Gahanna · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gahanna public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Flock Safety camera surveillance
A young resident returned to press council on the Flock surveillance cameras installed in 2024, saying he's seen no votes or public action and only one council member has responded to him. He raised concerns about mass surveillance, taxes, and corporate tax abatements.
Fraudulent emails and phone scams impersonating the city
The mayor warned about scam emails impersonating city staff demanding fake permit payments; Councilmember McGregor described an AEP disconnection scam call targeting the Historical Society. Verify any unexpected invoice or urgent call before paying.
Hamilton Road streetlight outages
Streetlights near the old city hall and high school remain dark because replacement parts are delayed; some neighborhood repairs also require AEP. Staff will get a repair timeline.
Ten charter amendments on the November ballot
The Charter Review Commission finished its review and recommends ten charter changes, from skipping an unnecessary mayoral primary (which cost $300,000+ in 2023) to consolidating zoning appeals under the Planning Commission and moving reviews to every ten years. Council plans to vote July 20 and send them to voters in November.
Recycling, composting and soil health
Rumpke keeps processing Gahanna's recycling through 2031 at the same capped pricing, thanks to pooled buying power with a dozen other communities.
Codifying ceremonial resolutions and recognitions policy
Council proclaimed March 2026 as Women's History Month and honored Laura M. Fisher, the first woman elected to Gahanna Council in 1921. Members noted six of nine current elected officials are women.
Facility transition to new municipal buildings
Electrical commissioning issues pushed the 825 Tech Center Drive building's commissioning to around April 17. Occupancy is expected in 30-45 days, but council meetings stay at 200 S. Hamilton for now.
Civic Center construction wind-down and capital spending
Civic Center construction is winding down as bond proceeds get spent, with $9.3 million in capital projects completed in the quarter and $22 million encumbered. New facility maintenance staff were hired to run the building.
Mayor's authority over surety bonds in lien disputes
After a contractor dispute on the 825 Tech Center Drive project, council is considering letting the Mayor approve qualifying surety bonds without a council vote — a speed fix for rare situations with no city financial exposure.
Tobacco preemption litigation
The city's tobacco preemption case was fully argued before the Ohio Supreme Court; the city now awaits a decision that could affect local tobacco regulation authority.
Distracted Driving Advocacy
Sharon Montgomery told council that Ohio logged 231 traffic deaths in the first 90 days of 2026 — up 12% — and argued the state's distracted driving law is too lenient, allowing phone use at red lights and a $150 fine even when drivers cause serious harm.
Winter Storm Fern response
After last week's storm knocked out power and downed trees, the city set up daily debris drop-off at the Oklahoma Avenue service garage through Friday, and council members shared outage-preparedness tips.
FEMA disaster assistance available for August storm damage
After last weekend's windstorm knocked out power for 24-36+ hours, the city opened a free debris drop-off at the service garage on Oklahoma Avenue through Friday. Police, parks, and service crews worked through the storm.
2026 Civil Service Report from Human Resources
The city's Human Resources department was scheduled to deliver its annual report to the commission, covering personnel and civil service matters for the year ahead.
Property value appeals and dog licensing
The Franklin County Auditor is holding mobile Board of Revision events where residents can ask about challenging property values, plus a reminder that dog license season is underway.
Tobacco Retail License
Gahanna City Council just approved a new tobacco retail license, putting fresh rules in place for local shops that sell tobacco products. If you live or shop in the area, it means tighter local oversight on how these products are sold.