay. From whatever call. Uh yeah, like cross. Yeah. Yeah. Um it it seems to the signage there is problematic. It's down a lot and it's Yeah. busted up a lot. It's crumbling and Yeah.

Okay. Um and then one last question. If you I can't I can't sort on your PDF. At least I don't think I could. Um the total of just the locally funded projects, does that come out of the general fund or will the those projects all come from different funds? Yeah, all all funds uh unless it's a tip that's in there. I think I have those listed separately. Uh if there's grants, that type of thing, but most of them whatever project be water projects, it's it's still a local fund, but out of the the watering. Got it. Okay. Thank you. That's all I have, Mr. Moore. Anybody else have anything on the CIP? Anything else for old or new business?

Yeah, I have something to add for new business. Um, so I wanted to discuss uh now Winchester creating a designated safe zone for children and custody handoffs. Um, our community currently doesn't have one designated. Um, and many communities across the country and a lot of our neighboring communities have them. Uh these uh safe zones are usually set up near or within the sheriff's parking lots. Um 247 surveillance is normal with cameras and they're uh in welllit areas. Um it's to address uh domestic violence and physical assaults that commonly occur, you know, from divorces and custody handoffs. Um I think uh you know I uh studies show that over 50% of children are going to experience their parents being divorced or separated at any uh given time in their you know 18 years of adolescence. So I think that's something we need to look at adding to our community. I know we have limited parking place uh space around the sheriff's office, but um it's something that I'd like to [snorts] uh to uh talk with city staff and see if we can't find a place that can accommodate um you know accommodate that and give our our community a safe uh handoff zone. Anybody have any comments or additions to that?

No, I think I mean I don't know if Mr. Peoples, Mr. Steer if you guys want to talk with Sergeant Strong and just put a note down to Yeah. Yeah. I'm not I'm sure it's not something they're not familiar with as far as I'm sure they probably have it over at you know in Fairfield County somewhere and over in Pickerington and whatnot. So So yeah. No, I mean I am familiar with it and I think it's a good a good thing. Yeah. think I'm thinking about the only place we might be able to do it is out back here. Where [snorts] I was thinking we're back in the substation. That's what I'm thinking is what would be a better place than right there at Stradley Park in the substation. It' be nice other than parking's really limited.

Yeah, they're packed in there. Yeah, I think this would be a good place to to post some resources for um people who are experiencing intimate partner violence or or worried about that just if there was a sign which is different flyers for people just to know that there's stuff out there for them. It's a good idea to Yeah. and a concealed carry class form.

Well, I think it's definitely something we can all get behind. So, that's a that's an easy ask. So, we'll get they'll they'll partner with Sergeant Strong and see what we can come up with. Um, I do have something for new business also. Um, Friday we met with staff, Lori and I, Miss A and I, and um, talked about the mayor's retreat and just wanted to get an idea. Um, I mean, we could talk for hours about what day and times and everything else works better, but probably just I think the biggest thing is are we is it possible for us to do I say an all day thing, but we'll we'll call it, you know, 8 to 3 or 9 to 3, or is it better for people to do a, you know, 12 to 7 to where maybe they're only taking a half day? I I'm throwing out times. Um but just just trying to get a consensus what would work best for the group. Um I know all of our schedules are different and our jobs some are more flexible than others. So just trying to get an idea of where everybody's head's at.

Let's put a date on the calendar and stick to it. I um as long as it's out far enough, I think it's it's immaterial of the time. Okay. Um I don't I don't I'm certainly can take a full day um of vacation and prioritize that. I just it would probably be nice to have maybe three to four weeks. Yeah, we were talking no no like late March, early April is kind of where we were thinking. So yeah, plenty plenty of time. That would be plenty notice. Yeah, I agree with that. As long as I have time to take off work.

Yep. Lori, can you get off work? [laughter] Lori seems okay with it. Every day is a Saturday. Yes, [laughter] maybe. I'm a little jealous. Um, okay. So, we'll we'll work on getting a a date set in stone then and then uh we'll make sure that's out plenty of notice so everybody can uh request off. I know two years ago, was it two years ago or last year? Last year. Last year we tried and um I myself was guilty, missed it. So, we're really going to make a effort to to get everyone around. Yeah. Yeah. And it's probably my fault anyways. I think that's why we're trying to get it early. So, yeah. Uh, anything else for

uh Yeah, I wanted to bring up the council connect and moving to the library. Mr. Bennett, I think you uh graciously coordinated all that with Kristen at the library. So, is that that's a done deal? We are officially moving council connect meetings to the library. Do you know we do we have a we have a signed room now? She scheduled a space or um Mr. Hansen, the library branch manager, said he reserved a space. He did not indicate a specific space. I feel like it would probably be one of those large rooms toward the front. Okay.

But it's not a set in stone thing yet. I think it was more of a discussion item for all of council. I think it was something we sort of discussed and thought um it's sort of a neutral place. it sort of comes as a facility uh easy access as far as parking goes. It is also not a room that we have to work to manipulate um every council connect. Um, and so there was just some thought of like it's sort of more of a neutral space and maybe instead of making you come to the city building and maybe again how do we lessen the sterile

the sterileness but also just the fact that you know we're meeting on neutral ground like we're not you don't have to come to us. We're we're working with you as the community. So felt like a nice use of community space. I'm I'm perfectly okay with it. We'll need to get if we're going to do it, we need to We have one coming up February 21st. Yep. I'm on that one. You're on that one. So, we need to get a communication out uh somehow through the city. Um does anyone object to doing the library? I'll just say I love the idea. Okay, hang on.

Doesn't matter. I mean, I'm obviously completely on the left field here, but no, I think it's a city event and you should hold it in a city space. I mean, we're not the Columbus Public Library representatives. We're the City of Canal Winchester representatives. And I do hear all the benefits that you all are saying in terms of the space is ready to go. It's convenient. And but that would be my one thing. We're not the city. We're not the Columbus Metropolitan Library. We're the city of Canelo Winchester City Council.

We just wanted to make you feel good about the tax dollars that we spend. Um I will say when when this first began it was never hosted in a city building. Um it would always have to be hosted in sort of a neutral site. Um previously in the first iteration was Jill appreciate this coffee. Um it was always um sort of a rotating thing and what we tried to do was find

we're always trying to find a home for it so people could always understand when it was where it was. Um and so the consistency of it um but in the first stages it was always kind of a more of a neutral side event. Um but I I I totally hear you, Mr. Sh. I don't think um I don't think there's anything right or wrong with either one. I think it's just a you know it's a way to take advantage of a new space and get people engaged in the library, too. And I'm and I'm and I'm not going to I mean I've said my piece about it. My only concern is is that um when we have it there are we going to be connecting with our residents of the city of Canal Winchester or are we going to be connecting with residents of the Canal Winchester zip code and that is because that is important to me because I'm there to meet with our residents not with

How do you know that they would be your residents if you met here? I mean it's an open meeting here too. So, I mean, anybody could anybody could come. I mean, we're not going to limit it to to who can come. I think we've all we've always had residents in the past show up. I think we've had non-residents show up as well. Yeah. To discuss larger community issues. I'm neutral. I'm okay either way. I'm just wanting to make sure that we get whatever we're going to do, we get the communicate if if there's going to be a change, we need to get that communication out. Yep. I like the library. I mean, I think it's I think it's a cool spot and it'll I think I don't know. It's less intimidating than coming [snorts] in here.

Well, and in uh for the residents that have children, too. I mean, meeting in a place where they, you know, their kids can read a book while they want to step in and have a conversation, I think it's going to be great and inviting. Um, it's true. Yeah. I think also the opportunity to have a meeting in a space where people are already gathering. They can see us meeting. It's more inviting. um more people may be willing to participate in the future because they see it happening. They they know, you know. Yeah. Mr. Bennett, do we have a maybe I'm mistaken, but don't we have a council connect sign or we had a community coffee sign? It's right on the other side of H. Oh, okay. Is it Did we ever change it to council connect? Is it It's council connect.

Okay. Yeah. Council connect this way. Okay. We can take that with All right. So, I think we've all uh I can make more sense agree agree on that and uh we'll be at the library. So, Mr. Peoples, can you ask um Hannah to get a communication out for from the city? Thank you. We'll do. And Mr. Shay, looks like you're pointing at something. Oh, I was. Go ahead. Um, hey, I'm just looking Matt at your um, [clears throat] works commission summary form and I'm looking at the the roads mileage that's listed out and the you got 1.7 that are poor. Are those all on our streets program this year? No.

No. Great. Uh, one of them is uh, Winchester Pike uh, out at the uh, out towards the cemetery. Um, oh, the back end of it. Yeah, that that part of that um there is I I believe um I can get you an answer to I can get the data for you. I was just curious cuz I mean you guys don't do anything poor. So it's kind of like hey maybe we clean that off.

Yeah, some of them are alleys that we are addressing. Um yeah, Winchester Pike is the biggest one and then we have uh TR Street. We're doing Try Street. that is on there as one of them. Uh Oak Street is another one right next to the railroad on the east side. Uh we have two alleys we are doing. Union Alley and Glosser Alley. Um and then I just think the biggest one uh is Winchester Pike, which we are not doing uh at this point. That that has a that's old US 33 basically. um and it has a concrete base on it which causes a little bit of uh some of the problems and it's just a um tarn chip roadway that we did 20 plus years ago. So considering what it is, it's holding up very well um there's maybe a little bit of development pressure in the future um to be able to address that further.

All right. Thank you. You're welcome. Um I have a question. I noticed that there are park mobile signs now in the parking lot behind uh Winchester Exchange. Um is that something that the city is doing? Is that with the business private property? Okay. And is that just that lot behind Winchester Exchange? Yes. Okay. Thank you. But yeah, as far as we know, fair. Not seen it anywhere else.

Um just a quick reminder. Uh just a quick reminder, um Miss Jackson sent out the public records training and we all need to sign up for that and then after you complete it, I think she asked for a copy [clears throat] of this completion certificate. So as you complete that, just be sure you get that to her. All right. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? Hold on. Sorry. Uh because of the recent private lot downtown that is charging for parking, are are we doing anything to enforce the existing 2-hour parking that exists around downtown?

Okay. Maybe a question for his report. I don't know the answer to that. Have you guys asked him to do anything with it? We have not. Okay. It's been a conversation. It It's been a conversation for quite a while. I know the Supreme Court declared that chalking tires was um or a violation uh of the constitution. So, um yeah. Okay. Uh makes it much more difficult to uh enforce. Um I I would say a lot of our a lot of people who do park there are the employees

business owners and employees of uh our downtown resident or of downtown businesses and some residents as well that are that are down. Well, and now every officer on the streets in Ohio wears a a camera everywhere they go, right? Isn't that the law, Jesse, that they all got to have body cameras? Yes. So you wouldn't need to chalk tires. Just need to walk past them and now you've got your two-hour record if you if it's if it's activated. Activated. Yeah. All right. Yeah. [clears throat] They're probably not just walking around recording, I'm guessing. Right. Good. Now, do I have a motion to adjourn? Second. All right. Motion by Mr. Shay. Second by Mr. Mclofflin. Roll call. Mr. Sheay. Yes. Mr. Mclofflin. Yes. Mr. Moore.

Yes. Mr. Payne. Yes. Miss. Yes. Mr. Bennett. Yes. Miss Stewart. Yes. Yeah. Well, time out 6:46. Washington. Sorry.

Good evening. Welcome to the Canal Winchester City Council meeting for Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Uh, call to order, please. It's the pledge of allegiance. Oh, sorry. I'm sorry, Miss Doug. Sorry. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, how about now we'll do the roll call. Miss A. Yes. Mr. Bennett, yes. Here. Miss Bweiler here.

Mr. Mclofflin here. Mr. Moore here. Mr. Payne here. Mr. Shay present.

Thank you. The next item is the approval of minutes for min-26-003. These are the work session minutes for January 20th, 2026. I do have a minor uh correction. Uh Miss Pierce in under resolution 26-006 um my statement was and in fact Mr. hair. Didn't the original traffic study, this is regarding Miller Farms, include the commercial piece that has since been mixed is what's in the minute. It's I meant it was nixed because that commercial piece is not happening. Thank you.

Is there a motion to approve MIN260003? So move made by Mr. Mclofflin, second by Mr. Moore. Roll call, please. Mr. Mclofflin, yes, Mr. Moore. Yes. Mr. Payne. Yes. Mr. Sheay. Yes. Miss Ame. Yes. Mr. Bennett. Yes. Miss Statweiler. Yes. Thank you. Next up is minutes 26-004. These are the city council meeting minutes for January 20th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Motion made by Mr. Sheay, second by Mr. Moore. Roll call, please. Mr. Shay. Yes. Mr. Moore. Yes, Mr. Payne. Yes, Miss A.

Yes, Mr. Bennett. Yes, Miss Statweiler. Yes, Mr. Mclofflin. Yes,

thank you. Next item, communications and petitions. The first item is uh communication-26-00003. Mr. Mayor, this is the um proclamation for uh Miss Karen Styles. So Karen, would you come up here, please? Well, council, uh, thank you for this opportunity, Miss Ach. Um, as you all know, uh, Karen has been several years running, uh, Destination Canal Winchester. She's poured her heart and her life into this, uh, process that she's been through. And I just thought it would be fitting for us to acknowledge that tonight and wish her farewell into her retirement. We know she's going to be close, but we also know that she's going to spread her wings and take care of her babies and her her children's babies, that is. [laughter] [clears throat] So whereas Karen Styles, a longtime executive director of Destination Canal Winchester, has retired after 10 years of service to the Canal Winchester community. And whereas Karen's love of Canal Winchester is evident through her work at Destination Canal Winchester and volunteerism with the Canal Winchester Labor Day Committee, two organizations hosting large events each year for our community. And whereas under Karen's direction, Destination Canal Winchester has expanded the Canal Winchester's farmers market, the Blues and Rib Fest, as well as introd introduced many new events, including the reindeer games, the skeleton tour, the summer Sundays at Stradley for both residents and visitors of our city. Did Did I miss any?

You have Art on the Canal, Art Stroll, Art Strolls, Art Art Stroll. [clears throat] And I really have to give Sue credit for summer Sundays at Stradley. That was her idea and she's done a wonderful job. Very good.

Whereas Karen was named 2023 Canal Winchester Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year, a testament to her commitment to our city. And whereas whereas Karen's hard work and dedication to Canal Winchester should be acknowledged and celebrated. Now therefore, I, Joseph Steager, by virtue of the authority vested to me as the mayor of city of Canal Winchester, Ohio, do hereby honor Karen Styles for her accomplishments, and we thank her for her service to our community, and we also congratulate her on a well-earned retirement. In witness whereof, I have here unto set my hand and caused the seal of the city of Canal Winchester, Ohio to be affixed to this day on the 2nd of February in the year of our Lord 2026. THANK YOU [applause] MUCH. [applause] Thank you all very much. I've appreciated the support of all of you through all of these events, but I'm I'm really excited to say that we are leaving this in the very capable hands of Lacy and Sue. And so I'm excited to see where it goes from now. Thank you.

Thank you, Karen. You will definitely be missed. We appreciate all you've done. Um, next up is communication-26-00004, uh, proclamation honoring Black History Month. Mayor Steer.

Yes. So, whereas the city of Canal Winchester is a community of values of different cultures, backgrounds, and histories of its residents. And whereas Black History Month has been recognized each February by US presidents since 1976 and grew out of the creation of the Negro History Week of 1926 by Carter Carter G. Woodson, an author, historian, and the son of enslaved persons. And whereas black Americans have struggled to persevere through enslavement, persecution, and oppression, and still face systematic barriers to equality in society, in workplaces, at the ballot box, and in many other facets of daily life. And whereas despite these seemingly unend unending challenges, black Americans have continuously made critical contributions to America and the world through innovation in arts, science, business, law, and governors, healthc care, education, and more as well as to our broader national culture and heritage. where and whereas the month of February gives us the chance to honor the many heroes who are both known and unknown and pay tribute to the generations of individuals who struggled with adversity, risk their lives for justice, battled against seemingly uncsurmountable forces, and advocated for equality then, now, and in the future. And whereas it is essential to our continued growth and progress as a nation and a city that we honor the legacy and the contributions of black Americans while vowing to continue the necessary work of reckoning with past injustice injustice and seeking equality

for our present and future. And whereas the Association of the Study of American African Life and History has declared that 2026 theme for Black History Month to be a century of Black History commemorations. Thank you.

Celebrating 100 years of public observation through black history in our nation. Now therefore, I, Joseph Steager, the mayor of Canal Winchester, Ohio, do hereby recognize February 2026 as Black History Month, celebrating our black friends and neighbors, our scholars, our teachers, our business people, our community leaders, and contribut contributors to our quality of life and encourage all residents to further educate themselves on black history in America and seek remedies to continued injustices. In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and cause of the seal of the city of Canal Winchester, Ohio to be a to be affixed to this second day of February in the year of our Lord 2026. Thank you. And thank you to Hannah for bringing this to my attention. Much appreciated. [applause] Thank you, Mayor Steager. That takes us to the public comments. Um, public comments are limited to 3 minutes per individual. Your time will not begin until you begin speaking. Uh, your time will be displayed on the screen behind me, and more time may be granted at the discretion of the chair. Let it be noted that this is not a time for council to answer specific questions. If you do have a question, you may ask it during your time and we will attempt to have your question addressed throughout the remainder of the meeting. If you do not feel your question has been addressed, please reach out to a member of council or appropriate city director after the meeting. At this time, we'll invite public comments to the podium. [clears throat]

Hello. Uh my name is Adam Ker. a canal Winchester resident. Um, for a council connect at the library, I like it. Um, may be beneficial to ask if they're willing to include it on their invent calendar. Something I thought of. Um, shoot. When it comes to the cannabis moratorum, [snorts] [clears throat] I would like to see the city not allow businesses that include any aspect of cannabis or THC derived from or THC derived from hemp within the city limits. There are plenty of businesses to get those products nearby. The closest being just under 7 milesi from this building and I hear [snorts] one more uh going to be even closer and um 11 miles for medical use just outside Carol. On top of that, no matter how the zoning code update addresses businesses that include cannabis, I believe that council should address it before the zoning code comes out as a standalone issue that is a more visible to the community instead of being a small part of a very large piece of legislation that may very easily be overlooked by the general public.

[clears throat] This would alleviate whether or not the planning and zoning code commission would need to invest any more time on the issue or just end the discussion with a permanent moratorum. People have very strong opinions on cannabis based businesses in their community whether they are for or against and I would hate to see this issue be the cause of the new zoning code being held up for something that can be solved within three meetings from now. [snorts] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Any other public comments? Okay, this time I'd like to welcome State Senator Michelle Reynolds for public comment.

Well, good evening. So, uh, thank you so much for allowing me to share with you tonight. Um, for the new council members, congratulations and welcome. Um, I am State Senator Michelle Reynolds in case um, I haven't met you. Um I'm here tonight to share that um every bianium we have a capital budget and there has been some conversation um that we may not have one but I'm here tonight to share the latest news that we have decided to actually have a capital budget this bianium. So, um, this is very fresh news and I wanted to share it because your council meeting is on Monday night and I'm going from council to council to share this news, um, so that you can get prepared for what the capital budget has to bring. So, um, a large part of our capital budget is community projects and that generally consists of $150 to $175 million um, for the capital budget. And although these projects aren't delineated by district, that means about $5 million per Senate district. And so Senate District 3 is is our district. Um and that is not only Franklin County, that's Madison County and Pickaway County. Um however, because Franklin County is such a large county, it's going to receive about $15 million. Um the remainder of the capital budget is usually about $3 billion and that goes for projects like um school facilities, public works commission, mental health facilities, state prisons, and things like that. So what you're going to want to focus on, of course, is community projects. Um, as you know, last bianium, um, Canal Winchester was awarded $600,000 from McGill Park, and that was the project in 2024 that was submitted, um, by the city, um, to, uh, then state representative Richard Brown and myself. And so, it was awarded $600,000. This year's award could vary because there's a lot of other cities in

Franklin County, but that does not mean that you all are off the table. So, I encourage you to apply. [snorts] Um the applications actually don't even come out until this Friday. So like I said, this is very fresh news. Um Friday, May 6th, my office will be emailing those applications to all the city leadership. Um so you all will get one. And um it is due by March the 12th back to my office. And something we're doing a little bit different this year is that whatever application you submit to the senator, you also need to submit the same application to the state rep. So, state rep. Meredith Lawson and myself, you'll want to submit to both of us because we're trying to do it both chambers do one joint application this year. So, that way um if so, say she submits a project and I submit a project and it doesn't make her list, then those projects get watered down. But if we do it together, then that your likelihood of getting what you ask for is strengthened. So, that's what we're trying to do this year. um projects that generally are eligible um are mental health facilities. So like opiate treatment, detox, addiction recovery, domestic violence shelters, YMCA's, YWCA's, parks and wreck, which is great news for you all. Um, hiking and bike trail, swimming pools, parks, nature preserves, playgrounds, um, state park upgrades, wildlife items, splash pads are eligible. Cultural and sports facilities like museums, art galleries, halls of fame, zoos, historical sites, stadiums, arenas, or other public venues promoting culture and historic facilities. And then higher education. So projects that partner with a public education four or two-year school like a hospital or a medical center if you're doing a joint partnership. Business incubators, workforce and job initiatives. Those do qualify as well. Um and you can do some joint use

agreements. Um project project sponsors can be private entities but the capital project cannot be used for staff or operational or transportation expenses and all projects must be bondable. And then um also the projects with dollar for-doll local match are preferred. We generally like to be the last money in. So, if you have a project that's already, you know, you know, shovel in the ground, you're already moving forward, we like to know that we're kind of the last money in, and we don't like to be more than 50% of the total project cost. Um, so applications are coming out, they're due March 12th. Get it to my office, get it to um Rep. Lawson Row, and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. You're welcome. Uh any other public comments? Okay, moving on. We will move to the reports of city officials and staff. And first up is the mayor's report. Mayor Stager.

Thank you, Miss Aik. Um thank you, Senator Reynolds, as well. Um the only thing I have is that we did um meet last week uh and discuss the um the uh partners initiative that we're working on that we talked to you guys about um Miss Ach and uh Mr. Moore. And uh what we're going to do at this point is uh instead of a request for proposals, we're going to go for we're going to move forward with a request for qualifications prior to that so that we don't end up with 20 or 25 um different proposals to look through. So we're we're going to try to narrow it down with a qualification uh list and then we'll move forward after we analyze that with a request for proposals. Other than that, I don't have anything else unless you have any questions.

Any questions for Mayor Stater? All right. Thank you, Mayor. Next item, city administrator, Mr. Peoples.

Uh, thank you, Miss Aik. Um, one thing from my report I want to highlight uh is the open house uh for ODOT's uh 674 bridge project uh on uh Gender Road over Little over Walnut Creek. Um, well, this is not a project that's going to happen until 2028. It will have major traffic impacts. Uh, that's 15 20,000 cars a day that travel through there that will be rerouted. Um, they are working through a couple different scenarios. Um, if they maintain traffic, even just one way. Um, it will, um, extend the project. If they close it completely, obviously [clears throat] it makes it shorter. Uh but for more um for more information on that project uh it is February 19th uh here in council chambers from 5 to 7. So we continue to stay in uh contact with ODOT on that project and we'll provide anything uh uh in the future.

Mr. Peoples, did they give an estimate or maybe we need to wait. I put it on my calendar, but did they give an estimate how long the project will take overall? Uh, I do not I do not recall one if they did. Okay. I think it's 90 days. Okay. Mr. Peoples, um, do you do you and the mayor have any influence on whether they shut it down completely or keep one lane of traffic open?

Uh, they always probably uh they always uh reach out and get our opinions on on how that works. Um, you'll try to figure out which way. Um it it's also a logistics challenge for them. Uh so while they may uh solicit our input um there's and sway holds with that with obviously Mayor Steer involved in that um it doesn't always come to our opinion. Thank you.

Thank you Mr. Peoples. Um the next item is Fairfield County Sheriff Sergeant Strong. Good evening, council. I do not have anything. Um, I'd be happy to answer some questions if you have them. Any questions for Sergeant Strong? Did you get your answer from last last week about or I did get an answer. Okay, Sergeant, I talked about it. Okay, good. I just want to thank you guys for I know we could be under a level three, but you and your staff and first responders um are still out there with our community every single day. um especially during that snowstorm. So, thank you.

I'll pass that on to them. They did a good job. Um you know, I checked in on them through the weekend and I sit at home. I had the luxury of being off. Um but you know, I do worry about the guys cuz they're still out. We have to be out in the elements, have to be driving around. Um safety, you know, driving the cruisers around. So, uh they they stayed at they stayed visible um helping strengthen the motorists and did a fantastic job with no no major incidents. I will I'll pass that on to him. Thank you, sir.

I have a question, Mrs. Steper. Um, with the expected um federal presence in Springfield coming up, is there um any preparation or expectation of Fairfield County Sheriff's being involved in Springfield, Ohio in the soon to be future? No, I've not had any conversation or heard anything about that at all. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Anything else? Okay. Thank you, Sergeant Strong. You're welcome. The next item is law director um Mr. Champ.

Thank you, Miss Ham. Uh I don't have anything formal to report, but happy to take any questions. Okay. Hearing nothing, we'll move to um finance director uh Jackson. Where's Jackson? [laughter] I can't write and uh listen at the same time, Miss Jackson. Thank you, Mrs. Amic. I really don't have anything in addition to my written report this evening. Thank you. And uh last is development director, Mr. Her.

Thank you, Mrs. Amic. Just a few items to highlight. My written report, uh we did see receive an application for a site development plan from Molto Properties to uh do the next phase of the Canal Point expansion uh and an extension of Robinet Way. They're proposing an additional 210,000 ft um speculative industrial building on that site which will also have frontage on Bowen Road. Um that'll be before planning and zoning at their next meeting on February 9th. Uh we also received a reasonzoning application for the property at the norththeast corner of um Bowen Road in US 33 to go from general commercial to limited manufacturing. So that's on their agenda. And then we are just finalizing the site development plans and engineering construction drawings for um Loth Point Village. If you recall, that's the Stark Enterprises multif family community on Hill Road. Uh their intent is to uh break ground on that as soon as the weather breaks. So, uh that project is is moving forward there. So, be happy to answer any other questions that you all might have.

Is Molto the one that's also doing the other one on Bowen Road? Molto built two existing buildings in extended Robinette Way and so this will be their third building on the property that they purchased there. Okay. Wasn't there there's one adjacent to that that we approved last year, right? We approved the reszoning of their site. So this is the development of that building. So they had initially proposed uh a concept plan during that reasoning that was two buildings that were uh right around 100,000 ft. This is one building that's 210,000 ft. This is the same project just different ideiation. Correct. Thank you. Anything else for Mr. Hair?

Okay. Moving on, we will move to resolutions. The first item is resolution 26-008. Clerk, will you read the resolution, please? a resolution approving and adopting an economic development plan stating that the city may hereafter proceed with approval of a tax increment financing in SNM district. Thank you, Mr. Hair.

Thank you, Mrs. Aik. Uh, as I discussed in the uh previous meeting, this will allow um an incentive district tiff to move forward. It's the first step in an incentive district to allow uh the creationist economic development plan. There are three separate incentive districts associated with the um multifamily which is considered commercial property under Ohio code. The single family residential parcels and then the town homes here. This [clears throat] just lays out the economic benefits of having additional housing in the city by creating you know essentially more spending power in the community, more opportunities to bring new residents to the city um and create more opportunities for people to move here. So, um, any questions in relations to that? This is the first step in what will be [snorts] future legislation which will come in March to create an actual TIFF on the Miller Farms parcel.

Thank you, Mr. Her. Questions? Okay. Hearing none, uh, the chair is the sponsor and the chair will move to adopt resolution 26-008. Second. Motion made by uh, Mrs. Aik. Second by Mr. Moore. Roll call, please. Miss Ame, yes. Mr. Moore, yes. Mr. Payne, yes. Mr. Sheay, yes. Mr. Bennett, yes. Miss Deweiler, yes. Mr. McGofflin, yes.

Thank you. The next item is resolution 26-009. Clerk, will you read the resolution, please? a resolution for a moratorum on adult use and medical cannabis dispensaries, cultivators, processors, and other operations in the city of Canaw. Thank you, Mr. U Shamp. Thank you, Miss Am. Uh this is just uh we had passed a moratorum last year. It expired at the end of the year. This just extends that moratorum uh up and until uh the adoption of the new zoning code that will address this type of use. Thank you, Mr. Champ. questions. Okay. The uh chair is Mr. Bennett.

A motion to adopt resolution [clears throat] 26-009. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Motion made by Mr. Bennett, second by Mr. Mclofflin. Roll call, please. Mr. Bennett? Yes. Mr. Mclofflin? Yes. Mr. Moore? I was gonna do we do we not going to discuss it? I'm sorry. Um there's a motion on the floor. Do you want to go ahead?

I I just wanted just just in light of the public comment um should we consider um instead of the moratorum ending at the zoning code just extending the moratorum indefinitely instead of that? just wanted to hear anybody's brains on that or pick anybody's brains on that.

I was going to I I was going to bring it up actually old or new business, but I think the moratorum for now should stay in place. I I guess what I would rather do is discuss I think to [clears throat] the point I'd like to see with Mr. Her what our plan is for sort of breaking out the highlights of the new zoning code. Um, I think that could be one of the key highlighted features aside from residential standards, um, industrial standards. There probably needs just to be like a couple of key points, whether we break it down in different meetings or specific sections. I think there are specific points I'd want to make sure we're hitting as a larger discussion point. I think what we'll probably see from our zoning code is that by the time we're done putting all the stipulations in, we've essentially put a moratorium on it because there's really no space that probably exists. I'm guessing

Hannah, you had something to say. Yeah, I also just want to make sure we allow for public comment on um how we're zoning these kinds of facilities if what we want to see. Um especially since it was a ballot initiative that was approved by voters. I just want to make sure that we are able to hear from the community on it and make sure that everyone um is satisfied with the amount of input that they were able to give into the zoning. Okay. I guess then I'll cast my vote. Yes, Mr. Payne. Yes. Mr. Shay, yes. Miss Ale, yes. Miss Deweiler, yes.

I'm sorry, who had the second motion on that? Mclofflin. Thank you. Motion made by Mr. Moore, second by Mr. Mclofflin. Roll call, please. I just did roll call. You just Okay. Sorry, I'm obviously off tonight. It's my fault. I started talking. [laughter] Okay, that takes us to resolution 26-011. Clerk, will you read the resolution? 0 1 0. Resolution 26-011. No, no, one zero. We're up one.

Okay. Sorry, I have these definitely off somehow. Okay. Resolution 26-0. Clerk, will you read the resolution, please? A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an intergovernmental agreement concerning the financing of regional infrastructure at Basil Western R. Okay. The sponsor is Mr. Moore and Mr. Champ. Would you like to address this item, please? I'll seed uh my time to Mr. Hair.

Yeah. So this intergovernmental agreement sets forth the uh both the project and the funding parameters of what they're what's known as the Basil Western Road improvement project uh which includes Basil Western Road widening from Amanda Northern West to the intersection with Kings Crossing which will be a new intersection at Kings Crossing Hill Road um with in the inclusion of a roundabout at that location. Um this is an agreement between the city of Canal Winchester, Fairfield County, the Fairfield County Transportation Improvement District, the Fairfield County Port Authority, um are all involved in this agreement. Um, so it sets forth the different funding mechanisms and the different repayment obligations for both the city and the county for the debt that'll be associated with those um general obligation bonds that the countyy's issuing as well as the state infrastructure bank loan that was awarded um for this project. So in total it'll be about $10.5 million worth of debt issued for the $12 million project. the majority of the project will be paid for by private development and um the tiff the increment developed on those properties along that basil western corridor. Uh but there is a need to have the financial backing of both the city and the county um to basically back those loans if private private [clears throat] development doesn't materialize in the in the shortterm time frame um that we're expecting it to. So um that's the the terms that are set forth. and be happy to answer any questions that you have about this agreement.

Thank you, Mr. Hair. Questions? Okay. Sponsors, Mr. Moore. Or do you have a question? Nope. Okay. Sponsors, Mr. Moore. Motion to adopt resolution 26-010. Second. Motion made by Mr. Moore, second by Mr. Sheay. Roll call, please. Mr. Moore, yes. Mr. Shay, yes. Miss A. Yes. Mr. Bennett? Yes. Missweiler? Yes. Mr. Mclofflin? Yes. Mr. Mr. P. Yes. Thank you. Moving on to resolution 26-011. Clerk, will you read the resolution, please? A resolution to authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement for the lease purchase of a street sweeper and accessories.

Thank you, Miss Jackson. Thank you, Mrs. Aik. Um, as the resolution title states, we are looking to do a lease purchase for a new street sweeper. Our current one is almost 20 years old. Um, the price listed in the resolution is not to exceed $245,000. The interest rate on that, excuse me, [clears throat] is 4.15%. This will be payable over 3 years from our storm water fund. Thank you. Any questions? The chair is the sponsor and I will move to adopt resolution 26-011. Second. Motion made by uh Mrs. Aik, second by Mr. Mclofflin. Roll call, please. Miss Amy, yes. Mr. Mclofflin, yes. Mr. Moore,

yes. Mr. Payne, yes. Mr. Sheay, yes. Mr. Bennett, yes. Miss Deweiler, yes.

Thank you. Moving on. We have no uh third, second, or first readings this evening. So, we'll move to council reports. The next work session and city council meeting will be Tuesday, February 17th. Moving to Tuesday in honor of President's Day. Following that, Monday, March 2nd, and following that, Monday, March 16th. Our next council connect meeting will be on February 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. And that will be moving to the new Canal Winchester Public Library. And then there are other dates listed on the agenda if you are um curious about the future dates. The first report will be given by Mr. Sheay for Canow Winchester Human Services.

The community food pantry served 266 people and provided 3,726 meals for the month of January. The Super Bowl event is coming up this Sunday and that is the soup like soup and we'd like to invite everyone to come out and see us. There be a variety of delicious soups to try. There's an incredible competition to see who makes the best soup. I think the first lady of Canal Winchester and the president emmeritus got into quite a battle last year for the taste testing and it come one come all support the food pantry for their biggest fundraiser of the year. Be a part of the political intrigue on who makes the best soup.

Thank you Mr. Sheay. Then the next is the um Canal Winchester Industry and Commerce Corporation. That meeting is will be held on February 25th at 11:30 a.m. here in council chambers. The Canal Winchester Joint Recreation District, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Moore, I have nothing new to report. You have anything? Thanks. Maybe I'm blanking. That's why I didn't have anything Tuesday. It's a week. It's a week from today. Oh, yes. Uh February 10th. February 10th. Sorry. February 10th, 6 p.m. Why is that not on my calendar?

Previous town hall. Okay. Thank you. I don't know what we What do we call Is it still town hall? What's that building there? Still town hall. Still town hall. Okay.

Next up is Destination Canal Winchester. Mr. Payton. Here's some updates from Lacy Craner, executive director of Destination Canyon Winchester. We'd first like to congratulate Karen on her retirement and wish her all the very best in this exciting new chapter. I'm still working on lining up more artists for the Art Stroll. Summer Sundays are also shaping up nicely. We're thrilled to welcome Hudoo Soul Band on May 24th to kick things off. So mark your calendars and don't forget our next winter farmers market is happening this Saturday from 9 to 12 at the community center. We hope to see you there and as always download the Canal Winchester app to check out all the happenings around town. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Payne. The Canal Winchester Chamber of Commerce, Miss Mclofflin.

Thank you, Miss Amy. Uh the chamber welcomes its newest member, Edward Jones, uh Lana White to the chamber. uh referral round table, a monthly networking group meets on Tuesday, February 10th from 9 to 10:00 a.m. [cough and clears throat] United Methodist. Uh the chambers award night on Friday, February 27th is sold out and a wait list is available. Registration just opened for uh content made simple, social media for businesses on Friday, March 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Inner Urban Depot. Filmmaker Jason Flakes of Visual 14, pronounced Visual 14. Oh, that was for me. [laughter]

Oh man. Well, little anchor man. [laughter] will offer uh so filmmaker Jason Flakes will offer guidance and personalized support as you create social media content during the skill building workshop. This workshop is for anyone who tells the story of an organization online and is open to members and non-members. Um lastly, uh details on our first young professionals event are coming soon. Thank you to Canal Winchester Banking Center for serving as the 2026 Young Professional sponsor. Thank you.

Awesome. Next up is the Sustainability Commission, Mrs. Deweiler. I don't have much to report. Our next meeting is this Wednesday, February 4th, and I will have news next council meeting, I'm sure, after that meeting. Thank you. Mrs. Stewer, is there any old or new business?

Yeah, I I guess going back to the U moratorum, Mr. mayor, when we get to I guess the I don't know if it's an open house, but the community presentation of the zoning code, do we have we discussed how we plan to sort of bring that forward to the community in a way that that I know you mentioned an open house? Are we going to do it in sort of sections or tiers or is it just here's is it one big like here's the entire code, give us feedback. I don't think we've talked about it in that much detail because it's still quite a few months out and we're still very much in the technicalities of writing different chapters of the code. Um, so I don't know that we've got there, but it is a very large document. So be happy to entertain any suggestions you have for when we get to that stage of planning out the the public engagement that we're meeting expectations.

I think the the way that it's specified in the code is that they'll they'll do at least two meetings. Okay. Um, now whether that's council, you know, we're doing a a session with council or whether we're doing a public session, I don't know what those look like, but I think in the proposal we had set up for two meetings. Two meetings.

Okay. Um, Mr. I also while voting on that resolution sort of made a hypothesis that there's potential that when we're done with this zoning code it might be so restrictive that there might not be an opportunity for any sort of cannabis style facility is that I guess with with some of the stipulations you're considering and I know it's not final would there be an opportunity because I think the only opportunity that exists at this point is currently would be in Fairfield County because of the restrictions of the spacing.

The state has not issu it's my understanding that the state is not currently issuing license additional licenses in Franklin County. Now they have issued a license on Winchester Pike directly adjacent to Canal Winchester but that project hasn't moved forward yet but the license has been the state has approved the license there at that location. So that would my understanding is they have a 2m radius around each facility that you can't get another license within for a dispensary. Now that wouldn't prevent a cultivator or someone else from going in if they met the zoning requirements to do so. Um but you know we've talked about there's there's certain buffers set up in the revised code that buffer you from particular land uses, schools, daycarees, libraries, parks. You know we put together a GIS map. I think we shared at one of our previous meetings with that. And then we layer on layered on an additional buffer of 500 feet from any residentially zoned property. And so you start to restrict down the areas in the community where it would be permitted. Um you know and then if you layer on these other locations where you know if that location moves forward to Winchester Pike 2 miles from there you're essentially only looking at DY Road at that point. That would be you know DY Basil Western that area. um that would be more than 500 feet from residential and would be more than two miles from an existing facility

and that would be particularly just dispensaries at that point dispensaries cultivators any of those okay so it could be any yeah I mean we we haven't written the regulations so I can't tell you exactly what they're going to be I just based on speculative right based on our previous discussions that we that's what we talked about is including an additional buffer for residential Yeah. So, if there's desires for other standards, please let me know as we're developing those. We haven't got to that chapter particularly yet, but and that buffer sort of intention was, you know, sort of an iteration previous iteration of council.

So, um we do have some new members and there may have a different take on some of that as well. So, um you know, like Mr. Harris said that nothing's set in stone, that conversation could continue. It's just where we I think had started previously. So, but I'm happy to share those maps that we produced previously, too. Just everyone wants a reminder and the new members on there as well. You can kind of see what we talked about previously.

To kind of follow up with um the public comment this evening from Mr. Kushner, can the code totally restrict a type of business? It can. Correct. We have certain kinds of businesses that are called out in the code today that are restricted from can something be totally restricted. We we tend not to encourage, you know, an outright ban. There's certain play times that you can do that. The other way to do it is through what we're proposing, which is essentially getting to that point without outright.

Yeah. We I mean we have other uses that you know in certain zoning overlays and things we've done in the past. We can write in prohibited uses which we've done in plan districts and maybe that's what you're thinking of but we wouldn't outright prohibit a use in the city. Um we have a whole chapter on adult related uses in our zoning code. They're very restrictive in terms of where they can be located. Um and there's very limited property availability in those areas. And then those parcels have a lot of them have been deed restricted to not permit that use. So there's other ways to do it, but Okay. So you're saying there's a chance.

There's a chance as we expand our boundaries. There's a chance. Any other discussion? Any other older new business? Motion to adjurnn. Okay. Second. Motion to adjurnn made by Mr. Sheay. Second by Mr. Moore. Roll call, please. Mr. Shay, yes. Mr. Moore, yes. Mr. Payne, yes. Miss A? Yes. Mr. Bennett? Yes. Miss Statweiler? Yes. Mr. McBall? Yes. Thank you. Time out. 7:45. [clears throat]