HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-03-2025 Council MinutesRECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minutes of Dublin City Council Meeting
GOVERNMENT FORMS & SUPPLIES 844-224-3338 FORM NO. 10148
Held November 3, 2025 20
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Amorose Groomes called the Monday, November 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
of Dublin City Council to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present were Vice Mayor Alutto, Mayor Amorose Groomes, Ms. De Rosa, Mr.
Keeler, Ms. Kramb and Mr. Reiner. Ms. Fox was absent.
Staff members present were Ms. O’Callaghan, Mr. Hartmann, Ms. Weisenauer, Mr. Rubino,
Mr. Barker, Chief Paez, Mr. Urbancsik, Ms. Murray, Mr. Hammersmith, Mr. Gable, Ms.
Wawszkiewicz, Mr. Stevens, Ms. Willis, Ms. Miglietti, Deputy Chief Tabernik, Ms. Hunter,
Mr. Jiang and Ms. Blake.
Others present were Ret. LTC Jeff Noble and Sean Lovell, Post 800.
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Amorose Groomes moved to adjourn to executive session for the purposes of
discussing the following:
e To consider Confidential Information related to a request for Economic
Development Assistance that involves Public Infrastructure Improvements that are
directly related to an Economic Development Project, and which Executive Session
is necessary to Protect the Possible Investment or Expenditure of Public Funds to
be made in connection with the Economic Development Project.
Vice Mayor Alutto seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Ms. De Rosa, yes; Ms. Kramb, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto,
yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes.
The meeting reconvened at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Amorose Groomes invited Ret. LTC Jeff Noble and Sean Lovell, Commander of Post
800 to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
e Veterans Day Ceremony Announcement
Ret. LTC Jeff Noble introduced the new Commander of Post 800 Sean Lovell to provide
details regarding this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Mr. Lovell presented an official
invitation to the City's Veterans Day event scheduled for Tuesday, November 11 at 11:00
AM. He noted that depending on weather conditions (expected to be 34-35 degrees and
sunny), the event may move from Remembrance Park to Sells Middle School. The guest
speaker will be Stasia Nakken from 10TV News, who grew up as a Navy dependent and
has extensive involvement with military families. She serves on the USO Ohio Board and
volunteers at the USO Ohio Lounge at John Glenn International Airport. She was recently
selected to serve on the board of directors for Stock Hands Horses for Healing in Delaware
County. Mr. Lovell emphasized that the event will celebrate not only service members but
also the families who have sacrificed alongside them.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Daniel Hammill, 5725 Trafalgar Lane, Dublin, address Council with two concerns. First, he
expressed concern about Dublin City Council candidates accepting political party
endorsements for the November 4th election, stating that many feel these party
endorsements are inappropriate and harm the integrity of local nonpartisan elections. He
noted that seeking endorsements often requires payment and signing loyalty pledges to
parties. He thanked Ms. Kramb, Ms. De Rosa, and candidate Wendy Johnson for not
accepting such endorsements. Second, he raised concerns about communication between
City staff and the Ballantrae Community Association Board regarding the WID code outline
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and findings from setback and landscape buffering studies. Despite the City's October 28
email promising a mid-November meeting, the board has not received responses to their
proposed meeting dates. He urged staff to schedule this meeting promptly as the holidays
approach.
Ms. Weisenauer read an online comment from Tim Myers, 5845 Glendovan Court, Dublin,
who wrote:
At the last City Council meeting on Oct 20,2025, I spoke to the lack of
transparency and accountability related to the Envision Dublin fiscal impact
analysis and the need to understand the calculations, conditions and assumptions
that went into the Tischler-Bise summary. After the meeting Staff followed up
with me and I was able to clarify again what I was looking for. I was told by staff
that they understood what I was looking for and that I would get a response
without having to submit another Public Records Request. Unfortunately, as
expected I have heard nothing after 2 weeks. This is in addition to the original
request on July 31, 2025. I cannot understand why this request is so difficult to
fulfill. Therefore I will submit a formal PRR again tomorrow. Id like to request it
be completed in 2 weeks, by November 18, 2025. If I don’t hear anything by
then, I will be left with no choice but to file a suit under the Public Records Access
Formal Complaints with the Ohio Court of Claims.
CONSENT AGENDA
e Minutes of the October 20, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
There was no request to remove this item from the Consent Agenda.
Vice Mayor Alutto moved to approve the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Amorose Groomes seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion: Mr. Keeler, yes; Ms. Kramb, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Mr. Reiner,
yes; Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes.
SECOND READING/ PUBLIC HEARING — ORDINANCES
Ordinance 43-25
Amending Chapters 51 and 52 Establishing User Fees and Capacity Charges
for the Sanitary Sewer and Water Systems
Mr. Rubino stated that there have been no changes to this Ordinance from the first
reading. Staff recommended approval.
There were no public comments.
Vote on the Ordinance: Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Ms.
De Rosa, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Ms. Kramb, yes.
Ordinance 44-25
Adopting the Annual Operating Budget for Fiscal Year Ending December 31,
2026 and the 2026-2030 Five-Year Capital Improvements Program
Mr. Rubino presented the 2026 operating budget and 2026-2030 capital plan. He noted
that follow-up information had been provided after the October 20 meeting regarding
parking study decriminalization, cost of safety model for police, and revenue estimation
approaches. One technical change was made to match the final county health contract
amount.
There were no public comments.
Ms. Kramb asked about the $250,000 allocated for the parking study, expressing her
preference to remove it from the budget until an RFP determines actual costs. Ms. De
Rosa agreed with removing it. Mr. Keeler was comfortable leaving it in with the
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understanding that staff would return before spending. Vice Mayor Alutto expressed no
strong preference and was fine with either leaving it in the budget or removing it. Mayor
Amorose Groomes agreed with removing it.
Ms. De Rosa requested that next year's budget process include the same rigor applied to
expenses when reviewing revenue projections. She asked for detailed analysis of business
strength, new businesses, businesses leaving, employment growth, and other factors
rather than simply using prior year's numbers. Mr. Rubino indicated this would be
addressed in committee discussions early next year.
Mayor Amorose Groomes moved to amend the ordinance to remove the $250,000 parking
study allocation.
Ms. De Rosa seconded.
Vote on the motion: Ms. Kramb, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes; Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Ms.
De Rosa, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes.
Vote on the Ordinance as amended: Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Mr.
Keeler, yes; Ms. Kramb, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes.
Ordinance 45-25
Amending Various Sections of Ordinance 15-17 (Compensation Plan for
Non-Union Personnel)
Ms. Miglietti presented the ordinance amending various sections of Ordinance 15-17
regarding the compensation plan for non-union personnel. This companion ordinance to
the operating budget had no changes since first reading.
There were no public comments.
Vote on the Ordinance: Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. Kramb, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Ms. De
Rosa, yes; Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes.
INTRODUCTION/FIRST READING/PUBLIC HEARING — ORDINANCES
Ordinance 47-25
To Establish Appropriations Based on the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets
of the City of Dublin, State of Ohio, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31,
2026
Vice Mayor Alutto introduced the Ordinance.
Mr. Rubino introduced the ordinance to establish appropriations based on the 2026
operating and capital budgets. The appropriations total just under $280 million: $119.5
million for operating funds, $68.4 million for the 2026 capital budget, and $92 million for
non-operating funds and transfers. He noted the appropriations ordinance currently
includes the $250,000 for the parking study but would be amended for second reading to
match the approved budget ordinance.
There were no public comments.
Second reading/public hearing is scheduled for November 17, 2025.
INTRODUCTION/PUBLIC HEARING/VOTE — RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 52-25
Accepting the Lowest and Best Bid for the Pedestrian Tunnel Maintenance 2025
Project (22-012-CIP)
Vice Mayor Alutto introduced the Resolution.
Mr. Gable presented the resolution accepting the lowest and best bid for the Pedestrian
Tunnel Maintenance 2025 project located on Memorial Drive southwest of Berkshire Court.
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The project involves replacing deteriorated tunnel entryways with new concrete abutments
and aesthetic features. Two bids were received with The Ryder Company Incorporated
submitting the lowest bid of $762,174, approximately 20% under the engineer's estimate
of $950,000. Construction will commence in March 2026 and be completed by July 2026,
with the path reopening for the Memorial Tournament in May.
There were no public comments.
Vote on the Resolution: Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Mayor Amorose Groomes,
yes; Ms. Kramb, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes.
Resolution 53-25
Accepting the Lowest and Best Bid for the COTA Bus Stop Improvements and
Sawmill Road Sidewalk Connection Project (24-024-CIP)
Vice Mayor Alutto introduced the Resolution.
Ms. Wawszkiewicz presented the resolution for the COTA Bus Stop Improvements and
Sawmill Road Sidewalk Connection project. The project includes construction of five bus
stops with concrete pads, canopy structures, benches, trash/recycling bins, and bike racks.
Two bids were received with Strawser Paving Company submitting the lowest bid of
$465,105.74, approximately 7% under the engineer's estimate.
There were no public comments.
Mr. Keeler confirmed the Snouffer Road stop would be on the west side.
Ms. De Rosa asked about maintenance responsibility. Ms. Wawszkiewicz confirmed the City
of Dublin would maintain the facilities as ridership does not meet COTA's threshold for
maintenance.
Mayor Amorose Groomes expressed hope that these improvements would increase the
enjoyment of the transit experience and potentially increase ridership.
Vote on the Resolution: Mr. Keeler, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Ms. Kramb, yes; Mr.
Reiner, yes; Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes.
Resolution 54-25
Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract for Public Health Services
with the Board of Health of the Franklin County General Health District for 2026
Vice Mayor Alutto introduced the Resolution.
Ms. O'Callaghan presented the resolution authorizing a contract with Franklin County
Public Health for 2026 public health services. Franklin County Public Health serves as
Dublin's health agency for the entire city, including portions in Union and Delaware
counties. The 2026 rate reflects a 3% increase over 2025, with estimated costs of
$513,000 (an increase of just over $16,000). Ms. O'Callaghan praised Commissioner
Mazzola and Franklin County Public Health staff for their knowledge, responsiveness, and
partnership.
There were no public comments.
Vote on the Resolution: Ms. De Rosa, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Ms.
Kramb, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes; Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes.
Resolution 55-25
Amending Chapter 33 (Human Resources Policies) of the Dublin Codified
Ordinances
Vice Mayor Alutto introduced the Resolution.
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Ms. Miglietti presented the resolution amending Chapter 33 of the Dublin Codified
Ordinances regarding human resources policies. The amendment updates the list of
positions considered to be unclassified service and brings Chapter 33 into alignment with
the approved non-union compensation plan.
There were no public comments.
Vote on the Resolution: Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Ms. Kramb,
yes; Mr. Reiner, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes.
OTHER BUSINESS
DORA Extension for WNCI Michigan Game Watch Party Approval
Ms. LeRoy presented a request for a DORA hours extension for a new event on
the day of the Ohio State-Michigan game (November 29). WNCI and Urban
Meyer's Pint House, along with Crawford Hoying, will host a tailgate party
starting inside at 6:00 or 7:00 AM and moving outside at 8:00 AM with games,
WNCI personalities, and a large screen TV. They requested extending DORA
hours from the normal 11:00 AM start to 8:00 AM.
There were no public comments.
Ms. Kramb asked whether the extension could be limited to just the closed-off
street area rather than the entire DORA boundary. Ms. LeRoy noted this could
exclude other retailers like Fado who might also want to participate. After
discussion about enforcement challenges, Council agreed to approve the
extension for the entire DORA district.
Mayor Amorose Groomes moved to approve the request to extend DORA hours
on November 29* for the entirety of the DORA district to begin at 8:00 AM.
Vice Mayor Alutto seconded.
Vote on the motion: Ms. Kramb, yes; Vice Mayor Alutto, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes;
Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Mr. Keeler, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes.
Q4 Public Safety Briefing
Chief Justin Paez presented the fourth quarter public safety briefing for 2025. He
reviewed the Police Department's 2025 goals: critical incident preparedness,
major crime preparedness and response, theft offense reduction, traffic safety
improvement, and addressing community concerns.
Key metrics through October 1, 2025 showed positive trends including decreases
in overall theft offenses, theft from vehicles, and breaking and entering
offenses. Areas of concern included increases in motor vehicle thefts/attempts,
burglary offenses, and crash reports. The department made over 8,800 traffic
stops year-to-date and issued 1,800 speeding citations.
Chief Paez highlighted two October critical incidents: an overturned gas tanker
on State Route 161 where the Drone as First Responder program provided
crucial aerial views, and a tabletop exercise with Washington Township Fire for
Riverside Crossing Park event safety planning.
The Drone as First Responder program has conducted 155 flights since
launching in August. Speed warning cameras have been deployed to Bright
Road, Sells Mill Drive, Glick Road, and Summit View Road.
Regarding the cost of safety analysis requested during budget discussions, Chief
Paez presented data showing Bridge Park accounts for approximately 6-8% of
the overall police personnel budget based on community and police-initiated
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calls for service. He noted this provides a template for estimating costs in future
development areas.
The department successfully completed its 11th accreditation assessment for
law enforcement and third for the communication center in October, with
positive feedback from assessors.
Mayor Amorose Groomes asked about noise detection technology for loud
vehicles. Chief Paez reported limited success with current technology for traffic
enforcement but ongoing collaboration with code enforcement for business
applications. The Department continues exploring options including Flock
cameras and custom solutions from Rhode Island.
Mr. Keeler clarified that someone entering an open garage attached to a home
and taking items constitutes burglary. He emphasized the need to consider both
policing costs and revenue generation when analyzing areas like Bridge Park,
noting residential areas generate property tax insufficient to cover services while
some high-crime areas may have limited economic impact.
STAFF COMMENTS
Ms. O'Callaghan provided several updates:
e The fall Neighborhood Leadership Meeting drew nearly 80 residents from 40
homeowners’ associations. Attendees received updates on city services, code
enforcement, Dublin Wellness Alliance, and tax insights, plus a police drone
demonstration and interactive engagement stations.
e The second Route 161 Corridor Group meeting was held October 10 in Plain City
with all corridor communities participating. The group reviewed land use plans for
Dublin, Madison County, and Darby Township and discussed collaboration
opportunities. The next meeting is scheduled for November 21.
e ODOT's Route 161 corridor study between US 42 and State Route 33 continues
with monthly coordination meetings. ODOT has engaged MORPC to develop a draft
scope for a regional thoroughfare plan to create a network of new streets and
connections to distribute traffic and reduce congestion on Route 161. The draft
scope is expected in November.
e The Evening of Gratitude on October 29 at The Exchange recognized board and
commission members and volunteer community leaders. Ms. O'Callaghan thanked
Council for attending and Christine Nardecchia's team for planning the event.
COUNCIL REPORTS
e Committee Reports
o Finance Committee Report: Mr. Keeler reported the Finance Committee met
October 21 to evaluate hotel/motel tax grant applications. Twenty-seven
applicants requested a total of $411,788. Using the scoring rubric for
community events and formula for sports events, the Committee
recommended grant awards totaling $253,829 to be considered by Council
at the November 17 meeting.
COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Ms. De Rosa thanked staff for their extensive work on the $280 million budget. She
praised the Evening of Gratitude as wonderful and thanked all candidates for raising their
hands to run for office, noting it is an honor to serve and run for election.
Ms. Kramb thanked all City volunteers who showed up at the Evening of Gratitude and
throughout the year.
Mr. Reiner thanked staff for the Evening of Gratitude and promoted three upcoming
theater productions: "The Witches of November" (November 7-8, 14-15), "Frozen Junior"
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for ages 6 and up (November 21-22), and "A Christmas Carol" (December 12-13, 18-20).
He also encouraged everyone to vote.
Vice Mayor Alutto echoed the encouragement to vote, acknowledging the difficulty of
putting one's name on a ballot and thanking all candidates. She emphasized that in local
elections, literally every vote counts.
Mayor Amorose Groomes shared multiple updates:
e She spoke at the New American ceremony on October 21 where Judge Sargas
swore in 239 new Americans, the largest class ever.
e She attended the Columbus Foundation Big Table event at MORPC discussing
LinkUS.
e She and the City Manager hosted Congressman Mike Carey on October 23 for
meetings at Mount Carmel and the Chamber of Commerce.
e The HOA Leadership meeting on October 27 was well-attended.
e She and Ms. De Rosa participated in the altafiber ribbon cutting October 28.
e She and the City Manager met with COTA delegation October 30 regarding LinkUS
timelines and transit-supported infrastructure projects.
e She hosted the Dublin Realtor Association October 31 to discuss upcoming
projects.
She concluded by thanking all candidates for subjecting themselves to public evaluation
and encouraged everyone to vote.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m. a
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