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New councilmember sworn in; city spotlights youth ‘River City Gravity Race’ program
Summary
Sammy Barnes was sworn in to represent District 1 after a public oath; council honored outgoing member Byron Hickey. The council also heard from Let’s Grow Steam about a youth gravity-race program that has reached more than 200 students and will hold its River City Gravity Race on May 30.
Sammy Barnes was sworn in as Columbus City Council member for District 1 on May 26, taking the oath of office and addressing the council and public. Barnes described her path to the seat, recalled earlier efforts to be appointed to her father’s unexpired seat and pledged to bring greater accountability to council work. "Silence is complicity, not civility," Barnes told the chamber.
The meeting opened with a proclamation honoring outgoing Counselor Byron Hickey for his public-safety work and civic engagement. Hickey accepted the recognition and delivered remarks thanking staff and colleagues.
The council also received a presentation from Robbie Brans, founder and CEO of Let’s Grow Steam, who described the River City Gravity Race program and its year-round STEAM readiness work. Brans said the program engaged more than 200 students through summer and fall programming, emphasized mentorship and industry partnerships (including Pratt & Whitney), and invited the public to the sixth annual River City Gravity Race at Lake Bottom Park on May 30. Brans noted one of the program’s competitors will represent the community at the International Soapbox Derby in July.
Council acknowledgements and ceremonial business concluded and the body moved to the regular agenda with routine minutes approval and multiple votes on zoning and other items.
