DUBLIN, Ohio — Dublin City Council on Monday approved a contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove up to 125 deer from the city between November 2026 and March 2027, a program estimated to cost $168,263.
The vote was unanimous, though some council members expressed interest in expanding the program to include private property and increasing the removal target. Council members emphasized the need to frame the program as a public health and safety measure rather than solely a population control effort.
The deer management contract was among several items approved during the June 8 meeting, which also included the first reading of zoning amendments for the West Innovation District, a food truck pilot program, and a concept plan for safety improvements at Riverside Crossing Park.
Council held a first reading of Ordinance 33-26, which would create a new ID-6 research transition district in the West Innovation District. The amendments would remove data centers as permitted or conditional uses, impose a 200-foot setback along Cosgray Road, limit building heights to 45 feet, and require enhanced landscaping.
Residents from Ballantrae and Hootard Road urged council to adopt the ID-6 zoning for land west of the railroad tracks, arguing it provides stronger health, safety, and environmental protections than the existing ID-2 and ID-3 designations. A second reading is scheduled for July 1.
Council approved Ordinance 29-26, establishing a food truck operations pilot program. The second reading passed unanimously with no changes from the first reading. Some council members raised concerns about fire inspection reciprocity and licensing requirements for operators who participate infrequently.
The council also approved Resolution 27-26, accepting the lowest bid for construction of a shared use path along Avery Road, and adopted a concept plan for Riverside Crossing Park that includes boulders, trees, benches, and an additional pedestrian walkway along Riverside Drive.
Other business included approval of the FY2027 tax budget, second-quarter supplemental appropriations for FY2026, and a council recognition policy. An ordinance to adopt a supplement to the city code was postponed to the June 22 meeting.
The meeting opened with a presentation from graduates of the McDaniel Citizen University, a community education program named after former city manager Dana McDaniel. Two graduates, Chuck Samson and Marty Micah, addressed council, describing the eight-week program that gave 21 adults a behind-the-scenes look at city operations.
“We feel more connected to each other, to the community, and to the city government,” Samson said. “We feel like we can be ambassadors for Dublin.”
Staff updates highlighted the successful Memorial Tournament, which included a 50th anniversary celebration, and upcoming summer events. Council members also recognized Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and thanked outgoing Union County Commissioner Dave Lawrence for his service.