Gahanna · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gahanna public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Attorney's authority to defend officials and employees
A proposed change would strike charter language requiring Council approval before the City Attorney defends individual employees sued over their job duties. Supporters say it prevents Council from picking who gets defended during political disputes.
25th anniversary of September 11 and National Suicide Prevention Month
The mayor and several council members shared heartfelt 9/11 tributes. President Weaver also marked September as National Suicide Prevention Month and 988 Day, reminding residents that calling or texting 988 connects to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Youth bicycle helmet requirement
Gahanna is moving toward requiring helmets for kids on bikes, scooters, and e-bikes. The key debate: making sure a missing helmet can't be used against a child or parent in a civil lawsuit after a crash — and whether a religious exemption is needed (the city attorney says no).
Fees for law enforcement video records (ORD-0027-2026)
Gahanna wants to charge for copies of police video records to manage a surge of AI-generated records requests. The update writes in existing state exemptions so victims, their attorneys, and insurance companies aren't charged.
Gun violence prevention and e-bike safety
Councilwoman Bowers marked National Gun Violence Prevention Month, urged state-level emergency protection order laws, and highlighted local police, school, and Mifflin Township collaboration on safe storage and youth access.
Charter non-discrimination clause
The charter's non-discrimination list would be updated to match the city's existing ordinances and current federal, state, and local law, with a catch-all for any legally protected status. Two commissioners worried it invites litigation.
Non-discrimination clause protections
The draft would expand the charter's protected categories to match the city's EEO statement. Some commissioners worry about litigation exposure; the City Attorney will verify federal compliance and restore a legal-compliance phrase as a safeguard.
NCH Diabetes Fun Fair fee waiver
Nationwide Children's Hospital got free use of city facilities October 24 for a fair offering nutrition classes, insurance help, and resources for families of kids with diabetes.
Perinatal mental health
Council designated May 2026 as Perinatal Mental Health Month, recognizing that postpartum anxiety and depression affect fathers as well as mothers, with experts scheduled for the May 18 meeting.