Meeting Observed: Kent City Council (Ohio) Committee Meetings
Date of Meeting: 12/20/2023
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
"This was an unusual City Council meeting. Of course, city business was conducted, but it was also a time to appreciate out-going members of the council -- one-third of the council is rotating off (2 were defeated; 1 did not stand for reelection), to swear in 3 new council members and to dedicate the new city hall.
Dedication of the new building: Melanie Baker. Although the building is not yet complete (and will not be until 2024), City Council dedicated the new building,. Thus, the three outgoing members of the council could be involved in the dedication and be credited for their involvement in the planning and construction of the building. (Earlier this year, the council had agreed to do the dedication during the current term of the council.) Pictures taken.
Public Comments:
Mitchell Edgecom (spelling?) urged the council to end the fur industry in the city of Kent. He outlined the inhumane industry and said that there were plant-based alternatives.
Written Comments
Land Use Committee:
- 2023-090: Change in Zoning. (see the December 6 report for full background on this issue) – unanimously approved
- 2023-091: changes to the city’s design guidelines. (This has been a controversial issue for more than a year.) Measure masses 6 to 2 (Wallach and Amrhein oppose)
Finance Committee:
- 2023-092: increase water rates by 3 percent. Unanimously approved
- 2023-093: increase sewer rates by 3 percent. Unanimously approved
- 2023-094: public defender contract. Unanimously approved
- 2023-095 Finance director to pay bills over $3000. Unanimously approved
- 2023-096: Position compensation plan. Unanimously approved
- 2023-097 and 098L Kent Bills are to be paid. Unanimously approved
- 2023=099, 100, 101, 101, 102, 103: Collective bargaining agreements for various city unions approved.
- 2023-104. applying for a grant with Ohio Dot for Heat Exchanger and receiving money if awarded. Unanimously approved
- 2023-105: parks to submit series of grants for child care center. Unanimously approved.
Unfinished Business:
Plaque and resolution of appreciation for outgoing members John Kohar, Tracey Wallach, and Derrick Ferraro.
New Business:
Swearing in of new council members: Melissa Celko (Ward 1), Jeff Clapper (Ward 2), and Chris Hook (Ward 6)
Wallach moves the discussion of the fur industry to the appropriate committee.
Which members of the board/council were present: 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. Absent was Garret Ferrara, Ward 1;
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