Lancaster, OH

Civil Service Commission

The Lancaster Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve prior minutes, review year-to-date expenses, and discuss fire and police staffing and testing. The most consequential item is the review and approval of the Fire Lieutenant eligibility list, which determines who can be hired or promoted. The agenda also includes general discussion and setting the next meeting date.

• Review and approve Fire Lt. Eligibility list
• Fire Department Staffing and Testing
• Police Test Certifications
• Review expenses for current year to date
• Approve prior meeting minutes of June 29, 2026

Water & Water Pollution Committee

The Water and Water Pollution Control Committee is meeting to receive updates from the water, wastewater, stormwater, and engineering departments. They will also discuss upcoming legislation and recent flooding issues. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or dollar amounts listed.

• Department updates: Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Engineering
• Discussion of upcoming legislation
• Discussion of recent flooding issues

Administrative Services Committee (fka IT/Telecom Committee)

The Administrative Services Committee will hold a routine meeting to receive departmental updates from IT/Telecom, GIS, HR, and the Mayor's office. The agenda lists no specific ordinances, contracts, or decisions, indicating a procedural session focused on status reports.

• IT/Telecom update on ransomware and new projects
• GIS update on ongoing and completed projects
• HR update on FMC Wellness Clinic and workers' comp
• General updates from SSD and the Mayor

Tree Commission

The Lancaster Tree Commission reviewed a report on tree maintenance activities completed in August, including pruning, removals, and storm response. The agenda lists specific addresses for these works but contains no new decisions, contracts, or public hearings. The commission also outlined its September worklist, which includes budget recommendations and applications for Tree City USA status.

• Pruning scheduled at 550 King St, 525 E. Fifth, 632 Fredrick, and 2615 Prairie Grass
• Tree removals listed at 1200 Beacon, 626 Oak Hollow, 617 E. Faie, 601 Boyd, 730 Forest Rose, 307 N. Mt Pleasant, 911 N. Columbus, 558 E. Sixth, 343 E. Allen, 139 Ohio, and 524 Shoshone
• Storm issues addressed at 741 Glenmar, 731 Washington, 1215 Green Meadow, 1470 Redwood, 449 Walnut, 725 King, Second St, 739 Medill, Mitoff St, and 1767 Sheridan
• Storm response included work in Olivedale, Hunter, Rising, and Alley parks
• September worklist includes submitting local budget recommendations and beginning Tree City USA application

City Council

Lancaster City Council will hold its regular meeting on August 24, 2026, with multiple resolutions and ordinances at various reading stages. Key items include appropriations for road and walkway projects (ETY Road, Memorial-Pierce, East Main Street), a feasibility study for the Eastside Industrial Connector, and adding a full-time tax auditor position. The council will also consider contracts for prosecuting misdemeanors for other jurisdictions and an updated solid waste management plan.

• Appropriations for ETY Road, Memorial-Pierce Walk Ways, and East Main Street Walks projects
• New full-time tax auditor position in the City Income Tax Department
• Contract for stream bank stabilization/restoration project
• Agreements to prosecute misdemeanors for Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, and Fairfield County
• Expansion of the designated outdoor refreshment area

Finance Committee

The Lancaster Finance Committee is reviewing several resolutions and ordinances, including appropriations for cemetery mowing, contract negotiations for prosecution services, and a new Tax Auditor position. The committee will also discuss the Solid Waste District plan and electric aggregation through NOPEC. Most items are in early readings, with one ordinance under suspension.

• Appropriation for Cemetery Fund to cover mowing contract shortfall (Temp Res #81-26)
• Law Director negotiations with Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, and County Commissioners for 2027 prosecution contracts (Temp Res #82-26, #83-26, #84-26)
• Solid Waste District updated management plan (Temp Res #85-26)
• Add full-time Tax Auditor position (Temp Ord #28-26, suspension)
• Aggregated Procurement of Electric for municipalities through NOPEC (Temp Ord #29-26)

Law Committee

Historic Lancaster Commission

The Historic Lancaster Commission will hold a regular meeting to review new applications for awnings, shutters, and signage, as well as continue discussion on previously submitted projects including a demolition and parking proposal. The meeting is open to residents for public comment.

• CA-00588 – 422 N. Broad St. – Awning and Shutters (color)
• CA-00589 – 203 S. Broad St. – Signage
• CA-00590 – 955 Lincoln Ave. – Signage
• CA-00552 – 955 Lincoln Ave. – Demolition and Parking
• CA-00558 – 214/216 S. Columbus St. – Window Replacement

City Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a zoning change for a parcel on Eyman Avenue and a proposed data center code. New business includes revisions to the subdivision code and the public sites and open space code.

• Public hearing on zoning change for 0 Eyman Avenue (parcel #053606000) by The Biggs Group Limited LLC
• Public hearing on proposed Data Center Code by the City of Lancaster
• Revisions to the Subdivision Code (Case 2026.007)
• Revisions to the Public Sites and Open Space Code (Case 2026.008)

Service Committee

The Lancaster Service Committee is meeting to receive departmental updates and consider two temporary resolutions: one authorizing bids for the Bowers Park project and one regarding a retirement in the Municipal Gas Department. The agenda also includes routine items like prayer, pledge, and attendance, with no other substantive actions listed.

• Temp Res #78-26: Authorize bids for Bowers Park project
• Temp Res #76-26: Retirement in Municipal Gas Department
• Updates from Parks, Sanitation, Utilities Collection, and Municipal Gas departments

The Service Committee reviewed plans for the Bowers Park project, which includes four ballfields, parking, and site improvements, but no permanent restrooms or concessions. They discussed the annual cost of portable restrooms and the potential for permanent facilities in future projects. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational with departmental updates.

• Reviewed Bowers Park site plan (no vote)
• Discussed portable restroom costs ($40,000-$50,000 annually)
• Noted Parks budget submission expected in September
• Discussed replacement of wrecked sanitation truck (~$173,000)
• Discussed smart water meter transition
• Reviewed gas department safety audit and training video plans

City Council

The Lancaster City Council is holding a regular meeting with public hearings on two zoning-related ordinances: one to rezone properties at 316 Sylvan Avenue and 1117 West Mulberry Street to Advanced Manufacturing, and another to repeal and replace the city's zoning code. The council will also consider multiple resolutions appropriating funds for road and infrastructure projects, including the ETY Road improvements, Memorial-Pierce walkways, and East Main Street walks, as well as a resolution to add a full-time tax auditor position. Several items are in first or second reading, meaning they may be voted on in future meetings.

• Public hearing and third reading of ordinance to rezone 316 Sylvan Ave and 1117 W Mulberry St to Advanced Manufacturing
• Public hearing and third reading of ordinance to repeal and replace zoning code chapters 1121-1161
• Resolution to fund ETY Road improvements project (Temp Res #66-26)
• Resolution to fund Memorial-Pierce walkways project (Temp Res #67-26)
• Resolution to add a full-time tax auditor position (Temp Res #70-26)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on case #00823 regarding 429 East Locust Street. The meeting includes procedural items such as roll call, approval of minutes, and swearing in of speakers.

• Public hearing for case #00823 at 429 East Locust Street

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing several resolutions and ordinances before they go to full council. Key items include the Ety Rd Improvement Project, a repeal and replace of the Downtown DORA expansion, and a final plat for Taylor Commercial Subdivision. The committee is also preparing for public hearings on temporary ordinances 21-26 and 22-26.

• Ety Rd Improvement Project (Temp Res #74-26)
• Then & Now to pay bills (Temp Res #75-26)
• Increase appropriations in Gas Fund for retirement shortfall (Temp Res #76-26)
• Bowers Park Project bids for construction (Temp Res #78-26, suspension)
• Downtown DORA expansion repeal and replace (Temp Ord #26-26)

Safety Committee

The Safety Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Fire and Police Departments, including a virtual reality tour of the new Engine House 2, staffing and overtime status, and an education session on Flock cameras. No new or old business is listed, and no votes or decisions are indicated on the agenda.

• Virtual reality tour of new Engine House 2
• Police staffing update
• Police overtime status
• Flock camera education session

Park Board

The Lancaster Board of Park Commissioners is holding its monthly meeting, primarily focused on discussions rather than final decisions. Key agenda items include reviewing the park budget and approving bills, discussing new policies on sponsorship and naming rights, and a veterans memorial policy. The board will also revisit tabled discussions on park financing options and receive department updates on projects and programs.

• Discussion of Sponsorship & Naming Rights Policy
• Discussion of Veterans Memorial Policy
• Park Budget: Expense/Revenue Report and Approve Bills
• Tabled Business: Discussion of park financing options
• Department updates on Olivedale Park and Alley Park/Nature Education

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is meeting to receive updates from various departments and organizations. The agenda is primarily procedural, with no major decisions or discussions listed. Updates will be provided by the Economic Development Department, Community Development Department, Lancaster Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Visit Fairfield County, and Destination Downtown Lancaster.

Tree Commission

The Lancaster Tree Commission is reviewing a forester's report on tree maintenance and planning August tasks. The body is discussing budget recommendations and upcoming certification applications.

• Pruning at 417 E. Mulberry St, 632 Fredrick St, 432 King St, 604 Broad St, and other locations
• Tree removals at 509 Harrison, Firehouse 1, Davis St, and 227 N. Baker St
• Storm issues at Beacon St, Rising Park, Alley Park, 136 E. Main St, Utica Park, and 1034 Meadowview
• Preparation of Tree City USA and growth award applications
• Discussion of buffer area requirements

Historic Lancaster Commission

The Historic Lancaster Commission will allow residents to address the body before moving to new business. Commissioners will consider five project proposals involving windows, doors, siding, fences, roof, brick, and gutter work at various downtown addresses. The meeting will also revisit two older projects related to demolition, parking, and window replacement.

• CA-00581 – 109 N. Broad St. – Windows, entry door replacement, and lighting
• CA-00582 – 333 N. Broad St. – Replace siding
• CA-00583 – 128 W. Chestnut St. – Install new 6’ wood fence
• CA-00584 – 333 N. High St. – Roof repair, brick repair, and gutters/downspouts
• CA-00585 – 171 King St. – Install 4’ aluminum fence

The Historic Lancaster Commission approved four certificate of appropriateness applications for property changes, including window/door replacements, siding, roof repairs, and a fence. One application was tabled at the applicant's request. The commission also discussed potential code violations for boarded-up properties.

• Approved CA-00581 at 109 N Broad St. for windows, entry door replacement, and lighting (unanimous)
• Approved CA-00582 at 333 N Broad St. for siding replacement (unanimous)
• Tabled CA-00583 at 128 W. Chestnut St. for wood fence installation at applicant's request (unanimous)
• Approved CA-00584 at 333 N High St. for roof, brick, gutter, and downspout repairs with modification allowing K-style or round gutters (unanimous)
• Approved CA-00585 at 171 King St. for aluminum fence installation (unanimous)

City Council

The Finance Committee will consider a series of temporary resolutions, each requiring three readings, covering appropriations for several public‑works improvement projects and a request for a new full‑time tax auditor position. It will also vote on an appropriation for the LFD Auxiliary Building. Additionally, a temporary ordinance for the Greenfield Township Cooperative Economic Development Agreement will be reviewed.

• Arbor Valley Drive Improvement Project appropriation
• Ety Rd Improvement Project
• Memorial/Pierce Walk Ways Project
• East Main St Walks and Shoulder Widening Project
• Appropriation for LFD Auxiliary Building

Finance Committee

The Lancaster Finance Committee will hold three‑reading votes on several temporary resolutions, including appropriations for road and walk‑way projects and a request for a new full‑time tax auditor. It will also vote on an ordinance for a Greenfield Township cooperative economic‑development agreement. One resolution (Violet Township New Community Authority) is listed as suspended.

• Arbor Valley Drive Improvement Project appropriation
• Ety Rd Improvement Project appropriation
• East Main St Walks and Shoulder Widening Project appropriation
• Appropriation for LFD Auxiliary Building
• Greenfield Twp. Cooperative Economic Development Agreement ordinance

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Lancaster Board of Zoning Appeals will hear appeals for several parcels, including 1301 East Main Street, 617 Slocum Avenue, 767 Medill Avenue, and others. The meeting includes standard procedural items such as roll call, approval of minutes, and swearing‑in of speakers. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Appeal for 1301 East Main Street (case #00797)
• Appeal for 617 Slocum Avenue (case #00815)
• Appeal for 767 Medill Avenue (case #00807)
• Appeal for 806 Harrison Avenue (case #00816)
• Appeal for 1935 Branch Place (case #00808)

Code Enforcement & Zoning Committee

The Code Enforcement & Zoning Committee will receive departmental updates and review proposed changes to the data center code. The meeting also includes a discussion on revised subdivision regulations.

• Proposed Data Center Code
• Revised Subdivision Regulations

Park Board

The Lancaster Park Board will approve the July park budget expense and revenue report and related bills. It will consider a construction estimate from Bowers Construction (listed as 2LMN) and a draft revenue code reorganization. The board will also discuss new public sites and open spaces language and financing options for the parks.

• Bowers Construction Estimate (2LMN)
• Revenue Code Reorganization Draft
• Approval of park budget expense/revenue report and bills
• Discussion of new public sites & open spaces language
• Discussion of park financing options

The Board approved moving $1.5M from unencumbered funds to encumbered balance for the Bowers Park ball diamonds project, and authorized the Superintendent to seek City Council approval and the Service Safety Director to receive and approve the bid. The Board also approved a reorganization of the revenue code to improve budget transparency. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included routine approvals of minutes and expenses.

• Approved moving $1.5M from unencumbered funds to encumbered balance for Bowers Park ball diamonds (unanimous)
• Authorized Superintendent to pursue City Council approval for Bowers project (unanimous)
• Authorized Service Safety Director to receive and approve bid for Bowers project (unanimous)
• Approved new Revenue Code Organization (unanimous)
• Approved June meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved and ratified Parks Department expenses (unanimous)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee discussed the proposed Cooperative Economic Development Agreement with Greenfield Township. A motion to bring the agreement to the City Council was made by Councilman Carr, seconded by Councilman Schoonover, and unanimously approved. The committee then adjourned the meeting.

• Motion to bring CEDA agreement to council – approved (all in favor)
• Motion to adjourn – approved (all in favor)

Park Board

The Lancaster Board of Park Commissioners will consider a construction estimate from Bowers and a draft Revenue Code reorganization. It will also discuss language for new public sites and open spaces and explore financing options for the park system. The meeting includes routine items such as approving bills and reviewing budget reports.

• Bowers Construction Estimate, 2LMN
• Revenue Code Reorganization Draft
• Discussion of new Public Sites & Open Spaces language
• Discussion of park financing options
• Approve Bills (Park Budget)

Civil Service Commission

The Lancaster Civil Service Commission will consider updates to its Rules and Regulations document, discuss recent developments with RC Solutions LLC, address fire department testing needs, and hear from the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association. It will also approve the minutes from the May 5, 2026 meeting and handle routine business items.

• Approve prior meeting minutes of May 5, 2026
• Review recent developments with RC Solutions LLC
• Discuss fire department testing needs
• Review status of Rules and Regulations document updates
• Hear from Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 5, 2026 meeting. By a 2‑yes to 1‑no vote, the board rescinded its contract with RC Resolutions, Inc. The board also unanimously approved new modifications to the City of Lancaster Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, repealing all former rules.

• Approved May 5, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Rescinded contract with RC Resolutions, Inc. (2‑yes, 1‑no)
• Approved new Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, repealing former rules (unanimous)

Public Works Committee

The committee will receive updates from the Engineering, Transportation, and Cemetery divisions. Topics include the completed one‑way conversion on E/W Chestnut Street, upcoming chip seal work on streets, and routine stormwater and traffic maintenance. No formal decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• E/W Chestnut St. one‑way conversion completed project update
• Street maintenance and repairs (Cape Seal) chip seal ahead of Micro Project in August
• Mosquito and herbicide spraying
• Routine stormwater maintenance and repairs
• Pedestrian crossing upgrades

The Public Works Committee met for updates only; no formal motions or votes were recorded. Members discussed ongoing projects including the Sixth Avenue Bridge demolition, Arbor Valley Drive reconstruction, and the 2026 Street Improvement Program. The committee also reviewed departmental updates from Engineering and LDOT, covering street maintenance, mosquito fogging, and stormwater equipment purchases.

• No formal decisions or votes taken; meeting was informational only
• Discussed Fire Station 3 Annex punchlist items (grass, drainage)
• Reviewed 2026 SIP construction nearly complete with casting adjustments remaining
• Noted 2027 SIP streets planned for Reese/Hubert neighborhood
• Discussed Main Street Walks legislation pending for $335,000 right-of-way acquisition
• Reviewed Whiley Road project with Google providing $2.1M
• Discussed Ety Road project with $2M in Community Project Funds for engineering
• Noted stormwater equipment purchase of approximately $10K

Tree Commission

The Lancaster Tree Commission will receive the forester's report and discuss scheduled pruning at several streets. It will consider tree and stump removal requests at multiple locations, including Lanreco Park and the downtown area. The board will also address the sidewalk program, storm‑related tree concerns, and note that one removal/pruning permit has been issued year‑to‑date.

• Pruning at 412 Lake St, 118 Wheeling St, Fourth St, 633 E. Chestnut, Countryside Dr., and 622 Broad St.
• Tree and stump removals at 1217 W. Seventh, Lanreco Park, 525 E. Fifth, Downtown, 145 Marks Ave, 1000 E. Fifth, 813 Chestnut, 822 Harding, Bike Path, and Forest Rose Cemetery.
• Sidewalk program discussion (no specific locations listed).
• Storm issues at 615 Shasta, 143 Arney, 819 Forest Rose, and 307 N. Mt. Pleasant.
• One removal/pruning permit issued year‑to‑date.

The commission shared that four trees will be placed in the 6‑by‑8‑foot wells at The Shumaker Company (219 N. Columbus St.) with two to be planted on Columbus Street and two on Mulberry Street. Members discussed tree varieties and future work on the East Main Street project, slated to start in 2028 and funded by a Safety Grant. The forester report covered recent tree trimming, removals (including at Forest Rose Cemetery), storm‑related work, mowing at River Valley Highlands, and a donated tree planted at Rising Park. No formal decisions or votes were recorded during the meeting.

City Council

Lancaster City Council will discuss updating the city's planning and zoning code and repealing flood damage reduction ordinances. The body is also considering a development agreement for the Dave Johns Spec Building project and a contract for a school resource officer at St. Mary School.

• Proposed rezoning of 316 Sylvan Avenue and 1117 West Mulberry Street to Advanced Manufacturing District
• Asset management arrangement with BP Energy Company related to $300,525,000 in gas supply revenue bonds
• Contract with St. Mary School for a school resource officer for the 2026-2027 school year
• Engineering agreements for Lawrence Street Pump Station and South Water Plant projects
• Application for Program Year 2026 Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program

The Lancaster City Council passed a series of temporary resolutions, all unanimously except one that passed 8‑1. The measures authorize fund appropriations, grant applications, and project contracts, including a $250,000 funding request and a grant for handicap‑accessible ramps. Several resolutions required rule suspensions to waive additional readings before approval.

• Approved Temporary Resolution 5l-26 to appropriate funds for a court clerk retirement (9‑0)
• Approved Temporary Resolution 53-26 authorizing the mayor to submit HUD CDBG annual action plan and declare an emergency (9‑0)
• Approved Temporary Resolution 54-26 to apply for $250,000 funding (9‑0)
• Approved Temporary Resolution 55-26 to appropriate local match money for East Main Street shoulder widening project (8‑1)
• Approved Temporary Resolution 56-26 to submit application for Community Housing Impact and Preservation Program (9‑0)
• Approved Temporary Resolution 57-26 to accept AARP Community Grant for handicap‑accessible ramp upgrades (9‑0)
• Suspended rules, waived third reading, and approved Temporary Resolution 60-26 for a water department retirement fund (9‑0)
• Suspended rules, waived second and third readings, and approved Temporary Resolution 63-26 for builders risk insurance for water pollution facility expansion (9‑0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review several temporary resolutions and ordinances. Items include a suspension of a water pollution control resolution, a contract with St. Mary School for a 2026‑27 resource officer, and multiple zoning map amendment ordinances. The committee will also consider the final plat for the Ewing Woods subdivision.

• Temp Res #63-26 Water/Water Pollution Control Committee – suspension of builder’s risk insurance certificate for Upper Hocking project
• Temp Res #64-26 Safety Committee – contract with St. Mary School to provide a Resource Officer for 2026‑27
• Temp Ord #20-26 Code Enforcement & Zoning Committee – suspension to accept final plat for Ewing Woods subdivision
• Temp Ord #21-26 Code Enforcement & Zoning Committee – 3 readings of Zoning Map Amendments
• Temp Ord #23-26 Safety Committee – 3 readings of Administrative Code changes relating to Fire Department

Historic Lancaster Commission

The Historic Lancaster Commission will consider several property improvement projects, including an awning replacement at 105 N Columbus St. and signage at 230 N Columbus St. The commission will also approve a like‑for‑like fence replacement at 333 N Broad St. and a lean‑to carport at 929 Pleasantville Rd. Additionally, the body will discuss demolition and parking at 955 Lincoln Ave. and window replacement at 214/216 S. Columbus St.

• Awning Replacement – 105 N Columbus St.
• Signage – 230 N Columbus St.
• Fence Replacement (like‑for‑like) – 333 N Broad St.
• Lean‑To Carport – 929 Pleasantville Rd.
• Demolition and Parking – 955 Lincoln Ave.

The Historic Lancaster Commission approved the minutes from the May 20 meeting. It approved an awning replacement at 105 N. Columbus St. in Black Cherry and a signage application for the parking lot at 230 N. Columbus St., both unanimously. Administrative approvals were granted for a fence replacement at 333 N. Broad St. and a lean‑to carport at 929 Pleasantville Rd. Applications for demolition at 955 Lincoln Ave. and window replacement at 214/216 S. Columbus St. remain tabled.

• Approved May 20 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved awning replacement at 105 N. Columbus St. (Black Cherry) (unanimous)
• Approved signage application for 230 N. Columbus St. parking lot (unanimous)
• Approved fence replacement at 333 N. Broad St. (administrative)
• Approved lean‑to carport at 929 Pleasantville Rd. (administrative)
• Demolition and parking application at 955 Lincoln Ave. remains tabled
• Window replacement application at 214/216 S. Columbus St. remains tabled