Ward 2 Council Member· 2024-01-01–2027-12-31 (elected Ward 2 Nov 2023 per Fairfield County official canvass (read); city bio confirms election Nov 2023; Ohio Revised Code § 731.03(A) (text read): two-year terms commencing January 1 after the odd-year election, re-elected Nov 2025 per city council page 2026-2027 roster, so the continuous term ends December 31, 2027; term starts January 1, 2024)
Joe Bizjak
Lancaster
About
Joe Bizjak's campaign focused on introducing a fresh and innovative vision for the city of Lancaster. While specific policy details are limited in the provided text, his messaging centered on forward-looking leadership for the community.
Campaign promises (1)
- transparencyJoe Bizjak promised to bring a new vision to the city of Lancaster.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 17
- Total speaking time
- 32:37
- Avg per meeting
- 1:55
- Segments
- 765
Want every word Bizjak has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Bizjak said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
Data center zoning rules postponed
No city cost tied to zoning, but residents cite falling home values, health risks, and Google's statewide tax-appeal activity affecting schools and services.
Water infrastructure projects — Tiki Lane, backflow valves, Lawrence Street pump station
The sewer evaluation contract totals $49,930 with roughly $40,000 in work done before the PO was acquired.
Early payoff of 2012 water bonds
Saves ratepayers at least $108,000 in interest on $1.8 million in outstanding bonds.
Liquor permit decisions
Zero direct cost right now, but decisions made here could eventually impact your taxes or city spending.
NOPEC municipal electricity agreement
Electric costs for city buildings will rise from below-market 2022-era rates to a newly bid market rate.
E.D. Road TIF revenue notes
Combined $649,540.95 in revenue notes paid from TIF proceeds.
public safety budget cuts
Multiple appropriation resolutions for overtime, retirements, and reallocations are moving through readings.
Cooperative Economic Development Agreement with Greenfield Township and Fairfield County
No money changes hands under the CEDA itself; future revenue sharing depends on a negotiated NCA.
Land development between Route 158 and Election House Road
Her focus on fiscal responsibility could lead to tighter city spending and potential budget cuts.
Eyman Avenue rezone to Advanced Manufacturing
Cybersecurity recovery and antivirus upgrade
About $5,000 a month, roughly $9 per device, already budgeted.
East Main Street shoulder widening and sidewalk project
About $335,000 in city-side land acquisition costs, with 90 percent expected back from a federal grant.
city council agenda
Depending on which projects get approved, your tax dollars could be shifting toward new city improvements.
Arbor Valley Drive and 6th Avenue bridge progress
Funded partly by school district contributions and the street levy; total not stated.
St. Mary School resource officer
Not stated in the meeting.
Job and Family Services concerns raised by resident
Registered sex offenders at family-friendly events
Sixth Avenue Bridge delay
Construction estimate raised to about $2.55 million, with inspection costs additional.
Marijuana dispensary moratorium review
Unquantified, but the speaker estimated Lancaster residents spend about $200 every three to five minutes on cannabis in other cities.
Rising Park Shelter Restoration
$500,000 requested; no local funds involved.
Decisions during term (178)
Recorded while Bizjak was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Temporary Ordinance 32-26 — Zoning map amendment, 0 Eyman Avenue
Temporary Ordinance 33-26 — Data Processing Centers ordinance postponed
Temporary Resolution 86-26 — Tiki Lane waterline replacement construction contract
Temporary Resolution 87-26 — South Water Plant backflow valves contracts
Temporary Resolution 88-26 — Lawrence Street pump station replacement contract
Temporary Ordinance 30-26 — Subdivision regulations repeal and replacement
Temporary Ordinance 31-26 — Impact fee amendment for public sites and open space
Temporary Ordinance 34-26 — Lease of 113.78 tillable acres at South Water Plant
Temporary Ordinance 35-26 — Early redemption of 2012 water bonds
Reading of Bills and Adjournment
Receive and file the Journal
Receive and file Reports of City Officials
Receive and file Communications
Temporary Resolution 82-26 — Reynoldsburg prosecution contract
Temporary Resolution 83-26 — Pickerington prosecution contract
Temporary Resolution 84-26 — Fairfield County prosecution contract
Temporary Resolution 85-26 — Solid waste management plan
Temporary Resolution 92-26 — County tax rates accepted
Temporary Ordinance 29-26 — NOPEC electric energy procurement
Receive and file Standing Committee reports
Voting record (130)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Temporary Ordinance 32-26 — Zoning map amendment, 0 Eyman Avenue
Temporary Ordinance 33-26 — Data Processing Centers ordinance postponed
Temporary Resolution 86-26 — Tiki Lane waterline replacement construction contract
Temporary Resolution 87-26 — South Water Plant backflow valves contracts
Temporary Resolution 88-26 — Lawrence Street pump station replacement contract
Temporary Ordinance 30-26 — Subdivision regulations repeal and replacement
Temporary Ordinance 31-26 — Impact fee amendment for public sites and open space
Temporary Ordinance 34-26 — Lease of 113.78 tillable acres at South Water Plant
Temporary Ordinance 35-26 — Early redemption of 2012 water bonds
Temporary Resolution 82-26 — Reynoldsburg prosecution contract
Temporary Resolution 83-26 — Pickerington prosecution contract
Temporary Resolution 84-26 — Fairfield County prosecution contract
Temporary Resolution 85-26 — Solid waste management plan
Temporary Resolution 92-26 — County tax rates accepted
Temporary Ordinance 29-26 — NOPEC electric energy procurement
Temporary Ordinance 25-26 — Cooperative Economic Development Agreement (CEDA)
Believes questions should be asked ahead of the third reading, not as political theater.
Motion to remove Temporary Ordinance 25-26 from the table
Temporary Ordinance 26-26 — DORA expansion
Temporary Ordinance 27-26 — Taylor Commercial Subdivision final replat
Temporary Resolution 89-26 — IT antivirus software (sole source)
Temporary Resolution 74-26 — ETY Road Improvements agreement
Temporary Resolution 65-26 — Arbor Valley Drive funding
Temporary Resolution 66-26 — Ety Road local match
Temporary Resolution 67-26 — Memorial-Pierce Walkways land acquisition
Temporary Resolution 68-26 — East Main Street walks and shoulder widening
Temporary Resolution 69-26 — Eastside Industrial Connector feasibility study
Temporary Resolution 70-26 — New tax auditor position
Temporary Resolution 71-26 — Stream bank stabilization bidding
Temporary Resolution 73-26 — Engine House 3 fence payment
Suspension of rules for Temporary Resolution 78-26 (Bowers Park)
Temporary Resolution 78-26 — Bowers Park construction funding and bidding
Temporary Ordinance 21-26 — Zoning map change, 316 Sylvan Avenue and 1117 West Mulberry Street
Temporary Ordinance 22-26 — Repeal and replace zoning code chapters 1121-1161
Temporary Ordinance 23-26 — Fire Department mutual aid modernization
Temporary Resolution 58-26 — Lawrence Street Pump Station engineering agreement
Temporary Resolution 59-26 — South Water Plant force main backflow valves
Temporary Resolution 62-26 — Lancaster Port Authority Dave Johns spec building agreement
Temporary Resolution 64-26 — St. Mary School resource officer
The agreement must be secured before the upcoming school year begins.