Barbara J Brooks

Key actions during the meeting included the appointment of the 2026 Chairperson. The Commission certified updated eligibility lists for Clerical and Laborer positions, noting additions, expirations, and hires. Names were removed from the Entry Police, Lateral Police, and Entry Firefighter Eligibility Lists due to expired terms, candidates being hired, or failure to meet requirements. A major topic was the approval to conduct a Fire Lieutenant Promotional Exam to fill a recently opened officer position. The department detailed the exam format, which includes a written test (60%) and an assessment center (40%), requiring a minimum combined score of 70%. City management expressed appreciation for the Commission's assistance in streamlining efficient operations for the Police and Fire Departments.

The Work Session primarily focused on a presentation by Ripple Fiber regarding its plans to offer fiber Internet services to Avon residents, emphasizing symmetrical speeds and construction timelines. Discussions also covered several ordinances: one to rezone a 5.09-acre parcel from M-1 General Industrial to C-4/M-1 General Business District Overlay/General Industrial Districts, which involved concerns about future road widening of Chester Road and traffic flow; proposed amendments to the Planning and Zoning Code concerning illumination on pedestrian paths; and an ordinance requiring a Special Use Permit for pet daycares in the M-1 district. Appropriation amendments were outlined, including funding for new City Hall building improvements, furniture, Fire Station #2 services, and Little League Park improvements. The Council also considered authorizing the hiring of The Truax Law Group, Ltd., as outside special counsel for Fire Station No. 2 contracts, and approving a contract with Perspectus for preliminary architectural services for the same station. A resolution regarding the Agricultural District designation for a 20-acre parcel owned by Donald & Angeline Burge was also discussed. The Mayor reported on the city's salt shortage, the pending acquisition of the Jameson House property, and progress on the new City Hall renovations. Council members discussed updates to e-bike/e-scooter ordinances and the need for a resolution opposing FirstEnergy's request for longer power restoration times.

The work session agenda included a presentation by Village Project providing service statistics and requesting continued financial support, detailing their work in delivering nutritionally intentional meals to families undergoing cancer treatment. Council reviewed proposed amendments to the Planning and Zoning Code concerning illumination on pedestrian paths (Ordinance No. 2-26) and requirements for Animal Boarding special use permits (Ordinance No. 4-26). Significant discussion addressed proposed rate and fee adjustments for water and sewer services (Ordinance No. 9-26), which included proposed percentage increases for 2026 and 2027 and the addition of a late fee for backflow testing non-compliance. Other ordinances considered involved authorizing the Mayor to enter agreements for real estate purchases (Ordinance No. 10-26), adopting a new City privacy policy (Ordinance No. 11-26), and contracting for sports lighting at Veterans Park (Ordinance No. 12-26). Additionally, the Council discussed amending an appropriation for the French Creek Greenway Phase I Project (Ordinance No. 13-26). During reports, Council addressed concerns regarding road salt supply, snow removal from neighborhood streets, and sidewalk clearance by businesses. The Law Director also informed the Council about a recently filed civil rights lawsuit against the City. An audience member, Skip Conant, formally offered to donate two acres of land for the proposed new Fire Station site, suggesting the City reconsider the proposed land purchase price and noting potential infrastructure challenges with the current site.

Key discussions focused on the Ohio Historical Markers Program application for the Avon Center Cemetery; the Commission decided to gather feedback before finalizing the application for 2026, with a suggestion to send a public awareness update to local news. A detailed recap of the Wreaths Across America event from December 2025 was provided, noting the laying of 23 wreaths at the Avon Center Cemetery and the subsequent removal of military wreaths due to severe weather. Additionally, a member reported on an inquiry regarding the landmark status of a property at 34402 Chester Road, confirming it is not listed, which means prospective purchasers face no preservation restrictions.

The regular meeting commenced following a Public Hearing regarding a resolution to approve with modification an application for land located within an Agricultural District. Key discussions included recognizing the Avon Little League and the presentation of a $75,000 donation from Ford Motor Company for park upgrades, including lights and batting cages. Correspondence addressed three requests for liquor licenses. Ordinances adopted included rezoning a parcel from M-1 General Industrial to C-4/M-1 General Business District Overlay/General Industrial Districts, amending zoning code sections related to illumination on pedestrian paths, authorizing the retention of Truax Law Group for representation regarding the construction of a second fire station, and authorizing the hiring of Perspectus for basic architectural services for the new fire station. Additionally, ordinances amending and supplementing appropriations and addressing animal boarding regulations in the M-1 district were passed. Council members commented on local property tax reduction, the Traxler Family Arboretum Education Center model, and acknowledged the diligent work of snowplow crews throughout the weekend.