Hello Worthington! Here's your recap of what happened at April 20, 2026's City Council meeting. Below are brief summaries of the most significant discussions. For those interested in the full details, we've included links to longer articles where appropriate.
Deer Management Program — Year-One Report
City staff delivered the first full debrief on Worthington's targeted deer removal program. The program hit its 100-deer target across eight operational nights despite a Level 3 snow emergency, donated more than 4,200 pounds of venison to the Worthington Resource Pantry, and ran a total program cost of roughly $119,000. Two residents used public comment to press the city on its notification practices — including a public-records dispute that went to the Ohio Court of Claims — and the Deer Advisory Committee will revisit both communications and 2027 targets this fall.
In Other News
The Slice coming to Worthington Gateway. Council approved a TREX request transferring D1, D2, and D3 liquor permits into the city for "The Slice Worthington LLC", a golf-simulator, food, and bar concept from Moment Development — the group behind the seven-acre Worthington Gateway mixed-use development at High Street and West Wilson Bridge Road.
- The Slice will occupy the last first-floor space in the four-story building at the Gateway, and will be the development's first adult-beverage tenant, joining previously announced retailers like Club Pilates, Orangetheory, Tropical Smoothie Café, and DiBella's Subs.
- The concept includes five golf simulators that also support baseball, soccer, football, and carnival-style games like zombie dodgeball — the operator emphasized the family-oriented framing in response to Council questions. A large garage door opens to an outdoor green space the operators plan to activate over time.
- Targeted opening: October 2026.
- Investment: $1.2 million; 15 jobs.
Ordinance 09-2026 — Linworth & Snouffer Road paving passed. Council appropriated $905,000 and awarded the base contract to Decker Construction for resurfacing Linworth Road, drainage improvements, and crosswalk enhancements north of SR-161.
- A planned culvert rehabilitation was deferred because bids came in 20–40% over estimate; staff are rethinking methods before re-bidding.
- Director of Engineering John Moorehead attributed higher-than-expected bids to new per-load surcharges on materials, including diesel-related fees on stone delivered from Columbus quarries.
- Residents should expect summer construction with flagging, but no lane closures between 6 a.m.–9 a.m. or 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
Mrs. Goodman's Bakery subdivision fee waiver approved. Council authorized the city to waive and absorb subdivision and recording fees associated with dedicating a portion of right-of-way at the former daycare site on the northeast corner of Wilson Drive and High Street — the future home of Mrs. Goodman's Bakery, which secured final architectural approval late last year. Staff caught during review that the parcel extends to the center line of High Street, and the subdivision cleans up ownership and clarifies maintenance responsibilities for the existing stone wall on the frontage. The waiver is appropriate because the city, not the applicant, initiated the dedication request.
Worthington farmers market nationally ranked. USA Today's Nationwide Readers' Choice results placed the Worthington farmers market #7 in the country. Worthington also placed #8 in two Midwest small-town categories.
Board appointments. Kate Wilson was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Chris Dice and Brett Gates were appointed to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. Rebecca Princehorn was reappointed, and Deborah Pistone appointed, to the Board of Tax Review.
Police job description split. Council adopted two separate job descriptions for the part-time Court Liaison and Security Officer positions previously covered by one combined description. The staffing chart was amended accordingly so the city can advertise the vacant Security Officer role.
March financial report accepted. Revenue is ahead of estimate and expenses are tracking as expected. The city also received the Government Finance Officers Association's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2024 annual comprehensive report — the eighth consecutive year Worthington has earned the recognition.
Gardner Building nearing completion. The Cemetery Board reported that interior construction of the new Gardner Building is nearly finished and site work will begin shortly. An open house is expected in early autumn, and a joint Cemetery Board / City Council meeting is scheduled for May 4.
Seeds of Caring ribbon cutting. The organization, which provides volunteer opportunities for children ages 2–12, held a ribbon cutting at its new offices. Seeds of Caring has previously received a city grant.
Walkable Cities speaker in Dublin. Two council members attended a presentation by Jeff Speck, author of Walkable Cities, at a recent Dublin city event. A recording will be posted; Council may explore whether to invite Speck to Worthington in the future. Speck's books are available at the Worthington Libraries.
Dates to Know
- May 1 — COTA short-range transit plan virtual public meeting; additional in-person dates listed at COTA's website and social media
- May 4 — Joint Cemetery Board / City Council meeting
- May 11 — COTA presents short-range transit plan at Worthington Committee of the Whole
- Fall 2026 — Gardner Building open house; Deer Advisory Committee reconvenes to set 2027 program parameters
Thanks for reading this summary of the City Council meeting, you can watch the original full video here