Development News for Upper Arlington, Ohio

City Contracts Clover Landscaping for Expanded Mowing Services

The Upper Arlington City Council moved to suspend council rules to allow for a second and third reading of Ordinance 26-2026, an ordinance authorizing the city manager to amend the contract with Clover Landscaping LLC for mowing services. Director McLaughlin explained that the city terminated its contract with Cornwell Lawn and Landscape due to failure to perform and that Clover Landscape, the lowest bidder for the expanded services, is capable of a quick response. The amendment will add mowing services for approximately 42 additional city properties, including parks and medians, to Clover's existing contract for aquatic facilities and administrative buildings. This amendment is necessary because the contract amount exceeds the $150,000 procurement threshold and because the original contract was approved by council. The suspension of rules and the emergency measure allowing for immediate adoption passed. The ordinance itself was then approved unanimously, authorizing the city manager to amend the contract with Clover Landscaping LLC for mowing services.

City of Upper Arlington Adopts 2027 Tax Budget

The Upper Arlington City Council approved Resolution 9-2026, adopting the tax budget for the city of Upper Arlington for the fiscal year beginning January 1st, 2027, and submitting it to the Franklin County Budget Commission. Councilmember Kulowitz inquired about a spike in advances from $2.6 million to $6.6 million on page 64 of the agenda packet, which Director Lewis clarified was the return of funds previously advanced for the community center, expected to be repaid from community foundation donations. The resolution passed with all members voting aye.

Council Authorizes Levy Increase for Police and Fire Pension Fund

The Upper Arlington City Council passed Resolution 10-2026, authorizing the Franklin County Auditor to certify the current tax valuation and revenue generated by a renewal tax levy with an increase for the police and fire pension fund. Director Lewis explained the city's mandatory contributions to the pension fund are projected to increase from $3.2 million to $4.1 million annually. The current voted levy brings in $1.5 million, and the proposed increase aims to cover the projected deficit. The new language proposes a renewal of the 0.89 mil existing levy with an increase of 0.24 mils, bringing in approximately $2.2 million. This levy would be for five years, with the first collection in 2028. The estimated impact on a $500,000 home would be an increase of approximately $42 annually. The resolution passed with all members voting aye.

Plat Amendment Approved for Rear Yard Setback Reduction on Fontenay Lot

The Upper Arlington City Council considered Ordinance 23-2026, an ordinance to amend the Fontenay subdivision plat to reduce the rear yard setback for lot number three from 32 feet to 19.4 feet, allowing for the retention of a patio and swimming pool deck. Director Gibson explained that the improvements were made without proper permits, triggering a plat amendment and a lot coverage variance, both of which have been addressed procedurally. The reduction would apply only to lot three and would not impact the entire subdivision. Neighbors were notified, and the Board of Zoning and Appeals (BZAP) recommended approval. Councilmember Tracy moved for passage, noting no neighborhood opposition. Councilmember Kulowitz asked about potential future similar requests and utility easements, to which staff responded that a similar process would apply and the encroachment into the utility easement was minimal. Concerns about drainage were also addressed, with property owners having installed improvements. After discussion about the process and the recommendation for a second reading, the motion to move to a second reading passed 4-2, with Councilmembers Tracy and Muntz voting nay.