Meeting Observed: Kent City Council

Date of Meeting: 2/16/2022

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

Community Development Grant Block Grant Public Hearing:

• Unknown amount but circa $300,000 expected: Priorities: 1. housing for low and moderate-income 2. public service for those in need; 3. infrastructure for those in low and moderate-income.

Regular Council Meeting:

• Three persons made statements: John Thomas, 1621 Chadwick, wants the city to assume responsibility for removing snow from sidewalks; J. Fiala, 325 Highland Ave., commented (complained ) about the new food truck ordinance approved in the Jan. 19, 2022 meeting, lack of clarity, additional taxes and that ordinance has brought the food trucks in Kent together to deal with the new ordinance; Jeff Crowe of Venice Cafe also supported the mobile food vendors. The city manager then interjected: that the ordinance was initiated by city staff to "better incorporate them" into the food restaurant mix. He said the council will continue to deal with this issue, presumably to refine the issues.

Standing Committees and Legislation:

Committee of the Whole:

• Rubin Cincinnatus (sp) was appointed to the Fair Housing Board

Community Development:

• 2022-015: Ordinance to renew the lease with the Haymaker's Farmers Market. Approved unanimously
• 2022-016: Ordinance authorizing the required documentation to the Portage County Land Reutilization Corp. to secure demolition funding assistance and to accept the grant if awarded. This raised some question from Councilperson Tracy Wallach who opposed the measure because once the grant was given difficult to stop the demolition. Passed but Wallach opposed the measure.
• 2022-017: Ordinance to authorize the city to submit a grant to Ohio Department of Development for Brownfield Remediation Program. Passed unanimously.

Streets, Sidewalks & utilities.

• 2022-018: Ordinance allowing the temporary closure of Willow Street for the new KSU Juneteenth celebration. Approved unanimously

Finance Committee:

• 2022-019: Ordinance that allows the transfer and advances to the proper accounts. Approved unanimously
• 2022-010: Ordinance allows a collective bargaining committee between city of Kent and Dispatch Unit, Fraternal Order of Police. Approved unanimously
• 2022-011: Ordinance authorizing the collective bargaining agreement between the city of Kent and Police Officer Unit, Fraternal Order of Police. Approved unanimously
• 2022-012: Ordinance authorizing collective bargaining agreement between the city of Kent and Civilian Employee Unit, Fraternal Order of Police. Unanimously approved
• 2022-013: Ordinance authorizing city manager to enter into a settlement agreement between the city of Kent and Matthew Benson for a Workers' Compensation Claim. Unanimously approved.

Unfinished Business:

• Shaffer Bish said residents need to shovel their walks--and neighbors should help each other.

New Business:

• Mayor wanted to know about the design of the city flag. That will be discussed next month.

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; Robin Turner, Ward 3. Excused was Roger Sidoti, At Large, expected a grandchild.

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://www.kentohio.org/737/Agendas-and-Minutes

Observer: Kathleen Endres