Dublin, City of - Engineering Division

The committee discussed the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund, including revenue trends, budget and policy perspectives, and current allocations. They reviewed the 2025 cost study and proposed fee changes, including inflationary adjustments and new fees for Court Services. Park rental fees would see increases, and the DORA cup program would transition to a sticker-based system. Recreation fees would also see an inflationary increase. Building Standards' cost recovery was discussed, with a goal of 100% full cost recovery.

The joint work session covered annual reports from the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC), Architectural Review Board (ARB), and Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Key discussion points included mixed-use development implementation, aging Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and redevelopment, materials and professional development, Council goal progress and updates, connectivity, Metro Center revitalization, community events, premier athletic complex, and development in the West Innovation District. The boards and commissions also discussed communication improvements and the need for proactive learning about new building materials.

The work session of the Dublin City Council focused on the 2026-2030 CIP and Operating Budget. Key discussion points included the allocation of city resources, service delivery, and alignment of spending with the council's visionary goals. The budget prioritizes safety, infrastructure, service delivery, maintenance, and personnel. Department directors presented their individual budgets, covering legislative affairs, boards and commissions, the city manager's office, legal services, economic development, court services, records management, facilities management, fleet, human resources, information technology, communications and marketing, community events, outreach and engagement, police, finance and taxation, community planning and development, building standards, engineering, transportation and mobility, asset management and quality assurance, parks and recreation, recreation services, the community recreation center, public service, street maintenance, solid waste management, horticulture, forestry, and SportsOhio. The council requested additional information on revenue projections, historical trends in expense mix, and clarification on specific capital projects.

The Dublin City Council meeting included discussions on various ordinances and resolutions. Ordinance 06-25, regarding the rezoning of nine parcels, was tabled for code amendments. Other ordinances addressed rezoning for a Planned Unit Development District, accepting land for a public art project, and amending zoning code for renewable energy equipment. The council also discussed rezoning for a Continuum of Care Retirement Facility, a development and land exchange agreement, an infrastructure agreement for the Beacon retirement community, and a development agreement for Indus Bridge Street development. Incentives for NWLFD, Inc. were also discussed. Resolutions included acceptance of preliminary and final plats for Bridge Park, J Block. The council also covered the 2026 budget kick-off and accepted TIRC reports. Updates were provided on the Dublin Irish Festival and Route 161 corridor discussions.

The council meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. Appropriations were established based on the 2026 operating and capital budgets. Amendments to the annual appropriations for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, were introduced. Other ordinances addressed amending cash on hand for change funds, declaring improvements to real property in the Bridge Street District as a public purpose, and approving the expansion of the Bridge Park New Community Authority. Resolutions were passed regarding temporary and permanent right of way easements for constructing and improving roadway infrastructure. The council also authorized an agreement for the management of Christkindlmarkt Dublin, determined compliance with requirements for the expansion of the Bridge Park New Community Authority, and accepted preliminary and final plats for a subdivision. Additionally, the council accepted recommendations from the Finance Committee regarding hotel-motel tax grant awards and from the Public Services Committee regarding cemetery regulations and guidelines. A tree replacement waiver request was not granted. Discussions were held on addressing community noise and the Dublin Signature Trail Study.