Meeting Observed: Kent City Council

Date of Meeting: 6/2/2026

Format: In-person

Meeting Summary:

While various topics were discussed, see below, the most significant was a first vote by Council, 6-1, in favor of a fall ballot measure that will seek to change the purpose of a current.25 income tax.

Currently, it is designated for the police station new building. The bonds did not have to be paid until 2038, but the city apparently is able to pay them off early by an upward tic in income tax revenues tagged for paying them. They are expected to be paid off at the end of this calendar year. At that time, the tax does not lapse automatically. (unclear why not).

"This shows how our city is nimble and creative and will get services people have been wanting with no added costs," said Heidi Shaffer Bish, now the senior council member. Council Member Traci Wallach voted against the measure, but all agreed that with two meetings left before a final decision must be made, there is time for added discussion.

Council has agreed to ask Kent voters in November to reapportion the current tax to operations. City Manager Dave Ruller explained that the fire and police departments have each had higher overtime than projected. The proposal would cover that rising cost with continuing the.25 income tax, coupled with the regular 2.00 tax that would remain. City income taxes across northeast Ohio are collected from workers within the city, such as the university. Other towns do the same. If there's a difference in your home town, compared with the work town, a citizen pays the difference through RITA, Regional Income Tax Authority.

While there was general support among council members, all agreed there must be printed materials, followed by forums at city hall and elsewhere to talk about the proposal before the November ballot. Most agreed that the city schools levy passed by a reasonable margin. But, they added, that the city cannot assume the same, even though the schools tax increased property taxes 15-20% whereas this would not be an increase considering current tax rate is already 2.25 for workers in Kent. Stay tuned.

In other action, council members agreed to changes to the commission structure, allowing groups like the Sustainability Commission or the Planning Commission to set their own rules such as work groups, etc.

Council members agreed to pay "actual costs" share of upkeep of the College Town parking lot near the buildings that house Davey, Ametek and other corporations. Locating downtown for those companies was contingent on parking. Costs have averaged 30% of the total.

Council also approved $40,000 in funds for a Comprehensive Housing Study. Last done 10 years ago, residents and council members felt it was due to update, given the changing housing conditions with the influx of major apartment complexes.

Also approved was $30,000 for a Economic Development Strategic Plan and $30,000 for the first three new single family home acquisition, allowing a $10,000 loan to rentals turning into single family housin, with restrictions. Another $11,000 was approved for a greenhouse gas inventory.

Finally, City Economic Director Bridget Susel presented new definitions of housing v. dwelling that abetter address what is permitted in single family homes of no more than two unrelated residents. And it would change the housing rules for those with more than two unrelated to have one bath for two people, 3-4 people require 2 baths and on up. Also discussed was a crackdown on "bumpouts" on parking, usually gravel, that make more parking for apartments, but cut into the right of way or the front yard space, which is regulated.

Finally, Mayor Jack Amhrein said he had "just" received a thank you via email from the mayor of Akron, Shammas Malik for the work of the fire and police groups on a hazardous waste spill near the Akron Waterworks just outside Towners Woods.

Members Present: Melissa Celko, Eric Dreger, Benjamin Tipton, Tracy Wallach, Heidi Shaffer Bish, Chris Hook, Jack Amhrein, Sarah Wesley

Absent: Jeff Clapper, work; Robin Turner, health

Media: unknown

Public Notice: Yes

Agenda: Yes

Minutes: Yes

Observer: Barbara Hipsman Springer