New Albany City Council will consider authorizing an employment agreement with Michael Stevens as the city’s next city manager Tuesday, Oct. 20. The proposed agreement sets a Nov. 16 start date and a $270,000 annual salary. Stevens would succeed Joseph Stefanov, whose retirement takes effect Dec. 31.
The 6:30 p.m. meeting at Village Hall, 99 W. Main St., also features a proclamation honoring retiring Police Chief Greg Jones and a resolution authorizing the Ganton Parkway Phase 5 road project, according to the council agenda.
City manager succession
Resolution R-47-2026 would authorize the mayor to execute contracts for appointing a successor to City Manager Joseph Stefanov. Council authorized Stefanov to hire search firm MGT at its Jan. 20 meeting.
A Baker Tilly organizational review presented in November 2025 recommended hiring a deputy city manager early to help onboard the new leader. The agenda does not name the successor candidate. Council also scheduled an executive session for the same evening to discuss appointment and employment of a public official under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(1).
Police chief retirement
Council will present a proclamation celebrating Chief Jones's service with the New Albany Police Department and congratulating him on his retirement. Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber will also present a commendation for Jones.
Ganton Parkway Phase 5
Resolution R-46-2026 would authorize the city manager to advertise, bid, award and execute contracts for the Ganton Parkway Phase 5 roadway improvement project. The New Albany Planning Commission recommended approval of the Phase 4 right-of-way plat in February 2025. Development Director Jennifer Chrysler called Ganton Parkway a "priority road" at that meeting, saying it would alleviate traffic on Kitzmiller and Babbit roads.
Developer MOU for park and road
Resolution R-45-2026 would approve a memorandum of understanding with the New Albany Company LLC and M/I Homes of Central Ohio for the Miller Avenue Extension and Rose Run 3 Park.
Under the proposed agreement, the New Albany Company would dedicate roughly 19 acres of parkland to the city at no charge. The original zoning commitment called for about 15 acres intended for school athletic fields, but the school district and city have since identified another location.
M/I Homes would design and build its portion of the Miller Avenue Extension in up to two phases. The city would handle design and construction of the park, which must be completed before M/I's residential units are occupied. Each party covers its own costs.
Tax levies
Two resolutions, R-43-2026 and R-44-2026, would certify annual tax levies to the Franklin County and Licking County auditors for tax year 2026, collected in 2027. The Franklin County levy covers $2,560,222.93 inside the 10-mill limitation at 1.94 mills. The Licking County portion totals $483,318 at 1.70 mills.
Other business
A proclamation congratulating the 2026 Ohio state champion New Albany Middle School girls track team is also on the agenda, along with a Plain Township update and reports from city boards and commissions.
Residents can attend in person or watch via the city's live stream at newalbanyohio.org.
