Meeting Observed: Kent City Council Committee Meetings
Date of Meeting: 4/3/2024
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
Committee of the Whole:
Interviews for the Park and Recreation Board: A large number of individuals signed up to fill the unexpired term (through 12/2024) on the Parks and Recreation Board. The council interviewed the following:Crystal Foster; Chelsey Cheley; Jillian Tipton, Tim Wonderle, Callie Mitchell, and Chris Seifert. Sherry Jeffers was ill and was not present. Almost all interviewed were encouraged to apply for other boards, commissions, and committees.
Solar Eclipse Event Preparation: Joan Seidel, Kent City Health Commissioner, went through various activities planned for April 8, including the locations for first aid, reunification center and traffic interruptions. She also emphasized the importance of eye protection during the eclipse.
New City Hall Project update: The first-floor drywall is complete, and the windows are in place. Some things are on back order.
Community Development:
Climate Action Plan and Sustainability update: Julie Morris (new part-time employee) and Bridget Sussel (Community Development Director). Among the high points of the five-year plan outlined are transportation – working to reduce emissions, expand solar energy, and explore solar opportunities; E. Main St. – 32 dual port level 2 energy sources and 2 at new Kent city building; Education and Community Outreach—sustainability website, print literature, and educational videos available; interviews done.
Finance Committee:
Community New Hope: Council votes unanimously to donate football helmets owned by Kent Parks and Rec to New Hope.
Celebrate Kent Grant and Social Service Grant Funding updates: Celebrate Kent to bring events downtown—15 proposals submitted, 2 not funded. Social Service Grant Funding – 7 different non-profits supported.
Streets, Sidewalks and Utilities Committee:
Earth Day Vendor Market: Motion to approve the permit with emergency, unanimously approved
Executive Session: Discussion of Board and Commission Appointments
Which members of the board/council were present: Jack Amrhein, president pro tem, Ward 2; Melissa Celco, Ward 1; 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
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