Meeting Observed: Kent City Council

Date of Meeting: 7/7/2021

Format: Meeting held in-person, observer participated virtually

Meeting Summary:

This was the first in-person meeting of the City Council in more than a year. There were lots of different parts of the meeting: two public hearings (one on the annual tax budget -- no tax increase and the other on the proposed zoning map amendment -- more under the Land Use Committee), the city council committee meetings, and a special council meeting (on the tax budget).

Council Committee Meetings:
Community Development Committee: Garage/Yard Sale Violation has been shifted from criminal to civil offense. This doesn't prevent any residents from having a regular, temporary garage/yard sale, It's to curtail the "perpetual" sales. This request came from staff, supported by the law dept. "Goal is compliance." Fines will increase with each offense issued. City council unanimously in favor.

Health and Public Safety Committee: Authorization of updated Portage County Mitigation Plan. Work started on it in 2019 but the pandemic has brought about additional revisions, also collaboration (mutual aid) with other jurisdictions as well as options on notifications of citizens in time of disaster. City Council unanimously approved.

Land Use Committee: Proposed zoning map amendment for the property at 43/261 (NW corner). The planning commission met and voted to recommend it to Council, not spot zoning. The developer testified that the goal is to develop multi generation development, e.g. multi-family into commercial district. This is the goal: 80% below the Area Medium Income (e.g. $69,000 and under), It will be 100% accessible, green buildings. hoped for 50 plus units in 2 buildings, one for seniors and one for workforce. The developer said they need rezoning to solicit funding. Council approved unanimously after questions and discussion.

Streets Sidewalks and Utilities Committee. Originally this committee was going to discuss four items but two were deleted (Aligning Trash and Recycling and Proposed Street Closure for Craft Beer Festival). Two items were brought forward, the first being Pedestrian Safety Updates with KSU. Costs of improvements will be split with KSU, The goal is to make the community as safely walkable as possible. City Council approves unanimously. Item two under Committee: Proposed Erie Street closure for Holiday Ice Rink. Beginning Oct. 2021 to Feb. 2022, DePeyster to Haymaker. Construction to be done in collaboration with KSU. Melanie Baker noted that other city partners (e.g. Parta, Parks and Rec, and others) will be involved. City Council authorized unanimously.

Finance Committee: Transfer of the Kent Wells Sherman House Loan to the property's new owner. House won't be removed. Some questions from council members on how the building will be used. City Council unanimously approved. Item two: Accept and Allocate Funding for Ballistic Vest Replacements. State Attorney General Pays 75% and city 25%. City Council unanimously approve. Item 3; Annual Tax Budget. No Tax increase, unanimous approval

Special Regular Council Meeting to consider 2021-064, A resolution adopting tax budget of the city of Kent for the fiscal year beginning Jan. 1, 2022, submitting the same to the county auditor and declaring an emergency. unanimously approved

Which members of the board/council were present: Amrhein, DeLeone, Ferraro, Kuher, Rosenberg, Shafer Bish, and Wallach. Sidoti and Turner were absent.

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

http://www.kentohio.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07072021-883

Observer: Kathleen Endres