[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6288470,"mediaKeyId","2540009-ac1497e7f9f47d59fdebdaa1a33d8c4f","parentId",2540009,"title","Engineering briefs council on OPWC loan closeout and proposed repeal/replace of sidewalk code (Chapter 903)","audioSeconds",323,"startMs",3029000,"endMs",3352000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2540009-ac1497e7f9f47d59fdebdaa1a33d8c4f&start=3029&end=3352","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2540009-ac1497e7f9f47d59fdebdaa1a33d8c4f/thumbnail_3029000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6288470/Gahanna/Franklin-County/Ohio/Engineering-briefs-council-on-OPWC-loan-closeout-and-proposed-repealreplace-of-sidewalk-code-Chapter-903","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288470-87173483c1419ac433094a14d2adf498/orig.mp4?Expires=1776168038&Signature=a47zB2-NA95b2ONBfbyMG~rRil-rgM-SNm14gKuP9lw2bLzS5QtIm9kB-durzNTO6-pTwHe2DVHqLCR6d5N8BkQxT9wvctI4sgPgPEudlfWTXXW4ZO~e19o7Y6VtJtoOxdMzetJDQCzQVVZ2DqizOylmnqriKU0UAkMSFw41lbAyOzKrdhq3zpHH9a-F3A6LxKeW8PeVpu6vWZ0VE~IeR3ruU0c1Oz9UFtZnJHBG2DyBYtHqMYMCjnZdLFo9-Q~Tf45ZqW6-R~kYVmBM~DsdYmRS8WNYW84mlwX7OMI~Ie0imqR9oK7fI~7Z-NSiDX40XOsSsn7ZsDaWlZ~Qj8QrjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Gahanna OH","date","2025-03-11T13:25:31Z","article","The Department of Engineering presented two items to the Committee of the Whole: (1) steps toward financial closeout of an OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission) loan for the Taylor Station–Claycraft roundabout project, and (2) a request to repeal and replace Chapter 903 of city code to clarify sidewalk maintenance responsibilities.

OPWC loan closeout
Engineering staff said the city is finalizing financial closeout on the Taylor Station–Claycraft roundabout grant/loan. The loan portion was described as approximately $751,000 at 0% interest over a 10-year period; construction was completed in 2024 and staff is preparing the paperwork to lock in the loan terms.

Sidewalk code repeal and replace (Chapter 903)
Engineering presented language changes intended to clarify when sidewalk repairs are required and to address unintended triggers in the existing code. Staff noted the Ohio Revised Code (Chapter 729) assigns maintenance responsibility for sidewalks to adjoining property owners; the proposed change to Chapter 903 aims to limit instances where unrelated property improvements would trigger sidewalk replacement requirements.

Council questions focused on practical implementation: members asked whether driveway permits that extend into the right of way would require evaluation of adjacent sidewalk panels and who bears the cost when city work affects aprons. Engineering said when a homeowner replaces a driveway apron that intersects the public right of way they would permit that work and, if panels are in disrepair, those adjacent panels would be required to be replaced (the department follows City of Columbus practice for requiring replacement of two adjacent panels where needed). Conversely, if the city performs utility or emergency repairs that damage sidewalk panels, the city will restore the affected area as part of the restoration work.

Council and staff discussed timing and outreach. Engineering staff said the proposed code change is intended in part to reduce confusion—previous language had unintentionally flagged minor homeowner projects—but acknowledged it will affect permit processing; staff said they expect a higher volume of permit applications for driveway/apron work when weather warms and that the ordinance was being requested for emergency consideration to address pending permit activity.

Next steps
Engineering requested emergency consideration for the repeal/replace ordinance and recommended placing the item on the March 17 council consent agenda; staff said they will continue to notify typical contractors and stakeholders as permit season ramps up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council: Committee of the Whole - March 10, 2025 - Livestream","oneSentenceSummary","The Department of Engineering reported financial closeout steps for the Taylor/Claycraft roundabout OPWC loan and proposed a repeal and replacement of city code Chapter 903 (sidewalks) to clarify responsibilities when work occurs in the right-of-way.","taxTitle","Gahanna, Franklin County, Ohio","taxId",55589,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6288475,"Council heard staff intend to oppose Ohio Senate Bill 104, which would limit local regulation of short‑term rentals",225,4855000,5080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2540009-ac1497e7f9f47d59fdebdaa1a33d8c4f&start=4855&end=5080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2540009-ac1497e7f9f47d59fdebdaa1a33d8c4f/thumbnail_4855000.jpg","/articles/6288475/Gahanna/Franklin-County/Ohio/Council-heard-staff-intend-to-oppose-Ohio-Senate-Bill-104-which-would-limit-local-regulation-of-shortterm-rentals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288475-8c306cc1992eb6056b0fe6cf01866e93/orig.mp4?Expires=1776168038&Signature=V5M3ACnrjmViJEYwXcQNGoCLJidlGyFIpch5wz9O~2wa4jr8CQkgFLXj~YoTYe3ARseCGI6Sp6vPjtVNMj0yfJKRXWfU-J76Y-FGx6zlFADiIIWriTsKGcNExkQUToj~0nOtmEXOMoTq3fqYQP~3FRm~BOQPrDotsR8fMnFbZ-fsOXM9zO4BpcHAPdRraAFDADekFG7jfpaBoIpHDSS--9FQ0sETRwJ3~arrmPNL1pjwDsW0S4f9lezR3xnS7IlynGHiYZ1TgWBXjKY9x~hN54jbxx-YuMo8-HdteKAnfwt6u1AL9d8CM-Pkh0aDoaMhfS7wOX-d65OJTc9B59y6~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council added discussion of Ohio Senate Bill 104 to the Committee of the Whole agenda after an Ohio Municipal League bulletin alerted municipalities that the bill would preempt local regulation of short‑term rentals.

Why it matters: If enacted, speakers warned, the bill would restrict municipal ability to tailor local short‑term rental rules and could treat short‑term rentals differently from local rental‑registration systems, with potential consequences for housing availability and neighborhood management.

Ms. Bowers briefed council that the Ohio Municipal League requested testimony in opposition and that city staff and leadership plan to engage. She said the local government committee hearing was scheduled for Wednesday in the afternoon and that both staff and the mayor intend to testify in opposition. Bowers framed two policy concerns: preserving municipal authority to tailor local solutions and the potential for short‑term rental conversion to remove housing stock from the local rental market; she warned that “when you commoditize housing, you take stock off the market.”

Council response and next steps
Bowers invited colleagues to email her, Trenton (staff) or the mayor with suggested points to include in testimony. Committee members expressed support for local advocacy on the item. No formal council action was recorded at the meeting; staff signaled they would provide testimony at the state committee hearing and coordinate with the mayor and the Ohio Municipal League.

What remains open: The hearing and possible testimony were scheduled but the transcript records no final vote or formal council resolution on the matter.","Council added a late agenda item to discuss Ohio Senate Bill 104 and staff signaled intent to testify in opposition at the state committee hearing, citing concerns about loss of local control and potential effects on housing stock.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6288479,"825 Tech Center Drive update: construction progress, EV rough‑in and new senior center details",2215,2438000,4653000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2540009-ac1497e7f9f47d59fdebdaa1a33d8c4f&start=2438&end=4653","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2540009-ac1497e7f9f47d59fdebdaa1a33d8c4f/thumbnail_2438000.jpg","/articles/6288479/Gahanna/Franklin-County/Ohio/825-Tech-Center-Drive-update-construction-progress-EV-roughin-and-new-senior-center-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288479-8afb71cdd56f22a232d21571511a9e7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776168038&Signature=a3VmvogI6lbs8hyT0cduy77nIItLfRV3wt5CeMFWh6DPXV9hXw~8tZ5woZNVJavt32yj9VOXTUj2RsZGF-pO9xiec8J1CpIGP2gWGdNDeNYAiYPboGbchP9yepw2wzF0nZ5jpONMPrXTWaLcg8FQaLyhYXp7jZip8FjJFQjg7h1MKKdLSSPJi9ROvdOro7jZkfaPEuqqTKCUDmvpJkRaHpiwYdRXXV95dfSqoyQ9NBNvPej-lleTZpAiDduJoWNN~-yS0li-dzKUFTKdQK5zlsTiNOL6qt8T7PZ-N3h3ER~9kdSMv8yK-VJM0sTtJ48EAlhVcqWnk-LHNr0uM0bgMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Director Schultz told the Committee of the Whole that construction at 825 Tech Center Drive has advanced quickly and that the project will return to the council monthly through the ribbon‑cutting date.

Why it matters: The site combines a new City Hall, police facilities and a purpose‑built senior center that will expand program space and amenities for Gahanna residents; council heard that the project team added an EV‑charger electrical rough‑in and continues to manage allowances and contingencies.

Construction status and budget
Curtain wall installation is complete on the building’s western façade, roofing over the expansion areas is largely finished and interior slab pour-backs and framing are underway, Schultz said. The multipurpose room is “completely dried in” and the detention/holding facility “has begun to take shape.” Furniture, moving and logistics procurement RFPs were published and Schultz said the furniture package will likely come before council for approval later in the spring.

Contingency and allowances stood at roughly 18% (about $867,000) at the time of the report; Schultz said Bulletin 5 included a substantial addition for the rough‑in of EV charging infrastructure across multiple parking islands. He described the decision as forward‑looking, explaining the city elected to install conduit and related infrastructure now so future electrification can be added without re‑excavating paved areas.

Senior center program and design
Schultz devoted substantial time to the senior center, located in the north wing of the site. He described the design as purpose‑built to increase usable program space while growing the facility’s programming capacity: the city estimates programmable space increases roughly 119% compared with the existing facility, while the overall physical footprint of the senior center increases by about 40%.

Key features described for the senior center included a 1,640‑square‑foot senior lounge, a divisible multipurpose room with adjacent pre‑function space, a demonstration kitchen with a catering/back‑of‑house area, an art room with a kiln-sized room for two kilns and significant storage. Schultz said the multipurpose room’s dividing wall can open to allow class seating arrangements that incorporate the demonstration kitchen.

Accessibility and circulation
Council members asked about restroom fixture counts and accessible parking. Schultz said fixture counts were set to meet code and that the design includes single‑occupancy restrooms in addition to banked restrooms; the project also provides limited‑mobility parking near the entrance and a members‑only rear entrance for senior‑center members. In response to requests for a covered drop‑off area, Schultz said the city is reevaluating a covered canopy at the front curb line but warned that adding a covered drive or extended portico has design, clearance and emergency‑vehicle circulation challenges and would likely raise the cost into the six‑figure range.

Next steps
Schultz said he will return with monthly updates; furniture procurement will proceed through an RFP process and the city will continue to track allowances, bulletins and weather impacts to schedule. Council members asked that options for a covered drop‑off and other accessibility accommodations be presented for review before a final decision.","City project staff reported rapid construction progress at 825 Tech Center Drive, including curtain wall completion on the west facade, inclusion of EV charger rough‑in in a recent bulletin, and detailed floor‑plan features for the new senior center.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6288484,"Gahanna administrative services outlines training, risk management, grants and tech projects",1541,237000,1778000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2540009-ac1497e7f9f47d59fdebdaa1a33d8c4f&start=237&end=1778","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2540009-ac1497e7f9f47d59fdebdaa1a33d8c4f/thumbnail_237000.jpg","/articles/6288484/Gahanna/Franklin-County/Ohio/Gahanna-administrative-services-outlines-training-risk-management-grants-and-tech-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6288484-bf1404deff6f12f92148f423578c7162/orig.mp4?Expires=1776168038&Signature=L0IYgLNEzTPdi1KhPcivEouRP3kAj8sVdwZvZVErmOxaJnd0-914pPdmW4Y4QCtpv4qD0c6LYeIAhsJIEhqxe1H6svSK4cBduMiXFOjAjCyydeJxOBDqxLfduy5Vub5OGrxl0kVROhSxHsHmIt2y5J~cZt~HluubWit6qolJqZDDiSIJmUDJG~JxSUbi3VCtEsdhrteFtBKgGzYvVgGBnIwZz1U90pfTyoV5W57U7-xONeicLNh7hdikH5p5-auAFC1IkzwURsQtDegPPE1qvHT-uV2t7FNk5-Tjv68mUnLwZgXBNRJ7zAqivyZ-GuVSCjh7t4hYYQTbTtnWWs9mcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senior Deputy Director Weibensinger and Senior Director Volmer delivered an update to the Gahanna City Council Committee of the Whole on the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) organization, recent and planned safety training, grants activity and technology projects.

The presentation covered DAS responsibilities that include finance, information technology, human resources and mayor’s court support, plus oversight of risk and safety programs. Weibensinger said DAS recently moved insurance oversight from the Department of Public Service into DAS to provide “better oversight” of coverages and appraisals and noted the city holds three seats on the CORMA insurance pool board.

Why it matters: Council members heard DAS has expanded in‑house capacity for functions that affect city operations and liability—training, claims handling and grant management—and intends to use software and process changes to track compliance and costs more efficiently.

DAS emphasized employee safety and training expansion. Staff reported seven new trainings added last year and an aspiration to add roughly 40 more training modules in 2025 using a new learning-management platform, NeoGov Learn, to assign and track individualized training plans. The department also described an in‑house CDL program originally started as a cost-saving measure: DAS said outsourced CDL training cost about $7,500–$8,000 per participant and that bringing the program in‑house has allowed more control over curriculum; the department graduated five participants last year and has another five–six beginning this year.

Risk management work includes an updated security and vulnerability assessment of city facilities and a crisis communications plan DAS is shaping with an outside vendor to coordinate internal and external messaging during major incidents. Weibensinger framed the plan as a “higher level framework” that will later be transitioned to the communications and marketing team for execution.

DAS also described technology projects intended to improve efficiency. Centurorisk appraisal software (rolled out through CORMA) will provide more real-time property appraisal data, while Munis-related work, onboarding digital forms and a new time-and-attendance system aim to reduce paper processes. The department said it is finalizing an onboarding system for seasonal hires and rolling out TrueComp labor-cost software and Telestaff for police/communications timekeeping.

On grants, DAS said it is tracking approximately 20 active grant/loan/tax credit pursuits and has six finalized grant awards from last year. Staff noted application timelines and federal funding pauses make revenue uncertain; as Weibensinger put it during questions, funds that recur annually can be “noncommittal until they’re actually issued.” DAS said it applied this year for a body-worn camera reimbursement grant (about $111,000 requested) and listed other awards such as a boat-safety education grant and a technical-assistance GIS grant.

Council members asked about specific operational outcomes. When asked whether expanded safety training had produced measurable reductions in worker’s‑comp claims, DAS answered that the city historically has had few claims and could not yet point to a clear numeric correlation; staff framed the approach as proactive risk mitigation rather than an immediate cost-avoidance line item. On insurance premiums, DAS said working with its CORMA pool helps identify training opportunities and minimize the growth of insurance costs, but did not claim a specific premium reduction attributable to the new programs.

DAS ended the briefing by inviting council questions and highlighted upcoming public engagement tied to the city’s strategic and economic development plan.","City Department of Administrative Services updated council on expanded safety and training programs, risk-management oversight through CORMA, several grant applications and new technology rollouts including appraisal and learning-management software.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Engineering briefs council on OPWC loan closeout and proposed repeal/replace of sidewalk code (Chapter 903)

Council heard staff intend to oppose Ohio Senate Bill 104, which would limit local regulation of short‑term rentals

825 Tech Center Drive update: construction progress, EV rough‑in and new senior center details

Gahanna administrative services outlines training, risk management, grants and tech projects