10/18/2023 - Kent City Council - Observer Corps Report

10/18/2023 - Kent City Council - Observer Corps Report

Type: 
Blog Post

Meeting Observed: Kent City Council Committee Meetings

Date of Meeting: 10/18/2023

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

Minutes approved


Communication:
Public Communication: Dianne Papes, 503 Sunrise Drive: Street conditions: City said there are no funds for paving, calls for repair and patch areas of the street. Also talked about Curb Tree Condition: Utility Company killed them when trimming. City arborist said the city would cut down and replace them, but that hasn’t been done.

Written Communication: Long list but these are the most noteworthy:

  • David Soukenik has moved to Florida and will no longer be serving on the Board of Building Appeals – Council accepted his resignation
  • New Liquor License request from Mamacita, 911 E. Main, police chief had no objection, approved by council
  • New Liquor License request from Family Dollar Store, 1316 S. Water St., the police chief had no objection approved by the council.
  • Liquor License Transfer request for Timothy J. Surgen, 802 N. Manua, Police chief asks for 30 day extension for further review, notice to hold approved by council.
  • Liquor License Transfer for Szechuan Gormet, 156 Cherry St., No objection from police, council approved.

Standing Committees and Legislation:

Committee of the Whole

  • 2023-061 (2nd Reading) AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF KENT, OHIO, TO BE SUBMITTED AT THE PRIMARY ELECTION ON MARCH 19, 2024, WHICH WILL AMEND ARTICLE XII, SECTION 12.02 TITLED “VOTING WARD APPORTIONMENT,” AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Shafer Bish wants the matter referred back to the committee and that took place

Health and Safety Committee

  • Action recommended: refer to the Administration to further research the parking limits to the city and report back to Council. See notes from October 4 meeting. This recommendation FAILED (3 yes, 6 no).

Streets, sidewalks and Utilities:

  • 2023-067: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE AN EASEMENT FROM HOMETOWN BANK GRANTING A PERPETUAL ROAD AND PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT LOCATED AT 200 W. WILLIAMS SETREET FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACCESS TO THE UNDERGROUND UTILITIES AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY (AUTHORIZED). Approved by council
  • 2023-068: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH KENT STATE UNIVERSITY TO ALLOW FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE CITY’S 24” WATERLINE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY (AUTHORIZED), Approved by council

Finance Committee:

  • 2023-069: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF KENT HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO APPLY FOR A PUBLIC ENTITIES POOL (PEP) GRANT, AND TO ACCEPT THE GRANT, IF AWARDED, WITH CORRESPONDING APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY (AUTHORIZED), approved by council
  • 2023-070 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF KENT HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO ACCEPT THE AWARDED HEALTH EATING AND ACTIVE LIVING GRANT (HEAL) FOR 2023, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY (AUTHORIZED), Approved for council see 10-4-23 for the discussion
  • 2023-071: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF KENT AND THE OHIO PATROLMEN’S BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION (OPBA) FOR THE PERIOD OF NOVEMBER 1, 2023, THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2026 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY (AUTHORIZED), Approved by council.

Unfinished Business:

  • Amrhein brought up the tree mutilation issue that Dianne Papes brought up in public communication and acknowledged that the Electric Co. hires a company to trim trees, but many are mutilated throughout the city. He wants the city arborist to come out and look at the trees on the tree lawn.

New Business:

  • Shafer Bish reported that the university will not fund the skating rink this winter. Moves to refer this matter to city administration for further study. Lots of discussion, motion is approved. Wallach votes no.
  • Sidoti brings up project to build a permanent safety town on the grounds of Holden School. Kent Rotary wants to bring it to Council. Board of Education approved it, Fire Department and police both supportive. Metas Construction did the design. Permanent facility. School will provide electricity and bathroom. Sidoni moves that the matter be sent to the Committee of the Whole, approved by Council

Mayor’s Report:

  • Bowman Lunch success.
  • Encourage all to apply for the Committees and Boards. (Turner adds the need for minority applicants)
  • Happy birthday to John Kuhar
  • Garrick Ferrara will receive the KSU Advocacy Alumni Award.

Adjourn.

Which members of the board/council were present: Garret Ferrara, Ward 1; Jack Amrhein, Ward 2;  John Kuhar, Ward 4; Heidi Shaffer Bish, Ward 5; Tracy Wallach, Ward 6; Gwen Rosenberg, At Large;  Michael DeLeone, At Large; Roger Sidoti, At Large;. Robin Turner, Ward 3.

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

League to which this content belongs: 
Kent

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