Whitehall, Ohio

City Council

El Concejo Municipal de Whitehall está celebrando una reunión especial de emergencia convocada por el alcalde únicamente para dirigirse al público sobre la elección de revocatoria. No se programan otros asuntos ni votaciones.

• Discusión pública sobre la elección de revocatoria

City Council

El Concejo Municipal llevará a cabo segundas lecturas para adquirir la propiedad en 3791 East Broad Street y adoptar el presupuesto fiscal 2027. Las terceras lecturas incluyen una ordenanza para prohibir la alimentación de ciervos y otra para exigir mejoras de seguridad en instalaciones de autoservicio (drive-thru). Se ha programado una audiencia pública sobre la ordenanza de seguridad en drive-thrus para el 7 de julio.

• Adquirir propiedad en 3791 East Broad Street de She Buys Houses 365 LLC
• Adoptar el presupuesto fiscal para el año fiscal que comienza el 1 de enero de 2027
• Modificar ordenanzas para prohibir la alimentación de ciervos
• Modificar el código de zonificación para exigir carriles de desvío y salidas de emergencia en instalaciones de autoservicio (drive-thru)
• Audiencia pública sobre la ordenanza de seguridad en drive-thrus el 7 de julio de 2026

City Council

El Concejo Municipal votará sobre un plan para el desarrollo industrial, comercial, de distribución e investigación con la Whitehall Community Improvement Corporation. También en la agenda: una prohibición de alimentar ciervos, regulaciones de seguridad para autoservicio que requieren carriles de desvío, y múltiples asignaciones de fondos incluyendo $700,000 para seguro autofinanciado y $320,000 para una cuenta TIF.

• Resolución 019-2026: Aprobar el plan de desarrollo con Whitehall CIC
• Ordenanza 049-2026: Prohibir la alimentación de ciervos
• Ordenanza 050-2026: Exigir carriles de desvío y salida de emergencia en autoservicios
• Ordenanza 053-2026: Asignación suplementaria de $700,000 para el fondo fiduciario de seguro autofinanciado
• Ordenanza 060-2026: Autorizar la adquisición de propiedades en 3791 East Broad Street

City Council

El consejo está discutiendo ocho proyectos de ley, incluyendo una enmienda de zonificación para exigir carriles de desvío y acceso para vehículos de emergencia en instalaciones de autoservicio. También consideran aceptar dos subvenciones policiales para reducción del crimen y chalecos antibalas, adoptar el presupuesto fiscal de 2027 y aprobar varias asignaciones suplementarias y transferencias de fondos.

• Ordenanza 050-2026: Modifica el código de zonificación para exigir carriles de desvío y salida de emergencia en autoservicios.
• Resolución 023-2026: Acepta una subvención de $21,131 de la Oficina de Servicios de Justicia Penal para reducción del crimen y hardware de recolección de evidencia.
• Resolución 024-2026: Acepta una subvención de $10,908 para chalecos antibalas a través del Programa de Chalecos Antibalas de las Fuerzas del Orden de Ohio.
• Ordenanza 053-2026: Asigna $700,000 del Fondo Fiduciario de Seguros Autofinanciados para reclamos de salud de empleados.
• Resolución 025-2026: Adopta el presupuesto fiscal de 2027 que se presentará al Auditor del Condado de Franklin.

No final decisions were made at this committee meeting; all items were introduced and referred to future meetings. Council heard a presentation on a proposed ordinance requiring bypass lanes at new drive-throughs, and introduced several resolutions and ordinances for grants, budget, and appropriations.

• Introduced Resolution 023-2026 for OCJS violent crime grant ($21,131) (referred to June 16)
• Withdrew Resolution 024-2026 for body armor grant
• Introduced Resolution 025-2026 for 2027 tax budget (referred to July 7)
• Introduced Ordinance 051-2026 for bulletproof vest fund supplement ($27,750) (referred to June 16)
• Introduced Ordinance 052-2026 for TIF fees ($45,000) (referred to June 16)
• Introduced Ordinance 053-2026 for self-funded insurance trust ($700,000) (referred to June 16)
• Introduced Ordinance 054-2026 for energy project fund repayment ($61,228) (referred to June 16)
• Introduced Resolution 026-2026 for Then and Now certificates (referred to June 16)

City Council

El Concejo Municipal llevará a cabo una audiencia pública y tercera lectura sobre un permiso especial para permitir instalaciones de autoservicio en 4600 E Broad Street, propiedad de Meyer Foods Management Company. El Concejo también considerará múltiples transferencias de fondos, una prohibición de alimentar ciervos y una resolución para solicitar una subvención del Defense Community Infrastructure Program.

• Permiso especial para autoservicio en 4600 E Broad Street (Meyer Foods)
• Transferir $100,000 del General Fund al ST Maintenance & Repair Fund para equipo nuevo
• Transferir $25,621.68 del Town & Country Incentive al Debt Service Fund
• Transferir $226,262.50 del Police Tax Levy Fund al Debt Service Fund
• Ordenanza para prohibir alimentar ciervos (modificar 505.23)

The council approved minutes from three previous meetings and heard committee reports, official reports, and a public hearing on a special permit for a drive-through at 4600 E. Broad Street, but took no votes on any legislation or other substantive matters.

• Approved minutes of May 12, May 19, and May 26, 2026 meetings (unanimous)

City Council

City Council will hold first readings on several financial items, including fund transfers for street maintenance equipment and police station debt, and an appropriation for plumbing permits. A resolution to apply for a Defense Community Improvement Program grant is also on the agenda. The third reading of an ordinance prohibiting deer feeding is scheduled for adoption.

• Resolution to apply for Defense Community Improvement Program grant (deadline June 25)
• Transfer $100,000 from General Fund for new street mill attachment and roller
• Transfer $226,262.50 from Police Tax Levy Fund to Debt Service for police station bonds
• Appropriate $130,000 from Plumbing Permits Fund for inspection invoices
• Third reading of ordinance to ban feeding of deer

City Council received a detailed financial presentation from the City Auditor covering 2025 results and current fiscal standing. Eight draft pieces of legislation were on the agenda but no votes or decisions were recorded. A proposed rule change to prohibit naming citizens in a criticizing manner was discussed but not acted upon.

• No substantive decisions made; meeting was informational only

Planning Commission

The Whitehall Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to consider a special permit for drive-through facilities at 4600 E Broad Street, owned by Meyer Foods Management Company. Staff and applicant presentations will precede a public hearing and commission vote. The agenda also includes discussion of a draft onboarding packet for public boards.

• Special permit case WPC No. 904 for drive-through at 4600 E Broad St (parcels 090-008427-00 and 090-008249-00)
• Staff presentation by Curtis Nutter
• Applicant presentation by Mannik and Smith Group
• Public hearing and commission vote on the permit
• Draft onboarding packet for public boards

City Council

Council will hold first readings on three resolutions seeking to recall Mayor Michael Bivens, Councilmember Lori Elmore, and Councilmember Amy Harcar. They will also have a second reading on a special permit for a drive-through facility at 4600 E Broad Street. Additionally, a resolution authorizing a development plan with the Whitehall Community Improvement Corporation is up for first reading.

• First reading of Resolution 016-2026: recall of Mayor Michael Bivens
• First reading of Resolution 017-2026: recall of Councilmember Lori Elmore
• First reading of Resolution 018-2026: recall of Councilmember Amy Harcar
• Second reading of Ordinance 034-2026: special permit for drive-through at 4600 E Broad Street (Meyer Foods Management)
• First reading of Resolution 019-2026: plan of industrial, commercial, distribution, R&D with Whitehall Community Improvement Corporation

The Council approved the minutes from the May 6, 2026 meeting. A presentation from the Franklin County Board of Elections requesting a special election date on June 23, 2026, was heard but no action taken. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved May 6, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The May 12, 2026 Whitehall City Council Committee meeting found most standing committees reporting no pending legislation. The sole substantive item was Ordinance 034-2026, which would grant a special permit for drive-through facilities at 4600 E Broad Street, owned by Meyer Foods Management Company. Council discussed the ordinance in its second reading; a public hearing is set for June 2, 2026, with adoption expected.

• Ordinance 034-2026: special use permit for drive-through at 4600 E Broad Street (Meyer Foods Management Company)

No substantive decisions were made at the May 12, 2026 City Council committee meeting. The session consisted of informational updates and discussions on deer management, revenue sharing, and a proposed drive-through ordinance (Culver's), with action deferred to future meetings.

BZBA

The Board of Zoning and Building Appeals will consider an administrative appeal from Nicholas Butler challenging a code enforcement violation for parking commercial vehicles at 776-778 Elaine Rd. The violation was issued on November 23, 2025, under Code Section 1113.13. The board will hear evidence and decide whether the code was applied correctly.

• Administrative appeal case BA-26-07 challenging commercial vehicle parking violation at 776-778 Elaine Rd.
• Property owner Nicholas Butler appeals code enforcement citation under Section 1113.13.
• Board will determine if the violation notice was properly applied.
• Public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on May 11, 2026, in City Council Chambers.
• Approval of minutes from April 13, 2026, and other procedural items.

City Council

City Council will hold first reading on a special permit for a drive-through at 4600 E Broad Street, owned by Meyer Foods Management Company. The council also considers multiple fund transfers totaling over $1.4 million, including $61,228.60 for energy projects and $284,417.07 to debt service. Several personnel and budget amendments are up for approval.

• Special permit for drive-through at 4600 E Broad Street (Ordinance 034-2026)
• Fund transfer of $284,417.07 to debt service from WMPITIE Fund (Ordinance 039-2026)
• Advance of $61,228.60 from General Fund to Energy Project Fund (Ordinance 037-2026)
• Supplemental appropriation of $6,500 for records maintenance (Ordinance 042-2026)
• Fund transfer of $456,623.33 from Water Utility Fund to Debt Service (Ordinance 043-2026)

The meeting was largely procedural, consisting of approval of previous meeting minutes, proclamations for Motorcycle Awareness Month and Municipal Clerks Week, and committee reports. No ordinances received a vote; two ordinances had first readings but were referred without action. No substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from five previous meetings (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss three draft ordinances: updating the Table of Authorized Personnel for 2026, amending the salary schedule for various positions, and a special use permit for drive-through facilities at 4600 E Broad Street owned by Meyer Foods Management Company. A public hearing on the drive-through permit is scheduled for June 2.

• Ordinance 035-2026 updates personnel titles and adds/removes positions in the Development Department
• Ordinance 036-2026 sets new hourly pay ranges for over 50 positions (e.g., Chief of Police up to $92.81/hr, Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor salary $89,000)
• Ordinance 034-2026 allows a drive-through at 4600 E Broad Street with a one-year construction deadline; public hearing June 2
• Planning Commission special meeting to be held in May (date TBD) for the same project
• All three ordinances declared emergencies for immediate effect

The committee discussed draft ordinances including a City Planner position and code enforcement needs, but no votes were taken. Only procedural action was rescheduling the regular council meeting from May 5 to May 6 due to Election Day.

• Rescheduled regular council meeting to May 6, 2026 (unanimous procedural)

City Council

City Council will hold a public hearing and third reading on Ordinance 022-2026, which amends the zoning code to require a special permit for any detention facility construction or operation. Council will also consider second readings on personnel ordinance amendments, a first reading for an $8,000 supplemental appropriation for HR training, and a resolution to apply for a MORPC technical assistance grant.

• Public hearing and third reading of Ordinance 022-2026 (detention facility special permits)
• Second reading of Ordinance 027-2026 (amending authorized personnel table for FY2026)
• Second reading of Ordinance 028-2026 (changes to 161.38)
• First reading of Ordinance 033-2026 ($8,000 supplemental appropriation from General Fund for HR training)
• Resolution 015-2026 to apply for MORPC Technical Assistance Grant

City Council

The council holds a public hearing and third reading on Ordinance 022-2026, which would amend the zoning code to require special permits for detention facilities. They also consider other legislation including personnel amendments, a supplemental appropriation of $8,000 for HR training, and a grant application from MORPC.

• Public hearing and third reading on requiring special permits for detention facilities
• Amendment to authorized personnel table for fiscal year 2026 (Ordinance 027-2026)
• Supplemental appropriation of $8,000 from General Fund for HR training (Ordinance 033-2026)
• Resolution to apply for and accept a Technical Assistance grant from MORPC (015-2026)
• Second reading of changes to personnel classification (Ordinance 028-2026)

The meeting consisted of committee reports, officials' reports, and a public hearing on Ordinance 022-2026 (requiring special permits for detention facilities), but no ordinances were voted on. Only procedural actions were taken: excusing an absent councilor and approving prior meeting minutes.

• Excused Councilor Brown's absence unanimously
• Approved April 13, 2026 special meeting minutes unanimously

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on an ordinance amending the zoning code to require special permits for construction or operation of detention facilities. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from February 5, 2026.

• Ordinance 022-2026: Require special permits for detention facilities

The Planning Commission unanimously approved Ordinance No. 022-2026, which amends the zoning code to require a special permit for the construction or operation of detention facilities in all zoning districts. Previously, detention facilities were allowed by right in most districts as government-owned buildings. The change aims to ensure appropriate review and placement of such facilities.

• Approved Ordinance No. 022-2026 requiring special permits for detention facilities (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from February 5, 2026, with a minor spelling amendment (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council adopted two resolutions placing recall questions for Mayor Michael Bivens and Councilmember Lori Elmore on a special election date of May 28, 2026. Resolution 012-2026 passed 4-3; Resolution 013-2026 was adopted as amended (vote tally not recorded). The date change from May 26 to May 28 reduces early voting by two days.

• Adopted Resolution 012-2026 for recall of Mayor Bivens (4-3)
• Adopted Resolution 013-2026 for recall of Councilmember Elmore (no recorded vote tally)
• Set special recall election date for May 28, 2026

City Council

The Whitehall City Council will discuss and potentially adopt ordinances amending the authorized personnel table for FY2026 and modifying a code section. A third reading will consider requiring special permits for construction or operation of detention facilities, with a public hearing scheduled for April 21.

• Second reading of Ordinance 027-2026: Amendment to FY2026 authorized personnel table
• Second reading of Ordinance 028-2026: Amendment to Ordinance 129-2025 regarding changes to section 161.38
• Third reading of Ordinance 022-2026: Zoning code amendment requiring special permits for detention facilities
• Public hearing on detention facility ordinance set for April 21, 2026

The meeting consisted of a presentation on anti-human trafficking efforts by the Salvation Army and a discussion about council decorum and dress code. No formal votes, approvals, or denials were recorded.

City Council

The council held a special meeting for second readings of resolutions to recall Mayor Michael Bivens and council members Lori Elmore and Amy Harcar. No discussion or vote occurred; the resolutions will proceed to a third reading and vote at a subsequent meeting.

• Second reading of Resolution 012-2026 (recall of Mayor Bivens) completed
• Second reading of Resolution 013-2026 (recall of Councilor Elmore) completed
• Second reading of Resolution 014-2026 (recall of Councilor Harcar) completed

City Council

City Council will vote on three resolutions to schedule recall elections for Mayor Michael Bivens and Councilmembers Lori Elmore and Amy Harcar. The elections are set for May 26-28, 2026, per Charter §68 after sufficient recall petitions were certified.

• Recall election for Mayor Michael Bivens on May 26-28, 2026
• Recall election for Councilmember Lori Elmore on May 26-28, 2026
• Recall election for Councilmember Amy Harcar on May 26-28, 2026
• Ballot question: 'Shall [name] be allowed to continue as Mayor/Councilmember?' Yes/No

BZBA

The Board of Zoning and Building Appeals will consider two variance requests for properties on East Broad Street. One case seeks relief from sign height, area, and quantity limits. The other requests variances for building type, setback, parking, and frontage requirements in the Community Crossroads District.

• Case BA-26-05: Variances for freestanding sign height, total sign area, and number of signs at 3750-3776 and 3790-3944 East Broad Street
• Case BA-26-06: Variances for permitted building type, front yard setback, pick-up/drop-off parking spaces, and required frontage at 4600 East Broad Street
• Approval of minutes from February 9, 2026

The Board granted variances for a new Culver's restaurant at 4600 East Broad Street, the former Applebee's site, approving exceptions for building typology, setback, and frontage. All variances were conditioned on City Council granting a special use permit for the drive-through. The Board also approved sign variances for Town and Country Shopping Center, allowing taller and larger monument signs. Both motions passed unanimously.

• Approved sign height, area, and number variances for Town and Country Shopping Center (4-0)
• Approved building typology variance for Culver's restaurant (4-0, conditioned on special use permit)
• Approved maximum setback variance for Culver's (4-0, same condition)
• Approved required frontage type variance for Culver's (4-0, same condition)
• Excused absent member Tafese (4-0)
• Approved February 9, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider resolutions to recall Mayor Michael Bivens and councilmembers Lori Elmore and Amy Harcar. Other business includes a second reading of a zoning amendment requiring special permits for detention facilities, and multiple appropriations totaling over $440,000 for technology, elections, a Hamilton-Broad incentive, and police equipment.

• Recall resolutions for Mayor Bivens, Councilmember Elmore, and Councilmember Harcar
• Second reading: ordinance requiring special permits for detention facilities
• Supplemental appropriation of $260,000 to Hamilton-Broad incentive account
• Supplemental appropriation of $75,000 to Auditor Tech Expense account
• Supplemental appropriation of $40,000 to Election Expense account

The meeting consisted of routine approvals (previous minutes, excusing an absent councilor), a proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month, and committee reports. No ordinances, contracts, or policy decisions were voted on. The mayor delivered an extensive personal statement regarding a recall effort, followed by public comments on the same topic.

• Excused Councilor Harcar (unanimous)
• Approved March 17 and March 24, 2026 minutes (unanimous)