WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Westerville City Council on March 17 approved two ordinances and heard first readings on records management and park commercial use regulations, while signaling strong support for a public-private partnership that would bring fiber-to-the-home internet to every resident within three years.

Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the March 3 meeting and passed Ordinance 2026-02, a third-reading measure transferring funds from the general fund to the capital improvement fund for future projects. The vote was 7-0.

Ordinance 2026-03, also on third reading, rezoned 0.849 acres at 33 South Cleveland Avenue from office institutional to community commercial. The measure passed unanimously, with next steps including site plan review and permits.

First readings were held for two new ordinances. Ordinance 2026-04 would modernize the city’s records management program, designating department liaisons and improving compliance. Ordinance 2026-05 would regulate commercial use of parks, defining commercial activity and adding enforcement to prevent privatization of public spaces. No votes were taken on either measure.

The evening’s major presentation came from staff, who outlined a proposed partnership with Alta Fiber to build a fiber-to-the-home network citywide at no capital cost to Westerville. Council members expressed broad support, with Vice Chair Glasgow noting the city’s strong financial position and the project’s potential to deliver high-speed internet without the tens of millions of dollars it would cost the city to build its own network. Next steps include finalizing agreements and a council tour of Alta Fiber operations.

Public comment included a petition from Walnut Ridge Park neighbors opposing a planned conversion of two half-court basketball courts into a single full court. Residents cited noise and character concerns. The commercial use of parks ordinance also drew questions about whether private swim lessons or personal training would be prohibited; staff clarified such activities would need to go through city-approved vendors.

Council members commended the electric utility’s rapid response to recent wind storms that left some residents without power for days. Mayor Grimes praised the team’s work, saying the high level of service residents expect made the outages particularly jarring.

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for April 7 at 7 p.m. at the Justice Center, preceded by an executive session at 6 p.m.