Meeting Observed: Kent City Council
Date of Meeting: 7/1/2026
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
Council's hour-long meeting was filled with two major issues - how to work with a solar array "demonstration" project on the remediated acreage along the river as it moves from Summit along Mogadore and the question of how to handle loud music floating up into the residential area north of the library along Main and beyond to include streets like Park and Pioneer, etc.
SOLAR ARRAY ON MOGADORE
Bridget Susel, Community Development Director, explained that the project won't likely be online until 2028. Its $9 million cost would be offset by federal programs and other grants, bringing the city's share to about a third of that. The benefit is it will produce 3.5 Megawatts of power.
Susel said the city hopes it can work with the railroad to cross its tracks to the city's water treatment plant, which currently uses 1.7 Megawatts of power, about half the proposed output. Susel reminded members that the land has been extensively remediated but would likely not provide any housing or other uses. Apparently, the ground still could leach into the river.
And, any sharing of power would have to be a public entity and be "adjacent." While there is nothing in law yet, a new administration at the state or national level could change how "net metering" is allowed to include some form of "crediting" it to the Kent City Schools or the city buildings, even though they aren't adjacent.
NOISE ABATEMENT POSSIBILITIES
Residents on or near Main Street as it climbs the hill from the Kent Free Library and back into the neighborhood that includes streets such as Pearl, Pioneer, etc. have complained to Ward 1 Council Member Melissa Celko and Council-at-Large member Benjamin Tipton that noise, primarily from the Zephyr's outdoor music, keeps them awake in later evening hours.
Apparently, the music hits the hill and bounces into the neighborhood or goes straight into it, disturbing children and adults trying to sleep.
Police said they have not received complaints and urged Celko and Tipton to also have residents call the non-emergency number to report the problem. The limits on sound downtown are that it must be contained outdoors after 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends, with limits on indoor music as well.
After discussing the issue, Council agreed to notify downtown businesses that outdoor music must end or move indoors after 11 pm on weekends and at 10 pm on weekdays, shaving one hour off weekends, until a different solution is found. Council member Sara Wesley worried that some businesses may have their concerts scheduled through August or September, and it wouldn't be fair to curb them by two hours, as was originally discussed, without discussion. Council touched on ways to deter it, such as muffling boarding, or to have the music "bounce" back into the bar area. They will revisit after there is some discussion with the tavern owners involved, primarily any that have music and face the area across the river.
OTHER TOPICS
The Optic Fiber work - City residents were worried during the last week of June as fiber-laying crews hit a gas line in Twinsburg, causing an explosion. The city has received many questions about the months-long work being done as the firms (2) plot out where underground utilities lie and start trenching to lay piping containing the physical fiber for improved cable and internet reception.
Some have complained that they were not notified of the work. Community Development Director Bridget Susel said any resident with questions should reach out to her office and noted that both firms have been very cooperative with repairs, etc. Some residents don't know that while they are responsible for upkeep of the "devil's strip" frontage on their property, it is actually in the right-of-way and accessible to any governmental or business entity without permits. Some of the work apparently has dug up sprinkling systems installed on the right of way - but the firms didn't know they were there. However, Susel said, the companies have been quite cooperative about fixing any problems. "We welcome direct, personal contact with residents, " said City Manager Dave Ruller, as Susel agreed.
Council agreed to supplement the budgets of police and the city parks and rec to cover rising expenses. Ruller pointed out the city could not continue changing budgets to accommodate - not new programs - but the basics. Also, the fees charged have not been updated in many years, and City Manager Dave Ruller suggested a review.
In other business, Council agreed to give a "Yard of the Month" award to George and Julie Dietz on Mogadore and to Samantha and Aaron Loeffler on Michaels Drive.
Members Present: M. Celko, E. Dreger, J. Amhrein. J. Clapper, C. Hook, H. Shaffer Bish, S. Wemley, B. Tipton
Absent: R. Turner, Illness; Tracy Wallach
Public Notice: Yes
Agenda: Yes
Minutes: Yes
Observer: Barb Hipsman Springer