DUBLIN, Ohio – Dublin City Council on Monday unanimously approved a revised noise ordinance establishing quantitative decibel limits and a prohibition on engine brakes, part of a consent agenda that also included right-of-way acquisitions for the North Historic District and contracts for pavement markings and pedestrian tunnel maintenance.
The 6-0 vote on the noise ordinance amendments, which passed as a second reading, adds new Section 72.022 and modifies sections 72.021, 132.03 and 153.076 to address both vehicular and environmental noise.
Council also approved five ordinances authorizing temporary and permanent easements from multiple property owners for roadway improvements in the North Historic District. Each ordinance passed 6-0.
A resolution accepting the lowest bid for pavement marking services for 2026-2028 was adopted unanimously, despite the bid exceeding the budget. Staff said they would reduce contingency items to stay within the $175,000 spending cap.
Another resolution, also adopted 6-0, accepted a bid for maintenance of two pedestrian tunnels under Emerald Parkway and Dublin Road, including stone veneer replacement and concrete repairs.
The meeting opened with a legislative update from state Rep. Brian Lorenz, who represents Ohio’s 60th District. Lorenz highlighted his work on property tax reform, public safety legislation and House Bill 361, which he authored to modernize zoning and land use processes. He said the bill is designed to reduce red tape while reinforcing local decision-making authority.
During public comment, residents raised concerns about the West Innovation District expansion adjacent to the Boundtree neighborhood, urging council to reconsider industrial zoning near residential areas. Others criticized the Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval of eight waivers for the Y-block preliminary development plan, arguing the waivers far exceed code requirements.
Council later discussed the Spooktacular event and voted unanimously to keep it as a two-day event, with emphasis on maintaining an adaptive hour for children with sensory needs and growing sponsorship revenue.
The council also reviewed the 2025 Dublin Irish Festival, which achieved record revenue and 101% cost recovery. Members unanimously approved the 2026 pricing structure, which includes no general ticket price increase but changes to VIP club offerings.
Staff reported on the city’s response to a major winter storm, the award of a cybersecurity grant, and the issuance of a request for proposals for a citywide sponsorship strategy.
Mayor Chris Grumes noted that a $6 million federal planning grant for passenger rail was submitted last week, and that he had traveled to Washington, D.C., with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to meet with congressional representatives and federal agencies.
The meeting adjourned after council members thanked city crews for snow removal efforts following a storm that dropped up to 15 inches in some areas.