Council backs OPWC application and MOU with Pataskala for Morris/Beach roundabout

Council approved two linked steps to advance a proposed roundabout at Morris Road, Clark State Road and Beach Road. Resolution R31-20-26 authorizes the city manager to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission for capital improvement funds; staff said the project design is fully funded and roughly $7.5 million is budgeted for construction next year. Council then approved Resolution R32-20-26 authorizing a memorandum of understanding with Pataskala, which, staff said, commits Pataskala to contribute $2,000,000 toward the project with payments tied to project milestones.

Staff emphasized the MOU establishes roles — New Albany would lead design, right-of-way acquisition, grant administration (if successful) and construction coordination, and would assume long-term maintenance; Pataskala and local partners (Licking County engineer, Licking County TID and Jersey Township) provided regional support in preliminary discussions. Both resolutions were adopted unanimously after no public comment.