Meeting Observed: City of Kent Regular City Council Meeting
Date of Meeting: 7/2/2025
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
Kent City Council Committee Meeting, July 2, 2025
Interviews for Boards, Commissions
Randall Houska, 1026 Elno Ave. for Board of Building Appeals
Kara Evans, 990 Philip, for Fair Housing Board
Christopher Syphrit, 1053 Kevin Drive for Board of Building Appeals
Selection at the July 16 meeting.
COMMUNITY OF THE WHOLE
Standing Roundtable Updates:
New Online Development Service – Bridget Susel reports on implementation of the Online Development Service: containing synopsis about events; Electronic submission of permits
Two Emergency Sewer Grants – Bridget Susel reports – all three laterals replaced, deferred loans
CHIP grant submission finalized – Bridget Susel reports -- $250,000 grant, 2 property owners already on waiting list, for low to moderate income homeowners.
RFQ- Bridget Susel reports solar array for property on Mogadore, 17.7 acres with possible petro, solvents underground, through Ohio EPA.
Fire Department—Jamie Samels, fire chief, reports on the water rescues the previous weekend. Lots of water rescues, 11 people rescued Southeast of Middlebury raft launch. Final numbers for the weekend: 23 people and 2 dogs rescued, plus another 28 others helped. No fire fighters or rescuers injured. He said he issued a p.r. release on the importance of wearing life persevers. He said he received positive feedback on signage and QR codes.
Health Department—Joan Seidel, health commissioner, reports on West Nile Virus. Early positive for West Nile in June (as opposed to August when it first registers). Barrier spray before first movie night, Still using water-based spray after dark after pollinators away and after lightning bug season over. She encourages all to eliminate standing water.
Community Engagement – Elyse reports that first neighborhood movie night drew more than 50. Next movie night July 14; Heritage Fest will have city hall tours 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Yard recognition program has drawn five applications/nominations.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
Amendments to Outdoor Seating Program Guidelines – Bridget Susel notes allow liquor to be served outside and changed to new noise guidelines. Motion to make the changes to the guidelines consistent with the council actions. Motion made, approved unanimously.
Continuation of Designed Outdoor Refreshment Area – Eric Helmstedter, economic development director, reports this is a housekeeping matter. Five years after the creation of the Dora, it needs to be continued or dissolved. City Council approves Dora’s continuation unanimously.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
Dave Ruller, city manager, said this will be the first of a number of meetings that will deal with the issues addressed in the budget. He said streets are a “big challenge.” The city has “never had more reserves in our history.” He says the city is going to be a lot more automated (see earlier discussion of the online development service), but city will need to expand its staff and add to its budget. The city will be a lot more automated systems and that will require ½ million to 2 million dollars. Melanie noted that there were water main breaks and bad winter led to lots of road damage. She noted that the city wants to hire three new people to the street/sidewalk crew. She said the Public Works software program will allow reaidents to interact with the program. She estimated the program will cost $100,000 to purchase and implement plus subsequent charges.
Proposal 2026 Tax Budget for Submission to Portage County. This needs to be submitted to county by July 15 as an affirmation of tax rates . Move to approved, unanimously approved.
HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY:
Fire Department Staffing Grant Application – Jamie Samels, fire chief, asked for approval to apply for a federal grant from Homeland Security to hire three new fire fighters for 3 years (cost share: years 1 and 2 city to pay 25 percent; year 3: city to pay 35 percent). Must be submitted within a week and winner would be notified between Aug. 18 to Sept. 30. Motion, unanimously approved.
STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND UTILITIES COMMITTEE:
North Mantua Street – OPWC application (Ohio Public Works $150,000 grant and $150,000 loan). Motion approved unanimously.
New Event Permit: Longest Table, Sunday August 3, Main Street Bridge, 30 to 60 tables. Motion to approve, close Main Street on Bridge, August 3, Unanimously approved
Revised Event Permit: Grill for Good. Sept. 13, Access Point Event, KSU Parents Day. N. Water between Main and Columbus, Motion unanimously approved.
Executive Session to discuss possible property acquisition.
Which members of the board/council were present:
Melissa Celko, Ward 1; Jack Amrhein, Ward 2; Robin Turner, Ward 3; Chris Hook, Ward 4; Heidi Shaffer Bish, WArd 5; Jeff Clapper, Ward 6; Michael DeLeone, at large; Gwen Rosenberg, at large; Roger Sidoti, at large Absent was Chris Hook, Ward 4, and Gwen Rosenberg, at large
Was there a public notice of the meeting that included the time and place of meeting: Yes
Was an agenda of the meeting or handouts available to visitors: Yes
Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes
https://kentoh.portal.civicclerk.com/
Observer: Kathleen Endres