Meeting Observed: Kent City Council Committee Meetings

Date of Meeting: 5/1/2024

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

Committee of the Whole:

Parks and Recreation Update:

• Highlights of the long-awarded Parks and Recreation Plan were revealed. Angela Manley, Parks and Rec Director, said the last plan was approved in 1995. This one should take Parks and Rec through the next ten years. The plan is more than 400 pages long and based on surveys, group meetings, etc. Here are some of the highlights offered at the Council meeting.
• Location of services – 2/3rds of popular are within walking distance of the parks.
• Amenities needing improvement: ADA needs to serve the growing 65-plus age population.
• Staffing: Below the benchmark, staff is spending less time per acre.
• Connectivity and Trails: need for more and easier access
• Athletic Facilities: especially Pickle Ball.
• Programs: Based on research, Kent residents, especially those 50 years and older, want more, such as ADA access, upgraded playgrounds for children, upgraded athletic facilities, and provided pickleball.
• Partnership opportunities:
• Recommendations included improving the ADA, exploring the potential for a Recreation center, Adding Pickleball, creating a Dog Park, upgrading the amphitheater and playgrounds, improving access to the river, adding shade and signage, and lots more. It was also suggested that the community be engaged, partnerships be sought, and a Park Foundation be created to help with fundraising.
• The survey showed that 70 percent support the parks and rec.
• Because this was a much-anticipated plan, council members had many questions. Shafer Bish asked if there might be redundancy with downtown. The response was that there is a need for both. Parks and Rec don’t duplicate Main Street Kent’s activities; families are especially served in the parks.
• Chris Hooks asked about the KSU Rec Center and the possibility of collaboration with KSU.
• Rosenberg said the staff and board will set priorities and must work within budget.
• Sidoti asked what was needed from the City Council, and right now just informing the council.
• Hook said the community needs to be informed; Ruler noted that the Council does have a fiduciary role. A well-run park system gives a sense of community and the health of the community.

City/KSU Partnership Update:
Dana Lawless-Andric summarized an “active” spring semester, outlining the importance of safety and free speech. She also noted partnerships with local restaurants, food trucks, and Haymaker Farmer’s Market. KSU also had a lot of commencement events from May 9-11. She said higher education is under a lot of pressure and that the fiscal climate is challenging, but KSU is in a good position, but “tough decisions are facing the university. She also said DKU has a 93 percent capacity for housing on campus.

New City Hall Construction Update:
Melanie Baker (service director) said that Franklin will be closed soon. The elevator delivery is coming, the power is in, and the Drywall is going on as much as possible. The stone is almost complete. She expects a walk-through in June.

Streets, Sidewalks and Utilities Committee:
The committee recommends a motion to prohibit Semi Truck Parking in Neighborhoods. The motion was unanimously approved after discussion.

Community Development
Bridget Susel recommends the continuation of the Davey Tree Enterprise Zone Agreement. The motion to authorize was unanimously approved.

Finance Committee:
Rhonda Hall summarized a series of actions.
Proposed a Renewal of an operating levy. Motion unanimously approved
Request permission to create new funds for the Health Department and Budget Appropriation amendment. Both unanimously approved

Which members of the board/council were present: Melissa Celko, Ward 1; Jack Amrhein, president pro temp, Ward 2; Robin Turner, Ward 3; Chris Hook, Ward 4; Heidi Shafer 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