4/5/2023 - Kent City Council - Observer Corps Report

4/5/2023 - Kent City Council - Observer Corps Report

Type: 
Blog Post

Meeting Observed: Kent City Council Regular Meeting

Date of Meeting: 4/5/2023

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

Kent City Council, Council Committees Meeting, April 5, 2023

Committee of the Whole:
Climate Action Plan – requires a resolution to approve the climate action plan.

  • Julie Morris was introduced as the new hire of the dual sustainability position with Kent State. She has a MA in sustainability and will help implement the sustainability plan. Julie will work with the administration and university to develop educational strategies and will work with Kent Sustainability Commission
  • The Climate Action Plan: a “guide” for the City Council;
  • Lots of discussion follows. Generally, the staff will vet plans before bringing them before Council.
  • Climate Action Plan Resolution approved unanimously.

Administrative Strategic Work Force Areas 2023-2027. City Manager Ruler reports

  • “Hard to attract and retain good talent”, Kent “no longer mid-tier,” at or below Ravenna in pay. Looking for a staffing plan for all city departments.
  • New community engagement and climate (sustainability) positions are ½ time each (shared with Kent State University)

New City Hall Construction Update:

  • Melanie Baker updated the council on construction and inspections, and construction continuing to move forward. Shaffer-Bish suggests educating the public, needs to build “Points of pride for the public.”

Community Development Committee:

  • Tax Increment Review for Davey Tree, e.g. recommendation for Davey Tree’s Enterprise Zone.
  • Resolution that the Agreement be continued – unanimously approved

Health and Public Safety:
Citywide Trash Services Bid:

  • Melanie discussed the bid process. She is looking at 5-year contract for better rates. The plan is to bid to private haulers for trash pickup and recycling. Portage County can bid for recycling only. New contractor will provide the recycling bins.
  • Lots of different matters were discussed including the annual spring cleaning pickup (coming up in May!) (one proposal is to keep it for 2 years but eliminate it in 3rd year); Commitment to improving green environmental trucks; Turner said he’s got a lot of calls about bag service. Baker said that 67 percent of Kent residents use the standard plus option
  • Resolution to bid trash and recycling – unanimously approved by Council

Finance Committee:

  • Budget appropriation – unanimously approved

E.Main St. Improvements:

  • 2nd of requests
  • Resolution to submit a $500,000 grant – unanimously approved

COPS Grant:

  • Request to apply for 2023 Cop's Grant to fund 2nd resource officer to rotate among the elementary schools. Details: $125,000 over three years but it must continue for 4th year. (grant only covers about 1/3 of salary and benefits for officers for 3 years, Schools will pay ½ salary over 9 months. $49,000 from the city budget for 3 years. Schools will cover ½ for the 4th year. 3-year grant so will need to fund it for 4th year.
  • Resolution to apply for grant – unanimously approved

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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