COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus City Council on Monday approved a ban on intentionally feeding white-tailed deer and authorized the purchase of a new fire truck with added contract protections, while a proposal to expand the Confluence Community Authority for a professional women’s soccer training facility drew sharp public criticism and was held for further discussion.
The council voted unanimously to make intentional deer feeding a minor misdemeanor, the first legislative step in a broader deer management strategy. Councilmember Deafer, who introduced the ordinance, said a culling program would require additional administrative action.
“This is a starting point,” Deafer said during the meeting. “We’re asking residents to stop attracting deer into residential areas where conflicts become inevitable.”
The council also approved the purchase of a Sutin Monarch custom pumper fire truck for $1,263,945, but only after adding an amendment requiring a stipulated damages clause and a cancellation opt-out if delivery is delayed. Councilmember Dorance cast the sole dissenting vote, citing the vendor’s history of labor disputes and what he called insufficient protections in the original contract.
“We need to ensure the city isn’t left waiting indefinitely for equipment that taxpayers are funding,” Dorance said.
The most contentious item of the evening was the first reading of an ordinance to add properties to the Confluence Community Authority, which would support construction of a National Women’s Soccer League training facility. Public speakers Jennifer Kraton and Chair Reed urged the council to table the measure, accusing the administration of a lack of transparency and of moving forward with legislation while a working group on McCoy Park was still deliberating.
Director Stevens clarified that the resolution only sets a public hearing date and does not change property ownership. He also said the nearby Castle Court mobile home community is not included in the proposed expansion. Council President Harden indicated conversations would continue before any vote.
In other business, the council unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week as National Police Week, and honoring Bishop Dr. Charles Berger upon his transition to Bishop Emeritus. Deputy Chief Mark Denner accepted the police resolution on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police; Latoya Berger accepted on her father’s behalf.
The council also approved several consent items, including funding for pest control, fleet management software, a new public service facility, affordable housing projects, and a grant to the Columbus Printed Arts Center. The meeting adjourned after the zoning committee session.