Meeting Observed: City of Kent Public Hearings & Council Committee Meetings
Date of Meeting: 7/10/2024
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
Public Hearings:
- In accordance with O.R.C. 5705.28, notice was given on June 17, that a public hearing would be held on the City of Kent’s Annual Tax Budget for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2025.
- On June 25 and July 3, notice was given that the Kent City Council was conducting a public hearing to allow for public comments and questions regarding the City of Kent’s appropriation for a Designation Outdoor Refreshment Area Expansion (to 141 E. Summit).
Council Committee Meetings:
Committee of the Whole:
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Board and Commissions Interview Process: Gwen Rosenberg introduced an idea to simplify the interview process. She suggested moving the interviews to an executive session or before the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
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City Hall Project Update: Melanie Baker reported that work has moved inside (e.g., painting and drywall, finishing and closing the elevator, installation of light fixtures), and by July 22, lettering will be outside the window.
Community Development Committee:
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Decarbonization Planning for the City Building: In alignment with the environmental action plan to reduce carbon emissions, an energy consultant outlined that the water treatment plant and the reclamation plant had the greatest rate for carbon emissions. It was recommended that the Water Treatment Plant and the Fire Station be the first steps in the NOPEC-funded grant to curb carbonization. The motion passed unanimously.
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Proposed Operating Agreement for the Sale of Adult Use Marijuana: This long-discussed issue culminated in the decision to approve a dual-use facility at 331 E. Main Street, run by Bliss, which currently operates the medical marijuana facility in the city. The Council approved this unanimously, with no adult entertainment marijuana facility to be located elsewhere in the city now.
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DORA Expansion Request: The city staff recommended expanding the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area to 141 E. Summit. The motion to approve the new boundary with emergency was unanimously approved.
Finance Committee:
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Tax Budget: The motion to approve with an emergency was unanimously approved.
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Insurance Coverage: A shift in insurance coverage was discussed, with the motion to approve with emergency being unanimously approved.
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Budget Appropriation Amendment: The motion to approve with emergency was unanimously approved.
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OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission) Grant/Loan Application Request: With grant availability starting on July 25, the motion to apply and receive the grant if won was unanimously approved.
Executive Session: The session was held to consider the purchase of property for public purposes, the sale of property at competitive bidding, or the sale or other disposition of unneeded, obsolete, or unfit-to-use property.
Which members of the board/council were present: Melissa Celko, Ward 1; Jacob Amrhein, Ward 2; Robin Turner, Ward 3; Heidi Shaffer Bish, Ward 5; Jeff Chapper, Ward 6; Michael DeLeone, At Large; Gwen Rosenberg, At Large. Absent was Chris Hook, Ward 4, and 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