2012 Resident Survey Results

The City just finished its third biennial resident satisfaction survey; a process that we began in 2008.  Conducting regular surveys of our residents, our customers, is important.  The survey serves as a report card for our City staff and elected officials. It tells us all how we are doing in providing services to our constituents.  Furthermore, the survey gives guidance on what projects and issues are important to our citizens.  The survey data allows us to plan for the City’s successful future. We are pleased with the survey findings and feedback.  A few highlights:

98% of residents believe rate the Quality of Life in Gahanna as Good, Very good or Excellent

73% of residents believe that Gahanna is headed in the Right Direction

An overwhelming majority of residents are satisfied with the major services provided by the City

The way in which residents find information about the City is changing and we are working to successfully adapt and meet those needs. 

Please take a look at the full survey report at by clicking here. If you have questions or feedback for us, we would love to hear from you, as always!  Brandi.braun@gahanna.gov, mayor@gahanna.gov or calling 614-342-4045.

Guest Blogger: Farewell Friends

By Angela Payne

It’s been great exploring the city and getting to share some of my favorite experiences with you, but summer is officially over and now it’s back to my regularly scheduled program.  I’m trading in my “summer blogger” hat for a warm fall sweater and a pair of UGG^© boots.  Although we didn’t get to connect as many times as I would’ve liked, I hope that I accomplished what I set out to do: introduce and reintroduce folks to the greatness of Gahanna!

This is a great city! And my family and I have really enjoyed living here these past 14 months. In the words of -- well, anyone I guess -- “I think we’ll stay awhile.”

Not to worry, from time to time I’ll don my blogger’s hat as we move into leafy fall fun and frosty winter festivals. Be sure to check out the Gahanna Parks and Recreation website to stay in-the-know on what’s happening around the city. There are some goodies planned for the fall and winter. 

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About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela guest-blogged this summer about all things Gahanna, and hopefully she'll blog for the City of Gahanna again in the coming months.

Forecasting Future Expenses Begins With Setting Priorities

By Brandi Braun

City of Gahanna Assistant City Administrator

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Early in 2012, City leaders including City Council members, Mayor Stinchcomb and City Department directors met to discuss the strategic vision, mission and needs of the City.  The outcome of the session and follow up discussions resulted in the affirmation of the City’s Vision and Mission; establishment of Critical Success Factors and the identification of major projects to be accomplished.  The joint planning session lays the strategic groundwork for the City’s planning processes for the next several years.

Vision

…to be an innovative model community that values its rich heritage, pursues high standards, and promotes respect among its citizens.

Mission

…to ensure an exceptional quality of life by providing comprehensive services, financial stability, and well-planned development which preserves the natural environment, in order that city government will continue to be responsive, accessible, and accountable to our diverse and growing community of citizens.

Critical Success Factors are things that the City must accomplish in order to achieve its defined Mission and Vision.

Citizen Centricity

Gahanna is committed to keeping the health, safety and welfare of our citizenry as the focal point of all policy decisions.  Gahanna will always strive to be responsive, transparent and accountable to the community.

Smart Growth 

Gahanna is committed to effectively managing its growth and assets.

Economic Success

Gahanna is committed to ensuring financial sustainability through smart revenue generation, business growth and prudent short and long term financial management.

Effective Communication

Gahanna is committed to communicating critical information to our citizens, stakeholders and employees while also listening to their wants, needs and feedback.

Innovation

Gahanna is committed to continually reinventing the way we do business to be relevant, effective and efficient.

The Vision, Mission and Critical Success Factors will influence the City planning and budgeting that is currently underway.  The Administration is working on creating their five year budget and capital improvement plan.

The first step in creating Gahanna’s five-year capital improvement plan is the creation of a five-year needs assessment which was presented to City Council on September 10. 

The Five-Year Capital Needs Assessment is based on best practices, previous plans and surveys as well as the experience and research of the departmental professionals.  The assessment represents the capital items and improvements needed over the next five years in order to execute the City’s Critical Success Factors, which were identified as the “items that must happen in order to fulfill the City’s Mission and Vision. 

These needs will have to be verified by engaging the Council and public through surveys, meetings, public input and public engagement.

To view the Five-Year Capital Needs Assessment document, please click here.

Good Time, Great Place

By Angela Payne

My husband and I decided to do a week-long “staycation.” A week to explore the city at our pace – no kids, no schedules, just us – and a chance to finally see what nightlife in Gahanna had to offer.

We left our suburban bubble quite a few times, but one of our most enjoyable nights was right here in Gahanna at FM Food & Music.

A welcomed surprise, FM has the décor and sophistication of a New York hot spot. We went for dinner, but stayed for the experience! A stylish and fun atmosphere, the careful thought that went into every detail was apparent as soon as we hit the lobby. From New Edition to Michael Bolton, the lobby walls were covered with album covers from some of the most talented musicians to grace the airwaves.

Once seated, we swayed to live music – which FM has every Thursday and Friday night – as we browsed former old-school album covers turned menus.

The versatility of this place gets an A+. You can hang out at the license-plate adorned bar, relax in a lavish booth with friends or spread out in one of several themed rooms. Oh, and the food – delicious! With a wide offering of American favorites, I kept it simple and ordered the steak quesadillas.  Flavorful and tender, the dish was finger lickin’ good (Literally. My husband took pictures).

Lookout Columbus food scene! FM is the perfect place for good music, delicious food and a groovy atmosphere.

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About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.

School Days

By Angela Payne

The swimming pools aren’t as full, parks are quieter and youngsters lollygagging down the street have been replaced by early morning school bus pick ups and bikes pedaling to the schoolyard to beat the bell. All tell-tale signs that summer is winding down and students are back in the classroom.
As parents look for activities to replace late night movies and mid-afternoon swims with the kids, rest assured that there are some edufun (my combination of educational & fun) activities not far from home.

Gahanna Library – a social gathering for even the youngest reader -- the Tween Book Club for ages 8-11 meets Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m.

HerbEducation Center – dripping with old charm, this historic treasure offers cooking classes, fun and informative workshops and an adorable gift shop with all the herbal goodies your heart desires.

Young Chef’sAcademy – fun for the whole family, YCA offers family cooking classes where parent and child work side-by-side to create a culinary masterpiece!

Be sure to also check out TheGateway, Gahanna Parks & Recreation’s program guide, for tons of classes, events and programs scheduled for this fall.

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About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.

Local Artists Featured At City Hall Thanks to One Employee’s Efforts

By Meggan Fallon
Public Information Intern

Bare, stark white walls are not what you see when you enter Gahanna City Hall. Instead, visitors are met with a surprising amount of pictures and pieces of art that are livening up the halls, and soon these walls will get another art “face-lift,” as they do every month.

Katey Powell, a Gahanna Division of Police employee, began updating the City Hall’s art in July of 2011. Since then, visitors of Gahanna City Hall have seen elementary kid’s art, local photographer’s pieces and, in August, dogs!

“We have a lot of room to exhibit all the pieces, and I love being approached by artists,” said Powell. 



Powell says that she likes to showcase local artists within City Hall. In fact, you might see some pieces from Gahanna Lincoln High School graduates who have approached Powell and had their art showcased on the walls. A local photographer will also have dog portraits showcased in City Hall in August, in addition to City Hall Administration’s own animal pictures.

“I’m open for anything,” Powell said. “I’m constantly looking for art or artists when I’m around town, especially at restaurants that display local art. I’m just thrilled I got to be a part of this!”

Powell likes to mix up the pieces and have fun with it, when she has multiple contributors, such as with the dogs.  However, when there is just one artist showcasing pieces she likes to let them arrange their work anyway they see fit.

“An artist knows the way they want to their art to be shown and I don’t want to intrude on their vision,” Powell said.

In November Powell will turn to the City Hall staff to once again help out in hopes of showcasing veterans and their families on the walls of City Hall.­­

“I think it’s important to acknowledge everything veterans have done for us,” Powell said. “And when people come to City Hall, I think they will appreciate the photos hanging on the walls.”

The next time you visit City Hall, make sure to stop and look at of all the wonderful local art that is hanging on the walls.

If you have any suggestions for art or would like to showcase some of your work, contact City Hall at (614)342-4000.

Gahanna, meet your neighbors (Part I)

By Angela Payne

I love meeting new people; some may even call me a social butterfly. So I was ecstatic when the thought crossed my mind to get out and talk to residents about why Gahanna is their city of choice. Gahanna-ites, meet Amanda and Tamara!

City Welcomes ‘Guest Bloggers’, Invites Others To Submit Stories

It all started when Angela Payne reached out to the City of Gahanna's Public Information Manager Brian Hoyt with a simple idea; would the City be interested in a resident being a guest blogger. After meeting, Payne and Hoyt thought it would be a unique idea to publish blog posts about what she and her family do in Gahanna and why they love living here.

Soon after Payne’s first submission, ‘Summer, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways’, was posted, another resident contacted Hoyt and offered to do the same. 

"Although many employees of the City live here, nobody can tell the story of Gahanna better than residents who live here and people who work here," Hoyt said.

The City of Gahanna's blog was started in 2010 to provide an informal outlet to share information, stories and photos about Gahanna. The addition of guest bloggers only serves to expand that mission.

"Angela told us that her family moved to Gahanna last year and that she loves to write," Hoyt said. "She thought it would be fun to share some stories and photos of the activities and events her family enjoys in Gahanna."

So the City has decided to ask more residents and members of the business community to contribute to the City's blog.

Residents and those who work, play, visit or worship in Gahanna are invited to submit stories and/or photos of what they do in Gahanna. Articles can be as short or as long as writers want them to be.

"It's a pretty simple idea... Tell us a story and let us share it with everyone," Hoyt said.

Those interested are asked to submit their blog post or photography to information@gahanna.gov and to include their name, contact information and a short description about themselves.  Submissions that are selected will be published at www.blogspot.com/CityofGahanna as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Guest Blogger: A Triple Scoop of Cool

By Angela Payne

In a word, the last few weeks have been HOT! With temperatures soaring into the mid-90s almost daily, now’s the perfect time to treat your palate to some fun-flavored frozen desserts (say that three times). Luckily, Gahanna has its fair share of cool-treat eateries around town, and I felt it was my civic duty to try a few! From frozen yogurt to creamy custard, here are some must-haves:

Whit’s Frozen Custard -- 121 S. Stygler Rd

This is our personal fave! Simple in its selections, Whit’s only offers vanilla, chocolate and a special weekly flavor. BUT, don’t be fooled by the simplicity. Any combination of custard and fruit, nut or candy topping creates something pretty special…and tasty.  The strawberry cheesecake Whitser is a dream!

Spoon Me -- 4691 Morse Rd

This unique establishment serves up frozen yogurt in a fun and eco-friendly way. With six self-service machines, Spoon Me rotates 50 different flavors, including best sellers Natural Tart, Vanilla, and Birthday Cake – a flavor explosion of epic proportion. Careful not to get carried away piling on any of the 36 toppings, as size does matter; patrons pay $.45 per ounce for their selection…and might I say, it’s worth every penny!

Rita’s -- 200 Granville Street

How can you not love a place where the mantra is: ice. custard. happiness .In addition to the obvious Italian Ice and custard, Rita’s also offers blended treats like a Gelati, Misto and Blendini to satisfy those who like the best of both worlds.  Grab your treat to go or stick around and relax on the patio. Either way, you’ll be glad you stopped!

Or, take your pick from 31 flavors at Baskin Robbins; get serenaded by the Cold Stone Creamery crew when you leave a tip;  stick with an enduring favorite, Dairy Queen; or, buy local at Graeters.

Leave a comment with your favorites!

Till next time…

About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.

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Editor’s Note: Angela Payne is a Gahanna resident who offered to submit pieces for the City blog and we are excited that she did.  From time to time Angela will offer her insights and experiences as a Gahanna resident, wife and mom.  If you would like to submit a photo, story or idea for the City blog, please email us at information@gahanna.gov

Guest Blogger: Happy Trails

By Angela Payne

My goal for the year: to become a runner. Yep, an aspiring runner.  Jackie Joyner-Kersee I’ll never be, but I’ll settle for being able to complete a 5K with enough energy leftover to do a toe-touching jump for joy at the end.  

  

One of Gahanna’s greatest draws is its natural beauty. After a hectic workday, I took to the trails of Academy Park to contrast the day’s commotion. My first step hit the pavement and I was off for two miles of freedom.  The winding, tree-lined path took me up inclines, down tiny hills and pass nature in its purest form of beauty.  Again I was reminded of why I press forward in my journey to become a runner.

Trails have personalities, you know?  Contemporary and lively like Creekside Park.  Quiet and composed like Academy Park. Playful and charming like Woodside Green Park.  Gahanna has quite a few, and I intend to traipse along as many as I can. 

Be it a subtle stroll or a swift sprint, I invite you to do the same. 

Till next time…

About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.

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Editor’s Note: Angela Payne is a Gahanna resident who offered to submit pieces for the City blog and we are excited that she did.  From time to time Angela will offer her insights and experiences as a Gahanna resident, wife and mom.  If you would like to submit a photo, story or idea for the City blog, please email us at information@gahanna.gov

Guest Blogger: ‘Blues & Jazz Fest’ didn’t miss a beat

By Angela Payne

Despite the sweltering temperatures and periodic drizzles, the family and I ventured over to Olde Gahanna for the Creekside Blues & Jazz Fest – so glad we did!  After all, nothing beats a funnel cake nice family outing close to home (gimme a break, I changed it).

Jeni’s ice cream truck – yum!

In the quaint setting of Creekside, where contemporary architecture meets picturesque nature, festival-goers strolled up and down Mill St. greeting familiar faces, browsing the goods at vendor tables and snapping their fingers to music heard in the distance.



Schmidt’s of German Village



We started our day where any true festival enthusiasts would – the food vendors!  Better than your typical festival fare, some of Columbus’ most popular spots were in the mix – Schmidt’s of German Village, Jeni’s and J. Gumbo’s to name a few. 



After we filled our bellies, it was time to check out the vendors. Goodies were aplenty, but one of the most novel was a business called “The Dudes” Pant-Planters, where the owner “dresses” pots in pants, shoes and a belt (visit the website for photos). Love it!

Brats and sausage at Giant Concessions

We rounded the day out with some heartfelt blues and soulful jazz. Ranging from rising stars to seasoned musicians, the talent was amazing. Sorry, no pics. Note to self: Arrive early for a seat up front.

The serene setting, delicious vittles and quality entertainment secured our attendance at next year’s festival. For you music lovers still needing a fix, pack a picnic basket and check out the ‘Music in the Park’ series every Friday at Friendship Park.

Till next time…

About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.

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Editor’s Note: Angela Payne is a Gahanna resident who offered to submit pieces for the City blog and we are excited that she did.  From time to time Angela will offer her insights and experiences as a Gahanna resident, wife and mom.  If you would like to submit a photo, story or idea for the City blog, please email us at information@gahanna.gov

Newest Piece of Public Art to be Unveiled at “Friday After Five”

Gahanna Lincoln High School student pairing up with local artist to design piece

Student artist Staci Alatis and Artist Steve Bush
present her sculpture concept to the committee

The first piece of public art in Gahanna, Three Creeks, commissioned by the Gahanna Parks and Recreation Foundation (GPRF), is going to have a second piece joining it in Creekside Park.

The Foundation’s Public Art Steering Committee is once again working with Steve Bush, owner of SmART Works and the creator of Three Creeks, in order to build this year’s piece.  For 2012 the committee decided to take a new and innovative approach by partnering with Gahanna Lincoln High School student to design the piece.  Bush will then construct the winning piece based off the winning high school student’s designs.

Student artist Staci Alatsis was one of two students to present a proposal to the Committee and Blacklick artist Steve Bush in May. 

Assistant City Administrator and committee member
Brandi Braun stands with Director of  Parks &
Recreation Tony Collins to recognize Alatsis during
a City Council meeting. 

“I wanted something that everyone could enjoy, whether they’re a child or adult,” Alatsis said.

Alatsis’ piece, which features three fish, was chosen as the winning art piece and was recognized at a City Council meeting in early June.

This newest public art piece will debut at the 2012 Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation “Friday After Five” fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 21 in Creekside Park.

Guest Blogger: Summer, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways

By Angela Payne
The summer months are by far my favorite time of year (next to Christmas, of course). Basking in the warmth of the sun, spending long evenings on the patio, and enjoying the sweet aroma of backyard barbeque – summer days are here!

Fellow summer enthusiasts will probably agree that this time of year is reminiscent of your youth -- vibrant, carefree… curious, even.  Remember what that last day of school felt like? Watching the hands on the classroom clock tick by, eager for the final minutes of the school year to pass.  With the lyrics of Alice Cooper’s 1972 School’s Out playing through my head, summer officially began and the next three months were pure adventure.

I’ve now realized that life happens more and summer happens less. Without warning, the priority of leisure diminishes.  Not only am I determined to take back my summer, my “playground” will be right here in Gahanna!  I’ll be blogging about Gahanna’s tasty eats and treats, lively nights on the town, simple family fun and more.

With any luck, I’ll ignite the interest of visitors to come check-out Gahanna and reintroduce long-time residents to the forgotten gems of this great city.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince said it best in their 1991 hit, Summertime: “It’s summer, summer, summer time / Time to sit back and unwind.”

Till next time…

About Angela: A self-proclaimed summer fanatic, Angela Payne is a communications professional in the Columbus area and a Gahanna resident. Angela will be blogging this summer about all things Gahanna – restaurants, parks, festivals and more.

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Editor’s Note: Angela Payne is a Gahanna resident who offered to submit pieces for the City blog and we are excited that she did.  From time to tome Angela will offer her insights and experiences as a Gahanna resident, wife and mom.  If you would like to submit a photo, story or idea for the City blog, please email us at information@gahanna.gov

Help Select The Next Public Art Piece in Gahanna

"Three Creeks" by Steve Bush

By Brandi Braun
Assistant City Administrator

Last year, the Gahanna Parks and Recreation Foundation (GPRF) commissioned Gahanna’s first piece of public art, Three Creeks, which is now located by the lagoon at Creekside Park.  The art was funded by a private donation received in 2010 specifically to fund public art in the Creekside District.

The Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation has commissioned a second public art piece that will be unveiled at the 2012 “Friday After Five” Fundraiser, on Friday, September 21.  The Committee is once again working with area artist, Steve Bush to build the piece.  However, the committee took a new and innovative approach by partnering with Gahanna Lincoln High School students to design the piece.   

Steve has worked with the students to design appropriate public art

pieces and on April 18^th, Steve presented seven designs to members of

the Public Art Steering Committee and residents, who were in attendance.  The pieces for consideration were narrowed to two.

Join the Public Art Steering Committee as the two student finalists l present their designs on location Wednesday, May 16.  We will meet on the Creekside Plaza by the water wall at 6 PM.  Give your opinion and be part of the process! 

We are very excited and would like this to be a community effort, of which we can ALL be very proud.  Come out and support the ARTs in Gahanna. We hope to see you there!

For more information, contact Brandi Braun at 342-4045 or via email at brandi.braun@gahanna.gov.

For more information about the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation, “Friday After Five” or the public art committee, visit http://www.gahannaparksandrecreationfoundation.org/

Mayor’s Visit To Library Highlights the Homework Help Center

GAHANNA, Ohio (March 12, 2012) – Gahanna Mayor Becky Stinchcomb toured the Gahanna location of the Columbus Metropolitan Library to learn more about their Homework Help Center. This free resource for the community offers tutoring, computers, resource books and welcoming spaces to study and learn.

Library manager Mary Campanili shows
Mayor Stinchcomb  theirHomework Help Center



During her tour, library manager Mary Campanili introduced Mayor Stinchcomb to some of the dedicated and friendly volunteers who assist students every day. She commented that this center is a great community resource that is really driven by volunteers and local residents who donate their knowledge and time.

Mayor Stinchcomb speaks with some of the dedicated
and friendly volunteers who assist students.

Mayor Stinchcomb said that she is always impressed by the library's resources and the role that it plays as a community builder for Gahanna.

The library system, which won the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, provides a variety of services ranging from activities, job center support, research tools and more.

The local Gahanna branch is located at 310 Granville Street and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information about the Homework Help Center and the Library, click here or call them at 614-645-2275.

Ask City Hall: Why does the City have cameras at many of its intersections?

By Michael Andrako

Deputy Director
Department of Service & Engineering

The City utilizes two methods of vehicle detection for its traffic signals.  An actuated traffic signal is one that will rest in green for a main street until it detects a vehicle on the side street or turn lane. 

Most of the signals in Gahanna are at least partially actuated.  The sensor the signal uses to detect a vehicle is either a loop of wire cut into the pavement that measures inductance triggered by the presence of metal within the loop area or a video feed from a fixed camera that uses the change in pixels in predetermined zones to indentify vehicle presence. 

Many of the cameras you may see mounted at a traffic signal are monitoring vehicle presence within a given approach or lane.  If video detection is being utilized at an intersection, there may be as little as one camera or as many as four depending on which directions require the presence of a vehicle for the signal to change.

In addition to the fixed video detection cameras, the City also has Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras to monitor traffic on some of the major corridors throughout the City much like ODOT has on their freeway system.  All of these cameras are pendent style mounts with a clear glass dome which protects the camera from the elements. 

A listing of all the locations of our video detection cameras and PTZs can be found on our City maintained traffic signals map.

For more information about the City's Streets Division, visit them online by visiting http://www.gahanna.gov/departments/service/street.aspx 

Continued Public Art…in Gahanna

Last September, the Public Arts Steering Committee of the Gahanna Parks and Recreation Foundation unveiled its first piece of public art in Creekside Park. 

The Committee is reconvening to discuss the continued downtown arts presence as well as other opportunities for public art in Gahanna.  Please join us at 6pm on Wednesday, January 18 in the Finance Conference Room on the second floor of City Hall (200 South Hamilton Road).  If you are not able to attend, but are interested in becoming involved, please email Brandi Braun at brandi.braun@gahanna.gov.