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1. What is the Council's role in City government?

The City of Gahanna operates under a mayor-council (strong mayor) form of government. The mayor-council form of government separates executive and legislative branches of government.

Council Members exercise their legislative powers when acting as a member of the City Council in Council meetings. The executive (or administrative) branch is comprised of the Mayor and the following departments: 

• Communications and Marketing
• Development
• Emergency Management
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Parks and Recreation
• Police
• Public Service

2. Who is elected in Gahanna's government?

The Mayor, seven Council Members, and the City Attorney are elected. The Mayor is a full-time position, the City Attorney and Council Members are part-time elected officials. All elected officials in Gahanna serve nonpartisan posts.

3. How long is the term of office for elected officials?

The four Ward Council members are elected to two-year terms from individual geographic districts. These districts are reviewed approximately every 10 years and changes are made so that each district has approximately the same number of residents. The three At-Large Council members are elected to four-year terms from the entire City.

The Mayor and City Attorney also serve four year terms, and that election also runs citywide. All municipal elections in Ohio are held during odd-numbered years. In 2009, the four ward Council seats were up for election. In 2011 all elected positions in the City are up.

4. How can I get a message to my Council Member?

You can send an email message to the Council, or write your Council members at Council Office, 200 S Hamilton Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. You may call the Council Office at 614-342-4090, or fax comments to 614-342-4190.

5. When does the Council meet?

The Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month in a regular meeting. If a Monday is an observed holiday for the City, Council meetings are then held on Tuesday. The regular meeting starts at 7 pm Council meetings are conducted by the President.

The Council meets in informal Committee meetings at 7 pm on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month (Tuesday if there is a holiday). These meetings allow Council Members to receive information and discuss pending issues. No formal action can be taken at a committee meeting.

6. What is the difference between a Council meeting and a Committee meeting?

Council Members exercise their legislative powers in Council meetings by voting on ordinances, resolutions or motions and conducting public hearings. Committee meetings are designed to provide information to the Council Members on issues that may be presented at a future Council meeting; these meetings can be considered as "briefing" sessions. Council members may not enact legislation during Committee meetings.

7. How can I find out what items are on the Council agenda?

In accordance with Ohio's Open Meetings Law, all Regular Council and Committee Meetings are posted in advance of the meeting. Agendas are usually posted to the website on the Friday prior to a Monday or Tuesday meeting. Agendas are also posted on the City of Gahanna, Ohio - Government Facebook page in the days prior to the meeting. Agendas are also available in the Council Office on the Friday afternoon prior to a meeting. View Council agendas or call the Council office at 342-4090 for more information.

8. How can I review minutes from Council and Committee meetings?

All Regular Council and Committee meeting minutes are posted on the website. The minutes of a regular meeting are completed and posted within a week or so of the Council meeting. Committee meeting minutes usually are posted the Friday following the meeting. Please use the Legislative Calendar to view Council minutes or call the Council office at 614-342-4090 for more information.

9. What is my Council district?

Your Council district is determined by where you reside in Gahanna. General neighborhood boundaries are outlined on the Ward Map or more details can be obtained by calling the Council Office at 614-342-4090. You may also obtain information as to your ward district through the Franklin County Board of Elections.

10. Can I address the Council members during a Council meeting?

Yes. Audience members may make comments to the Council and Mayor during the "Hearing of Visitors" portion of the agenda or during Public Hearings by filling out a speaker slip provided by Council staff at the Council meetings. Audience members will be called by name to the lectern when it is their turn to speak. Comments are limited to three minutes. There is no comment period at Committee meetings, although the public is welcome to attend.