Gahanna Planning Commission elects leadership, sets monthly meeting schedule and adopts rules

The City of Gahanna Planning Commission elected Sarah Polier as chair for 2026 and Mr. Serrano as vice chair during its organizational meeting, and adjusted its regular meeting cadence and start time.

At the start of the meeting, Mayor Laurie Jadwin administered oaths to reappointed commissioners Elizabeth Lazer and Michael Tamarkin. Following the swearing-in and roll call, Michael Tamarkin nominated Sarah Polier for chair; Polier accepted and the commission approved the nomination by roll call vote. Greenberg nominated Mr. Serrano for vice chair; that motion also carried on a roll call.

Chair Polier opened discussion on meeting dates and times and proposed one meeting per month on the second Wednesday, except the first Wednesday in November because of Veterans Day, and a new start time of 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Mako supported the once-a-month cadence; Commissioner Lazer said she preferred 7 p.m. but would follow the majority. Polier set the meeting schedule and time as proposed.

Polier appointed Elizabeth Lazer as the council liaison; Lazer accepted.

Under new business, the commission considered updated Rules of Procedure (draft dated 01/14/2026). Planning staff and members said the only substantive change in the circulated draft was removing the required 7 p.m. start time so the rules aligned with the new 6:30 p.m. schedule. A motion to adopt the rules passed on roll call.

The organizational actions were procedural and were completed before the commission moved into its regular agenda items.