GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> NOW COME TO ORDER. PLEASE STAND FOR THE PLAYING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. ALLEGIANCE 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. THIS EVENING COUNCIL IS GRATEFUL TO HAVE MINISTER AYANA FULHAM FROM HOPE CITY CHURCH TO LEAD US IN PRAYER. WELCOME TO COUNCIL. >> GOOD EVENING, THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR HAVING ME. HEAVENLY FATHER, GOD WE TAKE THE TIME TO COME BEFORE YOU, LORD AND WE ASK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENCE, GOD TO BE IN THIS MEETING, GOD. WE COME BEFORE YOU, GOD WITH HUMILITY AND GRATITUDE, GOD, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT OUR WISDOM AUTHORITY AND ALL POWER GOD BE TO YOU. WE ASK YOU TO GUIDE THE COUNCILMEMBERS WITH YOUR WISDOM WITH YOUR PEACE AND CLARITY THAT ONLY COMES FROM ABOVE. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN. >> THANKS SO MUCH, PASTOR. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. ANY PERSON WHO TAKES ANY ACTION TO OBSTRUCT OR INTERFERE WITH THE CONDUCT OF TONIGHT'S MEETING MAY BE CHARGED WITH DISTURBING A LAWFUL MEETING PURSUANT TO COLUMBUS CITY CODE 2317.12. ANY PERSON WHO ENTERS THOSE AREAS OF CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RESERVED FOR CITY OFFICIALS OR INVITED GUESTS MAY BE CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL TRESPASS PURSUANT TO COLUMBUS CITY CODE 2311.21. >> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. CAN I GET A MOTION TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE JOURNAL? >> SO MOVED. SECOND. >> CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE JOURNAL? >> THERE'S ONE. >> PLEASE. THERE IS ONE CORRECTION TO THE APRIL 20TH, JOURNAL, REFERENCED BY THE CITY CLERK. THE CITY CLERK READ THE NUMBER FOR ORDINANCE 0922-2026 AS 0992-2026. IF THERE ARE NO ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE JOURNAL, THE JOURNAL IS APPROVED. THIS WEEK’S CITY COMMUNICATION RECEIVED BY THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE ARE LISTED ON THE AGENDA AND WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE CITY BULLETIN. ARE THERE ANY OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO BE READ INTO THE RECORD? >> NOT AT THIS TIME. >> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. BEFORE WE MOVE THROUGH THE REST OF THE AGENDA WE HAD A THOUGHTFUL CONVERSATION FOR THE LAST HOUR PRIOR TO THIS MEETING, AROUND THE APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR, TO REPLACE MEGAN KILGOUR WHO WILL RESIGN EFFECTIVE MAY 4TH. AS STATED IN THE HEARING, OUR CHARTER SAYS WE HAVE TO HAVE AN AUDITOR IN PLACE IN TIME FOR HER RESIGNATION. WE DO NOT HAVE A COUNCIL MEETING NEXT WEEK SO THAT VOTE MUST COME TODAY. THIS HAS BEEN A TRUNCATED PROCESS BUT IT'S BEEN AN OPEN AND TRANSPARENT PROCESS, WHERE WE HAVE HAD FIVE FOLKS APPLY, THREE THAT MET THE REQUIREMENTS. THEY SPOKE BEFORE AT THE HEARING. AS WE SAID, WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. THEY REALLY SHOWED US THE BEST OF COLUMBUS. AND WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE GREAT PEOPLE TO PICK FROM. I WANT TO OPEN; I WILL SAY THIS TOO BEFORE WE GO ANY FARTHER. WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE AUDITOR KILGOUR BACK FOR KILGOUR DAY HERE IN THE CITY OF COLUMBUS AS AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE THAT WE HAVE FOR HER STEWARDSHIP. SHE INHERITED THE LARGEST SHOES THAT YOU COULD INHERIT. TAKING OVER FOR MR. DORIAN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, AND WE ARE SO GRATEFUL. I WILL ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE MS. DARLENE WILDS, WHO I THINK RETIRES THIS WEEK. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO FLYING SOLO FOR THREE OR FOUR DAYS? YEAH. BUT HAS ALSO SERVED THIS CITY. I SAY THIS OFTEN. FOLKS SEE US. AND THINK THAT THIS IS THE CITY. THE TRUTH IS, IT IS YOU ALL WHO ARE THE CITY, THE FOLKS WHO ARE REALLY KEEPING THIS THING RUNNING. AND WE ARE JUST SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU, MS. DARLENE AND EXCITED FOR YOUR NEXT AS YOU GO INTO RETIREMENT. WOULD YOU HELP ME CELEBRATE MS. DARLENE WILDS AS WELL? WITH THAT WE HAVE CITY BUSINESS TO DO. WE HAVE TO DELIBERATE AND PICK A NEW AUDITOR. ANY CONVERSATION BEFORE I ASK FOR A MOTION? >> FIRST, I WANT TO START OFF, WE SAID THESE THANK YOU'S BEFORE, BUT I WANT TO SPEAK TO EACH CANDIDATE FOR JUST ONE MOMENT. I WANT TO START WITH KIMBERLY AND I ACTUALLY WANT TO START WITH YOUR SONS. IT'S A BIG DEAL TO BRING YOUR BABIES WITH YOU AND IT'S A BIG DEAL FOR THEM TO SEE THEIR MOM DOING THIS. SO I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR LOVING HER AND SUPPORTING HER AND MAKING HER THE MOM SHE IS, THE WOMAN THAT SHE IS. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THEM ALONG. I THINK IT SHOWS SO MUCH COURAGE TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHEN THEY SEE US, RIGHT? IN THESE SPACES. AND THEY SEE US BEING COURAGEOUS BECAUSE IT GIVES THEM COURAGE TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS. YOU ARE PEOPLE-CENTRIC. YOU RAN FOR OFFICE AND NOW YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ANOTHER OFFICE AND THAT TAKES A LOT OF COURAGE AND YOU HAVE A MASTERY IN PEOPLE. SO I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO RAISE YOUR HAND. I LOOK THROUGH THE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED AND THEY WERE GLOWING. THEY WERE FROM PEOPLE I KNOW WHO I LOVE AS WELL. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN SERVING OUR COMMUNITY AND YOU CONTINUE TO DO THAT. GARRETT, I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU ALSO TO YOU. YOU HAVE A LEVEL, WHEN I ASKED THE QUESTION OF HOW DO YOU MAKE THIS MAKE SENSE, I WAS ALSO TALKING ABOUT ME, GARRETT. MEGAN WILL TELL YOU, SOMETIMES I'M LIKE TELL ME LIKE I'M FIVE. BECAUSE TO NANCY'S POINT, OR COUNCILMEMBER'S POINT THIS IS A LOT OF MAPPING. HAVE BEEN DOING THAT. ESPECIALLY COMING HERE AT A TIME LIKE THIS WHEN WE HAVE LOTS OF COMPLEX ISSUES TO WORK THROUGH IS A LOT. SO THANK YOU FOR RAISING YOUR HAND. AND LASTLY, TO JACKIE, THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SERVICE HERE. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING FRESH NEW IDEAS. THANK YOU FOR RAISING YOUR HAND TO SAY HEY, I WANT TO STEP UP MY SERVICE. I WOULD SAY WHOEVER IS GOING TO BE THE AUDITOR, YOU ALSO HAVE TWO AMAZING CANDIDATES HERE. LOOKS LIKE WE MIGHT HAVE SOME OPENINGS IN THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE SOME GOOD CHOICES, WE ALREADY DID THE HARD WORK FOR Y'ALL. I THINK THERE ARE DIFFERENT APPROACHES HERE WHERE YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THESE DIFFERENT SKILL SETS AND WHO ARE READY AND CHOMPING AT THE BIT TO SERVE. THAT'S A BIT ADVICE YOU DIDN'T ASK FOR BUT I'M PUTTING OUT THERE. I AM JUST SAYING THANK YOU ALL FOR RAISING YOUR HANDS AND FOR WANTING TO SERVE AT A TIME LIKE THIS. YES, IT IS BEING IN THE AUDITOR'S SEAT BUT AFTER THIS YOU ALSO HAVE TO RUN AND RAISE FUNDS AND YOU HAVE TO BE OUT THERE AND YOU HAVE TO MAKE PEOPLE CARE ABOUT A ROLE THEY MIGHT NOT EVEN REALIZE WAS AN ELECTED ROLE. THAT'S A HUGE UNDERTAKING AND I JUST WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT THAT MEANS FOR ALL OF YOU AND FOR BRINGING YOUR LOVED ONES HERE. THANK YOU TO YOUR LOVED ONES FOR EVEN MAKING THE SACRIFICE OF YOUR PERSON TO BE HERE, BECAUSE IT DOES TAKE A LOT AND THESE ARE LONG HOURS AND SOMETIMES THANKLESS. SO THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR POTENTIAL SERVICE AS WELL. >> SURE. THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER FOR BREAKING THAT DOWN. I FEEL ALL THREE OF YOU COULD PLAY A ROLE NLT AUDITOR'S OFFICE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, IN DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF DEBT SERVICING. WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE. IT'S NOT LOST ON ANY OF US YOU WERE WILLING TO RAISE YOUR HAND AND DO SOMETHING IN THE PUBLIC EYE. AND HOPE THIS IS JUST THE FIRST CONVERSATION WE WILL HAVE WITH YOU AND YOU DON'T GO AWAY, BECAUSE WE STILL NEED YOUR EXPERTISE AND SUPPORT AS WE DO THINGS FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBUS. APPRECIATE YOU. >> IF THERE ARE NO OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS. DOES SOMEONE HAVE A NOMINATION FOR AUDITOR OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS? >> COUNCIL PRESIDENT, I HAVE A MOTION. >> OKAY. >> DUE TO THE RESIGNATION OF SENATOR, SENATOR? THIS IS SPRITE AND NOT COFFEE. START OVER. DUE TO THE RESIGNATION OF CITY AUDITOR MEGAN KILGOUR EFFECTIVE MAY 4, 2026, CREATING A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF CITY AUDITOR, I MOVE PURSUANT TO CITY CHARTER SECTION 87-2 THAT JACK LEAN LEWIS BE APPOINTED TO THE POSITION OF CITY AUDITOR EFFECTIVE MAY 4, 2026. THAT'S YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT NOMINATION AND MOTION. ARE THERE ANY OTHER MOTIONS OR NOMINATIONS? COUNCILMEMBER BANKSTON? >> COUNCIL PRESIDENT. I THINK IT'S BEEN SAID HERE WE HAD A REALLY GOOD CONVERSATION. I THINK THERE ARE SEVERAL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES. I DO WANT TO SAY >> SUPPORT FOR MS. JACKIE LEWIS, I THINK SHE IS EXTREMELY QUALIFIED BUT THERE ARE OTHER QUALIFIED CANDIDATES. I WANT TO NOMINATE GARRETT PATTERSON FOR THE AUDITOR POSITION STARTING MAY 4TH. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. ARE THERE ANY OTHERS? HEARING NONE, MAY I HAVE A SECOND ON THE NOMINATION, THE MOTION FOR JACQUELINE LEWIS? >> SECOND. >> CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON? YES. >> BARROSO DE PADILLA? >> YES. >> DAY-ACHAUER? YES. >> DORANS? YES. >> GREEN? >> YES. REMY? YES. >> ROSS? YES. WYCHE? YES. >> PRESIDENT HARDIN? >> YES. CONGRATULATIONS, MADAM AUDITOR. AUDITOR LEWIS, WHAT WOULD WE CALL, DESIGNATE? WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME FORWARD AND SAY A FEW WORDS BEFORE COUNCIL? >> WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY, FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR THIS TREMENDOUS HONOR. I KNOW THIS WAS NOT AN EASY POSITION; YOU HAD SOME PHENOMENALLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES. AND A VERY SHORT WINDOW IN WHICH TO DO THIS. BUT I'M EXCITED ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE TO SERVE. I'M EXCITED ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE ALONGSIDE YOU. TO BE YOUR PARTNER AT THE CITY AND TO CONTINUE TO MOVE THE CITY FORWARD. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR VOTE OF SUPPORT. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. WOULD YOU HELP ME CELEBRATE, AND THANK ALL OF THE, NOW WE WILL GO AROUND THE DAIS FOR RESOLUTIONS AND UPDATES FROM MY COLLEAGUES. STARTING WITH COUNCILMEMBER BANKSTON. >> THANK YOU, COUNCIL PRESIDENT. NO RESOLUTIONS BUT ONE ANNOUNCEMENT THIS EVENING, JUST A FINAL REMINDER, THIS WEDNESDAY I'M HOLDING A HEARING TO UNVEIL AND DISCUSS THE STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY'S FIRST PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING PILOT. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO SHARING ALL OF THE PROGRESS MADE ON THE INITIATIVE TO DATE AND HOW RESIDENTS CAN ENGAGE IN THE PROCESS OF MOVING FORWARD. ALL PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK DURING THE HEARING IN PERSON MUST EMAIL JBBROWN@COLUMBUS.GOV BY 10:00 A.M. WEDNESDAY WITH THE SUBJECT LINE PARTICIPATORY BUDGET HEARING. WRITTEN TESTIMONY MUST ALSO BE RECEIVED BY 10:00 A.M. WEDNESDAY AND EMAILED TO JBBROWN@COLUMBUS.GOV. REMARKS LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES AND IT WILL BE STREAMED ON THE >> CITY'S CHANNELS. >> THANK YOU. COUNCILMEMBER BARROSO DE PADILLA? >> THANK YOU. JUST TWO ANNOUNCEMENTS. ONE, AND WE SHOULD BLAME THIS ON THE HEAD BECAUSE WE HAD A LOT GOING ON LAST WEEK AND NOT THE HEART. BUT WE MISSED VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK. I MADE SURE WE PUT IT ON THE CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR BECAUSE I WORK FOR A VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS. WE HAD FOLKS PLANTING TREES AT HRM PARK. THIS WEEKEND WE HAD A NUMBER OF CLEANUPS. YOU WAS ON THE SOUTH SIDE. I KNOW MY COLLEAGUES WERE ON THE HILLTOP. AND WE HAD A NUMBER OF OTHER EVENTS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE CITY. I JUST WANT TO THANK ALL OF THE FOLKS WHO TAKE THEIR TIME OUT TO GIVE A LITTLE BIT MORE TO OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES BETTER. FOR THE FOLKS WHO STAND IN THE GAP. FOR THE FOLK WHO'S OFFER THEIR TIME, THEIR TALENT, THEIR TREASURE, AS A BOARD MEMBER, AS A VOLUNTEER, SHOWING UP FOR CLEAN-UP DAY. EVERYONE GIVES JUST A LITTLE BIT WE CAN INCH CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE KIND OF COMMUNITY AND KIND OF CITY THAT WE WANT. I JUST WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK. SECONDLY, IT IS PROM SEASON. SO JUST A REMINDER TO FOLKS WHO ARE OUT, I KNOW MY DAUGHTER WENT TO PROM THIS YEAR, 2026 SENIOR PARENTS, I'M IN IT WITH YOU, I FEEL ALL THE FEELS. I JUST WANT TO SEND A REMINDER TO OUR YOUNG DRIVERS TO LOCK IN, ESPECIALLY AS YOU ARE DRIVING BIG GROUPS OF FRIENDS, TO REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR PHONES DOWN. TO REMEMBER THE BEST WAY THAT YOU COULD BE THE BEST FRIEND IS TO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR FRIENDS ARE DRIVING SAFELY AND YOU ARE TAKING CARE OF THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE AS YOU ARE TRANSPORTING THEM TO PROM, AFTER PROM, YOUR MOM'S BEST FRIEND'S HOUSE TO DO WHATEVER. MAKE SURE YOU ARE OUT THERE AND YOU ARE BEING SAFE AND MAKING GOOD CHOICES. HAPPY PROM SEASON AND RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER IS GRADUATION SEASON. TO ALL OUR GRADUATING 26 SENIORS CONGRATULATIONS. I'M SURE WE WILL DO MUCH MORE CELEBRATIONS WITH ALL OF THEM. BUT ALSO TO ALL OF OUR PARENTS, JUST A REMINDER TO OUR KIDS AS WE ARE GIVING THEM THE KEYS TO OUR CARS OR THEIR CARS TO REMEMBER TO LOCK IN AND BE SAFE. >> COUNCILMEMBER MOM, MAKE GOOD CHOICES. THAT WAS GOOD ADVICE. COUNCILMEMBER DAY-ACHAUER? >> THANK YOU, COUNCIL PRESIDENT. ON THIS EVENING'S AGENDA WE HAVE THE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 0944-2026, WHICH IS A CODE CHANGE THAT WOULD PROHIBIT THE FEEDING OF DEER IN THE CITY OF COLUMBUS. MY TEAM, ALONG WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS, HAS BEEN LEADING A YEAR-LONG COMMUNITY-FOCUSED DISCUSSION AROUND DEER AND HOW THE CITY CAN MANAGE THE POPULATION IN OUR MORE DENSELY POPULATED AREAS SUCH AS CLINTONVILLE. WE ARE HAPPY TO BE HOSTING A SECOND COMMUNITY MEETING TO CONTINUE THIS DISCUSSION NEXT WEEK AS WE PROVIDE INFORMATION AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THE AFOREMENTIONED NO FEED ORDINANCE BEFORE IT COMES TO A VOTE. IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING OTHER UPDATES ON OUR DEER POLICY DISCUSSIONS. THIS MEETING WILL ONCE AGAIN BE HELD IN CLINTONVILLE. THIS TIME AT THE WHETSTONE LIBRARY ON TUESDAY MAY 5TH FROM 5:30-6:30 P.M. THIS MEETING WILL BE OPEN TO ALL BUT ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO RSVP AS SPACE IS LIMITED IN THE LIBRARY. THE FORM COULD BE FOUND AT COLUMBUS.GOV/DEERSURVEY. WEDNESDAY APRIL 29TH MY COLLEAGUE COUNCILMEMBER BARROSO DE PADILLA AND I WILL BE MEETING WITH RESIDENTS OF ROBERTS ROAD TO DISCUSS ROAD SAFETY. FOR INFORMATION IT'S AVAILABLE ON THE FAR WEST SIDE AREA COMMISSION FACEBOOK PAGE. FINALLY, SINCE I WILL BE ON VACATION FOR PART OF MAY, I WANTED TO ALERT EVERYONE THAT THE CITY OF COLUMBUS DOES NOW HAVE A MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE. IT IS HELD ON MEMORIAL DAY AT 1:00 P.M. AT THE PARK A JAY, ADJACENT TO THE LINDEN COMMUNITY CENTER IN FRONT OF THE LINDEN WAR MEMORIAL. THIS YEAR IN ADDITION TO HONORING THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WE WILL BE GIVING A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MASTER SERGEANT SIMON. THAT'S ALL FOR ME. >> THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER. COUNCILMEMBER GREEN? >> NOTHING FOR ME. >> COUNCILMEMBER REMY? >> THANK YOU. COUNCIL PRESIDENT. WE ARE LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY FROM THE GREATER CITYWIDE CLEAN UP. GO TO CLEANERCOLUMBUS.ORG. WE WILL WORK ON MAY 9TH TO ENSURE OUR CITY IS AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE. WE WILL BE MEETING AT WOLF PARK AT 9:00 A.M. AND LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU OUT THERE. >> THANK YOU. COUNCILMEMBER ROSS? >> THANK YOU. ONE ANNOUNCEMENT AND TWO RESOLUTIONS. WE ARE HAVING OUR FOURTH COMMUNITY LIST EPPING SESSION TOMORROW AT FRANKLINTON LIBRARY FROM 12:30-2:30. THIS DISCUSSION WILL BE FOCUSED AROUND REENTRY. WE ARE SHARING THE VOICES, LIFTING THE VOICES OF THE FOLKS WHO HAVE SERVED THEIR TIME AND LOOKING TO CONTRIBUTE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY. WE WILL HAVE VARIOUS RESOURCES. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, COLUMBUS URBAN LEAGUE, EMPLOYMENT AND BASIC NEEDS OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN COMING AND LISTENING AND SHARING, PLEASE MEET US AT FRANKLINTON LIBRARY FROM 12:30-2:30 TOMORROW. TWO RESOLUTIONS. I WILL START WITH RESOLUTION 0095X-2026. BEFORE READING THE RESOLUTION IF I COULD HAVE VINCENT COLEMAN AND COLUMBUS REALTORS HEAD TO THE PODIUM. THIS IS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE APRIL AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH IN COLUMBUS. AS THEY ARE COMING FORWARD, I WILL GIVE YOU A LITTLE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FAIR HOUSING ACT, WHICH WAS ENACTED ON APRIL 11, 1968, ENSHRINED INTO FEDERAL LAW, THE GOAL OF ELIMINATING RACIAL SEGREGATION AND ENDING HOUSING DISCRIMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. THE FAIR HOUSING ACT PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION IN-HOUSING, BASED ON RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, FAMILIAL STATUS, NATIONAL ORIGIN AND DISABILITY AND COMMITS RECIPIENTS OF FEDERAL FUNDING TO AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHER FAIR HOUSING IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. COLUMBUS REALTORS HAS LONG BEEN COMMITTED TO THE MISSION AND INTENT OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS, WHICH IS TO PROVIDE FAIR HOUSING AND EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL. MORE THAN 50 YEARS AFTER THE PASSAGE OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT DISCRIMINATION PERSISTS AND HOUSING SEGREGATION REMAINS A STRONG FORCE IN MANY COMMUNITIES. I WANT TO THANK VINCENT COLEMAN AND COLUMBUS REALTORS FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO FAIRNESS AND EQUITY IN THE HOUSING SPACE. HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT AND FUNDAMENTAL TO LEADING A PRODUCTIVE LIFE. CERTAINLY GOT TO KNOW YOU ALL VERY CLOSELY LAST YEAR AND KNOW SOME OF YOU PERSONALLY. I HAVE KNOWN SOME OF YOU FOR YEARS. AND I THINK THAT AS WE PASS THIS RECENT RENTAL REGISTRY, WE TALKED A LOT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF HOUSING PROVIDERS AND THOSE THAT TAKE THE PROVISION OF HOUSING IN OUR COMMUNITY SERIOUSLY. SO I WANT TO THANK THE COLUMBUS REALTORS FOR ALWAYS BEING A REAL PARTNER, ALWAYS RAISING YOUR HAND TO BE AT THE TABLE WHEN WE ARE HAVING DISCUSSIONS ABOUT EQUITY IN THE HOUSING SPACE. CERTAINLY LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. I WILL PASS IT ONTO YOU BEFORE I TURN IT OVER TO MY COLLEAGUES FOR FURTHER COMMENT. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU, COUNCIL PRESIDENT HARDIN, AND CHAIR ROSS, AND MEMBERS OF COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL FOR THIS RECOGNITION TONIGHT. MY NAME IS GLORIA ALONSO CANNON, AND I'M THE 2026 PRESIDENT OF COLUMBUS REALTORS. COLUMBUS REALTORS AND OUR MEMBERS UNDERSTAND THAT REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS AND CONSUMERS DEPEND ON STRONG, FAIR HOUSING LAWS AND PRACTICES. FOR OUR COMMUNITIES AND ECONOMY TO THRIVE. DISCRIMINATION DISTORTS THE HOUSING MARKET AND CLOSES THE DOOR ON THE AMERICAN DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS. WE ADVANCE OUR COMMITMENT TO FAIR HOUSING THROUGH POLICY, ADVOCACY, INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING AND LEGAL GUIDANCE. ARTICLE 10 OF THE REALTOR CODE OF ETHICS STATES, REALTORS SHALL NOT DENY EQUAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO ANY PERSON FOR REASONS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, HANDICAP, FAMILIAL STATUS, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY. REALTORS SHALL NOT BE PARTY TO ANY PLAN OR AGREEMENT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST A PERSON OR PERSONS ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, HANDICAP FAMILIAL STATUS, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY. COLUMBUS REALTORS HOLDS THIS TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD WHEN CONDUCTING BUSINESS AND IN OUR ADVOCACY. WE PROMOTE PUBLIC POLICIES THAT ADVANCE BROADER HOMEOWNERSHIP, AVAILABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY IN ALL COMMUNITIES. ADDITIONALLY, WE PRIORITIZE EFFORTS TO NARROW HOMEOWNERSHIP GAPS AMONG DEMOGRAPHIC GROUPS AND PROMOTE STRONG ENFORCEMENT OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS WITHIN THE HOUSING MARKET. GOOD EVENING, COUNCIL. MY NAME IS BRITTANY EDDIE AND I SERVE ALONGSIDE MY COLLEAGUE CINDY JACOBS AS CHAIR OF THE COLUMBUS REALTORS HOUSING AFFORDABILITY COMMITTEE. ENACTED IN 1968 THE FAIR HOUSING ACT IS A LANDMARK PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT PROTECTS THESE RIGHTS. EVERY APRIL REALTORS OBSERVE FAIR HOUSING MONTH TO REAFFIRM OUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING FIRE, EQUITABLE AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO ALL INDIVIDUALS SEARCHING FOR REAL ESTATE. WE MUST CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER IN THE FIELD OF REAL ESTATE TO ENSURE WE ARE NOT ONLY QUALIFIED BUT EQUIPPED WITH THE GOALS OF ADDRESSING, ARTICULATING AND RESOLVING THE MANY CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY MINORITY HOME-SEEKERS IN THEIR QUEST FOR ADEQUATE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING. WE ARE PROUD TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH AND APPRECIATE COUNCIL'S RECOGNITION TONIGHT. WE LOOK FORWARD TO OUR CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP AND COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT TO UPHOLDING FAIR HOUSING POLICIES THROUGH ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. THANK YOU. >> DO ANY OF MY COLLEAGUES HAVE ANY COMMENTS? SURE. YOU SEE THAT I LOOK DIRECTLY AT A CERTAIN COUNCILMEMBER. >> YOU KNOW, AS A COUNCILMEMBER AND A REALTOR, FAIR HOUSING IS ABOUT MAKING SURE EVERYONE HAS ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY AND THAT DECISIONS WHERE PEOPLE LIVE IS BASED ON FAIRNESS, NOT BIAS. IT ALSO MEANS RECOGNIZING THAT WE STILL HAVE WORK TO DO, IT NEVER ENDS. I WANT TO THANK; WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ALWAYS WORKING TO MAKE ACCESS HOUSING AND THAT IS EQUITABLE ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY. BUT I WANT TO THANK THE COLUMBUS REALTORS FOR BEING HERE TODAY FOR THE ROLE THIS ORGANIZATION PLAYS TO UPHOLD THOSE STANDARDS AND HELP PEOPLE NAVIGATE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN THEIR LIVES. SO AS COLUMBUS CONTINUES TO GROW, WE ALL HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT GROWTH IS INCLUSIVE AND OPPORTUNITY IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE. SO THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER ROSS, FOR ALLOWING ME A MOMENT. >> THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER REMY. ANY OTHER COMMENTS FROM MY COLLEAGUES? COUNCILMEMBER BANKSTON? >> I WANT TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE COLUMBUS REALTORS AND THANK YOU. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT FAIR HOUSING THAT IS A POLICY. POLICY IN ACTION WITHOUT FOLKS LIKE YOU, BOOTS ON THE GROUND IS WHAT I CALL IT, THAT POLICY AND THOSE ACTIONS DON'T GET CARRIED OUT. SO I CONSIDER YOU ALL NOT JUST SIMPLY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS OR FOLKS THAT ARE BUYING AND SELLING HOUSING BUT NAVIGATORS. NAVIGATORS OF OUR COMMUNITIES. OFTEN TIMES WHEN I HEAR ABOUT CHALLENGES SOMETIMES IN NEIGHBORHOODS, IT COMES FROM YOU ALL FIRST. WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE HURDLES THAT SOME OF OUR RESIDENTS ARE FACING, ALL ARE THERE ON THE FRONT LINES. NOT SIMPLY PUSHING AND ADVOCATING FOR THE AGENDA OF THE REALTORS BUT PUSHING AND ADVOCATING FOR A BETTER COLUMBUS. AND THAT IS REALLY HOW WI MOVE THE CITY FORWARD. SO I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP AND THE CONTINUED WORK THAT YOU DO IN OUR COMMUNITIES TO MAKE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS STRONGER AND BETTER. SO THANK YOU AGAIN AND CONGRATULATIONS. >> THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER BANKSTON. COUNCILMEMBER LOURDES? >> THANK YOU. I WANT TO ECHO; COUNCILMEMBER I WAS GOING TO SAY THE SAME THING. ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS IS A REALTOR. SPECIALIZING IN PEOPLE WHO ARE BUYING HOMES FOR THE FIRST TIME. YOU KNOW, THE STORIES THAT SHE COMES BACK AND SHARES WITH ME, I THINK BEING A NAVIGATOR IS THE PERFECT DESCRIPTION, WHETHER SOMEONE IS BUYING THEIR FIRST HOME, OR THIRD HOME OR FOURTH HOME, IT'S THE BIGGEST DECISION A PERSON IS GOING TO MAKE. HAVING SOMEONE WHO IS A TRUSTED SOURCE. THEN ALSO THE PARTNERSHIP WE HAVE BUILT AS WE THINK ABOUT HOUSING, WHEN YOU ALL ARE ON THE FRONT LINES, THE THINGS THAT YOU ARE SEEING, THAT YOU ARE HEARING, THE THINGS THAT OUR FOLKS ARE EXPERIENCING, I THINK IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT ESPECIALLY AS WE THINK OF POLICY AND THE FUTURE OF COLUMBUS. I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO PUSH TO MAKE US BETTER AND POLICY BETTER. FOR BEING THE NAVIGATORS, FOR BEING THE TRUSTED SOURCES FOR OUR FOLKS, FOR ENSURING THAT FOLKS FIND A PLACE, WHETHER IT'S THEIR FOREVER HOME OR OP THE ROAD TO THEIR FOREVER HOME THEY FIND A PLACE THEY CAN REALLY MAKE IT NOT JUST A PLACE TO LIVE BUT A COMMUNITY AND A HOUSE FOR THEM. SO THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER. COUNCILMEMBER DAY-ACHAUER? >> I HAVE MET BEFORE. MY FATHER AND GRANDFATHER WERE ALL REALTORS. I GREW UP IN RURAL CALIFORNIA AND THE WORK THAT THE REALTORS DID ACTUALLY INTEGRATED MY COUNTY. IT WAS A BIG DEAL WHEN PEOPLE OF COLOR STARTED TO MOVE TO THE COUNTY WHERE I LIVED, AND IT WAS THE REALTORS THAT MADE THAT HAPPEN BECAUSE THERE WERE A LOT OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO DIDN'T WANT THAT. I THINK PEOPLE FORGET WHAT A CRITICAL ROLE REALTORS PLAY IN INTEGRATION IN OUR COMMUNITIES. SO THANK YOU ALL FOR WHAT YOU DO. >> THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER. ANYONE ELSE? IN A MINUTE, IF YOU DON'T SPEAK. >> WELL, I JUST HEAR MY BROTHER JUSTIN COLEMAN'S BROTHER TOMORROW. >> HAPPY BIRTHDAY. >> THAT'S WHAT I WILL ADD TO THE CONVERSATION. VINCENT COLEMAN. >> HAPPY BIRTHDAY. AND THANK YOU AGAIN COLUMBUS REALTORS AND I DON'T THINK I HAVE TO CONVINCE ALL OF YOU OF THE IMPECCABLE NEED WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY. ALL OF YOU CONTINUING TO STAY IN THIS WORK AND DO THIS WORK AND DO IT AS TRUSTED PARTNERS IS SO EVER IMPORTANT, BOTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE IN OUR CITY. SO THANK YOU AGAIN. IF I HAVE NO FURTHER COMMENT FROM MY COLLEAGUES, I WILL MOVE FOR ADOPTION. >> CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN REMY ROSS WYCHE PRESIDENT >> HARDIN. >> ADOPTED. ALL RIGHT. APRIL MIGHT BE NATIONAL EVERYTHING MONTH, BUT I HAVE ONE MORE RESOLUTION. IT IS RESOLUTION #0118X-2026. TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTRAL OHIO RESTORED CITIZENS' COLLABORATIVE REENTRY WEEK, APRIL 20-24, 2026. SO IF MR. ZACH RUPLE WILL HEAD TO THE PODIUM. WELCOME TO COUNCIL, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING. THE CITY OF COLUMBUS RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AND ARE WORKING TO REINTEGRATE INTO SOCIETY WITH DIGNITY AND WITH PURPOSE. THE CENTRAL OHIO RESTORED CITIZENS' COLLABORATIVE HAS BEEN A LEADING FORCE IN PROVIDING CRITICAL RESOURCES SUCH AS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, HOUSING ASSISTANCE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING, ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERVICES, HEALTHCARE, RECOVERY PROGRAMS AND ESSENTIAL NEEDS LIKE FOOD AND CLOTHING TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION FROM CONVICTION TO RESTORATION. REENTRY WEEK OBSERVED FROM APRIL 20-24 SERVES AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE CHALLENGES FACED BY RESTORED CITIZENS TO CELEBRATE THEIR RESILIENCE AND TO PROMOTE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT FACILITATE THEIR FULL REINTEGRATION AS VALUABLE AND ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE CITY OF COLUMBUS IS COMMITTED TO CHANGING THE NARRATIVE SURROUNDING CRIMINAL JUSTICE BY RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF RESTORED CITIZENS WHO SEEK TO RECLAIM THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN SOCIETY AND BY SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE CORCC IN THEIR MISSION TO PROVIDE PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS. ACCORDING TO FRANKLIN COUNTY'S REENTRY TASK FORCE, ESTIMATES THAT ABOUT 2212 AND 700 JUVENILES ARE EXPECTED TO LEAVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS. THIS MAKES FRANKLIN COUNTY THE THIRD HIGHEST IN THE STATE FOR EX-OFFENDER RELEASES. THE TASK FORCE EMPHASIZES HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, HEALTH, AND SOCIAL SERVICES ARE CRITICAL FOR SUCCESSFUL REINTEGRATION. JANUARY 2024 POINT IN TIME COUNT BY THE COMMUNITY SHELTER BOARD FOUND THAT 2380 INDIVIDUALS ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. HOMELESSNESS IS MAJOR BARRIER TO REENTRY AND STABLE HOUSING IS ESSENTIAL FOR EMPLOYMENT, HEALTH ACCESS AND REDUCING RECIDIVISM. I WANT TO THANK THE CORCC FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO REDUCING BARRIERS AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD AWARENESS AND PROMOTE REINTEGRATION. WITH THAT, I WILL TURN IT OVER TO YOU FOR COMMENT. THANK YOU FOR BE HERE. >> GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HARDIN, PRESIDENT PRO TEM DORANS AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL, MY NAME IS ZACH RUPLE, I USE HE/HIM PRONOUNS. THANK YOU FOR THIS ANNUAL RECOGNITION. I SERVE AS VOLUNTEER AND I'M DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR THIS PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ESTABLISH WITH THIS COUNCIL. THE RECOGNITION COMES AS ALREADY SHARED IN A CRITICAL JUNCTURE IN REINTEGRATION. WE ARE FACING A PERFECT STORM THAT THREATENS OUR CITY'S RESILIENCE AND WELLNESS OF THOSE WITH CONVICTION HISTORY. WHILE INCARCERATION AND REENTRY RATES. ONRAMPS FOR HOUSING AND JOBS ARE DISAPPEARING FROM THE COMMUNITY MAP. MEANWHILE RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS OF OUR RESIDENTS ARE BEING REWRITTEN BY THE FED AS POLICY MAKERS CONTINUE TO CREATE PERMANENT PUNISHMENTS. THE MATH IS KRYSTAL CLEAR, 98% OF PEOPLE CURRENTLY BEHIND BARS ARE COMING HOME. LAST YEAR INCLUDING LOCAL JAIL NUMBERS OVER 20,000 OF OUR NEIGHBORS RETURNED TO COLUMBUS. 20,000 PARENTS, SIBLINGS, VOTERS, AND TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE SERVED THEIR TIME. THEY ARE RETURNING TO A LANDSCAPE MORE PRECARIOUS THAN I PERSONALLY HAVE SEEN IN CLOSE TO A DECADE. FOR 25 YEARS RESEARCH AND LIVED EXPERIENCE ALIKE HAVE PROVEN THE PROMISE OF INVESTING IN REENTRY WITH THE SAME URGENCY WE DO IN CORRECTIONS AND DIVERSION IS CRITICAL. TONIGHT'S AGENDA AND FORTHCOMING ITEMS OFFER CLEAR CHOICES HOW THIS COUNCIL CAN RESPOND TO THIS DISAPPEARING SAFETY NET. YOUR CONSIDERATIONS FOR COURTHOUSE INFRASTRUCTURE, FUNDING TO SCAFFOLD AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND IMPROVED COMMUNITY MEDIATION EACH HELP ENSURE THAT REENTRY IS NOT SHORT CIRCUITED BEFORE REINTEGRATION CAN TAKE HOLD. AS FEDERAL FUNDING SUPPORT PULLS BACK OUR INVESTMENTS CANNOT MERELY INDIRECTLY BENEFIT JUSTICE IMPACTED RESIDENTS. THEY MUST BE BUILT ON THE EXPERTISE AND DIRECT BENEFIT OF THOSE WHO HAVE AND ARE REENTERING. EARLIER THIS YEAR CORCC PROVIDED MANY OF YOUR STAFF EXPERTS WITH A ROBUST SET OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INNOVATION AND ACTION. JUSTICE INVOLVEMENT IS NOT A MYSTERIOUS PHENOMENON NOR IS THE BASIC IDEA OF A FAIR CHANCE. WITH ONE THIRD OF OUR COMMUNITY HOLDING A CONVICTION THIS IS NOT A THEM PROBLEM, IT'S A COLUMBUS REAL. THOSE CLOSEST TO THE PROBLEM MUST BE >> CLOSEST TO THE SOLUTION. MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE ABILITY THEY NEED TO TRULY CALL THIS A PERMANENT HOME. THANK FOR YOUR TIME AND I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE SHANNON BRADSHAW TO SHARE A BIT MORE. THANK, ZACH. COUNCIL PRESIDENT HARDIN, PRESIDENT PRO TEM DORANS AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TONIGHT AND YOUR CONTINUED SERVICE FOR SERVING THE MEMBERS OF COLUMBUS. WE ARE HONORED TO REMAIN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNCIL SINCE 2019 AND RECOGNIZE YOUR COMMITMENT TO UPLIFTING THE IMPORTANCE OF REENTRY AND FAIR CHANCES. MY FWHAIM IS SHANNON BRADSHAW AND I'M PROUD TO SPEAK AS A VOLUNTEER ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE CENTRAL OHIO RESTORED CITIZENS' COLLABORATIVE. I HAVE LIVED BOTH SIDES OF THIS ISSUE AND I KNOW REENTRY MUST BE AUTHENTIC. TOO OFTEN REENTRY IS TREATED LIKE A CHECKLIST BUT REAL REENTRY IS HUMAN. IT'S TRUST, DIGNITY AND RELATIONSHIPS BUILT WITH PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND TRAUMA, SETBACKS AND WHAT IT TAKES TO REBUILD. AS YOU HEARD ZACH SHARE, IF WE WANT SAFER COMMUNITIES WE MUST RECOGNIZE REENTRY AS BOTH PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE. THAT MEANS INTEGRATING REENTRY NAVIGATION INTO COLUMBUS'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK AND CONNECTING PEOPLE TO TRUSTED, HE'LL INFECTIVE RESOURCES AND EXPANDING PEER SUPPORTERS IN MUNICIPAL COURT BEYOND SPECIALIZED DOCKETS INTO SPACES LIKE EVICTION COURT AND ARRAIGNMENT COURT. A PEER CONNECTION AT THE RIGHT MOMENT CAN PREVENT DEEPER CRISIS. WHEN PEOPLE FEEL SEEN, SUPPORTED AND CONNECTED, THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO STAY ENGAGED IN SERVICES AND LESS LIKELY TO RETURN TO INCARCERATION. THANK FOR SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES LIKE OURS AND PLEASE CONTINUE INVESTED IN GRASSROOTS EXPERIENCED IN DRIVEN COMMUNITIES LED BY IMPACTED INDIVIDUALS. I HAVE SEEN >> THE LASTING CHANGE HAPPEN. WE ARE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AT THIS TIME. THANK YOU AGAIN. >> ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS FROM MY COLLEAGUES? YES? COUNCILMEMBER LOURDES. >> THANK YOU, CHAIR. COUNCILMEMBER AND CHAIR, YES. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU. THIS IS SUCH IMPORTANT WORK. I THINK YOU SAID IT BEST WHEN YOU WERE IN YOUR INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. I THINK THAT ONE BAD DECISION DOES NOT DEFINE YOUR WHOLE EXISTENCE. AND I THINK UNFORTUNATELY IN OUR SOCIETY, TOO OFTEN THAT IT DOES. SO I THINK THAT IF WE HAVE HAD, ASKED SOMEONE WHATEVER THE PRICE THEY HAVE PAID FOR WHATEVER BAD DECISION THEY HAVE MADE, ONCE THEY ARE BROUGHT BACK INTO SOCIETY THAT THEY CAN HAVE A JOB. THEY CAN HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE AND HAVE A FUTURE WORTHY OF THEM. EVERYTHING THEY GIVE BACK TO US. I THINK THIS WEEK IN CONTINUING TO ADVOCATE FOR PEOPLE, I THINK ALL OF US WOULD BE HARD-PRESSED NOT TO FIND SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT BEEN TOUCHED BY THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN SOME WAY. FOR WHATEVER REASON. AND SO NOT GIVING THEM THE KIND OF FUTURE THEY DESERVE, LETTING THAT DEFINE THEM IS IN ITSELF UNJUST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVOCACY AND CONTINUED WORK. I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS WE COMMEMORATE IS JUST REMIND PEOPLE OF THEIR OWN HUMANITY AND OWN FORGIVENESS AND ENSURING WE ARE GIVING ACCESS TO FOLKS SO THAT WE ALSO DON'T MISS OUT ON THE GIFTS THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO GIVE BACK TO ALL OF US AND NOT TO FORGET THEY ALSO HAVE FAMILIES AND CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM WHO ALSO DESERVE TO HAVE A WHOLE PERSON BACK IN THEIR LIVES. SO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR WORK AND FOR EVERYTHING YOUR ORGANIZATIONS WILL DO THIS WEEK TO SEE PEOPLE. >> COUNCILMEMBER BANKSTON? >> I WON'T BELABOR THE MOMENT BUT CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU FOR THE CONTINUED WORK THAT YOU ALL DO. YOU ALL SAID SOMETHING THAT IS ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH. THIS IS ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY. BUT I WOULD ALSO LIFT UP AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAIR IT'S ALSO ABOUT ECONOMICS. WE HAVE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE RETURNING TO OUR COMMUNITY. SIMULTANEOUSLY I HEAR FROM EMPLOYERS I CAN'T FIND PEOPLE. THERE'S AN ENTIRE POPULATION THAT'S BEING OVERLOOKED. I REALLY HOPE THIS FALLS ON SOMEONE THAT WE NEED TO REALLY LEAN INTO, NOT JUST SAY YOU HIRE RESTORED CITIZENS OR SECOND CHANCES OR JUSTICE-INVOLVED CITIZENS BUT PUT IT INTO ACTION. WHAT I KNOW IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST REASONS PEOPLE RECIDIVIZE OR GO BACK TO PRISON IS BECAUSE THEY HAVE >> TO RESORT TO LIVING. WE ARE NOT SETTING PEOPLE UP FOR SUCCESS. SO THANK YOU ALL FOR CONTINUING TO BEAT THAT DRUM AND CONTINUING TO CALL AND BRING THIS TO LIGHT FOR US. BECAUSE IT IS A THING THAT MATTERS TO THE ECONOMIC HEALTH OF OUR REGION. SO AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL. AND LASTLY, I WILL SAY TO FOLKS THAT HAVE BEEN JUSTICE-INVOLVED, YOU ARE NOT SECOND CHANCE CITIZENS, YOU ARE NOT RESTORED CITIZENS, YOU ARE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS AND IT'S IMPERATIVE WE DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT THE THING YOU DID ON THE WORST DAY OF YOUR LIFE DOESN'T DEFINE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. >> ABSOLUTELY. THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER. AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE WORK YOU DO, I HAVE THE HONOR OF SERVING AS VICE CHAIR OF OUR PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE AS WELL AS CHAIR OF OUR HOUSING COMMITTEE AND THE WAY THE WORLDS INTERSECT IS SOMETHING YOU ALL ARE CHAMPIONING AND BROUGHT TO THE FOREFRONT OF OUR COMMUNITY SO FOLKS UNDERSTAND THAT REAL SAFETY IN OUR COMMUNITY MEANS MORE THAN JUST SENDING FOLKS TO JAIL. IT CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH SYSTEMS THAT ENSURE THAT FOLKS HAVE THEIR BASIC NEEDS MET, THAT ENSURE THOSE FOLKS THAT HAVE SERVED THEIR TIME ARE NOT CONTINUING TO SERVE TIME BECAUSE THEY HAVE AN INABILITY TO BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS IN OUR COMMUNITY. SHANNON, I SHARE EXPERIENCES WITH YOU, AS I WORKED IN THE BOWELS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN FRANKLIN COUNTY AND SAW WHAT AN INJUSTICE IT WAS TO PERPETUATE HARMS THROUGH OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM BY ADDING ADDITIONAL BARRIERS TO FOLK THAT'S WERE CERTAINLY UNNECESSARY. I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE WORK YOU DO EVERY DAY TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR COMMUNITY IS EDUCATED. I THANK YOU, ZACH, FOR TURNING YOUR PAIN INTO PURPOSE AND CONTINUING TO ADVOCATE ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR OUR COMMUNITY. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH, I'M HONORED TO PRESENT THIS RESOLUTION TO YOU ALL TODAY. IF THERE ARE NO FURTHER COMMENTS FROM MY COLLEAGUES, I WILL MOVE FOR ADOPTION. >> SECOND. CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN REMY ROSS WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ADOPTED. THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER. COUNCILMEMBER WYCHE? >> THANK YOU, COUNCIL PRESIDENT. ON THIS FINAL MONDAY IN APRIL, I WANT TO SAY HAPPY EARTH MONTH. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PLANTED TREES, PLANTED NATIVE PLANTS, BUILT COMMUNITY GARDENS. IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO, IN MAY YOU CAN DO THE SAME THING. COME ON OUT, VOLUNTEER, GET IN THE COMMUNITY, GET IN THE DIRT. I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE RYAN AND NOAH FROM THE CLINTONVILLE GREEN TEAM TO THE PODIUM. WHILE THEY ARE MAKING THEIR WAY TO THE FRONT I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTION 110X-2026 TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY IN COLUMBUS OHIO. IT WAS ESTABLISHED >> IN 1872. IT'S CELEBRATED ANNUALLY ON THE FOURTH FRIDAY OF APRIL WITH THE GOAL OF HIGHLIGHTING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPORTANCE OF TREES AND ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND MEMBERS TO PRACTICE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP BY PLANTING AND CARING FOR TREES. TREES ARE A VITAL COMPONENT OF OUR COMMUNITY. THEY HELP COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE, REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION COSTS, FILTER THE AIR, PROVIDE NECESSARY HABITAT FOR WILDLIFE. WE MUST CONTINUE TO PRIORITIZE INCREASING OUR COMMUNITY'S TREE CANOPY AND ENSURING THAT COLUMBUS RESIDENTS HAVE ADEQUATE ACCESS TO GREEN SPACES. WE HAVE SEEN THE IMPACT OF POLICY THAT HAS SYSTEMATICALLY UNDERMINED BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES INCLUDING REMOVAL OF ACCESS TO TREE COVER. IT IS VITAL THAT WE CONTINUE TO INCREASE OUR CITY'S TREE CANOPY AND CHAMPION POLICY AND ACTION THAT ENSURES SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ALL. INCLUDING MINORITY POPULATIONS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES HERE IN COLUMBUS. RYAN AND NOAH, THANK YOU BOTH FOR THE WORK THAT THE CLINTONVILLE GREEN TEAM DOES TO CHAMPION SUSTAINABILITY AND INCREASE OUR COMMUNITY'S TREE CANOPY. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE MEANINGFUL WORK YOU DO IN THE CITY TO ENGAGE COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND ADVOCATE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. BEFORE I MOVE ADOPTION, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE A FEW WORDS? >> YES, WE WOULD. THANK YOU. HELLO, I'M RYAN FOSHI, CO-CHAIR OF THE CLINTONVILLE GREEN TEAM, THE GREEN COMMITTEE OF THE CLINTONVILLE AREA COMMISSION. WITH ME IS NOAH FAUSTE, PROJECT LEADER FOR COLUMBUS ARBOR FEST. TODAY WE ARE HERE TO TALK ABOUT TREES. IT FEELS A LITTLE FUNNY TO STAND HERE WITHOUT OUR PARTNERS TODAY BECAUSE WE ARE ACCUSTOMED TO WORKING WITH PARTNERS. WORKING ON TREES IS ALWAYS A GROUP EFFORT. WE ORGANIZE A COMMUNITY FESTIVAL ABOUT TREES, COLUMBUS ARBOR FEST THAT COMES UP AUGUST 22ND IN CLINTONVILLE BUT IT'S ALL THE PARTNERS AND COMMUNITY THAT MAKES IT SO INTERESTING AND FULL OF LIFE. ORGANIZATIONS LIKE FRANKLIN WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, >> COLUMBUS RECS, AND PARKS. AMONG MANY OTHERS I WOULD LIKE TO NAME SOME GROUPS AND PEOPLE I CONSIDER LOCAL HEROES. GREEN COLUMBUS, FRIENDS OF OLENTANGY WATERSHED OR FLOW, FRIENDS OF ALUM CREEK TRIBUTARIES OR FACT. NEIGHBORHOODS GROUPS LIKE ADINA BROOK COMMUNITY CLINTONVILLE. ACTIVISTS LIKE MARK SCHMITT WHO VOLUNTEERS EVERY WEEK TO DO WALKS AND EDUCATE ANYONE. HE WRITES TREE OF THE MONTH COLUMN FOR SIMPLY LIVING NEWSLETTER. TONY STAHL WHO PUBLISHES HER MONTHLY NATURE SCOOP E-NEWSLETTER. JULIE SMILEY, PROTECT AND GROW MORE GREAT TREES AND DIANE CATANGA WHO RUNS SUNNY GLEN GARDEN AND THE CCC >> FOR THE PPP IN LINDEN. GENEROUS AND SEEMINGLY TIRELESS CAMPAIGNERS PLANTING TREES. TREES SUPPORT OUR LOCAL, PLANTS, ANIMALS, AIR AND WATERWAYS. THEY REPRESENT THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIMPLY HAVE A HEALTHY LIFE AS A BASELINE IN THE CITY OF COLUMBUS. HERE IS A FEW THINGS ABOUT TREES AS WELL. JUST SO PEOPLE KNOW. BECAUSE IT'S PRETTY IMPORTANT. THE CITY'S FORESTRY MASTER PLAN DETAILS ALL KINDS OF THINGS ABOUT TREES BUT ALSO SHARES IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR TREE CANOPY. IF YOU DIG IN THE PLAN OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE 40 CITYWIDE COVERAGE IN ANY >> GIVEN NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE POSSIBLE. 2015 ASSESSMENT SHOWED WE WERE ABOUT 22% CANOPY COVERAGE. MOST OF THE LAND WITHIN OUR CITY IS PRIVATELY OWNED. 70% IN COLUMBUS ARE ON PRIVATE LAND, OTHER 30% ARE PUBLIC IN PARKS ALONG THE STREETS. THERE'S A LOT TO KNOW ABOUT TREES BUT THE BEST APPROACH IS TAKE YOUR TIME, HAVE FUN, FIND QUALITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND LEARN AS YOU GO. IT'S FUN AND EMPOWERING TO KNOW HEY WHAT'S THAT TREE. FIRST FOCUS ON A FEW NATIVE TREES YOU LIKE AND ARE EASY TO REMEMBER. FOR EXAMPLE, OAKS ARE KEYSTONE SPECIES MEANING THEIR PRESENCE IS CRUCIAL FOR THE HEALTH AND BIODIVERSITY OF MANY ECOSYSTEMS. OAKS, YOU KNOW THE ONES WITH A CORNES PROVIDE FOOD IN THE FORM OF A CORNES AND LEAVES AND OFFER HABITAT THROUGH THEIR BRANCHES, CANOPIES AND LEAVES. THEY HOST MORE CATERPILLAR SPECIES THAN >> ANY OTHER PLANT GENUS. ALL NATIVE TREES ARE IMPORTANT. MANY ARE THE SPECIFIC HOST SPECIES FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF ANIMALS, MEANING THEY ARE ESSENTIAL TO THEIR REPRODUCTION. DIVERSITY OF SPECIES IS THE KEY TO A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM. SOME TREES DO WELL BY A STREAM SIDE, OTHERS BY THE SIDE OF OUR STREETS. EACH HAS A UNIQUE BENEFIT AND EXCELS IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS. ALSO, THIS IS IMPORTANT IN COLUMBUS BECAUSE THERE'S SOME OF IT AROUND. NOT NATIVE INVASIVE TREES AND PLANTS INTRODUCE PROBLEMATIC SIDE EFFECTS SUCH AS POTENTIALLY DESTRUCTIVE FOREIGN ANIMAL LIFE OR RESOURCE COMPETITION WITHOUT MUCH BENEFIT GOING BACK INTO OUR LOCAL ECOSYSTEM. EXAMPLE, THE NON-NATIVE BRADFORD OR PEAR TREE WHICH IS BEAUTIFUL, WHICH IS WHY THE CASE, WHY IT MADE IT'S WAY TO NORTH AMERICA >> IN THE FIRST PLACE, IT'S SO PARTICULARLY HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT IT'S NOW BANNED IN OHIO, WITH BOUNTY PROGRAMS APPEARING IN SOME LOCALITIES TO ENCOURAGE THE SWIFT REMOVAL AND REPLACE WITH NATIVE TREES. ALSO THE NON-NATIVE TREE-OF-HEAVEN WHICH YOU COULD SEE AROUND COLUMBUS THAT CAN OUTGROW AND TAKE OVER THE HABITAT OF NATIVE TREES, ALSO A REFUGE FOR THE SPOT EARN LANTERN FLY WHICH IS INVASIVE SPECIES OF CONCERN. LEARNING HOW TO SPOT NATIVE AND INVASIVE TREES IS A VERY HELPFUL SKILL THAT CAN >> BE LEARNED BY ANYONE. HI COUNCIL, I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HAVING US TODAY AND PARTICULARLY COUNCILMEMBER WYCHE FOR INVITING US AND RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF ARBOR DAY. I WILL EXPAND ON WHAT YOU TALKED ABOUT GETTING INVOLVED WITH PLANTING TREES IN COLUMBUS. I WILL TALK ABOUT A COUPLE DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN DO THAT THE FIRST, AS YOU MENTIONED, THERE'S SO MANY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES HAPPENING RIGHT NOW. IT'S SPRING, THERE'S A TON OF DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE ALMOST DAILY PROGRAMS WHERE YOU CAN GO MAINTAIN A POLLINATOR GARDEN OR PLANT A TREE OR PULL OUT INVASIVE SPECIES. I HAVE SEEN THE INSTAGRAM YOU HAVE BEEN DOING A LOT, LITERALLY THE WORK ON THE GROUND TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN. WE SEE THAT AND WE APPRECIATE THAT. WE ARE CLINTONVILLE GREEN TEAM BUT IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD THERE ARE THINGS GOING ON SO YOU CAN MAKE YOUR PARTICULAR NEIGHBORHOOD A LITTLE BIT GREENER. YOU CAN ALSO GO TO SO MANY WONDERFUL PLACES IN COLUMBUS, WHERE YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT TREES. WE HAVE FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY WHICH IS PROBABLY THE MOST WELL KNOWN BUT WE HAVE ARBORETUMS >> ALL OVER THE CITY. CHATEAU. OR OLENTANGY. THERE ARE TREES NATIVE THAT WERE PLANTED SO YOU CAN TAKE A LOOK AROUND AND SEE ALL SORTS OF DIFFERENT SPECIES. THIRD, YOU CAN PLANT A TREE YOURSELF. IT'S NOT TOO HARD, YOU CAN LOOK UP INFORMATION ONLINE, MAKE SURE YOU DON'T PUT UNDER A POWER LINE OR OVER A SEWER LINE, YOU COULD HAVE A TREE OF YOUR OWN THAT IS GOING TO GROW FOR DECADES. IT'S BECOME MORE VALUABLE, PROVIDE BEAUTY AND SHADE, MAKE THE NEIGHBORHOOD BETTER FOR EVERYBODY WHO WALKS UNDER THE SHADE OF THAT TREE. LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, MY PERSONAL FAVORITE COME TO COLUMBUS ARBOR FEST ON AUGUST 22ND, IT'S A CELEBRATION OF TREES IN COLUMBUS. WE WILL HAVE FOOD TRUCKS AND LIVE MUSIC, JUST LIKE YOU WOULD EXPECT AT ANY FESTIVAL BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY WE WILL HAVE TREE TALKS, NATURE WALKS AND HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER NOT JUST CELEBRATING TREES BUT LEARNING ABOUT TREES AND GETTING INVOLVED TO INCREASE OUR URBAN CANOPY AND TRY TO HIT THAT 40% GOAL BY 2050. THANK YOU FOR HAVING US HERE TODAY. >> RYAN AND NOAH, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY. I FEEL I PLANTED THE MOST TREES ON COUNCIL. MAYBE COUNCILMEMBER DAY-ACHAUER A CLOSE SECOND. WE WILL HAVE TO START THE COUNT TO GET MORE FOLKS OUT TO DO THIS WORK. IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO THE EVERYDAY LIFE WHEN WE SOMETIMES TAKE FOR GRANTED THE TREE THAT'S ARE THERE. LET ME SEE IF THERE ARE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS. OF COURSE I CALLED HER OUT, COUNCILMEMBER DAY-ACHAUER? >> THANK YOU FOR DOING REAL THINGS AND BEING OUT THERE AND ENGAGED AND PLANTING TREES. LOTS OF PEOPLE LIKE TO TALK AND POINT OUT THAT OTHER PEOPLE SHOULD BE PLANTING TREES BUT YOU ARE DOING THE REAL WORK. AND I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT. THIS IS HOW WE GET TREES IN OUR CITY GO OUT AND PLANT A TREE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WORK. >> ANYONE ELSE? >> I THINK, YOU KNOW, ONE THING THAT WE ARE OFTEN IN PUBLIC SERVICE IS AS WE ARE THINKING ABOUT THE LANDSCAPE OF STREETS AND OTHER THINGS THIS IS SOMETHING WE HAVE INCORPORATED THAT IS IMPORTANT. HOW DO WE ADD TO OUR URBAN CANOPY, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED ADVOCACY AND THANK YOU FOR PLANTING TREES. COUNCILMEMBER WYCHE THREW DOWN SOME GAUNTLETS, I WORKED OUT OF SERVICE ORGANIZATION FOR 30, I THINK A LIFETIME TREE PLANTER, SO I THINK I HAVE YOU ALL BEAT. SINCERELY, THANK YOU. I THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE STARTED SOMETHING. YOU SHOULD CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE AND SEE WHO CAN PLANT THE MOST TREES BY THE END OF THE YEAR. SERIOUSLY, AS WE THINK OF SAFETY AND OUR FUTURE THIS IS WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT RIGHT NOW. IN A SPACE WHERE WE DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT, THINK ABOUT CLEAN WATER OR CLEAN AIR, THESE ARE THE THING THAT'S MATTER AND ARE MOST IMPORTANT. WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH CONVERSATIONS. SO EVERY TIME WE DO A TREE PLANTING, WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO PUSH THAT TO THE TOP. BECAUSE WE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IT. AND TOO MANY TIMES IT'S NOT AT THE TOP OF OUR CONVERSATION, IT'S MANY OTHER THINGS, RIGHT. IT'S NOT INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING OR OTHER THINGS, IT'S WE CAN'T BREATHE IF WE CAN'T LIVE. THANK YOU FOR ACKNOWLEDGING AND CONTINUING TO PUSH AND MAKE US ALL GREENER. >> NO WORRIES. I WILL GO BACK AND PULL THOSE RECORDS, DON'T >> MAKE ME DO THAT. COUNCILMEMBER GREEN? >> I JUST HAVE A QUESTION, SINCE WE HAVE OUR TREE EXPERTS IN THE ROOM AND APPARENTLY >> UP HERE AS WELL. CAN YOU JUST, YEAH, THROUGH THE PROGRAMS YOU ARE WORKING ON, ARE YOU ABLE TO JUST GO AND PLANT A TREE ANYWHERE? WHAT IS THE PROCESS IF I WANT TO PUT A TREE IN THE RIGHT OF WAY. THIS IS A QUESTION FOR PUBLIC SERVICE. SOMETHING I HEAR A LOT ON THE HILLTOP. PEOPLE SAYING WE DESERVE BEAUTIFULLY SHADED STREETS AS WELL. ABSOLUTELY WE DO. CAN I JUST WALK UP TO THE RIGHT OF WAY AND PLANT A TREE IN THE STREET, OR? >> NO, PLEASE DON'T GO OUT TO THE RIGHT OF WAY AND PLANT A TREE. YOU CAN REQUEST A TREE VIA 3-1-1. PLEASE DO THAT, THAT IS THE PREFERRED METHOD. IF YOU WANT TO PLANT A TREE ON YOUR PROPERTY, HAVE THAT. FRONT YARD, BACKYARD. WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE MORE. >> JUST CALL 8-1-1 BEFORE YOU DIG. >> WHAT? CALL 8-1-1. >> TO MAKE SURE THERE'S NO UTILITIES, THAT YOU'RE NOT HITTING ANY. >> BUT WE CAN REQUEST. >> THERE ARE VIDEO S. >> I KNOW WE ARE JOKING AROUND BUT ONE OF THE REASONS THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY, WHEN THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE, SOMETIMES FOLKS WILL GET UPSET. ALSO DEPENDING WHERE YOU PLANT, IF THE ROOTS MESS UP YOUR SIDEWALK YOU ARE THEN RESPONSIBLE FOR IT, THERE ARE LOTS OF DIFFERENT REASONS YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THAT. WHICH IS WHY ASKING THE EXPERTS, THE CITY IS REALLY IMPORTANT. AND MAKING SURE THEY ARE THE RIGHT SPECIES. >> LOOK AT ALL THIS DEBATE ON TREES. THAT IS WHAT WE LOVE >> TO SEE. WITH THAT, I MOVE FOR ADOPTION. >> SECOND. RESIDENT HARDIN: CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN REMY ROSS >> WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ADOPTED. PRESIDENT PRO TEM DORANS? >> THANK YOU, I MAY NOT BE WITH YOU IN CHAMBERS BUT LEARNED ABOUT TREES EVERY WHICH WAY WITH YOU ALL HERE VIRTUALLY. I WANT TO THANK MY COLLEAGUES AND CERTAINLY FOLKS FOR ACCOMMODATING ME HERE THIS EVENING. I'M NOT WITH YOU ALL IN CITY HALL. MY FAMILY HAS A MEDICAL ISSUE GOING ON WITH ONE OF MY PARENTS AND WANTED TO BE WITH THEM AS THEY ARE DEALING WITH THAT ISSUE. SO THANKS FOR THOSE WHO REACHED OUT TO ME. I APPRECIATE IT. WE PLANNED ON HAVING THE PUBLIC HEARING TOMORROW TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE CHANGES TO COUNCIL'S DISTRICT STRUCTURE WITH THE UNCERTAINTY WHETHER OR NOT I WILL BE BACK IN TIME. WE DECIDED TO GO AHEAD AND POSTPONE THAT PUBLIC HEARING TOMORROW TO MAKE SURE THAT WE COULD FULLY DEVOTE OUR ENERGIES TO THAT. SO THAT HEARING WILL NOW BE TAKING PLACE ON MONDAY, MAY 4, AT 5:30 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS. MY STAFF SHOULD HAVE REACHED OUT TO ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO HAVE REQUESTED A SPEAKER SLIP TO LET THEM KNOW THOSE SPEAKER SLIPS WILL BE HONORED FOR THAT HEARING NOW SCHEDULED FOR MAY 4TH. IF YOU HAVE NOT SIGNED UP TO SPEAK AND WOULD LIKE TO, PLEASE REACH OUT TO MY LEGISLATIVE AID ANDIE MCDONALD BY 3:00 P.M. ON MAY 4TH. APOLOGIZE FOR HAVING TO MOVE THAT COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING BUT WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE GOT THAT BACK ON THE CALENDAR AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE WITH A LITTLE CONFUSION WHEN WE INITIALLY CHANGED THAT, THE INITIAL RELEASE MENTIONED MAY 5TH, THAT IS INCORRECT. THAT IS PRIMARY ELECTION DAY AND WE DIDN'T WANT TO ADD TO ANY CONFUSION OR TAKE FOLKS AWAY TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT ELECTION. SO WE RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 4TH NEXT MONDAY IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO MY OFFICE FOR THAT HEARING. WITH THAT, I WILL TURN IT BACK TO YOU, COUNCIL PRESIDENT. >> THANK YOU. AND OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU TOO AS YOU ARE WITH YOUR PARENTS. IT'S 6:30. IS THERE A MOTION TO RECESS FOR ZONING? SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN REMY ROSS WYCHE PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> WE ARE IN RECESS. WE WILL RECONVENE MEETING #21. SECOND. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. YOU CAN CALL IT. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. CAN I GET A MOTION TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE JOURNAL? >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE JOURNAL? HEARING NONE, THE JOURNAL IS APPROVED. WE WILL NOW GO TO THE ZONING COMMITTEE, COUNCILMEMBER DORANS CHAIRS THAT MEETING, ALL MEMBERS SERVE ON IT. COUNCILMEMBER, THE FLOOR IS YOURS. >> THANK YOU, COUNCIL PRESIDENT. AS I MENTIONED DURING THE RIG MEETING, APPRECIATE FOLKS' FLEXIBILITY >> WITH ME BEING VIRTUAL TONIGHT WHILE DEALING WITH A FAMILY SITUATION. APPRECIATE THOSE INDIVIDUALS UNDERSTANDING THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE REFERRING, POSTPONING TO LEGISLATIONS INTO MAY. THEY WILL HAVE THEIR SPEAKER SLIPS TRANSFERRED TO THE NIGHT THAT WE CONSIDER THOSE ORDINANCES AND WILL NOT NEED TO SIGN UP AGAIN. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS YOU CAN REACH OUT TO MY OFFICE, CERTAINLY KEVIN MCCAIN FROM OUR ZONING FOLKS IN THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH OFFICE. AS ALWAYS, I WILL EXPLAIN RULES ON SPEAKING ON VARIANCES. WE ONLY HEAR A STAFF PRESENTATION FROM AN ORDINANCE THAT HAS A DISAPPROVAL FROM A RECOMMENDING BODY OR IF WE HAVE A PUBLIC SPEAKER SIGNED UP TO SPEAK AGAINST AN ORDINANCE. WE PERMIT THREE SPEAKERS ON EACH SIDE OF AN ORDINANCE, THREE PROPONENTS, THREE OPPONENTS. WE ASK THOSE SPEAKERS LIMIT THEIR REMARKS TO THREE MINUTES PER THE STANDARD RULES OF CITY COUNCIL. ALL SPEAKERS ON A COUNCIL VARIANCE INCLUDING CITY STAFF, AREA COMMISSIONERS, APPLICANTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE SWORN IN BEFORE THEY GIVE TESTIMONY. REPRESENTATIVES OF AN AREA COMMISSION ARE ALWAYS ABLE TO SPEAK ON AN ORDINANCE; YOU DO NOT NEED TO FILL OUT A SPEAKER SLIP >> BUT WE DO ASK YOU ALERT CITY STAFF OF YOUR INTENTIONS TO SPEAK AT THIS HEARING. WE DID HAVE 11 PUBLIC SPEAKER SLIPS SIGNED UP TO SPEAK BUT THEY HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED WHEN THOSE ORDINANCES WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE MONTH OF MAY. ON THE ADVICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY, I WILL NOW SWEAR IN CITY STAFF. PLEASE STAND AND RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND TO BE SWORN IN. DO YOU SWEAR OR AFFIRM THE TESTIMONY YOU ARE ABOUT TO GIVE WILL BE THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, AND YOU SHALL ANSWER TO THE PAINS AND PENALTY OF PERJURY? IF SO, PLEASE SAY “I DO” >> I DO. >> PLEASE LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT JOSEPH RHOADES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND ZONING SERVICES HAS BEEN SWORN IN. ORDINANCE 0290-2026. TO REZONE 2100 HARD RD. BEING 5.0 ACRES LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF HARD ROAD, 150 FEET WEST OF STONEFORD DRIVE, FROM: L-RR, LIMITED RURAL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, TO: AR-1, APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. I FIRST MOVE TO POSTPONE THIS ORDINANCE TO THE 18TH ZONING COMMITTEE AGENDA. >> CLERK, CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> POSTPONED. LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT SCOTT, LISA, DEBRA, AND AARON WILL HAVE THEIR SPEAKER SLIPS HONORED FOR THE MAY 18TH ZONING COMMITTEE HEARING. NEXT WE HAVE ORDINANCE 1035-2026. TO REZONE 7801 & 7809 OLENTANGY RIVER RD, BEING 5.82 ACRES LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD, 370± FEET SOUTH OF CLUBVIEW BOULEVARD, FROM: R-1, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, TO: L-AR-12, LIMITED APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. AGAIN I MOVE TO POSTPONE TO THE MAY 18TH ZONING COMMITTEE AGENDA. >> CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> POSTPONED. THANK YOU, AND AGAIN LET THE RECORD REFLECT, RUSSELL CARN HAN, PAUL PEARSON, BRIAN HUNT, AND BACK UPS WILL HAVE THEIR SPEAKER SLIPS HONORED FOR THE MAY 18TH ZONING COMMITTEE AGENDA. NEXT WE HAVE ORDINANCE 1136-2026. TO REZONE 6955-6999 HARLEM RD. BEING 4.40 ACRES LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF HARLEM ROAD, 880± FEET NORTH OF CENTRAL COLLEGE ROAD, FROM: L-M, LIMITED MANUFACTURING DISTRICT, TO: AR-1, APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. THE REZONING WILL ALLOW AN 84-UNIT PARM COME MRE.. IT HAS APPROVAL FROM AREA COMMISSION AND BLACKLICK ACCORD PANEL. I MOVE FOR PASSAGE. >> CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> PASSED. THANKS, NOW WE MOVE TO THE VARIANCE PORTION OF OUR AGENDA. ORDINANCE 0291-2026. TO GRANT A VARIANCE FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 3312.27, PARKING SETBACK LINE; 3333.18, BUILDING LINES; AND 3332.255, PERIMETER YARD, OF THE COLUMBUS CITY CODES; FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2100 HARD RD. TO ALLOW REDUCED DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR AN APARTMENT COMPLEX IN THE AR-1, APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. I MOVE TO POSTPONE TO THE MAY 18TH ZONING COMMITTEE AGENDA. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> POSTPONED. THANK YOU, LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT JENNIFER DE GLASS WILL HAVE HER SPEAKER SLIP HONORED IN THE MAY 18TH ZONING COMMITTEE HEARING. NEXT WE HAVE ORDINANCE 1036-2026. TO GRANT A VARIANCE FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 3333.02 AR-12 ARLD AND AR-1 APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT USE; 3333.41, STANDARDS, OF THE COLUMBUS CITY CODES; FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7801 & 7809 OLENTANGY RIVER RD. TO ALLOW REDUCED DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR TOWNHOUSES IN THE L-AR-12, LIMITED APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. I MOVE TO POSTPONE TO THE MAY 18TH ZONING COMMITTEE AGENDA. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> POSTPONED. THANK YOU. AGAIN, LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT RUSSELL CARN HAN WILL HAVE HIS SPEAKER SLIP HONORED MAY 18TH ZONING COMMITTEE AGENDA. NEXT WE HAVE ORDINANCE 1116-2026. TO GRANT A VARIANCE FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 3332.035, R-3 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT; 3312.49, REQUIRED PARKING; 3332.05, AREA DISTRICT LOT WIDTH REQUIREMENTS; AND 3332.13, R-3 AREA DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS, OF THE COLUMBUS CITY CODES; FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1289-1291 E. 17TH AVE. TO ALLOW A TWO-UNIT DWELLING WITH REDUCED DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE R-3, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. SITE CONSISTS OF ONE UNDEVELOPED PARCEL, FOR A TWO UNIT DWELLING AND REQUESTED COUNCIL VARIANCE WILL ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO UNIT DWELLING WHICH IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE CURRENT ZONING DISTRICT. IT HAS APPROVAL FROM CITY STAFF AND SOUTH LINDEN AREA COMMISSION. I FIRST MOVE TO ACCEPT THE ENTIRE STAFF REPORT INTO EVIDENCE AS AN EXHIBIT. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA DAY-ACHAUER DORANS GREEN REMY ROSS WYCHE PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ACCEPTED. THANKS. NEXT, I MOVE TO ADOPT THE FINDINGS OF STAFF AS THE FINDINGS OF COUNCIL. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA DAY-ACHAUER DORANS GREEN REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ADOPTED. FINALLY, I MOVE FOR PASSAGE. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> PASSED. THANK YOU. NEXT WE HAVE ORDINANCE 1137-2026. TO GRANT A VARIANCE FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 3309.14, HEIGHT DISTRICTS; 3312.21, LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING; 3332.06; R-RURAL AREA DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS; 3333.18, BUILDING LINE; AND 3333.255, PERIMETER YARD, OF THE COLUMBUS CITY CODES; FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6955-6999 HARLEM RD. TO ALLOW REDUCED DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR AN APARTMENT COMPLEX IN THE AR-1, APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, AND REDUCED LOT SIZES IN THE R, RURAL DISTRICT. THIS IS A CONCURRENT VARIANCE TO REZONING CONSIDERED EARLIER IN TONIGHT'S AGENDA WHICH WILL ALLOW REDUCED DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR AN 84-UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX ON TRACK 1 AND REDUCE LOT SIZE FOR TRACK 2 AND THREE FOR FUTURE LOT SPLIT AS SHOWN IN THE SUBMITTED SITE PLAN. TRACK TWO CURRENTLY DEVELOPED. TO BE COMBINED WITH EXISTING APARTMENT COMPLEX PROPERTY TO THE WEST. VARIANCES ARE REQUESTED BECAUSE THE LOT SPLITS CANNOT MEET ALL THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE DISTRICT. IT HAS APPROVAL FROM CITY STAFF AND ROCKY BLACK LICK ACCORD PANEL. I FIRST MOVE TO ACCEPT THE STAFF REPORT INTO EVIDENCE AS AN EXHIBIT. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ACCEPTED. THANK YOU. NEXT, I MOVE TO ADOPT THE FINDINGS OF STAFF AS THE FINDINGS OF COUNCIL. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA DAY-ACHAUER DORANS GREEN REMY ROSS WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ADOPTED. FINALLY, I MOVE FOR PASSAGE. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> PASSED. THANK YOU. NEXT WE HAVE ORDINANCE 1139-2026. TO GRANT A VARIANCE FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 3332.037, R-2F RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT; 3332.18, BASIS OF COMPUTING AREA; AND 3332.25, REQUIRED SIDE YARD, OF THE COLUMBUS CITY CODES; FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 427 HANFORD ST. TO CONFORM A SEVEN-UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING WITH REDUCED DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE R-2F, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. CONSISTS OF ONE PARCEL WITH A SEVEN UNIT TOWNHOUSE STYLE UNIT. IT WILL CONFORM EXISTING >> DEVELOPMENT TO UPDATE THE ON SITE PARKING WITH A PARKING GARAGE. IT DOES NOT ALLOW A 7-UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING. VARIANCE FOR LOT COVERAGE AND REQUIRED SIDE YARDS ARE INCLUDED IN THE REQUEST. IT HAS APPROVAL FROM CITY STAFF AND COLUMBUS SOUTH SIDE AREA COMMISSION. I FIRST MOVE TO ACCEPT THE ENTIRE STAFF REPORT INTO EVIDENCE AS AN EXHIBIT. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ACCEPTED. THANK YOU, NEXT I MOVE TO ADOPT THE FINDINGS OF STAFF AS THE FINDINGS OF COUNCIL. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ADOPTED. THANK YOU. FINALLY, I MOVE FOR PASSAGE. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> PASSED. NEXT I HAVE ORDINANCE 1143-2026. TO GRANT A VARIANCE FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 3332.035, R-3 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, OF THE COLUMBUS CITY CODES; FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2930-2932 MEDINA AVE. TO ALLOW A TWO-UNIT DWELLING IN THE R-3, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. R-3, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. FIRST I MOVE TO ACCEPT THE ENTIRE STAFF REPORT INTO EVIDENCE AS AN EXHIBIT. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA DAY-ACHAUER DORANS GREEN REMY ROSS WYCHE PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ACCEPTED. NEXT, I MOVE TO ADOPT THE FINDINGS OF STAFF AS THE FINDINGS OF COUNCIL. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA DAY-ACHAUER DORANS GREEN REMY ROSS WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> ADOPTED. FINALLY I MOVE FOR PASSAGE. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> PASSED. THAT IS ALL I HAVE IN TONIGHT'S ZONING AGENDA. >> THANK YOU. WE ARE THINKING ABOUT YOU, FRIEND. IF THERE IS NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL, MAY I HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, >> DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> MEETING IS ADJOURNED. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> WE ARE BACK IN MEETING #21. AT THIS TIME I REQUEST THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT PORTION OF THE AGENDA. NEIGHBORHOODS RECREATION, 1288-2026. ANY OTHER REQUESTS FROM MEMBERS OF COUNCIL FOR THE REMOVAL OF AN ORDINANCE? MAY WE NOW HAVE A MOTION TO WAIVE READING OF TITLES OF 30-DAY LEGISLATION ON TONIGHT'S AGENDA? SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> WILL THE CLERK PLEASE READ. >> FINANCE & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 976, 1062, AND 1144-2026. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESS COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 985, 999, 1170, AND 1171-2026. PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 1110, 1448, AND 1183-2026. NEIGHBORHOODS, RECREATION, & PARKS COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 1070, 1071, 1072, AND 1073-2026. WORKFORCE, EDUCATION, & LABOR COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 988 AND 1120-2026. HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES, & EQUITY COMMITTEE. ORDINANCE 1050-2026. HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS, & BUILDING COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 1189 AND 1191-2026. PUBLIC UTILITIES & SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 872, 989, 950, 1023, 1093, 1039, 1134, AND 1156-2026. RULES & POLICY COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 944 AND 1000-2026.AND THAT'S ALL. >> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. WE DON'T HAVE ANY SPEAKERS ON THE FIRST READING PORTION OF THE AGENDA. THE NEXT ORDINANCES APPEAR ON OUR AGENDA AS CONSENT. WILL THE CLERK NOW READ THOSE INTO THE RECORD? >> RESOLUTIONS OF EXPRESSION. RESOLUTIONS 113, 111, 112, 108 AND 109X-2026. FINANCE & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 970, 1019, 1054, AND 1283-2026. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESS COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 763, 997, 998, 1003, 1064, 1135, AND 1280-2026. PUBLIC SERVICE & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE. RESOLUTION 83X-2026. ORDINANCES 1029, 1032, AND 1095-2026. NEIGHBORHOODS, RECREATION, & PARKS COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 956, 1090, 1128, AND 1186-2026. WORKFORCE, EDUCATION, & LABOR COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 1047 AND 1145-2026. PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 1045, 1187, AND 1288-2026. HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS, & BUILDING COMMITTEE. ORDINANCES 1037 1059 1065, AND 1089-2026. PUBLIC UTILITIES & SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE. RESOLUTION 82X-2026. ORDINANCES 601, 673, 689, 957, AND 1097-2026. RULES & POLICY COMMITTEE. APPOINTMENTS 81, 82, AND A83-2026. >> THANK YOU, MADAM CLERK. WE HAVE ONE SPEAKER ON THE CONSENT PORTION OF THE AGENDA, MS. CHERI SMITH. WELCOME TO COUNCIL. YES, MA'AM. >> SORRY, I'M A LITTLE SLOW. >> NO, TAKE YOUR TIME, YOU ARE FINE. IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME SPEAKING BEFORE US, IF YOU ARE REPRESENTING ANYBODY, PLEASE TELL US. >> I'M HARD OF HEARING. SO WHAT YOU JUST SAID, I DID NOT HEAR A WORD, AND I APOLOGIZE. >> NO, NO, MY APOLOGIES. I WAS SAYING IF YOU ARE REPRESENTING SOMEONE, LET US KNOW, BUT YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK. >> OKAY. I AM REPRESENTING SENIOR CITIZENS IN COLUMBUS. NOT LIKE ON A GROUP THING. >> I GOT IT. >> BUT DO I GET A BELL OR SOMETHING TO START? >> YOU'RE GOOD. >> OKAY. THERE'S THE TIMER. OKAY. WELL, MY NAME IS CHERI SMITH, I'VE LIVED IN COLUMBUS ALL MY LIFE. I'M 68, I WILL SOON BE 69 IN A FEW MONTHS. I'M VERY BLESSED TO BE IN THIS CITY AND I'M GRATEFUL TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALLOWING ME THIS TIME. I AM HERE BECAUSE I AM VERY CONCERNED. I AM GLAD THAT YOU HAVE DECIDED TO ALLOCATE SOME MONEY TO HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE APARTMENTS AND THEY CAN'T PAY THEIR RENT. I REMEMBER THOSE TIMES WHEN I HAD AN APARTMENT AND IT WAS SUCH A STRUGGLE. IF I HAD SOMETHING LIKE WHAT YOU ARE OFFERING NOW, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN, JUST SO MUCH HELP AT THAT TIME. SO I'M GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR DOING THAT. I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT, AS A SENIOR, I KNOW THAT I DON'T HAVE AN APARTMENT, I HAVE A HOME. AND I'M REALLY CONCERNED BECAUSE A LOT OF US WHO HAVE HOMES WHO CANNOT PAY THESE HIGH PROPERTY TAXES, WE'RE KIND OF GETTING LEFT OUT. WAY. A WHILE AGO, THE CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES AND AUDITOR'S OFFICE PUT SOMETHING TOGETHER TO HELP PEOPLE WHO WERE IN MY TYPE OF SITUATION. THAT FUNDING IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. I'M SAYING THAT WE ALSO NEED HELP BUT IT'S WITH PROPERTY TAXES. MORTGAGE IS PAID OFF BUT I DON'T WANT TO LOSE MY HOME EITHER. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WOULD EVEN FALL UNDER THAT, BUT I'M HOPING THAT IT DOES. THE OTHER THING, I'M SORRY, I'M A LITTLE NERVOUS. THE OTHER THING IS, I'M LOOKING AT THE CLOCK, BEAR WITH ME. A LOT OF TIMES THOSE OF US WHO EVEN WHEN WE WERE TRYING TO GET THE FUNDING FROM CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES, ONE OF THE THINGS THEY SAID WAS IF YOU HAD A LIFE ESTATE, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU UNDERSTAND, A LIFE ESTATE IS WHEN, SAY FOR EXAMPLE, MY MOM PASSED AWAY, LEFT THE HOUSE TO FOUR SIBLINGS, SHE LEFT ME WITH THE LIFE ESTATE, I LIVE IN THE HOME, I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYTHING. NOTHING IS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SIBLINGS, IN FACT, MANY TIMES SIBLINGS ARE FIGHTING OVER THE PROPERTY BUT THE LIFE ESTATE YOU HAVE IT, IT'S UNDER YOUR NAME UNTIL YOU MOVE OR DIE. IN THAT SITUATION, YOUR PROGRAMMING, A LOT OF TIMES SAYS, IF YOU ARE IN A SITUATION WHERE THE HOUSE IS OWNED BY MULTIPLE PEOPLE, THEN YOU HAVE TO GET PERMISSION FROM THOSE OTHER PEOPLE IN ORDER TO GET ASSISTANCE. IT DOESN'T WORK FOR EVERYBODY BECAUSE SOMETIMES THE SIBLINGS WANT YOU OUT ANYWAY. SO IF I WERE TO SEND SOME OF THAT PAPERWORK TO THEM TO GET THAT HELP, THEY WOULD NEVER HAVE SIGNED IT, NEVER. SO I'M HOPING AND PRAYING YOU ALL WILL CONSIDER WHAT I'M SAYING. HELP US SENIOR CITIZENS THAT NEED HELP. AM I DONE? >> BEFORE YOU LEAVE, I'M SORRY. YOU DON'T HAVE TO APOLOGIZE. I CERTAINLY THANK YOU FOR COMING AND ADVOCATING ON BEHALF OF YOUR NEIGHBORS. WE HERE AT COUNCIL ARE VERY KEENLY TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF OUR SENIORS IN THE COMMUNITY. AS WE THINK ABOUT HOUSING AND SUPPORTING HOUSING AND PREVENTING DISPLACEMENT AND PROMOTING AGING IN PLACE, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ALL OF THOSE THINGS TO INCLUDE PROPERTY TAXES. WHILE PROPERTY TAXES IS NOT WITHIN THE FULL JURISDICTION OF THE CITY, MAKING SURE WE ARE ADVOCATING TO OUR STATE PARTNERS AS WELL AS THINKING CREATIVELY WHAT WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT SENIORS IN THAT SPACE. I THANK YOU FOR COMING AND ADVOCATING. I'VE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO HELP WORK THROUGH SOME OF THOSE PROBATE ISSUES. WE USED TO DO IT AT THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE THROUGH OWNER OCCUPIED INITIATIVE WHEN SENIORS WOULD COME AND NEED SUPPORT, BUT HAD PROBATE ISSUES TO WORK THROUGH. IF YOU ARE COMING UP AGAINST THOSE ISSUES, I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO REACH OUT TO OUR OFFICE AND I'M SURE WE CAN HELP YOU NAVIGATE THROUGH THOSE SO YOU STILL HAVE ACCESS. PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING CARE OF THAT PIECE OF PROPERTY AND IF YOU ARE LIVING IN THAT PIECE OF PROPERTY. EVEN IF THERE SEEM TO BE BARRIERS BEFORE YOU, PLEASE, PLEASE REACH OUT TO US, SO WE CAN HELP YOU NAVIGATE THROUGH SOME OF THOSE THINGS. >> JUST TO LET YOU KNOW, THE CITY DID CHANGE SOME RULES ON HELPING PEOPLE WITH THAT PROGRAM WHERE YOU HELP FIX UP THE HOUSE. THEY CHANGED IT SO, IT USED TO BE IF YOU WERE LIFE ESTATE THEY WOULD HELP YOU. NOW THEY CHANGED IT SO EVERYBODY HAS TO SIGN THE DOCUMENTATION TO GET THE HELP. AND EVERYBODY IS NOT GOING TO SIGN IT. >> I WILL CERTAINLY LOOK INTO THAT AND SEE WHAT WE CAN DO. >> THANK YOU. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU, MS. SMITH. IF THERE ARE NOT ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ON THE CONSENT PORTION OF THE AGENDA, IS THERE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL? SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> THE CONSENT PORTION OF OUR AGENDA IS PASSED. WE WILL NOW PROCEED WITH SECOND READING. FIRST COMMITTEE TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL IS THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY COUNCILMEMBER BARROSO DE PADILLA. COUNCILMEMBER, THE FLOOR IS YOURS. >> THANK YOU, COUNCIL PRESIDENT. I HAVE TWO ITEMS ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION. THE FIRST IS 0924-2026. TO AMEND THE 2025 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET. TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS WITHIN THE STREET AND HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT FUND. TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT MODIFICATION WITH KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC. IN CONNECTION WITH THE INTERSECTION HILLIARD ROME ROAD AT RENNER ROAD PROJECT. AND TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $1,000,000.00 FROM THE STREET AND HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT FUND TO PAY FOR THE PROJECT. THIS PROJECT IN DISTRICT 2 INVOLVES IMPROVEMENTS TO THE INTERSECTION OF HILLIARD-ROME ROAD, AND RENNER ROAD. THIS IS LISTED ON THE HIGH INJURY NETWORK. THE PROJECT INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO RENNER ROAD, BOTH WEST AND EAST OF HILLIARD ROME ROAD. INCLUDE INTERSECTION CAPACITY, MOBILITY, PEDESTRIAN AND BIKEWAY FACILITY ADDITIONS, ASSET MANAGEMENT AND LIGHTING ADDITIONS AND UPDATED INFRASTRUCTURE. WE TALKED ABOUT THIS BEFORE; THIS IS JUST THE DESIGN PHASE OF THIS PROJECT. USUALLY, CAN YOU JUST TALK ABOUT HOW LONG IT TAKES AND WHEN RESIDENTS MIGHT START TO SEE SHOVELS, NOT SHOVELS, BIG ACTUAL MACHINERY AND ORANGE CONES, BUT IN THE GROUND, WHEN THEY WILL START TO SEE MOVEMENT ON THE PROJECT. >> THANK YOU, CHAIR. GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HARDIN, AND COUNCIL. I WILL TALK AS BEST AS I CAN HERE. SO RIGHT NOW. DO I NEED TO SIT BACK FURTHER? OKAY, I WILL DO MY BEST. THIS PROJECT IS SLATED FOR CONSTRUCTION IN 2028. WE JUST GOT THROUGH PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING AND THIS DESIGN COST IS LITERALLY FOR THE PLANS FOR CREATING A SET OF PLANS FOR CONTRACTORS TO BID ON. THE ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO ADD, WE ARE GOING THROUGH, IMPROVING THE INTERSECTIONS, WE ARE WIDENING OUT THE INTERSECTION TO PROCESS ALL THE TRAFFIC FROM THE INTERCHANGE AND IT INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS ON RENNER ROAD. THE ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO ADD IN THE THEME OF TONIGHT, THIS PROJECT WILL HAVE STREET TREES. NEW LIGHTING AND STREET TREES ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR IMPROVEMENTS. THIS DOLLAR AMOUNT BEING ADDED IS FROM A DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTION. WE PURSUED MORPC FUNDS SO FEDERAL FUNDS AND THE DEVELOPER IS ACTUALLY PAYING FOR ALL THE DESIGN COSTS. SO WE WERE ABLE TO LEVERAGE A LOT OF MONEY TO ACTUALLY GO SECURE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THIS PROJECT THAT SHOULD BE SHOVEL IN THE GROUND HOPEFULLY LATE 28, IF NOT EARLY 29. >> PERFECT. THANK YOU FOR HIGHLIGHTING THAT. AS WE TALK ABOUT THE INFRASTRUCTURE DOLLARS AND DIFFERENT TOOLS IN THE TOOLKIT WE CAN USE TO LEVERAGE DOLLARS TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ADDRESSING, ESPECIALLY THOSE PROBLEMATIC INTERSECTIONS ON THE HIGH INJURY NETWORK, IT'S ALWAYS IMPORTANT TO SHOW. I TRIED FOR MY COLLEAGUES WE HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THIS HIGHLIGHT, WHEN THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN YOUR PARTICULAR DISTRICT WHAT THOSE IMPROVEMENTS LOOK LIKE SO WHEN YOU GO BACK AND TALK TO RESIDENTS YOU CAN HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE GOOD THINGS COMING. I KNOW IT'S NOT ALWAYS ON THE TIMELINE WE WOULD WANT IT. BUT I THINK THE TIME AND CARE TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE ADDRESSING ALL OF THE CONCERNS, ESPECIALLY ON THIS STRETCH, I KNOW COUNCILMEMBER, MY VICE CHAIR, I KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING YOU OFTEN TALK ABOUT AND SOMETHING WE WILL TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK WITH RESIDENTS. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE PROBLEMATIC INTERSECTIONS. SO THANK YOU FOR HIGHLIGHTING THAT. DO MY COLLEAGUES HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? SEEING NONE, I MOVE FOR PASSAGE. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> PASSED. GREAT. THANK YOU. NEXT I HAVE ORDINANCE 1048-2026. TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF APPROPRIATION WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAX FUND. TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF APPROPRIATION AND CASH FROM THE STREET CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR FUND TO THE MUNICIPAL MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAX FUND. TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND YET TO BE NAMED VENDORS FOR THE PURCHASE OF ROCK SALT BASED ON THE TERMS OF A COOPERATIVE PURCHASE CONTRACT TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT TO ESTABLISH PURCHASE ORDERS FOR ROCK SALT. TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $2,688,125.00 FROM THE MUNICIPAL MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAX FUND, UP TO $73,313.00 FROM THE WATER SYSTEMS OPERATING FUND, UP TO $32,258.00 FROM THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM OPERATING FUND, AND UP TO $7,038.00 FROM THE ELECTRICITY SYSTEMS OPERATING FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF ROCK SALT. TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT TO ASSOCIATE ALL GENERAL BUDGET RESERVATIONS RESULTING FROM THIS ORDINANCE WITH THE APPROPRIATE >> CONTRACT PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR ROCK SALT. AND DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CAN YOU ANSWER THAT? >> I'LL DO MY BEST. THE COST OF ROCK SALT OVER THE YEARS HAS BEEN RELATIVELY STAYED. IT DOES FLUCTUATE UP AND DOWN. BUT WE ARE BUYING ON A CONTRACT PRICE WITH ODOT SO WE ARE A GROUP PURCHASE, WE ARE SECURING THE BEST PRICE WE CAN. >> THANK YOU. >> I WILL GIVE THE SIMPLE VERSION, SO CHECK MY WORK. WE BUY ENOUGH QUANTITY AND BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW WHAT IS TO COME YET FOR WINTER, LAST YEAR, LAST WINTER, RIGHT, WE HAD WORN OUR RESERVES BECAUSE WE HAD A LIGHTER WINTER, SO WE HAD MORE. THIS YEAR WE DIPPED INTO THOSE RESERVES AND WHAT WE PURCHASED SO WE ARE GOING TO PURCHASE MORE. SO GOING INTO NEXT WINTER, DEPENDING ON WHAT WINTER LOOKS LIKE WE COULD HAVE SOME LEFT OVER OR MAY HAVE TO PUT MORE IN. WE ARE ALWAYS BUYING MORE BUT WE SOMETIMES MIGHT HAVE THAT RESERVE. IS THAT >> THAT'S CORRECT. >> I GOT AN A+? YES. GOLD STARS, THANKS. DOES THAT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION? THANK YOU. ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? SEEING NONE, I MOVE FOR PASSAGE. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER DORANS GREEN REMY ROSS WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> PASSED. THAT'S IT FOR ME. >> THANK YOU. THE NEXT COMMITTEE TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL IS THE NEIGHBORHOODS, RECREATION, & PARKS COMMITTEE. THAT COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY COUNCILMEMBER DAY-ACHAUER. COUNCILMEMBER, THE FLOOR IS YOURS. >> THANK YOU. I HAVE ORDINANCE 1066-2026. TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR THE CENTRAL OHIO AREA AGENCY ON AGING. TO AUTHORIZE A TRANSFER OF CASH BETWEEN OBJECTS WITHIN THE RECREATION AND PARKS GRANT FUND, TO AUTHORIZE THE APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURE OF $3,776,868.44 FROM THE RECREATION AND PARKS GRANT FUND. AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. THIS ORDINANCE AUTHORIZES THE THIRD AND FINAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE NEW COAAA REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS REFERRED TO AS THE COG, AS WITH PREVIOUS TRANSFERS, THESE DOLLARS ARE NOT GENERAL REVENUE DOLLARS THEY ARE PASS-THROUGH GRANT DOLLARS FROM THE STATE. THE CITY PREVIOUSLY HELD ON BEHALF OF COAAA WHEN IT OPERATED AS A DIVISION OF CITY GOVERNMENT. THIS ORDINANCE WILL OFFICIALLY CLOSE OUT AND FINALIZE THE CITY-HELD COAAA ACCOUNTS FOR THE NEWLY INDEPENDENT COG. THESE DOLLARS WILL ALLOW THE COG TO CONTINUE NEW OPERATIONS FOR 2026 AND PREVENT ANY DELAY IN MEETING OBLIGATIONS MADE AS PART OF THE TRANSITION OUT OF CITY GOVERNMENT. EMERGENCY ACTION IS REQUESTED TO ALLOW THE FUNDING TRANSFER TO BE COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO CONTINUE SENIOR SERVICES UNINTERRUPTED. ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM MY COLLEAGUES? SEEING NONE, I THEN I MOVE FOR PASSAGE. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, >> DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> CLERK, CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO >> DE PADILLA DAY-ACHAUER DORANS GREEN REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> REFERRED TO COMMITTEE. >> THANK YOU. >> THE NEXT COMMITTEE TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL IS THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE. CHAIRED BY COUNCILMEMBER REMY. THE FLOOR IS YOURS. >> THANK YOU. I HAVE ORDINANCE 860-2026. TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND EXPEND FUNDS FOR USE OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY CORRECTION CENTERS FOR THE HOUSING OF CITY OF COLUMBUS PRISONERS; TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF >> $2,000,000.00 FROM THE GENERAL FUND; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. TWO WEEKS AGO I MOVED, BECAUSE THERE WERE QUESTIONS ABOUT POLICIES AT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES INVOLVE ISING NOTIFICATION TO FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES. I WANT TO BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT THAT PAUSE WAS AND WHAT IT WAS NOT. IT WAS NOT A REFUSAL TO HONOR AN OBLIGATION. IT WAS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO INTERFERE WITH THE SHERIFF'S DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION OF HIS FACILITIES; IT WAS FOR OVERSIGHT. THIS COUNCIL DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD WHEN THERE >> ARE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS THAT AFFECT PUBLIC TRUST. WE PAUSE, WE ASK AND THEN WE ACT. SINCE THEN THERE'S BEEN MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE WITH THE COUNTY AND SHERIFF BALDWIN'S OFFICE. I APPRECIATE THE SHERIFF SHARING THAT THE POLICY IN QUESTION IS UNDER LEGAL REVIEW WITH THE COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE OUTCOME BEING COMMUNICATED CLEARLY TO THE PUBLIC. COMPREHENSIVE CHANGE DOESN'T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. BUT THIS COUNCIL HAS BEEN CLEAR WHERE WE STAND ON PUBLIC SAFETY POLICIES INVOLVING I.C.E. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH FOR POLICIES THAT ARE BOTH SAFE AND FAIR. THE SHERIFF'S INDICATION THAT THIS POLICY REMAINS UNDER REVIEW, ALONG WITH THIS COUNCIL CLEARLY REITERATING ITS EXPECTATIONS IS WHY I'M PREPARED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH A VOTE TONIGHT. I ALSO WANT TO BE CLEAR ABOUT SOMETHING BROADER. PUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY TRUST ARE NOT COMPETING PRIORITIES. THEY ARE CONNECTED. WHEN RESIDENTS ARE AFRAID TO REPORT CRIMES, COOPERATE WITH INVESTIGATIONS OR ENGAGE WITH LOCAL SYSTEMS BECAUSE OF WHERE THEY WERE BORN, THAT IS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE. AS IT RELATES TO INVOICE TIMING AND PAYMENT PROCESSING, THAT IS A SEPARATE ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER FROM THE POLICY CONCERNS THAT PROMPTED THE PAUSE. COUNCIL AUTHORIZES FUNDING, COUNCIL DOES NOT PROCESS INVOICES OR ISSUE CHECKS. ANY ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES AROUND PAYMENT SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATION AND THE COUNTY. TONIGHT, OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO ENSURE THE CITY HAS THE AUTHORITY IN PLACE TO MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS AND KEEP PUBLIC SAFETY OPERATIONS STABLE. THE SHERIFF AND THE COUNTY HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT ARE DISTINCT FROM OURS. THEY OPERATE THE FACILITIES AND MAKE DECISIONS WITHIN THEIR LEGAL AUTHORITY. OUR ROLE IS TO AUTHORIZE PUBLIC DOLLARS; ASK QUESTIONS ON BEHALF OF RESIDENTS AND ENSURE OUR PUBLIC SAFETY OBLIGATIONS ARE CARRIED OUT IN A WAY THAT REFLECTS OUR VALUES. THAT IS THE BALANCE TONIGHT. WE COULD APPROVE THIS CONTRACT, MAINTAIN PUBLIC SAFETY AND CONTINUE INSISTING ON ANSWERS. THIS VOTE DOES NOT END THE CONVERSATION; IT ALLOWS THE CITY TO FUNCTION WHILE THAT CONVERSATION CONTINUES. I STAND BY THE POTS, IT CREATED SPACE FOR QUESTIONS, DIALOGUE AND COUNCIL TO DO THE WORK RESIDENTS EXPECT OF US. FOR THOSE REASONS I'M BRINGING FORWARD THIS LEGISLATION TONIGHT. I WILL PASS THE FLOOR OVER TO MY COLLEAGUES AND I SEE COUNCILMEMBER BARROSO DE PADILLA. >> COUNCILMEMBER, CAN YOU, AND MAYBE THIS IS A QUESTION FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. CAN YOU JUST GIVE MORE INSIGHT INTO WHAT THIS MONEY IS FOR AND HOW THIS IS ACCOUNTED FOR AND WHY WE GIVE IT AND WHAT OUR CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION IS? >> THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER. SO THE CITY OF COLUMBUS HAS HAD A LONG-STANDING CONTRACT WITH FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO OPERATE A COMMUNITY-WIDE JAIL, A MUNICIPAL JAIL, ALSO HOUSING OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH FELONY-LEVEL OFFENSES AS WELL. UNDER THE OHIO REVISED CODE BECAUSE WE HAVE CITY ORDINANCE THAT'S CARRY POTENTIAL FOR JAIL TIME, THE MUNICIPALITY IS OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR HOUSING THOSE INMATES DURING A PERIOD OF TIME WHEN THEY ARE INCARCERATED EITHER PENDING TRIAL OR BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN SENTENCED TO JAIL ON THOSE MISDEMEANOR CRIMES. WE HAVE A NUMBER OF CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS UNDER THOSE CODES AND NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE CHARGED AND CONVICTED UNDER COLUMBUS CITY CODES. WE ARE OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE SERVICES SO THOSE INDIVIDUALS CAN BE DETAINED. IN CITY OF COLUMBUS WE DON'T HAVE OUR OWN MUNICIPAL JAIL. THE DECISION WAS MADE MANY DECADES AGO WE WOULD INSTEAD HAVE A LOCAL COUNTY JAIL AND UNDER THE OHIO REVISED CODE, COUNTY JAILS ARE RUN BY THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. WE HAVE A CONTRACT WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THE MOST RECENT ITERATION AT LEAST BACK TO 94-95 WE HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF ADDENDUMS THAT DEAL MOSTLY WITH THE RATE WE CHARGE. PER INMATE RATE BASED UPON THE NUMBER OF DAYS, NUMBER OF INMATES HELD ON PRIMARILY CITY OF COLUMBUS CHARGES. WE EXECUTED THAT CONTRACT AND THAT CONTRACT DOES HAVE A TERMINATION CLAUSE. BUT THAT TERMINATION CLAUSE BECAUSE IT IS OF COURSE A SERVICE THAT BOTH WE RELY UPON AND SHERIFF'S OFFICE RELIES UPON IT'S A 3-YEAR TERMINATION CLAUSE, 36 MONTHS FLT WE WOULD NEED TO GIVE NOTICE IF WE DECIDE WE DON'T WANT TO USE THEIR SERVICES ANYMORE. WE WOULD ALSO NEED TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE MEANS FOR HOUSING THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHEN THEY ARE BEING HELD ON CITY CASES. SO THE ORDINANCES BEFORE COUNCIL TONIGHT IS FOR PAYMENT OF SERVICES THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN RENDERED BY THE FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WE ARE CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED TO PAY THEM PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THAT CONTRACT. >> I HAVE TWO OTHER QUESTIONS, FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS. CAN THEY, AT ANY TIME TERMINATE THE CONTRACT? >> IT'S A MUTUAL TERMINATION CLAUSE, >> FOR EACH PARTY IT'S 36 MONTHS OR THREE YEARS. >> GOT IT. JUST ALSO UNDERSTANDING WHEN THE SHERIFF MADE A COMMENT IN THE MEDIA AROUND, IF IT WASN'T PAID BY A CERTAIN DAY THAT ESSENTIALLY THEY MIGHT MOVE INMATES TO ANOTHER JAIL OR ANOTHER FACILITY. THAT IS WITHIN THE CONTRACT FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO DO? OR? >> THE CONTRACT DOESN'T SPECIFICALLY DISCUSS WHAT THE REMEDIES MIGHT BE IN THE EVENT OF BREACH. THOSE ARE THINGS THEY WOULD THEN DISCUSS WITH THE COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE WHAT REMEDIES THEY MIGHT HAVE IN THE EVENT WE OWE FUNDS WE ARE REFUSING TO PAY. AT THAT POINT, I WOULD BE ADVISING YOU AS YOUR ATTORNEY WHAT OUR RESPONSE MIGHT BE. >> I'M ASKING BECAUSE SINCE THIS WAS IN THE DISPATCH AND QUOTED IN THE DISPATCH AND WE HAVE GOTTEN QUESTIONS I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PUBLIC ALSO UNDERSTANDS AND ADVOCATES UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE CONTRACTED TO DO. WHEN THE SHERIFF IS GIVING A SPECIFIC RESPONSE WHAT THAT MEANS AND WE HAVE A VENUE HERE. I THINK WHAT IS DISAPPOINTING TO ME AND I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH THE CHAIR, PART OF THE REASON WE REFERRED THIS BACK TO COMMITTEE IS SO WE COULD HAVE THE SHERIFF WHO COULD BE HERE AND WE COULD HAVE QUESTIONS, BECAUSE I THINK FIRST OF ALL, THIS IS ALREADY FOR SERVICES RENDERED. ONE OF THE CONCERNS I HAVE, KNOWING THERE ARE OTHER COUNTIES THAT DEAL, ESPECIALLY WITH I.C.E. DIFFERENTLY, MY CONCERN IS WE COULD BE CAUSING MORE HARM THAN NOT BY SENDING THEM TO FRANKLIN COUNTY. JUST BECAUSE WE KNOW THE SEVERITY OF HOW SOME OF OUR FOLKS WHO ARE DETAINED OR HOW THEY WORK WITH I.C.E. IS DIFFERENT. I APPRECIATE THE SHERIFF SAID THEY WERE LOOKING INTO THINGS. THAT WAS ALSO THE RESPONSE THEY GAVE US MONTHS AGO AND STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN BACK TO US AROUND A CONVERSATION WE HAD WITH THEM. I THINK IT'S JUST FRUSTRATING TO SAY IT'S CONTINUING TO BE UNDER REVIEW. SOMETHING COULD BE UNDER REVIEW FOR TWO OR THREE YEARS. IF YOU ARE STILL REVIEWING IT, IT DOESN'T TELL ME WHAT THE OUTCOME IS. I THINK THAT'S FRUSTRATING FOR ME. IN THIS PARTICULAR, I WAS VERY CONFLICTED IN THIS PARTICULAR VOTE JUST BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, I THINK IT'S GOING TO CAUSE MORE HARM THAN GOOD. I DON'T THINK IT WILL GET TO WHAT WE WANT. BUT I KNOW WE HAVE A NUMBER OF ADVOCATE THAT ARE HERE, I APPRECIATE YOU CONTINUOUSLY COMING DOWN HERE. BUT I WOULD SAY, THIS IS A COUNTY ISSUE. THE SAME SORT OF ADVOCACY SHOULD GO TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. THE SAME KIND OF ADVOCACY SHOULD GO TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE BECAUSE THEY ARE DULY ELECTED SEPARATELY AND THIS IS UNDER THEIR JURISDICTION. WE CAN PUT TOGETHER ALL OF OUR POLICIES; WE COULD HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH ALL OF OUR PARTNERS. WE COULD PUT PRESSURE ON THEM TO DO GOOD BUT IT'S ALWAYS BEFORE THE PEOPLE THAT CHANGE HAPPENS. AND SO THIS IS A PLACE YOU CAN CONTINUE TO VOICE THOSE CONCERNS BUT I IMPLORE FOLKS TO TAKE THE ADVOCACY THERE BECAUSE THEY CAN MAKE THOSE DECISIONS IN A WAY THAT WE CANNOT. SO I JUST WANTED TO, BECAUSE WE HAVE ALREADY RENDERED THESE SERVICES, THIS IS WHY TONIGHT I'M A YES-VOTE BECAUSE IT'S DIFFICULT TO SAY NO TO GIVE THEM SOMETHING AND WE ARE GOING TO GIVE THIS ISSUE AND I'M CONCERNED ABOUT OUR PEOPLE AND WHERE THEY GO. BUT AGAIN, WE HAVE THE DISPATCH HERE AND WE ARE ON TV. THE SAME QUESTIONS HOWEVER MANY MONTHS AGO SINCE SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR ARE STILL THE SAME QUESTIONS. THIS HAS BEEN UNDER REVIEW FOR MANY, MANY MONTHS. AT SOME POINT I WOULD LIKE SOME SORT OF OUTCOME TO COME OUT OF IT, BECAUSE WE COULD BE REVIEWING THINGS FOREVER. >> I HAVE A QUESTION. >> VICE CHAIR ROSS. >> TO THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, YOU MENTIONED THAT WE DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE SPECIFIC TERMS AS TO BREACH OF CONTRACT AND WHAT THAT MEANS, IF WE WERE NOT TO PAY THE $2 MILLION THAT ARE OWED FOR SERVICES ALREADY RENDERED? >> THAT IS CORRECT. THERE IS NOT A SPECIFIC PROVISION IN THE CONTRACT IN THE EVENT THERE IS BREACH. YOU WOULD GO TO THE GENERAL COMMON LAW BREACH OF CONTRACT IN CONSIDERATION. IT'S PROBABLY INAPPROPRIATE TO SPECULATE WHAT THAT WOULD BE HERE IN A PUBLIC FORUM. BUT THERE'S NOT A SPECIFIC REMEDY WITHIN THE CONTRACT. >> OKAY. I WONDER IF THAT'S A CONVERSATION WE COULD HAVE SO WE HAVE A LITTLE BIT MORE CLARITY ON WHAT OUR CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS ARE WITH THE COUNTY. PARTICULARLY FOR THIS. SO THAT WHEN WE ARE RECEIVING LETTERS THAT THREATEN TO DO A THING, WE UNDERSTAND WHAT OUR RESPONSE CAN BE, PARTICULARLY WHEN WE ARE TRYING TO SUPPORT OUR RESIDENTS HERE. SO I WOULD ASK THAT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IF WE COULD WORK TOGETHER TO FIGURE THAT OUT. I THINK THAT WOULD BE A VERY HEALTHY EXERCISE. A PROPOSITION YOU ARE GOING TO LET VIOLENT OFFENDERS OUT ON THE STREET BECAUSE YOU REFUSE TO HAVE A CONSERVATION HOW WE ARE HELPING OUR RESIDENTS IS QUITE CRAZY. OBVIOUSLY, NO FAULT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AT ALL BUT I WANT TO AT LEAST HAVE THIS CONVERSATION. >> THAT'S NOT IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC. IT'S A BANANAS THREAT. I DON'T HAVE THE WORDS. I CAN'T PROPERLY ARTICULATE MYSELF HOW OUTRAGEOUS OF A COMMENT THAT IS. >> TOTALLY AGREE. COUNCILMEMBER GREEN? >> I WANT TO ALSO CLARIFY. I THINK WHAT IS SO FRUSTRATING ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN, I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MANY PHONE CALLS, THE RING-AROUND THE-ROSY TO PIECE TOGETHER WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING HERE. TODAY WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HOW THIS IS ALREADY SERVICES RENDERED BUT THEN I SPOKE WITH THE SHERIFFS PERSONALLY AND CONFIRMED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS THE MONTH OF MARCH. THEN THE REST OF THE YEAR. IT'S NOT LIKE WE OWE THEM $2 MILLION FOR RENDERED, CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG. WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS THE MONTH OF MARCH. AND EVERY OTHER INVOICE HAS BEEN PAID PER THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE CONVERSATION I HAD TODAY. IT'S FRUSTRATING TRYING TO PIECE TOGETHER INFORMATION AND HEARING DIFFERENT THINGS FROM DIFFERENT PEOPLE AS WE ARE ALSO IN THE MIDST OF TRYING TO UNDERSTAND, AND FROM MY STANDPOINT, I JUST HAD A VERY SIMPLE QUESTION OF WHAT ARE THE POLICIES? WHY ARE THE POLICIES? HOW ARE THE POLICIES BEING IMPLEMENTED? AND THEN THAT HAS SORT OF LED TO THIS. I HAVE A COUPLE OF OTHER QUESTIONS TOO, UNRELATED BUT IF YOU WANT TO RESPOND TO THAT. >> I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY, VERY SIMPLY, AND I WANT TO BE VERY OPEN ABOUT THIS, THE QUESTION AT HAND IS WHAT IS THE LEGAL POLICY. NOT WHAT IS. THERE IS A CURRENT POLICY THAT YOU CHOOSE TO ENFORCE. AND THERE'S WHAT YOU CAN LEGALLY DO. AND THAT IS THE QUESTION THAT WE HAVE ASKED THAT WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN CLARITY ON. AND I THINK THAT IS A VERY SIMPLE QUESTION. I'M NOT SURE IT'S TAKEN SIX MONTHS OF REVIEW. >> YES. AND LAURA AND I HAD A CONVERSATION. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING BASED ON LOOKING AT THE CONTRACT TODAY, AND THANK YOU FOR SENDING THAT OVER, THAT THIS CURRENT CONTRACT WOULD EXPIRE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR. BECAUSE THE THREE-YEAR TERM, THIS IS THE THIRD YEAR OF THAT 2026 CONTRACT YEAR. SO THAT GIVES US, I THINK, IN MY MIND, WHAT YOU AND I DISCUSSED EIGHT MONTHS TO REALLY REVIEW THE POLICY AND PREPARE FOR, YOU KNOW, ANY POTENTIAL CHANGES OR ADDITIONS. IT SOUNDS LIKE BASED ON MY CONVERSATION WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE THEY ARE OPEN TO THOSE REVIEWS. THAT'S WHAT THEY TOLD US IN SEPTEMBER AS WELL. MY EXPECTATION IS WE CAN DO THAT TOGETHER, OR NOT. HOPEFULLY TOGETHER. I DO HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS THOUGH FOR THE DEPARTMENT, OR MAYBE FOR THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT. ON PAGE 130 OUR BUDGET DOCUMENT, IT SAYS IN THIS BUDGET DOCUMENT, JAIL CONTRACT EXPENSES ARE BUDGETED AT $1 MILLION IN 2026. WE ARE, OF COURSE, APPROPRIATING $2 MILLION DOLLARS TODAY FOR 2026. CAN YOU PROVIDE SOME CLARIFICATION INTO THAT DISCREPANCY? >> YES, IT'S OUR UNDERSTANDING IT'S A TYPO. WE LOOKED INTO IT; IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE $2 MILLION. IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL IT WAS ADDRESSED IN TALKING POINTS AND WE CONFIRMED WITH FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT IT WAS $2 MILLION BUDGETED. >> OKAY. I KNOW ALSO, I THINK WE HAD A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS, JUST GENERALLY ABOUT THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUDGET. ABOUT CONCERNS RELATED TO THAT. ESPECIALLY RELATED TO OVERTIME. SO I HAVE, YOU KNOW, I'VE ASKED FOR >> SOME FEEDBACK, I KNOW YOUR DEPARTMENT SENT OVER SOME INFORMATION EARLIER THAT I NEED SOMEONE ELSE SMARTER THAN ME TO HELP ME MAKE SENSE OF JUST TO CONFIRM I'M DOING MY MATH RIGHT ON THAT. HOWEVER, I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO ALSO TALK ABOUT, DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS, RELATED TO PUBLIC SAFETY'S BUDGET, POLICE AND FIRE OVERTIME WAS THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT WAS DRIVING UP A LOT OF UNEXPECTED COSTS. SO WITH CONSIDERATION TO THIS, WHEN I FOUND THIS, I WAS LIKE OH WE ARE UNDER BUDGETED $1 MILLION, ABOUT TO APPROPRIATE $1 MILLION. IT REMINDED ME OF THE CONVERSATION WITH DIRECTOR LONG HE SAID IT WAS A VERY OPTIMISTIC ESTIMATE FOR POLICE AND OVERTIME. CAN YOU, NOW THAT WE ARE A FULL QUARTER IN, PROVIDE ANY SENSE OF AN UPDATE ON WHETHER OR NOT WE ARE HITTING THOSE OPTIMISTIC NUMBERS? >> I WILL HAVE TO COME BACK TO YOU. I DIDN'T COME PREPARED WITH THOSE NUMBERS. >> OKAY, THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER COMMENTS BY MY COLLEAGUES? WE HAVE TWO SPEAKERS ON THIS PARTICULAR ORDINANCE. AND THE FIRST ONE IS MR. ISAIAH SAINT JOHN. MR. SAINT JOHN, WELCOME BACK TO COUNCIL. YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES. PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ANY ORGANIZATION THAT YOU MAY REPRESENT. >> YEAH, MY NAME IS ISAIAH SAINT JOHN. AND I SPEAK TODAY AS AN ORGANIZER FROM I.C.E. WATCH, AS A PARTICIPANT IN THE 614 I.C.E. WATCH NETWORK AND AS A RESIDENT, COUNCILMEMBER REMY, OF THE DISTRICT YOU REPRESENT. I HAVE SOME WRITTEN REMARKS. BUT FIRST ALL, EIGHT MONTHS, COUNCILMEMBER GREEN? YOU ARE GOING TO WAIT EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING TO CHANGE THIS. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GET DELIVERED UP INTO I.C.E.'S CONCENTRATION CAMPS IN EIGHT MONTHS? ABOUT 160 PEOPLE. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO TELL THEIR FAMILIES? IT IS YOUR POLICY. THIS IS A CITY ISSUE. THESE ARE CITY PRISONERS BEING ARRESTED, BEING TAKEN OFF THE STREETS BY COLUMBUS POLICE AND DELIVERED INTO A JAIL CONTRACTED BY THIS CITY COUNCIL. AS YOU KNOW, OUR COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO BE UNDER SEETHE BY PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S WHITE NATIONALIST SECRET POLICE. THIS BODY HAS MADE DECISIONS AND TAKEN LARGELY SYMBOLIC ACTION. LIKE THIS RACIST CONVEYOR BELT FROM THE BACK OF COLUMBUS PATROL CARS TO FILTHY OVERCROWDED I.C.E. PRISONS THIS BODY IS MIA. I WOULD SAY THAT SO-CALLED COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE YOU ALL PASSED WAS BETTER THAN NOTHING BUT ON THE GROUND IT CHANGED NOTHING. COUNCILMEMBER REMY, ADDRESSING SHERIFF BALDWIN'S COOPERATION WITH I.C.E. YOU TOLD THE DISPATCH THURSDAY I HAVE GREATER CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE ABOUT HOW THESE CONCERNS ARE BEING ADDRESSED. I'M GLAD YOU HAD THE PEACE OF MIND, COUNCILMEMBER REMY. BUT DO YOU MIND SHARING WHY YOU ARE SO BLASE WITH THE REST OF US? HOW ARE THESE CONCERNS BEING ADDRESSED? FROM WHERE I STAND IT APPEARS WE HAVE ANOTHER EXAMPLE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ALL DON'T NEED TO EARN VOTES FROM YOUR DISTRICTS. COUNCILMEMBER ROSS, DIDN'T EVEN PRETEND TO HAVE AN IOTA OF REGRET AS SHE VOTED LAST WEEK TO TAKE THE ONLY GREEN SPACE IN COLUMBUS'S POOREST NEIGHBORHOOD FROM THE CHILDREN IN HER DISTRICT AND GIVE IT TO OUT OF TOWN BILLIONAIRES. WHY WOULD SHE, AS AN AT-LARGE COUNCILMEMBER SHE IS ACCOUNTABLE TO MONEY, NOT HER NEIGHBORS. THAT'S WHY OUR CITY; AMENDMENT IS URGENTLY NEEDED. COUNCILMEMBER REMY, YOUR CONSTITUENTS ARE HURTING. ONE LATINO BUSINESS OWNER IN YOUR DISTRICT TOLD ME 25% OF HIS EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN ABDUCTED OR HAD A FAMILY MEMBER ABDUCTED SINCE DECEMBER. ONE NORTH LAND STRIP MALL HAS BEEN THE SITE OF FIVE SEPARATE ABDUCTIONS. BUSINESSES ARE FALTERINGLY IN YOUR DISTRICT AS THEIR CUSTOMERS ARE AFRAID TO VISIT COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS THAT HAVE BECOME I.C.E. HUNTING GROUNDS. WE ARE HURTING. WE NEED A CHAMPION. WE NEED A FIGHTER. WE NEED SOMEONE WHO WILL FACE STIFF OPPOSITION HEAD-ON AND PERSIST. COUNCILMEMBER REMY, YOU WERE THAT LAWYER FOR THE HASLAMS. BE THAT LAWYER FOR US. LET'S TAKE A STEP BACK. RIGHT NOW AT THE TIME OF RELEASE, COLUMBUS PRISONERS ARE SORTED IN TWO GROUPS BASED ON THE LANGUAGE THEY SPEAK AND PLACE OF BIRTH. ONE GROUP GOES HOME AND THE OTHER GROUP IS DISAPPEARED INTO CONCENTRATION CAMPS. EVERYONE IN THIS EQUATION IS A DEMOCRAT. NINE DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF COUNCIL. A DEMOCRATIC MAYOR. THREE DEMOCRATIC COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND A DEMOCRATIC SHERIFF. YOU ARE POLITICIANS. YOU ARE DEAL-MAKERS. YOU ARE NEGOTIATORS. IF YOU DO NOT END THIS UNJUST PRACTICE, IT IS NOT BECAUSE YOU CANNOT, IT IS BECAUSE YOU DO NOT WANT TO. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TESTIMONY MR. SAINT JOHN. >> ISAIAH? HI, CAN YOU COME BACK A SECOND? FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK YOU, WELCOME BACK TO COUNCIL. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TESTIMONY. I KNOW YOU CAME THE FIRST TIME THIS WAS AROUND. I APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK THAT I.C.E. WATCH DOES. I WOULD ALSO, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO MEET WITH YOU IF THERE ARE ADDITIONAL THINGS WE CAN BE DOING. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TO TRY TO DO EVERYTHING WITHIN OUR JURISDICTION TO CONTINUE TO PUT PRESSURE, FIRST OF ALL, THE I.C.E. PACKAGE WAS EVERYTHING WE FELT LIKE, WE MODELED IT AFTER OTHER CITIES. WE MODELED IT AFTER WHAT WE KNEW WE COULD DO, WHICH WAS WITHIN OUR PURVIEW FIRST. AND SECOND OF ALL, I THINK THE OTHER WORK THAT WE HAVE DONE, WORKING TO HELP PUT PRESSURE TOGETHER WITH OUR OTHER PARTNERS, COMMON POLICE COURT, MUNICIPAL COURT. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE RIGHT NOW BUT I WOULD WELCOME A CONVERSATION WHERE WE COULD TALK. IF THERE'S ADDITIONAL IDEAS, TALKS OR THINGS YOU THINK WE ARE NOT DOING THAT WE COULD BE DOING. AND LET'S HAVE THAT CONVERSATION. I APPRECIATE YOU COMING DOWN HERE TODAY AND YOUR CONTINUED ADVOCACY. I >> FEEL THAT. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS LONG BEFORE WE HAVE HAD THIS INCREASE FROM I.C.E. AND SO, I APPRECIATE ANY SORT OF CONVERSATION OR ANY SORT OF DIALOGUE WE CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE TOGETHER. >> PLEASE VOTE NO THEN. >> THANK YOU. >> ALL RIGHT. NEXT SPEAKER IS MS. RICKY ASHER. WELCOME TO COUNCIL. PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ANY ORGANIZATION YOU MAY REPRESENT AND YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES. >> I APPRECIATE YOUR CALL-OUTS. I ALSO APPLAUD YOUR MENTAL GYMNASTICS AND ABILITY TO PASS THE BALL OF BLAME IN FAVOR OF SOMETHING YOU ARE CLAIMING TO BE CRITICAL AND SKEPTICAL OF. MY NAME IS RICKY. I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN COLUMBUS. MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE DEDICATED AND EDUCATED VOTERS. THERE IS NO NEW INFORMATION I CAN OFFER WHEN IT COMES TO HOW THE FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DIRECTLY HANDS OFF UNDOCUMENTED PEOPLE IN COLUMBUS OHIO TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WHEN THEY ARE DETAINED AND TRAFFICKED TO A PRISON THAT OPERATES AS AN I.C.E. DETENTION FACILITY. SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS A FOIA REQUEST CAN TELL YOU THAT. I'M HERE TO BE A VOICE FOR MY COMMUNITY, MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO HOLDS SYSTEMIC PRIVILEGE AND VEHEMENTLY DENOUNCE THIS PROCEDURE, EVEN THOUGH THAT COMMUNITY PRIMARILY CONSISTS OF PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEY DON'T PERSONALLY HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT A MILITARIZED GOVERNMENT-SANCTIONED KIDNAPPING ORGANIZATION FOR NOW. WE ARE NOT DUMP. DUMB. WE COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THE IMPLICATIONS OF A PROCEDURE LIKE THIS. A SYSTEM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING. AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT AN INJUSTICE TO ANYONE IN THE CITY OF COLUMBUS IS A DIRECT INJUSTICE TO US AS WELL. AS A COUNCIL, AS POLITICAL FIGURES, IN THIS GROWING CITY, YOU ARE EACH VERY EXPOSED. YOUR SOCIAL MEDIAS OF PROGRESSIVISM DON'T DISTRACT US FROM ISSUES LIKE THIS. FROM ISSUES LIKE DIVESTING FROM ISRAEL. WHICH THIS COUNCIL CONTINUES TO FAIL MISERABLY AT. ALL OF THIS SAID, THE ABSOLUTE BARE MINIMUM, BOTTOM OF THE BARREL SERVICE YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT THE ACTUAL LIVES OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS IS TO BLOCK MONEY TO THE FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT UNTIL THIS HUMAN TRAFFICKING PROCEDURE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. AND THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK TODAY. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TESTIMONY. ARE THERE ANY OTHER COMMENTS BEFORE I CALL FOR A VOTE? WITH THAT, I MOVE FOR PASSAGE BY VOICE. >> SECOND. >> CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL BY VOICE. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> NO. >> I DIDN'T HEAR DAY-ACHAUER, SORRY. GREEN? >> YES. >> YES, ORDINANCE IS PASSED. >> AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE IN PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE THIS EVENING. >> THANK YOU. THE NEXT COMMITTEE TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL IS THE HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS, & BUILDING COMMITTEE. THAT COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY COUNCILMEMBER ROSS. COUNCILMEMBER, THE FLOOR IS YOURS. >> THANK YOU. I HAVE ORDINANCE 1051-2026. TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH LEGAL AID OF SOUTHEAST AND CENTRAL OHIO IN AN AMOUNT UP TO $1,500,000.00 TO ENABLE THE LEGAL AID OF SOUTHEAST AND CENTRAL OHIO TO BE THE DESIGNATED ORGANIZATION AS DEFINED IN THE COLUMBUS CITY CODES AND TO MAKE AVAILABLE FREE FULL LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO UNREPRESENTED TENANTS FACING EVICTION FROM THEIR HOMES AT FRANKLIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT. TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE IN AN AMOUNT UP TO $1,500,000.00. TO AUTHORIZE REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED PRIOR TO EXECUTION OF THE PURCHASE ORDER BEGINNING MARCH 1, 2026. AND DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.THIS IS THE FOURTH PIECE OF LEGISLATION IN A PACKAGE OF LEGISLATION AMOUNTING TO APPROXIMATELY $2.8 MILLION DOLLARS TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE DIVISION OF HOUSING STABILITY, INCLUDING $90,000 TOWARDS VACATED TENANT SERVICES, $300,000 TOWARD MEDIATION SERVICES IN EVICTION COURT AND $965,250 TOWARD THE RESILIENT HOUSING INITIATIVE. EVICTIONS ARE AT THE HIGHEST IN THE PAST 20 YEARS. IN FRANKLIN COUNTY EVICTION FILINGS HIT A REPORT OF 25,000 THIS YEAR ON PACE TO REACH A SIMILAR LEVEL. OVER 1.2 MILLION OHIOANS LIVE IN-HOUSEHOLD SPENDING AT LEAST HALF ITS INCOME ON HOUSING. THIS INCLUDES OVER 496,000 LIVING IN-HOUSE HOLDS THAT ARE SEVERELY MORTGAGED BURDEN AND 761 LIVING IN SEVERELY, THIS EXPANSION WILL BETTER POSITION THE CITY TO MEET THE INCREASING NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING CRISIS WHILE ENSURING SERVICES ARE DELIVERED EFFECTIVELY AND WITH DIGNITY. AS CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE, IT'S MY JOB TO ADVOCATE FOR OUR RESIDENTS. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE MEANINGFUL WORK THAT WILL CONTINUE TO EMERGE FROM THIS COMMITTEE AND THANK THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUR WORK IN ENSURING THAT WE HAVE ENOUGH RESOURCES TO SUPPORT FOLKS IN THE PREVENTION AND DIVERSION OF HOMELESSNESS IN OUR COMMUNITY. DO I HAVE ANY COMMENTS FROM MY COLLEAGUES? SEEING NONE, I MOVE FOR PASSAGE. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR. THE FINAL COMMITTEE TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL IS PUBLIC UTILITIES & SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE. THAT COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY COUNCILMEMBER WYCHE. COUNCILMEMBER, THE FLOOR IS YOURS. >> THANK YOU. I HAVE ORDINANCE 996-2026. TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES TO ENTER INTO A PLANNED RENEWAL AND MODIFICATION WITH OHIO MULCH SUPPLY, INC., AND QUASAR ENERGY GROUP LLC-NORTH TREE FARM FOR THE DEEP ROW HYBRID POPLAR TREE FARM #2 PROGRAM; TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF $3,200,000.00 FROM THE SANITARY SEWERAGE OPERATING FUND. THIS ORDINANCE ENABLES DEPARTMENT OF WATER RECLAMATION TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF BIO SOLIDS PRODUCED AT THE JACKSON PIKE'S. THESE WILL BE DISPOSED OF VIA IN OHIO EPA APPROVED HYBRID POPLAR TREE FARM AND OTHER RAPID GROWTH TREE FARMS. IF ONLY ALL OF OUR ORDINANCES WERE TREE FARM RELATED WE WOULD BE IN A MUCH BETTER CIRCUMSTANCE. LET ME STOP THERE TO SEE IF ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM MY COLLEAGUES. SEEING NONE, I MOVE FOR PASSAGE. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS, GREEN, REMY, ROSS, WYCHE, PRESIDENT HARDIN. >> PASSED. THAT'S ALL I HAVE. >> THANK YOU. SEEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE COUNCIL, IS THERE A MOTION TO ADJOURN? >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. CLERK, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> BANKSTON, BARROSO DE PADILLA, DAY-ACHAUER, DORANS,