Council Meeting, Oct. 5, 2026

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Documenter name: Nyshia Gentry

Agency: Columbus City Council

Date: Oct. 5, 2026

See more about this meeting at Documenters.org

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Summary

• Storm damage and recreation center repairs: Columbus City Council approved $2.5 million to repair damage caused by the Aug. 11 tornado at Barack Community Center, Busch Park, Berliner Park and the Fran Ryan Center. Council members also discussed disagreements surrounding the city’s capital budget, insurance reimbursements, and concerns about when the damaged facilities would reopen. Barack Community Center is expected to reopen in spring 2027.
• Downtown development and community support: Council approved $2 million for Downtown Columbus, Inc. to support downtown improvements and homelessness outreach. 
• Housing assistance and public health: Council approved a $409,600 energy-efficient home repair program through MORPC and amended the income eligibility requirements to help more working families qualify. Additional legislation included funding for WIC clinics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

Follow-Up Questions

• With the Barack Community Center expected to remain closed until spring 2027, how will the city ensure families and children can continue to access after-school programs, recreational activities, and other services while repairs are underway?
• How will Columbus City Council track the results of the $2 million downtown development grant, particularly the portion used for homelessness outreach, to make sure the funding is making a difference for residents?
• When can Columbus homeowners apply for the new MORPC energy-efficient home repair program, and how will the city inform families who may now qualify under the expanded income guidelines?

Notes

Meeting time: 5 – 6:31 p.m.

Meeting link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF527D6F94123C17B 

Meeting agenda: 

Council President Shannon Hardin called the meeting to order. Council Member Melissa Green led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Bishop Wayne Moore Sr. of Greater Christ Temple Church delivered the opening prayer, asking for wisdom and unity among city representatives.

Council Clerk Toya Johnson called the roll. Hardin then approved corrections to the Sept. 28 meeting journal. 

Council Member Nicholas Bankston announced a Finance Committee hearing for Oct. 19.  He said the city’s current operating budget, the 2027 budget, and the pending sale of bonds related to the 2025 capital budget are on the agenda. Watch the hearing here.

Council Member Lourdes Barroso de Padilla announced that applications had opened for the next round of 614 Beautiful Grants. The program offers up to $10,000 for community beautification projects, including murals and pocket parks. Applications will remain open until Nov. 2.

Barroso de Padilla also celebrated the success of La Feria, a Latino Heritage Month event that attracted more than 2,000 attendees. She said Jeremy Rosario will be the featured artist for the 2027 event.

Barroso de Padilla introduced Resolution 0225X-2026 to recognize October as ARTober and celebrate Columbus’s creative community. She explained that the city’s arts sector generates approximately $2.1 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 22,000 jobs.

Storm Damage and Capital Budget Concerns

Council Member Nancy Day-Achauer addressed the aftermath of the Aug. 11, EF1 tornado, which damaged the Barack Community Center, Busch Park, Berliner Park, and the Fran Ryan Center.

Day-Achauer criticized Mayor Andrew Ginther for publicly connecting storm recovery efforts to the council’s review of the larger capital budget. She said the council had not delayed the storm recovery legislation and believed the mayor was using the disaster as a political issue.

She said the council should review the capital budget carefully and hold a public hearing before approving it. Day-Achauer said storm remediation and approval of the city’s overall capital budget were separate matters.

The specific funding for the damaged facilities can be found in Ordinance 2461-2026, which was discussed later in this meeting.

Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans announced that the second phase of Zone In, the city’s zoning modernization effort, was in its public comment period and encouraged residents to submit feedback by Oct. 24.

Dorans introduced Resolution 0227X-2026  recognizing the 46th Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and the 20th year of the half marathon.

Race Director Darris Blackford said the marathon’s partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital has raised more than $15 million since 2012. Organizers hope to raise $1.5 million in 2026, with approximately 15,000 marathon and half-marathon participants and another 3,000 people participating in the Jesse Owens 5K.

Blackford discussed route changes through Olde Towne East, Ohio Avenue, Bryden Road, Parsons Avenue, and Thurman Avenue. He also announced that Dorans would serve as the race starter. Resolution adopted.

Green announced that the Hilltop defeated Franklinton for the second consecutive year in the annual charity softball game.

Council Member Tiara Ross discussed the third annual City Hall Illumination for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She thanked City Attorney Zach Klein, Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor, and the Office of Violence Prevention for their involvement.

Ross announced a Housing, Homelessness, and Building Committee hearing to explore housing support for domestic violence. View the hearing here.  

Hardin introduced Resolution 0208X-2026 recognizing Overseer Michael D. Reeves Sr. for his 50th pastoral anniversary at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church.

Reeves discussed growing up in Columbus, becoming a radio disc jockey, and later feeling called to ministry. He reflected on his 57-year marriage and the challenges and blessings of raising young grandchildren later in life. Reeves invited residents to anniversary celebrations. Resolution adopted.

Council Clerk Toya Johnson read 11 ordinances for the first time, including:

Ordinance 2651-2026: Proposed $55,250 in contract modifications with Franklin County Public Health for lead risk inspections and assessment services through Dec. 31, 2027.

Ordinance 2654-2026: Proposed $17,000 in additional funding for Morse Transit Acquisitions LLC to provide temporary hotel accommodations for Lead Safe Columbus participants receiving lead abatement services.

Ordinance 2655: Proposed extending the contract with Mann Roofing & Construction LLC through Dec. 31, 2027, for the city’s Roof Replacement program.

Ordinance 2656-2026 : Proposed extending the contract with Revere Roofing Co. through Dec. 31, 2027, for the city’s Roof Replacement program.

No public speakers addressed these ordinances. These items were introduced but were not voted on.

Johnson then read the Consent Agenda. The items included:

Resolutions 0219X-2026, 0220X-2026,0221X-2026 honoring the lives and legacy of Charles A. Thompkins Sr. (1963–2026), Elizabeth “Peanie” Devonne Taylor (1949–2026) and Rev. Dr. Deborah Ardienne Dennis (1951–2026).

Ordinance 2450-2026: Authorizing $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding for Columbus Urban League and Communities for New Direction.

Ordinance 2746-2026: Authorizing $20,000 for Our Community Group to support community events focused on economic mobility and physical wellness.

Ordinance 2743-2026: Authorized a $7,500 grant to Greater Community Foundation for the Soulful Steps Program.

Ordinance 2487-2026: Authorized acceptance of an $11,565 Northwoods Foundation grant, including support involving COTA bus passes and Kroger gift cards.

Ordinance 2524-2026: To accept $208,203 in funding from The Ohio State University for a substance use disorder intervention program.

Ordinance 2602-2026: To accept $103,790 from the Franklin County Board of Health for the Overdose Data to Action program.

No members of the public spoke during this section, and council members did not discuss the ordinances individually before voting.

Council approved the consent agenda. Green abstained from Ordinance 2459-2026, concerning winter lighting at Bicentennial Park and the Promenade.

Other ordinances – highlights 

Council Member Bankston introduced Ordinance 2505-2026, authorizing up to $19.165 million in limited tax bond anticipation notes to refinance outstanding debt associated with the city’s Zero Trust computer network.

Bankston explained that the network uses micro-segmentation to help prevent cyber intrusions from spreading across city systems. The city had previously approved a $23 million one-year note for hardware, software, and technology needed for the network.

He said refinancing the notes did not create new debt. Instead, the city would use principal and interest payments to reduce the existing balance and issue a new note for the remaining amount, potentially obtaining more favorable interest rates.

There were no additional questions or comments. Ordinance passed.

Bankston also introduced Ordinance 2538-2026, authorizing a $2 million grant agreement with Columbus Downtown Development Corp., also known as Downtown Columbus, Inc. (DCI).

Bankston explained that $1.5 million would support implementation of the Downtown Strategic Plan, while $500,000 would support Safer Downtown’s homelessness outreach through the Special Improvement District.

Greg Davies, CEO of Downtown Columbus, Inc., talked about the planned move of The Ohio State University’s law school downtown, the purchase and reuse of Huntington properties, and the opening of Amara restaurant in the former Milestone 229 space.

Davies also said downtown employers contributed about $1.2 million.

Robin Davis, executive director of Safer Downtown, explained that the organization employs 26 full-time ambassadors, maintains a 24-hour hotline and has responded to more than 36,000 calls. Outreach staff working through Mount Carmel had helped 126 people move off the streets as of Sept. 1. Ordinance passed. Green abstained.

Day-Achauer introduced Ordinance 2237-2026 and turned the presentation over to  Barroso de Padilla.

Barroso de Padilla explained that the ordinance authorized $213,000 in grants, divided equally among Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS), Jewish Family Services (JFS), and Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS).

She said that federal funding uncertainty had made it more difficult for immigrant and refugee families to access essential services.

CRIS would use its funding for immigration legal consultations, mental health services, referrals, and resource coordination, she said. Jewish Family Services would support case management, legal services, employer outreach, and education. ETSS would provide crisis intervention, case management, and mental health support.

She also thanked Council Members Bankston, Emmanuel V. Remy, and Rob Dorans for their contributions. Ordinance passed.

Day-Achauer introduced Ordinance 2461-2026 , authorizing $2.5 million in fiscal actions for storm damage remediation at Barack Community Center, Busch Park, Berliner Park and the Fran Ryan Center.

Day-Achauer explained that the most severe damage occurred at Barack Community Center, where high winds removed portions of the roof and rainwater damaged the gym floor. The Recreation and Parks Department entered into a $2 million contract with 2K General Co. to begin immediate mitigation and restoration-related work.

Other damage included destroyed lighting and electrical equipment at Busch Park’s pickleball complex, damaged light poles at Berliner Park, and destruction of a heated structure protecting water supply equipment at the Fran Ryan Center. The city identified about $500,000 in additional funding for those repairs.

A city real estate management representative (couldn’t hear name)  explained that the city filed insurance claims for Barack and Berliner because the damage at both locations exceeded the city’s $250,000 deductible. The city was also working with the State of Ohio on possible FEMA reimbursement.

Barroso de Padilla asked about the reopening timeline for Barack. A Recreation and Parks representative estimated spring 2027 but warned that the availability and timing of reimbursements could affect the work.

A city parks and rec representative (couldn’t hear name) said residents were being directed to other recreation centers, including Schiller, Marion Franklin, and Scioto Southland. The department was also exploring partnerships with schools to provide evening and after-school programming.

Barroso de Padilla questioned whether any reimbursements would restore money temporarily redirected from other recreation projects. She said that storm remediation funding and the broader capital budget were separate processes.

Green expressed frustration with how the funding debate was handled and said the discussion around the capital budget had been misleading. She asked Finance Director Christopher Long whether insurance and FEMA reimbursements would return directly to the Recreation and Parks Capital Fund rather than being deposited into the general fund.

Long confirmed that the intention was to return qualifying reimbursements to the Recreation and Parks fund. The discussion also referenced more than $5 million in requested storm relief funding for Barack and a proposed capital budget allocation that could provide repayment if outside reimbursements were insufficient.

Green requested updates as the insurance claims progressed; Long agreed. Ordinance passed.

Day-Achauer introduced Ordinance 2206-2026 , establishing Chapter 924 of the Columbus City Code to formalize permitting requirements for commercial and non-commercial filming and photography in city parks.

She said that the ordinance would place existing procedures into city code and make the application process easier for filmmakers. It would not change the department’s existing fees or rules. Ordinance passed.

Green introduced Ordinance 1537-2026 authorizing $1 million for contracts with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to operate Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics.

The program supports eligible low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. Services include healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and social services. Ordinance passed.

Green introduced Ordinance 2595-2026 , authorizing $63,485 for a contract with 3SG Plus, LLC to convert Columbus Public Health personnel documents into digital records.

Green explained that approximately 600 employees’ physical human resources files would be transferred to the OnBase digital platform through a contract running Nov. 1 through Oct. 31, 2027, and included a waiver of competitive bidding requirements. Ordinance passed.

Ross introduced Ordinance 2757-2026 , authorizing $409,600 for an energy-efficient home repair program administered by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).

Ross turned the presentation over to former council member Robert Williams, who is now Senior Director of Residential Services at MORPC.

Williams explained that traditional weatherization and home repair programs help vulnerable residents but often exclude working homeowners whose incomes exceed poverty-based eligibility limits.

The ordinance would change the income threshold from 200% of the federal poverty level to 100% of Area Median Income (AMI), approximately $110,000 for a family of four.

Williams explained that the expanded eligibility could help preserve affordable housing, prevent displacement, improve home safety, and lower energy costs. The ordinance passed.

Council President Shannon Hardin introduced Ordinance City of Columbus – File #: 2622-2026 , updating sections of the Columbus City Code governing the LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission.

Hardin explained that the commission was newly formed and beginning its community listening sessions.

The ordinance would allow the commission’s bylaws to determine committee structures and the selection of committee chairs rather than placing those details directly in city code. Ordinance passed.

Hardin adjourned the meeting 

The next regular Columbus City Council meeting was scheduled for Oct. 19, 2026. No regular meeting was scheduled for Oct. 12.

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