City News

City Receives Award for Governmental Budgeting

Original story by Marla K. Kuhlman, ThisWeek Community News

Gahanna has been honored with an award that recognizes the highest achievement in

Mayor Becky Stinchcomb recognizes a portion of the budget team during City Council. (L-R) Dottie Franey, Anthony Jones, Shannon Sorrell, Joann Bury, Jennifer Teal and Mayor Stinchcomb.

governmental budgeting.

The city has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Governmental Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the current fiscal period beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

During the July 7 Gahanna City Council meeting, Mayor Becky Stinchcomb made a formal presentation to recognize a budget committee and finance director Jennifer Teal, who all contributed to the development of the 2014 budget.

To receive the award, she said, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan and as a communications device.

In addition to Teal, Stinchcomb said, the budget committee included deputy finance director Joann Bury, human-resources coordinator Abby Cochran, deputy parks director Troy Euton, public-services director Dottie Franey, development director Anthony Jones, public-information manager N�el Jurist, council clerk Kim McWilliams, parks and recreation supervisor Mike Musser, clerk of courts Amanda Parker, administrative assistant Sharon Patterson, recreation superintendent Shannon Sorrell, police Lt. Jeff Spence and emergency-management director James Williams.

"It's a significant achievement by our organization," Stinchcomb said. "Thank you to the entire team."

A panel of independent reviewers examined Gahanna's budget document and voted to give the city the award.

Teal said this marks the first time the city has received the recognition.

"I am immensely proud of the hard work that city staff, our budget committee and the finance department have done to improve the city's annual budget document," she said. "Meeting GFOA's criteria for this award reaffirms that our budget document is an effective tool for developing sustainable operating policies and increasing transparency and accountability for Gahanna's citizens and stakeholders."

Teal said Gahanna had to meet 25 criteria to receive the honor, including 13 pages of requirements.

Click here to read the full story.

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Debris and Tree Removal from Private Property

The City of Gahanna is responsible for any debris originating from trees on public property that may have fallen on sidewalks and roadways. Any debris originating from trees on private property is the responsibility of the private property owner. All residents are encouraged to clean up private tree debris as soon as possible after a storm, as lingering debris poses a safety concern.

Property owners have a few options for disposal of private tree debris:

Prepare the debris for regular yard waste pick-up

Limbs cut to 4' (or less) lengths
Bundled in 18" diameter (or less) bundles
Tied with twine

Debris can be dropped off at the yard waste dumpster at the service complex between the hours of 7:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday (This is for residents only -- no commercial dumping of yard waste or trash is permitted at this location). The service complex is located at 152 Oklahoma Ave. Residents should enter via Lincoln Circle, go through the access gate (on the right) just past the Post Office.

Residents may also hire an independent contractor to remove debris from their property. For additional questions or more information, contact the City of Gahanna Service department at 614.342.4002.

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Enjoy the Pools All Summer Long!

Back by popular demand, Seven Visit Passes are a great way to enjoy a few days this summer at the pool! Stop by Gahanna Swimming Pool (GSP), Hunters Ridge Pool (HRP) or City Hall to purchase your Seven Visit Pass for only $40! Passes are valid now through the end of the pool season.

Don't miss out on fun summer events! Hunters Ridge Pool hosts ICE CREAM NIGHT every Tuesday through August 12 from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy $1 bowls of ice cream. Entry is $6 per person or free for members. Gahanna Swimming Pool hosts HOT DOG NIGHT every Thursday through August 7 from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy $1 hot dogs and a DJ. Entry is $6 per person or free for members.

YOLO-Livin' it up at the 'Ridge is a fun event for those ages 11-14 from 7-10 p.m. at Hunters Ridge Pool. Youth will enjoy music, games and swimming. Pizza and refreshments are available for purchase. Tickets are available up to two weeks in advance of each date, $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Don't miss the next YOLO on Friday, July 25!

For the latest weather related pool closing information visit the Parks & Recreation Facebook page or check out the new Twitter account (@GahannaParksRec). You may also log on to www.gahanna.gov before you head out to GSP or HRP. To review the pool weather policy, click here.

For additional questions, contact City of Gahanna Parks & Recreation at 614.342.4250

Community News & Events

Creekside Live
July 11, 2014

Creekside Live returns this Friday, July 11 on the Rotary Stage at Creekside Plaza beginning at 6 p.m. This week Angela Perley & the Howlin' Moons (American Rock & Roll) will take center stage and The Floorwalkers (Rock & Soul) will perform at 8 p.m. Enjoy dinner at Creekside and bring your lawn chair for an evening with friends and live music!

The concert series is made possible once again through partnerships with the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation (GPRF), Strathmore Development Co. and Yuengling. New partners this year include Gahanna Rotary, Funtrail Vehicle Accessories and Lew Griffin Insurance.

Click here for the full schedule.

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"Get Going Gahanna"

Family Health & Fitness Expo

August 20, 2014

The Gahanna Area Chamber will host its first Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce Family Health & Fitness Expo in partnership with Wellness Collective, Gahanna/John E. Bickley YMCA and City of Gahanna Parks & Recreation Department. The expo will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 from 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Gahanna/John E. Bickley YMCA, located at 555 YMCA Place, Gahanna, Ohio 43230.

The event is designed to provide access to senior information and resources, health screenings, nutrition and wellness education for all ages. This event is made possible by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

The expo is free and open to the community.

Limited number of spaces are available to members in the Health & Fitness industry, so reserve your spot today! For sponsorship and exhibitor details, call 614.471.0451.