Columbus Council commemorates Charles Tompkins with renaming of Thornwood Commons

The Columbus City Council meeting held on June 24, 2025, addressed several key topics, including community celebrations and public safety measures in response to extreme heat conditions.

The meeting commenced with a heartfelt acknowledgment from a council member, who expressed pride in the community's heritage, particularly highlighting the contributions of the Dominican community. This was followed by a motion to pass a resolution, which was adopted unanimously, celebrating the Dominican heritage and the efforts of local organizations to support and uplift the community.

Next, Council Member Beatty introduced a resolution to refer a previously removed item to committee for further discussion. This was seconded and passed without opposition. Beatty then presented a new resolution to honor the renaming of Thornwood Commons to Tompkins Village, in recognition of Charles A. Tompkins Sr.'s nearly 50 years of service to the Milo Grogan community. This resolution was also adopted unanimously.

Council Member Dayakara announced an upcoming Somalia Independence Day illumination ceremony scheduled for July 1 at City Hall, emphasizing the significance of this event for the local Somali community. The council expressed support for this celebration.

In response to the ongoing heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service, Council Member Green provided important information regarding community resources available to residents. He urged seniors in need of fans to contact Life Care Alliance and encouraged donations of new box fans. Green also highlighted various cooling centers, including public libraries and community centers, that would remain open late to provide relief from the heat. He noted that outdoor pool admission fees would be waived during peak heat hours, and spray grounds would remain open for public use.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of community support during extreme weather conditions, reinforcing the council's commitment to public safety and well-being.