Hello Worthington! Here's your recap of what happened at Monday, December 15th's City Council meeting. In this meeting the city formally recognized and said goodbye to three dedicated council members whose terms conclude at the end of the year.
Katy Brewer: Four Years of Thoughtful Service
Council unanimously passed Resolution 60-2025 recognizing Katy Brewer for her four years of service, including two years as Council President Pro Tem. Brewer was praised for initiating the idea of creating seven vision implementation teams, a framework that gave structure to the city's efforts to advance its community vision. She co-chaired the team focused on making Worthington "a diverse and equitable community," advocating for more diverse housing stock, reimagining responses to mental health crises, and developing city communications in multiple accessible formats.
City Manager Robyn Stewart called Brewer's vision implementation team concept "invaluable" in helping the city proactively advance its goals. In her remarks, Brewer thanked her family and acknowledged the difficult conversations council faced during her tenure.
David Robinson: Eight Years of Citizen-Centered Leadership
Council Member David Robinson received Resolution 61-2025 honoring his eight years of service, including two years as Council President. Robinson was recognized for championing the community electric aggregation program that combines cost savings for residents with investment in renewable energy, co-chairing the vision implementation team for quality of life, and initiating the discussion that led to the city's commemorative flag guidelines.
In extended remarks, Robinson traced his journey from the December 2014 pocket park advocacy effort on the former Masonic properties through the Keep Worthington Beautiful Charter Amendment campaign to his council tenure. He emphasized how Worthington residents can accomplish "great things, unexpected things" when organized around causes they care about. Several residents spoke during public comment, praising Robinson's fiscal responsibility, community outreach, and commitment to "resident-centered policy."
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Beth Kowalczyk: A Champion for All Ages
Council President Pro Tem Beth Kowalczyk was honored with Resolution 62-2025 for her eight years of service. Kowalczyk's most lasting contribution may be her advocacy for older adults through Age-Friendly Worthington and the city's SAFER program (Social Assistance For Emergency Reduction), which expanded social service support. She also represented the city on numerous boards including the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center, Worthington Partnership, and Worthington International Friendship Association, and will continue serving on the Volunteer Firefighters Dependents Board through 2026.
Fellow council members praised her as a mentor, a steady "voice of reason," and a model of strong female leadership. In her farewell remarks, Kowalczyk expressed pride in serving during Worthington's first women-majority council and offered advice to incoming members: "Listen. Ask questions. Assume you have something to learn... Don't be afraid to do the right thing and don't be afraid to change your mind as you learn more about an issue."
In Other News
Tom Rice Retires from ARB/MPC: After 14 years of service, Tom Rice has retired from the Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission. Council President Dorothy thanked Rice for his dedication to the community.
Worthington Together Survey Deadline: The comprehensive plan survey closes Friday, December 19th. Residents who haven't yet participated are encouraged to visit worthingtontogether.org to share their input on the community's future.
Meeting Minutes Approved: Minutes from the November 3rd and November 10th regular meetings were approved.
Thanks for reading this summary of the City Council meeting.
You can watch the full meeting video here.